The Spurs revealed their roster for the opening night. Following the completion of the preseason, they designated Riley Minix for the final two-way contract spot, while releasing Malachi Flynn, Brandon Boston Jr., and Jamaree Bouyea to finalize their roster with 15 standard contracts and three two-way agreements.
No significant surprises emerged from these decisions. Minix likely shone the most among those on training camp contracts, with his size and shooting skills making him a prime candidate to accompany David Duke Jr. and Harrison Ingram as a two-way player. He is expected to spend a majority of his time in the G League. The Spurs made the necessary roster adjustments by waiving Flynn, Bouyea, and Boston Jr. before the regular season commenced. All three now find themselves as unrestricted free agents.
Waiving Bouyea just a day after signing him may appear counterintuitive, but the rationale was to keep him in Austin. Bouyea contributed significantly during the Summer League but was released prior to training camp. He rejoined the team on an offseason deal only to be let go again within hours. The Austin Spurs hold his rights, and since he was signed under an Exhibit 10 deal, he has the opportunity to receive a bonus if he is with the G League affiliate for 60 days rather than signing with another team.
Here’s the Spurs’ opening night roster:
<img srcset="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b1G7FIrpC995PUEdMaJSe1Oi04Y=/0x0:1088×637/320×0/filters:focal(0x0:1088×637):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25689189/Screenshot_2024_10_19_204129.png 320w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2-xxy18CnuniPG-G1ZB_duiGCIY=/0x0:1088×637/520×0/filters:focal(0x0:1088×637):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25689189/Screenshot_2024_10_19_204129.png 520w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fy1U-6POtE6a9RuOkEi9JGriojY=/0x0:1088×637/720×0/filters:focal(0x0:1088×637):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25689189/Screenshot_2024_10_19_204129.png 720w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QEHmmHzi4qmrvS4wBOG4VUOC1Vk=/0x0:1088×637/920×0/filters:focal(0x0:1088×637):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25689189/Screenshot_2024_10_19_204129.png 920w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/
Here’s a look at how the Spurs’ depth chart is expected to align for opening night.
PG: Chris Paul – Tre Jones – Blake Wesley
SG: Devin Vassell – Stephon Castle – Malaki Branham – David Duke Jr.*
SF: Harrison Barnes – Julian Champagnie – Sidy Cissoko – Harrison Ingram*
PF: Jeremy Sochan – Keldon Johnson – Sandro Mamukelashvili – Riley Minix*
C: Victor Wembanyama – Zach Collins – Charles Bassey
*Two-way contract
The Spurs are set to open the regular season on October 24 against the Mavericks in Dallas.
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Spurs Finalize Opening Night Roster with Riley Minix Securing Last Two-Way Spot
Overview of the Spurs’ Roster Decisions
The San Antonio Spurs have officially finalized their roster for the upcoming NBA season, with the notable highlight being the securing of the last two-way contract by Riley Minix. The two-way contract allows players to spend time with both the Spurs and their G League affiliate, providing flexibility and development opportunities. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the team as they look to blend youth and experience in their lineup.
Understanding Two-Way Contracts
Two-way contracts are a significant feature of the NBA, particularly for teams looking to develop young talent. Here’s a breakdown of what these contracts entail:
- Definition: A two-way contract allows a player to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate.
- Salary Structure: Players on two-way contracts earn a prorated portion of an NBA salary, with additional earnings available in the G League.
- Game Limitations: Players can spend up to 45 days with their NBA team, offering a unique chance to develop in a professional environment.
Riley Minix: A Look at His Journey
Riley Minix has shown remarkable growth throughout the preseason, showcasing skills that caught the attention of Spurs management. Here are some key points about his journey:
- College Background: Minix played college basketball at the University of California, where he emerged as a versatile player.
- Preseason Performance: His strong performances during the preseason solidified his position as a valuable asset for the Spurs.
- Skill Set: Known for his athleticism and defensive capabilities, Minix brings a work ethic that aligns with the Spurs’ culture.
Spurs Opening Night Roster Breakdown
The Spurs’ final roster reflects strategic decisions aimed at balancing talent and experience. Below is a table outlining the complete roster:
| Player Name | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | Center | Starter |
| Devin Vassell | Shooting Guard | Starter |
| Keldon Johnson | Small Forward | Starter |
| Tre Jones | Point Guard | Starter |
| Malaki Branham | Shooting Guard | Starter |
| Riley Minix | Forward | Two-Way |
| Zach Collins | Center | Reserve |
| Doug McDermott | Forward | Reserve |
Key Takeaways from the Roster Finalization
As the Spurs head into the new season, several key takeaways emerge from the roster finalization:
- Focus on Development: The inclusion of Minix highlights the Spurs’ commitment to nurturing young talent.
- Balanced Roster: With a mix of veterans and promising young players, the Spurs are poised to compete effectively.
- Versatile Playing Styles: The diverse skill sets on the roster promise exciting gameplay and strategic flexibility.
Benefits of Two-Way Contracts for Players
Two-way contracts deliver numerous benefits to players, particularly those in development phases. Here are some advantages:
- Increased Opportunities: Players have dual opportunities to showcase their skills at both the NBA and G League levels.
- Development Focus: Players can receive targeted coaching and experience in different playing styles and competition levels.
- Networking: Being part of an NBA organization opens up networking possibilities with coaches, players, and staff.
First-Hand Experiences: Player Perspectives
Many players have shared their experiences regarding two-way contracts, highlighting their positive impacts on their careers:
“Getting the chance to play at both levels helped me refine my game. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn and grow.” – Former Two-Way Player
“The coaching staff was incredibly supportive. They helped me focus on specific skills that I needed to improve.” – Current Two-Way Player
Case Studies: Successful Two-Way Players
Several players have transitioned from two-way contracts to significant NBA roles. Here are a few successful case studies:
- Gary Payton II: After proving himself in the G League, he became a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors, winning an NBA Championship.
- Jalen Brunson: Starting his career on a two-way deal, Brunson has emerged as one of the leading guards in the league.
- Juan Toscano-Anderson: His G League success paved the way for a solid NBA career, showcasing the potential of two-way contracts.
The Spurs’ Future Outlook
With the inclusion of Riley Minix and a focus on developing young talent, the Spurs are establishing a promising future. Their ability to craft a competitive team while fostering growth among players sets the stage for exciting seasons ahead.
Conclusion
The San Antonio Spurs’ decision to finalize their roster with Riley Minix securing a two-way contract encapsulates their commitment to nurturing talent while maintaining competitive integrity in the NBA. As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how this strategic move plays out on the court.
