2010 NBA Draft Primer: The San Antonio Spurs Select... ?
by Tim C. on Jun 20, 2010 1:52 AM CDT
in Spurs News
Email
PrintThe 2010 NBA draft is 4 days away, and as we all know by now, the Spurs pick 20th. That is, they pick 20th if they don't move up, which some sources say they are aggressively attempting to do.
Please, Spurs, trade up and draft me. I don't wanna play for the Clippers.
Be sure to join us on Thursday for live coverage of the draft. Until then, let's talk about some of the names to be familiar with.
Outside Opinions
First, let's find out what some of the well known draft websites are saying. Heres a list of mock draft, and who they currently predict the Spurs to take. It might be a good idea to click these links often, since most will be updated daily up until Thursday.
Draft Express (Damion James)
NBAdraft.net (Elliot Williams)
WalterFootball (Damion James)
College Hoops Update (Damion James)
MyNBAdraft.com (James Anderson)
Obviously, Damion James is a name that's coming up a lot. He's a rugged forward who played for the Longhorns (hook 'em!) this past season. According to his DX profile, James' pre-draft measurements show him at nearly 6'8" in shoes, though he's listed at 6'7". My main concern with him is not size, however - it's whether he can be comfortable playing SMALL forward. If he can, I am perfectly happy with him as our pick. The praise DX gives his defense make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and he seems to be a pretty efficient shooter(except for FT's - can you say "Spur material"?). The terms "aggressiveness", "physical toughness", and "intensity", all sit well with me, as we could use some more of that at the SF position. He also got great rebounding numbers(10.3/game) for the 'Horns last year, numbers that are excellent even if he was playing exclusively PF. I like the guy, and think that if he's around at #20, it's a no-brainer unless somebody else slips that far down. Still, I can't help thinking that these mocks are putting too much weight on the idea of drafting the "local" player... something the Spurs aren't really known for doing.
Elliot Williams is an intriguing entry on this list, since almost every mock has him being draft after #20. Also, there are rumors that he might have received a promise from the Spurs(which, no doubt, is why nbadraft.net has us taking him). At first glance, the Spurs seem to have the greatest need at small forward in this draft, seeing as how our ONLY player with the right size and speed to play the position will be in his final contract year, and even has the opportunity to opt out of that final year if he wants to. Williams is definitely not a SF - he's a shooting guard all the way, and might even be able to play the point a bit(if he has a passing SG like Manu out there with him). If the Spurs draft Williams, it could be seen as a vote of no confidence in Malik Hairston and Alonzo Gee. That wouldn't be surprising, especially since Williams doesn't seem to address the team's outside shooting woes as well as some of the other players projected to be available when the 20th pick comes around.
James Anderson is a guy that CapHill could probably tell you more about than I could, since she's the biggest Okie State fan around these parts. I'm really going by stats, internet scouting reports and a few short clips I found. Anyway, Anderson is kind of a tweener who played both wing postions, though he's probably best suited by sticking to SG in the NBA. His situation is sort of the opposite of Williams, in that most mocks project him to go before the Spurs pick(although DX, the "industry standard", weirdly has him dropping all the way to 30th). Anderson's actually a very efficient player(second best points per possession figure in the NCAA last year, according to DX), and specifically a very good shooter. This is hard to do when you're the team's best player, and opposing defenses are geared primarily towards stopping you. I'd be absolutely fine with this pick, if he's available at #20.
Other Options
Here's some other guys that are projected to be picked near the #20:
Hassan Whiteside - This guy is an absolutely incredible shot blocker, and pretty good jump shooter. He doesn't really have any post game, and he's as skinny as a flagpole. Still, with a 7'7" wingspan, and low foul rate(*coughYawncough *), he's got crazy defensive potential. Most mocks have him gone by 20, but if he's still there, I'd be all for drafting him. The Spurs haven't worked him out, so color me doubtful on whether they would take him on as a project.
Daniel Orton - A 6'10" center who only played 13 minutes per game for Kentucky last year, Orton's sort of an enigma. His per 40 minute numbers don't jump out at me either, although his blocks per 40 are above average. I'm skeptical of this one.
Larry Sanders - Another 6'10" big man, Sanders is more suited to PF than C. There's nothing really spectacular about him, but he's improved his game quite a bit in his 3 years at VCU, especially his efficiency on offense and rebounding. If he keeps improving, he could become quite a player, but I doubt the Spurs would want to wait for the highest pick they've had since 1997 to develop into a player.
Kevin Seraphin - A "French"(He's actually from French Guyana) big man who doesn't get a lot of playing time, but has good per-40 minute statistics. His achilles heel seems to be fouls, which are usually not called as often in Europe. So basically a 6'9" version of Ian Mahinmi. I'd rather keep the original, thanks.
Solomon Alabi - 7'1" in shoes, Alabi has been labelled slow and unathletic due to measurements taken at the recent draft combine. His agent said that his foot was injured and needed surgery, so those measurements might have been off. As a part-time FSU fan, I'm extremely biased here, and would love to see him succeed with the Spurs. However, the last time the Spurs had an FSU player, it was [I think] Charlie Ward. UGH.
Eric Bledsoe - Although he's naturally a point guard, Bledsoe played on the same team as John Wall last year, so he mostly played off-guard. But that didn't keep him from turning the ball over 3 times per game. Decent 3-point shooter, but we already have a guy that shoots threes well at this position. I definitely do not endorse this pick.
Still More Options(via trade)
The following guys are projected either much sooner or more than a few picks later than #20, but are worth mentioning IMO.
Stanley Robinson(SF) - Great physical capabilities, and has the potential to be a lockdown defender. I was once in love with Robinson being the Spurs' pick, but have read some disturbing things about his basketball IQ. Also, his physical gifts aren't as great as they once looked, since actual measurements were taken at the combine.
Paul George(SG/SF) - This is the guy I really covet now. DX has him going to the Clips at #8, but most other mocks have him 12th or Later. Memphis picks 12th, and they have three first-round picks this year, so they might just be willing to make a trade. Great size(6'9"), great athleticism, and he has a really sweet stroke on his shot. He's the total package to succeed as a Spur, really... although he might want to stop shooting 91%(!) on free throws if he wants us to draft him.
Luke Babbit(SF) - Even if George is gone, I would still make a reasonable trade to move up and nab this guy. He's not a good defender, but holy crap can he score. He scores in iso plays, transition, spot up 3s, jumpers coming off of screens, hard pick and rolls to the rim, you name it. He's an underrated athlete, and maybe working for Pop will even improve his defense. This would be an excellent option to go to for points off the bench.
Gordon Hayward(SF) - Everyone who watched the NCAA tournament knows that Hayward came within one miss of leading Butler, of all schools, to a national championship. He reminds me a bit of Mike Dunleavy, Jr... which isn't bad, but I don't think I'd trade anything of value to get him.
Epke Udoh(C) - At 6'10", Udoh acts the part of a 7-footer very well. Excellent shot blocker and defender, which are obviously skills the Spurs would find useful. However, he has some pretty low efficiency numbers for a center, and the NBA is even less forgiving. I wouldn't mind trading up for him, as long as we don't give up any important pieces of our team to do so.
Xavier Henry(SG/SF) - Excellent jump shooter, smart player, has good fundamentals and efficiency stats. Henry has everything it takes to be a successful role player in the NBA, especially for a team like the Spurs. DX says that he's one dimensional, but Henry seems to know his limitations and play within them - an attribute Pop loves. We'd probably have to trade up to get him, but I could see the Spurs coveting what he brings to the game.
Avery Bradley(SG) - As a Longhorns fan, I hate to say this. But, there's absolutely no need for Bradley's skill set(defending guards) on a team with George Hill. So, no thanks.
Anyway, these are just the names that stand out to me, and seem to appear in the most rumors. I also didn't say anything about the Spurs second round pick at #49. Personally, I think they'll draft-and-stash a player in Europe with that pick, or trade it.
Wrap Up
So, that's what I've got. I realize that I didn't include a lot of players in this list, but that's what the comments section is for. What do you think the Spurs should do, and who would realistically make the most impact? And feel free to make suggestions for the #49 pick as well. Fire away, I've got a Kevlar vest and I'm not afraid to use it.
113 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
It is very difficult to predict what the FO will do.
If Tiago DOESN’T come over, will those odd Ed Davis rumors from Pacers at #10 resurface?
And if that happens, and Tiago doesn’t join us, we will likely have to trade a point guard (Parker, Hill) to get that # 10 pick, or better, to draft a PF/C. Thus, it seems that the implications of a Splitter NOT signing could have a devastating consequence to our future roster as we will have to rebuild through draft picks and trading of assets.
HOWEVER, if Tiago DOES sign with the Spurs as intended, I see us actually trying to draft a SF to groom behind Jefferson (or even if he were to inexplicably opt out of his last year in his deal). Regardless, in this case, the Spurs should go with the safe pick at #20 which is Damion James. He wouldn’t be too much of a reach at that spot and I feel he will have better defensive intangibles than a Babbitt, Hayward, or other SF in the first round. Stanley Robinson can rival James in the ‘D department, but the Spurs would definitely be reaching for him at the 20 spot, for he is too one dimensional and his low confidence rate could reach RJ-type proportions if he doesn’t fit in.
Oh yeah, of course. Tiago not coming will spell Doomsday for all Spurs fans as there will be a total rebuild coming. But all signs point to Yes(!) that he will come to San Antone, but I seriously can’t wait for July 1st to come around so that we can once again know who will be joining our Motley Crew of misfits like we had last year. But I won’t go into Free Agency right now; I’m gonna stick to the 2010 Draft Primer! So, without taking the whole Splitter situation into account, this is who I propose the Spurs might pick with their two lone selections this year:
#20: Paul George (if he slips), Damion James, Elliot Williams.
#49: Greivis Vasquez, Art Parakhouski, Brian Zoubek
It’s only about a week and a half for the 1st to roll through, and I have a really good feeling about Splitter joining us.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 21, 2010 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I for one, would appreciate it if you would provide us with some statistics on the track record of this good feeling you have.
Be careful; apparently I'm unrelenting in my bonhomie.
manu ex machina makes more false prognostications than a groundhog. unless evidence is shown to prove otherwise.
It’s not a prediction, it’s a feeling. I didn’t say, “yes, Tiago will be a Spur next season,” and even if I did, you can’t call it false this soon.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 21, 2010 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Most people here already know what I know, and some likely know more. The personal reasons for why he stayed in Spain are no more, and now he has won a championship with Caja. Now is the time for bigger goals to reach for in the NBA. I’m just putting myself in his very large shoes, that’s all.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 21, 2010 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I keed, I keed!
I do have a feeling Splitter will be here with us and really can’t wait to have him and Blair running the pick and roll with Manu. I actually will feel more positive with Splitter on the team because this past year we lost to the Suns, but I do think we could have challenged all the other teams in the league for the title. We just ran into the wrong team at the wrong time. Now that Amare is likely to leave Phoenix, I do think we will be one of the top 3 teams in the West along with Los Angeles and maybe even the Rockets with a returning Yao Ming. Splitter will add to the defenders we can throw at L.A., so I think the sky will be the limit this year if Splitter does indeed make his way over. All we need from the draft and free agency is a perimeter defender and 3 point shooter and we will be up their as contenders, that’s if we start the season right with the same intensity and cohesion that we saw at the end of the year.
Oh, okay, I don’t really know you well enough. =)
Yeah, I think we will definitely be one of the top teams with Splitter & a better defender & 3pt shooter. I don’t know about Houston, though. Remember, there’s still Portland and the Jazz that could make a good move or two, plus they tend to make shrewd decisions in the draft. I’m not sure what to think of the Nuggets at this point, but I think ’09 Nuggs is the best shot they had.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 22, 2010 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
i’m with you, I reallly like the Vasquez kid from maryland in the 2nd round.
"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili
I think he’ll go late in the first round. And even if he doesn’t, I doubt we’ll be able to get him with our second pick.
You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime
by the little o on Jun 21, 2010 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions
In the grand tradition of Spurs drafting, I say the FO drafts an overseas player or one that has all the draft pundits mouthing a big “who?” & scrambling for some info as Stern announces his name from the podium
by i luv this site on Jun 20, 2010 4:43 PM CDT reply actions
+1
it always seems this way when we draft
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Jun 20, 2010 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
we might draft someone who the media and us fans perceive as a reach, but there is no way the Spurs can afford to make a “who?” pick at the 20th spot….this is our highest pick since Duncan….this isn’t a sneaky late pick….
To throw some names out there, the Spurs could draft Darrington Hobson or Craig Brackins and my initial reaction would be like “HOLY SHIT!!! WHY DID WE JUST DO THAT???”, but the media know who those guys are, and I would quickly switch to trying to decipher why we made the pick, but I wouldn’t question it. If the FO has singled anyone as the guy they want, they can take him at the 20 no matter what Draft Express or ESPN or I think, and that’s what you have to expect from the Spurs.
This is just the kind of scenario I can see happening, and expect to.
But there’s a part of me that would love to see us get a guy that’s well known and anticipated, just to see what that feels like. (The Duncan draft was a long time ago.)
Be careful; apparently I'm unrelenting in my bonhomie.
Things turned out pretty well after that happened
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
Yep.
From now on, every time I think “pretty well”, I’m going to think about 4 championship rings.
Shut up, olf.
Be careful; apparently I'm unrelenting in my bonhomie.
Indeed. Who cares if the Lakers have more, 4 rings is still something to be proud of
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
"THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF IT’S
PARTS" – there’s no comparison our FRANCHISE
is greater as a whole! look at their market’s size, we’ve done so much more
with much less. Plus the fact that there is weighty incentive in the millions
of "guaranteed’ dollars directly deposited via endormsents just for sporting
the “purple & gold”. I’d rather have peace of mind when I think of our four
IMMACULATE O’BRIEN TROPHIES
by Count Down City 210 on Jun 21, 2010 2:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Timmy has screwed up our draft strategy for over a decade…….
by doggydogworld on Jun 22, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I watched more NFL draft than I should have this year, and Steve Young kept talking about picks being statement/agenda picks. The Spurs 20th pick is a statement pick.
A PF is the last thing we need. Dice, Duncan, Blair, and Bonner are all arguably PF’s before centers. Tiago is definitely a true center and not a PF. If the Spurs draft a true center, I will believe Splitter is not coming. With that said, the Spurs need the best center prospect available with their 49th pick to send to the Toros for a year or two.
If the Spurs draft a SF, then they are telling us that Hairston isn’t going to cut it or at the minimum he is more a 2 than a 3. They are also saying things about Marcus Williams, Gee, and Bogans (the Spurs could still be interested in resigning him).
I’d argue with Tim C. about Avery Bradley and even Eric Bledsoe being bad picks. If the Spurs make them, we should rejoice, because it tells us that the FO is confident in Splitter signing, RJ improving, and one or two of our prospects being legitimate SF backups to RJ.
Once you clear that out, you have to look at how Manu, Hill, Parker and even Mason’s injuries devastated our team last year. I know everyone will bring up Temple, and even if he is on the team still, we have lost Finley and Mason from last year. We need some more guard depth and both Bradley and Bledsoe are natural combo guards and would look good in our backcourt system. Bradley or Bledsoe could play point or shooting guard with any of our 3 main guards.
If we draft Xavier Henry, Elliot Williams or James Anderson, it tells us all the same things as the Bradley and Bledsoe picks except that we don’t want combo guards, we want a legitimate SG to replace Mason. There is a lot of smart reasoning to go this route but picking a pure SG or even SG/SF may impact our re-signing of Parker next year unless it is a foregone conclusion that he gets a max deal if healthy.
I’m not saying who the Spurs should pick, but the pick will speak volumes. The only way it doesn’t is if say Babbitt, George, or some other consensus top pick falls to us. You can argue Xavier Henry being in this category too if you think his 3 point range will easily translate to the NBA.
As a Texas alum, if Damion James and Avery Bradley were both available to us, I’d want us to draft Bradley over James even with our positional needs considered.
I’m going to have to agree with your comment about James and Bradley, even though Damion would definitely have more of an instant impact on the Spurs as they are organized now. Avery Bradley couldn’t make it through more than half a college season because he pushed himself too hard, I don’t see him being able to have any impact on an NBA team past the All-Star break. Still he has one of the purest jumpshots, as long as he isn’t counted upon to create it off the dribble, and is a great defender against anyone under 6’4.
I just think Pop and our coaching staff could turn Bradley into an All-star, and I’m skeptical on how much we get out of James or Stanley Robinson as rookies anyways.
Very well thought out
statement but i wouldn’t mind if the Spurs took a big guy who project’s to be a power forward because McDyess and Tim aren’t getting any younger. My only caveat would be that they draft one that is 6’10" and up. But our team picks people that fits the system we run and if they think the player is worth it at #20 when others don’t then it will be a “what” more than “who” like you said BlaseE. You know who i would like us to try in get in the second round if he was there at our pick? Jarvis Vanardo. I think with a little bit of weight room work this guy is going to be a solid pro for whoever takes him in the second round. Of course he isn’t going to drop that low in the second round to us but if he did i would be super hyped. I think James Anderson or Damion James would both be nice picks with #20 though.
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Jun 20, 2010 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I say this with love, but… Bradley sucks on offense. I’m all for having a better defensive team, but not at the expense of having too little firepower(like the 2000-2002 Spurs teams). I think James would be able to give us something on both sides of the ball, without being undersized for his position. It’s not that I don’t like Bradley, I just don’t think he’s right for us at this point. He doesn’t give us anything that George Hill doesn’t already do better. Now, if we were to get rid of Hill in some unforeseen trade, then by all means, Bradley would probably be the best guy in the draft class to and Bradley just seems redundant.
Free Tiago Splitter!
Sorry to keep adding to this, but I think that if the Spurs want a SG with length and defensive chops, they’d be better off trying to pry Sato away from Siena(his contract with them just expired, now’s the time to strike). Sato‘s wingspan is about 6’11", even though he’s only about 6’3". Bradley is also 6’3", but with a 6’7" wingspan. Not to mention that Sato would likely be cheaper, and has a lot of experience playing withering defense against a much higher level of competition than the NCAA has to offer. Quite frankly, if the Spurs FO haven’t contacted Sato’s agent this offseason, they’re not doing their job. I really could see him solving our defensive and 3-point shooting woes at the off guard position.
Free Tiago Splitter!
Sato sounds like an awesome fit.
My real point was that if the Spurs draft a guard over SF or C then they are telling us that they have confidence in those positions of greater need.
I’m just really skeptical of James. I’ll be on his bandwagon the second we draft him, and I’ll root for him to succeed regardless, but I just don’t see him being worth the 20th pick. Bradley has a lot of potential so I think he is more worth the 20th pick than James.
I love how I haven’t even seen Sato play, but after reading your description of him, and DX’s writeup, I can feel the hope for the next Bruce Jr stirring in my heart.
Ach! I’m not sure I can take the disappointment of another Udoka. I really need to try to keep my expectations low.
Be careful; apparently I'm unrelenting in my bonhomie.
Ya thank god we got rid of that Udoka guy and got the defensive player of the year Keith Bogans.
GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2011 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)
i know Romain Sato went overseas and lit it up and all that, but…….he was with the Spurs before and had about the same number of minutes as Mengke Bateer. I also watched Sato up close for 4 years at Xavier University. i love the guy, but i’m just not sold on him being a regularly contributing NBA player of any real note.
on the upside, he is an above average defender.
I don’t want any more combo guards, the phoenix series exposed Hill and his inability to guard 2’s in the post. That was one of the match ups that made us double down allowing for phoenix to kick out to the 3pt shooters. We need a legitimate 6’6 to 6’7 off guard or small forward. I take James over Bradley any day.
I thought Hill’s weakness was guarding Nash on the pick and roll. Personally, I want teams to post Hill up. Caron Butler posting up on Hill on mismatches against Dallas killed them because it took Dirk, Terry, Kidd and Marion out of the game.
Undoubtedly. The Suns posted Richardson on Hill a couple of times also, and it worked a few times, but the same rule applies. The Suns though went to the pick and roll EVERY TIME they needed a critical basket and I don’t think the Spurs stopped them once. Solving this remains the teams biggest need.
Hill’s weakness was apparently guarding anyone who put on a Suns jersey. He couldn’t stay in front of Nash, JRich posted him up at will, Dragic went off on him, etc. George will get better but not taller, and that’s a problem. For all the comments about his wingspan his standing reach at the combine was 8’ 1.5". Heck, that’s only an inch higher than my reach and I’m 6’0". I’m not sure if George has a really long neck or what, but it’s a lot easier to shoot or pass over him than a typical 2 guard. For comparison, Malik Hairston’s standing reach was 8’ 7.5".
by doggydogworld on Jun 21, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
George will get better but not taller, and that’s a problem.
Hill is only twenty-four and entering his third season as an NBA player. What’s stopping him from improving his game to the point where his height doesn’t become the kind of issue it was this past season?
...!!
by transgojobot on Jun 21, 2010 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Nothing besides time: the one thing this team does NOT have much of.
That’s why, regardless of the relative brightness of our future, we need to bring a stopper onto the team for THIS season.
If defense wins rings, then our inability to upgrade our D will result in continued early exits.
Be careful; apparently I'm unrelenting in my bonhomie.
You draft the best available player, don’t matter what position he plays, that have always been my take on drafts.
"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili
BPA is so subjective though. Then you add in chemistry and personal issues. BPA for one team may not be the same for another. Position has to play a part….even more so for a team that has championship expectations and is using their draft pick for fine tuning.
Exactly. BPA applies more toward lottery teams than a potential championship caliber team like us.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 21, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with you on this. Each time a team drafts for need it backfires. You gotta take the best player available, and then you fill your team with trades and free agents. George Hill wasnt really a need, but he did superbly.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
The “best player available” really only works at the top of the draft. Taking Tim Duncan even though we already had David Robinson was taking the best player available. Telling who’s better between George, Bradley and James is much harder and as BlaseE said, subjective.
It’s easy to say “just take the best player”, but the difficulty lies in knowing who that is.
Good point. At the top of the draft the best player available is guaranteed plenty of playing time which will increase his trade value even if he’s not a perfect fit for your team. With a later pick you’re better off filling a need or else your draft pick may get stuck on the bench and never develop.
by doggydogworld on Jun 21, 2010 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
All I want to see is the FO making an effort to return to traditional Spurs basketball. Small ball was cute the first couple times but it should be an adjustment, not a game plan. And it sucks that our defensive stopper is 6’2". George, you know I love you but I hate small ball more than I love you. You gotta play some PG.
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
Well near the end of the season the spurs played more of a big lineup but theres only so much you can do when their is only one true center on your team.Getting Splitter here would help the spurs out huge. He is a true center,great passer, and is a smart defensive player. His rebouding should improve should he decide to come to the NBA since there are more misses in the NBA and less of a whole team game than their is in eroupe. Should We get Splitter which all signs point to him coming this season Spurs need to get a backup true SF for RJ and a Shooter to backup Manu so hill can play PG more often.
GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2011 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)
Actually playing Hill at the 2 is not Smallball, because that his natural position. Playing Jefferson, Bogans or Mase at the 4 o even 5 thats small ball, thats what we need to avoid.
"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili
not sure if I’m missing out on some jrw sarcasm or not but you know he’s gone right
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Jun 21, 2010 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I’ve been longing for SPLITTERS long over due arrival this offseason like anyone else
here; but if the elusive Brazilian “Boogey Man” chooses to squander any more precious
time then que the business agenda. So far the two time euro MVP has been a liabilty and
some ROI (return on investment) is in dire need. Though a precise trade scenario we
could garner a top 10 draft pick and possbilly a young prospect for the books portion of
the trade. This kind of aggresive trade would allow us to successfuly unload our liabililty
while securing one of the leagues most sought after assests all w/o parting with any of
our core.
….OR WE COULD REPEAT THE FEUX DE PEAUX BETTER KNOWN AS “SQUAT 4 SCOLA”
by Count Down City 210 on Jun 21, 2010 4:57 AM CDT reply actions
“OPPORTUNITY COST” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Count Down City 210 on Jun 21, 2010 5:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I’m taking a microeconomics course and you gave me shudders. I come to PtR for PtR not micro :[
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Jun 21, 2010 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
suppose to read:
Through a precise trade…
by Count Down City 210 on Jun 21, 2010 5:09 AM CDT reply actions
Tiago is good trade-bait
If salary is the reason you think we can’t sign Tiago, remember that there are several teams with cap space ahead of us in the draft who would rather pay for a polished 7 footer than draft a project.
I agree, and, as polished as he is, he still has enough years ahead to expand his game even more.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 21, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I really want a SF who can come in and contribute immediately, which is why I like the idea of James, George and/or Babbitt. James and George do have the tools to be good defenders at multiple positions – Babbitt not so much. However, if the Spurs are looking for a gunner off the bench, either Henry or Anderson could fill that role nicely, although I’m partial to Anderson because his offensive game is more well-rounded. I don’t know if any of these guys (except for James) will realistically fall to us at the #20 spoot.
if the Spurs are looking for a gunner off the bench
People keep bringing this up and I’m perplexed. “Rookie” plus “Gunner” plus “Coach Pop” does not seem like an equation for drafting someone who’s going to contribute to the team right away.
I was just talking about who we might draft. I’d rather get a veteran gunner and use the pick on a 3/4, but depending on how the draft goes, it’s possible that the Spurs take a SG with the #20 pick. If that happens, then I would rather use it on someone who has the capability of contributing next year in a 10 mpg capacity, rather than a project. Both Henry and Anderson have that capability. I don’t buy the “rookie” and “Pop” argument anymore, considering the use of Hill and Blair.
Of course, if the Spurs trade up, this whole discussion is moot.
Yeah, Pop’s approach to using rookies has been exaggerated and has become something for PtR’ers to fall back on, albeit a bit jokingly. I don’t doubt that Pop will let the obvious talent simply be squandered away on the bench. You could argue that about Hill in ‘09, but he really did need a confidence boost to perform better, and Pop wasn’t confident in Georgie’s lack of confidence.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Jun 21, 2010 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, that’s why I mentioned all 3 aspects! Pop doesn’t let any player under the age of 36 play the gunner role. Why else do you think we signed Nick van Exel that one year?
This is our highest pick since Duncan. That has to play into Pop’s rookie stigma to a large part. Without lottery picks, were drafting depth or Europeans late in the first round.
Exactly right about the so-called “gunner” rookie theory. Last year we got Jack McClinton who was supposed to be our Eddie House, but stunk abysmally during Summer League and in the Euroleague as well. I bet the same thing happens to another supposed “gunner” if we draft him, like Xavier Henry, Paul George, James Anderson, Luke Babbitt or even a Jordan Crawford. I’m not suggesting any of these players will get drafted by the Spurs, but I have a feeling that if they do, and we put too much pressure on them to score for this veteran ball club, they will fail immensely . I think its the “Popovich Effect” (see McClinton, Richard Jefferson, Hedo Turkoglu, all who were crumbled under Pop’s demands). The only rookies to have done better than expected is the Super-Human Ginobili for the 02-03 championship squad and somewhat the same for Tony Parker; however, they were seasoned overseas vets by then.
Good point, so this is where scoring efficiency comes into play. Although I called both Anderson and Henry “gunners”, each played well within the confines of their respective college offenses, without forcing shots too much. Personally, I don’t want the Spurs to draft a SG, but if they do, these are the two college players who could provide some offense off the bench without requiring a lot of touches. I think both have the BBIQ and work ethic to fit the Spurs. That’s why I also like Damion James – he brings the “intangibles” skill set, with the physical measurements to match.
Of course, Pop and RC could decide to trade the draft pick for a vineyard. We just don’t know what’s going to happen (see 2009 NBA Draft – 37th pick).
Very true, we shall expect the unexpected on Thursday. And I hope this doesn’t come true, but since we always draft unknown players with not-your-garden-variety names, my mind was suddenly overwhelmed with a player by the name of Darington Hobson being drafted at the 20 spot. That name came to mind before even knowing who the hell he was. I hope this isn’t a premonition of things to come. Or else we’re doomed!
Please don’t compare Jack “under-sized” McClinton to Henry and Anderson. McClinton was a late second round throw away pick. Henry and Anderson are potential lottery picks. Henry for sure. Sure they might not live up to their potential from day one like CapHill said, but they won’t be playing in China next year.
Well the reason i make the comparison is because the Henry and Anderson are perceived to be one-dimensional players. Those type of players seem to be easily figured out after a while and are deemed useless, ala McClinton. But I’m just going from what I’ve seen and heard from draft blogs, nothing else. Hopefully they do pan out better than McClinton.
I must interject.
McClinton wasn’t deemed useless because he as “one-dimensional” and “easily figured out”. He was dropped because he utterly failed to fulfill his role (dead-eye shooter) during summer league.
It would have been interesting to see what the FO would have done if JackAttack had been dropping 3’s eleven months ago, but we’ll never know, because he never made them seriously consider him.
Be careful; apparently I'm unrelenting in my bonhomie.
after we did not
seriously consider him
didn’t he pull a finely & ask 4 release?
by Count Down City 210 on Jun 22, 2010 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
well, we don’t own his rights or anything because he was working out for Toronto last week
I don’t think the D league was an option for him since he was like 24 already. I think he wanted to make something happen quickly, but it hasn’t panned out for him.
poor guy :( I remember how hard he tried on D to impress
SPURS staff, I hope things work out better for Temple
he strike me as a “good guy” and the whole SPURS
Alumni thing.
by Count Down City 210 on Jun 22, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Very excited for the draft.I think SA will surprise everyone again.I really wish we could get Paul if not then the others you recommended.But I think SA will get the best possible sf.Anyways, Memphis(Even with that thabeet pick) is a really lucky team,And thank God that they draft better than Minnesota who could have already established or made a team for the future in this past 2 drafts and now.So I hope they suck this year too despite 4 or 5 picks.
For Sale:Anyone interested with Spurs SF Richard Jefferson? Then just pick up your phone and dial 781-452-0659.Oh,wait its the rejection hot line.(Just joking,we're stuck with him,let's deal with it that we got no other SF and I guess he is much better than what he is showing us.)
I would select Stanley Robinson with the 20th pick. We have a dire need an agile perimeter defender and I think Robinson fits that mold. His physical attributes are not as freakish as first reported but are still fairly impressive and I think he is our best bet to find a perimeter defender at the 20th spot.
Although these players probably won’t be availalble at the 49th spot, my wish list for this pick is Craig Brackens, Jerome Jordan, Jarvis Varnado, Jerome Randle or Derrick Caracter. The more realistic scenario for players available at the 49th spot that I would like for us to draft are Lance Stephenson, Ryan Richards, Dexter Pittman, or Brian Zoubek.
I am really looking forward to Thursday’s draft to see what moves the FO makes.
Having watching mostly C-USA basketball this year, I was not impressed with either Jerome Jordan or Hassan Whiteside. At least in Whiteside I can see the upside, Jordan just seemed limited both offensively and defensively. He did not seem like a fluid player. If Caracter was 2" taller, he’d be a lottery pick. Offensively he’s very, very good, but needs to work some on passing out of a double team. Defensively he’s average but rebounds like few players and has very good hands.
Are the Memphis Tigers in C-USA ? And if so, did you happen to observe Elliot Williams at all this year? I saw his stats but was unimpressed with his stats. One big 27 point scoring game followed by a 10 point clunker. All of that added up to his 17.9 ppg for the year. I am very skeptical of this kid. Okay, I’m going on a tangent because I don’t even know if you saw Elliot Williams. Well, do you know anything about his game?
Here’s a great article from Draft Express looking at in-depth numbers for the SF position, with discussion about almost all the players we’ve been talking about. Interestingly, DX includes both Anderson and Henry in the SF crop, even though I see both playing SG exclusively in the NBA.
Interesting. Pondexter looks better than I thought, and I completely forgot to mention him up above.
Free Tiago Splitter!
Yeah that is another name that people would be shocked if the Spurs took, but I’d have faith in the selection.
Since I know almost nothing about these prospects I would have faith in the selection.
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
Pondexter seems like a Spurs player, too. But, again, that poppycockin’ Chad Ford has now put Craig Brackins in our #20 spot, saying that he might potentially be the “steal of the draft.”
Anybody got a crystal ball? The wait til Thursday is killin me!!
Crystal balls are usually rigged to blur those out.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
You need to jailbreak yours.
Here’s a site with a walkthrough for the process.
Be careful; apparently I'm unrelenting in my bonhomie.
by J.R. Wilco on Jun 22, 2010 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Screw the draft sign Lebron
Yes this is a (half joking) pipe dream, but Parker and Jefferson for Lebron via sign and trade.
You get an amazing replacement for Parker and Jefferson in one player. You give up a world class scorer and creator and a 3 for a world class scorer/creator and an amazing 3. This allows Ginobili to return to the bench to be the 6th man of the year and not be relied upon as the sole distributor (as well as get rest), Hill to start and learn/grow while playing starters min.
Add Splitter to all this and this team would be amazing.
Normally I would never consider consider trading Parker, but for this who wouldn’t
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Featured Stories
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- C-a-C: This is probably as close to LeBron James working with John Waters as we’ll ever get
- Dwyane Wade’s hot pink pants: The kind of thing you can get away with when you drop 41
- Lamar Odom to New York? Dwight Howard on the move? For now, it’s all talk
- David West hilariously denies each and every one of his young fans a high-five (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Miami Heat are moving on to the conference finals
