Draft prospect: Nando De Colo

[yavozerb]

Position: PG
Ht: 6'5
Wt: 187
Birthday: 06/23/1987 (21)

I am still not 100% sold on george hill as a pg. This guy might be worth the risk with our #53 pick if he is available.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Nando-De-Colo-5087

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ti0fxUcfLU

[Bruno]

Bold prediction: Spurs will draft him.

[yavozerb]

Bruno have you seen him play? From what i've seen, he seems to run the pg position very well and can set up other players with his driving ability. What I have not seen is how he plays on the defensive end of the floor. I believe he has had a down year which may allow him to drop to the bottem of the 2nd.

[benefactor]

Best Case: Beno Udrih
This has got to be some kind of omen. We should stay away at all costs.

[Bruno]

Bruno have you seen him play? From what i've seen, he seems to run the pg position very well and can set up other players with his driving ability. What I have not seen is how he plays on the defensive end of the floor. I believe he has had a down year which may allow him to drop to the bottem of the 2nd.

De Colo is more a SG than a PG. He doesn't take care enough of the ball to be a PG especially in NBA with strong defensive pressure. He also isn't a good defender. Saying that, he is a talented player.

One week ago, I would have agreed with your prevision of him slipping in the late 2nd round pick. Last Sunday, he played the Eurochallenge final against Virtus Bologna. Cholet lost by two points but De Colo was huge in this game. I'm sure some scouts have noticed it. I'm not sure he will be available at #51.

You can watch this game online : http://www.fibaeurope.com/video.asp?coid={30A27D41-483A-4307-AF46-061CE077DBE2}

If you don't want to watch the full game, go directly in the middle of the fourth quarter. Cholet makse a desperate comeback with De Colo playing great.

[EricB]

This has got to be some kind of omen. We should stay away at all costs.


Eh, if Beno Udrih had a work ethic and a pair, he would be a stud.

[Mal]

Hell no to another frenchman

[objective]

count me in for De Colo at 37 if some other guys are off the board. I haven't even seen him play that much, but i want a Spurs "De Colo" jersey.

What's his buy-out situation?

[Bruno]

What's his buy-out situation?

He still has one year of contract with Cholet but a buyout shouldn't be a problem. French teams aren't like Spanish teams.

[TheProfessor]

Bruno, has de Colo had a down year? I remember people were high on his stock last year for future drafts. It wouldn't surprise me to see him selected at 37, especially if he's flying more under the radar now.

[EricB]

Hell no to another frenchman

Yeah cause french players never work out.

Parker
Diaw

yeah those guys stink...

[Bruno]

Bruno, has de Colo had a down year? I remember people were high on his stock last year for future drafts. It wouldn't surprise me to see him selected at 37, especially if he's flying more under the radar now.

Yes, he has had a difficult year against teams more focused on defending him. His draft stock has surely suffer of this "so-so" year.

His season ends in two weeks and he will go in the USA to do some workouts. What he will do there will surely change again his draft stock.

[TheProfessor]

If he gets buried amongst the "sexier" foreign players like Dasic and Jerebko (whose stock seem to be going the opposite direction), he could be selected with a mid to late second round pick. That would be good value. Don't you think defending SG's in the NBA would be an enormous leap for him though?

[Bruno]

Don't you think defending SG's in the NBA would be an enormous leap for him though?

I'm not sure he will be worse at defending SG than PG. The quickest PGs will destroy him as much as the strongest SGs.

I have some concerns about his ability to play in the NBA due to his physical limitations (size and athleticism). I won't be disappointed if Spurs decide not to draft him (especially at #37). Saying that, this draft is said to be weak and De Colo is talented so he isn't a bad choice for a second round pick.

[timvp]

I can't imagine him as a point guard in the NBA. He'd have to play shooting guard. I've watched him play a few times and he looks like a decent prospect. He'd have to become a very good three-point shooter to stick in the NBA. I've seen him next to Parker and the two mesh decently well.

However, anyone else who has seen those two play together notice that it seems like Parker doesn't like him? :lol I've seen Parker roll his eyes at him more than a few times and gets mad at him for poor defensive play. I gotta wonder whether Parker would give his recommendation . . .

[Bruno]

Well, Parker said last summer that he would like to have De Colo with him in SA.
Maybe it was just to be nice but that is what he said.

This year, when a journalist asked him with what NBA team he would like to play, De Colo picked Spurs.

[timvp]

Interesting. Too bad he doesn't have Mahinmi and Batum's agent. The Spurs, if they like him, could have told him to hide in France while guaranteeing him 37.

The Spurs seem to like French prospects so he's definitely a possibility ... especially if he's still on the board for those late picks.

[mathbzh]

Season over for De Colo.
He struggled earlier in the season but finished very strong.
With 15 ppg(45%)/4rpg/3apg in 28 minutes I think he had a nice season but did not reach the next level.

He has a lot of talent but I don't think he can be a "real" NBA player. He is just too limited on defense. Like Belinelli, he would be a summer league wonder without any impact in the regular season... let alone the playoffs.
IMO he should stay in Europe, sign with a Euroleague team in Spain, Greece or Russia.

[kace]

well, i don't see him having too much success in NBA. and i wouldn't say he really fills a need for the spurs. i would say no for the spurs right now.

i guess he would worth a low 2nd round pick, but still we should look for others king of players more useful for our team.

and i really found belinelli way more talented, even if he didn't make well till now in the nba.

[D-ROB 50]

I like him at SG, i'm in lets get him.

[Bruno]

According to his mother, 5 NBA teams (Lakers, Pistons, Bucks, Pacers and Wizards) are interested in him. Some teams in Spain (Valencia is one of them) are also interested.

Even if Spurs can go CIA and hide their intentions, it looks like they aren't interested in him for the moment.

[Pucho!!!]

Well, maybe the spurs have confidence in sum of the young Wings (i.e. Sanikidze, Hairston, Gist, etc) they've already drafted and plan on signing 1-2 PF/C free agents or make a trade for them. Then they'd be in a good situation to draft this guy or Sergio Lull @ 37 if Casspi is gone, think Manu replacement? :toast

[Bruno]

An article about his situation (in French) :
http://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/basket-Det_-Nando-De-Colo-de-Cholet-a-Valence-_39636-960179_actu.Htm

Bucks and Spurs likes him.
He has a NBA buyout around €300K. If he didn't get a guaranteed contract from the NBA team that drafts him, he will sign in Spain with Valencia. He also won't try to get a guaranteed contract by playing SL because he wants to play for French NT this summer.

[timvp]

Nando De Colo, G, France
De Colo was the big surprise at the camp. NBA scouts have been following him for a couple of years, and a number of NBA execs reported that he looked good in the group workouts in Minnesota last week. But he was borderline spectacular at the Eurocamp.

He torched Mills' team on Day 1, leading his team to a 20-point blowout. And his production (13 points, 4 assists, 4 steals) didn't tell the whole story -- his floor vision, pacing and defense dictated the course of the whole game.

De Colo kept it up in a second game Saturday and two more Sunday. He looked like the best pure point guard in the camp.

Scouts love his size and swagger, and he really shot the lights out during camp, making 65 percent from the field. While those who watched him in France all year worry he lacks the lateral quickness to defend the quicker guards in the NBA, he seemed to hold his own against Mills and, to a lesser extent, Beverley. De Colo was the other guy who looked like he could be a legit late-first-round prospect, with a few caveats. First, the word in the camp was that De Colo might have jumped the gun and signed a pro contract in Europe, which could keep him out of the league for a few years. Second, several GMs wanted to go back and take a closer look at his game film from this year. De Colo was up and down all year, and they want to get a better look at how his season went.

But overall, no one helped his stock more than De Colo. He went from a borderline second-round prospect to getting some legit buzz in the late-first to early-second rounds.

Chad Ford - Insider (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftWatch-090608)

De Colo didn't really sign a long-term deal in Europe before the draft, did he?

[Bruno]

De Colo didn't really sign a long-term deal in Europe before the draft, did he?

http://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/basket-Det_-Nando-De-Colo-de-Cholet-a-Valence-_39636-960179_actu.Htm

His agent, 3 days ago: "There is a principle agreement with Valencia(a Spanish team). This agreement depends on the draft result. If De Colo hasn't a guaranteed contract after the draft, he will then go to Valencia."

[timvp]

http://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/basket-Det_-Nando-De-Colo-de-Cholet-a-Valence-_39636-960179_actu.Htm

His agent, 3 days ago: "There is a principle agreement with Valencia(a Spanish team). This agreement depends on the draft result. If De Colo hasn't a guaranteed contract after the draft, he will then go to Valencia."

Do you think this means he'll only come over if he's drafted in the first round? Or it's good enough if a team guarantees money after picking him in the second?

[Bruno]

Do you think this means he'll only come over if he's drafted in the first round? Or it's good enough if a team guarantees money after picking him in the second?

I think it's good enough if he is picked in the second round gets a fully guaranteed min contract and the NBA team pays his buyout.

[ForeignFan]

Here is another article from NBA.com about the Trevise camp:


Recapping what was learned from 2009 Eurocamp
By Jonathan Givony, for NBA.com
Posted Jun 9 2009 9:36AM

TREVISO, Italy -- The 2009 Reebok Eurocamp is officially in the books, and NBA teams now move to their next destination: the highly anticipated group workout sessions hosted by the New Jersey Nets.


Patrick Mills could be a solid pick late in the first round.
Streeter Lecka/NBAE via Getty Images
The Eurocamp served a variety of purposes for all 30 NBA teams in attendance here, which included general managers such as Danny Ainge (Celtics), Steve Kerr (Suns) and Donnie Walsh (Knicks). NBA coaches such as Mike D'Antoni (Knicks) and Jay Triano (Raptors) and dozens of other scouts were also in attendance.

This is first of all a weeding out process, allowing teams to quickly see a huge chunk of the available prospects in this Draft, and properly evaluate how to rank them on their individual draft boards. It also gives them a headstart on future drafts, getting a valuable first glance at many of the international prospects that will become candidates for their teams down the road.

This is also a chance to meet with all the top coaches and executives in European basketball, an opportunity to forge relationships that could become invaluable.

From our perspective, it's an opportunity to mingle with a large number of NBA personnel in a very small gym, exchanging information, seeing how their draft boards stack up with ours, and trying to get a better handle on how they see things shaking out on June 25th.

Over the course of the past three days, there were a number of players that separated themselves from the pack, solidifying themselves as legitimate draft prospects, or etching their names in scouting notes to keep an eye on next year and beyond.

DraftExpress Eurocamp All-First Team
Point Guard: Patrick Mills, 6-foot-1, Australia
Mills may have been a bit inconsistent in terms of his playmaking skills and perimeter shooting, but he left a strong impression with his blazing speed, terrific ball-handling skills and excellent mid-range game, which had some teams comparing him to Aaron Brooks. Mills likely stays in the Draft now, and could be a solid pick late in the first round or early in the second.

Shooting Guard: Nando De Colo, 6-foot-5, France
No guard showed better court vision or more creativity with the ball in his hands than Frenchman Nando De Colo. He has great size for either guard position, and was very crafty getting defenders off-balance and finding room to release his terrific pull-up mid-range jumper. Major question marks remain about his ability to defend a position in the NBA, but De Colo helped himself as much as any prospect in Treviso this weekend. He is likely to be picked somewhere in the second round.

Small Forward: Jonas Jerebko, 6-foot-9, Sweden
The Swedish small forward only played one game after just being eliminated from the Italian league playoff semifinals, but was able to make his presence felt in a major way on both ends of the court. His terrific size and length on the perimeter immediately stood out, and he was able to make shots effectively and play his typical brand of outstanding defense -- looking very much like the polished pro that he is. Jerebko has a chance to sneak into the first round with strong workouts over the next 2 1/2 weeks.

Power Forward: Vladimir Dasic, 6-foot-9, Montegero
Dasic was somewhat up and down throughout his camp, but no one will deny the talent that this athletic combo forward brings to the table. His ability to beat players off the dribble, make shots in pull-up or spot-up fashion and defend multiple positions makes him a very intriguing prospect. Dasic is a likely second-round pick who may still pull out of the draft by the early-entry deadline on the 15th.

Center: Slava Kravtsov, 7-foot, Ukraine
Although not as productive as some other players on the offensive end, Kravtsov is intriguing as a prospect due to the fact that he's well built and an extremely long 7-footer with above average athleticism and a good deal of potential still left to be tapped into. He was a solid presence throughout the weekend as both a shot-blocker and offensive rebounder, and likely gets drafted in the second round by some team looking to take a flyer on a European player they can stash overseas for a couple of years.

[Brazil]

Thanks FF for the update

[loveforthegame]

http://www.nbadraft.net/node/6795

Top 10 Eurocamp prospects:


8. Nando DeColo 6'5'' PG France 1987
His passing was simply top notch the entire week, whether it was full court passes, backdoors, lobs, finds off screens, he showed the he is a superb playmaker. His quickness and leaping ability hurt him when operating in ISO situations because he has a hard time getting a shoulder by the defender. But when he gains an advantage, such as in a screen and roll setting, he makes good reads that usually end up in a high quality shot attempt for his team. He is also very good from the outside, where he is more than capable of shooting off the dribble or in spot up situations. Along with his limited athleticism is his size; these two mixed together make him essentially an undersized combo guard. He does not have the size or strength to play on the wing, nor does he have the explosiveness to operate as a lead guard on a regular basis.

[timvp]

Buford always seems to be a big fan of players who play the pick-and-roll well. If the Spurs think they can hide him at either PG or SG, they could plan on using Hill to guard the other position.

But I wouldn't be too thrilled with the Spurs getting even smaller and less athletic . . .

[leonarth]

I don't know if it's true.. but i found this on a french Website.

http://www.basketusa.com/news/frenchies/17044/draft-2009-san-antonio-voulait-le-5e-choix-des-wizards/

About San Antonio, we deliver you an indiscretion.

Nando De Colo dined at TP's home. Besides Thierry Henry, Gregg Popovich was there.

Is it the sign that Spurs wishes to draft the guard of Cholet? We hope for it for him.

[benefactor]

Buford always seems to be a big fan of players who play the pick-and-roll well. If the Spurs think they can hide him at either PG or SG, they could plan on using Hill to guard the other position.

But I wouldn't be too thrilled with the Spurs getting even smaller and less athletic . . .
Agreed. He has some skills but we have far bigger concerns. All of our picks should be concentrated on wing/big prospects IMO.

[Bruno]

I don't know if it's true.. but i found this on a french Website.

http://www.basketusa.com/news/frenchies/17044/draft-2009-san-antonio-voulait-le-5e-choix-des-wizards/

About San Antonio, we deliver you an indiscretion.

Nando De Colo dined at TP's home. Besides Thierry Henry, Gregg Popovich was there.

Is it the sign that Spurs wishes to draft the guard of Cholet? We hope for it for him.

Very interesting. :stirpot:

[mountainballer]

I don't know if it's true.. but i found this on a french Website.

http://www.basketusa.com/news/frenchies/17044/draft-2009-san-antonio-voulait-le-5e-choix-des-wizards/

About San Antonio, we deliver you an indiscretion.

Nando De Colo dined at TP's home. Besides Thierry Henry, Gregg Popovich was there.

Is it the sign that Spurs wishes to draft the guard of Cholet? We hope for it for him.

very interesting indeed. looks as if Pop wanted to meet DeColo to see if he likes him. wow, with Tony AND Henry at the same table. I bet any young French athlete would kill to get such an invitation.

[Mr. Body]

There aren't a lot of wings or bigs in the draft, much less the 2nd round. He's crafty enough to figure out how to play given whatever limitations he may have, and a Hill-De Colo pairing could be pretty good off the bench.

Could do a lot worse.

[EricB]

Eh, IMO the guards need to be athletic and slashers.

Not the move in the backcourt I would go for IMRO.

[Pucho!!!]

I wouldn't mind gettn this dude with the 51st pick and get Lull with the 37th pick and sum tweener/big for the last pick, barring the spurs aren't able to trade up in the draft. Let's face it, the young wing looks to be possessed by hairston, gist and williams for the upcoming season which in my opinion isn't a bad deal seeing how this draft is short on forwards and guard heavy.

[timvp]

It's weird how he got hyped after the Euro camp and moved into the top of the second round in a lot of mocks. But then inexplicably fell back down to the bottom of the second round.

RC's love of players who can run the pick-and-roll has to make him an option at 37.

[EricB]

I again say that I would not like this pick and that picking an unathletic point guard would be a mistake.

[D-ROB 50]

I would agree

[bigdog]

Don't take him. Please.

[Bruno]

Spurs should maybe make the gamble that he will slip to #51.

Teams that were said to be the more interested in him are cavs, bucks and pacers.
Cavs have traded away #46 in the Shaq trade.
Bucks can now re-sign Sessions and will likely take a guard in the first round.
Pacers have #52.

[timvp]

Cavs have traded away #46 in the Shaq trade..

IIRC, it turned out to be a 2010 second round pick.

[Bruno]

IIRC, it turned out to be a 2010 second round pick.

I've just checked and you're right. They have changed the initial trade.

De Colo is a talented player but there are some doubts about his ability to play in the NBA due to his physical limitations. It's possible that more interesting players are available at #37.

[Marcus Bryant]

pick #53

[Spurtacus]

de Colo



Positives:
# Crafty combo guard who thrives at slashing to the basket
# Fun player to watch; has a lot of charisma
# Really sees the floor well
# Fantastic poise
# A leader
# Excellent shooter with range
# Great size if he plays the point guard position

Negatives:

# Lacks great lateral quickness
# Not explosive athletically
# Gets exposed on the defensive end of the floor.

Summary: Jun 8 Update: De Colo was the big surprise at the camp. NBA scouts have been following him for a couple of years, and a number of NBA execs reported that he looked good in the group workouts in Minnesota last week. But he was borderline spectacular at the Eurocamp. He torched Mills' team on Day 1, leading his team to a 20-point blowout. And his production (13 points, 4 assists, 4 steals) didn't tell the whole story -- his floor vision, pacing and defense dictated the course of the whole game. De Colo kept it up in a second game Saturday and two more Sunday. He looked like the best pure point guard in the camp.

Scouts love his size and swagger, and he really shot the lights out during camp, making 65 percent from the field. While those who watched him in France all year worry he lacks the lateral quickness to defend the quicker guards in the NBA, he seemed to hold his own against Mills and, to a lesser extent, Beverley. De Colo was the other guy who looked like he could be a legit late-first-round prospect, with a few caveats. First, the word in the camp was that De Colo might have jumped the gun and signed a pro contract in Europe, which could keep him out of the league for a few years. Second, several GMs wanted to go back and take a closer look at his game film from this year. De Colo was up and down all year, and they want to get a better look at how his season went. But overall, no one helped his stock more than De Colo. He went from a borderline second-round prospect to getting some legit buzz in the late-first to early-second rounds.

Jan 2 Update: De Colo is a great talent on the offensive end of the floor, but defensively, who will he guard in the pros? He's an interesting prospect, but he's probably a second-round pick this year.

[lefty]

Bold prediction: Spurs will draft him.
Are you a psychic or what ?

Damn, the RJ trade, now that :wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow


:bking

[timvp]

Really good value at 53:tu

[spursnatic]

It seems as if he has a pretty good stroke?...But he can't come in and try and take over the #12 jersey....That jersey deserves to be retired in San Antonio and not worn by anyone else!!...

[PuttPutt]

I like this pick really good value.

[EricB]

I doubt Nando will want number 12.

Bold prediction.

He makes the team as the team's third point.

[Brazil]

I really think he will be sent back in Europe

[Spurtacus]

I'm hoping he doesn't get stashed. I think this guy can come in and be an excellent backup to TP. I'm sure TP won't mind mentoring him...in French.

De Colo > Vaughn

Chad Ford analysis

Another really nice pick for the Spurs. He was the best player at the Reebok Eurocamp. He has a great feel for the game, and he shoots it. High basketball IQ. He's not a great athlete, but I'm a fan.

[Darkwaters]

I'm a fan. At 53 this is dynamite.

[timvp]

The fact that Hill is on the team helps De Colo's chances. If those two play together, Hill can always guard the more difficult options and let De Colo take on the easiest matchups possible.

Offensively, he has a chance to be an NBA. Long odds, of course, but there's a chance.

[Obstructed_View]

The fact that Hill is on the team helps De Colo's chances. If those two play together, Hill can always guard the more difficult options and let De Colo take on the easiest matchups possible.

Offensively, he has a chance to be an NBA. Long odds, of course, but there's a chance.

I agree completely. In addition, De Colo can run the point, letting Hill get rebounds and slash. Looking at all the talent the team has at this moment, they pretty much overlap in skills. Aside from lack of a true big-body shot blocker, there's not a lot of weakness there.

[Darkwaters]

I think de Colo spends 1-2 years in Europe.

[GSH]

I had to check to be sure he's not Brazilian. Because I think his name in Portuguese means "asshole". I know... I probably didn't need to share that.

I hope this isn't another pick that never sees light in the NBA. I don't want to keep hearing about what this guy is doing in Europe for the next 5-6 years.

[T.J Thompson]

I'm the french man who are announced the news for Nichols, i know a little De Colo because he is in our championship. Ask me a questions if you want about everything on De colo

[Brazil]

He is French dude

[Obstructed_View]

I think de Colo spends 1-2 years in Europe.

If he's capable of running the point, look for that not to happen. He isn't going to become a better individual defender playing in Europe.

[Bruno]

http://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/breves2009/20090626_074834_beaubois-a-dallas-de-colo-aux-spurs.html

Nando's reaction:
" I would have rather liked been picked int he first round but I'm happy to be with a so good and so serious franchise. Now we will see what they will proposed to me. During my workout, Pop told that he liked my European game and Tony also told me that I've been good during this workout. I think that I"m able to bring some scoring to this team."

[timvp]

http://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/breves2009/20090626_074834_beaubois-a-dallas-de-colo-aux-spurs.html

Nando's reaction:
" I would have rather liked been picked int he first round but I'm happy to be with a so good and so serious franchise. Now we will see what they will proposed to me. During my workout, Pop told that he liked my European game and Tony also told me that I've been good during this workout. I think that I"m able to bring some scoring to this team."

Thanks.

It'll be interesting to see if the Spurs consider bringing him over this year or if it's a straight draft-n-stash.

[Bukefal]

I really think he will be sent back in Europe

Yeah, I guess that will happen

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

He is supposed to sign with Pamesa within next the week.

[Pucho!!!]

I thought I remembered hearing sumthing along the lines that he'd only stay in the draft if he was guaranteed to be drafted and given a min. contract. This was around the same time he dined with Pop and Parker. To me, he looks about the same size as Manu when he 1st came over.

[raspsa]

I don't know if Pop's heart could stand having so many rookies on his roster though.. he's still getting used to playing GHill. Now you could possibly have Mahinmi, Blair, McClinton, Gist, Hairston and De Colo. Add to that blending in RJ and any new FA big they hopefully sign. Summer camp is going to be verrry interesting.

[coyotes_geek]

I'd think De Colo spends one year overseas. Pop probably needs one more year of seeing what Hill can do at the PG spot before he gives up his Jacque Vaughn security blanket.

[TheProfessor]

He is supposed to sign with Pamesa within next the week.
It's official: he'll be a Spur next year.

[hater]

6 5 with PG skills???? great!

I know nothing else except Nando is one badass name

I already have a nickname for him Nando "Boom" De Colo

bring him in this year

[Solid D]

RC Buford said on a radio interview on the Ticket760 Friday that Nando will be playing for a good coach in Spain this year. That good coach would be Neven Spehija at Pamesa. It looks like from this article (translated) that Nando signed a 2-year deal with Pamesa with an NBA out-clause.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.solobasket.com/contenidos/nando/colo/jugara/pamesa/proximas/dos/temporadas/si/nba/no/lo/impide/c-21570.html&ei=KPtESuGQD5D0NdGviZsB&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DNando%2Bde%2BColo%2BPamesa%26hl%3Den% 26lr%3D

As has been speculating for some weeks, of Colo Nando (1.91m; 23/06/1987) is the player with the Lakers had the most advanced negotiations for its incoporación a template of all the Valencian next season.

Ahora, el acuerdo entre el ex jugador del Cholet y el club de la capital del Turia está cerrado, con un contrato que vincula a De Colo con Pamesa para las próximas dos temporadas . Now, the agreement between the former player and club Cholet in the capital of the Turia is closed, with a binding contract with De Colo Pamesa for the next two seasons. El conjunto entrenado por Neven Spahija habría pagado en torno al medio millón de euros por el traspaso del jugador, y en el acuerdo se incluye una cláusula por la cual De Colo podría salir rumbo a la NBA si firmase un contrato con una franquicia estadounidense. The ensemble trained by Neven Spahija would have paid about half a million euros for the transfer of the player, and the agreement includes a clause which could leave De Colo towards the NBA if you signed a contract with an American franchise.

Nando de Colo es uno de los jugadores internacionales que aparece en la edición 2009 del draft de la NBA , siendo elegible automáticamente por su año de nacimiento. Nando Colo is one of the international players appearing in the 2009 edition of the NBA draft, to be automatically eligible for her year of birth. En principio, el francés aparece en las previsiones ( mock drafts ) como segunda ronda, pero su gran actuación en el Reebok Eurocamp de Treviso -un referente al que acuden scouts de las 30 franquicias NBA y los clubes más importantes de Europa- ha disparado su cotización de cara al próximo 25 de junio. In principle, the French appear in the forecasts (mock drafts) as the second round, but his great performance at the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, a reference to the scouts who attend the 30 NBA franchises and the most important clubs in Europe, has fired his price of the next June 25. Incluso se especula con una posible elección del jugador por parte de los Cleveland Cavaliers en la última elección -la 30- de la primera ronda o más tarde con la 47, ya en segunda, para reforzar el juego exterior en torno a LeBron James . It was even speculated a possible choice for player of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the last election, the 30 - the first round or later with 47, and second, to enhance the game outside around LeBron James. Así pues, Nando de Colo tiene tiene todos los visos de ser la primera incorporación del Pamesa 2009/2010, tal y como ya avanzamos . Thus, Colo Nando has to have all likely to be the first incorporation of Pamesa 2009/2010, as already moving. Ahora, tras la salida de Manuel Llorente de la presidencia del club, Pamesa debe resolver su organigrama antes de poder firmar a nuevos jugadores. Now, after the departure of Manuel Llorente of the presidency of the club, Pamesa your organization must resolve before they can sign new players.

[GSH]

I don't know if any of you read Ricky Rubio's comments in the Spanish papers, but I'm starting to think that the traditional draft doesn't work for players who have played ball in Europe. They hold all the cards. It doesn't cost them anything to declare for the draft, and they have no personal stake in the game. [Edit: Rubio said, "I wouldn't rule out at all returning to Spain" and "... we'll see if I come over next year or not. Think about what the T-Wolves gave up with the 4th pick, if he stiffs them. Didn't a 29 pick sell for $3 Million cash last night?]

At 53, we didn't give up much, but I thought he was one of the ones who commented that he didn't want to play unless he went in the first round and got a guaranteed contract. So the good players like Splitter you can't draft in the first round, because rookie scale isn't enough. And the riskier ones like De Colon you can't draft in the second round because they want the guaranteed contract that a first round pick gets.

I just don't think the existing NBA salary and draft rules are set up to properly address the realities of the European player market. The American teams and players have all kinds of restrictions, but the Europeans have none. Stern needs to take some measures to level the playing field. I would hate to be making decisions for an NBA club with all the uncertainties that come with drafting overseas. And from the players' standpoint, I would be pissed if I got drafted 31st, and a couple of European players decided not to take their guaranteed 1st round contracts.

[CGD]

Under the current structure, "good" international players can actually sign a guaranteed deal for more $$$ if selected in the 2nd than a similar such player selected in the 1st round. Definitely an issue to reconcile in the 2010 talks.

As for the Rubio situation, the idiots in the Wolves front office are largely to blame IMO. Why the F do you draft two PGs consecutively? The last thing Rubio wants is to compete for the post.

[Bruno]

Second round picks can get guaranteed contracts and a lot of college players pick in the second round get guaranteed contracts.

If De Colo stays in Europe, it's because Spurs want it. Spurs are the ones in the driver seat.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Under the current structure, "good" international players can actually sign a guaranteed deal for more $$$ if selected in the 2nd than a similar such player selected in the 1st round. Definitely an issue to reconcile in the 2010 talks.

As for the Rubio situation, the idiots in the Wolves front office are largely to blame IMO. Why the F do you draft two PGs consecutively? The last thing Rubio wants is to compete for the post.

if this guy cant compete for a roster spot, then he is plain simple shit.

[EricB]

I bet its Rubio posturing to get traded to a New York. There was rumors out there last night of him getting traded to the Knicks, that apparently has died off.

[Bruno]

I'll give you another example. I've read several comments from Gortat's agent that he might "be open" to going back to Europe next season. That's because he'll make something like $800K if he stays in the NBA, and he can get more from a Euro team. He can just walk away, with no cost to himself and no recourse for the team, as long as he is going to any non-NBA team. And Euro teams almost always put big buy-out clauses in their contracts for players that want to go elsewhere. But my understanding is that NBA teams aren't even allowed to put similar buy-out clauses in to discourage players from leaving for a Euro team.

Buyout clauses are for players who are still under contract with their team. When a player is a FA in Europe, he doesn't have a buyout clause and can leave his team with "no recourse for the team".
NBA contracts not having buyouts makes it more difficult for NBA players to leave the NBA than for Euro players to leave the Europe.



Maybe the Spurs are in the driver's seat with DeColo. But they sure as hell weren't with Splitter. I'm sure that there is a lot that American fans just don't understand about all of this. But I know that what we are seeing is teams giving up draft picks for very risky returns.

For each player, it's a different situation. When a NBA team draft an Euro, they had to do their work to know his wishes and his contract situation.

Spurs have learned it the hard way with Splitter. After that, they hired a Spanish GM (Antonio Maceiras) to have someone in the know with all the contracts details. He left the team few weeks ago to be Real Madrid GM. I don't know if Spurs have hired someone else but I'm sure they have learned a lot from him during this past year.

[Bruno]

I really respect your knowledge of the game and the salary rules, Bruno, but I think you missed my point. I'm not talking about FA's. Look at the Gortat situation, for example:

Orlando has a team option on Gortat for next season. Assuming Orlando exercises their option, Gortat can't go play for another NBA team, unless Orlando agrees to a trade. But he can leave tomorrow to play in Europe or elsewhere, and Miami would receive no compensation.

Gortat is a FA this summer. Orlando hasn't a team option on him.



Scola is a different example. He could have come to play for the Spurs at any time, but he would have owed Tau a large buyout amount. Now he is under contract to Houston, and he can't simply go play for another NBA team. But he could go back to Tau tomorrow, and the Rockets would get nothing - because NBA teams aren't allowed to have the same kind of buyout clauses that Tau used to keep him in Spain.

No, Scola can't leave for Europe this summer.
The NBA and the FIBA have agreements and NBA contracts are recognized by the FIBA.

If Scola sign for next year with a team in Europe, his contract will be send to FIBA's offices to be validated. FIBA will notice that he is still under contract with Houston and will void his new contract. Scola and his agent will face sanctions.

A NBA player can't leave the NBA in the middle of his contract to sign in Europe.

[GSH]

Gortat is a FA this summer. Orlando hasn't a team option on him.

No, Scola can't leave for Europe this summer.
The NBA and the FIBA have agreements and NBA contracts are recognized by the FIBA.

If Scola sign for next year with a team in Europe, his contract will be send to FIBA's offices to be validated. FIBA will notice that he is still under contract with Houston and will void his new contract. Scola and his agent will face sanctions.

A NBA player can't leave the NBA in the middle of his contract to sign in Europe.

Thanks for the corrections. There's always plenty of bad information out there. (The main article about Gortat was just wrong. I can see that he's just a restricted FA, which changes everything.) As always, it's nice to have a trustworthy source.

[Sig modified for a month or so, to remind me.]

[Solid D]

Google translation but it looks like Nando may play in the Spurs Summer League before the decision is made final with Pamesa. The July 12 date is curious, because that is the day of the 1st Spurs' SL game. LV Summer League for the Spurs ends July 19.

http://www.sport365.fr/basket-hand-volley/basket/nba/article_327681_Beaubois-a-Dallas-De-Colo-avec-TP.shtml

http://www.sport365.fr/medias/sporever/sport365_664x376/basket/Bleus/82111_BLEUS_PARKER_DE_COLO_260609.jpg

Même s'il se dit un peu déçu de ne pas avoir été drafté au premier tour (qui lui aurait offert un contrat garanti de trois ans), le jeune international tricolore est ravi d'atterrir à San Antonio : « J'aurais préféré être pris au premier tour mais je suis content d'être dans une franchise aussi bonne et aussi sérieuse que San Antonio », a réagi l'arrière français selon des propos rapportés par l'Agence France Presse et ralayés sur le site officiel de Cholet. Néanmoins, De Colo attend de connaître la position exacte des Spurs. « Maintenant on va voir ce qu'ils me proposent. (Gregg) Popovich (Ndlr : entraîneur de San Antonio) m'a dit lors de mon essai qu'il aimait bien mon jeu à l'Européenne et Tony (Parker) m'avait dit que j'avais été bon également. Je pense pouvoir apporter du scoring à cette équipe. » Après les Ligues d'été, une décision devrait être prise dans la première quinzaine de juillet, les Valencians se donnant jusqu'au 12 juillet pour obtenir une réponse.

Even if he said a little disappointed not to have been first-round draft (which would have offered him a guaranteed contract for three years), the light youth international is delighted to land in San Antonio: "I would rather be taken in the first round but I'm happy to be in a franchise as good and as seriously as San Antonio, responded back in a french connection reported by Agence France Presse and ralayés on the official site of Cholet. However, De Colo expects to know the exact position of the Spurs. "Now we'll see what they offer me. (Gregg) Popovich (Editor's note: San Antonio coach) told me during my test that I loved the European game and Tony (Parker) told me that I was good too. I think I can bring to this team scoring. "After the summer leagues, a decision should be taken in the first half of July, giving the Valencians until July 12 for a response.

[JUUOT]

Après les Ligues d'été, une décision devrait être prise dans la première quinzaine de juillet, les Valencians se donnant jusqu'au 12 juillet pour obtenir une réponse.


Yes, it says Valencia is ready to wait until the 12th of july before nando has to give an answer.

The beginning of the sentence says : after the summer leagues, a decision will be made.

It kind of implies he would play them. It could also mean the spurs are waiting to know more about their prospects playing in summer league before comiting to nando

[Bruno]

De Colo won't play SL if he doesn't get a guaranteed contract from Spurs.
The July 12th date has been chosen because it's the start of French NT campaign this year.

[Solid D]

De Colo won't play SL if he doesn't get a guaranteed contract from Spurs.
The July 12th date has been chosen because it's the start of French NT campaign this year.

It doesn't make too much sense to me to play in Summer League if NT practices start July 12th. Spurs need a backup PG but I think that player should be a veteran of NBA games. Unless the Spurs want to continue to use Hill as a 2, Nando would get more experience playing for Spehija in Valencia for a year.

[Bruno]

It doesn't make too much sense to me to play in Summer League if NT practices start July 12th. Spurs need a backup PG but I think that player should be a veteran of NBA games. Unless the Spurs want to continue to use Hill as a 2, Nando would get more experience playing for Spehija in Valencia for a year.

It's almost sure that Nando will play in Spain next year. One more year in Europe playing in the best domestic league should be quite positive for him.

If he had a good year in Spain, Spurs could sign him during the 2010 summer. IMO, if he makes it in the NBA, it will be as a SG.

[timvp]

It probably makes the most sense for him to go to Europe for a year or two. De Colo still needs to improve his skill level if he wants to make it in the NBA. This past season, he was pretty average for a lot of the year. He started well and ended pretty well but he went through an uninspiring stretch.

Bruno, does it look like De Colo will be starting at SG for the NT? And do you know if France's games will be shown via the internet? Thanks.

[Bruno]

Bruno, does it look like De Colo will be starting at SG for the NT? And do you know if France's games will be shown via the internet? Thanks.

Pietrus should be the starting SG but he is questionable for the NT with a wrist injury. Magic's medical staff should give an answer about Pietrus availability in few days. If he is out, Nando should be the starting SG.

AFAIK, there won't be official stream on the internet but some games should be available more or less legally.

[JUUOT]

Pietrus should be the starting SG but he is questionable for the NT with a wrist injury. Magic's medical staff should give an answer about Pietrus availability in few days. If he is out, Nando should be the starting SG.

AFAIK, there won't be official stream on the internet but some games should be available more or less legally.

I have a gut feeling pietrus will not make it and nando will start at SG. I am curious about the look of the french team that will take court for the qualifier

[Pucho!!!]

I have a gut feeling pietrus will not make it and nando will start at SG. I am curious about the look of the french team that will take court for the qualifier

Agreed, could be sumwhat of a precursor to the Spurs future backcourt if Pietrus and the Magic decide its not in his best interest to play for the NT. So, maybe we'll get to c the Parker/de Colo backcourt sooner than expected

[Bruno]

I have a gut feeling pietrus will not make it and nando will start at SG. I am curious about the look of the french team that will take court for the qualifier

Agree. Collet (French NT coach) was quite pessimistic about Pietrus.


So, maybe we'll get to c the Parker/de Colo backcourt sooner than expected

Parker/De Colo was last summer French NT backcourt.

BTW, a little anecdote: when TP was a kid, he was coached by Nando's parents during basketball summer camps. :downspin:

[kace]

Agreed, could be sumwhat of a precursor to the Spurs future backcourt if Pietrus and the Magic decide its not in his best interest to play for the NT. So, maybe we'll get to c the Parker/de Colo backcourt sooner than expected

we've already seen it in the past. not so bad, even if the team failed.

[JUUOT]

Agreed, could be sumwhat of a precursor to the Spurs future backcourt if Pietrus and the Magic decide its not in his best interest to play for the NT. So, maybe we'll get to c the Parker/de Colo backcourt sooner than expected

RC said in his post draft interview that tony gave his stamp of approval on Nando. and Bruno must have mentioned it before but last summer when they played together, I think i remember tony saying he was impressed with Nando and he had great potential and it was fun playing with him.

The french triangle: TP Nando Ian

plus now that oberto is gone... Argentina can not compete with us anymore :rolleyes

[Blackjack]

http://www.sport365.fr/medias/sporever/sport365_664x376/basket/Bleus/82111_BLEUS_PARKER_DE_COLO_260609.jpg

12, huh...

We're not going to have another Manu situation if or when he comes over, are we?:lol

[boutons_deux]

de Colo is more athletic, smoother than Tony, and has better shot form than Tony now, and has better court vision and passing than Tony did at de Colo's age.

He slower, but well under control and patient.

I say let him battle for b/u pg with Hill. NdC is certainly more worth keeping and playing as 3rd pg at worst.

[K-State Spur]

I don't know if any of you read Ricky Rubio's comments in the Spanish papers, but I'm starting to think that the traditional draft doesn't work for players who have played ball in Europe. They hold all the cards. It doesn't cost them anything to declare for the draft, and they have no personal stake in the game. [Edit: Rubio said, "I wouldn't rule out at all returning to Spain" and "... we'll see if I come over next year or not. Think about what the T-Wolves gave up with the 4th pick, if he stiffs them. Didn't a 29 pick sell for $3 Million cash last night?]

At 53, we didn't give up much, but I thought he was one of the ones who commented that he didn't want to play unless he went in the first round and got a guaranteed contract. So the good players like Splitter you can't draft in the first round, because rookie scale isn't enough. And the riskier ones like De Colon you can't draft in the second round because they want the guaranteed contract that a first round pick gets.

I just don't think the existing NBA salary and draft rules are set up to properly address the realities of the European player market. The American teams and players have all kinds of restrictions, but the Europeans have none. Stern needs to take some measures to level the playing field. I would hate to be making decisions for an NBA club with all the uncertainties that come with drafting overseas. And from the players' standpoint, I would be pissed if I got drafted 31st, and a couple of European players decided not to take their guaranteed 1st round contracts.

Unless the other league's just decide to bow to the superiority of the NBA, there's really no good way around it. If you just allowed every Euro to be a free agent, they'd still be able to use playing abroad as leverage.

[tomtom]

If he had a good year in Spain, Spurs could sign him during the 2010 summer. IMO, if he makes it in the NBA, it will be as a SG.

SG? Why's that? I thought his greatest asset was his ball handling, court vision and passing.



BTW, a little anecdote: when TP was a kid, he was coached by Nando's parents during basketball summer camps. :downspin:

Very cool, at least chemistry shouldn't be a problem should he come I assume.

[Bruno]

SG? Why's that? I thought his greatest asset was his ball handling, court vision and passing.


Yes, they are but it isn't enough to be a PG. Nando is too slow and turnover prone to be a full time PG in the NBA.

The reaction of Christian Monschau (a french coach who knows quite well Spurs because of Mahinmi) about Spurs' drafting Nando:
"De Colo, It's a less athletic Ginobili with a better shoot. He can create a lot of things in the clutch time. He is a smooth player and Spurs are also able to notice that. Knowing them, I'm not surprised that they have drafted him. He has the kind of court vision that they really like there."

http://www.lavoixdessports.com/Sports-Collectifs/Basket-Ball/2009/06/27/article_de-colo-et-san-antonio-porte-ouverte-ver.shtml

[yavozerb]

Yes, they are but it isn't enough to be a PG. Nando is too slow and turnover prone to be a full time PG in the NBA.

The reaction of Christian Monschau (a french coach who knows quite well Spurs because of Mahinmi) about Spurs' drafting Nando:
"De Colo, It's a less athletic Ginobili with a better shoot. He can create a lot of things in the clutch time. He is a smooth player and Spurs are also able to notice that. Knowing them, I'm not surprised that they have drafted him. He has the kind of court vision that they really like there."

http://www.lavoixdessports.com/Sports-Collectifs/Basket-Ball/2009/06/27/article_de-colo-et-san-antonio-porte-ouverte-ver.shtml

I agree that PG will not be his full time position but I can see pop letting him run the offense (ala mason jr) if needed.

[objective]

do you know if France's games will be shown via the internet? Thanks.

I believe Eurobasket 2007 had a video pass for $20 which allowed all the games to be watched live or archived. It was through MediaZone.

Maybe the same this year?

[objective]

The way RC was talking he basically made it clear that there was no chance for De Colo to be on the roster this year. I wonder if De Colo will attend the Spurs mini-camp to prepare for the summer league the first week of July. Maybe they'll find it in their best interests to sign him then.

The landscape has changed, why leave players overseas and run the risk of Splittering? De Colo's going to the ACB, if he does great there they can make it worth his while to stay.

[picnroll]

Who's the French NT center, Turiaf? I read where Petro won't get re-signed by the Nuggets.

[tomtom]

thanks bruno :tu

[Pucho!!!]

I agree that PG will not be his full time position but I can see pop letting him run the offense (ala mason jr) if needed.

I can see it as well. He let's Manu do it. They would essentially fit the same role. Could be Manu's replacement in training? Both drafted in the 50s, both havin a SG body with a playmaker mindset, I like this dudes game and I hope he does nothing but improve while he's in Spain. Bruno, do u know anything about the proposed deal this Spanish team he's goin to has offered him? Is there a yearly buyout? and also does anyone have footage of the Parker/de Colo tandem from last yrs NT?

[Bruno]

Bruno, do u know anything about the proposed deal this Spanish team he's goin to has offered him? Is there a yearly buyout?

The latest I read was a 3 years contract with a NBA buyout option each year.

[EricB]

12, huh...

We're not going to have another Manu situation if or when he comes over, are we?:lol

I've seen video of him in europe also wearing the number 7.

So I think were safe :lol

[Pucho!!!]

Unless Oberto comes back...

[Ace9]

Unless Oberto comes back...


...the plot thickens. :wow

[TMTTRIO]

plus now that oberto is gone... Argentina can not compete with us anymore :rolleyes

Well Manu has said not too long ago that he would love to join Scola on the Rockets after this year and now that we're stacked now it may just happen;).

[tomtom]

Well Manu has said not too long ago that he would love to join Scola on the Rockets after this year and now that we're stacked now it may just happen;).

...source :wakeup

[GooberNuts]

Well Manu has said not too long ago that he would love to join Scola on the Rockets after this year and now that we're stacked now it may just happen;).

This is a slightly frightening idea. Where'd you hear this?? I don't really believe it but still...

[4RINGS]

Manu will join Barry and Scola with the Rockets... O, NO!!!

[duncan228]

Well Manu has said not too long ago that he would love to join Scola on the Rockets after this year and now that we're stacked now it may just happen;).


...source :wakeup


This is a slightly frightening idea. Where'd you hear this?? I don't really believe it but still...

The article with the quote is in post #7. It came out May 27.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127467


When asked if he could envision himself playing with Scola in Houston, Ginobili said: "Well I would rather bring Scola to San Antonio but if at any time the Spurs don´t want me, Houston would be a good place for me."

[GSH]

So he is just about to sign a new 3-year contract, with buyouts? That should make for a never-ending stream of thread topics for the next three years. I wonder if his contract will be structured anything like Rubio's?

Rubio, 18, was paid just $97,000 last season to play with his Spanish team, which wants him to remain in his homeland so much that it attached a $6.6 Million buyout to his contract.

I read another article that said Rubio is trying to get out of the contract (and buyout) because he never actually signed it. He was underage (14) and his parents executed the contract. His Spanish team, DKV Joventut, has countered that without the $6.6M buyout money, they cannot hire new players and they will go bankrupt.

So you have a guy with a $97K salary, and a $6.6M buyout? And a team that will go bankrupt without the buyout money from the $97K player? What would they have done if they hadn't been able to sign Rubio? They wouldn't have him playing for them or the buyout money? Would they already be out of business?

And how about this article: Tim Shea, the former Knicks European scout, who is a consultant for Rubio's agency, Winners Factory, said he expects a formal offer from a Turkish club tomorrow. The offer would be about $1 million, with another $2 million going toward his $6.6M buyout with his Spanish team. The offer would decrease the likelihood of him playing in the NBA next season. An NBA team is allowed to pay just $500K, with the rest coming from Rubio's future earnings.

So if Rubio takes the offer from the Turkish team, he will make $1M and the club will pay $2M of his buyout. Wouldn't that still leave him $3.6M in debt to Joventut, even if he hands over 100% of his salary from the Turkish team? And Joventut has already said that they can't afford to hire new players unless they get the $6.6M buyout. So does Rubio have the other $3.6M to give to them?

It's a lot like the all the stories about Bourousis - nothing adds up.

[tomtom]

Yikes, well lets just hope the spurs do want him

[EricB]

The Spurs desire to bring him over will all depend on his development.

Thats straight from RC Buford.

Most likely if he plays well this year in Europe, he will come over.

[Darkwaters]

Yikes, well lets just hope the spurs do want him

I'm sure they drafted him because they don't want him. It's the ultimate CIA Pop move!

No, the Spurs drafted the guy and didn't trade him on draft night (a first in the last few years - See Damir Markota, Georgios Printezis, Goran Gragic) which means to me that they like him and want him as a Spur someday.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I believe Eurobasket 2007 had a video pass for $20 which allowed all the games to be watched live or archived. It was through MediaZone.

Maybe the same this year?

lol don't take it. The site was down half the time when the games were on.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

So he is just about to sign a new 3-year contract, with buyouts? That should make for a never-ending stream of thread topics for the next three years. I wonder if his contract will be structured anything like Rubio's?

Rubio, 18, was paid just $97,000 last season to play with his Spanish team, which wants him to remain in his homeland so much that it attached a $6.6 Million buyout to his contract.

I read another article that said Rubio is trying to get out of the contract (and buyout) because he never actually signed it. He was underage (14) and his parents executed the contract. His Spanish team, DKV Joventut, has countered that without the $6.6M buyout money, they cannot hire new players and they will go bankrupt.

So you have a guy with a $97K salary, and a $6.6M buyout? And a team that will go bankrupt without the buyout money from the $97K player? What would they have done if they hadn't been able to sign Rubio? They wouldn't have him playing for them or the buyout money? Would they already be out of business?

And how about this article: Tim Shea, the former Knicks European scout, who is a consultant for Rubio's agency, Winners Factory, said he expects a formal offer from a Turkish club tomorrow. The offer would be about $1 million, with another $2 million going toward his $6.6M buyout with his Spanish team. The offer would decrease the likelihood of him playing in the NBA next season. An NBA team is allowed to pay just $500K, with the rest coming from Rubio's future earnings.

So if Rubio takes the offer from the Turkish team, he will make $1M and the club will pay $2M of his buyout. Wouldn't that still leave him $3.6M in debt to Joventut, even if he hands over 100% of his salary from the Turkish team? And Joventut has already said that they can't afford to hire new players unless they get the $6.6M buyout. So does Rubio have the other $3.6M to give to them?

It's a lot like the all the stories about Bourousis - nothing adds up.

How many fucking times does it take to be said? American sports media is full of shit.

[GSH]

How many fucking times does it take to be said? American sports media is full of shit.

I don't know, asshat... how many times did you have to say that Bourousis would be playing for the Spurs to make it be true?

Almost all of the information I cited came from the Spanish media, or from Rubio's own agency in Spain. That same agency representative said today that "if the Timberwolves traded Rubio to the New York Knicks, Rubio may decide to play in the NBA next season." So if Minnesota owns his rights, he can't come play because of his contract. But if New York owns his rights? Well, then, maybe we can work something out. And you guys have the nerve to call Americans arrogant.

A lot of fans are getting tired of their teams using draft picks on European players, because of the uncertainty and bullshit that comes with trying to sign them and keep them. Just check out the comments from Minnesota and Toronto fans. (More on that later.) DeColo declared for the draft, even though he had one year left on his contract. Okay. That seemed like it could be perfect timing for the Spurs - give him one more year in Europe, then bring him over.

But now (after not going in the first round?) he is going to sign a new 3-year contract, with buyouts? Imagine what happens if he has a great season, and Hill struggles at the backup PG spot. This forum will go into absolute meltdown, after what we've been through with Scola and Splitter. Because the history of these buyouts says that there is no way we'll be able to bring him over only 1 year into his contract. And that doesn't even take Rubio into account. It turns out, his $6.6M buyout turns into an $8M buyout after June 30. That's for a player earning about $100K last season with a Spanish team. And you say that De Colo is about to sign with a Spanish team? Forgive me if I'm skeptical that we'll ever see him in silver and black.

[tomtom]

I'm sure they drafted him because they don't want him. It's the ultimate CIA Pop move!

No, the Spurs drafted the guy and didn't trade him on draft night (a first in the last few years - See Damir Markota, Georgios Printezis, Goran Gragic) which means to me that they like him and want him as a Spur someday.

That was in response to the poster saying manu would like to play with scola in houston...

[Bruno]

Pietrus should be the starting SG but he is questionable for the NT with a wrist injury. Magic's medical staff should give an answer about Pietrus availability in few days. If he is out, Nando should be the starting SG.


Pietrus is out of the NT.

[K-State Spur]

The article with the quote is in post #7. It came out May 27.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127467

"If the Spurs don't want me, Houston would be a good place for me"

DOES NOT EQUATE TO

"I would love playing in Houston with Scola"

[timvp]

Pietrus is out of the NT.

I don't think De Colo was at the practice facility yesterday. If he's not there today, I'm guessing he won't play in summer league.

Any idea where De Colo is at the moment?

[CGD]

"If the Spurs don't want me, Houston would be a good place for me"

DOES NOT EQUATE TO

"I would love playing in Houston with Scola"

Thanks for this. Lord...

[Bruno]

Any idea where De Colo is at the moment?

No idea.

[Marcus Bryant]

I don't think De Colo was at the practice facility yesterday. If he's not there today, I'm guessing he won't play in summer league.

Any idea where De Colo is at the moment?

Slightly curious that De Colo hasn't gone through the dog and pony show like Blair and McClinton.

[EmantheSpursFan]

Man i had a bad dream last night, i dreamt that we traded him to the mavs for just cash and another second round pick D:

I really like this guys court vision and i can see him in a spurs uniform next year, i dont mind waiting one more year to develop, classic pick and stash pop move.

[Bruno]

Some news:

http://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/breves2009/20090703_193324_avec-de-colo-sans-foirest.html


It is one of the biggest concern for French NT coach Vincent Collet: Will Nando De Colo be with the NT this summer?
"He is a talented player. Spurs want to let him two or three years in Europe in order that he improves his game. It is a good news for French NT. He will be on time with us this summer.", said Tony Parker this Friday. De Colo Should leave France league to play with Valencia where he will play with Florent Pietrus.
However, the NT director, Patrick Beesley is less sure of De Colo availability: "nothing has been decided, we are in touch." For the moemnt, De COlo has been put on Spurs Vegas SL roster.

[objective]

a spanish article with a Nando blurb. It doesn't look like anything we don't know, if the Spurs don't sign him he's with Pamesa, at least from what I could tell from the google translate.

http://www.levante-emv.com/secciones/noticia.jsp?pRef=2009070400_11_608238__Deportes-Pamesa-Pamesa



Además, el club está a la espera de que el base francés Nando de Colo sepa definitivamente si San Antonio Spurs contará con él de cara a la próxima temporada. Si el equipo texano no hace valer sus derechos sobre el galo, De Colo llegaría a Valencia, por lo que el club tendría "dos jugadores seleccionados en el Draft", lo que para Solá "es ilusionante".

[JPB]

From lequipe.fr
july-04-09

"I was coming back from holidays when I was warned that Nando was doing workouts in SA. I got there, invited him and Pop at home.
That's was fun, he (Nando) didn't talk too much. The day after, he had a very good workout. He was the best of the height players working out.
Pop told me that if he was still available at the end of the secound round, spurs would pick him.
He's a talented player. In two or tree years, he'll bring something to our team. For the moment, the staff want him to stay in Europe to continue his development. It's useless to bring him here to put him in D-league."

[kace]

in another site there is the same interview whith some others little infos.

TP says that the dinner topic was the team next year and that Pop asked him which player he prefered from Vincarter or RJ.

He also said that there wasn't any room for De Colo at his position on the spurs roster so the spurs would probably let him in Europe (Valence probably).

http://www.coach365.fr/la-une/article_330084_San-Antonio-De-Colo-prete-en-Europe-.shtml

[Bruno]

http://www.basketfrance.com/page_m.php?d=actu&p=actu&id=5278

Nando is currently in France and will be with French NT for the start of the training on July 13rd.
It's safe to say that he won't play with Spurs SL team.

[yavozerb]

Good to hear this...I would rather see prospects who have a chance of making the team this year and not waste minutes on him just quite yet. I really like this kid and think he is in the perfect place to get much better

[timvp]

http://www.basketfrance.com/page_m.php?d=actu&p=actu&id=5278

Nando is currently in France and will be with French NT for the start of the training on July 13rd.
It's safe to say that he won't play with Spurs SL team.

:tu Nice job locating him.

[timvp]

Good to hear this...I would rather see prospects who have a chance of making the team this year and not waste minutes on him just quite yet. I really like this kid and think he is in the perfect place to get much better

Agreed.

This is probably Hill's last year of summer league. Next year it could make a lot of sense to bring De Colo in and let him run point guard during summer league to see if he can handle the position. He's probably a shooting guard on the NBA level but letting him play point guard in summer league will paint a clearer picture.

[lurker23]

Agreed.

This is probably Hill's last year of summer league. Next year it could make a lot of sense to bring De Colo in and let him run point guard during summer league to see if he can handle the position. He's probably a shooting guard on the NBA level but letting him play point guard in summer league will paint a clearer picture.

:tu Sounds good to me.

On a side note, if our back court consisted of Tony Parker, George Hill, Manu Ginobili, Roger Mason, Jack McClinton, and Nando de Colo, then we'd have a PG who drives to the basket better than most SGs, a player who is almost equally capable of playing PG and SG, a SG who is good enough to play PG at the NBA level, a SG who has experience playing PG but probably shouldn't, a SG in a PG's body, and a SG who may or may not be able to play PG.

[kbrury]

:tu Sounds good to me.

On a side note, if our back court consisted of Tony Parker, George Hill, Manu Ginobili, Roger Mason, Jack McClinton, and Nando de Colo, then we'd have a PG who drives to the basket better than most SGs, a player who is almost equally capable of playing PG and SG, a SG who is good enough to play PG at the NBA level, a SG who has experience playing PG but probably shouldn't, a SG in a PG's body, and a SG who may or may not be able to play PG.
Don't they have surgery to fix that?

[Libri]

http://www.marca.com/2009/07/05/baloncesto/acb/1246789066.html

According to Marca, Tony Parker has advised Nando de Colo not to make the jump to the NBA right away and to play a few more seasons in Europe, for example in Valencia Bàsquet Club.

It also says that Valencia BC has an agreement with De Colo to join the team unless the Spurs offer him a contract or transfer him to another team.

Parker said that De Colo is talented and can succeed in the NBA but that will depend on what team he plays.

Tony also said that it would be much easier for De Colo to play for a team like the Spurs, who like European players, than with another team, like the Clippers.

[Brazil]

Colo's agent has confirmed today that his player will be with the NT and not playing in SL.

[rapliketp]

http://www.adn.es/local/valencia/20090713/NWS-0550-Valencia-Colo-confirma-revision-superar.html

Nando signs with Valencia in Spain.

[superbigtime]

I think people saw something like this coming. Hopefully he will do great and one day be a valuable player for the Spurs. Euroleague will season him more.

[samikeyp]

Is it a question of he's not ready for the NBA or he just wants to play in Europe instead of the NBA?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Like I said many weeks ago he was going to Valencia. Once again I was proven right.

[naico]

This guy is best at playing the point, making him a SG wouldn't do his creativity and playmaking skills any good. He has an amazing talent as a decision maker and has tremendous bball IQ for his age. Him playing the 2 spot would be kind of a waste.

[Bruno]

This guy is best at playing the point, making him a SG wouldn't do his creativity and playmaking skills any good. He has an amazing talent as a decision maker and has tremendous bball IQ for his age. Him playing the 2 spot would be kind of a waste.

TP see him as a 2:
http://sport.france2.fr/basket-hand-volley/basket/De-Colo-rejoint-Valence,-en-attendant-les-Spurs-!-56060014.html

[naico]

TP see him as a 2:
http://sport.france2.fr/basket-hand-volley/basket/De-Colo-rejoint-Valence,-en-attendant-les-Spurs-!-56060014.html

If that's the case and if that is how the spurs are planning to use him in the future, then he's got his work cut out in working on his jumper..Problem is he's too talented skill wise to be used as a 2 and he's too small to be used as a point 3. I still think he's better as a PG.

What's ur take on this Bruno?

[Bruno]

What's ur take on this Bruno?

I think his future is at the SG spot.
A player like Ginobili is also a damn talented playmaker/creator and he is fine at the 2. I see Nando as a less athletic Ginobili.

[naico]

I think his future is at the SG spot.
A player like Ginobili is also a damn talented playmaker/creator and he is fine at the 2. I see Nando as a less athletic Ginobili.


That's what i see as an issue. He's not that quick and will have to learn to play away from the ball. As a rookie SG he won't get a lot of opportunities to play handling the ball, so the spurs will have to be very patient as it will be a work in progress. It's going to take some time before he get's enough trust to handle the rock as a 2.

[Bruno]

That's what i see as an issue. He's not that quick and will have to learn to play away from the ball. As a rookie SG he won't get a lot of opportunities to play handling the ball, so the spurs will have to be very patient as it will be a work in progress. It's going to take some time before he get's enough trust to handle the rock as a 2.

Nando has played more SG than PG in Europe and is more ready to be a SG than a PG.

What could also help him is that he will have played a lot with Parker.
Between last summer, this summer and maybe next summer, it's about 6 months of games + practice with TP. The TP/De Colo backcourt should have a good chemistry from day 1.

[timvp]

Looks like Valencia has a pretty stacked team. Victor Claver, Kosta Perovic, Shammond Williams, Florent Pieturs, etc.

Is De Colo expected to start?

[in2deep]

TP says that the dinner topic was the team next year and that Pop asked him which player he prefered from Vincarter or RJ.


wow, so it was either Carter or RJ????

interesting. Which one did Tony pick?

[Bruno]

Looks like Valencia has a pretty stacked team. Victor Claver, Kosta Perovic, Shammond Williams, Florent Pieturs, etc.

Is De Colo expected to start?

They are trying to waive Shammond Williams.

De Colo starting or not will depend on who they will signed this offseason.
They haven't a lot of money because their main sponsor (Pamesa) has withdrawn so there is a good chance that Nando end up as a starter.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Looks like Valencia has a pretty stacked team. Victor Claver, Kosta Perovic, Shammond Williams, Florent Pieturs, etc.

Is De Colo expected to start?

At the second level of Europe they play in Eurocup (like Euroleague's D-League) they have a good roster. The best Eurocup rosters right now by far is Valencia, Bilbao and Panellinios. As the rosters are now one of those teams should win it.

[Bruno]

It looks like Nando will be the starting PG for Valencia.

He scored 15 points in the latest preseason game:
http://www.marca.com/2009/10/01/baloncesto/acb/1254433251.html

[Brazil]

It looks like Nando will be the starting PG for Valencia.

He scored 15 points in the latest preseason game:
http://www.marca.com/2009/10/01/baloncesto/acb/1254433251.html

thanks for the feedback. Good news for him after a quite disapointing euro.

[timvp]

It looks like Nando will be the starting PG for Valencia.

He scored 15 points in the latest preseason game:
http://www.marca.com/2009/10/01/baloncesto/acb/1254433251.html

Good news. Even if he will play shooting guard at the NBA level, De Colo getting a lot of minutes at point guard will quicken his development.

[TIMMYD!]

Stash him, bring him here in 3 years.

[Bruno]

Nando scored 22 points yesterday for the last preseason game. http://www.acb.com/redaccion.php?id=61561

The first game of the regular season is Sunday but Nando has had a heck of a preseason.

[Bruno]

Some news about Nando:

Nando has a nice start of the season.

The positive side is that he is playing a lot of minutes and scoring a lot of points. He is Valencia's best scorer. The negative side is that he quite struggles to do the PG duties. He can do great passes but isn't a consistent enough passer for the moment. He also drives too much when the paint isn't open.

Valencia is 3-1 in Spanish league. They are also qualified for the Eurocup after having a Belgian team in a 2 game series (Valencia made a big come back after having lost by 15 in the first game).

This Sunday, Valencia will play against Caja Laboral. It's De Colo vs. Splitter.
Dennis Lindsey and Claudio Crippa will be at the game: http://www.tubasket.com/noticiaDetail/verArticulo/NBA/spurs/aterrizan/valencia/ver/evolucion/splitter/colo/17037

[EricB]

So its no longer Tau Ceramica we hate but Caja Laboral :)

[Libri]

So its no longer Tau Ceramica we hate but Caja Laboral :)

The sponsor name changed but the team administration, IIRC, is mostly the same.

[mountainballer]

De Colo is in fact looking nice in Spain. after 6 games Valencia is 5-1 and DeColo is averaging 14 PPG in 29 MPG. (3 APG, 3.5 RPG)
what would be the conditions to bring him in next summer? (he does have a NBA drop out clause I assume?). he could become a very nice option to replace Mason.

[TDMVPDPOY]

De Colo is in fact looking nice in Spain. after 6 games Valencia is 5-1 and DeColo is averaging 14 PPG in 29 MPG. (3 APG, 3.5 RPG)
what would be the conditions to bring him in next summer? (he does have a NBA drop out clause I assume?). he could become a very nice option to replace Mason.

have to see what happens with the teams cap,

finley, gino, bonner, mason contracts expire

resigning gino and bringing over splitter will costs about 10m (gino@MLE or gtfo, splitter@MLE)

i think de colo will come over next season, depending how this current roster does...if it hits the shits again, total revamp of roster plz

[mountainballer]

have to see what happens with the teams cap,

finley, gino, bonner, mason contracts expire

resigning gino and bringing over splitter will costs about 10m (gino@MLE or gtfo, splitter@MLE)

i think de colo will come over next season, depending how this current roster does...if it hits the shits again, total revamp of roster plz

I know about our situation. question was, what would it take to get DeColo. (what is his buy out with Valencia). if we know this, it's easier to speculate if - for example - it's possible to bring in him AND Splitter for the MLE.

[mountainballer]

De Colo still does well in Spain! (after 9 games he is averaging 13PPG and 2.7 APG)
maybe the best news are, how consistent he is performing. no off games till now. that's impressive for a 22 years old player, who had to take a pretty big transition this summer from the France league to Spain.

[Chieflion]

Man, almost forgot about him. Anyone has footages of his recent games in the bigger leagues?

[silverblackfan]

I also forgot about him. It sure is nice to know a back up PG is getting primed for next season if necessary. Throw in Splitter, and you have a wealth of talent lined up for the Spurs.
If only the Lakers weren't so stocked...

[benefactor]

Good to see Nando doing well. He and Jerrells both will be interesting to watch as prospects for an extra PG next season.

[FkLA]

This guy is nothing special, if he ever comes over he'll be our 15th man nothing more.

Average speed, not athletic, slow shot release, average range from the vids I saw of him a while back. Supposedly is a below average defender as well. Not NBA material in my opinion.

[mookie2001]

^agree jerrells too, no thank you Mr. De Colo

[Brazil]

R. Beaubois > De Colo

[yavozerb]

This guy is nothing special, if he ever comes over he'll be our 15th man nothing more.

Average speed, not athletic, slow shot release, average range from the vids I saw of him a while back. Supposedly is a below average defender as well. Not NBA material in my opinion.

You may be right, but averaging 13 ppg on the elite level of professional basketball in europe at 22 years old is pretty damn good. I wouldn't trust what some websites have to say about players cause I remember bellineli who had a quick release, unlimited range, and was the second coming of manu and he has not been a very good player yet in the NBA. As long as this guy has heart and is willing to work he can very will be a solid NBA rotational type player.

[yavozerb]

R. Beaubois > De Colo

Why do you think that? Before coming to the NBA (and in the NBA) beaubois really has not done much of anything..Just wondering since you probably follow the french teams closer than me..

[Bruno]

A little update and Nando's year with Valencia.

The positive side:
The team is doing very well (12-4 in Spanish league and qualified for the Eurocup top16) and Nando is a big part of it as he is the starting PG. He has shown an ability to score and has also made some big shots. For a young player discovering a new league and team, it's really good. He has quickly emerged as one of the best young talent in the Spanish league.

The negative side:
I had some doubts about his ability to play PG and he really struggles at playing that position. A stat to show it: he played 26 mpg in Spanish league and average 3.8 turnovers for 2.5 assists per game. Scorekeepers are less generous with assists in Europe than in NBA but it remains really bad. Nando is arguably one of the most turnovers prone PG in Europe. A lot of these turnovers came from bad passes. Nando isn't an enough solid passer to be a full-time PG: he is careless when he makes an easy pass and tries too much flashy but inefficient assists.
Another negative point is that he has had a little incident with his coach (Neven Spahija). About two months ago, he was put on the bench after having his 6th turnover of the game in the third quarter. Nando complained about it to the coach and to an assistant coach while he was on the bench. As a result, Spahija benched him for the whole 4th quarter and said after the game something like "Nando must speak less and listen more". It was just and isolated incident without consequences but it's noteworthy.

Overall, Nando is showing he is talented but he is also showing that he likely never will be a good PG. I don't know what are Spurs plans with him but a good solution would be to sign him next summer and assigned him a whole year in Austin where he would bulk up and defend athletic SG/SF.

[Spurs Brazil]

Thanks for the update Bruno

[NFGIII]

Bruno: since you know him better than I do what do you think the Spurs saw in him to draft him? It seems that he wouldn't be a decent PG regardless of what league he plays in so I guess I'm a little curious as to why they drafted him. Consider me confused.

[Bruno]

Bruno: since you know him better than I do what do you think the Spurs saw in him to draft him? It seems that he wouldn't be a decent PG regardless of what league he plays in so I guess I'm a little curious as to why they drafted him. Consider me confused.

You're talking about a 53rd pick. Players drafted available that late have some flaws. De Colo is a talented and skilled offensive player who can do a lot of things at that end of court, that's likely the reason why Spurs gamble on him.

IMO, Nando has way more chances of making in the NBA as a SG.

[NFGIII]

You're talking about a 53rd pick. Players drafted available that late have some flaws. De Colo is a talented and skilled offensive player who can do a lot of things at that end of court, that's likely the reason why Spurs gamble on him.

IMO, Nando has way more chances of making in the NBA as a SG.


You're right about those late 2nd rounders and thanks for your insight. And sometimes those late ones actually turn into a decent player. You know that one we got back in '99 at 57? Or was it a little later? Can't remember.

[timvp]

Very good info, Bruno. I thought that defense was the reason why De Colo wouldn't play point guard in the NBA. If his offense isn't PG friendly either, then that's a double whammy.

As with any late second round pick, it's highly unlikely he ever succeeds in the NBA. For De Colo to make it, I think he'll have to at least be a hybrid guard that can offer help at both positions -- sorta like RMJ. If De Colo isn't a playmaker at all, I don't see how he'll survive as just a shooting guard unless he becomes a stud shooter.

[TheProfessor]

It's not like Mason is any kind of lights-out playmaker himself. De Colo would just need to cut down on the flashy stuff and make solid passes. Bruno's suggestion of Austin sounds good - not only can he bulk up a bit, but he can work on his point skills with coaches using the Spurs' system. I just wonder if he'd be amenable to playing in the D-League for that long.

[yavozerb]

I would rather De Colo stay in Europe and work on his skills than do it with spurs $. Nando is only 22 so as long as his work ethic is good, he should improve in the areas of passing and shooting. The few games I have seen I do like the fact that is pretty aggresive on offense and attacks the rim pretty consistently. Hopefully he can improve his shooting enough that maybe he can provide a roger mason like effect (sg/pg a little) in the future.

[Bruno]

In games, I've seen Nando wasn't bad on the defensive even if he sometimes struggles fighting through screens.

Saying that, Spanish league isn't at all the best one to test Nando's defense at the PG spot. In Spanish league, teams are only allowed to have 2 Americans players. Most of the players he faces, are unathletic pass first PGs and not quick scoring PGs who could give him some troubles.

[Bukefal]

I doubt he has the qualities to make it in the NBA.

But who knows, he is a decent passer and playmaker and with the right development, maybe we'll see him.

[Brazil]

One positive thing for him: he doesn't hesitate to shoot the ball. When he is open he takes it and doesn't defer to the other guys. He also made some clutch shots in closed games so he is no bonner whose shooting is falling down against good opponents or under pressure.

[Brazil]

Quick comment of Flo Pietrus regarding De Colo status in Valence:

LE RÔLE DE LEADER DE NANDO DE COLO

Pour sa deuxième saison à Valence, il a été rejoint par Nando De Colo, qui a tout de suite pris les rênes de l'équipe, comme meneur et leader. Deuxième marqueur de l'équipe (12,6 points), l'ancien choletais, dont le jeu est marqué par beaucoup de créativité, est aussi le deuxième joueur qui perd le plus de ballons en Liga ACB (4/match).
Florent Pietrus : «Il a un statut important dans l'équipe, mais c'est normal puisqu'il est le meneur. Le coach lui fait entièrement confiance. Si on le met dans des bonnes conditions, pourquoi ne réussirait-il pas ? Il a tout ce qu'il faut pour être un grand joueur de ce championnat. Ce qu'il fait ne m'étonne pas. Même si on n'est pas forcément les meilleurs potes du monde, on a une bonne relation et il le faut mieux vu qu'on sera encore amené a vivre l'été prochain ensemble (lors du Mondial avec les Bleus).»

" He is important for Valence but it's normal he is the PG of the team. The coach fully trusts him. If he is put in good conditions he will succeed. He has everything to be a great player in Spain. What he is doing doesn't surprise me. Even if we aren't best friends, we have a good relation and fortunately because we will have to spend time together again next summer for the world championship."

[Bruno]

Not a bad game today for Nando:
http://www.acb.com/fichas/LACB54184.php

[tomtom]

Nice game. Have you seen much of Claver? If he came next season would he be anything close to Casspi's production?

[Bruno]

Nice game. Have you seen much of Claver? If he came next season would he be anything close to Casspi's production?

I've seen quite a lot of games of Claver. He is athletic but still need a lot of work. I've found him quite disappointing this year. IMO, the most interesting player Portland has in Europe is Joel Freeland.