Spurs Notebook: G League Hire, Preseason Still a Month Off

By the Spurs Nightly Desk · Sunday, September 13

The Spurs are 0-0 with training camp still ahead, so yesterday's lone move was filling out the coaching staff below the varsity roster. Everything about the season on the floor — health, rotations, record — still lies ahead of preseason play in October.

Spurs Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What actually happened with the Spurs this week?

Hoops Rumors reported on September 12 that the Spurs named Chris Kent head coach of their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. Pounding The Rock had flagged the move a day earlier in its open thread. It is the only front-office news of the week; no trades, signings or main-roster staff changes have followed it.

When do the Spurs actually take the floor?

Preseason opens October 8 at home against the Hawks, then on the road at the Suns (October 10, ESPN2) and the Jazz (October 12), before a home game against the Suns again on October 14. The regular-season opener is set for October 20 against Oklahoma City, airing on NBC and Peacock — five weeks out from today.

Who's already hurt going into camp?

David Jones Garcia is day-to-day with a right ankle issue, with an estimated return of October 1. Jayden Quaintance, the rookie forward, is out with a right knee injury and not expected back until December 1 — a long absence before he has played a game for San Antonio.

What's the one number that defines the Spurs' offseason?

San Antonio carries a payroll of $198.3 million, over the $165.0 million cap but under the $200.4 million luxury-tax line. De'Aaron Fox's $49.8 million is the largest single contract on the books, ahead of Devin Vassell's $27.0 million, Keldon Johnson's $17.5 million and Victor Wembanyama's $16.9 million.

What's the open financial question hanging over the roster?

The Spot Up Shot noted that Devin Vassell's extension window opens October 1, a short stretch before free agency talk would otherwise take over. Nothing has been reported about the Spurs' plans for that window, or whether an extension gets done before the season starts.

The verdictNothing on the floor has happened yet, and San Antonio's only real September news is a G League hire. The season, and the answers to what this roster actually looks like, start with preseason on October 8.

When do the Spurs open the 2026-27 regular season?

October 20 at home against Oklahoma City, airing on NBC and Peacock.

Who did the Spurs hire for their G League team?

Chris Kent was named head coach of the Austin Spurs, reported by Hoops Rumors on September 12.

By the Spurs Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.