RC & Pop comments on all 3 picks

[objective]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D91I7LJG3.html

On Hill:


"George Hill is a really solid player at both ends of the court. He adds to our team and I honestly believe he'll make our team better right off the bat," said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. "We really thought he'd be gone, we were thrilled that he was there."

on Hairston:



"Malik has had a great career at Oregon, a really versatile player," Buford said. "It gives us an opportunity to, I think, add a guy to our team that probably will make it."


Popovich said "we think he's (Hariston's) got a great shot to make our team. He's going to really surprise some people."

On Gist:


"We're thrilled with James Gist from Maryland. He's a heck of a rebounder, he's a good scorer ... does a fine job," Popovich said. "So all three guys together having an opportunity like that is what really pleases us at this point."

[Mr. Body]

A lot of tepid comments. Hopefully this works out well. The Spurs play is so safe, but safe hasn't been working in the draft so far. It'll be interesting to see how things play out down the road, as they left guys like Donte Greene, Arthur, CDR, and Hendrix all on the board to pick 'safer' players.

[Kori Ellis]

You can watch the video of the entire news conferences with those comments at Spurs.com. It's interesting if you hear them all in context, plus Pop makes some good jokes about Tony being with him in the war room. Plus a phone interview with George Hill

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/draft_central08.html

[objective]

with that beard he's looking a lot like Donald Sutherland.

[raspsa]

I'm happy with Hill, Gist amd Hairston. If they live up to expectations, they will address some outstanding concerns namely:
- All have the ability to score
- All are good defenders
- All are good characters
- All are young
- All are athletic
- All fill needs at the 1-4 positions
All comments, particularly negative ones are unwarranted at this time. Pop and the FO have put in immeasurably more time and thought into these choices than anyone else and they seem content. That's fine with me. We'll know soon enough if these players were worth the investment.

[Bruno]

It's noteworthy that with their 3 picks, Spurs have drafted 3 "old" college players.
As people wish, Spurs have recognized that they needed help now.

They haven't taken the popular pick and they have followed and trusted their scouting. For the moment people reaction is "WTF? Hill over Chalmers? Fire pop and RC...". Future will tell if they have doena good job at scouting players this year.
This draft for Spurs wasn't spectacular at all but it could turn as a very solid one.

[MaNu4Tres]

Spurs not picking up Hendrix or Hardin at 45 makes me believe they really like what they see in Mahimni.

[mrspurs]

i can see this in buck harveys next (waste of space) article...

[Marcus Bryant]

It's noteworthy that with their 3 picks, Spurs have drafted 3 "old" college players.
As people wish, Spurs have recognized that they needed help now.

They haven't taken the popular pick and they have followed and trusted their scouting. For the moment people reaction is "WTF? Hill over Chalmers? Fire pop and RC...". Future will tell if they have doena good job at scouting players this year.
This draft for Spurs wasn't spectacular at all but it could turn as a very solid one.

Exactly.

[Obstructed_View]

Spurs not picking up Hendrix or Hardin at 45 makes me believe they really like what they see in Mahimni.

Since experienced players, particularly on the front line, have trouble with the Spurs' defense the first year, it's folly to think a rookie was going to be able to do it. The mandate for this draft was, we have a veteran team, get help now.

[Ocotillo]

It's beginning to make sense, Hill is the type of point guard Pop likes.

Pop is always wanting Tony to shoot and be more aggressive and that is what this guy will do.

[Bruno]

Maybe I'm wrong on that, but I think Spurs consider Hairtson and Gist almost as training camp invites.

Spurs have invested close to nothing in both. Gist is a 57th pick and they get Hairston with cash and a future second round pick for the 45th pick. I wouldn't be surprised or upset to see one or both being waived after the training camp.

[SenorSpur]

I'll give the FO credit for finally following their domestic scouting reports and NOT going the Euro "draft-n-stash" route for about the 27th year in a row.

All seem like "prototype" Spurs players in that they are seemingly of good character and good defenders.

While I'm very disappointed that Batum wasn't available to them, I'm warming up to these 3 new rooks and can't wait to see them in Summer League action.

I will be disappointed if no less than 2 out of the 3 don't make the team.

[boutons_]

All we need, and haven't had for years, is a b/u pg who can hold the score steady while Tony sits.

[completely deck]

I'll give the FO credit for finally following their domestic scouting reports and NOT going the Euro "draft-n-stash" route for about the 27th year in a row.

All seem like "prototype" Spurs players in that they are seemingly of good character and good defenders.

While I'm very disappointed that Batum wasn't available to them, I'm warming up to these 3 new rooks and can't wait to see them in Summer League action. I will be disappointed if 2 out of the 3 don't make the team.

You didn't listen to the interview obviously. You draft the best talent you think will work with no regard to nationality, or as Pop said "religion" :lol

Pop had also said that at least TWO of the three will probably make the cut. Hill and Hairston are the ones I'm presuming, yet Gist could surprise all of us.

[Russ]

Pop said:


We really thought he'd be gone, we were thrilled that he was there.

Of the 25-30 mock drafts that I saw, not a single one had Hill gone by pick 26. :lol

[Marcus Bryant]

Maybe I'm wrong on that, but I think Spurs consider Hairtson and Gist almost as training camp invites.

Spurs have invested close to nothing in both. Gist is a 57th pick and they get Hairston with cash and a future second round pick for the 45th pick. I wouldn't be surprised or upset to see one or both being waived after the training camp.

Right. At best one of them makes the roster and spends most of next season on IR and in Austin.

[2centsworth]

Not picking Hendrix at 45 blows my mind.

[wildbill2u]

I was amazed that Pop said 2 of the 3 will probably be on the team. He seldom makes prognostications like that. The overall tenor of both Pop and RC in interviews is that these are the guys they wanted and they really think they have NBA skills.

Does anyone remember the FO being this positive about all three draftees in any draft for the last 10 years? I don't.

It's either a good sign--or a really really bad one.

[MoSpur]

I don't like R.C's interviews. He's very boring. I think he is a little overrated as a GM.

[shelshor]

with that beard he's looking a lot like Donald Sutherland.

That's an improvement over a few years ago when he was looking like Ratso Rizzo

[usckk]

Wow, looks like the Spurs really really really wanted Hill. Also, it sounds like they discovered him long before the Orlando tryouts. LOL, the whole email thing was all part of the plan!

As for the other two, I think they were both drafted on potential. They know both are raw now, but for the late pick, it was worth the pick. Pop and R.C. seem to believe Malik has a shot to at least be in the IR.

[K-State Spur]

Maybe I'm wrong on that, but I think Spurs consider Hairtson and Gist almost as training camp invites.

Spurs have invested close to nothing in both. Gist is a 57th pick and they get Hairston with cash and a future second round pick for the 45th pick. I wouldn't be surprised or upset to see one or both being waived after the training camp.

Possibly, but why limit to that view right now? Let them play in the summer league and come into camp, and then decide what you have.

I think any team who is depending on production from any second round pick last night is in for a world of trouble next year.

[nfg3]

Possibly, but why limit to that view right now? Let them play in the summer league and come into camp, and then decide what you have.

I think any team who is depending on production from any second round pick last night is in for a world of trouble next year.

Pretty much what I was thinking, too. I'm looking forward to seeing how all of them preform in the summer league. Hopefully Hill turns into a solid back up for Tony and the other two can either make the IR or at least play for the Toros. It mught be a stretch if both make the IR/Toros since that would mean both are under contract so I'll be happy with one. Second round picks are a crap shoot so if we get something that can contribute then it pays off.

[Bruno]

Possibly, but why limit to that view right now? Let them play in the summer league and come into camp, and then decide what you have.

I think any team who is depending on production from any second round pick last night is in for a world of trouble next year.


I'm sure Spurs will act like that. I just wanted to say that if Spurs cut them at the end of the training camp, it won't be a big deal because of the low investment spend on them.
It's not like last year, where cutting Marcus Williams, who was drafted 33rd, was a failure.

[SpursFanFirst]

You can watch the video of the entire news conferences with those comments at Spurs.com. It's interesting if you hear them all in context, plus Pop makes some good jokes about Tony being with him in the war room. Plus a phone interview with George Hill

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/draft_central08.html

Two questions a little off topic:
1) Why was Tony in the room with Pop? A player isn't generally in the room with Pop and Buford, right?

2) What's wrong with Dan Cook :( ? I know it's really off topic, but one of the reporters mentioned it, and now I'm really curious.

[whottt]

Sounds to me like Pop had more influence(or imposed it I should say) in who was chosen this year than in years past.

[urunobili]

guys if i remember correctly... ESPN didn't show even ONE of the Spurs picks... i mean nada? that's so fucking upsetting for me...:bang

[JamStone]

For Hairston and Gist, they should have just said something like: "I really believe their work their tails off in the D-League. We wish them the best trying to make an NBA roster at some point in their professional basketball careers."

[JamStone]

guys if i remember correctly... ESPN didn't show even ONE of the Spurs picks... i mean nada? that's so fucking upsetting for me...:bang

They did it just to piss you off. Not all Spurs fans. Just you specifically.

[Cherry]

guys if i remember correctly... ESPN didn't show even ONE of the Spurs picks... i mean nada? that's so fucking upsetting for me...:bang

from SPURS 2008 Draft Central:


Spurs Select With the 57th Pick...
6/26/2008 - 10:52 p.m. - Ben Hunt
Oh wait ESPN goes to another commercial again during our pick...

:lmao...:bang

[jjktkk]

Pop said:



Of the 25-30 mock drafts that I saw, not a single one had Hill gone by pick 26. :lol

IMO the Spurs knew drafting Hill at 26 was a reach, hence the reason they sent out a email to every team trying to trade out of the 26th slot. The Spurs feared that he would be gone when they picked next at 45, so they reached at 26 for Hill. It seems that Pop and RC targeted Hill all along, since Hill was the only guy they brought in for 2 separate workouts. If you really think about it all picks after 15 are a gamble pick anyways. After reading Hill's draft profile, I really like his potential.

[SenorSpur]

I was amazed that Pop said 2 of the 3 will probably be on the team. He seldom makes prognostications like that. The overall tenor of both Pop and RC in interviews is that these are the guys they wanted and they really think they have NBA skills.

Does anyone remember the FO being this positive about all three draftees in any draft for the last 10 years? I don't.
It's either a good sign--or a really really bad one.

Outside of Tim, Tony and Manu? No. In fact, Pop generally goes out of his way to lower expectations. He does seem to unusally upbeat about this crew

[bigdog]

I was amazed that Pop said 2 of the 3 will probably be on the team.

He meant that 2 or 3 of them will probably be on the Summer league team.

Pop did mention that he thinks Hairston will have a chance to compete for a spot on the team, and RC said that Hairston has a chance to compete and "probably" make the team. I think Hill is pretty much penciled in for next year. That's what Pop made it seem like.

[bigdog]

guys if i remember correctly... ESPN didn't show even ONE of the Spurs picks... i mean nada? that's so fucking upsetting for me...:bang

they showed the first one, the 26th.

[Obstructed_View]

And they had a nice little bio of Malik Hairston when they came back from commercial because the Suns drafted him, so it all worked out.

[T Park]

Yeah if Pop likes certain players, his past in liking domestic talent is good.

Raja Bell
Udonis Haslem

many others.

[Jimcs50]

I could not be happier with the choice of Gist. I have watched him on my Terps for a few years now and I know that he can be a great addition.

:toast

[T Park]

haha was waiting for Jim's comment on that.

[Jimcs50]

haha was waiting for Jim's comment on that.

all we need to stevie francis and we will be good to go


:)

[T Park]

Fuck Steve Francis. No reason for that cancer to be on the team.

[Brutalis]

You can watch the video of the entire news conferences with those comments at Spurs.com. It's interesting if you hear them all in context, plus Pop makes some good jokes about Tony being with him in the war room. Plus a phone interview with George Hill

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/draft_central08.html

My favorite part of the Pop interview was almost at the very end when the guy said "no international players.." and Pop just shrugged and his expression changed. From that reaction I think they were not looking overseas this go.

[Jimcs50]

Fuck Steve Francis. No reason for that cancer to be on the team.


:rolleyes


you did not see the smiley face???

[T Park]

:rolleyes


you did not see the smiley face???

God your sensitive about steve.

[angelbelow]

heres to hoping for the best.

pop and rc both seem extremely pleased to have all 3 so this is a good opportunity to show us their scouting skills.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Why was Tony in the room with Pop? A player isn't generally in the room with Pop and Buford, right?



In four years Tony Parker IS the San Antonio Spurs. Pop just wanted to make sure Tony gets the players Tony wants.

[T Park]

Tony parker is pretty much like Ed said, THE Spurs now.

Him and Duncan pretty much are the face of the franchise.

Another reason why the people that bring up him leaving VIA FA, is just silly.

[SpursFanFirst]

he may not be around much longer... is doing bad...
My wife's son is friends of one or more of DC's grandkids...


Does he have cancer or something?
Bummer! I watched him every night when I lived in San Antonio. :depressed

[SpursFanFirst]

In four years Tony Parker IS the San Antonio Spurs. Pop just wanted to make sure Tony gets the players Tony wants.


That's true. I also thought, though, that maybe Tony was kind of looking to life after basketball and seeing what goes into drafting players...seeing what life is like on the other side of the fence.

[jmard5]

plus Pop makes some good jokes about Tony being with him in the war room. Plus a phone interview with George Hill

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/draft_central08.html

:lol

@ Parker's sense of humor... dressed good... and the Beasley comments.

[exstatic]

Right. At best one of them makes the roster and spends most of next season on IR and in Austin.


Maybe I'm wrong on that, but I think Spurs consider Hairtson and Gist almost as training camp invites.

Spurs have invested close to nothing in both. Gist is a 57th pick and they get Hairston with cash and a future second round pick for the 45th pick. I wouldn't be surprised or upset to see one or both being waived after the training camp.

I think it would depend on who returns from this year's roster. For once, we won't be under any kind of tax pressure, and can keep a couple of players in the 14 and 15 roster spots in Austin and get a long look.

[rj215]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D91I7LJG3.html

On Hill:



on Hairston:





On Gist:

I mean what were they supposed to say? 'We had to take Hill because our first 3 choices were gone' and 'The other two guys were taken so we could help the Toros out next year'

Pop's a smart guy especially with the media. I just hope that he believes all the stuff he said about them.

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs not picking up Hendrix or Hardin at 45 makes me believe they really like what they see in Mahimni.

I was thinking about it today. We have a chanced to draft a big in 26 and 45 but chose not.

I think Pop trusts Ian can get the job done next season

[ducks]

Two questions a little off topic:
1) Why was Tony in the room with Pop? A player isn't generally in the room with Pop and Buford, right?

2) What's wrong with Dan Cook :( ? I know it's really off topic, but one of the reporters mentioned it, and now I'm really curious.

tony parker is a star


pop ask players for their advise

[exstatic]

I mean what were they supposed to say? 'We had to take Hill because our first 3 choices were gone' and 'The other two guys were taken so we could help the Toros out next year'

Pop's a smart guy especially with the media. I just hope that he believes all the stuff he said about them.

You must not have followed the Spurs for very long. If the player or players they want are gone, they dump the pick.

[rj215]

You must not have followed the Spurs for very long. If the player or players they want are gone, they dump the pick.

My point is that they had to put a positive spin on the picks after Batum was taken.

[whottt]

After listening to the interviews...


I feel a lot better about the Hill pick after listening to Pop. Pop is genuinely excited about this guy and he is making very un-Poplike statements concerning his place on the team....Pop never says stuff like he expects players to come-in and contribute right away...he'll he scarcely got that way about Duncan.

You know what he said he thought after Drob worked Duncan out? He said thought he made a mistake by not drafting Keith Van Horne.


No this guys sounds like he was on the Spurs radar all along and that they expected to lose him after Orlando.



I get the impression that the Spurs got Hairston because they liked the deal Phoenix offered them for Dragic. It sounds to me like Dragic may have been a guy they planned on stashing but the Suns made them an offer they couldn't refuse.



Gist sounds like a guy they took a flyer on because of his physical ability and upside...I mean it's easy to see why they took a flyer on this guy...when a guy has an 88 inch wingspan and a 36 vert...why in the hell wouldn't you risk a #56 pick on him?

[whottt]

Re: Parker


I think Parker definitely has plans for being in basketball long after he retires, as a FO guy or a coach...


Keep in mind...Tony Parker has already owned one team so far in his playing career. He definitely has FO ambitions IMO, and I think he figures he might as well learn from one of the most resourceful FO's in the business...


Tony's no fool.

What better GM education could he ask for then watching the way Pop and RC do it? Why wait till after he's done playing to learn it? He probably won't ever again have the opportunity to learn it from guys as talented as the Spurs have now.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

whattt i think you're getting a little carried away

[whottt]

whattt i think you're getting a little carried away



With Parker? Or the draft picks?



Dude, the first Parker did after getting his big deal from the Spurs was go out and purchase Paris Basket Racing. He definitely wants to be an owner or GM IMO.

As for the draft picks...probably.

[T Park]

whattt i think you're getting a little carried away

Yeah, damn being optimistic about the team.

[GSH]

My favorite part of the Pop interview was almost at the very end when the guy said "no international players.." and Pop just shrugged and his expression changed. From that reaction I think they were not looking overseas this go.


Or maybe it means that Siskauskas is opting out and coming to the NBA, so they already got their international fix this year. If he was in the bag, it might explain why they felt free to take Gist and Hairston.

[Blackjack]

Or maybe it means that Siskauskas is opting out and coming to the NBA, so they already got their international fix this year. If he was in the bag, it might explain why they felt free to take Gist and Hairston.

I was actually wondering about that the other day.

We've all been focusing on the domestic free-agents, but if Smith or whoever their taget falls through...

Could the Spurs be looking to spend part (or all) of the MLE on Siskauskas, Papaloukas, or someone else of that ilk?

[GSH]

I was actually wondering about that the other day.

Could the Spurs be looking to spend part (or all) of the MLE on Siskauskas, Papaloukas, or someone else of that ilk?


They're going to sign both Siskauskas and Azubuike, and shock the shit out of everyone.


[Edit]

We've all been focusing on the domestic free-agents, but if Smith or whoever their taget falls through...

And the Nuggets made a qualifying offer for Smith today. Looks like he isn't going anywhere.

[wildbill2u]

And the Nuggets made a qualifying offer for Smith today. Looks like he isn't going anywhere.

The Spurs are too nice to offer more and spoil the Nuggets offer with a poison pill.

[clubalien]

I was thinking about it today. We have a chanced to draft a big in 26 and 45 but chose not.

I think Pop trusts Ian can get the job done next season

The question is if we don't draft a bigman to replace ian how can our dleague look to repeat in the playoffs

who steps in to contribute the allstar performance?

[clubalien]

Re: Parker


I think Parker definitely has plans for being in basketball long after he retires, as a FO guy or a coach...


Keep in mind...Tony Parker has already owned one team so far in his playing career. He definitely has FO ambitions IMO, and I think he figures he might as well learn from one of the most resourceful FO's in the business...


Tony's no fool.

What better GM education could he ask for then watching the way Pop and RC do it? Why wait till after he's done playing to learn it? He probably won't ever again have the opportunity to learn it from guys as talented as the Spurs have now.

tony should look into being a movie/tc star ..

[ShoogarBear]

Two questions a little off topic:
1) Why was Tony in the room with Pop? A player isn't generally in the room with Pop and Buford, right?

2) What's wrong with Dan Cook :( ? I know it's really off topic, but one of the reporters mentioned it, and now I'm really curious.

Hey, you're in Indianapolis, right? What's the scoop on Hill?

[SpursFanFirst]

Hey, you're in Indianapolis, right? What's the scoop on Hill?

I'm not sure. I don't remember hearing anything about him before the draft, but other than Ron Hunter, we typically don't hear much on IUPUI. They were a Cinderella team a few years ago though. Perhaps you remember hearing about that.
They seem to have a pretty solid program, and Hunter seems to be a good coach.

I've been off the last three days, so I'll ask the sports dept. tomorrow when I head back in.

[polandprzem]

Damn - you just have to wait to see what those guys can give the spurs, all the talks and highlights does not tell anything.

Even summer leauges and few first NBA months tells little story about a player.
So I'm not so much excited. And I don't like to make any expactations.

Concentrating on Hill, as what I read and heard (intervies), I like the kid, he seems like a guy that fear nothing and have no pressure. That's good and hopefully we are backed at the point guard position. Now we've got to find some 'three' (again) and a froncourter.


Pop will refresh the squad I'm telling ya. HE will give moe minutes to the youngsters like Jax was doing. Even if the price was losing some reg season games.

[polandprzem]

btw. :lol

Lakers selected Joe Crawford

[exstatic]

And the Nuggets made a qualifying offer for Smith today. Looks like he isn't going anywhere.

??? All that does is make him restricted. If they hadn't made it, he could just walk. It was totally expected that they would make a QO. The only surprise was that they waited this long. They could have made it weeks ago.

[T Park]

Yeah its a total formality.

They probobly offered the minimum you could offer and thats that.

Guaranteed, if the Spurs dropped the full MLE on him, the Nugget's ass puckers faster than Garnett's with less than 2 minutes left on the clock in a tight game.

[ChumpDumper]

They made a qualifying offer to Elson too....

[T Park]

Yeah which made no sense :lol

[NewJerSpur]

guys if i remember correctly... ESPN didn't show even ONE of the Spurs picks... i mean nada? that's so fucking upsetting for me...:bang

Actually, they showed clips of Hill playing college ball and even broke down the positive attributes of his game...saying he can score and dish the rock, but most importantly defend. Although I was pulling for Pargo I'm willing to give the guy a shot, especially if he isn't scared to take a shot and can relieve Manu of some of the playmaking duties while TD and TP take breathers.

[Fabbs]

I mean what were they supposed to say? 'We had to take Hill because our first 3 choices were gone' and 'The other two guys were taken so we could help the Toros out next year'

Pop's a smart guy especially with the media. I just hope that he believes all the stuff he said about them.
What did Popped and RC say after the last 4 drafts?
I'm not being cynical or negative, just sayin.

"We feel we have found our future backup pg in Beno"
"Luis Scola is just what we want at the 4"
"Splitters work ethic impresses us"
etc etc
?

[angelbelow]

What did Popped and RC say after the last 4 drafts?
I'm not being cynical or negative, just sayin.

"We feel we have found our future backup pg in Beno"
"Luis Scola is just what we want at the 4"
"Splitters work ethic impresses us"
etc etc
?

im sure those were to instill confidence in them, but youre right, its rare that that any coach of gm will bash their new players. I watched the interview with pop and he didnt seem as optimistic about malik judging by his facial expression and timing and tone of his responses. thats just my opinion though.

[ChumpDumper]

Could you name a team official who said his choices sucked right after the draft?

[T Park]

What did Popped and RC say after the last 4 drafts?
I'm not being cynical or negative, just sayin.

"We feel we have found our future backup pg in Beno"
"Luis Scola is just what we want at the 4"
"Splitters work ethic impresses us"
etc etc
?


:lol

Wow, when you have a grudge against Pop, you just don't let up do you.....

[ChumpDumper]

Besides, all those guys are good.

If you have a quote saying Romain Sato will be in the Hall of Fame, you might be on to something.

[angelbelow]

Besides, all those guys are good.

If you have a quote saying Romain Sato will be in the Hall of Fame, you might be on to something.

:lol

[Mr. Body]

I like that all three are very good rebounders by position. This was likely a high priority.

Hairston - 4.8 rpg
Hill - 6.8 rpg (weak league)
Gist - 7.9 rpg

[George Gervin's Afro]

One of these guys may be able to stick around for a while.

[Fabbs]

:lol

Wow, when you have a grudge against Pop, you just don't let up do you.....
Yeah. Something about Championship windows being squandered away. :rolleyes

Hump
Could you name a team official who said his choices sucked right after the draft? Glad you got the point. :clap

[GaryJohnston]

If Pop speaks so highly of Hill, an incomming rookie, then there must be something to him.

[SpursFanFirst]

Shoogar:
Per our sports dept...
Quick summary: He's quick and has a good outside shot.
He isn't someone that we could depend on to carry the team, of course, but they said he'll be a good backup to Parker, and someone who will definitely contribute right away.