Building the Foundation: Why the Spurs’ Struggles Are Just Part of the Process
If you’re a Spurs fan, it’s hard to ignore the frustration of watching a team that doesn’t always look like it’s firing on all cylinders. On the surface, it can seem like the Spurs are tanking, with players who aren’t performing at the level we expect from this storied franchise. But if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, you’ll see that what’s happening on the court right now is just the groundwork for something bigger and better in the future.
At the core of this season’s struggles lies the team’s ongoing adjustment to a complex playbook. It takes time for players to fully understand and master the intricacies of a system that requires constant adjustments, especially when the opposing team is making defensive shifts. The Spurs are introducing so many combinations and scenarios that it’s understandable for there to be growing pains along the way.
One of the biggest hurdles is getting all the players on the same page. This is especially challenging when you have a star like Victor Wembanyama in the mix. There’s no doubt that Wemby is a generational talent, but he’s still learning how to mesh with his teammates and figure out the most effective way to get them involved in the offense. And when you have players who might struggle to create their shot, the system allows them to get the opportunity to showcase their abilities, even if they aren’t the primary playmakers.
Defense is another area where the Spurs are seeing lapses. It’s not that they can’t play defense, it’s just that they’re still figuring out the nuances of their defensive assignments. With a young squad, the defense can sometimes break down when they misread the opposing team’s plays. When you’re on defense, you can’t always rely on hearing your coach’s instructions from the sideline. This is where the presence of seasoned veterans like Chris Paul becomes invaluable. I’ve noticed Paul frequently yelling on the court, calling out instructions like
“AYE! SWITCH ON THAT!” or “Ju Ju! Ju! Watch that cut!”
He’s helping guide the younger players and reinforce those defensive principles and how to communicate. You can only communicate what you understand before it happens.
Individually, players like Castle, Julian, Sochan, and Wemby have solid defensive instincts, but when they get beaten or cut off, there’s often no one there to pick up the pocket because the other players are so focused on their assignments. This is where team defense comes into play, and it’s something that takes time to develop. That’s why the emphasis on defensive assignments and rotations is so critical this season. Paul and fellow veteran Barnes have been brought in to provide that leadership. Barnes, in particular, serves as an example for the younger players, showing them where to be and when to anticipate the action.
On the bench, things get even more interesting. The coaching staff is experimenting with players like Tre Jones and Castle, focusing on their communication and leadership skills with the first and second unit. This is a testing ground to see how well the bench can execute plays and interact on the floor. I’ve been paying special attention to the communication on the court, especially when the bench is in. It’s fascinating to watch the players figure out how to run plays with Wemby, understanding that the defense won’t leave shooters open when he’s in the game.
It’s easy to get discouraged when you see the team struggle, but this season is all about setting the foundation for the future. As difficult as it is to lose games, you have to appreciate the long-term vision being built. The players are learning, the system is evolving, and the Spurs are positioning themselves for success down the road. So, while we might not be seeing immediate results on the scoreboard, the roots of something special are being planted right now. Stay patient and trust the process — this is just the beginning.
