Let's travel back in time to the end of the Spurs' final season as a lottery team in April 2025. That could end up being as big a reason as any for the next leap the Spurs take. And really, that explains why the Spurs ran their offense through their second-year playmaker instead of the more experienced ball handler. It makes sense, considering he was likely the one initiating the offense for the entire offseason and training camp. It will be a result of the offseason work they put in.