Stephon Fortress had a stable run with the San Antonio Spurs this preseason, and the fourth total choose within the NBA draft obtained extra reward from teammate Chris Paul on Tuesday.
Fortress averaged 11 factors, 3.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 44.7% capturing from the sphere in 5 video games with the Spurs. He scored in double figures 3 times, together with a game-high 17 factors, 4 assists, two rebounds and two steals on October 9.
Paul was impressed at the beginning of coaching camp by Fortress, citing his confidence degree and high-level teaching at UConn. He may see Fortress’s braveness and willpower performs with on the bottom.
I consider all of the leaders I’ve seen over time, one of many issues you must have in frequent with all of them is braveness, willpower. In addition to expertise and abilities, you should have some type of chip in your shoulder. Steph positively will get it. I believe that was the very first thing I paid consideration to. He isn’t in search of somebody to be his pal or something. It’s a hoop and I respect it.
Fortress established himself as a lottery choose as a result of his means to play with or with out the ball and his defensive prowess. He tasks to slot in effectively with the staff as a participant able to taking part in quite a lot of roles, offering head coach Gregg Popovich with some roster flexibility.
The soon-to-be 20-year-old demonstrated this means within the preseason and gave a glimpse of the manufacturing he can convey on a nightly foundation. He tasks to play an vital function for the staff off the bench and may present immediate power and energy when he enters video games.
With some key additions to the staff, together with Paul, the Spurs wish to take the subsequent step of their rebuilding effort. It is clear that Fortress will have an effect on their success this season.
This text was initially revealed on Rookie Wire: Spurs information: Chris Paul explains why Stephon Fortress is ‘a hoop’
