Spurs Announce Training Camp Roster

[lurker23]

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 27, 2010 – The San Antonio Spurs today announced their training camp roster for the 2010-11 season. Training camp begins Tuesday, September 28 at the Spurs practice facility.

The Spurs current roster stands at 18 players, and includes the additions of guard Thomas Gardner, forwards James Gist and Bobby Simmons, and center Marcus Cousin.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/roster_100927.html

[DesignatedT]

Well I expect Gardner and Cousins to be cut after camp and then that leaves 1 more player to go. Most likely Gist or Jerrells.

[lurker23]

Previously unknown numbers: Gist #51, Simmons #1, Neal #14.

Some other notes about the roster:

varner48MoH

Kirk Penney is not on the training camp roster...unofficial word is FIBA contract issues, but we'll see

JMcDonald_SAEN

I'm told he's in town and expected to sign camp deal within week, maybe tomorrow. RT @varner48MoH Penney is not on the training camp roster 8 minutes ago via web

[DesignatedT]

Also, no Penney?

[ohmwrecker]

Well I expect Gardner and Cousins to be cut after camp and then that leaves 1 more player to go. Most likely Gist or Jerrells.

If they carry 15.

[timtonymanu]

Well I expect Gardner and Cousins to be cut after camp and then that leaves 1 more player to go. Most likely Gist or Jerrells.

I personally think both will be cut and Simmons will become a guaranteed contract. Penney may be signed too if he impresses.

[Obstructed_View]

If Jerrells wants any chance to stay with the team he needs to make good decisions with the ball and play defense like he did in summer league and just give the team no choice. The Spurs are likely looking to end up with fewer than 15 before the season starts.

[Bruno]

My odds for players to make the team:
Temple: 70%
Simmons: 50%
Gee: 50%
Gist: 30%
Penney (if he is signed): 20%
Jerrells: 10%
Gardner: 10%
Cousin: 5%

[lurker23]

My odds for players to make the team:
Temple: 70%
Simmons: 50%
Gee: 50%
Gist: 30%
Penney (if he is signed): 20%
Jerrells: 10%
Gardner: 10%
Cousin: 5%

Pretty close to my thoughts. Before the Simmons signing, I sent these percentages to someone I know:

Temple: 80%
Gee: 55%
Gist: 30%
Jerrells: 30%
Anyone else (who had been announced at the time): 5%

With Simmons, I think I'll have to change a couple of those:

Simmons: 55%
Gee: 40%
Gist: 25%

[DesignatedT]

Sounds about right. Temple, Gee, Simmons should all be locks to make the team.

[TD 21]

Maybe out of camp they'll all be locks. But by January 10th (the date when teams have to decide whether to guarantee non-guaranteed contracts for the season or not), the Spurs will probably waive one of Simmons or Gee, in order to avoid paying the tax at season's end.

Another option could be Neal. He's guaranteed for this season, but let's say he's out of the rotation and possibly even inactive a lot, he might just ask for his release and return to Europe, a la Haislip.

Temple, I'd be surprised if he's not on the team for the entire season.

[dbestpro]

Would Neal be eligible to play in Austin?

[lurker23]

Would Neal be eligible to play in Austin?

Yes, as are (technically speaking) Anderson, Blair, Cousin, Gee, Gist, Jerrells, Splitter, and Temple.

[spurs_2108]

What about ryan richards?

[Blackjack]

Richards is apparently under contract with his Spanish team (CB Gran Canaria) for the next 2 years or so.

As for the roster, looks like Trey Gilder lost his opportunity once the Spurs realized Simmons was able and willing. Simmons could be pretty decent as a backup small forward if everything goes right, but he's not what they needed.

They've still yet to beef up the perimeter D with a legit rotation player. But, then again, they didn't really have the opportunity to do so via free agency. I look at Simmons as essentially another Jefferson-type defender if he's right - decent-to-good in the right matchup (i.e., against bigger and stronger players more so than the quick and athletic).

[dbestpro]

Yes, as are (technically speaking) Anderson, Blair, Cousin, Gee, Gist, Jerrells, Splitter, and Temple.

With Simmons on the roster I think then Neal wil play the first half of the season in Austin in order to learn the Spurs system. Might even see Anderson there some too.

[TD 21]

Richards is apparently under contract with his Spanish team (CB Gran Canaria) for the next 2 years or so.

As for the roster, looks like Trey Gilder lost his opportunity once the Spurs realized Simmons was able and willing. Simmons could be pretty decent as a backup small forward if everything goes right, but he's not what they needed.

They've still yet to beef up the perimeter D with a legit rotation player. But, then again, they didn't really have the opportunity to do so via free agency. I look at Simmons as essentially another Jefferson-type defender if he's right - decent-to-good in the right matchup (i.e., against bigger and stronger players more so than the quick and athletic).

The thing I like is that they avoided going for Bogans/Udoka type. They both brought defense and three-point shooting, but the problem was, they didn't excel at either. They were/are mediocre three-point shooters and average - slightly above average defensively.

At least with Simmons, he's a very good three-point shooter. I'd prefer that, despite him potentially or probably being below average defensively at this point (and despite the the Spurs seemingly having that covered a lot more than they do an above average wing defender), over mediocrity in both areas.

Obviously, we'd all like to see an SF brought in who excels in both areas and if I had my druthers, I'd actually prefer it the other way around (an excellent defender, who's a mediocre three-point shooter), but to have one who excels in one of the two areas is better than having one who excels in neither.

[Blackjack]

The Spurs lack for shooters. If Neal or Penney earn a spot it'd be almost counterintuitive to not have them on the roster and available.

[Blackjack]

The thing I like is that they avoided going for Bogans/Udoka type. They both brought defense and three-point shooting, but the problem was, they didn't excel at either. They were/are mediocre three-point shooters and average - slightly above average defensively.

At least with Simmons, he's a very good three-point shooter. I'd prefer that, despite him potentially or probably being below average defensively at this point (and despite the the Spurs seemingly having that covered a lot more than they do an above average wing defender), over mediocrity in both areas.

Obviously, we'd all like to see an SF brought in who excels in both areas and if I had my druthers, I'd actually prefer it the other way around (an excellent defender, who's a mediocre three-point shooter), but to have one who excels in one of the two areas is better than having one who excels in neither.

If the Spurs were going to add a vet from what was left, it was either Nachbar or Simmons in my estimation. Both pretty 'meh' but the reasoning was there given the potential investment (or lack thereof).

To your last point, if you had your druthers, that's essentially where I'm at. I don't have a problem with taking a flier on Simmons, as the alternative(s) weren't really there, but I'm less than enthused at the prospect of backing up RJ with a similar type of defender - I'm weary to even spout the efficiency of Simmons' ability from the corner 3 after Jefferson's similar outlook last year (though I believe Simmons' stats aren't as misleading, as he wasn't seeing the type of touches RJ was in Milwaukee).

It's just a big ol' bowl of 'meh' with a side of 'eh'.

I've stocked up on rum for Jobu in hopes he'll bring the Spurs a fortuitous trade or some ungodly play from Gee.

[Ditty]

Splitter
Duncan
Jefferson
Manu
Parker
Mcdyess
Bonner
Blair
Hill
Anderson
neal
temple
gee
simmons

im hoping gist can show something in camp and replace simmons never been a fan or liked his game tbh, if not I hope gist finds his way to austin to improve on whatever is keeping him from making the roster

Gee may be on the bubble too if he doesn't havent a solid preseason and camp would love for him to be a solid defense player

temple I think is too good and has too much pontential to be cut would be dumb for the spurs to get rid of him

I'm pretty sure anderson will spend most of the year in Austin unless he absolutely tears it up,neal ends up being a bust,or injuries.

marcus cousin is pretty good from the videos I saw, can shoot pretty good for a big guy and good free throw shooter hopefully we get him in austin,same for jerrels who will get his shot one day,maybe even for kirk penney kid can shoot but we have enough guard who can do more than that.

[TD 21]

If the Spurs were going to add a vet from what was left, it was either Nachbar or Simmons in my estimation. Both pretty 'meh' but the reasoning was there given the potential investment (or lack thereof).

To your last point, if you had your druthers, that's essentially where I'm at. I don't have a problem with taking a flier on Simmons, as the alternative(s) weren't really there, but I'm less than enthused at the prospect of backing up RJ with a similar type of defender - I'm weary to even spout the efficiency of Simmons' ability from the corner 3 after Jefferson's similar outlook last year (though I believe Simmons' stats aren't as misleading, as he wasn't seeing the type of touches RJ was in Milwaukee).

It's just a big ol' bowl of 'meh' with a side of 'eh'.

I've stocked up on rum for Jobu in hopes he'll bring the Spurs a fortuitous trade or some ungodly play from Gee.

Yeah, I'd prefer a defender who's quicker laterally and more athletic at SF, but such a player was no longer available in free agency and hasn't been for some time.

So given what was left, Simmons makes the most sense. Even though I had said I'd rather Hayes over Simmons in the past, the more I think about it, Simmons is a better fit. Hayes falls into the Bogans/Udoka category, in that he doesn't excel as either a shooter or a defender.

As for Simmons' three-point shooting, if you look at his career percentage, he's at 40.1%. Before last season (only 23 games, so a small sample size), three of the previous four seasons he shot: 43.5%, 42.0%, and 44.7%. Jefferson's stats indicate he had become a decent three-point shooter in recent seasons before last, but Simmons' stats indicate that he had become a very good three-point shooter.

[ceperez]

Yeah, I'd prefer a defender who's quicker laterally and more athletic at SF, but such a player was no longer available in free agency and hasn't been for some time.

So given what was left, Simmons makes the most sense. Even though I had said I'd rather Hayes over Simmons in the past, the more I think about it, Simmons is a better fit. Hayes falls into the Bogans/Udoka category, in that he doesn't excel as either a shooter or a defender.

As for Simmons' three-point shooting, if you look at his career percentage, he's at 40.1%. Before last season (only 23 games, so a small sample size), three of the previous four seasons he shot: 43.5%, 42.0%, and 44.7%. Jefferson's stats indicate he had become a decent three-point shooter in recent seasons before last, but Simmons' stats indicate that he had become a very good three-point shooter.

Better to have an excellent specialist than a player that's good at everything but doesn't excell anywhere.

Simons if he can still shoot with a high clip and still has the athleticism may be a very good pickup.

[SenorSpur]

I remember Earl Weaver being released earlier this summery by OKC. I don't know if this guy is still on the street. However if he is, I'm surprised the Spurs didn't give him a training camp invite.

[flasah]

I remember Earl Weaver being released earlier this summery by OKC. I don't know if this guy is still on the street. However if he is, I'm surprised the Spurs didn't give him a training camp invite.

KYLE Weaver, with OKC last year, got a TCI with Chicago.
Earl WATSON, with Indy last year, signed with Utah.

And according to Pro Exposure Transaction Wire:
"Wellington Saints swingman Leon Henry (http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2010/september/henry-added-to-breakers-squad-for-top-end-challenge/) has been added to the
Burger King Breakers squad for the pre-season tour to Sydney.
Henry takes the place (temporarily for now) of Kirk Penney,
who is currently in the San Antonio Spurs training camp."
http://proexposure.com/itranswire.cfm

[JR3]

not one player 7 foot or taller. =( Not the end of the world.. it would just make me feel better.

[ajballer4]

In my opinion, I think Temple could be that defender we've been looking for. He's got a 6'6" frame which is only about an inch under the typical small forward, however right now he lacks the muscle. If he bulked up a bit, he could be used as a 1,2, or 3. I thought he played good defense last year in his time, and, if I'm not mistaken thats what he was known for in college. The more he plays the better he's gonna get. Out of everyone in camp, I'm rooting for him the most to get some quality playing time in games. He was impressive in his games last year, and has way to much potential for the spurs to send him to Austin.

[ace3g]

Spurs Add Kirk Penney To Training Camp Roster http://bit.ly/93zoPd

[Obstructed_View]

In my opinion, I think Temple could be that defender we've been looking for. He's got a 6'6" frame which is only about an inch under the typical small forward, however right now he lacks the muscle. If he bulked up a bit, he could be used as a 1,2, or 3. I thought he played good defense last year in his time, and, if I'm not mistaken thats what he was known for in college. The more he plays the better he's gonna get. Out of everyone in camp, I'm rooting for him the most to get some quality playing time in games. He was impressive in his games last year, and has way to much potential for the spurs to send him to Austin.

Good point. The buzz on Temple coming out of college was that he was going to be a defensive specialist. He's got a nearly 7 foot wingspan and has shown some versatility in addition to his defense.

[jjktkk]

Good point. The buzz on Temple coming out of college was that he was going to be a defensive specialist. He's got a nearly 7 foot wingspan and has shown some versatility in addition to his defense.

Would love it if Temple could bulk up, but looking at his thin frame, I don't see him gaining any significant bulk. I still love the guys potential as a defensive specialist who can handle both guard spots.

[duncan228]

SF will be perhaps the most interesting battle of #spurs camp. Simmons/Gee/Gist/Anderson. There will be minutes to be had there.

[TD 21]

Better to have an excellent specialist than a player that's good at everything but doesn't excell anywhere.

Simons if he can still shoot with a high clip and still has the athleticism may be a very good pickup.


The thing I like is that they avoided going for Bogans/Udoka type. They both brought defense and three-point shooting, but the problem was, they didn't excel at either. They were/are mediocre three-point shooters and average - slightly above average defensively.

At least with Simmons, he's a very good three-point shooter. I'd prefer that, despite him potentially or probably being below average defensively at this point (and despite the the Spurs seemingly having that covered a lot more than they do an above average wing defender), over mediocrity in both areas.

Obviously, we'd all like to see an SF brought in who excels in both areas and if I had my druthers, I'd actually prefer it the other way around (an excellent defender, who's a mediocre three-point shooter), but to have one who excels in one of the two areas is better than having one who excels in neither.

Shooting percentages are akin to batting averages, in that if you've built up a body of work over time, despite how you may be doing during a particular time, generally players progress or regress to their career percentage.

Simmons has proven relatively recently (two seasons ago, which was the last time he played consistently) that he's a knockdown shooter, he's proven it over a fairly lengthy period of time and he's only 30, so I'm inclined to believe that he's still a 40% caliber shooter from three.

As for his athleticism, it's below average. Even in his younger days, he never was a great, or even very good athlete. From the photo I saw of him from media day, he at least appears to be more trim than he's been in some time.

[Obstructed_View]

Would love it if Temple could bulk up, but looking at his thin frame, I don't see him gaining any significant bulk. I still love the guys potential as a defensive specialist who can handle both guard spots.

If the biggest problem Temple has this season is bigger guys moving him out of the way, it'll be a really good year.