Spurs PG Devonte' Graham: Lack of Lineup Consistency 'Kind of Good for This Team'

San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte' Graham, one of the team's newest additions, is looking on the bright sight when it comes to all of SA's injuries.

The San Antonio Spurs won't be making it to the postseason this year, as they are currently one of three teams already eliminated from playoff contention.

That outcome was a bit expected entering a season where the Spurs were projected to have one of their worst finishes since before the Tim Duncan era. But while the wins have been hard to come by, getting a consistent group on the floor has oftentimes been even more difficult.

No, coach Gregg Popovich isn't resting his players due to load management. He wants his guys to learn and play. The team - including Pop himself, who has missed a few games due to illness - has just been riddled with injuries all season long, prohibiting San Antonio's cornerstones from developing some much-needed chemistry. Forwards Keldon Johnson and Doug McDermott have both played a team-high 57 games, but even this is 10 fewer than the 67 contests the Spurs have already completed.

But guard Devonte' Graham, one of the team's newest additions, is looking on the bright sight when it comes to all the injuries.

"I've been on a part of a bunch of rotations, injuries, and guys being out, and next man up and stuff like that," Graham said. "I feel like it is kind of good for this team. Guys having to make sure they stay ready, and stay professional. Not knowing when you might get in or when you might play. It's just a part of the process of being in the NBA."

Graham, 28, is far from "old" but suddenly found himself as one of the team's veterans when he arrived from the New Orleans Pelicans via trade on Feb. 9. He's now using his own experiences to help some of the younger guys learn during what has been some frustrating setbacks.

He's also one of the only Spurs to remain healthy since his recent arrival, playing in 11 of 12 possible games since joining the team. The only absence was a DNP - Coach's Decision during Friday's surprising 128-120 win over the Denver Nuggets. Pop elected not to play Graham for reasons that don't appear to be injury-related.

The Spurs only have 15 games left this season, but thismeans endless learning opportunities. And though the team may not be at 100 percent for it all, soaking in the learning experiences from the bench can often be just as important as playing time.

Just ask Graham.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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