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Debate

Can the Spurs' new lineup finally bring them back to their former glory days?

After the rollercoaster ride of the 2023-24 season, the San Antonio Spurs are back this season. Hopes grew after the highly anticipated arrival of rookie Victor Wembanyama, following in the footsteps of legends like Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Despite, this they ended their last season in the 57th overall and 48th in the NBA.

The season began with a promising 3-2 record, but things quickly unraveled. After losing 18 games, the franchise left their fans disheartened and searching for answers. Despite, Wembanyama’s standout performances, the Spurs found themselves out of playoff contention for the fifth straight year after a March 7 loss to the Sacramento Kings. However, with the lessons learned from the past and acquiring new talents, the Spurs are ready with a fresh start for the 2024-24 season.

Preseason Schedule

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Get ready for an action-packed preseason as the Spurs face off against some exciting opponents before the regular season. Here are the key dates, venues, opponents, and times as per the NBA.

Date and Day Opponents Time (CT)Venue
Monday, October 7vs Oklahoma City

 7:00 pm

Frost Bank Center
Wednesday, October 9vs Orlando Magic

7:00 pm

Frost Bank Center
Saturday, October 12vs Utah Jazz

7:00 pm

Frost Bank Center
Tuesday, October 15 @ Miami Heat

6:30 pm

Kaseya Center
Thursday, October 17@ Houston Rockets

7:00 pm

Toyota Center

These games will be critical for the team to build chemistry and fine-tune their strategies before the season opener.

San Antonio Spurs 2024-25 roster:

The Spurs’ roster for the upcoming season features a dynamic blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, poised to make a significant impact on the court. With stars like Victor Wembanyama leading the charge alongside key additions like Chris Paul, the team is set to compete at a higher level this year.

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Spurs' new lineup finally bring them back to their former glory days?

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PlayersPositionUniversity
Zach Collins Power ForwardGonzaga
Brandon Boston Jr.Guard/ForwardKentucky
Malachi FlynnPoint GuardWashington State, San Diego State
Harrison IngramSmall ForwardStanford, UNC
David Duke Jr.Shooting GuardProvidence
Sandro MamukelashviliPower ForwardSeton Hall
Charles BasseyCenterWestern Kentucky
Riley MinixSmall ForwardSoutheastern University, Morehead State University
Chris PaulPoint GuardWake Forest
Stephon CastlePoint GuardUConn
Blake WesleyShooting GuardNotre Dame
Devin VassellShooting GuardFlorida State
Sidy CissokoSmall Forward
Tre JonesPoint GuardDuke
Julian ChampagnieSmall ForwardSt. John’s
Harrison BarnesSmall ForwardUNC
Victor WembanyamaPower Forward
Keldon JohnsonPower Forward/Small ForwardKentucky
Malaki BranhamShooting GuardOhio State
Jeremy SochanPower ForwardBaylor

Spurs 2024-25 Depth Chart:

Explore how the Spurs’ depth chart showcases a well-rounded lineup, highlighting both established players and promising newcomers.

Note– (DD) indicates players with dual designations or multiple roles.

Position
Point GuradChris PaulTre JonesStephon Castle (DD)Malachi FlynnBlake Wesley
Shooting GuradDevin Vassell (DD)Stephon Castle  (DD)Malaki BranhamBlake WesleyJulian Champagnie
Small ForwardHarrison BarnesJulian ChampagnieDevin Vassell (DD)Keldon JohnsonStephon Castle (DD)
Power ForwardJeremy SochanKeldon JohnsonHarrison BarnesHarrison IngramSandro Mamukelashvili
CenterVictor WembanyamaZach CollinsSandro MamukelashviliCharles Bassey (DD)Jeremy Sochan

Offseason Changes:

By signing Chris Paul to a $12 million, one-year contract, the Spurs made a significant acquisition. Paul’s exceptional playmaking skills earned him the second spot in the league, boasting a remarkable 5.17 assist-to-turnover ratio. The team aimed to solve their turnover problems by acquiring this player, which caused them to rank 24th in that category during the 2023-24 season. The Spurs would see significant advantages from his leadership, both on and off the court, as they nurture their young players.

The trade involving DeMar DeRozan resulted in Barnes joining the team, strengthening their experience. By adding both Paul and Barnes to the roster, the Spurs aimed to create a winning culture to mentor their younger players in the NBA.

The Spurs didn’t stop at just veteran signings. Their draft pick, Stephon Castle, made waves by signing a four-year, $41.4 million contract. The Spurs saw the young guard as a valuable addition to their future plans, enhancing the backcourt with depth and talent. In addition, the team brought Juan Nunez and Harrison Ingram in the second round, strengthening their roster with promising young talent.

Perhaps one of the most strategic moves was acquiring the right to swap first-round picks with Sacramento in 2031. This not only added a valuable asset to their stockpile but also signified the Spurs’ long-term vision. With 10 tradable first-round picks over the next seven years, including unprotected picks from Atlanta in 2025 and 2027, the Spurs were well-positioned to make impactful moves in the future.

Spurs’ Head-to-Head Highlights

Battling the Lakers: A Historic Rivalry

Out of all the teams in the playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs have faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers the most, playing 56 games. The legendary rivalry started in 1982 and became one of the NBA’s most iconic matchups. Despite their intense battles, the Spurs have a playoff series record of 22-34. Every fiercely contested encounter highlights the significance of this rivalry in both teams’ legacies.

Dominance Over the Nets

In contrast, the Spurs have had a strong hold over the Brooklyn Nets, winning an impressive 74 games compared to the Nets’ 29. Over 103 regular-season games, the Spurs have maintained a remarkable 71.8% win percentage, consistently outperforming the Nets. San Antonio’s ability to adapt and excel against various opponents shows their dominance and strength in important matchups. The Spurs’ dominance over the Nets highlights their strategic brilliance and ability to capitalize on opportunities, solidifying their status as an elite NBA team.

Even Steven with the Trail Blazers

The Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers have had a long-standing rivalry. With a 109-98 record in 207 games, the Spurs have a slight edge. The intensity of their encounters is evident in this competitive balance, as both teams consistently push each other to their limits. The minimal point differential shows how evenly matched these two franchises have been over the years. Each game is a battle, and this rivalry reflects the spirit of competition in the NBA.

Season Forecast: A New Dawn for the Spurs

After a stellar rookie year with averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama as he gears up for the 2024-25 season and is expected to elevate his performance further.

Acquiring Chris Paul, the NBA’s active assist leader, is crucial for setting up Wembanyama’s success by getting him the ball in scoring positions. Adding veteran forward Harrison Barnes provides the Spurs with a reliable presence alongside returning starters like Jeremy Sochan. However, the knee injury to Devin Vassell means he won’t be available until November 4th, potentially causing difficulties at the start of the season.

Stephon Castle and UNC’s Harrison Ingram will strengthen the team and improve competitiveness. This young team seems prepared to make significant progress after finishing with only 22 wins last season. Can the Spurs transform their potential into a playoff run this year?

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