Bertans Signs Extension

The San Antonio Spurs decided to use their ‘bird clause’ in their contract with restricted free agent Forward Davis Bertans, signing him to a 2 year extension worth $14.5 million. The former three time Serbian League Champion is heading into his third season as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Originally drafted by the Indiana Pacers with the 42nd pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, they then had his right traded to the Spurs. Bertans played in the Slovenian team, Union Olimpija. He then moved to the Serbian League in 2012 playing for Partizan, prior to joining Laboral Kutxa Baskonia in 2014 and finally joining San Antonio in 2016. Bertans is a member of the Latvian National Team alongside superstar Center from the New York Knicks, Kristaps Porzingus. The Spurs Forward averaged about 14 minutes a game with about 5.9 points a game. Bertans made multiple appearances in the starting lineup last season for the Spurs as an aging Pau Gasol performed better off the bench with the second group. This gave the Spurs much needed depth with an injury riddled team last year.

Many project the Spurs to start Bertans at the Power Forward spot with LaMarcus Aldridge at the Center position. Bertans is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his “never back down” attitude and an astounding knack shooting the 3 point shot well for his size and position. Many Spurs fans, including myself, choose to recognize him by the nickname “The Latvian Laser” for his shooting ability. With the Spurs saving money by letting former Spurs forward Kyle Anderson walk and not match his $37 million contract could very well be the move of the summer aside from drafting Lonnie Walker IV. This year could be the breakout year for Bertans the Spurs saw coming as far back as when they traded for him back in 2011, the same night they also traded the Pacers for Kawhi Leonard in the 1st Round.