Sneaky perfect backup big available for Spurs to steal from rival this summer

The Spurs too often gave up 140 points in a game this past season. The way to fix that is to move back towards playing “old school” NBA basketball, not this free-ranging, shoot from anywhere on the court type of hoops that is played today.

They’ve got a few defenders on every level who can help with those problems. Stephon Castle looks like he'll be a shutdown-type defender on the perimeter as his career progresses.

Chris Paul, although older, still can play quality defense. Jeremy Sochan is one of the best wing defenders in the league and provides versatility for the team. Victor Wembanyama, at nearly 7’5”, changes the game on the defensive end entirely.

The starting unit, when fully healthy, should be able to slow teams down, but the second unit’s ability to stop opposing teams raises questions.

Silver and Black Nation clamored for defensive options in the second unit, specifically down low, after Victor Wembanyama went down for the season. The answer is simple in free agency this offseason.

The Spurs need to sign Steven Adams

San Antonio tried Charles Bassey as the backup center. He can’t stay healthy. Sandro Mamukelashvili provided minutes off the bench when called upon, but that’s likely his best role as a Spur, not seeing 20 minutes per game. The team signed Bismack Biyombo as a free agent towards the end of the season, and he played admirably, but there’s a reason he was still available when the Spurs signed him.

The team also continues to need veterans to help mold this young core into consistent winners playing quality basketball. Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul provided that this past season, and it helped the team win 12 more games than the previous year.

Steven Adams, the veteran of 11 NBA seasons, provides both leadership as well as a post presence on the second unit. Never one to shy away from conflict, the seven-footer from New Zealand is an intimidating presence on the court, with sleeve tattoos and long hair, and a beard, and his physical style imitates his presence.

The veteran has averaged 8 rebounds per game over his career and averaged double-digit rebounds per game in his last two healthy seasons. He’s worn down a bit as he’s getting older, which is to be expected, and a role off the bench would benefit him.

Adams is a leader. He’s a player who’s widely respected around the league and is influential in the locker room. Look at what his presence did for the rival Rockets this season, vaulting them into the playoffs.

Aquaman may not be the sexy free agent signing for a team looking to climb the ranks back to national relevancy, but he’s the right one. Signing Adams shores up the second unit, which will lead to quality basketball across the entire 48 minutes, not just spurts of the game.

The Spurs have pulled the proper strings during this rebuild; it’s time to continue that success into this second phase and sign Adams once he becomes available after the Rockets are eliminated from the playoffs.