Spurs Don’t Need to Rely On Free Agents

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3) Simmons/Murray:

• The Spurs as usual are not having much luck luring stars to their team, so they have to make due with what they have. Jonathan Simmons and Dejounte Murray are two players that will be essential to the Spurs chances of winning a title. Both have shown potential and have the athleticism that the Spurs desperately need on the perimeter. Simmons (who the Spurs will likely re-sign) in particular will likely see an increased role with the Spurs on offense, his slashing ability will be a huge asset for the team. Murray has a strong competitive spirit and if he can relay that into helping the team consistently it would be huge.

2) Lamarcus Aldridge:

• He may be a little unhappy with the offense but he has to realize that he is with one of the best organizations in the league. The Spurs are treating him fairly on offense, he just has to make better decisions. The time of Aldridge depending solely on long jumpers should be over, he has to play down-low more often. No one is asking him to completely transform his game but simply to take advantage of height advantages when he has them. Visions of him being guarded successfully by James Harden should haunt the former all-star. Aldridge still has the ability to be a 20 plus scorer (averaged 17 ppg last season), he just has to adjust his game by adjusting his mindset first.

1) Defense:

• No team is going to beat the Golden State Warriors at their own game, a powerful offense alone won't get it done but a strict defense would likely do the trick. The Spurs were already the number one defense in the league and next year looks promising as well. Leonard will likely lead the charge but with Danny Green and now Simmons following his lead. Murray has the ability to be great defensively as well, along with Spurs First Round pick Derrick White. The Spurs are slowly but surely developing a perimeter-defense that could contain a strong offense. The team is improving on the good size and length which gave the Warriors fits last season.