A lot was done about Spursstarting backcourt and the decision to start a talented but difficult to space trio De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harperand Castle Stefan. However, given Harper’s rookie season and respect Fox and Castle made money as players, it was really the only option for a head coach Mitch Johnson, Michael Pina of The Athletic writes.
With the Spurs’ 8-2 record entering Monday, much of the credit is not due Victor Wembanyama goes to the fact that the three players fit together more closely than some might expect.
Castle and Harper’s size allowed the group to survive on defense as it did Devin Vassellwillingness to defend as the de facto starting power forward. On the other side of the court, the ability of all three ball-handlers to break down defenses and get to the rim or find Wembanyama for a shot.
While there are still obvious pitfalls in the group, the team should feel optimistic that so far all three players seem to understand how they need to play together and what they need to sacrifice for the good of the team, Pina wrote.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Carter Bryant earned himself a solid bench role in his rookie season with Spursbut there have been some bumps at the start of his 2026/27 campaign. After playing in each of the team’s first seven games, he appeared to fall out of the rotation in favor of a veteran forward Harrison Barnes. According to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News , Johnson said it’s just a matter of available minutes.Link to Twitter). “We have a lot of boys” Johnson said.Not enough minutes to go around. So I just have to (Bryant) keep doing what he’s doing, just keep staying in the process.” Bryant did not publicly comment on the decision, but posted on his Instagram a quote from the Bible that led to the phrase: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us” (Link to Twitter). Bryant played just three minutes in the team’s next two games before playing 17 minutes in the team’s win over the Trail Blazers. After the game, Johnson praised his energy in minutes, – writes Orsborn. “He is a big part of this team” Johnson said.He’s going to be a big part of this team moving forward and he’s very happy that he’s ready to go and he’s brought the energy, physicality and aggressiveness that is the best version of himself..”
- Sadik Bay is one of the quietest members Pelicans team, but he was emotional during a 22-point outing in a win over Jazz, Rod Walker writes for NOLA.com. “Just trying to win the game” Bey said of his reaction afterward.”The fans were with us through all the games. I was just trying to thank them and try to get the team and the movement going. Just trying to finish a hard, long game.” Bay has been one of the bright spots for the Pelicans this season and is playing for the Sixth Man of the Year, Walker writes. In addition to being a reliable scorer, averaging 16.1 points in 27.0 minutes per game starting Monday, he has been a positive influence in the locker room. “He is the best professional”, coach Jamal Mosley said. “He comes in and does his job. Doesn’t say much. Does his job. He is the ultimate competitor. You couldn’t ask for a better model of how to approach the game than Sadiq Bey.”
- Zach Edey withdrew from Canada’s 2024 Olympic bid as he prepared to begin his NBA career with Grizzliesbut he plans to return to playing for his country’s basketball team, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reports. “When I’m healthy, I play” Eddy said when asked about his future with Team Canada.”That’s all.”