Historical past means that the San Antonio Spurs choose creating their stars as a substitute of buying and selling for them. A few of that boils right down to the truth that solely a sure breed of participant thrives within the Spurs tradition, which inspires selflessness and a team-first perspective over particular person fanfare.
Maybe that may clarify why the Spurs steered clear of a commerce for Trae Younger final summer season.
That stated, one specific All-Star, Brandon Ingram, may match hand and glove with Spurs tradition as a result of his demeanor and taking part in fashion. Ingram, who’s reportedly obtainable in trades, can be “the right match” with the Spurs, reckons ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
“Ingram, 27, has averaged 22 factors or extra in six straight seasons,” Marks wrote. “Discovering an commerce accomplice shouldn’t be tough, even with him sidelined indefinitely due to an ankle sprain. The San Antonio Spurs can be an ideal match due to their funds now and into the longer term. Victor Wembanyama is in 12 months 2 of his rookie contract, so San Antonio would have a runway to increase Ingram at close to most cash and nonetheless have flexibility to enhance the roster.”
To Marks’ level, the Spurs have just one participant — Devin Vassell — making over $25M subsequent season, and have a number of team-friendly contracts that may be simple to commerce. Moreover, Wemby and Stephon Citadel — their two finest kids — are on rookie-scale contracts for the foreseeable future, giving the Spurs quite a lot of flexibility to pay Ingram and stay underneath the luxurious tax.
If the Spurs heed Marks’ recommendation, it might be an experiment price pursuing. For one, Ingram is on an expiring contract, which means the Spurs may simply let him stroll in 2025 free company if he proves to be a foul match. From an X’s and O’s standpoint, Ingram may very well be a seamless match as a result of his potential to drive to the rim and pull up on a dime — a skillset sorely lacking on the present Spurs roster.
For example, in the course of the Spurs’ loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday, their offense stagnated loads within the fourth quarter, and it was evident they wanted a dependable go-to choice. Ingram, among the finest clutch scorers within the league, may fill that gap instantly. And most significantly, he has the unassuming high quality the Spurs search in a star.
Apart from Ingram, Jimmy Butler, Zion Williamson and Zach LaVine are reportedly the opposite All-Stars obtainable forward of the Feb. 6 deadline. Amongst that crop, Ingram looks as if one of the best slot in San Antonio.
