REPORT: Spurs sign Rudy Gay

[Dverde]

885216804397875200

Gay and TP-1000 going to wreck the league with their crazy comebacks...

[cutewizard]

Cool

[SAGirl]

Gay and TP-1000 going to wreck the league with their crazy comebacks...

Both are coming back better than EVAHHHHH...

More seriously, hoping Gay makes a heck of a come back like nothing happened. :toast

[Fireball]

Nique was still good after that injury ... lets hope for the best

[cutewizard]

:bobo

[cd021]

I am hopeful that Gay can have a good season. Could see him averaging around 15 ppg.

[Russ]

Here's an ESPN article on the Gay signing. Among other things, Gay says he'll definitely be ready by training camp:

Michael C. Wright
ESPN Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO -- Having spent time in Memphis, Toronto and Sacramento in a 13-year NBA career, new San Antonio Spurs forward Rudy Gay views this latest opportunity as his first shot to contend perennially for titles. Gay spent some time with ESPN.com to discuss his rehabilitation process from a torn left Achilles tendon, what he brings to the Spurs, and why he opted out of a $14.2 million contract in Sacramento for the 2016-17 to take $8.4 million in San Antonio:

Michael C. Wright: How’s the rehab process going?

Gay: It’s great. I actually worked out today. I’m fully cleared to do everything. I’m fine now. The team, it has its own planning with me. But I’m ready to go. I’ll definitely be ready by camp.

Wright: So, why opt out of $14.2 million to come to San Antonio as a free agent for a little more than half of that for the 2017-18 season?

Gay: Looking at my career, it’s just time to win. That’s what it’s mostly about. I’ve been in this league for a little while now, and I haven’t gotten out of my career what I wanted. Coming to a place like San Antonio, it just seemed perfect for me.

Wright: It has been proved over the course of your career that you can get buckets, but in your mind, how does that fit in with San Antonio’s style of play?

Gay: I’ve talked to [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich], and we’ve had a couple of conversations. My game is one thing. But when a team wants to sign you, and you sign with a team, they have their own vision for you. So obviously, I want to take my game to another level. And if anybody knows how to do that, it would be Gregg Popovich.

Wright: What’s that next level?

Gay: Who knows (laughs)? As you said: I’ve been known to get buckets, and I’ve had that stigma of just being a scorer. But I think there’s a lot more to my game. I think I can show that here in San Antonio.

Wright: From your conversations with Popovich, is there a certain role you and the team envision?

Gay: Yeah, we’ve talked. The game is changing a lot. It’s all about positional basketball. The more guys that can play different positions, the better. So that’s pretty much it. There’s not too much to talk about. You have your teams like Golden State, Houston, who all have guys that are switchable. I think I can bring that to this team.

Wright: Did you get a chance to watch the Spurs during the playoffs? If so, what did you think?

Gay: For sure, I did. This is a team that’s traditionally great. Obviously, this year, a couple of injuries came into play. Who knows what would have happened? They would have made a better fight [if not for the injuries]. But I do honestly think the Warriors were just on another level this year. They’re a great team.

Wright: You took all of your free-agent meetings in Austin. What was the tie-in there?

Gay: I have a kinesiologist I’ve been working with that’s in Austin. Picking a team is great. But I don’t think any of this matters without me being healthy. So, I think that was the biggest thing.

Wright: Spurs fans are basketball-savvy. They know your resume on the court. What type of guy are you off the court, because you’ll be coming into a locker room that I’d describe as being very eclectic, maybe even strange?

Gay: (Laughs) Eclectic? I don’t know, man. I pretty much can fit in anywhere. I don’t see myself as having a problem in that locker room. Strange is good, though. Strange just means people aren’t scared to show how they feel, what they want. Hopefully it’s not weird. Strange is not bad. Weird is crazy (laughing). Maybe I can teach them some things.

Wright: You’ve been around a long time, and you talked about winning earlier. But when you’ve played this long, when does the winning start to overtake the financial aspect of all of this?

Gay: That’s the thing. When I got into the league, it was about winning first. There are a lot more what-ifs that come into play now. But always for me, winning has been the first thing. I’ve been in situations where I’ve had to deal with losing. But I’ve always seen myself as a winner or a smart basketball player. The financial thing, I think winning comes first, and everything else will follow.

Wright: Pop is probably one of the most socially-aware coaches in the NBA, probably in all of professional sports. How does playing for a guy like that resonate with you?

Gay: Even before signing here, I had the utmost respect for him. I’ve heard such great things about him, with that being one of them. You want to play for somebody that you respect on the court and off the court. That’s a guy you’d want to go to battle for, a guy that’s not afraid to say how he feels on the basketball court or off the basketball court.

Wright: I asked that because you’re a Baltimore guy, and given all the things that have happened out there over the years, I figured Pop’s social awareness would resonate. Speaking of Baltimore, didn’t you build some playgrounds out there for the city?

Gay: Yeah, I built a couple. For me, it’s just you have to start from the beginning in Baltimore. That’s anywhere. Anywhere there’s trouble, you’ve got to start from the beginning, and I saw that. The kids didn’t even have a safe place to play. I saw that and just thought I could at least do that for now. But there’s a lot more work to be done in that city.

Wright: Do you still have your basketball tournament out there?

Gay: Yeah, actually my basketball tournament [the Rudy Gay Basketball Tournament] is coming up in August. I had been searching and trying to do things around the city, and that’s just my way to raise money for different things. I have a charity, but I’ve always been very direct in what I wanted to give back to. You know how some people [want to take care of] the Boys & Girls Club or this or that? Well, that’s cool. That’s cool. But personally, I’d like to see that this computer lab is getting done, or these kids now have [what they need]. Actually, with building those jungle gyms in Baltimore, I had kids working to build them and they actually got salaries for that. Situations like that ... OK, obviously, there’s a lot of drug dealing. There’s a lot of killing. There’s a lot of gangs in Baltimore. That all stems from a sense of hopelessness and a sense of struggling. If you can give kids an actual face and a positive way to make money, that keeps them off the streets. I did things in Memphis [with hospitals], in Toronto. I was a little busy in Sacramento (laughing), a little distracted. But that’s one thing I wish I would have done more of while I was out here.

Wright: Having switched teams so many times and having worked in so many different environments, is there a perfect way to come into a new locker room and sort of find your own niche without stepping on anyone’s toes?

Gay: Just be yourself, and be a professional. That’s one thing I’ve always done. When I get into a new locker room you be a professional, do your job, and then everything else will follow.

Wright: You’re already in San Antonio spending time with the team. Got a bucket list on some of the things that you want to do in the city?

Gay: Win a championship.


http://www.espn.com/blog/san-antonio-spurs/post/_/id/1734/title-tops-rudy-gays-san-antonio-bucket-list

[raybies]

Sounds good to me. Hope he can play.

[Dex]

Really excited to see what this guy has left. I know the Achilles is no joke in sports, but if he can even be 80% of what he used to be, this is still a great value signing for the Spurs.

More importantly, it brings a guy into the fold who is hungry....hungry to compete, hungry to win, hungry for a championship. The Spurs need more of that character on the team.

[tonight...you]

Really excited to see what this guy has left. I know the Achilles is no joke in sports, but if he can even be 80% of what he used to be, this is still a great value signing for the Spurs.

More importantly, it brings a guy into the fold who is hungry....hungry to compete, hungry to win, hungry for a championship. The Spurs need more of that character on the team.
:toast

[cutewizard]

This guy seems to be the real deal

hope he wins at least one

[cutewizard]

Really excited to see what this guy has left. I know the Achilles is no joke in sports, but if he can even be 80% of what he used to be, this is still a great value signing for the Spurs.

More importantly, it brings a guy into the fold who is hungry....hungry to compete, hungry to win, hungry for a championship. The Spurs need more of that character on the team.

----------------------------------------------------------

Precisely!

[Snaq O'Meal]

Gay: Who knows (laughs)? As you said: I’ve been known to get buckets, and I’ve had that stigma of just being a scorer. But I think there’s a lot more to my game. I think I can show that here in San Antonio.

Gay can also pass the ball, so he's not a complete black hole. I just hope he won't forget how to score like LMA.

[spurs10]

This guy seems to be the real deal

hope he wins at least one I think if healthy, and it sounds like he'll be ready, Gay is great addition next to Kawhi and even LMA. A lineup of Mills/Murray, Green, Kawhi, Gay, and LMA can be a threat on both sides of the ball!
:flag:

[sasaint]

I think if healthy, and it sounds like he'll be ready, Gay is great addition next to Kawhi and even LMA. A lineup of Mills/Murray, Green, Kawhi, Gay, and Leonard can be a threat on both sides of the ball!
:flag:

I agree. Just clone Kawhi a few times and we would be pretty well set.

[ace3g]

San Antonio Spurs

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nba/500/sas.png?w=80&h=80&transparent=true
1.?Agreed to a reported two-year, $17 million deal with forward Rudy Gay



This is a fascinating deal with wide-ranging implications for the Spurs. Let's start with what they can expect from Gay.

He's coming off what was, at age 30, the most efficient season of his 11-year NBA career, including a .559 true shooting percentage. At the same time, Gay is also coming back from an Achilles rupture, and the history of players who suffer that injury is ugly.


Going to San Antonio has the upside of allowing Gay to return at his own speed without pressure to play immediately. The Spurs have done a masterful job of managing their players' minutes during the regular season and don't need Gay to play heavy minutes because of their depth on the wing.


In time, if Gay proves healthy, he could allow San Antonio to play smaller than in recent seasons. A forward combo of Gay and Kawhi Leonard provides tremendous versatility at both ends of the court. Gay's defensive rebounding ability could be particularly important in such alignments.


Another reason the Spurs might be smaller next season is that they have limited avenues for adding big men to their roster. San Antonio could potentially use the biannual exception, and will be able to re-sign incumbents DeWayne Dedmon, Pau Gasol and David Lee using non-Bird rights. However, the Spurs must carefully manage their salaries, because using the non-taxpayer value of the midlevel exception puts a hard cap on them at the apron, $6 million greater than the luxury-tax line.?


Including deals for Gay and Patty Mills, San Antonio has about $31 million to spend while staying below the apron. A new multiyear deal for Gasol, who passed up a $16.2 million player option in the hopes of signing a longer contract, could swallow up a significant chunk of that money.


The Spurs also have early Bird rights to restricted free agent Jonathon Simmons. The addition of Gay could make San Antonio reluctant to match a lucrative offer to Simmons, who could receive a backloaded offer because his salary the next two seasons is limited by the so-called Gilbert Arenas rule. (Note that the Spurs would be able to match an offer to Simmons using his early Bird rights and would not need the midlevel exception to do so. Additionally, under the revised rule San Antonio would have the option of averaging Simmons' cap hit instead of having it backloaded, though the hard cap likely makes that option unpalatable.)


So there's plenty more work ahead for San Antonio this offseason. Signing Gay only makes the rest of the Spurs' moves more interesting.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/nba-free-agency-day-rating-best-worst-surprising/story?id=48492214

[Ice009]

Plenty more work ahead? It looks like that was it after the Rudy Gay signing.

[TheDoctor]

Plenty more work ahead? It looks like that was it after the Rudy Gay signing.
Old. They're still talking about how they could sign Deadmen, DLee and Pau.

[ace3g]

887787463745425408

[tonight...you]

I'm ready to get Gay with Rudy.
C'mon my beautiful babies... Let's do this damn thing!

[spurs10]

I agree. Just clone Kawhi a few times and we would be pretty well set. Meant LMA, but like that cloning idea! :lol

[sasaint]

Meant LMA, but like that cloning idea! :lol

:lol Yeah, I knew. I just couldn't help myself.

[Seventyniner]

I agree. Just clone Kawhi a few times and we would be pretty well set.

A five-Kawhi lineup? I'm drooling over here.

[ace3g]

887773816079908864

[sasaint]

A five-Kawhi lineup? I'm drooling over here.

Yeah, that was my thought, too! :lol

[spurs10]

:lol Yeah, I knew. I just couldn't help myself. You got me! Well deserved! :lol:toast
I am really intrigued by the thought of Gay playing the 4 and LMA playing the 5. It really sounds like a good foil for the Kawhi double teams and certainly a better defensive front court for small ball.

[TheDoctor]

Saw an Instagram video of him yesterday. Working out and all that shit. Either he was tired as fuck or was being very cautious while jumping/dunking.

[Snaq O'Meal]

A five-Kawhi lineup? I'm drooling over here.

Cheapass PATFO won't open up the purse to keep all 5 Kawhis. If some of them leave, we'll finally have the answer to whether Kawhi can get buckets on Kawhi.

[spurs10]

A five-Kawhi lineup? I'm drooling over here. 'Kawhi throws the ball into Kawhi who hits Kawhi cutting to the basket for a slam dunk! With this win the Spurs will be the first NBA team to go undefeated in a season.'

[Spur|n|Austin]

Saw an Instagram video of him yesterday. Working out and all that shit. Either he was tired as fuck or was being very cautious while jumping/dunking.

Who's Instagram? Not seeing that on his.

[sasaint]

You got me! Well deserved! :lol:toast
I am really intrigued by the thought of Gay playing the 4 and LMA playing the 5. It really sounds like a good foil for the Kawhi double teams and certainly a better defensive front court for small ball.

Kawhi desperately needs a legitimate #2. I tend to think that guy needs to be a G not another frontcourt player. But a fully-healed Rudy will definitely be a better sidekick than LMA. I have seen some posters posit a lineup with LMA, Gasol, Rudy (at the three), Kawhi (at the 2) and a PG. But I just don't see it. I expect Rudy to play mostly the 4.

[SAGirl]

Kawhi desperately needs a legitimate #2. I tend to think that guy needs to be a G not another frontcourt player. But a fully-healed Rudy will definitely be a better sidekick than LMA. I have seen some posters posit a lineup with LMA, Gasol, Rudy (at the three), Kawhi (at the 2) and a PG. But I just don't see it. I expect Rudy to play mostly the 4.

me too. I think he starts too. With a likely point guard as a caretaker and shooter, Spurs will need another offensive weapon and I think Rudy Gay will provide it. He's obviously more creative than LMA, and versatile.

[SAGirl]

887773816079908864

Thanks for sharing that ACE... that was a fantastic write up by bballbreakdown. I am definitely a lot more excited about Gay now. The possibilities are a lot more varied with him in the SL :tu

[Snaq O'Meal]

887773816079908864

Those who wrote off Rudy Gay as an iso black hole will be pleasantly surprised that he's also a damn good passer. I just hope that Achilles holds up the entire season.

[sasaint]

me too. I think he starts too. With a likely point guard as a caretaker and shooter, Spurs will need another offensive weapon and I think Rudy Gay will provide it. He's obviously more creative than LMA, and versatile.

I go back and forth on whether I think Rudy starts or Kyle starts. I expect Pop to do a typical amount of experimenting.

[TheDoctor]

Who's Instagram? Not seeing that on his.

Rudy's Insta. He posted it on his History (pic and vids expire every 24hrs).

[SAGirl]

I go back and forth on whether I think Rudy starts or Kyle starts. I expect Pop to do a typical amount of experimenting.

I think all that experimenting is likely to go on in training camp out of our sights. But Spurs probably sold Rudy on a vision and a role anyways. I don't think the bench needs him that much with Mills, Manu, Bertans and Pau since all of them are offensive players. It's actually the SL that is too Kawhi dependent and will need help. But obviously how Rudy himself looks and is playing will determine more... I hope he's playing well... I am sure Pop will rest him when necessary. Kyle and Bertans will likely soak up a lot of minutes when it's all said and done anyways.

[spurs10]

Kawhi desperately needs a legitimate #2. I tend to think that guy needs to be a G not another frontcourt player. But a fully-healed Rudy will definitely be a better sidekick than LMA. I have seen some posters posit a lineup with LMA, Gasol, Rudy (at the three), Kawhi (at the 2) and a PG. But I just don't see it. I expect Rudy to play mostly the 4. I hope you're right. Gay getting to be on the floor with Kawhi is the ticket.

[Seventyniner]

I think all that experimenting is likely to go on in training camp out of our sights. But Spurs probably sold Rudy on a vision and a role anyways. I don't think the bench needs him that much with Mills, Manu, Bertans and Pau since all of them are offensive players. It's actually the SL that is too Kawhi dependent and will need help. But obviously how Rudy himself looks and is playing will determine more... I hope he's playing well... I am sure Pop will rest him when necessary. Kyle and Bertans will likely soak up a lot of minutes when it's all said and done anyways.

The problem here is that Kyle and Bertans basically play only the 3/4 positions, which is where we expect Leonard, Gay, and Aldridge to spend the vast majority of their time. I think Leonard will have to play a fair bit of 2 and Aldridge a good amount of 5 in order to get minutes for everyone.

[sasaint]

The problem here is that Kyle and Bertans basically play only the 3/4 positions, which is where we expect Leonard, Gay, and Aldridge to spend the vast majority of their time. I think Leonard will have to play a fair bit of 2 and Aldridge a good amount of 5 in order to get minutes for everyone.

If the roster remains as-is with only 3 true "bigs", LMA is likely to spend MOST of his time at the 5. Pop's telling him that may have been a big reason for the LMA brouhaha in the first place.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Rudy's Insta. He posted it on his History (pic and vids expire every 24hrs).

Gotcha - well that's not promising.

[Ice009]

Gotcha - well that's not promising.

What exactly did he post?

[Spur|n|Austin]

What exactly did he post?

Apparently he looked very cautious when jumping/dunking.. Didn't see it personally.

[rjv]

for all the sh*t LMA gets, he is still a good player. he's not an elite player but he is still good. if his head is with the spurs next year, either because he wants to win or because he knows he has to increase his value on the market, he can still be a big piece of the starting unit. the big IF for me is if he can handle the status of being the 3rd option on offense.

[Ice009]

Apparently he looked very cautious when jumping/dunking.. Didn't see it personally.

That doesn't sound to good for someone who's medically cleared to go. Having said that there is still a couple of months to go until training camp begins. Also, wasn't the season supposed to start earlier this year?

[look_at_g_shred]

That doesn't sound to good for someone who's medically cleared to go. Having said that there is still a couple of months to go until training camp begins. Also, wasn't the season supposed to start earlier this year?
First NBA pre-season game is Sept. 30 iirc with the Season opener OCT. 17th.

[Ice009]

First NBA pre-season game is Sept. 30 iirc with the Season opener OCT. 17th.

Wow, so it is earlier. I wasn't expecting that. So when is traning camp now? halfway through September? I recall previous years that training camp started first of October, wasn't it?

[rjv]

That doesn't sound to good for someone who's medically cleared to go. Having said that there is still a couple of months to go until training camp begins. Also, wasn't the season supposed to start earlier this year? i wouldn't reach any conclusion from this information unless i could juxtapose it with some other variable(s). i mean, give me some sort of baseline to work with here.

[TheDoctor]

Apparently he looked very cautious when jumping/dunking.. Didn't see it personally.

FYI SnA et al. Rudy posted two more vids on his Insta Stories.

[Spur|n|Austin]

FYI SnA et al. Rudy posted two more vids on his Insta Stories.

Saw that! Not sure how to post those here tbh

[TheDoctor]

Saw that! Not sure how to post those here tbh

It can't be done.

You have record-it w/ your phone, upload-it to Flicker/Photobucket then post-it wherever you want.

[Spur|n|Austin]

It can't be done.

You have record-it w/ your phone, upload-it to Flicker/Photobucket then post-it wherever you want.

Went a different route via macbook/QT tethered to my phone

https://vimeo.com/226387844

def limping when walking...

[Seventyniner]

Went a different route via macbook/QT tethered to my phone

https://vimeo.com/226387844

def limping when walking...

Looked more like him being ginger with it than limping, but definitely not full-go 100%.

I would hope that PATFO did enough medical due diligence to not get completely screwed over by this signing.

[TheDoctor]

Went a different route via macbook/QT tethered to my phone

https://vimeo.com/226387844

def limping when walking...

Clever!


https://vimeo.com/226387844

[cutewizard]

All our hopes now are in the Jedi called Gay!!!!!!!!

lets get it on

----------------------------------------

Coz we are just one piece away from being one piece away fellas

huhuhuhuhu, i hate golden state

[cutewizard]

May I post that whole thing guys, seems to be very interesting:

From the website link: https://bballbreakdown.com/2017/07/19/nba-free-agency-fits-rudy-gay-san-antonio-spurs/

By Mike O’Connor
Solving the puzzle of Rudy Gay’s fit on the San Antonio Spurs has easily been one of the most difficult cases to crack in some time. For starters, it’s important to tread carefully with Spurs signings. Blind faith in the Spurs’ brass is entirely warranted and plausible, but the Spurs could sign an upturned mop with a bucket for a head and we might think it was a good deal. No one aces every signing.
Secondly, it is certainly not a surface-level fit. A score-first, score-second isolation player on a team that avoids isolations like the plague with a top five player in the league at his position.
How does that work?
At first, I hypothesized that this was a footnote-level acquisition. Maybe it was just a flyer, or a “let us try to fix you” contract the Spurs dole out from time to time.
But that didn’t seem to add up. The Spurs just let three players with a combined 84 starts walk away. They aren’t about to watch Kawhi Leonard’s prime wither away without a fight.
And like the genius of most Spurs moves, this one was hidden in plain sight. Though I’ll admit, it did make me reconsider what the Spurs value in a power forward. Yes, a power forward.
Because that’s what Gay is now. Get used to it. Surely, Gregg Popovich envisions Gay playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. In 2015-2016, Leonard’s net rating was 2.7 points higher per 48 minutes when playing small forward compared to power forward, and last season he played just one percent of his minutes there. Kawhi will be staying put in his natural position, thank you very much.


The Spurs’ vision behind plugging Gay in at the power forward appears to have two steps: ridding him of his bad habits and tapping into some hidden talents to reach a new team dynamic.
The Isolation ProblemIn checking Gay’s numbers, I was very relieved to find that he has terrible isolation stats. In 2015-2016, Gay had the 18th most isolation possessions in the league and the 186th best points per isolation possession. And he hunts them, too. Only 15 percent of his isolations came with four or less seconds left on the shot clock, the sixth lowest league wide. Sheesh.
But for our sake, this is a good thing. It means that Gay’s value is not rooted in his isolation ability. We can peel away Gay’s isolations without undermining his lone productive area as a player.
In the Spurs’ offense, isolations are little more than byproducts of a broken plays. A possession gone awry. It’s why the Spurs, Warriors and Celtics are all among the bottom five in the league in percentage of isolation plays. To the Spurs, isolations are a necessary evil rather than a viable offensive source, which was the problem in Gay’s three previous destinations.
Additionally, Gay will shoulder far less perimeter creation duties when playing the power forward. It’s a far more confined role in the Spurs’ offense.
For that reason, I trust the Spurs to unplug Gay from his isolating ways. A mixture of lesser need combined with forced schematic avoidance should quell his penchant for isolations.


Then What?But… simply downplaying a flaw doesn’t make this a fantastic signing. The Spurs wouldn’t invest in Gay if they didn’t think they could make use of some hidden talents.
In contextualizing his role, it’s clear the Spurs need a power forward who can operate out of the post. They had the fourth most post-ups in the NBA last season, and are also among the best at using the post-up to set up action for shooters on the perimeter.
Gay is shockingly smooth in the post. He ranked 21st in the NBA in 2015-2016 in post-up points per possession, min. 50 possessions. He’s physical, quick and has the lift to shoot over wing defenders.


Allow me to stop here and ask if Gay reminds you of a sleeker version of any recent Spurs player. Maybe…Boris Diaw?
Sheesh, if you told me I’d be comparing Rudy Gay to Boris Diaw today, I’d laugh. Sure, Diaw is a uniquely cerebral player and passer. But in 2014-2015, Gay’s last full pre-Rondo season, he had a better assist percentage (19) than Diaw’s last season as a Spur (18.3).
Diaw is also top-tier in post-up efficiency, while Gay is a notch below. But the point is Gay will be used very much like Diaw was. Maneuver in the post, make decisions at the top of the key and handle spot-up duties.
The Sleeker SpursThe move also represents a stylistic shift for the Spurs. For the entirety of Kawhi Leonard’s career, the Spurs have sported starting lineups with two versatile but conventional big men. Their starting front courts from the past six seasons have included some combination of Tiago Splitter, Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol each year.
I’m immensely excited to see the Spurs’ “shuffle” series with Gay involved. It’s already my favorite play in any NBA team’s playbook. The first option is the alley-oop to Kawhi:


The VerdictGay fits a very unique classification of NBA players. He headlines the “too talented to shrink into a tremendous role player, but not talented enough to lead a team” crowd that has by and large disappeared this decade. It’s a brutal conundrum most fans and teams write him off for, despite being in the upper class of talent in the NBA.
But if there’s one team who can mold his talent into the confines of a productive role, it’s the San Antonio Spurs. It’s what they do.
It’s very possible most NBA fans have passed Gay by due to his isolating, long two taking ways. In doing so, we’ve committed a considerable oversight of his diverse skill set. And the Spurs are primed to unleash it.
In signing Gay, the Spurs got what they wanted in a power forward, but also took a step towards a more progressive, sleeker lineup.
Has the formula for unlocking Gay’s potential been as simple as shrinking his wide-reaching creation duties into more nuanced, confined role? The league is about to find out.

[cutewizard]

I wonder if there is room for Boris Diaw, to back up Gay??

hmmmm

[Ice009]

I wonder if there is room for Boris Diaw, to back up Gay??

hmmmm

If Boris got in 2014 Spurs shape and he was/is motivated, I would take him, but if not, no thanks.

[TheGreatYacht]

Diaw looked unbelievably washed and has mailed it since 2014, but he took it even further with the Jazz. He still carries around that espresso machine as well that a bunch of you vanilla fans thought was cute and funny. No thanks.

2016 Spurs:
6.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.3apg, 52.7FG%, 36.2 3P%, 14.0PER, 1.2BPM

2017 Jazz:
4.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, 44.6FG%, 24.7 3P%, 9.0PER, -2.9BPM

[cutewizard]

All things considered, we need to get back to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjadmjleQT8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjadmjleQT8

[raybies]

All things considered, we need to get back to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjadmjleQT8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjadmjleQT8
Don't get me going again. I wish... Pop puts a system to the players he has.

[SAGirl]

Went a different route via macbook/QT tethered to my phone

https://vimeo.com/226387844

def limping when walking...
:wow
Slowmo Part 2 tbh... except unlike SlowMo, he has never played like this b4, whereas SlowMo has been slow his whole life and is adjusted to his own limitations.
Also, definite limp noticeable.

also... definitely looks slower than a rookie slowmo in this workout... http://www.draftexpress.com/video/11493/

[BillMc]

May I post that whole thing guys, seems to be very interesting:

From the website link: https://bballbreakdown.com/2017/07/19/nba-free-agency-fits-rudy-gay-san-antonio-spurs/

By Mike O’Connor


Solving the puzzle of Rudy Gay’s fit on the San Antonio Spurs has easily been one of the most difficult cases to crack in some time. For starters, it’s important to tread carefully with Spurs signings. Blind faith in the Spurs’ brass is entirely warranted and plausible, but the Spurs could sign an upturned mop with a bucket for a head and we might think it was a good deal. No one aces every signing.
Secondly, it is certainly not a surface-level fit. A score-first, score-second isolation player on a team that avoids isolations like the plague with a top five player in the league at his position.
How does that work?
At first, I hypothesized that this was a footnote-level acquisition. Maybe it was just a flyer, or a “let us try to fix you” contract the Spurs dole out from time to time.
But that didn’t seem to add up. The Spurs just let three players with a combined 84 starts walk away. They aren’t about to watch Kawhi Leonard’s prime wither away without a fight.
And like the genius of most Spurs moves, this one was hidden in plain sight. Though I’ll admit, it did make me reconsider what the Spurs value in a power forward. Yes, a power forward.
Because that’s what Gay is now. Get used to it. Surely, Gregg Popovich envisions Gay playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. In 2015-2016, Leonard’s net rating was 2.7 points higher per 48 minutes when playing small forward compared to power forward, and last season he played just one percent of his minutes there. Kawhi will be staying put in his natural position, thank you very much.


The Spurs’ vision behind plugging Gay in at the power forward appears to have two steps: ridding him of his bad habits and tapping into some hidden talents to reach a new team dynamic.
The Isolation Problem

In checking Gay’s numbers, I was very relieved to find that he has terrible isolation stats. In 2015-2016, Gay had the 18th most isolation possessions in the league and the 186th best points per isolation possession. And he hunts them, too. Only 15 percent of his isolations came with four or less seconds left on the shot clock, the sixth lowest league wide. Sheesh.
But for our sake, this is a good thing. It means that Gay’s value is not rooted in his isolation ability. We can peel away Gay’s isolations without undermining his lone productive area as a player.
In the Spurs’ offense, isolations are little more than byproducts of a broken plays. A possession gone awry. It’s why the Spurs, Warriors and Celtics are all among the bottom five in the league in percentage of isolation plays. To the Spurs, isolations are a necessary evil rather than a viable offensive source, which was the problem in Gay’s three previous destinations.
Additionally, Gay will shoulder far less perimeter creation duties when playing the power forward. It’s a far more confined role in the Spurs’ offense.
For that reason, I trust the Spurs to unplug Gay from his isolating ways. A mixture of lesser need combined with forced schematic avoidance should quell his penchant for isolations.


Then What?

But… simply downplaying a flaw doesn’t make this a fantastic signing. The Spurs wouldn’t invest in Gay if they didn’t think they could make use of some hidden talents.
In contextualizing his role, it’s clear the Spurs need a power forward who can operate out of the post. They had the fourth most post-ups in the NBA last season, and are also among the best at using the post-up to set up action for shooters on the perimeter.
Gay is shockingly smooth in the post. He ranked 21st in the NBA in 2015-2016 in post-up points per possession, min. 50 possessions. He’s physical, quick and has the lift to shoot over wing defenders.


Allow me to stop here and ask if Gay reminds you of a sleeker version of any recent Spurs player. Maybe…Boris Diaw?
Sheesh, if you told me I’d be comparing Rudy Gay to Boris Diaw today, I’d laugh. Sure, Diaw is a uniquely cerebral player and passer. But in 2014-2015, Gay’s last full pre-Rondo season, he had a better assist percentage (19) than Diaw’s last season as a Spur (18.3).
Diaw is also top-tier in post-up efficiency, while Gay is a notch below. But the point is Gay will be used very much like Diaw was. Maneuver in the post, make decisions at the top of the key and handle spot-up duties.
The Sleeker Spurs

The move also represents a stylistic shift for the Spurs. For the entirety of Kawhi Leonard’s career, the Spurs have sported starting lineups with two versatile but conventional big men. Their starting front courts from the past six seasons have included some combination of Tiago Splitter, Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol each year.
I’m immensely excited to see the Spurs’ “shuffle” series with Gay involved. It’s already my favorite play in any NBA team’s playbook. The first option is the alley-oop to Kawhi:


The Verdict

Gay fits a very unique classification of NBA players. He headlines the “too talented to shrink into a tremendous role player, but not talented enough to lead a team” crowd that has by and large disappeared this decade. It’s a brutal conundrum most fans and teams write him off for, despite being in the upper class of talent in the NBA.
But if there’s one team who can mold his talent into the confines of a productive role, it’s the San Antonio Spurs. It’s what they do.
It’s very possible most NBA fans have passed Gay by due to his isolating, long two taking ways. In doing so, we’ve committed a considerable oversight of his diverse skill set. And the Spurs are primed to unleash it.
In signing Gay, the Spurs got what they wanted in a power forward, but also took a step towards a more progressive, sleeker lineup.
Has the formula for unlocking Gay’s potential been as simple as shrinking his wide-reaching creation duties into more nuanced, confined role? The league is about to find out.

Nice read. Thanks for posting. :toast

Let's hope Rudy showcases his hidden talents to great effect.

[SPURt]

BREAKING NEWS: Rudy Gay changes middle name to "Not". Lamarcus Aldridge disappointed, requests trade to Cleveland.

[tholdren]

BREAKING NEWS: Rudy Gay changes middle name to "Not". Lamarcus Aldridge disappointed, requests trade to Cleveland.

Kyrie decides to request cleveland never trade him.

[cutewizard]

:bobo

[ace3g]

890274152753582080

[hater]

Don't get me going again. I wish... Pop puts a system to the players he has.

A system aint gonna make Patty Shits play defense, Green dribble a ball or Manu 10 years younger

That ship has sailed

[FkLA]

890274152753582080

:flag:

He's going to be a great Spur. The only positive thing from an otherwise shitty off-season. Signing MVPaddy was neither good nor bad, imo.

[ace3g]

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20264529_10154741593431981_8218211658627910036_n.j pg?oh=f08e37e183b999f7784b1a42967fc69c&oe=5A3912F6

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20294306_10154741602371981_8010538875505972361_n.j pg?oh=2e4795fa2ea36147697aefdefc5f10da&oe=59FBCAC8

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20258298_10154741611536981_3709192234499566397_n.j pg?oh=91ea451b61e4605afd8959ebd29bc129&oe=5A3993D0

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20292596_10154741611531981_5905496491472669879_n.j pg?oh=4bea88e7d63ba91bd1359c9803532cfe&oe=59F8733E

[BatManu20]

890527196208480258

[MR-Clutch]

Maybe Kawhi has spoiled us with his physique but gay looks a little chunky.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Maybe Kawhi has spoiled us with his physique but gay looks a little chunky.

That crossed my mind too. Everything I've heard, though, is that he's working his butt off to get ready to play. He's probably just lacking in whatever gene Kawhi and DRob shared to be totally shredded.

[SPURt]

Maybe Kawhi has spoiled us with his physique but gay looks a little chunky.
I'm very spoiled by Kawhi's physique:
https://media.giphy.com/media/INdsz6tW8KRJS/giphy.gif

[SAGirl]

He looks heavy IMO. Definitely a starting 4. I hope all those pounds don't put stress on that ankle and leg.

[Snaq O'Meal]

He looks heavy IMO. Definitely a starting 4. I hope all those pounds don't put stress on that ankle and leg.

Rudy has never been a prototypical skinny wing. The guy probably has the closest physical profile to Kawhi in the league: 225-230 lbs, 6'7"-6'8" with a freakish 7'3" wingspan.

[Chucho]

I'm very spoiled by Kawhi's physique:
https://media.giphy.com/media/INdsz6tW8KRJS/giphy.gif

:lmao

[cutewizard]

A system aint gonna make Patty Shits play defense, Green dribble a ball or Manu 10 years younger

That ship has sailed

Agree, but new ships are coming, with the names

Forbes,

And Paul,

And Blossomgame. Hahaha

[cutewizard]

890527196208480258


Fabulous pics!

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

My only hope is that he can still play after the injury. I remember Elton Brand (among others) lost his explosiveness after his Achilles injury. Hopefully Gay can beat the odds and not lose much.

[TheDoctor]

I have spent the last half hour reading and watching videos regarding Achilles tendon injuries on athletes. It's sad tbh.

Here's for one legged Gay and his stronger than ever comeback :toast

[TheDoctor]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGPPFnoXYAALlYZ.jpg:large



:lobt2:

[SpursforSix]

My only hope is that he can still play after the injury. I remember Elton Brand (among others) lost his explosiveness after his Achilles injury. Hopefully Gay can beat the odds and not lose much.

I'm hanging my hopes on how Dominique recovered.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I'm hanging my hopes on how Dominique recovered.

:tu

[ace3g]

892923165898416128

[Ice009]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGPPFnoXYAALlYZ.jpg:large



:lobt2:

What year is this from? I always thought he was decent with the game on the line. Good to have that in the arsenal.

[Snaq O'Meal]

What year is this from? I always thought he was decent with the game on the line. Good to have that in the arsenal.

Last 10 seasons tbh.

[Hoops Czar]

I have spent the last half hour reading and watching videos regarding Achilles tendon injuries on athletes. It's sad tbh.

Here's for one legged Gay and his stronger than ever comeback :toast

Now read up on ruptured quads.

[TheDoctor]

What year is this from? I always thought he was decent with the game on the line. Good to have that in the arsenal.
Graphic's from 2016.


Last 10 seasons tbh.
:lol

[ace3g]

I guess Tony Allen won't be signing with the Spurs...

893908551504199681

[Spurtacular]

890274152753582080

He looks fat.

[Ice009]

He doesn't look fat at all. Doesn't anyone recall the training video from before the Spurs signed him. He looked in decent shape in that.

[tbdog]

He doesn't look fat at all. Doesn't anyone recall the training video from before the Spurs signed him. He looked in decent shape in that.

He looked it great shape.

[Spurtacular]

He doesn't look fat at all. Doesn't anyone recall the training video from before the Spurs signed him. He looked in decent shape in that.

I recall it. That picture ain't lying though.

[tholdren]

He looked it great shape.

Gotta sew him move. Looking fit is one thing, playing fit os another. Im hopeful

[YGWHI]

I guess Tony Allen won't be signing with the Spurs...

893908551504199681

:tu

I guess Gay didn't make many friends when he was playing in Memphis...Other good reason to enjoy the next Spurs-Grizz games.

[KDKSpurs24]

:tu

I guess Gay didn't make many friends when he was playing in Memphis...Other good reason to enjoy the next Spurs-Grizz games.
He said they were still friends with each other though.

[YGWHI]

He said they were still friends with each other though.

Thanks. It's not like I wanted some bad blood between them but it could have added a funny extra favor to the games.

[buttsR4rebounding]

That crossed my mind too. Everything I've heard, though, is that he's working his butt off to get ready to play. He's probably just lacking in whatever gene Kawhi and DRob shared to be totally shredded.

DRob was the biggest freak--29 inch waist and 17 inch biceps.

[tholdren]

DRob was the biggest freak--29 inch waist and 17 inch biceps.

It aint genetic

[Prose]

He looks fat.
i thought he looked a little bit heavy too like la marcus....only way this is cool if he is planning on playing more 4. but still why dosent guys like lamarcus see what timmy did. he came back in like 2012-2013 20 pounds lighter and all of a sudden he was a dunking machine at 36

[exstatic]

i thought he looked a little bit heavy too like la marcus....only way this is cool if he is planning on playing more 4. but still why dosent guys like lamarcus see what timmy did. he came back in like 2012-2013 20 pounds lighter and all of a sudden he was a dunking machine at 36

Jason Garrett of Arriosti Sports Therapy shared an interesting story regarding Aldridge on Mike Taylor's radio show. He said Tim and Lamarcus were working out together (doing one on one drills) and Lamarcus was exhausted. LA stopped playing and said something like "Man, I don't know how you do it". Tim said, "If you want to be playing when you're 39, you gotta work. Let's go." LaMarcus said "Nah, I'm done" and walked off the court.

[Spurtacular]

i thought he looked a little bit heavy too like la marcus....only way this is cool if he is planning on playing more 4. but still why dosent guys like lamarcus see what timmy did. he came back in like 2012-2013 20 pounds lighter and all of a sudden he was a dunking machine at 36

We could've got a heavy 4 anywhere. If he's not gonna be the athletic wing he once was; a guy who could keep up with KD, then it's probably not the great signing we were hoping for. (That said, yes, I know he was going to get some 4 minutes either way.)

[ace3g]

Rudy Gay working out via boxing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXoGKq7HzMx/?tagged=rudygay

[Skoobz]

Rudy Gay working out via boxing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXoGKq7HzMx/?tagged=rudygay

Is this recorded in slow motion? :lol:bobo

[ace3g]

^ yeah he must be a beginner.

[TheDoctor]

^ yeah he must be a beginner.

Or doing a Robert Horry :lol

[Keepin' it real]

He looks fat.

http://wearetherealdeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Phat.jpg

[ace3g]

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20634078_800353493465724_7272542571832803328_n.jpg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXpxXVpDPYK/?tagged=rudygay

[peacemaker885]

He looks ready and confident.

[Ice009]

What shoes is he wearing?

[jermaine]

What shoes is he wearing?

Throwback AirMax

[TheDoctor]

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20634078_800353493465724_7272542571832803328_n.jpg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXpxXVpDPYK/?tagged=rudygay

What is Gay may never Die.

[ace3g]

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20759255_162701207626086_5977811606573154304_n.jpg

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20759255_162701207626086_5977811606573154304_n.jpg

[cd98]

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20759255_162701207626086_5977811606573154304_n.jpg

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20759255_162701207626086_5977811606573154304_n.jpg

She doesn't have anything to worry about, he's Gay.

[ace3g]

Rudy Gay turns 31 today. Happy Birthday

[TheDoctor]

Happy BDay Rudy. Wishing lots of health to you and your homie Achilles.

[tbdog]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjJ5zbwMkh0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjJ5zbwMkh0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

https://youtu.be/EjJ5zbwMkh0

I'm fucking done with this. Just watch the YouTube clip, and feel free to tell me how to embed YouTube clips in this forum.

[ace3g]

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20905423_2034300040135302_3030548234230562816_n.jp g

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYCXnYnA3p4/?taken-by=rudygay

[hombre]

Must be hard finding decent clothes when you're that tall.

[TheDoctor]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjJ5zbwMkh0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjJ5zbwMkh0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

https://youtu.be/EjJ5zbwMkh0

I'm fucking done with this. Just watch the YouTube clip, and feel free to tell me how to embed YouTube clips in this forum.

Just grab the link, click the insert video icon (between the insert pic and quote icons), then paste and that's it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjJ5zbwMkh0&amp;feature=youtu.be


Actually there's a "Not that Gay" compilation IIRC.

[tbdog]

https://youtu.be/EjJ5zbwMkh0

[tbdog]

DID NOT WORK

[dabom]

You don't know how to insert video? :lol

[dabom]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjJ5zbwMkh0&amp;feature=youtu.be

[dabom]

Go to youtube.

Find webpage.

Right click on the url and copy url(don't use youtube's own share buttons... just copy the entire url from the top of the webpage).

Go to ST post.

Click insert video next to the font size A stuff. Hover to see which one is the video one.

Right click paste url.

Click enter.

[SupremeGuy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjJ5zbwMkh0&amp;feature=youtu.be

What's hard about this?... :lol

[tbdog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjJ5zbwMkh0

[tbdog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGTt08xdWA

[tonight...you]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGTt08xdWA

:lol :toast

[bklynspursfan]

902710651017191424

[marinoman]

902710651017191424
Good, he's motivated

[Dex]

902710651017191424

:ihit Prove em wrong, Rudy!

[SPURt]

902710651017191424
https://media.giphy.com/media/FHuw1JsLVBWxi/giphy.gif

[Darius Bieber]

Gay's always been a clutch player. I think he's like 70+% in buzzer beating shots. Dude's gonna be a stud on the Spurs, teach those chokers on our team a thing or two.

[LittleCriminal]

902710651017191424



But I thought Gay is a Power Forward now according to the armchair head coaches here on Spurstalk...

[SnakeBoy]

https://scontent-dft4-2.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/20905423_2034300040135302_3030548234230562816_n.jp g

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYCXnYnA3p4/?taken-by=rudygay

He gnawed the hell out of that mellon. Must've been hungry from all the rehab.

[RD2191]

I thought Gay was referring to LBJ and KD being ahead of Kawhi. Tbh

[Chinook]

But I thought Gay is a Power Forward now according to the armchair head coaches here on Spurstalk...

What does that have to do with anything?

[bklynspursfan]

But I thought Gay is a Power Forward now according to the armchair head coaches here on Spurstalk...

He'll probably spend time at both spots. I mean Draymond plays lots of 5 but they still had him with the PFs.

[TD 21]

But I thought Gay is a Power Forward now according to the armchair head coaches here on Spurstalk...

:lmao Relying on a listing in a video game instead of common sense, both in terms of how the game is being played in real life and the construction of this roster.

[KDKSpurs24]

:lmao Relying on a listing in a video game instead of common sense, both in terms of how the game is being played in real life and the construction of this roster.
Rudy also had a tweet where he replied to someone and said he asked if he was a 4 and said he wasn't or something. Maybe that's what LittleCriminal was talking about. Probably not. I don't know haha.

[SpursforSix]

Hey Hey
Rudy Gay
Signed with the Spurs
And he's ready to play

Strong and fast
black and tall
he's gonna play
some basketball

He's so good
he can't be beat
makes the fans
stand on their feet

GOOOOOOOO Rudy Gay and Spurs!!!:flag::flag::flag::lobt2:

[TD 21]

Rudy also had a tweet where he replied to someone and said he asked if he was a 4 and said he wasn't or something. Maybe that's what LittleCriminal was talking about. Probably not. I don't know haha.

He put tears of joy. To many players, playing up a position is tantamount to questioning their skill level. We've seen it various times with Spurs alone: Duncan preferred to be called a PF; Aldridge doesn't want to play C; Gasol didn't either once upon a time; Gay has resisted playing PF in the past.

He'll more than likely always consider himself a SF, even though he'll clearly be more of and eventually exclusively a PF from now until the end of his career.

[Leetonidas]

Given his interview earlier in the summer where he talks about visiting with pop and discussing his versatility in the lineup I think he knows he's gonna be playing a lot of PF

[LittleCriminal]

Rudy also had a tweet where he replied to someone and said he asked if he was a 4 and said he wasn't or something. Maybe that's what LittleCriminal was talking about. Probably not. I don't know haha.

Thanks for the clarification, see how quickly the armchair head coaches lose their shit.

[BillMc]

902710651017191424

He's right. Kawhi should be ahead of Durant.

[Maddog]

Given his interview earlier in the summer where he talks about visiting with pop and discussing his versatility in the lineup I think he knows he's gonna be playing a lot of PF

I can see all kinds of combos
Even a big lineup with Kawhi as the 2 with Rudy 3
Size really bothered GS, Not sure how RG defense is..

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Rudy also had a tweet where he replied to someone and said he asked if he was a 4 and said he wasn't or something. Maybe that's what LittleCriminal was talking about. Probably not. I don't know haha.

Aldridge also seemed to be against playing the 5 and ended up playing center a whole lot with the Spurs.

[cutewizard]

Hey Hey
Rudy Gay
Signed with the Spurs
And he's ready to play

Strong and fast
black and tall
he's gonna play
some basketball

He's so good
he can't be beat
makes the fans
stand on their feet

GOOOOOOOO Rudy Gay and Spurs!!!:flag::flag::flag::lobt2:

:bobo

[cutewizard]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PeidYEabGiY

[HarlemHeat37]

This will be the most difficult test for the Rudy Gay challenge, tbh..it's a curse that has haunted every team he has played for(Sacramento didn't change, though)

2005-2006 Grizzlies: 49-33
2006-2007 Grizzlies with Rudy Gay: 22-60

2009-2010 Grizzlies with Gay: 40-42
2010-2011 Grizzlies with Gay missing the 2nd half of the season and playoffs: 46-36, famously embarrassing the 1 seed Spurs

2012-2013 Grizzlies after trading Rudy Gay: WCFS
2012-2013 Raptors with Gay: 34-48

2012-2013 Raptors with Gay: missed playoffs
2013-2014 Raptors trade Gay: 48 wins, HCA in playoffs

2012-2013 Kings without Gay: 28 wins
2014 Kings: 28 wins

2017 Spurs: 61 wins
2018 Spurs: ???


The Gay Curse, which now I fully expect Kawhi going down with some shitty injury and Kyle Anderson starting in his place.

:lmao good call, my nigga..

I'm not superstitious, nor do I believe in curses, but there's something about this Rudy Gay effect that is making me second guess my beliefs, tbh..either this nigga has the worst luck in NBA history or it's something deeper:wow

[Chinook]

Fuuuck. Why, NAS?

[NASpurs]

:lmao good call, my nigga..

I'm not superstitious, nor do I believe in curses, but there's something about this Rudy Gay effect that is making me second guess my beliefs, tbh..either this nigga has the worst luck in NBA history or it's something deeper:wow


Fuuuck. Why, NAS?

:lol Jesus, I was originally piggybacking on Harlem’s post and I thought about some extremes not thinking it would actually happen. I actually had forgotten about that. :lol Crazy shit, what a horrible year.

[KDKSpurs24]

I mentioned this the other day. The curse is real.

[HarlemHeat37]

I hope Gay doesn't bet on sports, tbh:lol he would become Antoine Walker in 5 years..

[MaNu4Tres]

I hope Gay doesn't bet on sports, tbh:lol he would become Antoine Walker in 5 years..

The team just doesn't have enough talent.

They gave 98 million to two players who only provide offense against weaker competition. The allocation of salaries within the Spurs' cap has never been this inefficient.

The players aren't to blame.

[HarlemHeat37]

The team just doesn't have enough talent.

They gave 98 million to two players who only provide offense against weaker competition. The allocation of salaries within the Spurs' cap has never been this inefficient.

The players aren't to blame.

:lol obviously I don't actually think it's Gay's fault, brother..it's just a funny/strange coincidence that literally every team he joins gets significantly worse..

Also, it's not just a lack of talent, it's also an illogical roster full of redundancy..

[spursistan]

:lmao good call, my nigga..

I'm not superstitious, nor do I believe in curses, but there's something about this Rudy Gay effect that is making me second guess my beliefs, tbh..either this nigga has the worst luck in NBA history or it's something deeper:wow

holy shit :lol..

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFo_rV2OjVs


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkKBvIdZvv8

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhjbvOEL8VE

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYeYlgcIFd8

[BillMc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYeYlgcIFd8

Cheers Ace:toast

[superbigtime]

I totally want Rudy back.

[Dex]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYeYlgcIFd8

Good stuff. Really hope the Spurs are able to keep Gay...ideally for the deal he is on now. Wouldn't be surprised if he tries to test the market, though.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luApLxF8K0I

[CGD]

Good stuff, rooting for him

[AFBlue]

Need this dude back in silver and black.

[Joseph Kony]

Rudy seems like a good dude. really hope he sticks around. he is good in his role

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nci-8rZn5ZU

[DPG21920]

I hope Rudy is gone. Nothing personal. Great guy, worked hard to comeback, but SA needs something better and flexibility.

[tholdren]

I hope Rudy is gone. Nothing personal. Great guy, worked hard to comeback, but SA needs something better and flexibility.

Hes not even as good as livingston tbh

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9f8kA_stSM

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-M9QxiCdOY

[superbigtime]

Rudaaayyy! What a great guy. Hate to see him underappreciated. Very glad he is back. He's going to be important this year, hope he stays healthy. Liked the clip of Drummond what a big guy and deceptively nimble for that size.

[SpursDynasty85]

Spurs offense is going to be just fine this year. Pop will make us at least an average defensive team. Healthy Rudy at $10M/yr is a steal!

[cutewizard]

Star forward of the Spurs......!!!

[bklynspursfan]

And after being hardened, molded by Jim Calhoun, Gay was ready to play for Gregg Popovich (http://www.courant.com/topic/sports/basketball/gregg-popovich-PESPT000009508-topic.html). Um, any similarities?

“Besides the dirty mouth?” Gay said, laughing. “Just the leadership qualities. Both of those guys know how to take charge and keep control of their group. … With Pop, you know, he’s going to give it to you straight, and you can take it or leave it. You’ve got to respect that. You’ve got to respect a guy who just lays it on the line, doesn’t sugar coat anything. He just lets you know exactly how he feels. And afterward, he’ll have dinner with you, have wine with you, so you’ve got to respect a guy like that who just lays it on the line. It’s just basketball. It’s nothing personal. You know exactly what you need to do.”




“The best part about San Antonio, they do right by you,” Gay said. “They do right by their players, do right by their staff. That doesn’t happen much in the NBA, to be honest with you. It doesn’t happen much. On one side, there was [Leonard] that was trying to get out, get to a bigger market, and they were totally being up front with him, and then they trade him for a guy [DeRozan] where, that organization wasn’t being up front with him at all. So, I mean, it’s just night and day. That trade right there shows you the difference between the San Antonio Spurs and other organizations.

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-men-amore-column-rudy-gay-0807-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

[DPG21920]

Rudy dropping truth bombs on posters like gambitt that hate on SA.

[SpursDynasty85]

Yep. Any narrative that it was because of injury diagnosis or stupid comments is idiotic. Finally a Spurs player revealing Kawhi's true intention of leaving.

[DAF86]

Rudy dropping truth bombs on posters like gambitt that hate on SA.

"Taking care of players" is good as long as it doesn't involve handing out bad contracts and preventing the team from making good trades out of "loyalty", tbh.

[DPG21920]

"Taking care of players" is good as long as it doesn't involve handing out bad contracts and preventing the team from making good trades out of "loyalty", tbh.


It’s truly hard to form an argument against SA’s way of doing things. Whether you look back 20 years, 10 years or 5 years, no team during any of that span has had more success than SA outside of GS.

So while SA’s way isn’t perfect, it’s better than 28 other teams way.

[DAF86]

It’s truly hard to form an argument against SA’s way of doing things. Whether you look back 20 years, 10 years or 5 years, no team during any of that span has had more success than SA outside of GS.

So while SA’s way isn’t perfect, it’s better than 28 other teams way.

I would like to see how they do without Duncan before claiming that. I have a feeling any franchise that would have landed the GOAT franchise player, would have been able to establish a great culture.

Or maybe not "any" franchise, but "most" or "many".

[SpursDynasty85]

It’s truly hard to form an argument against SA’s way of doing things. Whether you look back 20 years, 10 years or 5 years, no team during any of that span has had more success than SA outside of GS.

So while SA’s way isn’t perfect, it’s better than 28 other teams way.

Too bad Kawhi got injured that one series but since 2014 you could say Rockets have had as good or better success with 2 western conference finals appearances vs the Spurs one. Rockets should've went to the finals last year.

But I'm with you on the Spurs model and strategy. SA is a terrible free agent, corporate sponsor, and television market compared to most teams but have had arguably as good of success over the last 30 years.

[bklynspursfan]

I would like to see how they do without Duncan before claiming that. I have a feeling any franchise that would have landed the GOAT franchise player, would have been able to establish a great culture.

Or maybe not "any" franchise, but "most" or "many".

They were on their way to continuing to be a dominant force till Uncle Dennis destroyed that idea

[DPG21920]

I would like to see how they do without Duncan before claiming that. I have a feeling any franchise that would have landed the GOAT franchise player, would have been able to establish a great culture.

Or maybe not "any" franchise, but "most" or "many".

We have evidence of that already. Since Tim Duncan retired, Spurs not only made the playoffs both seasons, but actually made the Western Conference Finals.

The only issue has really been Kawhi and that has nothing to do with SA; it’s all on a selfish coward in Kawhi. Despite that, they have players coming back, still buying in and wanting to stay and are still respected.

It’s not just about having a great culture; SA had Tim but they still had to draft really well from bad draft spots, develop players and make smart free agent signings.

There have been a lot of stud players that they were not able to have the sustained success that SA had. Tim was the main reason, but SA has done well even without Tim so far.

[DPG21920]

Too bad Kawhi got injured that one series but since 2014 you could say Rockets have had as good or better success with 2 western conference finals appearances vs the Spurs one. Rockets should've went to the finals last year.

But I'm with you on the Spurs model and strategy. SA is a terrible free agent, corporate sponsor, and television market compared to most teams but have had arguably as good of success over the last 30 years.

I am hard pressed to say HOU had more success. They went further this year, but Kawhi blew up SA’s chances. If Harden did that HOU would not be a playoff team.

Besides that, winning it all is hard. SA for all their winning and complaints of bad deals? SA has Murray, White, Lonny & Poeltl as young talent to build on while winning. What young talent does HOU have?

HOU basically went all in and had no more success than SA did, yet a way worse short-term future. SA is in a better cap situation, has better youth moving forward to hedge/rebuild if needed and that is amazing all things considered.

Then for as bad as any loyalty contracts SA gave out, none are as crippling as Ryan Anderson’s deal and you can only really point to two bad deals for SA: Pau/Mills and Pau is already over with after this season.

[tonight...you]

I am hard pressed to say HOU had more success. They went further this year, but Kawhi blew up SA’s chances. If Harden did that HOU would not be a playoff team.

Besides that, winning it all is hard. SA for all their winning and complaints of bad deals? SA has Murray, White, Lonny & Poeltl as young talent to build on while winning. What young talent does HOU have?

HOU basically went all in and had no more success than SA did, yet a way worse short-term future. SA is in a better cap situation, has better youth moving forward to hedge/rebuild if needed and that is amazing all things considered.

Then for as bad as any loyalty contracts SA gave out, none are as crippling as Ryan Anderson’s deal and you can only really point to two bad deals for SA: Pau/Mills and Pau is already over with after this season.
Right on.

[acoelho1]

If any team can withstand a franchise player leaving, it’s the Spurs. We have some young talent to build on and I think the Spurs will be better than expected with Murray’s improvement, White’s insertion and Rudy’s 2nd year from injury. Spurs are the best franchise in sports and Leonard will regret his decision.

[Down Under]

I am hard pressed to say HOU had more success. They went further this year, but Kawhi blew up SA’s chances. If Harden did that HOU would not be a playoff team.

Besides that, winning it all is hard. SA for all their winning and complaints of bad deals? SA has Murray, White, Lonny & Poeltl as young talent to build on while winning. What young talent does HOU have?

HOU basically went all in and had no more success than SA did, yet a way worse short-term future. SA is in a better cap situation, has better youth moving forward to hedge/rebuild if needed and that is amazing all things considered.

Then for as bad as any loyalty contracts SA gave out, none are as crippling as Ryan Anderson’s deal and you can only really point to two bad deals for SA: Pau/Mills and Pau is already over with after this season.
I think losing to the Spurs by 40 at home in Game 6 without Kawhi & TP who was on fire in 2017 negates the argument for the Rockets :lol

[SpursDynasty85]

Objectively rockets have gone further in the playoffs than the Spurs in the last 4 years is what I'm saying. Its arguable based on that alone. Of course I'll take the Spurs last 20 years over the Rockets though. What's funny is Cleveland doesn't get mentioned. Spurs would've went to almost every finals in the eastern conference too.

[tim_duncan_fan]

What chip did the Rockets win, even with their star players not actively trying to kill them?

...yeah. Exactly.

We don't want to be the Dantonis no matter what. Cut the nonsense.

[SpursDynasty85]

What chip did the Rockets win, even with their star players not actively trying to kill them?

...yeah. Exactly.

We don't want to be the Dantonis no matter what. Cut the nonsense.

Lol. Dknt get your panties in a wad. I said objectively and also unobjectively I would pick Spurs franchise over the rockets easily. Just because I can acknowledge Rockets recent success and you get butthurt probably means it might hold some water or you really hate the rockets. If so, ok. I'll leave you be.:lol

[Leetonidas]

Objectively rockets have gone further in the playoffs than the Spurs in the last 4 years is what I'm saying. Its arguable based on that alone. Of course I'll take the Spurs last 20 years over the Rockets though. What's funny is Cleveland doesn't get mentioned. Spurs would've went to almost every finals in the eastern conference too.

Lolwat? Didn't the spurs embarrass the rockets on their home court a year ago?

[SpursDynasty85]

Lolwat? Didn't the spurs embarrass the rockets on their home court a year ago?

Yep. It was embarrassing for the rockets. But in the last 4 years, Rockets have had two conference finals appearances to the Spurs one. I'm just speaking numbers wise.

[cutewizard]

Yep. Any narrative that it was because of injury diagnosis or stupid comments is idiotic. Finally a Spurs player revealing Kawhi's true intention of leaving.


Totally agree........

[manufan10]

Yep. It was embarrassing for the rockets. But in the last 4 years, Rockets have had two conference finals appearances to the Spurs one. I'm just speaking numbers wise.

The Spurs won a championship in the last 4 years....

[SpursDynasty85]

The Spurs won a championship in the last 4 years....
15,16,17,18. 4 seasons.

[TimmyBuckets]

I think losing to the Spurs by 40 at home in Game 6 without Kawhi & TP who was on fire in 2017 negates the argument for the Rockets :lol

Not the same game, but...

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DYDHks7b-Ik/hqdefault.jpg

[kaji157]

Not the same game, but...

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DYDHks7b-Ik/hqdefault.jpg

Maybe the cleanest block on a last second play.

[Seventyniner]

Maybe the cleanest block on a last second play.

Not often you block a potential game-tying shot with your hand and forearm like that.

[ace3g]

1027042718592196608

[Dex]

1027042718592196608

Rudy has really been out there balling this summer. Drew League, NBA Africa Game, now this...a good sign, if only for the fact that he must really be feeling comfortable on that Achilles.

Hope he comes in healthy and ready to contribute...Spurs going to need him to step up from last year.

[ace3g]

Bmlcd12lVcq

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l6Kpft-vrg

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1056573068879966208

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1056573068879966208

Damn they must have massive feet.

[Dverde]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1056573068879966208

Not sure what brings their value down more the fact they are pumas or Rudy Gay signed them. Still a nice gesture

[JPB]

Damn they must have massive feet.

You got me afraid until the last word.

[DAF86]

Rudy is being the ultimate professional and playing great. I like this cat.

[Ice009]

Rudy is being the ultimate professional and playing great. I like this cat.

Yeah, Rudy seems like a great guy. I never knew he was this type of guy. For some reason I always thought he was an arrogant/selfish type of player/person. Maybe I got that impression from the little I saw of him on the court playing for other teams? I think he's definitely been more efficient on the court in San Antonio than he has been anywhere else, though, so that's a great thing.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1085731660879011840