From Hype to Hardship: The Spurs’ Struggle in the Shadow of High Expectations
It is truly amazing how fast the winds of change turn in the sports world. I recall attending this season’s Media Day out at the Spurs practice facility, the buzz and excitement surrounding Victor Wembanyama was insane. Something special was about to go down here in the city. The atmosphere in the Frost Bank Center on opening night against Dallas was almost surreal. The vibe and excitement were at a level in which I haven’t seen in years. If you closed your eyes, you’d forget you were in San Antonio, it felt more like a Lakers game in LA. I remember thinking, holy shit this place is LIT!!! Again something special was going down in the city.
Sixty-three days and sixteen losses later……the thrill is gone. All that remains is pain, misery, and confusion in the land of Silver and Black. The “Streak” is now at fourteen consecutive losses and counting as the Spurs dwell soundly in the basement of the Western Conference at 3-16.
The team comes into the week after dropping a close home game to Atlanta 137-135 followed by a road loss to New Orleans 121-106. Jeremy Sochan had a monster game, tying a career high with 33 points in the loss to Atlanta. He also chipped in 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The Spurs had no answer for Trae Young however the man from ATL scorched the Spurs with 45 points of his own.
Despite the team’s struggles, VDub continues to be the bright light in this abyss of basketball purgatory. He’s averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds, nearly 3 blocks, and even gets 1.7 steals per game. He continues to lead the Silver and Black in each category as well. He’s still a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year and is emerging as a strong candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year, a not so small feat for a 19-year old rookie.
The team did announce a roster change, albeit not one of much significance. Second year guard Blake Wesley has been assigned to the G-League.
Rumor has it that Cedi Osman, Doug McDermott, and Devonté Graham could be dealt away at the trade deadline. The Spurs would do well in picking up a veteran PG in free agency. It’s a wild notion but Chris Paul might be available. Despite his age, he still remains a reliable point guard and one of the best passers in the league. Paul has a proven track record of being an excellent mentor to young centers and teams (ask the Clippers and DeAndre Jordan who Paul helped make into an All NBA 1st Team). At 19 years old, Wembanyama would benefit in a significant way from playing with Paul and spending time with him in the locker room.
There are smarter people than you or I in the Spurs front office, or at least we hope there are. Let’s hope someone figures this disaster out.
Upcoming Games:
Wed, Dec 6 @ Minnesota (15-4) 6:30pm ESPN
Fri, Dec 8 vs Chicago (7-14) 7:30pm
Mon, Dec 11 @ Houston (8-9) 7pm
