10 questions for the Spurs regular season

Previewing San Antonio Spurs’ Regular Season: A Query-Centric Approach

• By
  
  
  Lee Dresie
  
  
• on October 21, 2023 9:10 pm

As a former coach, one of the most anticipated periods for my team was the end of training camp, right before the regular season. This was when we would find out if all the hard work we put into developing our strategies and techniques would pay off in the real world. It was a time filled with curiosity and questions that would define our season.

The San Antonio Spurs are at a similar inflection point right now, and I’m certain that Coach Pop and his team have specific questions that the upcoming season will answer. Here are ten questions that I have, many of which involve the new addition to the team.

1. How much playing time will Victor Wembanyama get?

Some of my more skeptical friends have raised concerns about Victor’s ability to stay healthy throughout the demanding 82-game NBA season. However, the Spurs have long been pioneers of “load management.” They started implementing this strategy when their Big Three were young, which contributed to their prolonged, injury-free careers. I believe the Spurs will apply the same approach to Victor, allowing him to play around 30 minutes per game and participate in approximately 70 games, assuming he remains relatively healthy during his rookie season.

2. How good will Victor be in his debut season?

The initial summer league games, where Victor appeared overwhelmed, now feel like a distant memory. The following games helped reassure Spurs fans, and during the preseason, one could legitimately consider the possibility of Victor becoming an All-Star this season. While I personally think that’s unlikely, I do believe he has the potential to be named Rookie of the Year. The only aspect of his game that has been somewhat disappointing so far is defensive rebounding. However, given his playing time of 30 minutes per game, his height and good hands should enable him to grab around 8-10 boards per game. So, let’s predict an average of 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks for him.

3. Will Victor become a media sensation?

The answer to this question is already apparent – yes. Victor’s name has already made its way into various sports articles, as even the renowned sportswriter Joe Posnanski mentioned him in his description of a remarkable play during a baseball game. Victor’s fame is definitely on the rise.

4. How will Keldon Johnson handle being the third option?

In recent seasons, Keldon Johnson has been the main focus for the Spurs. With Devin Vassell’s increased presence this year, Keldon may have to adjust to being the third option on offense. While he may not even start in some games, I have faith that Keldon’s determination will push him to view Vassell’s emergence as an opportunity for self-improvement. Additionally, the prospect of winning more games should also incentivize him to embrace his reduced status within the team’s pecking order.

5. Can Tre Jones become a reliable three-point threat?

In today’s NBA, point guards must not only possess traditional skills but also be a threat from beyond the arc. Tre Jones has showcased his craftiness and defensive prowess, but his three-point shooting percentage of under 29% leaves much to be desired. I would have been more confident in his ability to improve his three-point shooting if renowned shooting coach Chip Engelland were still with the Spurs. Nevertheless, it’s an area in which Tre Jones should focus on to elevate his game.

6. Can the Spurs enhance their defensive performance?

This is perhaps the easiest question of them all. The Spurs finished last in defensive rankings among all 30 NBA teams last season. The real question is how much they can improve their defense. The addition of a 7’3″ mobile player with great instincts like Victor Wembanyama will undoubtedly help. Furthermore, having Vassell, their top perimeter defender, available for more than the 38 games he played last year will be advantageous. Establishing a more stable rotation will also contribute to defensive improvements. Last season, the Spurs often introduced themselves to each other moments before tip-off.

7. Will the Spurs retain their veterans beyond the trade deadline?

I don’t anticipate the Spurs making a strong playoff push this year. Consequently, if they can acquire assets by trading their veterans, they may be inclined to do so. Doug McDermott, in particular, could draw interest from playoff-contending teams seeking a sharpshooter. His shooting ability and off-the-ball movement make him an attractive trade target.

8. What will the Toronto Raptors’ performance mean for the Spurs?

Surprisingly, this question does pertain to the Spurs. The Spurs acquired the Raptors’ top-6 protected first-round pick as part of the Jacob Poeltl trade. Therefore, the Spurs hope that the Raptors perform moderately poorly this season without finishing among the six worst teams in the league. Ideally, the Raptors’ draft pick will fall around the 9th or 10th spot.

9. Can Jeremy Sochan elevate his offensive skills?

Despite averaging only 11 points per game and shooting under 25% from beyond the arc, Jeremy Sochan had an impressive rookie season, earning a place on the All-Rookie second team. With his current level of play, he will undoubtedly become a very good player in the future. However, if he can improve his offensive game, he could become a valuable asset for a serious title-contending team.

10. Will this season be enthralling for the Spurs?

Definitely.

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