Spurs veteran already looks washed just a quarter into the season

The San Antonio Spurs brought back Bismack Biyombo in the offseason, but the 33-year-old big man looks to be done as an NBA player. Even with Victor Wembanyama out, Biyombo is out of the rotation. He has played just 3.5 minutes total in the last 13 games, including 11 DNPs. The writing has been on the wall for a while. The Spurs want to contend, and Biyombo is simply not helping.

The Spurs have playing time available at the five. Wemby hasn’t suited up since Nov. 14 because of a calf injury. San Antonio is starting Luke Kornet in his place and using Kelly Olynyk as the backup big man. The team is 5.1 points per 100 possessions worse with Olynyk on the floor this season, but head coach Mitch Johnson is not using Biyombo in his place.

The numbers are even worse in Biz’s small sample on the floor. This is looking like it could be the end of the line for the veteran big man. He is in his 15th NBA season, but will need to make a massive improvement to get a shot at 16.

Bismack Biyombo looks absolutely washed so far this season

The 6’8 center averages 0.4 points and 0.9 rebounds in 6.9 minutes per game so far this season. He has appeared in seven of the first 19 contests. Biyombo has played more than ten minutes in a game just twice. There is absolutely no trust in him, and for good reason.

San Antonio has been outscored by 23 points in his 48 minutes on the floor this season. That includes being a minus-14 in the only game where he has appeared for more than 12 minutes. The team loses his minutes whenever he is in the game.

The Spurs have a negative-20.6 net rating with him on the floor. They are 26.9 points per 100 possessions better in the minutes Biyombo is on the bench. He rates well below league average by win shares per 48 minutes and has produced a negative-0.5 value over replacement player (VORP) over his last 75 games. The veteran is not helping his team win, which is a problem for the Spurs.

San Antonio has exceeded expectations in the first quarter of the season. They are battling for a top-six spot in the Western Conference and a guaranteed playoff spot. It looks like every game will matter, so the Spurs can’t afford to put Biyombo on the floor.

The San Antonio Spurs should be looking to improve their roster before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Bismack Biyombo could be sent packing if they find the right move. The Spurs are unlikely to take a massive swing, but they could upgrade on the margins in hopes of making a playoff run for the first time since 2017.

This is just the start of the Wemby era, but windows close quickly in the NBA. The Spurs should try to maximize the now, which likely means sending a washed Biyombo packing.