The San Antonio Spurs’ roster is comparatively youthful. The Spurs now have just two players over thirty after Chris Paul left to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers for what is likely to be his final NBA season. Kelly Olynyk, who they acquired from the Washington Wizards, is 34, and Harrison Barnes is 33.
Luke Kornet, who is thirty years old, is the next oldest player. Would the Spurs gain from adding another seasoned player, particularly in the backcourt?
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus thinks Russell Westbrook is one of the finest players available and may be signed to a minimum contract. Westbrook is still a free agent. The Spurs might be a good fit for him.
“The 36-year-old is a high-impact player, but he doesn’t shoot the three well (32.3 percent last year) and is mistake-prone on the court,” Pincus stated. Although he’s not for everyone, he did manage to make an impact with Denver the previous season. Westbrook might require a new home as a result of coaching and leadership changes throughout the past 12 months.
After selecting Stephon Castle last year and Dylan Harper this year, San Antonio boasts a youthful backcourt. Even though De’Aaron Fox is only 28, having another seasoned player to assist with the growth of all the younger players wouldn’t be a bad idea.
The Spurs have plenty of room beneath the first tax apron, which is about $12 million, and they still have one conventional NBA contract place available. It wouldn’t be financially detrimental for the team to add someone on a minimal agreement.
Why Russell Westbrook is unlikely to be signed by the Spurs
It’s probably quite unlikely, but it might be a good idea. Given that Westbrook has indicated a slight desire to return to Los Angeles, his hometown, the Sacramento Kings appear to be the team with which he is now most associated. Returning to the Clippers or Lakers is much less likely at that time.
Additionally, the Spurs might not want to further overcrowd the backcourt. There aren’t many minutes available because Harper, Fox, and Castle will all be playing important roles for the Spurs in the upcoming campaign. Despite his advanced age, Westbrook still aspires to contribute to a strong team.
He has now earned that privilege. Although Nikola Jokic is perhaps the easiest player in the world to play off of, he was able to succeed with the Nuggets.
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