Mahinmi + Hill..

[HarlemHeat37]

with all the disappointments in this off-season, we still have 2 young guys with potential..something we haven't had in a long time..while many here have hated on both of these young guys, I have confidence in them..I'm not expecting either guy to ever be a star player, but what do you expect? they were lower draft picks..I do think however, that they could both contribute something to our team this year..athleticism and energy..something we've lacked for a long time..

I have confidence in Roger Mason, I think he'll be a very good addition..we already know what we have with our core players..we will be a top 5 team in the West either way IMO..but these 2 guys are the key to us going any further IMO..I'm not expecting anything big, I'm just looking for them to give us good minutes as young ROLE PLAYERS..especially Mahinmi, who gives us a completely different type of player than we have in KT and Oberto..

I think the best way at this point is to throw them both in the mix, and let them learn against the pros..especially Mahinmi..I think we need to see how they respond to playing with our big 3..

anyways..my question is, what would you guys consider a good upcoming season for both Hill and Mahinmi?

[mexicanjunior]

anyways..my question is, what would you guys consider a good upcoming season for both Hill and Mahinmi?

Mahinmi taking the majority of Oberto's minutes and Hill taking all of Vaughn's minutes. I don't expect either to be able to do it...

[xtremesteven33]

10 and 5 for Mahimni

10 and 3 for Hill

[peacemaker885]

10 and 5 for Mahimni

10 and 3 for Hill


Unthinkable. If these 2 come out of the regular season with these numbers, Spurs will win #5

[thekingrobert]

10 and 5 for Mahimni

10 and 3 for Hill
Wishful thinking if this happens Championship

[mrspurs]

i dont see ian nor hill taking many minutes away from fab and jacque as well....

[xtremesteven33]

10 and 5 for Mahimni

10 and 3 for Hill



THAT WOULD BE GREAT

[SenorSpur]

10 and 5 for Mahimni

10 and 3 for Hill

That would be awesome. But first, Pop has got to let them outta jail long enough to get some PT. Whatever on-court mistakes they make wont matter as much in Dec-Jan.

[Kori Ellis]

Mahinmi 6 and 4
Hill not to end up in DLeague

[T Park]

Mahinmi 6 and 6

Hill 6 and 3

Doing solid jobs and adding the athletic dynamic at their positions.

[Tully365]

I think the only thing most people are focusing on with Hill is his FG% in the 7 summer league games he played. He undoubtedly had an overall bad shooting experience this summer, but outside of that his summer league performance looks pretty good to me. His rebounding, steals, and assists numbers were very good, and for a guy transitioning from college SG to pro PG, his assist-to-turnover ratio was pretty good. His defense was NBA level, in Pop's opinion. If you look at the leap he made statistically just from the Vegas league to the Rocky Mountain Revue, you see a guy who was quickly becoming more comfortable and productive. Look at the stat lines for his two best games in Utah:

vs Utah
21 points, 6-14 FG, 8-8 FT
4 Rebounds
3 assists
3 steals

vs Dallas
18 points, 7-14 FG, 2-5 3PT
4 rebounds
4 assists
4 steals

These games show an all around player who is able to affect games in many different ways. But another positive sign is his ability to influence games in which his shot is not dropping. These are the two other RMR games he played:

vs D league
6 points, 2-6 FG
1 rebound
5 assists *
5 steals *
2 turnovers in 36+ minutes *

vs Atlanta
6 points, 1-7 FG, 4-4 FT
6 rebounds *
3 assists *
3 blocked shots *
0 turnovers in 27 minutes *

In the two RMR games where he wasn't a leading scorer, his compensated by taking very good care of the ball, and contributing in other categories. He also exhibited this habit in his two worst shooting games in Vegas, one in which he provided 7 rebs & 4 assists, the other in which he had 6 rebs & 4 assists. He is definitely not a one-dimensional player, and when his shooting touch returns (it already started to in Utah), he may just be everything Pop and RC said he was.

[Spooky]

I think the only thing most people are focusing on with Hill is his FG% in the 7 summer league games he played. He undoubtedly had an overall bad shooting experience this summer, but outside of that his summer league performance looks pretty good to me. His rebounding, steals, and assists numbers were very good, and for a guy transitioning from college SG to pro PG, his assist-to-turnover ratio was pretty good. His defense was NBA level, in Pop's opinion. If you look at the leap he made statistically just from the Vegas league to the Rocky Mountain Revue, you see a guy who was quickly becoming more comfortable and productive. Look at the stat lines for his two best games in Utah:

vs Utah
21 points, 6-14 FG, 8-8 FT
4 Rebounds
3 assists
3 steals

vs Dallas
18 points, 7-14 FG, 2-5 3PT
4 rebounds
4 assists
4 steals

These games show an all around player who is able to affect games in many different ways. But another positive sign is his ability to influence games in which his shot is not dropping. These are the two other RMR games he played:

vs D league
6 points, 2-6 FG
1 rebound
5 assists
5 steals
2 turnovers in 36+ minutes

vs Atlanta
6 points, 1-7 FG, 4-4 FT
6 rebounds
3 assists
3 blocked shots
0 turnovers in 27 minutes

In the two RMR games where he wasn't a scorer, his compensated by taking very good care of the ball, and contributing in other categories. He also exhibited this habit in his two worst shooting games in Vegas, one in which he provided 7 rebs & 4 assists, the other in which he had 6 rebs & 4 assists. He is definitely not a one-dimensional player, and when his shooting touch returns (and I think it will), he may just be everything Pop and RC said he was.

+1 on the analysis. He should get all of JV's minutes. Ian should get most of Obertos minutes

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Mahinmi 8 & 5
Hill 6 & 2.

[DROB4EVER]

I think these guys will get lots of mins in the reg season to save the legs of our vets. Ian is likely to avg 12-16 mpg an will likely avg 6-7ppg and 4-5 rpg with a block. Hill I think will play about 10 mpg and will likely avg 4-5ppg and an 1.5apg.

I think the key to this season will be that between Mason, Ian and Hill we need to get 24ppg. if we can do that plus get the usual 60 from the big three and 14 from the rest of the guys we will be able to avoid scoring drouts that cost us last yr.

[urunobili]

no love for Hairstron anywhere? :depressed

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Hairston = Marcus Williams 2, in the aspect of his career after being drafted.

[spurs1990]

Ok, here's my thoughts on the depth chart as it stands.

starters
Parker
Ginobili
Bowen
Duncan
Thomas

second 5
Hill
Mason
Finley
Mahinmi
Oberto

last 2/Inactive
Vaughn
Bonner
Udoka

In other words - we're relying on Hill, Mason and Mahinmi to put us over LA, Hou, Uta, NO, and possibly Phx. The rest of the guys are just one year older.

[urunobili]

Hairston = Marcus Williams 2, in the aspect of his career after being drafted.

i think he could be better than that.. i wish he becomes a surprise... mentored by Manu, Finley and Mason he could make it... i wish he surprises us all and becomes a player... only time will tell i guess

[objective]

I'll do post all-star break numbers. The year-end average will be skewed by the time they spend adjusting kind of like Scola's numbers.

Good year with post-break numbers:

Mahinmi : 18+ mpg, 9 pts, 4.5 rbds, 1.5 blocks

Hill : 13/14 mpg, 5 pts, 2 asts, 1+ spg, 45+ FG%

[timvp]

Judging by what the Spurs have done (and tried to do) in the offseason, Mahinmi and Hill might end up being their best two players.

In Austin.

[timtonymanu]

IMO the rotation should be

Starters:
Parker
Mason
Bowen
Duncan
Thomas

Bench:
Hill
Ginobili
Udoka
Mahinmi
Oberto

Next:
Vaughn
Finley
Tolliver ( i dont think he'll last)
Bonner

[Tully365]

With Mahinmi, it seems to me that the Spurs have told him to focus first and foremost on staying out of foul trouble, which was his biggest problem in last year's summer league and also early on in the D-league season. His progress on this weakness has been very good. In addition, he was very good at drawing fouls this summer-- in 6 games, he shot 46 free throws, making 40 of them. After averaging 1.7 bpg last year and finishing the D league playoffs with two 5 block games, he registered only one block in six summer league games... it's strange, 'cause I seem to remember him altering quite a few shots this summer... but overall I'd say his progress from fouling machine to foul-drawing-machine is a good sign.

[AFBlue]

Mahinmi 6 and 4
Hill not to end up in DLeague

+1....and I don't have much confidence in either coming to pass.

[jayc23]

Hill is not a dleague player.. he just needs good mentoring, and a solid training camp learning the NBA point position.. Hill won't be the same player come pre-season after training camp.. hes a bright kid, with a high b-ball IQ... he will make the adjustment

[HarlemHeat37]

the main thing with Mahinmi is that he would actually give us EXACTLY what we need..an athletic big man next to Duncan..a guy that can block shots and feed off Tim, Manu and TP..

this is why we need this guy to mature..he still has ways to go(obviously) but the only way for him to "get it" is for Pop to put him on the floor against actual NBA talent, and not just D-league players..he has to get minutes this year..

[HarlemHeat37]

George Hill..I would be surprised if he doesn't get minutes..the only thing JV has over him is experience..Hill should be a better defender, more athletic, more energy..there isn't really a possibly way that he could actually be WORSE than Vaughn offensively..

[AusSpursFan]

i dont see ian nor hill taking many minutes away from fab and jacque as well....

we are screwed if they dont. If we are relying on Oberto and Vaughn to play solid minutes this season you can pretty much say goodbye to any plans for another championship. Lets not neglect the franchise's future, at least give the guys a chance.

[Tully365]

Here's what I'm hoping for:

By late Dec., 2008

Mahinmi-- 4 ppg, 3 rpg, 15 mpg
Hill-- 3ppg, 1 apg, 1 rpg, 10 mpg

By April 1, 2009
Mahinmi-- 6 ppg, 4 rpg, 20 mpg
Hill-- 6 ppg, 2 apg, 2 rpg, 18 mpg

[DROB4EVER]

Here's what I'm hoping for:

By late Dec., 2008

Mahinmi-- 4 ppg, 3 rpg, 15 mpg
Hill-- 3ppg, 1 apg, 1 rpg, 10 mpg

By April 1, 2009
Mahinmi-- 6 ppg, 4 rpg, 20 mpg
Hill-- 6 ppg, 2 apg, 2 rpg, 18 mpg

I sure hope they can give us more than that. Ian needs to be a 8ppg and 5 rpg in 17 min imo. If not it could be taxing on the old bigs.

[Tully365]

I sure hope they can give us more than that. Ian needs to be a 8ppg and 5 rpg in 17 min imo. If not it could be taxing on the old bigs.

If they were playing for Oklahoma City or the Bucks I could imagine more eye-popping numbers, but I don't see them getting those kinds of minutes with a team like the Spurs.

[DMX7]

10 and 5 for Mahimni

10 and 3 for Hill

:lmao

I'd love to see it but it's not going to happen. Not even close.

[rj215]

7 and 6 for Ian would be cool

7 and 3 for George would be a good start

And I don't know why a few posters here have Udoka buried on the bench. He did well for us esp. on the defensive end. I think another year in the system could do wonders for his confidence on the offensive end.

[Tully365]

I sure hope they can give us more than that. Ian needs to be a 8ppg and 5 rpg in 17 min imo. If not it could be taxing on the old bigs.

If Hill and Mahinmi average 6 ppg each, that will add up to more than what Horry and Barry totaled per game last season. If Mason averages 10 ppg or more as a starter, that matches Finley's production from last year, and then whatever Finley averages as a reserve will represent a net gain in terms of total points. It's not glamorous, but the pieces are potentially in place for this overall younger Spurs squad to be slightly better offensively than last year's team.

I sure do wish that Gist had stayed though...

[Bruno]

22ppg and 10rpg for Mahinmi.

6ppg and 3apg for Hill.

[AFBlue]

Hill is not a dleague player.. he just needs good mentoring, and a solid training camp learning the NBA point position.. Hill won't be the same player come pre-season after training camp.. hes a bright kid, with a high b-ball IQ... he will make the adjustment

Did you watch the Summer League?

Right now, Hill absolutely IS a D-league player...and I'm not even that sure he would be dominant in that setting.

You're right about the mentoring and time to learn how to play the position, but you give this kid WAY too much credit if you think it can be learned by the time training camp is over with.

Maybe after a few months in the d-league of running a team and getting comfortable with his game, he'll make his debut with the big club...but at this point I don't see it.

He played solid D and showed flashes here or there, but at this point you have to say Vaughn is the safer option.

[Ocotillo]

22ppg and 10rpg for Mahinmi.

6ppg and 3apg for Hill.

That would make Mahinmi ROY nevermind Oden, Beasley or Rose.

[kobyz]

That would make Mahinmi ROY nevermind Oden, Beasley or Rose.

it will not! Mahinmi is not a rookie

[wildbill2u]

with all the disappointments in this off-season, we still have 2 young guys with potential..something we haven't had in a long time..while many here have hated on both of these young guys, I have confidence in them..I'm not expecting either guy to ever be a star player, but what do you expect? they were lower draft picks..I do think however, that they could both contribute something to our team this year..athleticism and energy..something we've lacked for a long time..

I have confidence in Roger Mason, I think he'll be a very good addition..we already know what we have with our core players..we will be a top 5 team in the West either way IMO..but these 2 guys are the key to us going any further IMO..I'm not expecting anything big, I'm just looking for them to give us good minutes as young ROLE PLAYERS..especially Mahinmi, who gives us a completely different type of player than we have in KT and Oberto..

I think the best way at this point is to throw them both in the mix, and let them learn against the pros..especially Mahinmi..I think we need to see how they respond to playing with our big 3..

anyways..my question is, what would you guys consider a good upcoming season for both Hill and Mahinmi?

You have confidence in three unproven players. What makes you so confident that all three--or any one of them--will step right in and be successful?

Mason at least has four years in the league--but he rode the bench all that time except for a period last year where injuries forced his team to play him. And it's not like he put up major stats. In 80 games he averaged 20 minutes and 9 points.

You have confidence--I'm looking for the number of dial-a-prayer.

[mrspurs]

Did you watch the Summer League?

Right now, Hill absolutely IS a D-league player...and I'm not even that sure he would be dominant in that setting.

You're right about the mentoring and time to learn how to play the position, but you give this kid WAY too much credit if you think it can be learned by the time training camp is over with.

Maybe after a few months in the d-league of running a team and getting comfortable with his game, he'll make his debut with the big club...but at this point I don't see it.

He played solid D and showed flashes here or there, but at this point you have to say Vaughn is the safer option.

amen to that, just wish pop didnt have this crush on jacque, cos when jacque comes in, he doesnt even defend well anymore. he looked more scared last season then the season before. imo why the spurs held on to him. i dont think the spurs saw jacque's horrible play coming after doing quite well the season before.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I don't know anything about d-league rules, but can Ian play another year in austin - isn't there a limit on d-leaguing a draft pick? I want him to play on the spurs, not austin again. I don't see austin turning out any great nba players, I see players just stagnating up there...

Yes, he can play in the D-League for another year. After that he's done.

[urunobili]

After that he's done.

traded? :wow

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

traded? :wow

Done with being sent down to the D-League.

[urunobili]

Done with being sent down to the D-League.

i know i was just teasing you :lol

[tp2021]

Ok, here's my thoughts on the depth chart as it stands.

starters
Parker
Ginobili
Bowen
Duncan
Thomas

second 5
Hill
Mason
Finley
Mahinmi
Oberto

last 2/Inactive
Vaughn
Bonner
Udoka

In other words - we're relying on Hill, Mason and Mahinmi to put us over LA, Hou, Uta, NO, and possibly Phx. The rest of the guys are just one year older.

Please switch Finley with Udoka.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't know anything about d-league rules, but can Ian play another year in austin - isn't there a limit on d-leaguing a draft pick? I want him to play on the spurs, not austin again. I don't see austin turning out any great nba players, I see players just stagnating up there...You don't see anything in Austin.

[angelbelow]

i see ian averaging 25 points 15 rebounds 5 blocks and george hill averaging 15 points 10 rebounds 6 assists and 4 steals.

[Ocotillo]

it will not! Mahinmi is not a rookie

Did he play in enough games last season? I thought he would be considered a rookie this season as he did not play in enough games.

[Spurtacus]

i see ian averaging 25 points 15 rebounds 5 blocks and george hill averaging 15 points 10 rebounds 6 assists and 4 steals.

I hope this was a joke...

[Manufan909]

It's a premonition for 2010.

[mountainballer]

..the only way for him to "get it" is for Pop to put him on the floor against actual NBA talent, and not just D-league players..he has to get minutes this year..

so you think playing against NBA talent is kind of infectious?
because Ian currently doesn't show any symptoms that he carries NBA talent.
(ok, sorry I don't want to be to harsh. in fact Ian likely carries as much NBA talent as Elson.)

[Spurs da champs]

They are both nothing.. Hill is a huge disappointment hell he wasn't even supposed to be in the 1st round! Should have gotten Mario Chalmers or that center from Tex A&M

[SenorSpur]

Mahinmi taking the majority of Oberto's minutes and Hill taking all of Vaughn's minutes. I don't expect either to be able to do it...

....additionally, my hope is for Tolliver to come in, give a good showing and steal some of Bonner's minutes. Like you said, I don't realistically expect that to happen either. But hey, I can dream can't I? :lol

[angelbelow]

I hope this was a joke...

of cousre i was joking, i actually see geogre hill averaging 2 blocks too. and ian dishing out 5+ assists per game :lol

[wisnub]

Mahinmi is a nice project players since he's drafted. He proved to be D League allstars and rack up decent number. He improved alot offense and defense as well. Hill sucks like shit..look at his summer league performance. With strong west conf he will be doubt to improve. Pop will probably turned into garbage Vaughn once again. But he was blowned every scouts off in Orlando tryout. That was the only great thing about him.

[DROB4EVER]

You guys are putting to much stock in summer league. Hill will be fine. Give him a month or two to get use to the speed of the game and learn his role. Duncan looked like crap in SL too!

Mahinmi has the skill set of a future all star. If he can stay out of foul trouble he would give a 10 and 8 man in the middle, as duncan fades away he will move into the PF spot and allow us to play more uptempo style.

Many pro scouts and GMs beleive Ian will be a 20 n 10 guy in a couple years.

Hill will be better than Chalmers long term, Chalmers had the benefit of playing with several other NBA players. Boston and LA wanted to draft Hill in the bottom of the first round.

[The Truth #6]

If both Tolliver and Bonner are on the team, then something is wrong. Or perfectly right, considering someone has to be in the doghouse.

It's unclear how Pop will respond to Hill. They were disappointed enough to pursue Pargo but Pop seemed to be high on him earlier. He may suck in the beginning but that doesn't guarantee Pop still won't play him. If Pop likes him and thinks he's of good character he very well could get plenty of minutes for a rookie.

[mountainballer]

what makes you guys so confident to think we will ever see Hill on a Spurs roster?

from the 10 1st round picks of the TD era till 2007 the Spurs have only signed 3. usually they just traded the pick or they traded the drafted players rights.
doesn't anybody wonder why Hill is the ONLY 1st round pick from last draft who hasn't been signed yet?? (if Spurs sign him, they can't trade him for 30 days)
and did all forget that the Spurs tried to trade the pick before the draft, when they offered it around the league.
and doesn't it look strange that most of the players the Spurs tried to sign (Pargo, Giricek, Delfino), or who they brought in for work outs (Bremer, Ahearn) are scoring guards like Hill? if any of this players had signed, how many minutes would be left in the back court for a rookie?

so, considering all this and considering the Spurs policies of the last years, I would state that the chance to see Hill on the roster in 2 months is very slim.

(there is also the possibility that they try to ship him to Europe for a season or two, so they don't have to pay him 1st round money, while he spends his time with the Toros)