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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May 1, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kyle Anderson (1) steals the ball from Houston Rockets shooting guard Eric Gordon (10) during the second half in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Slow Mo Rising To The Occasion

Near the end of the San Antonio Spurs’ bench is a former first round pick waiting for his shot. Kyle Anderson was a rotation player during the regular season but has seen fewer than 10 minutes per game in the playoffs. Anderson could be an interesting option for the Spurs in Parker’s absence because of his versatility on defense and his passing on offense.

At UCLA Anderson was a point guard, and averaged 6.5 APG in his sophomore season. I’m not saying Anderson should be seeing considerable time running point with Parker out, but he can be a playmaker within the offense. In his time with the Spurs he’s proven to have good passing abilities and IQ when it comes to where and when to make a pass.

His defense is what is most intriguing for this series. With his length (6’9″ with 7’2″ wingspan) he is a great option on switches, and this year has shown he is comfortable in Popovich’s defensive schemes.

He wouldn’t provide much on the offensive end scoring-wise, but if he’s in a lineup with Leonard and Gasol/Aldridge it won’t matter. Anderson may be a good bench option with Mills/Ginobili called up.