Though the 2021/22 Spurs roster may confuse some outsiders, head coach Gregg Popovich indicates that the team was constructed with plenty of intentionality, Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express News writes. Finger notes that the club’s front office appears to be open-minded about the potential of the team this season.
“This was purposeful, what you are seeing,” Popovich said. “It was put together with a lot of foresight and a lot of discussion.”
Finger notes that the keys to the franchise have now been handed to intriguing young players like Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Lonnie Walker, Keldon Johnson, and rookie lottery selection Joshua Primo.
There’s more out of the Southwest Division:
- With the first week of Pelicans training camp in the books, Christian Clark, Scott Kushner and Rod Walker of NOLA.com assess the latest news out of New Orleans. The team discussed the unified front presented by injured Pelicans All-Star forward Zion Williamson and head of basketball operations David Griffin, the apparent increased strength of 2020 All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, new head coach Willie Green, and more.
- The rebuilding Rockets appear ready to use the 2021/22 season to develop their youth. Rookie forward Alperen Sengun, the No. 16 pick in this year’s draft, is already leaving his mark with the club, writes Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “He showed he can play in the high post and make plays for other guys, no look passes, all kinds of stuff, which is really good,” head coach Stephen Silas noted after an early practice. “Then, when he catches it in the paint, he has pivots and fakes, and all that. He’s going to be exciting for people to see.”
- Talented swingman Kevin Porter Jr. is ready to grow with the Rockets, his second NBA team so far, writes Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “I want to be able to do everything great,” Porter said. During his first season in Houston, Porter averaged 16.6 PPG, 6.3 APG, 3.8 RPG and 0.7 SPG across 26 games.
Andrew Wiggins has been vaccinated.
Money changed his mind
When was the last time there was a rookie as good as Alperen Sengun on the same team as someone who has an even better chance of being named Rookie of the Year?
Even a broken clock is right twice a day Marty. Don’t let it go to your head, OK?
Until Sengun makes the All-Rookie First Team, I would say Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke, just a couple of years ago. (If you prefer, Wiggins and Lavine or Brandon Roy and LMA.)
I don’t really expect Sengun to make the All-Rookie First Team.
Sengun will almost certainly lose out to Evan Mobley at center/PF.
But I would be absolutely shocked if Jalen Green doesn’t. Plus he has a good chance of being way better than any of those other guys.