After losing in the play-in tournament game the other night, the San Antonio Spurs have an interesting off-season.
They need to decide in what direction they are heading for.
The Spurs have been a middle of the road team the past few years after decades of success.
It is now time to think about a full rebuild.
For two straight seasons, the Spurs are not making the playoffs.
That has never happened in their entire existence.
Two consecutive non-playoff seasons for the San Antonio Spurs … which has never happened.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 20, 2021
They thought their future was in Kawhi Leonard‘s gigantic hands, but that didn’t happen.
Then they thought trading for Demar DeRozan would keep them still as a contender.
Sadly, everything has not worked in their favor.
It is time to make adjustments.
1. Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay is probably a name that people have forgotten about.
Once touted as a potential all-star, he has now found himself as the scoring veteran off the bench.
Gay has the potential of helping out numerous contending teams.
He averaged 11.4 points per game and has played in over 60 games the last three seasons.
Luckily, he is a free agent this off-season.
It is time for the Spurs to look at players like, Keldon Johnson and Trey Lyles, to take those Rudy Gay minutes.
He has definitely been serviceable in his time with the Spurs, but it time for him to move on to a contender.
2. Demar Derozan
The former four-time all-star is heading towards free agency this off-season.
Demar DeRozan has been the team’s best player the last few seasons, but it is time for the
Spurs to move on.
Demar has still been a good scorer in this league, averaging 21.6 points per game this season.
However, his lack of a three point shot is still hindering his teams.
In his three seasons with the Spurs, he has never averaged more than 1.2 three pointers attempts per game.
Despite the flaws, teams would love to have his services.
In fact, there have been rumors of one team already.
Anonymous executive believes trio of Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan could work on Wizards: https://t.co/LZsv8d2iJl
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) May 20, 2021
He is on the course of leaving the Spurs, which seems like it is needed for both sides.
The Spurs need to reset fully and move forward with the young talent around them.
Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, and Derrick White are here for the future.
Then maybe some good draft picks down the line can come their way.
The Spurs are ready to look forward rather than the past.
Honorable Mention: Coach Pop
The most consistent fixture for the Spurs has always been head coach, Gregg Popovich.
He has been the head coach for the Spurs since the 1996-97 season and has won five titles with the organization.
However, it might be time for him to walk away.
We just simply do not know what his next move is.
There have been rumors every off-season of his retirement once the big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili all left.
He is 72 years old and has been at this for a very long time.
This year might be it for Coach Pop.
