Team Needs:
A yin to Kawhi’s yang.
Free Agents:
- Joel Anthony – UFA
- Dewayne Dedmon – UFA
- Pau Gasol – UFA
- Manu Ginobili – UFA
- David Lee – UFA
- Patty Mills – UFA
- Jonathan Simmons – RFA
Isaiah Hartenstein:
As for Isaiah Hartenstein in TI’s draft prospect preview his skills were highlighted as:
"As reflected by his above rankings, the pundits are split on the young international prospect from Eugene, Oregon. His father, Florian Hartenstein was a German League legend. Isaiah, at this point, is all potential. He’s still extremely raw, but has shown flashes of being an effective stretch five. Although currently limited to mostly dunks, he attacks the rim and is a very nice lob target already. He’s already a capable ball handler, and is able to attack closeouts. Hartenstein is an above average passer for a 19 year old big man, and showed a willingness to make the extra pass at Zalgaris. He isn’t afraid to use his body on defense and on the glass. Per 40 minutes, Hartenstein averaged 1.8 blocks per game. At 7’0″ tall and weighing 250 lbs,"
Overview:
Aldridge has never looked comfortable in the Spurs system and failed to live up to the weighty expectations that come with being a highly sought after free agent. In fact, although still supremely talented he’s ever felt like the perfect partner for Leonard. Perhaps they are both too quiet for it to work.
But it sure seems like Aldridge would benefit from a youthful, gregarious core and Kawhi from a bulldog outspoken point guard. With two of the latter on the near free agency horizon perhaps that will happen.
Or, if rumors are true that the Spurs are attempting to get into the top five they could be seeking a point guard? De’Arron Fox may be lower on the board than Fultz and Ball based on his inconsistent shot, but recalling how Leonard shot when he came to San Antonio I doubt that’s a concern for RC and Pop.
More importantly, there is a certain demeanor the young man exhibits beyond his natural fits. He’s professional, has a confident swagger without being cocky and there is an intangible quality reminiscent of something I recall seeing in Dwyane Wade-he knows he’s a winner. Call me crazy, but something tells me this young point guard could the yin to Kawhi’s yang.
The other option is Jonathan Issac who is the uber-athletic extremely talented duo forward with an untapped ceiling. But, when it comes to the Spurs its best to do what Pop would do pour yourself a nice glass of red wine and sit back until Pops is good and ready to let you in on San Antonio’s plans.