Deep Reserves
G Bryn Forbes (12-14), G Lonnie Walker (7-9), F Jaron Blossomgame (10-12), F Dante Cunningham (13-15), Two-way contract guys (combined 12-14)
One current name on the Spurs’ roster not listed above is shooting guard Brandon Paul. Paul’s $1.3 million contract for next season becomes guaranteed on August 1, but Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express News reported that the Spurs are still undecided on whether to pick up his deal. He played solid defense in a very limited role for the Spurs last year. However, his three-point shooting was terrible (8-of-43 after November started last season).
The decision on Paul could come down to whether Manu Ginobili returns. If Ginobili is back, the Spurs will be set at the guard spots and may choose to add Blossomgame, an athletic combo forward with strong defensive chops, to the roster instead. If Ginobili retires, both Blossomgame and Paul should make the 15-man roster.
Forbes will likely see a smaller role than last year if Ginobili stays. With the additions of DeRozan and Belinelli and progression from Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, minutes will be harder to come by. Forbes shot 39 percent from long distance last year, but he wasn’t nearly the overall scoring threat San Antonio needed him to be given his physical limitations.
Walker will be a key member of the Austin Spurs this year, much like White was last year. The 19-year-old off guard’s athleticism is just too far ahead of his basketball IQ at this point. His ceiling is very high, though.
Blossomgame and Cunningham don’t have anything special to offer in the way of their skill sets. But they are both versatile defensively and can play effectively without the ball on offense.
Finally, a couple of two-way players will earn very infrequent minutes in San Antonio. Several candidates will vie for those spots, but one with a very distinct chance at grabbing one of them is second-round pick Chimezie Metu. Metu is a mobile big man who protects the rim and plays a simple, yet effective, offensive game.
Next Page: Closing Thoughts
