San Antonio Spurs
Roster
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Precious Achiuwa
- Aleksej Pokusevski
- Rudy Gay
- Chimezie Metu
- Paul Reed
- Trevor Ariza
- Keldon Johnson
- Nassir Little
- Luka Samanic
- Lonnie Walker
- Derrick White
- Dejounte Murray
- Patty Mills
- Austin Rivers
Head coach: Kenny Atkinson (NOTE: Gregg Popovich retired, was not fired)
2019-20 NBA season results:
- Missed playoffs
Who they re-signed:
- N/A
Who they signed:
- Austin Rivers signed to a one-year, full mid-level exception contract
Trades they made:
- 12th overall draft pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for 17th overall draft pick and 24th overall draft pick
- DeMar DeRozan for Trevor Ariza and Nassir Little (multi-team trade involving the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers)
Who they drafted:
- Drafted Precious Achiuwa, Aleksej Pokusevski, Paul Reed
Other moves:
- Waived Trey Lyles
Summary: Perhaps the biggest change for the San Antonio Spurs is Gregg Popovich retiring to focus more on other things such as the U.S. National Team. It seems like the perfect replacement to go with Kenny Atkinson who grew with the Spurs franchise and had success in Brooklyn with the Nets.
They trade down and improve their big man rotation with their picks allowing them to waive Trey Lyles, so their young big men Precious Achiuwa and Aleksej Pokusevski have minutes. Continuing with the rebuilding process they trade DeMar DeRozan to Portland for veteran wing Trevor Ariza and project young wing player Nassir Little.
Little has the raw tools that seem like they could be put together in that Spurs culture. Austin Rivers is brought in with the mid-level exception and could provide a natural fill-in for their other guards. This is a much younger Spurs roster heading into the 2020-21 season including the head coach and they could explore trade options for LaMarcus Aldridge at the deadline if they embrace the full rebuild. Removing DeRozan should help the ball movement and provide better opportunities for their young guys.