The San Antonio Spurs have always been a respected franchise. Especially during the Tim Duncan era. However, things have changed since then. The team has struggled to make the playoffs the past few seasons. This summer, they lost DeMar DeRozan in a sign and trade deal and brought in a couple of role veteran players to help out. But this is a new era, with the team rebuilding around their young players Keldon Johnson and Dejounte Murray.
There are many statements being made about this year’s squad, but we’ve got you covered with our Fact or Fiction series. It features the biggest claims being made about the Spurs and gives you the answer with a decisive fact or fiction.
Make sure to check out all of our other Fact or Fiction articles.
Keldon Johnson will have a breakout year
The bright side of this rebuild is it will allow the young players to be loose. Like Keldon, for example. Johnson is coming off a good season with averages of 12.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He showed flashes of immense potential last season. For a young player, he has a high IQ and showed that with his backdoor cuts on the offensive end. This summer, he played a role in USA Basketball as they won gold in the Tokyo Olympics. Having that international experience is going to be huge for him and should help in his development as a player.
Verdict: Fact, Keldon will have a breakout year
The Spurs will make the playoffs
Prior to the 2020 season, the Spurs have made the playoffs 22 consecutive times. In that span, they won five NBA titles. The Spurs were always a tough out with the trio of Duncan, Manu Ginobli, and Tony Parker. However, it’s been difficult since those three left. The Spurs have missed the playoffs for two consecutive years, the first in the Gregg Popovich era. While the Spurs have some nice young talent, it’s going to be difficult seeing them back in the postseason. The Western Conference is deep and you need star power to make it to the playoffs. The Spurs don’t have that yet. So expect them to miss the postseason again.
Verdict: Fiction, The Spurs will miss the playoffs
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Gregg Popovich will retire after the season
Popovich has been coaching for over 24 years now. And he’s not getting younger at age 73. With five NBA titles and three coach of the year awards, he has nothing left to prove. Let’s not forget that he coached the USA basketball team to gold this summer. As the Spurs head into a rebuild, it may be time for him to hang it up after the season. The team is likely to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year. I can see Popovich finally retiring after the season. It’s possible that his assistant coach Becky Hammon will take over the reins from there. Regardless this could be the legendary coach’s last season.
Verdict: Fact, Popovich will retire after the season.
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