It’s normal for teams to tout a newfound focus on defense during media day. In fact, it’s almost a cliche at this point because it happens so often. The Spurs were not the exception, with several players affirming their individual and collective commitment to defense for the upcoming season, claiming that the team could be “scary” on that end.

Words are cheap, but the Silver and Black need to follow up on their promise. In the Victor Wembanyama era, San Antonio finished in the bottom third in the league in defensive rating every single year. It’s possible to get to the playoffs while struggling to get stops, but it’s not usual. Looking past the short term, the Wemby Spurs should build their identity on the defensive end, and it just hasn’t happened.

If Mitch Johnson wants his first full

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