The San Antonio Spurs signed the best available free agent this offseason, LaMarcus Aldridge, and re-signed former NBA Finals MVP Kahwi Leonard as well. That would be enough for most organizations but the Spurs want to be champions in on and off the court.
On Monday the Spurs added two major accomplishments to their offseason resume.
The Spurs summer league squad captured the Las Vegas championship by a score of 93-90 over the Phoenix Suns. Summer League MVP Kyle Anderson paced the squad with 15 pts but in true Spurs fashion two bench players led the team in scoring and to the title.
Jonathan Simmons had 23 points and Treveon Graham added 22 off of the bench for the champs. In true Spurs form they won the title by using a team mentality and an unselfish brand of basketball.
Even more amazing than their title win was the coach that led them there. Head coach Becky Hammon is the first woman to win a NBA summer league championship and last season she became the first female assistant coach in NBA history. The Spurs and Coach Popovich have always been progressive and this is just the latest example. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hammon as head coach of a NBA team in the next few seasons. She obviously has what it takes to lead a group of men and command their respect.
The Spurs will enter the season as the favorites to reach the NBA Finals in the Western Conference and this may prove to be just the beginning of a magical season.