Potential for the next big 3 (4?)

[I. Hustle]

Kawheezy for sure

LaMarcus

??????

I thought Danny was going to fill that 3rd spot but it's not looking like it right now.
I think Simmons is a badass and has that potential to fill that Manu role.

Kawhi = Duncan

LMA = Parker

Simmons = Manu

Don't get it twisted, I am not saying that they are their equals. I am just saying that they have the potential for trying to fill those roles. Kawhi is a lock and so is LMA that third though...


oh and don't sleep on Boban. That dude still has a good 1 or 2 years left on him

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Simmons and Boban don't have anywhere near the potential to fill the 3rd role.

[I. Hustle]

Simmons and Boban don't have anywhere near the potential to fill the 3rd role.

I was kidding about Boban, kind of why I said he had a good 1 to 2 years left in him. How does Simmons not have the potential though? Seems like he is already progressing so far. Who is your third option then?

[thiste]

I think Kyle and Boban have starter potential (not necessarily on the Spurs). Maybe Kyle has an higher ceiling than that. Not sure about Simmons.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I was kidding about Boban, kind of why I said he had a good 1 to 2 years left in him. How does Simmons not have the potential though? Seems like he is already progressing so far. Who is your third option then?

Simmons went undrafted and is a 26 year old rookie for a reason. Granted, he's worked on his game and has earned his contract but his upside is limited. He can be a rotation NBA player though.

Don't think a 3rd of a future big 3 is currently on the roster or stashed.

[sasaint]

Simmons went undrafted and is a 26 year old rookie for a reason. Granted, he's worked on his game and has earned his contract but his upside is limited. He can be a rotation NBA player though.

Don't think a 3rd of a future big 3 is currently on the roster or stashed.

This. But the immediate next Big Three is Tony, Kawhi and LMA. Once Tony is gone, who knows? But why is a Big Three seemingly everybody's paradigm?

[I. Hustle]

This. But the immediate next Big Three is Tony, Kawhi and LMA. Once Tony is gone, who knows? But why is a Big Three seemingly everybody's paradigm?

Just out of curiosity. You never know when that diamond in the rough might pop up.

People saying that Simmons was undrafted and can't be Manu's replacement. You have to remember that Manu was next to last in his draft class though. It's not like he was lottery.

[exstatic]

Now that he's a) not the scorer and b) having his minutes managed, it will absolutely be Tony. His shooting has improved enough to not allow you to go "under" without cost and also extend his career with managed minutes.

[GSH]

Simmons went undrafted and is a 26 year old rookie for a reason. Granted, he's worked on his game and has earned his contract but his upside is limited. He can be a rotation NBA player though.

Don't think a 3rd of a future big 3 is currently on the roster or stashed.

Well said.

Simmons has already exceeded most expectations, considering how he got here. His history isn't the same as Bruce Bowen, but there are similarities in the way they worked their way into the league. The difference is that Simmons' pedigree is a lot less distinguished than Bowen's was. If he manages to earn his way into the kind of starting minutes Bowen did, it will be an amazing accomplishment. Bowen was a big contributor to those teams, and you could argue that the Spurs would have fewer rings without him. But he was never mentioned as a possible Big 3 guy.

Be happy that the guy is doing as good as he is. If he manages to have as much impact on the team as Bowen did, be amazed, because undrafted guys who walk on to D-League teams years after graduating don't do that. Why lay even bigger expectations on him?

[I. Hustle]

Well said.

Simmons has already exceeded most expectations, considering how he got here. His history isn't the same as Bruce Bowen, but there are similarities in the way they worked their way into the league. The difference is that Simmons' pedigree is a lot less distinguished than Bowen's was. If he manages to earn his way into the kind of starting minutes Bowen did, it will be an amazing accomplishment. Bowen was a big contributor to those teams, and you could argue that the Spurs would have fewer rings without him. But he was never mentioned as a possible Big 3 guy.

Be happy that the guy is doing as good as he is. If he manages to have as much impact on the team as Bowen did, be amazed, because undrafted guys who walk on to D-League teams years after graduating don't do that. Why lay even bigger expectations on him?

It's not like he is going to be worried about living up to my expectations. He doesn't come up to me asking about notes on his game.

[I. Hustle]

Now that he's a) not the scorer and b) having his minutes managed, it will absolutely be Tony. His shooting has improved enough to not allow you to go "under" without cost and also extend his career with managed minutes.

I can see that. Kind of like a Tim but with a different role. That makes the most sense.

[kaji157]

The inmediate future Big 3 is Tony Kawhi LMA.

How Danny learns to dribble and finish around the rim will tell you if he´ll ever be considered part of the big 3 or always be the complimentary "Bowen".

Most likely the future Big 3 will be with Tony´s replacement who is not here.

[100%duncan]

I think the 1/3 is on another team as of this moment

[sasaint]

Just out of curiosity. You never know when that diamond in the rough might pop up.

People saying that Simmons was undrafted and can't be Manu's replacement. You have to remember that Manu was next to last in his draft class though. It's not like he was lottery.

Manu already had an international resume to which Simmons' cannot compare. As other posters note, Simmons' resume is closer to Bowen's, who was never Big Three caliber. That said, I have been a big Simmons fan since Summer League. Now that he is playing with more control and his TOs are declining, I have pretty high hopes for him to be a big part of the Spurs' rotation starting next year. But not Big Three. If there has to be a Big Three, I do not believe the replacement for Tony in that trio is currently on the roster or even in the pipeline. Perhaps he will come in 2017 via trade or free agency when we have more room under the salary cap. Perhaps he will even come via the draft. If there is a guy to join Kawhi and LMA in a future Big Three, it is imperative that he is a point guard. Neither Danny nor Simmons fills that bill.

[SAGirl]

Immediately it's Tony,LMA,Kawhi. Beyond that who knows.

I think Kyle will be a guy you will want in the future to close out games bc he will make the right play if the ball ends up in his hands and the clock is running out.

He can get his own shot, create for someone else and already has through a young and short career borne the burden of being a leader in his teams, getting it together under pressure and always been a winner. He has intangibles basically and he's so young compared to everyone else in this roster. He's barely starting to sprout in NBA terms. Still has a lot to improve and add to his game, but we are not talking about a guy who is a finished product or anywhere near his ceiling.

Don't know that he'll be a big time player, but others in the team have already said so.

[I. Hustle]

Manu already had an international resume to which Simmons' cannot compare. As other posters note, Simmons' resume is closer to Bowen's, who was never Big Three caliber. That said, I have been a big Simmons fan since Summer League. Now that he is playing with more control and his TOs are declining, I have pretty high hopes for him to be a big part of the Spurs' rotation starting next year. But not Big Three. If there has to be a Big Three, I do not believe the replacement for Tony in that trio is currently on the roster or even in the pipeline. Perhaps he will come in 2017 via trade or free agency when we have more room under the salary cap. Perhaps he will even come via the draft. If there is a guy to join Kawhi and LMA in a future Big Three, it is imperative that he is a point guard. Neither Danny nor Simmons fills that bill.

Right, Manu did have that awesome resume. How many teams passed up on him still though? Oh yeah, ALL OF THEM.

[GSH]

I can see that. Kind of like a Tim but with a different role. That makes the most sense.


I'm sorry, I was trying to be nice about it. My mistake.

So how about this? It's a stupid fucking thing to say, and ranks as a lame thread in a forum that is sadly loaded with lame threads. He's not a member of the next Big 3, and he's not going to be. Kawhi isn't going to be MVP. And the quotes in your signature display your repressed homosexuality.

Better?

[I. Hustle]

I think the 1/3 is on another team as of this moment

college or overseas?

[I. Hustle]

I'm sorry, I was trying to be nice about it. My mistake.

So how about this? It's a stupid fucking thing to say, and ranks as a lame thread in a forum that is sadly loaded with lame threads. He's not a member of the next Big 3, and he's not going to be. Kawhi isn't going to be MVP. And the quotes in your signature display your repressed homosexuality.

Better?

LMAO

I was actually agreeing with you, dumbass. That was not a shot at you at all but me actually agreeing with you.

[100%duncan]

college or overseas?

For our sake, lets hope NBA.

[sasaint]

Right, Manu did have that awesome resume. How many teams passed up on him still though? Oh yeah, ALL OF THEM.

True, in an era when most GMs couldn't find Europe without the guidance of a good travel agent - much less Argentina.

[100%duncan]

LMAO

I was actually agreeing with you, dumbass. That was not a shot at you at all but me actually agreeing with you.

Gsh tends to be really overemotional every post :lol

[ajh18]

Right, Manu did have that awesome resume. How many teams passed up on him still though? Oh yeah, ALL OF THEM.

Manu didn't have that awesome resume when all those teams passed on him when we drafted him in '99 though. He DID have it by the time he joined the team in 2002-2003. I think that's what people on here are saying. When Manu joined the Spurs it was as a proven star player on the international stage, and even then people had doubts.

Also, as a side note, Manu was way talented than Simmons. As (or more) athletic, better finisher, much much better passer, higher bbiq... It's not a fair comparison for Simmons. If he can turn into a solid role player that's a HUGE achievement for him and the Spurs.

[I. Hustle]

True, in an era when most GMs couldn't find Europe without the guidance of a good travel agent - much less Argentina.

Have things switched because of the Spurs now though? Have they started focusing more in Euro leagues and only pay attention to the obvious big names in college?

With the obvious move to foreign players, I think it's possible that a lot of good US players are being overlooked.

[I. Hustle]

Manu didn't have that awesome resume when all those teams passed on him when we drafted him in '99 though. He DID have it by the time he joined the team in 2002-2003. I think that's what people on here are saying. When Manu joined the Spurs it was as a proven star player on the international stage, and even then people had doubts.

Also, as a side note, Manu was way talented than Simmons. As (or more) athletic, better finisher, much much better passer, higher bbiq... It's not a fair comparison for Simmons. If he can turn into a solid role player that's a HUGE achievement for him and the Spurs.

That was kind of my point. Nobody knew who Manu was. The Spurs grabbed him and it turned into gold. Simmons didn't have that time that Manu had to develop. Whose to say that he doesn't just get that while on the team? Of course I don't think he'll ever be Manu's equal. When he hangs them up, Manu will go down as one of the best and most beloved Spurs. I'm just saying as potential to be a big 3 member. Doesn't mean he'll be a HOFer or that the Spurs will retire his jersey the way they will with Manu.

[Join'orDie]

Right, Manu did have that awesome resume. How many teams passed up on him still though? Oh yeah, ALL OF THEM.

If I remember correctly most of Manu's Europeon success occurred after the Spurs had picked him. We were also one of like 4 teams that scouted overseas at that point. Manu would have been a lottery pick the way teams scout overseas today.

As for who the future "Big 3" is I agree with most posters in that immediately its KL, LMA, and Tony. But it will be very interesting to see how this team is built in the future. 4 years from now Leonard will be smack in the middle of his prime at 28. LMA will be 34, Danny 32, Parker and Boris 37. Kyle is young and talented enough that he could figure into the mix but there will have to be another rebuild/reload at some point.

[ajh18]

That was kind of my point. Nobody knew who Manu was. The Spurs grabbed him and it turned into gold. Simmons didn't have that time that Manu had to develop. Whose to say that he doesn't just get that while on the team?

Simmons has had as long to develop between when he normally would have been drafted and joining the Spurs as Manu did. Simmons is 26. He was undrafted in 2012. He's had 3 years to develop since, and in that time has become a good d-league player. Manu was drafted in 99. In the three subsequent years before joining the Spurs HE became an international superstar and the best player in Europe.

That's a huge difference in development despite having the same amount of time between their drafts and joining the team. I like Simmons a lot. I just don't like the comparison to Manu as they are completely different scenarios. Simmons' journey reminds me more of Bowen or Green.

[Mr Bones]

I predict the #3 guy after KL & LMA will come via trade or free agency, possibly next summer but if not in 2017 when the salary cap explodes and the Spurs will be able to sign another major FA. It's nice that the "big time free agents don't go to San Antonio" myth is dead.

[wildbill2u]

Father Time is not kind to PGs. I've been pleasantly surprised at how Tony is still showing flashes of speed this year. However, Stockton , Iverson, Kidd, etc. all began to drop off at 34 although they continued to play for a few years. I'm not sure Tony could legitimately be considered as an elite player for many more years although every player is different. So we will need to keep adding pieces although God knows how the FO will be able to do it while Pop is keeping the team high up in the Championship race but low in the draft.

[skulls138]

Simmons over Greene? Thats a little premature. Plus Greene has picked his game up lately

[HarlemHeat37]

:lol Simmons isn't even a rotation player, yet, and he's 26 years old..

[spurraider21]

Kawhi and LMA could easily be a dominant 1-2 punch. I don't think we have that 3rd piece yet.

[HarlemHeat37]

Aldridge could be a nice #3 guy on a title team, tbh..Spurs don't necessarily need a conventional #2, though..

[SAGirl]

Simmons over Greene? Thats a little premature. Plus Greene has picked his game up lately

I don't see Green as a big time player. He's too limited offensively. Simmons has similar size and quickness defensively with a more effective drive and slashing game. However he has not proven himself in the postseason, so it's premature to say he will be better than Green you are right on the present.

In the future, yea it's all speculation, pick your favorite player other than Kawhi, LMA and Tony.

[steeledl]

Simmons over Greene? Thats a little premature. Plus Greene has picked his game up lately

Green will always be limited . If simmons was 23 I'd agree he could be next big 3 but it is unlikely due to his age.... As soon as his NBA IQ gets to the level it needs to be his athleticim will slow down. That being said... I think simmons could be a better player than green in a couple of years without a doubt.

[HarlemHeat37]

Simmons is a poor defensive player, along with being too volatile..he's a nice energy player that can give you 10 MPG, tbh..

[dabom]

Simmons is a poor defensive player, along with being too volatile..he's a nice energy player that can give you 10 MPG, tbh..

I still don't know how people call simmons a defensive player. :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

I still don't know how people call simmons a defensive player. :lol

Athletic players are always labeled as defense players when they're unproven, tbh:lol..

Simmons is a great athlete, but doesn't seem to have defensive instincts/IQ and his lateral quickness isn't great compared to his straight speed/leaping ability..being athletic doesn't mean you'll be a good defensive player, at all, even if you have historic vertical power(see: Gerald Green)..

[skulls138]

I think KA has the potential to be a part of the future big three, provided he finds a three pt shot. After Parkers gone that is

[ElNono]

IMO, championships are over once Tim and Manu retire... Which isn't that far fetched considering they're both HoF talent.

After that, it will take some time to build something special again

[dabom]

ElNono player fan. :lol

[ElNono]

:lol I did say it's my opinion. Would love to be wrong about it, tbh

[ElNono]

And it's "players" fan in my case, tbh :lol

[cutewizard]

could be

Marjanoviccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc cccccccc

[cutewizard]

Boban boban boban

[cutewizard]

boban, simmons and anderson

the starving wastrels'b big three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wa hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

[Horry Hipcheck]

But why is a Big Three seemingly everybody's paradigm?

This. The Big 3 era of the NBA is over. The Spurs are one of the last remaining titans with theirs still intact, but even then the Spurs helped usher in the new three-pointer heavy pass-based offensive era.

[timtonymanu]

IMO, championships are over once Tim and Manu retire... Which isn't that far fetched considering they're both HoF talent.

After that, it will take some time to build something special again

This. As great as Kawhi is, he can't do it by himself since Aldridge and Parker are also aging and over 30. Besides, Duncan and Manu are irreplaceable. The Spurs will never have a duo like them again.

[ceperez]

Parker is soon to run out of gas. That's just the nature of being a PG. I do expect he'll still be top 3 come Duncan and Manu retirement in 2017.

Kawhi has a lot of solid role players that will last a long time. Green, Mills, Anderson and Simmons. Diaw will have a lot of gas in his tank although he's the same age as Parker.

So past 2017, you'll have Kawhi and LMA as the two headed monster and a few good role players.

I don't see Green improving. Mills make become better, but I'm not certain. Anderson and Simmons will improve, but I am not sure if they can become all-star level talent.

[exstatic]

IMO, championships are over once Tim and Manu retire... Which isn't that far fetched considering they're both HoF talent.

After that, it will take some time to build something special again
People also said we couldn't ring when David retired. Tim actually mentioned that as a motivator in the Champions Revealed interview series in 2014.

[exstatic]

This. As great as Kawhi is, he can't do it by himself since Aldridge and Parker are also aging and over 30. Besides, Duncan and Manu are irreplaceable. The Spurs will never have a duo like them again.

Aldridge will go right back to being a high scoring All Star big man when Timmy hangs them up. He has the possibility of aging as gracefully as Timmy, with his awesome midrange game. I don't consider a big man who JUST turned 30 to be aging.

[sasaint]

IMO, championships are over once Tim and Manu retire... Which isn't that far fetched considering they're both HoF talent.

After that, it will take some time to build something special again

Obviously the loss of two HOF players is huge. But IMO there is another critical factor - at least as determinative as Tim and Manu's retirement. That is: Pop will undoubtedly retire in the very near future, too. We will not just need to find players of high character, BB skill and IQ to add to our post-Tim, post-Manu (and post-Tony) roster, but we will have the extremely unenviable task of replacing a legendary coach to direct that roster.

Kawhi and LMA are an excellent core foundation, and we have some very good complementary pieces in Patty, Danny and (especially) Boris. We have some young (and/or new) guys like Kyle and Simmons and Boban who have shown promise. David West may be around beyond this season, especially if Tim hangs it up after the season. And we have a few guys in the pipeline in Europe and the D-league who might make the roster in a year or two. Plus we will have some good cap space in 2017 and 2018. We have enjoyed INCREDIBLE stability for over two decades, but the future is full of uncertainty. I do not concede that our championship era will be past, but realistically we have to contemplate not just the Spurs post-Tim and post-Manu, but post-Pop, as well.

[sasaint]

Aldridge will go right back to being a high scoring All Star big man when Timmy hangs them up. He has the possibility of aging as gracefully as Timmy, with his awesome midrange game. I don't consider a big man who JUST turned 30 to be aging.

Yeah, in our recruitment of Aldridge, Pop's determination to limit players' minutes, utilize them efficiently and prolong careers was an important consideration for BOTH the Spurs and LMA. IMO, we brought Aldridge in to replicate Timmy's career trajectory and perform at a high level for the next 7-8 years. For some reason people think of Tim as the Ageless Wonder but can't bring themselves to expect something similar from LMA in our system? It doesn't make sense.