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Quincy Pondexter hoped to join the San Antonio Spurs since his draft

By Dylan Carter

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Quincy Pondexter #3 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the rebound against the New York Knicks on February 24, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Quincy Pondexter #3 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the rebound against the New York Knicks on February 24, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It was a long and treacherous road to the San Antonio Spurs for guard/forward Quincy Pondexter, who signed with the team this past offseason.

Character comes first for the world-renowned San Antonio Spurs. Before even considering a player to fit with their organization, the brain trust of coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford must gauge the authenticity and spirit of an individual. Players that cause distractions from the team and stir up controversy off the court have no place under Pop’s guidance.

The high moral quality and versatility of forward Quincy Pondexter ultimately landed him a roster spot in the Alamo City after nine years venturing elsewhere. Selected with 26th pick of the first round in the 2010 NBA Draft, Pondexter has been a journeyman of sorts.

After an elongated stay in Memphis, a few injury-ridden seasons in New Orleans and a short stint in Chicago, Pondexter has finally settled with the team he desired all along. In an interview highlighting his medical journey through seven knee surgeries and a potentially fatal skin infection, Pondexter revealed his long-term desire to land in San Antonio.

“Even before I got drafted, I really wanted to be a Spur; It took me until my 9th year to finally become one. Bruce Bowen is from Fresno, California and is someone I’ve really looked up to and to see him win championships and be part of something so special, I always wanted to be part of such a world class organization.

Playing for Coach Popovich is a dream come true. From the GM in R.C. and ownership all the way down to our ball boys and the people that work for our player development staff, it’s been one heck of an organization and I love every single bit of it.”

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Pondexter plays only 5.8 minutes per game, averaging 2 points and one rebound per contest but provides an energy and personality that brings the team together. He’s willing to take a backseat to younger and more skilled players but is also prepared to give maximum effort whenever called upon.

More so than anything else, Pondexter is a live example of the influence of willpower in the modern NBA. No matter that hardships these players face in the weeks ahead, they’ll know that they’re backed by an experienced and dedicated staff in San Antonio that’ll assure their personal success going forward.

Similarly to Bruce Bowen, Pondexter can be considered a Swiss Army Knife with a firm concentration on winning. Learning that Bowen provided inspiration to a young Pondexter at the foundation of his basketball career can be relatable for all of the fans who grew up with hoop dreams after years of watching their Spurs dominate.

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He’s not the most effective player in expanded minutes, but Quincy Pondexter is a true embodiment of the Spurs way for his dedication and love for his craft.

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