Strong words came from Coach Vogel as the 6'7" Kelly Oubre, Jr stood beside him, holding up his new #3San Antonio Spurs jersey with a smile on his face, Oubre's 7'3" wingspan as apparent as the fabric's signature silver-and-black color scheme. Acquired in a deal with arch rival, Philadelphia 76ers, Oubre had been reportedly long sought after by both the Spurs front office and its players in years past for his slashing prowess, athletic ability, high-pressure shooting success and defensive motor. In both regular season meetings against Philly, Oubre's late-game heroics were eye-catching, later culminating in a solid showing in The Finals, despite a 4-1 defeat to the Spurs. Most notably in the rumor mill was Kelly Oubre's own inner circle vocalizing a desire to harness his game in San Antonio and untapped potential, now reaching his prime in his age 28 season.
No talent in this league can be had without a fair exchange, so with much chagrin the Spurs had to part with the king of the glass, Andre Drummond, seeking a backup role in Philadelphia of all places behind Joel Embiid as his career enters its second half. "I went against Joel for so many years, and I've seen the load he has to carry in Philly. I want to do my part to make sure he can be his best when it matters most," Drummond spoke, noting Embiid's untimely relationship with the injury bug come playoff time over the years. "With Pop gone, it felt like it was time. Winning my 4th Defensive Player (of the Year) award and another championship on top of it? What else can I show the world, ya know? Someone's gotta do the dirty work, and I'm willing to take a step back to prove that I can make that positive impact. After seeing them in the Finals all these years, I'm in the mood for a Philly cheesesteak." The Spurs thank Andre for playing his heart out every night and wish him the absolute best.
On that note, the Spurs weren't finished investing in young talent as the Houston Rockets parted with high-flying prospect, Jalen Green, for 5 draft picks, giving Green a rookie scale max extension. Even with Coach Pop no longer at the coaching helm, Green will have access to a world-class training staff and will have arguably the best opportunity to become what Houston had hoped he'd be, as New Orleans gets a new starting PG in Spurs lottery pick, Stephon Castle who should seamlessly fit into with his gritty defense. Green, despite past critics, has improved on D, and his scoring prowess has become elite, along with the 6'4 shooter's perimeter game and work ethic.
In exchange for Ingram, the Spurs received a 1st round pick and Jose Alvarado. With a separate move, the Spurs acquired Devin Vassell, a two-way 3&D prospect from the Pacers. Still just 24 years old, Vassell's future holds much promise so San Antonio insisted on a rookie scale max extension for the standout hybrid wing, who brings a wild card of scoring and sturdy perimeter resistance. To usher in the new silver-and-black squad member, Dillon Brooks will move over to the PF position and wear #8 with Jordan Clarkson switching to #0, to acclimate Vassell as #24.
On the minimum salary acquisition front, the Spurs are taking fliers on veterans, Markelle Fultz & Montrez Harrell. All of these moves shed a considerable amount of salary, renew a defensive identity, and establish the San Antonio Spurs for the next decade in a contentious league that only keeps getting faster, perimeter-centric and even more athletic.
