Sophomore hunch schlo-phomore schlump. Because the Spurs look to take that subsequent step into contender standing, lots of their hopes relaxation past the (now clot-free) shoulders of Victor Wembanyama. Reigning rookie of the 12 months Stephon Fortress will look to ascend larger than his already spectacular inaugural NBA season.
ESPN’s Jimmy Woo ranked probably the most intriguing second-year gamers heading into the season, and Fortress got here in second behind Houston Rocket Reed Sheppard.
“Rookie season superlative: A strong debut season earned Fortress Rookie of the Yr honors, averaging 14.7 factors and 4.1 assists in 26.7 minutes and making 47 begins for the Spurs. Predictably, he struggled with effectivity (42.8% FG and 28.5% from 3), however was strong defensively and performed higher after the All-Star break, benefiting from the liberty San Antonio gave him. Why he’s ranked right here: Because the Spurs proceed their journey to construct a contender round Victor Wembanyama, who seems all set to return from a blood clot, a very powerful issue apart from his well being is how properly San Antonio’s guards can mesh round him. Buying and selling for De’Aaron Fox naturally lowered a few of Fortress’s ball-handling duties. The sudden lottery leap that landed the Spurs the No. 2 decide in Dylan Harper provides them a 3rd wheel within the backcourt. It’s an thrilling growth for the roster, however it would additionally require all three gamers to make changes. Fortress is much from his potential, but additionally probably the most pure candidate of the three to step right into a extra versatile two-way position, because of his measurement, instincts on the defensive finish and unselfish tendencies on offense. He’s nonetheless going to must make much more pictures from lengthy vary to actually excel away from the ball, significantly within the context of what San Antonio’s lineups will presumably appear to be. The Spurs should stagger their guards creatively, not solely to win video games however to provide Harper and Fortress the most effective alternatives to get snug.Contemplating the change in context — and the added impetus to make the playoffs the additional alongside the Spurs transfer with Wembanyama — how malleable Fortress may be and in what methods he can sharpen his recreation could also be extremely consequential to how issues unfold in San Antonio, and the way central he turns into to this subsequent iteration of the staff.”
Bettering his leap shot is extra attainable in Fortress’s case than asking both of the opposite two so as to add Stephon’s measurement or protection. Whereas Wembanyama is the central piece that each one issues Spurs revolve in his orbit, it’s important to see the complete growth of all the opposite items for the staff’s championship aspirations to be fulfilled.
De’Aaron Fox and rookie Dylan Harper are shiny new additions, however Fortress is an enormous half of what’s going to finally dictate the staff’s success within the upcoming season — particularly if he can keep away from the infamous hunch and as an alternative take a sophomore leap.
