Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary.
**San Antonio Spurs (SAS)**
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**The Basics:**
Current Win-Loss: 10-38
Last 10: 3-7
Record Against top ten teams: 1-15
Preseason Expected Wins: 30.5
Current Pace: 17-65
Power Ranking Tier: Hit the Clubs (F)
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**Team play:**
Offensive Rating: 109.4 (28th)
Defensive Rating: 117.9 (25th)
Net Rating: -8.3 (28th)
Pace: 102.3 (5th)
Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))
3: D. Vassell – T. Jones – V. Wembanyama
(3): D. Vassell – J. Sochan – V. Wembanyama
Net Rating: 16.7
(Net Rating): -1.1
Minutes played(529): 360
4: K. Johnson – D. Vassell – T. Jones – V. Wembanyama
(4): K. Johnson – D. Vassell – J. Sochan – V. Wembanyama
Net Rating: 22.9
(Net Rating): 1.4
Minutes Played(254): 122
5: K. Johnson – D. Vassell – T. Jones – J. Sochan – V. Wembanyama
(5): D. Vassell – T. Jones – J. Champagnie – J. Sochan – V. Wembanyama
Net Rating: 29.2
(Net Rating): 12.7
Minutes Played(129): 62
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**Three best players:**
Victor Wembanyama:
21 Points/ 10 Rebounds/ 3 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 3 Blocks 2pt%: 53.7% 3pt%: 30.1% Ft%: 80.9%
Victor Wembanyama’s debut season has positioned him as a transformative figure in the NBA, showcasing a remarkable blend of defensive prowess and evolving offensive skills. As the leading shot-blocker, Wembanyama has rapidly established himself as a good rim protector and great help defender, demonstrating an exceptional ability to guard both the perimeter and the paint, thanks to his quick rotations and towering presence. Offensively, his efficiency shines in close-range scoring, drawing fouls, and converting free throws, highlighting a promising foundation for a multifaceted offensive game. Despite this, his three-point shooting presents a peculiar contrast; while showing fairly good efficiency in pull-up threes, he struggles with wide-open and catch-and-shoot opportunities, indicating an area ripe for development. His decent ball-handling and emerging playmaking skills are tempered by a tendency to commit turnovers, a common hurdle for young talents adapting to the league’s pace and physicality. Wembanyama’s rookie season not only underscores his immediate impact, particularly in defensive metrics, but also sets the stage for a career with immense potential, marked by the need for refinement and growth in his offensive repertoire and decision-making on the court.
Devin Vassell:
18 Points/ 4 Rebounds/ 4 Assists/ 1 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 0 Blocks 2pt%: 55.7% 3pt%: 36.1% Ft%: 79.9%
Devin Vassell’s season with the San Antonio Spurs illuminates his role as a burgeoning all-around player, showcasing proficiency in shooting and an emerging presence in defensive play. Vassell’s offensive game is marked by efficient scoring across the court, with notable prowess in corner three-point shooting and catch-and-shoot scenarios. His growth as a three-point shooter is evident, contributing significantly to the Spurs’ offensive dynamic. Beyond shooting, Vassell demonstrates solid ball-handling skills, effectively minimizing turnovers, and exhibiting promising development as a playmaker, despite the Spurs’ fluctuating offensive leadership. On the defensive end, Vassell’s progress is tangible; his engagement and versatility have seen notable improvement, positioning him as a switchable and reliable defender. Although still in the early stages of his career, Vassell’s ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the court, coupled with his adaptability and growth mindset, positions him as a key component in the Spurs’ evolving roster and a player with the potential to shape his trajectory as a significant force in the league.
Keldon Johnson:
17 Points/ 6 Rebounds/ 3 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 0 Blocks 2pt%: 52.4% 3pt%: 33.8% Ft%: 77.9%
Keldon Johnson’s season with the San Antonio Spurs illustrates his role as a versatile forward, contributing significantly through a blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Offensively, Johnson demonstrates a strong inside game, effectively finishing at the rim with a commendable field goal percentage. His prowess in drawing contact and converting free throws adds a reliable dimension to his scoring. While his three-point shooting is below average, Johnson shows proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations, indicating potential for growth in perimeter shooting. As a ball-handler, he exhibits solidity, maintaining control and minimizing turnovers, paired with an evolving capacity as a playmaker. Defensively, Johnson possesses the physical attributes necessary for a robust defensive presence but has yet to fully harness his potential in this aspect. Despite showing improvement and promise, his defensive engagement and consistency require enhancement to match his offensive contributions. Johnson’s blend of offensive versatility and potential for defensive growth positions him as a valuable asset for the Spurs, with ample room for development and refinement to become a more impactful two-way player in the league.
Strength:
The San Antonio Spurs’ season highlights a strategic approach that, while not yet fully realized, lays the foundation for future potential. The team’s high pace of play, ranking among the fastest in the league, underscores a strategy focused on quick transitions and creating scoring opportunities through speed. This approach is complemented by a commendable proficiency in layup assists, indicating effective penetration and ball distribution in high-efficiency zones near the basket. The Spurs also showcase potential in player development, with emerging talents like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson contributing to the team’s offensive dynamics through scoring versatility and potential growth in playmaking. Despite facing a challenging season, the Spurs’ commitment to a fast-paced game and the cultivation of young talent reflect a strategic vision aimed at nurturing a competitive and cohesive team in the future.
Weaknesses:
The San Antonio Spurs’ season is marked by significant challenges that highlight areas requiring strategic attention and development. Offensively, the team struggles with efficiency, ranking low in overall offensive rating and facing difficulties in maintaining a consistent and effective scoring approach. Their execution in half-court plays, pick-and-roll execution, and off-ball movement often lacks fluidity and unpredictability, leading to a scoring approach that can seem one-dimensional and easy to counter. Defensively, the Spurs encounter substantial hurdles, with pronounced vulnerabilities in containing opponents’ three-point attempts, especially from the corners, and defending effectively against shots close to the rim. These defensive shortcomings are further highlighted by a high opponent pace and an inability to disrupt the offensive strategies of opposing teams effectively. As the Spurs navigate through this phase of rebuilding, addressing these offensive inefficiencies and defensive vulnerabilities will be pivotal in transforming their strategic vision into tangible progress and building a more competitive and cohesive team for future seasons.
Fun rating 3/6:
Despite the team’s challenges, such as the debatable strategy of assigning Jeremy Sochan to lead the offense, a roster that leaves much to be desired, and lineup choices that raise doubts about the maximization of Victor Wembanyama’s potential, there are still bright spots. Wembanyama, in particular, has proven to be a standout talent, showcasing extraordinary skills on both offense and defense that almost seem otherworldly. Observing opposing centers bringing their A-game when facing Wembanyama has provided some truly entertaining moments and highlights the unique impact he has on the game.
**The Future:**
Importance of season 1/5:
Over the past two seasons, the Spurs have strategically positioned themselves for Victor Wembanyama’s arrival. By exchanging most of their high-value players for draft picks and aligning their roster with Wembanyama’s timeline, they have laid a strong foundation for the future. With ample tax space and the addition of a generational talent like Wembanyama, the Spurs stand out from other teams that acquire a player of such caliber. They are uniquely poised to surround him with talent and build a competitive team around his exceptional skills.
Potential trades:
Upcoming Draft situation: 3 1st Rounders, Their own, Toronto’s top 6 protected, and Charlotte’s top 14 protected(likely protected). 2 2nd Rounders, Their own top 54 protected, and Laker’s.
Projected Tax Space: 52.9 Million
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**TLDR:**
Summary:
The San Antonio Spurs’ current season is a period of strategic positioning and potential growth, marked by a focus on developing young talent and a vision for the future centered around Victor Wembanyama. Despite a challenging win-loss record and lingering questions about lineup decisions and offensive strategies, the Spurs exhibit a fast-paced style and a potential in player development, particularly in talents like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson. However, they face significant hurdles, including offensive inefficiency and defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in perimeter defense and rim protection. The presence of Wembanyama, a generational talent, offers glimpses of extraordinary skill and entertainment, contributing to a fun rating despite the team’s struggles. With a considerable amount of tax space and an emphasis on aligning the roster with Wembanyama’s timeline, the Spurs have laid a solid foundation for future competitiveness. The upcoming season holds critical importance, with potential trades and draft picks poised to shape the team’s trajectory. The Spurs’ strategic decisions in the trade market and draft, combined with their young core’s development, will be pivotal in their journey towards becoming a more cohesive and formidable force in the league.
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**Project Notes:**
This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here
[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)
Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this
[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)
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**The future of this project:**
The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team
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I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles
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This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help
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**What I am looking for**
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**Storylines/notable events:**
A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season
A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions
A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor
A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.
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**Random interesting stats:**
These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch
A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year
Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year
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**Memes:**
These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team
Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference
Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera
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**Long long term goals:**
I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look like, and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. Also to talk about what schemes each teams run and when. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.
by DeficientFooting
