Heading into the NBA season, many were doubtful the Spurs could be the team they once were with Tim Duncan, or even the team they were last season. With incredible play from new Spurs guard DeMar Derozan, the Spurs may be the team to look out for come closer to playoff time.
DeRozan is averaging 27 ppg and 6 assists through the first month of play with the Spurs and looking more and more impressive. Having never averaged more than 5 assists a game in his career, the Spurs system of team play seem to work well with DeRozan’s style of play. He’s also been averaging about a steal and almost a block away, so defensively he’s becoming a better player on defense than he was with the Toronto Raptors.
When DeRozan isn’t producing, which has not been the case this season so far, Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge steps in, averaging 20 ppg and about 9 rebounds a game. A lot of the offensive pressure has fallen off of Aldridge with the addition of DeRozan, allowing Aldridge to focus on his own offensive play and improving on the defensive side of the ball.
Another standout this season is third year player, guard Bryn Forbes. Forbes has been a great fill in for the missing Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker IV, and Derrick White. Forbes has been relentless from the 3pt line. Shooting over 40% from the 3pt line, Bryn has been able to stretch the floor, make better decisions, and be a more confident shooter.
The next key game and true test for this young squad will be Saturday against the Houston Rockets. Led by James Harden and Chris Paul, this will be a challenge for Forbes to keep up, and a will be an exciting face-off between Harden and DeRozan.
With how this Spurs team is molding into, a young and hungry one, there are definitely becoming the team to not underestimate in the West.