A Promise That Drives Him Forward: Spurs' David Jones Garcia Remembers His Father
INDIANAPOLIS – It’s important to highlight that the journey of David Jones Garcia to becoming a member of the Spurs may not have happened without the guiding influence of his late father.
David Apolinar Jones, who passed away from heart failure in February 2023 while in his home country of the Dominican Republic, inspired his son to aspire to greatness.
Before his passing, David Jones Garcia made a touching vow at his father’s bedside.
"I promised my dad that I would play at least one game in the NBA," shared Jones Garcia earnestly. "Now I am working diligently to fulfill that promise."
This emotional commitment was the main factor motivating Jones Garcia to turn down substantial offers from teams in Europe. Instead, he chose to engage in a two-way contract with the Spurs, illustrating his dedication to honoring his father’s legacy.
At just 23 years of age, the young guard is now closer than ever to realizing that dream. His recent performance further solidified his case for playing time in the NBA, as he scored an impressive 20 points during the fourth quarter and overtime, contributing significantly to the Spurs’ 134-130 preseason win against the Utah Jazz.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson praised Jones Garcia, stating, "He is fiercely competitive and clearly possesses a dynamic ball-handling skill that allows him to find the basket effectively. If he can elevate his other abilities to match that level, he stands a strong chance at making a name for himself."
This competitive spirit became evident as the game progressed against the Jazz. In a bold move, Johnson opted to clear his bench midway through the third quarter, relying on an assortment of players mostly destined for the G League, alongside veteran center Bismack Biyombo, to carry them through.
Although Jones Garcia started the fourth quarter with no points, having missed two attempts and recorded a turnover, he quickly turned things around. He shot six for eleven in the remainder of the game, converted eight of nine free throws, and contributed five rebounds, four assists, and a crucial steal during overtime.
This burst of performance was particularly welcome for a player who had experienced a somewhat quiet preseason up until that point.
"Winning feels fantastic," Jones Garcia expressed, highlighting the importance of team success. "My sole focus was to help secure the victory."
His two-way contract indicates that he will split time between the Spurs and their G League affiliate in Austin, where he’s expected to predominantly play. Nevertheless, the chances of Jones Garcia stepping onto an NBA court this season remain promising.
To put it into perspective, last season the Spurs’ trio of two-way players – Riley Minix, Harrison Ingram, and David Duke Jr. – collectively logged 12 appearances with the NBA squad.
Currently, Jones Garcia is doing everything within his power to keep the promise he made to his father.
"The Spurs are an amazing organization," he declared. "I feel truly fortunate to be a part of it."
Wemby’s Strategy: Turning Free Throws into Opportunities
As for Victor Wembanyama, his experience over the past two seasons in the NBA has led him to understand an important truth about free throws: they are not merely a gift; they must be earned.
A primary goal of his for the upcoming season is to maximize his free throw attempts.
"Free throws come from effectively using your body and understanding the game," Wembanyama analyzed. "You only get to the free throw line if you're not retreating every time. You need to aggressively move towards the basket."
In a standout performance against the Jazz, Wembanyama scored 22 points in just one half, with nine of those points coming from the charity stripe, and he made a total of 10 free throw attempts. Having averaged just under five free throw tries per game during his initial two seasons, he is eager to replicate the free throw success he experienced in Friday’s match.
He recognizes that part of achieving this goal lies with him.
"Driving towards the basket requires not just skill but also the ability to combat defensive pressure and manage your momentum," Wembanyama mentioned thoughtfully. "That’s a test of strength and control."
In conclusion, both players embody a pursuit of personal goals and the immeasurable drive to honor their commitments, making this season one full of emotion and potential for the Spurs. What are your thoughts on their journeys? Do you think promises like Jones Garcia's can fuel success in professional sports? Let's discuss!
