Here we go again. Speculation swirls around whether the Spurs could pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo.
SAN ANTONIO — Rumblings about the San Antonio Spurs and the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo keep surfacing.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald speculates that the Spurs could be in the mix if San Antonio is eliminated from the postseason and does not reach the NBA Finals.
The Heat, Warriors, Timberwolves, Lakers, possibly the Knicks and potentially others are expected to pursue a trade for Antetokounmpo this summer if he’s made available. And there’s a new wild card: An asset-rich team that didn’t pursue him before the trade deadline might rethink that if it’s ousted before the NBA Finals. That group includes Houston, San Antonio, Cleveland and Detroit.
Reports before the NBA Trade Deadline indicated the Spurs were not looking to add Giannis to the roster or were not interested in bidding for him.
“I have been told by folks with the Spurs that we’re not a home for Giannis,” said Tim MacMahon on “The Hoops Collective” podcast.
The Spurs are currently playing well, holding the second-best record in the Western Conference, and are in a strong position to make a deep playoff run. Given this success, they may be reluctant to shake up the roster this offseason, especially considering the likely demands from the Bucks, which could include some of the Spurs’ young talent and multiple draft picks.
Giannis (31 years old and dealing with recent calf issues) would not fit the Spurs’ timeline, as the team may seek younger players to align with Victor Wembanyama’s timeline. In addition, he does not address San Antonio’s biggest need: Perimeter shooting.
HARRISON INGRAM EARNS G LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD
The NBA G League announced that Austin Spurs forward Harrison Ingram has been named NBA G League Player of the Week for games played Feb. 9-22. This is his first Player of the Week honor.
Over the five-game stretch, Ingram averaged 22.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 37.1 minutes, leading Austin to a 4-1 record.
Ingram has appeared in 28 games (25 starts) for Austin this season, including the Tip-Off Tournament and regular-season contests, and averaging 16.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 34.5 minutes. He currently leads the G League in rebounds per game and has recorded 14 double-doubles this season.