Post by George Gervin on Nov 20, 2021 1:54:11 GMT
Another year in the books for the Spurs, and the team continues its upward trajectory after an eventful 2020-21 season. We secured the 4th seed in the West -- a three seed improvement from last year-- and our matchup with the Sacramento Kings yielded the most exciting opening round playoff series this year. While it didn't end as we hoped, it was an illuminating experience for our Front Office. To that end, we initiated significant roster upheaval shortly after the season's conclusion to ensure we were better positioned going forward. Out the door was our 2020 lottery selection, Patrick Williams; our main 2020 offseason FA addition, Tobias Harris; the second of our 2018 lottery selections, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; and the first major 2021 offseason acquisition, Karl Anthony-Towns, for two All-NBA stalwarts -- Kawahi Leonard and Anthony Davis -- to join forces with Luka Doncic in forming arguably the League's most formidable trio. This may surprise our fans with these win-now moves, but having an MVP level candidate still on his rookie contract necessitates urgency in taking advantage of adding superstar talent to fold while having such cap flexibility.
For the 2021 draft, the Spurs had a solitary 2nd round draft pick which, in light of our other moves, was made on a more ready wing with a penchant for defensive stardom in the SEC.
In addition to drafting Jones in the second round, we have signed two other versatile rookie wings -- Marcus Garrett of Kansas and Aaron Henry of Michigan State -- to three year contracts in an effort to add more depth on the perimeter and ensure we have multiple defensive options to rotate throughout the season in today's wing heavy game.
For the 2021 draft, the Spurs had a solitary 2nd round draft pick which, in light of our other moves, was made on a more ready wing with a penchant for defensive stardom in the SEC.
- Herb Jones - F, University of Alabama. With the 42nd selection in the 2021 draft, the Spurs watched a lively, defensively active and versatile wing fall into their laps. A decorated four year player in the SEC, with two league Player of the Year distinctions (Overall and Defense in the 2020 season), multiple All-SEC teams, and watch list recognition nationally, Jones was the epitome of the college player who improved steadily year after year. Upon entering college, Jones made his mark defensively with active hands (1.3 SPG), timing (0.6 BPG) and clear impact on that end (4.7 DBPM and 1.4 WS) on a team with several other decorated recruits, like eventual lottery picks Colin Sexton and Kira Lewis. Over the years at Bama, his role continued to expand and his game improved significantly culminating in a Senior season stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 11 PTS, 6.6 RPG (including 2.5 offensive boards), 3.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 1.1 BPG and a team leading 8.7 BPM and 3.9 WS. For our franchise, while we don't expect Jones start given the talent in our starting 5, we do expect him to provide tremendous versatility, defensive intensity and energy, and all around play off our bench. As a 23 yr old, we don't anticipate a steep learning curve for Jones and he should be more than capable of holding his own, night to night, taking on tough defensive assignments and bolstering our individual and team defensive schemes. Jones certainly has items we hope he improves - chiefly his shooting - but playing alongside several superstars who can create for themselves and others, a smart player like himself should be able to capitalize offensively while exerting significant energy on the defensive end parlaying his elite timing and anticipation into real impact for our franchise.
In addition to drafting Jones in the second round, we have signed two other versatile rookie wings -- Marcus Garrett of Kansas and Aaron Henry of Michigan State -- to three year contracts in an effort to add more depth on the perimeter and ensure we have multiple defensive options to rotate throughout the season in today's wing heavy game.