After landing coveted free agent LaMarcus Aldridge, the San Antonio Spurs have been limited with money but continue to still add bench depth using the veteran’s minimum.
According to multiple reports, Matt Bonner has signed a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal to remain with the team. Bonner confirmed his return via text message to the Express-News and said that he was “super pumped” to return.
The 35-year-old sharpshooter will enter the 12th season of his NBA career and 10th with the Spurs, making him the longest tenured Spurs player outside of the big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. His floor spacing and efficient three-point shooting have helped bolster San Antonio’s bench over the last decade.
Although Bonner’s numbers and efficiency dipped last season, he was still a key figure off Gregg Popovich’s bench. Playing in 72 games and earning 19 starts, he averaged 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds on 36.5 percent shooting from three-point range. Bonner possesses career averages of 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds on 41.4 percent shooting from deep.
Bonner will join a crowded frontline consisting of Aldridge, Duncan, David West, and Boris Diaw. He should still earn minutes since his spacing and three-point shooting are extremely vital to the team.
Over the last two decades, this has probably been one of the best summers for San Antonio. They have retained their core players, signed All-Star talent, and made couple of other small moves to maintain bench depth.
After a first-round exit to the Los Angeles Clippers last year, the Spurs have revamped their roster and suddenly they are considered the favorites out of the West once again. With a loaded roster, heaps of talent, and Popovich’s genius coaching schemes, there is no arguing the fact that the Spurs are contenders, but it will take a long 82-game season to prove themselves praiseworthy.