Summer League Game 3: Spurs vs. Knicks

[Obstructed_View]

I just finished the delayed feed. I like what I see from Mahinmi and Gist. 15 minutes of pt says the Hairston ship has sailed. And, despite my not wanting to overreact and remain optimistic, 2-25 is worrisome for Hill. No question, he's 3rd on the depth chart right now and needs minutes at the point in Austin.

Again, you need to look at this guy's scoring history. After watching him play defense and rebound against some good players, would you say he can probably do both of those things as well as JV? I would. Now do you think there's a chance that he's offensively better than JV? I do. And that's after three games of him stinking up the joint with his shooting.

[Mr. Body]

You're on record as having said it before many of us, if that's what you want, so like I said, give it a rest.

You're kidding, right? The forum is a revolving door of everyone stating their opinions repeatedly and you're wobbly at what I say? Have you ever been on the internet? Message boards?

[jcrod]

I just finished the delayed feed. I like what I see from Mahinmi and Gist. 15 minutes of pt says the Hairston ship has sailed. And, despite my not wanting to overreact and remain optimistic, 2-25 is worrisome for Hill. No question, he's 3rd on the depth chart right now and needs minutes at the point in Austin.

Dude give it up already. He's not going to Austin, Pop is to high on him and should live with the growing pains the first half of the season with Hill. He needs too to pay dividends down the road.

[ducks]

I'm stating a position, no need to get upset. I've said repeatedly that I like him, but simply that he wasn't worth the draft pick at that point. This could be a grievous error. I'm sur ehe will be serviceable in some capacity. His rebounding and defense are good, and he's a decent enough ball-handler. Good enough a point to stretch for? Not on your life.

Again, there are those with a need to talk up the Spurs' offseason moves in a desperate attempt to make the nonexistent something like stardom. There are others, like me, who see a different story.

spurs could have tried to trade down
could not
they addressed their biggest need backup via draft
because fa class was week

get over it
he is better then chambers

[Borosai]

It's official: The Spurs have their new James!

[Bartleby]

I know it's premature to make assessments this early, but I think Gist could turn into a Haslem type of player.

[El Jefe]

I'm stating a position, no need to get upset. I've said repeatedly that I like him, but simply that he wasn't worth the draft pick at that point. This could be a grievous error. I'm sur ehe will be serviceable in some capacity. His rebounding and defense are good, and he's a decent enough ball-handler. Good enough a point to stretch for? Not on your life.

Again, there are those with a need to talk up the Spurs' offseason moves in a desperate attempt to make the nonexistent something like stardom. There are others, like me, who see a different story.

If he ends up as a serviceable back up PG, it isn't a reach. Half the players in the 1st round won't amount to a hill of beans.

His defense looks solid, and he looks like he wants to play the right way (which is more of an asset than you'd think) and so far the SL team seems to run better when he's on the floor. It'll take him a while to learn what shots he can get and which ones don't work anymore, but he's got a good chance of figuring that out.

[2centsworth]

spurs could have tried to trade down
could not
they addressed their biggest need backup via draft
because fa class was week

get over it
he is better then chambers

what planet are you from?

[2centsworth]

people who kiss ass drive me insane. At this point, Hill is less than expected.

[Obstructed_View]

You're kidding, right? The forum is a revolving door of everyone stating their opinions repeatedly and you're wobbly at what I say? Have you ever been on the internet? Message boards?

Ah, so you're proud to represent the lowest common denominator. I didn't realize that. I thought you wanted to be taken seriously. Fine, just shit out whatever you think without any regard for whether you've said it a million times, and be sure to defend it as long as you can (you're getting lots of practice in this thread). I'm perfectly happy to put you on ignore if that's what you want.

[Solid D]

I thought that was someone else. Who's number 35? I have a feeling that isn't Maric. :)

Jameal Watkins

[bdictjames]

How's Hill doing? Stat please.

[Obstructed_View]

people who kiss ass drive me insane. At this point, Hill is less than expected.

I agree, but do you think Pop has asked him to come in and score, or to come in and work on decision making, passing and defense? Do you think it's a coincidence that he's been trapped as much as he has?

[2centsworth]

How's Hill doing? Stat please.

not turning the ball over, but also not creating much. absolutely zero confidence in his shot, shooting 2-25. Defense is promising and rebounding is above average.

[Obstructed_View]

How's Hill doing? Stat please.

Here's the boxscore.

http://www.nba.com/summerleague2008/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520800024

[tav1]

Again, you need to look at this guy's scoring history. After watching him play defense and rebound against some good players, would you say he can probably do both of those things as well as JV? I would. Now do you think there's a chance that he's offensively better than JV? I do. And that's after three games of him stinking up the joint with his shooting.

There are lots of players with insane scoring histories whom average very few points in the pros, or have short careers in the pros. Bruce Bowen was prolific scorer in college. Trey Johnson doesn't have a job right now. You gotta give me something more than "dude, he averaged a lot of points at IUPUI."

I'm not casting verdict on Hill yet, I simply saying he hasn't been able to finish at the hoop and he's 2-25 through 3 games. Saying that that is good is like pissing against the wind and trying not to get wet. It worries me. Maybe it's jitters, maybe it's a bum elbow, maybe it's the transition to point. Whatever. I just want to see it turned around.

[024]

horrible shooting from hill. i'm beginning to wonder if he can score at the nba level. i like his defense and rebounding though. his point skills are improving with better decisions and command over the team. having less turnovers and more assists is always a good thing. one has to wonder though, if he can even match JV's 4.1ppg.

mahinmi and gist played pretty well. i would still like to see some post moves from mahinmi. he sometimes looks more like an opportunistic scorer, shooting open jumpers, putting the ball back in the hoop and receiving passes while right under the basket.

[2centsworth]

I agree, but do you think Pop has asked him to come in and score, or to come in and work on decision making, passing and defense? Do you think it's a coincidence that he's been trapped as much as he has?

good question on what Pop wants. Pop could be holding the kid down, so I'm not giving up on him. Fact is Hill is underperforming, but granted Pop could have something to do with it.

[Solid D]

The best 5 for the Spurs SL team are:
Mahinmi - looked a little more comfortable. He rebounded well but the Knicks didn't have much size. Ian still is not fluid and needs to work on really flushing it when he gets near the rim. He should make the Spurs roster but he needs to realize he is better than he thinks he is.
Gist- looking more and more like he will make the 15-man roster. He showed the ability to rebound, defend, block shots, and score, even from the outside.
Tolliver - very active, excellent mobility for his size and has a good outside touch
Powell - really showed his scoring abiility today
Hill - Basic PG play, solid defender, nothing fancy, slow and methodical, learning what it's like to shoot on 10 foot rims, now.



Green has been very good. He's been the second best player on the floor since I started watching.

Yes, he has. Green is athletic and has showed some ability to score. His dunk while pushing Paul Miller off him was nice. He is sometimes sloppy and is somewhat lacking defensively, however.

[2centsworth]

There are lots of players with insane scoring histories whom average very few points in the pros, or have short careers in the pros. Bruce Bowen was prolific scorer in college. Trey Johnson doesn't have a job right now. You gotta give me something more than "dude, he averaged a lot of points at IUPUI."

I'm not casting verdict on Hill yet, I simply saying he hasn't been able to finish at the hoop and he's 2-25 through 3 games. Saying that that is good is like pissing against the wind and trying not to get wet. It worries me. Maybe it's jitters, maybe it's a bum elbow, maybe it's the transition to point. Whatever. I just want to see it turned around.

very good post.

[2centsworth]

Yes, he has. Green is athletic and has showed some ability to score. His dunk while pushing Paul Miller off him was nice. He is sometimes sloppy and is somewhat lacking defensively, however.

also weak.

[tav1]

Dude give it up already. He's not going to Austin, Pop is to high on him and should live with the growing pains the first half of the season with Hill. He needs too to pay dividends down the road.

Except he'd probably pay bigger dividends if he played for 35 minutes a game and practiced a few times a week than if he played 10 per game with practices few and far between. Right now Hill to Austin would be better for the Spurs in the long haul.

Do you think Hill is ready for 10 or 15 minutes per game in the pros?

[Obstructed_View]

There are lots of players with insane scoring histories whom average very few points in the pros, or have short careers in the pros. Bruce Bowen was prolific scorer in college. Trey Johnson doesn't have a job right now. You gotta give me something more than "dude, he averaged a lot of points at IUPUI."

I'm not casting verdict on Hill yet, I simply saying he hasn't been able to finish at the hoop and he's 2-25 through 3 games. Saying that that is good is like pissing against the wind and trying not to get wet. It worries me. Maybe it's jitters, maybe it's a bum elbow, maybe it's the transition to point. Whatever. I just want to see it turned around.

If you are going to say that Bowen's 11.4 points per game at Fullerton was "prolific" then we're going to have to part ways here.

George Hill can score. That's not the concern. Nobody has ever, EVER, said that he couldn't score the basketball. If that's all we're worried about then he'll be fine, because he's taking over the job from a guy that's averaged 3.6 points per game since he's been with the Spurs.

[2centsworth]

If you are going to say that Bowen's 11.4 points per game at Fullerton was "prolific" then we're going to have to part ways here.

George Hill can score. That's not the concern. Nobody has ever, EVER, said that he couldn't score the basketball. If that's all we're worried about then he'll be fine, because he's taking over the job from a guy that's averaged 3.6 points per game since he's been with the Spurs.

prolific scoring in college means very little, Harold Minor, Terrence Rencher, JJ Redick, Morrison, etc...

[jcrod]

Except he'd probably pay bigger dividends if he played for 35 minutes a game and practiced a few times a week than if he played 10 per game with practices few and far between. Right now Hill to Austin would be better for the Spurs in the long haul.

Do you think Hill is ready for 10 or 15 minutes per game in the pros?


If he plays 10-15 mins a game in every game with practices with the team he'll be better off with the Spurs than the Toros. Ian wouldn't get that last yr, that is why he went to the Toros.

Hill is not as raw as Ian, its obivious they told him to facilitate not score during these games. He was strictly a scorer in college. His defense and rebounding is better than JV, so yes I'll take him over JV right now.

If he stinks it up during preseason, then they should be talking Toros. He'll get open looks with the regualr squad.

[Obstructed_View]

Yes, he has. Green is athletic and has showed some ability to score. His dunk while pushing Paul Miller off him was nice. He is sometimes sloppy and is somewhat lacking defensively, however.

:lol I saw that little push off, too. I just thought he was worthy of a mention. Some of these guys are just being told to go out there and play, while at least Hill and Mahinmi are being told to work on specific things in order to be ready to assume their roles when TC comes around, because they have expectations to meet. The other guys may be having better games in some cases, but they are probably playing for camp invites from other teams, and I doubt Pop would ask them to sacrifice their chance to make an impression and land a gig with someone.

[jcrod]

prolific scoring in college means very little, Harold Minor, Terrence Rencher, JJ Redick, Morrison, etc...

None of those were PG's, they didn't/don't play defense and rebound like a crazed fool. He scoring will come.

[Obstructed_View]

prolific scoring in college means very little, Harold Minor, Terrence Rencher, JJ Redick, Morrison, etc...

And prolific scoring from a backup Spurs point guard means even less, so worrying about the one thing he's always been best at when he's taking about 8 shots a game makes no sense at all.

[2centsworth]

If he plays 10-15 mins a game in every game with practices with the team, he'll be better than the Toros. Ian wouldn't get that last yr, that is why he went to the Toros.

Hill is not as raw as Ian, its obivious they told him to facilitate not score during these games. He was strictly a scorer in college. His defense and rebounding is better than JV, so yes I'll take him over JV right now.

If he stinks it up during preseason, then they should be talking Toros. He'll get open looks with the regualr squad.

the kid needs to get every shot possible to contribute this year. I wouldn't give up on this kid until it's plainly obvious he can't play at the NBA level. We won't know that for sure for a long time. I was hoping to know it after two summer league games like Parker, but oh well.

[2centsworth]

And prolific scoring from a backup Spurs point guard means even less, so worrying about the one thing he's always been best at when he's taking about 8 shots a game makes no sense at all.

that statement makes no sense. the statement was prolific scoring in college means jack, so don't tell me we shouldn't be concerned when his offensive game hasn't translated yet. Sometimes it never does. If you're saying getting another JV is all the spurs hoped for then wonderful. Their expectations are a lot lower than mine.

[ElNono]

I just saw the game on MSG-NY.
Sorry, but I don't think Hill or Mahimi are going to get into the 1st team rotation. Not with the West as loaded as it is. The only way I see them playing is if somebody goes down with an injury, and even then I think we're in deep shit.
The West goes 10-11 teams deep now. We can't afford to play half a season to develop these guys. We need to go full throttle from the get go so we don't end up having to overplay our best guys on the final stretch of the season like last year.
I like Gist in that he hustles more than anybody out there. He's really trying hard to make the team, perhaps harder than anybody, and I hope he does make it. But again, I don't think we have time to develop these guys.
They're still good assets to have around though, perhaps for a trade.

[2centsworth]

I just saw the game on MSG-NY.
Sorry, but I don't think Hill or Mahimi are going to get into the 1st team rotation. Not with the West as loaded as it is. The only way I see them playing is if somebody goes down with an injury, and even then I think we're in deep shit.
The West goes 10-11 teams deep now. We can't afford to play half a season to develop these guys. We need to go full throttle from the get go so we don't end up having to overplay our best guys on the final stretch of the season like last year.
I like Gist in that he hustles more than anybody out there. He's really trying hard to make the team, perhaps harder than anybody, and I hope he does make it. But again, I don't think we have time to develop these guys.
They're still good assets to have around though, perhaps for a trade.

I disagree on Ian. He's awkward but productive. Plus, his touch is shockingly good.

[ChumpDumper]

Ian and Gist bothered me with their lack of aggression near the hoop. They are missing chippies when they should be flushing it.

Hairston had some nice moves and finishes today but that was about it. Lost a lot of time to Cuffee, Powell and Green. At this point he gets waived in training camp and picked up by the Toros like Marcus Williams.

Devin Green is pounding the ball too much. He's not showing the court vision and passing ability he showed in the D-League the past two seasons. Other than that, he's playing well.

I'm willing make an excuse for Hill's shooting having something to do with his elbow. The shots simply have no consistency. Given his past shooting, I don't know enough about him to think otherwise. Didn't let Nate light him up too much and took care of the ball today. More of a project than I would want him to be, but aside from the scoring, he's been the best SL point guard in recent memory.

Powell did great today, initially exposing horrible lapses by the Knicks, then using the confidence from those easy buckets to make a couple of plays of his own.

I was sitting right in front of Herb Williams and across the aisle from Mike D'Antoni. Pop shook hands with him and they exchanged some jokes after the game. Unfortunately I had already put my camera away.

[jcrod]

the kid needs to get every shot possible to contribute this year. I wouldn't give up on this kid until it's plainly obvious he can't play at the NBA level. We won't know that for sure for a long time. I was hoping to know it after two summer league games like Parker, but oh well.

Well we know Parker is special and I wouldn't bet my life on Summer league, ask GS with Marco last yr.

[ElNono]

I disagree on Ian. He's awkward but productive. Plus, his touch is shockingly good.

I just thought he would dominate more. He has played against better competition on the D League, and I don't see him laying it down on these rookies. Two other problems I noticed with him: 1) The Oberto-esque problems finishing at the rim and 2) Bad hands to catch some inside passes.

[2centsworth]

Well we know Parker is special and I wouldn't bet my life on Summer league, ask GS with Marco last yr.

overly dramatic, what the hell bet my life.:lol

[ChumpDumper]

Ian actually has good hands. The passers haven't really gotten a line on where any of the players like the ball.

[jcrod]

overly dramatic, what the hell bet my life.:lol

:lol

[2centsworth]

I just thought he would dominate more. He has played against better competition on the D League, and I don't see him laying it down on these rookies. Two other problems I noticed with him: 1) The Oberto-esque problems finishing at the rim and 2) Bad hands to catch some inside passes.

his inside game needs work no doubt. He has problems creating space for entry passes too. Nevertheless, he's producing and from the limited minutes I saw him play in the NBA he was somewhat productive too, but awkward.

[picnroll]

The one thng in the limited chances I've had to see Hill that I wish I saw him better at is breaking down his man of the dribble. I've haven't seen any of that.

[ElNono]

I'm willing make an excuse for Hill's shooting having something to do with his elbow. The shots simply have no consistency. Given his past shooting, I don't know enough about him to think otherwise. Didn't let Nate light him up too much and took care of the ball today. More of a project than I would want him to be, but aside from the scoring, he's been the best SL point guard in recent memory.

I kind of hate to keep adding stuff up to Hill's plate, but I thought his defense was actually really poor. Since last night I noticed how the guy he's guarding normally can back-cut and get to the rim uncontested (happened with Nate today). I actually thought the other bald point guard played better, and unsurprisingly we made our run to take the big lead with him on the floor.
That said, you're right about his elbow. We don't know what's his status on that, and he's also learning the ropes. So we'll see how much he improves with a training camp under his belt.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I suspect Hill will be fine if we are worried about his offense. I suspect there will be a vast difference in the quality of the looks he gets playing with Manu or Tim than he's getting right now in summer league.

[Obstructed_View]

that statement makes no sense. the statement was prolific scoring in college means jack, so don't tell me we should be concerned when his offensive game hasn't translated yet. Sometimes it never does. If you're saying getting another JV is all the spurs hoped for then wonderful. Their expectations are a lot lower than mine.

You clearly aren't reading anything I've posted, as I've never suggested that anyone should be concerned that he's not scoring. They aren't showcasing his shooting, they are playing him as a facilitator and passer. That his shot hasn't come along yet is absolutely the least of the Spurs' worries. He's already better than JV and he's following instructions, working hard, hustling and defending. That he's not out there like a ball hog jacking up shots means the Spurs got a guy who's willing to put his ego aside and do what he's told.

[2centsworth]

The one thng in the limited chances I've had to see Hill that I wish I saw him better at is breaking down his man of the dribble. I've haven't seen any of that.

his quickness is a concerned, but I also used to think Beno was the slowest guy on the planet earth.

[jcrod]

I suspect Hill will be fine if we are worried about his offense. I suspect there will be a vast difference in the quality of the looks he gets playing with Manu or Tim than he's getting right now in summer league.

Exactly, the same with Ian I believe. I'm really excited how they'll look in the preseason.

[2centsworth]

I suspect Hill will be fine if we are worried about his offense. I suspect there will be a vast difference in the quality of the looks he gets playing with Manu or Tim than he's getting right now in summer league.

kid has a lot to work on, but scorers do not lose confidence like that. If it's an injury, and then that's a different story.

[ChumpDumper]

Don't get me wrong. Nate beat him badly a couple of times. But it wasn't that bad considering Nate was 2-10 today when last summer he shot 48% and averaged about 20ppg.

[jcrod]

BTW, what is up with Hill's elbow, didn't know it was bothering him.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Hill looked pretty good.

But,

he has trouble making shots in traffic and he isn't that quick with the ball (I didn't see him break anyone down on offense off the dribble ala Manu or TP) . He's a better overall athlete than Parker (has more potential to be a better defender than him), but he lacks quickness and agility to get in the lane and make noise on O, which is what makes Tony Tony and Manu Manu.

People here say he's good at shooting, and I hope so, because his ballhandling, although better today than before - he looked less shakey - isn't all that impressive.

Give Hill some time to learn Tony's tear drop, and he'll be fine.

[objective]

Mahinmi all around looked better in the second half. He boxed out his man much better, even on made baskets. The last two games there were numerous times where if the ball was a miss Mahinmi was already boxed out by the other big man who would have had an o-rebound and a putback. But today in the second half I think he looked better and more 'in the game'

[Mr. Body]

Give Hill some time to learn Tony's tear drop, and he'll be fine.

Shit, man. That teardrop is a freak talent. Not just anyone can learn that.

[2centsworth]

Shit, man. That teardrop is a freak talent. Not just anyone can learn that.


that is a hella shot.

[ChumpDumper]

Mahinmi all around looked better in the second half. He boxed out his man much better, even on made baskets. The last two games there were numerous times where if the ball was a miss Mahinmi was already boxed out by the other big man who would have had an o-rebound and a putback. But today in the second half I think he looked better and more 'in the game'Ian was actually using his speed in the second half. Miller is exactly the kind of guy he faced regularly in the D-League, so I'm surprised it took him so long to act like it.

He got another baseline jumper today, which is good news.

[MannyIsGod]

Shit, man. That teardrop is a freak talent. Not just anyone can learn that.

:lol

Do you go out of your way to post poorly?

[2centsworth]

Ian was actually using his speed in the second half. Miller is exactly the kind of guy he faced regularly in the D-League, so I'm surprised it took him so long to act like it.

He got another baseline jumper today, which is good news.

Ian has shown good touch, but zero tenacity on D. Does he even have a block? He also has a nose for the ball which makes me believe he's going to be a pretty good rebounder. What's your take since you've seen him 100 times more than me.

[Mr. Body]

:lol

Do you go out of your way to post poorly?

What are you talking about, you monstrous dipshit? Do you think Parker can transfer his innate abilities to new players through osmosis?

What a colossal waste of time you are.

[objective]

Ian was actually using his speed in the second half. Miller is exactly the kind of guy he faced regularly in the D-League, so I'm surprised it took him so long to act like it.

I do remember thinking at halftime that Mahinmi had looked 'not fast' during the summer league play to that point. Which wasn't at all how he looked in the d-league.

He hadn't looked slow exactly, but he looked only average speed-wise, good that he picked it back up.

I was even wondering if maybe he had put on too much weight onto his frame. Not every body type can handle extra muscle weight, Sean Elliott sure couldn't. Hopefully the speed of Mahinmi's game returns all 40 minutes tomorrow so I can get flashbacks of Elliott losing his speed out of my mind.

[ducks]

guess what
chip coaches the spurs
hill shot forum looks decent
he just needs to shot and have chip watch and tell him what is wrong

[leemajors]

What are you talking about, you monstrous dipshit? Do you think Parker can transfer his innate abilities to new players through osmosis?

What a colossal waste of time you are.

tony came into the league with a teardrop?

[ChumpDumper]

Ian is actually defending worse and rebounding better than he did in the D-League. His fouls are down; he may have been instructed to play a bit differently by the staff. It looks like he's just trying to get a ten-shot quota in then focusing on rebounding.

[2centsworth]

guess what
chip coaches the spurs
hill shot forum looks decent
he just needs to shot and have chip watch and tell him what is wrong

where are you from, the states?

[DPG21920]

To add to this. Bayless in just two games so far and in only 68 minutes has 8 turnovers and only 2 assists.

You can not compare what Bayless has done. He is being told to score and he is absolutely tearing it up. He is more athletic and finishes 10x better around the rim and with contact as evidenced by his 23 or so ft attempts in one game. If Hill could finish as good as Bayless he would have been scoring way more bc he got into the paint enough, just could not finish. It looks like they are asking Hill to do it all, not focus on one thing.

[mrspurs]

i liked powells play....the rest of the guys looked like they were in the right place..SL..powells play looked great, his size and quickness to the hoop was something we dont have (he looked like a smaller version of david west) we enjoyed the game....

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Shit, man. That teardrop is a freak talent. Not just anyone can learn that.

You thought Javtokas was worth the MLE. You'll have to excuse me if I really don't give a damn what you have to say about the tear drop.

And spare me, it's an easy shot to learn. Me and a couple of buds started fooling around with that shot in between pickup games one night last summer, and now everyone can shoot it.

If he's got a shred of athletic talent, he can learn it.

[MannyIsGod]

What are you talking about, you monstrous dipshit? Do you think Parker can transfer his innate abilities to new players through osmosis?

What a colossal waste of time you are.

I'm sorry I missed the part where Tony was using that shot in his early career. You're a complete and utter moron. Do you see why?

[angelbelow]

man hill sucked today too.. gist is looking good still.

[benefactor]

Well I just got done watching the game(DVR). Here's my thoughts.

Hill looks like he is really trying to find himself at the point position. He knows that he has a transition to make as far as being a point goes and it looks like he has been told to work in those areas instead of looking to score. At this point he might wind up in the D-League for a bit to do just that before he is called upon to back up Parker. I see him being a more than capable backup, but maybe not a quickly as Pop anticipated.

Gist should be on the roster on opening day. He looks like a routine double/double waiting to happen. A huge thing that he brings is offensive rebounding. One third of his boards in the past two games have been on the offensive end. We need that almost as much as we need a fourth scorer, which he could wind up being that also. He fits so well into what we do...I just can't imagine him not making the team.

Mahinmi looks good offensively and rebounds well but he is still a question mark defensively. That in itself could keep him out of the rotation as Pop will not tolerate it(unless your last name is Oberto). He looks like just another in a long line of soft Euro big men who are all finesse and no toughness. I like him, but I question whether he will ever be able to earn consistent minutes in the big man rotation for our team.

Someone did some CPR on Hairston and might have even hit him with the paddles once or twice to revive him. He only played 16min but was 4-6 from the field and had 9pts. He looked good going to the rim and finishing. There may yet be hope for him...we sure could use another swingman.

Tolliver and Powell both had good games but I take Tolliver easily. He is in double digits for every game and this one was his best all around yet....collecting 9 boards with 3 on the offensive end. He is 8-13 from deep in the first three games...very nice. I think we bring him on in to camp and give him some time during the preseason to try to earn a roster spot. If his 3pt shot can remain this consistent I see no reason why he can't earn minutes at the SF for us.

More positives than negatives so far, and that is all I really want.

[Biggems]

Well I just got done watching the game(DVR). Here's my thoughts.

Hill looks like he is really trying to find himself at the point position. He knows that he has a transition to make as far as being a point goes and it looks like he has been told to work in those areas instead of looking to score. At this point he might wind up in the D-League for a bit to do just that before he is called upon to back up Parker. I see him being a more than capable backup, but maybe not a quickly as Pop anticipated.

Gist should be on the roster on opening day. He looks like a routine double/double waiting to happen. A huge thing that he brings is offensive rebounding. One third of his boards in the past two games have been on the offensive end. We need that almost as much as we need a fourth scorer, which he could wind up being that also. He fits so well into what we do...I just can't imagine him not making the team.

Mahinmi looks good offensively and rebounds well but he is still a question mark defensively. That in itself could keep him out of the rotation as Pop will not tolerate it(unless your last name is Oberto). He looks like just another in a long line of soft Euro big men who are all finesse and no toughness. I like him, but I question whether he will ever be able to earn consistent minutes in the big man rotation for our team.

Someone did some CPR on Hairston and might have even hit him with the paddles once or twice to revive him. He only played 16min but was 4-6 from the field and had 9pts. He looked good going to the rim and finishing. There may yet be hope for him...we sure could use another swingman.

Tolliver and Powell both had good games but I take Tolliver easily. He is in double digits for every game and this one was his best all around yet....collecting 9 boards with 3 on the offensive end. He is 8-13 from deep in the first three games...very nice. I think we bring him on in to camp and give him some time during the preseason to try to earn a roster spot. If his 3pt shot can remain this consistent I see no reason why he can't earn minutes at the SF for us.

More positives than negatives so far, and that is all I really want.

I agree about Tolliver. While I have yet to see the games, and I have no actual account as to the validity of his shots (open or guarded)....he seems to be consistent in every game. He is making his 3s, shooting a good percentage, and getting some rebounds. I say if he can finish out the Las Vegas camp the way he has started it, he definitely deserves an invite to training camp.

So is that Hill or Vaughn that is playing PG for us in the SL. Looking at Hill's stats, he seems to have studied shooting from Vaughn, hehehe. Well on a good note, even though his shot has been off the first 3 games, at least he is filling up the stat sheet in other areas, assists and rebounds.

When will Sy get a chance to play, the RMR?

[underdawg]

So is that Hill or Vaughn that is playing PG for us in the SL. Looking at Hill's stats, he seems to have studied shooting from Vaughn, hehehe. Well on a good note, even though his shot has been off the first 3 games, at least he is filling up the stat sheet in other areas, assists and rebounds.

Hill really only had one bad shot - he was fouled a few times and they weren't soft fouls either. He looked a lot better bringing the ball up and his passes were good passes. Obviously, there's a game plan for Hill right now in the SL and it's not to score. Whenever Morrison was in the game, he was given free reign to attack the basket and they ran a lot more too with him at the point. Hill was setting up plays and just trying to find open shooters - he only shot when he had to. Gist has quick ups and should be great rebounder. I like how he challenges dunks - I think he challenged 3 and stopped or disrupted all 3. They played against NBA experienced players and didn't look out of place at all - definite potential for these young fellas.

[T Park]

Hill really only had one bad shot - he was fouled a few times and they weren't soft fouls either. He looked a lot better bringing the ball up and his passes were good passes. Obviously, there's a game plan for Hill right now in the SL and it's not to score. Whenever Morrison was in the game, he was given free reign to attack the basket and they ran a lot more too with him at the point. Hill was setting up plays and just trying to find open shooters - he only shot when he had to. Gist has quick ups and should be great rebounder. I like how he challenges dunks - I think he challenged 3 and stopped or disrupted all 3. They played against NBA experienced players and didn't look out of place at all - definite potential for these young fellas.

You mean, the Spurs are having him work on things?

GASP!!

NOOO!!!

[TD4THREE]

lol @ everyone going all ape shit over a couple of summer league games. Look at how many lottery picks are sucking it up right now, Beasley went 1-13 in a game, I guess he'll never amount to anything.:lol Do you think these guys go all out and risk injury just so they can win a meaninglesss SL game?

[rj215]

Ian needs a burger....bad....

[Spurtacus]

Ian needs a burger....bad....

I hear he's been eating freedom fries in spite of the French.

[Marcus Bryant]

The fundamental problem here is that Spurs fans expect every player the Spurs draft to turn into an All-Star, even low first round picks (and for that matter, second round picks).

The secondary problem is that most of you tards are obsessing over a few summerleague games.

[tlongII]

The tertiary problem is that Marcus Bryant doesn't know what the hell he's talking about.

[Marcus Bryant]

Amusing, coming from you.

[Gino2882]

Bottomline so far is the only player who is making a case for playing time is James Gist. An absolutely relentless, hustle player who brings it all the time. A monster on the boards due to his energy and athleticism. Working on and showing his range. Even hitting a three and several long jumpers. Not a traditional SF and really doesn't fit in as a SF in this system, but could ABSOLUTELY play some combo forward for this team, and in certain lineups I would love to see him next to Duncan as the PF.

[anakha]

Yup, 30 seemed like a good line. :lol

[ducks]

damm some people do not think there is a change between COLLEGE AND NBA SUMMER GAMES

GET A GRIPS OF REALITY
tp played well in summer league
but he was paid to play basketball before summer league

IT TAKES TIME
just like when you get hired on
you start low and work your way up

[spurs50_]

I was watching the Q Richardson interview and a basketball game broke out. Please no more Gallinari shots ...

[benefactor]

I was watching the Q Richardson interview and a basketball game broke out. Please no more Gallinari shots ...
Indeed...I think I saw enough of his face yesterday to last several lifetimes. They even missed some of the plays in the game showing the same shots of him over and over sitting on the bench. :rolleyes

[Obstructed_View]

We should just be thankful to the Knicks that the game was on TV...:rolleyes

[Mr. Body]

You thought Javtokas was worth the MLE.

I can't believe you're still carrying this load of dog crap around in your head.

[Mr. Body]

I'm sorry I missed the part where Tony was using that shot in his early career. You're a complete and utter moron. Do you see why?

Dude, look. Not every player has the sense of range and motion to get that shot off, the same way not every player can shoot the finger roll like Gervin could. It's a special shot. Maybe Hill can learn it, maybe he has that ability, but it's not like Magic: The Gathering like you used to play where you just combo up the cards or something from another deck. He's not going to just 'gain it' by playing with Parker. If that were the case, Udrih, Vaughn, and Darius Washington would be dropping teardrop floaters all over the league. You have this incredibly simplistic understanding of athletic skill. Jesus, you're barely worth the time.

[picnroll]

Floater is a pretty easy shot to master. More and more players have added it to their arsenal. Other shots like the English high off the glass that Parker uses are much harder to master. Parker was not great his first year finisihing improvd his second, third fourth years. But some expect Hill to come in and already have Parker's game.

Udrih? Udrih can't even get in the lane without getting the ball stripped.

[Obstructed_View]

Dude, look. Not every player has the sense of range and motion to get that shot off, the same way not every player can shoot the finger roll like Gervin could. It's a special shot. Maybe Hill can learn it, maybe he has that ability, but it's not like Magic: The Gathering like you used to play where you just combo up the cards or something from another deck. He's not going to just 'gain it' by playing with Parker. If that were the case, Udrih, Vaughn, and Darius Washington would be dropping teardrop floaters all over the league. You have this incredibly simplistic understanding of athletic skill. Jesus, you're barely worth the time.

Have you ever played basketball? The sky hook is an incredibly easy shot but nobody ever uses it anymore. The teardrop isn't a tough shot, and neither is the finger roll. Parker didn't come into the league with that shot, so therefore it can be learned. Period.