Once I was teaching, one among our favourite occasions was the top of coaching camp — the cusp of the season. We had put in the offense, the protection, in-bounds performs, press break, and each gamers and coaches wished to know if all of the exhausting work we had put in would work in the true world. Together with that normal curiosity, we additionally had particular questions that might outline our season.
The San Antonio Spurs are at that inflection level proper now, and I’m certain Pop and his crew have particular questions that the season will reply. Listed here are ten of mine. Not surprisingly, a number of contain the brand new man.
1. How a lot will Victor Wembanyama play?
A number of of my extra pessimistic buddies have requested whether or not Victor can keep wholesome over the pounding of an NBA 82-game season. I reminded them that the Spurs virtually invented what’s now name “load administration”. That load administration began when the Spurs’ Massive Three have been younger, and contributed to their potential to have lengthy and profitable careers, usually avoiding severe harm. The Spurs will do the identical with their latest star. Assuming he stays comparatively wholesome for his rookie season, I anticipate Victor to play about half-hour per recreation and play in about 70 video games.
2. How good will he be this season?
That first summer time league recreation by which Victor appeared overwhelmed looks like a very long time in the past. As does the second recreation which allowed all Spurs followers to breathe a large sigh of aid. After which we had the preseason by which one may legitimately ask if Victor could also be an All-Star this season. I imagine the reply to that query is probably going no, however the reply as to if he shall be Rookie of the 12 months might be sure. The one a part of his recreation that has been disappointing to this point has been defensive rebounding — but when he performs half-hour a recreation, he can in all probability get 8 – 10 boards simply from being lengthy with good arms. So how about 18 factors, 9 boards, 3 assists and three blocks?
3. Will he be a media sensation?
We already know this reply: Sure. As an example, finest sportswriter on the planet Joe Posnanski dropped this Victor reference in his description of a late residence run within the Astros – Rangers playoff recreation — a baseball recreation — Friday evening:
“Carter did make a mighty effort, however there was no option to catch that ball until you had Elastigirl stretchy arms (or are Victor Wembanyama) and the Astros led 5-4”
4. How will Keldon Johnson react to being the third possibility?
For the previous a number of seasons, Keldon Johnson has been high canine on the Spurs. Particularly with Devin Vassell lacking so many video games final season, Keldon grew to become used to getting the ball when he wished, and being the first possibility within the final 5 minutes of video games (if the Spurs had managed to maintain it shut). This 12 months, all the eye is rightfully on Victor, and Vassell appears to have taken an enormous step ahead in direction of being the highest returning veteran. Johnson could not even begin some nights. I imagine he’s pushed sufficient to make use of Vassel’s ascendance as a great factor and an incentive for Johnson to proceed to enhance himself. He absolutely will take pleasure in profitable extra video games too, one thing that ought to comply with if he reacts nicely to his lowered standing within the pecking order on a greater crew.
5. Can Tre Jones turn out to be a viable risk from three?
Earlier than the three-point line was added (and saved my post-college profession), Jones would have been the quintessential level guard. Artful with the ball, a great driver and finisher, robust on protection, a pass-first mentality. All of that’s nonetheless vital, however in as we speak’s recreation perimeter gamers should additionally “stretch the ground” by being a risk from the three-point line. Final season, Jones shot below 29% from three — that shrinks the ground and doesn’t stretch it. I might be extra assured about Tre Jones changing into a viable risk from three if Chip Engelland was nonetheless with the Spurs and never in OKC.
6. Can the Spurs enhance their protection?
Best query of all of them. The Spurs have been thirtieth out of the 30 NBA groups final season. I suppose the true query is how a lot the Spurs can enhance their protection. Clearly, including a 7’3” cellular man with nice instincts and Elastgirl stretchy arms will assist. As will having Vassell, their finest perimeter defender, taking part in greater than the 38 video games he performed final 12 months. It would additionally assist to have a extra secure rotation — final season the Spurs have been usually introducing themselves to one another as they walked out for the opening tip.
7. Will the Spurs veterans nonetheless be on the crew after the commerce deadline?
I don’t imagine the Spurs shall be making a run on the playoffs this 12 months. That additionally implies that they could be prepared to stockpile belongings if they will get some worth by buying and selling one among their veterans. Most prominently, a contender on the lookout for a Shooter could forged their eyes, and future draft picks, in direction of San Antonio for Doug McDermott. He can nonetheless shoot the ball, and his motion off the ball is beautiful.
8. How will the Toronto Raptors do that season?
Wait, what? I assumed this was concerning the Spurs. Nicely, it’s. The Spurs have the Raptors’ top-6 protected first spherical decide subsequent 12 months as a part of the Jacob Poeltl commerce. Consequently, the Spurs need the Raptors to be reasonably unhealthy this season, however not one of many six worst groups within the NBA. A decide round ninth or tenth could be simply superb.
9. Can Jeremy Sochan enhance his offensive recreation?
Sochan averaged solely 11 factors per recreation, shot 45% from the sector and below 25% from three. And he was nonetheless a revelation and one of many high rookies within the league, making All-Rookie second crew. He shall be an excellent participant for years to come back, and could possibly be a useful member of a contending crew if he improves his offense. I wager he’ll.
10. Will this be an enchanting season for the Spurs?
Yup.
