The outdated saying goes that it’s best to by no means overreact to the NBA preseason. It was true earlier than and nonetheless is immediately, however that doesn’t make it any simpler. To date, the San Antonio Spurs have proven promise on their method to a 2-1 preseason file in no small half because of the function gamers stepping up and profiting from further taking part in time. Three gamers who will probably be preventing both for taking part in time or an elevated function have particularly stood out, so let’s check out them whereas making an attempt to not overreact.
Stephon Citadel already appears higher than marketed
It was reported effectively earlier than the draft that the Spurs had been very excessive on Citadel, and so they bought their man with the 4th total decide this summer season. He backed up a few of the hype in restricted Summer season League motion, however he has actually come alive within the preseason. Not solely does he look NBA-ready from a bodily and psychological standpoint, however his reported weaknesses have but to indicate themselves.
It’s a small pattern dimension — and once more, the preseason — however up to now he’s capturing 42.9% from three after capturing 26.7% at UConn and 25% in Summer season League. He’s additionally averaging 3.3 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal whereas utilizing his power and pace to get downhill in direction of the basket, both drawing free throws or exhibiting off his courtroom imaginative and prescient to seek out an open participant. He has additionally taken over within the fourth quarters of their two wins (albeit principally towards third-string and fringe NBA gamers).
About the one criticism up to now is he’s averaging 3 turnovers per recreation, though six of his 9 TO’s got here in a single recreation towards the Thunder. He will not be fairly able to play his most popular place of level guard since his handles nonetheless must be tightened, and there should be a actuality test in retailer towards extra critical NBA competitors than the preseason brings, but when Citadel is already exceeding expectations this early, that’s simply one more reason to be (maybe too) optimistic going ahead.
Julian Champagnie is taking part in like a starter
When it was introduced that Devin Vassell would miss at the least the primary 5 video games of the common season whereas recovering from offseason foot surgical procedure, there have been discussions as to who ought to substitute him within the beginning lineup. Whereas voters right here at PtR overwhelmingly stated Citadel, Gregg Popovich has chosen familiarity and capturing within the first three preseason video games, going with Champagnie. To date, he has greater than delivered.
Champagnie was already one of many Spurs’ greatest returning outdoors shooters kind final season, and up to now he has been their most steadying presence from outdoors within the preseason, hitting 13-27 from three in three video games whereas averaging a team-high 16.8 factors per recreation. Whereas it could be unreasonable to count on him to take care of such numbers, it does beg the query: ought to he stay a starter past simply as an damage alternative for Vassell? This isn’t to say he ought to substitute Vassell full-time, however slightly slide over to his extra pure place of small ahead as soon as Vassell returns.
This could after all push veteran acquisition Harrison Barnes to the bench (and no, I don’t count on Pop to bench Jeremy Sochan). Barnes has been lower than spectacular within the preseason, however then once more comes one other reminder to not overreact as veterans with nothing to show hardly ever flip it on for the preseason. Regardless, Barnes is a consummate professional and would in all probability take any function he’s given in stride, so it is going to be fascinating to see what occurs. If he doesn’t flip issues round to start out the common season, Champagnie has actually made a case for himself as a starter if Pop sees a necessity for a change or desires to go youthful.
Mamu has to get taking part in time this season — proper?
Lastly, we get to one of many Spurs’ extra compelling gamers. Not solely is Sandro Mamukelashvili a fan favourite, however within the uncommon situations he has been given an opportunity to play rotation minutes for the Spurs during the last two seasons, he has shined. This preseason has been no totally different. With Victor Wembanyama and Zach Collins every lacking two video games up to now and Charles Bassey but to go well with up (which can change tomorrow), Mamu has gotten his share of minutes because the lone large off the bench.
Whereas his defensive deficiencies are effectively documented, it’s onerous to disregard how a lot contagious vitality he brings on each ends of the courtroom and the way a lot enjoyable he makes the sport look. His three-point capturing opens the ground for different gamers, and whereas they haven’t performed collectively within the preseason (that I re-call), it’s onerous to overlook how effectively he and Wemby meshed within the closing stretch of final season. Even when a nasty defensive learn or missed rebound drives followers loopy at occasions, it’s onerous to not need extra of Mamu, and contemplating he’s an influence ahead who can shoot, he may also play with each Collins and Bassey.
Whereas the Spurs might not have probably the most gifted roster, they really are 15 gamers deep, and any particular person participant might be referred to as upon if somebody misses with out anticipating an excessive amount of of a drop off (besides if the participant who misses time is Wemby, after all). Arguably the one younger Spur who’s preventing for taking part in time and has not made a reputation for himself within the preseason but is Malaki Branham, however he’s proven sufficient in his first two seasons that he’ll nonetheless get his probability.
It’s onerous to not overreact to the preseason, but when some surprising names are prepared take a leap this season, then that will probably be simply as useful in direction of their acknowledged objective of creating the postseason because the Chris Paul Impact will probably be, and in the long run, that’s what is really vital.
