What to Expect From Newly Acquired Spurs
By George Middleton
The San Antonio Spurs have had a busy offseason, for good reason. They had a quiet draft as they drafted Nikola Milutinov and Cady Lalanne. There was some extra fireworks for Spurs fans on July 4, when
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LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to sign with the Spurs. The four-year $80 million contract became official on July 9. On July 6, free-agent
David Westagreed to sign with the Spurs. The Spurs capped off their moves by trading a future second-round pick to Sacramento for
Ray McCallum.
Next: LaMarcus Aldridge
Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97 – 82 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
LaMarcus Aldridge is without question one of the best players in the league. He has made the all-star game four straight seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 29 year-old is certainly in his prime, heading into his 10th season. Aldridge averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. He is the only player in the NBA to have averages of at least 23 points and 10 rebounds in the past two seasons.
Next: LaMarcus Aldridge Makes The Spurs Favorites to Win It All
Expect Aldridge to put up around 20 points and 10 rebounds in a much deeper Spurs team. He will dominate when he needs to, but his production will dip in minuscule manner. Aldridge makes the Spurs the favorite to win it all.
Next: David West
Mar 7, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward
Jason Smith(14) defends Indiana Pacers forward David West (21)during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Unlike Aldridge, David West is certainly not in his prime. He will likely come off the bench, as Aldridge and Tim Duncan will start up front. The 34-year old isn’t the two-time all-star type of player he was in 2008-09, but he will be a terrific bench player. West averaged 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and a career high 3.4 assists.
Next: David West Signs With Spurs
West brings two things that don’t show up on any stat sheets: toughness and experience. West is a 12-year veteran, who has played in 72 playoff games. His postseason averages are 15.6 points and 7.4 rebounds. West should average around 10 points and 6 rebounds this season.
Next: Ray McCallum
April 5, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ray McCallum (3) dribbles the basketball during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Sleep Train Arena. The Jazz defeated the Kings 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Ray McCallum is a perfect replacement for Cory Joseph, who signed with the Toronto Raptors. The 24-year old guard averaged 7.4 points and 2.8 assists with the Sacramento Kings last season. When Darren Collison went down with a core muscle injury, McCallum had his moments similarly to Joseph when Tony Parker was out. McCallum averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 assists in 30 starts.
Next: Ray McCallum Will Help Spurs
McCallum is 6″3, 190-pounds the same body size as Joseph. He is at his best slashing to the basket. McCallum will be a good fit for the Spurs as he can come in with sharpshooter Patty Mills, who can play off the ball. Expect McCallum to have a solid role with Parker getting older and if Parker misses games, he will likely start. Getting McCallum was a fabulous move for the Spurs, as they only lost a future second-round pick.
Next: Jonathon Simmons
Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Jonathan Simmons (16) is fouled by New York Nicks forward
Thanasis Antetokounmpo(43) while shooting during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The move that came out of nowhere was when the Spurs signed Jonathon Simmons. The deal is a two-year veteran’s minimum deal. Simmons is a 6″6 shooting guard that can shoot and defend. The 25-year old shot 40% from three with the Austin Spurs last season. He averaged 15.2 points and 3.7 assists.
Next: Who Is Jonathon Simmons?
In two summer leagues for the Spurs, Simmons is averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. In three games with the Brooklyn Nets summer league team, he averaged 12 points and 4.7 rebounds. Simmons has his chance to fill the void left when Marco Belinelli chose to sign with the Sacramento Kings. It is likely that Simmons will be at the end of the bench, but he will be ready when his number is called.