2018 NBA free agency grades: Marco Belinelli returning to Spurs

After three seasons away from the San Antonio Spurs, Marco Belinelli will return to the silver and black on a two-year deal.

The San Antonio Spurs have agreed to sign shooting guard Marco Belinelli to a two-year deal worth $12 million, per ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski. This is Belinelli’s second stint with the Spurs, leaving after being a key piece in the 2014 championship team.

Since then, Belinelli has played with the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets. Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers. During this time, he has not averaged less than 10 points per game. More importantly for the Spurs next season, Belinelli has accepted a spot-up shooting role — one he has flourished in in the past.

With the exception of his one season in Sacramento, Belinelli has not shot at less than 36 percent from beyond the arc. In fact, after he was traded from Atlanta to Philadelphia last season, Belinelli posted career numbers. His scoring average was a career high 13.6 points per game. His shooting featured a solid 38.5 percent clip, connecting on 2.0 shots off 5.3 attempts per game.

Belinelli will also only be 32 this season. He is still young enough to help the team but old and wise enough to understand his role. Players can come in with all the talent in the world but if they don’t get the system, they will struggle.

Where the San Antonio Spurs benefit

The San Antonio Spurs are going to benefit greatly from the signing of Belinelli. Last season, the silver and black were between 25th and 28th in all 3-point shooting categories. Danny Green and Patty Mills were the only two regular players who were a consistent threat from deep. Kawhi Leonard is also a wonderful 3-point shooter, but only played nine games thanks to injury.

This signing also helps the Spurs’ depth. With Leonard demanding a trade, they look pretty thin at the 2 and the 3. If Leonard gets his way, San Antonio will want to get someone who can play the 3 in return. If they do not, Danny Green will probably get the starting role at this position.

This would have left Patty Mills to starting at shooting guard like he did towards the end of last season. While my love for the Aussie is well documented, he is only 6’0″, which is small for a point guard, let alone a shooting guard. At 6’5″, Belinelli provides more size than Mills if he is required to start. This will also mean Mills can go back to running one of the most dangerous bench brigades in the entire NBA.

Lastly, Belinelli knows the Spurs’ systems and will be able to slot into them seamlessly. This is important for a team looking to get back to the top as quickly as it can, with or without Leonard. Belinelli answers a lot of questions the Spurs were asked last season with his 3-point shooting and his size.

The Spurs also did not have a great deal of cap room. Signing a player like Belinelli for $6 million a season is incredibly cost-effective, and he appears happy to be back. They will have room for one or two more players who are looking to get the veteran minimum.

Overall, the Spurs have pulled off an early coup. Yes, it is a small one, but this team creeps up on you in increments.

Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

Grade: A