Almost all clubs, with the exception of a handful that held their events earlier because of preseason vacations abroad, met with reporters, took team photos, and made promotional films on Monday in preparation for training camps and a new season.
It’s a day filled with enthusiasm and hope, for the most part. Gregg Popovich, head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has always been a creative thinker, so he adopted a different strategy and dashed the team’s championship ambitions right away.
“I probably shouldn’t say this, but what the heck, I’ll say it anyway. Nobody in this group should consider placing a bet on us to win the title in Las Vegas. I am aware that some people would think that I am being negative, but what if they put in a lot of effort? Most likely, that won’t happen.”
Although Popovich is undoubtedly correct, it’s uncommon to hear a coach openly predict that his team would perform poorly, even if it is the case. The Spurs have signed and traded for DeMar DeRozan to join the Chicago Bulls during the past year, shipped Derrick White to the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline last season, and sent Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks this offseason.
Since 2019, they have failed to reach the playoffs, and this year will undoubtedly see the continuation of that historically long streak. Four more teenagers than 30-year-olds are on the roster going into training camp (two). The team is actively rebuilding, and they have definitely set their sights on French wonderkid Victor Wembanyama, who is anticipated to go first overall in the next draft.
However, Caesars Sportsbook rates the Spurs at +100000 to win the championship in case you are interested or perhaps compelled to a really long-shot wager despite Popovich’s caution.