The Spurs have a media day on Monday and they have a lot to talk about. With players like Derrick White and Dejounte Murray gone and many new players on the rise, the question was who would assume a greater leadership role. My face turns.
Luckily, all three of the Spurs’ young veterans, according to them, seemed ready to take on the challenge.
When it comes to voice leaders, most of the attention goes to the newly expanded Keldon Johnson, and he agrees that he’s earned the spot.
“Whether it’s leading by example or leading vocally, I definitely feel like a leader,” Johnson said. I think I can give my opinion and show them the right path.”
A new deal, a big jump last season, not to mention undeniable charisma, and, as Jakob Poeltl puts it, a tendency to be raucous, makes Johnson the obvious choice as leader. Devin Vassell, who has just become a starter after the Derrick White trade, is also eager to help by showing the newcomers the ropes.
“We have a lot of young players, new players,” said Vassell. “We have to try to help them, whether offensively or defensively. I think it’s an important year.”
Jakob Poeltl, Spur’s longest tenure, also recognizes that players look to him for guidance and coaches ask him to set the tone. It will be a new challenge for the reticent Poeltl, but he has been preparing for it for years and is already leading the way.
“For me, personally, that’s what I grow up to be,” explained the big shot. I was told to find my own way in, but I had to do it more and more as every year some older men leave. It’s kind of an experience.(Dejounte Murray) has left and some others have had to step up and really take on that leadership role.We’ve already seen it at Open Gym. So I accept the challenge and enjoy it.”
It’s comforting to see guys who have been playing key supporting roles for several years now so excited to step up. There are veterans like Josh Richardson, Gorghi Dien, but the fact that the players who should be part of the future foundation not only want, but are eager to take over as leader is the future of the franchise. It is an encouraging sign for
