Offseason
Re-signing: Charles Bassey, Sandro Mamukelashvili
Additions: Harrison Barnes (trade), Chris Paul (free agent)
Draft: Stephon Castle (No. 4 pick), Juan Nunez (No. 36), Harrison Ingram (No. 48)
Departures: Dominick Barlow (Hawks), Devonte’ Graham (Trail Blazers)
Unsigned free agents: Cedi Osman
Last season
The euphoria of landing a generational Draft pick didn’t last very long during a season worth celebrating only because of Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. Otherwise, it was dreary: The Spurs lost 26 of 28 games from late fall to mid-winter with a roster lacking experience and talent. They finished 22-60 and fell back into the Draft lottery. Wembanyama was one of the league’s better players post-All-Star break, so there’s that.
Summer summary
Chris Paul is 39, could have attached himself to a title contender, and rode that into the sunset. Either those opportunities weren’t significant enough, or Paul just wanted to be a part of something different. Such is the case when a player of his status seizes the chance to play on a rebuilding team next to Wembanyama and under Gregg Popovich.
Perhaps the most important task for Paul, however, is mentoring his eventual replacement, which could be Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall selection in this June’s draft. He was a heady point guard for UConn, once again the national champions, and considered the best player available at his position. Castle is fortunate to have such a mentor.
The Spotlight on
In his few years on the job, GM Brian Wright made moves with an eye toward the future. Among other Draft capital, they own the Hawks’ 2025 unprotected first-rounder in a Draft that projects as rich. They have six potential first-rounders through 2031 and three options for swaps. These will come in handy once they’re competing against Wemby and unable to Draft in the lottery, but will Wright rush the timeline by moving those picks for instant contributors? He traded the No. 8 pick (Rob Dillingham) to Minnesota for additional future capital.
How good can the Spurs be?
They project once again as one of the league’s youngest teams even after adding Paul and 32-year-old Harrison Barnes, so this should be yet another developmental year for the club. Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and others are still working on their resumes while Wembanyama looks to take a serious star turn in Year 2.
Speaking of resumes, the winningest coach in NBA history will absorb another-most likely-losing season. Popovich says the challenge of grooming younger players keeps him motivated and refreshed and this time he’ll have Paul around to help. But the Spurs need to keep moving forward in order to fend off any concerns about Popovich, who turns 76 on Jan. 28, and his bridge to the future.
Be the first to comment