“He’s an extremely hard worker,” said Keldon Johnson.
SAN ANTONIO — Last season, San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley averaged 14.4 minutes per game and was seemingly on track to increase his playing time this season.
However, the team added veteran Chris Paul, drafted rookie sensation Stephon Castle, and traded for All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, so it is unsurprising that Wesley saw his minutes dwindle this season to 9.1 per game.
But with Fox sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Spurs have turned to Wesley to fill the void.
“It’s not easy. Being a young guy, you’re not getting up a lot of minutes to really establish a rhythm and things like that,” Harrison Barnes said. “I think he’s done a good job of just stepping up and trying to maximize whatever minutes that he gets.”
In March, Wesley averages a season-high 10.9 minutes per game, 1.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 3.3 points, and 1.8 assists. He’s impacting the court on both ends, and his teammate is taking notice.
“Just providing energy. I think that when he’s in the game, he tries to do that as well. Picking up full court, trying to be active, trying to be disruptive,” said Barnes.
Since getting more playing time, Wesley posted a 10-point night against the Hornets on March 14 and recorded five assists and two steals against the Lakers on March 17.
That’s a testament to him staying ready despite the lack of playing time this season.
“Blake has done a great job in practices, in the locker room,” Barnes added.
Barnes isn’t the only teammate to note Wesley’s recent impact.
Keldon Johnson, the team’s most energetic player, recognizes the energy Wesley brings.
“He works his butt off. He puts in the time. So to see him out there, it brings joy to the team,” he said. “He brings energy, brings life, and that’s who Blake is.”
In the season’s remaining games, Wesley will get the minutes and his chance to prove he can contribute to the Spurs’ rebuilding process.
He averages 5.8 points per game in his last four games, 2.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a +8.5 net rating.
It may be a small sample, but his impact is felt. In the 72 total minutes he’s played this season, the Spurs are at a +34 with him on the court and boast a net rating of +25 (offensive rating at 134.5 and defensive rating at 109.5).
“He’s an extremely hard worker. To see that his work is paying off and he gets the opportunity to go out there is great for the team,” said Johnson. “Also, it’s great for Blake as well.”