James Gist signs in Italy

[Bruno]

http://www.ecodibiella.it/a.php?id=13746

It looks like Gist will sign or even has signed with Angelico Biella.

[ChumpDumper]

It just keeps getting worse.

[Streakyshooter08]

:pctoss

I would have liked to see what he could have done in the NBA. I am curios what the Spurs next moves are...

[MaNu4Tres]

James Gist is a prospect that could add a lot of versatilty to our roster by his abilitity to be an active defender and be active around the rim offensively. If he continues to work hard I could see him being a contributor off the bench come 2010. Even though many fans want to see him don the silver and black this year, it's unrealistic because of the signing of roger mason at the wing along with finley. Minutes just wouldnt be there. For him to go overseas would be ideal.

[L.I.T]

Oh boy.

[FlAVaK]

He actually does what Marcus Williams refused to do last summer!

Sign in Europe. Get Minutes. Develope. Join Spurs later.

IIRC Spurs wanted Williams to play in Europe. But he wanted to stay in the US. Spurs signed him. Waived him. Toros signed him. Waived him. Clippers signed him... a.s.o.

I see Gist in Europe as a good sign of him not taking the Marcus Williams road to the NBA!

[rascal]

Spurs are fools if they let this guy get away.

[FlAVaK]

Angelico Biella Roster (http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=ita&Team=2106)

I don`t know anbody but Reece Gaines from this Team.
Maybe a good sign for Gist getting minutes if he signs there...

Oh, Wiki has him already listed on their current roster :wow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallacanestro_Biella

[Solid D]

Good find, Bruno. Here is a link to same information and a translation from Google.

http://www.mondobasket.it/news-angelico-biella-james-gist-bkt-5720.htm

Translation: Italian » English
Basketball Biella, here's James Gist
Imminente the announcement of the agreement with the American wing
It will be announced in all likelihood tomorrow, but is now sure that it will be the wing James Gist great holder dell'Angelico 2008/2009. His name had already been done in recent days as part of a close ballot, which also involved Charles Rhodes and James Mays. Gist is a class player 1986, 202 cm for about one hundred kilos: the choice was number 57 of San Antonio from Maryland. A curiosity that person shall be represented by the large number of videos that they see him on YouTube protagonist, who portray in action and during some interviews.

[kobyz]

another bad news, this off season sucks!

[timaios]

me :vomit:spurs FO

[kobyz]

i dont trust in the FO anymore. it's started last year when they give up on Scola for nothing - move that cost us a championship(Scola was the thing that we miss in the lakers series).
they fail to sign Splitter.
in the draft they fuck up and select a second round tipe PG and only now they see that he is not even good enough to be a back up PG and they look for another PG - Pargo to be the back up - what a waste of a first round pick!
they also give up in the draft on players like Richard Hendrix, Bill Walker and DeVon Hardin in the second round.
and now they not able to sign a second round pick.

[Mr. Body]

This is probably okay -- they'll retain rights and bring him over next year. The extreeeeemely slow way of developing players.

[timtonymanu]

it's like players we dont really need, we end being stuck with them. and the good ones go elsewhere. so much for going young. we lose gist. we're not signing hairston. if we sign pargo, we could be possibly letting hill go (or vaughn). our only young players will be mahinmi and tolliver(who we'll probably waive later.) im a little scared right now about how things will turn out. hopefully im proven wrong.

[mrspurs]

only ones who ever get to here i told ya so are my kids. i never saw what everyone else who fell(in love) with gist saw. can he play basketball? yes, but so can the rest of the guys he was playing with, (at about the same level ,non nba level) but i will stick to what i said about gist, it wont take him as long as it has ian to become nba ready.(and im one who doesnt think ian is nba ready still) so if its true and gist isnt in uniform this coming season, it wont bother me, i never saw him playing much anyhows(which in turns means at least he wont be shining the pine for 82 games) i know alot of people in here thought gist was our saviour, just like they did ian,(some still think it) and of course hill, but call it what you want i watched the SL games not just once, but at least twice each, not even caring about the score(just watching our players and (coach reactions while i could) and the spurs did what i thought they would do, sign the only guy who didnt looked lost, and was given the chance to stay, and play within his game(tolliver). the rest of the SL guys for the spurs looked basically like a watered down version of what alot of people call team usa(thou i would add our SL roster had no choice but to play spurs style bball) so some of the players imo couldnt get their game on.(show boat). somewhat like bonner, why on earth sign a guy who isnt gonna contribute just yet? or at all for that matter. personally by not signing gist it tells me the spurs have better moves ahead. thank god.......ian has been playing for the spurs it seems like forever, and he has still to this day not made an impression on me,(not like the way some ppl. in here talk about him) he looked like he could move his feet just a little better this past SL and thats all the improvement i seen in him (not sure who is in charge of scouting big men for the spurs, but other then getting david, then dropping a season and getting lucky with timmy, they waste alot of names and alot of picks) look at championship roster bigs, for the most part every yr. we have a 7fter. next to tim, and then someone in the FO says (nah rasho,nazr,elson, etc aint good enough anymore), lets find someone better, and every yr. it seems here we go again.(only this yr we go with the guy pop has been either torching or trying to get for the last 3 yrs it seems, the giant 6'9 almost 40 kurt thomas)......imo theses are all good signs the spurs FO have something good waiting for us, and god willing its coming soon

[mrspurs]

This is probably okay -- they'll retain rights and bring him over next year. The extreeeeemely slow way of developing players.

bingo

[MannyIsGod]

only ones who ever get to here i told ya so are my kids. i never saw what everyone else who fell(in love) with gist saw. can he play basketball? yes, but so can the rest of the guys he was playing with, (at about the same level ,non nba level) but i will stick to what i said about gist, it wont take him as long as it has ian to become nba ready.(and im one who doesnt think ian is nba ready still) so if its true and gist isnt in uniform this coming season, it wont bother me, i never saw him playing much anyhows(which in turns means at least he wont be shining the pine for 82 games) i know alot of people in here thought gist was our saviour, just like they did ian,(some still think it) and of course hill, but call it what you want i watched the SL games not just once, but at least twice each, not even caring about the score(just watching our players and (coach reactions while i could) and the spurs did what i thought they would do, sign the only guy who didnt looked lost, and was given the chance to stay, and play within his game(tolliver). the rest of the SL guys for the spurs looked basically like a watered down version of what alot of people call team usa(thou i would add our SL roster had no choice but to play spurs style bball) so some of the players imo couldnt get their game on.(show boat). somewhat like bonner, why on earth sign a guy who isnt gonna contribute just yet? or at all for that matter. personally by not signing gist it tells me the spurs have better moves ahead. thank god.......ian has been playing for the spurs it seems like forever, and he has still to this day not made an impression on me,(not like the way some ppl. in here talk about him) he looked like he could move his feet just a little better this past SL and thats all the improvement i seen in him (not sure who is in charge of scouting big men for the spurs, but other then getting david, then dropping a season and getting lucky with timmy, they waste alot of names and alot of picks) look at championship roster bigs, for the most part every yr. we have a 7fter. next to tim, and then someone in the FO says (nah rasho,nazr,elson, etc aint good enough anymore), lets find someone better, and every yr. it seems here we go again.(only this yr we go with the guy pop has been either torching or trying to get for the last 3 yrs it seems, the giant 6'9 almost 40 kurt thomas)......imo theses are all good signs the spurs FO have something good waiting for us, and god willing its coming soon

Are your shift and enter keys broken?

[smrattler]

For those who are saying this is good because Gist will develope a year or two overseas and then the Spurs can sign him, wake up already.

That Splitter thing was no fluke. It is a sign of things to come. If you get a guy that developes overseas, teams over there will sign him. They will outbid you. Well, I should say outbid us (Spurs) who will not throw serious, high dollars at some "NBA unproven" player. And where the Spurs don't draw the line on offers, the NBA will do it for them with salary cap restrictions or rookie pay scale tables. Factor in the dropping dollar, rising gas prices, the lack of salary restrictions that allow teams there to include endorsements as part of the constract, and costs of living here as well as tax free mulah over there, it's no contest.

Players can't go from HS to pros here, they will skip college and go make the dough overseas. More top recruits will do this now. And those teams will see a "potentially next LeBron, Kobe, KG", etc. And they will outbid teams. Role players like Childress, Boykins, Delfino are getting more money there than they will here.

If Gist (or whoever else in the future) shows NBA potential, teams overseas will want them and they can outbid NBA teams for them.

If Gist is worth signing in a year or two, if he shows mouth watering NBA potential, don't think teams overseas won't notice and have more money to throw at them.

[benefactor]

Dammit...just dammit. We need him now. Our big three are running out of seasons for players to got to Europe and "develop".

[GhostofAlfrederickHughes]

i dont trust in the FO anymore. it's started last year when they give up on Scola for nothing - move that cost us a championship(Scola was the thing that we miss in the lakers series).
they fail to sign Splitter.
in the draft they fuck up and select a second round tipe PG and only now they see that he is not even good enough to be a back up PG and they look for another PG - Pargo to be the back up - what a waste of a first round pick!
they also give up in the draft on players like Richard Hendrix, Bill Walker and DeVon Hardin in the second round.
and now they not able to sign a second round pick.

This isn't about the front office. This is about a trend in the NBA that we're going to continue to see, especially when the dollar is weak and the Euro is strong. If a young player wants to actually play basketball and get paid reasonably well---as opposed to sitting on the bench, "learning the system," and having a non-guaranteed contract, they're going to go overseas.

As for Hill being a 'waste' of a pick, let's just hold off on that assessment for a while. His shot obviously needs work, but he's got some solid skills (esp. defensively) that fit in on this team. When you pick as late as the Spurs do in the draft year after year, you have to look for diamonds in the rough. It's easy to say that one guy is 'NBA ready' and another guy isn't----but you don't really know that for a year or two in most cases.

[urunobili]

not good.. not good... :depressed

[SenorSpur]

Oh well.

[Bruno]

I'm quite puzzled by Spurs offseason so far.

Spurs are focusing all of their resources on guards and centers :
- They used their top two draft picks and a PG (Hill) and on a SG (Haiston).
- They spend a big part of the MLE on a SG (Mason) and are said to ba after another PG (Pargo).
- They have re-signed a center (Thomas).
It looks like they aren't worried about their forwards while it was arguably Spurs' main weakness last year. If this info is true, they let go one who shows some good things during SL.

I'm also puzzled by the players Spurs signed. They have signed under the radar players in the draft or FA.


Anyway, I won't judge an offseason that isn't finished or players that I barely know. But it doesn't look good for the moment. I have been skeptic about Spurs' move for a couple of years but I'm truly lost at what Spurs' FO do this summer. Let's hope that I'm the only one who is lost and that Spurs' FO knows exactly what he is doing and is still competent.

[Solid D]

Gist would be joining San Antonio's (Clark, HS) own Trent Plaisted. Plaisted was drafted 11 picks ahead of Gist in this year's draft (Detoit). Here is some insight that may help, regarding Plaisted's contract and it may relate to what Gist is doing, also.

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/tag/trent-plaisted/
Plaisted and Washington head to Europe
Published by Matt Watson on July 31, 2008 in 2008 Draft, Contracts and From the news. 10 Comments
We knew from the start that one of the reasons the Pistons drafted Trent Plaisted and Deron Washington was because they were willing to start their professional careers overseas. Well, it’s happening. Plaisted will spend 2007-08 in Italy. From Daily Herald, a newspaper in Provo, UT:

The former BYU center, who forfeited his final year of college eligibility, has signed a one-year contract with a top-level Italian team, Angelico Biella (also known as Pallacanestro Biella.)

The industrial town of Biella, which has about 40,000 residents, sits at the base of the Alps and has no soccer team.

“So they’re into their basketball,” Plaisted told the Daily Herald on Wednesday while vacationing in Idaho. “I guess I don’t know for sure, but the plan right now is that I will play a lot.”

[…] “I was on board (with going to Europe),” Plaisted said. “I’m lucky. The team I’m going to is a Division I (also known as Serie A) team that knows my situation and they’re going to allow me to develop and do those things I need to do to improve so I can go back to the Pistons. There’s great competition, and I’m really excited.”

Exact terms of the deal weren’t reported, but I’m guessing he’ll actually end up making more than if he stayed in the states.

Plaisted said the contract details look even better when considering the tax credit and exchange rate.

“I’m not breaking the bank,” he said. “But it’s a good contract.”

All Plaisted will be responsible for is food, gas and cell phone. The rest is taken care of by the team, plus he’ll be given six round-trip airline tickets.

[Texas_Ranger]

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

[Bruno]

Some info about Biella :
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Blogging-through-Europe--Part-Four-Italy--2369/

It sounds like a good place for a NCAA player without pro experience.

[VaSpursFan]

ok...i don't think the sky is falling because the Spurs still own the right to Gist...but I am perplexed by the move. Maybe they figure that Gist's development will be accelerated in Europe vs. the D league. Not sure, but this offseason is getting interesting with all the weird twists and turns. the next couple of months could be might entertaining for Spurs fans :corn:

[spurster]

Hmm. Is George Hill going with him?

[benefactor]

only ones who ever get to here i told ya so are my kids. i never saw what everyone else who fell(in love) with gist saw. can he play basketball? yes, but so can the rest of the guys he was playing with, (at about the same level ,non nba level) but i will stick to what i said about gist, it wont take him as long as it has ian to become nba ready.(and im one who doesnt think ian is nba ready still) so if its true and gist isnt in uniform this coming season, it wont bother me, i never saw him playing much anyhows(which in turns means at least he wont be shining the pine for 82 games) i know alot of people in here thought gist was our saviour, just like they did ian,(some still think it) and of course hill, but call it what you want i watched the SL games not just once, but at least twice each, not even caring about the score(just watching our players and (coach reactions while i could) and the spurs did what i thought they would do, sign the only guy who didnt looked lost, and was given the chance to stay, and play within his game(tolliver). the rest of the SL guys for the spurs looked basically like a watered down version of what alot of people call team usa(thou i would add our SL roster had no choice but to play spurs style bball) so some of the players imo couldnt get their game on.(show boat). somewhat like bonner, why on earth sign a guy who isnt gonna contribute just yet? or at all for that matter. personally by not signing gist it tells me the spurs have better moves ahead. thank god.......ian has been playing for the spurs it seems like forever, and he has still to this day not made an impression on me,(not like the way some ppl. in here talk about him) he looked like he could move his feet just a little better this past SL and thats all the improvement i seen in him (not sure who is in charge of scouting big men for the spurs, but other then getting david, then dropping a season and getting lucky with timmy, they waste alot of names and alot of picks) look at championship roster bigs, for the most part every yr. we have a 7fter. next to tim, and then someone in the FO says (nah rasho,nazr,elson, etc aint good enough anymore), lets find someone better, and every yr. it seems here we go again.(only this yr we go with the guy pop has been either torching or trying to get for the last 3 yrs it seems, the giant 6'9 almost 40 kurt thomas)......imo theses are all good signs the spurs FO have something good waiting for us, and god willing its coming soon
Sorry...I don't read these....

http://www.nelsonideas.com/vacation-travel-to/Great-Wall-of-China.jpg

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Automatic F for our front office this season. We need energy off the bench, so we let the most energetic player not named Manu go to Europe.

Idiots.

It's like they handed the decisions this off-season over to the tag team of Jerry Colangelo and Mark Cuban.

That or Pop is making all the decisions after downing 2-3 bottles of wine.

I don't understand what they are trying to do. Go small ball with a bunch of short and streaky talent surrounding the big 3? Maybe they're planning on playing Pargo at the 4 in small ball...

We sign Pargo and we have a glut of guards, but are brutally weak at the 3/4 after our starters.

4:
Duncan
unproven Mahinmi
Bonner
Tolliver

3:
400 year old Bruce Bowen (still good but losing a step each year)
Slow footed Udoka
???

I mean come on, there is a gaping hole at the 3 after Bowen (Udoka's just not quick enough to guard the quick/long threes in the league), and Bruce is getting up there in age.

We've got squat the 4 after Duncan, who often shifts down to the 5 to play center.

We've been waiting for the front office to address the 3 spot and to a lesser extent the backup 4 since 2003. It's like they're stuck on stupid or something.

[BacktoBasics]

Whats the fucking point of owning a D-league if you can't even keep your developing talent local. I don't have a problem with the wait to develop approach because I really never thought Gist was going to crack the rotation consistantly.

However the idea of owning a minor league team is to keep your developing talent close to home and exercise the luxury or working hand in hand with how you want your young guys to develop vs. relying on the methods of some other coach who doesn't give a shit about the long term value of your guy.

[Hook Dem]

Are your shift and enter keys broken?

Gotta agree with you Manny! His posts are hard to read with only one paragraph.:rollin

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Shit.

[DisAsTerBot]

the idea of owning a minor league team is to keep your developing talent close to home and exercise the luxury or working hand in hand with how you want your young guys to develop vs. relying on the methods of some other coach who doesn't give a shit about the long term value of your guy.

By going to europe, we keep his rights but he doesn't take up a roster spot....if he was in the d-league, he would take up a roster spot.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

And just like that, Italy is a world super power again.

[hater]

Hmm. Is George Hill going with him?

as what? the Avian boy?

This fucking move is terrible!!!!!!!!!!!! how the fuck can Spurs office be doing this kind of shitty job.

Are you seriously telling me you have the 2008-09 season depending on Ian fucking Mahinmi?!??!?!?!
:pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss

[urunobili]

as what? the Avian boy?

This fucking move is terrible!!!!!!!!!!!! how the fuck can Spurs office be doing this kind of shitty job.

Are you seriously telling me you have the 2008-09 season depending on Ian fucking Mahinmi?!??!?!?!
:pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss

life's tough isn't it? :devil

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I hope this is a sign of a move being made soon since they really wanted that roster spot for someone else.

[hater]

I hope this is a sign of a move being made soon since they really wanted that roster spot for someone else.

yeah, probably an old decrepit player. I heard Shawn Kemp wants to come back.

[lefty]

Wow

Scola, now Gist



We have no choice but to bring David Robinson out of retirement :bang

[ElNono]

So much for all those people claiming the Spurs would sign Gist later on. To me, he was the only NBA ready player we had in the SL. So if he has a good year overseas, then he'll be out of reach. The rights mean nothing if you can't pay up.

That leaves Bowen/Udoka at the wing. Pray one of them doesn't go down.

[lefty]

We can win the title IF everybody is healthy.

That's a big IF.

So.........

http://internetmlmresults.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/fingers.JPG

[nkdlunch]

I don't understand this move. Seems like spurs have not learned from Scola, Splitter fuckups.

They should have sent him at least to D-League, so they can recall him anytime during the season. In Italy he is stuck there for at least a year if not more.

Gist was Spurs best new player. He even had better summer than mahinmi. what a mess

[loveforthegame]

Disappointing news but not surprising. It's likely the Spurs wanted him to go to Europe to get a lot of minutes and work on various things. They can sign him next year or the year after depending on roster spots and progress. It's the same thing they wanted out of Marcus Williams but he refused.

I understand the plan to send him to Europe instead of the Toro's because he won't take up a roster spot but I hope it doesn't backfire where teams offer him more money.

I wonder if they hope Hairston does the same thing or if they think he was more ready than Gist for this season?

[Solid D]

So the Spurs have roughly $6M to work with to keep under the $71M Luxury Tax threshold ($65M roster thus far). It was estimated here that Gist would likely have represented $800K in 2008-09, had he been signed by the Spurs. That's not a lot of money so the Spurs are either seeing more improvement needed with Gist, or are locked in on a couple of players that would eat up that $6M. J.R. Smith would also eat up a good amount of that money....for example.

[The Truth #6]

I'm questioning the idea that letting Gist go to Europe was part of the Spurs plan. Wasn't it obvious that he could come in and help on some level with shotblocking and rebounding, in other words, the things we sorely lack?

Either the Spurs were asleep at the wheel, or they low-balled him with a contract offer which then set him off to look for more money in Europe. Are they suck single taskers that they can't deal with Pargo and Gist at the same time?

[JPB]

More regrets on not having be able to draft Batum...

After what Batum said on draft night and with the spurs still not having sign Hill, you could argue that Nicolas was SA first choice.

But I agree that Gist going in Italy might mean spurs are on some vet 3.

On the other way, what's happening isn't so suprising if you know your spurs.
It's been more than 5 years now that they haven't put their picks in their NBA roster.

the plan has always been to surrender the big 3 with proven NBA players who can produce quickly and help win titles (Finley, Horry, Udoka, Mason). Which worked pretty well so far, even this year.

With already one young gun propably this year (Ian), it's no surprise they let go one or maybe two other ones (Gist and perhaps Hill).

what you have to ask yourself is who do you want to have on your bench in game 7 of o tough series ? Gist, Hill or a player with less upsides but NBA proven ?

[nkdlunch]

what you have to ask yourself is who do you want to have on your bench in game 7 of o tough series ? Gist, Hill or a player with less upsides but NBA proven ?

on the other hand, if we had young guys who could log big minutes maybe we would not be in game 7s. Spurs would be in better position in playoffs and young guys could play big minutes to make series shorter.

truth is, we've had extended series partly because our old guys can't hold big minutes.

[Spurs Brazil]

I'd rather see Spurs signing him

[Solid D]

I'm questioning the idea that letting Gist go to Europe was part of the Spurs plan. Wasn't it obvious that he could come in and help on some level with shotblocking and rebounding, in other words, the things we sorely lack?

Either the Spurs were asleep at the wheel, or they low-balled him with a contract offer which then set him off to look for more money in Europe. Are they suck single taskers that they can't deal with Pargo and Gist at the same time?

If Gist was signing with CSKA, then maybe Gist would be going for more money but Pallacanestro isn't known for being big spenders.

[zepn]

Unfortunately a gold star for me... Some others were saying the Spurs should wait to sign Gist because they own his rights, I said he would play for a Euro if they did.

[wildbill2u]

only ones who ever get to here i told ya so are my kids. i never saw what everyone else who fell(in love) with gist saw. can he play basketball? yes, but so can the rest of the guys he was playing with, (at about the same level ,non nba level) but i will stick to what i said about gist, it wont take him as long as it has ian to become nba ready.(and im one who doesnt think ian is nba ready still) so if its true and gist isnt in uniform this coming season, it wont bother me, i never saw him playing much anyhows(which in turns means at least he wont be shining the pine for 82 games) i know alot of people in here thought gist was our saviour, just like they did ian,(some still think it) and of course hill, but call it what you want i watched the SL games not just once, but at least twice each, not even caring about the score(just watching our players and (coach reactions while i could) and the spurs did what i thought they would do, sign the only guy who didnt looked lost, and was given the chance to stay, and play within his game(tolliver). the rest of the SL guys for the spurs looked basically like a watered down version of what alot of people call team usa(thou i would add our SL roster had no choice but to play spurs style bball) so some of the players imo couldnt get their game on.(show boat). somewhat like bonner, why on earth sign a guy who isnt gonna contribute just yet? or at all for that matter. personally by not signing gist it tells me the spurs have better moves ahead. thank god.......ian has been playing for the spurs it seems like forever, and he has still to this day not made an impression on me,(not like the way some ppl. in here talk about him) he looked like he could move his feet just a little better this past SL and thats all the improvement i seen in him (not sure who is in charge of scouting big men for the spurs, but other then getting david, then dropping a season and getting lucky with timmy, they waste alot of names and alot of picks) look at championship roster bigs, for the most part every yr. we have a 7fter. next to tim, and then someone in the FO says (nah rasho,nazr,elson, etc aint good enough anymore), lets find someone better, and every yr. it seems here we go again.(only this yr we go with the guy pop has been either torching or trying to get for the last 3 yrs it seems, the giant 6'9 almost 40 kurt thomas)......imo theses are all good signs the spurs FO have something good waiting for us, and god willing its coming soon

The paragraph is your friend. People don't read big chunks of writing like the above. So if you want your opinion heard...

[VaSpursFan]

I'm questioning the idea that letting Gist go to Europe was part of the Spurs plan. Wasn't it obvious that he could come in and help on some level with shotblocking and rebounding, in other words, the things we sorely lack?

Either the Spurs were asleep at the wheel, or they low-balled him with a contract offer which then set him off to look for more money in Europe. Are they suck single taskers that they can't deal with Pargo and Gist at the same time?

think about it, the spurs still own Gist's rights so it's not like the Spurs gave up on him. it's a draft and stash with an American player versus a European player. this likely indicates that the Spurs are interested in someone who is more NBA ready and will add them via trade or free agency. it's not all doom and gloom but indicates to me that the Spurs are about to do some wheeling and dealing.

[Bruno]

The article linked in the first post has been updated.
They now said that Spurs will send members of theirs staff to follow Gist at various moments of the season.
Gist has signed with this team with Spurs' agreement. Spurs likely didn't want to spend time, money and a roster spot on Gist this year.

[lefty]

http://media.komonews.com/images/070606_sam_presti.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0ckx5Av5Nn8Jz/610x.jpg

http://www.sealclubbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/sonics.jpg

[Indazone]

BONZI WELLS AND EDDY CURRY!!! HERE COME THE SPURS lol

[TheProfessor]

Wow. The 57th drafted player and people are jumping off bridges.

[timvp]

:pctoss

When the Spurs drafted Gist, I'm sure the plan was to send him to Europe. Reports came out early in summer league that Gist had agreed to go to Europe even before the draft, which has to be part of the reason the Spurs drafted him.

But I'm just perplexed on why the Spurs followed through and told him to go to Europe. In summer league, honestly he was better than Mahinmi. He was also better than Tolliver. Heck, he was the best player on the team. Not only that, his attributes are almost exactly what the Spurs need -- athletic 3/4, who can rebound, block shots, hustle and be productive without the ball.

I never thought Gist was going to be a huge producer this season for the Spurs but developing in Austin while being given a few token minutes here and there in San Antonio sounded like a perfect plan. Hustle players who rely on athleticism usually don't need much seasoning time. It's not like Gist is going to go to Europe and come back as a skill player. He's going to remain a hustling, athletic player who could help a team with energy off the bench.

I guess the Spurs just want to get as small and as unathletic as possible. Gist didn't allow that to continue so he had to go.

[venitian navigator]

At this point, looks like a "change of plans..." about the young way!
I don't think we'll be able to sign Pargo (N.O. can offer just a little bit more than us), but however it's possible...and, in case, he should be an big improvement considering the guy he's gonna replace (Stoudemire)
I wouldn't be surprised if, at the end, we have the some guys of last year with only Hill (in place of D.M. Jhonson) and Mason (in place of Barry) like the new faces...and a last minute choice beetween Tolliver and Horry for the last spot available (with Gist and Hairston playing in Europe for developing their skills and make experience).
So, if we sign Pargo, Finley (and Hill), the 15 ones are :


P.M. : Parker -(Pargo) - Voughn
G. : Mason - Manu - (Hill)
F. : Bowen - Udoka - (Finley)
P.F. : Duncan - Bonner - Tolliver (Horry)
C. : Oberto - Mahinmi - Thomas

The good thing about that is we have six guys in the back court than can carry the ball, defend in a more than decent way and shoot (Hill was known as a shooter before summer league)...and all the six "bigs" look like "intercheangeble" at the P.F./C position.

So, I suspect that the idea is to play a lot of small ball with manu more and more like a small forward...and Udoka and Finley playing the four.

Problems ? definitely rebounding ... and points in the paint.
That's 'cause we don't have a very strong small forward, and I can't see Duncan and Thomas and Bonner and Oberto playing too much in the same line up (it would be too slow).

Only Solution available I see for that team ? a very good season by Mahinmi

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Which league is at a higher level: the D-League or the league Gist is in now?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

think about it, the spurs still own Gist's rights so it's not like the Spurs gave up on him. it's a draft and stash with an American player versus a European player. this likely indicates that the Spurs are interested in someone who is more NBA ready and will add them via trade or free agency. it's not all doom and gloom but indicates to me that the Spurs are about to do some wheeling and dealing.

The problem is you don't draft and stash when you need help now.

PF depth chart:

Duncan
Mahinmi
Bonner
Tolliver

C depth chart:

Thomas
Duncan
Oberto

SF depth chart:

Bowen
Udoka

(Bowen getting old, Udoka not exactly fleet of foot).

We're still at the same place we have been - scarce depth at the 3 and 4 after Tim and Bowen (and both are starting to show signs of aging).

The Spurs need some youth and athleticism at both positions. Pop needs to get out of his stubborn rut of only thinking players with 25 years experience should be in his rotation, or we're going to be treated to watching the Big 3 + Bowen break down near the end of the season/post-season for the remainder of the TD era with nothing to show for it.

It's also maddening to see such a gaping hole at the 3, and then the one kid who shows a pulse at the position (Gist) gets shipped off to Europe.

The Spurs better have a significant trade to address the 3/4 positions in the works, or this off-season will go down as one of the worst of the Tim Duncan era.

[TheProfessor]

Which league is at a higher level: the D-League or the league Gist is in now?
Have to be the Italian league.

[TheProfessor]

The problem is you don't draft and stash when you need help now.
Gist wasn't going to help now. He can't compete at the 4 on any regular basis, and his skill level is relatively undeveloped to play on the wing.

[timvp]

The stupidest thing about this is that let's say Gist plays extremely well in Europe next season. He then will have European teams offering him a couple million dollars per season to stay. And since he's already done a season in Europe, he'd be much more likely to stay. The Spurs could then end up having to waste MLE money on him down the line. Or perhaps they won't want to give MLE money to a second round pick and will let him stay over there until they trade his rights.

Great thinking, Spurs. Play with fire once again. How could that ever go wrong?

:cuss

[zepn]

Wow.

Hill was so bad the Spurs are picking at the rotten remains of free agency for a decent backup point guard.

Gist went from being good enough to contribute to a perrenial championship contender to... signing with something called "Pallacanestro", which must be Italian for "don't call us..."

[tp2021]

I hope this is a sign of a move being made soon since they really wanted that roster spot for someone else.

Hmm....trading hill for someone to take gist's spot, and signing pargo to take hill's spot....

[Borosai]

***** ****!

(to be continued...)

[lurker23]

I think this move makes it clear that the Spurs saw something in Gist's game that wasn't ready yet, something that needed at least a year of development. Based on what I saw from him in Salt Lake, my best guess would be that he needs to develop the skills to play the 3. At this point if they put him in the 3 slot, he's basically a 4 playing out of position. Yes, he's definitely an energy and hustle guy who can grab some boards, but is it worth it to put him on the floor if he either has to be an undersized 4, which could make him a liability on the defensive end, or an inexperienced 3, which could often make him out of position on the offensive end? I think he would have done fine as a small ball 4, but no doubt the Spurs want to give Udoka and Bonner/Tolliver a chance to fill that role. (Even if Bonner is tall, whenever you put a big man out there who plays a lot beyond the 3 point line, it has a lot of similarities to a small ball lineup.)

As for sending him to Europe instead of Austin, I assume it comes down to the roster spot. The roster flexibility of only carrying 14 guys is underrated at times, as it makes it easy to sign 10-day contracts to fill holes due to injuries, and it gives you more flexibility to make trades that bring in more guys than you send out. (Yes, you can always waive guys to make roster room for trades, but then maybe you end up waiving someone you really wanted to keep...say, James Gist.)

[urunobili]

I think this move makes it clear that the Spurs saw something in Gist's game that wasn't ready yet, something that needed at least a year of development. Based on what I saw from him in Salt Lake, my best guess would be that he needs to develop the skills to play the 3. At this point if they put him in the 3 slot, he's basically a 4 playing out of position. Yes, he's definitely an energy and hustle guy who can grab some boards, but is it worth it to put him on the floor if he either has to be an undersized 4, which could make him a liability on the defensive end, or an inexperienced 3, which could often make him out of position on the offensive end? I think he would have done fine as a small ball 4, but no doubt the Spurs want to give Udoka and Bonner/Tolliver a chance to fill that role. (Even if Bonner is tall, whenever you put a big man out there who plays a lot beyond the 3 point line, it has a lot of similarities to a small ball lineup.)
What guarantee do we have that he'll play the 3 in europe? :wow

[Solid D]

What guarantee do we have that he'll play the 3 in europe? :wow

He played the 4 primarily in Summer League.

[SPURSGOAT]

This is the worst news next to Maggette going with the Warriors... We need Gist NOW!

DAMN IT!!!! I will be even more upset if he never joins the Spurs in a year or two...

I don't understand this why not just send him to the Toros so he can at least learn the Spurs system...

:bang:bang:bang:depressed

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Gist wasn't going to help now. He can't compete at the 4 on any regular basis, and his skill level is relatively undeveloped to play on the wing.

Ya, energy players never help a team.

Signed,

Malik Rose
Anderson Varejao
Julian Wright
Jason Maxiell
Sasha Vujacic

You don't think Gist could have played spot minutes at the fourth, but think Ian, Tolliver, and Bonner can? LMAO! Gist was better than Ian in every aspect this summer, yet one got outsourced to Europe, the other will be on our roster this year. Stupid.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I think this move makes it clear that the Spurs saw something in Gist's game that wasn't ready yet, something that needed at least a year of development. Based on what I saw from him in Salt Lake, my best guess would be that he needs to develop the skills to play the 3. At this point if they put him in the 3 slot, he's basically a 4 playing out of position. Yes, he's definitely an energy and hustle guy who can grab some boards, but is it worth it to put him on the floor if he either has to be an undersized 4, which could make him a liability on the defensive end, or an inexperienced 3, which could often make him out of position on the offensive end? I think he would have done fine as a small ball 4, but no doubt the Spurs want to give Udoka and Bonner/Tolliver a chance to fill that role. (Even if Bonner is tall, whenever you put a big man out there who plays a lot beyond the 3 point line, it has a lot of similarities to a small ball lineup.)

As for sending him to Europe instead of Austin, I assume it comes down to the roster spot. The roster flexibility of only carrying 14 guys is underrated at times, as it makes it easy to sign 10-day contracts to fill holes due to injuries, and it gives you more flexibility to make trades that bring in more guys than you send out. (Yes, you can always waive guys to make roster room for trades, but then maybe you end up waiving someone you really wanted to keep...say, James Gist.)

The only thing that was bad about Gist is that he's under the age of 30, which is a problem with Pop unless you're an unabashed All-Star in the making at a position of need (like Parker).

Pop is getting as bad as Larry Brown, can't have anyone in our rotation that hasn't been in the league for a good 5-6 years already...

[remingtonbo2001]

:depressed

[SPURSGOAT]

I went from "excited" to seeing Hill and Gist play next season to "pissed off" in the past couple of days...especially now reading this thread.

Hill will probably end up with the Toros or get traded if we get Pargo. Hill and Gist were the only things exciting about the whole off-season for the Spurs... besides all the speculation that we might land Maggette...

Guess I should change my sig and avatar.. god damn this fucking sux! no Gist... :bang:depressed

[TheProfessor]

Ya, energy players never help a team.

Signed,

Malik Rose
Anderson Varejao
Julian Wright
Jason Maxiell
Sasha Vujacic

You don't think Gist could have played spot minutes at the fourth, but think Ian, Tolliver, and Bonner can? LMAO! Gist was better than Ian in every aspect this summer, yet one got outsourced to Europe, the other will be on our roster this year. Stupid.
A handful of games in SL is not sufficient for decision-making. He could have played some spot minutes, but I doubt he even would have gotten those. In Europe, I think he'll be able to play meaningful minutes working on combo-forward skills that will further his development, probably more than getting sent to the Toros. There is some risk in that with the market as is, as others have pointed out, but it will make him a much better player, so it's worth the risk as a long-term investment.

[timvp]

What guarantee do we have that he'll play the 3 in europe? :wowYeah, that's my question as well. He'll be playing with Trent Plaisted, who likes to hang out on the perimeter at times. Gist will most likely end up playing PF and even some C.

The only way to guarantee him getting run at SF would be if the Spurs were in control. Too bad the Spurs don't have some sort of developmental team to send him to where they can have him work on his weaknesses in a controlled environment. That'd be nice.

[Bruno]

I don't think Spurs plan is to turn Gist into a SF. He played PF in SL and should play PF in Italy.
Spurs' FO obviously wasn't as high as some people on this board about him.

[TheProfessor]

Spurs' FO obviously wasn't as high as some people on this board about him.
That's probably what it comes down to. Watch what happens if Hairston makes the roster, there will be a meltdown.

[SPURSGOAT]

so does this mean they like Hairston more than Gist and Hill if he ends up on the roster!? Better chance now of Tolliver being on the roster.

[Hemotivo]

Gist went from being good enough to contribute to a perrenial championship contender to... signing with something called "Pallacanestro", which must be Italian for "don't call us..."

:lmao

[SPURSGOAT]

Watch what happens if Hairston makes the roster, there will be a meltdown.

Your damn right there will be... damn! :ihit

[timvp]

I don't think Spurs plan is to turn Gist into a SF. He played PF in SL and should play PF in Italy.
Spurs' FO obviously wasn't as high as some people on this board about him.Well obviously some people here went overboard in their evaluation of Gist but sending him to Europe doesn't automatically mean they aren't high on him.

A scenario that is pretty likely is that the Spurs don't think they'll have room for him in DLeague. Hill looked like a player who needed a year or two in DLeague. Mahinmi, sadly enough, looks like he needs another year in DLeague. And then Tolliver may end up in DLeague as well. Trying to rotate in a fourth player into DLeague would have been pretty much impossible.

Gist could have been caught in a numbers game if the Spurs think Hill and Mahinmi need more DLeague time ... which after summer league, wouldn't be surprising at all. If Hill and Mahinmi would have wowed, the Spurs wouldn't be looking at Pargo and signing Gist would have made more sense since the DLeague spots wouldn't be as cluttered.

[hater]

I am starting to agree w/ppl saying this offseason is the worst in a while:
1. Splitter tells Spurs to fuck off
2. We fail to sign Maggette
3. Hill is a way underachieving draft pick
4. Mahinmi does not show clear signs of improvement
5. Let the Gist go to Italy

:pctoss

[tav1]

Well obviously some people here went overboard in their evaluation of Gist but sending him to Europe doesn't automatically mean they aren't high on him.

A scenario that is pretty likely is that the Spurs don't think they'll have room for him in DLeague. Hill looked like a player who needed a year or two in DLeague. Mahinmi, sadly enough, looks like he needs another year in DLeague. And then Tolliver may end up in DLeague as well. Trying to rotate in a fourth player into DLeague would have been pretty much impossible.

Gist could have been caught in a numbers game if the Spurs think Hill and Mahinmi need more DLeague time ... which after summer league, wouldn't be surprising at all. If Hill and Mahinmi would have wowed, the Spurs wouldn't be looking at Pargo and signing Gist would have made more sense since the DLeague spots wouldn't be as cluttered.

This leaves the Spurs pretty thin up front-- I agree that Mahinmi is likely a slated for D-League time. Hill to D-League makes a little more sense of Pargo, but I have to believe that the Spurs have something else in the offing.

[manufor3]

Wow. The 57th drafted player and people are jumping off bridges.

he was a little bit of a steal at 57, i had him going at 48

[TheProfessor]

he was a little bit of a steal at 57, i had him going at 48
Don't get me wrong, great value for that pick. But still, a little perspective.

[Bruno]

Gist could have been caught in a numbers game if the Spurs think Hill and Mahinmi need more DLeague time.

I'm not sure Spurs think that Mahinmi needs more D-League time. While Spurs are said to be after another PG, there has been few rumors about them being after a PF.

So either Spurs think that Bonner being Spurs' most athletic big outside Duncan is a good thing or Spurs think that Mahinmi could help them next year.

IMO, Gist hasn't been signed because of Mahinmi. Spurs still had on athletic PF under contract with Mahinmi and they didn't want to sign another one that wasn't an upgrade over the one they had under contract.

[hater]

Duncan is not athletic at all

[I. Hustle]

I heard Gist was moving the Spurs to Europe

[xtremesteven33]

they could re-sign Horry as well.

Devin Brown anyone?

[Supergirl]

i dont trust in the FO anymore. it's started last year when they give up on Scola for nothing - move that cost us a championship(Scola was the thing that we miss in the lakers series).
they fail to sign Splitter.
in the draft they fuck up and select a second round tipe PG and only now they see that he is not even good enough to be a back up PG and they look for another PG - Pargo to be the back up - what a waste of a first round pick!
they also give up in the draft on players like Richard Hendrix, Bill Walker and DeVon Hardin in the second round.
and now they not able to sign a second round pick.

1. LOL at Scola being the "missing piece" this year. You could argue that Manu's injury kept us from a championship a lot more effectively. But there's nothing Scola could have done that Tim Duncan couldn't do BETTER that would have helped us against the Lakers.

2. Time will tell on Hill. I haven't seen the FO so confident about a draft pick since Parker and Manu, and they we certainly right about those two. So, I'm going to trust their judgment until I see otherwise.

3. Not signing Gist this year doesn't mean we won't get him next year, if we want him. It was never clear whether he's NBA-ready this year anyway. Not signing Splitter was the result of the same economic downturn that send Childress, Arroyo, Boykins, etc overseas.

[timvp]

I'm not sure Spurs think that Mahinmi needs more D-League time. While Spurs are said to be after another PG, there has been few rumors about them being after a PF.The Spurs are only going after Pargo now because Najera turned them down. Najera = PF.


IMO, Gist hasn't been signed because of Mahinmi. Spurs still had on athletic PF under contract with Mahinmi and they didn't want to sign another one that wasn't an upgrade over the one they had under contract.Mahinmi sure did a good job of making it difficult to figure out which of the two was supposed to be the better prospect.

[xtremesteven33]

Spurstalk is hilarious

[Bruno]

The Spurs are only going after Pargo now because Najera turned them down. Najera = PF.


First, Najera isn't really the same kind of big than Mahinmi/Gist. Spurs going after Najera was more a sign that they didn't like Bonner.

Second, Spurs went after Najera before SL. Mahinmi not being that good during SL has nothing to do with Spurs going after Najera while Spurs going after Pargo could be because Hill has been so-so in SL.

[benefactor]

they could re-sign Horry as well.

Devin Brown anyone?
"Oh somebody kill me please..."

[jag]

So much for the Gist-mania going on over here....i guess he gets to be "phenomenal" in Italy.

[xtremesteven33]

"Oh somebody kill me please..."


:makemyday

[Solid D]

The Spurs are only going after Pargo now because Najera turned them down. Najera = PF.

Maybe, maybe not.

....And never eliminate the obscure head-scratcher move by the Spurs FO that leads to a thousand "worst move ever" posts, another thousand "IMO, remains to be seen" posts and a few "let me be the first to tell you this will work" posts.

[DANILO DRASKOVIC]

not the worst idea
Will Bynum, Will Solomon, Tarence Kinsey, Bobby Brown, Ben Wallace, Ryan Bowen, and Bonner (even though lots of you hate him) have all improved their game in Europe and came back to the NBA
But the problem is will he come back if he's getting bigger offers in Euro?
Well, that's a personality issue that the Spurs should have looked into first.
...but you can always say one thing, and do something else (just ask magic fans about Fran Vasquez)

[timvp]

First, Najera isn't really the same kind of big than Mahinmi/Gist. Spurs going after Najera was more a sign that they didn't like Bonner.Could be but it's not like the Spurs have had a big like Mahinmi that they try to replace on a yearly basis. It could be just a big replace a big.


Second, Spurs went after Najera before SL. Mahinmi not being that good during SL has nothing to do with Spurs going after Najera while Spurs going after Pargo could be because Hill has been so-so in SL.Najera ended up signing after Vegas was over, so the Spurs had time to pull back their offer if they thought they had the answer in SL. Plus, the Spurs had the players in working out before summer league started so hard to figure out if the chicken or egg was first.

[timvp]

....And never eliminate the obscure head-scratcher move by the Spurs FO that leads to a thousand "worst move ever" posts, another thousand "IMO, remains to be seen" posts and a few "let me be the first to tell you this will work" posts.Hopefully this doesn't one day replace the Jacob Riis quote.

:depressed

[kobyz]

1. LOL at Scola being the "missing piece" this year. You could argue that Manu's injury kept us from a championship a lot more effectively. But there's nothing Scola could have done that Tim Duncan couldn't do BETTER that would have helped us against the Lakers.

2. Time will tell on Hill. I haven't seen the FO so confident about a draft pick since Parker and Manu, and they we certainly right about those two. So, I'm going to trust their judgment until I see otherwise.

3. Not signing Gist this year doesn't mean we won't get him next year, if we want him. It was never clear whether he's NBA-ready this year anyway. Not signing Splitter was the result of the same economic downturn that send Childress, Arroyo, Boykins, etc overseas.


1. i truly think that with Scola we would have beat the Lakers, he would have helped us with his rebound and gave us another scoring threat.

2. in the best scenario Hill will be a back up PG and play a 15 minutes per game, a back up PG that play 15 minutes per game can be found in cheap in the FA or even in the second round of the draft, a back up PG is not an high need because we have Parker who is young and play 30+ minutes per game.
we were had the possibility to take Donte Green for example who could have been our 3 for the future.

[lurker23]

What guarantee do we have that he'll play the 3 in europe? :wow

None, really. The only thing the Spurs can do is put some pressure on the team when they go to make their periodic visits, but that's probably a bit optimistic that the Spurs would have that kind of influence.

If the Spurs want Gist to play the 4 in the NBA (which is also a possibility), then he needs to put on 20-30 pounds to help him play better defense in the post. That is also something that isn't going to happen overnight.

[MannyIsGod]

I don't usually meltdown on the front office, but what the fuck are they doing? Maybe they have a plan, but everything they've done so far is so jumbled and confusing that I don't really understand what the fuck their end game is.

[Solid D]

It's the "James Curse". Ever since James Silas ruined his knee, nobody named James has prospered for the Spurs.

James Eakins 16 games in 1977
James Johnstone 6 games in 1982
James White! 6 games in 2006-07
James Gist! 0 games Pallacanestro in 2008-09, Outer Slobovia in 2009-2020

[Supergirl]

1. i truly think that with Scola we would have beat the Lakers, he would have helped us with his rebound and gave us another scoring threat.

2. in the best scenario Hill will be a back up PG and play a 15 minutes per game, a back up PG that play 15 minutes per game can be found in cheap in the FA or even in the second round of the draft, a back up PG is not an high need because we have Parker who is young and play 30+ minutes per game.
we were had the possibility to take Donte Green for example who could have been our 3 for the future.

We'll have to agree to disagree on #1. Scola plays the same position as Duncan - PF or undersized C. Duncan has been very clear that he works better with someone who can play a more traditional C role - anchor the D, look for putbacks, rebound. Oberto and Thomas play that role, albeit with less size than Robinson did. No other Cs we've had since Robinson have fit that role better, the FO has spent a lot of time looking, any will probably continue to do so throughout Duncan's career. But Scola will never be as good as Duncan, so letting him walk (although, to a division rival was not ideal) had to happen. I don't think Scola would fit in well with the Duncan-era Spurs, this year or any year.

[duncan228]

...I don't really understand what the fuck their end game is.

I don't understand it all either. But I have faith that there is an end game. And I'm okay going on that faith, this organization has brought 4 Titles home. They're doing something right and I don't believe they'll screw up Duncan's last years.

[Indazone]

None, really. The only thing the Spurs can do is put some pressure on the team when they go to make their periodic visits, but that's probably a bit optimistic that the Spurs would have that kind of influence.

If the Spurs want Gist to play the 4 in the NBA (which is also a possibility), then he needs to put on 20-30 pounds to help him play better defense in the post. That is also something that isn't going to happen overnight.

If you "had" Scola :lol

It would have been Duncan at Center, Scola at PF, and Bowen at SF. A very formidable front line. I never pigeonhole players into positions. You always put your 5 best players on the court no matter what.

[Indazone]

Time to start looking at Bonzi and Curry seriously again :toast

Bonzi gets you extra possessions and rebounds. And he is a good inside passer and slasher to the basket.

Curry for all his laziness, has really improved. Now he only gets completely owned by Yao Ming and Duncan. He can hold his own as roughly about a 5-10 highest scoring Center in the NBA. Yeah he played for a cancerous team the Knicks. I think he does better with better teammates.

Curry’s averages have certainly dropped this year. But when you examine his per-40 minute averages, Curry’s drop off is not that significant. He averaged 35 minutes per game last season, but with the addition of Zach Randolph and the continued improvement of David Lee, he is playing just 27 minutes per game this year.
Last year, Curry averaged 19.5 points per game, or 22.1 points/40 minutes. This year, his average has dropped to 14.0 points per game, which translates to 20.5 points/40 minutes. Curry is taking two less shots per game than last season, so the drop-off is minimal.
Curry is also averaging two less rebounds per game than last year, grabbing 5.1 boards per night this season. In terms of rebounds per 40 minutes, however, Curry’s average has dropped by just 0.6 rebounds, hardly surprising given the presence of Randolph.
And Curry, who was a disaster taking care of the ball last year has dropped his turnover average from 3.6 per game to 2.1. According to ESPN's John Hollinger, only 13.9% of Curry's possessions are ending in turnovers, compared to 17.7% from last year.

Nonetheless, when Curry’s name was announced as a starter, the Madison Square Garden faithful booed.
Curry responded with 24 points, his highest total since Nov. 21.
“I don’t think I needed a message,” Curry said about his benching to the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/03/sports/basketball/03starters.html?ref=basketball). “But I got it, though. He could have told me. I respond well to conversation as well.”

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2008/01/03/nba-what-to-make-of-eddy-curry.aspx

[spurs50_]

The front office is out to lunch.

[xtremesteven33]

I don't understand it all either. But I have faith that there is an end game. And I'm okay going on that faith, this organization had brought 4 Titles home. They're doing something right and I don't believe they'll screw up Duncan's last years.



i guess common sense goes to few people here....:toast

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

A handful of games in SL is not sufficient for decision-making.

Well, it was apparently enough for the Spurs to send him to Europe. Why isn't it okay for me to argue he could help, but it's okay for the Spurs to think he isn't ready?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

First, Najera isn't really the same kind of big than Mahinmi/Gist. Spurs going after Najera was more a sign that they didn't like Bonner.

Second, Spurs went after Najera before SL. Mahinmi not being that good during SL has nothing to do with Spurs going after Najera while Spurs going after Pargo could be because Hill has been so-so in SL.

The problem is, we all saw Ian play. I have a sinking feeling this is going to turn into another Beno experiment, where Pop and R.C. play the guy and keep him around just because they aren't willing to admit they fucked up for another 3 years or so...

It's getting clearer by the day that all the brains in the front office left with Presti and to a lesser extent Pritchard. And people better not hang this all on Buford, Pop is just as responsible for this clusterF of an off-season.

[remingtonbo2001]

Okay, when does the Euro season end?

If Gist does well and is finished with the Euro season by mid-March, do you think the Spurs consider bringing him over?

[coopdogg3]

Okay, when does the Euro season end?

If Gist does well and is finished with the Euro season by mid-March, do you think the Spurs consider bringing him over?

Well I don't know when it ends, but their season isn't that long. So there should be some time between the end of his season in Italy and the Spurs NBA season.


The season consists of a home-and-away schedule of 34 games, followed by an eight-team playoff round. Quarter-finals and semifinals series are best-of-five, final series is best-of-seven.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serie_A_%28basketball%29

[coopdogg3]

Well, looking at their Italian web-site, it looks like they'll play through May if you go through to the Finals. So Gist may be in Europe for the whole season.

http://195.56.77.208/schedule/

I think that's their whole schedule and the last games are all the way through May - I think.

[timvp]

The problem is, we all saw Ian play. I have a sinking feeling this is going to turn into another Beno experiment, where Pop and R.C. play the guy and keep him around just because they aren't willing to admit they fucked up for another 3 years or so...

It's getting clearer by the day that all the brains in the front office left with Presti and to a lesser extent Pritchard. And people better not hang this all on Buford, Pop is just as responsible for this clusterF of an off-season.Not that I disagree with everything you posted but Mahinmi was 100% a Presti pick. You can't bash Mahinmi in one paragraph and then praise Presti in the next paragraph.

And Presti's first rounder just signed in Europe for three years, so can't really say Presti would have done any different in terms of Gist.

[hater]

Well, looking at their Italian web-site, it looks like they'll play through May if you go through to the Finals. So Gist may be in Europe for the whole season.

http://195.56.77.208/schedule/

I think that's their whole schedule and the last games are all the way through May - I think.

Gist = MVP of the Euroleague

[|AiE|illuzioN]

There is so much talent poping up everywhere these days...

I bet we will have another chance on getting a player that we dream for soon!

[Bruno]

The problem is, we all saw Ian play. I have a sinking feeling this is going to turn into another Beno experiment, where Pop and R.C.


So because you have a "sinking feeling" based on less than 5 summer league games, Spurs should give up on Mahinmi ?

Saying that Gist>>>> Mahinmi after some SL games is a huge reach.
First, it's SL games. Second, it's not like Mahinmi has been horrible in these games and Gist outstanding.

[DPG21920]

The article linked in the first post has been updated.
They now said that Spurs will send members of theirs staff to follow Gist at various moments of the season.
Gist has signed with this team with Spurs' agreement. Spurs likely didn't want to spend time, money and a roster spot on Gist this year.


The stupidest thing about this is that let's say Gist plays extremely well in Europe next season. He then will have European teams offering him a couple million dollars per season to stay. And since he's already done a season in Europe, he'd be much more likely to stay. The Spurs could then end up having to waste MLE money on him down the line. Or perhaps they won't want to give MLE money to a second round pick and will let him stay over there until they trade his rights.

Great thinking, Spurs. Play with fire once again. How could that ever go wrong?

:cuss

Could the Spurs not have "asked" Gist to just play for the Toros on a "handshake" agreement? I mean, they would have his rights still. Not everyone on the Toros rights are held by the Spurs correct? I guess that would not be fair to Gist though if he is making more money in Italy.

Tim is right, the plan all along was to send Gist to Europe. That was reported the first day of SL. Just because he had a nice SL, does not mean you abandon the plan. They have to be making other moves, so lets just wait and see.

We will all look back and laugh in 2 months...hopefully

[TheProfessor]

Well, it was apparently enough for the Spurs to send him to Europe. Why isn't it okay for me to argue he could help, but it's okay for the Spurs to think he isn't ready?
Because they've watched more film on him, they've worked with him in two-a-day practices, they've seen his talent level and readiness up close, and they may be evaluating players differently than Spurs' fans (ie, things other than SL statistics). I'm going to give the FO more credibility on personnel moves than ST posters most of the time, you're free to argue otherwise and laugh at me if proven right. This is not to say he won't help in the future, just not next year.

[completely deck]

I don't get it, last year we'd have games where we'd be on this embarrassing quarter long droughts, the front office goes to fix that with scorers and you guys complain? What low post game stopped us last year? Certainly wasn't Odom or Shaq.

[coopdogg3]

Because they've watched more film on him, they've worked with him in two-a-day practices, they've seen his talent level and readiness up close, and they may be evaluating players differently than Spurs' fans (ie, things other than SL statistics). I'm going to give the FO more credibility on personnel moves than ST posters most of the time, you're free to argue otherwise and laugh at me if proven right. This is not to say he won't help in the future, just not next year.

I think Gist will help this year - Italy is well within his shooting range.

[cheguevara]

I don't get it, last year we'd have games where we'd be on this embarrassing quarter long droughts, the front office goes to fix that with scorers and you guys complain?

which scorers are these you talk about?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Gist = MVP of the Euroleague

He does not play in Euroleague. He cannot be MVP of league he not play in.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lmao :lmao :lmao For some reason, KBP with that sig just makes me laugh my ass off.

[baseline bum]

Does this mean RC goes back to Rob on his hands and knees?

[TheProfessor]

Does this mean RC goes back to Rob on his hands and knees?
No, it just means Tolliver has a far better chance of sticking.

[Spurs Brazil]

I think Gist would compete against Tolliver for a spot, but for some reason the Spurs already chose Tolliver.

[angelbelow]

hmmm darn it.

[BWS-1994]

Hope Italy turns The Gist into more of a beast!

Are the Spurs interested in adding a long, taller 3? Haven't read much about this of late.

[angelbelow]

i just hope the spurs and gist have some sort of verbal agreement or he has a buyout so he could come sometime in the future and that hes over there to develop. if hes lost for good that would be terrible.

[Kori Ellis]

I think Gist would compete against Tolliver for a spot, but for some reason the Spurs already chose Tolliver.

I think Tolliver's contract is only a small partial guarantee (like Rich Melzer a couple years back). So the Spurs aren't that committed to him either.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I think Tolliver's contract is only a small partial guarantee (like Rich Melzer a couple years back). So the Spurs aren't that committed to him either.
That's pretty weird since the Spurs signed him for 2 years. Can a contract longer than 1 year be partially guaranteed?

[TheProfessor]

i just hope the spurs and gist have some sort of verbal agreement or he has a buyout so he could come sometime in the future and that hes over there to develop. if hes lost for good that would be terrible.
If they're sending scouts over periodically to check on his development, I think we can assume that's the case.

[Kori Ellis]

That's pretty weird since the Spurs signed him for 2 years. Can a contract longer than 1 year be partially guaranteed?

Yes. He's guaranteed something like $50-100K for the first year (I'm guessing ... maybe $150K) and the second year is not guaranteed and becomes a team option if they end up guranteeing the full first year.

[Spurs Brazil]

That's pretty weird since the Spurs signed him for 2 years. Can a contract longer than 1 year be partially guaranteed?

Yes it can.

If I not wrong D.Brown and Jax got those type of deals

[024]

there had been a lot of talk that the spurs were going to send gist to europe anyways. if this was the spurs idea, sending gist to europe would only destroy any chance of him ever becoming a combo SF/PF because gist would be only used as a PF in europe. spurs also have to realize that sending people to europe or the toros should only be used on players who have very little experience, not players who already know how to play the game. gist spent four years playing NCAA basketball and the only way he can develop more is through NBA experience.

[lotr1trekkie]

TD, Fab or Kurt, Tony, Bruce and Mason are starters. Who is the first BIG off the bench the way Horry did for 4 years? If not Mahimni than who? Who comes in for Mason? A second unit of Manu, Vaughn, Mahimni, Fab or Thomas & and Finley just doesn't get it done. I hope the FO has another move in mind! The Spurs need another Horry or just bring him back until someone proves they can contribute the way he did.

[ceperez]

This is probably okay -- they'll retain rights and bring him over next year. The extreeeeemely slow way of developing players.

It is within the realm of possibility that the Spurs actually encouraged Gist to sign up with an Italian. He'll get good exposure to the European style of play, at the same time, we still will hold his rights.

If he went to the D-league then I guess we would have renounced our rights.

[tlongII]

At least some of the Spurs' FO members got promotions this off-season!

:lmao

[hater]

He does not play in Euroleague. He cannot be MVP of league he not play in.

you clearly underestimate The Gist's capabilities

[urunobili]

you obviously underestimate The Gist's capabilities

time to change your sig hater

[hater]

time to change your sig hater

blasphemer!!

I wonder if my sig will work with "The Tolliver"

[weebo]

Now what? People around here keep saying the FO has something brewing but I highly doubt it. RC and POP are doing a really good job of fucking this team up.

[completely deck]

Now what? People around here keep saying the FO has something brewing but I highly doubt it. RC and POP are doing a really good job of fucking this team up.

Oh ye of little faith.

[DPG21920]

You have to be patient. If when the season starts you do not like the team, then make your judgments, but until then just wait.

[wildbill2u]

I worry that if Gist has a good year over there if he will become one of those players that wind up stuck in the Europ league because they'll offer him more salary + benefits to stay over there long term.

I think a lot of non-sure thing players are going to be in that situation where they can't afford to come back to the US and the NBA salary.

We may never get him back. It may not be a big loss if the FO didn't think enough of him to sign him up this summer, but who knows.

[ducks]

Well, it was apparently enough for the Spurs to send him to Europe. Why isn't it okay for me to argue he could help, but it's okay for the Spurs to think he isn't ready?

because you arenot a nba scout

[weebo]

I worry that if Gist has a good year over there if he will become one of those players that wind up stuck in the Europ league because they'll offer him more salary + benefits to stay over there long term.

I think a lot of non-sure thing players are going to be in that situation where they can't afford to come back to the US and the NBA salary.

We may never get him back. It may not be a big loss if the FO didn't think enough of him to sign him up this summer, but who knows.

Well now we'll never really know how good this guy could have been. If he has a good year in Italy, I'm sure he'll get offers from other Euro clubs.

[AusSpursFan]

what was the point in buying the Toros to assist with player development if you are not going to use them?

[TheProfessor]

what was the point in buying the Toros to assist with player development if you are not going to use them?
Perhaps the Spurs have two players in mind that they want in Austin at least some of the season.

[T Park]

what was the point in buying the Toros to assist with player development if you are not going to use them?

this way he develops for a season u keep his rights and u don't pay him.

[I. Hustle]

I knew that huge "Gist...phenomenal" thread was gonna be a jinx

I feel partially responsible

[Brutalis]

Typical fuck up Spurs.

[zepn]

I had Pallacanestro once. A shot of Penicillin cleared it right up.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

because you arenot a nba scout

And your point is? In case you hadn't noticed, our scouts have been doing a pretty shitty job when it comes to collegiate talent.

But then again you think Lebron and Manu are both overrated, so excuse me if I don't put much stock in your talent evaluation capabilities.

[DPG21920]

Well here is the real question for Ducks: do you think that Lebron and Manu are fantastic players, but just overrated? Or, do you think they suck completely and are overrated in that sense?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Jesus tapdancing Christ, this is total fucking bull shit.

This is without a shadow of a doubt, the most pisspooorly managed offseason of any team this offseason, and of any year in the TD Era. Yet ANOTHER notch on the list of fuckups this summer.
If I didn't know any better I'd say the front office is actually going OUT OF ITS WAY to fuck this offseason up.

[weebo]

The problem is, we all saw Ian play. I have a sinking feeling this is going to turn into another Beno experiment, where Pop and R.C. play the guy and keep him around just because they aren't willing to admit they fucked up for another 3 years or so...

It's getting clearer by the day that all the brains in the front office left with Presti and to a lesser extent Pritchard. And people better not hang this all on Buford, Pop is just as responsible for this clusterF of an off-season.:tu

[weebo]

this way he develops for a season u keep his rights and u don't pay him.

...and all the while we go another year without winning jack.. the big 3 need help now:rolleyes

[TheProfessor]

...and all the while we go another year without winning jack.. the big 3 need help now:rolleyes
James Gist was the secret to winning it all this year? :lol

Seriously, think about what you're saying.

[Obstructed_View]

I think Gist will help this year - Italy is well within his shooting range.

OMFG that is sig worthy. In fact...

By the way, why can't I put a quote in my sig?

[urunobili]

blasphemer!!

I wonder if my sig will work with "The Tolliver"

if you want him also to go to europe... :devil

[John_C]

Sheesh, in a position where we need sufficient help, we tend to fail in filling up. I wonder what's next for the Spurs?

[loveforthegame]

It's getting harder to believe and trust the Spurs will get somthing done after this.

I'll try to be patient and wait for the finished product but they certainly are not inspiring confidence.

[T Park]

...and all the while we go another year without winning jack.. the big 3 need help now:rolleyes

James Gist was not gonna make or break the upcomming season kiddo.

[T Park]

It's getting harder to believe and trust the Spurs will get somthing done after this.

I'll try to be patient and wait for the finished product but they certainly are not inspiring confidence.

Because they didn't hand the roster spot to a raw player who needs seasoning?

Oh yeah.

[mrspurs]

Sorry...I don't read these....

http://www.nelsonideas.com/vacation-travel-to/Great-Wall-of-China.jpg

there is this wise man named macky who has this huge moose overhanging his awesome desk:flag:, (somewhere on the 50acre plus ground the freeman and at@t center sit upon) he wants me told me(while we were looking at some last minute seating configuration the fire marshall was yapping about, i accidently stepped on his boots and said im sorry macky)...me personally im close to 50, and he said, son.......saying sorry is a sign of weakness

[tlongII]

How's the Spurs' youth movement going? :lol

[ShoogarBear]

I heard Gist was moving the Spurs to Europe

:rollin

[AFBlue]

This is just unsettling...

It's not that I think Gist would've been some superstar out of the gate or even contributed much, but this leaves the Spurs with one less option to fill out their roster.

On the one hand I'm glad the Spurs didn't just stand pat and re-sign the aging vets...but on the other hand it's somewhat discomforting not knowing who the Spurs will count on to give them good role-playing minutes next season.

[ShoogarBear]

We don't know if Gist would have worked out this year or not, but he at least had the promise of having the size, athleticism, energy, and youth that the Spurs are in desperate need of.

Now it's back to a season depending on Ian Mahinmi coming through.

I guess the Spurs looked at Carl Landry and Paul Millsap and said, "nah, we don't want none of that right now".

[spurs50_]

Didn't Tim leave money on the table so he can be surrounded with some talent? Maybe the FO is holding its breath until 2010. You know the summer sucks when people get excited about the possibility of signing Pargo.....Maybe CIA POP is up to something, yeah, thats what it is.

[Spurtacus]

I hate this offseason.

[ashbeeigh]

Oh no. This sucks. Thanks for making my Thursday amazing Spurs.

[spurs50_]

Why do I come in here, I must love to be tortured. Come on NFL.

[hater]

I knew that huge "Gist...phenomenal" thread was gonna be a jinx

yup, just like the Ditka thread jinxed Manu.

:pctoss

[hater]

Why do I come in here, I must love to be tortured. Come on NFL.

:lol

[Spurtacus]

Why do I come in here, I must love to be tortured. Come on NFL.

:tu


I think I cursed the Spurs by registering here. Nothing but bad news. :depressed

[stxspurs]

i was looking forward to seeing him play this year

[DPG21920]

Does anyone have a link showing how much the exceptions are worth for this season?

[AFBlue]

Does anyone have a link showing how much the exceptions are worth for this season?

search "trade exceptions" on this website and you should get at least 2 or 3 threads with the info you're looking for

[DPG21920]

I was just looking for a yearly scale

[AFBlue]

I was just looking for a yearly scale

Oh, got you...you meant MLE and LLE.

In that case, I'm not sure but I know it's based on whatever the salary cap is set at.

[DPG21920]

Thanks, I figured as much. Just did not know how they figured it, I think they have it on that Cap FAQ site, so I will look it up.

[DPG21920]

Found it:

MID-LEVEL SALARY EXCEPTION -- This exception allows a team to sign any free agent to a contract equal to the average salary, even if they are over the cap (see question number 24 for the definition of "average salary." Also note that for 2005-06 they used a defined figure of $5 million). This exception may be split and given to multiple players. It may be used for contracts of up to five years in length, and raises are limited to 8% of the salary in the first year of the contract. Signing a player to a multi-year contract does not affect a team's ability to use this exception every year. For example, a team can sign a player to a five-year contract using this exception and still use the exception the following year to sign another player. Also see question number 20 for more information on the availability and use of this exception.

If the player is a restricted free agent with one or two years of service and receives an offer sheet from a new team, the player's prior team may use the Mid-Level exception to match the offer sheet (see question number 36 for restricted free agency).

Here are the actual values of this exception for each season. Note that since this exception is based on the average player salary, the actual value of this exception is not determined until the start of the free agent signing period.

2005-06
$5 million
2006-07
$5.215 million
2007-08
$5.356 million
2008-09 $5.585 million

BI-ANNUAL EXCEPTION -- This exception was previously named the "$1 Million exception" (perhaps "misnamed" is more appropriate, since it was only valued at $1 million in 1998-99). It may be used to sign any free agent to a contract starting at the following amounts:

2005-06
$1.67 million
2006-07
$1.75 million
2007-08 $1.83 million
2008-09 $1.91 million
2009-10 $1.99 million
2010-11
$2.08 million
2011-12
$2.18 million

This exception may not be used two years in a row (and if the $1 Million exception was used in 2004-05, the Bi-Annual exception may not be used in 2005-06). It may be split and given to more than one player, and can be used to sign players for up to two years, with raises limited to 8%. Also see question number 20 for more information on the availability and use of this exception.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

[Marcus Bryant]

Gist was inconsequential on draft night and now he's a lock for Springfield.

Must be August.

[Avitus1]

God Dammit

[Spuradicator]

This is probably okay -- they'll retain rights and bring him over next year. The extreeeeemely slow way of developing players.

+1

I'd rather see him go to Austin

[knee-knee-3]

If most of us are honest, Gist was not even on the radar as a viable option before the draft. To say that Gist would be able to adequately fill the 3/4 and defend people like West and Diaw during his rookie year is quite a leap, and it certainly doesn't fit the Spurs' MO, as of late.

[bigdog]

ahhh who cares?

I think it was unlikely he would have made any type of significant contribution this year anyways. I actually think overseas development is better than playing in the D-League, so let him play over there.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

If most of us are honest, Gist was not even on the radar as a viable option before the draft. To say that Gist would be able to adequately fill the 3/4 and defend people like West and Diaw during his rookie year is quite a leap, and it certainly doesn't fit the Spurs' MO, as of late.

Who gives a shit about who was on anyone's radar on draft night?

The fact is the Spurs drafted the guy, and he played even with our supposed savior Ian. And now he's off to some scrub Euro team.

MOs don't matter, and it's certainly a leap to say the couldn't adequately be a rotation player on a squad with all of Udoka, Bonner, and Tolliver at the 3/4 behind Tim and Bruce.

Damn.

[knee-knee-3]

Who gives a shit about who was on anyone's radar on draft night?

The fact is the Spurs drafted the guy, and he played even with our supposed savior Ian. And now he's off to some scrub Euro team.

MOs don't matter, and it's certainly a leap to say the couldn't adequately be a rotation player on a squad with all of Udoka, Bonner, and Tolliver at the 3/4 behind Tim and Bruce.

Damn.

Ian has never been anyone's supposed savior. Don't lump Ian's SL performance with Gist's apparently hard-on inducing performace. And the MO is an indicator of things to come, and it certainly matters.

[Marcus Garvey]

You people do not deserve Ian Mahinmi.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Interesting development.... I'm still not real happy that Plaisted is not going to be in the Dleague this year, but for Detroit, it was pretty much understood on draft night that a move to Europe was going to happen. And it was mostly for a lack of enough roster spots. So I get why we're doing it. Once Sheed and Dice leave us, we'll be able to pull him back into the fold and have a more seasoned and experienced player that never cost us a roster spot while away. But the Spurs seem to have the roster spots, the cash, and the need for his particular skill set.

I'm wondering if Gist took a roster spot from the Pistons Deron Washington, who's also going to Europe.


The Pistons have been working with Washington’s agent and using their network of European contacts to secure the best situation possible for him and hope to land him with a team in either Italy or Spain soon. Before Washington has to leave for abroad, they hope can take part in some or all of the three weeks of voluntary workouts Michael Curry has scheduled in Auburn Hills for August.

“We sit down (with his European coaches) and say these are the things we think he needs to develop so in time he can come back – that’s the idea,” Perry said. “And it’s important that he has coaches who have shown the willingness and the ability to develop guys. It’s also important that he has the opportunity to play. It makes no sense if he’s not going to get minutes on the floor. That will be an integral part of where he’s going as will the living situation. You want him to have the opportunity to be in a place where he’ll enjoy living a little bit because that will be a part of the adjustment.”

I also wonder how much communication the Spurs and Pistons have been involved in, both sending players to the same team in Italy. I'd imagine the 2 teams scouting depts will be working together watching and giving updates on the other teams player throughout the season.

[tp2021]

You people do not deserve Ian Mahinmi.

"You people"! What do you mean, "you people"?!

[Obstructed_View]

"You people"! What do you mean, "you people"?!

http://affordablehousinginstitute.org/blogs/us/wp-content/uploads/imagesross-perot-small.jpg

[Rynospursfan]

Oh no the sky is falling! First you guys get all hyped up about Jackie Butler and then he turns out to be a fat piece of shit then the all mighty James Gist signs for the big bucks in Europe, who is next Tim Duncan or Lebron James. All this for some turtle picked 57th?

[JPB]

Oh no the sky is falling! First you guys get all hyped up about Jackie Butler and then he turns out to be a fat piece of shit then the all mighty James Gist signs for the big bucks in Europe, who is next Tim Duncan or Lebron James. All this for some turtle picked 57th?

You forgot James freakin' White !

[JPB]

And Robertas "the dream" Javtokas.

[Ice009]

So because you have a "sinking feeling" based on less than 5 summer league games, Spurs should give up on Mahinmi ?

Saying that Gist>>>> Mahinmi after some SL games is a huge reach.
First, it's SL games. Second, it's not like Mahinmi has been horrible in these games and Gist outstanding.

Could it be the competition level in the SL? Some people said that Mahinmi is better that what he showed it in the summer league, that he may have been bored with the competition level and wasn't really focused enough to show his real self?

[Ice009]

We don't know if Gist would have worked out this year or not, but he at least had the promise of having the size, athleticism, energy, and youth that the Spurs are in desperate need of.

Now it's back to a season depending on Ian Mahinmi coming through.

I guess the Spurs looked at Carl Landry and Paul Millsap and said, "nah, we don't want none of that right now".

Well is Gist going to play PF in the NBA? If he is maybe the Spurs want him to bulk up more? I thought I read that George Hill did a lot more reps than Gist did at the pre draft workouts. If George Hill can bench press more reps that Gist that is NOT good for an NBA PF. Gist needs to get some more muscle on his frame badly.

[Bruno]

Could it be the competition level in the SL? Some people said that Mahinmi is better that what he showed it in the summer league, that he may have been bored with the competition level and wasn't really focused enough to show his real self?

I'm not sure that it's related to being bored.
Gist and Mahinmi were in two different situation coming in SL. It was Gist last chance to show that he was worth a roster spot while Mahinmi had no pressure.
It's possible that Mahinmi take it more like some practice sessions to work on a particular aspect of his game and didn't try too hard.

Mahinmi has had a good season last year. He showed great things in DLeague and a lot of scouts considered him as a legit NBA prospect by watching him playing there. Calling him a scrub after some summer league games is borderline clueless. Anyway, I don't expect haters to be sensible.

[ceperez]

Interesting development.... I'm still not real happy that Plaisted is not going to be in the Dleague this year, but for Detroit, it was pretty much understood on draft night that a move to Europe was going to happen. And it was mostly for a lack of enough roster spots. So I get why we're doing it. Once Sheed and Dice leave us, we'll be able to pull him back into the fold and have a more seasoned and experienced player that never cost us a roster spot while away. But the Spurs seem to have the roster spots, the cash, and the need for his particular skill set.

I'm wondering if Gist took a roster spot from the Pistons Deron Washington, who's also going to Europe.


I also wonder how much communication the Spurs and Pistons have been involved in, both sending players to the same team in Italy. I'd imagine the 2 teams scouting depts will be working together watching and giving updates on the other teams player throughout the season.

Nice observation. The Pistons have pretty much been in the same boat as the Spurs. That is having to draft really late every year. They've got a really good program for developing their players. Tayshun Prince, Stuckey and Maxiell as prime examples of Piston products.

The difference though is that the Piston's have been willing to play both Stuckey and Maxiell in the rookie seasons. Our last first round draft choice, Mahinmi was stuck playing in the D-league last season.

Anyway, playing in Europe has worked wonders for Anthony Tolliver who as a result has completely redesigned his game from playing center to becoming a jump shooting 3 point specialist. Gist will also need to do the same, he's got to build strength at the same time his shot has to have a more consistent form.

[The Truth #6]

Gist was inconsequential on draft night and now he's a lock for Springfield.

Must be August.

Our bench is inconsequential. People are looking for a bright spot and Gist leaving didn't help the situation.

[travis2]

It's August on Spurstalk...

http://seat42f.com/site/images/stories/tvshows/HowIMetYourMother/how-i-met-your-mother.jpg

[spurs50_]

On the bright side, Tolliver is signed and he is better offensively than Gist. I too was pissed about gist, but what can i do?

[AusSpursFan]

this way he develops for a season u keep his rights and u don't pay him.

my question then, is could we be stuck with another Splitter scenario should he play well in Europe?

[Gino2882]

my question then, is could we be stuck with another Splitter scenario should he play well in Europe?

While Gist could still get a good money offer from a european team, he was a 2nd round pick and therefore isn't restricted to the 1st round rookie payscale.

However, I doubt the Spurs would offer him anymore than they did Splitter.

[DROB4EVER]

Our small forward spot looks like trash! 37yr old Bowen who has not offense at all, and his D is starting to fade rapidly. Udoka, not a bad back up, slow and small for the 3 spot, his shot comes and goes, and he cant get to the rim and finish.

Thats it. Both those guys are really 2s not 3s, bowen is 200lbs for Gods sake and Udoka is 6-4-6-5 at the most! Our best SF just signed in Italy and even if we resign Fin boy do we look weak at SF.

Bowen, Udoka, Finley! That is an area we have been exploited last yr and it will get even woarse this yr if we dont pull a rabbit out of Pops beard.

[Obstructed_View]

Could it be the competition level in the SL? Some people said that Mahinmi is better that what he showed it in the summer league, that he may have been bored with the competition level and wasn't really focused enough to show his real self?

It's more likely that a guy that's basically guaranteed a roster spot is given certain things to work on in the summer league, while other players are there for evaluation and are told to just go play.

[celldweller]

:depressed

[Tully365]

Today in the "rumors" section of hoopshype, there are numerous articles where LeBron, Kobe, Bosh, Melo, and Chris Paul all say that they'd be crazy not to look seriously at a huge offer from a euro-team. This would have been unthinkable two months ago. I think the basketball landscape is changing even faster than many people think. And if the USA doesn't get gold at the Olympics, the acceleration of this change will only increase. It's amazing how quickly Splitter went from looking like an isolated case of bad luck for the Spurs to the early stage of a huge fundamental change in international basketball.

[wildbill2u]

Oh no the sky is falling! First you guys get all hyped up about Jackie Butler and then he turns out to be a fat piece of shit then the all mighty James Gist signs for the big bucks in Europe, who is next Tim Duncan or Lebron James. All this for some turtle picked 57th?

Well, the SL coach did say he was 'phenomenal' but I guess everyone missed the qualifier--"...in summer league with his energy and activity. He’s been phenomenal."

It gave us some hope and some hype about what has otherwise been a pretty dismal offseason.

[duncan228]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2008/08/jeff_mcdonald_g_12.html

Jeff McDonald: Gist's Italian Job

So there's an interesting link on the World Wide Web today. It's in Italian, but there are at least two words even this mono-lingual Texan recognizes:

"James Gist."

Gist, you'll remember, was one of the Spurs' two second-round draft choices this year. As best we can tell from this link right here Gist has either agreed to sign with a team in Italy, or he's ordered the linguine with marinara.

A Spurs source today said Gist has not yet signed with any team overseas, leaving open the possibility that the rookie from Maryland could spend next season in San Antonio. If Gist does wind up in Italy, of course, the Spurs would retain his NBA rights.

Incidentally, the Italian team supposedly in discussions with Gist is called Angelico Bella, whom we are pretty sure starred in at least two of the three "Godfather" movies.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Nice find duncan228. :tu

[ChumpDumper]

How does Jeff McDonald's ass taste?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lol

[ChumpDumper]

I just wish he was actually right this time.

[duncan228]

I just wish he was actually right this time.

At least we know enough not to trust him. :lol

[ShoogarBear]

Well is Gist going to play PF in the NBA? If he is maybe the Spurs want him to bulk up more? I thought I read that George Hill did a lot more reps than Gist did at the pre draft workouts. If George Hill can bench press more reps that Gist that is NOT good for an NBA PF. Gist needs to get some more muscle on his frame badly.

How much do you think Tim Duncan benches?

[Spurtacus]

James Gist, I will shine your shoes if you sign with the Spurs. We need your youth and athleticism.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

God fucking dammit and god dammit to fucking hell.

Is the man gone or is he not? We need youth and athleticism and we need it now. Mahinmi and Gist coming off the bench would give us the most dynamic and athletic up and comers in the entire fucking league. Sign this man SPURS FO sign him if this report is true.

[wisnub]

FUCKING SHIT......Tiago is a fag, Gist is a whore...and Olympic opening was incredibly amazing

[johnny_J_Jackson]

Don't worry , you'll get used to it.

[Budkin]

What Chump said. This is going to be a shitty season.

[Bruno]

It's official :
http://www.pallacanestrobiella.it/pagine/news_dett.php?id=1351

[urunobili]

It's official :
http://www.pallacanestrobiella.it/pagine/news_dett.php?id=1351

just for one year...

[Solid D]

Our small forward spot looks like trash! 37yr old Bowen who has not offense at all, and his D is starting to fade rapidly. Udoka, not a bad back up, slow and small for the 3 spot, his shot comes and goes, and he cant get to the rim and finish.

Thats it. Both those guys are really 2s not 3s, bowen is 200lbs for Gods sake and Udoka is 6-4-6-5 at the most! Our best SF just signed in Italy and even if we resign Fin boy do we look weak at SF.

Bowen, Udoka, Finley! That is an area we have been exploited last yr and it will get even woarse this yr if we dont pull a rabbit out of Pops beard.
Even if the Spurs were signing Gist, I'm not sure how much time he would spend in game situations defending and playing the SF position. He's a 3, only if the opposition has a big lineup.

James wasn't a SF at Maryland and he didn't play SF in Summer League. He played the 4 most of the time, at least in the games I saw. The Spurs may want to use him at the 3 but they didn't seem to put him into situations that exhibited his ability to guard opposing 3s. Of course, in SL, you don't see many big lineups. He's sort of a Tyrus Thomas type of player in his frame.

He's really an ideal 4 when the Spurs go small...which would be most of the time, judging by the Spurs lineup currently under contract.

[Manufan909]

do you think he would be too slow to play the 3 on normal sized teams?

[wisnub]

ITS OVER....Everybody is going to Europe. I even heard that Kobe said Europe is a a possibility and he grew up in ITaly. By the way he loves money too...and of coruse the game as well

[Manufan909]

But money more.

[21+20+9=50]

A pro basketball club based in Biella, Italy is announcing that they have signed Spurs second-round draftee, James Gist, to a contract.

[SPURSGOAT]

ummm this is old news and no he is not gone for good...

[Bartleby]

wow, I didn't see that coming.

[21+20+9=50]

i mean its official.....

[tp2021]

Link, please.

[21+20+9=50]

Link, please.



http://www.pallacanestrobiella.it/pagine/news_dett.php?id=1351


here you go.......

[ChumpDumper]

Link, please.The other thread.

[21+20+9=50]

happy or still in denial....

[Leetonidas]

You realize it's for 1 year and the Spurs still retain his rights, right?

Or are you just a fucking retard?

[21+20+9=50]

You realize it's for 1 year and the Spurs still retain his rights, right?

Or are you just a fucking retard?

i know but if he plays really good over there, he might get offered good money and he would like to stay over there........

[tp2021]

Do you think perhaps the Spurs wanted him to sign in Europe, like they wanted Marcus Williams to do last year? That's how it seems to me. Only 1 year, they still have his rights...and one more roster spot available. I smell trade. Hill might be included, with the way the Spurs FO has gone after Pargo.

[21+20+9=50]

but see how european teams are attracting NBA players with more money, if Gist plays good over there they will offer him ten times more money to stay in europe, cuz if he does come back he will get the minimum which is 400,000

[Tully365]

I don't like this chance that the Spurs are taking-- Gist is bound to make an impression in europe and have teams competing for his services when his contract is up. A high energy combo forward is exactly what they need... hopefully we see him in a Spurs uniform next season.

[tp2021]

If the Spurs want him bad enough, they will sign him. He was a 2nd round pick, so his contract isn't subject to a salary scale like a first-rounder would be. Like Splitter.
At least, I think so. I may very well be wrong.

[21+20+9=50]

I don't like this chance that the Spurs are taking-- Gist is bound to make an impression in europe and have teams competing for his services when his contract is up. A high energy combo forward is exactly what they need... hopefully we see him in a Spurs uniform next season.

Try explaining that to Leetonidas, spurs dont like spent money, they will not buy out Gists contract when he get a long term deal in Europe....