NBA: Re-seeding the Western Conference after the Free Agency

7 of 16

DENVER, CO – APRIL 05: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Pepsi Center on April 5, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The playoff fringe

These teams will be competing with each other for the final playoff spots.

10. San Antonio Spurs

Last season: 47-35, 7th

Notable ins: DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, Lonnie Walker IV

Notable outs: Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Kyle Anderson

Well, Kawhi Leonard is finally gone, shipped north of the border for DeMar DeRozan. Where does that leave the San Antonio Spurs?

While they made the playoffs last season largely without Kawhi, and they did get an All-Star from the Raptors, their roster for next season is somewhat perplexing. DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are noted exponents of the mid-range shot, a play that has been banned by many teams for its inefficiency.

They lost some much-needed outside shooting in the Toronto trade, with Danny Green also moved on. That leaves them with only three above-average 3-point shooters on the roster (min. 1 attempt per game); Bryn Forbes, Patty Mills and Davis Bertans.

Their wing depth will also be tested now that Kyle Anderson is in Memphis, with Rudy Gay looking like the nominal starter and no obvious backup on the roster.

Of course, there’s every chance the Spurs could make the most of this messy situation. They now have two All-NBA talents, which is a good starting point for any team. But both come with some question marks, with Aldridge now 33 years old and DeRozan reportedly unhappy to be traded.

It feels wrong to bet against Gregg Popovich and the Spurs, but it’s also hard to put much faith in this roster.

Home/NBA News