By Jacob Douglas | Pounding The Rock (PtR), 2024-07-01 00:39:36
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
圣安东尼奥马刺队可以考虑利用他们的薪资空间签下老将。
在交易了2024年NBA选秀大会的第八顺位选秀权后，圣安东尼奥马刺队在今年夏天腾出了大约2600万美元的薪资空间。如果他们放弃一些非保障合同，马刺队将成为少数几支拥有薪资空间以2000万美元以上的合同签下自由球员的球队之一。圣安东尼奥的阵容中有很多漏洞，他们可以在自由球员市场上解决。
马刺队上赛季三分球命中率排名联盟第28位，命中率为34.7%。他们场均失误15.1次，排名联盟第四。在维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)的带领下，他们的防守有所改善，但防守效率（116.4）仍然排名第22位。他们缺乏能够为文班亚马和德文·瓦塞尔创造空位投篮机会的球员，马刺队的进攻效率（110）排名第26位。进入自由球员市场后，他们需要能够投篮和防守的侧翼和后卫。
2024年的自由球员市场上并没有很多球星。保罗·乔治领衔自由球员名单，但他想要的薪水将超过马刺队所能提供的。今年夏天对于那些寻找角色球员的球队来说将是一个好机会。随着圣安东尼奥继续培养他们的年轻核心，他们可以在自由球员市场上补充一些经验丰富的老将。以下是马刺队可以在6月30日下午5点（中部时间）自由球员市场开启时可以考虑的一些球员。
肯塔维奥斯·卡德维尔-波普(Kentavious Caldwell-Pope)，身高6英尺5英寸的后卫/侧翼
2023-2024赛季数据：场均10.1分，2.4次助攻，1.3次抢断，投篮命中率46%，三分球命中率40.6%，罚球命中率89.4%，有效命中率56.6%
随着塞迪·奥斯曼和德文特·格雷厄姆很可能离开圣安东尼奥，马刺队可以利用一名经验丰富的老将。那么，拥有一些总冠军血统的老将怎么样？在过去的两个赛季里，卡德维尔-波普一直是丹佛掘金队的完美人选。他是一个聪明的无球侧翼，可以命中远距离投篮，并且在防守端表现出色。这位3D侧翼是他们2023年夺冠的重要组成部分，也是市场上最好的即插即用型自由球员之一。
掘金队的薪资总额已经逼近第二道奢侈税线。考虑到他们的财务状况，续约卡德维尔-波普似乎不太可能。事实上，掘金队总经理卡尔文·布斯发表了一份声明，似乎可以肯定卡德维尔-波普下赛季将为另一支球队效力。
我问卡尔文·布斯关于续约肯塔维奥斯·卡德维尔-波普的问题。
“当你回顾过去那些优秀的球队时，他们不得不找到一种方法来替代第四、第五个首发球员。”
你会想听听的。pic.twitter.com/w42AcvCtqw
— 瑞安·布莱克本 (@NBABlackburn) 2024年6月27日
在那些预计拥有薪资空间的球队中，马刺队是最适合卡德维尔-波普的球队。他们在侧翼位置上有一个空缺，并且可以利用一位经验丰富的3D球员。问题是，他们是否愿意支付必要的薪水来完成交易？ESPN预测卡德维尔-波普的下一份合同年薪将超过2000万美元。圣安东尼奥将不得不为一位老化的角色球员牺牲掉他们很大一部分的薪资空间。这份大合同也可以在未来用来交易来一位球星。一份更短、对球队友好的合同，仍然可以让卡德维尔-波普得到他的薪水，这对马刺队来说是有意义的，因为他们希望在未来保持灵活性。
小加里·特伦特(Gary Trent Jr.)，身高6英尺5英寸的后卫/侧翼
2023-2024赛季数据：场均13.7分，1.7次助攻，1.1次抢断，投篮命中率42.6%，三分球命中率39.3%，罚球命中率77.1%，有效命中率53.1%
圣安东尼奥上赛季在投进空位三分球方面表现挣扎。这也是对手能够在内线盯防文班亚马的原因之一。在自由球员市场上，他们可以考虑签下NBA中最好的空位三分球投手，他可能比其他选择更便宜。小特伦特上赛季空位三分球命中率为51.9%，三分球总命中率为39.3%。
26岁的小特伦特符合马刺队目前的年轻化趋势。他刚刚经历了一个低谷赛季，上场时间减少，得分效率也有所下降。如果圣安东尼奥能够以低价签下这位射手侧翼，那么他很有可能恢复到之前接近场均18分的水平，这将是一笔值得的赌注。小特伦特并不是一个完美的球员。他不是一个有影响力的防守者或组织者，并且在篮筐附近的得分能力很差。他上赛季的两分球命中率仅为46.4%。尽管如此，马刺队需要射手，而他是市场上最好的射手之一。
纳吉·马歇尔(Naji Marshall)，身高6英尺7英寸的侧翼
2023-2024赛季数据：场均7.1分，1.9次助攻，3.6个篮板，投篮命中率46.3%，三分球命中率38.7%，罚球命中率79.1%，有效命中率54.2%
马刺队的球迷早在上一赛季就盯上了马歇尔。这位多才多艺的侧翼球员可以防守多个位置，在内线进行身体对抗，并且命中空位三分球。圣安东尼奥需要更多的侧翼深度。马歇尔可以进入首发阵容，组成一套以防守和身高为主的多功能阵容。
鹈鹕队的侧翼球员阵容中已经有赫伯·琼斯和特雷·墨菲三世。马歇尔很可能会去一个他可以扮演更重要角色并赚取更多薪水的地方。圣安东尼奥可以同时提供这两点，并且仍然有薪资空间签下另一名球员。在自由球员市场上，你很难找到比马歇尔和马刺队更合适的组合了。他们需要在侧翼位置上拥有更好的防守者和射手。圣安东尼奥可以利用一些具有竞争力和“强硬”的球员来与文班亚马相匹配。马歇尔符合马刺队的很多要求。
泰厄斯·琼斯(Tyus Jones)，身高6英尺1英寸的后卫
2023-2024赛季数据：场均12分，7.3次助攻，1.1次抢断，投篮命中率48.9%，三分球命中率41.4%，罚球命中率80%，有效命中率56.9%
马刺队在侧翼位置上的需求已经广为人知。他们还可以再增加一到两名组织者。特雷·琼斯的哥哥是联盟中最好的纯控球后卫之一。泰厄斯应该是马刺队今年夏天自由球员目标名单上的首选。琼斯拥有NBA最高的助攻失误比，并且三分球命中率高达41.4%。泰厄斯不像特雷那样 athletic 或具有防守能力，但他在得分和组织方面的技术更加成熟。
琼斯可以顶替他弟弟的角色，成为球队的首发控球后卫，而特雷则带领第二阵容。泰厄斯和文班亚马的挡拆配合将是一件赏心悦目的事情，而他的跳投将为球队的进攻增添另一种选择。他在首发阵容中的存在应该有助于圣安东尼奥减少上赛季出现的一些失误问题。他不是一个可以换防的防守者，在对位防守时也不是特别强壮，但圣安东尼奥将会有足够多的防守者来支持他。
奇怪的是，马刺队的后卫线上有点拥挤。如果他们计划让斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)打控球后卫，那么泰厄斯将会压缩特雷和卡斯尔的上场时间。马刺队将不得不考虑如何使用这三名球员。这还没有算上布雷克·韦斯利和马拉基·布拉汉姆，他们正处于职业生涯的关键阶段。泰厄斯比马刺队目前任何一名后卫都要出色。他很可能会在自由球员市场上成为抢手货，但他太符合马刺队的需求了，以至于他们不得不去争取他。
卢克·肯纳德(Luke Kennard)，身高6英尺5英寸的后卫
2023-2024赛季数据：场均11分，3.5次助攻，2.9个篮板，投篮命中率44.8%，三分球命中率45%，罚球命中率88.9%，有效命中率61.7%
马刺队迫切需要三分球，那么为什么不去追求自由球员市场上最好的射手呢？肯纳德上赛季的三分球命中率仅次于格雷森·阿伦，排名联盟第二。肯纳德75%的出手来自三分线外，他依靠球的转移来获得空位投篮机会。他将填补马刺队阵容中道格·麦克德莫特留下的空缺，成为一名三分球专家，他可以在掩护后命中跳投，并在文班亚马身边拉开空间。
孟菲斯灰熊队在周六拒绝执行肯纳德价值1480万美元的球队选项。据ESPN的阿德里安·沃纳罗斯基报道，两支球队都渴望达成一份重组后的合同。圣安东尼奥将有足够的薪资空间为这位射手提供一份丰厚的合同，这可能有助于他们从孟菲斯手中抢走他。肯纳德上赛季因伤只打了39场比赛。合同的年限和金额对这位老将射手来说可能很重要。
其他值得关注的球员： 海伍德·海史密斯、普雷舍斯·阿丘瓦、达里奥·萨里奇、朗尼·沃克四世、马克尔·富尔茨、加里·哈里斯、尼古拉斯·巴图姆、埃文·富尼耶、凯塔·贝茨-迪奥普
点击查看原文：Five free agents the Spurs should consider
Five free agents the Spurs should consider
San Antonio can look into veterans to use their cap space on.
After trading the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs cleared around $26M in cap space this summer. If they wave some of their non-guaranteed contracts, the Spurs will be amongst the few teams with the cap room to sign free agents to $20M+ deals. San Antonio has plenty of holes on their roster they could address in free agency.
The Spurs were 28th in the NBA in three-point shooting last season, hitting 34.7% of their threes. They had the fourth most turnovers per game at 15.1 per game. With Victor Wembanyama leading the way, their defense improved but was still 22nd in defensive rating (116.4). They lacked shot creators that could create open looks next to Wembanyama and Devin Vassell as the Spurs finished 26th in offensive rating (110). Going into free agency, they need wings and guards who can shoot and defend.
The 2024 free agency class is not littered with stars. Paul George leads the pack but will look for more money than the Spurs can provide. This summer will be good for teams looking for role players. As San Antonio continues to develop their young core, they could supplement them with veteran role players in free agency. Here are a few guys the Spurs can target when the free agency period opens up on June 30th at 5 p.m. CT.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 6-foot-5 guard/wing
2023-2024 stats: 10.1 points, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 46% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 89.4% FT, 56.6% eFG
The Spurs could use a veteran presence with Cedi Osman and Devonte’ Graham likely on their way out of San Antonio. How about one with some championship pedigree? Caldwell-Pope has been the perfect fit with the Denver Nuggets these last two seasons. He provides a smart off-ball wing who can hit shots from deep and play good defense on the other end. The 3&D wing was a crucial part of their 2023 championship run and one of the best plug-and-play free agents on the market.
The Nuggets are pushing up against the second apron of the salary cap. Bringing back Caldwell-Pope in FA seems unlikely given their financial situation. In fact, Nuggets GM, Calvin Booth, made a statement that makes it seem certain that KCP will play for another team next season.
I asked Calvin Booth about retaining Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
“When you look at good teams in the past, they had to find a way to replace fourth, fifth starters.”
You’re gonna wanna listen in. pic.twitter.com/w42AcvCtqw
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) June 27, 2024
Of the teams with projected cap space, the Spurs are the best fit for KCP. They have a hole on the wing and could use a veteran 3&D presence. The question is, will they fork over the necessary money to get a deal done? ESPN has projected KCP’s next contract to be upwards of $20M per year. San Antonio would have to sacrifice a significant amount of their cap space for an aging role player. That big contract could also be used down the road to acquire a star. A shorter, team-friendly deal that still gets KCP his money could make sense for the Spurs, as they look to maintain their flexibility moving forward.
Gary Trent Jr., 6-foot-5 guard/wing
2023-2024 stats: 13.7 points, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 42.6% FG, 39.3% 3PT, 77.1% FT, 53.1% eFG
San Antonio struggled to make open threes last season. It was one of the reasons that teams were able to key in on Wembanyama in the paint. In free agency, they could target the best wide-open three-point shooter in the NBA who may be cheaper than other options. Trent Jr. hit 51.9% of his open threes last season and knocked down 39.3% of his total attempts from that range.
At 26 years old, Trent Jr. fits the Spurs’ current youth movement. He’s coming off a down year where he saw less playing time and a drop in scoring production. If San Antonio could grab the shooting wing for cheap, it could be a worthwhile bet that he gets back to the near 18 points per game production he provided in years prior. Trent Jr. is not a perfect player. He’s not an impactful defender or playmaker and struggles to score around the basket. He shot just 46.4% on twos last year. Still, the Spurs need shooters, and he is one of the best on the market.
Naji Marshall, 6-foot-7 wing
2023-2024 stats: 7.1 points, 1.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 46.3% FG, 38.7% 3PT, 79.1% FT, 54.2% eFG
Spurs fans had their eyes on Marshall as early as last season. The versatile wing can guard multiple positions, make physical plays inside and knock down open threes. San Antonio needs more wing depth. Marshall could step in and start in a versatile lineup heavy on defense and length.
The Pelicans are stacked on the wings with Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. Marshall will likely be looking to land somewhere he can play a larger role and earn more money. San Antonio could provide both of those and still have the cap room to sign another player. It’s hard to find a better match in free agency than Marshall and the Spurs. They need better defenders and shooters on the wing. San Antonio could use some players that provide a level of competitiveness and “nasty” to match Wembanyama. Marshall checks a lot of boxes for the Spurs.
Tyus Jones, 6-foot-1 guard
2023-2024 stats: 12 points, 7.3 assists, 1.1 steals, 48.9% FG, 41.4% 3PT, 80% FT, 56.9% eFG
The Spurs’ needs on the wing have been well-documented. They could also use another playmaker or two. Tre Jones’ older brother is one of the best true point guards in the league. Tyus should be high on the Spurs’ list of free agent targets this summer. Jones has the best assist-to-turnover ratio in the NBA and knocks down threes at a 41.4% clip. Tyus isn’t the athlete or defender that Tre is, but his skills as a scorer and playmaker are more advanced.
Jones could come in and take over his little brother’s role as the starting point guard while Tre runs the second unit. A Tyus and Wembanyama pick and roll would be a joy to watch, and his jumper would add another wrinkle to the action. His presence in the starting unit should help San Antonio cut back on some of the turnover issues they faced last season. He’s not a switchable defender or particularly stout at the point of attack, but San Antonio will have plenty of defenders to back him up.
Oddly enough, the Spurs have a bit of a logjam at guard. If they plan to play Stephon Castle at point guard, Tyus would take minutes from Tre and Castle. The Spurs would have to get creative on how they utilize those three players. That’s without factoring in Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham, who are coming into pivotal years of their careers. Tyus is a better player than any guards the Spurs have at this point. He’ll likely be a hot commodity on the open market but fits too many needs for the Spurs to not make a play for him.
Luke Kennard, 6-foot-5 guard
2023-2024 stats: 11 points, 3.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 44.8% FG, 45% 3PT, 88.9% FT, 61.7% eFG
The Spurs desperately need three-point shooting, so why not pursue the best shooter in free agency? Kennard was second in the NBA in three-point percentage last season behind Grayson Allen. Kennard takes 75% of his shots from three-point range and relies on ball movement to get him open looks. He would fill the Doug McDermott-sized hole in the Spurs roster as a three-point specialist who can knock down jumpers off screens and space the floor next to Wembanyama.
The Memphis Grizzlies declined Kennard’s $14.8M team option on Saturday. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, both teams are eager to pursue a restructured deal. San Antonio would have the cap space to offer the shooter a financially lucrative deal that could help them steal him from Memphis. Kennard played just 39 games last season after dealing with injuries. Years and money on the contract will likely matter to the veteran shooter.
Honorable mentions: Haywood Highsmith, Precious Achiuwa, Dario Saric, Lonnie Walker IV, Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, Keita Bates-Diop
By Jacob Douglas, via Pounding The Rock