The Spurs have started the season with a 2-3 record, but the franchise believes the best is still yet to come, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News writes.
Although San Antonio finished with just a 32-39 record last season, the club is recognized as a world-class organization with a proven track record. Before the 2019/20 campaign, the Spurs had reached the playoffs 23 straight seasons.
“It’s about learning now and not later,” DeMar DeRozan said. “As long as you get the heartaches and the learning curve out of the way the first 10 games of the season, it can take a big turn in the next 60 games. We are leaning toward that.”
The Spurs competed with the defending champion Lakers on Friday, ultimately losing 109-103. The team has a healthy mix of veterans and young players that could propel it to the play-in tournament or possibly beyond, with four of those veterans (DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills and Rudy Gay) set to reach free agency next summer.
There’s more out of the Southwest Division tonight:
- Pelicans star Brandon Ingram continued to build on his impressive campaign last game, ESPN’s Andrew Lopez writes. Ingram has been the team’s leading scorer in four of six games so far, and had a season-best 31 points on Saturday. “Brandon has been playing great overall,” teammate Zion Williamson said of Ingram, who recently was named the Western Conference Player of the Week. “He always steps up for us. When we need him, he’s there for us.”
- The Rockets are still searching for answers when it comes to their rotation, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes. Houston has a talented roster led by former Most Valuable Player James Harden, but health issues and COVID-19 protocols have prevented Houston from establishing a consistent rotation so far.
- Pelicans big man Wenyen Gabriel (right knee/quadriceps tendinosis) recently participated in some three-on-three work and hopes to play in Monday’s game against Indiana, according to Andrew Lopez of ESPN (Twitter link). The team is currently listing his status as questionable.
Ahh Christian Wood. I bet 25 bucks that will make me 1000 if he wins Most Improved Player. if I win is the only Rockets drama that matters.
I like your chances a lot, that was a very smart bet.
I remember when he first played for their summer league team five and a half years ago. His return to Houston is sorta like when Covington started his career with the Rockets, then eventually returned last season.
Wood may not ever be as good a defender as RoCo, but offensively he’s way better. He’s also a lot better on offense than Capela could ever hope to be.
Please send your drugs to my house
Obviously spoken by someone who has never watched Christian Wood even once since he became a starter with Detroit less than a year ago. But you will understand soon that he is one of the best young talents in the NBA. And if there aren’t 3 All-Star selections for Houston this season, it will only be because of the ridiculous hatred for the Rockets by fans all over the country.
MVP, everyone is trashing the Rockets. Let them. ESPN joke of a power ranking has them at 16 in the League because they all want harden to go to another mega team. The Rockets are going to be a top 3 team come playoff time, they are really good.
Rocks are 2-3 so 16th is generous. Wood has never played FT minutes, Cousins is PT at best, and Harden wants out. You can like them if you want but try to do it without hating someone for no good reason… not their fault their poll lacked your bias.
great bet Curtisrowe !!! i hope it happens. :)
Way to go off-topic to open the door for houston(m, although, on their own, decent posts.
Wood actually most-improved last year, but awards have their rules and ways.
Sitting behind Giannis then Drummond was likely educational to an immature mind. Always helpful to be educatable! His talent was noted but not seized.
Josh Jackson will compete with him for it. Just as good a scorer. Better defender. And noteriety from high pick status.
Think it’ll be between Garland and Wood.
Or atleast they are the early front runners
Predict Spurs make a max offer to John Collins and nothing to Aldridge. Since the other FAs will probably want to move on, this will be a tough call, which will help to Spur the Collins offer.
Peoltl- Collins- Keldon- White- Murray.
Walker, Vassell, & Lyles will help them get over any FA losses, but they only have $57mil committed next year.
Would be a good fit. Also think Jarrett Allen would be a good player for the Spurs. Not a big Poetl fan.
Allen I think has loads of potential. He’s a underrated passer, great shot blocker, good defender and I think could expand his game a little.
Spurs have looked decent giving their young dudes more of an opportunity. White Murray Walker Johnson the stand outs.
I’m surprised there hasn’t been more mentioned about trading the expiring vets for either picks or more young talent. San Antonio has never really been a team for FA signings so I don’t see why they are keeping all the cap space.
I’d be looking at the PF and C spot and players who didn’t get the rookie scale extensions John Collins, Lauri Markeneen and Jarret Allen. Take a risk trading for them and giving up something decent but if you can resign them and develop them then it’ll pay off.
I’d trade LaMarcus Aldridge for Myles Turner.
Then trade for DeMare DeRozan, Devin Vassell and a top 10 protected first for Harrison Barnes and Marvin Bagley Jr.
Giving you a young core of White Murray Jones Walker Johnson Samanic Bagley Turner and Poetl. Plus with this years pick have it end up in the top 10.
Didn’t realize the spurs needed Demar so much. Powell,McCaw, Stanley Johnson and a first round pick for a Derozen-Raptors reunion…
Rockets still a work in progress. Woods and Wall should put smiles on Rocket fans. Both playing well. They should go easy on Cousins. Load management would be wise. His best days will better served as a backup. Can still close gms if needed. I would definitely watch his mins. Houston will have no direction till the Harden issue is resolved. Just don’t see him staying here. You can’t fault Rockets for waiting teams out. To get the best deal possible. Nets keep losing they will up their price.
I don’t get why Spurs just keep rolling along. Aldridge and DeRozan have to be moved. This is the draft to load up for. Why care about 8-10th seed. I thought they’d get moved last TD. I believe Spurs have like 45 mill on books for next yr. Seems like a good yr for a rebuild, reconstruct, reevaluate whatever you want to call it. Getting picks and signing a young FA or two. Looks like a good way to go. Vassell who most thought would go higher last yr. Was a very good start. This yrs first rd is much better, deeper.
I agree totally. Not saying Tank because I dont believe in it. But trade the old dogs and let the young guys start to compete. And hope for a high pick this year.