Mountaintop Monastery of Dejounte Murray

[BatManu20]

1497012158105853955

[KobesAchilles]

1497012158105853955
Same artist who drew calf tats infamous painting? :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

I wonder how murray is averaging 9 assist per game? Did the spurs system change? Tp never averaged 9 assist per game in his nba career.

teams scored around 90 points per game back then. They score 120 now

[koriwhat]

Same artist who drew calf tats infamous painting? :lol

What painting would that be? I want to see it!

Btw, this is a vector easy as fuck "drawing" to do. :tu

[MultiTroll]

DJs injury minor?

Praying dog jpg.

[KingKev]

DJs injury minor?

Praying dog jpg.

Here come the haters. DJ is a building block for the Spurs. Ja is a top 10
player. DJ just got humbled. Let that man breathe, recoup and come back
stonger.

[daslicer]

Here come the haters. DJ is a building block for the Spurs. Ja is a top 10
player. DJ just got humbled. Let that man breathe, recoup and come back
stonger.

The guy you responded to posted that quote a day ago.

[KingKev]

The guy you responded to posted that quote a day ago.

I hit the wrong button. Multi Troll has a bigger brain than most of you.

[Atl Spur]

Here come the haters. DJ is a building block for the Spurs. Ja is a top 10
player. DJ just got humbled. Let that man breathe, recoup and come back
stonger.

It happens but being buddy buddy is unacceptable during battle! Manu would rarely chop it up with anyone….he’s not out there to make friends.

[Atl Spur]

I hit the wrong button. Multi Troll has a bigger brain than most of you.

Bigger brain??? Wow!!

[Ice009]

How badly did Murray get torched? Was Dejounte guarding ja most of the game?

[Atl Spur]

He was doing a lot of spectating….. not a good look! Take pride and shut him down or at least slow him down! Ja killed them by himself!!!!!

[Ice009]

I am a big Ja Morant fan, but letting him go for 52 is not the Spurs way. Is this the highest score anyone has scored against the Spurs the past 25 years or so? I think it is. I don't recall anyone having 50+ against the Spurs.

[Robz4000]

How badly did Murray get torched? Was Dejounte guarding ja most of the game?


Nah, Poeltl got switched on to Morant pretty often. That being said Morant was cooking anyone and everyone.

[Robz4000]

I am a big Ja Morant fan, but letting him go for 52 is not the Spurs way. Is this the highest score anyone has scored against the Spurs the past 25 years or so? I think it is. I don't recall anyone having 50+ against the Spurs.


Flat-Earther went for 57 against the Spurs a few years ago tbh.

[daslicer]

I hit the wrong button. Multi Troll has a bigger brain than most of you.

I doubt it. You sound pretty stupid.

[pookenstein]

I am a big Ja Morant fan, but letting him go for 52 is not the Spurs way. Is this the highest score anyone has scored against the Spurs the past 25 years or so? I think it is. I don't recall anyone having 50+ against the Spurs.

Irving put up 57 in 2015. Last year Tatum scored 60 against us. Harden went for 50 in 19/20 as well.

[exstatic]

I am a big Ja Morant fan, but letting him go for 52 is not the Spurs way. Is this the highest score anyone has scored against the Spurs the past 25 years or so? I think it is. I don't recall anyone having 50+ against the Spurs.

Booker dropped 48 on us, and missed 2 wide open three pointers to try to crack 50 before he was subbed out, this year, January, I believe.

[KingKev]

You could tell from the opening tip DJ was taking this game personally.

[KobesAchilles]

Damn both Dallas and Memphis have their franchise players. We have one lower end all star. NO has a Zion problem thankfully or else they would be cooking us right now, and Houston can’t draft. It’s a race at the bottom to see who can consistently get that 3rd spot in the division.

I mean imagine if Zion wasn’t an immature POS. We would be screwed for the foreseeable future in our own division nvm the west as a whole

[KingKev]

Damn both Dallas and Memphis have their franchise players. We have one lower end all star. NO has a Zion problem thankfully or else they would be cooking us right now, and Houston can’t draft. It’s a race at the bottom to see who can consistently get that 3rd spot in the division.

I mean imagine if Zion wasn’t an immature POS. We would be screwed for the foreseeable future in our own division nvm the west as a whole

Division rankings mean nothing. We have the flexibility to improve. Don’t think much changes till Pop goes though.

[Atl Spur]

We get a few bites of the apple here real soon. 3yrs in the lottery should be enough:)

[duncan2k5]

DJ is my guy, but Ja busy his ass... It happens... He just needs to use it as motivation to get better... I think Ja took the game personally too since Murray is allegedly dating some thot Ja used to fuck

[KobesAchilles]

Division rankings mean nothing. We have the flexibility to improve. Don’t think much changes till Pop goes though.
They usually mean homecourt advantage which is pretty important in the playoffs. Also it was a reference to another thread. My point though is that if we have 3 other playoff teams ahead of us in our own division then it makes it much more difficult not only for us to make the playoffs (since we face division teams the most) but also to advance in the playoffs

[John B]

Tbh Spurs always have problems with athletic guards, Halliburton, SGA, Ja. The list goes on. Last night was Ja getting Poeltl from a pick and toying with him. He connected from downtown, but he’s a career 32.6% from beyond the arch, which makes you wander if DJ should’ve just go under on a pick, because he was toying with Poeltl in the paint and his mid-range was money.

[MannyIsGod]

Pop made some stupid decisions with how to guard him. Sending Jakob on a double team was just insanely dumb. Poeltl has no shot at helping trap him and once you bring him out who's going to guard the rim? Just stupid.

[Chinook]

The solution would have been to have KBD guard Adams and having Jakob guard Anderson/JJJ/Clarke. Of course then you have a hard time on the boards.

Anyway, Murray's never been a shut-down guy. Literally never. It's not his thing, and that's not where his defensive effectiveness comes from. The Spurs don't have a one-on-one guard defender. These are things that have been known, but I guess folks wanted to believe it would be some back-and-forth duel. Those are the kinds of expectations for Murray that will lead to him disappointing people -- at least right now. He's not a great one-on-one scorer or defender. To this point, he's not a good bet to win that way. He's a much better bet to have a great all-around game while other guys play well enough to blunt the difference. Despite how much Morant scored, the Spurs had chances to win the game. That's probably where Murray and the Spurs should focus rather than DJM thinking he needs to match Ja himself.

[John B]

The solution would have been to have KBD guard Adams and having Jakob guard Anderson/JJJ/Clarke. Of course then you have a hard time on the boards.

Anyway, Murray's never been a shut-down guy. Literally never. It's not his thing, and that's not where his defensive effectiveness comes from. The Spurs don't have a one-on-one guard defender. These are things that have been known, but I guess folks wanted to believe it would be some back-and-forth duel. Those are the kinds of expectations for Murray that will lead to him disappointing people -- at least right now. He's not a great one-on-one scorer or defender. To this point, he's not a good bet to win that way. He's a much better bet to have a great all-around game while other guys play well enough to blunt the difference. Despite how much Morant scored, the Spurs had chances to win the game. That's probably where Murray and the Spurs should focus rather than DJM thinking he needs to match Ja himself.

Ja is a career 32.6% 3pt shooter. He hit from downtown, but he’s better in the rim and mid-range. I think DJ goes under and force Ja to shoot outside and not attack the rim. I know Spurs strategy is to switch, but Poeltl gets burn with athletic guards

[daslicer]

Damn both Dallas and Memphis have their franchise players. We have one lower end all star. NO has a Zion problem thankfully or else they would be cooking us right now, and Houston can’t draft. It’s a race at the bottom to see who can consistently get that 3rd spot in the division.

I mean imagine if Zion wasn’t an immature POS. We would be screwed for the foreseeable future in our own division nvm the west as a whole

I'm not concerned with those other teams right now. Spurs are still a lottery team and are several moves away from being a playoff team again. When the spurs are a playoff team again, I will care.

Things can change in the future. You can't predict the next 5 years. JA could get a serious injury since guys who play his style historically tend to always blow out their knees eventually. Luka could leave Dallas in a few years when he's an unrestricted FA if they don't improve. Also, nobody knows who the Spurs will draft in the future. They might get lucky and end up drafting a franchise player that can match those two guys you listed.

[TDomination]

Pop made some stupid decisions with how to guard him. Sending Jakob on a double team was just insanely dumb. Poeltl has no shot at helping trap him and once you bring him out who's going to guard the rim? Just stupid.
agreed, as our only rim protector, they got to find a way to keep him there.

[Trill Clinton]

Morant is the best PG in the league. Murray struggling to stop him is not a surprise.

[KobesAchilles]

I'm not concerned with those other teams right now. Spurs are still a lottery team and are several moves away from being a playoff team again. When the spurs are a playoff team again, I will care.

Things can change in the future. You can't predict the next 5 years. JA could get a serious injury since guys who play his style historically tend to always blow out their knees eventually. Luka could leave Dallas in a few years when he's an unrestricted FA if they don't improve. Also, nobody knows who the Spurs will draft in the future. They might get lucky and end up drafting a franchise player that can match those two guys you listed.
I mean wishing for injuries is a bad take. He could get hurt! That way we never have to deal with him ever again. I could see Luka going to LA though and be their new face of the league. Would be a hell of a move. But it’s also hard to turn down a $250 million dollar contract extension.

Spurs need a lot of luck/talent in the lotto. It doesn’t have to be the #1 pick but it does need to be a generational talent type of player

[MannyIsGod]

They usually mean homecourt advantage which is pretty important in the playoffs. Also it was a reference to another thread. My point though is that if we have 3 other playoff teams ahead of us in our own division then it makes it much more difficult not only for us to make the playoffs (since we face division teams the most) but also to advance in the playoffs

I mean its impossible to stay ahead of those teams forever. Spurs did so for 20 years basically and now we're on the other end of the spectrum where they have a franchise player and we don't. But Ja isn't the first time that the Grizz have had amazing young talent. They had two with the Gasol brothers and still had marginal success. Dallas had success with Dirk and they'll probably have success with Luka but those teams having stars never stopped the Spurs in the past so while that doesn't mean the Spurs are going to magically always be above those teams it does mean that those teams success is not a given and it really has no influence on how the Spurs should proceed.

Spurs just need to find a franchise player. DJM - in all honestly and as much as I love him - is probably never going to be a #1 option successfully. Spurs fans should probably understand that this process - if it lasts as long for us as it did for say, Memphis, may last for a really long time.

[Atl Spur]

We will be relevant again soon but maybe not on a championship level for awhile.

[TD 21]

Anyway, Murray's never been a shut-down guy. Literally never. It's not his thing, and that's not where his defensive effectiveness comes from. The Spurs don't have a one-on-one guard defender.

Yeah, this notion that they have the guts of a good defense in the core to needs to die. I realize having to start a liability in McDermott has hurt all of their metrics, but Poeltl, Murray and Vassell, are all scrawny (which limits their switch ability) and better off ball than on and Johnson struggles outside of post ups.

This goes back to what I was saying in preseason, which is this team is loaded with scrawny, t-rex armed types and it's killing them in terms of weakside rim protection/defensive rebounding and opponent field goal % from virtually every range.

[daslicer]

I mean wishing for injuries is a bad take. He could get hurt! That way we never have to deal with him ever again. I could see Luka going to LA though and be their new face of the league. Would be a hell of a move. But it’s also hard to turn down a $250 million dollar contract extension.

Spurs need a lot of luck/talent in the lotto. It doesn’t have to be the #1 pick but it does need to be a generational talent type of player

I'm definitely not wishing for injury on Ja. I actually like watching the kid. I'm just saying there is a high chance he will get hurt with his style of play.

[daslicer]

I mean its impossible to stay ahead of those teams forever. Spurs did so for 20 years basically and now we're on the other end of the spectrum where they have a franchise player and we don't. But Ja isn't the first time that the Grizz have had amazing young talent. They had two with the Gasol brothers and still had marginal success. Dallas had success with Dirk and they'll probably have success with Luka but those teams having stars never stopped the Spurs in the past so while that doesn't mean the Spurs are going to magically always be above those teams it does mean that those teams success is not a given and it really has no influence on how the Spurs should proceed.

Spurs just need to find a franchise player. DJM - in all honestly and as much as I love him - is probably never going to be a #1 option successfully. Spurs fans should probably understand that this process - if it lasts as long for us as it did for say, Memphis, may last for a really long time.


I see DJM in the mold of Gary Payton. He needs a high flying big like Payton had with Shawn Kemp. Granted those types of bigs are very hard to get but my hope is somehow the Spurs can attain that type of player through the draft.

[KobesAchilles]

I'm definitely not wishing for injury on Ja. I actually like watching the kid. I'm just saying there is a high chance he will get hurt with his style of play.
Normally I agree but he isn't really doing that much. Like yeah he has some big dunks, but normally he just shoots lay ups and floaters. Like Tony did and others who never got hurt. Plus Ja can shoot when he needs to shoot the ball. Plus in today's league the lane is open all the time and he isn't really getting hammered or anything. Ja has all types of tricks in his bag which makes him different then let's say a Westbrook or Rose, neither of which could shoot. And today, a torn MCL/ACL isn't that big a deal.

The only injury players have to worry about today are thigh bruises. Those things can't even be diagnosed properly nevermind treated...

[KobesAchilles]

I see DJM in the mold of Gary Payton. He needs a high flying big like Payton had with Shawn Kemp. Granted those types of bigs are very hard to get but my hope is somehow the Spurs can attain that type of player through the draft.
Gary was the man. if Karl was as smart of a coach as he think he was, the Supersonics would've won a ring that year. How do you not put a guy nicknamed the fucking Glove on the opponents best player? I would be happy if DJ can get to that level of player, but he needs to be a LOT more vocal about everything. The thing about Gary was that he got ALL of his own players in line as well as the opponents and the refs. Dude just talked the whole game long. I don't know if DJ has that type of personality. Gary was a jackass to everyone on the court. DJ not so much

[John B]

^ Gary Payton of the 75 All-Time best ever? :lol

Okay, that part is a joke. Tony and Manu should be there before GP, Lilliard and Pierce.

Anyways, GP was a lockdown defender. DJ is not. Can DJ become a lockdown defender? Maybe, with his length and nose on D. But he gambles too much to get the steal, which he’s the league leader, plus the triple-doubles. It makes you think, why change? I’m not saying DJ pads stats, but I hope he finds the balance between personal stats = W.

[KingKev]

DJ fined 20 racks for throwing the ball at the ref Monday.

[daslicer]

Gary was the man. if Karl was as smart of a coach as he think he was, the Supersonics would've won a ring that year. How do you not put a guy nicknamed the fucking Glove on the opponents best player? I would be happy if DJ can get to that level of player, but he needs to be a LOT more vocal about everything. The thing about Gary was that he got ALL of his own players in line as well as the opponents and the refs. Dude just talked the whole game long. I don't know if DJ has that type of personality. Gary was a jackass to everyone on the court. DJ not so much

Personality wise he's not GP but his body and length and athleticism is very similar to GP. When I said GP I'm saying his style of play can be patterned after GP. He has the ability to be lockdown defender like GP and has improved his playmaking where he can set up guys.

[T-Pain]

I just hope he can keep this momentum up and keep the spurs in the running.

[Chinook]

Murray's never even been a good individual defender, let alone a lockdown guy. I really think folks are setting themselves and Murray up for disappointment by assuming it's in his future. Murray is a free safety, and folks keep thinking that just because he's good at intercepting passes that he can be a shutdown corner. Obviously things are possible, but he's farther away from being an elite one-on-one defender than he is being an elite spot-up shooter, for example.

The Spurs for years were spoiled with a perimeter duo who were both excellent in individual defense and among the best in the league in help defense (Leonard being a steals master and Green being one of the best shot-blocking guards of his generation). With them and Splitter, there wasn't a player in the league the Spurs couldn't stifle without sacrificing their defensive integrity. Add in the best phonebooth defender in perhaps NBA history and a few other underrated defenders for their positions), and Spurs fans basically never had to worry about one player destroying them game in and game out.

They don't have that now. Vassell might have a chance to be a guy like that, but right now he doesn't have the seasoning. White was a very good wing defender, but he's gone. Jones is serviceable, and Primo has shown potential. Make no mistake, though, the Spurs could benefit from drafting a defense-oriented guard with one of their first-rounders, if not two. In general, I think we should be prepared to accept that the Spurs may not be able to fill their old defensive scheme. Poeltl isn't the one-on-one defender Splitter was, but he's still a great rim protector. Like Murray, Jakob probably would benefit from having a front-court mate or backup more explicitly specializing in man defense. Johnson's offensive growth has been very good, and it might not make sense to bench him, even though that jeopardizes the SL's defensive integrity. What it's going to take for the Spurs to start winning a lot of games again might be to abandon defense and just get their shooting down. It might be to get even more off-ball defenders and having everyone fly around helping while limiting the play-time for straight liabilities. We'll see. But I do think the team needs to not go into future match-ups with Memphis expecting Murray to lock down Morant. It's not fair for him or the team.

[KingKev]

^ great take. Murray has enough on his plate as is.

DJ, Green, Leonard would have been a damn fun trio to watch in the defensive end though.

[duncan2k5]

I agree... Murray has never been a lockdown defender because he simply inst physical enough, and doesn't have the instincts... And that's ok... Most players aren't lockdown defender... What's important is that he isn't trash on defense... And he isn't... What he needs to learn from someone like Ja is how to attack a defense and go hard to the rim to collapse the D

[KingKev]

Murray just needs talent around him and than he can really hone in on what he does best. The trio of Vassell, McDermott and Keldon will never cut it. Those are 3 solid bench guys but when Jak is your second best player it doesn’t make your job as a point guard very easy especially when Murray was more of a tweener to begin with.

[daslicer]

I agree... Murray has never been a lockdown defender because he simply inst physical enough, and doesn't have the instincts... And that's ok... Most players aren't lockdown defender... What's important is that he isn't trash on defense... And he isn't... What he needs to learn from someone like Ja is how to attack a defense and go hard to the rim to collapse the D

Ja is a super athlete. He's probably the most athletic player in the NBA. You can't teach his quickness and his hops. His game is not a game that Murray can replicate.

[exstatic]

I'm definitely not wishing for injury on Ja. I actually like watching the kid. I'm just saying there is a high chance he will get hurt with his style of play.
Just look to Derrick Rose for a example.

[MultiTroll]

DJM did throw the ball at the ref, sorry to say.
Ejection worthy? No, but refs can't be expected to draw endless lines as to what is a bad toss or not.

[r0drig0lac]

Nah, Poeltl got switched on to Morant pretty often. That being said Morant was cooking anyone and everyone.

this

[Ice009]

Irving put up 57 in 2015. Last year Tatum scored 60 against us. Harden went for 50 in 19/20 as well.

I forgot about this game. I definitely do remember it now that you brought it up as I said to myself after that game that Kyrie really is a legit high level scorer. For whatever reason, when thinking back on players scoring 50 against the Spurs, I just go back too far into the Kobe, AI, VC, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, T-Mac era when they were in their prime and don't recall any of them scoring 50 against us. I guess it was hard for individuals to score 50+ against the Spurs when D-Rob and TD where in their primes, especially when TD was in his prime, it wouldn't have been easy for any player to score 50+ against the Spurs.

I am also remembering a double overtime or maybe triple OT game against the Blazers I think it was in 2015. Did Dame score 50+ that game?

And as for games from 2018 onward, I missed quite a few, so I guess I shouldn't have made that statement, as if any players did score 50+, I wouldn't have seen it due not watching all the games the past 4 years or so.


Flat-Earther went for 57 against the Spurs a few years ago tbh.

Yeah, I clearly remember that game. Forgot about it, so thanks for jogging my memory. Was that in 2015 or 2016, I seem to recall it being around that time.


Irving put up 57 in 2015. Last year Tatum scored 60 against us. Harden went for 50 in 19/20 as well.

Yep 2015 it was. I seem to have forgotten some of the games towards the end of Tim's career. The rules were also changing around that time as well.


Booker dropped 48 on us, and missed 2 wide open three pointers to try to crack 50 before he was subbed out, this year, January, I believe.

I probably shouldn't have made that statement since I haven't watched many Spurs games the past 4 years like I used to. I have obviously missed some big games against us.


DJ is my guy, but Ja busy his ass... It happens... He just needs to use it as motivation to get better... I think Ja took the game personally too since Murray is allegedly dating some thot Ja used to fuck

Darn, if true, sounds like Ja took the game personally and shredded us for it. Not the kind of rival you want to make like that. That kid is supremely talented.

[pookenstein]

I forgot about this game. I definitely do remember it now that you brought it up as I said to myself after that game that Kyrie really is a legit high level scorer. For whatever reason, when thinking back on players scoring 50 against the Spurs, I just go back too far into the Kobe, AI, VC, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, T-Mac era when they were in their prime and don't recall any of them scoring 50 against us. I guess it was hard for individuals to score 50+ against the Spurs when D-Rob and TD where in their primes, especially when TD was in his prime, it wouldn't have been easy for any player to score 50+ against the Spurs.

I am also remembering a double overtime or maybe triple OT game against the Blazers I think it was in 2015. Did Dame score 50+ that game?

And as for games from 2018 onward, I missed quite a few, so I guess I shouldn't have made that statement, as if any players did score 50+, I wouldn't have seen it due not watching all the games the past 4 years or so.

No worries, I wish I had missed some of the games as well. :lol Against Boston we were up by 30 or so and still lost it.
Man, the days of D-Rob and Tim... You could add Bruce to that list as well. Though he was a tier or two lower as a defender compared to #21 and #50.

[Seventyniner]

I forgot about this game. I definitely do remember it now that you brought it up as I said to myself after that game that Kyrie really is a legit high level scorer. For whatever reason, when thinking back on players scoring 50 against the Spurs, I just go back too far into the Kobe, AI, VC, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, T-Mac era when they were in their prime and don't recall any of them scoring 50 against us. I guess it was hard for individuals to score 50+ against the Spurs when D-Rob and TD where in their primes, especially when TD was in his prime, it wouldn't have been easy for any player to score 50+ against the Spurs.

Both pace and offensive efficiency are much higher in the last few years than in the TD prime years, so 50-point games are more common overall around the league. The Spurs' recent defense is also nowhere close to the elite unit they were in TD's prime.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_stats_per_game.html

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/11/18/20969957/damian-lillard-kyrie-irving-james-harden-dangelo-russell

[John B]

No worries, I wish I had missed some of the games as well. :lol Against Boston we were up by 30 or so and still lost it.
Man, the days of D-Rob and Tim... You could add Bruce to that list as well. Though he was a tier or two lower as a defender compared to #21 and #50.

I always think that Spurs championship runs have one common denominator. Obviously it’s Duncan, but also it is the lockdown perimeter defender. Elliot, Bruce, Kawhi and Green. During the Lakers 3-peat, Elliot had his kidney transplant. But Spurs got back with Bowen pestering Kobe. But Bowen was already old to stay and again we missed after 2007-2012 until we drafted Kawhi and signed Green. Yes it’s the ability to score the ultimately wins it, but it’s great lockdown perimeter defense that tips the balance for Spurs. While Poeltl could be good at the right price, developing a lockdown perimeter defender disrupts that entry and opponents playmaking. Right now Devin is the best candidate, but he has eons to go.

[duncan2k5]

Ja is a super athlete. He's probably the most athletic player in the NBA. You can't teach his quickness and his hops. His game is not a game that Murray can replicate.

Yes... But Ja isn't the only PG effective at driving the lane and scoring at the basket... Murray needs to learn to use his body... He always tries to avoid contact and throw up a shot over the defense...

[BatManu20]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNdGuCCVgAEWVNV?format=jpg&name=large

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/dejountemurray/status/1502710929384951818?s=21

[Rocalcio]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNdGuCCVgAEWVNV?format=jpg&name=large

I believe he will keep those numbers until the end now, very impressive…

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/thetyjager/status/1502714087784030209?s=21

This is the tweet that was deleted in my last post.

[BatManu20]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNyruuIWYAojsPz?format=jpg&name=large

[BatManu20]

1503558913559605248

[BatManu20]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FN7krR3XsAAixu_?format=jpg&name=large

[Seventyniner]

That can't all be due to pace given that he got there in only 60 games.

[XDT76]

That can't all be due to pace given that he got there in only 60 games.

He was also aided by the Spurs having below average DR players at the 4 and 5. His rebound would probably drop a fair big if we have good DR bigs.

[Portnoy1000]

He was also aided by the Spurs having below average DR players at the 4 and 5. His rebound would probably drop a fair big if we have good DR bigs.
That's definitely true and I think has alot to do with why this team is at the bottom defensively. Poor rebounding from the frontcourt leading to extra opportunities at open 3s for the opposition. I also think if we had run of the mill athletic 5 Murray would average more assist from throwing lobs. While the pop a shot is money it still doesn't compare to the fg% of dunk off a long.

[exstatic]

That's definitely true and I think has alot to do with why this team is at the bottom defensively. Poor rebounding from the frontcourt leading to extra opportunities at open 3s for the opposition. I also think if we had run of the mill athletic 5 Murray would average more assist from throwing lobs. While the pop a shot is money it still doesn't compare to the fg% of dunk off a long.

Jakob.620 13.6 ppg 29.2 minutes
Capela .599 10.6 ppg 27.7 minutes

Yeah, dunks are the be all and end all of paint scoring.

[John B]

Jakob.620 13.6 ppg 29.2 minutes
Capela .599 10.6 ppg 27.7 minutes

Yeah, dunks are the be all and end all of paint scoring.

I’m pretty sure there is something wrong with this analogy. Even Sean wishes Poeltl to dunk them instead of floaters, and we’ve seen many of those point blank layups missed or get blocked. Not to mention the intimidation factor and moral booster of a thunderous dunks do in a game.

[XDT76]

Jakob.620 13.6 ppg 29.2 minutes
Capela .599 10.6 ppg 27.7 minutes

Yeah, dunks are the be all and end all of paint scoring.

Why compare to others? Why don't look at the number of missed lay up that are at the rim that he could just dunk it?

[Sugus]

I’m pretty sure there is something wrong with this analogy. Even Sean wishes Poeltl to dunk them instead of floaters, and we’ve seen many of those point blank layups missed or get blocked. Not to mention the intimidation factor and moral booster of a thunderous dunks do in a game.

There's nothing wrong with the analogy - Capela is the prototypical "run of the mill athletic 5" and feasted on lobs from Harden for years, yet his numbers are worse than Jakob's, even with all the athleticism and dunks.

What Sean wishes means nothing :lmao. Though of course Jakob could dunk more than he does, it doesn't necessarily mean that he'd score more, since he's perfectly capable of making his shots and layups at an above-league-average rate. It's easy to forget dunks aren't some guaranteed 100% shot and can also get blocked both on the wind-up and the execution, or miss the rim (especially if the player isn't used to dunking), etc.

When you accept you're negatively biased against Jakob, your analysis of his game will get much more accurate. Of course you mention "we’ve seen many of those point blank layups missed or get blocked" without mentioning how many of those he makes, his FG%, etc... You literally see only what you want to see, and that which reinforces your preconceptions. Same as the complaints the other day on the Wolves game (not just you, a lot of people fall for this, sadly).

Lastly, on the lobs note, it's sadly much more likely that DJ simply doesn't have the passing accuracy/capability to readily throw lobs at will (yes it's an actual skill and takes practice and touch to develop), and/or that Pop himself doesn't favor a dunk-fueled playstyle. Jakob can dunk, as much as he doesn't do it out of his post moves, yet we've never seen a lob thrown to him - nor to Lonnie, nor Vassell, both of who can dunk too (and yes, guards can dunk and get lobbed to, just ask Vince Carter...). The Spurs as a team don't do lobs. Hopefully we draft an athletic 4/5 to encourage this, but pinning it on Jakob is laughable, sorry to say.

[exstatic]

Why compare to others? Why don't look at the number of missed lay up that are at the rim that he could just dunk it?

Why don’t you look up some more dunkers, since it’s your position that they should have a higher FG%?

[lefty]

Better than Porker tbh....

[XDT76]

Why don’t you look up some more dunkers, since it’s your position that they should have a higher FG%?

Like i say why compare to others where we witness there are many times where he is at the rim and not closely guarded and miss bunnies. I did not say he needs to dunk 100% of the time.

[XDT76]

Why don’t you look up some more dunkers, since it’s your position that they should have a higher FG%?

Just to please you using the 2 players you quoted poeltl at 0-3 .463%, capela at 0-3 .764% FG. Please tell me how does dunking at the rim is worse off.

[exstatic]

Just to please you using the 2 players you quoted poeltl at 0-3 .463%, capela at 0-3 .764% FG. Please tell me how does dunking at the rim is worse off.

You looked at the wrong data column. What you posted was % of FGAs taken in that area, not the actual FG%. The data you wanted was further to the right.

Poeltl 0-3 ft .614
3-10 ft .519
Capela 0-3 ft .686
3-10 ft .311

So,while people complain that Jak isn’t a modern center, Capela can’t score further than 3 feet, even in the paint. I guess that would make him a fossil.

Jaks FG% is higher, AND he can score at a high level from 3-10 feet.

[John B]

Anybody arguing a floater is better than dunking the ball :bang

[Sugus]

You looked at the wrong data column. What you posted was % of FGAs taken in that area, not the actual FG%. The data you wanted was further to the right.

Poeltl 0-3 ft .614
3-10 ft .519
Capela 0-3 ft .686
3-10 ft .311

So,while people complain that Jak isn’t a modern center, Capela can’t score further than 3 feet, even in the paint. I guess that would make him a fossil.

Jaks FG% is higher, AND he can score at a high level from 3-10 feet.

What a massacre :lmao

Beyond what you might think of Jak, getting told that the data you're confidently quoting is misquoted, and the actual data goes further against your argument... Never good. Lmao

[Sugus]

Anybody arguing a floater is better than dunking the ball :bang

There's literally no one arguing that - spare your head, and use your eyes.

[exstatic]

Anybody arguing a floater is better than dunking the ball :bang

Capela dunks the ball, BECAUSE HE CAN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE.

His FG% is still lower than Jak's.

[XDT76]

You looked at the wrong data column. What you posted was % of FGAs taken in that area, not the actual FG%. The data you wanted was further to the right.

Poeltl 0-3 ft .614
3-10 ft .519
Capela 0-3 ft .686
3-10 ft .311

So,while people complain that Jak isn’t a modern center, Capela can’t score further than 3 feet, even in the paint. I guess that would make him a fossil.

Jaks FG% is higher, AND he can score at a high level from 3-10 feet.

Yeah you are right I was not paying attention when quoting that, but it clearly shows that dunking it at the rim is more effective instead of those soft layup. I agree Poeltl is a better overall player but sometimes those layup is just frustrated. He is a 7 footer not 6. That would be an area that he could easily improve upon rather shooting FT better than 65% the whole season or develop some jumpshoot further out.

[spurraider21]

kids awesome. but he shouldnt be the best player on a team that is trying to do something special

[BatManu20]

1506038046759731206

[SPURt]

I listened to the Zach Lowe pod going over season awards and DJM getting the Willy Wonka treatment:
https://c.tenor.com/tMG0hMQhQVAAAAAM/willy-wonka-and-the-chocolate-factory-gene-wilder.gif

If this team gets to the playoffs, it has to be the weakest playoff team in Spurs history. It speaks volumes about the season DJM is having.

[SAGirl]

I listened to the Zach Lowe pod going over season awards and DJM getting the Willy Wonka treatment:
https://c.tenor.com/tMG0hMQhQVAAAAAM/willy-wonka-and-the-chocolate-factory-gene-wilder.gif

If this team gets to the playoffs, it has to be the weakest playoff team in Spurs history. It speaks volumes about the season DJM is having.
I think that’s why it’s important in his mind to make it. Some young unheralded players only get recognition when they make the playoffs as one of the top dogs in a team. That’s how you force others to acknowledge you.

[emanueldavidginobili]

1508629240715137025

[TDomination]

https://www.nba.com/watch/video/nba-exclusive-dejounte-murray

Neat exclusive video for Dejounte Murray on NBA.com.

[emanueldavidginobili]

I think that’s why it’s important in his mind to make it. Some young unheralded players only get recognition when they make the playoffs as one of the top dogs in a team. That’s how you force others to acknowledge you.
He also has yet to play a single game on national television this season too, I am sure that sucks for him as well.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://www.nba.com/watch/video/nba-exclusive-dejounte-murray

Neat exclusive video for Dejounte Murray on NBA.com.

Just saw this for the first time. Thanks for posting. A tremendous story and terrific insight to what makes the Spurs such a special team.

[emanueldavidginobili]

https://www.nba.com/watch/video/nba-exclusive-dejounte-murray

Neat exclusive video for Dejounte Murray on NBA.com.

Awesome, it was cool seeing LBJ, Steph and CP3 raving about DJ on the bench at the All Star game. Love this guy man his progression truly has been a sight to see his amazing work ethic is paying off it's hilarious some people used to call him Instagram Baller

[poopbox]

Awesome, it was cool seeing LBJ, Steph and CP3 raving about DJ on the bench at the All Star game. Love this guy man his progression truly has been a sight to see his amazing work ethic is paying off it's hilarious some people used to call him Instagram Baller


I know Jilly somewhere:cry

[emanueldavidginobili]

1509631777626898436

1509539485372993541

4th in the league in assist and 32 in turnovers amazing. Harden is 2nd in assist per game and and 2nd in turnovers, Trae Young 3rd in assist and 4th in turnovers, Garland is 5th in assist and 6th in turnovers, Luka 6th in assist and 1st in turnovers. CP3 first ballot HOF is 1st in assist and 43 in turnovers.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Also not to sound like I am going overboard but DJ has a very high chance of getting his jersey retired. I know its hella early and it's his first season actually really doing something but he's going to play here a decade + barring something drastically happening. This kid has Spur in his blood and quite frankly he's the most different player lifestyle wise if that makes sense the Spurs have ever drafted. He's the first Spur to lead a team that has big personality and has so many connections throughout the league, which I think would help in landing free agents in the future tbh.

[DAF86]

Also not to sound like I am going overboard but DJ has a very high chance of getting his jersey retired. I know its hella early and it's his first season actually really doing something but he's going to play here a decade + barring something drastically happening. This kid has Spur in his blood and quite frankly he's the most different player lifestyle wise if that makes sense the Spurs have ever drafted. He's the first Spur to lead a team that has big personality and has so many connections throughout the league, which I think would help in landing free agents in the future tbh.

"Going overboard"? The only thing Murray needs to do to get his jersey retired by the Spurs is not pull a nephew. :lol

[KingKev]

Darling of the NBA!!!

[JeffDuncan]

"Going overboard"? The only thing Murray needs to do to get his jersey retired by the Spurs is not pull a nephew. :lol


It might also help if the Spurs could manage a winning season. If DJ leads the Spurs for 15 straight years of losing, his jersey won’t look very shiny up there.

The team needs to turn the corner in a hurry. Time’s a wastin.

[Dejounte]

Cb0PzGKs-sD

Fuck your threes. DJ’s mid-range hesitation pull-up is one of the most beautiful moves in basketball right now.

[Sugus]

Cb0PzGKs-sD

Fuck your threes. DJ’s mid-range hesitation pull-up is one of the most beautiful moves in basketball right now.

Totally agree the move is beautiful, but it really leaves the question, can he do it from further out? He creates an awesome degree of separation with those moves, but they'll never be as valuable from 15ft as they would be behind the 3pt line (I know, I know, playoffs and all that, but the numbers, sadly, are just like that in the modern game).

Could it be he needs to add more muscle/core strength to be able to pull those moves from further away? I'd love to know. Still think it's the best part of his game for him to develop this off-season.

[emanueldavidginobili]

1511101877366280201

Wow feel better DJ

[KingKev]

^ cue the conspiracy theorists.

NBA and the mediadels need Lakers in the playoffs. Silver and the ghost of Stern poisoned him!!!!

[BatManu20]

He’s out again tomorrow night.

1511114110817247234

[spurraider21]

Good Of Him To Give Us An Update As To His Illness And Desire To Return

[PhantomDashCam]

:lol

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/four-players-wizards-could-target-upgrade-point-guard-position?cid=Yahoo&partner=ya4nbcs


Dejounte Murray

The other players who are beginning to scratch the prime years of their careers are Fultz and Murray. Both players have two more years on their deal after this season. With both of their respective teams still rebuilding, they could be open to a move with a team challenging for a playoff spot. Murray is averaging over 20 points per game this season for the Spurs and was an All Star this year...

[Dverde]

New steals king has been crowned. More impressive that he played 300 less minutes than #2 Haliburton.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-2022-total-steals-leader

[KingKev]

New steals king has been crowned. More impressive that he played 300 less minutes than #2 Haliburton.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-2022-total-steals-leader

Big ups!!!

2nd team all D fosho

[BatManu20]

Good shit DJ.


1513537051198644231

[BatManu20]

Add one more assist and DJ’s the only player in history to do it.

1513619644086554627

[KingKev]

Baby Jordan. Move over Harold Miner

[emanueldavidginobili]

I haven't seen any of these so called "NBA experts" on twitter have DJ in the top 3 of MIP it's ridiculous.

[Seventyniner]

I haven't seen any of these so called "NBA experts" on twitter have DJ in the top 3 of MIP it's ridiculous.

I can understand putting Ja Morant ahead of Dejounte, but who else should even be in consideration?

[KingKev]

I can understand putting Ja Morant ahead of Dejounte, but who else should even be in consideration?

Jordan Poole, Darius Garland and Ja probs all ahead of Murray.

[CGD]

Ja for MIP is cheating, dude was already really good and on another level in way the other names weren’t. I think the stiffest competition will be Garland.

[ismael-robert]

Bend over n baseline bum will show u stiff competition

[KingKev]

MIP finalists announced: Ja, Garland, DJ

[bdictjames]

Yeah, surprised DJ is in there. Makes you think that the Spurs really are underheralded in the league.

[Ariel]

MIP finalists announced: Ja, Garland, DJ
https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1515816119201943555

[MannyIsGod]

Ja for MIP is some bullshit IMO.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Ja for MIP is some bullshit IMO.
At least he knows haha

1515828863661715461

[SAGirl]

Ja for MIP is cheating, dude was already really good and on another level in way the other names weren’t. I think the stiffest competition will be Garland.
Nah. Morant was good, but he was not on this level last season, specially in the regular season. He was very up and down and his shooting was bad. He’d have games regularly where he wasn’t the leading scorer. I remember bc I follow the Grizzlies and some in their fan base were critical of him for not taking over more. It’s also very difficult to go from good prospect to legit star. The level he’s reached is a high tier that very few players reach.

I do think Murray is very deserving in his own way.

In addition, favoring Ja is the fact the Grizzlies have risen meteorically and yet are unlikely to get any of the other top tier awards. This kind of thing shouldn’t be a consideration but how do you recognize how much they improved in the RS and yet not give awards to the coach (I don’t think he wins it), or anyone else.

Heck, you know who also has a better case for MIP? Grizzlies own Desmond Bane. Look at the numbers on how much that guy improved and went from a bench player to starter in a much improved team. Grizzlies deserve something…

Unfortunately, I don’t think Murray gets it. This is one of those cases were just being nominated is an honor and recognition in itself.

[DPG21920]

Great video - thanks for posting. His attitude, despite what some say about his management team, has been world class. If he's faking it, he has the best PR coach in history.

lol this is funny….crazy how much finding guys willing to truly work hard combined with world class development can elevate players.

[DPG21920]

I’m very excited about Murray/White. Say what you will about their flaws, it’s obvious both of those dudes work hard. If they fail, it won’t be because they didn’t bust their a**es.

:)

[DPG21920]

I tweeted about a pre season bet I made…Murray was +6500 odds pre season to win MIP. I bet 100 to win 6500 lol.

[Seventyniner]

I tweeted about a pre season bet I made…Murray was +6500 odds pre season to win MIP. I bet 100 to win 6500 lol.

Damn, nice bet. :bobo

Can you hedge it now by taking Morant and Garland? Or is it too late?

[DPG21920]

Damn, nice bet. :bobo

Can you hedge it now by taking Morant and Garland? Or is it too late?

I could have a little while ago, but didnt care enough to tbh…but it stood out as ridiculous odds for how much Dejounte was going to have the ball with DeRozan/Mills/Gay gone…would be cool if he wins - he deserves it (bet aside lol)

[TDMVPDPOY]

ja missed 20games...if he wins mip... then lol nba

[XDT76]

If we are really talking about MIP then Murray should deserves it over Ja. He improves across all stats whereas Ja sacrifice assist over scoring.

[emanueldavidginobili]

I tweeted about a pre season bet I made…Murray was +6500 odds pre season to win MIP. I bet 100 to win 6500 lol.
Damn +6500 nice, I made the same bet in December +900 though for 1120 pay out on a 112 dollar bet. Unfortunately I think he's going to come in third.

[Dex]

Ja for MIP is some bullshit IMO.

Agreed.

Ja is the best player between the three, but that has been the case for a while. He's always been electric, whereas Garland and Murray took a greater personal leap this year.

It's supposed to be most IMPROVED, and DJ went from a good starter to All-Star, still plays great defense (led the league in steals), and damn near averaged a trip-dub (and finished with the 2nd most in the league behind only Jokic, the potential MVP).

[KingKev]

^ it’s all subjective and a pretty useless award to begin with. MVP and DPOY are the only real accolades outside of all nba teams.

[Dex]

^ it’s all subjective and a pretty useless award to begin with. MVP and DPOY are the only real accolades outside of all nba teams.

DJ has to at least make All-Defense, so that will be another feather in his cap.

[KingKev]

DJ has to at least make All-Defense, so that will be another feather in his cap.

I’d say he is a lock for 2nd team.

[Ice009]

I'd rather Murray be a superstar on defense and get to the level of a defensive player of the year on that side of the ball. On offense, I'd be happy with all-star level (which he is getting there too).

[The Truth #6]

I think one thing working against Dejounte for MIP is that the national media seemed to think he was good before he was actually good. They saw him as our best player when that wasn't actually very obvious. I think for Spurs fans who are in the day to day details of his progress, the improvement is more than most imagined. Ja was already on the way. Garland should be the main competition, but it will probably be overlooked anyway when they give the award to Ja.

[Ice009]

I think one thing working against Dejounte for MIP is that the national media seemed to think he was good before he was actually good. They saw him as our best player when that wasn't actually very obvious. I think for Spurs fans who are in the day to day details of his progress, the improvement is more than most imagined. Ja was already on the way. Garland should be the main competition, but it will probably be overlooked anyway when they give the award to Ja.

I really wish he was able to finish out the season healthy and in the form he was playing at before getting sick. I took a look at his progress throughout this past season. He steadily improved month by month. He started off averaging around 17ppg in the first month of the season and in March he averaged 25.6ppg for the month. Pretty great build up from the start of the season to finish off playing like that. It's too bad that illness took away what was looking like a great finish to the season for him.

[KingKev]

I'd rather Murray be a superstar on defense and get to the level of a defensive player of the year on that side of the ball. On offense, I'd be happy with all-star level (which he is getting there too).

DJ with 2 elite players ahead of him would probably be a lock down defender on ball also. He has said himself he is trying to learn how to manage the best way to help the team win on a nightly basis; be it distributing or calling his own card while playing on both sides of the ball every night. Few players do that.

[BatManu20]

Dejounte currently has the worst odds to win the award. Morant is winning this, which is pretty laughable for the #2 overall pick in the draft but whatever.

[SAGirl]

People acting like Ja is undeserving is just sourpuss tbh. Both guys had excellent seasons and are deserving. Ja was not this guy last season on a consistent basis and has reached a level that he had potential to reach but it’s tough for any player to dominate on a nightly basis. He had the potential but he was not that guy last year tbh.

[tim_duncan_fan]

People gotta stop crying for these lil individual awards when the team ain't shit. It's lame.

[KingKev]

JA is MIP

[emanueldavidginobili]

Murray came in second with 183 total points, Ja with 221 and Garland with 178 points.

[KingKev]

Murray came in second with 183 total points, Ja with 221 and Garland with 178 points.

Atleast he got second. Meaningless award tbh but Ja being in there is politics.

DJ salty on twitter. This is slowly turning into a little rivalry even though JA is much better.

[SAGirl]

It was a close race. No need to be salty. He had a great season, hopefully it makes him hungrier if that’s possible. There’s next season to show off. :flag:

[exstatic]

Second year in a row that the previous year’s #2 overall pick wins MIP. it’s meaningless to give the award to a player who is SUPPOSED to develop into a star.

[DAF86]

People acting like Ja is undeserving is just sourpuss tbh. Both guys had excellent seasons and are deserving. Ja was not this guy last season on a consistent basis and has reached a level that he had potential to reach but it’s tough for any player to dominate on a nightly basis. He had the potential but he was not that guy last year tbh.

Ja didn't deserve MIP because it kills the spirit of the award. It would have been like giving it to Kobe Bryant in 2001 because he went from averaging 20 ppg to 30 ppg. MIP is reserved for guys that come out of nowhere to making a name for themselves. Ja was a fucking top 2 pick and RoY. That would automatically get you out of MIP consideration in previous years.

[DAF86]

Murray came in second with 183 total points, Ja with 221 and Garland with 178 points.

Damn, Dejounte would have won it with the right criteria.

[talkspurs]

Second year in a row that the previous year’s #2 overall pick wins MIP. it’s meaningless to give the award to a player who is SUPPOSED to develop into a star.

And the ROY. how does a ROY win MIP the next year.

[BatManu20]

Papa Murray weighs in.

1518740594536767488

[SAGirl]

Ja didn't deserve MIP because it kills the spirit of the award. It would have been like giving it to Kobe Bryant in 2001 because he went from averaging 20 ppg to 30 ppg. MIP is reserved for guys that come out of nowhere to making a name for themselves. Ja was a fucking top 2 pick and RoY. That would automatically get you out of MIP consideration in previous years.
He improved significantly. His percentages are better, it wasn’t just usage. He went from being an inconsistent player that got a team through the play in, to dominating consistently. His improvement was legit. The ability to be consistent is what improved his overall productivity. He was a guy with potential same as many other guys who can get hot on occasion and disappear just as often.

Wasn’t Ingram kind of the same? That’s how these awards go. It’s always whoever improves the most and is the best player of the group, with improvements in the team record factored in. Heck Morant won ROY almost by default bc Zion missed so many games their first season. He wasn’t this dominant player from day 1. He had a lot of potential but was very inconsistent and a poor shooter. I think spursfan here is just salty but that’s just me tbh.

To me all 3 guys were deserving but I feel like Morant is discounted here, when not to recognize his improvement would be the biggest diss.

[SAGirl]

Papa Murray weighs in.

1518740594536767488

That’s the way to handle it. Otherwise he’d come across as salty. Playoff picture is factored in and always has.

[KobesAchilles]

I mean Ja really only upped his point average while DJ kinda upped everything. DJ also upped his defense which is something Ja never did. Plus Ja missed 25 games. That’s gotta count for something when Memphis went 21-4 without him. Ja winning this is stupid. Why didn’t Luka win it then when he went from 23 points a game to 29 9 and 9?

[John B]

I like Ja, but he was not deserving the true spirit of the MIP. The guy was 2nd overall pick, ROY. He was supposed to be good. But I hope this put a little more burn on DJM stomach to strive even harder.

[SAGirl]

I mean Ja really only upped his point average while DJ kinda upped everything. DJ also upped his defense which is something Ja never did. Plus Ja missed 25 games. That’s gotta count for something when Memphis went 21-4 without him. Ja winning this is stupid. Why didn’t Luka win it then when he went from 23 points a game to 29 9 and 9?
DJ was always known as a player that impacted defense. He won a defensive award in his second season. If anything he’s been his normal self there. It’s his offensive improvement together with improved usage that gets him the award IMO. I understand your point and it’s a very valid one, but you don’t need to discount what Ja accomplished to recognize how good DJ was.

Players that have won this award in recent mind are Ingram and Giannis. I think people assume that Ja was this massive star because he whipped the Spurs since he was drafted. He wasn’t. Last season the Grizzlies didn’t have a good record against the elite teams, he missed the all star team. He was on the level of Fox and guys of that nature. He’s raised the bar and that’s really tough to do tbh. If you all want to be salty don’t let me stop you.

Hopefully this is only fuel for DJ to dominate further.

[Ice009]

I mean Ja really only upped his point average while DJ kinda upped everything. DJ also upped his defense which is something Ja never did. Plus Ja missed 25 games. That’s gotta count for something when Memphis went 21-4 without him. Ja winning this is stupid. Why didn’t Luka win it then when he went from 23 points a game to 29 9 and 9?

I was OK with Ja winning it, but your post has made me change my stance on it. I agree with SA Girl that Ja improved, but darn, he mostly upped his scoring and with his team going 21-4 without him, I don't think he was deserving of it. Great player, I am a big fan of his game, but you are right, he missed 25 games and his team did fine without him. Tough call, but for me the spirit of the award is more for guys that weren't expected to be stars and have had huge development/turnaround in their games.

[CGD]

Lame. I could see Garland getting it over DJ, but Ja shouldn’t have been in consideration from the jump.

Awards aside, the growth DJ showed this year was a true joy to watch. Proud that he’s carrying SA the way he has.

[KobesAchilles]

DJ was always known as a player that impacted defense. He won a defensive award in his second season. If anything he’s been his normal self there. It’s his offensive improvement together with improved usage that gets him the award IMO. I understand your point and it’s a very valid one, but you don’t need to discount what Ja accomplished to recognize how good DJ was.

Players that have won this award in recent mind are Ingram and Giannis. I think people assume that Ja was this massive star because he whipped the Spurs since he was drafted. He wasn’t. Last season the Grizzlies didn’t have a good record against the elite teams, he missed the all star team. He was on the level of Fox and guys of that nature. He’s raised the bar and that’s really tough to do tbh. If you all want to be salty don’t let me stop you.

Hopefully this is only fuel for DJ to dominate further.
It’s not discounting Ja, it’s just a fact. All he did was improve his scoring. He didn’t improve anything else. DJ improved on 3 areas in scoring, assisting, and defense. I know he made second team D like 4 years ago. He should make it again this year too. But DJ led the league in steals. And was second in triple Dubs. The dude just improved more than Ja improved. Also the Grizz went bananas against the top teams without him. They have a better record without him. And it’s not particularly close. The reason why the Grizz are the 2 seed isn’t primarily bc of Ja, it’s bc of the others in JJJ and Bane. They stepped up their games big time too. You can’t miss a third of the season and be why your team is the second seed. It doesn’t work that way.

Giannis won bc he came into the league averaging like 8 points a game or some shit. He should’ve won the award. And Ingram I felt was a consolation prize by the media to NO for giving up on AD. Like look you got the MIP. See it was a good trade for both teams :lol. Bc there’s zero metric where he should’ve won over Luka other than we expected this shit from Luka

[SAGirl]

It’s not discounting Ja, it’s just a fact. All he did was improve his scoring. He didn’t improve anything else. DJ improved on 3 areas in scoring, assisting, and defense. I know he made second team D like 4 years ago. He should make it again this year too. But DJ led the league in steals. And was second in triple Dubs. The dude just improved more than Ja improved. Also the Grizz went bananas against the top teams without him. They have a better record without him. And it’s not particularly close. The reason why the Grizz are the 2 seed isn’t primarily bc of Ja, it’s bc of the others in JJJ and Bane. They stepped up their games big time too. You can’t miss a third of the season and be why your team is the second seed. It doesn’t work that way.

Giannis won bc he came into the league averaging like 8 points a game or some shit. He should’ve won the award. And Ingram I felt was a consolation prize by the media to NO for giving up on AD. Like look you got the MIP. See it was a good trade for both teams :lol. Bc there’s zero metric where he should’ve won over Luka other than we expected this shit from Luka

The years the Spurs were competing for championships Pop was often able to win games where he rested his stars, or had maybe one guy injured. The Spurs just trucked along with whoever was able to play. The team was able to do that because they were well coached and well balanced. But winning without all his horses was not sustainable for Pop a whole season, and it certainly would have lowered the teams ceiling if it went on too long. The Grizzlies are well coached and have a well balanced roster. I have to credit Jenkins and their development staff, but without Ja their ceiling is much lower and they would be worse if that were to continue for the whole season. I just hate this thing that fans do where they have to hate on other players to prop up their guy, it's lame and salty and only diminishes their point. Instead of making a case for DJ, people start making a case against Ja.

Listen, Dejounte had a great season. He was a 2nd finalist for this thing and it was a close race. Nothing to be ashamed of there. Now he just needs to maintain consistency on the level he's reached and build upon that. If the Spurs had made the playoffs he would have had some additional recognition. That is always taken into consideration too. It was in the case of Giannis and Randle, among others. But you do you.

https://pics.onsizzle.com/boring-conversation-anyway-27921697.png

[SAGirl]

I could make a better case for Ja, citing stats and other things, including analytics and areas of improvement but I don't want to, because it's a waste of time here. This forum is the shrine of Murray, and I am not taking anything away from DJ.

However, I want to add that specifically concerning Murray, making the playoffs brings recognition to the team's leader, and makes that player more marketable to the average and casual NBA fan. The Spurs were not on National TV all year and missed the playoffs. Things like that matter to the player, his dad is already mentioning it. I think DJ is not that close to his dad anyway, but his camp is surely noticing as well.

Long term, I definitely think that DJ wants to be competing for championships, and he will tire of missing the playoffs and missing awards because he was playing for a bad, media-neglected team. I have talked about timelines before and I think its possible the Spurs and Murray are on different timelines. I am not sure, because the Spurs want to remain competitive, and DJ helps them do that, but at the same time, he's not enough by himself (very few players are -- short of a real MVP like Jokic) to get the team in the playoffs and the Spurs need to improve their roster to help him get there. I don't claim to have a crystal ball to see how it's going to go, but it will be interesting to see what the Spurs do this summer to improve the roster.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/spursnationcp/status/1518730653994430464?s=21&t=KzGOrH6A3GHSd1bAHVnBqwhttps://twitter.com/spursnationcp/status/1518730653994430464?s=21&t=KzGOrH6A3GHSd1bAHVnBqw

I know DJM is driven and it’s good. But none of the Big 3 would care if they didn't win the MIP. Just saying.

[rjv]

https://twitter.com/spursnationcp/status/1518730653994430464?s=21&t=KzGOrH6A3GHSd1bAHVnBqwhttps://twitter.com/spursnationcp/status/1518730653994430464?s=21&t=KzGOrH6A3GHSd1bAHVnBqw

I know DJM is driven and it’s good. But none of the Big 3 would care if they didn't win the MIP. Just saying.

parker might have but he would have been put in his place rather quickly.

[The Truth #6]

https://twitter.com/spursnationcp/status/1518730653994430464?s=21&t=KzGOrH6A3GHSd1bAHVnBqwhttps://twitter.com/spursnationcp/status/1518730653994430464?s=21&t=KzGOrH6A3GHSd1bAHVnBqw

I know DJM is driven and it’s good. But none of the Big 3 would care if they didn't win the MIP. Just saying.

Fair point, but I suppose winning titles keeps people happy. Without that, the All Star game, winning awards, that's what DJ has to back up his success. He always gets emo, but then that drives him as well so not a big issue to me. Changing times.

[DAF86]

He improved significantly. His percentages are better, it wasn’t just usage. He went from being an inconsistent player that got a team through the play in, to dominating consistently. His improvement was legit. The ability to be consistent is what improved his overall productivity. He was a guy with potential same as many other guys who can get hot on occasion and disappear just as often.

Wasn’t Ingram kind of the same? That’s how these awards go. It’s always whoever improves the most and is the best player of the group, with improvements in the team record factored in. Heck Morant won ROY almost by default bc Zion missed so many games their first season. He wasn’t this dominant player from day 1. He had a lot of potential but was very inconsistent and a poor shooter. I think spursfan here is just salty but that’s just me tbh.

To me all 3 guys were deserving but I feel like Morant is discounted here, when not to recognize his improvement would be the biggest diss.

Yeah, Kobe improved significantly from 2000 to 2001, he still didn't win it, because that's not the spirit of the award.

I feel like Ingram shouldn't have won it either, but his case is a little different. He looked like a bust for some years there, so when he finally lived up to his potential, I can understand why the award was given to him.

Morant has been on a clear ascendent trajectory ever since he got to the league. The clear trajectory that superstars usually have, and they have never won MIP.

[R. DeMurre]

I try not to stress out about these individuals awards very much. They're overvalued in my opinion, and often ruled by trendy raw stats, and popular narratives in the media. Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler, Marc Gasol, and Joakim Noah all have Defensive Player of the Year awards while Timmy has zero. None of those guys were as impactful as Duncan was at his best and definitely didn't have his longevity.

[talkspurs]

T I just hate this thing that fans do where they have to hate on other players to prop up their guy, it's lame and salty and only diminishes their point. Instead of making a case for DJ, people start making a case against Ja.



https://pics.onsizzle.com/boring-conversation-anyway-27921697.png

Can you point to where we are hating on Ja? What I have seen from most is saying he did not deserve it because he was already a great player. He won rookie of the year or was a second round pick. None of those statements would I consider to be tearing down what Ja did or trying to imply that he is not a good player. The closest "hate" I could see would be where people are saying his numbers did not improve as much. (mostly this is being said because he was already good). Once again I dont consider this hateing on a player but people putting out their opinion.

[SAGirl]

Guys I let it lie already, fwiw.

[Ice009]

Not only did Murray make a big leap from last season, if you look at how he played this season, he made huge leaps within this season month by month. By the end of March he was averaging 25ppg for the month. That is amazing improvement from where he was after the first couple of months of the season. I wish he didn't get sick so we could have seen if he could have continued that in April and the play-in games. I hope he can pick up next season where he left off in March.

[XDT76]

Too bad NBA is still about entertainment and if as a guard you are not shooting extremely long 3ptrs or cutting people up and jamming you do not get to be regarded highly.

[John B]

I try not to stress out about these individuals awards very much. They're overvalued in my opinion, and often ruled by trendy raw stats, and popular narratives in the media. Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler, Marc Gasol, and Joakim Noah all have Defensive Player of the Year awards while Timmy has zero. None of those guys were as impactful as Duncan was at his best and definitely didn't have his longevity.

The reason being, the MIP is meant for the little people, as not for the 2nd overall draft pick. It’s for players who overachieved and proved teams wrong for passing on them. The voters should really think hard who rightly embraced the true meaning of the award. I wouldn’t even bothered if they selected Jordan Poole. But yeah, DJM would be much deserving than Ja.

[Dejounte]

If it was a season without Murray as a finalist and it was between Ja and Garland, Garland should win it. Ja isn’t deserving of this award. And it has nothing to do with Murray. Case closed.

[dbestpro]

Too bad NBA is still about entertainment and if as a guard you are not shooting extremely long 3ptrs or cutting people up and jamming you do not get to be regarded highly.

They are about the perception of entertainment. The game was more entertaining when it was physicial and defense was allowed.

[Ice009]

The reason being, the MIP is meant for the little people, as not for the 2nd overall draft pick. It’s for players who overachieved and proved teams wrong for passing on them. The voters should really think hard who rightly embraced the true meaning of the award. I wouldn’t even bothered if they selected Jordan Poole. But yeah, DJM would be much deserving than Ja.

This sums it up nicely. This is what I think the true spirit of this award is for. Not for the a number 2 pick. That player is expected to do well. What Ja has done is prove that he should have been drafted that high. It's not a shock that he's doing this well. Murray, though, IMO is proving teams wrong that passed on him. Up until he got sick and didn't finish out the season well upon his return, he was probably even surprising fans of his own team that had watched him for years (if that is not most improved, I don't know what is). I don't know what the criteria for this award is, but whatever it is, it's wrong IMO.

[SAGirl]

1520123252080791552

[Ice009]

I want to believe him, but the West will be tough (NO are going to be good, the Clippers should have both PG and KL, and the Lakers would also likely improve), so I hope he comes through and leads/helps get us there. If they could do it through natural improvement, that would be incredible, but I think they're going to need to upgrade in the off-season to have a chance to make it.

[SAGirl]

I believe in him. He’s the team’s leader and being candid with his desire. That’s why I say he will eventually tire of continually trying to make it but coming up short. He may very well be even better next season, learn to win the close games, but its a team sport. Spurs and supporting cast need to improve too.

[BatManu20]

Spurs will likely improve with another year of experience for our young guys. But even if we do make the playoffs next season, we’re an easy first round out tbh. Just no real high-end talent on this team, and you need that to win at this level. DJ as our best player will never be more than First Round fodder imo.

[slick'81]

Spurs will likely improve with another year of experience for our young guys. But even if we do make the playoffs next season, we’re an easy first round out tbh. Just no real high-end talent on this team, and you need that to win at this level. DJ as our best player will never be more than First Round fodder imo.


gotta prove they can make the playoffs first,tbh

[KobesAchilles]

As of now, with roster as is, we are 4th in our own division. That’s seldom a recipe for post season entry.

[rascal]

I believe in him. He’s the team’s leader and being candid with his desire. That’s why I say he will eventually tire of continually trying to make it but coming up short. He may very well be even better next season, learn to win the close games, but its a team sport. Spurs and supporting cast need to improve too.

What do you expect him to say. He doesn't even know who will be on the team yet!

[rascal]

This sums it up nicely. This is what I think the true spirit of this award is for. Not for the a number 2 pick. That player is expected to do well. What Ja has done is prove that he should have been drafted that high. It's not a shock that he's doing this well. Murray, though, IMO is proving teams wrong that passed on him. Up until he got sick and didn't finish out the season well upon his return, he was probably even surprising fans of his own team that had watched him for years (if that is not most improved, I don't know what is). I don't know what the criteria for this award is, but whatever it is, it's wrong IMO.

Nope, I don't see it that way. It's for the player who is The Most Improved from the year before, usually that will go to the player with the better season when deciding between two players.

[SAGirl]

What do you expect him to say. He doesn't even know who will be on the team yet!
I am not critical of him, where specifically did you interpret that. This is out of his control. He can only improve himself not the team.

[rascal]

I am not critical of him, where specifically did you interpret that. This is out of his control. He can only improve himself not the team.

I'm not saying you're critical of him. But he said the team is going to make the playoffs. He is commenting on the team not his own individual play. He doesn't even know who will be on the roster yet for next year.

You expect him to say he isn't sure if they will make the playoffs or not as he doesn't know who will be on the team. Of course he will say they will make the playoffs as being positive is better than showing uncertainty.

[SAGirl]

I'm not saying you're critical of him. But he said the team is going to make the playoffs. He is commenting on the team not his own individual play. He doesn't even know who will be on the roster yet for next year.

You expect him to say he isn't sure if they will make the playoffs or not as he doesn't know who will be on the team. Of course he will say they will make the playoffs as being positive is better than showing uncertainty.
So you are saying he’s just stating platitudes. Saying what others want to hear? Gotcha. Doesn’t mean anything?

[rascal]

So you are saying he’s just stating platitudes. Saying what others want to hear? Gotcha. Doesn’t mean anything?

Yes

[Joseph Kony]

https://i.ibb.co/sW0SrzS/ngnx97nje9391.jpg
wonder who "you know who" is....

[mo7888]

https://i.ibb.co/sW0SrzS/ngnx97nje9391.jpg
wonder who "you know who" is....

Just a guess but I'm gonna go with Borrego..

[Joseph Kony]

Just a guess but I'm gonna go with Borrego..

Maybe but my guess is LMA since it was rumored that LMA preferred White running the offense for him instead of DJ. That or Nephew

[BatManu20]

He’s clearly referring to The Coyote.

[rjv]

Maybe but my guess is LMA since it was rumored that LMA preferred White running the offense for him instead of DJ. That or Nephew

well, it wouldn't be the first time that DJ's thrown shade at nephew.

[Chinook]

DJM is obviously talking about me :lol. No, but maybe Messina? I would say Pop, but I never got the impression Pop didn't think highly of him. Could be his dad too. They weren't on good terms when DeJounte came into the league.

[Leetonidas]

I don't think it's Pop, DJ has always been vocal about how much he loves and appreciates Pop like a father figure, so that wouldn't make sense. Could be Messina. Maybe it was TP? :lol

[John B]

https://i.ibb.co/sW0SrzS/ngnx97nje9391.jpg
wonder who "you know who" is....

This is what I don’t like about DJM. Stop creating drama. Just go out there and play

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Why don’t somebody who is following him ask who he is talking about.

[SAGirl]

Doubt it’s nephew. He was already disengaging when Murray came in. They barely shared the court. Borrego bombed in Charlotte not wanting to develop their youngins… could be him. Or he knew about Chinook’s doubts all the way to preseason… :rollinyou know who is fans… some fans anyways.

[RC_Drunkford]

come on it was Tim Duncan

[slick'81]

Hammon put on blast again,tbh

[absoloot66]

https://i.ibb.co/sW0SrzS/ngnx97nje9391.jpg
wonder who "you know who" is....

Shots fired?!?

[K...]

Meh its just a generic fuck the haters post. My man lost MIP and all defense. He's right people forgot about him as the spurs did not make the playoffs. Or maybe he's jealous derrick is getting a spotlight

[KingKev]

Shots fired?!?

Damn he really going at exstatic :blah

[KingKev]

Jamal Crawford was on All The Smoke this week… huge praise for Dejounte, Malik Rose and Bruce Bowen.

[Ice009]

Doubt it’s nephew. He was already disengaging when Murray came in. They barely shared the court. Borrego bombed in Charlotte not wanting to develop their youngins… could be him. Or he knew about Chinook’s doubts all the way to preseason… :rollinyou know who is fans… some fans anyways.

I thought it might be Kawhi, but then I quickly remembered that Murray is with New Balance, so I doubt it's Kawhi as I'm assuming Kawhi helped him get the sponsorship deal? I'm guessing if it was a player, it'd be LMA. If it was a coach, I don't know who it'd be.


Jamal Crawford was on All The Smoke this week… huge praise for Dejounte, Malik Rose and Bruce Bowen.

Got a time during the podcast at what point he talks about them? I don't want to watch the whole thing. Even just a rough guess at what point through the podcast (halfway, 1/4 through etc.).

[SAGirl]

I thought it might be Kawhi, but then I quickly remembered that Murray is with New Balance, so I doubt it's Kawhi as I'm assuming Kawhi helped him get the sponsorship deal? I'm guessing if it was a player, it'd be LMA. If it was a coach, I don't know who it'd be.
LMA was tight with Murray… well as much as his personality would allow. Murray actually backed LMA up often. I can’t see it be a fellow player. That’s cancerous shit and would have leaked out.

[John B]

Was it because Demar was made to be a facilitator? But that’s more so the defense would collapse on Demar and getting others open than anything else. I don’t get the drama. Pretty much DJM was the heir to Tony as the starting PG. And they even traded Derrick to make DJM the sole ballhandler and earlier the team captain. I don’t know why open a can of worms.

[C-Dub]

Tony Parker maybe?

[Dejounte]

How is this even a debate? It’s so obvious that it’s Pop no matter how much nice words DJ has said about him. You don’t compare a coach to a player. It’s not Kawhi, or whoever other player that has been brought up.

and no, this doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. DJ will continue expressing his fake love, if that’s what it is, and nothing will happen. Dude is just the way he is, talks harmless trash about people who haven’t really done him wrong because of his unstable childhood. He has trust issues and it’s okay. Not every kid in the family is going to be a good apple. He’s a Spur. He’s family. You don’t (and they won’t) boot him out because of how he says stupid shit sometimes.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

How is this even a debate? It’s so obvious that it’s Pop no matter how much nice words DJ has said about him. You don’t compare a coach to a player. It’s not Kawhi, or whoever other player that has been brought up.

and no, this doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. DJ will continue expressing his fake love, if that’s what it is, and nothing will happen. Dude is just the way he is, talks harmless trash about people who haven’t really done him wrong because of his unstable childhood. He has trust issues and it’s okay. Not every kid in the family is going to be a good apple. He’s a Spur. He’s family. You don’t (and they won’t) boot him out because of how he says stupid shit sometimes.


it is not really that obvious. Lol

he literally could be talking about any coach or player that was there when Ime was on our bench. Of course that does included Pop but it is not just limited to Pop. lol

[KingKev]

it is not really that obvious. Lol

he literally could be talking about any coach or player that was there when Ime was on our bench. Of course that does included Pop but it is not just limited to Pop. lol

Yeah I’m not sold it is Pop but I agree with Dejounte that this is just his personality. For all the good he brings these little bursts of immaturity are manageable.

[Atl Spur]

I would still trade murray while his stock is sky high and get draft capital & assets. He will not lead us to a chip…..

[JPB]

It's ofc not Pop. How could it be? Not TP either, Tony is litterally the one who went to Pop to propose Murray start. He was get along well with LMA too. So yeah probably borrego since he was an assistant like Ime, so makes sense Murray would mention him to Ime.

[John B]

I would still trade murray while his stock is sky high and get draft capital & assets. He will not lead us to a chip…..

I’d trade him for Banchero (and plus) and draft Davis. Now Davis can eclipse DJM imo with his hardnose defense and as a go-to scorer. I like DJM’s tenacity and has continuedly improved on. But shit like that does not come from your team captain, of all people, create drama, especially with a young team.

[RC_Drunkford]

DJ made it to Jimmy Kimmel's Mean Tweets


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaYb-AzrFsY

[SAGirl]

1537650848469340166

More and more I am starting to think I don’t see DJ long on the Spurs if they don’t make some moves to improve the team, or Vassel or somebody becomes a legit costar. He’s just a competitive guy in his prime and will absolutely tire from playing in non playoff bound teams.

[John B]

DJ is a borderline All-Star. I don’t think he can make that demand until he becomes a certified All-Star. And that includes carrying the team to the playoffs. Getting above .500. All talk.

[BatManu20]

DJ’s not goin anywhere for awhile. He’s a loyal Spur and our only player who’s anywhere near All-Star caliber, so I fully expect him to be here long term. Spurs will likely give him the bag in 2024.

BUT… I can see a scenario where if in 3 years or so, if we’re still sucking ass and missing the playoffs, or we’re nothing more than First Round fodder, he wants a change of scenery and we give it to him. Couldn’t blame him at that point.

[BatManu20]

1537652088389324801

[KingKev]

^ well they better start building a better team.

[buttsR4rebounding]

1537652088389324801

No thickening of the face like Devin. DJM not juicing to achieve peak performance. What kind of an example is that?!?!

[slick'81]

No thickening of the face like Devin. DJM not juicing to achieve peak performance. What kind of an example is that?!?!


hes got reggie miller disease bro. Cant gain weight

[Chinook]

Is DJM willing to be a third or fourth banana? If not, I can't imagine him getting what he wants.

[DPG21920]

Is DJM willing to be a third or fourth banana? If not, I can't imagine him getting what he wants.

I dont see why he wouldn’t - he has not shown anything that would lead me to believe he cares about anything but winning. Problem, SA does not seem likely to land 2-3 better players at the moment…

Not a high enough draft pick, not enough assets to trade for a legit star if one were even available and not a free agent destination due to where team is at. Tough spot

[rascal]

DJ is a borderline All-Star. I don’t think he can make that demand until he becomes a certified All-Star. And that includes carrying the team to the playoffs. Getting above .500. All talk.

I'll go on record saying he won't make the all star team next year.

[slick'81]

I'll go on record saying he won't make the all star team next year.

i dont know, the walking triple double is pretty impressive

[talkspurs]

Is DJM willing to be a third or fourth banana? If not, I can't imagine him getting what he wants.

Its sad how much you still underrate him. You probably would still trade him plus picks for simmons.

[rascal]

i dont know, the walking triple double is pretty impressive

I figure the west will be better. Murray was probably on the inside edge just making the all star team so if the west adds some better players this may knock him out and if other players on the spurs score a little more Murray's scoring totals might fall just a little and he won't make it.

He's a fringe all star and this next season we'll see if he makes it again or falls off a bit in his numbers.

[KingKev]

Is DJM willing to be a third or fourth banana? If not, I can't imagine him getting what he wants.

I don't think Murray cares about being the nightly goto guy or the best player on the team, as long as we are winning. He does so much on both sides of the ball to affect winning, (not to mention his burgeoning leadership) that he is probably best suited to excel as a 2nd-3rd best player type role and just do what is needed on a nightly basis to win.

[Dejounte]

Who was the 3rd best player on the Celtics team? Horford? To say DJ can’t be at minimum a Horford-level player on a winning team is stupid.

Who was the 2nd best player in the Finals for the Warriors? Wiggins? DJ can’t contribute at that level?

this is getting ridiculous.

folks are still confusing this era with the days of old when teams were stacked with two or three elite players.

[Chinook]

Murray compares way more favorably to Horford or Smart than he does to Brown. Saying he probably needs to be the Draymond or hell even Wiggins on a title team isn't an insult, and folks thinking it is shows how out of touch they are with the talent level of the league outside SA. That's not saying who can have a great series. But you have to get to the Finals to have an Iggy run or what LND did in 2013. No one should confuse that with being one of the big three of those clubs

[daslicer]

Not worried about him leaving. He's gotten better but I wouldn't call him a superstar or a generational player. If he leaves, he leaves.

[BatManu20]

1540853910545375232

[TDMVPDPOY]

Not worried about him leaving. He's gotten better but I wouldn't call him a superstar or a generational player. If he leaves, he leaves.

guy pads empty stats...even though its not his fault for crashing the boards when spurs have scrubs upfront afraid to crash the boards...

when the spurs need a counter basket, dont expect coming from him or that other scrub lonnie...

dj aint a volume scorer, he aint going to change much offensively from what he is now...just borderline 20-21ppg is good enough for him, but not good enough for the spurs who really need that volume scorer

[slick'81]

Murray would of looked trash in that hawks red:lol

[Ice009]

guy pads empty stats...even though its not his fault for crashing the boards when spurs have scrubs upfront afraid to crash the boards...

when the spurs need a counter basket, dont expect coming from him or that other scrub lonnie...

dj aint a volume scorer, he aint going to change much offensively from what he is now...just borderline 20-21ppg is good enough for him, but not good enough for the spurs who really need that volume scorer

Dejounte averaged 25ppg for the month of March. What do you mean he isn't going to get better. He got better and better just in each month of the season. He got sick and didn't get to show what he could do in April (he only played the 1 game).

[jermaine]

He's too to emotional.

[John B]

guy pads empty stats...even though its not his fault for crashing the boards when spurs have scrubs upfront afraid to crash the boards...

when the spurs need a counter basket, dont expect coming from him or that other scrub lonnie...

dj aint a volume scorer, he aint going to change much offensively from what he is now...just borderline 20-21ppg is good enough for him, but not good enough for the spurs who really need that volume scorer

Bruh we have Brahnam coming. He’s a volume scorer. Plus Devin, Primo, Zollins should all be better.

What I don’t like about DJ is he gambles for a steal, and sometimes he gets burn and his guy blows him by. I rather he stays in front and lock his guy down. That I suspect he pads a little, I hate to say it. I think he could do a better job being a lockdown defender, but he loses that steals king stat. Just my observation.

[Atl Spur]

I would still trade murray while his stock is sky high and get draft capital & assets. He will not lead us to a chip…..

Yepper!

[tim_duncan_fan]

Good call.

[illusioNtEk]

I was against moving Murray at the start... but after some of his instagram post the dude is stupid af. No way he can lead a city with his bull shit.

[KingKev]

DJ living it up in Abu Dhabi ahead of Mil/ATL exhibition game. Probs about to shit on some IG thotties with Arab Sheikhs on a yacht.

you think he misses us?!?

[Sugus]

DJ living it up in Abu Dhabi ahead of Mil/ATL exhibition game. Probs about to shit on some IG thotties with Arab Sheikhs on a yacht.

you think he misses us?!?

Not right now particularly, but I would bet he will in the mid-long future, tbh. Being "the guy" on an NBA team is the dream for many, many players, and as long as Trae is still in ATL, he'll never get that; and Dejounte specifically has the personality type where that could matter to him significantly.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him yearn for the "good old days", especially if the pairing doesn't work as expected and he's shipped out (ofc he's the first to go between him and Trae) and goes on to have a "journeyman" type career. We'll see.

[rjv]

DJ shouldn't miss us any more than spurs fans should miss him.

[KingKev]

Not right now particularly, but I would bet he will in the mid-long future, tbh. Being "the guy" on an NBA team is the dream for many, many players, and as long as Trae is still in ATL, he'll never get that; and Dejounte specifically has the personality type where that could matter to him significantly.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him yearn for the "good old days", especially if the pairing doesn't work as expected and he's shipped out (ofc he's the first to go between him and Trae) and goes on to have a "journeyman" type career. We'll see.

This isn’t Stephen Jackson leaving a budding dynasty to get paid. DJ is going to get paid longer term regardless and most likely wins more games along the way. It’s a no-brainer.

[KingKev]

NBA ALL-STAR and former Spurs legend Dejounte Murray is about to tipoff his first game as a Hawk.

Go Dejounte Go!!!!

[KingKev]

Murray balling the fuck out.

[KingKev]

25pts, 9assts, 8Rebs, 2blks on 9/13 shooting. His low post D against bigger players was very impressive.

[Atl Spur]

Good deal for both! I love it for us…..

[Ice009]

Like I said, he was playing great as each month of the season went on. His scoring average from Oct. to March (can't count April as he was out sick) was going up and up each month. I think he finished March averaging 25ppg for the month. I think we would have seen a 25ppg+ scorer had he stayed.

[Sugus]

This isn’t Stephen Jackson leaving a budding dynasty to get paid. DJ is going to get paid longer term regardless and most likely wins more games along the way. It’s a no-brainer.

I don't disagree, but that's not what you asked either. Money and winning are great, sure, but many players before Dejounte have harshly discovered that there's more to life than that. Fan love and having a place to call Home are important, too, and DJ's career could quite easily turn around into him not having that in the future.

Take Durant, for example, who doesn't even like the one team that will probably retire his jersey (Dubs) and has many times more haters than fans across all 30 teams. Or the classic "they don't love you like that!" bit between Pierce and Draymond. Or etcetera. Once the years start adding up and he takes a long, hard look at his career - I think Dejounte very well could come to miss the Spurs and cherish the years he spent in the "family" and being "the dog" of the young squad.



...or maybe he three-peats with Trae in ATL and has a home there forever, who knows. I was just making the point.

[Leetonidas]

no one was playing any defense in that game against Milwaukee :lol

[Rocalcio]

His Top 10 action where he blocks Portis is laughable... The guy does a nice block indeed, but then instead of following his action and securing the rebounds, he stares at Portis in order to mock him. That results in Milwaukee getting the rebound. Damn he's become such an asshole...

[KingKev]

His Top 10 action where he blocks Portis is laughable... The guy does a nice block indeed, but then instead of following his action and securing the rebounds, he stares at Portis in order to mock him. That results in Milwaukee getting the rebound. Damn he's become such an asshole...

So this is a great example where the Spurs helped him be a better player. He can’t get away with that in a real NBA game when there are real consequences. The flipside is he is in Abu Dhabi for a meaningless exhibition game giving the fans what they want.

[KingKev]

I don't disagree, but that's not what you asked either. Money and winning are great, sure, but many players before Dejounte have harshly discovered that there's more to life than that. Fan love and having a place to call Home are important, too, and DJ's career could quite easily turn around into him not having that in the future.

Take Durant, for example, who doesn't even like the one team that will probably retire his jersey (Dubs) and has many times more haters than fans across all 30 teams. Or the classic "they don't love you like that!" bit between Pierce and Draymond. Or etcetera. Once the years start adding up and he takes a long, hard look at his career - I think Dejounte very well could come to miss the Spurs and cherish the years he spent in the "family" and being "the dog" of the young squad.



...or maybe he three-peats with Trae in ATL and has a home there forever, who knows. I was just making the point.

I’m not calling for great things in Atlanta but he is already going to be in a better situation from the jump. Financially, lifestyle, standard of living, women, restaurants, nightlife.

My worry is he needs someone around to humble him. Otherwise he’ll be good.

[ismael-robert]

Atl higher cost so maybe not financially. San Antonio is globally recognized for its culinary scene ...maybe more high end restaurants in atl but not necessarily unique flavors

[jermaine]

Dj will get caught with a Trans in ATL. They all do.