6 takeaways from the San Antonio Spurs one-quarter of the way through the season
By Cal Durrett
Takeaway #1: The San Antonio Spurs’ rebuild is going better than expected.
After trading Murray for three first-round picks and a pick swap, it seemed the Spurs were going to extend their rebuild by a few seasons. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. With the development of Johnson and Vassell, the emergence of Tre Jones, the addition of Jeremy Sochan, and a stockpile of draft picks to work with, they are right where they need to be.
In fact, they currently have the fourth worst record in the NBA, and were they to finish in the bottom three, they’d have a 25% chance at a top-two pick and selecting Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson. Adding either would likely supercharge their rebuild.
A lineup of Jones, Vassell, Johnson, Sochan, and Wembanyama could be one of the best defensive units in the NBA, with no weak links and a dinosaur-sized human padlocking the paint. Additionally, coach Gregg Popovich has plenty of experience working with highly skilled big men like David Robinson, Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Pau Gasol, and he’s terrific at figuring out ways to get them the ball.
Meanwhile, Henderson would give them a sizeable upgrade at point guard (sorry Jones) and give them a chance at a superstar to pair with Johnson and Vassell going forward.
Next. The Spurs may have a taker for their sharpshooter. dark
Overall, there’s a lot of basketball left to be played, but San Antonio Spurs fans already have a lot to be excited about, despite their record. And, depending on where they end up selecting in the 2023 NBA Draft, they could be back in title contention before we know it.