With a 17th championship as a basketball organization in the NBA annuls, the Spurs have meditated over the summer with renewed spirit after a 12th consecutive title run victory and shrewdly structured a Larry O'Brien trophy-worthy squad. Ingeniously, Coach Pop & GM Buford selected Devin Vassell out of Florida State. He's a defensive-savvy, hustle-driven 19 year-old 6'7" SG/SF with a good head on his shoulders, a valiant work ethic and an eye for the ball. "I think I'll fit in great in San Antonio. The vets have been so welcoming toward me. I'm thrilled and truly blessed."
"It's just my way. I try to play with as much energy as possible on the court, to hopefully inspire that effort in my teammates so we can make things happen to get a win." The selection of Vassell fills a hole, as well, with Kent Bazemore not returning to the team and the Spurs having lacked a quality two-way backup wing player in recent years after ephemeral prosperity courtesy of Joe Harris & Bazemore, with Rudy Gay being a far-gone memory.
His three-ball is more proficient than that of Samanic, with the Nets receiving a better rebounder in Samanic who'll likely get more minutes than he would with the Spurs by backing up The Slim Reaper, Kevin Durant.
Both players have defensive deficiencies, but it seemed that Samanic had plateaued to a degree, trying to fill that SF/PF conundrum that the Spurs have solved by nabbing Kurucs & Vassell, as mentioned above. It also frees up the defensive stalwart, P.J. Tucker, to strictly play the wing position behind Evan Fournier at the 3.
Kurucs has a smooth deadeye from 3PT territory and athletic prowess around the rim, set to likely benefit from Dejounte Murray's stellar playmaking. For the Nets during the injury-plagued period after acquiring Kyrie Irving & Kevin Durant, Kurucs even saw time at the five spot, giving a fun task to the earnest Latvian.
Returning to the defending dynasty is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was once acquired then traded away by the Spurs in years past, but dazzled in his return last season, quickly becoming a keeper in the front office's wise eye on a 2 year, 20 million deal using the full mid-level exception. KCP's defensive nature is what allured San Antonio originally and he makes a fine duo with Fred VanVleet, never allowing the other team to get comfortable.
Mike Muscala, the reserve stretch five, is also returning to the Spurs, whose shooting ability off the bench earned him favor with the fanbase, proving his worth when tasked with taller opposition that can be burdensome for VanVleet due to his occasional height disadvantage.
Lastly, the Spurs have decided to make a second reunion with Skal Labissiere. The tall, versatile mid-range threat, acquired from the Sacramento Kings years ago, saw plenty of promise in his first tenure with the Spurs. He got a nicer contract, deservedly so, but injuries cost him a role over the years since leaving Texas.
"I still love the kid. His heart is tremendous. We worked with him very well the first time around, but this league has a cyclical nature to it at times. We're happy to have him back and work with him some more. Hopefully the injury bug lost his return address, but that's part of this game we love," Coach Pop spoke highly of Labissiere, who is still just 24 years old with ample chance to excel under Popovich's tutelage.
His effort was never in doubt during the first run, on both ends. The 6'11" Haitian talent, and proud of it, can get you a block in a close game, hit a 3PTer on the fast break and smash down a dunk. He always had a smooth floater and hook shot in the paint, as well, with a reliable mid-range jumper that will stretch out the defense.
With the 76ers, Lakers (last season's runner-up) and Warriors gunning more fiercely than ever for San Antonio's crown, this will be a season to remember, with history on the line as the Spurs stand the chance to topple the Lakers and Celtics, respectively three-way tied with 17 championships as the most successful titans of basketball. Heroes of the hardwood, the Spurs are aiming to make the utmost history come June.