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Offseason Preview: San Antonio Spurs
- Greg Alcala
- Jul 1, 2016
- 2 min read
San Antonio Spurs (67-15)
*Photo via GQ.com
Recap
The San Antonio Spurs, also known as SAS, are “Still Here” just like the Drake track. Last season they made the playoffs, which isn’t news to anyone, and eventually loss in the second round to the younger, more athletically built Oklahoma City Thunder. Even with horses such as Kawhi Leonard and newbie, LaMarcus Aldridge the Spurs could not overcome the fact that their core was past its prime and not prepared to rely on their future just yet. Look for R.C. Buford and co. to cover their bases and get younger, maybe even with some star quality in free agency.
Free Agents
Restricted – Boban Marjanovic
Options – Boris Diaw, Jonathan Simmons, Ryan Arcidiacono, David West, Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan
Unrestricted – Matt Bonner, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Kevin Martin, Andre Miller, David West
Who Leaves, Who Stays
When you talk about who will remain a Spur at least for one more year, I think you have to start at the top. Future hall-of-famer, Tim Duncan has decided to opt-into his $5.6 million contract for the upcoming 2016-17 but hasn’t decided if he wants to return for what would be his 20th season. According to cbssports.com, Manu Ginobli will come back for another year. Andre Miller might go on vacation forever and Kevin Martin could be seeking a larger role sporting another jersey.
Needs
The Spurs are all about chips so this season will be no different. It just so happens that Duncan and Ginobli are near the end of the line in their respective careers so their positions will probably be targeted in free agency. Backcourt help will be huge especially for a team that loves to rest their elders any chance they can get, so look for the Spurs to add veteran guards who can log a lot of minutes. For Duncan, a stretch-four would be most beneficial but a power forward nonetheless who can hold their own on both ends will be ideal.
Possible Moves
Pau Gasol – The word on the street is the Spurs tried to sign this Gasol before he joined the Bulls
Kevin Durant – Wants to win a title badly and there’s no better situation than the gray and black to achieve it
Al Horford – Not Duncan but could put up respectable numbers and that constant 100 percent effort
*Stats and Info courtesy ESPN, CBS , SBNATION, Sportrac
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