X-Factor #1: Point Guard By Committee
Dejounte Murray emerged as one of the better young players in the NBA last season. Given a bigger role in his second NBA season, Murray was often a defensive anchor for the San Antonio Spurs. He took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s best guard every night, and was rewarded for his efforts with a spot on the All-Defensive team. With Tony Parker now on the Charlotte Hornets, all signs pointed to Murray finally taking over as the Spurs’ starting point guard – and having a breakout season.
Unfortunately, Murray suffered a season-ending ACL tear in a preseason game against the Houston Rockets. Murray’s injury means that the Spurs will need to look to both Patty Mills and Bryn Forbes as replacements. While neither Forbes or Mills will be able to bring what Murray can in terms of defense or athleticism, they will be able to contribute in other ways.
Mills is a crafty veteran with the ability to score both inside and out. He averaged 10.0 points per game last season, and has experience as a starter in this stage of his career.
Mills started 36 games for the Spurs last season, 12 fewer than Murray. As for Forbes, he made an improvement over his rookie season in 2017-18, but his play this season will go a long way to determining his place both on this team and in this league. His shooting will be valuable, even more now without Murray able to contribute.
Next Up: No. 2
