Despite the Spurs being 1-13 in their last 14 games, there are some standout players that could keep fans watching during the teams lowest points.
By: Lucas Oliva I Nov. 29, 2022
Keldon Johnson knocks down the far wing three-pointer. (Photo by Reginal Thomas II/San Antonio Spurs)
Honorable Mention: Keldon Johnson
Keldon has seen a big jump in statistical production so far this season, while still remaining efficient on his shot attempts. What keeps him off of the top three things to be looking for however, is that we saw some of this production to end the season last year with Dejounte out due to injuries. This isn’t to take away from the kind of season Keldon has put together for himself, it’s more that it’s something most of the fanbase expected from him. On top of that he’s also had a slower stretch of games which is really just him struggling to knock down good looks. So to make this top three a bit more interesting, we’re gonna go deeper than the easy answer!
Doug McDermott mentors Devin Vassell on offensive rotations after a missed play. (Photo by Reginald Thomas II/San Antonio Spurs)
1. Devin Vassell
2022-2023 statistics (16 Games) - 20.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 42% 3FG, 1.6 TO
Odds are Devin Vassell is the most obvious answer to players that need eyes on them with how they’re playing. Coming into the season, most expected Vassell to take a jump in points, but the craziest part is that Vassell has bumped up his point total by 8 while also shooting a career-high 42% from long distance and 46% from the field. All this while still being one of the better perimeter defenders on a Spurs team that sorely lacks a strong defensive presence outside of Jakob Poeltl. Devin Vassell is beginning to show that he can be the second option on a championship team, and that he holds a strong case for being the best player San Antonio has to their name. Pitting him and Keldon with a top 5 pick in this year's draft has the Spurs in an incredible position moving forward to say the least.
Jakob Poeltl finishes the play calling for an and-1 foul. (Photo by Reginald Thomas II/San Antonio Spurs)
2. Jakob Poeltl
2022-2023 statistics (20 Games) - 12.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 BPG, 64% FG
Jakob Poeltl continues to be a player in the league who doesn’t receive his flowers. While his scoring and blocks are down a bit from last year, Jakob has had a career year in rebounding, assisting and efficiency. He’s the only player San Antonio has that can really be considered an elite defender, and one can only imagine what the Spurs’ 30th ranked defense would look like without him. While he isn’t the most electrifying player, the reason that all Spurs fans should keep their eyes on him is because of how big of a name he’s become in the trade market. Poeltl is on the last year of his team friendly deal, and there are a couple of different teams that could greatly benefit from a defensive minded big who can also do his fair share of scoring. Recently, teams such as the Warriors and Celtics have been said to be interested. If the Spurs are all in on Wembanyama, cashing in on Jakob could make a lot of sense now that his value is at its peak.
Romeo Langford forces a deflection from the hands of Devonte Graham. (Photo by Reginald Thomas II/San Antonio Spurs)
3. Romeo Langford
2022-2023 statistics - Really Good Defense (and very underwhelming offense)
Romeo Langford has proven to be an interesting player to put it lightly. What was expected to be a throw-in player in the Derrick White trade to the Celtics, has proved to be useful for a lackluster Spurs team. Romeo Langford is holding his opponents to 39% from the field, which is well below league average. His 6 '11 wingspan and IQ on the defensive end of the floor is elite, and his motor looks better than ever as he’s gained an increased role with the ballclub. Unfortunately, Langford has struggled to get his shot falling this season, shooting a putrid 14% from deep. Langford has the mechanics to be an elite 3 and D wing, and his defense alone makes him an intriguing player to watch while he’s on the floor. If Langford can put the pieces together on offense, he could prove to be an effective contributor in the NBA for a long time to come.
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