Do the Spurs Have a Turnover Problem? Assessing Early Preseason Issues

The San Antonio Spurs' ballhandling has been shaky, to say the least, throughout the preseason. What's causing the issue?

Oct 15, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) protects the ball from Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The San Antonio Spurs are off to a bit of a rocky start in the preseason, and one notable issue that’s emerged is their high turnover rate.

While it’s still early, turnovers have been a recurring theme through their first few games.

Here’s a breakdown of how those turnovers have played out so far and whether Spurs fans should be concerned.

The Turnover Count

Oct 15, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basketball against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

• Game 1: The Spurs committed 21 turnovers in their preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, resulting in a 112-107 loss.
• Game 2: They improved slightly in their second game against the Orlando Magic, turning the ball over 14 times and securing a 107-97 win.
• Game 3: Against the Utah Jazz, the Spurs had their cleanest performance with just 12 turnovers, leading to a 126-120 win.
• Game 4: However, turnover issues resurfaced in their recent game against the Miami Heat, where they committed 21 turnovers, including 14 in the first half. That led to a tight 120-117 loss.

With two games of 21 turnovers, the Spurs clearly have some ball-handling and decision-making issues to iron out before the regular season begins.

Rookies and Veterans Adjusting

Oct 12, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) shoots in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Part of the Spurs’ turnover struggles can be attributed to their mix of rookie talent and veteran players adjusting to new roles.

Stephon Castle, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has contributed to the turnover issue as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NBA.

It’s not uncommon for young players to struggle in their first outings, and Castle is no exception. His turnovers are part of the learning curve every rookie faces, and they should decrease as he gets more comfortable on the court.

Chris Paul, while a seasoned veteran, is also experiencing some early hiccups. In the game against the Heat, Paul had six turnovers.

While this might seem alarming, it’s likely due to a combination of shaking off the rust and getting familiar with the Spurs’ offensive system.

Paul has been on a minutes restriction, and these types of early-season issues aren’t unusual for a veteran player transitioning into a new team dynamic.

Yes, It's Too Early to Panic

Oct 12, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

While the Spurs’ turnovers have been an issue during the preseason, it’s far too early to hit the panic button. These early games are about finding cohesion, and mistakes like turnovers are part of the process.

As the team gels, particularly with Castle and Paul adjusting to new roles, the expectation is that the turnovers will decrease as the regular season approaches.

For now, it’s simply a preseason growing pain. The real test will come once the games start to count.

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