The sting of the 2026 NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks is still fresh, and the San Antonio Spurs, feeling the burn of that inexperience, are already back to work. While most people warned them about that very issue, they still pushed through three playoff rounds, but the Finals laid bare the Knicks’ mental edge. Now, with over a month left before the NBA season even tips off, Spurs leader De’Aaron Fox isn’t waiting around for training camp to start.
The Grind Starts Now, No Excuses
Yeah, Fox might’ve had his struggles in those Playoffs, and some folks might be a little down on him right now. But let’s not forget, the man was key to them reaching their first NBA Finals as a group. He’s still well-respected in that Spurs locker room, and frankly, you gotta respect his mindset after that kind of heartbreaking defeat. He knows they need to come back harder than ever, ready to finish the job they started last season. This isn’t just about showing up when the whistle blows for training camp. It’s about building that genuine chemistry, that connection, now. That’s why Fox, ever the leader, made a move that speaks volumes about this team’s dedication to getting ahead for the 2026-27 season.
Fox’s Houston Hustle Sets the Tone
Forget vacation time, these Spurs are putting in the work. Fox actually invited some of his teammates to his home in Houston to get those sessions in. We’re talking about new Spurs player Tobias Harris, plus Vic and HB, all showing up to grind. This wasn’t some casual hang, either. Fox broke it down, saying, “We’re at my house in Houston. I had Tobias, Vic, and HB here. We all worked out individually towards the beginning of the day, and we came together in the evening and were able to get some work in.” That’s dedication right there, hitting the individual grind and then coming together to build as a unit. Fox hit the nail on the head about why this is so crucial: “Training camp can’t be the first time getting together as a team. You’re going to be behind, and you’re trying to play catch-up throughout the season. Even if you just get, you know, three or four, maybe five guys together throughout the course of the summer, it allows you to just get ahead a little bit.” You hear that? “Get ahead.” That’s the mentality of a squad that’s not just aiming to get back to the Finals, but to actually win it all. It shows these Spurs are connected and willing to make those sacrifices.
After that surprise run last season, every team in the league knows what the Spurs are capable of. They’ve got targets on their backs now, plain and simple. Proving the doubters wrong after that Finals loss won’t be easy, but seeing Fox and his teammates already putting in this kind of intense, voluntary work before training camp even starts? That’s the kind of dedication you love to see. The 2026-27 season is still a bit away, but the San Antonio Spurs are clearly sending a message: they’re not content with just reaching the Finals. They’re coming back to finish the job, and they’re doing the work to make sure they’re ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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