The Spurs impressed in the 2023 NBA Summer League. It started with the anticipated debut of first overall pick, Victor Wembanyama. He wasn’t the only young Spur that showed out in the Summer League, though. Here are some Spurs that impressed and others that struggled in the Summer League.
Barlow shined in the Summer League. He showed why he should be signed to a team for the upcoming NBA season. He averaged 17 points per game while shooting 62.5 percent from the field, also adding 8.25 rebounds, two assists and 1.25 blocks per game as well.
Barlow played in every game for the Spurs in the Summer League and quickly became one of their most reliable players. He led the team in scoring and rebounding during the summer. Both offensively and defensively, he was impressive, showing that he can finish inside along with knocking down mid-range jumpers with high accuracy.
Look to see Barlow signed to a contract by either the Spurs or another NBA team before the start of the season.
Champagnie showed why the Spurs signed him to a four year deal earlier in the offseason with his great Summer League performances.
He impressed at the end of last season for the Spurs and it rolled over into this year’s Summer League. He averaged 14 points, 7.3 rebounds and five assists. The only thing that is concerning is his drop off in three-point shooting. In the two games in Sacramento, he shot 45.5 percent from three on 11 attempts per game. In Las Vegas though, he shot just 28.6 percent from three on just seven attempts per game.
Champagnie will be in the rotation for the Spurs this season and will bring a lot of scoring off of the bench. If he can work on his three point shooting before the season, look to him to be one of San Antonio’s most important pieces.
Wemby struggled in his first Summer League game but quickly rebounded with a 27 point double-double in his second game.
Wemby averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. He also shot the ball well at 40.7 percent. He lived up to his high expectations, being dominant on offense but even better on defense. With him and Jeremy Sochan locking down the frontcourt this upcoming season, look to the Spurs to improve on their league-worst defense.
Wesley spent most of last season in the G-League with the Austin Spurs and after his performances in the Summer League, he may end up in Austin again for much of this season.
He averaged 12.8 points, six rebounds and three assists, committing 2.5 turnovers per game.
Wesley continued to struggle shooting the ball, knocking down just 31.0 percent of his shots and a dismal 21.4 percent from three.
With the addition of Cameron Payne as well as resigning Tre Jones and keeping Devonte Graham, Wesley could see most of his season spent in Austin once again. This may be the best option for him though, so that he can improve on ball security and his shooting.
Branham was one of the most surprising rookies last season, seeing big minutes after injuries to both Devin Vassell and Tre Jones last season. He could end up becoming the starting point guard in San Antonio, but he needs to continue to work on a few things.
After dropping 32 points in his lone game played in Sacramento, Branham struggled in Las Vegas. In three games, he averaged 17.3 points per game but shot just 35.8 percent from the field. He also put up just 2.7 assists per game, not enough for a potential starting point guard in the NBA.
Although Branham struggled shooting the ball, he was still able to be one of the Spurs’ most reliable scorers. If he can work on his shooting and court vision, he may overtake Tre Jones as the starting point guard in San Antonio.
The Summer League overall was great for the Spurs. They saw many of their young players impress and show their improvements. Others did not impress, but they are still an important part to the Spurs’ future.
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Featured image courtesy of NBA.com.
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