5 Adjustments for San Antonio Spurs without Tony Parker

San Antonio Spurs: 5 Adjustments to make with Tony Parker out

May 3, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) is helped off the court after being injured against the Houston Rockets during the second half in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 25, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Patty Mills (8) reacts after being fouled while scoring during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Patty Mills Stepping Up

Right off the top you should be thinking about Patty Mills. Mills is averaging 9.4 points per game on 48.5 percent shooting from deep in these playoffs. He’s also a capable playmaker, averaging 3.5 assists per during the regular season. Mills is a very strong player, and is also a good fit for this series with his speed and three-point shooting.

Whenever the Spurs need a big three, Mills is usually there spotting up to take it. He’s averaging two made three-pointers per game this postseason in just 20 minutes a night. That number could easily double should he become the starter.

Defensively Mills is a sneaky good option as well, who has had some key plays matched up with James Harden. Mills’ speed and toughness lets him get in Harden’s chest and stay with him on drives. Obviously Harden has the size advantage once he gets to the post, but Mills could slow Harden down before he gets there.

Mills may be the most likely option to fill in as starter, but he would be a considerable loss to the second unit.