Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray displayed his leadership skills Saturday by giving rookie guard Lonnie Walker IV a pep talk.

“He had his head down a little bit,” Murray said after practice. “I told him it’s going to be a slow process. There are going to be moments where you feel like you want to quit. But if you love this game and you are willing to learn, you are willing to work, (it will be all right).

“He’s got a bright future. If he continues to learn and put the work first, he’s going to be special.”

Murray, 22, enters his third season as the starter at point guard, but he hasn’t forgotten the roller-coaster ride that is an NBA player’s rookie campaign. Walker, drafted 18th overall in the first round in June, has been bothered by a sore left leg but is expected to suit up today for the preseason opener against Miami.

“I told him, there are going to be road bumps,” Murray said. “It’s going to go up, down, up, down, down, down, but through it all stay professional, be coachable, be willing to learn from everybody, and just come in here on time and put in the work.”

The Spurs on Thursday picked up their fourth-year team option on Murray, who was an NBA All-Defensive Second Team choice last season after taking over the starting job from Tony Parker in January.

“I am just thankful, man,” Murray said of the Spurs’ faith in him. “I’ve been telling you guys for years, where I come from, this is just a blessing for me. And like I said, I am going to keep learning and working and trying to be a pro on and off the court.”

Tips from the master: Tim Duncan’s daily presence at practice has been a boon for newcomer center Jakob Poeltl.

“He is just constantly there, giving me advice, tips and tricks, telling me stuff that I should look out for,” Poeltl said. “It is really helpful, because a lot of times, it’s the little things that make a difference.”

Poeltl, who played his first two seasons with Toronto, said it’s “pretty crazy” going up against the NBA’s greatest power forward.

“I remember the first time I played against him it was three-on-three, and I scored on him,” Poeltl said. “I think I had a pump fake and he fell for it or something like that. It was a pretty surreal feeling, I’m not going to lie.”

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has used Poeltl in a variety of combinations in five-on-five work while playing him with the first, second and third teams.

“I have played with (LaMarcus) Aldridge,” Poeltl said. “I have played with Davis (Bertans), with Rudy (Gay) at (power forward), all different combinations.”

No matter the pairings, Poeltl hasn’t disappointed.

“He’s exactly what we thought,” Popovich said. “He understands what he can do, runs the floor well, rebounding, willing passer, just does a good job. Plays hard.”

What has stood out to Murray are the 7-footer’s hands.

“He can catch,” Murray said. “He has a good touch around the rim. He knows how to pass. He understands the game. He is a big body. We are going to get him to be willing to play defense a lot and be that rim protector. I love his game.”

Rim-protecting rookie: Second-round pick Chimeze Metu has made a mark defensively early in camp.

“So far, he’s been our best shot blocker,” Popovich said of the 6-11 forward. “He’s done a great job in that regard.”

The Spurs drafted Metu 49th overall in June. He averaged 1.7 blocks as a junior last season for Southern Cal in 31.0 minutes and 1.6 blocks for his college career.

Popovich said the left wrist Metu fractured during the Las Vegas Summer League in July has healed.

“He’s feeling real confident with it…He’s been mixing it up,” Popovich said.

torsbornr@express-news.net

Twitter: @tom_orsborn