San Antonio Spurs
Expendable difference-maker: Doug McDermott
To say the San Antonio Spurs' struggles this season are surprising would be a lie. However, after the addition of Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, there was a sense that perhaps he would have a bigger impact on winning early than expected for the Spurs. So far, that hasn't exactly happened. The Spurs appear to be a team that will finish in the bottom 3 of the league standings once again and they very much have a long road to go as they attempt to make a move up the Western Conference standings.
The Spurs are very much still in the early stages of their rebuild. Considering they're in a rebuild, there is one player on their roster that could be viewed as expendable right now. And that's sharpshooting wing Doug McDermott. The 31-year-old small forward is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league right now and would be better suited on a contender.
For a team like the Spurs, McDermott doesn't offer much value. However, in the right situation for a team vying for a playoff spot, McDermott could be a real difference-maker. Look for him to be moved by the NBA Trade Deadline.