The San Antonio Spurs suffered a huge blow on Wednesday morning, as the news broke that Chip Engelland would be departing the franchise for an assistant coach opportunity with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Often praised as the best shooting coach in the NBA, Engelland helped medium to subpar shooters like Kawhi Leonard, Bruce Bowen, and Tony Parker turn into more-than-capable shooters during his 17-year tenure.
ESPN Sources: The Oklahoma City Thunder are hiring Chip Engelland as an assistant coach. Engelland, considered the NBA's preeminent shooting coach, spent 17 years with the Spurs where he's considered to have had an immense impact on Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, among others.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 27, 2022
As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, Engelland has been one of the league's highest-paid assistant coaches for a long time, but the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract.
The loss of Engelland comes at a time in which the Spurs finally embraced a total rebuild by making major roster moves and drafting three first-round rookies they intend to keep on the roster. This development could especially hurt San Antonio's development of Jeremy Sochan, who has all the makings of a terrific NBA player besides a reliable jump shot.
Spurs fans react appropriately to the unfortunate news
Understandably, fans of the Silver and Black weren't happy with the news.
— Angelo (Pain.) (@AGLR_23) July 27, 2022
How could we allow this to happen? pic.twitter.com/RzKJRx9tOF
— I-10 Aggie (@ginobilifor3) July 27, 2022
— Chris Dick (@chrisnotadick) July 27, 2022
WE LOST HIM TO THE OTHER TANKING TEAM?!? https://t.co/ORAg4zSeZ8 pic.twitter.com/B14wcDyjTt
— Chris (@Chris_ApTx) July 27, 2022
Less revenue means you have to cut costs somewhere. I’m not a fan of where they did it. Chip has been here almost as long as Pop and RC. He deserved to tell the organization when he was done. https://t.co/yIWne37jhR
— Jobes! (@jobes44) July 27, 2022
This is undoubtedly a huge loss for the Spurs in both the short and long term. For the most part, they've been near the top or at least in the top half in the league in 3-point shooting throughout Chip's tenure in San Antonio. Now, he moves onto a franchise that finished dead last in that category last season.
Don't be surprised if Engelland is able to transform Josh Giddey into an All-Star as soon as next season -- he really is that good. Meanwhile, the Spurs' front office will have yet another huge hole to fill as they continue their rebuild.