Preseason Grades: San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns – Game #2

The San Antonio Spurs fell to 0-2 in preseason after dropping an exhibition affair to the Phoenix Suns. I wouldn’t read much into this second consecutive loss but it’d be nice if the Spurs found some sort of rhythm before the end of preseason.

Stats: Spurs at Suns

Spurs at Suns – Final Grades

Victor Wembanyama

Although Wembanyama missed all five of his three-point attempts, it was still a productive preseason outing for the superstar. He was 6-for-9 inside of the arc and totaled seven rebounds and two blocks in 22 minutes. Most notably, his ball-handling and passing were both better than usual, which led to a team-high six assists.

Grade: B+

Stephon Castle

Castle looks ready for the regular season. In just 21 minutes, he had 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. His explosiveness at the rim is even more impressive than usual. His passing is on point, his outside shot is smooth and his decision-making is a plus.

Grade: B+

Dylan Harper

Yeah, Harper isn’t losing his starting spot anytime soon if his preseason play is any indication. He hit another three and was 5-for-8 inside of the three-point line. I thought his playmaking was pretty awesome. His two-man game with Wembanyama could be a gigantic weapon for the good guys this season.

Grade: A-

Devin Vassell

Welp, it wasn’t the sharpest shooting night for Vassell. He was 1-for-4 from deep and 1-for-5 from two-point range. He was getting good shots and I didn’t have any issue with his shot-selection. Get those misses out now, Dev.

Grade: C

Julian Champagnie

Champagnie did a bit better than Vassell. He hit a pair of three-pointers but ended up just 2-for-7 from the field. Aesthetically, he looks like he’s in better shape than he was last year and his ball-handling is crisper. Good stuff.

Grade: C+

Harrison Barnes

Barnes got 17 minutes in this preseason game (probably too much, in my estimation, if I’m being honest). He hit a couple three-pointers but didn’t really do anything else of note.

Grade: C

Luke Kornet

Kornet remained active during his 17 minutes. He pulled down ten rebounds, had some impressive passes and defended the rim well. He was only 2-for-7 from the field, however. That’s not a very Kornetian percentage.

Grade: C

Keldon Johnson

It was good to see Johnson get going a little bit. His drives to the basket were powerful. KJ’s attentiveness on defense was better than usual and he had an elite pass. He doesn’t look to be in the greatest shape but it’s not to the point we should be worried.

Grade: B+

David Jones Garcia

Jones Garcia went scoreless in his 14 minutes — but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. He missed all six of his shots from the field while keeping the pedal to the metal. His aggression paid dividends in the form of three assists. He was also able to pull down six boards.

Grade: B-

Ja’Kobi Gillespie

Gillespie hit a three-pointer and handed out four assists. He’s looking like an intriguing prospect at point guard … but he probably won’t be ready for a season or two.

Grade: B

Maliq Brown

I mean, dang, if Brown can shoot it straight, he is probably an NBA player. In his first preseason action, he was 3-for-3 from the field. The rookie second round pick hit a pair of three-pointers and had a powerful dunk. Brown has expert defensive instincts so if his offensive game comes along for the ride, the Spurs may be on to something here.

Grade: A-

Carter Bryant

Bryant’s evening was cut short when he came up limping. Before leaving with injury, his only notable play was a blocked shot on the perimeter.

Grade: B-

Jordan McLaughlin

McLaughlin did McLaughlin things. He hit a three-pointer, ran the offense and tried on defense. The results weren’t the best though, partly due to him turning it over three times.

Grade: C-

Tarris Reed Jr.

Reed looked pretty darn good in his nine minutes. He had ten points thanks to deft touch on floaters. His rebounding was bruising and his confidence seemed to be overflowing.

Grade: A-