In Spurscast episode 632, Spurscast host Paul Garcia and Project Spurs writer Stephen Michael discuss the latest San Antonio Spurs topics:
- Rotations, the offense, and defense in the first two preseason games
- Observations on some players
- Notes and roster updates
Rotations
In the first preseason game against Utah, San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich used a starting lineup of Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson, Doug McDermott, and Jakob Poeltl.
Off the bench, he staggered the minutes of Murray and White, then had Bryn Forbes, Lonnie Walker IV, Devin Vassell, and Drew Eubanks as the second unit.
Stephen and I discuss if Murray and White will have their minutes staggered during the season to make sure one of them is always on the floor, or if this was because Tre Jones was out due to injury for the first two preseason games.
The Offense and Defense
In their first two preseason games, the Spurs are starting to get closer to modern basketball with an increase in 3-point volume and decrease in mid-range attempts.
Here are some early numbers from the Spurs’ first preseason games and last season:
% of shots in paint: 49% today vs 49% last season
% of shots from three: 37% today vs 31% last season
% of shots from mid-range: 14% today vs 20% last season
While it’s only been two preseason games, the shot selection of the team is something to keep an eye on considering the difference in 3-point scoring was the main weakness last season for the team.
The Spurs’ goal of playing faster was present in the game against Utah, but that wasn’t the case against Detroit with Murray out and new players in the lineups.
Stephen and I have a conversation about the pace and some of the offensive and defensive numbers the team is showing in preseason.
Individual Player Observations
Some players discussed in the episode from the preseason are Murray, Johnson, McDermott, Forbes, Walker IV, Eubanks, Vassell, Jock Landale, Josh Primo, and Luka Samanic.
Notes and Roster Updates
Zach Collins’ return to the court is discussed, as well as some roster updates the San Antonio Spurs made and will be making with regards to the Austin Spurs.
A Thaddeus Young-Phoenix Suns trade rumor is also explored in the episode.
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