It’s been 193 days, or 4,632 hours since we final noticed the San Antonio Spurs play in official NBA motion. In that period of time the Spurs gained the draft lottery, chosen Victor Wembanyama primary general, prolonged Gregg Popovich and signed Devin Vassell to the largest contract in franchise historical past. On Monday, we are going to start to see the fruits of their labor.
Sure, it’s only a preseason recreation, however this feels completely different than final 12 months. The thrill of seeing Wembanyama play NBA competitors is palpable. Not solely is that this a should watch recreation for Spurs followers, however it might be one of many largest occasions of the week for basketball followers, interval. San Antonio performed simply 4 video games on nationwide TV final season. This recreation marks the primary of 19 situations wherein followers can see the workforce play for a nationwide viewers.
They’ll accomplish that in opposition to an up-and-coming Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder workforce. The Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren matchup has been hyped, and whereas this recreation gained’t matter in the long run, the 2 opponents can have an opportunity to set the tone for his or her rivalry. The Thunder have a bevy of younger expertise who will likely be vying for spots within the rotation. The preseason will imply one thing to them, even when the wins and losses don’t.
San Antonio has traditionally used the preseason to determine the rotation and technique they’ll use going into the common season. Nonetheless, it will likely be fascinating to see how the workforce operates, as Popovich has talked about they’re nonetheless feeling out the brand new roster.
San Antonio Spurs (0-0) vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (0-0)
October 9, 2023 | 7 p.m. CT
Watch: NBA TV/Bally | Hear: WOAI/KXTN
Spurs accidents: Khem Birch – Questionable (undisclosed), Jeremy Sochan – Questionable (undisclosed), Keldon Johnson – Questionable (undisclosed)
Thunder accidents: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Questionable (relaxation), Vasilije Micic – Out (ankle), Aleksej Pokusevski – Out (arm),
What to observe for
Victor Wembanyama’s debut
What ought to followers count on from Wembanyama in his first preseason recreation? After a considerably disappointing summer time league debut, it’s attainable that he will get off to a gradual begin. Holmgren matches up properly with Wembanyama as a protracted, versatile participant who has a little bit of nasty to his recreation.
In the summertime league and Spurs scrimmage, we noticed Wemby’s influence as a defender each inside and outside, and as a passer. Even when Wembanyama isn’t in a position to rating the ball effectively, his influence will likely be felt along with his excessive basketball IQ and defensive potential. To set some expectation for Wembanyama this season… David Robinson holds the document for factors scored by a Spurs rookie at 41 in opposition to the Golden State Warriors in March of 1990. Wembanyama will likely be chasing that and extra data this season.
Who makes up the beginning 5?
Spurs followers have debated all summer time about who will begin video games. With Wembanyama, Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Zach Collins, San Antonio has not less than six beginning caliber gamers. The workforce has not given any indication as to who will likely be within the first 5 but. Monday night time will likely be our first have a look at who the workforce prefers to begin video games with.
The Thunder are a big workforce. Josh Giddey is a legit 6-foot-8 guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an enormous guard and Jalen Williams is constructed extra like a linebacker than an NBA ahead. The Spurs could have to play an even bigger lineup to match the Thunder’s dimension. Of be aware, two of the Spurs extra versatile wings, Sochan and Johnson, didn’t swimsuit up for the groups scrimmage on Saturday. It’s not but decided if they’ll swimsuit up for this recreation.
Which younger gamers will earn their maintain?
The tip of final season was all about determining which younger Spurs will stick round with the workforce long run. Dominick Barlow, Julian Champagnie and Sandro Mamukelashvili all earned a spot on the roster this season. Which of them will likely be mainstays within the rotation? The preseason provides all of them an opportunity to make their case for taking part in time.
On prime of these three, newcomers like Sidy Cissoko and Cedi Osman will likely be combating for a job over returners like Doug McDermott, Charles Bassey, Devonte’ Graham and Blake Wesley. With the Spurs nonetheless needing to chop yet another participant, there’s loads of motivation to earn a job. Regardless of ending the season poorly final 12 months, the Spurs discover themselves ready the place they’re deep with gamers who may very well be within the rotation. The preseason will likely be an opportunity to see who steps up.
