Spurs stand pat as league’s Western teams improve
The Spurs have been praised for an ability to remain successful for the past two decades without a major roster overhaul, but that constancy appeared to be a step back for the fivetime champions following a whirlwind summer in the NBA.
San Antonio stood pat while the league changed dramatically, particularly the Western Conference.
Boston added Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. Houston traded for Chris Paul. Oklahoma City acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Minnesota added Jimmy Butler and Jamal Crawford.
“Everyone from the East came over to the West,” Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge said. “Teams that were good got better and teams that were bad got better. The West is definitely looking more tough this year. It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s never easy in the West.”
Signing Rudy Gay was San Antonio’s only major addition, and Gay is still recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon suffered Jan. 8 while with Sacramento. Gay is expected to participate fully in training camp, which opens Tuesday, but his playing time will be limited initially as he recovers.
So, how do the Spurs plan to keep up with the changes?
With another year of growth by All-NBA First Team forward Kawhi Leonard, improvement from Aldridge and the development of young players like Dejounte Murray, Davis Bertans, Bryn Forbes and rookie Derrick White.
It’s a developmental approach San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich has used in his previous 21 seasons.
“I’m going to say that I’m very excited, but I’ve been excited every single year since I’ve been here,” Spurs forward Manu Ginobili said. “Every year we’ve figured out how to add talent or to keep an unbelievable group.”
San Antonio returns a majority of last season’s team that won 61 games and was leading Golden State by 21 points in Game 1 of the West finals before Leonard was lost to an ankle injury.
Popovich was among those who believed Warriors center Zaza Pachulia intentionally slid his foot under Leonard as he shot a 3-pointer, but Leonard doesn’t think about it.
Even with veterans like Ginobili, Tony Parker and Pau Gasol returning, San Antonio will still have one of its youngest rosters under Popovich.
Second-year players Murray, Bertans and Forbes should get significant playing time this season, as will White, who was selected with the 29th pick out of Colorado.