After a surprisingly strong preseason in which the San Antonio Spurs went 5-0, there are increased expectations heading into the season. The Spurs hope to make the playoffs for the first time in more than five years and have the talent to do so.
Even so, a big question mark surrounding their team is a lack of shooting. San Antonio's need for shooting opens up a potential lane for second-year forward Riley Minix to earn minutes this season.
Although he barely played during the preseason due to injury, Minix is among the best shooters on the team. He also has size, allowing him to play on the wing, though he will have to beat out several players to earn playing time.
Can Riley Minix finally carve out a role on the Spurs?
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Minix may have his work cut out for him, but the potential is there for him to earn more playing time. He has worked his way up to this point, having played five years of college ball and earning a two-way contract last season.
Even so, he only played three games before having a season-ending injury. Now, he will have to show and prove all over again. That may take some time for Minix to get an opportunity with the Spurs playing surprisingly well during the preseason, including shooting lights out from outside.
Of course, the Spurs aren't going undefeated in the regular season and probably aren't shooting the leather off the ball either. Over time, the Spurs may look to experiment, giving players such as Minix and [Lindy Waters a chance to earn time](https://airalamo.com/spurs-hidden-gem-can-transform-offseason-from-good-great) here and there.
Riley Minix has the tools to carve out a role on the Spurs
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In theory, Minix has the skill set to thrive in a bench role on a good team. He has shot the ball well at every single stop, knocking down 40.8% of his 5.6 3-point attempts at Southeastern and 43.8% from deep in his short time in the G League.
Interestingly enough, he has worked to adapt his game. He primarily scored in the post and was a surprisingly good rebounder for a 6'7" forward, averaging more than 10 rebounds per game in 120+ college games.
He won't get points in the post in the NBA. Nevertheless, he has more than proven that he can be a movement shooter who can reliably knock down threes at a 40% clip and rebound.
For now, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson are ahead of him in the pecking order, with Carter Bryant lurking behind him. There is still a lane for Minix if there's an injury to Vassell, Johnson cools off, and the Spurs want to keep Bryant in the G League for seasoning. Each of those things could happen, leaving the door open for Minix.