6 'Spurs culture' free agents that might suddenly want to sign with San Antonio

Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors and Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors and Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks / John Fisher/GettyImages
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No. 2: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors

One of the greatest needs for a team with a top-shelf rookie big man is a player who can get the ball to him, a point guard or point forward who will set his teammate up for success. It helps to accelerate their transition into the league and unlocks offensive heights a big cannot reach on their own. Anthony Davis was better for having Jrue Holiday; Deandre Ayton soared with the addition of Chris Paul.

Point guard is, right now, the greatest weakness in the Spurs' lineup. Tre Jones is an underrated player but ultimately a backup, and neither Malaki Branham nor Blake Wesley are true table-setters. Enter Fred VanVleet, who brings championship experience, plus passing and floor-spacing all in one.

VanVleet made the All-Star Game a season ago in his best season as a pro, but he has been a plus-starter for the Toronto Raptors for four-plus years now. The onetime undrafted free agent cut his teeth alongside Kyle Lowry and then took the reigns, but now hits unrestricted free agency with a chance to choose his own fate.

That could lead VanVleet to San Antonio to be the veteran point guard who helps Victor Wembanyama grow up into a dominant force. VanVleet appears to be a solid leader and was a finalist for the NBA's Twyman Stokes teammate of the year award in 2022. Could he become the teammate of the year for Wembanyama this summer?