During the last 30+ years, the San Antonio Spurs have managed to turn into not solely one of the vital profitable groups within the NBA but additionally one of the vital revered. Sadly, that’s modified. The Spurs are one of many worst groups within the NBA this season, and their sterling fame has taken a number of journeys by the mud.
The Spurs have had a number of high-profile gamers bash them lately, together with former all-star Dejounte Murray. Whereas criticism from notable former NBA gamers comparable to Robert Horry and Stephen Jackson stings, Murray’s criticism is far more concerning. He not too long ago appeared on the Up in Smoke podcast and echoed a whole lot of what co-host Jackson has stated previously.
Gamers speak and that’s an issue for the Spurs.
Whereas Spurs followers, myself included, would possibly shrug it off or dismiss his complaints, different gamers have most likely taken discover. Gamers speak, in any case, and whereas the Spurs are revered as a company, there could also be a destructive notion amongst present gamers about taking part in in San Antonio. Contemplating the Spurs aren’t a free-agent vacation spot, that will not harm the Spurs as a lot as it might one other group, nevertheless it’s not precisely a great factor both.
One other factor to think about is that celebrity Kawhi Leonard went from being the subsequent face of the franchise to being rumored to be willing to sit out an entire season in an try to get traded. He finally was, however to not his vacation spot of selection, however as a substitute to Toronto. He acquired the final chortle, nonetheless, by profitable a championship there earlier than forming a brilliant group in Los Angeles with the Clippers.
And though Leonard by no means publicly criticized the Spurs, he could have achieved so behind the scenes. Even when he hasn’t, then different gamers certainly have speculated about what actually occurred. Furthermore, Murray, who was a teammate of Leonard, hinted that he was holding back a lot more about his time with the group than he shared on the podcast.
Worse but, the group’s probably unhealthy fame amongst gamers might truly have an effect on the Spurs’ means to draft. With the Spurs more likely to be a lottery group for the subsequent few seasons, and prime prospects having extra say in the place they go, some might attempt to keep away from the group. Sounds loopy, proper? Properly, that occurs in some type with every draft.
There might be penalties for San Antonio’s perceived mistreatment of gamers.
How does that occur? A prime prospect might merely decline to work out with and even meet with a group that he doesn’t wish to go to, discouraging them from drafting him. LaMelo Ball was accused of this by allegedly tanking interviews to try to have some say within the course of. Different gamers might theoretically do the identical or do issues like withholding medical information.
Brokers can have a whole lot of say within the draft and free agent processes, and that may assist the Spurs provided that they don’t seem to have any destructive relationships with them. Then once more, what occurs if, say, the Spurs find yourself with the second choose and Scoot Henderson declines to satisfy with the Spurs? Or, possibly he tanks his interview and/or exercise primarily based partly on unhealthy phrase of mouth?
Admittedly, that’s most likely leaping the gun, however Murray was so upset about his therapy that he even requested his agent for a commerce throughout his rookie season. Whereas he ultimately developed into an All-Star level guard with the assistance of the group, any prospect or free agent could be justified in worrying.
All in all, Murray’s current feedback may need an even bigger impression than many anticipate. In any case, it matches an present narrative, and he’s the most important title to talk out. Time will inform if something comes of this, however the Spurs are already a small market group that’s in a protracted rebuild; they don’t want one other factor working in opposition to them.
