How Have San Antonio Spurs Persevered Through Injuries?

This was a key point that veteran forward Harrison Barnes was asked about at a recent media availability period. The 32-year-old took the opportunity to praise a couple of key factors that have kept the Spurs competitive.

"One, it shows our depth, [with] different guys being able to step up," Barnes told reporters. "Two, I think it shows us how much more we have left to build. Just really having different guys, different lineups, I don't think we've had our full lineup yet. I don't know when that will happen, but it would be nice to finally get everyone out there and just focus on just playing, as opposed to anyone doing injury rehab."

Barnes would proceed to compare this year's Spurs to those of last season. The 13-year veteran sounded like he believed that the team is trending in the right direction.

"I think last year, there was a lot of guys who were young [and] trying to figure it out," Barnes told the media. "A lot of experimentation was going on here, and I think this year, I think guys wanted to repeat that. They wanted to see a different side of winning, competing, what this team could do together." 

Barnes continued: "I think a lot of guys have a lot of pride, and they put in the work this offseason to change that. It's a testament to everyone who's coming here this summer and putting in a lot of work and wanting a different outcome."

The comments heard from Barnes are exactly the type of thing one would want to hear about a team that is rebuilding and looking to ascend up the conference ranks. Once the Spurs fully secure a clean bill of health, they should be a team that no one wants to see on their schedule.

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