Jordan McLaughlin turned 30 on Tuesday, played 9 minutes Wednesday night and gave the Spurs exactly the kind of short, steady shift they need as the season tightens. Carter Bryant, who shined in 25 minutes, said McLaughlin has been a big part of his confidence and that the veteran keeps his game even no matter the circumstance.
McLaughlin came to San Antonio in the trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, a deal that also cost the club Tre Jones, Zach Collins and Sidy Cissoko. The Spurs then kept McLaughlin around over the summer on an additional year, a sign they saw enough in him to value more than just a roster spot.
On Wednesday, with Stephon Castle out and Dylan Harper making his third start of the season, McLaughlin did the little things a fourth guard is asked to do. Jacob Douglas described him as solid, noting his pesky perimeter defense, ball security and willingness to stay within the flow of the offense. For 9 minutes, that was enough.
That is also what Bryant noticed. He said McLaughlin has told him to trust his work and understand his time will come, and Bryant said he respects how constant and detailed McLaughlin is, even when he does not play much. McLaughlin’s role may be small now, but it matters because the Spurs are moving toward a playoff stretch where minutes at the end of the bench can become even scarcer.
