Last week, Pounding the Rock examined the San Antonio Spurs’ offensive strengths and weaknesses for the 2024-2025 season. As any basketball enthusiast understands, the game consists of two halves; after all, defense is critical to securing championships.
The Spurs showed defensive improvement last year. During the 2022-23 season, they recorded the worst defensive rating in franchise history at 120.0. However, in 2023-24, that figure dropped to 116.4. This modest enhancement can be attributed to the addition of Victor Wembanyama, the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. Wembanyama boasted the highest individual defensive rating on the team at 106, contributing an average of 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. His influence extends beyond the statistics, as his mere presence discouraged opponents from driving into the paint against San Antonio.
As the Spurs prepare for the 2024-25 season, they possess more defensive talent than in previous years. Wembanyama leads this group, and the addition of seasoned player Chris Paul, along with rookie Stephon Castle, will strengthen the supporting cast, which includes defenders like Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, and Tre Jones. With this enhanced roster, it’s crucial to identify the unit’s strengths and weaknesses.
Strength: rim protection and paint defense
This point is quite obvious—the Spurs feature one of the top rim protectors in the NBA. Wembanyama fundamentally alters how teams approach San Antonio’s defense. Opponents tend to avoid driving to the basket and often adjust their shots due to Wembanyama’s impressive wingspan and instincts. Interestingly, Zach Collins, the Spurs’ backup center, ranks highly in rim deterrence as well.
The top 10 Anchor Bigs in Rim Deterrence
1. Dereck Lively II
2. Ivica Zubac
3. Marvin Bagley III
4. Rudy Gobert
5. Victor Wembanyama
6. Joel Embiid
7. Zach Collins
8. James Wiseman
9. Wendell Carter Jr.
10. Chet Holmgren-1000 minute min
— BBall Index (@The_BBall_Index) September 29, 2024
Alongside Wembanyama are several tall wings who will bolster the team’s paint defense. Jeremy Sochan has proven to be a robust on-ball defender capable of guarding larger wings in the post. Julian Champagnie has displayed potential as a strong help-side defender. Harrison Barnes brings valuable experience, while rookie Stephon Castle can defend both inside and on the perimeter. This enhanced defensive unit should make it challenging for teams to secure reliable scoring opportunities in the paint.
Weakness: three-point defense
Last season, the Spurs faced difficulties defending against three-point shots. Opponents nailed an average of 12.7 three-pointers per game against San Antonio, ranking them 13th in the NBA. The Spurs often allowed a high volume of three-point attempts, resulting in numerous long-range barrages that put them at a disadvantage. Many of these shots stemmed from miscommunication or low-quality screen navigation—issues frequently encountered by younger teams.
While the Spurs have brought in veteran players to help with the mental aspects of defense, they remain a youthful team. Frustrating defensive lapses are likely as younger players acclimate to the NBA. Even talented collegiate defenders like Castle may struggle to make the mental transition to professional basketball. Notably, Sochan, one of the Spurs’ best defenders, still faces challenges when navigating screens and defending against intricate NBA offenses.
There should be some enhancements in defending the three-point line—indeed, it will likely become a focus area. However, among the various defensive issues the team may face, this one appears the most likely to become problematic.
Strength: point of attack defense
San Antonio possesses the tools to disrupt teams on the perimeter. Although he’s older, Paul remains a savvy defender with some of the quickest hands in league history. Jones is a highly energetic on-ball defender, while Castle displays versatility and strength, making him a disruptive presence on defense. These three alone should excite Spurs fans about the team’s capabilities at the point of attack.
With additional solid defensive wings like Sochan and Champagnie, San Antonio has the right personnel to make it challenging for opposing ball-handlers. Coupled with Wembanyama’s presence in the paint, the Spurs are poised to be a significantly improved defensive team this season.
Weakness: physicality
A key storyline to follow this season will be Wembanyama’s growth during his second year. He mostly excelled defensively last season, but there were instances where he struggled against larger, stronger centers. teams were able to impose their physical style against the younger Spurs. If you’re seeking areas for improvement for this team, enhancing their physicality on defense stands out as a crucial focus.
Assessing the San Antonio Spurs’ Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses for the 2024-2025 Season
Overview of the Spurs’ Defensive Philosophy
The San Antonio Spurs have long been recognized for their strategic approach to defense, built on fundamentals, team cohesion, and adaptability. As the 2024-2025 season approaches, it’s crucial to evaluate their defensive strengths and weaknesses to understand how they can compete in a rapidly evolving NBA landscape.
Defensive Strengths
1. Strong Rim Protection
A key element of the Spurs’ defensive strategy lies in their ability to protect the rim effectively. With towering players and shot-blockers, they have consistently ranked among the top teams in blocked shots per game.
- Key Players: The presence of players like Victor Wembanyama enhances their interior defense, allowing the Spurs to contest shots at the rim effectively.
- Statistical Insight: In the 2023-2024 season, the Spurs averaged 5.1 blocks per game, placing them in the top 10 of the league.
2. Versatile Defenders
The Spurs’ roster boasts versatile defenders capable of switching on screens and guarding multiple positions. This adaptability allows the team to adjust their defensive schemes depending on the opponent’s offensive strengths.
- Defensive Switches: Key players like Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell excel in one-on-one situations, making them vital assets in various defensive matchups.
- Defensive Ratings: Their ability to switch effectively contributed to a defensive rating of 110.5, which is competitive in the league.
3. High Basketball IQ
The Spurs are known for their cerebral approach to the game, emphasizing communication and teamwork. This high basketball IQ translates into a cohesive defensive unit that understands positioning and rotations.
- On-Court Chemistry: The team’s chemistry allows for seamless transitions between defensive sets, making it difficult for opponents to exploit mismatches.
- Defensive Awareness: Players are trained to read the game, anticipating opponents’ moves before they happen, leading to increased steals and turnovers.
Defensive Weaknesses
1. Inconsistent Perimeter Defense
One area where the Spurs struggle is on the perimeter. While they have strong interior defenders, guarding the three-point line has been a consistent challenge.
- Three-Point Defense: The Spurs allowed opponents to shoot 36% from beyond the arc in the 2023-2024 season, ranking them in the bottom third of the league.
- Defensive Schemes: Their reliance on drop coverage against pick-and-rolls can leave their perimeter exposed to quality shooters.
2. Lack of Size on the Wing
While versatile defenders are an asset, a lack of size on the perimeter can lead to mismatches against taller opponents, especially in critical late-game situations.
- Matchup Challenges: Opponents with tall wings can exploit this weakness, leading to increased scoring opportunities.
- Rebounding Issues: This size disadvantage can also impact their ability to secure defensive rebounds, allowing for second-chance points.
3. Transition Defense
As the pace of the game increases, transition defense becomes paramount. The Spurs have occasionally struggled to get back on defense, leaving them vulnerable to fast-break opportunities.
- Transition Points Allowed: The Spurs allowed an average of 22 transition points per game in the previous season, contributing to close losses.
- Defensive Awareness: While their half-court defense is solid, they must improve their ability to recognize and respond to fast-break situations.
Benefits of a Strong Defensive Strategy
Investing in a robust defensive strategy offers numerous benefits for the San Antonio Spurs:
- Increased Win Chances: A solid defense can lead to more turnovers and, consequently, more scoring opportunities.
- Owner of the Game Pace: Controlling the tempo through defense can dictate the style of play, allowing them to play to their strengths.
- Player Development: A focus on defensive fundamentals can enhance individual player skills, preparing them for future success.
Practical Tips for Improving Defensive Performance
To enhance their defensive capabilities for the 2024-2025 season, the Spurs could consider the following practical strategies:
- Incorporate Defensive Drills: Regularly scheduled defensive drills focused on footwork, positioning, and communication can improve team cohesion.
- Film Study: Analyzing game footage can help players identify their weaknesses and learn from their mistakes, promoting better on-court awareness.
- Focus on Transition Defense: Implementing specific drills that emphasize quick recovery and transition defense will better prepare players for fast-paced opponents.
Case Study: Spurs vs. Top Offensive Teams
To understand the defensive capabilities of the Spurs, let’s look at their performance against top offensive teams from the past season:
| Opponent | Points Allowed | Field Goal % | Key Defensive Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 120 | 47% | Victor Wembanyama |
| Brooklyn Nets | 115 | 44% | Keldon Johnson |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 125 | 50% | Devon Vassell |
First-Hand Experience: Players’ Insights
In a recent interview, Keldon Johnson shared his perspective on the team’s defensive strategies:
“Our focus has always been about being in the right spots and communicating with each other. We have a lot of young talent, and it’s essential for us to learn how to trust each other on defense.”
Victor Wembanyama added:
“I believe our rim protection is one of our strongest assets. However, we need to work on closing out on shooters better. That’s an area we can definitely improve.”
Conclusion
As the San Antonio Spurs head into the 2024-2025 season, understanding their defensive strengths and weaknesses is vital for both players and fans. By addressing the areas that need improvement while capitalizing on their strong defensive attributes, the Spurs can position themselves as a formidable defensive team in the NBA.
