Spurs Shouldn't 'Get All Cute' in Free Agency After Drafting Victor Wembanyama
SAN ANTONIO - It's difficult to follow the San Antonio Spurs and not dream about the possibilities of being just one of five NBA clubs with north of $20 million in salary cap room as free agency gets up and running across the league.
While they will certainly add to their young club don't expect blockbuster, in your face, go for it spending this summer. The Spurs have a once-in-a-generation rookie now in Victor Wembanyama, but that doesn't mean they'll money whip veterans just for the fun of it.
One, they've never Free Willy'd in free agency (I'm still shocked over the LaMarcus Aldridge signing) and they aren't going to get loose now. Two, they believe in a baby-steps, ease into it strategy with Wemby who's only 19. Why bring in some veteran or two who demand too much ball and space?
San Antonio could have FIFTY million in room and they still might not use half of it if they weren't required to because of the NBA's minimum spending rule. General manager Brian Wright has insisted this week that they like what they have and want to see it around Wembanyama. Not only do I believe him but I believe in him. Slow roll in season one.
Another reason I'm hopeful that the Spurs really are going to be true to their word that they're going to go slow with building around Wemby and mostly go with what they've got is Keldon Johnson. The former Olympian who has flashed All-Star level ability at times is not only a solid player, he's a Spur's Spur. He fits the kind of player/man the franchise covets. Low profile, basketball first kind of guy. I'm not predicting his number winds up in the rafters but I am predicting his game goes to the next level. I'd rather see how he works with Vic than risk trading him for an upgrade that may not work out.
Again, the Spurs aren't going to get all cute just because Wembanyama is here. Nor should they.
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