NBA: 5 big takeaways from the first half of the season

NBA takeaway No. 2: The Spurs are back on track?

Now, I’m not saying that the San Antonio Spurs are on the precipice of another dynasty. Knowing the Spurs, though, I am certainly not ruling it out. In the years since the scrutinized Kawhi Leonard trade, the Spurs have been stuck in NBA limbo. Not good enough for an advantageous spot in the playoffs, not bad enough for an advantageous spot in the lottery.

The pieces on the roster did not seem to fit, clogs at several positions, and a stubborn reluctance to move to a more modern offense all played a part in this. And suddenly, it clicked. DeMar DeRozan probably should have been an All-Star this season, averaging a career-high in assists (7.1), while staying on par with his other career averages.

Dejounte Murray is blossoming into the player we thought DeAron Fox would turn into (in all fairness to DF, he needs a real NBA coach before he developing any further). Jakob Poetl is seventh in the league in blocks per game (1.6) and is holding down the fort in the paint. Devin Vassell looks like the latest Spurs steal in the draft while Keldon Johnson is fulfilling that title from last year’s draft. Derrick White and Lonnie Walker IV are other impactful young gunners. LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, and Patty Mills are still impactful veterans (especially Patty, what the hell has gotten into him this season?).

The Spurs have almost TOO many contributors at this point. This was evident in the offseason too when they had to let Bryn Forbes go for nothing (and the Bucks thank you for doing so :). I know it is not the typical Spurs style, but they are PRIMED to be contenders the next time a young star wants out. I am not talking about Bradley Beal either. I am talking the next time a Karl-Anthony Towns level player wants out.

Poeltl, White, Johnson, and a pick will open A LOT of doors in this town. It would cost even less to trade for someone like John Collins, who I think would fit in super well with that roster. Death, taxes and the Spurs being competitive regardless of what everyone says. Don’t be surprised if they’re on everyone’s contender list in a season or two.