9 Players the San Antonio Spurs held onto for too long

San Antonio Spurs, LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol
San Antonio Spurs, LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol | Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
9 of 9

1. Pau Gasol

Gasol is a Hall of Famer that helped the Lakers win two championships. He made six All-Star appearances and was one of the best big men of his generation. The seven-footer did not arrive in San Antonio until 2016, and the 36-year-old was already showing signs of decline, but the Spurs gave him a one year deal worth $15.5 million.

Gasol’s production declined further as he was the third option behind Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. His numbers slipped even further in the playoffs, but San Antonio reached the conference finals. It was an outstanding season and the excitement was high as Leonard was just entering his prime.

Pau Gasol landed a new three-year contract worth $48 million in the 2017 offseason, which quickly turned into a disaster for the Spurs. His minutes and production slipped further as Gasol could only play 18.0 each night in the playoffs. San Antonio was bounced in the first round, and they were forced to waive the seven-footer the following season as he struggled to stay healthy and productive.

The San Antonio Spurs should have never re-signed the Spanish big man, and they paid the price for doing so. Even they make the mistake of holding on too long, and it has cost them. Who will be the next player the Spurs just cannot quit? Stay tuned to find out.