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| "Pop, I'll take care of 'em."-Dejounte Murray, on leading the new talent in San Antonio. |
Dejounte Murray is here to stay, the lone relic from the dynasty with the hall-of-fame trio of Duncan, Parker & Ginobili. With one league MVP on his shelf, "DJ" is looking to earn another one, much like Brandon Ingram did last season, winning it back-to-back, a feat not accomplished by a Spur since Tim Duncan. Some sneak out the back during the rise and celebratory moments rather than stick around for the "fall", so to speak, but rather a change and transition period without Coach Popovich at the helm. Murray tries to not listen to the trade rumors and gossip around the league, especially once Ingram won MVP and then did it again. "After drafting Stephon Castle, will the Spurs move on from Dejounte?" Coach Vogel quickly silenced any notion of that happening, but also sadly broke the news to Murray about his partner in these championship runs, Ingram, who was the parting gift receipt for Kawhi Leonard's services once upon a time, and how "B.I" would now no longer wear #14 for the silver-and-black squadron this next season.
"They believe in me, know how I've proven myself over the years as a floor general, a locker room leader and teammate," Murray told the press. "Pop was like a father to me, and it hurt like hell to see him go, but he's earned that, you know what I'm saying? I can't ask him to coach forever, and he's already given me teachings and made an impact on my life in so many beautiful ways that are forever. When it comes to BI, he proved the same. He showed the basketball world what he can do, won back-to-back MVPs, MIP, career highs in points, game-winners. You name it, BI did it, ya know? I can't fault him for wanting to peace-out on top. It can be hard to stay hungry when you're up. For me, the Spurs have done a lot to keep me engaged. Brandon's my road dog, always, but I'mma see him on the other side," Murray said sincerely with a competitor's smile. "I wish him all the best. I'll always have love for him. There was never any beef. I know y'all got jobs to do, but let's move on. Good luck, BI. I hope I can carry on what we made here in San Antone, ya know? Help these young guys establish themselves. Like I said, Coach Vogel, Pop, everybody--they're trusting me to steer this ship forward into bigger and brighter things for our team and our city. Let's get after it!"
The two-time, consecutive MVP, Brandon Ingram, joins the Toronto Raptors. When asked why he left a world-class, dynastic juggernaut championship team like the Spurs, the answer was plain: I want to wake up every day and love what I do. If we win, I know that stuff comes with me being the best that I can be. I want to keep pulling people together, make stuff happen. When you're on top, sure, it's amazing. But I kept asking myself: what more can I do here [with the Spurs]? The Lord always delivers us to where we're needed. I look forward to this chance to grow and thrive."
