Once the season started for the San Antonio Spurs, it became clear that Davis Bertans was on the outside looking in. His backup stretch four spot was gone, with Rudy Gay taking over and providing more offensive versatility. It resulted in just 6.8 minutes per game in five appearances, while Gay has received 20-plus minutes in every one of his, leaving the writing on the wall.
In late October, Bertans received his first demotion, along with Derrick White, to the Austin Spurs of the G-League. It was brief, as these two reappeared for the big club a short time later.