The San Antonio Spurs' long-time strategy of building with other teams' cast-offs is now being emulated by a Western Conference rival. The Portland Trail Blazers are actively collecting former Spurs players, hoping to replicate the success San Antonio found with players like Julian Champagnie. This comes as the Spurs, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance in 2026, are in a tough stretch, having lost four straight games including a 90-94 defeat to the New York Knicks on June 14.
How have the San Antonio Spurs built with rejects?
The Spurs' roster construction is a masterclass in value finding. While cornerstone pieces like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle arrived via the draft, key contributors often come from elsewhere. Julian Champagnie is a perfect example. Cut by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, he signed a 'prove-it' deal with San Antonio and blossomed into a reliable shooter.
This isn't a new trend for the franchise. Bruce Brown, Danny Green, and Patty Mills were all nearly out of the league before the Spurs gave them a chance. They turned those opportunities into lengthy, productive NBA careers. The team's ability to identify and develop undervalued talent is a core part of its identity. You can track the development of current players on our [squad](/squad) page.
Why are the Portland Trail Blazers copying this playbook?
Portland sees itself as a rising rival to San Antonio, and their playoff series added some genuine heat. Their front office is now applying a similar philosophy. They've built through the draft with Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. But they've also acquired veterans like Jrue Holiday and Matisse Thybulle for minimal cost after their previous teams moved on.
Crucially, the Blazers are targeting former Spurs specifically. Last season, they picked up guard Blake Wesley after Washington waived him. This summer, they signed Micah Potter from the Austin Spurs and Summer League standout Lee Hyun-jung. They join Jeremy Sochan and Sidy Cissoko, two promising players San Antonio traded away.
Can players truly thrive after leaving the San Antonio Spurs?
The track record for post-Spurs success is surprisingly thin. Most players who excel in San Antonio's system were struggling elsewhere first. Stephen Jackson is perhaps the best example of a player who improved after his Spurs tenure, enjoying solid scoring seasons elsewhere. But he never reached superstar status.
The Blazers are betting they can buck this trend. They believe the Spurs' eye for talent means these players have untapped potential. By providing a new environment and opportunity, Portland hopes to unlock it. The strategy is a direct challenge to San Antonio's model. For the latest team standings and how this rivalry shapes up, visit our [standings](/standings) hub.
What is the current context for the San Antonio Spurs?
Despite their innovative team-building, the Spurs are in a rough patch on the court. Their recent form shows one win and four losses in their last five outings. That sequence is four consecutive losses followed by a single win. The most recent result was that 90-94 home loss to the Knicks in mid-June. It's a sign that even with a brilliant long-term strategy, immediate results in the NBA can be volatile. The team will look to its core, built through the draft and savvy pickups, to reverse this slide.
