Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: The San Antonio Spurs Point Guard Problem And How They Can Resolve It
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > The San Antonio Spurs Point Guard Problem And How They Can Resolve It

The San Antonio Spurs Point Guard Problem And How They Can Resolve It

Jonah Dayton
Oct 15, 2018
5 Min Read
Share

With just a few days until the start of the 2018/19 NBA season, the San Antonio Spurs don’t have a point guard. Well, they have Patty Mills, but that was never the plan. In fact, it might have been plan-Z for Gregg Popovich and his staff.

Here’s a quick timeline of the last week for the Spurs:

Oct. 6 – Lonnie Walker IV, the 18th overall pick in this past draft, underwent an MRI that showed a torn meniscus in his right knee. He would undergo surgery four days later. Walker, while primarily a two-guard, was likely to see some playing time as the primary ball handler for the Spurs. Unfortunate, but not devastating, as he is expected to be back in 6-8 weeks.

Oct. 8 – Just two days after the news about Walker, starting point guard Dejounte Murray is revealed to have torn his ACL in his right knee. The injury was a non-contact one; an immediate red flag that something serious had happened. Given his age and potential, as well as the Spurs meticulous training staff, it is very likely that Murray will be out for the entire season. This one is especially crushing for Spurs fans, as this was supposed to be Murray’s coming out a year.

Dejounte Murray spurs 2132131

Last year, Murray became the youngest player in history to be named to an All-Defense team and was showing improvements in his offensive game in the preseason. With Walker and Murray out, the starting job was handed to Derrick White, (who in hindsight should’ve been immediately bubble-wrapped) the 29th overall pick in the 2017 draft, who seemed like he would have his first chance to play meaningful minutes.

Oct. 10 – Another two days pass, another serious injury. Just four days after Walker’s injury, and two after Murray’s, Derrick White goes down with a heel injury – a tear in his left plantar fascia to be exact – and is likely to miss 6-8 weeks as well.

Not a great week for the Spurs, as they managed to lose three point guards due to serious injuries in a five-day span, including the most severe injury to their most valued point guard. Third-year guard Bryn Forbes is a possibility to start, even though his true position is at shooting guard. Forbes is an above average three-point shooter (39% from deep last season), and while undersized for the two at 6’3, he has a good-sized body for a point guard.

Patty_mills

Patty Mills, who made 36 starts last year while Tony Parker recovered from his quad injury, is another option. Mills is best off the bench, as sort of a 6th to 8th man, who can provide a spark in limited minutes. DeMar DeRozan will almost certainly see extended minutes as the primary ball handler, and while it’s not ideal, having a four-time All-Star bring up the ball isn’t the worst thing in the world.

To summarize, San Antonio Spurs have four options right now:

1. Brian Forbes starter, DeMar DeRozan extended minutes as the primary ball handler.

2. Patty Mills starter, DeMar DeRozan extended minutes as the primary ball handler.

3. DeMar DeRozan (PG), Marco Belinelli (SG), Rudy Gay (SF), LaMarcus Aldridge (PF), Pau Gasol (C)

4. Sign a point guard: Mario Chalmers, Jameer Nelson, Ramon Sessions, etc…

If anyone can find a diamond in the rough, or squeeze the best possible basketball juice out of a player, it’s Popovich, R.C. Buford, and the Spurs organization. While making the playoffs bodes a bigger challenge than ever, I’m sure it wouldn’t come as a shock to anyone to see the Spurs sneak into the bracket come April. Here’s hoping their young guys come back better than ever.

Also, don’t forget that the Spurs can still sign a free agent and they have the 5 options for the point guard position.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:San Antonio Spurs Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Top 10 Best Catch And Shoot Players In The NBA
Next Article 5 Players Who Will Not Sign An Extension And Become Free Agents Next Season
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to media before a Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Explains Why Lakers Got Blown Out By Suns In Preseason Opener

October 4, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Trolls Deandre Ayton During Lakers-Suns Game

October 4, 2025
Lonzo Ball
Cleveland Cavaliers News & Analysis

Lonzo Ball On Track For Major Redemption Season, Turning Heads At Training Camp

October 4, 2025
Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27), center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Christian Braun (0) in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 6 of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Denver Nuggets Guard Declares They Have The Best Starting Five In The NBA

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?