Always thought it was crazy to count out the Spurs.
That being said it's not like it dramatically changes the situation. Spurs were great last year, and they might be even better now with Kawhi taking the next step. It's a 3 horse race still.
Plus honestly since it's split into halves it's basically a 2 horse West race with the Cavs winning the East as nobody has gotten better than the Cavs.
I think over the season it might play out that Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and maybe even the Heat are better than last year. None of those teams are better than the Cavs.
Everyone not named the Spurs, Cavs, or Warriors are basically playing for the right to lose to one of those 3.
PS: That being said Howard Hawks doesn't get swept like Horford Hawks doe.