Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Julian Champagnie often looks like a potential long-term starter. Another season is almost in the books. And honestly, I’m kind of glad it is – because this year tested me more than any other season I can remember. I came to terms with the sl ow descent after the Kawhi trade. I understood bottoming out. I didn’t struggle then. But this season, I did. Even though I know having a stretch five can be a kind of cheat code, I struggled with Wemby taking so many early-shot-clock pull-up threes. I struggled with Devin Vassell not settling into a third-option role. I struggled with Chris Paul continuing to start after the De’Aaron Fox trade. I struggled when first Wemby, and then Fox, were ruled out for the season. But maybe, subconsciously, what I struggled with most was Pop not being around. Turns out that I’m more attached than I ever realized I could be to thinking: “I don’t understand what’s happening on the court, but I trust in Pop.” I guess everything I mentioned above played a role. But there was something else, too. After years of having no real expectations, suddenly they were back. Surprised by the strong first half of the season, I found myself wanting more. And there were plenty of times when it felt like the Spurs weren’t playing to the best of their abilities. But that idea faded once Wemby was out. Even more so after Fox was shut down. The rest of the season, frankly, was just about watching Stephon Castle develop. And he did. Just one more game left – and then it’ll be months before we get to see more growth from him, or anyone else. Meanwhile, the Spurs are heading into what could be a very interesting offseason. Three reasons: Pop’s future as head coach is still uncertain, and two top-ten coaches have surprisingly become available in recent weeks. The Spurs will do their due diligence, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they talk to both Taylor Jenkins and Mike Malone. All that draft capital from the Dejounte Murray trade? It was great to collect – but now it’s time to decide what to do with it. Pick or trade? The most intriguing question might be what the Spurs do with their own pick. Honestly, I’m a bit relieved it probably won’t be a top-four pick. None of the guys projected in that range fit what the Spurs need. But after hearing what Jeremias Engelmann and Thorben Adelhardt had to say about Colin Murray-Boyles, who should be available later, on the “Jeden Tag NBA” podcast, I’m over the moon. (Main Takeaways: CMB’s defense is so good that he would be a serious problem on teams not trying to win. His optimal front-court teammate would be a stretch five, ie. Wemby). But that’s all Zukunftsmusik, as we say here in Germany – talking about things that still lie ahead, before we even get to the things we need to talk about now. So here are the takeaways from last night’s blowout loss to the Suns: The Spurs were down a total of five key rotation players, so anything but a loss would’ve been a surprise. On the flip side, it gave others a chance to shine in their absence – and Julian Champagnie did just that. He made a strong case to start next season. Here’s why: The likely starting lineup will feature Wemby, Fox, and Castle – all of whom need (or want) the ball in their hands. That means the Spurs need players in the starting five who can catch and shoot, and occasionally attack a closeout. Harrison Barnes alone isn’t enough. Champagnie should be in that group. He scored 23 points last night on relatively few touches. Many guys need more touches to score less. Devin Vassell, for instance. Another player who’s made the most of his minutes is Sandro Mamukelashvili. I must admit I have trouble being objective about him just because I like him so much. He’s got major defensive limitations, but as a third-string scorer, he’s serviceable: powerful drives, timely cuts, decent shooting. It’s not a high priority, but if the Spurs find a roster spot for him next season, it would put a smile on my face. I’m less optimistic about Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham. Three seasons in, neither has made meaningful progress. Wesley still struggles with decision-making, despite his speed. And while Malaki can score in spurts, his efficiency leaves a lot to be desired – he needed 17 shots last night just to score 15 points. The Spurs picked up both of their fourth-year options, but I doubt either has a long-term future in the league. One player who does have a bright future is Stephon Castle. He was easily the best player on the court in the first quarter. Hitting three off-the-dribble mid-range jumpers, he looked more like Devin Booker than Devin Booker himself. He also knocked down two threes and could’ve had more assists if Bismack Biyombo and Malaki Branham had finished better around the rim. Still, there were reminders that he’s a rookie – especially with two ill-timed threes in the third quarter. That’s when the Suns pulled away and never looked back. ...read more read less