Report: Manu Ginobili Joining Spurs as Special Adviser to Basketball Operations
Sep 24, 2021
San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Golden State Warriors in San Antonio, Sunday, April 22, 2018, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 103-90. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Former San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili is reportedly returning to the organization in a front-office role.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Ginobili will serve as the Spurs' special adviser to basketball operations. Wojnarowski noted it will be "a player-centric role that's focused on the development of players on and off the court."
The 44-year-old Ginobili, who retired after the 2017-18 season, spent his entire 16-year NBA career in San Antonio.
Per Wojnarowski, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, CEO R.C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright have been attempting to bring Ginobili back into the fold since his retirement.
The Argentine basketball legend is among the greatest players in Spurs history, having won four championships, earned two All-Star nods and won the 2007-08 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Ginobili appeared in 1,057 regular-season games, averaging 13.3 points, 3.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 three-pointers made and 1.3 steals per contest.
His best production came from 2004-05 through 2010-11 as he averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Ginobili was known for raising his level of play during the postseason as well, averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 three-pointers made and 1.3 steals in 218 playoff games.
Along with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, Ginobili is synonymous with the success of the Spurs throughout the 2000s and 2010s. The Spurs retired Ginobili's No. 20 in 2019.
In addition to his success with the Spurs, Ginobili led his country to basketball greatness. With Ginobili as the central figure, Argentina won gold at the 2004 Summer Olympics, making it the last country other than the United States to win Olympic gold in men's basketball.
The Spurs never missed the playoffs during Ginobili's time with the organization, but they have had a tougher go in recent years.
After getting knocked out in the first round in both 2017-18 and 2018-19, the Spurs missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons. The last time they missed the playoffs before then was in 1996-97.
With Ginobili set to be involved in the organization again, San Antonio will look to return to the playoffs in 2021-22.
Spurs' Derrick White Talks Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich, More in B/R AMA
Sep 14, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 26: Derrick White #4 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on April 26, 2021, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Derrick White has emerged as one of the core players for the San Antonio Spurs alongside Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson, among others, posting a career-best 15.4 points in the 2020-21 campaign.
As they gear up for a playoff push this upcoming season, White joined B/R for an AMA that spanned what he's learned from Spurs legend Tim Duncan and head coach Gregg Popovich to his "welcome to the NBA" moment as a young player.
@Woodyj83 What advantages do you think you earned by staying in college for all 4 years as opposed to the one-and-dones?
For me, I had to stay the whole time because I didn't have many chances to make it to the league if I hadn't stayed to work on my game. Keep working and developing, then good things will happen.
@Matisse_battyMOT What is something you didn't know about the NBA until you were in the league ?
You don't really realize how long the season is until you're in it. Just getting used to 82 games is a grind.
@Cibrahim What was your 'welcome to the NBA' moment?
I played against Russ, PG and Melo. I'm a Colorado guy so standing next to Melo was crazy and I got dunked on in that game, so it was crazy.
@TwoWayWigs What is it like to be coached by Pop and what is your raw reaction normally like when he gets ejected during a game?
It has been a blessing to be coached by one of if not the greatest coach of all time. He didn't get ejected that many times last year so I think he's calming down. Maybe the mask helps or something. He's always on the refs so it's nice to have him on our side.
@MNWolves0 What is your favorite story about Pop?
My second year in the league, he got ejected in the first 15 seconds or something. I think it's an NBA record. We were in Denver and he got ejected so quickly.
@Etrasalam What advice has Tim Duncan taught you?
Just seeing TD, he's always in the facility working out. If he has that mindset when he's retired, I can only imagine what it was like in his playing days. Just knowing the work ethic he still has is super motivating to see.
@Rhettro Who has been the hardest player in the league for you to guard?
They're all good. Harden, Dame and KD are my top 3. Steph is up there too. They're shooting from half court. It's ridiculous.
@DatBoyjohnny What are your pregame jams?
I'm a big J. Cole fan. He's usually in there somewhere. I like Drake. I try to stick with my light skin brothers. I like whatever is hot right now. I like Polo G as well.
@NotJulioJones11 Any memorable locker room stories you're able to share?
For me personally, after I scored 36 against the Nuggets, just having the team cheering and embracing me. From LA to DeMar, everyone was there supporting me.
@Not_JerryJones What is your motivation to be the best player you can be ?
My dad always told me 'dare to be great.' Just to compete and to be the best that I can in whatever I do is an important mindset. That always drives me.
@NotPatSurtain What is the hardest obstacle you've faced in your basketball career?
Coming out of high school was tough because I didn't have a lot of offers. I was trying to figure out if I was even going to play basketball. Having D2's say I wasn't good enough has always been motivating for me. It gives me a chip on my shoulder. I was small back then so that was really a big reason. Just keep believing in yourself.
@not_ChadHenne How do you feel about your 2k rating? (78 overall)
I'm not a fan of it, but I'm not into the game so it doesn't matter too much. I'm more of a FIFA & MLB The Show guy.
@Aduran7 Is there a particular skill you've been working on during the offseason to improve your game?
I'm trying to be more consistent from 3. That's where the game is heading. It's going to be a big year for the Spurs. Everything is changing so it's important for me.
@MagicMan_361 Besides yourself, are there any Spurs players who you think are going to surprise everyone this season and take a huge leap?
A lot of guys - DJ, Keldon, Lonnie. We have a bunch of guys who aren't well known.
@Antonioduran Will coffee gang still be a thing this season?
That was Patty's thing. He held it down so either I'll have to be the leader or Drew. Someone is going to need to hold it down.
Rapid Fire
@WARRIORxI369 Elephants or giraffes?
Elephants
@Projectile7763 The most skilled guy you've ever played with ?
DeMar DeRozan
@WestCityWinners The best thing about San Antonio?
The people
@Joshr9 Your favorite game that you've ever been apart of?
Playoff series vs. Denver
@Just_in_time Who goes on your Denver athlete Mt. Rushmore?
John Elway, Chauncey Billups, Joe Sakic, Todd Helton
@mtoth1 Which game are you dropping 50 in this year?
Hopefully one of them!
Spurs 2021-22 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 20, 2021
San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in San Antonio, Monday, May 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
On the heels of 22 consecutive playoff appearances, the San Antonio Spurs enter the 2021-22 season having missed the postseason in back-to-back years for the first time in franchise history.
San Antonio did manage to make it into the play-in tournament as the No. 10 seed with a 33-39 record, but it fell to the Memphis Grizzlies and was unable to secure a playoff spot.
Things could get even tougher for the Spurs in 2021-22, as they lost leading scorer DeMar DeRozan to the Chicago Bulls in free agency while key veteran role players Patty Mills and Rudy Gay signed elsewhere as well.
Here is a look at the Spurs' 2021-22 regular-season schedule, along with predictions for how they will perform during the upcoming campaign.
2021-22 Spurs Schedule Details
Season Opener: Oct. 20 vs. Orlando Magic, 8:30 p.m. ET
It is always significant when a star player returns to his old stomping grounds, and that will be the case when DeRozan and the Bulls visit the Spurs during the upcoming season.
After being named an All-Star four times in nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan was traded to the Spurs as part of the Kawhi Leonard deal in 2018.
While the 32-year-old never earned an All-Star nod in San Antonio, he was the Spurs' best player throughout his three-year tenure, averaging 21.6 points, 6.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game.
DeRozan decided to start a new chapter in his career by signing with a Bulls team that has the makings of a playoff contender in 2021-22, with the likes of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball and Patrick Williams in the squad.
It isn't always easy to predict how fans will react when a former player returns, but since DeRozan was a class act during his time in San Antonio, it seems unlikely that the response to him will be too negative.
Even so, there may be some added motivation for the Spurs to show him why he should have stayed in San Antonio.
DeRozan's departure should allow players like Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV to play even more prominent roles in 2021-22, and they may view the game against Chicago as an opportunity to prove they can step up and replace what he brought to the table.
Brooklyn Nets (First Home Matchup: Jan. 21)
While some boos are possible for DeRozan when he returns to the AT&T Center in San Antonio for the first time, there is no question that guard Patty Mills will be cheered.
The 33-year-old spent 10 of his 12 NBA seasons with the Spurs and helped them win an NBA championship in 2014.
While he almost always came off the bench, starting a total of just 57 games, the Aussie was a key contributor for head coach Gregg Popovich for many years.
Mills averaged 9.4 points, 2.4 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 three-pointers made per game in San Antonio. He also made 38.9 percent of his three-point attempts, which allowed him to carve out an important role.
The 33-year-old will look to do something similar in Brooklyn after signing with the Nets in free agency. While Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving will take center stage, he has a chance to be a key veteran presence off the bench.
The Nets presented Mills with a golden opportunity to vie for another championship, and he jumped at that chance.
He left behind years of success and good memories in San Antonio, but he firmly established himself as a fan favorite and someone who will always be remembered fondly within Spurs circles.
When Mills returns to San Antonio in 2021-22, it is likely the Spurs will go out of their way to celebrate his career.
Season Forecast
Unlike past years when players such as David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeRozan led the way, there is no clear superstar on the 2021-22 Spurs roster.
Some players have the potential to reach that level, though, and Murray stands out most in that regard after averaging 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season.
The 24-year-old's ability to take the next step may be the biggest factor in whether the Spurs actually have a chance to vie for a playoff spot.
White, Johnson and Walker all need to progress in 2021-22 as well after showing flashes of brilliance during the early part of their careers.
White put up 15.4 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game last season; Johnson averaged 12.8 points and 6.0 rebounds; and Walker contributed 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Johnson may have the best opportunity to make a significant leap among that group, especially on the heels of winning an Olympic gold medal for Team USA.
After Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal was diagnosed with COVID-19, Johnson was added to Team USA's roster due largely to his strong performances in exhibition games and his relationship with Popovich, who coached the United States in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old didn't have a big role on the team, but being around some of the biggest stars in the world and experiencing that level of success could be huge for his growth.
The Spurs could also benefit from the slow and steady progression of center Jakob Poeltl ramping up after he averaged a career-high 8.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game last season.
San Antonio should have no problem being competitive on a game-to-game basis next season, but it may not have the star power needed to be a playoff team.
Record Prediction: 36-46
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Spurs Down LiAngelo Ball, Hornets in Summer League on Tre Jones' Game-winner
Aug 12, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 09: LiAngelo Ball #8 of the Charlotte Hornets passes the ball up the court against the Sacramento Kings during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 9, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Kings defeated the Hornets 80-70. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LiAngelo Ball had his first off game of the NBA Summer League season on Thursday in the Charlotte Hornets' 106-105 loss against the San Antonio Spurs.
Tre Jones played the role of hero for the Spurs with the go-ahead layup with 1.6 seconds remaining. The Duke product scored a game-high 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting, adding nine assists and eight rebounds in 29 minutes.
Hornets rookie James Bouknight had a fantastic bounce-back performance after being held in check by Davion Mitchell on Monday. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft had 23 points on 11-of-23 shooting and eight assists with zero turnovers.
Ball was held to eight points on 3-of-9 shooting in 12minutes. He entered today averaging 13 points in the first two games, including going 5-of-8 from three-point range against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Even though Ball didn't have his most efficient scoring day, he did provide one of the game's best highlights. 'Gelo made a 38-foot three-pointer off an inbounds pass with 0.6 seconds before halftime.
After joining the G League's Oklahoma City Blue as a practice player in December 2019, Ball signed with the team in early March 2020 but didn't appear in a game because the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the remainder of the season.
Ball signed a training camp deal with the Detroit Pistons prior to the start of the 2020 campaign, but he was waived on Dec. 13 before getting into a game.
The early returns from Ball during the summer league have been largely positive. He's facing an uphill battle to make the Hornets roster, but if he continues to play well, another club could give him a chance.
Charlotte will be off tomorrow before playing the Toronto Raptors on Saturday at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. The Spurs will wrap up their summer league schedule on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets before the playoffs begin.
Spurs' Becky Hammon on HC Opportunities: 'Please Don't Hire Me to Check a Box'
Aug 11, 2021
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon works with players before an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in San Antonio, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Becky Hammon remains steadfast in her desire to be an NBA head coach, but she wants to get one of the league's 30 jobs based on merit.
Speaking to the Associated Press in a phone interview, Hammon opened up about not wanting to be a token hire if an opportunity presents itself.
"Please don't hire me to check a box," she said. "That's the worst thing you can do for me. Hire me because of my skill sets and coaching, who am I as a person, hire me for those."
After the 2020-21 season came to a close, Hammon interviewed with the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic about their vacant head-coach positions.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Blazers brought Hammon back for a second interview.
Portland chose to hire Chauncey Billups to replace Terry Stotts. The Magic hired Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley.
Hammon has broken several barriers in seven seasons as an assistant coach on Gregg Popovich's staff with the San Antonio Spurs.
Hammon became the first female head coach in a regular-season NBA game on Dec. 30, 2020, when she took over for the Spurs after Popovich was ejected in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Obviously, it's a big deal," Hammon told reporters after the game. "It's a substantial moment."
When Popovich hired her prior to the 2014-15 season, Hammon became the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in NBA history.
Prior to joining the Spurs coaching staff, Hammon played 16 seasons in the WNBA from 1999 to 2014. She was named one of the league's top 20 players of all time as part of its 20th-anniversary celebration in 2016.
Becky Hammon After Not Being Hired as NBA Head Coach: Jobs 'Incredibly Hard to Get'
Aug 11, 2021
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon works with players before an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in San Antonio, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon interviewed for the Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers head coaching gigs this offseason but did not land either. Hammon has been connected to numerous such gigs in years past, but an offer has not yet arrived.
On Tuesday, Michael Pina of Sports Illustrated spoke with Hammon about a wide range of topics, including the difficulty of landing a head coaching job.
Specifically, Pina asked Hammon if, with the knowledge that her hire would be historic, "the process of trying to become a head coach in the NBA [has] been more difficult than you thought it would be" prior to when she was hired by the Spurs in 2014 as an assistant.
I think you can throw the female, male thing out the door. There's 30 jobs. They are incredibly hard to get. And when I say 30 jobs, not all 30 are available, right? So there's like maybe four or five that are available. And the amount of pressure and scrutiny that comes with each of those jobs, they're just really hard to get. ... So for me, you know that process, I think I get better every time I go through it and walk through that door.
But at the end of the day, an organization is gonna hire me because I'm the best coach for the job. And all the stuff that comes after that will come. There's no stopping that tidal wave. And I think, for me, it's always a fine line of not overlooking or underestimating or downplaying the moment. But my primary focus has to be to become the best coach that I can be, and be there for my players, for whatever organization is the right fit for me?
Hammon is certainly qualified for a head coaching position. She's a six-time WNBA All-Star and two-time All-WNBA First Team member who was named as one of the league's top 15 players of all time in 2011. Hammon also won a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics while representing Russia.
The former Colorado State star landed with the Spurs two years after her 16-year professional playing career ended. She's worked under five-time NBA champion head coach Gregg Popovich for seven seasons ever since.
Hammon would become the first full-time female head coach in NBA history if she's ever chosen to lead a team someday. She's already the first female acting head coach in NBA history after she took over for an ejected Popovich in a Dec. 30, 2020, game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
She also led the Spurs' 2015 summer league team to a title in Las Vegas.
Shams: Bryn Forbes Agrees to Contract with Spurs After Declining Bucks Option
Aug 4, 2021
Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (12) defends Milwaukee Bucks guard Bryn Forbes (7) as Forbes attempts a three-point shot during the first half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Monday, June 7, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The 28-year-old averaged 10.0 points in 19.3 minutes per game off the bench for the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks last season. He shot a career-high 45.2 percent from three on 4.9 attempts per game.
The five-year veteran didn't see as much time in the playoffs, but he notably excelled in the Bucks' first-round sweep against the Miami Heat, averaging 15.0 points per game and scoring 22 points in Games 2 and 4.
The former Cleveland State star spent his first four seasons with the Spurs. He started for San Antonio each of his final two seasons under head coach Gregg Popovich, scoring a career-high 11.8 points per game in 2018-19.
Forbes signed a two-year, $4.8 million contract with the Bucks before the 2020-21 season, although the second year was a player option. The guard chose to decline that option, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, on July 27.
Now Forbes heads back to where it all started for him in the NBA, and he should provide San Antonio with some three-point shooting off the bench.
Forbes figures to occupy the role vacated by veteran guard Patty Mills, who agreed to a two-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency.
San Antonio also sent DeMar DeRozan to the Chicago Bulls as part of a sign-and-trade, meaning Forbes could have a huge role in 2021-22 even if he isn't part of the starting lineup.
Spurs' Updated Roster, Draft Picks After DeMar DeRozan Sign-and-Trade with Bulls
Aug 3, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 13: Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on May 13, 2021 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls reportedly agreed to a sign-and-trade deal on Tuesday that will send DeRozan to Chicago on a three-year, $85 million contract, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The deal sends Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, a conditional 2025 first-round pick, the Los Angeles Lakers' 2022 second-round pick and Chicago's 2025 second-rounder back to San Antonio.
In essence, the Spurs got some nice draft assets and two expiring contracts for facilitating DeRozan's move to Chicago. Not a bad bit of business.
So, what does the potential roster look like after the deal?
PG: Dejounte Murray / Tre Jones
SG: Derrick White / Lonnie Walker IV / Devin Vassell / Josh Primo
PF: Thaddeus Young / Al-Farouq Aminu / Drew Eubanks / Luka Samanic
C: Jakob Poeltl / Zach Collins
As for future picks, the Spurs have all of their own first- and second-round picks through 2028 except for 2022's second-rounder, along with the picks they reportedly acquired on Tuesday, per RealGM.
The Spurs have the makings of a nice young core around Murray, White, Johnson, Vassell and Walker, among others. They aren't a team that will be making title noise any time soon—and it seems unlikely this core will ever have that type of upside—but they should be in the hunt for a play-in berth this campaign.
Losing DeRozan and his 21.6 points per game last season may not hurt as much as you'd think. The Spurs actually had a net rating of minus-2.5 with DeRozan on the court last year—put another way, they were 2.5 points worse than their opposition per 100 possessions—and had just a minus-0.2 rating when he sat, per NBA.com.
Contrast that to Murray (plus-2.3 net rating on the court, minus-6.5 off it) or White (plus-5.1 on court, minus-4.3 off court), and there's an argument to be made that the Spurs will be better off building around their young players.
That isn't to disparage DeRozan's ability to consistently get 20 points per night while shooting 49.5 percent from the field. But his inability to be a major factor from the perimeter in the age of floor-spacing (25.7 percent from three) and his mediocre defense hurt his overall impact.
Another factor to consider when evaluating the Spurs is that, as it stands, they should have a ton of salary-cap flexibility next offseason. Some of that may go toward retaining Walker and Johnson when they hit restricted free agency. But if a player like, say, Bradley Beal (player option) hits the market, the Spurs should at least have the cap space to offer him the max.
So for San Antonio, it's all eyes on the future. The Spurs will be a solid team in 2021-22, but the storyline is all about what they're building toward.
Warriors Rumors: GSW Hopeful of Patty Mills Contract in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Aug 3, 2021
San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in San Antonio, Monday, April 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly targeting veteran guard Patty Mills in free agency.
According to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, the Warriors "have hope" they will be able to sign the 12-year NBA veteran.
The soon-to-be-33-year-old guard has spent the past 10 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, winning one NBA championship and playing a key role as a reserve during his tenure.
Mills has averaged double-digit points in three of the past four seasons, falling just short of that mark in 2018-19 with 9.9 points per game.
This past season, the Aussie averaged 10.8 points, 2.4 assists, 1.7 rebounds and a career-high 2.4 three-pointers made per game in 68 contests. He also shot 41.2 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.
For his career, Mills averages 8.9 points per game and shoots 38.8 percent from three. He has also made just 57 starts in 739 regular-season games.
The long-range shooting ability and willingness of the 6'1" Saint Mary's product to come off the bench would seemingly make him a perfect fit in Golden State behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
The Warriors could have some competition when it comes to signing Mills, though, as he is improving his stock thanks to his play in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Mills and Team Australia beat Argentina 97-59 in the quarterfinals Tuesday, meaning the Aussies are one win away from medaling in men's basketball at the Olympics for the first time.
Through four games, Mills ranks fifth at the Olympics with 20.8 points per contest and second in three-pointers made with 3.8 per game.
Mills will lead the Boomers into the semifinals Thursday with a perfect 4-0 record against 3-1 Team USA, which is in search of its fourth consecutive gold medal.
Golden State finished 39-33 last season before losing twice in the play-in tournament. That was after finishing with the NBA's worst record in 2019-20 on the heels of five straight NBA Finals appearances.
Thinks are looking up for the Warriors in 2021-22, however, provided Thompson can return after missing the past two seasons because of injuries.
The Warriors' likely starting lineup of Curry, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and James Wiseman is strong, plus they added two lottery picks to the mix in wing Jonathan Kuminga and guard Moses Moody.
Mills would give the Dubs some much-needed experience and shooting off the bench, and Golden State could represent one of Mills' best opportunities to vie for a second career NBA title.
Spurs Rumors: Doug McDermott Agrees to 3-Year, $42M Contract at Start of Free Agency
Aug 2, 2021
Indiana Pacers' Doug McDermott (20) dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Wednesday, May 5, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The San Antonio Spurs and veteran forward Doug McDermott agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
The 29-year-old averaged 13.6 points and shot 38.8 percent from beyond the arc in 66 games with the Indiana Pacers last season.
DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay are free agents, and their presumed departures create an obvious void on the wing for San Antonio. The Spurs also averaged the fewest made three-pointers (9.9) and were 24th in three-point percentage (35.0).
Signing a forward who can space the floor was among the team's priorities, and McDermott checks those boxes.
Doug McDermott is coming off arguably (maybe even inarguably) the best season of his career at a position and with a skill set the Spurs need badly. $14M annually is a great price for what he offers, and SA obviously has plenty of money to spend.
Trying not to think about how perfectly McDermott might fit into Rudy Gay’s minutes, because I do not yet want to acknowledge the possibility I might no longer get to cover Rudy Gay.
This past season was even a bit of a down year in terms of his shooting. He had connected on 42.6, 40.8 and 43.5 percent of his long-range jumpers in the three preceding campaigns.
This move doesn't preclude San Antonio from pursuing other targets, either. ESPN's Bobby Marks projected the team to have around $48 million to spend.
Teams with the most cap space this offseason - via @spotrac:
1. Knicks - $52.6 million 2. Spurs - $48 million 3. Mavericks - $33.5 million 4. Thunder - $30 million 5. Grizzlies - $24.4 million 6. Raptors - $22.1 million 7. Heat - $20.4 million 8. Hornets - $16.8 million
There isn't a magic bullet this offseason that will make San Antonio a title contender overnight. Landing Ben Simmons wouldn't get the franchise there, either, in the event that actually happens.
The Spurs have assembled a roster, albeit one with a firm ceiling. And tanking in the hope of landing a Tim Duncan or Kawhi Leonard-esque cornerstone probably isn't on the table as long as Gregg Popovich is the head coach.
The best thing the front office can do is improve around the margins to get back into the playoffs after missing out in 2020 and 2021. The addition of McDermott does just that.