SPURS HQ – “So it begins,” had been the phrases of San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich Thursday. The Spurs start their journey with the brand new face of the franchise Victor Wembanyama.
“We’re thrilled to deliver Victor on board,” continued Popovich. When requested concerning the quantity of consideration Wembanyama is already receiving and if he can deal with that kind of stress, Popovich mentioned although he doesn’t know Wembanyama but, he thinks he’ll be capable to deal with the stress as a result of Wembanyama’s mother and father have helped him alongside the way in which together with his early skilled profession.
“From what I’ve seen, I don’t suppose he’s going to wish quite a lot of assist from me,” mentioned Popovich of Wembanyama dealing with the hype and stress. Popovich has spoken with Wembanyama a couple of occasions, however he’s already trying ahead to constructing a relationship with him.
Popovich was requested about how he’ll coach Wembanyama, and he mentioned, “I don’t know.” He mentioned it was the identical response he supplied when he was requested how he would coach Tim Duncan in 1997. Popovich mentioned he doesn’t need to use the identical kind of method that different star gamers have had, he needs Wembanyama to really feel comfy whereas with the ability to be himself.
When requested about how the present Spurs gamers will match alongside Wembanyama, Popovich mentioned the present Spurs gamers have been working further exhausting this offseason. “The blokes that performed with us final yr, they’ve had an awesome summer time,” mentioned Popovich of what the coaches have informed him relating to the work the gamers from final season have put on this offseason.
Lastly, Popovich mentioned Wembanyama himself informed Popovich he’s desperate to get to know Spurs Corridor of Famers Tim Duncan and David Robinson. “Victor’s already expressed curiosity in spending time with Tim and David,” mentioned Popovich.
Spurs 2023 Draft Evening Recap
Will Wemby play at Summer time League and the FIBA World Cup?
“We’re speaking about what he ought to be doing transferring ahead,” mentioned Popovich of Wembanyama enjoying at Summer time League. “He by no means stopped enjoying (in France). He’ll take part within the Summer time League, to what diploma, we’re undecided but.”
On whether or not Wembanyama will play with the French Nationwide staff within the FIBA World Cup later this summer time, Popovich mentioned a call hasn’t been made but.
Spurs Commerce thirty third Decide to Minnesota
Later within the night, simply earlier than the Spurs had been set to draft at 33 within the second spherical, they agreed to commerce the thirty third decide for 2 future second spherical picks with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The commerce was made official by the top of the evening. The Spurs drafted Leonard Miller at 33 and traded him to Minnesota. In alternate, the Spurs acquired a 2026 Utah second spherical decide (from Minnesota) and a 2028 Minnesota second spherical decide.
Let’s breakdown why every staff made the commerce:
Why did Minnesota make this commerce?
For a playoff-level staff that’s capped out just like the Timberwolves, they had been including a second spherical decide who might be on a 3-4 yr cope with the brand new CBA second spherical decide exception contract. For groups like Minnesota which might be restricted with wage assets. This provides these capped-out groups alternatives to develop younger gamers whereas maintaining most of their higher-salaried gamers on the staff.
Within the earlier CBA, a second spherical decide may solely be signed as much as 2-years with a minimal wage.
Why did the Spurs make this commerce within the 2023 NBA Draft?
For the Spurs, it appears to be like like not solely did they purchase future draft picks for a possible commerce down the street, however they’re additionally operating into roster area limits even earlier than free company begins.
The Spurs are getting into July 1 with 11 gamers beneath assured contracts. Probably the most gamers a staff can have on full season offers are 15 gamers on the roster. That would depart the Spurs with simply 4 open roster spots to signal free brokers or commerce for gamers. San Antonio has a number of gamers getting into free company. Tre Jones, Keita Bates-Diop, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Gorgui Dieng, Dominick Barlow, and Julian Champagnie.
The brand new CBA additionally permits groups to have as much as three gamers on two-way contracts, however the Spurs are going through some roster limits there as effectively. With the forty fourth decide, the Spurs chosen Sidy Cissoko, who may get a type of two-way roster spots. Then after the draft, the Spurs reportedly agreed to signal undrafted participant Sir’Jabari Rice to a two-way deal.
The Spurs also can make Barlow and Champagnie eligible for a two-way roster spot. They have to tender a qualifying supply to both of these gamers earlier than free company. In order that’s doubtlessly 4 gamers making an attempt to get three two-way spots. Had San Antonio drafted at 33, they’d be both going through roster limits on the complete staff roster or the two-way roster.
Updates on Tre Jones and Zach Collins
Following the draft, Spurs Basic Supervisor Brian Wright addressed the media. When requested about Tre Jones’ upcoming free company, Wright mentioned Jones will probably be a restricted free agent. Jones may go into free company. This implies the Spurs received’t comply with a contract extension with him earlier than June 30. The Spurs may even tender Jones a qualifying supply earlier than June 29 to make him a restricted free agent.
June 23 was the contract assure date for Zach Collins’ $7.7 million wage this coming season. Wright mentioned Collins will probably be on the staff this coming season, which implies his deal will absolutely assure.
This wasn’t an excessive amount of of a stunning transfer. Popovich had talked about earlier than the season ended that Collins could be again.
The Spurs now look towards free company on June 30. They’ll should spend doubtlessly north of $20 million to fulfill the minimal staff wage. This must be paid earlier than the primary sport of the common season. With the brand new CBA, there’s now a penalty for groups with cap area just like the Spurs don’t spend a few of that accessible cash. The Spurs can both look to signal free brokers or commerce for gamers beneath contract.
Drop your Spurs 2023 NBA draft ideas under.
