San Antonio Spurs: Does anyone in the young core have the It-Factor?

An inexplicable trait that makes every great team come together, the It-Factor, is exactly what the San Antonio Spurs’ young core needs to excel.

Each from seemingly different worlds, the San Antonio Spurs’ historic Big Three etched itself into the pantheon of NBA history despite varied approaches to the sport. How, exactly, did these three unique players from across the globe manage to dominate a two-decade run with sustained regular-season success and five NBA titles?

The It-Factor.

San Antonio’s iconic trio had the killer instinct and competitive drive to outwork and outcompete their opponents at every chance. None of them was the fastest, strongest, or most athletic player on the court in most scenarios. What they lacked in physical dominance, they made up for with high basketball IQ and heart.

That ‘It-Factor’ is something the San Antonio Spurs need from their young players if this core is to lead the way into the next era of this franchise. The question is, do they have it already, or is it something that needs to be sought after through trades and the NBA Draft?

For some, it may be too early to tell. However, certain players flash it well before their basketball intelligence and skill-level meet up to them. Looking at this year’s playoffs, you can tell that Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has the It-Factor despite being a role player for his team. On the flip side, you wouldn’t be unwise to question LA Clippers star Paul George’s reliability in this equation. Keep in mind, the Spurs’ stars in DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are being excluded from the conversation as this is mainly highlighting the young core.

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