SF backup?

[palangi]

with the little money we have left do you guys think it is enough to get one of these two? personally i would take casspi as i think he will be cheaper and has a much better outside shot. although i really like aminu rebounding and blocking ability. something we could use still.

al-farouq aminu
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Al-Farouq-Aminu-1293/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBJKKxoG1Zk


omri casspi
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Omri-Casspi-538/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEmWWYc_iH8

[Bill_Brasky]

Would love Aminu, we can't afford though probably.

[Mel_13]

Casspi should be cheaper, but Aminu isn't worth more than half the MLE.

[itzsoweezee]

Aminu would be cool. Casspi sucks.

[McGusto55]

Casspi...spurs wanted
To draft him.....

[look_at_g_shred]

Aminu please.

[Mugen]

Both are garbabe tbh.

[MeloHype]

I want Jackson back tbh

[Darkwaters]

I'm curious what the going rate for Casspi would be?

[racm]

I like Aminu's rebounding and athleticism, but the guy cannot space the floor.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Spurs arent looking for a back up sf, they're just stock piling on more shooting guards tbh

[cjw]

Aminu is just 22 and was serviceable last year after being horrible the prior two years (~10 PER or worse). Seems to rebound well and has learned where he should be shooting from (cut down on 3s -> higher FG%). I'll take him over DeShaun Thomas and Casspi in a heartbeat. Casspi plain stinks.


Spurs arent looking for a back up sf, they're just stock piling on more small guards tbh
Right, because Bellineli is so "small".

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Right, because Bellineli is so "small".

Excuse me i mean "shooting guards" sorry

[tav1]

I'm not as worried about this. In a worse case scenario, Spurs can simply invite a few guys to camp and choose from that group. My best case scenario is Kirilenko, but that looks less likely with the Belinelli signing. Dorell Wright would be a tremendous combo forward reserve. After that, you're looking at a serviceable list of vet mins or camp invites. Casspi, DeShaun Thomas, Aminu, Babbitt, Austin Daye, TMac, etc...

A player who can play behind Leonard or as a stretch four. The most important skill the Spurs need at that position is shooting. Everything else is gravy. Don't get me wrong, the more gravy the better. But they could get by so long as that player can space the floor.

[Texas_Ranger]

if the Lakers amnesty Artest he'll get here.

[racm]

Aminu is just 22 and was serviceable last year after being horrible the prior two years (~10 PER or worse). Seems to rebound well and has learned where he should be shooting from (cut down on 3s -> higher FG%). I'll take him over DeShaun Thomas and Casspi in a heartbeat. Casspi plain stinks.


Right, because Bellineli is so "small".



Aminu reminds me of a taller Ronnie Brewer. No outside shot whatsoever, great rebounder for a wing.

[Mel_13]

Aminu reminds me of a taller Ronnie Brewer. No outside shot whatsoever, great rebounder for a wing.

Another FA possibility.

[racm]

Another FA possibility.

Could be had at the minimum, too... If you stick him in the corners on O he couldn't be worse than Captain Jack.

Also getting him would mean the Spurs might be using a variant of WP or thereabouts.

[loveforthegame]

I really like Dorell Wright too.

[Spur-Addict]

Corey Brewer

[racm]

Corey Brewer
He makes Nando look like Kyle Korver. No thanks.

[Spur-Addict]

He makes Nando look like Kyle Korver. No thanks.

So you judge a player solely on their shooting ability? Makes sense to me.

[cd021]

Both are garbabe tbh.

Nonsense.


Aminu would be an excellent 3/4 in San Antonio. If he can become a better shooter he can be major asset with his length and athleticism.

[palangi]

I also wouldn't mind devin ebanks. he is a lot like aminu but with a better shot.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Devin-Ebanks-1112/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0j6xG2hpA0

[palangi]

Another FA possibility.
brewer is a SG. we don't need him.

[racm]

So you judge a player solely on their shooting ability? Makes sense to me.

What's needed for a Spurs wing? Ability to hit from the corner 3, play solid team defense.

Brewer could do the latter, but instead of him being used as a havoc player off the bench Karl wanted him to play like Danny Green.

[cd021]

Could be had at the minimum, too... If you stick him in the corners on O he couldn't be worse than Captain Jack.

Also getting him would mean the Spurs might be using a variant of WP or thereabouts.

Captain Jack is still a better player than Brewer. He struggled shooting but could board and passed well. Brewer is a mediocre shooter but gets out in transit well. For the minimum he would be a decent add but McGrady would still be a better player to have IMO

[racm]

brewer is a SG. we don't need him.

He's 6'7" and the Spurs system (and the league to a lesser extent) doesn't discriminate between either wing position as much as they did back when the 3 point shot was a gimmick.

[Mel_13]

brewer is a SG. we don't need him.

He's a 6'7" wing.

[cd021]

What's needed for a Spurs wing? Ability to hit from the corner 3, play solid team defense.

Brewer could do the latter, but instead of him being used as a havoc player off the bench Karl wanted him to play like Danny Green.

That Denver had no shooters what so ever. He stationed Brewer on the wing and let him take open 3's from the shortest 3pt spot on the court. It isn't a bad idea.

[cd021]

He's a 6'7" wing.

With a ridiculous arm-span ala Duncan and Kawhi if i'm not mistaken.

[racm]

That Denver had no shooters what so ever. He stationed Brewer on the wing and let him take open 3's from the shortest 3pt spot on the court. It isn't a bad idea.

In theory. In practice though, it worked as well as much as Tiago did in the Finals.

People predicted that Tiago would do well in the Finals because he's near 7 ft tall with an offensive game. Too bad they forgot that he got most of his points from being a roll man and didn't draw a lot of fouls.

[palangi]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ronnie-Brewer-64/

a 6'11" wingspan. not real ridiculous. but at 6'6" that is good. but leonard has a 7'3" wingspan.

[cd021]

He's 6'7" and the Spurs system (and the league to a lesser extent) doesn't discriminate between either wing position as much as they did back when the 3 point shot was a gimmick.

Agreed If your 6'5 and long you are basically both in the NBA

[cd021]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ronnie-Brewer-64/

a 6'11" wingspan. not real ridiculous. but at 6'6" that is good. but leonard has a 7'3" wingspan.

5 inches longer than his height certaintly isn't bad. Duncan is 6'10 with a 7'3 wingspan for comparison.

[racm]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ronnie-Brewer-64/

a 6'11" wingspan. not real ridiculous. but at 6'6" that is good. but leonard has a 7'3" wingspan.

Green is 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan. Leonard is the outlier.

[8FOR!3]

The Spurs play well with T-Mac on the floor, why not him?

[racm]

The Spurs play well with T-Mac on the floor, why not him?

When T-Mac played the Spurs were either cruising to a win or getting crushed.

[yavozerb]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ronnie-Brewer-64/

a 6'11" wingspan. not real ridiculous. but at 6'6" that is good. but leonard has a 7'3" wingspan.

Are you guys talking about Corey Brewer? Cause those numbers are for Ronnie Brewer

[palangi]

Green is 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan. Leonard is the outlier.
I agree. he just said that brewer had a ridicuouls wingspan. i was pointing out that it wasn't great but it is very good. leonard has a ridiculous wingspan.

[jjktkk]

I can see the Spurs not picking up a backup sf at all. Just let Diaw and Green man the backup sf role.

[8FOR!3]

Either way, his handles looked good and his passing looked good. He took LeBron to the basket off the dribble and got an assist. Trust me, LeCrab's ego is too big to just let a 30-something year old T-Mac put him on a highlight reel

[palangi]

Are you guys talking about Corey Brewer? Cause those numbers are for Ronnie Brewer
ronnie brewer

[spursince#99]

Aminu

[cd021]

In theory. In practice though, it worked as well as much as Tiago did in the Finals.

People predicted that Tiago would do well in the Finals because he's near 7 ft tall with an offensive game. Too bad they forgot that he got most of his points from being a roll man and didn't draw a lot of fouls.

I cant defend his play plus he couldn't grab a board to save his life. Placing Brewer on the corners gives him the best possible opportunity to contribute without messing up their already poor floor spacing.

If they play Faried with Koufos, or McGee, there just isn't floor spacing. Throw in Brewer into that mix would be too many players playing inside the arc so he sets up from outside and hit them at semi decent clip. RJ in the 09 playoff vs Phoenix had to Spurs in a similar spot. He couldn't hit 3's so the spurs stationed him at 15-18 feet in the corner and watched as Phoenix helped off and recovered quickly before he could even get a jumper off.

[cd021]

Are you guys talking about Corey Brewer? Cause those numbers are for Ronnie Brewer

I was referring the Corey. He must have been talking bout Ronnie.

[spursnatic]

Wouldn't mind having TMAC back for a full year..He could get in Super Shape this summer with a whole Training Camp under his belt..Plus we could probably get him really cheap..

[cd021]

I can see the Spurs not picking up a backup sf at all. Just let Diaw and Green man the backup sf role.

Me too. Also maybe bringing McGrady back to play spot minutes at SF (about 12mpg)

[Darkwaters]

With a ridiculous arm-span ala Duncan and Kawhi if i'm not mistaken.

Not really.

Height W/O Shoes: 6'6.75"
Height w/ Shoes: 6'7.75"
Wingspan: 6'8.25"

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Corey-Brewer-414/

[cjw]

Excuse me i mean "shooting guards" sorry

Point taken. I agree there - we need one more athletic wing that can play the 3/4, either with or without Kawhi on the floor. The first round and conference finals were perfect matchups for how our roster was constructed, but the GS series and Finals exposed that weakness. Given the signing of Marco yesterday, doubtful they can still fit in AK47.

If our coaches could work Aminu into a 33% three point shooter, or if they can pair him with lineups with enough guys who stretch the floor, he could be of some use. Look at the magic they worked with Kawhi - sub-30% shooter his last year in college. You can teach shooting to a degree, but you can't teach size (6'9" with 7'4" wingspan) and rebounding.

[Spur-Addict]

What's needed for a Spurs wing? Ability to hit from the corner 3, play solid team defense.

Brewer could do the latter, but instead of him being used as a havoc player off the bench Karl wanted him to play like Danny Green.

We don't need five Danny Greens. And we know Kawhi is going to play the bulk of the minutes at 3. So Brewer is incapable of making a corner 3? He can be streaky. Have you watched much of Denver this year? Don't pull up a stat sheet. In this price point, where it's a possibility only a couple million is left, how many options out there fulfill the obvious needs that will make a real impact? Perhaps Francisco Garcia. Well he made 5/6 million last year. Maybe Matt Barnes, but everyone knows that's not going to happen. Chris Copeland? That's realistic. Delfino seems redundant to me with Belli, plus his defense is for shit, but he'd fit in. But Maybe they go overseas. But aside from that not much else.

Unless all of sudden guys are taking big pay cuts, options aren't extensive. The player that comes in will have flaws. But there are other things that are important in player evaluation. Brewer can do so much more. And, he's an excellent change of pace guy. Havoc as you said. Great on the break, forces turnovers, a lot of intangibles, you know, a bench player. They could do a hell of a lot worse.

[palangi]

a guy i would like to see us watch in the summer league is christian watford. he is with the pacers. and can be signed by anyone. he would be a great 3/4.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Christian-Watford-5281/

[ElNono]

Bonner, IMO

[racm]

One wrinkle the Belinelli signing creates is that Manu spends more time at the 3.

Sure he'll get eaten alive by the Paul Georges of the world but hey, he's too old and slow guarding the combo guards prevalent in the league.

[racm]

Be prepared to see a second unit lineup of CoJo/Belinelli/Manu/Diaw/Bonner tbh

[r0drig0lac]

aminu and not even close

[Spur-Addict]

And the last backup SF we had wasn't a great three point shooter either. Barely 30% the last two seasons if that if I'm not mistaken. Gee he sure fit in well on the court. He did a lot of other things well tbh

[palangi]

and of course if thomas shows something in the summer league he could end up being this guy.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Deshaun-Thomas-1290/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxFFkk89kTs

[ChumpDumper]

a guy i would like to see us watch in the summer league is christian watford. he is with the pacers. and can be signed by anyone. he would be a great 3/4.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Christian-Watford-5281/Interesting. Guess we'll see how he does in SL.

[Marrow]

joe ingles would be a good fit

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209031&p=6735091#post6735091

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Point taken. I agree there - we need one more athletic wing that can play the 3/4, either with or without Kawhi on the floor. The first round and conference finals were perfect matchups for how our roster was constructed, but the GS series and Finals exposed that weakness. Given the signing of Marco yesterday, doubtful they can still fit in AK47.

If our coaches could work Aminu into a 33% three point shooter, or if they can pair him with lineups with enough guys who stretch the floor, he could be of some use. Look at the magic they worked with Kawhi - sub-30% shooter his last year in college. You can teach shooting to a degree, but you can't teach size (6'9" with 7'4" wingspan) and rebounding.

Yeah Give chip a summer with Aminu and im sure they could get him shooting 3's in the high 30s to low 40s%

[Austin_Toros]

Would love Aminu but I imagine Spurs will be out-priced by other teams to get him.

[cd021]

Not really.

Height W/O Shoes: 6'6.75"
Height w/ Shoes: 6'7.75"
Wingspan: 6'8.25"

My mistake. I though he had more length than that.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Corey-Brewer-414/

[cd021]

Yeah Give chip a summer with Aminu and im sure they could get him shooting 3's in the high 30s to low 40s%

I've been saying this since after the finals. Chip could work wanders for him, who in tern could work wonders for us. He is a legit 4 who can play the 3 as well but needs to have an atleast an average jumper. Working with Chio on the corner 3's would give the Spurs more size at both positions they need it.

[palangi]

I've been saying this since after the finals. Chip could work wanders for him, who in tern could work wonders for us. He is a legit 4 who can play the 3 as well but needs to have an atleast an average jumper. Working with Chio on the corner 3's would give the Spurs more size at both positions they need it.
with aminu off the market a guy like devin ebanks who is very similar could be had now.

[palangi]

with most of the SF off the board we might be looking at a trade to get a quality backup here. One guy that I would love for us to try and trade for would be chris singleton from washington. They just drafted otto porter and glen rice Jr. so the 3 spot is taken by two young guys there. they also have trevor ariza on the roster still too. at the 4 spot they have jan vesley and seraphine. two young guys to build up. they also have trevor booker. both booker and vesely can step away and shoot too. They also re-signed martell webster and have cartier martin. so what I am saying is they are stacked at his position. and so he could be had.

we offer up nando de colo and matt bonner and 1 or 2 euro stash players. like hanga and viktor.

singleton is a big guy at 6'9" 230 lb guy. has good athleticism and decent handles. plays good defense and can stretch out to the 3 too.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Chris-Singleton-1342/
http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6470/chris-singleton


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN0VQWyUOQs

Roster:

PG- parker, cojo, mills
SG- green, manu, beli
SF- leonard, singleton
PF- duncan, diaw, pendergraph
C- splitter, baynes

this gives us 13 players under contract. allowing us two spots to fill with young kids that can play in austin or sign another FA to add depth.

[Darkwaters]

with aminu off the market a guy like devin ebanks who is very similar could be had now.

If you think Aminu can't shoot, I welcome you to enjoy an entirely new level of marksmanship inadequacy.

While Aminu shot a poor 21% (4-19) from 3 last year, he also shot a decent 47.5% (225-474) from the field.

Ebanks on the other hand shot 27% (6-22) from 3, but only 33% (24-73) overall.

You will also note the poor sample size with the single exception of Aminu's overall shooting.

[Jumi]

I like Singleton, but I wouldn't give up Bonner for him. For all the shit Bonner recieves, (even from me sometimes), he serves a role that can't be replicated by alot of bigs in the league for his price. Keep Bonner, but give up a few of the redundant pieces and we have a winner!

[palangi]

I like Singleton, but I wouldn't give up Bonner for him. For all the shit Bonner recieves, (even from me sometimes), he serves a role that can't be replicated by alot of bigs in the league for his price. Keep Bonner, but give up a few of the redundant pieces and we have a winner!
having a big that shoots 3's is a bit overrated in my mind. both diaw and singleton will shoot it well enough to make up for bonner and his 5 minutes he should only be allowed to play.

[Mel_13]

having a big that shoots 3's is a bit overrated in my mind. both diaw and singleton will shoot it well enough to make up for bonner and his 5 minutes he should only be allowed to play.

Singleton is a 31% 3 point shooter for his career, 19% last season. He was a 33% shooter from the shorter 3 point distance in college.

[ChumpDumper]

lol Singleton

[palangi]

Singleton is a 31% 3 point shooter for his career, 19% last season. He was a 33% shooter from the shorter 3 point distance in college.
and kawhi was a worse shooter in college

[palangi]

lol Singleton
:clap thanks for the indepth analysis!:pimpslap

[Mel_13]

and kawhi was a worse shooter in college

Kawhi was specifically identified by Chip Engelland as having a correctable shooting form before he was drafted. He can't fix everyone.

[ChumpDumper]

:clap thanks for the indepth analysis!:pimpslapYou should have seen the analysis here saying Singleton was a future star and Leonard was a bust after their draft.

Singleton is terrible, but fine to play the eight minutes Leonard won't.

[palangi]

You should have seen the analysis here saying Singleton was a future star and Leonard was a bust after their draft.

Singleton is terrible, but fine to play the eight minutes Leonard won't.
that's all I am thinking for him as well. backup leonard and play a couple minutes at the 4 in small ball lineups.

[palangi]

Kawhi was specifically identified by Chip Engelland as having a correctable shooting form before he was drafted. He can't fix everyone.
singleton has a pretty good shot and would only need a few tweaks from being more consistant.

[CGD]

with most of the SF off the board we might be looking at a trade to get a quality backup here. One guy that I would love for us to try and trade for would be chris singleton from washington. They just drafted otto porter and glen rice Jr. so the 3 spot is taken by two young guys there. they also have trevor ariza on the roster still too. at the 4 spot they have jan vesley and seraphine. two young guys to build up. they also have trevor booker. both booker and vesely can step away and shoot too. They also re-signed martell webster and have cartier martin. so what I am saying is they are stacked at his position. and so he could be had.

I like the idea, especially since they drafted Otto. I'd try for a S&T involving Neal instead of Bonner since SG is probably the position they are weakest at + it sends Neal closer to home (and away from the Western Conference!). Think this is exactly the type of underrated move the Spurs would make if they strike out on AK.

A trade idea I posted in another thread was for Jonas Jeberko who is currently in Detroit. Same type of situation with the depth chart now that the Piston's signed Smith who will most likely start at the 3. Drummond and Monroe upfront is the direction theyre going with PF/C. Plus, Dummars is said to be looking for a sharpshooter. Including Nando also makes sense bc the Pistons lack a pure PG, and Nando would provide depth there.

In sum with the prospects of AK looking slimmer with the recent signings, I think you're right that these possibilities will be there.

[ChumpDumper]

I think in most situations he would be overlooked in favor of backup guards.

[palangi]

I like the idea, especially since they drafted Otto. I'd try for a S&T involving Neal instead of Bonner since SG is probably the position they are weakest at + it sends Neal closer to home (and away from the Western Conference!). Think this is exactly the type of underrated move the Spurs would make if they strike out on AK.

A trade idea I posted in another thread was for Jonas Jeberko who is currently in Detroit. Same type of situation with the depth chart now that the Piston's signed Smith who will most likely start at the 3. Drummond and Monroe upfront is the direction theyre going with PF/C. Plus, Dummars is said to be looking for a sharpshooter. Including Nando also makes sense bc the Pistons lack a pure PG, and Nando would provide depth there.

In sum with the prospects of AK looking slimmer with the recent signings, I think you're right that these possibilities will be there.
I would do the sign and trade with neal for sure. I would even throw de colo in there as well. but i would sure love to get rid of bonner.

as for jeberko, i don't really know anything about him.

[Mel_13]

singleton has a pretty good shot and would only need a few tweaks from being more consistant.

I don't what the basis of that assessment could possibly be. The guy has taken over 500 shots in the NBA and has made less 38% of them, and his advanced shooting stats went down quite a bit from year 1 to year 2. That's not an encouraging picture for his shooting ability or his work ethic.

[CGD]

singleton may not shoot well from 3%, but he plays stout defense. Yes, there is a reason he's a deep reserve guy and not much more, but that's probably all the Spurs want anyway for the few minutes off the bench he'll yet. If he can bring that and energy, while Leonard rests then I'm good with it, especially with the firepower Manu and Belli will bring off the bench.

[palangi]

I don't what the basis of that assessment could possibly be. The guy has taken over 500 shots in the NBA and has made less 38% of them, and his advanced shooting stats went down quite a bit from year 1 to year 2. That's not an encouraging picture for his shooting ability or his work ethic.
since I am not a shooting professional. I am basing it off more of how the shot looks. he does have good form. That is why i believe a few tweaks and getting into a much better system that what washington plays would improve his %'s.

[CGD]

Btw that Wizard team looks awesome on paper.

[Mel_13]

since I am not a shooting professional. I am basing it off more of how the shot looks. he does have good form. That is why i believe a few tweaks and getting into a much better system that what washington plays would improve his %'s.


I'm not a shot doctor, either. I don't know what sort of improvement is possible, but his record as a pro is not encouraging.

[palangi]

did you know green only shot 27% from 3 in cleveland. sometimes a good shot doctor and system make a big difference.

[playblair]

Sam Young
Luke Babbitt
Damion James

[CGD]

I would do the sign and trade with neal for sure. I would even throw de colo in there as well. but i would sure love to get rid of bonner.

as for jeberko, i don't really know anything about him.

I live in Michigan and catch some Pistons game for time to time. He's not going to blow you away with any one thing, but the thing I like about Jonas is that he seems to work hard and shows good hustle. It would be very easy for someone to not show much effort/relax when their team is in the cellar like his was last year. To me it shows character.

[Mel_13]

And sometimes it doesn't.

That 27% was on 22 shots. He shot 38% on nearly 500 attempts in college, including 42% as a senior. The Spurs also got to look at him on two 10 day contracts and an unguaranteed minimum deal before they committed any money to him. Singleton will cost 4M over the next two years.

[palangi]

And sometimes it doesn't.

That 27% was on 22 shots. He shot 38% on nearly 500 attempts in college, including 42% as a senior. The Spurs also got to look at him on two 10 day contracts and an unguaranteed minimum deal before they committed any money to him. Singleton will cost 4M over the next two years.
I don't want to argue about this. one thing i did like about him is his length, athleticism, and size. a good back up SF and small ball PF. he plays tough defense and rebounds great. and he is a good worker, he did shoot 37% from 3 his senior year in college. showing marked improvement.

like I have stated before. his role is to backup kawhi for 8-10 minutes a game then maybe another 5 in small ball lineup. he does bring good size and athleticism to guard the lebrons and durrants.

[Mel_13]

I don't want to argue about this. one thing i did like about him is his length, athleticism, and size. a good back up SF and small ball PF. he plays tough defense and rebounds great. and he is a good worker, he did shoot 37% from 3 his senior year in college. showing marked improvement.

like I have stated before. his role is to backup kawhi for 8-10 minutes a game then maybe another 5 in small ball lineup. he does bring good size and athleticism to guard the lebrons and durrants.

I understand your points. If the Spurs express interest, I'll take notice. To me, his skills and his price don't make him an attractive target.

[spursince#99]

Wesley Johnson would be a good pickup.

[FireMicoHalili]

Splitter Bonner Duncan Baynes Pendergraph Diaw Leonard Green Ginobili Belinelli Joseph Parker De Colo Mills

That's fourteen (14) guaranteed contracts entering training camp. I don't think we sign anyone else anymore, and if we did, probably for the vet min. This is quite sad, they had us thinking Kirilenko for a while. No back-up small forward still, unless Pop is intent on putting Belinelli at the 3.

[Sean Cagney]

Splitter Bonner Duncan Baynes Pendergraph Diaw Leonard Green Ginobili Belinelli Joseph Parker De Colo Mills

That's fourteen (14) guaranteed contracts entering training camp. I don't think we sign anyone else anymore, and if we did, probably for the vet min. This is quite sad, they had us thinking Kirilenko for a while. No back-up small forward still, unless Pop is intent on putting Belinelli at the 3. I doubt it, Pop will put him at the PF spot for small ball.