From Oct. 1-4, the San Antonio Spurs will hold their training camp at the Air Force Academy and they’re bringing along a few recognizable invitees.
One area of question on the Spurs roster is the backup small forward position. They appear to be looking for a veteran to fill the void and play spot minutes behind Kawhi Leonard.
Corey Maggette was a double-digit scorer just two seasons ago. What can he offer now to the San Antonio Spurs?
After a forgettable season with the Detroit Pistons, veteran swingman Corey Maggette is looking to reclaim a solid rotation role with the Spurs. Maggette averaged 5.3 points in 14.3 minutes over 18 games in Detroit as he never had a consistent role and was seen as simply an expiring contract.
A bright side to look at is that Maggette has never played for a championship-caliber team. With more stability and an identity in San Antonio, that can help him get his career back on track and provide in whichever way the Spurs would need him to this season.
Soon after rumors had Sam Young speaking with the Spurs, they proved to be correct as he also received a camp invite and will try to land roster spot No. 15. Coming from a defensive team in the Indiana Pacers, Young knows that his defense is what gives him his chance at making the final cut.
If Young makes the roster, he will still have awhile to go before he gets consistent minutes on the team. His time in practice will include a lot of sessions with San Antonio’s shooting coach, Chip Engelland.
Myck Kabongo is also coming to camp, looking to give the Spurs another choice to consider in the fight for the backup point guard role. While the main idea is that the position will go to Cory Joseph, Patty Mills or Nando de Colo, there wasn’t any stability at the spot last season which leaves it up in the air.
Kabongo played with the Miami Heat in summer league and averaged four points and 2.7 assists in nearly 13 minutes per game. He will reportedly be sent to the D-League with the Austin Toros if he does make the team.
Needless to say that whichever player ends up making the Spurs roster gives the team better depth, especially for the last spot. For the most part the Spurs roster seems to be in place for the upcoming season, but there’s always room for improvement in their search for title No. 5.