Get to Know Your New Spurs #1: Garrett Temple

by CapHill on Sep 12, 2010 7:38 PM CDT in Analysis

Training camp starts this month. Woo Hoo! Time to start the slow burn of anticipation for the upcoming season, ending with a massive conflagration of PtR giddiness and insanity that's bound to destroy the interwebs as we know them! Welcome to Get To Know Your New Spurs, the 2010 Edition.

But Cap (you're thinking), why Garrett Temple? He isn't new - he was on the team last year! Your skepticism is noted and rejected. Yes, Garrett played last season, but he wasn't on the roster at the beginning of the year, so according to my bizarre calculations, he's still new. The PtR collective envisions this silky smooth player as a lock to make the roster this year. Besides, don't you want the opportunity to get to know one of our beloved Spurs just a little better? I know you're nodding your head in the affirmative. Don't try to deny it.

Everybody jump!

First things first - if you haven't read this Ken Rodriguez article before, then read it now before you go any further. Right now! Ken gives us a little insight into both Garrett and his dad, Collis, who once played for the Spurs. Collis was the first African-American player at LSU - that's guts and serious personal fortitude. The Temple family is from Baton Rouge, so after high school, where Garrett played basketball and ran track (long jump and triple jump), he followed in both his father's and older brother's footsteps, staying in his hometown to attend and play basketball at Louisiana State University.

Temple seems to be one of those rare players who will be a much better pro than collegian. How can that be? He's barely had a cup of coffee yet with the Spurs. Well, that's because he wasn't great at LSU - a SG who broke the school record for minutes played, but only averaged 7 ppg. After graduating, NBA teams weren't all that impressed, and despite his SEC Academic Honor Roll and All-SEC Defensive Team honors, he went undrafted. The Rockets signed him as a free-agent and then assigned him to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. And this is where the story changes. Although known for his defense in college, Garrett became more of a scorer in the D-League (stats). Last season, he got called up by both the Rockets and the Kings before sticking with the Spurs.

So why would an undrafted D-Leaguer be seen as a possible contributor this season? Because the dude has hidden skills! Let's see - a smart, hard-working, defensive-minded player. Does that sound like the prototypical Spurs' role player? You betcha!

Do you remember his first game in a Spurs uni? I sure do. George was hurt the previous game and Tony was just returning. So The Wee Frenchman obviously gets the start, right? WRONG. Pop went SOGGY and started the rook at PG. All Temple does is log 27 minutes, score 15 points, and dish out 4 assists, without imitating a Headless Chicken. He started 4 games in all, showing flashes of vision while running the offense and glimpses of his defensive abilities.

If all Garrett does this upcoming season is mimic the stats from his limutes last year, it'll put a smile on my face. But honestly, I expect more. I love his smooth game, and I think we'll see a better shooter and distributor this year. Temple just oozes "intangibles" and BBIQ, and like all good Spurs role players, he can play multiple positions (PG/SG). I believe Garrett will force Pop to find him minutes in our crowded backcourt, making an off-season leap much like Cubits did (although probably not to the same degree).

However, there is one MAJOR issue regarding Garrett that I have yet to discuss - his complete lack of PtR nicknames. In my mind, this is completely unforgivable. Heck, we haven't even coined a catch phrase. ("Book 'em Danno" might be good for successful corner pockets.) Other than the epic chop above (courtesy of cdeck), Temple's PtRography is oddly bereft for someone who has actually played for the Spurs. This must be remedied at once. So please, I'm begging you, help this young man get his due this season - give him a nickname!

Gameday Conversation from Kings' stint

Dunk as a Rocket

Sean loves the block!

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Comments

Awesome Cap! Great job and I’m glad you included Temple in your look at the new Spurs.

Count me in the crowd who thinks he is going to help the Spurs this year and be a lock to make the roster. I love his size and I think you captured the point perfectly when you described his BBIQ and the fact that he ran our team so well without looking lost. I think that probably showed a lot to Pop as well. I see big things from him this season and I hope he forces Pop’s hand and really shows he deserves quality minutes.

by GMac14 on Sep 12, 2010 7:48 PM CDT reply actions

Awesome stuff, Cap. I missed these. Can’t wait to see how GT’s improved his game.

I thought about calling him Shirley, but uh… it just sounds wrong. Although sleepresearchfacility does call George, "Jessica"… hmm.

"We choose to go to the moon... and do the other things, not only because they are easy, but because they are hard." - JFK

by silverandblack_davis on Sep 12, 2010 8:23 PM CDT reply actions

Oh how I’ve missed hearing Sean Elliott’s voice. Thanks for including that clip, loved the block. Loved Temple last year too, glad he is back.

Crap, no good at nicknames……if I don’t call you by your name, then it’s never a good thing!

Timmy D .... enough said.

by Ms. Smith on Sep 12, 2010 9:18 PM CDT reply actions

Oh how I enjoy your posts, Cap! Hope we get to enjoy more of “Mr. T” this season:)

Honestly. You kids today, with your hippity-hop music and your Twiddle. - Lauri

by p2cat on Sep 12, 2010 10:09 PM CDT reply actions

Hidden Doom!

by richbruiser on Sep 12, 2010 10:20 PM CDT reply actions

Hmm. Temple of Doom. T.O.D.

Its a little corny, but catchy and easy.

The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !

by alamobro on Sep 12, 2010 10:26 PM CDT reply actions

I like that, and i like Mr T.

Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis

by SpursfanSteve on Sep 12, 2010 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions

If he turns out to be a stopper, Temple of Doom gets a vote here.

by Spurlady on Sep 13, 2010 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice one, Cap. I learned a thing or three. I’d love to see Garrett take that BBIQ and become an even better defender—someone we can send in to give unwary opponents fits on the perimeter. He was a SOLID defender in college, and I think he still has the tools to reach Bowen-esque levels of peskitude. Coach him up, Pop. Coach him up.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Sep 12, 2010 11:15 PM CDT reply actions

I’m hoping that all the time he’s spent in SA this summer will pay off on the defensive end, since I believe he’s got the ability and the mindset already. All of the young/new guys will need to step up the D, especially Blair. Defense will definitely be a part of all the GTKYNS, as I’m still concerned about defense at the backup SF position.

With all due respect, gentlemen, we're not as crazy as she is.

by CapHill on Sep 13, 2010 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

GT…g&t…gin and tonic…tonic water…h20…di-hydrogen oxide…ferrous oxide…iron….iron ore….magnetite….magneto!

there we go, tortured development of a nickname complete.

free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!

by sleep research facility on Sep 12, 2010 11:44 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

winna winna chicken dinna

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 13, 2010 1:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Your thought process scares me a little.

With all due respect, gentlemen, we're not as crazy as she is.

by CapHill on Sep 13, 2010 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Except that it’s awesome.

Tony apologist since 2010.

by Tim C. on Sep 13, 2010 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

I LOVE magneto for Temple, because of the tortured development. I don’t care if anyone else wants it to catch on. I feel compelled to use this at every available opportunity.

I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD

by J.R. Wilco on Sep 20, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Temple of Bogans!

by Cacalinda on Sep 13, 2010 2:18 AM CDT reply actions

Temp…temporary hire?

by richbruiser on Sep 13, 2010 2:23 AM CDT reply actions

Last season, when he was being signed for ten day contracts and playing for multiple teams, I think The Temp would have been a suitable nickname. But if he’s here to stay, it doesn’t apply.

"Deep down we all know that swagger comes hand in hand with insecurity. We strut not to convince competitors of our dominance; we strut to convince ourselves."
Matthew Powell

by Edg5 on Sep 13, 2010 4:30 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

+1 and some more for The Office reference.

"We choose to go to the moon... and do the other things, not only because they are easy, but because they are hard." - JFK

by silverandblack_davis on Sep 13, 2010 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions

The Grreatt Temple!

Champion of Me. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.

by tp_09 on Sep 13, 2010 7:08 AM CDT reply actions

Thank God It’s Grreatt Temple → TGIGT

Its even a palindrome.

by LionZion on Sep 13, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I’m calling him “BBQ Sauce” because every time I read the abbreviation BBIQ that’s what I think of.

Also because GT is not the meat of the team, he’s the flavor that makes a good thing better.

by greyberger on Sep 13, 2010 4:00 PM CDT reply actions

I like this this +1

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Sep 13, 2010 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions

He remainds me a bit of Lionel Ritchie if you dont look too close

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Sep 13, 2010 5:19 PM CDT reply actions

Yea, actually.

The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !

by alamobro on Sep 13, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

G-Man

Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.

by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 13, 2010 6:50 PM CDT reply actions

As the son of a former Spur, he should be called The Legacy.

"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5

by janieannie on Sep 13, 2010 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Yep, I’m sold. The best one so far, IMO.

"Deep down we all know that swagger comes hand in hand with insecurity. We strut not to convince competitors of our dominance; we strut to convince ourselves."
Matthew Powell

by Edg5 on Sep 13, 2010 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe just “The Leg” for short…

by In the 666 on Sep 14, 2010 5:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

How about “Don’t Call Me Shirley” Temple?

"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair

by Manu ex Machina on Sep 13, 2010 11:09 PM CDT reply actions

Did not know GT – that helps me, thank you.

by cojones2thewall on Sep 14, 2010 12:24 AM CDT reply actions

Great read!

-Thanks for posting the link to his dad’s story. That could seriously be made into a great movie with the end having GT being signed by The Spurs; perfect ending. “Collis releases in theatres nation wide in June 2013.” Sounds good, huh? We’ll leave out the Iceman’s “finger roll” during the bunking together for road games… to keep it PG-13.

-Luckily, I’m a Spurs fan (22 years? damn I’m getting old) and, luckily, I was born and raised in Houston, so I actually got to see him play when he was with the (yes, lower case) rockets – How much make up can you put on one face? Ask Bill Worell’s stylist.
What I appreciated in GT’s game was the BBIQ and hard-nose attitude; Through tha roof!

-Sean really loved that block. I bet Temple really loves The Memorial Day Miracle or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The [Tip-Toe] Bomb… clever me.

—Nicknames and my outsiteful explanations:
…GT: Gran Turismo but he’s not a speed freak and too obvious of a name; akin to my preference of Rage over RJ… even though I’m sure the only time he’s in a rage is after stubbing a toe. Love you Rage!
…AediculaTutela: or maybe just Tutela… stupid Iullaby.
…The Contusion: fearless and I think El Contusion is taken by some dude ;)
…Ready: I got this from “Garrett.” Garrett = Rretty = Ready; hungry, ready to step up and embrace his new role and new chapter in life. That one I actually like.
…The Temple: Another obvious choice but think of a temple… they go up, and up, and up meaning the kid’s got potential.

Hope y’all enjoyed the novel.
VamoSpurs!

by Iullaby on Sep 14, 2010 1:56 AM CDT reply actions

How ‘bout “The Stick” for his & his Pop’s hometown? That way we can say “The Stick, stickin’ it to ’em!”…
1st post by the way.

by In the 666 on Sep 14, 2010 3:10 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Welcome

by doggydogworld on Sep 14, 2010 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Thank ya…

by In the 666 on Sep 15, 2010 7:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

How about " Sheriff Garrett " ? ( Of Sheriff Pat Garrett fame)

The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !

by alamobro on Sep 14, 2010 3:22 PM CDT reply actions

I like Sheriff, hopefully he’ll do some law enforcement for us next season.

"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010

by Kondor on Sep 21, 2010 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks, Cap. I propose we don’t set his nickname until the first game thread of the season.

I smell death... everywhere.

by LatinD on Sep 14, 2010 8:12 PM CDT reply actions

I know nicknames happen within the “magic” of the game threads, but Garrett has already played some games and doesn’t have one yet. It doesn’t hurt to jump start the process (just for Temple). If it makes you feel any better, I won’t add anything to the Nickname Dictionary unless one catches on during the season.

With all due respect, gentlemen, we're not as crazy as she is.

by CapHill on Sep 14, 2010 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions