The Spurs’ core is getting a step older and a step slower. They are replacing Tiago Splitter’s size and rebounding with LaMarcus Aldridge. As Jenna Corrado does in this latest PBT Extra, it’s fair to ask if San Antonio’s defense is about to slip a little this season?
I don’t see it, at least not much. First, they still have Kawhi Leonard on the perimeter. Second, Aldridge is a better defender than he gets credit for in some quarters, and he can replicate a lot of what the Spurs asked Splitter to do in their system.
Maybe they don’t finish second in the NBA in defense as they did last season, but any slip on that end will be more than made up for by an improved offense.