Spurs waive Laprovittola

[TimDunkem]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-waive-nico-laprovittola

[Ron Swanson]

Saving that spot for Timmy.

[BillMc]

Weird. Pop was just praising him a lot about a month ago. Feels like bad karma like waving Butler a year ago

it might mean Murray has developed enough they feel they don't need Nico

[Robz4000]

:cry Timmy coming back!!! :cry

[Canyonero]

Bad decision tbh.

[dabom]

This guy should never have been on the team in the first place.

[Beaverfuzz]

Bringing in some fresh meat.

[timtonymanu]

Somehow Forbes is still on the team though. Nico wasn't good anyways.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Guess the FO sees that Murray is more ready than we think to be our 3rd PG.

[TimDunkem]

This guy should never have been on the team in the first place.
Disagree. He was good enough as a third stringer. Forbes is the one who doesn't belong here.

With that said, Murray is good enough to have made him expendable.

[timtonymanu]

How has Garino been looking in Austin?

[dabom]

I'd drop forbes too.

[TimDunkem]

Waive Anderson next, plz

[Richie]

Really surprised, he didn't look out of his depth in games IMO. Surely we must be bringing someone in otherwise why bother waiving him?

[apalisoc_9]

I suspect they've made a wink wink buyout deal already...Or a trade that involves forbes is happening.

[spursistan]

:wow

who is on the radar? or are they throwing Murray into fire?

[apalisoc_9]

It makes no sense to rely on Murray ( not NBA ready) for a third PG insurance come playoff time.
a trade is happening and it involves a PG.

Thanks for the Hornets game Laprivitolla.

[Raven]

weird. very weird.

[spursistan]

Seems like they are expecting Mills to be gone in the summer? otherwise why was Forbes kept..

[apalisoc_9]

How has Garino been looking in Austin?

Garbage. Cant score even in dleague. Had a few super no offense games.

[dabom]

Seems like they are expecting Mills to be gone in the summer? otherwise why was Forbes kept..

Forbes is in no fucking way comparable to Mills. :lmao

[spursparker9]

Maybe he refused to acknowledge that Manu and Danny are better than him

[Em-City]

I felt he was ok, in doing what was asked/needed from him out there but there are a lot of 3rd string veteran pg options as teams which fall out of playoff contention look to develop youth.

[spursistan]

Forbes is in no fucking way comparable to Mills. :lmao
they probably think he is :lol..just fuckin weird Leprosy getting the cut before him..

[Emperor]

It's sink or swim time for Murray hopefully.

[dabom]

they probably think he is :lol..just fuckin weird Leprosy getting the cut before him..

Spurs are always a class act. It would look bad to cut forbes when his sister had just passed away.

[$pursDynasty]

Maybe he refused to acknowledge that Manu and Danny are better than him
lmao :lmao

[BillMc]

Maybe he refused to acknowledge that Manu and Danny are better than him
:lol

[TheGreatYacht]

Laprosy was the worst player on the roster, and it wasn't close.

Good decision :tu

Norris Cole anyone?

[dabom]

Laprosy was the worst player on the roster, and it wasn't close.

Good decision :tu

Norris Cole anyone?

Fathead?

[timtonymanu]

Spurs are always a class act. It would look bad to cut forbes when his sister had just passed away.

Ehh. Butler's grandpa passed away last season and the team still cut him. Same with Jackson (even though his attitude was poor) losing an unborn child and the team cut him too.

[apalisoc_9]

they probably think he is :lol..just fuckin weird Leprosy getting the cut before him..

Could be that forbes is a more valuable trading piece so if they were going to cut one it would be the least valuable trade assest. 3rd pgs are like super abundant.

[dabom]

Ehh. Butler's grandpa passed away last season and the team still cut him. Same with Jackson (even though his attitude was poor) losing an unborn child and the team cut him too.

This was a young guy though. Those other guys already made their own careers. Opposite side of the spectrum.

[TheGreatYacht]

Fathead?
Fathead will at least not shoot :lol

If Laprosy wasn't throwing lobs to Dedmon or hitting the defender's feet with the ball, he wasn't passing that shit lmao

[szkorhetz]

I am hearing he just got an offer for Europe for roughly the same money but promised starting spot.

PATFO just did him a favor, TBH.

[daledondale]

Bad decision tbh.

[LakerHater]

I am hearing he just got an offer for Europe for roughly the same money but promised starting spot.

PATFO just did him a favor, TBH.

Heard that too, do sounds abt right.

[apalisoc_9]

I am hearing he just got an offer for Europe for roughly the same money but promised starting spot.

PATFO just did him a favor, TBH.

Or it could just be this....

[TheGreatYacht]

He has to go back. #MAGA

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CIOX6MCUEAAENGP.jpg

[spursistan]

I am hearing he just got an offer for Europe for roughly the same money but promised starting spot.

PATFO just did him a favor, TBH.

probably this..

[baseline bum]

Still better than Parker

[apalisoc_9]

Playing in europe and getting paid the same is always a much easier route. Less games. More vacation. Same mone. Legal Drugs. Legal Hookers..

I mean its a no brainer if you are getting paid the same money.

[bklynspursfan]

Somehow Forbes is still on the team though. Nico wasn't good anyways.

I haven't seen anything good from Forbes. Maybe just the logjam at PG

[Canyonero]

Spurs pulling another Scola.

[apalisoc_9]

Plus, cameras isnt all over your ass when you'rw doing your shit since Basketball is not as big as soccer.

Basically you get paid a million dollars playing less games, travelling less, longer off-seasons...and again legal Drugs and Hookers.

I would do the same thing tbh. Specially If I know I am going to spend the rest of my career as a third stringer.

[Spurtacular]

I haven't seen anything good from Forbes. Maybe just the logjam at PG

Yea, Forbes would've been the much better cut. Lapro is a rotation level player. Forbes is a dime a dozen player.

[TheGreatYacht]

813870018878459904

[ElNono]

Interesting. Wonder if he had an offer from Europe or they're just freeing a roster spot. We'll find out soon.

[apalisoc_9]

813870018878459904

So either they have their sight on a Buyout PG or their working on a trade and need roster flexibility.

[Holden_Caulfield]

looks to be setting up the annual dleague call up sweepstakes

[LakerHater]

His Unguaranteed would’ve become guaranteed on 1/10/17

[spursistan]

813870018878459904

Hopefully something in the works to address the backcourt issues :tu

[SAGirl]

Weird. Pop was just praising him a lot about a month ago. Feels like bad karma like waving Butler a year ago

it might mean Murray has developed enough they feel they don't need Nico
... still sad and in shock about Carrie Fisher....
sorry not this forum...
:depressed
Anyways, I hope it means Pop wants to play Murray at every opportunity, which would have left Nico with absolutely no playing time opportunities.

[benefactor]

His Unguaranteed would’ve become guaranteed on 1/10/17
:tu

[LakerHater]

813870466062548992

[SAGirl]

Really surprised, he didn't look out of his depth in games IMO. Surely we must be bringing someone in otherwise why bother waiving him?
Reminds me of DeColo... I think Murray deserves opportunities to develop and Nico wasn't ever going to play at this rate. He's in a one year deal and he wasn't going to earn a contract at this rate. He may have complained, etc.

[SAGirl]

It makes no sense to rely on Murray ( not NBA ready) for a third PG insurance come playoff time.
a trade is happening and it involves a PG.

Thanks for the Hornets game Laprivitolla.
He was good in a few minutes against the Bucks too, was ok against the Wolves. He was fine for a 3rd string PG...could play off the ball too bc he could shoot the 3..

[100%duncan]

He has to go back. #MAGA

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CIOX6MCUEAAENGP.jpg
:lmao

[Kawhitstorm]

:wow

who is on the radar? or are they throwing Murray into fire?

The Mavs just signed Pierre Jackson so that might mean Deron Williams is getting bought out.:wow

[Kawhitstorm]

Seems like they are expecting Mills to be gone in the summer? otherwise why was Forbes kept..

Forbes might be willing to play in the D-League so they can keep him on the roster until they find an upgrade while Leprosy would have wanted to get released so he could play in Europe so might as well cut bait with him early.

[SAGirl]

I am hearing he just got an offer for Europe for roughly the same money but promised starting spot.

PATFO just did him a favor, TBH.
Good to know!!! I thought of DeColo..

[tonight...you]

... still sad and in shock about Carrie Fisher....
sorry not this forum...
:depressed
Anyways, I hope it means Pop wants to play Murray at every opportunity, which would have left Nico with absolutely no playing time opportunities.
She's responsible for Drop Dead Fred.
I shed no tears except for her family.

[BillMc]

... still sad and in shock about Carrie Fisher....
sorry not this forum...
:depressed
Anyways, I hope it means Pop wants to play Murray at every opportunity, which would have left Nico with absolutely no playing time opportunities.

Damn' I didn't know. What a weird place,to,find out. Really saddened . RIP Carrie.

[spursistan]

The Mavs just signed Pierre Jackson so that might mean Deron Williams is getting bought out.:wow

Yep, guaranteed..:wow

813760030533095424

http://worldredeye.com/wp-content/uploads/massupload/1546341-Tony-Parker,-Chris-Paul,-&-Deron-Williams.jpg

Hopefully Porker can do something useful for next 6 months: recruit one of his two buddies to the team..

[tonight...you]

Yep, guaranteed..:wow

813760030533095424

http://worldredeye.com/wp-content/uploads/massupload/1546341-Tony-Parker,-Chris-Paul,-&-Deron-Williams.jpg

Hopefully Porker can do something useful for next 6 months: recruit one of his two buddies to the team..
Hell, he helped get Diaw 2.0 to come...

[tonight...you]

And Deron is so ghey... Big time.

[TD 21]

The Mavs just signed Pierre Jackson so that might mean Deron Williams is getting bought out.:wow

No, it means Barea is out again and they'll continue to cycle through 15th men based on current need.

I'm skeptical, but if Williams gets bought out, it'll probably be post deadline, when they'll have had time to exhaust trade options and likely know whether the playoffs are out of the question. The Cavaliers would be the obvious landing spot.

The Spurs don't need depth at point guard (I'd consider Williams or Calderon, but I'd pass on fringe options) unless Parker or Mills suffers a long term injury, but that's no different than a lot of teams. Murray should suffice in Parker rest games and Ginobili (offense) and Simmons (defense), as a tandem, should as the 3rd option in the playoffs. That might sound underwhelming, but the other elites are no better off.

[jyra]

The Mavs just signed Pierre Jackson so that might mean Deron Williams is getting bought out.:wow


http://www.sportando.com/en/usa/nba/221471/mavs-to-waive-jonathan-gibson.html

[BillMc]

Am I the only one underwhelmed by the idea of signing Deron? Meh...

[szkorhetz]

Deron won't come here.

[tonight...you]

Am I the only one underwhelmed by the idea of signing Deron? Meh...
no
and I didn't capitalize on purpose.

[cjw]

The Spurs don't need depth at point guard (I'd consider Williams or Calderon, but I'd pass on fringe options) unless Parker or Mills suffers a long term injury, but that's no different than a lot of teams. Murray should suffice in Parker rest games and Ginobili (offense) and Simmons (defense), as a tandem, should as the 3rd option in the playoffs. That might sound underwhelming, but the other elites are no better off.


It makes no sense to rely on Murray ( not NBA ready) for a third PG insurance come playoff time.
a trade is happening and it involves a PG.

If the Spurs had been down to Nico come the playoffs, they weren't going anywhere anyway. The fact that it was him and not Forbes shows that they have at least some trust in Murray to play more regular season minutes than initially anticipated.

[gambit1990]

His Unguaranteed would’ve become guaranteed on 1/10/17
same case for forbes?

[tonight...you]

same case for forbes?
Who cares?

[TD 21]

If the Spurs had been down to Nico come the playoffs, they weren't going anywhere anyway. The fact that it was him and not Forbes shows that they have at least some trust in Murray to play more regular season minutes than initially anticipated.

Exactly. No other fringe point guard is changing that either, nor would any likely play ahead of Anderson, who'd unfortunately probably be inserted into the rotation.

[gambit1990]

Who cares?
maybe the person who asked the question.

[Horse]

Damn thought he had potential. Sometimes looked like a mini-Manu

[Strategic]

Isn't D Fish unemployed? Damnit!

[Kawhitstorm]

No, it means Barea is out again and they'll continue to cycle through 15th men based on current need.

They already have a Curry/Harris/Deron rotation at PG & Harris isn't even playing 20 minutes although they are probably easing him in since he was out w/ injury early in the season.


I'm skeptical, but if Williams gets bought out, it'll probably be post deadline, when they'll have had time to exhaust trade options and likely know whether the playoffs are out of the question. The Cavaliers would be the obvious landing spot.

I don't think Deron want to live too far away from his hometown as it seems like he signed w/ Dallas to be around his family after he fell into depression in Brooklyn. If he's bought out then his two options are most likely Rockets or Spurs.


The Spurs don't need depth at point guard (I'd consider Williams or Calderon, but I'd pass on fringe options) unless Parker or Mills suffers a long term injury, but that's no different than a lot of teams. Murray should suffice in Parker rest games and Ginobili (offense) and Simmons (defense), as a tandem, should as the 3rd option in the playoffs. That might sound underwhelming, but the other elites are no better off.

We could do some simple math as far as minutes in the postseason:

Guard minutes: 48 x 2 = 96
Backup 3 minutes: ~12 (more if Kawhi plays small ball 4)

96 + 12 = 108 minutes to be split b/w Porker/Patty/Manure/Danny

Danny: 30
Porker/Manure/Patty: ~ 20 minutes each (60 total)

So, there is about 18 minutes left which can be used on a guy like Deron who can play w/ Patty/Manu where he could run the offense & Manu can play the Marco role. Simmons can still get minutes based on matchups especially if Kawhi is playing small ball 4.

If Porker is injured you can insert Deron into the starting lineup & let Patty/Manu run the second unit so the bench will remain potent.

[tonight...you]

maybe the person who asked the question.
You get my point.
This shit is irrelevant. Jesus... have to hold some people's hands around here.

[Kawhitstorm]

http://www.sportando.com/en/usa/nba/221471/mavs-to-waive-jonathan-gibson.html

Gibson getting waived has no implication on Deron's buyout since dude was as good as an empty roster.:lol

[Clipper Nation]

Porker must give Pop some good head to not get cut like this. Lapro was not the worst PG on the Spurs, not even close.

[MaNu4Tres]

They already have a Curry/Harris/Deron rotation at PG & Harris isn't even playing 20 minutes although they are probably easing him in since he was out w/ injury early in the season.



I don't think Deron want to live too far away from his hometown as it seems like he signed w/ Dallas to be around his family after he fell into depression in Brooklyn. If he's bought out then his two options are most likely Rockets or Spurs.



We could do some simple math as far as minutes in the postseason:

Guard minutes: 48 x 2 = 96
Backup 3 minutes: ~12 (more if Kawhi plays small ball 4)

96 + 12 = 108 minutes to be split b/w Porker/Patty/Manure/Danny

Danny: 30
Porker/Manure/Patty: ~ 20 minutes each (60 total)

So, there is about 18 minutes left which can be used on a guy like Deron who can play w/ Patty/Manu where he could run the offense & Manu can play the Marco role. Simmons can still get minutes based on matchups especially if Kawhi is playing small ball 4.

If Porker is injured you can insert Deron into the starting lineup & let Patty/Manu run the second unit so the bench will remain potent.

Totally ignoring how easy it would be be to exploit a lineup of Patty, Deron, Manu backcourt. The defense would be terrible with that lineup. Give me the lineup w/ the highest ceiling on the defensive end since Patty, Manu are fine driving the offense w/ the 2nd unit.

Spurs need another two way wing with size especially in case of a potential Rockets/Warriors matchup when they inevitably go small. Spurs would have to optimize minutes at the wing as wings would fill minutes at three positions vs. the two teams.

Having PJ Tucker or Omri Casspi would help in the potential matchup and they'd prevent the Spurs from having to play Anderson.

[gambit1990]

You get my point.
This shit is irrelevant. Jesus... have to hold some people's hands around here.
it isn't irrelevant, someone just got waived. if you don't have an answer to my question then fuck off instead of wasting both of our time.

[ceperez]

He played more minutes than Forbes.

I'll go with the argument that he had no interest in playing in the D-league and had options in Europe.

Also, I agree with the comment that Spurs want that flexibility to pick up a waived vet.

[TD 21]

They already have a Curry/Harris/Deron rotation at PG & Harris isn't even playing 20 minutes although they are probably easing him in since he was out w/ injury early in the season.



I don't think Deron want to live too far away from his hometown as it seems like he signed w/ Dallas to be around his family after he fell into depression in Brooklyn. If he's bought out then his two options are most likely Rockets or Spurs.


We could do some simple math as far as minutes in the postseason:

Guard minutes: 48 x 2 = 96
Backup 3 minutes: ~12 (more if Kawhi plays small ball 4)

96 + 12 = 108 minutes to be split b/w Porker/Patty/Manure/Danny

Danny: 30
Porker/Manure/Patty: ~ 20 minutes each (60 total)

So, there is about 18 minutes left which can be used on a guy like Deron who can play w/ Patty/Manu where he could run the offense & Manu can play the Marco role. Simmons can still get minutes based on matchups especially if Kawhi is playing small ball 4.

If Porker is injured you can insert Deron into the starting lineup & let Patty/Manu run the second unit so the bench will remain potent.

Carlisle seems to like to have as many point guards at his disposal as possible and right now, all they have are Williams and Harris, who are being eased back in and Curry, who's really a shooting guard offensively.

Agreed, hence my skepticism. That said, the Cavaliers may prove too tempting to pass up. Not only a greater opportunity for a championship than Spurs or Rockets, but a more natural fit in their rotation.

I think there would be more like 10-12 minutes leftover and he'd have to defend wings and somewhat split ball handling duties with Ginobili and Mills.

[tonight...you]

it isn't irrelevant, someone just got waived. if you don't have an answer to my question then fuck off instead of wasting both of our time.
Oh... you had a question?
And yes, that fool is completely irrelevant. Go back to your Parker spamming.

[gambit1990]

Oh... you had a question?
And yes, that fool is completely irrelevant. Go back to your Parker spamming.
idc about forbes, i was wondering about his contract.

[tonight...you]

idc about forbes, i was wondering about his contract.
Oh.

I missed that. From an earlier post, I guess. Honestly, Lapro got an offer from Europe, for sure. This has nothing to do with Forbes, but yeah... Forbes is irrelevant too.
From every standpoint imaginable, really. From money, to on the court, to off it. He's a nothing to this team this year and ever. Just like Lapro.

So... Who cares?

[Kawhitstorm]

Totally ignoring how easy it would be be to exploit a lineup of Patty, Deron, Manu backcourt. The defense would be terrible with that lineup. Give me the lineup w/ the highest ceiling on the defensive end since Patty, Manu are fine driving the offense w/ the 2nd unit.

I'm aware that the defense would definitely not be great but all they have to do is outscore the other bench. Carlisle played Barea/JET/Kidd together in the Finals against the STARTERS & the Heat weren't exactly feasting on them mostly b/c he had Tyson Chandler on the floor; the bench would have Dedmon cleaning up their mess.

If you look at the Cripples bench they play Felton/Crawford/Rivers + Johnson w/ :lolSpeight:lol as the back-line defense & that bench unit has been holding up defensively all season long b/c most benches aren't good at exploiting mismatches or don't have the talent to take advantage of it: http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20161111/clippers-bench-is-standing-out-on-defense


Spurs need another two way wing with size especially in case of a potential Rockets/Warriors matchup when they inevitably go small. Spurs would have to optimize minutes at the wing as wings would fill minutes at three positions vs. the two teams. Having PJ Tucker or Omri Casspi would help in the potential matchup and they'd prevent the Spurs from having to play Anderson.

There is nothing stopping PATFO from cutting Forbes & signing either Casspi or Tucker. Deron being on the roster isn't going to affect small ball 4 guys which is what Casspi/Tucker are in 2016.

[spurs10]

Hope Laprovittolla gets signed to a good team in Europe as speculated. I'm sure Manu is disappointed.

[Kawhitstorm]

I think there would be more like 10-12 minutes leftover and he'd have to defend wings and somewhat split ball handling duties with Ginobili and Mills.

Patty/Marco averaged 15 minutes during the 2014 postseason run including garbage time. If Deron can play 12 rotation minutes consistently in the playoffs (that's what Cassell played on the '08 Celtics) then he can still have an impact & considering that Porker/Manu can pull a muscle any minute he would be a very valuable insurance.

[Mr. Body]

Small sign that they think Murray can handle the 3rd string spot, feel okay letting Laprovittola go find a better career path in Europe.

[james evans]

Disagree. He was good enough as a third stringer. Forbes is the one who doesn't belong here.

With that said, Murray is good enough to have made him expendable.
Yeah, I would have got rid of Forbes first

[spurtech09]

Watch Leprosy go off on another team.....

[Kawhitstorm]

Small sign that they think Murray can handle the 3rd string spot, feel okay letting Laprovittola go find a better career path in Europe.

So when Porker & I said *when* not *if* gets injured in the playoffs, you're going to start Murray?:lol

[apalisoc_9]

Totally ignoring how easy it would be be to exploit a lineup of Patty, Deron, Manu backcourt. The defense would be terrible with that lineup. Give me the lineup w/ the highest ceiling on the defensive end since Patty, Manu are fine driving the offense w/ the 2nd unit.

Spurs need another two way wing with size especially in case of a potential Rockets/Warriors matchup when they inevitably go small. Spurs would have to optimize minutes at the wing as wings would fill minutes at three positions vs. the two teams.

Having PJ Tucker or Omri Casspi would help in the potential matchup and they'd prevent the Spurs from having to play Anderson.

My man, cassi isnt exactly a decent defender.

Tucker...yeah.

[Mr. Body]

So when Porker & I said *when* not *if* gets injured in the playoffs, you're going to start Murray?:lol

I don't understand the grammar in the first part of your sentence.

[CGD]

I'd like to see Garino get a call up.

[100%duncan]

Hope Laprovittolla gets signed to a good team in Europe as speculated. I'm sure Manu is disappointed.

Im sure manu is happy with his 14 million

[bdictjames]

Nico was the classic everyman player in the NBA. Not athletic, okay shooter, but enough smarts to get by and be a decent role player. Good luck, Nico! You were loved in San Antonio, even for a little while.

[MaNu4Tres]

My man, cassi isnt exactly a decent defender.

Tucker...yeah.

Casspi isn't a great defender, but he has the defensive size and athletic ability that negates some defensive deficiencies.

I don't want another undersized wing situation like the Spurs had when they trotted out Hill, Mason, Bogans off the bench in 2010. Size is very important on the perimeter on the defensive end, as long as its athletic size -- which Casspi has.

And yes, Tucker is the better, good defender.

[TheGreatYacht]

I'd like to see Garino get a call up.
He's terrible.

[Kawhitstorm]

Casspi isn't a great defender, but he has the defensive size and athletic ability that negates some defensive deficiencies.

I don't want another undersized wing situation like the Spurs had when they trotted out Hill, Mason, Bogans off the bench in 2010. Size is very important on the perimeter on the defensive end, as long as its athletic size -- which Casspi has.

Casspi is a slower footed version of Parsons. He can guard backup 3s but against starters, he would be best utilized having him play the 4 (against Ryan Anderson/Draymond) then switching PnRs.

[MaNu4Tres]

Casspi is a slower footed version of Parsons. He can guard backup 3s but against starters, he would be best utilized having him play the 4 (against Ryan Anderson/Draymond) then switching PnRs.

Casspi would be used in those situations as a small ball 4, but like Parsons he is athletic even if he's slow footed. He's not a statue type of small ball 4 like Novak.

[Ice009]

Ehh. Butler's grandpa passed away last season and the team still cut him. Same with Jackson (even though his attitude was poor) losing an unborn child and the team cut him too.

Yeah, I'm still not happy about Butler being cut.

His grandfather was also a huge Spurs fan from what I read and he wanted Butler to play for the Spurs. He didn't get to see Butler play for the Spurs much or the great regular season the team had, but he wouldn't have been happy with Butler being cut. Actually, maybe he was watching and taught Pop a lesson.

[kaji157]

He was just competition for Murray i guess.

I don´t hate the guy but felt he was given a chance because he put effort in the summer, and that´s it, nothing to see here.

I guess they are set with Murray as 3rd string and maybe are planning to add a combo guard.

[SAGirl]

Good review on Forbes and Murray recent games in the dleague:
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2016/12/27/14068102/spurs-dleague-report

Forbes is a very good shooter who was almost at 60% from 3 in the Dleague the past couple of games. He hasn't played nearly enough in the big team to deduce anything but his defensive numbers are poor even in the dleague and it's a problem if he's played as a wing.

He reminds me of Seth Curry, both extremely undersized shooters... he may need to diversify his offensive game to be more like Seth who can put the ball on the floor and is a more versatile offensive player. Definitely just shooting is not enough..

Murray has shown a lot of potential in the dleague but his shooting is pretty poor and he still has TO prone nights. However he's more familiar with the teams offensive concepts which has helped him some games.

[Kawhitstorm]

Am I the only one underwhelmed by the idea of signing Deron? Meh...

The Spurs STARTING point guard is rated as a BELOW replacement level player which isn't the case for Deron: http://bkref.com/tiny/I1Xee

Deron's shooting % would be better if he was getting the same looks that Simmons gets on a regular basis & passes up.:lol

[alpha_HaZE]

I am hearing he just got an offer for Europe for roughly the same money but promised starting spot.

PATFO just did him a favor, TBH.

This, I would be surprised otherwise.

[tmtcsc]

Am I the only one underwhelmed by the idea of signing Deron? Meh...

No, you are not. Bad idea, he's finished like TP.

[kaji157]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojVerticalNBA 5 hhace 5 horas
Timing of Spurs' release of Nico Laprovittola allows for him to find overseas deal, if he chooses - and gives team roster flexibility at 14.

[gambit1990]

dwill isn't the optimal option but outside of a trade... there isn't a lot to be had. he can be serviceable this season.

[SAGirl]

The Spurs STARTING point guard is rated as a BELOW replacement level player which isn't the case for Deron: http://bkref.com/tiny/I1Xee

Deron's shooting % would be better if he was getting the same looks that Simmons gets on a regular basis & passes up.:lol
You are right.
Deron having a better season playing more minutes in a worse team than Tony is. I have no doubt if Spurs could, they would pick him up like they did with Andre Miller last season. Pop does love his vets and Murray is green. I don't think they will put a great pressure on him. I Am starting to suspect Lapro might have even asked to get waived to play elsewhere like DeColo.

[turkish spurs fan]

hope to see in europe

[SAGirl]

813906318964781056

[LittleCriminal]

Surprised he lasted this long to begin with.. He could come off the bench for shit teams, maybe even start.. Its all over now.
Please dont bring back Bonner.

[south side spur]

Deron is having a better season playing more minutes on a worse team than Tony is. Pop does love his vets and Murray is green. I don't think they will put a great deal of pressure on him.

So the Spurs are going to sign Williams and take minutes from Parker or Mills? Not going to happen. Where is all of this Williams talk coming from? It really doesn't make much sense.

When a player produces on a garbage team couldn't we also argue that he wouldn't be able to produce on that level for a title contender? Who's to say Parker wouldn't be just as if not more productive than Williams playing for the Nets? He'd be one of if not THE focal point of the offense playing in a weak conference. We don't know what he'd do.

Hasn't Williams already proven to have some personality issues or problems fitting in with other teams? Does that sound like a Spurs guy?

I wasn't around this board in 01-02 but I'm curious to know how some reacted to Parker being thrust into the lineup as a rookie. The Spurs aren't even asking Murray to do that. They're just asking him to be the new Cory.

If Cory can actually get some minutes in a fucking Finals 2 years out of college and have everyone worried if he could even dribble, what is the issue with Murray getting some playoff minutes?

What was this boards main issue with Joseph? He just didn't initiate anything for himself within the offense. He "ran" the offense but it wasn't enough. Cory would bust his ass on defense but did anyone even care? We wanted to see him have more confidence on offense.

Murray does not lack confidence and that's not something to take for granted. He's fearless. Of course, he's not ready to be a team leader at a position that usually demands it but can he be the "head of the snake?" Can he attack like a young Parker used to be able to? Obviously.

He's the 3rd string point guard why is this even an issue?

[SAGirl]

I just started it would not surprise me based on Spurs recent moves for veterans... I am not making an argument here....
I find it hard to believe they pick a dleague project for that 15th spot bc they already have a lot of youngsters.
To me both Tony and Manu have been shaky... and Tony has looked fragile (getting hurt often with small nags)...
It wouldn't surprise me.

[south side spur]

I just started it would not surprise me based on Spurs recent moves for veterans... I am not making an argument here....
I find it hard to believe they pick a dleague project for that 15th spot bc they already have a lot of youngsters.
To me both Tony and Manu have been shaky... and Tony has looked fragile (getting hurt often with small nags)...
It wouldn't surprise me.

I was a Cory fan and now I'm a Murray fan. I'm always for kids getting a shot. As much as we complain about Parker being finished and losing a step if Pop feels he should get a few more minutes I'm all for it. I mean this Argentine wasn't even playing so it's not like there are even minutes to be had.

Like everyone is saying this is just for the Parker days off and...here's hoping there are several more of those. I hate to be overly critical of Parker but I just feel Murrays energy would give them a boost. He has so much confidence on offense I don't see anyway this is a negative.

[SPURt]

I guess Pop finally caved on bringing Bonner back

[gambit1990]

i was surprised the spurs kept him over garino, i was surprised he looked better in the nba than i thought he would, i was surprised he was waived before forbes.

this should ultimately mean murray will get more minutes, by default.

looking forward even more to games where parker sits out. we'll see patty start and murray as backup.

[SpurPadre]

I'd rather pay for a year's subscription to Forbes magazine than see Forbes the basketball player on the roster right now.

[AFBlue]

I'd rather pay for a year's subscription to Forbes magazine than see Forbes the basketball player on the roster right now.

He's the 14th guy on the roster, chill the fuck out.

[marinoman]

Maybe he refused to acknowledge that Manu and Danny are better than him
Rofl

[Quadzilla99]

God it would be fantastic if Pau tore an ACL and Tim came back. Even last year his D was elite in some elite in some metrics. Plus Dedmon could play more

[cutewizard]

Hope springs eternal

[San Antonio Slayer]

may be this is the time to shake the roster with a trade? Vucevic, Payton, Monroe, Dragic are available so far.

[cutewizard]

may be this is the time to shake the roster with a trade? Vucevic, Payton, Monroe, Dragic are available so far.


:whine

[duncan2k5]

Something BIG is gonna go down....

[Chinook]

It seems like Nico wanted out and the Spurs had to make sure that Murray was able to do the job before agreeing to let him go. Dude was never committed to grinding out a place in the NBA, given that he only signed a one-year deal with SA in the first place. I liked a lot of the things he brought to the team. And I don't like that Murray will be active for every game rather than being in Austin. Just the progress he made from the summer to now is tremendous. I think he can become as good as Simmons in like another year if he gets concentrated development.

I don't know if there will be another move. Ideally, you'd expect them to pick up a guy who's playing well in the d-league to like with JaMychal or Malcolm Thomas just to see what they have. To that end, I gotta say that I'd love to see what Briante Weber could do long-term. Dude has Beverly potential. Here are some others: http://dleague.nba.com/prospect-watch/ The issue is that the Spurs don't play another B2B for like a month (1/23 and 1/24) and only one additional set before the ASB (2/12 and 2/13). There really isn't a lot of need to have a 15th guy to throw into the fire between now and the trade deadline.

Incidentally, I wonder of the new CBA's roster is going to look. Teams will have 17 spots with the idea of there being "two-way contracts". The idea is that the salaries will either be paid on the d-league scale or min scale depending on whether the player is called up or is sent down. That makes sense. The question for me is how many players can teams have "up" at the same time? It seems like if you can have all 17 up, then teams will just do that in order to have a competitive advantage in signing players. Like, who wants to sign up for a team that's going to pay them less by stashing them? Of course, for draft picks, it's one thing. But for guys like Nico or Briante, it's a different matter altogether. So will teams only be able to have 15 guys up at once? If so, then they would be either three or four "two-way" slots rather than the two we are being told to expect.

[MaNu4Tres]

I think those comparing Murray to the next Simmons are off the mark. Sure they are both athletic, but their games and skill sets are very different.

Simmons isn't the type of creator Murray is. Simmons excels in the open the court off the ball on both ends. While Murray excels in the open and half court with the ball.

Murray is more natural as a lead guard or point guard and is much quicker with the ball and has been noticablely having a tighter handle than he did in the Summer League ( which is a very good sign). At the same time, he has a much quicker release on his shot. Whereas Simmons has a slow and low release that he can't get off half the time.

I'm very excited about Murray, being only 20 years old, he has elite size, length, quickness, speed and from the looks of it, he has an elite work ethic -- which is the most important thing. For a point guard, having all those strengths makes a damn exciting foundation that is very rare to find. The weaknesses, shooting & IQ, are very common for just about every 20 yr old who played in this league (they were common for Tony and Kobe) -- which will get better with time and maybe not a lot of time as his shooting stroke looks much better than it did just a year ago in WU.

I think he'll be a more effective player than Simmons in just a year, just because he's a natural point guard and has strengths that give him such a huge edge at the position on both ends because of his size, speed and length. The only strength Simmons has at his position is athletic ability -- his size/length doesn't give him an edge like it does Murray.

[Spurs9]

:cry why not anderson

[elemento]

I wish him the best and I liked his professionalism but not NBA material.

[ginobilized]

Can't wait to see how this develops. Pop likes to have a few tricks up his sleeve come playoff time.
Might be that Murray is the 3rd string PG and they will use the last spot for another position.
D-Will would be interesting, but, not exactly likely
Something might be brewing:stirpot:

[LaMarcus Bryant]

God it would be fantastic if Pau tore an ACL and Tim came back. Even last year his D was elite in some elite in some metrics. Plus Dedmon could play more

That's messed up. Don't ever wish a torn ACL on any Spur.

[bklynspursfan]

God it would be fantastic if Pau tore an ACL and Tim came back. Even last year his D was elite in some elite in some metrics. Plus Dedmon could play more

That wouldn't be fantastic to wish on anyone. Far simpler to move him to the bench

[Chillen]

God it would be fantastic if Pau tore an ACL and Tim came back. Even last year his D was elite in some elite in some metrics. Plus Dedmon could play more

Stupid comment. Pau hasn't played very well so far but it's only December. I doubt Tim comes back this season, I won't rule it out but after 20 years or so of playing NBA level basketball, a break must be nice for him.

[Chinook]

Pau's averaging 17/11/4 with two blocks per 36. Frankly, the dude's been sort of great. Issue is that he and LMA have issues that they can only mask when they are both 100-percent engaged, and that doesn't happen nearly enough. I understand the idea that Dedmon could make a better starter (though there are issues with that that people constantly overlook), but Pau is great to have when LMA is so shaky. Gasol has the upside of being able to be a legit second option in a playoff series. Makes no sense to want to wish that away with an injury.

[BillMc]

Pau's averaging 17/11/4 with two blocks per 36. Frankly, the dude's been sort of great. Issue is that he and LMA have issues that they can only mask when they are both 100-percent engaged, and that doesn't happen nearly enough. I understand the idea that Dedmon could make a better starter (though there are issues with that that people constantly overlook), but Pau is great to have when LMA is so shaky. Gasol has the upside of being able to be a legit second option in a playoff series. Makes no sense to want to wish that away with an injury.


This.

i saw a stat a few games back that Pau lead the team in touches (that game).'Given that he's no spring chicken and is new to the team Pau is doing well. Dedmom definitely brings some things to the table but people seem to ignore his limited offensive skills and his foul prone play. I am not knocking him, glad he's a Spur. But I do think there is a grass is greener effect.

As for wishing an injury only any player I wouldn't do that....

[Chillen]

Pau's averaging 17/11/4 with two blocks per 36. Frankly, the dude's been sort of great. Issue is that he and LMA have issues that they can only mask when they are both 100-percent engaged, and that doesn't happen nearly enough. I understand the idea that Dedmon could make a better starter (though there are issues with that that people constantly overlook), but Pau is great to have when LMA is so shaky. Gasol has the upside of being able to be a legit second option in a playoff series. Makes no sense to want to wish that away with an injury.

Very nice, I don't get how any Spurs fan can wish a torn ACL on a crucial player on the roster. Fans just expect to much out of Pau, he isn't Timmy. He is contributing to this team in his own way, like him or not.

[SpurPadre]

He's the 14th guy on the roster, chill the fuck out.

It's a joke, YOU chill the fuck out.

[San Antonio Slayer]

Pau's averaging 17/11/4 with two blocks per 36.
another proof it's a bullshit stat

[szkorhetz]

Pau's averaging 17/11/4 with two blocks per 36. Frankly, the dude's been sort of great. Issue is that he and LMA have issues that they can only mask when they are both 100-percent engaged, and that doesn't happen nearly enough. I understand the idea that Dedmon could make a better starter (though there are issues with that that people constantly overlook), but Pau is great to have when LMA is so shaky. Gasol has the upside of being able to be a legit second option in a playoff series. Makes no sense to want to wish that away with an injury.
I think Pop's stubbornness is really hurting the team.

I would keep the starting 5 as it is, but let one of Leonard or LMA ALWAYS be on the court. This bullshit of having a complete second unit out there really kills me as a European, as we don't have this. You could still manage minutes but let a FP caliber in the court all the time.
Check Lee in after 3 mins for LMA then LMA, Dedmon and Anderson for Gasol, Lee, Leonard at 9. It's just not rocket science, a heavy scorer would always be on the court, Lee could somewhat mask Gasol's inability for rebounds, while Dedmon would take defensive tasks from LMA. It always hurts me to see the Dedmon-Lee combos, as neither of them can hit outside the paint. In my way, some paint scorer would be paired with someone who can shoot outside.

Balance would be much better and LMA would get a shitload of more touches without Leonard.

[Chinook]

another proof it's a bullshit stat

What is? Those are four different stats.

[Chinook]

I think Pop's stubbornness is really hurting the team.

I would keep the starting 5 as it is, but let one of Leonard or LMA ALWAYS be on the court. This bullshit of having a complete second unit out there really kills me as a European, as we don't have this. You could still manage minutes but let a FP caliber in the court all the time.
Check Lee in after 3 mins for LMA then LMA, Dedmon and Anderson for Gasol, Lee, Leonard at 9. It's just not rocket science, a heavy scorer would always be on the court, Lee could somewhat mask Gasol's inability for rebounds, while Dedmon would take defensive tasks from LMA. It always hurts me to see the Dedmon-Lee combos, as neither of them can hit outside the paint. In my way, some paint scorer would be paired with someone who can shoot outside.

Balance would be much better and LMA would get a shitload of more touches without Leonard.

Pop's been staggering Green and Leonard more recently, so he is learning. I do think he should stagger LMA and Kawhi better and especially Pau. But he also has to figure out who can play and get the top rotation players experience with each other. His problem is that he doesn't really run different offense depending on who's out on the floor. Would be really nice to see secondary players get more plays run for them rather than just having Leonard and Manu do everything.

[San Antonio Slayer]

What is? Those are four different stats.
unreliable stat to assess the vet(I mean per 36)

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

unreliable stat to assess the vet(I mean per 36)

It's unreliable only for players who play very little. Quite reliable for Pau. He's been good offensively even if you think he's taking shots away from LMA. His defense, though...

[SAGirl]

I think those comparing Murray to the next Simmons are off the mark. Sure they are both athletic, but their games and skill sets are very different.

Simmons isn't the type of creator Murray is. Simmons excels in the open the court off the ball on both ends. While Murray excels in the open and half court with the ball.

Murray is more natural as a lead guard or point guard and is much quicker with the ball and has been noticablely having a tighter handle than he did in the Summer League ( which is a very good sign). At the same time, he has a much quicker release on his shot. Whereas Simmons has a slow and low release that he can't get off half the time.

I'm very excited about Murray, being only 20 years old, he has elite size, length, quickness, speed and from the looks of it, he has an elite work ethic -- which is the most important thing. For a point guard, having all those strengths makes a damn exciting foundation that is very rare to find. The weaknesses, shooting & IQ, are very common for just about every 20 yr old who played in this league (they were common for Tony and Kobe) -- which will get better with time and maybe not a lot of time as his shooting stroke looks much better than it did just a year ago in WU.

I think he'll be a more effective player than Simmons in just a year, just because he's a natural point guard and has strengths that give him such a huge edge at the position on both ends because of his size, speed and length. The only strength Simmons has at his position is athletic ability -- his size/length doesn't give him an edge like it does Murray.
I agree. I am very excited about him. I watched Simmons in the dleague two seasons ago, when he was still in early development and he was not capable then of the things Dijon does, he'd turn the ball over just as much or more and wouldn't have as many assists. He was a wing not a PG at any point, even though he would have the ball a lot once Cotton was called up. Dijon has a whole lot more potential and he's so young. Spurs ought to be excited about him.

I think one concern with him was whether he could play the team game, and execute what Pop wanted which is not going to be about him right now, or whether he would be branching on his own or TO the ball (basically playing like a kid in a schoolyard). Him playing a solid game was a step in the right direction.

[Chinook]

unreliable stat to assess the vet(I mean per 36)

It's probably the best stat to assess Spurs rotation players. No one plays enough to truly measure them against other players. It's not like looking at Pau's 12/8/3 with a block in 26 minutes doesn't also make him look good. Dude compares favorably to Tim.

[apalisoc_9]

It's extremely tricky to almost impossible to stagger Leonard and Aldridge minutes and get one to play on the court all the time..unless you want to burn them by season end..overplaying them game by game, the spurs will have significant stretches where neither is on the court. It's just the way it is in the RS.

Now, come playoff time when playing your superstar in Leonard and Your Allstar in Adridge...about 38 becomes the norm. And fatigue wont be as much of an issue because of the days rest...

Pop know this..You can tell with his subs the last 3 weeks. It's just not possible to fully implement that in the RS if you want to make dure they dont overplay.

[SAGirl]

I think Pop's stubbornness is really hurting the team.

I would keep the starting 5 as it is, but let one of Leonard or LMA ALWAYS be on the court. This bullshit of having a complete second unit out there really kills me as a European, as we don't have this. You could still manage minutes but let a FP caliber in the court all the time.
Check Lee in after 3 mins for LMA then LMA, Dedmon and Anderson for Gasol, Lee, Leonard at 9. It's just not rocket science, a heavy scorer would always be on the court, Lee could somewhat mask Gasol's inability for rebounds, while Dedmon would take defensive tasks from LMA. It always hurts me to see the Dedmon-Lee combos, as neither of them can hit outside the paint. In my way, some paint scorer would be paired with someone who can shoot outside.

Balance would be much better and LMA would get a shitload of more touches without Leonard.
you have good points in the entire post. I don't know how Pop can be that stubborn either, and he has stuck to strict bench lineups in the recent playoffs too). I think that was fine when Ginobili was still one of the best players in the league, but he's declined and his role has diminished too. I hope Pop is not stubborn in the playoffs. Tweaking rotations could have helped against OKC but coach didn't want to...

[Kawhitstorm]

Pau's averaging 17/11/4 with two blocks per 36. Frankly, the dude's been sort of great

Kanter is averaging 24/11 w/ 2 blocks per 36.:lol

He has a net rating of is +13, PER of 24 & TS of 61% while Pau is at +11, 55% & 20.

They are both empty stats though as Kanter has an on/off number of -1.6 while Pau is at :lol-10.6:lol & the main reason why the starters get butt fucked on defense along w/ why LMA plays so passive.


Issue is that he and LMA have issues that they can only mask when they are both 100-percent engaged, and that doesn't happen nearly enough. I understand the idea that Dedmon could make a better starter (though there are issues with that that people constantly overlook)

I'm pretty sure that issue is probably spacing since you were harping how LMA played better w/ D-Worst starting last season when Tim was out b/c Tim "couldn't space the floor" when it was LMA that was playing hesitant until 2nd half of last season.

LMA didn't have issues playing w/ Robin Lopez who isn't exactly known for spacing the floor. Also, closing game w/ Patty/Dedmon hasn't actually hurt as subbing Porker w/ Patty basically mitigates whatever spacing was lost w/ Dedmon playing over Pau. Not to mention Dedmon is very good at pounding the offensive glass if nobody is blocking him out which is also what Robin Lopez to great success. Besides, Dedmon provides a PnR option w/ LMA spacing the floor instead of being a redundant space cadet like Pau.


Pau is great to have when LMA is so shaky. Gasol has the upside of being able to be a legit second option in a playoff series. Makes no sense to want to wish that away with an injury.

Pau should just come off the bench like Kanter where he would be less exposed against backups. In the postseason, teams could also expose the lack of spacing w/ Dedmon/Lee frontline just like Doc did when Kawhi was trying to get into the paint (basically had whoever was guarding Lee standing w/ one foot in the RA). If you pair Lee w/ Pau then that would mitigate the issue.

LeBron had the same issue in the 2015 postseason after Love got hurt & they had to roll w/ the Mozgov/Tristan frontline which made it difficult to find driving lanes that he basically had to bulldoze his way into the paint especially against the Bulls even w/ Kyrie on the floor. (It's not surprising that Doc/Thibs have similar defensive philosophies::lol)

[Kawhitstorm]

It's extremely tricky to almost impossible to stagger Leonard and Aldridge minutes and get one to play on the court all the time..unless you want to burn them by season end..overplaying them game by game, the spurs will have significant stretches where neither is on the court. It's just the way it is in the RS.

Now, come playoff time when playing your superstar in Leonard and Your Allstar in Adridge...about 38 becomes the norm. And fatigue wont be as much of an issue because of the days rest...

Pop know this..You can tell with his subs the last 3 weeks. It's just not possible to fully implement that in the RS if you want to make dure they dont overplay.

Since Chinook is adamant that Pau can be a #2 option in the postseason then he should just anchor the second unit.:wakeup

[ceperez]

Murray with out a doubt is talented. Furthermore, the NBA today requires a lot of athletic players that can do everything. Murray still can't shoot, but maybe that will eventually get fixed. Besides, who knows if Simmons stays around after the season.

Forbes is a really good shooter but has rarely seen any action. So despite losing Laprovitolla, there still is a log jam at the guard position.

Even Bertans who has a lot more potential than these two, barely gets to play!

Spurs just need to get the old guys several games off.

[Chinook]

Kanter is averaging 24/11 w/ 2 blocks per 36.:lol

He has a net rating of is +13, PER of 24 & TS of 61% while Pau is at +11, 55% & 20.

They are both empty stats though as Kanter has an on/off number of -1.6 while Pau is at :lol-10.6:lol & the main reason why the starters get butt fucked on defense along w/ why LMA plays so passive.

So coasting Pau is pretty much as good a Kanter? If only more Spurs had that floor.


I'm pretty sure that issue is probably spacing since you were harping how LMA played better w/ D-Worst starting last season when Tim was out b/c Tim "couldn't space the floor" when it was LMA that was playing hesitant until 2nd half of last season.

This doesn't make sense. Pau spacing the floor better than West did. If spacing is still an issue, it's because one of the wings is constantly in the paint. But even that's only a big deal because Pop won't run anything.


LMA didn't have issues playing w/ Robin Lopez who isn't exactly known for spacing the floor. Also, closing game w/ Patty/Dedmon hasn't actually hurt as subbing Porker w/ Patty basically mitigates whatever spacing was lost w/ Dedmon playing over Pau. Not to mention Dedmon is very good at pounding the offensive glass if nobody is blocking him out which is also what Robin Lopez to great success. Besides, Dedmon provides a PnR option w/ LMA spacing the floor instead of being a redundant space cadet like Pau.

Oh, so we're still on spacing. Nah, the issue is that Dedmon isn't very good on offense. He has to be fed, and Parker isn't good enough in the PnR to do that. Tony is much better at the PnP with its more forgiving passing angles. If you could trade Tony for a better-scoring guard, then yes, Dedmon would make more sense.


Pau should just come off the bench like Kanter where he would be less exposed against backups. In the postseason, teams could also expose the lack of spacing w/ Dedmon/Lee frontline just like Doc did when Kawhi was trying to get into the paint (basically had whoever was guarding Lee standing w/ one foot in the RA). If you pair Lee w/ Pau then that would mitigate the issue.

I'm very confused as to whether we are supposed to believe that Dedmon/Lee works or not. The narrative seems to flip every game. Anyway, I think the Spurs will either go small or play Gasol and LMA a ton in the playoffs as it is.

[Chinook]

Since Chinook (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=37557) is adamant that Pau can be a #2 option in the postseason then he should just anchor the second unit.:wakeup

I guess this is the start of another stupid meme.

[dabom]

I think those comparing Murray to the next Simmons are off the mark. Sure they are both athletic, but their games and skill sets are very different.

Simmons isn't the type of creator Murray is. Simmons excels in the open the court off the ball on both ends. While Murray excels in the open and half court with the ball.

Murray is more natural as a lead guard or point guard and is much quicker with the ball and has been noticablely having a tighter handle than he did in the Summer League ( which is a very good sign). At the same time, he has a much quicker release on his shot. Whereas Simmons has a slow and low release that he can't get off half the time.

I'm very excited about Murray, being only 20 years old, he has elite size, length, quickness, speed and from the looks of it, he has an elite work ethic -- which is the most important thing. For a point guard, having all those strengths makes a damn exciting foundation that is very rare to find. The weaknesses, shooting & IQ, are very common for just about every 20 yr old who played in this league (they were common for Tony and Kobe) -- which will get better with time and maybe not a lot of time as his shooting stroke looks much better than it did just a year ago in WU.

I think he'll be a more effective player than Simmons in just a year, just because he's a natural point guard and has strengths that give him such a huge edge at the position on both ends because of his size, speed and length. The only strength Simmons has at his position is athletic ability -- his size/length doesn't give him an edge like it does Murray.

His first step is elite even for the NBA. Everything else he can learn while being on the Spurs.

[dabom]

I guess this is the start of another stupid meme.

Are you still in line saying Murray will always have a broken jumpshot? :lol

[mudyez]

I agree with getting Murray more minutes thus cutting one of the PGs. I'd gone with cutting Forbes, as Nico simply gave us more of a possible playoff player (just as insurance and not big minutes, but I'd rather have him than Forbes on the court if need be).

I just hope, we will get something out of the roster spot.

[Darius Bieber]

Hear me out, but I think the Spurs organizations could do some good things with Lance Stephenson.

[Kawhitstorm]

So coasting Pau is pretty much as good a Kanter? If only more Spurs had that floor.

Pau has no where the devastating impact Kanter has on offense & isn't a great defender himself.:lol

Kanter absolutely destroys teams in the paint, is unstoppable on PnRs (which creates gravity; if only OKC had shooters::wow) & can space the floor all the way to the 3 point line if needed. Pau is a jump shooting big (mostly mid-range so not as valuable as a true stretch 5) w/ an average post-up game whose elite ability (passing) is marginalized unless the offense is running through him. (Let's not act like he's being used like Boris 2.0 when D-Worst was racking up assist from the elbow:rolleyes)

Kanter in the Spurs system would basically be David Lee if he had range all the way to the 3 pointing line & was a more devastating roll man/offensive rebounder. (As it is, Lee is outplaying Pau:lol). Kanter isn't a passer but nor was Amar'e but that didn't stop him from be a devastating offensive force on PnRs. (Kanter doesn't have issues playing w/ a non-shooter like Dedmon as evident in the 2nd rd when he & Adams as a tandem absolutely killed the Spurs)

Speight can space the floor & pound the offensive glass better than Pau so if you're going to use Pau as a floor spacer while vacuuming uncontested defensive rebounds on the other end then I'm not sure how you could compare him to Kanter. Kanter destroyed Lee this past postseason & wasn't exactly getting killed on defense against the Spurs (He was holding his own defensively that he got to play 30 minutes in the pivotal Gm 5 while Ibaka was sitting out the 4th quarter & basically was responsible for the sequence that won them the game where he had two put backs & blocked Tim at the end of the game)

If Pau was even an average defender then you could have the case but this is just a case of where he's horrible at everything besides being an average rim protector.:lol (Pau is '05-'06 Big Z status (http://bkref.com/tiny/SsFyG) unless he's playing point-center as the hub of the offense, which he isn't)


Oh, so we're still on spacing. Nah, the issue is that Dedmon isn't very good on offense. He has to be fed, and Parker isn't good enough in the PnR to do that. Tony is much better at the PnP with its more forgiving passing angles. If you could trade Tony for a better-scoring guard, then yes, Dedmon would make more sense.

Why in the hell would Dedmon have to play a 2-man game w/ Porker?:downspin: (I just said he would be a PnR option)

Porker can run his PnPs w/ Aldridge while Dedmon sets off ball screens/pounds the offensive glass which is what Robin Lopez did & guys like Tristan Thompson have been doing for years.

As far as playing PnR w/ Dedmon, if only the Spurs had a guy called Patrick Mills who has been feeding Dedmon all season long.:cry


I'm very confused as to whether we are supposed to believe that Dedmon/Lee works or not. The narrative seems to flip every game. Anyway, I think the Spurs will either go small or play Gasol and LMA a ton in the playoffs as it is.

The Dedmon/Lee tandem can be skimmed against in the postseason but it works fine now b/c teams aren't game planning for backup players in the regular season.:lol (Doc is a guy that exposes mismatches which is why he's basically the only coach that has made the Dedmon/Lee frontline seem unplayable)

[Kawhitstorm]

Are you still in line saying Murray will always have a broken jumpshot? :lol

I"m pretty sure he's still in line w/ Kyle is the second best scorer on the team.:lmao

[SAGirl]

Kawhitstorm with great points.... all around about Lee, Dedmon and Pau.:tu
Hopefully Pop makes adjustments and mixes guys up a little bit through the season so they get used to playing with each other. Though he will still go to Pau from what I have seen, but playoffs are a different matter.

[r0drig0lac]

I"m pretty sure he's still in line w/ Kyle is the second best scorer on the team.:lmao

what?

[spursistan]

I guess Pop finally caved on bringing Bonner back

That, or this might just be the first deportation notice by the Trump administration as retaliation for Pop anti-Donald stance, tbh.....

[TD 21]

Patty/Marco averaged 15 minutes during the 2014 postseason run including garbage time. If Deron can play 12 rotation minutes consistently in the playoffs (that's what Cassell played on the '08 Celtics) then he can still have an impact & considering that Porker/Manu can pull a muscle any minute he would be a very valuable insurance.

Agreed, but that's from the Spurs perspective. I was looking at it from his perspective.


Casspi would be used in those situations as a small ball 4, but like Parsons he is athletic even if he's slow footed. He's not a statue type of small ball 4 like Novak.

Yeah, whether a good defender or not, being able to physically guard a position(s), is valuable. Last season's Finals were a perfect example. Irving has a terrible defensive reputation and Smith and Jefferson have only a slightly better one, yet they all did a good enough job for them to be able to win.


I think those comparing Murray to the next Simmons are off the mark. Sure they are both athletic, but their games and skill sets are very different.

Different, but a close enough facsimile that, if the Spurs walk away from a Simmons offer sheet, I think it'll be in part because of Murray and the likelihood that they'd be an awkward pairing in the future.

[dabom]

I"m pretty sure he's still in line w/ Kyle is the second best scorer on the team.:lmao

Secret weapon vs the warriettes. :lmao

[LakerHater]

814270367179149312

[Ice009]

That's messed up. Don't ever wish a torn ACL on any Spur.

Haven't numerous people here wished injury on TP? Hardly anyone said anything when it's been directed at Tony.

[SAGirl]

814270367179149312
hmmm
this is kind of sad. I was inclined to believe the waiver was in his favor bc he had options already.

[phxspurfan]

Murray averaging something like 16/5/6/1 in the dleague. Probably had to do it to show him some respect and not lose him later a la cojo

[phxspurfan]

Good review on Forbes and Murray recent games in the dleague:
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2016/12/27/14068102/spurs-dleague-report

Forbes is a very good shooter who was almost at 60% from 3 in the Dleague the past couple of games. He hasn't played nearly enough in the big team to deduce anything but his defensive numbers are poor even in the dleague and it's a problem if he's played as a wing.

He reminds me of Seth Curry, both extremely undersized shooters... he may need to diversify his offensive game to be more like Seth who can put the ball on the floor and is a more versatile offensive player. Definitely just shooting is not enough..

Murray has shown a lot of potential in the dleague but his shooting is pretty poor and he still has TO prone nights. However he's more familiar with the teams offensive concepts which has helped him some games.

Forbes is basically 2016 Trajan Langdon

[Mr. Body]

814270367179149312

Who is Laprotillova?

[SAGirl]

Forbes is basically 2016 Trajan Langdon
lol
I don't know who that is.. I just looked it up in basketball reference... you go way way back.
:toast hats off to you.

[phxspurfan]

lol
I don't know who that is.. I just looked it up in basketball reference... you go way way back.
:toast hats off to you.

03 04 is way way back? TD won his second ring in 03.


But anyways yeah what inremember is Langdon was a combo guard who could never match up size wise with NBA 2 guards. He could shoot and score, but lacked size and PG abiliy to distribute

[SAGirl]

03 04 is way way back? TD won his second ring in 03.
I am a girl that didn't care for basketball at a young age... lol
I only became a Spur fan when I moved to SA with husband who is in the military.. and that was in 2011, but I really didn't get into the team until 2012... :toast

Thanks for sharing the tidbit impression about Forbes though.:tu He does lack ability to distribute. That is why I compared him to Seth Curry, but he's not as versatile as Seth and might not be able to pass for a PG even in limited minutes, not even like Patty who has improved a whole lot over the years.

[Mr. Body]

lol
I don't know who that is.. I just looked it up in basketball reference... you go way way back.
:toast hats off to you.

Alaska's greatest player ever, and the third best Dookie in the NBA ever.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/706942258176614400/tv9P1s33_bigger.jpg Tom Orsborn Verified account ‏@tom_orsborn (https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)

Manu on NIco: "He bet a lot on this experience. He wanted to have it, and he did. He did a great job. He deserves a lot of credit." #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash)







https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/706942258176614400/tv9P1s33_bigger.jpg Tom Orsborn Verified account ‏@tom_orsborn (https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)

Manu on Nico: " It's not like he got cut because he struggled. It was because of team issues. We had a 3rd point guard from the beginning."

[timtonymanu]

Sounds like Pop is just confident in Murray stepping up. :tu

[dabom]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/706942258176614400/tv9P1s33_bigger.jpg Tom Orsborn Verified account ‏@tom_orsborn (https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)

Manu on NIco: "He bet a lot on this experience. He wanted to have it, and he did. He did a great job. He deserves a lot of credit." #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash)







https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/706942258176614400/tv9P1s33_bigger.jpg Tom Orsborn Verified account ‏@tom_orsborn (https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)

Manu on Nico: " It's not like he got cut because he struggled. It was because of team issues. We had a 3rd point guard from the beginning."

Somewhere SAGirl thinking kyle...

[Chinook]

Still nebulous as hell. If he didn't have an offer overseas, then the timing is weird. Why not wait a couple more weeks? But if it's for a call-up why not sign the guy now? It's not like we're in 10-day territory yet. Also can't imagine a trade.

[phxspurfan]

Still nebulous as hell. If he didn't have an offer overseas, then the timing is weird. Why not wait a couple more weeks? But if it's for a call-up why not sign the guy now? It's not like we're in 10-day territory yet. Also can't imagine a trade.

I just think its Murrays agent saying respect the d league production. Murray should get those minutes undisputed

[$pursDynasty]

Saving that spot for Timmy.
since #21 is retired, Timmay comes back wearing #6 :wow sending that message

[MaNu4Tres]

Still nebulous as hell. If he didn't have an offer overseas, then the timing is weird. Why not wait a couple more weeks? But if it's for a call-up why not sign the guy now? It's not like we're in 10-day territory yet. Also can't imagine a trade.

I'm sure he has offers. He's probably just undecided on the offers he has.

[ElNono]

Lapro will be fine. I guess the question is really more about whether he wants to head to Europe or stick on the NBDL for maybe another callup from an NBA team...

[SAGirl]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/706942258176614400/tv9P1s33_bigger.jpg Tom Orsborn Verified account ‏@tom_orsborn (https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)

Manu on Nico: " It's not like he got cut because he struggled. It was because of team issues. We had a 3rd point guard from the beginning."

Thanks for sharing like always Ace! :tu


Sounds like Pop is just confident in Murray stepping up. :tu

Yup, that is exactly what it looks like. Happy for Murray... he looks promising.

For Nico, I wish him the best. It kind of sucks for him bc the team had Murray from the beginning. He was in a no win scenario.

[Ron Swanson]

since #21 is retired, Timmay comes back wearing #6 :wow sending that message

Avery's up there, too.

[sasaint]

Still nebulous as hell. If he didn't have an offer overseas, then the timing is weird. Why not wait a couple more weeks? But if it's for a call-up why not sign the guy now? It's not like we're in 10-day territory yet. Also can't imagine a trade.

A trade just became ever so slightly more imaginable. But maybe it is just Pop realizing that Murray would take all of Lapro's minutes going forward and cutting Lapro earlier rather than later for Lapro's benefit.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/799753550070943744/Xft29q66_bigger.jpg David Pick ‏@IAmDPick (https://twitter.com/IAmDPick)

Source: Nicolas Laprovittola has cleared waivers to become best available PG for Europe. If unsigned, he'll pursue NBA 10-day route.

[100%duncan]

Pau has no where the devastating impact Kanter has on offense & isn't a great defender himself.:lol

Kanter absolutely destroys teams in the paint, is unstoppable on PnRs (which creates gravity; if only OKC had shooters::wow) & can space the floor all the way to the 3 point line if needed. Pau is a jump shooting big (mostly mid-range so not as valuable as a true stretch 5) w/ an average post-up game whose elite ability (passing) is marginalized unless the offense is running through him. (Let's not act like he's being used like Boris 2.0 when D-Worst was racking up assist from the elbow:rolleyes)

Kanter in the Spurs system would basically be David Lee if he had range all the way to the 3 pointing line & was a more devastating roll man/offensive rebounder. (As it is, Lee is outplaying Pau:lol). Kanter isn't a passer but nor was Amar'e but that didn't stop him from be a devastating offensive force on PnRs. (Kanter doesn't have issues playing w/ a non-shooter like Dedmon as evident in the 2nd rd when he & Adams as a tandem absolutely killed the Spurs)

Speight can space the floor & pound the offensive glass better than Pau so if you're going to use Pau as a floor spacer while vacuuming uncontested defensive rebounds on the other end then I'm not sure how you could compare him to Kanter. Kanter destroyed Lee this past postseason & wasn't exactly getting killed on defense against the Spurs (He was holding his own defensively that he got to play 30 minutes in the pivotal Gm 5 while Ibaka was sitting out the 4th quarter & basically was responsible for the sequence that won them the game where he had two put backs & blocked Tim at the end of the game)

If Pau was even an average defender then you could have the case but this is just a case of where he's horrible at everything besides being an average rim protector.:lol (Pau is '05-'06 Big Z status (http://bkref.com/tiny/SsFyG) unless he's playing point-center as the hub of the offense, which he isn't)



Why in the hell would Dedmon have to play a 2-man game w/ Porker?:downspin: (I just said he would be a PnR option)

Porker can run his PnPs w/ Aldridge while Dedmon sets off ball screens/pounds the offensive glass which is what Robin Lopez did & guys like Tristan Thompson have been doing for years.

As far as playing PnR w/ Dedmon, if only the Spurs had a guy called Patrick Mills who has been feeding Dedmon all season long.:cry



The Dedmon/Lee tandem can be skimmed against in the postseason but it works fine now b/c teams aren't game planning for backup players in the regular season.:lol (Doc is a guy that exposes mismatches which is why he's basically the only coach that has made the Dedmon/Lee frontline seem unplayable)

My my, top 5 post of 2016.

[Chinook]

Pau has no where the devastating impact Kanter has on offense & isn't a great defender himself.:lol

Yet, he's a better player than Kanter. Pau is lazy, whereas Enes is incompetent. There's no hope that Kanter will play good defense in a fit of indignation like there is with Gasol. As we saw in the previous game, when Pau tries, he is still a strong rim-protector. That's why I said most of his and LMA's issues are based in effort.


Why in the hell would Dedmon have to play a 2-man game w/ Porker?:downspin: (I just said he would be a PnR option)

Yeah, but it's not about what you said. It's about what I said that you originally responded to. With Parker being ineffective and Pop not caring about getting Green touches, replacing Gasol with Dedmon takes away the third scorer a starting unit needs. They'd a somewhat worse version of last year's first unit, which was great defensively but stagnant offensively. But an older Parker would hurt, as would going for a GOAT-level defensive anchor to a promising but still shaky shot-blocker.


Porker can run his PnPs w/ Aldridge while Dedmon sets off ball screens/pounds the offensive glass which is what Robin Lopez did & guys like Tristan Thompson have been doing for years.

As far as playing PnR w/ Dedmon, if only the Spurs had a guy called Patrick Mills who has been feeding Dedmon all season long.:cry

This is assuming that the Spurs want to do this. But they clearly don't. We were led to believe that Pop is running this stone-age offense because they lacked the scorers they used to have. But their guys are doing a great job at taking advantage of the limited opportunities created for them. Like Green is tied for the lead in TS% while still being at the bottom of the rotation in USG%. Why would it be any different with Dedmon? Without a great scoring guard to take the ball back from the front court, taking away front-court offense will just hurt the total scoring.

[SAGirl]

^^ Frankly, the scarier thing is what nobody is talking about. I saw Pop leave Pau with the bench and him and Lee are horrible together... flat out disgusting defense and unless ppl forgot that was when the Suns got back into the game... (complete bench lineup with just GAsol instead of Dedmon there.)

Anyways, I tend to think Pop sticks with GAsol/Lamarcus and that will be that.

At some point soon in this soft schedule he will give minutes to Davis again... but it's shaky for Davis bc Lamarcus possibly wants his strong games to boost his All-star candidacy and will not want rest games. On the other hand, Lee has played very well and the bench relies on him a lot. I think the problem is that Davis cannot replace Lee's production (neither the rebounding, the passing, or ability to score on his own to bail out possessions). Guys will continue to argue Davis is in the doghouse and ignore these ^ realities.

[Drom John]

821718355212193792


David Pick
‏@IAmDPick

Ex-Spurs guard Nicolas Laprovittola signs with Euroleague club Baskonia to replace former Argentina star Pablo Prigioni.

[Chinook]

That's a nice landing spot for him.

[SAGirl]

Baskonia is a good club... thanks for sharing Drom. I wish him the best. I think he must have learned a lot from coach and teammates as well as his short stint in the league. He helped in a few wins. :tu

[BillMc]

That's a nice landing spot for him.

Out of curiosity how would bis salary in that league compare with his rookie deal in the NBA? Any ideas?

[GSH]

Out of curiosity how would bis salary in that league compare with his rookie deal in the NBA? Any ideas?


Bis get the same salary as straight players. :D


In the discussion about the new two-way contracts that those players could earn in the neighborhood of $100K, which they said would be enough to put their salaries on par with going to pay in Europe. Lap has experience and a track record, and he's supposed to be taking the place of Prigioni, so I doubt that he would be getting whatever their minimum is. But that's just a guess.

[BillMc]

Bis get the same salary as straight players. :D
:lol

And thanks for the, um, "straight" answer on the rest of it. :toast

[r0drig0lac]

Baskonia has in his roster currently the former nba Lapro Larkin Shengelia Beaubois Budinger and Bargnani