[ad_1]
The San Antonio Spurs could use Game 7 of the LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets to look for possible games in free agency.
Just because you can’t see the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs doesn’t mean there’s nothing to look forward to. In addition to the intensity, NBA history, and unlikely circumstances this season, there will be a ripple effect to the events of these playoffs. Key free agents will participate in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals tonight between the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. There are three players in particular the San Antonio Spurs need to keep an eye on, two of whom are Nuggets.
First and foremost is Spurs’ Twitter favorite, forward Jerami Grant. With a player option of $ 9.3 million for next season, signs point to Grant opting to go out looking for a long-term deal worth a bit more on the front-end starting next season.
While Grant is not a world champion, he is the type of player who can press the needle for a Spurs team that lost its defensive identity. Grant, a versatile and long 6-foot-8-inch defender, has the athleticism and quickness to protect positions 3-5 more competently than anyone else on the San Antonio roster. A key component of his game is a balanced offensive attack highlighted by a 3-point best hit. Grant made 38.9 percent of his 3s in the regular season.
San Antonio could rally the cap space to bring Grant in in the offseason if a few free agents walk. They also have their mid-tier exception, but Grant is probably looking for more than what San Antonio has to offer in that regard. Still, he’s someone Spurs fans would be willing to make sacrifices to acquire into a potential signing.
Another player under the Nuggets’ radar is Torrey Craig, who enters unrestricted free agency this offseason. Each of the three players on this list fits into the category of power injectors who rush and play with their hearts at every opportunity. Craig is a solid perimeter defender who’s been in great moments for the Nuggets at this point. Offense is tough, but the Spurs need players who can make big plays as defenders with the ball.
Last of the three is Montrezl Harrell, who is probably the least likely option to leave his team after a Sixth Man of the Year award. They’ll most likely pay you more money than San Antonio could pay without DeRozan going to free agency, but the point is, the Spurs should be looking in your direction. Harrell is one of the game’s best inside scorers, pick-and-roll finishers and offensive rebounders despite being a bit underwhelmed.
Harrell would be a great complement to the current greats of the Spurs who have a lot of skill but lack intensity. It would fit perfectly with the current core that features young wings that bring a physical and dynamic style to the table. If Poeltl enters restricted free agency and the Spurs have enough cap room for something to work, taking Harrell to Alamo City would help a lot.
Tonight, we can see how these players look under pressure. While it may be an opportunity for them to increase their value on the open market, it is also an opportunity for NBA general managers to take a look at their game and see that they fit in with a new organization.
Both Denver and Los Angeles have loaded cap sheets and returning these players will not be easy. That’s where the San Antonio Spurs could make a splash.
[ad_2]
