Spurs Grades: Jordan McLaughlin Season Recap, Prediction For Next Year

After the San Antonio Spurs' loss in the NBA Finals ended their impressive season, SpursRoundtable has been providing season grades and projections for next year.

The latest Spur ready for examination is Jordan McLaughlin, one of the guards who served in the rotation for San Antonio.

McLaughlin appeared in 44 games this past year for the Spurs but did not get the starting nod in any of them. Despite this solely bench role, he played in more than double the games he did for San Antonio in the year prior and had the highest total since 2024, when he played in 46.

In these contests, McLaughlin posted a season average of two points per game alongside just shy of an assist and half a steal each outing.

READ MORE: Spurs Grades: Bismack Biyombo Season Recap, Prediction For Next Year

With the numbers pointing toward a less-than-stellar output from the veteran guard, what can San Antonio expect to gain from keeping McLaughlin on the roster?

Similarly to the first Spur looked at during this series, Bismack Biyombo, McLaughlin could serve as less of an on-court factor and more of a developmental figure for a San Antonio core that is one of the youngest in the NBA.

The Spurs boast a group of guards that can rival any lineup across the league, with Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and De'Aaron Fox headlining a group that has skill alongside flexibility throughout the floor.

While Fox is a veteran in his own regard and is viewed as one of the main mentors on the roster, Castle and Harper are entering only their third and second seasons in the NBA, respectively.

These guards have showcased talent levels that surpass McLaughlin in the most respectful way possible, but raw skills can only go so far in the NBA, especially deep in the postseason. And the Spurs found this out the hard way in their series with the New York Knicks.

READ MORE: How Spurs Can Finally Give Ex-Warriors Star What He Always Wanted

McLaughlin is not the most seasoned of guys in the NBA; however, he has shared the court with stars such as Anthony Edwards and made more trips to the postseason than most of the Spurs roster.

This edge that comes only from first-hand experience is an invaluable asset for a team looking to navigate the growing pains that are a mandatory part of the ascension toward the pinnacle of the NBA.

If McLaughlin suits up again for San Antonio, expect him to be seen less on the court and working behind the scenes to ensure those getting the nod are the best they can be.

FINAL GRADE: D, 2027 OUTLOOK: Bench Depth/Veteran Mentor