Historical past means that the San Antonio Spurs favor creating their stars as an alternative of buying and selling for them. A few of that boils all the way down to the truth that solely a sure breed of participant thrives within the Spurs tradition, which inspires selflessness and a team-first perspective over particular person fanfare.
Maybe that might clarify why the Spurs steered clear of a commerce for Trae Younger final summer time.
That mentioned, one explicit All-Star, Brandon Ingram, might match hand and glove with Spurs tradition as a result of his demeanor and taking part in fashion. Ingram, who’s reportedly obtainable in trades, could be “the right match” with the Spurs, reckons ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
“Ingram, 27, has averaged 22 factors or extra in six straight seasons,” Marks wrote. “Discovering an commerce companion shouldn’t be troublesome, even with him sidelined indefinitely due to an ankle sprain. The San Antonio Spurs could be an ideal match due to their funds now and into the long run. Victor Wembanyama is in 12 months 2 of his rookie contract, so San Antonio would have a runway to increase Ingram at close to most cash and nonetheless have flexibility to enhance the roster.”
To Marks’ level, the Spurs have just one participant — Devin Vassell — making over $25M subsequent season, and have a number of team-friendly contracts that might be simple to commerce. Moreover, Wemby and Stephon Citadel — their two greatest children — are on rookie-scale contracts for the foreseeable future, giving the Spurs loads of flexibility to pay Ingram and stay below the luxurious tax.
If the Spurs heed Marks’ recommendation, it will be an experiment price pursuing. For one, Ingram is on an expiring contract, that means the Spurs might simply let him stroll in 2025 free company if he proves to be a nasty match. From an X’s and O’s standpoint, Ingram may very well be a seamless match as a result of his capacity to drive to the rim and pull up on a dime — a skillset sorely lacking on the present Spurs roster.
For instance, through the Spurs’ loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday, their offense stagnated so much within the fourth quarter, and it was evident they wanted a dependable go-to choice. Ingram, the most effective clutch scorers within the league, might fill that gap instantly. And most significantly, he has the unassuming high quality the Spurs search in a star.
Apart from Ingram, Jimmy Butler, Zion Williamson and Zach LaVine are reportedly the opposite All-Stars obtainable forward of the Feb. 6 deadline. Amongst that crop, Ingram looks like the perfect slot in San Antonio.
