With the preseason within the rearview mirror, the San Antonio Spurs have given followers one thing to be enthusiastic about (and a few trigger for concern) as they method the 2024-25 NBA season.
Listed below are the three essential takeaways from the Spurs preseason.
1. Julian Champagnie is the true deal
Julian Champagnie not solely fights for minutes, he calls for them. All through the preseason, Champagnie demonstrated his versatility as a scorer, clearly demonstrating that he has earned a spot within the rotation. Whether or not it was his clean three-point shot or his potential to assault the basket, he performed with confidence and composure. On protection, he confirmed a deep understanding of the sport, becoming seamlessly into Gregg Popovich’s system.
His growth provides the Spurs one other weapon, and if he continues this momentum, Champagnie might be a breakout participant for San Antonio this yr.
2. Stephon Citadel has a star written throughout him
It is nonetheless early, however Stephon Citadel has already given us a glimpse of his monumental potential. The Spurs’ lottery choose seems to be like the true deal, taking part in with a maturity past his years. His potential to create for himself and others, coupled together with his dimension and athleticism, is downright scary. Citadel’s efficiency made it straightforward to know why followers are so enthusiastic about him. He already seems to be like the important thing participant San Antonio hoped for, and it is exhausting to not think about him being a future star on this league.
Regulate him: Citadel goes to be particular.
3. Turnovers might be a stumbling block
Regardless of all the joy, one obtrusive drawback emerged in the course of the preseason: turnovers. The younger and energetic Spurs staff acquired forward at occasions, with sloppy ball administration and decision-making resulting in too many giveaways. Turnovers have killed momentum in a number of preseason video games, and it is an issue the coaches might want to deal with in the event that they need to stay aggressive within the Western Convention.
It is a fixable drawback, but it surely might be the distinction between wins and losses if not mounted shortly.
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