The success of the Spurs comes from always having multiple great players. Our roster is better than last year but still not enough to really contend.
I agree that the Rockets need more stars to contend. Though the success of the Spurs is more based on character than talent imo. Not saying they don't have any talent but how can you explain their Game 5 victory (without Kawhi and Parker) and the Game 6 massacre (also without Kawhi and Parker). Pop has also stated that their main non-negotiable factor in choosing their players is character.
Talent has a bigger role than anything because you can mold character or trade them. They've always had more talent than us since the late 90's it's really just that simple. The teams left in the playoffs in the west right now both had better records and more talent than us during the regular season. Yes kawhi and parker were out and but the Spurs defense remained. They almost beat the Warriors with parker out and Kawhi limping around. The Rockets were gassed because of over reliance on the same players and not enough talent to begin with. Even if we beat the Spurs we would have been swept by Golden State anyway.
It's possible that he'd have started out playing poorly, but if he kept it up he'd have been benched. Pop wouldn't let him get away with a full game of not caring.
James would have multiple rings if he was on the Spurs . James has all world skills and a brain . He's had to figure things out by himself . Who on OKC taught him to be a leader ? KD , Russ ?? Hahaha . He couldn't have had two worse role models from that perspective . He gets here and is the entire team his first year ... Then he gets Dwight , the most childlike superstar of the last decade . Our coach is mchale , who on the surface would appear to have what it took to be a strong leader and pass those values onto players ... But I think with Kevin , he knew how to be a part of a champ team , but not how to achieve it . Like he knew what it looked and felt like to have great ball movement and communication and togetherness .... But in terms of having practical ideas to implement that here , he was at a loss. James has had to figure it out by himself.. And he's had a rough time of it . He's good , just not quite good enough . Pop would've molded him like kawhi, Parker, ginobilli , Duncan and many others . Whether or not James would've taken to it is an open question . My guess says yes , he's smart enough and I think he has an overall good character despite some flaws... And nobody is perfect.