During the last 30+ years, the San Antonio Spurs have managed to develop into not solely one of the vital profitable groups within the NBA but in addition one of the vital revered. Sadly, that’s modified. The Spurs are one of many worst groups within the NBA this season, and their sterling fame has taken a number of journeys by way of the mud.
The Spurs have had a number of high-profile gamers bash them lately, together with former all-star Dejounte Murray. Whereas criticism from notable former NBA gamers similar to Robert Horry and Stephen Jackson stings, Murray’s criticism is way extra regarding. He just lately appeared on the Up in Smoke podcast and echoed lots of what co-host Jackson has stated previously.
Gamers speak and that’s an issue for the Spurs.
Whereas Spurs followers, myself included, may shrug it off or dismiss his complaints, different gamers have most likely taken discover. Gamers speak, in any case, and whereas the Spurs are revered as a company, there could also be a detrimental notion amongst present gamers about enjoying in San Antonio. Contemplating the Spurs aren’t a free-agent vacation spot, that won’t harm the Spurs as a lot as it might one other staff, but it surely’s not precisely a very good factor both.
One other factor to contemplate is that famous person Kawhi Leonard went from being the subsequent face of the franchise to being rumored to be prepared to take a seat out a complete season in an try and get traded. He in the end was, however to not his vacation spot of selection, however as a substitute to Toronto. He obtained the final snigger, nonetheless, by successful a championship there earlier than forming a brilliant staff in Los Angeles with the Clippers.
And though Leonard by no means publicly criticized the Spurs, he might have completed so behind the scenes. Even when he hasn’t, then different gamers certainly have speculated about what actually occurred. Furthermore, Murray, who was a teammate of Leonard, hinted that he was holding again much more about his time with the group than he shared on the podcast.
Worse but, the staff’s probably dangerous fame amongst gamers might really have an effect on the Spurs’ capacity to draft. With the Spurs prone to be a lottery staff for the subsequent few seasons, and prime prospects having extra say in the place they go, some might attempt to keep away from the staff. Sounds loopy, proper? Properly, that occurs in some kind with every draft.
There might be penalties for San Antonio’s perceived mistreatment of gamers.
How does that occur? A prime prospect might merely decline to work out with and even meet with a staff that he doesn’t need to go to, discouraging them from drafting him. LaMelo Ball was accused of this by allegedly tanking interviews to try to have some say within the course of. Different gamers might theoretically do the identical or do issues like withholding medical data.
Brokers can have lots of say within the draft and free agent processes, and that may assist the Spurs on condition that they don’t seem to have any detrimental relationships with them. Then once more, what occurs if, say, the Spurs find yourself with the second choose and Scoot Henderson declines to fulfill with the Spurs? Or, possibly he tanks his interview and/or exercise primarily based partly on dangerous phrase of mouth?
Admittedly, that’s most likely leaping the gun, however Murray was so upset about his therapy that he even requested his agent for a commerce throughout his rookie season. Whereas he finally developed into an All-Star level guard with the assistance of the staff, any prospect or free agent could be justified in caring.
All in all, Murray’s latest feedback may need a much bigger impression than many count on. In any case, it suits an present narrative, and he’s the most important identify to talk out. Time will inform if something comes of this, however the Spurs are already a small market staff that’s in a protracted rebuild; they don’t want one other factor working in opposition to them.
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