San Antonio Spurs: 3 takeaways from 2019 NBA offseason

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 25: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 and DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs react during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 25, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Though marginal, improvements were made

For as much flak as the Spurs get for staying slightly above-average and not truly contending, they continue to churn out solid seasons. In this supercharged Western Conference, they’ll need to be better than that just to make the playoffs.

There are a few indicators that they can do so. Acquiring DeMarre Carroll helps out a wing rotation that was rail-thin, and he fits right into a ball-sharing system like San Antonio’s. Taking a low-cost swing on Trey Lyles — using the taxpayer’s Mid-Level Exception — is on pace to be a steal. Another year of experience for Derrick White, Lonnie Walker IV (more on him later) and Jakob Poeltl can only help.

Losing Davis Bertans stings, but having Lyles and Rudy Gay split most of the power forward minutes is a healthy supplement. Marco Belinelli is fine for 15 or so minutes per night; the rising guards will eat into his 23.0 minutes per game figure from last season.

Lest we forget, Dejounte Murray is coming back too after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. His defensive tools were a plus right out of the gate, and the Spurs are not keeping quiet with their excitement about his return. Should he have at least one added skill — a 3-point shot, improved playmaking, etc –, he’ll be difficult to keep off the floor.

Add in Bryn Forbes and Patty Mills, and San Antonio has a quietly deep roster, which Gregg Popovich will love to tinker with.

Home/San Antonio Spurs