NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs had an unfortunate end to their season in the playoffs, but could be in for an eventful postseason with some big talent available.
The San Antonio Spurs didn’t have their postseason go as they planned, but now they’re in full control of their offseason as they look to build up towards more battles with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.
After getting bounced by the Warriors in the Conference Finals after injuries to Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard derailed the team, the Spurs are in an awkward spot with their current roster. Parker is rising in age and returning from an injury, LaMarcus Aldridge is reportedly unhappy with his role on the team, and they don’t have a ton of cap room at the moment to pursue some of the bigger names in free agency this summer.
The Spurs need to take advantage of Leonard while they have him in some of his best years of his career, and may need to do some drastic moves to make a run in the West next year.
With such a talented pool out there this offseason, and plenty of players to move around from their current roster, things will definitely be hectic out in San Antonio this summer. To help narrow things down, here are the five best offseason targets for the Spurs to pursue this offseason.
5. George Hill
George Hill may not be a huge name like a ton of other free agents out there, and there are point guards out there that surely exceed his star power. However, that’s exactly why he’d be a great signing for the Spurs this offseason.
Hill and the Spurs have been acquainted before, as he played for the team for three seasons from 2008-2011. He’s liked by Gregg Popovich, was admittedly one of his favorite players to coach, and, according to Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News, there’s mutual interest on a return to the lineup in San Antonio for Hill.
While Hill doesn’t provide the same talent that a Chris Paul or Kyle Lowry would, that’s almost exactly why it may be best to sign him. Hill will be a much cheaper option to pursue, provide some real talent and veteran experience, and can help coach up a young Dejounte Murray at point guard, whereas Paul and Lowry would take away more minutes.
The team could also load up on more talent for a run if they pursue Hill and some big men, rather than spend all they have on one talented point guard.
Last season with the Utah Jazz, Hill averaged 16.9 points per game, along with 4.1 assists and 1.0 steals. He’s a talented option that may be a bit easier to pursue and convince to come to San Antonio, and may be just what the team needs if Tony Parker isn’t healthy after his injury.