21 Reasons for Spurs Fans to be thankful despite rough year

17. Point Thad.

I'm not sure anyone would've predicted a 6-8 power forward being third on the Spurs in assists through 15 games, but here we are. One of the biggest improvements Thaddeus Young showed in Chicago last year was his ability to distribute the ball, and that's continued in San Antonio.

It's becoming routine for the Spurs to give the ball to Young at the top of the key as the rest of the team runs various motions. It's paying off with backdoor cuts and nice finds from the talented veteran, and it's also just fun to watch.

18. New City Edition drinkware to cope with the pain.

As someone who tries to objectively write about the Spurs while also being a fan, I know firsthand how much of a struggle this season has been. Any time your team isn't playing well, it can be tough to watch. Luckily, there's some fancy new drinkware to hold some of that necessary wine.

You can find the collection on the Spurs' official fan shop online, spursfanshop.com.

19. DeMar DeRozan is getting the attention he always deserved.

It might be bittersweet to some, but the success DeMar DeRozan has had this season has been nothing short of a joy. Through 18 games played, his Chicago Bulls are third in the Eastern Conference with a 12-6 record while he's having a stellar year.

DeMar has even mixed in some 3-pointers this season, making 16 of his first 45 attempts for a 35.6% mark. He's also getting some MVP consideration and talk from the national media that seemed to have forgotten he existed while he was in San Antonio.

20. This Moment from Manu Ginobili.

Manu Ginobili is one of the most popular people in San Antonio and will forever be a treasure to the city. Beyond his new role as an advisor to the Spurs, he's been working on his post-basketball hobbies and often shares his adventures online.

Cycling has become Manu's new love, and he recently made an appearance at a San Antonio park for their ribbon-cutting ceremony. After shaking hands with the city's Parks and Recreation mascot, Parker the Texas Red Oak, he wasn't exactly sure how to address him.

Keep being you, Manu.

21. The Spurs' Future is bright.

I think it's safe to say this season is officially a rebuilding one, but that doesn't mean we all need to get used to it. San Antonio should have a high draft pick, have a rising Devin Vassell, and will likely give increased roles to Joshua Primo and possibly Jock Landale in the future.

The Spurs also have Dejounte Murray steadily improving to All-Star status, will have more cap room than most teams this summer, and have a nice collection of picks in upcoming drafts.

While it will take time to fully rebuild into a full-fledged contender, I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs are back to playing above .500 basketball as soon as next season.