The Spurs have gotten better this offseason. The plan is coming into place. It’s because of one person, and it’s not who you think it is: it's Brian Wright
Spurs GM has run a masterclass on team-building
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The Spurs' general manager has done a masterful job so far this offseason, albeit with few moves to this point.
First was the NBA draft, where the Spurs had two lottery selections. With the first selection, second overall, the team drafted Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper, unanimously believed to be the second-best prospect in the draft, second only to Cooper Flagg, who was the top overall pick.
Harper’s a can’t-miss prospect, and although he may not have a determined role in the lineup at this point, his set of skills and ability to drive to the basket will be showcased regardless of his position in the rotation.
Spurs Nation mostly assumed Harper would have been the selection at two if the Spurs did not trade that pick. The 14th pick was another story, as many fans of the Silver and Black were unsure what the team's decision would be.
With that pick, Wright drafted prodigy Carter Bryant, another freshman, he from the University of Arizona. The McDonald’s All-American had a quality first year in Tucson, averaging 6.5 points over 19 minutes per game.
He shot 46% from the field and 37% from three, which is an area of need for the team. The athletic wing will force defenses to account for him, opening the inside for others, and allowing for fewer double teams.
Wright led the organization to hit big on its draft night. It was lauded by many pundits as one of the best drafts across the league. Wright even topped it off by adding a future second-round pick by trading the 38th overall pick.
Wright addressed San Antonio's biggest needs
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Free agency came after the draft, and the Spurs had a glaring need: a backup big man. Wright wasted no time filling that need, [signing former Celtic Luke Kornet to a 4-year deal](https://airalamo.com/spurs-biggest-offseason-move-official-savvy-revelation).
Although not the flashiest move, Wright filled a clear need with a quality veteran who knows his role at a good price while looking towards the future.
Kornet averaged 6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season while playing only 18.6 minutes per game- exactly the type of numbers the Spurs are looking for in a backup center.
When examining his numbers per 36 minutes, Kornet averaged 11.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Those are top-tier numbers for a big man off the bench, and the Spurs get them at a little more than ten million per season.
The Vanderbilt alum has playoff experience as well, which, as this team progresses, will help their ascension. Luke won a ring with the Celtics two seasons ago and has played 43 playoff games across five seasons in green and white.
He’ll provide the calming presence off the bench that the young Spurs need in the second unit.
Brian Wright has masterminded this rebuild for the Silver and Black. Judged by many to be on track if not ahead of schedule, it’s clear he’s doing many things correctly. With experts giving the Spurs praise, and Wright acquiring players to fill holes this offseason, he's shown a propensity to continue to make the right call, and Spurs Nation should be excited for the future.