“We want him to keep growing and see how far we can take it,” said Mitch Johnson.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs overseas player guard Juan Nunez has undergone knee surgery and will be out for the remainder of Barcelona’s season. However, that has not stopped the team from closely monitoring his development.
In a chat with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, interim head coach Mitch Johnson says the Spurs have visited Nunez and are communicating with Barcelona.
“I know we’ve had a lot of people visiting him in Spain and interacting with the Barcelona organization. We have a great relationship from everything I’ve heard, that’s what I know about it,” Johnson said. “I know we’re very aligned in terms of his development and experience there, and we want to continue helping him grow as a young player.”
Nunez underwent arthroscopy to correct a ruptured external meniscus of his right knee and will need six months for recovery.
He averaged 5.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in the EuroLeague and 5.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in the Spanish ACB league.
“He’s an incredible passer and has been playing high-level basketball since he was young. He’s a guy who isn’t necessarily here with us physically, but he’s in our development program,” Johnson said. “We want him to keep growing and see how far we can take it.”
Said Johnson: “But there’s definitely value in passing. We’ve talked about it as an organization, as a team, for a long time now. We value passing.”
The Spurs acquired the draft rights to Nunez, the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, and cash considerations from Indiana in exchange for the draft rights to 35th overall selection Johnny Furphy.
He is an electric player on the court, and the Spurs will likely not rush his NBA arrival.
Considering the team already boasts De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, Nunez can take his time to get better before leaping to the Spurs.