Victor Wembanyama’s return along with several new additions fueling Spurs postseason hopes
San Antonio Spurs
Last season: 34-48, 13th in Western Conference.
COACH: Mitch Johnson (1st season, 32-45, interim coach for Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 22 at Dallas.
DEPARTURES: PG Chris Paul, C Charles Bassey, G Malaki Branham, F Sandro Mamukelashvili, G Blake Wesley.
ADDITIONS: G Dylan Harper, C Luke Kornet, C Kelly Olynyk, F Carter Bryant, G Lindy Waters III, G David Jones Garcia.
BetMGM championship odds: 60-1.
What to expect
The Spurs were scrutinized for not having the playmakers needed to get the ball to Victor Wembanyama in his rookie season, but that will not be an issue this season. San Antonio traded for All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox in February and Stephon Castle became Rookie of the Year while developing into the team’s primary playmaker when Fox had season-ending finger surgery in March. San Antonio also used the No. 2 pick to select Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper. The Spurs now have an abundance of players that can create shots for others as well as themselves. The only question is if Fox, Castle and Harper will start alongside each other as the Spurs try to end a six-year postseason drought.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: The Spurs could have one of the league’s stingiest defenses. Wembanyama returns after leading the league with 176 blocks despite playing in only 46 games due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Wembanyama’s presence along with the return of Jeremy Sochan and the additions of Harper, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Carter Bryant give San Antonio length and athleticism. To ensure the Spurs reach their potential, the franchise added defensive guru Sean Sweeney as associate head coach.
The not-so-good: The Spurs did not address their need for another consistent 3-point threat. Harrison Barnes was the only San Antonio player among the top 50 in 3-point percentage last season at 43.3%. The Spurs will try to drain 3s by committee with Barnes returning along with improved 3-point shooting from Wembanyama, Sochan, Castle, Kornet, Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson.
Players to watch
Standing 7-foot-4 and 240 pounds, it will be hard not to watch Wembanyama. Wembanyama became a first-time All-Star last season and was on track to win Defensive Player of the Year before his season abruptly ended. San Antonio’s two rookies should also receive a lot of attention. Harper has impressed with his poise, athleticism and playmaking during training camp and in the preseason. Even with Fox and Castle on the roster, Harper could work his way into the starting lineup. Bryant has amazed with his athleticism and commitment to defense. Bryant could become a key rotational player with his defensive grit.
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