NBA Awards season and 2 other ripple effects of Morant suspension on Spurs

Play-In Potential

There is no question who San Antonio will select with the number one overall pick on Thursday night. They are going to get their guy in Victor Wembanyama. The next step is focusing on building a playoff and championship contender. Constructing a perennial powerhouse takes patience, but with the NBA Play-In Tournament, fringe teams have a chance to play meaningful games at the end of the season. The experience gained from participating in such games is only beneficial to long-term growth.

When rosters change and you are short your star player, the delicate thread of on-court continuity gets strained, making the uphill battle for victories even steeper. Ja Morant, known for his lightning-fast pace, fuels the Memphis offense, but his absence threatens to dampen their tempo, potentially rendering them more manageable in an always competitive Western Conference. For the Spurs, the possibility of securing a play-in position or coveted playoff spot becomes an exhilarating possibility, particularly after adding the electric talent of Wembanyama.