Welcome to Pounding the Rock’s 2023-24 participant opinions! The sequence will take a look at the 15 gamers who completed the season with the Spurs on assured contracts (so no two-way gamers as a result of we noticed so little of them this yr, and no Doug McDermott). Take pleasure in!
Devonte’ Graham
2023-24 stats: 23 video games, 5 factors, 1.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 52 FG%.
Contract Standing: 1 yr, $12.650 million remaining ($2.850 million assured)
Age: 29
Devonte’ Graham may have pouted. Sure, he’s on a contract that compensates him extremely for a man who hasn’t been that good for some time, however gamers need to be on the ground. Ever since becoming a member of the Spurs, minutes have been inconsistent for Graham and on this previous season disappeared nearly totally. Graham was wholesome however performed simply 313 minutes, by far a profession low. He suited up for 23 video games, being on mop-up obligation in most of them, earlier than getting extra enjoying time as accidents open up room within the rotation late within the season. He may have requested for a commerce, complained to the media, or just been apathetic whereas counting the times till he may go away.
The veteran guard took a distinct path. He wasn’t glad together with his function however he didn’t present that publicly. Graham sat on the bench cheering on his teammates and embraced the place of elder statesman in a younger locker room. He was a steadying presence and supplied recommendation to gamers on the crew who revered the person they referred to as “OG,” “outdated head” or “unc” regardless of him being simply 29 years outdated. That a lot was clear after they celebrated his game-winner towards the Nuggets within the second to final sport of the season when the crew had nothing to realize from a victory. Everybody on the roster was glad for the veteran chief who bid his time and had his endurance rewarded with one shining second.
The Spurs didn’t ask Graham to be a contributor on the courtroom this season. They wanted a seasoned participant who may educate the youthful guys stay engaged whereas uplifting others all through a shedding season regardless of a small or fluctuating function. In that sense, the veteran guard delivered.
Trying ahead
The Spurs have till July 1 to resolve whether or not to make the final yr of Graham’s contract price $12.6 million absolutely assured for subsequent season or waive him and save roughly $10 million. Will probably be powerful to make a case for retaining him. Graham has not been an excellent NBA participant for years now however is getting paid like one. Within the late March-early April stretch through which he acquired minutes, he shot 33 % from the ground and 28 from past the arc, ghastly numbers for a scoring guard. He would possible shoot higher from exterior with a daily function that enables him to develop some rhythm, however he received’t repair his shot choice this late in his profession.
A return isn’t utterly out of the query, because the Spurs may need the quiet offseason they’ve been rumored to be gearing up for, which might make waiving Graham to create cap house not a precedence. The guard is on a midsized deal and will probably be on the final yr of his contract, so he may very well be wage ballast for a midseason commerce. But it surely appears more likely that the choice will probably be to maneuver on since Graham doesn’t match the timeline and the Spurs may want roster spots.
Prime efficiency
Remaining grade: Incomplete
Up Subsequent: Dominick Barlow
Earlier Opinions
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