Popovich, Spurs face unknown with another youthful roster

Popovich, Spurs face unknown with another youthful roster. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have retired. Kawhi Leonard was traded this summer. The 50th edition of the Spurs is the youngest in franchise history. Josh Primo has become a mentor to Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley. The team's plans for life after The Big Three were sidetracked following the trades of young stars like Kawhili Leonard, Derrick White and Dejounte Murray. They return Jakob Poeltl at center, Doug McDermott at forward and Josh Richardson at guard.

Murray was traded to Atlanta for three first-round picks and a potential fourth in a pick swap. Primo was shocked by the news. He was a great leader for Primos.

Johnson suffered a right shoulder posterior dislocation after getting tangled up with a teammate last week. Johnson will miss the start of training camp but expects to play in San Antonio's season opener on October 19 against Charlotte.

Popovich, Spurs face unknown with another youthful roster. Poeltl will start at center for the Spurs. Johnson should return to the starting lineup once he is healthy. Vassell started at guard following White’s trade to Boston last season. McDermott also returns after starting all 51 games he played last year. Primo is expected to vie with two-year veteran Tre Jones to start as point guard.

Becky Hammon won the WNBA Championship in her first season as head coach of the Las Vegas Aces. She was an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs for eight seasons. Popovich misses her.

Popovich shaved off his beard. He had a clean-shaven look last season.