The principle silver lining from De’Aaron Fox being out for the season was that it might give Stephon Fort the minutes and the elevated function essential to lock down Rookie of the Yr and present what he may do as a lead creator. Thus far, the outcomes appear good, as Fort is prospering.
A by-product of the rotation adjustments that didn’t really feel all that important on the time was that it might open up some minutes for Blake Wesley. After just a few video games, now it looks as if the chance to get taking part in time could possibly be essential in dashing up Wesley’s improvement or no less than give the Spurs a greater concept of what he can do.
Wesley is simply 22 years outdated however already wrapping up his third season within the league. He declared himself eligible for the 2022 draft after only one yr at Notre Dame. It was the fitting alternative for him financially, however not for his improvement as a participant. Wesley was as uncooked as they arrive, an intriguing athlete with a excessive motor however no refined abilities. He nonetheless hasn’t logged 1,000 minutes with the large staff and has spent lots of time in Austin. Crucial enchancment he wanted to make to push for taking part in time was to grow to be a dependable shooter and he hasn’t been in a position to try this. Different extra promising children joined the staff and he misplaced floor within the rotation. Nobody can blame the Spurs for not discovering a use till now for a man who was usually a legal responsibility on offense.
Issues have modified. Accidents and trades, mixed with the play-in trying like an impossibility, have created a scenario through which taking part in Wesley is just not solely viable but in addition fascinating. With Chris Paul beginning, Tre Jones gone and Fox out for the season, somebody must play backup level guard. And if the Spurs lose the Wesley minutes, so be it. They aren’t taking part in for something at this level. San Antonio picked his (and Malaki Branham’s) participant choice for subsequent season, so it’s of their finest curiosity to see if he may truly fill a task when everyone seems to be wholesome.
It’s harmful to belief March numbers, nearly as good groups are already specializing in the playoffs and unhealthy groups don’t have their finest gamers on the ground usually and are giving alternatives to guys who didn’t get minutes earlier, just like the Spurs are doing with Wesley. With that caveat out of the best way, Wesley appears to be benefiting from his alternative. Since cracking the rotation 5 video games in the past, he’s averaging 6.6 factors, two rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals in 18 minutes a sport whereas taking pictures properly from past the arc, sinking no less than one three-pointer in three of his 5 appearances.
Numbers from a handful of video games will be extra deceiving than the attention check. Watching Wesley play reveals that he’s useful on the defensive finish, the place he pressures full court docket and will get steals, however nonetheless has methods to go as an offensive participant. Opponents nonetheless don’t respect his exterior shot, and his 3-for-3 efficiency towards the 76ers feels fluky. He nonetheless struggles to complete inside and doesn’t appear to have the tightest deal with or lead guard-caliber court docket imaginative and prescient. His finest attribute is his motor, as he by no means stops transferring or taking part in onerous, which in his protection permits him to negate his weaknesses at instances.
Nothing suggests Welsey has made a leap, however that’s why he ought to at minimal proceed to get the 18 minutes a sport he’s been averaging prior to now 5 video games. As talked about, he’ll be on the books subsequent season and has performed three years within the NBA. It’s time to see if he’s somebody who may begin the following coaching camp because the incumbent backup level guard or if he’s a undertaking that also wants time to develop. There have been flashes prior to now and so they have been much less sporadic within the latest stretch, however Wesley has by no means been constant. It’s onerous to be on the tiny function he’s performed for many of his profession and whereas being on a brief leash, however these obstacles needs to be gone now. Can he make opponents pay for leaving him open? Can he run the offense, or no less than reliably get the staff into its units? Is he truly an above-average defender or does he simply run round lots?
The following 13 video games are Wesley’s alternative to reply these questions and audition for a task on a roster that ought to change considerably within the offseason. Up till not too long ago, the Spurs didn’t appear in a rush to make any main choices relating to their younger gamers and their reclamation initiatives. After the Fox commerce, there needs to be urgency to start out trimming the fats. The mantra through the rebuild has been “we aren’t skipping steps.” However the subsequent step is to truly construct a winner, to craft a roster of actual contributors with as few liabilities as doable.
There are extra essential choices awaiting the Spurs than determining if Blake Wesley is match to play 10 minutes behind Fox subsequent season, however they gained’t be capable to make them till the offseason. For the remainder of the yr, ensuring they get an actual sense of the place the perimeter guys like Branham, Sandro Mamukelashvili and particularly Wesley stand needs to be a precedence.
