When the San Antonio Spurs missed the playoffs in the 2019-20 season for the first time since drafting Tim Duncan in 1997, it was a shock to many. Despite hopes of a quick resurgence, the team finds itself even further from contention. With a 33-39 record in the 2020-21 season and the departure of key veterans like DeMar DeRozan, Patty Mills, and Rudy Gay, the Spurs have shifted gears into rebuild mode. However, they are not giving up on competing this season. The Spurs have made significant roster changes, bringing in veterans like Doug McDermott, Thaddeus Young, Zach Collins, Bryn Forbes, and Al-Farouq Aminu, as well as adding young talent through the NBA Draft. Former franchise superstar Manu Ginobili has also joined as a special adviser to basketball operations, along with the assistance of Hall of Famer Tim Duncan. Together, they aim to speed up the rebuilding process and develop the team’s young players.
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BIGGEST QUESTION
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Spurs is the future of head coach Gregg Popovich. Reports suggest that USA Basketball is looking to replace him as coach, which could potentially allow him to focus entirely on the Spurs. However, it remains to be seen how long he will continue in his role. Popovich became the third coach to reach 1,300 wins last season and is just 26 victories away from surpassing Don Nelson for all-time career wins. Popovich has shown a strong competitive spirit and a passion for developing young talent, factors that have kept him in the game. But how long will he continue to guide the Spurs?
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SEASON PREDICTION
With Popovich at the helm, the Spurs are expected to outperform expectations due to his ability to motivate and compete. However, the team’s youth and lack of experience will likely result in some growing pains. The roster consists mainly of players aged 25 and younger, with only two players in their 30s. Considering these factors, a predicted finish of 33-49 seems likely for the Spurs.
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
The Spurs’ projected starting lineup for the upcoming season is as follows:
- Dejounte Murray: Known for his defensive skills, Murray continues to develop as a shooter and recorded four triple-doubles last season.
- Derrick White: Although he played just 36 games last season due to injury, White is one of the league’s best shot-blocking guards when healthy.
- Doug McDermott: The team was in desperate need of McDermott’s shooting after struggling in various 3-point shooting categories.
- Keldon Johnson: Fresh off winning a gold medal in Tokyo, Johnson is poised for a breakout season.
- Jakob Poeltl: Poeltl averaged a career-high 8.6 points last season, and the Spurs hope he can contribute even more on offense.
KEY RESERVES
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The Spurs’ key reserves for the upcoming season are:
- Bryn Forbes: Forbes returns to the Spurs after winning an NBA title and aims to contribute with his shooting.
- Lonnie Walker IV: With an expanded role expected, Walker is a dynamic playmaker who can make an impact.
- Zach Collins: If Collins can stay healthy, the team’s investment in the 10th pick of the 2017 draft could pay off significantly.
LAST 5 SEASONS
Here is a breakdown of the Spurs’ performance over the last five seasons:
- 2020-21: 33 wins, 39 losses, 0.458 win percentage, ranked 19th in Offensive Rating, 17th in Defensive Rating, -1.5 in Net Rating.
- 2019-20: 32 wins, 39 losses, 0.451 win percentage, ranked 10th in Offensive Rating, 24th in Defensive Rating, -0.9 in Net Rating.
- 2018-19: 48 wins, 34 losses, 0.585 win percentage, ranked 6th in Offensive Rating, 20th in Defensive Rating, +1.6 in Net Rating.
- 2017-18: 47 wins, 35 losses, 0.573 win percentage, ranked 17th in Offensive Rating, 4th in Defensive Rating, +3.0 in Net Rating.
- 2016-17: 61 wins, 21 losses, 0.744 win percentage, ranked 9th in Offensive Rating, 1st in Defensive Rating, +7.4 in Net Rating.
STAT TO KNOW
Bryn Forbes and Doug McDermott were among the top scorers per touch last season, with Forbes ranking first and McDermott ranking third among players with at least 1,000 touches. This highlights their ability to make an impact efficiently when given the opportunity.
With a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, the San Antonio Spurs enter the 2021-22 season with hopes of competing and developing their new generation of players. While the road to contention may be challenging, the leadership of Gregg Popovich and the dedication of the entire organization will ensure that the Spurs continue to strive for success.
FAQs
Q: Will the Spurs make the playoffs this season?
A: While the Spurs have made significant changes to their roster and coaching staff, they face stiff competition in a strong Western Conference. Making the playoffs will be a challenging task, but the leadership of Gregg Popovich and the development of their young players give them a chance to compete.
Q: Who are the key additions to the Spurs’ roster this season?
A: The Spurs added veterans Doug McDermott, Thaddeus Young, Zach Collins, Bryn Forbes, and Al-Farouq Aminu in the offseason. They also selected Josh Primo and Joe Wieskamp in the NBA Draft.
Q: How long will Gregg Popovich continue coaching the Spurs?
A: While there have been rumors about his potential departure, Popovich has shown a strong commitment to the Spurs and continues to be motivated by the challenge of developing young players. The future of his coaching career ultimately depends on his own personal desires and the success of the team.
Q: What is the Spurs’ strategy for this season?
A: The Spurs have entered a rebuilding phase while still aiming to compete. They have focused on developing their young talent while adding experienced veterans to provide leadership and guidance. The goal is to lay the foundation for future success while remaining competitive in the present.
Summary
In the 2021-22 Season Preview for the San Antonio Spurs, the team is undergoing a rebuilding phase while aiming to compete. After missing the playoffs for the first time in decades, the Spurs have made significant changes to their roster by adding both young and veteran talent. Head coach Gregg Popovich, along with the assistance of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, is dedicated to developing the team’s young players and speeding up the rebuilding process. The Spurs face the challenge of being a young team in a competitive Western Conference, but with Popovich’s leadership and the determination of the entire organization, they aim to compete and lay the foundation for future success.
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