NBA San Antonio Spurs

Top 5 San Antonio Spurs Storylines To Follow During Preseason

Top 5 San Antonio Spurs Storylines To Follow During Preseason

2014 NBA Global Games - Berlin
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The NBA preseason is upon us. There is no doubt that all eyes will be on the defending champions, the San Antonio Spurs. As they look to repeat this season, there are some points to look out for early on. Check out the top five Spurs storylines to follow this preseason.

5. The Impact of Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon 2014 NBA Global Games - Berlin
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5. The Impact of Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon 2014 NBA Global Games - Berlin
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The Spurs made history by hiring Becky Hammon as a full-time assistant coach in the offseason. With her basketball IQ and years of basketball experience, Hammon is sure to flourish under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich. Hammon has been around the Spurs before taking the job, so the respect and familiarity will be there. Now, only time will tell what kind of difference her presence will make for San Antonio.

4. Can Kyle Anderson Earn Minutes?

2014 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot
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4. Can Kyle Anderson Earn Minutes?

2014 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot
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In the 2014 NBA Draft, the Spurs selected Kyle Anderson with the last pick of the first round. Most know that the pre-season is an early test for the players trying to earn a significant role on the team. Anderson will get a chance to prove his worth. He has all the attributes that the Spurs look for, but can he apply them when the lights are on?

3. Can Cory Joseph Backup Tony Parker?

Cory Joseph San Antonio Spurs Western Conference Finals - Game 6
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3. Can Cory Joseph Backup Tony Parker?

Cory Joseph San Antonio Spurs Western Conference Finals - Game 6
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The Spurs will be without the help of Patty Mills at the guard position for a few months. This will put pressure on Cory Joseph to produce in the backup point guard position. Joseph’s career average of 4.2 points and 1.6 assists per game will have to increase significantly if the Spurs are to duplicate last season’s success.

2. Kawhi Leonard Must Extend His Role

Kawhi Leonard 2014 NBA Finals - Game Five
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2. Kawhi Leonard Must Extend His Role

Kawhi Leonard 2014 NBA Finals - Game Five
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After winning the NBA MVP Finals last season, Kawhi Leonard has certain expectations to live up to this season. Leonard should expect his 29.1 minutes per game to rise, while shouldering the scoring burden. His laid-back and humble demeanor could prevent the type of leadership needed to take control. Look for early signs of the growth for Leonard this pre-season.

1. Are the Spurs Too Old?

Tim Duncan 2014 NBA Global Games - Berlin
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1. Are the Spurs Too Old?

Tim Duncan 2014 NBA Global Games - Berlin
Getty Images

The Spurs have been fighting the “old” stigma that has followed them for sometime now. Each year, San Antonio is assumed to have declined because of their age. This year won’t be any different, as analyst and fans search for a chink in the armor. The average age of the Spurs’ roster is 27.6 years old. To put this in perspective, the average age of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster is 27.3 years old.

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