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The goal for the Spurs remains the same: to make the playoffs

Takeaways from the Spurs’ Media Day appearances.

NBA: San Antonio Spurs At Utah Jazz Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

The Spurs have spent the last week speaking with the media for the first time since August when they were in the Bubble, and in some cases like LaMarcus Aldridge, it’s been even longer. They all were excited to be back and ready to build off what they started in Orlando, and perhaps the most notable takeaway from it all is the goal remains the same as ever: the make the playoffs.

Gregg Popovich eluded to as much in his media day appearances, and the theme continued throughout the week. A big requirement for the Spurs to do that will be the main player who missed the Bubble to continue expanding his game to fit the new, up-tempo style the Spurs are aiming for. That means Aldridge will need to expand his three-point game even more than he already has: something he is ready and willing to do if it helps his team win.

Patty Mills is also excited about the new style of play, and is ready to take what he learned from mostly watching in Orlando to heart:

Despite being at far different points in their careers, Lonnie Walker IV and Rudy Gay both put in extra work during the abbreviated offseason to take their games to another level, with Gay seemingly taking page out of Tim Duncan’s book by taking weight off of his aging body.

Dejounte Murray, as he usually is, was perhaps the most candid and honest about the team’s desire to improve on last season’s underwhelming performance, seemingly embracing the role of underdog and the need to earn the media’s respect again.

And he ended his conference by laying the foundation for this season’s Spurs:

Even if you would prefer this team just tank and get a high lottery draft pick, it will be impossible not to root for them to succeed. You can click the links below to see the entirety of the press conferences videos.

LaMarcus Aldridge

Patty Mills

Rudy Gay

Lonnie Walker

Trey Lyles

Dejounte Murray

DeMar DeRozan

Drew Eubanks