Duncan Derby won't be run. (Insider: NBA).

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford won't say it. Can't say it. Shouldn't say it, really, not if he has even the most remote acceptance of notions such as hubris, karma and jinxes. "Nothing is ever for certain." Buford says. "I am hopeful, yes, but I would not say anything is sure at this point."

At this point, very little is sure in terms of the Spurs' future. The only players under contract to be members of the team when July rolls around are starters Tony Parker and Bruce Bowen and bench men Malik Rose, Speedy Claxton, Erick Barkley and Emanuel Ginobili. Knowing that's all he is guaranteed to work with next year is enough to make Buford kowtow to the forces of fate.

But don't cry for the Spurs and their skeleton crew just yet. It might look like the San Antonio cupboard is bare, especially with the David Robinson era coming to a close, but no team in the NBA is better prepared for a seamless summer of rebuilding.

Of course, when Buford says he is hopeful, it starts with MVP power forward Tim Duncan, who can opt out of his contract next summer. I'll say what Buford can't: Forget the anticipated Duncan Derby. Consider Duncan and the Spurs a done deal.

Duncan has dropped hints in the past year that he will be sticking around San Antonio, and there are multiple reasons. He has a great relationship with the organization, and its low-key, relaxed environment fits his personality. In the backcourt are potential stars in Parker and Ginobili, who could provide Duncan the kind of perimeter threats every big man needs to succeed.

And if the goal for Duncan is to beat the Lakers, win a championship and still earn the most possible money, a close look shows San Antonio offers his best chance to do all three.

As dictated by the league's collective bargaining agreement, no team can match what the Spurs will be able to offer financially. Beyond money, though, the Spurs have the potential to surround Duncan with a dramatically improved roster for 2003-04. The team will owe about $14 million for the handful of contracts on its books. If the salary cap comes in at around $41 million, the Spurs will be able to make sizable offers to multiple flee agents and still be able to keep Duncan.