Good Morning everyone. I would like to welcome you to the San Antonio Spurs Preseason Presser. Like always we like to thank each and everyone of you for taking time out of your day to join us in discussing Spurs basketball. Let's get to it. Last season record wise wasn't the best but that season was a evaluation period. We wanted to see what we had moving forward with our franchise. We found out a lot of things about this roster that we really liked during this evaluation. We found out that Dexter Aguilar can score a ton and get to the line. We found out that even tho our ROY Lugo had a bad camp that he still can ball. Jeff Bower did some things we really liked last season. Tua, Beau, and Newman also did some great things too. The one thing I really liked last season is this team enjoyed playing with each other. Cohesion was great even tho talent level according to the index was at bad. These guys know that becoming great doesn't happen over night and that it takes time and hard work and dedication. They have been busting their butts to become great. We are going to keep our guys focused as always and hope that they keep their eye on the prize.
Last season ended in another losing season. 2nd worst record in the league. We ended up with the 1st overall pick and had a decision to make, trade back or draft another guard. It was a tough decision but we went with drafting James Eldred who soon after wanted to legally change his name to Bryce Dejean-Jones. We liked his skill set and couldn't pass on him even tho the night before we almost pulled the trigger on a trade to move back. We were glad to have him here but had a problem, a good one though, too many guards on our team. Knowing we were going to bring back Beau we were open to moving Dexter. We were close but eventually it didn't pan out and he returned to our team. He knew about the talks we had with the Nets and told us he would be happy either way. He said he loves being in San Antonio but knows it's a business. After RFA we added a few free agents and prepared our team for camp. Camp was good this year but we as a organization felt it could have been better. Not because we felt it wasn't enough but only because we don't want our guys to get comfortable and slack off. We are hoping this season this team can turn the corner and get back to post season we know we aren't a championship caliber yet but getting to the post season would be a nice start. Oh and I am curious to see what tennis star turned NBA player Novak Djokovic do this season. He's excited about the opportunity to play basketball. With that said if there are any questions feel free to ask and we will answer to the best of our ability.
garbageman wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 12:36 pm
What starting 5 should we expect to see on opening night?
That is a good question as of now
Beau
Dex
Tua
Danforth
Silva
but it's subject to change. we could even split minutes with everyone. may not look good when looking at individual stats but may be enough to help the team be efficient when the 2nd unit is out there. hopefully that answered your question.
With 3 talented young point guards on the roster in Dejean-Jones, Newman, and Agustin, are there plans to trade one of them for an upgrade at power forward?
Xist2Inspire wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 12:40 pm
With so many players up for new deals in the immediate future, what kind of results are you expecting to see, from whom, and when?
I am looking to see what Tua can provide for us this season. He will be probably playing the most minutes he has played as spur this season. He has a great skillset but lacking in the stamina department. I am hoping he could be something special this season. the other guy I want to see what he brings to the team is Silva. He's in his 2nd season and we basically res shirted him because he simply wasn't ready. I think he will have a good season and produce at the center position.
Wombataholic wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 12:55 pm
With 3 talented young point guards on the roster in Dejean-Jones, Newman, and Agustin, are there plans to trade one of them for an upgrade at power forward?
We eventually will have to part ways with one of the 3. That's just the nature of SLOE. Plus there wont be enough playing time for those 3 guys. What we get in return when that day comes could be anything. PF is a need but picks are always good too. Never thought I would have 3 potentially great PGs on my team at the same time.
false9 wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 2:36 pm
Former rookie of the year Paul Lugo seems to have taken a step back. Does he have a future with the team beyond this season?
It depends on how he performs this season. If he can show us flashes of what he did his rookie season he will have a chance to return to the team.
JNR wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 2:47 pm
GWR: The oldest person on your squad is 26. Who do you expect to step up as a leader on the team?
I would say right now that person would have to be Dexter Aguilar. He's stepped his game up every season and he is a lead by example guy. I think he will be leader of the team this season.
Soundwave wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 3:17 pm
If you had to pick one, what is the most important single attribute or skill of any lone player on your team?
Strength. Learned that attribute was important from watch Don Reid handle our Spurs teams in the past.