Spurs game day scratches provides chance to test roster's character

Game day has finally arrived for the San Antonio Spurs. Though they won't have the full roster available, there is plenty to be excited about. Stephon Castle and Harrison Barnes will make their debut in a silver and black uniform, while Coach Pop will take the floor for his 29th season as the head coach in Alamo City.

There will be five preseason games, and OKC has to come to San Antonio for the first one. They'll be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, so SA won't be the only team without key pieces. That should even the playing field enough to allow for a competitive game, but that is going to be dependent on how the guys show up—their first test.

Spurs backups still need to compete to show they have the grit

Spurs teams of yesteryear are known for their poise, consistency, togetherness and determination. During the era of the Big 3, there were many games when several starters couldn't suit up. Most would believe they didn't stand a chance in the night's matchup, but that wasn't usually the case. The other guys would step up, and make their opponent sweat it out, sometimes coming away victorious.

You couldn't take the game for granted just because Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and/or Manu Ginobili weren't present. As long as Coach Pop had a bench with strong character to work with, he would get the most out of them. Those were very exciting games, and someone like Patty Mills might go off for 25 points. Matt Bonner might make it rain from deep. But most importantly, they played together.

When the Spurs released the report revealing the number of players who wouldn't be playing in the preseason opener, it was a little shocking. Everyone seems to be healthy, but it's only the preseason, so there's no need to worry. The cupboard isn't bare either.

They'll be undersized, but if they play for each other, play with energy and remember their fundamentals, they have a chance to make some noise against the Thunder. It would be nice to win the game, but a win is inconsequential right now.

What fans need to see is the same grit the players used to show when their guys were out. Stepping up was a point of pride, and they did it every single time. These games test the character of your roster, and the Spurs need to ace the opportunity.