International Prospect: Ryan Richards

[Big P]

Richards seems close to signing with a Swiss team:
http://www.hoopsfix.com/2011/09/ryan-richards-to-play-for-lugano-tigers-in-switzerland/

If it's true, he will play in a low level league which should allow him to get plenty of playing time.

Ryan Richards Signs With Lugano Tigers Of Switzerland
Sep 09, 2011 10:56 AM EDT

Ryan Richards has signed with Lugano Tigers of Switzerland.

Richards was selected with the 49th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Spurs. Richards spent last year recovering from two shoulder surgeries.
Via Sportando

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/215520/Ryan_Richards_Signs_With_Lugano_Tigers_Of_Switzerl and#ixzz1XZ49Anez

[biggysmall]

Who is the 18 year old? Does he play center?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adhAFzZyFSE&feature=player_embedded#!

[ChumpDumper]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adhAFzZyFSE&feature=player_embedded#!That was a joke.

[biggysmall]

Here's a new video of Ryans performances with the GB team over summer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FsDiJgfXM8&feature=player_embedded

[Bruno]

As expected Richards is doing well in Switzerland. 15/17 for his first game and 19/11 in his second one. His team won these games by 48 and 33 points.

Richards has done such an odd career choice with Lugano. I hope for him he won't stay the whole year there. Getting playing time is good but not really at this level.

[yavozerb]

As expected Richards is doing well in Switzerland. 15/17 for his first game and 19/11 in his second one. His team won these games by 48 and 33 points.

Richards has done such an odd career choice with Lugano. I hope for him he won't stay the whole year there. Getting playing time is good but not really at this level.

I disagree with your last statement..PT is essential for RR with his lost season recently. I am pretty sure he will see plenty of double and triple teams at this level so its possible that this could help him see the floor better and increase his passing skills alot. Anyways, I do agree that hopefully he will step up to a tougher level, but I see no rush in this..

[buttsR4rebounding]

If we got the second coming of Cliff Robinson at with 56th pick it would be a GREAT pick.

[elemento]

It was the 49th pick.

[yavozerb]

Hes a PF with more grit than bosh and odom, Nice handles and face up game, plays with a bit of fire, handles the ball well but not as good as odom, better than bosh, better shooter than bosh or odom, good passer and rebounder, blocks shots about like odom,

I love his upside, if the spurs can get a big man coach.

Which of these 3 do not belong in the same sentance? Bosh, Odom, Richards....

[Obstructed_View]

RR being invited to camp this year? Can he play for the Toros?

[ChuckD]

RR being invited to camp this year? Can he play for the Toros?

Isn't he signed in Europe? Not being on an NBA roster, I doubt he'd have an out clause...

[Obstructed_View]

Isn't he signed in Europe? Not being on an NBA roster, I doubt he'd have an out clause...

Seems like he'd been playing with some team that was way below his skill level and was killing it. Would have rather seen him here than some of the flotsam they're likely to court. Oh well. Thanks for the info.

[8FOR!3]

Which of these 3 do not belong in the same sentance? Bosh, Odom, Richards....

Bosh, he's a scrub. :flag:

[Plumblbw]

So, seeing as Richards grew up 1 junction down the M2 motorway away from me, there was quite a bit of buzz for local basketball fans when he was drafted by the Spurs. I hoped he would spend time in Austin to develop rather than being stashed in Europe.

I've being keeping an eye on the Tigers' boxscores and I noticed Richards has come off the bench for the last 4 games straight. Looking at his boxscore overall (I do realise this doesn't always translate to the player's effectiveness on the court) he seems pretty inconsistant.

You would hope that if he's playing against the Micronesia under 13 girls league that he should be dominating. If he can't dominate at this level is there any hope for him in the NBA? Or could it just be a lack of motivation in an arrogant way, whereby he feels he's above them?

Bruno / Anonymous Cowherd, have you been able to catch any of his games to see how he is actually playing? Also, and if so, are you able to advise which source you used to watch the game please?

Thanks
Wayne

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Nope, sorry. As a Londoner I also have hopes for him. I would be very psyched to see him play in the NBA.

[8FOR!3]

Or maybe he's just 18/19 and needs some time to grow up, get stronger, and get better.

[Mel_13]

Or maybe he's just 18/19 and needs some time to grow up, get stronger, and get better.

He'll be 21 in April. Joseph and Leonard are both younger than Richards.

And he's playing in a low level European league and not even starting.

[jesterbobman]

Have to be reasonable about Richards, he may never make it, despite having all the tools to be really good. Still have no problem with picking him. It's akin to taking a gamble that you win 10% of the time, lose 90% but has a positive expected value. Sure, you lost, but it was certainly a reasonable ticket to purchase. He could still come off, it just seems doubtful.

[mountainballer]

lol. making up "remember" stories won't bring him back on track nor bring back your reputation as a "talent evaluater". ("Ryan Richards is more talented than Lamar Odom or Chris Bosh" jeeezzz).
he was never projected as a 1st rounder, he always was projected a 2nd round bubble. this was not without a reason. guess what, like most late 2nd rounders he might not even be NBA material.
"big man take time" bla bla. ever thought that no matter how quick they develop, the point is, that they develop at all. RR didn't show the slightest development over 2 and half year. in fact he goes downhill rapidly. this kid will struggle to even build a 3rd level Euro pro career. call it a miracle if he ever can land a contract in a top 5 league in Europe. (even as a minor role player)
NBA? not even if he swam the Atlantic.
and you predict him to become a NBA star, who will help deliver the Spurs a ring. your "talent evaluations" are in fact even more ridiculous than KBP. ("Teletovic is better than Dirk")

[Anonymous Cowherd]

your "talent evaluations" are in fact even more ridiculous than KBP. ("Teletovic is better than Dirk")

I put it to you that this is, in fact, not true.

[ChumpDumper]

Just from KBPing his boxscores and looking at the players on that team I recognize, He looks like he's working on the level of a D-League bench player, and that might be generous. I don't know if it's worth using a roster spot to have him play there next season, though they can get around it if Ryan can take the pay hit.

[angelbelow]

Just from KBPing his boxscores and looking at the players on that team I recognize, He looks like he's working on the level of a D-League bench player, and that might be generous. I don't know if it's worth using a roster spot to have him play there next season, though they can get around it if Ryan can take the pay hit.

eh... sucks to hear but not totally surprising. Hopefully he does well enough to eventually earn a training camp spot so we can get a up close and personal look at him.

[BackHome]

21 years old for a big is still young..........add to the fact that he is coming off shoulder surgery and I can give him another year or two before I right him off.

[K-State Spur]

Do you have a point? Bosh and Odom never have lived up to talent level and Richards has as much talent as they do be it raw. The question is what will the spurs do with it?

Non-rhetorical question: do you make that comparison to those players if Richards is right-handed?

[yavozerb]

http://projectspurs.com/2012-articles/february/ryan-richards-leaves-lugano-for-personal-reasons.html

[BackHome]

So are we bringing him to the Toros?

[yavozerb]

So are we bringing him to the Toros?

That would be nice, but I doubt it...

[mountainballer]

http://projectspurs.com/2012-articles/february/ryan-richards-leaves-lugano-for-personal-reasons.html
The 20-year-old big man averaged 22 points and eight rebounds for Great Britain's U-20 team at the European Championships. That performance earned him a spot on the Great Britain's senior team, so Spurs fans will be able to see him at the Olympics this summer.

they usually miss to note that it was the Division B European Championship. which is really really low low low level competition. and there Britain didn't even make it out of the preliminary round. so that often praised big performance isn't telling much and the mentioned spot at the senior team was gone again quickley. no reason to announce he will play at the Olympics, b/c this is pure BS.

[Maddog]

they usually miss to note that it was the Division B European Championship. which is really really low low low level competition. and there Britain didn't even make it out of the preliminary round. so that often praised big performance isn't telling much and the mentioned spot at the senior team was gone again quickley. no reason to announce he will play at the Olympics, b/c this is pure BS.
Well- based on all I've seen- looks like he is probably not going to be a contributor in the NBA.
What a waste of a draft pick!
Look at all the great players drafted after him- that the Spurs could have had..
49 SAS Ryan Richards
50 DAL Solomon Alabi Florida State University
51 OKC Magnum Rolle Louisiana Tech University
52 BOS Luke Harangody University of Notre Dame
53 ATL Pape Sy
54 LAC Willie Warren University of Oklahoma
55 UTA Jeremy Evans Western Kentucky University
56 MIN Hamady N'Diaye Rutgers University
57 IND Ryan Reid Florida State University
58 LAL Derrick Caracter University of Texas at El Paso
59 ORL Stanley Robinson University of Connecticut
60 PHO Dwayne Collins

[mountainballer]

noone said that it was a bad pick. at #49 you do exactly what they did. gamble on a player. 5 times you fail, one time you strike. RR currently doesn't look like a hit. I think we can live with it.
but that's not the point. the points are and were the absolutely ridiculous expectations some posters had (and still have) and the delusional ideas about his potential.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Well- based on all I've seen- looks like he is probably not going to be a contributor in the NBA.
What a waste of a draft pick!
Look at all the great players drafted after him- that the Spurs could have had..
49 SAS Ryan Richards
50 DAL Solomon Alabi Florida State University
51 OKC Magnum Rolle Louisiana Tech University
52 BOS Luke Harangody University of Notre Dame
53 ATL Pape Sy
54 LAC Willie Warren University of Oklahoma
55 UTA Jeremy Evans Western Kentucky University
56 MIN Hamady N'Diaye Rutgers University
57 IND Ryan Reid Florida State University
58 LAL Derrick Caracter University of Texas at El Paso
59 ORL Stanley Robinson University of Connecticut
60 PHO Dwayne Collins

A second round pick is never a waste. They are all a crap shoot.

Just what, exactly, are any of those players doing now?

[BackHome]

Come on all you international Spurs fans give us the low down on why he left?

[Maddog]

A second round pick is never a waste. They are all a crap shoot.

Just what, exactly, are any of those players doing now?

That's the point
It wasn't a waste- they saw someone who at least had a hint of potential

[BackHome]

Ok some tell us why Richards left his team what are the Spurs organization saying. Is he going to play in the D-Leauge.....Were are all the Sports reporters?

[elemento]

Any news on the boy ?

Couldn't the Spurs at least bring him to the Toros to evaluate him ?

[ChumpDumper]

Any news on the boy ?

Couldn't the Spurs at least bring him to the Toros to evaluate him ?Only two games left in the regular season. Would be a waste at this point.

[elemento]

Wasn't talking about this season, but the next Chump.

Last time i heard about him, he was playing in a small club in Swiss. He should be playing in Europe, even if it's for limited minutes otherwise he won't improve and won't be in shape.

Have you heard anything about Richards as a head-case or a lazy guy ?

Because i simply can't understand a guy with his size, his athleticism and his touch without a club in Europe, even a small club.

[ChumpDumper]

Wasn't talking about this season, but the next Chump.If the Spurs don't want him on the regular roster, he would have to go through the D-League draft. The Toros then could pretty easily trade for him since Richards could just say he would never report to a team other than Austin.

[TDMVPDPOY]

wants to play in the nba, but playing in the shittest leagues of europe.....probably crap then dleague or college level

[Maddog]

Wasn't talking about this season, but the next Chump.

Last time i heard about him, he was playing in a small club in Swiss. He should be playing in Europe, even if it's for limited minutes otherwise he won't improve and won't be in shape.

Have you heard anything about Richards as a head-case or a lazy guy ?

Because i simply can't understand a guy with his size, his athleticism and his touch without a club in Europe, even a small club.

Curious,

He seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.
I know the Spurs brought him over last year and he was working out with some of the guys
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/09/did-ryan-richards-provide-media-with-a-glimpse-of-the-spurs-future/

At this point, he is probably not going to pan out-as he seems to be going backwards as far as career development
Still young- turns 21 end of the month, but doesn't seem to be moving forward.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Not likely for next year. Not at all. When Tim re-signs, that will be 10 players under guaranteed contract, not including Mills (PO), Green, Anderson, or Diaw. I'm thinking you're going to re-sign at least two of those, probably Green and Diaw. Anderson is a goner, but Mills may opt in or be re-signed, and that would be 13 on the roster.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Eric Boateng who is a backup big man for Great Britain's national team got a bad injury awhile back. He played in the Greek league and got a pretty bad injury while he was playing with Peristeri.

I assumed this would mean that Richards would have the spot as a 5th big man for their national team this summer.

But I just read where their coach said that they would put Boateng on the team even if he was not ready completely to play when their training started. Meaning that he would get selected even if he was not recovered from the injury in time to play when they started.............

Well, if this is true, then I guess it means they have absolutely no faith at all in Richards at this point. I mean, Boateng was an average player in the Greek League, if even that, and they are saying they would rather have him coming off an injury and maybe not even ready yet to play, instead of Richards on the team.

That does not look good for Richards if that is true.

Well, true, he's got a long way to go until he reaches Tiago's Euroleague MVP level.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Great Britain Premilinary Olympics squad:


Kieron Achara, Ogo Adegboye, Robert Archibald, Eric Boateng, Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Dan Clark, Luol Deng, Joel Freeland, Ben Gordon, Kyle Johnson, Mike Lenzly, Andrew Lawrence, Alex Marcotullio, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Byron Mullens, Sullivan Phillips, Nate Reinking, Ryan Richards, Ovie Soko, Andrew Sullivan, Devon Van Oostrum.

[Bruno]

Good to have some news about Richards. By looking at the roster he has no chance at making the final 12.

GB has a nice roster for the Olympics. Gordon should help a lot Deng and they have a very good and deep bigmen rotation. It truly sucks for them they don't have a good PG because they could have made a lot of noise with a decent player at that spot.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

we were going to have Kelenna Azubuike but he couldn't get a passport (I know he isn't a PG but he would at least have been another good guard) :(

[elemento]

Didn't know Mullens was brit. He is having a nice year after riding OKC's bench his whole career. Pretty sure he makes the final 12.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Reinking is either smaller, or slower, or usually both, than anyone he faces. He plays in the British Basketball League and is 38 years old. He is by no stretch of the imagination "very good".

[Maddog]

Didn't know Mullens was brit. He is having a nice year after riding OKC's bench his whole career. Pretty sure he makes the final 12.

well, sort of a Brit
http://www.mvp247.com/2012/02/mullens-for-gb/

Does anyone know if Richards is participating in workouts/ or will be?
Answered my own ?
http://www.mvp247.com/2012/04/gb-initial-squad/

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Pretty rude.

Anyway, are you thinking of Chris Finch saying that when he was coaching Reinking for the Sheffield Sharks in the BBL? Or you think he's moronic enough to say that he's more important than Luol Deng (or Joel Freeland)? Which would be worrying.

Because firstly, erm yeah. It's British League Basketball. Of course he'd be the most important player. Secondly, that was 8 years ago, when he was 30. Not now (though he may well be still - see point one).

But hey, maybe I'm wrong. I assume that to justify the moniker "very good" he'd have to at least be able to make the Greek NT overall rotation, so if you're prepared to say there are at maximum 2 Greek point guards better than Reinking, but no more, I will defer to you and apologise.

Personally, I don't see it. But maybe I'm overrating Greeks / underrating Reinking. Over to you.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

You haven't answered me.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

cough cough

[BackHome]

So anyone know why he left his team?

[BackHome]

Thanks for the info the dude has falling off the face of the earth since he left his team.

[Richie]

Hes in the team gb squad that was announced a week ago

[Anonymous Cowherd]

http://www.hoopsfix.com/2012/04/ryan-richards-signs-with-georgian-side-sokhumi/

Ryan Richards Signs With Georgian Side Sokhumi

Rising Great Britain star Ryan Richards has signed with Georgian side Sokhumi Tbilisi for the remainder of the season.

The 7’0″ forward, who left Swiss side Lugano Tigers in February, has spent the last few months working out in the UK between Kent and Leeds waiting for the right job offer.

Talking to Hoopsfix from Georgia, where he landed on Wednesday, Richards said:

“I’m really excited, already practiced with the team it’s a great group of guys. I’m happy to be here, and looking forward to this new experience.”

Explaining the situation which led to him leaving Switzerland before the end of the season, the San Antonio Spurs draft pick said it “wasn’t the best fit” for him and his family.

He admitted he has one eye on the Olympics, and feels this will “definitely” help with his preparation for the summer but his main focus is winning the Superleague championship with his new side, who are about to begin their playoff run.

Sokhumi have finished the regular season with an 11-9 record, finishing 5th in the league and will open up the playoffs on the 3rd May against MIA Academy. Richards has been named in Great Britain’s preliminary squad, and was the last cut from the side prior to last year’s Eurobasket. With Lugano he averaged 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists.

[Bruno]

Wow. That's even a worse league than the Swiss league. Richards is still young but his career is spiraling the wrong way. :depressed

[objective]

Georgian league was absolute bottom for Sanikidze, and he was recovering from injuries. And at least he was just playing his way back in his home country.

Richards must have played pretty bad to have to go there.

[BackHome]

I guess it's the same cause Richards is also coming off Major shoulder surgery so hope he gets lots of playing time.

[timvp]

Well, at least he didn't quit basketball. He's been emo in some of his interviews so I'm glad he didn't take his ball and go home.

But, yeah, he's probably zeroing in on Karaulov territory now.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Well, at least he didn't quit basketball. He's been emo in some of his interviews so I'm glad he didn't take his ball and go home.

But, yeah, he's probably zeroing in on Karaulov territory now.

are you high on him like some of teh clowns who are still high on james anderson and corey joseph?

[Mal]

Omg, georgian league. Now I am sure he wont be in NT in Olympics. Bad bad pick from Spurs` FO.

[The ADMIRAL 50]

http://www.hoopsfix.com/2012/04/ryan-richards-signs-with-georgian-side-sokhumi/

Ryan Richards Signs With Georgian Side Sokhumi

Rising Great Britain star Ryan Richards has signed with Georgian side Sokhumi Tbilisi for the remainder of the season.

The 7’0″ forward, who left Swiss side Lugano Tigers in February, has spent the last few months working out in the UK between Kent and Leeds waiting for the right job offer.




Wow. That's even a worse league than the Swiss league. Richards is still young but his career is spiraling the wrong way. :depressed

Waiting for the right job offer + ending up in a shittier league than the shitty league was he already in = maybe the end of the road for Richards.

He's still young, but this casts some serious doubts over his already low likelihood of winding up in the silver and black.

[BackHome]

Just bring him over to the Toros next season and then we will be able to end the debate.

[Bruno]

He had 18 points, 10 rebounds in 26 minutes for his first game:
http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Georgia/2012/0503_8892_14623.asp

[ChumpDumper]

He'd better average a double-double in that league.

He just needs to join the D-League next season on his own. He can go back to -- ahem -- Sokhumi if it doesn't work out.

[benefactor]

Yeah...I don't see why he keeps wasting his time over there. If he really wants to come to the NBA he just needs to come over and get on with a D-League team.

[BackHome]

He had 18 points, 10 rebounds in 26 minutes for his first game:
http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Georgia/2012/0503_8892_14623.asp

Bruno is this league better then our D-League or worse?

[sasffl]

If he wants to play in NBA, at least he should join a team in Italy, Greece, Russia or Spain.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

If he wants to play in NBA, at least he should join a team in Italy, Greece, Russia or Spain.

That'd mean some team from Italy, Greece, Russia or Spain would want him. Apparently they don't.

[Bruno]

Bruno is this league better then our D-League or worse?

It's significantly worse. There is one relatively good team called Armia but the rest of the league is weak. Richards' team will face them next.

Anyway, Richard has only had 10 points and 8 rebounds in 28 minutes in his second game:
http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Georgia/2012/0505_14623_8892.asp

:depressed

[mountainballer]

That'd mean some team from Italy, Greece, Russia or Spain would want him. Apparently they don't.

RR didn't want to go there. after watching Rockie IV he decided he also needs to go the tough route. so he went to Swiss, where he played on courts with 30% slope, where he learned to fight an uphill battle. next is Georgia, where all players smoke. while playing. there he learnes how to come out of thin air.
last station will the Finland basketball league, where they play naked in Saunas. there he will turn red hot and he will learn how to finish.
after all that he will be perfectly prepared for the NBA.

[admiralsnackbar]

RR didn't want to go there. after watching Rockie IV he decided he also needs to go the tough route. so he went to Swiss, where he played on courts with 30% slope, where he learned to fight an uphill battle. next is Georgia, where all players smoke. while playing. there he learnes how to come out of thin air.
last station will the Finland basketball league, where they play naked in Saunas. there he will turn red hot and he will learn how to finish.
after all that he will be perfectly prepared for the NBA.
:lol

[BackHome]

I still remember when he was going through the Chicago camp tryouts one of the top ten draft prospects was asked what player has impressed you the most in this camp and he said "The British kid" Ryan Richards really impressed him the most.

[E-RockWill]

RR didn't want to go there. after watching Rockie IV he decided he also needs to go the tough route. so he went to Swiss, where he played on courts with 30% slope, where he learned to fight an uphill battle. next is Georgia, where all players smoke. while playing. there he learnes how to come out of thin air.
last station will the Finland basketball league, where they play naked in Saunas. there he will turn red hot and he will learn how to finish.
after all that he will be perfectly prepared for the NBA.

Quote of the year candidate, folks....

Well played, sir. :toast

[Bruno]

Richards' team has been brutally swept (79-63, 89-62 and 92-66) in Georgian league semifinal by Armia. If I've understood well how Georgian league works, Richards will still play a game for the 3rd player.

Richards played 5 games in Georgia and average 12.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 24 mpg. :depressed

[BackHome]

Ok it is official I have given up on Richard and Cory Joseph.......RIP..

[T Park]

how old is Richards?

Doubt you can give up on a player if hes young enough.

Joseph is 20 years old, you don't give up on 20 year olds morons.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

how old is Richards?

Doubt you can give up on a player if hes young enough.

Joseph is 20 years old, you don't give up on 20 year olds morons.

Spurs failed to pick up Anderson's option when he was still 22 years old...

moron

[Spurtacus]

Spurs gave up early on Mahinmi, imo. He could still be a solid option off the bench.

[BackHome]

Would you rather have Mahinmi or Diaw???????

We do this every year we draft a young guy or get a young guy in camp and everyone thinks he is the next Ice Man or Daivid Robinson. We let them go everyone cries foul and then life goes on....

[Ditty]

how old is Richards?

Doubt you can give up on a player if hes young enough.

Joseph is 20 years old, you don't give up on 20 year olds morons.

+1000

There sounding like TJastal, and that TDMVPDPOY guys giving up on players who can't even drink.

[Plumblbw]

Edit - It appears the C word autocorrects to Luck_The_Fakers.

I just saw Ryan Richards this evening at my local gym / sports centre (Medway Park) circa 20:00 BST. I'm standing in the queue and this guy walks in at which point I thought "He's a big Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Lu ck_The_Fakers_" (apologies for the language, but I'm relaying verbatim). He turned around and I thought "fuck me, that's Ryan Richards". He skipped the queue and went straight through the barrier, so I never had chance to speak to him.

Observations:

Whilst he looked tall (I'm 6ft 3" and obviously felt short), he didn't strike my as being 7ft, more 6ft 10", but then again I don't have a basis of comparison, as I don't see many 7ft people.

Secondly, he looked razor thin and I can imagine him get pushed around in the post and out-hustled for rebounds. I'm 16st 2lbs (226 US Pounds) (102.7 Aussie KGs) @ 15% BF and I felt like I could pushed him around.

Third, he had a serious look on his face.

Fourth, there was some sort of basketball tournament on (younger kids), so I'm not sure if he had come to watch that or whether he was practicing separately (he did have a sports bag with him). The sports hall btw is where the Kent Crusaders moved to and play their home games.

Fifth, it was just him and a girl who I will assume is his bird. She didn't turn around, so I couldn't see her boat to confirm whether or not she's hot. She had a nice figure, but looked like a pint-sized dwarf next to him.

Not sure what else to add to be honest.

Have a good evening all.

[Bruno]

The latest on Richards is that he turned down GB NT because he now wants to play for Jamaica: http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne_messenger/sport/2012/june/11/ryan_richards.aspx

It's crazy how fast Richards' career has spiraled down.
2 years ago, he was the attraction at the draft combine. After that he missed a whole year to have surgeries on both shoulders. He then got cut from the GB NT roster despite the team missing some players. He goes to a crappy Swiss league where he did nothing special before leaving the team for personal reasons. He then go to en even crappier league in Georgia where his stats were nothing great. And he now turns down a GB camp invite because he wants to play for Jamaica. :wow

[Trill Clinton]

wonder if we can trade his rights before he goes all the way into scrub mode. some team out there has to like the kid.

[tesseractive]

before he goes all the way into scrub mode.

I think it might already be too late. Yikes.

[Trill Clinton]

I think it might already be too late. Yikes.


shhhhhh:depressed

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Apparently, it's rare skill that translates to no basketball court anywhere.

[CGD]

sounds like he went diva when the spurs selected him. . .

[admiralsnackbar]

Hes 21, still needs to mature, but spurs likely wont bring him in for at least a year maybe 2. He has rare skill, his head may be the issue. Not giving up on him this early.

Word is Jackie Butler runs a secret and elite big-man training camp in Jamaica. It should only take him 2 months to get Richards up to snuff according to my sources.

[ChumpDumper]

Hes 21, still needs to mature, but spurs likely wont bring him in for at least a year maybe 2. He has rare skill, his head may be the issue. Not giving up on him this early.What rare skill does he have?

[mountainballer]

What rare skill does he have?

he can eat a Swiss Cheese Fondue and not lose his bread.

he can use an eastern style toilet and not lose consciousness.

[BackHome]

What happened to this Kid? Did he get hooked on Drugs? Did something major happen in his life like loosing a parent or close family member? Something had to happen to make his career go down in a flame of fire...

[Plumblbw]

His shoulder injury was bad and delayed him a bunch, and the Brit coach does not use him properly I think that frustrated him. Hes still very young and very talented......everyone forgets this guy tore it up at the combine a few years ago and would have been a first rounder at 18 had it not been for the injury issue.

Hes up to 250 and moves like a deer, I think we will see him in a spurs uni in a few years. Wouldnt be shocked if they looked to bring him in this year if they cant get Henson in the draft.

No step,

Where did you get the information from that he's 250lbs? I know you have a lot of inside sources. However, no way is he 17st 12lbs (250lbs). As mentioned in an earlier post, I was standing within a few feet of him earlier this week and he is like a bean pole, seriously. Maybe 7ft 1" adds a few pounds, but there's no substance to him. No doubt he lost some muscle with the shoulder injury.

Actually, I just checked the Eurobasket website for his most recent team and they have him down as 239lb or 17st 1lbs.

I hope you're right about his potential though mate. He looked like he had some moves on his highlight reel, but then again I'm sure someone could piece together a Matt Bonner highlight reel. The Red Rocket's mini movie would be capped off with that two-handed dunk he had against the Raptops (I think?) where he actually took some Goat Herder off the dribble all the way to the rim.

[Buddy Holly]

In terms of weight and height comparison, the guy on the left is 7 feet 250 pounds.

http://i.imgur.com/u6c0F.jpg

[BackHome]

So far Adam and Betrans are coming over this summer is Richard?

[CGD]

I'm ok with him not coming

[yavozerb]

I'm ok with him not coming

good, so its official then, he's not coming....

[CGD]

good, so its official then, he's not coming....

Well RC and I are poker buddies. . .

[ulosturedge]

Apparently Ryan Richards is on the summer league roster. I guess we'll see if there is any hope for him. Time to play with the big boys.

[xellos88330]

Well, lets see if the young man can hang. I bought the Summer League Broadband just to get a better look at the kid.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Well, lets see if the young man can hang. I bought the Summer League Broadband just to get a better look at the kid.

Hope it didn't cost much.

[BackHome]

I like what I saw from Ryan in summer league I know the Spurs do not want to go over the cap but based on potential he is worth a contract. I think a summer in the Spurs camp hitting the weight room and having a few chats with 50 could help him reach his potential.:flag:

[Wild Cobra Kai]

I like what I saw from Ryan in summer league I know the Spurs do not want to go over the cap but based on potential he is worth a contract. I think a summer in the Spurs camp hitting the weight room and having a few chats with 50 could help him reach his potential.:flag:

Unbridled optimism. He's failed at every whistle stop, podunk, low level european league he's been in and showed nothing resembling NBA ability.

[BackHome]

Are you talking about Ryan or Bonner?

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Are you talking about Ryan or Bonner?

Obtuseness doesn't become you.

[BackHome]

Haha....just giving ya a hard time...:)

[objective]

well, he's not at Spurs camp.

Where is this guy? Viktor Sanikidze went from broken down nothing in the Georgian League to Italian League MVP candidate in a few years time, where is Richards going with his career trajectory?

[BackHome]

I would think it would be low risk high reward if they would sign him to the Toros.

[TDMVPDPOY]

well, he's not at Spurs camp.

Where is this guy? Viktor Sanikidze went from broken down nothing in the Georgian League to Italian League MVP candidate in a few years time, where is Richards going with his career trajectory?

with that sort of attitude that he has and the aproach of want first then working for it? doesnt look good, but whatever happens...happens...

anyone have stats of whatever league his playin in atm?

[tp2021]

Per iminol, Richards is playing for Asseco Prokom Gdynia, a Polish team which plays in the Euroleague.

[Maddog]

7 minutes 3 points 1 rebound
Hey he played....
http://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=53#!boxscore

[Mal]

He sucks, his team suck

http://www.plk.pl/mecz/13439/energa-czarni-slupsk---asseco-prokom-gdynia.html

[elemento]

Got this conclusion with a 2 minutes display ?

[Bruno]

A lot of contracts in Europe start with a trial period where the contract is non-guaranteed and the player can be easily waived if he isn't good enough. If Richards contract is structured like that, he might not last long with his new team.

[Mal]

No PT for this scrub as his team is out of TOP 16 bid after loss to monkeyball team from France.

[Mal]

This guy still is a scrub. Still cant play significant minutes. His team is couple days before armageddon, so we`ll see if he stays.

[Mal]

He is done with current club - Asseco Prokom Gdynia.

[Bruno]

Not really a surprise. Even if Polish league isn't one of the best of the world, it's still way better than the Swiss and Georgian league.

By far, the best move for Richards career would be now to sign with the Toros. He badly needs some stability to work on his game.

[playblair]

ryan richards is currently playing .......

EuroleagueBasketball ‏@Euroleague (https://twitter.com/Euroleague) 42-35 at the halftime between @assecoprokom (https://twitter.com/assecoprokom) and @MaccabiElectra (https://twitter.com/MaccabiElectra) with 10p of Ryan Richards

[jyra]

I have started to watch the game since the beginning of the 4th quarter. The guards completely ignored him on pick and rolls or when he was posted up in the paint, instead opting to brick shots from the outside. He didn't even manage to put a single shot.

His team was also outscored 8-29 in the last quarter and predictably lost the game. I really don't get what happened there..

[Mal]

I have started to watch the game since the beginning of the 4th quarter. The guards completely ignored him on pick and rolls or when he was posted up in the paint, instead opting to brick shots from the outside. He didn't even manage to put a single shot.

His team was also outscored 8-29 in the last quarter and predictably lost the game. I really don't get what happened there..

His team suck, dont care about game. And players probably were fighting to stay with the team. No one care about Richards, cause he is done with this team.

[BackHome]

Just sign him to the Toros and see what we have isn't that what the Toros are for?

[Strategic]

Just sign him to the Toros and see what we have isn't that what the Toros are for? Maybe he hasn't shown enough discipline for the Spurs to even bother with him yet. I watched a Toros game and though they are projects, at least they look dedicated.

[BackHome]

I watched them what big man on this team do you see even close to being a NBA player? Not trying to be a smart ass but I don't see any player on this team that has any chance of making it in the NBA. Also we didn't see a lot of him in the summer league but what he did show just off that small sample should earn him a spot on the Toros pretty easy.

[Strategic]

I watched them what big man on this team do you see even close to being a NBA player? Not trying to be a smart ass but I don't see any player on this team that has any chance of making it in the NBA. Also we didn't see a lot of him in the summer league but what he did show just off that small sample should earn him a spot on the Toros pretty easy.

I hope you're right. I would like to see the Spurs bring a young seven footer on board. I was only speaking of their willingness to play for the Toros, I'm not sure Richards has that willingness.

[jyra]

292665974337986563
292666373354704896

If he can't even get it done in Poland, he really is a lost cause.

[objective]

33% from the field

perfectly matches (http://www.plk.pl/zawodnicy/p/36057/ryan-richards.html)

33% from the free throw line

If I'm guessing at these translations correctly.

[BackHome]

He can't bounce from team to team and expect to get better. He made it clear he want's to play in the NBA so teams are not going to spend the time to coach him up so he can leave them. Like I said before from what he did in the summer league should have gotten him on the Toros I don't understand why not?

We did this for Ian cause he had raw talent the same as Richards so why not sign him like we did with Ian to play two years on the Toros.

[Libri]

What he has in his favor is youth but it is disappointing to read that he hasn't shown any progression.

[jyra]

296276653611573252

You could see this coming.. I wonder where he ends up next, hopefully not again in some obscure league.

[Chinook]

D-League please. If he wants to make it to the NBA, he has to leave Europe. It's just not working for him.

[maverick1948]

RC and Pop thought he had something or they would not draft him. Going to these European leagues and showing flashes for 2 games then getting no minutes is crazy for the kid. I agree with Chinook that the D-league would be a good place for him to either make it or break it. Bring him over for Summer League again and then sign to an unguaranteed contract and play him for two months at Austin. If he shows nothing. give him his last payday and send him back to Europe.

[elemento]

It's a shame that a boy with his size and athletic ability is wasting his time in Europe. It's not easy to find a true 7 footer with that athletic ability and good ball-handling skills like this kid has.

I don't know if he has a behavior problem, but SA could at least him a shot at the Toros.

[Mel_13]

Unless he's willing to play on a DLeague contract, he'll have to wait until next season before the Spurs can think of spending a roster spot and a minimum NBA salary on him.

[jyra]

301717531373211648

Austria.. :rolleyes

[Bruno]

:rollin

[timvp]

Tbh, I think Zepter Vienna means Zipper Sausage in Austrian.

[Mel_13]

Serious question. How many leagues in Europe rank below the Austrian League? How long before Richards is playing in Lebanon?

[szkorhetz]

Tbh, I think Zepter Vienna means Zipper Sausage in Austrian.
Zepter is a brand, Vienna is the capital of Austria.

[Bruno]

Serious question. How many leagues in Europe rank below the Austrian League? How long before Richards is playing in Lebanon?

Serious answer.
Lebanon league might be better than Austrian league.

[Mel_13]

Serious answer.
Lebanon league might be better than Austrian league.

:wow

I guess it's reached the point where we have to wonder if he could handle the level of play in the Dleague. Just a shame to see all those physical gifts wasted like that.

[Strategic]

:dizzy Makes me wonder who this man is listening to?

[Seventyniner]

If I remember right, Richards said right after the draft that he absolutely did not want to play in the D-League. If that's still his stance, he hasn't gotten over himself enough to be Spurs material anyway.

[benefactor]

Actually I think his statement was that he wanted to come over and was willing to play in the DLeague if that's what it took.

[BackHome]

Yeah he said he did not want to go back to Europe and that he would much rather play in the D-Leauge.

[Mel_13]

He was talking about playing in the DLeague while under an NBA contract. Maybe now he's willing to play for the 30K per year that you get on a DLeague contract.

[Bruno]

33/10 for his first game with his new team:
http://www.basketballliga.at/index.php/termine-und-ergebnisse?game_id=2448931&season_id=62003#mbt:8-400$t&0=1

[Chinook]

Get this kid to the d-league. He still has a chance if he doesn't waste another year in a bad situation.

[mountainballer]

was on vacation. didn't notice that.
hey, some more moves and RR will end up on my team.
he is getting closer.
ok, we are just a group of old men playing once a week, but if he takes the wrong door he will be right with us.
and might not even notice the difference.

[maverick1948]

Yeah look at the minutes he got. 35 !!!!!! Before he would get 24 in 1 game then not see 5 mins a game for next 10. If he continues to get these minutes, he just MIGHT develop. But I will wait to see what this team does for him. If he get 28 mins a game I will be happy. Then we can at least get a little look at him.

[exstatic]

33/10 for his first game with his new team:
http://www.basketballliga.at/index.php/termine-und-ergebnisse?game_id=2448931&season_id=62003#mbt:8-400$t&0=1

:lol Best name from the boxscore: Elvis Kadic.

[Libri]

Austrian League? :lmao

Maybe pickup games at the YMCA will be good for his development.

[playblair]

Ryan Richards claims Austrian A Bundesliga weekly honour
http://www.eurobasket.com/Austria/basketball.asp?NewsID=309095

Talented British Ryan Richards (http://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Ryan_Richards/BC_Zepter_Vienna/108813) (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances (http://www.eurobasket.com/agent.asp?AgentName=Rudoy%20Herb)) had a great game in the last round for league's leader BC Vienna and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 21-year old had a double-double of 22 points and eleven rebounds


Ryan Richards averages just after two games 27.5ppg and 10.5rpg.

[bluebellmaniac]

Everyone has their bottoming out point. Let's hope being in this league is the wake up call that he needed. I just don't know if he has the hunger needed to drive himself to improve and succeed. That type of thing in an inherent quality in people and for him to end up in such a low level league, I just don't think it is in him. We will see if he can keep up a sustained improvement over time.

Wish him the best of luck.

[BackHome]

It will be interesting to see if he gets invited to Spurs summer camp.

[Maddog]

Everyone has their bottoming out point. Let's hope being in this league is the wake up call that he needed. I just don't know if he has the hunger needed to drive himself to improve and succeed. That type of thing in an inherent quality in people and for him to end up in such a low level league, I just don't think it is in him. We will see if he can keep up a sustained improvement over time.

Wish him the best of luck.


It will be interesting to see if he gets invited to Spurs summer camp.

It is interesting that he keeps playing-that is keeps signing with teams. Unlike Jackie Butler- who got a contract and disappeared. or many others who didn't do well initialy and gave up.

[playblair]

ryan richards is dominating ...............

329656208975855616

http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Austria/2013/0501_2913_2082.asp

[CGD]

lol

[BackHome]

Well in the limited time that he did play last year in the summer league he did pretty good. Not sure if he is a Diva or maybe has some mental issues but from his initial interviews he came across as a good kid. I can't remember but I think he was in the Chicago camp before the draft and they asked one of the top ten draft picks which player has impressed you the most and his answer was "That British kid - Ryan Richards". Either way I want to see him in the Summer League again the guy has the talent the question can he get his head straight.

One thing I like about him is that he won't back down and you put him with Baynes and we end up being the bad boys of old..:)

[yavozerb]

19/4 for Richards

http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Austria/2013/0505_2082_2913.asp

[yavozerb]

31 pts and 9 boards for Richards today..
http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Austria/2013/0512_2913_2082.asp

[BackHome]

No one can say that this kid and also Adam Hanga would not be a upgrade over Bonner and Neal.

[ABC]

No one can say that this kid and also Adam Hanga would not be a upgrade over Bonner and Neal.

Ryan Richards would not be an upgrade over Bonner.

[bluebellmaniac]

No one can say that this kid and also Adam Hanga would not be a upgrade over Bonner and Neal.

If Bonner was playing in that bush league, yeah, he'd have games like that too. RR needs to work his way back up by about 3 orders of magnitude of better competition before anyone says he's better than the 15th player on the worst team in the NBA. I also seriously doubt we make any offer to Neal this off season, so the point of whether Hanga would be better than someone who won't be on the team seems to be moot. He would need to be better than someone who will be on the team.

[Libri]

It's nice to see that he's dominating the Austrian YMCA. :tu

[Chinook]

Bring Richards over. He clearly can't get consistent coaching overseas. Let him play for the summer league and sign him to a non-guaranteed three-year deal. Give him some time to develop in Austin. Worst comes to worst, cut him after a year.

[bluebellmaniac]

Bring Richards over. He clearly can't get consistent coaching overseas. Let him play for the summer league and sign him to a non-guaranteed three-year deal. Give him some time to develop in Austin. Worst comes to worst, cut him after a year.

If we keep our draft pick and we bring over Bertans, I don't think we would want to bring him over. We have enough room under the luxury tax that we can and should get a better big for at least a one or two year deal. I think that is way we should go. Not RR.

[Chinook]

If we keep our draft pick and we bring over Bertans, I don't think we would want to bring him over. We have enough room under the luxury tax that we can and should get a better big for at least a one or two year deal. I think that is way we should go. Not RR.

The Spurs are losing perhaps three bigs this off-season. So there should be room to bring in a free agent and still have a project or two on the bench. If the Spurs draft a big that isn't going to be stashed overseas, then you're right that he would be directly competing with Richards for a roster spot. But there are too many variables to know whether Richards will be able to make the team yet anyway.

I agree that getting Bertans over is a higher priority. I would also like to see a good free agent brought in along with the Spurs keeping Splitter. But I don't think the team loses anything if they have to cut Richards in training camp, and it would give him a chance to latch onto another team; he really needs to get into the NBA/D-league for his sake.

[BackHome]

If Bonner was playing in that bush league, yeah, he'd have games like that too. RR needs to work his way back up by about 3 orders of magnitude of better competition before anyone says he's better than the 15th player on the worst team in the NBA. I also seriously doubt we make any offer to Neal this off season, so the point of whether Hanga would be better than someone who won't be on the team seems to be moot. He would need to be better than someone who will be on the team.

So what league was Ian playing for and how long was he playing ball before we drafted him and invested three years into him?

[exstatic]

So what league was Ian playing for and how long was he playing ball before we drafted him and invested three years into him?

French A, IIRC. Not exactly Spain, but at least two levels above Austria.

[bluebellmaniac]

So what league was Ian playing for and how long was he playing ball before we drafted him and invested three years into him?

Ian is not a success story. The team poured an enormous amount of resources into Ian only to determine that he would never become what they needed him to be. Ian is a poster child for what we should not do.

RR needs to show that he has what it takes to make this team first. Going on a nose dive in the competitive level of play is not what this team wants to see if they are going to bring him over. RR needs to work his way back up in terms of the competitiveness of the league he is playing in. Right now he should feel ecstatic if he gets an invite to the Spurs summer camp.

IMHO, RR needs to take a large slice of humble pie and swallow it. He needs to accept that he has to work his butt off every day for a shot at something better, that he is owed nothing. His view should be that the only easy day was yesterday and that it is time to be the first guy in the gym and the last one out. He needs to look at film and seek advice from wherever he can for how he can be better. He needs to find the motivation to work from the first toss-up until the horn sounds at the end of the game. When these things happen, he will then move up the competitive chain of basketball leagues and be newsworthy. In short, he needs to get his head straight. Unfortunately, that is the hardest thing to fix.

[BackHome]

I agree with most of what you say but I don't know that he has to "move up the competitive chain of basketball leagues". For me if he comes into the summer league and plays well then we do what we did for CoJo a kid who only played one year of college ball. I honestly think if he can get on the Toros he could do what CoJo did and what you advised - Work his butt off and work on everything and move up and take a spot on the Spurs.

[exstatic]

I agree with most of what you say but I don't know that he has to "move up the competitive chain of basketball leagues". For me if he comes into the summer league and plays well then we do what we did for CoJo a kid who only played one year of college ball. I honestly think if he can get on the Toros he could do what CoJo did and what you advised - Work his butt off and work on everything and move up and take a spot on the Spurs.

CoJo was on the Spurs roster earning an NBA paycheck while playing in Austin. RR won't want to play for DLeague crumbs, and the Spurs won't want to pay him until he shows more.

[Chinook]

The Spurs don't get to refuse Richards if he pushes, though. They have to offer a contract or give up their rights. From their perspective, they might be best served to commit to seeing what Richards has for at least a whole summer. I'd bring him into training camp at least.

[exstatic]

The Spurs don't get to refuse Richards if he pushes, though. They have to offer a contract or give up their rights. From their perspective, they might be best served to commit to seeing what Richards has for at least a whole summer. I'd bring him into training camp at least.
Some players have done that. They get a minimum contract, unguaranteed, a training camp invite, and an invitation to the world at the end of camp.

RR probably shouldn't do that. At least one NBA team knows who he is right now.

[BackHome]

http://www.basketballclubvienna.at/wp-content/MKIV4890.jpg

[playblair]

http://www.basketballclubvienna.at/wp-content/MKIV4890.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BLrjGrOCAAIzNz2.jpg
http://www.basketballclubvienna.at/wp-content/MKIV4890.jpg

[Bruno]

He wasn't even able to consistently dominate the Austrian league. That's sad...

[td4mvp2k]

will b good 2 c da champ in SL

[ABC]

Please tell me that little kid isn't on his team.

[exstatic]

Please tell me that little kid isn't on his team.
He's in the team pic, all the way on the left.

[maverick1948]

I think the only way to find out if he has anything is to sign him to an unguaranteed contract with break point to release him. Let him play in the summer league, then the training period with the coaches. Follow that up with training camp and then to the Dleague for more instruction. Make the cut date Jan 1. If by then we don't know what he has then he has nothing for the Spurs, release him.

[ABC]

He's in the team pic, all the way on the left.

:smchode:



I think the only way to find out if he has anything is to sign him to an unguaranteed contract with break point to release him. Let him play in the summer league, then the training period with the coaches. Follow that up with training camp and then to the Dleague for more instruction. Make the cut date Jan 1. If by then we don't know what he has then he has nothing for the Spurs, release him.

Sounds like a waste of the Spurs time. He wasn't that good in Summer League last year and he's gone downhill since then.

[Chinook]

Sounds like a waste of the Spurs time. He wasn't that good in Summer League last year and he's gone downhill since then.

Yeah, but outside of Leonard and Joseph, no one of that team played well. It was one of the worst Spurs SL teams I've seen. I don't know if it was because Vaughn was too busy doing interviews or what. I'd be more than willing to give everyone a mulligan on that one.

[BackHome]

:smchode:




Sounds like a waste of the Spurs time. He wasn't that good in Summer League last year and he's gone downhill since then.

He wasn't superman but he did play pretty good so not sure who you were watching.

[ABC]

Yeah, but outside of Leonard and Joseph, no one of that team played well. It was one of the worst Spurs SL teams I've seen. I don't know if it was because Vaughn was too busy doing interviews or what. I'd be more than willing to give everyone a mulligan on that one.

Fair enough. Still, based on his past year there are probably better prospects to bring to Summer League.


He wasn't superman but he did play pretty good so not sure who you were watching.

I was watching Ryan Richards, the long, athletic 7 footer who isn't a very good basketball player. He averaged 3.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 fouls and shot 357% in summer league. He wouldn't be the first player to struggle in summer league and then go on to be a good NBA player, but I don't see it happening for him. He hasn't played that well anywhere he's been as far as I can tell and he's only played in low level leagues.

I think Richards would have to show some sort of improvement before the Spurs would invite him to Summer League again. We'll see.

[Libri]

Maybe it's time for Richards to move up to the Pakistani league.

[Chinook]

He really should have gone to college stateside so he could work on his game.

[ChumpDumper]

Still only 22 and had the odd dominant game in Austria. I guess will see if the Spurs ever choose to work with him during the offseason like they did before. If he doesn't want to wait anymore he can force the team's hand and take the tender offer for training camp. Would be nice if there was some way to get him on the Toros and see if he can develop.

[Chinook]

Still only 22 and had the odd dominant game in Austria. I guess will see if the Spurs ever choose to work with him during the offseason like they did before. If he doesn't want to wait anymore he can force the team's hand and take the tender offer for training camp. Would be nice if there was some way to get him on the Toros and see if he can develop.

If the Spurs cut him in training camp, the Toros would have his d-league rights, is that correct? If so, if he really wants to stay in the US, that may be an avenue he explores if he forces the Spurs' hands.

[Master splitter]

He's Back again..summer league that is.

[stxspurs]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BLrjGrOCAAIzNz2.jpg
http://www.basketballclubvienna.at/wp-content/MKIV4890.jpg

cool..he plays ball with the guy from the show "breaking Amish"

[BackHome]

You think he will let Pop kiss he championship trophy?

[Mel_13]

Serious question. How many leagues in Europe rank below the Austrian League? How long before Richards is playing in Lebanon?

That was from February.

Guess he wasn't even good enough to play in Lebanon.

[Baam]

That was from February.

Guess he wasn't even good enough to play in Lebanon.

:lol

[DrunkTXLabrat]

that's pretty funny. i absolutely chuckled.

[ace3g]

Mark Porcaro ‏@MarkPorcaro (https://twitter.com/MarkPorcaro) Ryan Richards, draft rights held by the Spurs, officially signs in the United Arab Emirates with Al Nasr Dubai

[exstatic]

Mark Porcaro ‏@MarkPorcaro (https://twitter.com/MarkPorcaro) Ryan Richards, draft rights held by the Spurs, officially signs in the United Arab Emirates with Al Nasr Dubai

Slowly circling the bowl...

[lmbebo]

slowly? I think he's been sucked into the black void of the sewer system.

Has the tools, but can't put the round peg into the round hole it seems. Its a shame...

[Bill_Brasky]

this guy honestly might be a really dumb mofo

[jyra]

410089814021525504

It's definitely a step in the right direction. Even though the Greek league is nothing to write home about apart from the two top teams Pana and Oly, it's still far more competitive than Austria or UAE.

I still believe that he can at least be a useful player for Euroleague teams.

[BackHome]

He is still young so maybe he gets his act together only time will tell.....

[Libri]

At least we can now look up his stats. There is nothing available from his stint with UAE or maybe there is nothing to see. :lol

[exstatic]

He is still young so maybe he gets his act together only time will tell.....

http://www.jpsampsonfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ship.jpg

[yavozerb]

http://www.jpsampsonfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ship.jpg

Not even close..guy is only 22 and most euro's do not make it too the spurs roster till 25+ anyways. Still has time turn around his career and make it to spurs roster in my opinion.

[Maddog]

Definitely a step in the right direction.
The odds are strong that he never becomes an NBA player- however despite his tour of the more obscure leagues of the world- he does keep playing. Not sure what to make of that. On one hand it doesn't look good, on the other he doesn't just hang it up. You would think if people thought he had potential a bigger team in Europe would sign him up.

Anybody have any inside scoop on what the Spurs really think about him?

[CGD]

Not even close..guy is only 22 and most euro's do not make it too the spurs roster till 25+ anyways. Still has time turn around his career and make it to spurs roster in my opinion.

This may be true for more traditional bigmen or specialists coming from Europe, but I think it's harder for players like Richards who primarily depends on athleticism. That's one thing that doesnt get better with age and experience.

[objective]

Hard to still have hope for him. His youth is undermined by his attitude and injury history.

[Chinook]

Richards is both athletic and skilled. His problem isn't that he can't physically play in the NBA. It's that he has no BBIQ and is selfish and immature. If he even had Ayres' or Bonner's attitude, he'd be a solid starter.

[exstatic]

Hard to still have hope for him. His youth is undermined by his attitude and injury history.

[jyra]

You can follow his stats here:

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Ryan-Richards/Summary/2434

Right now he averages 9 pts and 3.7 rebs in 21.6 mpg, while shooting 40% overall and 30% from 3.
His team is last in the standings and looking at some boxscores, it seems that he is taking quite a lot of three pointers even though he plays center for them.

[Prime Time]

Richards has always been an outside shooter.

I never got that about him. He always displayed great quickness, length, and athleticism inside. So what part of that made him think "I WANNA SHOOT THREES :3" I mean hell, developing a consistent mid-range game seems more legit than having a 7'1" big-man who lives from deep.

[Mel_13]

There's been some discussion over the years about a player like Richards (rights owned by an NBA team) coming over to play in the Dleague without signing an NBA contract and taking up an NBA roster spot. Among the many problems with that possibility was the convoluted process that would have been required to get the player to the Dleague team associated with the NBA team that owned his rights. Well, there's been a recent change to the rules that eliminates those issues.

NEW YORK, March 4, 2014 – The NBA Development League today announced that NBA D-League players who are also on an NBA team’s ‘draft list’ may be directly acquired by the affiliate of the NBA team that holds his draft rights. Such players will be able to bypass the usual NBA D-League player selection processes, including the NBA D-League Draft and the in-season waiver wire. The new rule will take effect beginning with the 2014-15 NBA D-League season.
http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/nbadrafted_nba_dleague_playe_2014_03_04.html

The very low Dleague salary means that this will likely not be an option for players that can make a good salary in Europe, but at a certain point a player like Richards may see it as an option.

[Chinook]

There's been some discussion over the years about a player like Richards (rights owned by an NBA team) coming over to play in the Dleague without signing an NBA contract and taking up an NBA roster spot. Among the many problems with that possibility was the convoluted process that would have been required to get the player to the Dleague team associated with the NBA team that owned his rights. Well, there's been a recent change to the rules that eliminates those issues.

NEW YORK, March 4, 2014 – The NBA Development League today announced that NBA D-League players who are also on an NBA team’s ‘draft list’ may be directly acquired by the affiliate of the NBA team that holds his draft rights. Such players will be able to bypass the usual NBA D-League player selection processes, including the NBA D-League Draft and the in-season waiver wire. The new rule will take effect beginning with the 2014-15 NBA D-League season.
http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/nbadrafted_nba_dleague_playe_2014_03_04.html

The very low Dleague salary means that this will likely not be an option for players that can make a good salary in Europe, but at a certain point a player like Richards may see it as an option.

Very interesting. Richards is still very young (Leonard's age, I believe), so there is time to bring him a long slowly. But he's ha three years of toiling in obscurity save for a few flashes. I don't see him having another chance if he doesn't get a contract from the Spurs this upcoming off-season.

[BackHome]

Yeah the guy has the potential he just needs to get his head on straight and have someone to keep him on the straight and narrow path. He seems like he has the work ethic he just needs direction and as you said for a Big Man he is still young so if he is serious his agent should be calling the Spurs.

[Libri]

Some are still hoping for Javtokas to make the team. Richards will be on the fans radar for the next 10 years.

[BackHome]

If only he would not have gotten on that damn bike......Damn You....

[exstatic]

Some are still hoping for Javtokas to make the team. [:lol] Richards will be on the fans radar for the next 10 years.

I've pretty much accepted that. He'll never be here, yet people will never shut up about him, much like Javtokas.

[BackHome]

Exstatic -deep, deep down we al know you are wanting Richards on this team..:)

[Prime Time]

Eh, I gave up hope on this guy already. Which sucks because I was creaming myself during that stint he had with the U20 team in 2011 or so...

But if you're an athletic 22 year old big-man who can't get big minutes on the Summer League Squad, you're not a legit prospect.

Thankfully I have LVJ to break my heart now :lol

[Uriel]

What happened to this guy? One day, SpursTalk is declaring him the next Lamar Odom / Chris Bosh, and the next, he completely falls of the face of the Earth. :lol

[Chinook]

He was never really on the face of the Earth. He's always been a prospect with intriguing talent by little intangibles and even less production. I imagine he'll be on the summer-league team again, though, and he may end up getting a chance in camp depending on how free agency goes. So we'll get a chance to see him a couple of more times before he fades for good.

[Chinook]

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Ryan-Richards/Summary/2434

Accoring to RealGM, Richards is having an awful year in Greece. He's averaging 10 and 5 in 25mpg, which is already pretty bad given the level of competition. But his Per is 9.53, which is abysmal, as are is 92 ORtg and 112 DRtg. He's certainly not trending in the right direction. His only saving grace is that he could play a lot better in the Spurs' system than he does on scrub teams, but he's not doing much to warrant giving him a chance with the big club any time soon.

[jyra]

488368014891708418

Back to Austria with his former club.

[elemento]

Sad quite honestly

Dude has such great tools but he doesn't take any advantage of it. He will never be a Spur.

[sasffl]

Why take him here and no playing time?

[Chinook]

I think Richards thinks he just has to wait the Spurs out to get a spot. It's really sad.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

I think Richards thinks he just has to wait the Spurs out to get a spot. It's really sad.

true. how entitled is he? A draft pick spent and years of development abroad and in Vegas but he can't hit 3's and show a little more defense/board potential than Bonner? Pshhh, he's pathetic. The Spurs should renounce his draft rights already, or trade him for a bottle of wine for Pop.

[El_Mago]

Just saw a quick mix of his play in Austria.

Not impressed.

Physically gifted, but basically bullying smaller dudes with pushoffs and then dunking the ball.

A nice spin here or there.

Don't see why he doesn't have an urgency to improve and play in tougher leagues.

[jyra]

Ryan Richards leaves BC Zepter:

http://www.basketballclubvienna.at/2014/10/20/ryan-richards-und-der-bc-zepter-vienna-gehen-getrennte-wege/

The coach basically calls him out for being selfish and not playing for the team. I still would like to see him getting regular minutes for a decent team before writing him off. Random fact: I just found out that he has the same agent as Manu.

[Spur-Addict]

Fuck this guy, he seems like he has little to no mental ability. I was on board with his skillset initially, and the potential he obviously had/has. But at this point he seems to be who he is. I've written him off.

[jyra]

Next stop Hungary:

http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/hungary/138661/ryan-richards-signs-with-bc-kormend-for-giorgi-sharabidze.html

[szkorhetz]

Next stop Hungary:

http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/hungary/138661/ryan-richards-signs-with-bc-kormend-for-giorgi-sharabidze.html
Great. I will see him when they play in my town!

[jyra]

I hope you managed to catch one of these games:

http://www.hoopsfix.com/2015/01/ryan-richards-drops-41-to-set-another-new-career-high/

[Chinook]

Would still have my candle had he actually played in the SL last year. Dude's the same age as Kawhi, Cory and Davis. Would fit right into future plans if he had a work ethic.

[Maddog]

Richards adds another team to the growing list during his pro career having played around the world in Spain, Georgia, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Greece and the UAE.

Today Hungary
Tomorrow Ruritania, next week Freedonia....

[BackHome]

WNBA

[szkorhetz]

Richards just got a pretty decent game againts my home town team, who are pretty a middle of the pack team in the Hungarian league. My team easily won, but Richard had a 23 Pts, 11 Reb outing with 1 Steal, 9 FA, 4 Fouls and 5 Turnovers in 35 minutes(out of 40). Seems to be doing to much, as he had 3/8 from three point land, and 5/6 inside the ark, but converting only half of his 8 FT attempts, but otherwise solid game. Just seems too skilled and athletic not to beast this game, but a bit slow in his decisions and wanting to believe he can do much more than what he is really capable of.

http://195.56.77.56/n4/index.n5.HUN.html?hun_117

[Uriel]

Remember when people thought this kid could be the next Chris Bosh / Lamar Odom? :lol

[BackHome]

He has almost everything you want in a good big player I am starting to think that he may have some type of mental disorder. Hopefully he can get it treated correctly and make the changes that he needs to do to be a better person and player.

[lmbebo]

Seems like he has the skills, but the ability to put all together necessary to excel as a professional player. Plus, he keeps falling down the board in terms of teams he plays for.

[jyra]

http://www.hoopsfix.com/2015/03/highlights-of-ryan-richards-41-point-haul-in-hungary/?utm_content=buffera97d8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AxFCembBXU

Another sad reminder that he is actually a talented player when he puts his mind to it.

[TrainOfThought5]

Watched 20 seconds of him shooting 3s over white guys. Let him fade away in peace.

[BackHome]

He is still young for a big so I hold out for hope.

[exstatic]

He is still young for a big so I hold out for hope.

He'll crush that out of you with his indifference to the game.

[Maddog]

He is still young for a big so I hold out for hope.


China!

http://www.eurobasket.com/logos/grhino.gif

http://www.hoopsfix.com/2015/06/ryan-richards-heads-to-china-to-sign-for-guangxi-rhinos/

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

China!

http://www.eurobasket.com/logos/grhino.gif

http://www.hoopsfix.com/2015/06/ryan-richards-heads-to-china-to-sign-for-guangxi-rhinos/

The MINOR LEAGUE of China. Not even the main league there.

[jyra]

Nothing wrong with him getting another paycheck. The NBL's season doesn't overlap with the games played in most leagues.
I guess this means that he won't be playing for the Spurs in the Summer League this year.

[spurraider21]

one thing i have to say is that it does take some resolve to move from country to country to keep playing. you can view it as chasing paychecks, but relocating to a different country isn't a simple ordeal, and you have to put up with being in a foreign environment.

but he's 24, and he seems to be downgrading his level of competition... china is pathetic as it is, let alone their minor league :lol

this guy coulda been a game changer... stretch 5 with defensive ability. as far as spurs stashes... he might be the most disappointing since javtokas

[SeanElliot'sLeftNut]

I really wanted this guy to be the real deal stretch five with rim protection. To bad this dudes got issues