Penitentiary Chapel of: Dewayne Dedmon "Walking"

[tmtcsc]

Let's hope he gets some quality minutes beside LMA or Gasol....before he's gone.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlpKguqgbyI

[freemeat]

https://youtu.be/xJ2aqSjSWyI

I like Dedmon Walking (love the nickname) so much better than Boban for the Spurs. Boban is fan fun, but you can't use him more than 15-20 minutes per in today's game. Walking is clearly more athletic, and his long arms hide his strength. He has the kind of highlights in this video just about every game and SA is a great place for him to pick up some polish to his handles and court IQ.

He gets to learn from guys like Aldridge and Gasol, too. He also may have a chance to share the court with Duncan, even if he does retire, and much of what these vets have to teach is useless to a player with Boban's frame and coordination. Walking can absorb a lot.

This salary (2/$6) is going to look bonkers when he comes up for a new contract. Great pick-up.

[r0drig0lac]

in

[tmtcsc]

The videos of him look good. Once he learns to block shots AND control them, he's going to be even better. The Spurs need defense, rebounding and easy buckets. Dedmon Walking can provide that.

[turkish spurs fan]

change your pp

[Blackjack]

Sounds like something heard on a Jamaican Deathrow.

[tmtcsc]

change your pp

No. I like my pp just the way it is. My pp is legend and the subject of many compliments. Feel free to ask around. Many people send me private messages regarding my pp, wanting to see more.

[tholdren]

He needs to go talk Dwyane Wade and settle the phonics once and for all

[tim_duncan_fan]

Saw a couple highlights.

What's wrong with him?

Why were we able to get him?

[slick'81]

Saw a couple highlights.

What's wrong with him?

Why were we able to get him?


fouls alot.but his 32 inch vertcal aint bad

[sasaint]

fouls alot.but his 32 inch vertcal aint bad

The fouls are a big concern. They are usually an indication of laziness, lack of quickness or low BBIQ.

[ceperez]

The fouls are a big concern. They are usually an indication of laziness, lack of quickness or low BBIQ.

Can't be laziness since he supposedly has a pretty good motor.

Can't be quickness since he seems to be like a guy on pogo sticks.

Low BBIQ, likely since he didn't play at all in high school. We can't expect to see the savvy that Duncan had.

[sasaint]

Can't be laziness since he supposedly has a pretty good motor.

Can't be quickness since he seems to be like a guy on pogo sticks.

Low BBIQ, likely since he didn't play at all in high school. We can't expect to see the savvy that Duncan had.

Hopefully Tim will be around the team, whether as a player or otherwise. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Dedmon's IQ improves a bunch from being around Tim, Pau and LMA.

[Drom John]

Willie [via mobile]

Plumlee's contract, how big of an overpay?


Kevin Pelton (12:19 PM)

He's paid as a good backup or low-end starting center, which is about what he's been in the league. The problem is the supply of those players in the NBA right now greatly exceeds the demand for them. There are probably 50-60 players who could be plausibly said to be that good or better, and while some of them got a lot more than Plumlee (Timofey Mozgov, for example), some of them got the room exception (DeWayne Dedmon) or even near minimum salary (Willie Reed).

[dylankerouac]

Checking in! Looking forward to watching Dedmon play. Hope he's working on his game this summer too.

[T Park]

Hopefully Tim will be around the team, whether as a player or otherwise. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Dedmon's IQ improves a bunch from being around Tim, Pau and LMA.

Duncan will not be a coach. If anything a GM of some sort that stays home but not a coach.

[Ocotillo]

Remember when Boylen was brought in to be the big man specialist coach.

[cutewizard]

Is Thomas Robinson still available??

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeM_d6ak1Js

[SPURt]

Well named thread lol!

[2centsworth]

We may have a sleeper in Dewayne. Looks like he only started played organized ball a few years ago.

https://vimeo.com/31976646

[AFMadison]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeM_d6ak1Js
Don't know if I should be excited to see Dedmon or worried about Pau.

[NickiRasgo]

He looks like Aaron Brooks for some reason. lol

[jermaine]

He looks like Aaron Brooks for some reason. lol

I 2nd that notion.

[look_at_g_shred]

I don't get what the title means.

[NickiRasgo]

I don't get what the title means.

"Dead Man Walking"

[tmtcsc]

One thing is certain, he can finish strong. The Spurs haven't had such an athletic Center since young DRob.

[tholdren]

Dewayne versus Dwyane which is better and why?

[slick'81]

One thing is certain, he can finish strong. The Spurs haven't had such an athletic Center since young DRob.


David was a freak.dedmon isnt close but he is physical and will go strong ,i like that.It reminds me when fans said man no big ran the court like francisco elson since david :lol

[Spurtacular]

Let's hope he gets some quality minutes beside LMA or Gasol....before he's gone.

Who says he's going anytime soon? My understanding is he can be a quality back-up. I mean, I still think the Spurs should've held onto Boban at all costs; but I ain't gonna hate on Dedmon for that. He could work out from what I see.

[ambchang]

Fouls too much, horrible shooting touch, great motor, athletic.

Elson, Keon Clark type of player is his ceiling.

[BillMc]

Not sure if already posted. Dedmon shooting outside:


http://vk.com/video-53931403_456239639

[dylankerouac]

Looks good. :ihit

[monkeypunk]

Looks good but soooo slow to get his shot off. Hopefully Chip can magic some shit up

[gambit1990]

really wanna see ginobili and kawhi run pick n rolls with him.

[SAGirl]

751079765809901568

[jyra]

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Dedmon-plans-to-give-Spurs-more-of-the-same-with-8477959.php?t=1775879414bc83a41f&cmpid=twitter-premium

Some interesting bits in there:


“I’d rather beat the Warriors,” Dedmon said Wednesday. “That’s just who I am. I just want to beat the best team.”

Dedmon said he felt the Spurs were a better fit as he envisions being able to develop more under the watchful eye of Gregg Popovich’s staff.

“They have two seasoned vets,” Dedmon said of LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol. “I’m coming into my fourth season, so what better than to go to a team that I can learn from two of the top tier bigs in the league right now? I felt like it was a great opportunity to put myself in a good situation to excel my career.”

“I figure the better screen you set, the more somebody is going be open. Whether it’s yourself or the guy handling the ball or the guy on the weak side, somebody is always going to be open,” he said.

“I really studied it. I feel like that was going to be my niche to get me in the league and to stay around.”

[kxs783kms]

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Dedmon-plans-to-give-Spurs-more-of-the-same-with-8477959.php?t=1775879414bc83a41f&cmpid=twitter-premium

Some interesting bits in there:

Loving this guy already!

[jermaine]

Not sure if already posted. Dedmon shooting outside:


http://vk.com/video-53931403_456239639

Now someone post a video of Dwight Howard doing that!! Don't worry, I'll wait!

[I. Hustle]

Is it weird that I'm hard?

[DeRozan m8]

I have high hopes for Dedmon, hopefully he can be DeAndre Jordan if DeAndre Jordan had a game.

[loveforthegame]

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Dedmon-plans-to-give-Spurs-more-of-the-same-with-8477959.php?t=1775879414bc83a41f&cmpid=twitter-premium

Some interesting bits in there:

Good stuff. Thanks for posting. :tu

Saying all the right things. Wants to learn and get better. Love his mentality.

[cutewizard]

Dedmon and David Lee would be complementary!!!

[cutewizard]

I am getting to like this Dedmon...................

Dedmon, and then Lee, and then Bertanssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss the far-shooter!

fuck the warriors, bring them on!!!!!

[gambit1990]

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Dedmon-plans-to-give-Spurs-more-of-the-same-with-8477959.php?t=1775879414bc83a41f&cmpid=twitter-premium

Some interesting bits in there:
awesome to hear that from him. he will pair nicely with either lma or pau. and manu. will easily be better than elson.

[K...]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/breaking-down-the-most-underrated-player-on-each-nba-team/



Spurs really are the anti-Lakers. Nearly everyone on this team is underrated. Dedmon is 26 in his third year in the league and has worked his way up from the D-League. He's a really solid rim protector and standard big man for a team that is all of a sudden lacking in front-court depth. He'll outperform expectations like all these guys the Spurs sign do, and we'll all wonder how the Spurs saw what so few others did.


I do think dedmon is underrated. Pau is great, but dedmon will be a terror on the bench. He's much more conventionally useful than Boban who was too slow for the NBA. Dedmon will be the anti boban in that he'll struggle in the rs with fouls but hopefully will be ready for the playoffs were fouls are bit less ticky tacky.

[SAGirl]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/breaking-down-the-most-underrated-player-on-each-nba-team/





I do think dedmon is underrated. Pau is great, but dedmon will be a terror on the bench. He's much more conventionally useful than Boban who was too slow for the NBA. Dedmon will be the anti boban in that he'll struggle in the rs with fouls but hopefully will be ready for the playoffs were fouls are bit less ticky tacky.
Agreed. I look forward to watching him. :tu

[Seventyniner]

as every advanced metric pours urine on Aron Baynes' impact

Ouch.

[K...]

Ouch.

Plus the shitty hair cut he got

[alpha_HaZE]

If he stops fouling, we may have something. Cheers to that!

[ceperez]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/breaking-down-the-most-underrated-player-on-each-nba-team/





I do think dedmon is underrated. Pau is great, but dedmon will be a terror on the bench. He's much more conventionally useful than Boban who was too slow for the NBA. Dedmon will be the anti boban in that he'll struggle in the rs with fouls but hopefully will be ready for the playoffs were fouls are bit less ticky tacky.

I wouldn't be too optimistic, he could turn out to be another Jeff Ayres.

[SPURt]

I wouldn't be too optimistic, he could turn out to be another Jeff Ayres.
Unfortunately Timmy won't be there to dry his tears:
http://giant.gfycat.com/ThunderousDishonestIncatern.gif

[Dex]

If he stops fouling, we may have something. Cheers to that!

If there is a team that can (and will) teach a player to stop fouling...it's the Spurs. Coaching staff is gonna be on his ass like white on rice in training camp.

He's a young player and has plenty of time to hone his game...I'm excited to see what he can do.

[SAGirl]

I wouldn't be too optimistic, he could turn out to be another Jeff Ayres.
I hope I am wrong but that might be Livio... and I do hope he proves me wrong.

[jehawk81]

I'll be honest & admit I haven't seen any Dedmon tape other than his highlights against Chicago, but other than jumping pretty high, his "athleticism" doesn't really stand out. He doesn't seem to be decisive in his footwork... i guess I'll have to look at more film on him

[Maddog]

I wouldn't be too optimistic, he could turn out to be another Jeff Ayres.

In three years he has already logged almost as many minutes as Ayres has in 6.
Bigger
Rebounds at a higher per 36 rate
So a lot of reasons to think he will be better-
That said- it still doesn't guarantee him to be a rotation player...
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=1&hint=Dewayne+Dedmon&player_id1_select=Dewayne+Dedmon&player_id1=dedmode01&hint=Jeff+Ayres&player_id2_select=Jeff+Ayres&player_id2=pendeje02

[gambit1990]

In three years he has already logged almost as many minutes as Ayres has in 6.
Bigger
Rebounds at a higher per 36 rate
So a lot of reasons to think he will be better-
That said- it still doesn't guarantee him to be a rotation player...
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=1&hint=Dewayne+Dedmon&player_id1_select=Dewayne+Dedmon&player_id1=dedmode01&hint=Jeff+Ayres&player_id2_select=Jeff+Ayres&player_id2=pendeje02
he will be in the rotation and make solid, much needed contributions.

[cutewizard]

:bobo

[sasaint]

In three years he has already logged almost as many minutes as Ayres has in 6.
Bigger
Rebounds at a higher per 36 rate
So a lot of reasons to think he will be better-
That said- it still doesn't guarantee him to be a rotation player...
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=1&hint=Dewayne+Dedmon&player_id1_select=Dewayne+Dedmon&player_id1=dedmode01&hint=Jeff+Ayres&player_id2_select=Jeff+Ayres&player_id2=pendeje02

Dedmon absolutely MUST be a rotation player for the Spurs to be successful - and not just a fringe rotation player, but one who logs 15-20 effective minutes per game. He will be crucial to the Spurs' playoff success.

[gambit1990]

a dedmon injury would spell trouble.

[SAGirl]

https://www.reddit.com/r/OrlandoMagic/comments/32swjj/season_overview_dewayne_dedmon_oc/
It's a past review from an orlando magic fan of Dedmon's 14-15 season.

Pros: Offensive efficiency: Dedmon shot an efficient 56% from the field, and shot 67% at the rim. A majority of his shots were dunks and putbacks. He could occasionally hit a jump shot, but it isn’t reliable or consistent enough to be a threat. That is something he needs to improve on in order to expand his offensive range.

Defense: Stellar defender, when not fouling. His defensive shot chart. (http://i.imgur.com/0ocyQ0v.png) An outstanding 47.7% opponent’s FG% is crazy good. Unfortunately he hasn’t had that many shots to go against, since his minutes were limited early in the year. Compare it to Rudy Gobert (almost 4x as many shots contested), who allowed 51% at the rim. If Dedmon can figure out how to defend without fouling, we could be looking at a legit rim protector to likely come off the bench (depending on the draft). He owns a team best defensive rating according to NBA.com/stats (98.5), but basketball reference lists his offesnive and defensive ratings at a much different number.

Rebounding: He averaged just 5 rebounds a game, but his per 36 and rebounding percentages are very good. Per 36 he is averaging 12.6 Rebounds/36, and has a very good DRB% of 24%, and total rebound % of 20. Compare that to one of the best rebounders in the league in Nik Vucevic, who gets 26% of defensive rebounds, and has a 18% total rebounding percentage. These are all adjusted stats and percentages, so obviously these will not translate perfectly, but it is a good indicator.

Cons:

Fouling: It’s a terrible issue that plagued Kyle O’Quinn, and he has lost significant minutes in the rotation because of it (and other reasons). He averaged 6 fouls per 36 minutes, which is an incredibly high rate. It must be fixed in order for him to achieve his defensive potential. From watching, it seems a lot of his fouls come from trying too hard on blocks. According to NBASavant.com, 61 of his fouls this year came on shooting fouls, which was the highest category for him (compared to personal, loose ball, 3 second, etc).

Shooting: Doesn’t really offer a lot outside of dunks and putbacks. Needs to add more versatility.

Turnovers: 21% turnover percentage, and can occasionally try too hard on the offensive end with playmaking. Makes a lot of unnecessarily flashy passes that go straight out of bounds. Also gets a ton of offensive fouls. I would imagine moving picks are a good amount of them.

Overall: I see DeWayne Dedmon evolving into a Tyson Chandler-esque player. Both make a living on dunks, and do not have versatile offensive games. Chandler is still a well above average defensive center, and if Dedmon can come close to Chandler’s success, the Magic will have found a real steal. Here is a comparison of their careers, Dedmon’s 2 seasons, and Chandler’s first few, when he was still adjusting to the NBA and fouling a lot. (http://i.imgur.com/x2z2JuT.png). Could also be a better defender version of Brandan Wright. Wright plays well off of P&R, but I haven't seen the Magic run P&R with Dedmon very often. Offensively, Wright and Dedmon could be comparable, but defensively Dedmon has a big advantage.

[SAGirl]

785967069934129152


The Magic’s defense improved dramatically with a leaper like Dedmon patrolling the paint.
“He changed the game for us defensively,” Borrego said. “But still in a very young, raw way. He was still learning the game.”
So green was Dedmon in Orlando that he didn’t know what he didn’t know.
“He had to learn what a pick and roll was,” Borrego said.

[fonzy16]

“He had to learn what a pick and roll was,” Borrego said.

:wow:depressed

[ceperez]

785967069934129152

As expected, the guy is a project. Sheesh, consider how complex the Spurs offense and defense are, I just don't see how he can even stay on the court come playoff time! You just never know when somebody gets so overwhelmed and basically quit and give up. Spurs players have to be tough mentally and you just don't know if Dedmon has it.

[playbonner15]

:pop: ' He's like Bruce Bowen'
http://news4sanantonio.com/sports/spurs-zone/spurs-popovich-compares-dewayne-dedmon-to-bruce-bowen

LMAO Pop trying to bait ST :lol

[xellos88330]

Loved his defensive energy out there vs Warriors. That is the best I have seen him as a Spur. I hope he keeps it up. The Spurs need that mobile defense. Get it done Dedmon!!!

The name of this church would be perfect if he does in fact become the lockdown defender he has the physical tools to be. LOL!!!

[rjv]

dedmon looked good the other night. having him in the rotation of bigs this season gives the spurs the flexibility they lacked last season. gasol can be there against teams like the thunder and dedmon can be thrown in against teams with smaller and quicker lineups.

[TheDoctor]

Offensively he didn't play that well, but defensively I thought he played very good. Loved his energy and activity :king

[rjv]

Offensively he didn't play that well, but defensively I thought he played very good. Loved his energy and activity :king

agreed. and really, there was no need for him to be contributing offensively. he was the perfect compliment to aldridge.

[ceperez]

Now that I've seen how effectively a low basketball IQ player like Dedmon can play with the Spurs, waiving LJC may have not been the wisest of moves. I don't know who Laprovitolla can even get in the court with both Parker and Mills playing well.

[TimDunkem]

Another shit take from ceperez. LJC sucks and brought nothing to the team. Not to mention he's physically weak and was being pushed around like a child every time he stepped on the floor.

[bklynspursfan]

People were ready to crucify the guy so early , it's funny. He was quite good in the opener, and hopefully he continues to improve.

[apalisoc_9]

Dedmon was great against GSW. Briliant and fast switches...really challenged the twinkd when he was switched to the perimeter.

He got his dunked blocked by the rim though. :lol

[TheDoctor]

agreed. and really, there was no need for him to be contributing offensively. he was the perfect compliment to aldridge.

Exactly. Last night watching the HOU/LAL game, just imagined Clint Capela instead of Dedmon? Damn the possibilities.

[TheyCallMePro]

My impression of Dedmon's first game:

He has terrible hands. Couldn't catch anything. Hopefully it was because of nerves with a new team and the first game.

Otherwise, looked very athletic and energetic. I like his potential. But we have got to stop trying to feed him inside. He's not catching any of those nifty passes from Parker or Ginobili. No way in Hell.

[Chinook]

I don't think folks realize that bigs by and large don't have good hands. The Spurs have been spoiled with skilled bigs for years, but that has made their guards too comfortable with their passes. Dedmon is fine if you throw it above the rim and let him get it. What he's not comfortable with is what bigs traditionally not comfortable which, and that's catching bounce-passes or quick big-to-big tosses.

It's going to take adjustment by every one to get him to play his best.

[TheDoctor]

My impression of Dedmon's first game:

He has terrible hands. Couldn't catch anything. Hopefully it was because of nerves with a new team and the first game.

Otherwise, looked very athletic and energetic. I like his potential. But we have got to stop trying to feed him inside. He's not catching any of those nifty passes from Parker or Ginobili. No way in Hell.

He's our new "His Ayresness" but taller and with much better defensive attributes :lol He even fumbled a 4ft LMA pass.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Dedmon is basically a poor man's Ben Wallace. Terrible hands in the paint, can only score around the rim, but an excellent defensive big overall including the pick and roll.

[tmtcsc]

I liked what I saw from him. I'm not concerned about his scoring. I want to see the defensive effort and rebounding. He is an active body - which is good.

[SAGirl]

People were ready to crucify the guy so early , it's funny. He was quite good in the opener, and hopefully he continues to improve.overreaction is almost synonymous with Spurstalk. I am guilty of it myself, though I try not to. I wait for several games to react, guys here call shots with just one game.

Having said that, he's definitely looked improved bc he's sticking to his strengths and not trying to do too much offensively. He's not going to be that good on offense, thus Pop with the Bowen comment, he has to stick to what he does well. Defense is what will get him playing time and he showed how he can affect a game with defense.

[kobyz]

It was a fluke game against the warriors, he's too raw without good feel for the game to keep it up, don't look for a to become biyombo anytime soon...

[RLT]

I also liked what I saw but there were a couple "new guy" mistakes. Give him some time to get used to everything.

Side note: I really miss Boris and Tiago.

[bklynspursfan]

overreaction is almost synonymous with Spurstalk. I am guilty of it myself, though I try not to. I wait for several games to react, guys here call shots with just one game.

Having said that, he's definitely looked improved bc he's sticking to his strengths and not trying to do too much offensively. He's not going to be that good on offense, thus Pop with the Bowen comment, he has to stick to what he does well. Defense is what will get him playing time and he showed how he can affect a game with defense.

Yea.. It's easy to be caught in the moment, but it's best to give these guys at least a couple months. Especially new guys.

I was impressed with his rebounding, and ability to defend on the perimeter. He doesn't need to be an offensive threat, but if he could add a little like what DeAndre Jordan has with his ability to pick and roll to the basket, it'd be a big plus IMO

[HarlemHeat37]

He was my #1 off-season target for the Spurs, but the expectations have to be realistic..he's never going to be effective in a role that asks for more than 15-20 MPG, tbh..15 MPG as a defender/rebounder is ideal..limiting his minutes will maximize his contributions, as his tendency to foul and his complete lack of offensive ability would be exposed in an extended role..

Ideally, he'll carve out as a role as a legit backup C on a friendly contract..

[spurraider21]

He was my #1 off-season target for the Spurs, but the expectations have to be realistic..he's never going to be effective in a role that asks for more than 15-20 MPG, tbh..15 MPG as a defender/rebounder is ideal..limiting his minutes will maximize his contributions, as his tendency to foul and his complete lack of offensive ability would be exposed in an extended role..

Ideally, he'll carve out as a role as a legit backup C on a friendly contract..
2 year deal is nice but we've seen spurs backup bigs get priced out once they hit the market... look at baynes and boban

[SAGirl]

Yea.. It's easy to be caught in the moment, but it's best to give these guys at least a couple months. Especially new guys.

I was impressed with his rebounding, and ability to defend on the perimeter. He doesn't need to be an offensive threat, but if he could add a little like what DeAndre Jordan has with his ability to pick and roll to the basket, it'd be a big plus IMO

Two things: 1. they will need space in the paint for the PnR to really work... I know we disagree, but I think in time they will need a shooter at the 4 in the bench to work optimally. I suspect Bertans will start to get time through the season. He has really been impressive and as Manu already said: he will play. It's just unknown right now, but I think they will need space for the PnR to work optimally and will need someone who can hit a jumpshot at the 4. 2. this goes right with what you are saying, they need chemistry too. Eventually I think they will get a feel for how to play with him and vice-versa. Him not being that skilled means it's not necessary that they get him involved all the time. He probably will be better scoring on put backs and stuff like that. He may get the occasional lob but you can't safely throw lobs when there are others in the paint (2 non space providing bigs create that problem).

Although I said two things, here's me saving myself from my own early predictions: it's really too soon to tell in reality. It will take at least a month per coach to see how the rotations even come together and who plays better with who and the Danny injury has thrown an early wrench. Though J.Simms had a great game, he won't always have games like that, and I suspect Anderson will not be banished for all eternity either. Others will be rotated in.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

:pop: ' He's like Bruce Bowen'
http://news4sanantonio.com/sports/spurs-zone/spurs-popovich-compares-dewayne-dedmon-to-bruce-bowen

LMAO Pop trying to bait ST :lol

After game 1 I see what Pop means, the guy puts all his effort on the defensive side of the ball and he is extremely effective as well. He made GS life a living hell driving to the paint and guarding on the perimeter off the pick and roll. If he continues to play defense like this and actually gets better, I wouldn't care if his offense was crap like another bigman, who won 4 straight DPOY awards.

[SAGirl]

He was my #1 off-season target for the Spurs, but the expectations have to be realistic..he's never going to be effective in a role that asks for more than 15-20 MPG, tbh..15 MPG as a defender/rebounder is ideal..limiting his minutes will maximize his contributions, as his tendency to foul and his complete lack of offensive ability would be exposed in an extended role..

Ideally, he'll carve out as a role as a legit backup C on a friendly contract..He has a player option after this season... and Spurs have FA like Mills and Simmons. The next offseason in 2017 is a mystery. He is one of several guys playing for a contract right now and we can speculate whether Spurs at this point want to prioritize retaining their guys or go after some big fish (from what I have seen it's not possible if Gasol opts in etc. and it's really not my forte to talk about that, but just retaining their guys may be what they do specially if all 3 play well, and if the team wins a championship, then you need no more...) Still game 1 of 82, it's a long season though.

[bklynspursfan]

Two things: 1. they will need space in the paint for the PnR to really work... I know we disagree, but I think in time they will need a shooter at the 4 in the bench to work optimally. I suspect Bertans will start to get time through the season. He has really been impressive and as Manu already said: he will play. It's just unknown right now, but I think they will need space for the PnR to work optimally and will need someone who can hit a jumpshot at the 4. 2. this goes right with what you are saying, they need chemistry too. Eventually I think they will get a feel for how to play with him and vice-versa. Him not being that skilled means it's not necessary that they get him involved all the time. He probably will be better scoring on put backs and stuff like that. He may get the occasional lob but you can't safely throw lobs when there are others in the paint (2 non space providing bigs create that problem).

Although I said two things, here's me saving myself from my own early predictions: it's really too soon to tell in reality. It will take at least a month per coach to see how the rotations even come together and who plays better with who and the Danny injury has thrown an early wrench. Though J.Simms had a great game, he won't always have games like that, and I suspect Anderson will not be banished for all eternity either. Others will be rotated in.

I think they can have the space, even with Lee. He's a capable ball handler and is comfortable with the ball at the top of the key, and orchestrating. And his mid range is respectable enough where he can't just be left. It's not like Splitter out there with the ball where teams would dare him to shoot. Bertans may get time, and it may be dependent on matchups. But I could see him playing some minutes at the 3, and keeping the 4/5 with Lee/Dedmon. They had a combined 14 rebounds between them in 11/17 minutes respectably (6 & 8) Rebounding on the 2nd unit was a glaring hole for us last season. So having 2 guys who can create extra opportunities and prevent 2nd chance opportunities for opposing teams is something that I can't see Pop going away from.

That 2nd unit in the 1st game had a very free flowing game. Lots of movement, off-ball action, etc... Spacing was not an issue at all, so I guess for me I see it's certainly possible for them to make it work, and the issue of "spacing" may be a bit exaggerated. As long as they are pushing the pace, spacing will be a minimal issue. And that unit likes to push the pace... Again, it could be matchup dependent now and diff lineups will play more/less depending on the opponent. But it's hard for me to see Pop go away from having 2 guys who are strong rebounding bigs, especially when so many teams try to play smaller. We have to play to our advantages IMO.

And no way will Anderson be banished for all eternity haha.. Idk if he'll get the minute spike we thought if he continues to show similar flaws as last year, but time will tell.

[cd98]

Now that I've seen how effectively a low basketball IQ player like Dedmon can play with the Spurs, waiving LJC may have not been the wisest of moves. I don't know who Laprovitolla can even get in the court with both Parker and Mills playing well.

I think Laprovitolla made the team precisely b/c Parker will be playing less and getting more rest games. We need 3 pgs on the team and it appears the Spurs aren't ready to use Murry as a PG (and he'll be in Austin a lot). He will see minutes this year. LJC would never see the court and his basketball IQ makes Dedmon look like a Rhodes Scholar.

[SAGirl]

I think they can have the space, even with Lee. He's a capable ball handler and is comfortable with the ball at the top of the key, and orchestrating. And his mid range is respectable enough where he can't just be left. It's not like Splitter out there with the ball where teams would dare him to shoot. Bertans may get time, and it may be dependent on matchups. But I could see him playing some minutes at the 3, and keeping the 4/5 with Lee/Dedmon. They had a combined 14 rebounds between them in 11/17 minutes respectably (6 & 8) Rebounding on the 2nd unit was a glaring hole for us last season. So having 2 guys who can create extra opportunities and prevent 2nd chance opportunities for opposing teams is something that I can't see Pop going away from.

That 2nd unit in the 1st game had a very free flowing game. Lots of movement, off-ball action, etc... Spacing was not an issue at all, so I guess for me I see it's certainly possible for them to make it work, and the issue of "spacing" may be a bit exaggerated. As long as they are pushing the pace, spacing will be a minimal issue. And that unit likes to push the pace... Again, it could be matchup dependent now and diff lineups will play more/less depending on the opponent. But it's hard for me to see Pop go away from having 2 guys who are strong rebounding bigs, especially when so many teams try to play smaller. We have to play to our advantages IMO.

And no way will Anderson be banished for all eternity haha.. Idk if he'll get the minute spike we thought if he continues to show similar flaws as last year, but time will tell.

Your speculation is as good as mine this early, but from what I have seen so far, Pop wants Bertans as a strict 4. I caution you to not overreact to Anderson. He was playing off LMA and Kawhi, with Tony and Pau there as well, so he's the 5th guy. He may not show much while he's there. Probably the only thing they want is what they wanted from Danny, to hit an open shot when he has it and be active defensively. We may not see much from him in that lineup, but he also needs chemistry as everyone else. That is not to say he hasn't earned his keep in practices, Pop just picked up his option so they liked what they have seen. I am not overreacting to his 1 game either.

[bklynspursfan]

Your speculation is as good as mine this early, but from what I have seen so far, Pop wants Bertans as a strict 4. I caution you to not overreact to Anderson. He was playing off LMA and Kawhi, with Tony and Pau there as well, so he's the 5th guy. He may not show much while he's there. Probably the only thing they want is what they wanted from Danny, to hit an open shot when he has it and be active defensively. We may not see much from him in that lineup, but he also needs chemistry as everyone else. That is not to say he hasn't earned his keep in practices, Pop just picked up his option so they liked what they have seen. I am not overreacting to his 1 game either.

Oh, I know it's different territory for him. The biggest thing I guess that shouldn't be an issue, regardless of who he's on the court with is his reluctance to shoot. So that's gotta improve, no matter who he's out there with. And with him starting, he's got a real opportunity to get open looks with that unit.

Re: Bertans, I don't know enough about Pop's plans for him. I just know how big he is on rebounding the ball and realizing how much OKC hurt us on the glass in the playoffs. It was 1 of our biggest weaknesses that is potentially addressed with a Lee/Dedmon combo on most nights. It just seems odd he'd give that up, but we'll have a better idea by January or so i guess

[SAGirl]

Oh, I know it's different territory for him. The biggest thing I guess that shouldn't be an issue, regardless of who he's on the court with is his reluctance to shoot. So that's gotta improve, no matter who he's out there with. And with him starting, he's got a real opportunity to get open looks with that unit.

Re: Bertans, I don't know enough about Pop's plans for him. I just know how big he is on rebounding the ball and realizing how much OKC hurt us on the glass in the playoffs. It was 1 of our biggest weaknesses that is potentially addressed with a Lee/Dedmon combo on most nights. It just seems odd he'd give that up, but we'll have a better idea by January or so i guessThat game was an oddity. Pop is bigger on transition defense than on offensive boarding... It might be a reflection of how bad the GSW situation is on the boards than on how good this team is going to be on the O.Boards.

Bertans said himself Pop told him he'd be a 4 and that is all he's played. I think he could sub in as a 3 in injury situations or garbage time, but he's been very good as a 4. The physicality of the game and his own injury probably makes it a judicious call to bring him along like Pop does with all rookies, but he will play the 4 for sure.... Still this may not be his season, bc he's a rook. We will just have to see.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Dedmon, man he is beasting right now. Seriously, he is looking like Ben Wallace out there on defense the past two games. Hope he keeps this up.

[Gibbz]

Biggest bright spot of the first half.

[MI21]

He shots a better teardrop in that first half than I've seen from Tony since 2014, tbh

[spurs10]

Dedmon, man he is beasting right now. Seriously, he is looking like Ben Wallace out there on defense the past two games. Hope he keeps this up. :tu

[playbonner15]

Sucked in the preseason but seems to turn up his regular season gear. Great pickup

[turkish spurs fan]

if he improves his midrange will be 15m dollar player

[timtonymanu]

I'm in

[SAGirl]

Not much in this chapel lately.. but he's been a beast on defense.


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No news on whether he will suit up, but he reportedly sprained his knee.

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[apalisoc_9]

The warriors would be coasting to a championship right about now if Dedmon picked the warriors....

[Joseph Kony]

He's been solid, needs to quit fumbling shit around the rim and missing easy buckets though

[LakerHater]

798666386050412544

[Ice009]

The warriors would be coasting to a championship right about now if Dedmon picked the warriors....

I'm so glad the Warriors didn't get him. He was exactly what they needed. Hopefully Pop gives him more court time. He's earned it with his defense. I'm assuming the offensive side of the ball (where he's not very good) is the main reason Pop limits his minutes, because otherwise, I just don't see why he's not getting more court time.

[Play Boban]

Deadman has been terrible this year.

[$pursDynasty]

So has Simmons, all that glitters isn't gold, both Simmons and Dedmon left for greener pastures but their best games were in San Antonio. Maybe they both get bought out and can return. Should be "over themselves" by now.

[Chinook]

Dedmon was a fine Spur, and unlike Jon, he'd still be a good player to have at his contract. The issue as far as ST is concerned is that too many folks ignored Dewayne's shortcomings and only looked at his strengths. He was really effective is used in spurts, but his high foul rate and bad hands really made themselves known if he was out there too long against better players. Overall, Poeltl should be better than him going forward, and I say this as a guy who's been skeptical of Jakob for a while now. The Spurs totally missed Dedmon last year when the alternative was Joff, but this year, LMA and Pau are both better, and Poeltl has more future value.

[venitian navigator]

what both players were giving to our team was, more than all, athletic fresh blood and energy....that's something our team is always lacking. They were no high IQ players (and that's the main reason they are not with us anymore), but the energy level was obviously highter with them. I agree both Pau and LMA, as centers, are better players than Deadmon, and I can also agree on the fact that Poeltl has a better perspective as a player, but I frankly still think that Deadmon's game was the kind of complementary game for what our team needed....alas a big man that run the floor like a deer, and jump like a kangaroo for block shots and defensive and offensive rebounds.

[RC_Drunkford]

considering Pop never let Dedmon shoot and one year after Dedmon had the same 3-point percentage that Pau Gasol had, and also taking into consideration his much cheaper contract + better defense I'd definitely preferred to keep Dedmon over Gasol

[pad300]

considering Pop never let Dedmon shoot and one year after Dedmon had the same 3-point percentage that Pau Gasol had, and also taking into consideration his much cheaper contract + better defense I'd definitely preferred to keep Dedmon over Gasol

Yeah, you can say that, but that was never a choice available. The CBA is a bitch sometimes.

[TheGreatYacht]

"Dedmon<3" :lmao

Tell us how his metrics are doing... HarlemHeat37

[Play Boban]

what both players were giving to our team was, more than all, athletic fresh blood and energy....that's something our team is always lacking. They were no high IQ players (and that's the main reason they are not with us anymore), but the energy level was obviously highter with them. I agree both Pau and LMA, as centers, are better players than Deadmon, and I can also agree on the fact that Poeltl has a better perspective as a player, but I frankly still think that Deadmon's game was the kind of complementary game for what our team needed....alas a big man that run the floor like a deer, and jump like a kangaroo for block shots and defensive and offensive rebounds.
This seems racially tinged

[Dverde]

So has Simmons, all that glitters isn't gold, both Simmons and Dedmon left for greener pastures but their best games were in San Antonio. Maybe they both get bought out and can return. Should be "over themselves" by now.

I’m sure they’d rather be in Toronto.