Picks 19/29 And Avoiding The Great Depression: The 2019-2020 San Antonio Spurs Season Thread

[VBM]

It would be a lie to say the 2018-2019 NBA season did not take a physical and emotional toll on the silver & black. The Kawhi Leonard saga finally ended but the ramifications remained as the Spurs sought to integrate their new pieces and stem the loss of the old. Don't worry, they said. Dejounte Murray is already an all-NBA defender and he's been working on his jumper all offseason...

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The future is bright, they said. The Spurs added some much needed athleticism and potential on the perimeter with a steal in Lonnie Walker...

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Before the 2018 season even began, the Spurs lost two of their most important assets, one for the entire season and the other for essentially the entire season. While they put up a valiant effort throughout the year and in their first round matchup with the 2nd-seeded Nuggets, the result was another first round loss (their 3rd in a row).

The Spurs' stock was dealt a final blow nearly two months later...

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The San Antonio market has crashed. Where do we go from here? While many anticipate the Spurs will never recover from the events of 2018, there is cause for optimism.

LaMarcus Aldridge has continued to play at an all-NBA level despite the volatility surrounding him. DeMar DeRozan played with a chip on his shoulder for much of the season and will be that much more motivated after seeing the success of the North this month. Despite some minor rumors stating the contrary, both appear to be locked in as the centerpieces for the squad next year.

Derrick White has the makings of a potential star and is under contract for $5.5 mil over the next two years. Not to mention the return of Dejounte Murray and what will be considered Lonnie Walker's first real season with the squad.

The Spurs have 10 players under contract and two first round picks. For salary purposes, don't be surprised if the Spurs try to consolidate the two first rounders into one higher pick (around the 13-15 range) or, if they can't, use one of the two picks on a Euro stash. Resigning Rudy Gay will be the team's biggest free agent priority, as will trying to add a big via the MLE (Boogie?). The situation should become clearer once Thursday's draft has come and gone.

KD and Klay's injuries have shifted the balance of power going into the 2019 season. Time to see if the Spurs can begin to turn the page this offseason after a drama-filled 2018-2019 season.

Draft Picks: Luka Samanic, Keldon Johnson, Quinndary Weatherspoon
Key Free Agent Signings: Rudy Gay, Demarre Carroll, Trey Lyles​

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[malbaker86]

#GoSpursGo

 

[MikelArteta]

Fun times ahead

 

[malbaker86]

I wonder how the minutes will be distributed if we do retain Murray, Walker, Derozan, White, and Forbes...and not to mention Patty.

I really wish we'd speed up the rebuilding process and get something for Derozan and/or LMA but I don't see that happening

 

[KingTut]

I know we rarely if ever trade up in the draft but I wouldn't be surprised at all if we did this year.

 

[Sinnerman]

Y'all need to target a 6'7-6'9 wing in the draft

Develop him for a year, and trade Demar next summer

 

[malbaker86]

Y'all need to target a 6'7-6'9 wing in the draft

Develop him for a year, and trade Demar next summer

Right. Demar and LMA will be in their last year of their deals next year and would be the PERFECT trade bait. We def need a wing and a big man who is actually skilled and athletic. If he's not athletic, he better be as skilled as Gasol/Jokic/Horford

 

[Vancouver Grizzly Fan]

Aldridge needs to go ASAP along with Patty. I think Cousins would be better off with someone like Pop. I actually believe he has alot left in the tank.

 

[Long Live The Mamba]

Damn Vanvleet talkin that shyt

 

[VBM]

Y'all need to target a 6'7-6'9 wing in the draft

Develop him for a year, and trade Demar next summer

If Kawhi bolts for the Clippers, I wouldn't be shocked if Danny Green looks to return.

 

[Remote]

Not opposed to Green returning. But the franchise needs to move on from LMA and DeRozan. They aren't the answer.

Also, and this may just be me...but along with his improved shooting, I hope Dejounte isnt still dribbling so goddamn high. Every time be brings the ball up I keep thinking there's a turnover waiting to happen.

 

[AlbertPullhoez]

LMA can hit the bricks. Im willing to give Demar another year though. Nobody comes and balls out like that in their first year here in SA, at least established players. That would be some fukk shyt to just kick him to the curb after one year

I really wanna see Demar in another year in the system, shooting a few more 3's, playing with Dejounte.

 

[lightskin jermaine]

LMA and Defrozen can both go imo. I'd love for this team to go young and grow together with Pop teaching them along the way but that won't happen.

 

[Rekkapryde]

Double

 

[the kid]

With GS having injuries and the Rockets turmoil, I actually wanna just run it back with DMurray back. I liked the squad this year. Needed another creator on the floor and DMurray does that. Plus, as a lot of you pointed out, it should be relatively easy to move LMA and/or Demar next summer if it just doesn’t gel. I just think the West is so wide open, don’t wanna waste a chance at a Finals run for an early reset.