Game Blog: Spurs vs. Lakers - Summer League Game 2

[timvp]

It's always a good thing when the Spurs beat the Lakers -- even in summer league. Unfortunately, this year won't be a challenge because the Lakers suck on a historic level. L.A. is 0-3 in summer league with their three losses coming by a combined 102 points. Their last game was a 50-point loss at the hands of the Heat, which went down as the worst loss in summer league history.

Needless to say, the Lakers prospects have been horrible. Darius Morris, Andrew Goudelock, Darius Johnson-Odom and Christian Eyenga -- arguably their four best players -- are all shooting under 28% from the field. Robert Sacre, the 60th pick in the 2012 draft (the selection after the Spurs went with Marcus Denmon), is also on the team but hasn't been impressive thus far. In fact, in the Heat blowout, the seven-footer had one rebound in 32 minutes.

If you want to tune in to the Spurs beating the Lakers, you can watch on NBA TV. It's the only Spurs game of summer league that will be broadcast live. The game starts at 5:30 PM CST.

For the Spurs, the most interesting aspect will likely be who ends up playing. Will Alexis Ajinca get a shot? Will Ryan Richards get a longer look? Will the charity minutes for Luke Zeller go away? Additionally, it'll be interesting to see if Cory Joseph can prove the success he had in the first summer league game wasn't a fluke.

[Buddy Holly]

Great LJ, ya jinx'd us.

[cheguevara]

Will Alexis Ajinca get a shot? Will Ryan Richards get a longer look? Will the charity minutes for Luke Zeller go away? Additionally, it'll be interesting to see if Cory Joseph can prove the success he had in the first summer league game wasn't a fluke.

I canceled all my plans just to witness the unfolding of these cosmic events. :toast

[Drom John]

I want Denmon to outplay Sacre.

[AlleyOopNazi]

my only interest this summer is Richards, always thought he has the tools to succeed in the Spurs system. the spurs organization really needs some players that can rebound and get second chances for the grizzled ones.

[tesseractive]

I want Denmon to outplay Sacre.
Honestly, I'm as happy with JaMychal Green as Sacre, despite the fact that Green didn't look very good in the first game. Green is the guy we should be comparing with Sacre, and we got to bring him in without spending a pick.

That said, I definitely hope Denmon rebounds and has a good game. I like him as a prospect, the first game notwithstanding.

[MR-Clutch]

calling it Leonard-30 points or more.

[CitizenDwayne]

Leonard is certainly capable of dropping 30, but I would rather see some of the other guys get some more burn tonight.

We're fully aware of Leonard's abilities, and so is the Spurs staff. Now we should get to see how some of the wild cards (Denmon, Green, Richards) play out.

And the less said about Zeller, the better.

[MR-Clutch]

true. Still needs those reps tho.

[tesseractive]

Leonard is certainly capable of dropping 30, but I would rather see some of the other guys get some more burn tonight.

We're fully aware of Leonard's abilities, and so is the Spurs staff.

But we're not. The Hawks game was his first chance since he joined the Spurs to really get a chance to try and create with the ball in his hands -- it's not something he got a chance to do in the NBA last year, where his role was D-and-3 plus rebounding.

[ace3g]

same starting line up and we get Brent Barry for commentator!!!

[angelbelow]

same starting line up and we get Brent Barry for commentator!!!

Amazing! One of my favorites.

[RodNIc91]

Fuck Zeller!! I have had three acl surgeries and Im sure I ball more than him

[ace3g]

apparently RJ is there watching the game

[alucardthereaper]

zeller :idiot

[ace3g]

Ajinca time

[ace3g]

monster dunk by Kawhi

[MR-Clutch]

Joseph plays great help D.

[Truckules]

Zeller should not see the floor again.

[ace3g]

live boxscore: http://www.nba.com/summer-league/games/20120717/SASLAL/gameinfo.html

[timvp]

Ajinca still huge. Zeller still sucks.

With the OP, I was testing whether it's possible to jinx a summer league game. Maybe it is possible :lol

[MR-Clutch]

I jinxed Kawhi

[ace3g]

like others have said, looks like Ajinca wants to stay around the perimeter (he had a chance on fast break to roll to the basket and he didn't).

[ElNono]

Mik:lol Br:lolwn

[MR-Clutch]

lets see some Richards.

[timvp]

Ajinca showing a bit more effort on D than usual. His mobility is also pretty good for such a huge guy.

I wonder when Vaughn is going to figure out the Spurs suck at the beginning of halves because Zeller doesn't belong on a basketball court . . .

[ace3g]

Denmon for 3

[Bill_Brasky]

Zeller should just give the fuck up already. You fucking suck, quit stealing minutes from legit prospects.

[siraulo23]

nice drive and kick from joseph, good stroke by denmon for three

[jestersmash]

Joseph split the hedge quite nicely on that drive and kick to Denmon.

[jestersmash]

Beautiful euro step by Leonard.

[DPG21920]

Damn Kawhi :tu

[siraulo23]

euro step from kawhi :wow

[ace3g]

He was doing that last year as well, Manu taught him well

[jestersmash]

"Lots of practice with Manu helps" on Leonard's eurostep - Barry :lol

[ace3g]

not sure if it is nerves but Denmon hasn't done a good job at the FT line first 2 games

[timvp]

Denmon's shot is ugly for a guy who wold have to make his living shooting the ball.

[MR-Clutch]

leonard on pace for 32

[MR-Clutch]

Richards

[TDMVPDPOY]

watta fkn joke are the bigs invited

[MR-Clutch]

I don't feel bad that hook got blocked because of how smooth the move looked.

[timvp]

Wow ... my eyes almost vomited watching Richards try to finish at the rim.

[ElNono]

Jim Buss doing the work while daddy is at the craps table :lol

[DesignatedT]

Kawhi beastin again

[ElNono]

:lol Richards

[ace3g]

lol that Fakers fan with his gold bandana and purple jacket

[angelbelow]

Poor Kobe, for the better part of 16 years, all he wanted was another player he trust with the basketball.

[InTheCrust]

:wowkawhi coast-to-coast

[ulosturedge]

Cory Joseph looks really comfortable out there. JA looks better too. I want to see if Richards can do anything..

[shyne]

Leonards handles and footwork look really good, dude is gonna be special.

[ace3g]

Kawhi for 3!!!

[InTheCrust]

domination

[ace3g]

Kawhi again!!!

[RodNIc91]

Cow-eye just beasting

[DesignatedT]

yup. yup.

[Libri]

Pop looks bored.

[ace3g]

lol Brent "RC isn't on the phone with other execs, he is ordering another pizza" lol

[DPG21920]

My goodness, KL. CJ just got worked over.

[siraulo23]

kawhi jumpers going this game

[jesterbobman]

I think Leonard can score OK.

[ace3g]

Brent giving some praise to Nando

[angelbelow]

Not impressed or surprised by Kawhi's ability to penetrate. The truth is he should be carving up D league competition. I am however, super impressed with Kawhi's ability to control the tempo, handle the ball and make plays at the point and the fact that he just nailed two big time jumpers to halt the Lakers momentum.

[siraulo23]

whi doing everything

[DPG21920]

CJ with a nice three. He is playing with a lot more confidence.

[ulosturedge]

lol Brent "RC isn't on the phone with other execs, he is ordering another pizza" lol

Yeah I got a good laugh out of that too. :lol

[RodNIc91]

Is it me or CJ's defense has not been that tight?

[ace3g]

CJ with his patent, penetrate step back jumper

[Libri]

Should Leonard play all the summer league games or sit out the last one or two?

[DesignatedT]

Nice CJ

[Bruno]

This Leonard kid isn't that bad. :hat

[DesignatedT]

Prob sit Leonard on the b2b game.

[ulosturedge]

lol interviewing Leonard.

[timvp]

Some thoughts:

-Kawhi's a beast. If his outside jumper is dropping, it's game over.

-Still impressed with Joseph. Showing good explosion. Good penetration. Willing passer. When he shoots, it looks so much better than last season. Props CJ for the stunning improvements :tu

-James Anderson playing much better. Unfortunately, I see no explosion. Without explosion and an iffy outside stroke, he's not an NBA player.

-Denmon better but it's a stretch to imagine him as a SG.

-Ajinca moves well but he didn't make an impact in the first half.

-Richards still moving well but he showed some softness in these minutes. He's also painfully raw.

[Bruno]

Ajinça was pathetic and it looks like he didn't even want to be on the court.

[ace3g]

So far Kawhi, CJ, Dawson, and Wilkerson are the only ones I've been impressed with through 1 1/2 games.

[MR-Clutch]

First Half
Started this in the middle of the 2nd I think. By all means, I should be studying, but this is more fun.FTIW
Richards
-Richards bad finish trying to go top shelf, gets rebound does a nice hook, gets blocked. So RAW
-displays good athleticism on boards, too weak and loses control of board.
Joseph
-telling ajinca where to be on D. leading on the court
-Good help D
-showing 3 pt range on assist from leonard with his man playing decent close out D
-Good pull up to end QTR.
Kawhi
-not playing hard D, probably to avoid injury.
-trouble finishing at rim to start game off.
-gets blocked at top sometimes once inside.(happened sometimes during the season)
-His arms are so long that it gives the D enough time to recover when hes extending
-displaying Great athleticism- eurostep AT FULL SPEED
-nice crossover to raw spin move
-leonard nice 3 of the dribble, gave him self time to set up
-nice pull up at the 3 pt line…well on his way to the 30 points I predicted.
-assist to joseph for 3…similar to the kind of assists George hill got
Dawson-
Cant create own shot.
Anderson
-nice 3 that he didn’t think about
-playing the pick n roll well
-showed good vision again but Green was out of bounds when he received the pass.
Denmon
-EH

[Penya]

Kawhi is a beast.

Richards and Ajinça are really painful to watch, even by Summer League standards.

[Libri]

First Half
Started this in the middle of the 2nd I think. By all means, I should be studying, but this is more fun.FTIW
Richards
-Richards bad finish trying to go top shelf, gets rebound does a nice hook, gets blocked. So RAW
-displays good athleticism on boards, too weak and loses control of board.
Joseph
-telling ajinca where to be on D. leading on the court
-Good help D
-showing 3 pt range on assist from leonard with his man playing decent close out D
-Good pull up to end QTR.
Kawhi
-not playing hard D, probably to avoid injury.
-trouble finishing at rim to start game off.
-gets blocked at top sometimes once inside.(happened sometimes during the season)
-His arms are so long that it gives the D enough time to recover when hes extending
-displaying Great athleticism- eurostep AT FULL SPEED
-nice crossover to raw spin move
-leonard nice 3 of the dribble, gave him self time to set up
-nice pull up at the 3 pt line…well on his way to the 30 points I predicted.
-assist to joseph for 3…similar to the kind of assists George hill got
Dawson-
Cant create own shot.
Anderson
-nice 3 that he didn’t think about
-playing the pick n roll well
-showed good vision again but Green was out of bounds when he received the pass.
Denmon
-EH

In other words, Richards hasn't progressed. I looks like his stint in Europe isn't helping him.

[timvp]

Now that Joseph doesn't play with a hunchback, he's actually a pretty decent athlete :tu

[MR-Clutch]

In other words, Richards hasn't progressed. I looks like his stint in Europe isn't helping him.

Nope. Might as well bring him to the D-league. The podcast on 48minutes of hell talked about a way to bring him to the d league, without the spurs signing him.

[jestersmash]

Second time this game I've seen Joseph masterfully split that hedge/double. There's no question he's made progress from last year.

The Joseph from last year would come off a pick (often with poor spacing) and almost exclusively look to pass around the horn. No dribble penetration. No penetration via passing either.

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

whi is so sick :rollin

[Libri]

good decision by Joseph

[ulosturedge]

Richards is green as hell. He needs to find a place where he can get a steady diet of good competition. Be it the D league or in a better league in Europe.

CJ so far looks like he is going provide some competiton for that backup PG spot next season.

[shyne]

Kawai is to good for these scrubs

[stxspurs]

Lol can he do that??

[TDMVPDPOY]

ajinca is a fkn scrub

[timvp]

Man, Ajinca is a lazy S.O.B.

[stxspurs]

ajinca is a fkn scrub

No joke. We aren't gonna find a big man on that team

[DPG21920]

There appears to be a valid reason why every team passed on Ajinca.

[DPG21920]

You know who CJ reminds me of? Mike Dunleavy.

[stxspurs]

Ajinca gave no effort to rebound

[ace3g]

Too bad the Spurs are set at SF, Wilkerson would be a nice cheap option to bring in.

[angelbelow]

Too bad the Spurs are set at SF, Wilkerson would be a nice cheap option to bring in.

Despite being undersized, Wilkerson is definitely a PF.

[ElNono]

Denmon would help himself by making a wide open shot... just sayin...

[ulosturedge]

Denmon would have to be something special to make it in the league at his height. Don't see it unfortunately.

[ElNono]

Cory wheelin and dealin

[timvp]

Joseph's ability to run a pick-and-roll has taken about 28 steps forward since last season.

[ivanfromwestwood]

So who has the best chance for backup pg? Cj, Neal, mills?

[tesseractive]

Ajinca the only guy on the squad with a negative +/- against the Laker scrubs. :lol

[ElNono]

there's denmon

[ChumpDumper]

lol everyone over 6'9" sucks

[stxspurs]

Ill say mills.

[ulosturedge]

So who has the best chance for backup pg? Cj, Neal, mills?

Don't forget about Nando De Colo lol.

[stxspurs]

Oh yeah

[AFBlue]

You know who CJ reminds me of? Mike Dunleavy.

:lol

[DPG21920]

I like the way CJ is playing today better than Sunday. But these two games have been against about the worst possible PG talent you could possibly match up against.

[DPG21920]

Zeller gets the Bonner treatment. Guys see him and in their mind they think there is no way he can stop them.

[ElNono]

I'm officially afraid of Zeller hitting one of those 3s and getting an immediate camp invite...

[DPG21920]

Kawhi faltering a bit in this second half, but to be expected some. Not going to ball for an entire game every game.

[ulosturedge]

lol Leonard making everyone look like scrubs.

[TimDunkem]

Zeller's shot is always off to the right...Adjust you P.O.S.

[MR-Clutch]

Maybe we can trick the cavaliers and trade Zellers with them parent trap style.

[ace3g]

uh oh, there is the Zeller 3, and damn you Brent with the Red Rocket comparison...

[benefactor]

lmao Bonner reference.

Someone kill me.

[ulosturedge]

We don't need another Bonner...why is he here.

[ace3g]

lol looked like Kawhi tried to block that FT by Sacre

[Libri]

Zeller spreading the floor.


smiling -----> :pop:

[ElNono]

lmao Bonner reference.

Someone kill me.

:lol

[ChumpDumper]

Definitely keep Wilkerson and Dawson in the Rolodex in case Bonner/Blair leave the team.

Richards should go to Austin without taking a roster spot. Nowhere near close to doing anything.

Won't waste words on the others.

I'd throw some guaranteed money at the Hawks center that lit them up in game one.

[ElNono]

Zeller team-leading +/-, tbh....

[InTheCrust]

Zeller team-leading +/-, tbh....

second coming...?

[siraulo23]

is joseph already better running pnr than george hill? lol

[ChumpDumper]

Zeller team-leading +/-, tbh....Made us look, I guess.

[benefactor]

Zeller team-leading +/-, tbh....
Well played. :lol

I actually checked.

[DPG21920]

Spurs with another win :tu. Overall ho-hum game. CJ played well (but hard to tell because the comp was really weak), Kawhi had a very good game overall (some rough spots, but that is expected and it wasn't many).

[MR-Clutch]

2nd half

Joseph
-good drive to the basket and dish to an open kawhi leonard from 3
-excellent drive for a layup, really displaying his speed.
-really pushing the pace, just set up leonard for a 3
-got a good steal by showing awareness on D
-displays his J on another pull up, gets good space for his jumpers
-showing good recovery on D when his man gets past him
-good drive but missed the floater
-holy hell, good steal on the inbounds and spin move for the and 1
-lost ball but showed good hustle to get the ball back for just a second, then lost the ball
-another good penetration and assist to wilkerson
-shows speed in transition and gets the layup
-good pass for a missed but open shot, but then shows great hustle to get the O board.
-Another Great pass by joseph, Wilkerson misses the shot but gets fouled.
-gets a good Defensive board and gets fouled.

Leonard
-Drills a 3 of joseph assist
-sick pull up
-nice drive and assist to Anderson at the last second
-great anticipation causes turnover
-couldve layed it up but still showed creating ability by findin Anderson but botched the pass
-Would like to see Leonard get better chasing down those fast breaks and get lebron blocks
-blocked again at top of his shot
-bull offenseive call call on a drive by leonard(could be the homer in me)
-nice pass to open denmon, denmon misses 3
-good hustle and tip out to get another possession
-pull up shot at the free throw line. 27 points.
-Beat by his man, but forces the turnover
Dawson
-nice o board, ugly putback but effective
Anderson
-nails another 3, seems like hes made 2 more in this game then the past year.
-ran the court well for an and 1
Wilkerson
-Seems like a blair type player that’s less talented and more raw
Denmon
-misses 3, not showing that jumper we’ve heard about, or athleticism for that matter.
-so far, not a viable replacement for neal
-wide open deep 2
-shows good vision- hits dumb zeller for a made shot
-another missed 3 taken because of shot clock
-missed open 3 off of kawhi pass
Ajinca
-Showed effort and got a putback dunk
-loves that 3 point line

[ElNono]

Well played. :lol

I actually checked.

:lol

[TDMVPDPOY]

Spurs with another win :tu. Overall ho-hum game. CJ played well (but hard to tell because the comp was really weak), Kawhi had a very good game overall (some rough spots, but that is expected and it wasn't many).

4th quarter played like shit

[timvp]

Fun game to watch. We got a good look at some players.

Kawhi has me trying to figure out how to add his skills to the offense. His ability to handle the ball, shoot off the dribble and pass needs to be taken advantage of next season.

[Bruno]

This game was a confirmation of the first game:
- Kawhi is for real.
- Cory Joseph is the big surprise of this SL. He looks more and more like a keeper.
- Denmon was a little better but I don't see how he will make Spurs' roster.
- Wilkerson is a solid player but if Spurs want a solid low upside big, they will likely go with Dawson.
- James Anderson was relatively good but Spurs should have no regrets with not picking his option. It was the right move.

[MR-Clutch]

-Joseph had a great game. Showed great D, Hustle, passing and scoring. Could probably have at least 4-5 more assists if not for people missing more shots.

-Kawhi also should have more assists. This guy can score in a lot of different ways its crazy.

[timvp]

I think Joseph even surprised the Spurs. You don't have TP, Mills, De Colo and Neal if you think Joseph is going to play as well as he did in the first two summer league games.

[MR-Clutch]

Kawhi has me trying to figure out how to add his skills to the offense. His ability to handle the ball, shoot off the dribble and pass needs to be taken advantage of next season.

He needs Manu Ginobili Rights to run some plays with that first unit. It will balance that first unit offense more, than having him and Green standing around for 3 pointers. He could take some of that burden off of TP.

[Obstructed_View]

This game was a confirmation of the first game:
- Kawhi is for real.
- Cory Joseph is the big surprise of this SL. He looks more and more like a keeper.
- Denmon was a little better but I don't see how he will make Spurs' roster.
- Wilkerson is a solid player but if Spurs want a solid low upside big, they will likely go with Dawson.
- James Anderson was relatively good but Spurs should have no regrets with not picking his option. It was the right move.

Agreed on all points. I really thought Denmon settled in better this game. He was very active in passing lanes. If there were any room at all I think he'd have a chance to make the roster. Joseph got screwed by the officials a bunch early on, and just kept his mouth shut and kept working. Liked to see that.

All the bigs on the SL team suck. By far the best of the group, Wilkerson is impressive and solid, just like he was three summer leagues ago. He hasn't improved, and unfortunately, he hasn't hit a growth spurt.

[Obstructed_View]

Yeah I need Bruno to explain whose money is guaranteed and who's going to be cut.

[Bruno]

BTW, at the end of the game Brent Barry was talking about Spurs trading Blair and adding another big to match the length and athleticism of WCF top teams. Given his connections with Spurs, Spurs are likely not fine withe their current frontcourt (which is logical).

[timvp]

BTW, at the end of the game Brent Barry was talking about Spurs trading Blair and adding another big to match the length and athleticism of WCF top teams. Given his connections with Spurs, Spurs are likely not fine withe their current frontcourt (which is logical).

Yeah, I found that interesting. He was too specific for that to come out of nowhere. He said something like "Blair is good but the Spurs want a bigman that plays a different style". Earlier in the broadcast he admitted to talking to a bunch of the Spurs staff so I'm pretty sure that has some truth to it.

I also found Barry's excitement on De Colo interesting. He admitted to Mike Bud being his source and said De Colo could be a really good player with a killer pull-up jumper.

[TD 21]

BTW, at the end of the game Brent Barry was talking about Spurs trading Blair and adding another big to match the length and athleticism of WCF top teams. Given his connections with Spurs, Spurs are likely not fine withe their current frontcourt (which is logical).

You heard it here first: Blair to the Hornets or Warriors for their 2nd in '13, then that second along with Neal to the Bucks for Sanders. Kills two birds with one stone and gives them the long, athletic, shot blocking big they're lacking.

Aside from the fact that the Bucks could use a bigger, better defender at SG (they may have to settle though; already lost out on Hinrich and now Brown too, supposedly), this trade is perfect for all three teams.

[Bruno]

Yeah I need Bruno to explain whose money is guaranteed and who's going to be cut.

12 players are with fully guaranteed contracts: Parker, Mills, Joseph, De Colo, Ginobili, Green, Leonard, Jackson, Diaw, Bonner, Duncan And Splitter.

3 players are with fully non-guaranteed contracts: Neal, Blair and Byars.

Neal and Blair should be kept and Byars should be waived so Spurs have 1 roster spot open. Saying that, I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs doing some little trades. My guess is that Blair and Neal could be traded.

[timvp]

You heard it here first: Blair to the Hornets or Warriors for their 2nd in '13, then that second along with Neal to the Bucks for Sanders. Kills two birds with one stone and gives them the long, athletic, shot blocking big they're lacking.

Aside from the fact that the Bucks could use a bigger, better defender at SG (they may have to settle though; already lost out on Hinrich and now Brown too, supposedly), this trade is perfect for all three teams.

Tbh, I don't think Sanders is a fit on the Spurs. He was the most foul-prone player in the entire NBA last season. Sanders was nearly 10% more foul-prone than anyone else and ultimate hacks like Steimsma, Mahinmi and Amundson. Someone who is 25% more foul-prone than Mahinmi would never play under Pop, tbh.

Sanders is a pretty good prospect but he's so far away from being able to contribute to the Spurs that it wouldn't make any sense to trade Blair and Neal for him. I'd rather just keep Blair and Neal.

[Bruno]

I also found Barry's excitement on De Colo interesting. He admitted to Mike Bud being his source and said De Colo could be a really good player with a killer pull-up jumper.

Well, you should have made an in depth scouting report on De Colo instead of Lorbek... :stirpot:

[Bruno]

A player that would be a great fit for that backup PF spot is Amir Johnson. I don't know how much he is available but Raptors might want to get ride of his contract. IIRC, timvp wanted him at the last trade deadline.

[CGD]

12 players are with fully guaranteed contracts: Parker, Mills, Joseph, De Colo, Ginobili, Green, Leonard, Jackson, Diaw, Bonner, Duncan And Splitter.

3 players are with fully non-guaranteed contracts: Neal, Blair and Byars.

Neal and Blair should be kept and Byars should be waived so Spurs have 1 roster spot open. Saying that, I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs doing some little trades. My guess is that Blair and Neal could be traded.

When do they have to guarantee each of those players? Is it November when the season starts?

[DesignatedT]

As well as Joseph is playing, Toronto could be interested in the Canadian.

[jyra]

Tbh, I don't think Sanders is a fit on the Spurs. He was the most foul-prone player in the entire NBA last season. Sanders was nearly 10% more foul-prone than anyone else and ultimate hacks like Steimsma, Mahinmi and Amundson. Someone who is 25% more foul-prone than Mahinmi would never play under Pop, tbh.

Sanders is a pretty good prospect but he's so far away from being able to contribute to the Spurs that it wouldn't make any sense to trade Blair and Neal for him. I'd rather just keep Blair and Neal.

Sanders managed to foul out in a summer league game yesterday. He is indeed very foulprone.

[Bruno]

When do they have to guarantee each of those players? Is it November when the season starts?

Blair contract becomes fully guaranteed on November 1st.
Neal and Byars contracts become fully guaranteed on January 10th.

[TD 21]

Tbh, I don't think Sanders is a fit on the Spurs. He was the most foul-prone player in the entire NBA last season. Sanders was nearly 10% more foul-prone than anyone else and ultimate hacks like Steimsma, Mahinmi and Amundson. Someone who is 25% more foul-prone than Mahinmi would never play under Pop, tbh.

Sanders is a pretty good prospect but he's so far away from being able to contribute to the Spurs that it wouldn't make any sense to trade Blair and Neal for him. I'd rather just keep Blair and Neal.

Just like guys who hesitate to shoot would never play under Pop, only they have and do. He's a raw project type, but a worthwhile gamble. If they don't see enough progress throughout the season, he can always be cut loose. They'd be hard pressed to do better.

I'd rather get rid of those two and clear out the logjam now, as opposed to dragging this out and playing games.

Bruno, I was driving the Amir Johnson bandwagon last off season, but that was back when they still had McDyess' partially guaranteed contract, let alone before they brought in Diaw. Johnson's way too expensive to be a fourth big and positionally, the only area the Raptors could use depth at is the point, which the Spurs can't help them with. So there's no fit there.

[jesterbobman]

Amir Johnson would be a really good option. The adjusted plus minus numbers are almost as high on him as Bonner, and a trade Like Bonner, Byars(Non guaranteed contract) + Blair could be a good deal for both teams.
After that a stretch big becomes an option, so Leuer(or Vlad Radmanovic) could come into play.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=c37bgnp

Definitely interesting to see the athletic big mentioned by Bones.

[ace3g]

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN

Kawhi Leonard had left wrist wrapped in ice when he emerged to meet media. "I just banged it on the floor. I'm alright."

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/120717_joseph

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/120717_leonard

[lefty]

I like to see Leonard as a point forward :tu

[ace3g]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/120717_anderson

http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/120717

[taps]

OK so Leonard is done with SL now please?

[BackHome]

It pisses me off that with all our talented scouts the best two big men they bring to camp are Richardson and Frenchie and WTF is Zeller doing on the team. Every other player besides Kawhi and Dawson are a bunch of midgets....:bang

[DesignatedT]

It pisses me off that with all our talented scouts the best two big men they bring to camp are Richardson and Frenchie and WTF is Zeller doing on the team. Every other player besides Kawhi and Dawson are a bunch of midgets....:bang

Just shows that the Spurs aren't as concerned with the big situation as the fans are.

[TDMVPDPOY]

woulda been sweet if KL called out pops again in the interview....

[Venti Quattro]

Finally, someone from the Lakers finally played fantastic. Cheers to Darius Morris for scoring 24 on 9 of 9 shooting. We hope you and Goudelock can continue playing well that so the Lakers can stop paying washed up veterans.

[Redshadows]

I wouldn't trade Leonard for D Howard.:lol

[Marcus Bryant]

Leonard dutifully plays selfish ball in summer league, as requested.

He is not human.

[Redshadows]

Considering he scored 15 points per games in college, could anyone tell me his summer league games are just like what he did in college or he have really improved a lot on his offensive skills since he joined the NBA?

[racm]

The plan is to improve his skills on offense, since his 3s/D/rebounding are known quantities.

[ace3g]

The Thunder series shows it helps to have at least 3 players that can handle the ball (Durant, Westbrook, Harden), Spurs only had 2 (TP and Manu). Next season hopefully with the development of Kawhi and Nando Spurs will have at least 4.

[ChumpDumper]

Just shows that the Spurs aren't as concerned with the big situation as the fans are.Not as far as summer league free agents are concerned.

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

Considering he scored 15 points per games in college, could anyone tell me his summer league games are just like what he did in college or he have really improved a lot on his offensive skills since he joined the NBA?

i think he improved a lot. from what i saw of him in college, he was more of a mid-post player/got the ball at the free throw line and did work from there. he never really scored from the perimeter in college.

[Redshadows]

i think he improved a lot. from what i saw of him in college, he was more of a mid-post player/got the ball at the free throw line and did work from there. he never really scored from the perimeter in college.
ok, thanks. can't wait to see what he would look like in the regular season.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Fun game to watch. We got a good look at some players.

Kawhi has me trying to figure out how to add his skills to the offense. His ability to handle the ball, shoot off the dribble and pass needs to be taken advantage of next season.

Remember game 6 in the OKC series, when Leonard keptgetting the ball at the top, with Tony and Manu running around screens? Happened at least 4-5 times, and blatantly seemed by design

[weebo]

Wow, didn't see the game but sounds like KL beasted.

[ace3g]

“We want him to rebound it and push it up the floor himself,” Popovich said. “We want to get it thrown ahead to him and have him go attack the rim. We want to put him in pick-and-rolls and let him make decisions, so he expands his game.

“He’s going to be a good one. We don’t want him to just be a spot-up shooter in the corner.”

That’s good to hear, Leonard said.

“I don’t want to be a stand-in-the-corner guy my whole career,” he added. “I’d like to take control of the game, and be a focal point to help my team win.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/07/17/spurs-turn-keys-over-to-leonard-this-summer/

[Obstructed_View]

Just shows that the Spurs aren't as concerned with the big situation as the fans are.

I don't know that you could have asked for more than Ajinca and Richards. It's not really the front office's fault that they both stink on ice. Honestly, what's out there that they didn't go get?

[Obstructed_View]

Finally, someone from the Lakers finally played fantastic. Cheers to Darius Morris for scoring 24 on 9 of 9 shooting. We hope you and Goudelock can continue playing well that so the Lakers can stop paying washed up veterans.

That white kid with the tats had his moments too.

[YoMamaIsCallin]

Did anyone else notice that they had a graphic saying Cory Joseph went to Cleveland State?

[ChumpDumper]

Did anyone else notice that they had a graphic saying Cory Joseph went to Cleveland State?


i did. typical nba media just cant get spurs material rightEh, they just got it mixed up with Cedric Jackson.