McDonlad just reported Malik Hairston won't be on summer league team.

[MB3//]

Anyone know why?

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN
Rookie James Anderson is expected to join #spurs in Vegas, but won't play due to lingering hamstring issue.
6 minutes ago via web
Malik Hairston won't be joining #spurs in Vegas after all. Replaced on roster by Michael Cuffee, a G from Middle Tenn State.

[Dex]

Hopefully it's just some personal business or something.

Fortunately, Hairston doesn't really NEED the Summer League as much as some of the other guys, but would've been good to see him out there.

[E-RockWill]

Anywhere from "Nothing more to see from Malik" to a piece of a sign & trade?

[scottspurs]

:stirpot: interesting

[E-RockWill]

:stirpot: interesting
:eyebrows Indeed.....

[coyotes_geek]

Probably just tweaked an ankle or something.

[scottspurs]

Probably just tweaked an ankle or something.

Wouldn't he still be going though if he was just injured.

[Cane]

Didn't he suffer an injury towards the end of the season?

[DesignatedT]

Prob nothing

[sa_butta]

being replaced by Michael Cuffee (6-5 guard...Middle Tennessee).

[scottspurs]

James Anderson is hurt and he is going. Just saying :stirpot:

[ElNono]

Maybe he just got promoted as the starting PF and Spurs don't want to risk injury... :stirpot:

[timvp]

Whatever the reason for Hairston's absence, his chances of making the team next year just took a hit. This was his chance to show he's a legit NBA player.

[sa_butta]

I was actually surprised to see James Gist, I liked him....Looks like a good summer roster and I like having Blair put in some work too.

[sa_butta]

James Anderson is hurt and he is going. Just saying :stirpot:
I don't see James Anderson on the latest roster....

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/10707_spurs_summer_league_roster.html

[ElNono]

I don't see James Anderson on the latest roster....

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/10707_spurs_summer_league_roster.html


JMcDonald_SAEN
Rookie James Anderson is expected to join #spurs in Vegas, but won't play due to lingering hamstring issue.

[sa_butta]

Who out of this roster has the best shot to make the team??? aside from Blair of course...

[coyotes_geek]

Wouldn't he still be going though if he was just injured.

Dunno. I can see why it makes sense for someone like Anderson to go, even if injured, since he's completely new to the organization. But Hairston's already been through two of these. I'm not sure there's much benefit to having him there just to observe a 3rd one.

[benefactor]

Whatever the reason for Hairston's absence, his chances of making the team next year just took a hit. This was his chance to show he's a legit NBA player.
Agreed. His game still lacks in many key areas and the SL was a good stage to show he has worked on them.

[clubalien]

Maybe he just got promoted as the starting PF and Spurs don't want to risk injury... :stirpot:

duncan sucks or he is moving to center

i think you meant SF..
if not tony has come off the bench,manu off the bench

how about tim winning 6th man award?:ihit

[benefactor]

The only other thing I can think of is that he is going to be packaged in a Jefferson S&T.

[ducks]

he and someone is packaged in a deal?

[ElNono]

duncan sucks or he is moving to center

i think you meant SF..
if not tony has come off the bench,manu off the bench

how about tim winning 6th man award?:ihit

Yes, I meant SF.. thanks for the correction

[RiverwalkParade]

probably trying to send RJ off in a S&T at 7Mil a year, no team is going for it, so they lower RJ's pay and throw in Malik to make the numbers match up.

The team receiving can waive Malik because of his non-gauranteed contract and get RJ at the price they want.

[coyotes_geek]

Who out of this roster has the best shot to make the team??? aside from Blair of course...

Anderson's obviously a given to make the squad.

After him though, I'd say whoever impresses more between Gee or Temple.

[RiverwalkParade]

My bold and pipedream trade prediction-

Spurs Send in a S&T:

RJ-32.5M over 5 years (team option year 4 and 5) + Malik (non guaranteed $854,389)

For

Shane Battier

[clubalien]

i think some people after dogging mcdonald need to give him props for the scope of the hairston trade.

[Bruno]

Interesting it could be nothing but the timing perfectly fit with a trade.

If it's an injury, I don't think it will hurt significantly his chances to make the team next year. Training camp and preseason games will have way more weight than SL when Spurs will decide who should be kept at the end of the preseason.

[Blackjack]

Whatever the reason for Hairston's absence, his chances of making the team next year just took a hit. This was his chance to show he's a legit NBA player.

I don't follow. He did about as much as he could and the Spurs could want for him to show in last year's SL and off-season, yet still wasn't given the opportunity over a guy like Bogans -- someone he easily beat out for a job by any on-court measure.

The Spurs pretty much know what Malik is and what he's going to be, I seriously doubt this was his chance to show he was a legit NBA player.


probably trying to send RJ off in a S&T at 7Mil a year, no team is going for it, so they lower RJ's pay and throw in Malik to make the numbers match up.

The team receiving can waive Malik because of his non-gauranteed contract and get RJ at the price they want.

But something like this could definitely be in play and probably makes the most sense since there's been no word of injury (even if it's possible there was some type of ankle injury they don't want to exacerbate with a flight and altitude). The timing definitely would seem about right that Malik's non-guaranteed contract could be on its way out with RJ, or at least thought to be with a deal in the works.

[urunobili]

mmm maybe he'll help a team clear some cap space and then re-sign with us? I'd hate to see him bloom somewhere else... that would also finger point the Toros program not providing a single quality rotation player for the Spurs with Marcus Williams, Mahimni and Hairston not panning out.

[timvp]

The Spurs wouldn't take Hairston off the summer league team even if he were to be shopped in a trade. Hairston's trade value is tied to his unguaranteed contract -- not his actual play. He could blow out a knee and his trade value would be the same.


I don't follow. He did about as much as he could and the Spurs could want for him to show in last year's SL and off-season

Hairston was pretty damn bad in the final few SL games last year. This year, he could have used SL to prove he's a good defender who can also space the floor with a three-point shot. By outplaying Gee and Temple, he could have really helped his chances of making the team.

[ace3g]

RJ + Hairston for Josh Childress or trade exception

[Blackjack]

Hairston was pretty damn bad in the final few SL games last year. This year, he could have used SL to prove he's a good defender who can also space the floor with a three-point shot. By outplaying Gee and Temple, he could have really helped his chances of making the team.

Sure, he could've improved the opinion and done nothing but helped himself by a good showing, but the Spurs' coaching staff was raving about the guy's improvement after last year's off-season concluded -- Bud or Brown going as far to say they'd never seen a player improve as much in one off-season.

Personally, I think they're higher on Gee and Temple's just about a mortal lock to be on the team because of his 1-2 ability -- it's much more likely that Hairston and Gee would fight for the same spot, even if what they bring to the table isn't the exact same skill set or same look. They're likely to choose which one of the scorer (Gee) or utility player (Hairston) they find more suitable and I'm guessing they lean towards Gee if they wind up picking between the two.

[HankChinaski]

timvp what are your thoughts of the spurs just looking to get a better look at gee and others during summer league since they've seen what hairston can do and will consider just giving him his chance during preseason?

[Bruno]

The Spurs wouldn't take Hairston off the summer league team even if he were to be shopped in a trade. Hairston's trade value is tied to his unguaranteed contract -- not his actual play. He could blow out a knee and his trade value would be the same.


If a player has an injury while playing with a non-guaranteed contract, his team must pay his salary until he is healthy again even if they waive him.

[RiverwalkParade]

If a player has an injury while playing with a non-guaranteed contract, his team must pay his salary until he is healthy again even if they waive him.

So then keeping him off the floor could be a move to keep him from getting hurt, right???

[ChumpDumper]

Well, this will put more of a focus on Temple and Gee (and I guess Neal) for scoring, and Gee will have more opportunities to show he can guard the perimeter. Cuffee was just a decent player in the D-League and played in Italy's 2 league last season, so he isn't going to take anything away from those guys.

[yavozerb]

I just saw Hairston being interviewed on fox news last night and he indicated "I am working on my outside shooting, in particular my corner 3's, and my defense." In my opinion this could mean 2 things:1, he is involved in someway in a trade about to go down or 2, the spurs do not want to risk injury to the guy since he may be playing at the 3 in coming season and they already lack depth at that position. I would guess the trade scenario since in the interview I stated, there was no mention of an anykind of injury.

[EricB]

McDonald tweeted he talked to budenholzer apparently there's nothinfor him to show they know how good he is. "he has a lot of fans here"

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN
Why Hairston won't play in Vegas: "I think we're comfortable with what he can do," Coach Bud says. "He's already got a lot of fans here."
5 minutes ago via web

[ElNono]

I said it, I said it!!! They're saving him for the regular season!

[EricB]

Good timing brazil haha

[DesignatedT]

Well good for Hairston if true. He deserves a shot.

[SpursTillTheEnd]

hariston will make the spurs team hariston>bonner,jefferson spurs you already made a mistake with bonner dont make a mistake and trade hariston

[lurker23]

Direct quote (on Twitter, and still less than 2 sentences):

@JMcDonald_SAEN

Why Hairston won't play in Vegas: "I think we're comfortable with what he can do," Coach Bud says. "He's already got a lot of fans here."

http://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN

-----

Sounds like he's on a higher level than the other guys. At most, it means his roster spot is almost assured. At least, it means, "We know you well enough that your stock will be determined in training camp, not in summer league."

[Blackjack]

:smokin


:elephant

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't know if I buy that reason yet, we'll see..it doesn't surprise me though, because this is what some of us have already been saying the entire time..all the signs point to the organization being high on Hairston, a lot of key guys have given him high praise(Manu, Parker, Elliott, RC)..

This could be a smokescreen for a trade though..even if they are as high on Hairston as we think, holding him out of SL seems stupid, unless they're really trying to see what they have in Gist/Temple/Gee..I was really looking forward to seeing him in SL, so this sucks, unless it leads to a trade that gets Jefferson out of here..

If it's true and they're high on him, it's great to hear that he's working hard on his outside shooting, it's obviously the key to his game advancing into a rotation player/starter for the Spurs..

[angelbelow]

Good news

[Spurs Brazil]

This could be a smokescreen for a trade though..even if they are as high on Hairston as we think, holding him out of SL seems stupid, unless they're really trying to see what they have in Gist/Temple/Gee..I was really looking forward to seeing him in SL, so this sucks, unless it leads to a trade that gets Jefferson out of here..

Agree. Even Blair is going to play, why not Hairston

[Blackjack]

unless they're really trying to see what they have in Gist/Temple/Gee..

... If it's true and they're high on him, it's great to hear that he's working hard on his outside shooting, it's obviously the key to his game advancing into a rotation player/starter for the Spurs..

That's exactly what I took from the comment, that they knew what they had in Hairston and that this SL was a time for the likes probably Gee, Temple and Gist to show what they got ... but specifically Gee (as they didn't need Hairston taking away valuable evaluation time from him on the wing).

To your second part, part of me believes that this signifies the passing of the torch from The Centerpiece. Saying that they don't need to see what he's got and that he's got a lot of fans, hearing Malik specifically talk about getting his corner-3 fine-tuned ... that could have one believe that Hairston's finally going to get his opportunity and the latitude afforded to him to prove if he's capable of the role.

THC is very pleased with this development. :tu

[HarlemHeat37]

Well, if it's true, I'm assuming it means the Spurs' shooting coaches are taking their time to focus on him specifically, like they did with Hill last year..hopefully it's true..

[Blackjack]

I saw someone say they heard Hairston speaking about it on a local telecast (maybe even in this thread), so it's encouraging.

I know he can shoot it, he's just got to prove it on this team and at this level.

[Bruno]

It makes no sense at all to put Hairston on the roster SL and two days later withdrawing his name because he doesn't need to be evaluated.

The only case that scenario makes some sense is if Michael Cuffee made a late commitment to the team and Spurs really want to see what he can do in SL.

[HarlemHeat37]

It makes no sense at all to put Hairston on the roster SL and two days later withdrawing his name because he doesn't need to be evaluated.

The only case that scenario makes some sense is if Michael Cuffee made a late commitment to the team and Spurs really want to see what he can do in SL.

Would they really take Hairston off just to see what Cuffee can do?..Hairston was one of their main prospects, and he was expected to go up against Gee and Temple, 2 of the other main prospects, so it seems strange..

If they're bullshitting about their reason, a trade seems like the most logical and only outcome IMO..

[Blackjack]

It makes no sense at all to put Hairston on the roster SL and two days later withdrawing his name because he doesn't need to be evaluated.

The only case that scenario makes some sense is if Michael Cuffee made a late commitment to the team and Spurs really want to see what he can do in SL.

Plausible.

I mean, they probably didn't need to see him but thought it couldn't hurt to have him get some time -- he's a young player and court time is never much of a bad thing.

Probably when weighing the pros and cons of him playing and their need to evaluate, they just didn't think it was wise to send him; and the late commitment could've been the deciding factor.

[SpursTillTheEnd]

if hariston gets traded but bonner stays i dont know what the hell imma do :bang

[ohmwrecker]

I thought it was weird that he was on the roster to begin with. What exactly do the Spurs need to see from this guy that they haven't seen in two years? The best case scenario would be that the spurs are packaging Bonner/Hairston/Jefferson in a deal.

[Bruno]

Would they really take Hairston off just to see what Cuffee can do?..Hairston was one of their main prospects, and he was expected to go up against Gee and Temple, 2 of the other main prospects, so it seems strange..

If they're bullshitting about their reason, a trade seems like the most logical and only outcome IMO..

Maybe Cuffee played great at a Spurs mini camp and they were curious to see what he could do in SL.

And removing Hairston from SL isn't a that big deal. What will count for him is what he will do during the training camp and the preseason games.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Why Hairston won't play in Vegas: "I think we're comfortable with what he can do," Coach Bud says. "He's already got a lot of fans here."

- Jeff McDonald's twitter

[yavozerb]

Why Hairston won't play in Vegas: "I think we're comfortable with what he can do," Coach Bud says. "He's already got a lot of fans here."

- Jeff McDonald's twitter

That sounds re-assuring...Basically, it sounds like no reason was given to coach bud

[Andy25]

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/video/video.php?v=1318460572714

He wouldn't be doing this type of stuff if he was being traded or some other conspiracy theory.

[Blackjack]

Maybe the FO sees he sucks and will always suck, no need to take up a roster spot.

This post makes me feel immeasurably better about Malik's chances. :tu

[Libri]

Direct quote (on Twitter, and still less than 2 sentences):

@JMcDonald_SAEN

Why Hairston won't play in Vegas: "I think we're comfortable with what he can do," Coach Bud says. "He's already got a lot of fans here."

http://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN

-----

Sounds like he's on a higher level than the other guys. At most, it means his roster spot is almost assured. At least, it means, "We know you well enough that your stock will be determined in training camp, not in summer league."

Not really surprised. I had Hairston and Temple on another level because of the experience they had gained during the season.

[HarlemHeat37]

AHHHH another Malik lover, he would be the perfect fit if he could just shoot, rebound and dribble.

Statistically, Hairston was the Spurs best perimeter rebounder last season..

[Blackjack]

AHHHH another Malik lover, he would be the perfect fit if he could just shoot, rebound and dribble.


Greatest















:troll

















EVER!!!

[jag]

Packaging two SF together in a sign and trade would be absolutely stupid for this FO. Even if the Spurs weren't already lacking in depth at SF, I'd like to see them keep Malik around for a little while.

[SpursTillTheEnd]

Thats not saying alot as our perimeter guys are all awfullll rebounders. While I hold out hope this guy will be something the fact is he is another 6-5 guy with limited skills, I am sick of Pops trying to use that type of player at sf.

Much rather give Gist who is taller longer and more athletic a shot at the 3 than to keep hoping Hairston becomes more than a 12th man.
malik has the best d on the team ....

[senorglory]

Hey, I just noticed while looking over the roster, that Jacque Vaughn is a coach for our summer league team. Cool.

[ChumpDumper]

Maybe Cuffee played great at a Spurs mini camp and they were curious to see what he could do in SL.Maybe Gary Neal had a great mini camp and they would rather spend time evaluating him and Gee than Hairston. Cuffee's just a body and a possible Toros pickup if he goes back in the D-League draft in that scenario.


And removing Hairston from SL isn't a that big deal. What will count for him is what he will do during the training camp and the preseason games.Agreed.

If he's not being traded....

[ohmwrecker]

Statistically, Hairston was the Spurs best perimeter rebounder last season..

True, but there are a very low percentage of rebounds to be had on the perimeter.

[Obstructed_View]

Whew. Last thing we need is another scrub on the SL team. The guy can't even shoot. Or dribble.

[DPG21920]

Nice. Most people could see that despite Malik's flaws, he was a piece the Spurs needed (in theory). What he brings (rebounding, hunger, athleticism & excellent defense) will prove to be an asset.

[TD 21]

I buy the Spurs reasoning on this. As I've been saying since Anderson was signed, I would not be the least bit surprised if Hairston is the primary backup SF (Anderson and Ginobili will also play some SF). I also buy that they may be working with him specifically on his shooting (mainly the corner three).

I don't know why people have every felt he was on the fringe of the roster and they were guaranteed to sign a veteran backup SF.

Consider his game and his build. It's not all that different (at least the role he'll play, I know he's more athletic and has a higher upside) than Bogans and Udoka. Udoka played/plays SF and Bogans, as the year wore on, played almost exclusively SF.

Then, consider the Spurs limited options. Sure, they could chase a Bell or a Butler, but Bell has made is clear that the Spurs are not one of his primary destinations and Butler is likely to command more than they could offer. Plus, both are aging, limited players. I don't see a clear cut better option than Hairston that the Spurs could realistically acquire. People talk about Matthews, but is it at all inconceivable that, given a chance, Hairston couldn't do what Matthews did last season? I don't think it is.

It's clear with Jefferson's opt out and the cap and tax being higher than expected, that the Spurs are going to try to avoid the tax. Why bring in Butler when you have Anderson? There's a realistic chance that Anderson is already better, plus he's younger, cheaper and more athletic.

With Splitter agreeing in principal, Bonner re-signing, Hairston being held in a higher regard than most thought he was and Jefferson's options dwindling, it's looking more and more like the Spurs are all but set for the up coming season.

[ohmwrecker]

I think Hairston's skill set is more suited to the SF position for sure.

[benefactor]

Maybe Gary Neal had a great mini camp and they would rather spend time evaluating him and Gee than Hairston. Cuffee's just a body and a possible Toros pickup if he goes back in the D-League draft in that scenario.

This would be my bet too. Besides Gee and Temple, Neal is the only other player that would be considered an aggressive offensive threat. The Spurs have somewhat of an idea what Gee/Temple can do, so it makes sense that they would want to take a long look at Neal to see what's there.

Givony said this about Neal:

Neal operates as Benetton’s main facilitator and is looking absolutely outstanding creating shots for himself and others on the pick and roll, being arguably the most complete offensive player in that league.

[dbestpro]

Neal is one of only 3 people in the history of college basketball to score 1000 or more points at two different universities.

[erikuff]

boo hoo?

[Darkwaters]

This would be my bet too. Besides Gee and Temple, Neal is the only other player that would be considered an aggressive offensive threat. The Spurs have somewhat of an idea what Gee/Temple can do, so it makes sense that they would want to take a long look at Neal to see what's there.


I have high hopes for Gary Neal. He seems like he'd be a great pickup. Kind of like a poor man's Ginobili for the team based on his ability to create shots out of the 2 guard spot. Of course, he doesn't have prototypical size at just 6'4, but he might be a great spark plug player.

[The Truth #6]

Hmm...what team as of last night really needs minimum salary role players? Miami?

[ChumpDumper]

Hmm...what team as of last night really needs minimum salary role players? Miami?San Antonio?

[BackHome]

I can't remember who I told that it was a waist of time for him to be in Sl?

[JonNOKC]

I have high hopes for Gary Neal. He seems like he'd be a great pickup. Kind of like a poor man's Ginobili for the team based on his ability to create shots out of the 2 guard spot. Of course, he doesn't have prototypical size at just 6'4, but he might be a great spark plug player.

If the guy shoots like this in SL then he makes the roster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leoWA8JaBuI

[ace3g]

kind of has that Ray Allen type release

[Birn]

Thats not saying alot as our perimeter guys are all awfullll rebounders. While I hold out hope this guy will be something the fact is he is another 6-5 guy with limited skills, I am sick of Pops trying to use that type of player at sf.

Much rather give Gist who is taller longer and more athletic a shot at the 3 than to keep hoping Hairston becomes more than a 12th man.

If Gist were any good he'd be on the team by now. Stop with the Gist mancrush. He's not a SF because he can't dribble. He's an undersized PF that can run and jump. Not much of a chance he could survive in the NBA. Hairston is much better because he can slide to the 2 and 3. He's a good defender and rebounder.

[SpursTillTheEnd]

neal's shot is nice