Could it be that the San Antonio Spurs’ greatest strength during NBA Free Agency has also served as their weakness?
Hard to follow?
Let us explain. The signing of Chris Paul as a free agent and the trade for Harrison Barnes, which also included future first-round draft picks, were met with applause, and rightfully so. However, it’s easy to forget that at different points during the offseason, the Silver and Black have been linked to All-Stars such as Lauri Markkanan, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young and Darius Garland, among others. Each of those players is more productive than Paul or Barnes at this point in their careers.
It’s important to note that free agency isn’t over yet, but so far, San Antonio’s failure to add another big-time scorer stands out.
What the Spurs may have missed
Even though Devin Vassell averaged nearly 20 points per game last season, the Spurs had to deal with a 22-60 campaign as the team welcomed generational talent Victor Wembanyama. The lack of star talent outside of Wemby hurt San Antonio in 2023-24. By opting to sign Paul for more than $11 million and trading for Barnes, who will make $18 million next year, the Spurs have not added a dynamic second scorer behind Wemby.
“We started that stuff in training camp,” Paul said after laughing when asked if the team could make the playoffs next season.
“I’m not here to say we’re going to do this or that. I think we all need to come together and make sure we understand what our goals are and what we’re going to do to try and help each other achieve them,” Paul admitted when asked about his short-term expectations.
A double punch from Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes
As the team’s two most important additions, Paul and Barnes hope to be able to count on each other no matter who else joins the roster.
“I’m excited. I’ve been going to basketball camp for years and Harrison came to camp a few years ago,” Paul said of his new teammate. “That’s when I first met him. It was great talking to him on the flight (to San Antonio). I know how good Harrison is, I know how determined and committed he is to being the best version of himself. I’m excited to try to put this all together.”
“Just seeing the work I put in at 32 years old and the work he puts in a little bit older, I won’t say his age, but a little bit older,” Barnes said, “you see what it takes to keep coming here and playing every night.”
While these two new Spurs have each other in their sights, they have another at the core of the team.
“Hopefully those tips and practices can be passed on to a lot of these younger guys coming into this league with three or four years of experience, so they know how they can develop and go on to play, hopefully, a lot of games over their long careers.”
Whether it’s one or two, there’s no doubt that Barnes is part of the Spurs’ big combination this offseason. However, considering all the other big names this team was linked to at different points in the offseason, it’s fair to wonder if there were some bigger moves San Antonio left on the table in recent weeks.
