We’re ten video games into the 2024-25 season with the Spurs sitting at 4-6. Earlier than the season began, followers most likely would have seen that file as acceptable when trying on the schedule, however most are doubtless disillusioned after truly watching these 10 video games, which included each blowing a 26-point lead and dropping to the worst staff within the league within the final week alone. As an alternative of sitting on an optimistic 6-4 file, we’re grumbling about an consequence that was removed from exterior the realm of risk.
That alone is an indication that they’ve proven us sufficient that we count on extra, which is an effective factor. The pattern measurement is now large enough to go over some observations from the primary 10 video games, each good and unhealthy, so let’s dive proper in.
Victor Wembanyama needs to be a shooter
We’ll get the elephant within the room out of the best way first: Victor Wembanyama’s three-point capturing. His willingness to take ill-advised threes, typically early within the shot clock (and with the teaching employees’s encouragement, no much less) has been maddening at occasions. Up to now, he takes over 7 threes per recreation whereas hitting them at only a 28-percent charge. At this charge, he’s headed for about 575 makes an attempt for the season. For reference, the franchise file for many three-point makes an attempt in a single season is owned by Chuck Pearson, who took 463 within the 1994-95 season, per Stat Muse. Nevertheless, Pearson made 172 of them (or 38.7%), Wemby is on tempo to make simply 160.
Wemby has mentioned he’ll hold capturing threes as a result of that’s how he’ll enhance, plus Gregg Popovich has mentioned he needs him to face the basket and shoot extra (comprehensible contemplating how a lot he will get stripped together with his again to the basket). Wemby will finally (hopefully?) reign again among the three-point capturing as he works to determine himself down low extra, however for now, it’s most likely probably the most notable stat of the primary 10 video games and one to maintain watching.
Aggressive CP3 unlocks the offense
The Spurs considerably surprisingly signed longtime rival Chris Paul within the offseason, and it was thought-about a constructive transfer as he would carry much-needed veteran management and present his teammates the right way to discover Wemby on offense (to not point out shore up the Spurs’ non-existent level guard depth from final season). Up to now, he has delivered on the passing entrance, averaging 8.1 assists whereas making passes the offense simply didn’t see final season.
Nevertheless, when he’s solely seeking to move, the offense stays slowed down — just like how they seemed final season when Tre Jones wasn’t seeking to shoot. However when Paul does resolve to shoot, all the pieces opens up. He’s a grasp within the midrange, and though he hasn’t been nice capturing the three this season, defenders nonetheless need to respect his shot, which in flip opens up the ground for everybody else. Paul could also be on the tail finish of his profession, however the extra keen he’s to shoot, the higher off the Spurs are.
Stephon Citadel seems like the actual deal
Earlier than his 24-point breakout towards the Jazz on Saturday, the Spurs’ rookie hadn’t precisely been lighting up the scoreboard, however it doesn’t take an excessive amount of watching to see he might be one thing particular on each ends of the court docket. Generally even a novice may level out rookies primarily based on their measurement, rawness, or simply trying misplaced, however not Citadel. He already has the scale and construct of an NBA veteran, to not point out the self-discipline, particularly on protection.
Even when his scoring numbers are ugly after ten video games (37.3% from the sector, 19.4% from three), he stuffs the stat sheet each evening, averaging 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a steal per recreation. He additionally hasn’t seemed misplaced in three video games as a starter. Whether or not or not he stays with the primary unit even as soon as Devin Vassell returns to the beginning unit stays to be seen, however the truth that Citadel has seemed so stable and never misplaced is an excellent signal going ahead.
We doubtless received’t see the whole Spurs till January
The largest cloud hanging over the Spurs head proper now could be accidents. They already knew they’d be lacking Vassell for the primary couple of weeks, and whereas returned for recreation 10, additionally they misplaced Tre Jones (ankle), Jeremy Sochan (thumb) and Malaki Branham (ankle). Jones and Branham, who’re each essential cogs to the Spurs’ bench unit, don’t determine to be out for much longer, however Sochan is a giant loss. Not solely was he within the midst of a breakout season on offense, however he was additionally one of many prime perimeter defenders within the league. He was missed the moment he left final week’s recreation towards the Clippers, and he’ll doubtless be out for the remainder of the calendar yr after present process surgical procedure on his thumb.
Then there’s the sudden absence of Pop, who suffered an undisclosed medical difficulty earlier than their house recreation towards Minnesota 9 days in the past and is out indefinitely to recuperate. This has thrown assistant coach Mitch Johnson (who was a finalist for the Washington Wizards teaching job) into the hearth throughout a time when he’s having to seek out new lineups because of all of the accidents. (And for anybody who’s questioning, in accordance with Marc Stein, Brett Brown was by no means thought-about for interim head coach since he’s blissful in his present position of specializing in participant improvement — and now, mentoring Johnson.)
It’s unlucky that we doubtless received’t see a whole Spurs roster and desired rotations till 2025, however the Spurs ought to have the depth to get by with out waiving the white flag going into tank mode. If nothing else, it seems they’ll keep away from the huge, early double-digit dropping streaks that got here to outline the final two seasons, and that’s already a step in the precise route.
