The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the NBA, capturing attention with their impressive eight-game winning streak-their first in seven years. This unexpected surge has positioned them as a team to watch, and their decision-making at the trade deadline has sparked plenty of discussion.
Despite emerging as a potential contender, the Spurs opted to stand pat at the trade deadline. According to ESPN NBA Insider Tim MacMahon, this decision stems from a desire to see how their young core performs in the playoffs. It's a strategy that carries some risk, especially as rivals like the Oklahoma City Thunder sought to bolster their rosters.
The Spurs' confidence in their young talent is palpable. ESPN's Brian Windhorst highlighted the absence of a trade move, referencing the "5% rule" coined by Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey.
The rule suggests that if a team has at least a 5% chance of winning a championship, they should actively trade assets to maximize their chances. The Spurs, however, are banking on the internal growth of their roster.
Key to this internal improvement are players like Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Carter Bryant. Castle has shown remarkable progress as a shooter, hitting 35.3% of his threes in recent games and 44.2% on mid-range attempts. This development turns a former weakness into a newfound strength.
Harper, after a challenging January, has found his stride in February. He's averaging 13.3 points and 4.6 assists while shooting an impressive 58.5% from the field over his last seven games.
Meanwhile, Bryant has transformed from a liability to an asset, particularly with his perimeter defense and 3-point shooting. He's knocking down 40% of his threes, providing a significant boost to the Spurs' offense.
While the performances of Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox will be crucial to the team's success, the growth of Castle, Harper, and Bryant has already helped the Spurs surpass expectations. This internal development might just elevate them to championship contenders, giving them a real shot at more than a 5% chance to compete for the title.