Overview

• After a blood clot ended his season in February, the Spurs star rejoined camp touting a defense-centered rebuild following a 46-game stretch of 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and an NBA-best 3.8 blocks.
• He said he chose a much more violent regimen that sacrificed some shooting work because his priority was getting his body back.
• Witnesses detailed a drill where he defended every teammate one-on-one without a breather, sprinted the length of the court, then repeated the sequence, which Julian Champagnie called unlike anything he had seen.
• He declared defense non-negotiable for anyone seeking a role, emphasizing teamwide accountability beginning with preseason play.
• He reported feeling stronger, heavier and better conditioned after varied training that included time at a Shaolin temple and constraints-led on-court work in Los Angeles with Harrison Barnes and trainer Noah Laroche.