Spurs must guard against inconsistency: the missing pieces to a San Antonio championship have been on the roster all along

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005 by Sean Deveney

The Timberwolves might have dodged a bullet when SG Latrell Sprewell--in the final year of his contract-angrily passed on their three-year offer before the season. That situation, of course, spawned Sprewell's boneheaded, "I've got a family to feed," remark. Of bigger concern for Sprewell, 34, is mat age seems to be catching UB to him. He has not been effective in creating his own shot and has been inconsistent. The Timberwolves have given a bigger offensive role to SF Wally Szczerbiak, which also has limited Sprewell's production. Minnesota now says it won't negotiate a new deal during the season, which is likely to leave Sprewell on the free-agent market, Says one Western Conference general manager: "He would probably get something near the midlevel exception."

There's no place like home

Devin Brown moved to San Antonio when he was two months old. He has not strayed far since. After a brilliant career as a swingman at South San Antonio's West Campus high school--he averaged 32.3 points his senior season and broke the greater San Antonio career scoring record-Brown passed on scholarships from Wichita State and Texas Tech to attend Texas-San Antonio.

All he did in four years with the Roadrunners was rack up 1,922 points, a school record. Last year, he had his No. 23 retired by the school. His number is retired at his high school, too.

Now, can he get No. 23 retired for San Antonio's NBA club?

Probably not, but Brown at least has proved he's a useful reserve for the Spurs. He went undrafted after college, but his hustle and defense won him a place in the NBA--and it only fits that he is back in San Antonio and thriving. Over the past two seasons, Brown has honed his offensive game. He is averaging 7.3 points and shooting 45.4 percent.

"It's just been confidence," Brown says. "I know I can play, and I am starting to gain my confidence."