Open Thread: Jakob Poeltl’s free agency will impact the Spurs’ future

Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

DeMar DeRozan is not the only one whose summer can rock the boat.

Although the completion of the 2019-2020 season remains unknown, there are some certainties for the 2020-2021 season that can begin to be addressed. The big one obviously is the roster.

A couple of weeks ago, our own Jesus Gomez delved into the Spurs options regarding their top player, DeMar DeRozan.

Just over a week later, it was reported that Jakob Poeltl was considering his free agency options.

Although the NBA season is on hold, Poeltl was averaging 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.45 blocks and 5.3 points per game before the coronavirus halted the play. He has also led the Spurs in rebounding 10 times and in blocks 25 times this season.

Not exactly sure what Jakob is considering as he looks toward the next season, but here are some thoughts to discuss.

• Does DeMar DeRozan’s fate play into Poeltl’s future with the Silver & Black? Not so much because they were traded together or even because of a personal relationship, but does a struggling team watching their top player exit open the door for others?
• Since Poeltl didn’t sign a contract extension by last October 21, the Spurs will have to tend a one-year, $5 million qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent, but he’ll surely entertain more lucrative offers from other teams instead of taking it. (Dejounte Murray signed for $64M for four years, just to give a point of reference).
• The Spurs will have the option to match, but will they get Kyle Anderson-ed out of their big man. In the last few years they have lost Aron Baynes and Boban Marjanovic to huge paydays while still coming off the bench.
• Poeltl is known mostly for his defensive acumen and presence at the rim. In seasons past, the Spurs have been known for their defense, but this one was not one of those seasons. If the Spurs were indeed up to their past par defensively, would Jakob’s impact be as prominent?
• And ultimately, will retaining Jakob Poeltl be beneficial to the Spurs? Already short at the five position, is bringing in a new player into the fold more detrimental than continuing to build on Jakob’s skill set.
• Can that skill set expand in a way that the Spurs truly need?

Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.

Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.

Open Thread: Jakob Poeltl’s free agency will impact the Spurs’ future
Open Thread: Jakob Poeltl’s free agency will impact the Spurs’ future