Welcome to Pounding the Rock’s 2023-24 participant opinions! The collection will take a look at the 15 gamers who completed the season with the San Antonio Spurs on assured contracts (so no two-way gamers as a result of we noticed so little of them this 12 months, and no Doug McDermott). Get pleasure from!
Blake Wesley
2023-24 stats: 61 video games, 4.4 factors, 1.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 47.4 FG%.
Contract Standing: Crew possibility for the 2024/25 season acquired picked up
Age: 21
Blake Wesley was drafted as a venture, so it wasn’t a shock that he struggled a lot as a rookie every time he acquired minutes. The 19-year-old guard was an extended, athletic prospect who solely had one gear on offense and was getting used to taking part in protection within the NBA. His first 12 months within the league was unhealthy, however that was to be anticipated. When he confirmed as much as this previous summer season league wanting as uncooked as ever, nonetheless, it was arduous to not be a little bit fearful about his future.
Happily for Wesley, the teaching employees determined to experiment with the purpose guard place, which allowed him to develop in Austin with no scrutiny for some time. As soon as the massive workforce wanted him after a down stretch by Malaki Branham, Welsey regarded much more viable as an NBA rotation guard. His enchancment primarily got here in two areas. First, he realized that protection was going to get him minutes and have become an absolute bulldog, hounding opposing guards the complete size of the court docket. He may very well be a little bit foul-prone at occasions, however he energized the workforce along with his depth. Second, Wesley began to attempt to dunk every part as an alternative of going for layups in visitors. The end result was an enormous enchancment in his ending capability. In brief bursts, the second-year guard actually helped in sure matchups.
The leap wasn’t gigantic, however it was sufficient for him to get a job for a workforce determined for protection and guard play. Because the video games handed a number of the points he had earlier than with turnovers reared their head and he didn’t refine his talent set a lot because the season progressed, however Wesley confirmed sufficient potential to keep away from throwing in the towel.
Trying ahead
Wesley not too long ago turned 21 and has the athletic capability and depth to be a probably nice defender. He simply wants extra self-discipline, which might include time. The difficulty is that he won’t get the minutes subsequent season to develop it if the Spurs, as most individuals count on, herald a degree guard in free company. There’s a case for sticking with Tre Jones because the starter and Wesley as his backup however Wesley’s lack of an outdoor shot (21.8 % this previous season) makes him a horrible match off the ball, and he’s not a ok decide and roll ball handler or flooring common to place the ball in his arms. Possibly the entrance workplace and the teaching employees have hope that he can get higher at key elements this offseason however in all chance, Welsey will discover himself as soon as once more preventing for minutes.
It could be the most effective for his improvement. Wesley is extremely younger nonetheless and has one other 12 months of G League eligibility. The final time the Spurs picked a uncooked level guard who declared after his freshman season in faculty with a late first-rounder, they mainly stashed him in Austin for almost all of his first three years. Younger Cory Joseph was much like Wesley in that he wanted to develop into the position of lead guard regardless of having good bodily instruments however might assist the massive workforce in a pinch every time wanted. The Spurs had been in a special spot again then, however the improvement technique labored. Joseph has been within the league for 12 years after wanting clueless as a rookie. Wesley might do the identical and hopefully change into Jones’ substitute if he leaves. For some gamers, persistence is required.
High efficiency
Last grade: B
Up Subsequent: Cedi Osman
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