Reddit reacts to the Spurs picking SloMo at #30

[Dex]

http://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/297jou/2014_draft_30_pick_san_antonio_spurs_kyle/

Some interesting takes and praise from opposing fans...and a few meltdowns. :lol


Spurs win the championship and still get a good pick. Classic San Antonio.


I've watched all his games and I honestly can't think of a better place for him to go.

Happy for him, dude can really play despite how slow and deliberate he appears.



The Spurs could draft a ROCK and I wouldn't question them. They must know something about that rock that I do not. It will be a home run pick too.


THEY CAN'T KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH IT

[Blue Duck]

That's awesome

[dabom]

Our team is really stacked. I want him to play point, but he is a little too slow for opposing guards.
He is going to need to work hard. Real hard.

[lefty]

Jinxed, imo

[urunobili]

Jinxed, imo

[100%duncan]

Can we trade Love for the spurs front office?


Wow. Spurs look like draft geniuses again.
Fuck, I'm very mad the Blazers didn't try to get Anderson especially since he fell so low.
This is how the rich keep staying rich and such.
EDIT: had to add the "very" to demonstrate how mad I am at the moment.


This is why the Spurs rock. They take the guys with unique skill sets and then find them a role because they have talent.

this is kinda wtf :lol
I smoked a huge blunt with Kyle Anderson when we were trying to recruit him to Seton Hall...good guy...hope he becomes one of those Spurs super role players

[Fireball]

The Spurs also had bad picks before, but they certainly do better than most teams ... always fun to see how a rookie fits in because with the consistency of the Spurs there rarely are other surprises ...

[100%duncan]

Spurs select skinny Boris Diaw. God dammit.


the most spurs like player in the draft it was fate

[100%duncan]

The Spurs also had bad picks before, but they certainly do better than most teams ... always fun to see how a rookie fits in because with the consistency of the Spurs there rarely are other surprises ...

Hey it's not like this is going to be disaster. low risk high reward at #30.

[MeloHype]

http://i.imgur.com/rZypMz3.jpg

[look_at_g_shred]

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

[cd98]

People said the same thing about James Anderson. Temper your expectations.

[Raven]

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

Kawhi?

[Agloco]

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

The 2014 Finals MVP would like a word with you......out back.


http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/kawhi-leonard-putback-against-miami-game-4-a.gif?w=1000

[look_at_g_shred]

Kawhi?
Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

[look_at_g_shred]

http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/kawhi-leonard-putback-against-miami-game-4-a.gif?w=1000
see above

[Dex]

People said the same thing about James Anderson. Temper your expectations.

JA looked great before he broke his foot in his first season. Really hampered his career imo, as he never looked the same after he came back.

He put up a decent 10/4/2 season last year in Philly including a couple of 30-point games. Will be interesting to see if he can still carve out a career.

[will_spurs]

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

Two future HoFers and a solid big is enough to build a reputation. And the only time the Spurs moved up in the draft they drafted a Finals MVP.

[Agloco]

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

Six of one, half dozen of the other.

Pacers drafted then traded him to us. I don't see reason to split hairs here especially given the point you're trying to make.

[UZER]

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

They drafted George hill who was no slouch. That pick enabled them to turn it into Kawhi.

[Perry Mason]

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

What's a peda stool? Is that like child poop?

[FireMicoHalili]

What's a peda stool? Is that like child poop?
I think he's trying to make a joke

[littlecoyotecoin]

They drafted George hill who was no slouch. That pick enabled them to turn it into Kawhi.

The above bears repeating.

And, The Spurs identified Kawhi, the fact that Indiana picked him was just a technicality.

And, while some may be unhappy with what they did with that talent, they have shown further expertise at drafting NBA quality talent very deep in the draft in:

Goran Dragic 45th
Luis Scola 56th
Leandro Barbosa 28th

Some teams can't even seem to find an NBA player in the lottery, yet The Spurs have been able to identify NBA players even late in the second round. Therefore, I think their draft reputation is fairly deserved.

[Dex]

The above bears repeating.

And, The Spurs identified Kawhi, the fact that Indiana picked him was just a technicality.

And, while some may be unhappy with what they did with that talent, they have shown further expertise at drafting NBA quality talent very deep in the draft in:

Goran Dragic 45th
Luis Scola 56th
Leandro Barbosa 28th

Some teams can't even seem to find an NBA player in the lottery, yet The Spurs have been able to identify NBA players even late in the second round. Therefore, I think their draft reputation is fairly deserved.

There were also some guys that the Spurs either pulled out of obscurity or gambled on who put in some good years with the team and have gone on to make themselves decent players:

Beno Udrih
Ian Mahinmi
DeJuan Blair
Gary Neal (not a draft pick, but picked out of the Euroleagues so even more impressive IMO)

CoJo is also starting to establish himself in the league.

You can't logistically keep every draft pick you sign due to roster size and cap limitations, so you can't penalize these guys just because they haven't necessarily panned out for the Spurs alone. Sure, not everybody has been able to make the leap (Javtokas, Richards, Bertans, Sandizke), but their success rate for draft picks which are, with exception to Hill and Leonard, typically in the high 20s and 50s is exceptional.

[cd98]

JA looked great before he broke his foot in his first season. Really hampered his career imo, as he never looked the same after he came back.

He put up a decent 10/4/2 season last year in Philly including a couple of 30-point games. Will be interesting to see if he can still carve out a career.

People use the foot as an excuse, but his "looking great" was over a short span of games. It was kind of like Daye hitting all those threes when he first got traded to the Spurs. But when you open up the sample size to various games, you see him regress to the mean. James Anderson is a fringe NBA player. On a woefully poor team, James Anderson can get some numbers, but I just don't see him as being a good enough athlete or a good enough shooter to even be a top role player on a playoff team. That said, I'm not writing Kyle Anderson off as a dud. He's got a unique set of skills, but jury is out on whether they will translate to the NBA.

[Old School 44]

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

Manu, Tony, flipping Paul George (eh...I mean George Hill) for Kawhi, Tiago...all, while typically selecting at or near the end of draft rounds. Not sure how you can overrate the Spurs success. Compare their history to anyone else, even teams that are seemingly always at the top of the draft board...I can't think of anyone that's done better overall.

[look_at_g_shred]

i'm definitely not talking about our success from drafting Parker and Manu. I realize how great we have been at scouting overseas prospects. My point is how we've drafted recently 2007 until now. There's no question we deserve all the praise in the world for the ability to target guys. My point is recently....

[Obstructed_View]

DeJuan Blair was the starting center for more than one 50 win team, and they got him with the 37th pick.

[look_at_g_shred]

I'm not trying to knock Spurs Org. definitely not lol But unlike everyone thinks (other teams fans) not everything we touch turns to gold.

[Obstructed_View]

I'm not trying to knock Spurs Org. definitely not lol But unlike everyone thinks (other teams fans) not everything we touch turns to gold.

Not everything, just way way more than other teams, particularly when you consider they haven't had a high draft pick in 17 years.

[Mnky]

I'm not trying to knock Spurs Org. definitely not lol But unlike everyone thinks (other teams fans) not everything we touch turns to gold.


Everyone thinks the Spurs have a great front office. They do. Everyone thinks the Spurs draft well. They do.

Just admit you misspoke. Then, and only then..will the bleeding stop. :lol

[ambchang]

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

http://harvardsportsanalysis.org/?p=4516

Also, Kawhi pick was essentially a draft pick because the Spurs traded George Hill specifically to draft him.

[tmtcsc]

I hope my eyes deceive me because his performance in the limited games I watched were just meh. It may take him a while to adjust to the speed of the NBA and the athleticism. He also needs quite a bit of help from Chip with his shooting form. Hopefully his smarts will allow him to stay on the floor because it won't be his defense.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Everyone thinks the Spurs have a great front office. They do. Everyone thinks the Spurs draft well. They do.

Just admit you misspoke. Then, and only then..will the bleeding stop. :lol

[Obstructed_View]

I hope my eyes deceive me because his performance in the limited games I watched were just meh. It may take him a while to adjust to the speed of the NBA and the athleticism. He also needs quite a bit of help from Chip with his shooting form. Hopefully his smarts will allow him to stay on the floor because it won't be his defense.

He was out of position, and rarely touched the ball. As with most players, he's not going to be adding lots of value with his individual defense. Fortunately he was drafted by a team that doesn't rely on individuals shutting down their opponents.

[Cry Havoc]

He was out of position, and rarely touched the ball. As with most players, he's not going to be adding lots of value with his individual defense. Fortunately he was drafted by a team that doesn't rely on individuals shutting down their opponents.

And that's why I'm hopeful. No way will Kyle be expected to start or get huge minutes against big scoring threats. But if you can hide him on a 3 point specialist or something, I think his upside on offense could be a huge boon. We don't need him to play at all, so even if he only gives us 12 "good" minutes per game, that's still a hell of a deal from the 30th pick overall.

It's very likely he's going to be a situational player. But we're the champions and we dominated the last three rounds of the playoffs. Getting ANYTHING from the draft that adds value to this team is absolutely gravy at this point.

[tmtcsc]

I'd like to see a 2 or 3 make the team that can break down the defense and drive to the hoop. -- Much like Manu once did and Tony does.

[timtonymanu]

People use the foot as an excuse, but his "looking great" was over a short span of games. It was kind of like Daye hitting all those threes when he first got traded to the Spurs. But when you open up the sample size to various games, you see him regress to the mean. James Anderson is a fringe NBA player. On a woefully poor team, James Anderson can get some numbers, but I just don't see him as being a good enough athlete or a good enough shooter to even be a top role player on a playoff team. That said, I'm not writing Kyle Anderson off as a dud. He's got a unique set of skills, but jury is out on whether they will translate to the NBA.

You also can't really say he was a bad pick. The injury he suffered was no joke. The same injury happened to Beaubois and Travis Outlaw and both guys were decent players before their injuries. The truth is we will never know how good he could have been. Thankfully the Spurs were able to replace him with Green.

[stnick2261]

i'm definitely not talking about our success from drafting Parker and Manu. I realize how great we have been at scouting overseas prospects. My point is how we've drafted recently 2007 until now. There's no question we deserve all the praise in the world for the ability to target guys. My point is recently....

1) Keep in mind that Sam Presti was pivitol to our scouting department and he left in 2007 to be SEA-OKC's GM... since then, they've been drafting immediately before us almost every year.

2) Since Robinson retired, the Spurs have most needed a big man... but big men are twice as likely to be a draft bust as their guard equivalent... spurs have done great at drafting guards.
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2013/6/7/4406594/nba-draft-lottery-picks-bust-potential-by-position

3) Spurs have done AMAZING at picking for their position: According to 82games, a player drafted around where the Spurs usually draft (30) has roughly a 35% chance of making it in the league. http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm

2007: Splitter
2008: George Hill - Traded away for Kawhi + Bertans
2009: (#37) Dejaun Blair - great pick for 2nd round
2010: (#20) James Anderson - our only legitimate bust
2011: Cory Joseph
2012: Traded away the pick to get rid of Jefferson (worth it)

So, in the 5 picks we had around #30 (I'm including #20 Anderson and #37 Blair) since 2007... we've had a 80% success rate (as opposed to the league 35%).

[Sean Cagney]

They drafted George hill who was no slouch. That pick enabled them to turn it into Kawhi.

That has to be the best or one of the best trades in the history of the Spurs org, it got them back to two finals after that IMO. Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

[Obstructed_View]

Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

With George Hill in place of Kawhi, the Spurs don't win the west either of the last two years.

[DrSteffo]

The Spurs are kind of unique since their best players have been added through the draft. The only strange/bad pick to me was Ryan Richards who sucked then and sucks now. I guess he looked like a legit big even if he could not play.

[Dex]

That has to be the best or one of the best trades in the history of the Spurs org, it got them back to two finals after that IMO. Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

God, could you imagine going against Miami with Richard Jefferson starting against Lebron? :vomit:

[timtonymanu]

God, could you imagine going against Miami with Richard Jefferson starting against Lebron? :vomit:

Spurs are 2nd round exits at best with Jefferson/Hill/Anderson. :lol

[Sean Cagney]

With George Hill in place of Kawhi, the Spurs don't win the west either of the last two years.

That is a fact.
Spurs are 2nd round exits at best with Jefferson/Hill/Anderson. :lol

I would agree there too.

[look_at_g_shred]

1) Keep in mind that Sam Presti was pivitol to our scouting department and he left in 2007 to be SEA-OKC's GM... since then, they've been drafting immediately before us almost every year.

2) Since Robinson retired, the Spurs have most needed a big man... but big men are twice as likely to be a draft bust as their guard equivalent... spurs have done great at drafting guards.
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2013/6/7/4406594/nba-draft-lottery-picks-bust-potential-by-position

3) Spurs have done AMAZING at picking for their position: According to 82games, a player drafted around where the Spurs usually draft (30) has roughly a 35% chance of making it in the league. http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm

2007: Splitter
2008: George Hill - Traded away for Kawhi + Bertans
2009: (#37) Dejaun Blair - great pick for 2nd round
2010: (#20) James Anderson - our only legitimate bust
2011: Cory Joseph
2012: Traded away the pick to get rid of Jefferson (worth it)

So, in the 5 picks we had around #30 (I'm including #20 Anderson and #37 Blair) since 2007... we've had a 80% success rate (as opposed to the league 35%).
Thanks man that's what I was looking for. Can't forget De Colo either wasn't that 2009?

[stnick2261]

Thanks man that's what I was looking for. Can't forget De Colo either wasn't that 2009?

Yes, I was mostly keeping 1st round... but Nando was the 53rd pick in 2009.

82games basically says people picked at 53 have almost no shot to stick in the NBA.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Everyone thinks the Spurs have a great front office. They do. Everyone thinks the Spurs draft well. They do.

Just admit you misspoke. Then, and only then..will the bleeding stop. :lol

[littlecoyotecoin]

I'd like to see a 2 or 3 make the team that can break down the defense and drive to the hoop. -- Much like Manu once did and Tony does.

That is the new current hole IMHO. We have a lot of 1/2 and 3/4/5...we don't have much of anything at 2/3 that can slash and dribble drive to the rim except Manu, being superb, but long in the tooth. Hanga is the only thing that looks a little intriguing that we have stashed that would fill that role, and I don't know if he'll amount to an NBA player or not.

Hopefully a gem falls to 30th place in the draft this year at 2/3. :)

[UZER]

That has to be the best or one of the best trades in the history of the Spurs org, it got them back to two finals after that IMO. Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

Without him, the run as TRUE title contenders is over.

[look_at_g_shred]

Without him, the run as TRUE title contenders is over.
So that brings up another topic. Where does Kawhi rank as far as players in the NBA??

[cd021]

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

Blair was a pretty successful pick.

[look_at_g_shred]

Blair was a pretty successful pick.
True. He was serviceable.

[Obstructed_View]

True. He was serviceable.

71% record as a starter in the NBA.

[xmas1997]

Kyle Anderson Could Be San Antonio
Spurs’ Point Guard of the Future
August 12, 2014 9:00 am EDT by Dan Schultz

http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2014/08/12/kyle-anderson-could-be-san-antonio-spurs-point-guard-of-the-future/

It is not often when one realistically asks the question whether or not a 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward could one day man the point guard position in the NBA, let alone the same spot Tony Parker currently occupies for the San Antonio Spurs.

It has already been noted countless times that the newest member of the Spurs, Kyle Anderson, has a very similar type of game to that of his teammate Boris Diaw. Diaw, you might recall, came into the league as a point guard when he was first drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2003, but over time he became more of a forward and back-to-the-basket option in the post. While Patty Mills and Cory Joseph are still great options to fill that void once Parker (who is currently 32) eventually retires, Anderson is really not that ridiculous of a suggestion to one day fill that void.

Mills is really a shooting guard in a point guard’s body. Joseph still has to prove that he can knock down a jump shot with consistency, although his defense is definitely already outstanding. Joseph is also only 22 years old and has already made great strides to improve his game since he came into the league.

Anderson averaged 14.6 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game and a startling 6.5 assists per game as a forward for the UCLA Bruins during his sophomore year. You read that right — a forward who averaged 6.5 assists per contest.

Anderson acquired the nickname “Slow-Mo” during his time at UCLA. This was because of how patient and deliberately he plays the game. He does not rush to make the home run pass or attempt to make a difficult shot if a defender has a hand in his face. He is calm, cool and collected, and this is why he is a fantastic addition to the Spurs.

He was taken with the 30th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Spurs. Because of the depth of the draft, Anderson fell farther than a lot of people thought he would. If you would have put him in any other draft over the last five years, he might have gone in the lottery.

Could he potentially be the starting point guard for the Spurs one day? Absolutely. Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd has already stated that he plans on using 6-foot-11 Giannis Antetokounmpo at the point guard position this season.

Just like “small-ball” was a huge thing in the NBA over the last few years (and still is), playing big guys with phenomenal handling ability at the point guard position might be the next trend in the NBA if the Spurs also decide to test Anderson at this position too.

The Spurs are sometimes wrongly pigeonholed as being too conservative and too obsessed with their “system”. But tell that to players like Danny Green and his aggressive shot selection, which might seem iffy at times. However, he has earned head coach Gregg Popovich‘s trust over time. Popovich gives Green the same advice he dishes out to Mills and Matt Bonner, which is “if you are open from three, take it”. The Spurs are more than happy to tinker with lineups and let their guys be creative as long as they do not stray too far away from the confines of that sacred system.

This makes Anderson an interesting piece to the puzzle. Do not be surprised if the Spurs try him at the point guard slot. After all, Mills is out until at least February, and what if Joseph has an off night once in a while?

Anderson has a unique game and incredible attitude that makes him a perfect for this team. He will need to work hard for Popovich’s trust just like every other player, but when he eventually does, Spurs fans could very well see him orchestrating the offense for large chunks of the season.

And perhaps this will be the case for years to come.

[intlspurshk]

2014-15 NBA Rookies Who Are Already Showing Red Flags

Yes, Kyle Anderson is skilled and versatile offensively. And of course the San Antonio Spurs will find a way to utilize his shooting and passing skills despite his (severe) lack of athleticism.

On defense, though, things may be a bit dicier.

Stoppage was one of the big question marks surrounding the UCLA point-forward prior to the draft, and summer league didn't quell those concerns. There were some stretches where he was tremendously overmatched in the foot-speed department. In just 16 minutes of playing time against the Utah Jazz frontcourt, Anderson picked up five fouls.

Many scouts and media, including myself, have compared Anderson to Boris Diaw, which made his draft-landing spot all the more intriguing. But even Diaw, who is viewed as a lower-tier athlete, has decent foot speed and enough defensive agility to guard dynamic forwards. When it comes to athleticism shortage in forwards, Anderson seems to be in a class all by himself.

Anderson will undoubtedly have trouble guarding small forwards and power forwards in the NBA. Post players will bounce over him, wings will burst around him, and he'll have to rely too much on his long wingspan to make a significant impact.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2159874-2014-15-nba-rookies-who-are-already-showing-red-flags/page/6

[CaptainLate]

Our team is really stacked. I want him to play point, but he is a little too slow for opposing guards.
He is going to need to work hard. Real hard.

No doubt Pop will work him hard. And if KA doesn't respond, then he's Toros bound. As for defense, he doesn't have to necessarily be assigned to the opposing PG/SG. And maybe the Spurs use a zone if the guy is so dame slow as everyone thinks. And if a small PG/SG guards him, :nope then KA can play a pseudo-Magic Johnson with the Spurs using a post up offense.

There's a reason analysts "drooled" and opposition :bang with KA dropping into the Spurs' laps.

[FireMicoHalili]

So that brings up another topic. Where does Kawhi rank as far as players in the NBA??
wow good swerve mate. This will make everyone forget about how you said the Spurs' reputation of finding "hidden" talent is overrated. Nice touch

[FireMicoHalili]

saw a post re: Jordan Adams being picked before Anderson. Matt Moore clearly wanted Anderson at that spot. Wonder who else the Spurs had their eyes on aside from Early.

[Mr. Body]

That is the new current hole IMHO. We have a lot of 1/2 and 3/4/5...we don't have much of anything at 2/3 that can slash and dribble drive to the rim except Manu, being superb, but long in the tooth. Hanga is the only thing that looks a little intriguing that we have stashed that would fill that role, and I don't know if he'll amount to an NBA player or not.

Hopefully a gem falls to 30th place in the draft this year at 2/3. :)

The league is suffering a historical lack of good to very good shooting guards. The top of the line guys are aging out (Kobe, Wade) and few great SGs have stepped up. Curry and Westbrook are more PGs. Strange, since the position used to be a dime a dozen.

[cd021]

True. He was serviceable.

He was definitely an above average player, even though he was taken with the 37th pick.

P.E.R-17.0

Win Share per 48 minutes -.138 (.100 is the league average)

Net Rtg- +6

It ended poorly and people tend to forget how productive he was, especially for a second round pick not to mention he only made $3.8 million in four seasons.

[littlecoyotecoin]

The league is suffering a historical lack of good to very good shooting guards. The top of the line guys are aging out (Kobe, Wade) and few great SGs have stepped up. Curry and Westbrook are more PGs. Strange, since the position used to be a dime a dozen.

I will trust you on the historical nature of the dearth, league-wide. I sure can't argue against it. And, it's manifesting locally. How do you feel about Hanga? I am wondering if he can make the jump when Manu retires. He's got some much needed athleticism. Defensive chops. Hard to get much news on him but it seems he is slowly coming back from his knee issues. He would be 26-27 if Manu hangs on for a year or two. Approaching NBA old age, but not quite there yet.

[Sean Cagney]

Without him, the run as TRUE title contenders is over.

That is the GOD TO HONEST truth, never knew that trade would open our window a few more years when it happened.

[KaiRMD1]

Nando didn't work out too well for us.

[Snaq O'Meal]

What's a peda stool? Is that like child poop?

It's either that or something to do with children's furniture.

[Muser]

/r/nba is a bigger spurs circle jerk than this forum.

[Obstructed_View]

Nando didn't work out too well for us.
He made the team and played over 100 NBA games in two seasons. Not exactly a bust from the 53rd pick.

[exstatic]

Nando didn't work out too well for us.

Nando played for almost two seasons for a team that made the Finals, and one that would ultimately win it, albeit with him gone (by choice), all as a #53 pick. Getting a player at 53 that can even make your roster is a home run, let alone one that can play. His issue was pride, not talent. Toronto wanted him back this year, but he'd rather be a big fish in a little pond, the French A league.

[xmas1997]

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.

[look_at_g_shred]

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.

[Russ]

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.

Big time, as Dick Cheney would say.

[FireMicoHalili]

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.
'Course they did, I dont think anyone here thinks otherwise (but wow, thanks for your novel insight, clearly we lack threads praising how much a steal he was), unless they prefer athletic defenders e.g. KJ McDaniels. It's a fair question which could provide insight into inner workings of PATFO's decision-making and scouting practices. It's a better question than asking which player among the Spurs was best in the playoffs. The Spurs striking gold with Anderson is, at this point, a matter of opinion to be substantiated when the season starts, as with every other pick.

[FireMicoHalili]

The Spurs struck gold? Thought you said they were overrated? Which is it, really

[xmas1997]

The Spurs struck gold? Thought you said they were overrated? Which is it, really

I never said Anderson was overrated, or the Spurs.
You must have me mixed up with someone else.

[FireMicoHalili]

I never said Anderson was overrated, or the Spurs.
You must have me mixed up with someone else.
Yeah mate that wasnt you, no worries. If ya noticed they didnt send a notif that that post wasnt meant for you. Cheers

[pgardn]

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

Uhhhhh....

This is even more impressive. KL had some question marks.
Dribbling.
3's

Leonard has turned into a genius move. This kid has become so much more of a complete player.

[BatManu20]

As long are we don't overrate him, he's going to be good. Can't wait to watch SlowMo tbh. Watched him (and the whole team) closely since they play all of UCLA's games out here. Even saw him play in person last season against Oakland at Pauley Pavilion. He's going to be a good role player, even with his lack of athleticism.

[BatManu20]

Get readyyy

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuzeSTyCAAEhjEN.jpg

[xmas1997]

Get readyyy

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuzeSTyCAAEhjEN.jpg

Cool. :tu

[Solid D]

I'm looking forward to Bill Schoening or Bill Land making the pbp call: "And Kyle drives the lane...wait for it...wait for it..."

[sexinthatsx]

The only reason I can see why you're overrating the Spurs drafting system is because you're probably still expecting a pick like Tony Parker or Ginobili to come waltzing in the door. Give credit where credit is due - TP and Gino are two players whose careers can never be replicated by any late first round / second round pick in the near future.

[sexinthatsx]

71% record as a starter in the NBA.

Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

[exstatic]

The only reason I can see why you're overrating the Spurs drafting system is because you're probably still expecting a pick like Tony Parker or Ginobili to come waltzing in the door. Give credit where credit is due - TP and Gino are two players whose careers can never be replicated by any late first round / second round pick in the near future.

Spurs drafted Splitter at #27 in 2007. Spurs drafted Hill at #26 in 2008 and turned him into Kawhi (Finals MVP and NBA All D) and Bertans, who we haven't even seen yet. I think this #30 pick will be just as good.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

No one is trying to over-state Blair's worth. The very fact that he has played at all, same goes for all the others mentioned including even Nando, is that at the positions they were drafted at, players are not likely to make an NBA roster at all. The Spurs are running at a significantly higher probability. Shooting down some on the list as mediocre or poor players misses the point that their counterparts on other teams are often detailing cars, or managing a Burger King instead of playing in the NBA at all, even poorly.

[exstatic]

Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

Blair had PERs over 17 for his first 3 years, and made less than $4M for four years, TOTAL. Hardly a lump of coal, and a bargain, to boot.

[littlecoyotecoin]

The only reason I can see why you're overrating the Spurs drafting system is because you're probably still expecting a pick like Tony Parker or Ginobili to come waltzing in the door. Give credit where credit is due - TP and Gino are two players whose careers can never be replicated by any late first round / second round pick in the near future.

I may have missed something. There is a disconnect. I'm not sure where you're getting those impressions from, but the conversation really hasn't even included Tony and Manu much. It was much more focused on more recent draft years, since those two, and what a superb job the front office has done SINCE then, and continues to do, and relative to their draft position how much more likely the player has been to make an NBA roster than an average selection at those positions. There has literally been almost NO talk or NO talk about EXPECTING another Manu to be selected in the late fifties or another Parker near 30. Those are HOF players.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Blair had PERs over 17 for his first 3 years, and made less than $4M for four years, TOTAL. Hardly a lump of coal, and a bargain, to boot.

Yup. And he was quite the spark-plug and pain in the ass vs. Dallas this past year, to boot.

[Obstructed_View]

Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

Bonner sucks, it's true. And Blair's no world beater, but the fact remains: He is a good rotation player in the NBA, which is simply very rare for someone picked at his spot. Probably puts him in the top 20 percent of guys picked there.

[sexinthatsx]

I may have missed something. There is a disconnect. I'm not sure where you're getting those impressions from, but the conversation really hasn't even included Tony and Manu much. It was much more focused on more recent draft years, since those two, and what a superb job the front office has done SINCE then, and continues to do, and relative to their draft position how much more likely the player has been to make an NBA roster than an average selection at those positions. There has literally been almost NO talk or NO talk about EXPECTING another Manu to be selected in the late fifties or another Parker near 30. Those are HOF players.

It's not about the lack of mentioning them in this thread as much as it is subconscious thinking that Spurs are always going to miraculously turn draft picks into high quality players. My original message was intended for g_shred. I should've been more clear though

[littlecoyotecoin]

It's not about the lack of mentioning them in this thread as much as it is subconscious thinking that Spurs are always going to miraculously turn draft picks into high quality players. My original message was intended for g_shred. I should've been more clear though

Ok, thanks. I was a participant, and I know that wasn't in my subconscious, and I don't think Exstatic or Obstructed View would agree it was in their subconscious, either. I'll admit I lost track of the conversation a bit over the last 24. Take care.

[sexinthatsx]

Bonner sucks, it's true. And Blair's no world beater, but the fact remains: He is a good rotation player in the NBA, which is simply very rare for someone picked at his spot. Probably puts him in the top 20 percent of guys picked there.

I agree, I just wanted to turn the thread into another Matt Bonner bash thread :lol

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

[littlecoyotecoin]

I agree, I just wanted to turn the thread into another Matt Bonner bash thread :lol

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

It is what it is. The Spurs still had the confidence to draft him where others passed. It would be nice to see how many selected before him are no longer in the NBA or never were.

[Obstructed_View]

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

Not sure how that matters. Most every other team had a shot at him and passed, much like the other players we've been discussing. They got huge value for their pick, which is becoming the norm for them.

[FireMicoHalili]

Really great value for Blair at 37, and the Spurs probably eked out the most from him than any other team will. Read somewhere that without ACLs his career doesn't project to be a long one. Spurs got him on the cheap for four years (probably the best stretch of his career). Everything else after would be diminishing returns lest he develop a jump shot, especially in an era where PFs without jump shots have little to no value.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Really great value for Blair at 37, and the Spurs probably eked out the most from him than any other team will. Read somewhere that without ACLs his career doesn't project to be a long one. Spurs got him on the cheap for four years (probably the best stretch of his career). Everything else after would be diminishing returns lest he develop a jump shot, especially in an era where PFs without jump shots have little to no value.

All excellent points wrt time-value. Exstatic quoted some dollar values earlier. The Spurs did well with him, value-wise, and you're right, it is err on the side of caution to let him go early. The muscles don't hold the joint together as well all by themselves. Over time, I imagine it like a worn out bushing, and that bone rattling around in there like an auger or pick with more mobility than normal within the space will probably chew stuff up at a faster pace.

[cd021]

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

It doesn't change the fact that he was an steal at the 37th pick. Players slide all of the time medical related or not. Perry Jones slid to 29th do to his knees being red flagged (he was projected to be a late lottery pick).

Jared Sullinger was also red flagged due to the back injured he was considered to be a late lottery pick as well.

The Spurs still took a chance in taking Blair and it worked out very well. He produced like a first round pick and was payed as a second rounder ($3.7 million for 4 season)

[RD2191]

DJB would probably still be serviceable on the Spurs if he wasn't a huge faggot, tbh.

[scanry]

http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/kawhi-leonard-putback-against-miami-game-4-a.gif?w=1000

By far the Dunk of the year. The missed dunk on Birdman should've been the one tbh.

[scanry]

DJB would probably still be serviceable on the Spurs if he wasn't a huge faggot, tbh.

Not really. He was an undersized, no defense/rebounding, shoot happy cancer of a player. In contrast, Banes is much much better. We've actually lacked a banger from 2007-2012 who would just body up teams like in our previous championship seasons.

1. 1999 - Ellie/J Jackson/Kersey/Rose/Purdue/David
2. 2003 - Rose/Willis/S Jackson/David
3. 2005 - Horry/T Mass/Nazr/Robinson
4. 2007 - Horry/Manu

We had a very soft team in 2007. Manu actually played very physical that post season. The Utah series got physical and Manu laid them out. The 1999 squad however was by far our scariest team. Not only were tough as nails, we were never able to replicate that defense after that. Much like this years offense.

[Sean Cagney]

Not really. He was an undersized, no defense/rebounding, shoot happy cancer of a player. In contrast, Banes is much much better. We've actually lacked a banger from 2007-2012 who would just body up teams like in our previous championship seasons.

1. 1999 - Ellie/J Jackson/Kersey/Rose/Purdue/David
2. 2003 - Rose/Willis/S Jackson/David
3. 2005 - Horry/T Mass/Nazr/Robinson
4. 2007 - Horry/Manu

We had a very soft team in 2007. Manu actually played very physical that post season. The Utah series got physical and Manu laid them out. The 1999 squad however was by far our scariest team. Not only were tough as nails, we were never able to replicate that defense after that. Much like this years offense.

That 1999 team was a defensive lovers wet dream! Man that team would shut you down! They would win games 72-65 in that team, the OLD D Spurs! YES SO BORING! LOL. I love defense personally so that team was one of my faves.

[exstatic]

I agree, I just wanted to turn the thread into another Matt Bonner bash thread :lol

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags
And Kyle Anderson was projected higher, and fell due to athleticism red flags. The Spurs picked him, too.

The fact is, the Spurs have a better idea about what will and won't project as an NBA skill in players than probably any other team, and they've leveraged that in the late first and second rounds, and on the waiver wire to unprecedented levels.

[exstatic]

Not really. He was an undersized, no defense/rebounding, shoot happy cancer of a player. In contrast, Banes is much much better. We've actually lacked a banger from 2007-2012 who would just body up teams like in our previous championship seasons.

1. 1999 - Ellie/J Jackson/Kersey/Rose/Purdue/David
2. 2003 - Rose/Willis/S Jackson/David
3. 2005 - Horry/T Mass/Nazr/Robinson
4. 2007 - Horry/Manu

We had a very soft team in 2007. Manu actually played very physical that post season. The Utah series got physical and Manu laid them out. The 1999 squad however was by far our scariest team. Not only were tough as nails, we were never able to replicate that defense after that. Much like this years offense.
They were never able to replicate it because the NBA was constantly changing the rules so offense was better. After that year, they outlawed hand checking, effectively ending Mario Ellie's career. That team couldn't replicate that performance now, even if you went back to 1999 in a time machine and brought them forward.

[littlecoyotecoin]

DJB would probably still be serviceable on the Spurs if he wasn't a huge faggot, tbh.

Although I have not a fan of the slurs on ST, I am feeling a bit conflicted with its use here. Thanks DJB for making me question my convictions.

[littlecoyotecoin]

They were never able to replicate it because the NBA was constantly changing the rules so offense was better. After that year, they outlawed hand checking, effectively ending Mario Ellie's career. That team couldn't replicate that performance now, even if you went back to 1999 in a time machine and brought them forward.

This. ^ Pop being a good coach changed with the wind. Constructed an offensive team over time. Another thing I think we see that is being taught firmly is the verticality defense. Since they won't let Pop play defense like we used to, he is coaching what is allowed. While it isn't fancy or aggressive, it doesn't draw the attention of the refs. You see our seven footers make that vertical wall pretty religiously and just force the opponent to make as contested a shot as possible, hopefully having to alter it, but staying within their space. Just a fundamental change in what is allowed, so they take advantage of what little scraps are left on defense.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Not really. He was an undersized, no defense/rebounding, shoot happy cancer of a player. In contrast, Banes is much much better. We've actually lacked a banger from 2007-2012 who would just body up teams like in our previous championship seasons.

1. 1999 - Ellie/J Jackson/Kersey/Rose/Purdue/David
2. 2003 - Rose/Willis/S Jackson/David
3. 2005 - Horry/T Mass/Nazr/Robinson
4. 2007 - Horry/Manu

We had a very soft team in 2007. Manu actually played very physical that post season. The Utah series got physical and Manu laid them out. The 1999 squad however was by far our scariest team. Not only were tough as nails, we were never able to replicate that defense after that. Much like this years offense.

I can't argue your criticisms of DJB, but he gave Dallas more than Ayres gave us. So, I think he could have still been serviceable on The Spurs. But, he may have needed to get let go to give him some motivation to play that well after he left. If we kept him, he maybe isn't as good a player for us as he was for Dallas. Not that he was horrible, here, but he was never going to be more than a role player going forward and that was festering in him.

[littlecoyotecoin]

And Kyle Anderson was projected higher, and fell due to athleticism red flags. The Spurs picked him, too.

The fact is, the Spurs have a better idea about what will and won't project as an NBA skill in players than probably any other team, and they've leveraged that in the late first and second rounds, and on the waiver wire to unprecedented levels.

I was going to bring up that counter-point, as well, last night. Glad to see it made, and, cd021's points, too. It was late. But, the reason a person fell in the draft really doesn't matter. Every team before The Spurs still had an earlier opportunity and failed to take advantage of it.

I went back and made a quick look and at least five players selected before DJB are out of the league already, or never made it in, and at least a few more have more diminished roles comparatively, or some would argue on the bubble of being out of the league, Austin Daye being a bubble boy from that draft, depending upon his season this year, maybe, and Danny Green could be out if not plucked from the flames by Pop. I would have thought it more, but that draft class is still young. Even so, with a cursory look, conservatively, at least 5-8 teams did worse with better positions.

[exstatic]

I just went and watched the D/X 'Evolution of Kawhi Leonard' video, and man, he's come a long way in our system. Hoping for something like that from Kyle, too.

[skulls138]

I hope he does well too. I hope he can adjust with not having the ball in his hands so much. I wonder if he could gel with the second team with Manu and Splitter etc? That setup seems to be more fitting for his style.

[Dex]

I hope he does well too. I hope he can adjust with not having the ball in his hands so much. I wonder if he could gel with the second team with Manu and Splitter etc? That setup seems to be more fitting for his style.

Agreed. Let him get some run with Diaw and the M&M Bros. Passing that just won't quit!

[xmas1997]

Did San Antonio Spurs Find Another Late-Round Gem in Kyle Anderson?

by Matt Graber 9h ago

http://airalamo.com/2014/08/25/spurs-find-another-late-round-gem-kyle-anderson/

UCLA’s Kyle Anderson was one of the most divisive players of the 2014 NBA Draft. One one hand, his passing, size and positional versatility made him one of the most uniquely talented players in college basketball. The sophomore put up monster numbers (14.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 48% 3FG) and was a consistent triple-double threat while leading the Bruins to the Sweet 16 of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. On the other hand, scouts criticized the 6’9″, 230 lb. Anderson for his high body fat percentage, lack of athleticism, and deliberate pace. The consensus was that Anderson, while skilled, lacked the athleticism, speed and man-to-man defensive ability to be a star, or even a starting NBA point guard. However, it was apparent that Anderson could make an impact if he landed on the right team.

Fortunately for Anderson, he landed on the right team. The San Antonio Spurs Spurs selecting Anderson with the 30th overall pick was a match made in heaven. The Spurs have a history of taking unconventional or overlooked talents and turning them into useful role players. Boris Diaw, arguably Anderson’s closest NBA player comp, was stagnating with the Charlotte Bobcats until the Spurs turned him into a pivotal role player who helped them win the 2014 Finals with his play as a point forward. Anderson could easily play a similar role in the Spurs offense.

Anderson doesn’t have the speed or athleticism to thrive as a primary ball handler in a fast-paced, run-and-gun offense. But he could thrive as a cog in the Spurs’ methodical system based on movement, passing and teamwork. Anderson won’t have to handle the ball in isolation or as a point guard but will have ample opportunities to use his size and passing to create mismatches and find open teammates. His improved mid-range jumper and ability to shoot from beyond the arc can also give the Spurs yet another weapon from outside. And while Anderson still projects as a sub-par defender overall, his athletic weakness can be masked by the Spurs’ defensive system, and his length and anticipation can lead to defensive rebounds and steals.

For further evidence of Anderson’s fit, one merely has to look at the Spurs’ recent draft history. Since taking Tim Duncan first overall in 1997, the Spurs have never picked higher than 24th overall, yet they’ve managed to find late round gems such as Tony Parker (28th overall) and Manu Ginobili (57th), as well as solid NBA players such as Tiago Splitter, George Hill, DeJuan Blair, Luis Scola, John Salmons, Leandro Barbosa, and Beno Udrih. They excel at finding players that fit their system and have a knack for recognizing players that have what it takes to stay in the league.

Anderson has a great shot to join that list. He won’t be a star, but his passing and basketball IQ can shine through on the Spurs. He also has the luxury of learning from the best coach in the league in Gregg Popovich, with three great leaders in Duncan, Parker and Ginobili and a fellow point forward in Diaw who can serve as a mentor. Anderson going to the Spurs is an example of a player landing in the perfect situation, and if he pans out he may become one of the 2014 draft’s biggest steals.

[Bartleby]

Did San Antonio Spurs Find Another Late-Round Gem in Kyle Anderson?

by Matt Graber 9h ago

http://airalamo.com/2014/08/25/spurs-find-another-late-round-gem-kyle-anderson/


For further evidence of Anderson’s fit, one merely has to look at the Spurs’ recent draft history. Since taking Tim Duncan first overall in 1997, the Spurs have never picked higher than 24th overall, yet they’ve managed to find late round gems such as Tony Parker (28th overall) and Manu Ginobili (57th), as well as solid NBA players such as Tiago Splitter, George Hill, DeJuan Blair, Luis Scola, John Salmons, Leandro Barbosa, and Beno Udrih. They excel at finding players that fit their system and have a knack for recognizing players that have what it takes to stay in the league.
[/B]

If they're going to have Barbosa on that list they might as well have Dragić as well (too bad the Spurs didn't keep him).

[exstatic]

If they're going to have Barbosa on that list they might as well have Dragić as well (too bad the Spurs didn't keep him).

And Salmons, too.