Sustainability isn't just a catch word among the environmental set. It's a purpose the league's most successful franchises subscribe to. Those who eschew prolonged stretches of mediocrity and just win. For them the lottery isn't a reward. It's failure. The Lakers and Celtics have won for the vast majority of the league's existence. The Jazz and Blazers enjoyed playoff runs lasting decades -- yes, decades -- and quickly rebounded after recent falls from grace. The Mavericks have emerged a postseason staple in the new millennium. The Suns have been relevant going on 30-plus years. And then there are the Spurs. The modern-day model of consistency, this no-nonsense outfit from deep in the heart of Texas stumbled upon a formula that sounds as simple as it is intuitive. Find good players. Develop those players. Try not to screw up. Keep your stars happy. "The challenge in staying competitive is not making mistakes," Gregg Popovich said, "is finding guys that fit the system." Popovich has 20 years invested in San Antonio's system, the last 14 as head coach. The Spurs have captured four championships in that span -- only the Lakers (five) have more -- and own the league's longest active playoff streak at 13. Read more: http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/art_garcia/07/28/rebuilding.spurs/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1
