San Antonio Spurs: Re-evaluating 9 Offseason Moves
By Cal Durrett
The San Antonio Spurs are officially a quarter of the way through the 2021-22 NBA season, and fans now have a much better idea of how this year will ultimately play out. The Spurs struggled early on, following an offseason that saw significant roster turnover. Fortunately, a recent four-game winning streak has put them within shouting distance of the play-in tournament.
With San Antonio now apparently hitting their stride, it's worth revisiting the team's free agency moves. I previously ranked the Spurs' offseason in September, but with a quarter of the season now in the books, how do their moves in free agency look in retrospect? Let's take a closer look.
9. Spurs sign Bryn Forbes to a one-year deal
The decision to sign Bryn Forbes to a contract in free agency upset many Spurs fans. Months later, those feelings likely haven’t changed. Even despite Forbes playing a smaller-than-expected role, he's still having a negative impact on the team, as evidenced by a -12.7 net rating. Worse yet, he's taking minutes away from younger guards who could actually help the team like Tre Jones, and rookie Joshua Primo.
Forbes does provide some value as an off-the-bench sharpshooter and is currently shooting 41.8% from three. On the other hand, he's also a terrible defender, which often counteracts the offensive benefits of playing him. Therefore, the decision to bring him back is still the Spurs' worst offseason move, especially considering they knew what to expect after his previous stint.
8. Spurs draft Joe Wieskamp 41st overall
Joe Wieskamp hasn’t had much of a chance to prove himself in the NBA since being drafted 41st overall. Fortunately, he has the NBA G League to try and make an impression. He's been solid if unspectacular there, but his shooting ability at least gives him the potential to develop into a rotation-worthy sharpshooter.
With few second-round picks ever actually panning out, the Spurs at least selected a player with a chance to stick in the NBA. Therefore, Wieskamp is still the wise selection in retrospect.