At one time or another, we’ve all needed guidance. We’ve needed a mentor to show us the ropes. NBA players are no exception. The league’s youngest players stand to benefit from the experience of the league’s veterans.
So, when a team brings an exciting young player onto their roster, it’s important to put good veterans around him. With that in mind, the San Antonio Spurs should be thinking about mentorship. After all, this team just drafted Victor Wembanyama. He’s arguably the most exciting young player in the history of the league.
What kind of veteran should the Spurs want? Ideally, they’d be looking at smart, heady players with a lot of experience. Moreover, the Spurs could use a point guard. They don’t need a star – a game-managing veteran would suffice. How about Kyle Lowry of the Miami Heat?
The Trade Proposal
Miami Heat Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Reggie Bullock, F/C Khem Birch
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAL via MIA)
On the other hand, this is a fine line for a rebuilding team to walk. When a team is rebuilding, it’s useful to have some veterans around. With that said, you don’t want veterans who deserve – and command – high usage, either.
The reasoning is twofold. For starters, high-impact veterans take opportunities away from developing young players. An NBA head coach isn’t typically thinking about the long-term plan – they’re thinking about winning games. That’s exactly why having impact veterans can harm a rebuilding team. If they’re looking to maximize their draft position, those players won’t help with that goal either.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Yet, a rebuilding team needs veterans. It’s preferable if they’re in the rotation, too. After all, it’s easier to teach guys when you’re sharing the floor with them in meaningful situations. So, this is a fine line to walk. Does this deal have the Spurs walking it?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
If the Spurs want mentorship, they could scarcely do better than Lowry. This guy has seen it all in the NBA. He’s been a role player, a star, and then a role player again. He’s one of the hardest-working players in the NBA, and he’ll pass that work ethic along to the young players on this roster.
With that said, he could also help them in the short term. Lowry’s days as a full-minute starter are done. Still, he was impactful for stretches for the Heat in last year’s Finals run. Lowry is still a reliable floor spacer, and he can orchestrate an offense. He could easily help the Spurs put a better product on the floor next season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat & San Antonio Spurs Updates
At the same time, he won’t help too much, either. The Spurs are likely eyeing the 2024 draft for one more blue-chip talent. Lowry won’t destroy their odds of tanking. In other words, he’s the perfect veteran for this roster. Should the Heat really give him up?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
By contrast, the Heat don’t need to worry about leadership. Jimmy Butler has got them covered in that regard. Kevin Love has seen it all too. The Heat need to worry about putting the best roster together that they possibly can.
Lowry is still solid, but he’s far from the player that he used to be. At this point, Devonte Graham is probably roughly as impactful. So, in this deal, the Heat are acquiring him to replace Lowry – and bolstering their depth in the process.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Reggie Bullock is a solid 3-and-D wing. He won’t start in Miami, but he’ll be a meaningful addition to their roster. Birch could be as well. His game isn’t flashy, but he’s a hard-nosed player who hustles for loose balls and controls the glass. All told that should be worth the price of Lowry – no matter how good of a veteran mentor he is.
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