3 Ways the NBA In-Season Tournament Impacts the Spurs Next Season

2023 NBA Summer League - San Antonio Spurs v Portland Trail Blazers
2023 NBA Summer League - San Antonio Spurs v Portland Trail Blazers / Allen Berezovsky/GettyImages
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2.) High-Intensity Basketball

With every group stage game counting toward tournament qualification, expect some high-intensity basketball. It's not clear how much players will be invested in this tournament, but it's hard to see any of them passing on the opportunity to earn a half-million dollar bonus. These matchups could have a similar atmosphere as playoff basketball.

With the Spurs missing the playoffs for the last four seasons, a taste of playoff basketball could be a significant motivator for the roster to put their best foot forward in the In-Season Tournament. Only a handful of San Antonio's current players have any playoff experience, and this could be their chance to play meaningful games.

This tournament will also be one of the first real tests for Victor Wembanyama. While he had regular-season success and playoff experience with Metropolitans 92, this will give him a better idea of the high-intensity competition the league can produce. The first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft has been under the microscope, and everyone will be watching how he responds to this challenge.