The Spurs' first preseason game is Monday night, October 3rd, when they visit the Phoenix Suns, but some notable names are staying home for the Silver and Black. Today the team announced via their injury report that newcomer Pau Gasol, along with LaMarcus Aldridge, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Patty Mills, and Tony Parker, will not travel with the team to Phoenix. Chances are Coach Pop will spend most of the game looking at the end-of-the-bench guys. We can still tune in to see Kawhi Leonard put in some work with the young guys, such as Kyle Anderson and Jonathon Simmons, and the (Draft and) Stash Brothers, Davis Bertans and Livio Jean-Charles.
This game is also a golden opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate training camp invitees vying for that final 15th roster spot. Players such as Argentinians Patricio Garino and Nicolas Laprovittola, veteran center Joel Anthony, and Villanova rookie Ryan Arcidiacono are no doubt looking to make an impression. Roster cuts are imminent, and tomorrow night's performance could go a long way in determining who remains with the team and who cleans out their locker. For the rest of us, Spurs basketball will finally be back. Sort of. Go Spurs Go!