The San Antonio Spurs Are Fully In Control Of Their Own Destiny

For years, the San Antonio Spurs have been reluctant to make in-season trades, preferring instead to use the offseason to make their moves.

During the trade deadline two weeks ago, the Spurs broke tradition and revealed their hand. The historic NBA organization is going into the 2022 summer looking to make substantial changes.

Three first-round selections

It all begins with the draft where the Spurs are currently projected to have three picks in the first round. As of February 26th, they’re expected to select 7th, 18th and 19th, the two latter selections coming from Toronto and Boston respectively.

With the selection of then 18-year-old Josh Primo last year, at 12th overall, the Spurs showed a willingness to play the long game. 21-year-old Devin Vassell and 22-year-old Keldon Johnson are already productive contributors for Gregg Popovich’s troops, and 22-year-old Tre Jones is waiting in the wings, further solidifying San Antonio’s commitment to the future.

The 2022 draft will be the biggest turning point in their rebuild, however, as the Spurs will add three players in their early 20’s or high teens to their squad, presumably ready to enter a full-on youth movement.

So let’s look at some names that would make some sense for them, assuming they stick at their aforementioned spots.

Keegan Murray, Iowa

Murray is a 6’8 forward who flat-out knows how to score. His 23.2-point average comes everywhere on the floor, as he’s draining 36.1% of his three-pointers, 71.8% of his 5.5 nightly free throws and 64.2% of his two-pointers, most of which comes off dribble drives, transition opportunities and offensive rebounds.

Murray might be the best raw scorer in the draft and would slide right in as San Antonio’s power forward of the future. His activity level defensively (1.3 steals, 2.0 blocks and 5.3 defensive rebounds per game) is another area of intrigue for the Spurs, who should be able to mold him as they see fit defensively.

Finally, Murray plays under control. Despite taking 15.7 shots per game (not even accounting for the drives that leads to free throws), he turns the ball over at a rate of just 1.1 per game. He plays with a levelheadedness and a level of patience that will suit the Spurs beautifully.

Tari Eason, LCU

There might not be a set ceiling to Eason, who is a per-minute production monster. Eason is a 6’8 agile wing big who’s got a surprisingly adept handle for someone his size, which opens the door for more offensive growth as he ages.

Currently coming off the bench for the Tigers, Eason is leading his team in scoring (16.5 points), blocked shots (1.1), and free throws (5.2 attempts) in just 24.3 minutes per game. He also pulls in 6.9 rebounds and swipes 2.0 steals in those minutes, looking every bit the switchable defender he was billed at coming into the season.

Eason’s offensively stellar season has been a nice surprise, proving he is more than just an energetic defender who can slide onto several matchups. More than likely, his evolution this year means he won’t be available at 18th, but this is where the Spurs could look into trading up.

If the Spurs walk away with Murray and Eason in the draft, they will have solved their weakest link on their current roster and finally have given their many guards some front court assistance.

Ochai Agbaji, Kansas

Agbaji might not represent a major need for the Spurs, but the 6’6 shooting guard is an extremely polished offensive player, with an elite three-point stroke. He drains 43.3% of his 6.9 nightly attempts and his quick shot release should immediately transfer to the NBA.

During his senior season, Agbaji has also made it a point of priority getting to the free throw line, increasing both his volume (3.9 attempts) and efficiency (75.5%) somewhat dramatically from his junior year. His scoring diversity has led him to average 20.4 points on the season, making him more primed for the NBA.

Last year, Agbaji tested the NBA draft waters before withdrawing. His measurements were highly impressive, which surely means teams will have him on their radar as he comes in a year wiser.

Building with Dejounte Murray 

Of course, every rebuild strategy has to be developed with the presence of Dejounte Murray in mind. The All-Star point guard is just 25 and thus young enough to be one of the biggest pieces to San Antonio’s long-term vision, even if it means suffering through another few losing seasons like this one, where they’re expected to finish third in their division.

Murray’s modest contract of just $16.5 million next season also serves as a major bonus for the Spurs, who will have a ton of financial flexibility in the coming years.

It’s crucial that the Spurs make good use of this unique situation, using Murray’s small deal, and their upcoming myriad of rookie deals, to be aggressive on the free agency market in order to maximize their long-term roster.

The Spurs may need to pivot away from Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson in the event they identify a gettable player worth a significant contract, but they also have the option to save over $3 million by waiving Zach Collins, who’s on a partially guaranteed contract.

In short, the Spurs have set themselves up well, and can go in whichever direction they wish to choose. Next season, if they play their cards right, they might one of the hottest young teams in the entire league.