Only two members of the San Antonio Spurs’ last championship team are still in the NBA.
After spending 15 seasons in the league, former second-round pick Danny Green announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Thursday. Green, who won a championship with the Spurs in 2014, was the team’s top marksman as they battled through a gauntlet that included what was then the Dirk Nowitzki-led Dallas Mavericks and LeBron James-led Miami Heat. At 6-foot-6, the lanky wing was able to make plays off the dribble and blanket players at the defensive end.
All things considered, his contributions were essential to San Antonio. In fact, Green ranks third all-time in made threes in Spurs history. Consequently, his retirement is a solemn moment for the franchise, even though he wasn’t a member of the Big 3.
However, he’s also a reminder of what they hope to achieve. With 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio believes they have the Hall of Fame big man, Tim Duncan’s heir. If so, Wembanyama might be able to lead the Spurs into another dynasty era. With that being said, it’s players like Green that make up a dynastic team.
For San Antonio, it’s not just the success of Wembanyama that matters. His supporting cast — namely Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Stephon Castle —needs to make their mark. On a team devoid of premier three-point threats, a player like Julian Champagnie could be Green’s successor. Though he’s only played two seasons, he’s made 37.3% of his three-point attempts since entering the league.
Like Green, Champagnie might not be a household name. That doesn’t mean he can’t be key.