Gist: "I’m going to play for the Spurs this year."

[Bruno]

http://blogs.diamondbackonline.com/s...a-draft-party/

James Gist update from Ty Lawson’s NBA Draft party…

June 26th, 2009

…That’s right. We’ve got eyes everywhere. Last night in D.C., Lawson had a draft watch party (I think that’s what you call it) He was one of what seemed like a dozen point guards picked by Minnesota, but was later traded to Denver.

Anyway, former Diamondback staffer Jason Koebler - on very special assignment for his internship with Washingtonian Magazine - was in attendance and generous enough to give us these tidbits about Gist and Steve Francis, who made appearances.

You’ll recall that Gist was selected by the Spurs in last year’s draft before heading to play pro ball in Europe. San Antonio still holds his draft rights.

Clinton, Md., native and hated Tarheel point guard Ty Lawson went No. 18 in Thursday’s NBA draft, and Lawson threw a VIP party at D.C.’s Park on 14th nightclub to celebrate the occasion. His guests included former Terp standouts James Gist and Steve Francis, oh, and I was there too.

Francis flew in from Houston specifically for the event according to Jeff Fried, who represents both Lawson and Francis. Stevie Franchise showed up well after Lawson was selected, and the two posed for some pictures while Francis offered Ty some fashion tips (“You need to buy yourself some Gucci”) and some words of encouragement.

Gist, drafted last year by the San Antonio Spurs No. 57 overall, has played basketball with Lawson since the two were in elementary school. Last year the Terp didn’t make the Spurs roster and played with Pallacanestro Biella in the Italian professional leagues. But Gist said this year he’s determined to have a reunion with his longtime friend.

“Sunday I’m going down to San Antonio to start working out,” he said. “Hopefully I get to play against Ty again. I’m going to play for the Spurs this year.”

Gist said he likes the way the Terps’ program is going, after making the NCAA tournament last season. “I always follow those guys and I always support them. They have something to build off of last year,” he said.

He also took a shot at No. 10 pick Brandon Jennings, who played for Lottomatica Roma after deciding to forego college. “I don’t ever like to say anything bad about anyone and I wish him the best of luck,” Gist said. “But we did beat them in the playoffs last year.” Let’s see if Gist is in the league next year for a rematch.

[50 cent]

I don't see where he fits.

[bigdog]

Excellent.

[tp2021]

I'm so excited about this season. The greedy part of me wants the Spurs to lock up Hairston too. If he does well in SL, he has a shot at the roster too, I would believe.

[Texas_Ranger]

Nice

[coyotes_geek]

Good for Gist, bad for either Williams or Hairston.

[tp2021]

Originally Posted by coyotes_geek

Good for Gist, bad for either Williams or Hairston.

I prefer Hairston

[DunParGin]

Gistamine, the shot blocker

Great news.

[GooberNuts]

Originally Posted by 50 cent

I don't see where he fits.

That's what she said.

On another note, I'm excited that Gist is confident. Do you think that he actually heard from the Spur's management that they are going to sign him?

[picnroll]

Gist, Blair, Mahinmi, Hill, McClinton????. Awful lot of youngs. Doesn't seem likley.

[InK]

It's good news after good news each day.

[tp2021]

Originally Posted by DunParGin

Gistamine, the shot blocker

Great news.

Creative.

[Solid D]

Great find, Bruno! This is excellent news. Gist really does fit a need for a guy who can defend opposing 3s and 4s, run the floor, and bring some much needed athleticism and effort to the bench. Gist should get every opportunity to make the team as a 12th or 13th man, regardless of the addition of Blair and a FA big. Spurs do need another PG to add to the mix.

[Mel_13]

James Gist is probably the only person associated with the Spurs organization who was not thrilled when Blair fell to 37. If the Spurs use the MLE on a NBA proven big, then Gist could wind up as the sixth of six bigs:

TD/MLE Big/Bonner/Blair/Mahinmi/Gist

As the sixth big under contract he would be destined for Austin. If that's the case, would he not be better off staying in Europe?

Under this scenario, he would have to beat out Blair for a spot on the first 12, and force Blair down to Austin. Or Mahinmi could prove to be such a complete bust that the Spurs eat his contract and sign Gist. Or Gist could prove capable of playing at the 3.

Long odds for Gist to overcome.

[completely deck]

I cannot wait anymore for preseason to start.

[Marcus Bryant]

Nice. With Hill, Mahinmi and Gist next season, and eventually Splitter, the team is getting younger, athletic, and long.

[MaNu4Tres]

Originally Posted by Mel_13

James Gist is probably the only person associated with the Spurs organization who was not thrilled when Blair fell to 37. If the Spurs use the MLE on a NBA proven big, then Gist could wind up as the sixth of six bigs:

TD/MLE Big/Bonner/Blair/Mahinmi/Gist

As the sixth big under contract he would be destined for Austin. If that's the case, would he not be better off staying in Europe?

Under this scenario, he would have to beat out Blair for a spot on the first 12, and force Blair down to Austin. Or Mahinmi could prove to be such a complete bust that the Spurs eat his contract and sign Gist. Or Gist could prove capable of playing at the 3.

Long odds for Gist to overcome.

Long odds sure, but Gists 49 % shooting percentage from beyond the arc this past year in the Italian League makes me wonder if that can make Bonner expendable in the Spurs FO's eyes. Since Gist would be a more physical and athletic player in that role. That being said I really wish Bonner can get traded, so Pop doesn't have the opportunity to use the loyalty card that he loves to use to take away minutes from Blair/ Mahimni/ Gist 's progression.

[tp2021]

Originally Posted by Mel_13

James Gist is probably the only person associated with the Spurs organization who was not thrilled when Blair fell to 37. If the Spurs use the MLE on a NBA proven big, then Gist could wind up as the sixth of six bigs:

TD/MLE Big/Bonner/Blair/Mahinmi/Gist

As the sixth big under contract he would be destined for Austin. If that's the case, would he not be better off staying in Europe?

Under this scenario, he would have to beat out Blair for a spot on the first 12, and force Blair down to Austin. Or Mahinmi could prove to be such a complete bust that the Spurs eat his contract and sign Gist. Or Gist could prove capable of playing at the 3.

Long odds for Gist to overcome.

In interviews, he has said he can play the 3. Maybe the Spurs see him as a SF off the bench.

[Mel_13]

Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

Long odds sure, but Gists 49 % shooting percentage from beyond the arc this past year in the Italian League makes me wonder if that can make Bonner expendable in the Spurs FO's eyes. Since he would be a more physical and athletic player in that role. That being said I really wish Bonner can get traded, so Pop doesn't have the opportunity to use the loyalty card he loves to use to take away minutes from Blair.

While I can imagine the new, free-spending Spurs eating Mahinmi's deal, the only way to get Bonner off the roster is in a trade. How about Bonner+Finley for Reggie Evans? Toronto might actually want him.

Of course that wouldn't help Gist. His best chance might be to demonstrate he can guard wing players and to earn a spot as a 3/4.

[MaNu4Tres]

Originally Posted by Mel_13

While I can imagine the new, free-spending Spurs eating Mahinmi's deal, the only way to get Bonner off the roster is in a trade. How about Bonner+Finley for Reggie Evans? Toronto might actually want him.

Of course that wouldn't help Gist. His best chance might be to demonstrate he can guard wing players and to earn a spot as a 3/4.

lol Toronto would want him. What about Mason + Bonner for Raja Bell and a small contract plug in to make it work like Ajinca maybe? That is if we were to solidify our starting post position next to Duncan with our MLE.

I'd love Raja Bell over Mason btw. For the fact that how tough of a defender he is. So that if his shot is off, he can still be a major factor in the game by the other intangibles he brings on the defensive end. Unlike Mason who brings nothing else to the table whenever his shot is off.

[CGD]

Originally Posted by 50 cent

I don't see where he fits.

There is something to his comment actually.

If it can be said that there is a "loser" (however slight) from Blair dropping to us, it's Gist. The jury is still out as to whether he can truly play the 3 at the NBA level. Seems to me he is a natural, yet undersized 4.

As the roster stands, I see the Spurs giving Ian every opportunity to succeed this year. I have a feeling Bonner will stick with the team, and no doubt we'll bring in an MLE big.

I think the pressure is on Gist to show that one year in Europe expanded his potential as a three. He has a good shot if he can be the defensive stopper the Spurs hope for, but if not I wouldn't be surprised if his future is elsewhere.

[xtremesteven33]

Now it seems like we are getting too young...haha

[RenaldoBalkman]

Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

Long odds sure, but Gists 49 % shooting percentage from beyond the arc this past year in the Italian League makes me wonder if that can make Bonner expendable in the Spurs FO's eyes. Since Gist would be a more physical and athletic player in that role. That being said I really wish Bonner can get traded, so Pop doesn't have the opportunity to use the loyalty card that he loves to use to take away minutes from Blair/ Mahimni/ Gist 's progression.

wtf, Gist shot almost 50% from the 3?

[vander]

Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

lol Toronto would want him. What about Mason + Bonner for Raja Bell and a small contract plug in to make it work like Ajinca maybe? That is if we were to solidify our starting post position next to Duncan with our MLE.

I'd love Raja Bell over Mason btw. For the fact that how tough of a defender he is. So that if his shot is off, he can still be a major factor in the game by the other intangibles he brings on the defensive end. Unlike Mason who brings nothing else to the table whenever his shot is off.

I'd rather Mason than Bell, Bell is already up there in years, Mason is in his prime, and basing your value of Mason on when he is "off" is like basing your value of Manu on when he is injured.

[MaNu4Tres]

Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman

wtf, Gist shot almost 50% from the 3?

He sure did.

[Mel_13]

Originally Posted by xtremesteven33

Now it seems like we are getting too young...haha

Spurs older than Tim Duncan on the end of season roster:

2005---6
2006---7
2007---6
2008---8
2009---5

As of today, Michael Finley is the only Spur under contract older than TD.