San Antonio Spurs' Biggest Red Flags Entering This Season

The San Antonio Spurs are the reigning NBA champions, but that doesn't mean they enter the 2014-15 season without red flags popping up.

While their problems might not be as damaging as other franchises face, the Spurs still must battle a supremely talented Western Conference throughout the year.

Overcoming these issues and starting hot early is important to securing a playoff spot, and San Antonio will rely on its deep bench—one that has some lingering questions surrounding it.

How Does Cory Joseph Respond to More Playing Time?

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Though Cory Joseph is technically the backup point guard, he won't necessarily be the primary ball-handler in the second unit because that responsibility typically falls on Manu Ginobili.

So, what exactly will his role entail? Joseph cannot shoot like injured three-point specialist Patty Mills and hasn't consistently logged 18-22 minutes per night.

Granted, the Texas product understands the system, is a better option than Mills in the pick-and-roll and an improvement defensively. His jumper has noticeably progressed, at least during the preseason.

Joseph should fill in nicely, but he must avoid falling victim to an inconsistent jumper and being careless with additional touches.

Tiago Splitter's Calf... Again

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Tiago Splitter sitting out due to a calf injury is like Blake Griffin thunderously finishing an alley-oop: It's not all he does, but he's certainly good at it.

The Brazilian center missed three contests in February 2012, four in December 2013 and four more last February when the ailment struck.

Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News notes coach Gregg Popovich said Splitter is unlikely to play during an upcoming preseason game against Atlanta and that the center's participation in the season-opener "could get iffy."

So far, Splitter hasn't been sidelined for an extended stretch because of a calf discomfort, but the Spurs could be testing their luck soon.

New Contract Boris Diaw

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It happens every season: Players who step up in their contract season, sign on the bottom line, receive big money and don't back it up on the court.

After an absolutely outstanding 2013-14 campaign, veteran reserve Boris Diaw signed a well-deserved three-year, $22 million deal this summer.

Diaw had the most efficient season of his 11-year career, and his playoff production was nothing short of stellar. But can he return to the same level of play?

According to Dan McCarney of the Express-News, Popovich isn't worried. "Boris looked fine and he's ready to go," Popovich said. "He's always played with a little more weight, and he knows how to use it. He’s fine."

If Pop isn't concerned, well, good. Nevertheless, there's an enduring possibility that Diaw falls short of the hype and struggles this season.

Kawhi Leonard's Eye Infection

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2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard enters his fourth NBA season as one of the most respected youngsters in the league.

However, he'll unfortunately be nothing more than an elite onlooker at the beginning. Mike Monroe of the Express-News (subscription required) notes an eye infection has Leonard's status in doubt, and there's merely a tentative timetable for his return.

No, an eye injury isn't something that will really stunt the 23-year-old's progression, but San Antonio will undoubtedly miss its best defender.

While potentially opening the campaign with Splitter and Leonard unavailable isn't necessarily a travesty, it's not a comforting development, either.

Manu Ginobili's Game-Readiness

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Much to Manu Ginobili's chagrin, the Spurs held longtime sixth man out of the FIBA World Cup as he recovered from a stress fracture.

Paul Garcia of Project Spurs notes the Argentine feels completely healthy, but the 13-year pro isn't quite there mentally.

"

Way behind basketball-wise. I am very insecure with the ball, but I am pain free.

That hasn't happened in a long time, so I'm happy about that. Sometimes I get a little impatient. I am so far behind, and I want to be useful and help the team out.

Even though it's preseason, everyone wants to play well. I understand that we have time, and we're only four games into the preseason, but in 10 days we are playing [the season opener] and I want to be ready then.

"

Ginobili is expected to be the second unit's leader, but insecurity and impatience are not traits that positively define an offensive manager.

Though he's excelled in the past, Ginobili has forced himself into terrible situations, too. And San Antonio needs the former to show up on Oct. 28 against the Mavericks because the team is already likely to be without Splitter and Leonard.