San Antonio Spurs: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2018-19
By Luke Swiatek
2. Patty Mills
Patty Mills is being pushed from behind, below, and seemingly every other direction. His position is incredibly crowded, and there’s just not enough minutes to go around for the entire team.
He seems slotted to be the second point guard in the rotation behind Dejounte Murray, but that is part of a crowded backcourt. Bryn Forbes is the best shooter on the team, and now that DeRozan will be playing a lot, he’ll need spacing around him.
Derrick White is coming off his G League rite of passage, and could have a breakout season. His combination of defense and shooting make him a great off-ball fit next to anyone.
Lonnie Walker IV is full of potential, and might get minutes this year too. He could end up in the G League like White did, but Walker is a higher draft pick with more NBA-ready talent. He might be able to compete right away.
At Mills’ age and with his somewhat sizable contract, he could end being traded if the Spurs decide to go younger. This year, he’s not just playing for a starting spot, or even a sixth man spot; he’s playing just to make sure he keeps any spot.