Preseason Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks – Game #1
The San Antonio Spurs began the preseason out on the right foot by outscoring the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter by a count of 39-20. The good guys took their foot off the gas after that, though, and the Hawks were ultimately able to tally a 123-116 victory.
But, all in all, San Antonio’s starters looked good and they escaped this exhibition game without an injury.
Stats: Spurs vs. Hawks
Spurs vs. Hawks – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
While there were signs of rust, Wembanyama looked really good in his preseason debut. He was moving well on both ends and appears ready to dominate. He had a slick step-back three-pointer and he was imposing on defense.
Grade: B+
Stephon Castle
Castle also looks ready to rock. He got to the hoop with ease, exhibited his typical amount of patience, hit a three-pointer and was engaged defensively. His shot looked smoother, he rarely made errors with the ball and his athleticism popped.
Grade: A-
Dylan Harper
Man, it’s going to be tough to keep Harper out of the starting lineup. If he’s hitting three-pointers like he did against the Hawks (3-for-5 from deep), forget about it. Harper has high expectations heading into his second season and there was nothing tonight that changed that.
Grade: A
Devin Vassell
Vassell could get lost in the mix if he isn’t ultra aggressive. Against Atlanta in the preseason opener, he was ultra aggressive. He also looked good defensively and when going to the rim.
Grade: A-
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie buried a couple threes and also had success inside of the arc. His confidence looks to be as high as ever, which is important for him. When he’s feeling it, he’s a legit championship level cog.
Grade: A-
Carter Bryant
It wasn’t the cleanest performance by Bryant but he flashed his upside. He hesitated at times, tried to do too much at other times … but he looked damn good when he believed in what he was doing. His jumper looks great and his defense is top tier. But, yeah, he needs to iron out the bumps.
Grade: B
Keldon Johnson
KJ was fine. He was strong on the boards, got to the line and made a few plays defensively. Johnson played some small ball center — which, as you’d expect, was interesting.
Grade: B
Tarris Reed Jr.
Reed is a big dude who is going to be difficult to keep off the glass. His offensive game needs polish and he needs to work on his perimeter defensive awareness, but he looks like a good fit and fills a need.
Grade: B
Harrison Barnes
Barnes looked pretty good. Veterans usually move in slow motion in the preseason but he was out there looking extra sweaty. He probably knows he needs a good preseason to guarantee himself a spot in the rotation — and this was a positive start in that direction.
Grade: B+
David Jones Garcia
Kid was born to score. He totaled 14 points in 15 minutes — and that was no mistake. He looks at the rim early and often and he has enough craft to his game to put it in the rim.
Grade: B+
Luke Kornet
There were no surprises from Kornet. He looked to be moving pretty well and he looked a lot more comfortable in the sets compared to this time last season.
Grade: B
Jordan McLaughlin
McLaughlin isn’t exactly made for garbage time in preseason play. He’s not going to move the needle in that type of environment.
Grade: B-
Ja’Kobi Gillespie
Defense was a struggle at times and getting the team into sets wasn’t always smooth but Gillespie illustrated enough promise to remain somewhat intrigued about the second rounder’s potential.
Grade: B-
Taelon Peter
I mean, it was garbage time but Peter didn’t look like he has the size to be an NBA player.
Grade: C
RJ Davis
Davis had a little bit more juice than Peter but he’s basically in the same boat — except he’s even shorter.
Grade: C+
Jon Elmore
Elmore is pretty good for the memes and maybe home attendance in Austin but, yeah, no, there’s not a realistic pathway to real NBA minutes.
Grade: C
Mitch Johnson
With Fox on the sidelines, Coach Mitch didn’t have to make a decision regarding the starting lineup yet. Harper looking like a star in the starting five probably made the coaching staff’s jobs even more difficult.
Grade: B
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