The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up Summer League play on Saturday, and the young players on the roster were able to take massive strides towards getting real NBA minutes.
The San Antonio Spurs ended the Summer League on Saturday, beating the Phoenix Suns 86-81. The Spurs were led by 20 points from Miles Kelly, and all four draft picks got the game off.
Between the California Classic and the Las Vegas League, the Spurs went a respectable 4-4, ripping off four wins in a row to end the Summer League.
Carter Bryant was the only player to suit up for San Antonio who had any experience with the main club, and he was solid on both ends of the floor, posting 15.5 points in his two games. The Spurs' leading scorer was second-round pick Ja'Kobi Gillespie, who posted 16.0 points in his four games.
As the Spurs enjoy three months off before the preseason starts, two major improvements were made.
Spurs Improve Defense and Playmaking
In Summer League play, it's easy for up-and-coming NBA players to try to stuff the stat sheet with the hopes of making a roster. While players like Gillespie and RJ Davis did showcase their scoring, other players opted to do the dirty work.
With Bryant and second-round pick Maliq Brown leading the way, defense was a key area of focus for San Antonio. On top of that, ball movement and playmaking were a welcome surprise. Gillespie is trying to steal reserve minutes from Jordan McLaughlin, so showing off his passing chops was a priority.
"From day one to now, they continued to do what we talk about in San Antonio: pound the rock," said head coach Corliss Williamson. "We saw the fruits of their labor from that. Defensively, I thought we became a better team. Offensively, we found ways to share the basketball, and we were able to be successful."
Gillespie averaged 4.3 assists per game along with his 16 points. That was 31st in the entire league, nothing to write home about, but he was one of only 12 players to average four assists and 15 points.
Gillespie and Bruce Thornton were the only two non-first-round-picks to average four assists and 15 points in the Summer League, both playing well above expectations.
As the Spurs build around Victor Wembanyama, players who can excel at the small things will always have a role. Gillespie and Brown are not expected to be superstars, but if they keep their heads down and work on their craft, there will be minutes for them in the NBA.
