On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs officially announced that they have re-signed guard Tre Jones.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says it’s a two-year, $20 million contract.
Last season, Jones averaged career-highs of 12.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game in 68 games (65 starts). During the year, the third-year guard recorded his first career triple-double against the Sacramento Kings on April 2. He followed it up with his second vs. the Timberwolves on April 8 to become just the fifth player in Spurs history to record multiple in the same season.
Selected by San Antonio in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft (41st overall), the 23-year-old has appeared in 174 total games for the Spurs, averaging 7.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 46.9% from the floor. In his second NBA season (2021-22), the former Duke Blue Devil posted a 5.07 assist-to-turnover ratio, which set a record for the best single-season assist/turnover ratio in Spurs franchise history.
Next season, Jones will probably continue as the team’s starting point guard.
The Dallas Mavericks officially announced on Wednesday that they have acquired forward Grant Williams from Boston and second-round picks in 2025 and 2028 from San Antonio as part of a three-team sign-and-trade deal.
San Antonio will acquire Reggie Bullock and a 2030 first-round pick swap from Dallas; Boston will receive a 2030 second-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick swap from Dallas, and a 2024 second-round pick from San Antonio.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Williams will get a four-year, $53 million deal with Dallas.
Williams, 24, posted career bests for points (8.1 ppg), rebounds (4.6 rpg), assists (1.7 apg), minutes (25.9 mpg), and 3-pointers made (115) in a career-high 79 games (career-best 23 starts) in 2022-23.
“Grant will bring a level of versatility and tenacity to our organization,” said General Manager Nico Harrison in a press release. “He has been battle tested in high-level NBA Playoff games and is committed to team success. His willingness to compete in every single facet of the game will complement our group well.”
Williams has played in the NBA Playoffs in each of his first four seasons, advancing to three Eastern Conference Finals (2020, 2022, 2023) and one NBA Finals (2022). His 61 career postseason appearances rank third on the Mavericks’ current roster behind Kyrie Irving and JaVale McGee (both with 74).
Over his final two seasons with the Celtics, Williams averaged 8.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 46.4% (421-908 FG) from the field, 40.3% (221-549 3FG) from 3-point range and 82.9% (180-217 FT) from the foul line.
Boston selected Williams with the 22nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft after a decorated college career at the University of Tennessee.
The Houston native will wear No. 3 for Dallas, while second-year guard Jaden Hardy will move to No. 1 this upcoming season.
Bullock appeared in 146 games (92 starts) for Dallas over the past two seasons and averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 29.2 minutes while shooting 37.0% (292-789 3FG) from beyond the arc.
Analysis:
Dallas adds toughness with the addition of Williams. Plus, they get better on the defensive end, which was an issue for this team last season. They appear to be trying to surround Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving with defense and shooting.
Gregg Popovich, who is the winningest coach in NBA history, will not be quitting anytime soon.
On Saturday, The San Antonio announced that President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Gregg Popovich has signed a five-year contract.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal is worth over $80 million, which makes him the highest-paid coach in the NBA.
Over the past few seasons, the Spurs have been in rebuild mode, but they are very fortunate to grab French phenom Victor Wembanyama with the number one overall pick in this year’s draft, which could help Pop and the Spurs get back to their winning ways.
Popovich, 74, has been the head coach for the San Antonio Spurs for 27 seasons (1996-present) and became the winningest coach in NBA history in March 2022.
He is one of five coaches in NBA history with at least five or more championships (1999, 2003, ‘05, ‘07, ‘14). Throughout his career, Popovich has led the Spurs to 284 playoff victories and six NBA Finals appearances (1999, 2003, ‘05, ‘07, ‘13-14).
During his tenure with the Spurs, Popovich coached Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, along with Class of 2023 finalist Tony Parker. Popovich has won NBA Coach of the Year three times (2003, ‘12, ‘14), and his 67 wins in 2016 are tied for the seventh most all-time in a single season. In addition to his NBA coaching career, Popovich has served as head or assistant coach for six USA Basketball national teams, including winning a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics.
The San Antonio Spurs made it official on Thursday when they selected Frenchman Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Wembanyama is the first French player selected No. 1 overall in NBA Draft history; in addition, he joins David Robinson and Tim Duncan as the only top overall picks in Spurs franchise history.
“I can’t really describe it. It’s still fresh,” Wembanyama said about being selected number one in the draft. “One of the best feelings of my life. Probably the best night of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. It’s a dream come true. It’s incredible.”
The 7-3 forward, who has all the skills, has the city of San Antonio excited. Many fans showed up at AT&T Center to celebrate the selection. Wembanyama had a message for the San Antonio faithful.
“My message to them is I’m going to give 100 percent, make all that’s in my power to make this franchise win, to have impact on the franchise and the fan base and the community,” he said.
Wembanyama most recently played with French-club Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in the LNB Pro A French League during the 2022-23 season, where he helped lead the team to the LNB Pro A Finals and a 23-11 regular season record. In 34 regular season games with Mets 92, he averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.0 blocks in 32.3 minutes.
The 19-year-old will be coached by the guy who has the most wins in NBA history, Gregg Popovich. When asked if he’s excited or intimidated by Pop, Wembanyama had this to say:
“He’s not intimidating yet, but I’m sure he’s going to get intimidating when I see him in real life.”
Wembanyama has all the makings to be a star; he’s athletic; he can shoot and handle. Everything! He has generational skills and talent. Like Duncan, Robinson, Ginobili, and his fellow Frenchman Tony Parker, he could lead the Spurs to another title.
Wembanyama will wear No. 1 for the Spurs.
The San Antonio Spurs have converted the two-way contract of center Charles Bassey to a standard NBA contract, the team announced on Tuesday.
According to Shams Charania, it’s a four-year deal worth $10.2 million, including guarantees of $5.2 million.
The 22-year-old Bassey, originally selected by the 76ers in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft, has appeared in 25 games with San Antonio this season, averaging 4.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 13.6 minutes. The 6-11 center signed a two-way contract with the Spurs in October after being waived by the 76ers.
Bassey has also played in 14 total games for the Austin Spurs, averaging 23.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.86 blocks in 29.8 minutes on his way to being named to the NBA G League Next Up Game at All-Star Weekend.
He has played well during his time in San Antonio and has shown a lot of promise for the young Spurs.
Originally from Nigeria, Bassey played three seasons at Western Kentucky.
.
Philadelphia 76ers have signed center Dewayne Dedmon for the rest of the season, the team announced on Tuesday.
Dedmon, 33, was recently waived by the Spurs after being traded by the Heat to San Antonio in early February. This season, Dedmon, who spent three-plus seasons in Miami, averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 30 games with the Miami Heat.
Dedmon is not unfamiliar with Philadelphia, as he played in 11 games during the 2013-14 season. The 10-year veteran had the most success as a pro with the Hawks(2017-19). During his time in Atlanta, he averaged 10.2 points while starting in 106 of 136 games played.
Philadelphia could use more size, and the 7-foot Dedmon gives them that. It should be interesting to see what role he’ll have with the 76ers, as they currently have Paul Reed and Montrezl Harrell as the primary backups to Joel Embiid.
In a very interesting move, the San Antonio Spurs have waived guard Joshua Primo, the team announced Friday.
Primo, who was on the Spurs’ injured list with a left glute soreness, was selected by the Spurs with the 12th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Alabama.
Recently, the Spurs picked up the third-year option on Primo for the 2023-24 season.
Last season, the 19-year-old appeared in 50 games for San Antonio, averaging 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 19.3 minutes. Primo also spent time with the Austin Spurs and averaged 16.6 points, a team-high 5.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 19 games.
“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua,” said Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO RC Buford said in th press release announcing the move.
According to the team, the Spurs organization, including front office executives, coaching staff, and players, will have no additional comments to share at this time.
After the release, Primo sent a statement to ESPN on his release.
“I know that you all are surprised by today’s announcement. I’ve been seeking help to deal with previous trauma I suffered and will now take this time to focus on my mental health treatment more fully. I hope to be able to discuss these issues in the future so I can help others who have suffered in a similar way. I appreciate privacy at this time.”
Primo has a lot of ability, so whatever he did, the Spurs clearly were not comfortable going forward with him. Hopefully, he gets the help he needs to be better on and off the court.
The San Antonio Spurs have exercised their fourth-year team option on guard Devin Vassell, as well as their third-year option on guard Josh Primo for the 2023-24 season, the team announced Monday.
Vassell, 22, is entering his third year with the Spurs after appearing in 71 games last season and averaging 12.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 27.3 minutes. In 2021-22, Vassell became the first Spur in franchise history to make more than 100 three-pointers in his sophomore season and is now one of three Spurs to record 1,000 points, 125 threes, and 100 steals in their first two seasons. The Spurs selected Vassell in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft (11th overall).
The 19-year-old Primo begins his second season after appearing in 50 games for San Antonio last year and averaging 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 19.3 minutes. The Alabama alum made his NBA debut vs. Orlando on 10/20/21 and his first start at Philadelphia on 1/7/22. His 18 total starts are the most by a Spurs rookie since 2011-12.
Primo also spent time with the Austin Spurs and averaged 16.6 points, a team-high 5.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 19 games after being selected by San Antonio with the 12th overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Collins in Concussion Protocol:
In other news, the Spurs announced on Monday that forward Zach Collins has entered the NBA’s Concussion Protocol following last night’s Spurs-Pelicans game. According to the team, Collins will not travel to Utah for tomorrow’s Spurs-Jazz game, and San Antonio will provide updates on his return to the court as appropriate.
Spurs waive Kuhse:
Also, the team announced that they have waived guard Tommy Kuhse. The undrafted rookie free agent out of Saint Mary’s appeared in two preseason games, averaging 6.0 points and 1.5 assists in 9.0 minutes per contest.
San Antonio forward Keldon Johnson suffered a right shoulder posterior dislocation, the team announced Saturday.
Johnson. 22, injured the shoulder during the team’s open gym and has started actively rehabbing.
According to the Spurs, he will miss the start of the preseason schedule, but Johnson is expected to be available for the start of the regular season.
Last season, Johnson averaged a career-high 17.0 points per contest and is one the team’s best players. During the offseason, the Spurs awarded Johnson as he signed a four-year, $80 million rookie scale contract extension.
In addition, San Antonio announced their training camp roster. which currently stands at 20 players. The Silver and Black return 11 players from last season and features six of San Antonio’s first round draft picks from the last four years, as well as six offseason additions.
Head coach Gregg Popovich returns to lead the Spurs for the 27th straight season. San Antonio’s training camp wil:l run Sept. 27 – Oct. 2 before kicking off the 2022-23 campaign with a preseason matchup at Houston on Sunday, Oct. 2.
The Spurs will open the regular season at home on Wednesday, Oct. 19 against the Charlotte Hornets.
2022-23 SAN ANTONIO SPURS TRAINING CAMP ROSTER:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| No. |
Player
|
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
DOB |
Prior to NBA/Home Country |
Yrs. |
| 3 |
Keldon Johnson |
G/F |
6-6 |
210 |
10/11/99 |
Kentucky/USA |
3 |
| 7 |
Josh Richardson |
G |
6-5 |
200 |
09/15/93 |
Tennessee/USA |
7 |
| 10 |
Jeremy Sochan |
F |
6-8 |
225 |
05/20/03 |
Baylor/Poland-England |
R |
| 11 |
Josh Primo |
G |
6-5 |
190 |
12/24/02 |
Alabama/Canada |
1 |
| 14 |
Blake Wesley |
G |
6-5 |
185 |
03/16/03 |
Notre Dame/USA |
R |
| 15 |
Joe Wieskamp |
G/F |
6-6 |
210 |
08/03/99 |
Iowa/USA |
1 |
| 17 |
Doug McDermott |
F |
6-8 |
225 |
01/03/92 |
Creighton/USA |
8 |
| 18 |
Isaiah Roby |
F |
6-8 |
230 |
02/03/98 |
Nebraska/USA |
3 |
| 19 |
Alize Johnson |
F |
6-7 |
210 |
04/22/96 |
Missouri State/USA |
4 |
| 22 |
Malaki Branham |
G |
6-5 |
195 |
05/12/03 |
Ohio State/USA |
R |
| 23 |
Zach Collins |
F/C |
6-11 |
250 |
11/19/97 |
Gonzaga/USA |
4 |
| 24 |
Devin Vassell |
G |
6-6 |
195 |
08/23/00 |
Florida State/USA |
2 |
| 25 |
Jakob Poeltl |
C |
7-0 |
240 |
10/15/95 |
Utah/Austria |
6 |
| 26 |
Dominick Barlow* |
F |
6-10 |
220 |
05/26/03 |
Overtime Elite/USA |
R |
| 27 |
Tommy Kuhse |
G |
6-2 |
185 |
10/21/96 |
Saint Mary’s (CA)/USA |
R |
| 31 |
Keita Bates-Diop |
F |
6-8 |
230 |
01/23/96 |
Ohio State/USA |
4 |
| 33 |
Tre Jones |
G |
6-2 |
185 |
01/08/00 |
Duke/USA |
2 |
| 35 |
Romeo Langford |
G/F |
6-5 |
215 |
10/25/99 |
Nebraska/USA |
3 |
| 41 |
Gorgui Dieng |
F/C |
6-10 |
250 |
01/18/90 |
Louisville/Senegal |
9 |
| 55 |
Jordan Hall* |
G |
6-8 |
220 |
01/14/02 |
St. Joseph’s (PA)/USA |
R |
| *Two-way Contract |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Head Coach: |
Gregg Popovich (Air Force) |
|
| Assistant Coaches: |
Brett Brown (Boston University) |
|
| |
Mitch Johnson (Stanford) |
|
|
Matt Nielsen (Australia) |
|
|
Darius Songaila (Wake Forest) |
|
The San Antonio Spurs announced that they have re-signed guard Joe Wieskamp, the team announced Wednesday.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s a two-year, $4.4 million deal for the second-year forward.
Wieskamp, 23, played in 30 games for the Spurs last year in his rookie season, averaging 2.0 points in 6.8 minutes with San Antonio. As a two-way player, Wieskamp also appeared in 28 games for the Austin Spurs, where he averaged 15.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.11 steals in 32.4 minutes in the NBA G League.
Originally drafted by San Antonio with the 41st overall selection in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft, Wieskamp played three years at the University of Iowa.
