Who guards the scoring wings?

[objective]

Who guards Durant? LeBron? Kawhi? Harden? Booker? George? Giannis? Mitchell?

Nobody on this team can guard wing scorers.

Only hopes are an elderly, Manu if he doesn't retire, a 6-4.5 White who will probably be getting his share of DNP-CDs, and Rudy Gay who can't move his feet on the perimeter anymore.

DeRozan, Marco, Forbes and Mills trying to guard the best of the best ...

They could have skinny Dejounte moved off of point guards, but that comes with negating a real Spurs strength by having Mills and Forbes get roasted by Paul, Westbrook, Lillard, etc.

Is Bertans going to slide and stumble on those extra long legs trying to cover guys?

Maybe past his prime Dante Cunningham, a big combo forward non-defensive specialist can play some? Maybe?

Maybe Keith Bogans can return as the Centerpiece.

[8FOR!3]

It's gonna likely be DeRozan and Rudy Gay. Without Kawhi we weren't going to be able to guard those guys anyways. Let them get theirs and contain the rest of the team.

[RD2191]

Forbes

[ace3g]

Patty Mills of course, I mean we had him guarding Durant last year in the playoffs...

[jyra]

I don't even care anymore. They are going to get lit up regardless of the matchup.

Maybe Brandon Paul magically turns into Tony Allen with a better 3 point shot.

[cd021]

It's gonna likely be DeRozan and Rudy Gay. Without Kawhi we weren't going to be able to guard those guys anyways. Let them get theirs and contain the rest of the team.
The trade would've been much better had Green not been included and Gasol was

Murray
DeRozen
Green
Bertans
Aldridge

Mills
Manu
Beli
Gay
Poeltl

that is a balanced line up that could both score and defend :sad

[Play Boban]

Who cares? All I care about is the W!

[cd021]

I don't even care anymore. They are going to get lit up regardless of the matchup.

Maybe Brandon Paul magically turns into Tony Allen with a better 3 point shot.
Funny thing is, he was a much better shooter than he showed last season. There are summer league highlights of him dribbling around screens, pulling up from 25 feet and nailing 3's. Its not the NBA but if he's capable of hitting those type's of 3's it stands to reason that he can be a better shooter on catch and shoots. He's probably much closer to league average than he 27% that he shot.


Defensively, I thought he was fine, in the games that I saw him play in. I would keep him around and see if he can improve his shooting, if not then cut him loose and use the final spot (if Manu comes back) for a 3 when one shakes loose around March.

[dabom]

We didn't have one last year and our defense was still good. Expect better Offense though.

[cd021]

Forbes


Patty Mills of course, I mean we had him guarding Durant last year in the playoffs...

You guys are both wrong; it'll be both Patty and Forbes :lol

but seriously, Pop actually played Mills and Forbes together in Game 1 vs GS, when the Spurs were trying to get stops.

[r0drig0lac]

Patty Mills of course, I mean we had him guarding Durant last year in the playoffs...

[Immortal Spur]

Good thread OP. Didn’t really think about that. Guess the team defense is just gonna have to excel. Everyone is gonna have to help each other...

we lost Kyle and Green who were plus defenders... Murray really gonna have to grow a lot this year. The kid really does have to be the next Kawhi like they said. Needs him to be First Team Defense and shoot a reliable 3 volume or not.

As for the wing defender, it’s gonna have to be Gay. His length was disruptive last season. He just fouled in stupid and cheap ways often. As for DeRozan, I’m not sure what to expect defensively. Just hope Pop gets him to play with utmost effort. With two bigs all he has to do is funnel and stay in the play. That’s the first step. In a lot of possessions he got blown by he didn’t stay in the play.

[DPG21920]

Look unless there are roster changes before the season there is no question SA’s defense is going to be well below the usual average. There is not a true wing defender on the roster right now.

It might be an issue for the entire season and just have to hope the offense hits the ceiling because SA will have to win with offense as things stand now.

[Immortal Spur]

We’ll be a top 10 team for sure, make no mistake about that. With Murray and LMA you got two main spots covered defensively. And if Poeltl starts with the bench unit they have rim protection there as well. The team defense covers a lot.

[gospursgojas]

DeRozen and Cunningham probably.

[Spurs4#5]

Why does everyone just write off demar already? Gay and Aldridge weren’t known for their defense and they bought in and became good defenders. I’ll be optimistic until proven otherwise

[cd021]

We didn't have one last year and our defense was still good. Expect better Offense though.
Green and Anderson...

I actually wouldn't be shocked if Derrick White finds his way into the starting lineup at some point this season with Murray, DeRozen, Gasol and Aldridge.

Process of elimination; Manu isn't going to suddenly start, Beli and DeRozen is a recipe for disaster, Mills is generally Manu's running mate and primarily started last season because both Murray and Anderson couldn't shoot.

White projects to be a better defender this season than Beli, Mills, Forbes, and possibly Manu and can obviously shoot and be a third ball handler.

Murray, White, DeRozen, Aldridge, Gasol

Mills, Manu, Beli, Gay, Poeltl
or
Mills, Beli, Gay, Bertans Poeltl


that SL probably has enough shooting/scoring to get with Gasol as the stretch 5, Murray's hopeful improvement- as well as DeRozen's. It might end up being a unit that ends up taking few 3's-shooting a decent percentage, but has a high percentage on 2's, gets to the line and plays good enough defense to make it a plus unit. That bench unit should be good -either version but particularly the Mills, Manu, Beli, Gay, Poeltl unit, four above average shooters and a good role roll man tend to be.

[dabom]

Green and Anderson...

I actually wouldn't be shocked if Derrick White finds his way into the starting lineup at some point this season with Murray, DeRozen, Gasol and Aldridge.

Process of elimination; Manu isn't going to suddenly start, Beli and DeRozen is a recipe for disaster, Mills is generally Manu's running mate and primarily started last season because both Murray and Anderson couldn't shoot.

White projects to be a better defender this season than Beli, Mills, Forbes, and possibly Manu and can obviously shoot and be a third ball handler.

Murray, White, DeRozen, Aldridge, Gasol

Mills, Manu, Beli, Gay, Poeltl
or
Mills, Beli, Gay, Bertans Poeltl


that SL probably has enough shooting/scoring to get with Gasol as the stretch 5, Murray's hopeful improvement- as well as DeRozen's. It might end up being a unit that ends up taking few 3's-shooting a decent percentage, but has a high percentage on 2's, gets to the line and plays good enough defense to make it a plus unit. That bench unit should be good -either version but particularly the Mills, Manu, Beli, Gay, Poeltl unit, four above average shooters and a good role roll man tend to be.

Green And Anderson can't stop anyone you dumb fuck. :lmao

[Immortal Spur]

Green And Anderson can't stop anyone you dumb fuck. :lmao
Who said anything about “stop”? OP post was, who guards. There are very few stoppers in the league.

[dabom]

Who said anything about “stop”? OP post was, who guards. There are very few stoppers in the league.

My post was about Stoppers, I wasn't quoting OP you stupid bitch. And someone replied to me, in which I replied back. Hence our argument about stoppers, faggot. :lmao :lmao

[cd021]

BTW, a couple of interesting stats;

Aldridge and Gasol-950 minutes 100.7 defensive rtg last season
Murray, Aldridge and Gasol-400 minutes, 101.7

that 3 man unit is good enough together to help the Spurs have a top 10 defense. If DeRozen isn't a train wreck on D then we should be more than fine. Gasol and Aldridge are both good rim protectors, Murray's a disruptive perimeter defender, so long as they don't give up too many plays in transition, open 3's and trips to the line- which is something that the Spurs have bee consistently good at limiting for Pop's entire tenure.

Having a good or even average defensive 3 would be useful but not a crippling flaw.

[cd021]

Green And Anderson can't stop anyone you dumb fuck. :lmao
I forgot I was quoting Dabom;

as you were, clown.

[Chinook]

Could try to swing a trade for MKG and just completely give up on spacing.

[Immortal Spur]

My post was about Stoppers, I wasn't quoting OP you stupid bitch. And someone replied to me, in which I replied back. Hence our argument about stoppers, faggot. :lmao :lmao
New account my bad bruh... forgot to put you on ignore list. Fixed

[dabom]

New account my bad bruh... forgot to put you on ignore list. Fixed

You should make a new one after this one just got murdered. :lmao

[mo7888]

Hopefully porter, Beal, Wiggins, butler, or maybe Fournier.

[Immortal Spur]

Is the wind blowing? I thought I heard something

[Mr. Body]

Kyle Anderson. Whoops.

[Gordy58]

Cunningham seems like he can switch onto all positions

[Drewlius]

Sad thing is that if we were able to sign Brewer for the vet min he would easily be the best wing defender and he’s not even that great of one.

[BatManu20]

DeMar, Rudy, and Dante. Maybe BP3 improves in his 2nd season in the system and gets some PT this year (doubtful). I'm ready for the season to start already so I can see what this group looks like together. Gonna be interesting. It's going to be a loooong 3 months before the reg season starts.

[Chinook]

Cunningham seems like he can switch onto all positions

That's certainly valuable. But being able to put up some defense against perimeter players isn't the same thing as being able to go up and down the court with them. Two completely different defensive roles, akin to a coverage MLB rather than a corner in the NFL.

[BatManu20]

Our first preseason game is Oct. 5th against Detroit. Exactly two and a half months away.


Correction*: Our first preseason game is September 30th. Play Miami at home.

[tbdog]

Our first preseason game is Oct. 5th against Detroit. Exactly two and a half months away.


Looking forward to it. Last season was just not fun to watch. It never felt like our season had started because Leonard didn't come back without restrictions. It wasn't even a farewell tour for manu and parker. It just felt lost. But I did enjoy watching good old school big man basketball again with LMA dominating. That was fun to watch.

[Gordy58]

That's certainly valuable. But being able to put up some defense against perimeter players isn't the same thing as being able to go up and down the court with them. Two completely different defensive roles, akin to a coverage MLB rather than a corner in the NFL.
i dont think there are many of those kind of defenders in the league, the ones that stick to their man like glue, you have the Bradley’s, Beverly’s, Tony Allen’s, all the “good” defenders are the ones that can switch and not consistently get blown by on defense and have great steal and block instincts. It’s really difficult to find a great man to man defender, I don’t think Danny Green or even Kawhi were great man to man defenders, it’s their instincts that made them great defenders. You just have to limit the blow by’s and play good team defense. I think DeRozan has the athleticism and speed to at least not by a liability on defense,

[Immortal Spur]

Our first preseason game is Oct. 5th against Detroit. Exactly two and a half months away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU9JoFKlaZ0

[CosmicCowboy]

Who guards Durant? LeBron? Kawhi? Harden? Booker? George? Giannis? Mitchell?

Nobody on this team can guard wing scorers.

Only hopes are an elderly, Manu if he doesn't retire, a 6-4.5 White who will probably be getting his share of DNP-CDs, and Rudy Gay who can't move his feet on the perimeter anymore.

DeRozan, Marco, Forbes and Mills trying to guard the best of the best ...

They could have skinny Dejounte moved off of point guards, but that comes with negating a real Spurs strength by having Mills and Forbes get roasted by Paul, Westbrook, Lillard, etc.

Is Bertans going to slide and stumble on those extra long legs trying to cover guys?

Maybe past his prime Dante Cunningham, a big combo forward non-defensive specialist can play some? Maybe?

Maybe Keith Bogans can return as the Centerpiece.

Funnel them baseline and hope the ghost of David Robinson blocks the shot.

[dabom]

i dont think there are many of those kind of defenders in the league, the ones that stick to their man like glue, you have the Bradley’s, Beverly’s, Tony Allen’s, all the “good” defenders are the ones that can switch and not consistently get blown by on defense and have great steal and block instincts. It’s really difficult to find a great man to man defender, I don’t think Danny Green or even Kawhi were great man to man defenders, it’s their instincts that made them great defenders. You just have to limit the blow by’s and play good team defense. I think DeRozan has the athleticism and speed to at least not by a liability on defense,

:lol

[palangi]

I still wonder with metu showing range is summer league if he is being looked at as a wing player

[Chinook]

i dont think there are many of those kind of defenders in the league, the ones that stick to their man like glue, you have the Bradley’s, Beverly’s, Tony Allen’s, all the “good” defenders are the ones that can switch and not consistently get blown by on defense and have great steal and block instincts. It’s really difficult to find a great man to man defender, I don’t think Danny Green or even Kawhi were great man to man defenders, it’s their instincts that made them great defenders. You just have to limit the blow by’s and play good team defense. I think DeRozan has the athleticism and speed to at least not by a liability on defense,

Green and Leonard were absolutely great man-to-man defenders in their years with SA. You could totally put them on a great scorer to render that player a neutral or negative part of his team's production. The Spurs didn't used to play a switch-heavy defense during the Medium Three years. That was something that came with Messin's "Wall" scheme.

[Chinook]

I still wonder with metu showing range is summer league if he is being looked at as a wing player

I definitely don't think they'll look at him as a wing. The best he can hope for in that regard is being a solid modern four, which is a need just as much if not more than a three anyway.

[r0drig0lac]

i dont think there are many of those kind of defenders in the league, the ones that stick to their man like glue, you have the Bradley’s, Beverly’s, Tony Allen’s, all the “good” defenders are the ones that can switch and not consistently get blown by on defense and have great steal and block instincts. It’s really difficult to find a great man to man defender, I don’t think Danny Green or even Kawhi were great man to man defenders, it’s their instincts that made them great defenders. You just have to limit the blow by’s and play good team defense. I think DeRozan has the athleticism and speed to at least not by a liability on defense,

well you're wrong so ok

[objective]

I wonder if the fouls, especially on the bigs, go way up this year.

If the wings can't keep anybody in front of them, it will be open season on the rim.

Argue about Kawhi, Green and Anderson all you want, but they were rarely beat, though Anderson was vulnerable but used space and his length well.

Thinking about Marco and his particular brand is no-resistance defense paired with Forbes and Mills just gives me a headache.

[tbdog]

I wonder if the fouls, especially on the bigs, go way up this year.

If the wings can't keep anybody in front of them, it will be open season on the rim.

Argue about Kawhi, Green and Anderson all you want, but they were rarely beat, though Anderson was vulnerable but used space and his length well.

Thinking about Marco and his particular brand is no-resistance defense paired with Forbes and Mills just gives me a headache.

Mills/Murray/White will stay in front of players. Not so much with Forbes, and depends if Beli and Manu play the 3, they too would stay in front of lots of players. The issue is that they will be shot over. Players can find their spots because they don't have the strength or height to prevent them from getting the ball or push them out. I think we are going to see a lot of double teams and passing lanes filtering this season as our defensive strategy, rather than straight up man to man defense and switching. Spurs cannot even afford to switch heavy and have LMA guard the 3 point line because we may only have Beli and Gay trying to box out players for rebounds.

[DAF86]

We didn't have one last year and our defense was still good. Expect better Offense though.

Green and Anderson were two great defensive wings.

[dabom]

Green and Anderson were two great defensive wings.

They sure as hell didn't stop anyone last year. Or else Pop would have kept them. :lol

[DAF86]

They sure as hell didn't stop anyone last year. Or else Pop would have kept them. :lol

They actually did, that's why their individual defensive metrics and the Spurs overall defense were elite.

[RD2191]

They actually did, that's why their individual defensive metrics and the Spurs overall defense were elite.

Yeah, they both got elite ass rapings by the warriors.

[dabom]

They actually did, that's why their individual defensive metrics and the Spurs overall defense were elite.

Great Defensive players get kept. You're on some bull shit narrative that doesn't make sense. And DG was breaking down by the end of the season and Fathead can't stay in front of anyone. That doesn't scream stopping anyone. :lol

[DAF86]

Great Defensive players get kept. You're on some bull shit narrative that doesn't make sense. And DG was breaking down by the end of the season and Fathead can't stay in front of anyone. That doesn't scream stopping anyone. :lol

The Spurs wanted to keep Anderson, they just couldn't afford him. And Green is a casualty of Kawhi's bitchness.

[dabom]

The Spurs wanted to keep Anderson, they just couldn't afford him. And Green is a casualty of Kawhi's bitchness.

If he was great like you said, they'd roll out 8mil a year bro. :lmao

And DG was breaking down. All facts. :lol

[FkLA]

They better have another deal in the works otherwise letting Fathead go because "they can't afford him" is BS. They had his bird rights, pay taxes just like other small markets that want to win do. We have some cheap ass fucking owners.

[GrapplingYautja]

If he was great like you said, they'd roll out 8mil a year bro. :lmao

And DG was breaking down. All facts. :lol

Exactly. You can't win with any fan base. "Get rid of that guy, he sucks!" They get rid of 'em and it turns into, "Um, man they weren't that bad. They were serviceable."

Listen, we 'lucked' into being done with Verde. He was solid for a whole hell longer than most players but he was starting to fade a bit. Kyle was getting blown past with ease and his limitations showed with the extended time he got this year. Kyle is a SOLID bench guy and you are willing to pay him 9 mil. a year for being on the bench?!

I'm GLAD some of you guys don't run a business -- you'd be done within 6 months!

[FkLA]

If he was great like you said, they'd roll out 8mil a year bro. :lmao

And DG was breaking down. All facts. :lol


https://i.imgur.com/jcdS10J.png

[cjw]

The Spurs wanted to keep Anderson, they just couldn't afford him. And Green is a casualty of Kawhi's bitchness.

Keeping Anderson and letting Bertans walk probably would have resulted in the Spurs hitting the luxury tax. And once you’re in the tax, teams make it brutal for you to get out.

[dabom]

https://i.imgur.com/jcdS10J.png

Has Pop seen this yet? :lol

[SAGirl]

Mills/Murray/White will stay in front of players. Not so much with Forbes, and depends if Beli and Manu play the 3, they too would stay in front of lots of players. The issue is that they will be shot over. Players can find their spots because they don't have the strength or height to prevent them from getting the ball or push them out. I think we are going to see a lot of double teams and passing lanes filtering this season as our defensive strategy, rather than straight up man to man defense and switching. Spurs cannot even afford to switch heavy and have LMA guard the 3 point line because we may only have Beli and Gay trying to box out players for rebounds.
Good quality answer. Though I think some guys can’t keep up with guys over a screen that you mentioned over there... no matter. It’s not going to be the same.
:tu

[SAGirl]

Yeah, they both got elite ass rapings by the warriors.
The warriors are an all time great team offensively they are stacked. Pop having Patty, Forbes etc guard Durant and Klay sure made things easy on them too.

[Chinook]

Keeping Anderson and letting Bertans walk probably would have resulted in the Spurs hitting the luxury tax. And once you’re in the tax, teams make it brutal for you to get out.

It probably would not have left them near the tax, especially if they had let Forbes walk. As it is, they have $3.5 Million to spare with 15 guys on the roster. Anderson have dropped that down to $2 Million. Factoring Gay and Gasol potentially coming off the books, and SA going to be fine financially. They let Anderson go because of roster fit and him not wanting to be in SA anymore.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Murray

[SAGirl]

^ They could have gotten a small asset for him in exchange if he didn’t want to be in SA, Something he never said btw, but he did want to get paid and be a rotation player (obviously). He projects to be starting in Memphis or be a key reserve, and is young enough they saw him as part of their future going forward.

I think the Spurs wanted him back, but on a small or low contract. When he improved and projected to generate more interest than they were willing to pay is when they should have looked to move him if they didn’t want to let him go for nada.. so I do think that they were hoping to retain him, but for cheap.

[BackHome]

Yeah, they both got elite ass rapings by the warriors.

And my boy Rob does know a thing or two about "Ass Rapings"...:wow..:lmao

[007nites]

If Dejounte puts on 25-30 pounds of muscle this off season he has chance. He needs to get in the above 200 range for his build. I think he weighs a buck seventy right now.

[DAF86]

It probably would not have left them near the tax, especially if they had let Forbes walk. As it is, they have $3.5 Million to spare with 15 guys on the roster. Anderson have dropped that down to $2 Million. Factoring Gay and Gasol potentially coming off the books, and SA going to be fine financially. They let Anderson go because of roster fit and him not wanting to be in SA anymore.

Where did you get that from?

[dabom]

Where did you get that from?

Nowhere. He's just building an imaginary narrative.

[daslicer]

We are pretty much in a fucked up situation now without Kawhi and Danny guarding the perimeter. For me it doesn't even matter right now since the Spurs by the way they are set up can't compete currently with the Warriors.

[Chinook]

Where did you get that from?

Kyle's father complaining about SA not using him right and trying to create controversy with the jersey thing. As far as I know, Anderson never came out and said he wanted to leave, but he certainly seemed keen to go to Memphis.

[Gordy58]

well you're wrong so ok
just my thoughts based on my own observations over the years, I don’t think kawhi was a sticky defender, he was great at recovering on defense when he would get blown by, not saying he wasn’t good, but he wasn’t GREAT, like I mentioned before his elite defense had to do more with his anticipation of the passing lanes and the way he could impact the entire game with his instincts

[DAF86]

Kyle's father complaining about SA not using him right and trying to create controversy with the jersey thing. As far as I know, Anderson never came out and said he wanted to leave, but he certainly seemed keen to go to Memphis.

Never heard of any of that, tbh. What was the jersey controversy about? :lol

[Chinook]

Never heard of any of that, tbh. What was the jersey controversy about? :lol

Apparently, he couldn't find an Anderson jersey in the team's store and went on Twitter to bitch about it.

[dabom]

Apparently, he couldn't find an Anderson jersey in the team's store and went on Twitter to bitch about it.

Who the fuck is gonna buy a fathead jersey besides his family? :lol

[SAGirl]

Never heard of any of that, tbh. What was the jersey controversy about? :lol
The San Antonio Spurs fan store never carried his jersey. His dad tweeted that he was looking for a jersey to gift family members or someone visiting them and couldn’t find them, but he found jerseys of guys who were new or had been in the team for barely a year in the store. His Dad was upset about that enough to mention it in a tweet way back in the early part of the season.

[dabom]

They probably had fathead jerseys at one point, but no one was buyin'.

[Gordonicci]

They probably had fathead jerseys at one point, but no one was buyin'.
Not true, Memphis bought it.

[FkLA]

The San Antonio Spurs fan store never carried his jersey. His dad tweeted that he was looking for a jersey to gift family members or someone visiting them and couldn’t find them, but he found jerseys of guys who were new or had been in the team for barely a year in the store. His Dad was upset about that enough to mention it in a tweet way back in the early part of the season.

I thought maybe he was being an overly sensitive parent, that he was referring to Gasol or Gay as the new guys ant that it wasn't fair to expect that same treatment since KA wasn't a regular contributor until last year. But I just checked the Spurs fanshop and the Spurs NBA store and guys like Costello, Paul, King Joffrey, Forbes, White, Metu have their jerseys up there. That is kinda messed up, tbh.

[SAGirl]

I thought maybe he was being an overly sensitive parent, that he was referring to Gasol or Gay as the new guys ant that it wasn't fair to expect that same treatment since KA wasn't a regular contributor until last year. But I just checked the Spurs fanshop and the Spurs NBA store and guys like Costello, Paul, King Joffrey, Forbes, White, Metu have their jerseys up there. That is kinda messed up, tbh.

Exactly: I had even seen a tweet from a fan who got his jersey for Christmas and was crying (- young girl not me I swear). Her mother who recorded her opening the present on Christmas said that they had looked for the jersey everywhere and couldn’t find it in SA so she had to specially order it in the NBA store as one of those custom jerseys, “bc you couldn’t find them anywhere.”

Still that was the Dad and not Kyle himself. Kyle never made a comment sour on the Spurs except last preseason season when he gave an interview in New Jersey where he said the business aspect of the NBA is ruthless and you can’t really trust a smile or someone being friendly or professing that they like you a lot in their team. He didn’t mention anyone by name but I suspected back then that the Spurs were not going to pay to retain him and thought from that moment on he was going to be gone as a FA. I am happy for him he got himself a nice deal.

edit: maybe alter Kyle’s dad complained the Spurs fanshop learned their lesson and broadened the catalog of jerseys available...

[TD 21]

Think Cunningham starts at PF against James, Durant (DeRozan would guard Green), Antetokounmpo, etc. There's no other way to make sense of his inclusion on this roster. Just imagine playing the Lakers or Warriors in a series and a fringe rotation player averaging something like 20 mpg.

As far as Harden, I don't know. Murray is too slight and DeRozan is too slow laterally. Paul is the best suited, but he may not even be on the roster in 10 days. White is a bit slight too, but he might end up the primary option, in part because it wouldn't require rotational gymnastics.

It's not just the elite ones who'll be issues though. Even non stars, like Harris and Gallinari, DeRozan and Aldridge aren't suited to defending them.

Whatever hope their is of acquiring someone who can will vanish if Ginobili returns (and he's hinted at doing so multiple times), because there won't even be room in the rotation.

To give up Green, not get Anunoby and not have a backup plan to fill this hole (while trying to remain as competitive as possible), is negligent.

[Seventyniner]

Could try to swing a trade for MKG and just completely give up on spacing.

:lol "Pace and space? Pfft, we'll take neither."

[Mr. Body]

Exactly: I had even seen a tweet from a fan who got his jersey for Christmas and was crying (- young girl not me I swear). Her mother who recorded her opening the present on Christmas said that they had looked for the jersey everywhere and couldn’t find it in SA so she had to specially order it in the NBA store as one of those custom jerseys, “bc you couldn’t find them anywhere.”

Still that was the Dad and not Kyle himself. Kyle never made a comment sour on the Spurs except last preseason season when he gave an interview in New Jersey where he said the business aspect of the NBA is ruthless and you can’t really trust a smile or someone being friendly or professing that they like you a lot in their team. He didn’t mention anyone by name but I suspected back then that the Spurs were not going to pay to retain him and thought from that moment on he was going to be gone as a FA. I am happy for him he got himself a nice deal.

edit: maybe alter Kyle’s dad complained the Spurs fanshop learned their lesson and broadened the catalog of jerseys available...

What's with these cunty players and their cunty relatives?

[Gordonicci]

To give up Green, not get Anunoby and not have a backup plan to fill this hole (while trying to remain as competitive as possible), is negligent.
Agreed. It's why I think another move HAS to be made, even if it costs us one of White or Walker.

[objective]

Think Cunningham starts at PF against James, Durant (DeRozan would guard Green), Antetokounmpo, etc. There's no other way to make sense of his inclusion on this roster. Just imagine playing the Lakers or Warriors in a series and a fringe rotation player averaging something like 20 mpg.

As far as Harden, I don't know. Murray is too slight and DeRozan is too slow laterally. Paul is the best suited, but he may not even be on the roster in 10 days. White is a bit slight too, but he might end up the primary option, in part because it wouldn't require rotational gymnastics.

It's not just the elite ones who'll be issues though. Even non stars, like Harris and Gallinari, DeRozan and Aldridge aren't suited to defending them.

Whatever hope their is of acquiring someone who can will vanish if Ginobili returns (and he's hinted at doing so multiple times), because there won't even be room in the rotation.

To give up Green, not get Anunoby and not have a backup plan to fill this hole (while trying to remain as competitive as possible), is negligent.

Negligent is absolutely correct.

It's not just that there's no one to defend, that's no athletes to make athletic plays either.

I was watching some DeRozan highlights, and there was a DD drive with a nice pass to a cutting OG for an explosive dunk ... While I was happy at the playmaking, realizing that nobody at SF on the Spurs has a chance to make the other end of the play was depressing.

I've even convinced myself that they need to sign Blossomgame, at least to a two-way. He's a legit 6-7 and has vertical pop, he even made good athletic plays with several blocks in summer league. And I've never thought he was an NBA player.

But the roster is so lopsided I'm reaching just to hope.

[pad300]

Who the fuck is gonna buy a fathead jersey besides his family? :lol

SAGirl obviously...

[r0drig0lac]

Negligent is absolutely correct.

It's not just that there's no one to defend, that's no athletes to make athletic plays either.

I was watching some DeRozan highlights, and there was a DD drive with a nice pass to a cutting OG for an explosive dunk ... While I was happy at the playmaking, realizing that nobody at SF on the Spurs has a chance to make the other end of the play was depressing.

I've even convinced myself that they need to sign Blossomgame, at least to a two-way. He's a legit 6-7 and has vertical pop, he even made good athletic plays with several blocks in summer league. And I've never thought he was an NBA player.

But the roster is so lopsided I'm reaching just to hope.

they can still use the picks and try to trade Mills, Forbes, BP and Gasol for real basketball players

[Immortal Spur]

Dam it’s crazy... right when we get an elite defensive guard we lose our elite defensive wing... sux

After seeing what the staff did with Rudy in one year gives me hope or Kyle for that matter. Let’s go DeMar. if you can get your 3pt average to at least league average and defense to not net negative I’d be forever grateful.

[99 Problems]

Are we adding Ryan Broekhoff to do this? Its all gone silent but I think he’s going somewhere tbh..

[99 Problems]

Ok, damn, just heard Mavs signed him?

[Immortal Spur]

As it stands we are in the luxury tax. But that's with Milutinov's cap hold. Depending on whether Ginobili comes back or not or we drop Paul, we have one spot to work with and the BAE if I'm not mistaken.

I think they are waiting to see what Manu does before deciding on Paul. I think if Manu comes back we drop Paul and look for some wing help. I'd personally like Mbah if he's still available.

[Immortal Spur]

nvm... Mbah signed with the Clippers

[MaNu4Tres]

I want a Pau for DeMarre Carroll trade in January.

[SouthTexasRancher]

This team better score a hell of a lot of points because we ain't got no defense. Toronto has our defense.

[FireMicoHalili]

This is definitely a concern. No one to guard the LeBrons or Durants and small guys with long wingspans can only do so much. I doubt DeRozan fills in since defense isn’t his calling card.

Remaining SFs who can actually play defense: Corey Brewer
Remaining wings who can actually play defense: David Nwaba, Abdel Nader
Possible preseason shoo-ins: Jaron Blossomgame, Raphiael Putney
Overseas prospects: Will Clyburn, Ioannis Papapetrou, Kostas Papanikolau, Fernando San Emeterio, K.C. Rivers, Adam Hanga, Josh Childress

Spurs have no reported interest on any of these guys except for Nwaba, who’s being targeted by Cleveland. The Euroleague guys seem pretty set though Clyburn and Rivers would probably be willing to come back to the US. Watched highlights of Clyburn so I’m not sure what his weaknesses are and it would be foolish to conclude he’s a decent 3-and-D wing. Watched enough to know he’s similar to Putney, with some hops and decent height (6’7, 7’ wingspan, slow release on the triple). Childress probably won’t come back to the NBA since he’s been there to and from without much success. Nader was recently released by the Celtics; he’s a slightly intriguing prospect given his decent size and length (same as Clyburn) but it’s never a good sign when the fan base is happy about a player leaving, and replies to Shams’ tweet about his release was met with cheers from Boston stans.

Given what the Spurs can work with, Blossomgame is the most realistic addition as small forward and that hinges largely on his performance in the preseason apart from his success in Austin last year. I’m sure the Spurs at least do their homework checking up on their second rounders, though the trend as to the Spurs’ latest picks is discouraging for Blossomgame since none of them have actually made the team, save for Bertans who wasn’t even the Spurs’ own pick. Brewer and Putney are distant possibilities.

All things considered, looks like the Spurs have no one capable to cover the Durants and the LeBrons, at least not right now. The Spurs can consider trading Gasol or Mills along with that horribly protected Toronto pick to a team looking to shed salary for a wing, but the team has experienced a lot of changes and roster turnover this offseason, probably too much to Popovich’s liking. For example, PATFO can take advantage of Detroit’s awful cap situation by trading Gasol, Paul, and the Toronto pick for Leuer, Stanley Johnson, and Ish Smith, since Pau counts as an expiring after this season (http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yd8av47a).

This is probably moot, the Spurs will most likely keep Paul and ask Forbes/Belinelli/DeRozan/Ginobili to cover tall and ultra athletic small forwards, for which the defense will pay. By now fans should have gotten used to horrible roster construction and constant bargain bin hunting.

[Kawhitstorm]

Who has a superior inferiority complex?

Meth City or Shit Antonio?

[DAF86]

Apparently, he couldn't find an Anderson jersey in the team's store and went on Twitter to bitch about it.


The San Antonio Spurs fan store never carried his jersey. His dad tweeted that he was looking for a jersey to gift family members or someone visiting them and couldn’t find them, but he found jerseys of guys who were new or had been in the team for barely a year in the store. His Dad was upset about that enough to mention it in a tweet way back in the early part of the season.

Well, he kind of has a point there, if we are being honest. :lol

[therealtruth]

This team better score a hell of a lot of points because we ain't got no defense. Toronto has our defense.

Still got Murray. They kind of got rid of the defensive potential of Murray-Green-Leonard lineups. That's 3 all-nba defenders. Not many teams even have 2.

We're going back to the pre-Kawhi days when we used to try to outscore teams and we saw how that turned out. The Spurs can will still do good in the regular season because Pop is an expert at winning regular season games but they will flame out in the playoffs.

[cutewizard]

:bobo

[cutewizard]

Just a perfect situation for Durant to enter into next season lol

Imagine Durant in a Spurs uniform.....!!!

[ElNono]

Pretty much nobody in this league can guard the Lebrons and Durants, that's why these guys are in the Finals every year. The league has turned into a 3 point chucking contest, and ticky tacky fouls for everything. Harden is a great talent, but he's also a guy that adapted to the rules, knows every trick in the book and lives at the free throw line.

I'm not complaining about it, just pointing it out. The biggest leap the Warriors took was when they added a third player that guarantee to drop on average 20+ points per game. It wasn't some magical defensive scheme (not saying KD isn't a solid defender when he wants to be, just that his scoring on any given night is more than enough for them). Their defensive bastion is an undersized PF known more for his moving screens and whining than anything else. (We'll see this season with Boogie in the middle)

The Spurs' offense has been absolutely putrid for a minute now, and one thing I'm excited about this season is seeing what direction the coach takes with regards to that. I'm not going to reminisce about the beautiful game, but I do think having smart off the ball players like Marco do change the complexion of what you do, and as many things there's to criticize DD for, there's also a couple that this team needs badly: getting to the line, and an able and seasoned penetrator that commands attention and can open up the game for other guys.

Some people still won't admit it, but for all the defensive prowess that bitchmade nephew had, his offense was a fucking black hole. Rudy Gay looks like Steve Nash next to him. We also got rid of a kid was scared to shoot for 20+ mins a night, and Danny, who I'm not going to hate, but the minute he tried to expand his game, everything else regressed.

Here's a few more tidbits from last season:

- The Spurs finished tied for #1 place in opponents points allowed the last regular season (https://stats.nba.com/teams/opponent/?sort=OPP_PTS&dir=-1), Warriors ranked #18 and Cleveland #26.
- The Spurs finished #4 in Defensive Rating (https://stats.nba.com/teams/defense/?sort=DEF_RATING&dir=-1), Dubs #9, Cavs #28.

We just couldn't score. Spurs finished the season ranked #27 in scoring (https://stats.nba.com/teams/traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1), with the Dubs #1 and Cavs #5.

[dbestpro]

Maybe this is the year they finally sign Vince Carter. He can do his Dominique Wilkins act.

[Kawhitstorm]

:pop: I’m the system, I can turn Bryn into Bowen as you witnessed in the postseason. #watchmework

[GrapplingYautja]

:pop: I’m the system, I can turn Bryn into Bowen as you witnessed in the postseason. #watchmework

I just got done banging a busty bitch and this breathing queef has a picture of Pop?! WTF?! Get laid, bro. (And no, you shagging your sister doesn't count.)

[Kawhitstorm]

Think Cunningham starts at PF against James, Durant (DeRozan would guard Green), Antetokounmpo, etc. There's no other way to make sense of his inclusion on this roster. Just imagine playing the Lakers or Warriors in a series and a fringe rotation player averaging something like 20 mpg.

As far as Harden, I don't know. Murray is too slight and DeRozan is too slow laterally. Paul is the best suited, but he may not even be on the roster in 10 days. White is a bit slight too, but he might end up the primary option, in part because it wouldn't require rotational gymnastics.

It's not just the elite ones who'll be issues though. Even non stars, like Harris and Gallinari, DeRozan and Aldridge aren't suited to defending them.

Whatever hope their is of acquiring someone who can will vanish if Ginobili returns (and he's hinted at doing so multiple times), because there won't even be room in the rotation.

To give up Green, not get Anunoby and not have a backup plan to fill this hole (while trying to remain as competitive as possible), is negligent.

ShittyFO has had their head up their ass since the summer when Tim stopped carrying them....

[Kawhitstorm]

I just got done banging a busty bitch and this breathing queef has a picture of Pop?! WTF?! Get laid, bro. (And no, you shagging your sister doesn't count.)

I was banging your mom in the living room while your were in the basement beating off to her moans

[objective]

Pretty much nobody in this league can guard the Lebrons and Durants, that's why these guys are in the Finals every year. The league has turned into a 3 point chucking contest, and ticky tacky fouls for everything. Harden is a great talent, but he's also a guy that adapted to the rules, knows every trick in the book and lives at the free throw line.

I'm not complaining about it, just pointing it out. The biggest leap the Warriors took was when they added a third player that guarantee to drop on average 20+ points per game. It wasn't some magical defensive scheme (not saying KD isn't a solid defender when he wants to be, just that his scoring on any given night is more than enough for them). Their defensive bastion is an undersized PF known more for his moving screens and whining than anything else. (We'll see this season with Boogie in the middle)

The Spurs' offense has been absolutely putrid for a minute now, and one thing I'm excited about this season is seeing what direction the coach takes with regards to that. I'm not going to reminisce about the beautiful game, but I do think having smart off the ball players like Marco do change the complexion of what you do, and as many things there's to criticize DD for, there's also a couple that this team needs badly: getting to the line, and an able and seasoned penetrator that commands attention and can open up the game for other guys.

Some people still won't admit it, but for all the defensive prowess that bitchmade nephew had, his offense was a fucking black hole. Rudy Gay looks like Steve Nash next to him. We also got rid of a kid was scared to shoot for 20+ mins a night, and Danny, who I'm not going to hate, but the minute he tried to expand his game, everything else regressed.

Here's a few more tidbits from last season:

- The Spurs finished tied for #1 place in opponents points allowed the last regular season (https://stats.nba.com/teams/opponent/?sort=OPP_PTS&dir=-1), Warriors ranked #18 and Cleveland #26.
- The Spurs finished #4 in Defensive Rating (https://stats.nba.com/teams/defense/?sort=DEF_RATING&dir=-1), Dubs #9, Cavs #28.

We just couldn't score. Spurs finished the season ranked #27 in scoring (https://stats.nba.com/teams/traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1), with the Dubs #1 and Cavs #5.

Nephew certainly liked to shoot and he sure took shot opportunities off of screens from Aldridge where he could have passed to Aldridge for a shot, that happened maybe most of all.

But to me, that was the price for greatness and worth paying. He was delivering on defense like no one else in the league and winning games on offense single-handed, or at least keeping the Spurs in games. It was him who almost beat Memphis in one of the greatest player games in playoffs history, certainly Spurs history. He was the one who had the Spurs up in game 1 vs GS while supporting casters like Mills was shitting bricks.

The Spurs might be competitive in the regular season, similar to the Jefferson, Bogans and Roger Mason years, not fun years.

[hooperflash]

Who guards Durant? LeBron? Kawhi? Harden? Booker? George? Giannis? Mitchell?



Wait wuuuuuut? Did I miss something?

[Snaq O'Meal]

:pop: I’m the system, I can turn Bryn into Bowen as you witnessed in the postseason. #watchmework

Centerpiece 2.0!

[ElNono]

Nephew certainly liked to shoot and he sure took shot opportunities off of screens from Aldridge where he could have passed to Aldridge for a shot, that happened maybe most of all.

But to me, that was the price for greatness and worth paying. He was delivering on defense like no one else in the league and winning games on offense single-handed, or at least keeping the Spurs in games. It was him who almost beat Memphis in one of the greatest player games in playoffs history, certainly Spurs history. He was the one who had the Spurs up in game 1 vs GS while supporting casters like Mills was shitting bricks.

The Spurs might be competitive in the regular season, similar to the Jefferson, Bogans and Roger Mason years, not fun years.

Nobody is saying kid isn't extremely talented and hard working (I'm not sure yet he's the next Lebron, if healthy, but wouldn't be shocked either), but Kawhiso wasn't conducive to make players around him better either. Maybe he'll learn over the years, much like other players have. Heck, his attempt to team up with Lebron is somewhat a tacit admission that he doesn't want to carry the load on his own (which is fine, BTW, not the first guy that does that, see: Lebron himself, KD, etc).

What I'm pointing out is that despite nephew only playing 9 games, the defense didn't really rank all that terribly last season, what did really suck was the offense, and the inability to keep up scoring-wise with a lot of these teams.

But our eyes don't deceive us (we're spoiled childs of watching great D from back in the day), and a lot of our players are really terrible defenders, but very few teams these days have defensive specialists, simply because the game has changed from the Bowen, Tony Allen, etc days, big men now step outside and shoot threes, the pace is faster, offense-only teams like D'Antoni make it all the way to the conference finals, etc.

Yes, guys like Harden are still extremely terrible on defense, and in the past, he would've been targeted mercilessly, but in today's NBA, Harden can go to the other end, flail a bit, and get the points back from the line.

Point is, in this day and age, the onus on the game is putting the ball on the basket, not keeping it away from it. It's clear that's the product Silverstein wants.

The Spurs are actually not very well positioned for this with LMA in the fold and dinosaurs like Pau around, but some of the additions and subtractions could actually be conducive to move more towards that, and I think that's a subplot to watch this season.

[SAGirl]

As it stands we are in the luxury tax. But that's with Milutinov's cap hold. Depending on whether Ginobili comes back or not or we drop Paul, we have one spot to work with and the BAE if I'm not mistaken.

I think they are waiting to see what Manu does before deciding on Paul. I think if Manu comes back we drop Paul and look for some wing help.

Actually, your guess about the roster spot is a good one. It’s very quite possible that they haven’t made a decision on BP3 bc they are waiting to learn from Ginobili.

[SAGirl]

What's with these cunty players and their cunty relatives?
Complaining about a sons jersey not being sold in the store isn’t even remotely in the same parking spot as Uncle Dennis territory...

[HarlemHeat37]

Some of the arguments in this thread don't make any sense..

Of course defense still matters, the Warriors always have an elite defense and the main reason for Houston's success was due to their much improved defense..they were able to shut down GS for the most part in the WCFs..

Individual defense is overrated in today's NBA, inconsistent handchecking calls, the allowance of illegal screens and lenient carrying rules make it more difficult to play iso defense, but team defense is still just as important as ever..

The Spurs will be lacking in team defenders, as well..the system will help, but don't forget that the players that left all had continuity and chemistry that took years to build..

It'll be interesting to see how the clueless defenders on the team(DeRozan, Belinelli, Forbes, etc) adapt..

[Immortal Spur]

Actually, your guess about the roster spot is a good one. It’s very quite possible that they haven’t made a decision on BP3 bc they are waiting to learn from Ginobili.
one can only hope...

[ceperez]

Think Cunningham starts at PF against James, Durant (DeRozan would guard Green), Antetokounmpo, etc. There's no other way to make sense of his inclusion on this roster. Just imagine playing the Lakers or Warriors in a series and a fringe rotation player averaging something like 20 mpg.

As far as Harden, I don't know. Murray is too slight and DeRozan is too slow laterally. Paul is the best suited, but he may not even be on the roster in 10 days. White is a bit slight too, but he might end up the primary option, in part because it wouldn't require rotational gymnastics.

It's not just the elite ones who'll be issues though. Even non stars, like Harris and Gallinari, DeRozan and Aldridge aren't suited to defending them.

Whatever hope their is of acquiring someone who can will vanish if Ginobili returns (and he's hinted at doing so multiple times), because there won't even be room in the rotation.

To give up Green, not get Anunoby and not have a backup plan to fill this hole (while trying to remain as competitive as possible), is negligent.

With Cunningham signing, I had suspicion that Spurs would get rid of Green. Now it makes sense.

[look_at_g_shred]

Cunningham

[Mr. Body]

Complaining about a sons jersey not being sold in the store isn’t even remotely in the same parking spot as Uncle Dennis territory...

Did I say it was? But it sure as hell is babyish. Grow up, dad. Be a man.

[John B]

Bertans is going to prove a lot of people wrong. tbh

[HarlemHeat37]

Bertans is going to prove a lot of people wrong. tbh

As a defender? That would be quite the surprise, it's not like he's a rookie and we haven't seen him play:lol

[TD 21]

Due to his quasi expiring, Gasol and a 2nd are the commonly referenced bait for this type. But if they trade him for it and Ginobili returns, White will be blocked from a rotation spot. Even if he doesn't return and the player takes his rotation spot, Walker will be blocked from a path to the rotation until '20-'21, when Belinelli is up.

The only way for the pieces to fit and make sense of the Belinelli signing and to a lesser extent Forbes re-signing, is to trade Mills. On his own, he's obviously not fetching this sort, so they'll need to attach the Raptors 1st, making it essentially half value / half salary dump. The Raptors just pulled the trick on the Spurs and the Pelicans did it last season, in the Asik and a 1st for Mirotic swap.

Unfortunately, the best that can probably be done, is Snell. He looks the part, but doesn't rate well defensively.

[objective]

Don't know about Bucks trading Snell, don't think Mills fits with all the point guards they have.

How's Terrence Ross looking these days?

Might as well assemble every former raptor.

Besides, I think there was a way to include Mills in the Kawhi deal instead of Green by adding Delon Wright to the deal. I just think the Spurs are really into Mills. I don't know why, his 'culture' benefit and 'good teammate' rep has coincided with the most problems in the locker room in team history.

I can't see them ever trading Mills.

[anon]

Might as well assemble every former raptor.
:lol

What about that scrub Shumpert? He held Derozan to losing 3pt percentages the past two years. I think he's in Sacramento now. RC should get as many shooting guards Derozan has faced in the postseason as he can to lighten Engelland's workload.

[TD 21]

Don't know about Bucks trading Snell, don't think Mills fits with all the point guards they have.

How's Terrence Ross looking these days?

Might as well assemble every former raptor.

Besides, I think there was a way to include Mills in the Kawhi deal instead of Green by adding Delon Wright to the deal. I just think the Spurs are really into Mills. I don't know why, his 'culture' benefit and 'good teammate' rep has coincided with the most problems in the locker room in team history.

I can't see them ever trading Mills.

The Bucks, courtesy of the Bledsoe acquisition, are out a future 1st that could convey as soon as '19. He's a questionable fit alongside Antetokoumpo, who supposedly doesn't like playing with him. If the situation doesn't improve, they might let him walk, leaving them with only Brogdon and Dellavedova, combo guards with enough size to cross match with Mills.

Also, Snell's shaky confidence had him in and out of the doghouse last season.

Ross missed most of last season due to injury. He's even leaner than Snell and has T-rex arms.

The Raptors weren't giving up Wright, but I agree that it's difficult to envision the Spurs trading Mills (even though it's the only way to make sense of the Belinelli signing). Still, if they want a 3 and D wing and to create room for Walker by '19-'20, it has to be done.

[ElNono]

Some of the arguments in this thread don't make any sense..

Of course defense still matters, the Warriors always have an elite defense and the main reason for Houston's success was due to their much improved defense..they were able to shut down GS for the most part in the WCFs..

Individual defense is overrated in today's NBA, inconsistent handchecking calls, the allowance of illegal screens and lenient carrying rules make it more difficult to play iso defense, but team defense is still just as important as ever..

The Spurs will be lacking in team defenders, as well..the system will help, but don't forget that the players that left all had continuity and chemistry that took years to build..

It'll be interesting to see how the clueless defenders on the team(DeRozan, Belinelli, Forbes, etc) adapt..

I do agree with that. Things like transition defense are the kind of things the Spurs are going to have to focus on. Just that there's no designated stopper for beasts like Lebron or Durant.

[Kawhitstorm]

Individual defense is overrated in today's NBA, inconsistent handchecking calls, the allowance of illegal screens and lenient carrying rules make it more difficult to play iso defense, but team defense is still just as important as ever..


Individual defense is overrated except against LeBron who you can't double & has destroyed many elite team defenses......

[Chinook]

Don't know about Bucks trading Snell, don't think Mills fits with all the point guards they have.

How's Terrence Ross looking these days?

Might as well assemble every former raptor.

Besides, I think there was a way to include Mills in the Kawhi deal instead of Green by adding Delon Wright to the deal. I just think the Spurs are really into Mills. I don't know why, his 'culture' benefit and 'good teammate' rep has coincided with the most problems in the locker room in team history.

I can't see them ever trading Mills.

I totally think the Spurs' plan going into this season is to play Mills/Murray/DeRozan on the perimeter. I just think they would have tried harder to get a forward if this wasn't their goal. I can certainly see reasons to be cautious here, but ultimately, there isn't that ideal three who's going to do everything Patty does on offense and everything necessary on defense. Just have to top that Murray can become a more interesting Danny Green.

Obviously, the hope would be that Murray comes in and shows he can legit contribute from outside the arc, and the Spurs are able to trade him to Philly for Bayless and then use Bayless plus assets for a defensive wing, whether than be Mids or Harkless or Ariza or whomever. But I agree that Pop seemed to be envisioning this back court for a while now. He's going to give it a try before considering changes.

[objective]

I do hope that Pop would go with either a Murray-White-DeRozan trio or a big Murray-DeRozan-Gay trio though I know that spacing isn't great

Mills starting and having to watch him run around doing nothing and getting shot over just gives me a headache.

At least White on defense is as close as you can get to smaller Green with the blocks and contests. After Murray, White is probably the best wing defender on the team, and he has three point range.

Rotation should be Murray-White-DeRozan backed up by Mills-Marco-Manu and Forbes as emergency. Some staggering of course.

It's too bad White isn't bigger. If he was a legit 6-6 they'd be in better shape.

[Mugen]

I totally think the Spurs' plan going into this season is to play Mills/Murray/DeRozan on the perimeter. I just think they would have tried harder to get a forward if this wasn't their goal. I can certainly see reasons to be cautious here, but ultimately, there isn't that ideal three who's going to do everything Patty does on offense and everything necessary on defense. Just have to top that Murray can become a more interesting Danny Green.

Obviously, the hope would be that Murray comes in and shows he can legit contribute from outside the arc, and the Spurs are able to trade him to Philly for Bayless and then use Bayless plus assets for a defensive wing, whether than be Mids or Harkless or Ariza or whomever. But I agree that Pop seemed to be envisioning this back court for a while now. He's going to give it a try before considering changes.

:lol WTF? Why would that be the fucking hope?

[Chinook]

:lol WTF? Why would that be the fucking hope?

Why would it not be the hope?

[objective]

Why would it not be the hope?

It sure reads like you want Murray to get traded for Bayless. I think you might mean Mills, and that if Murray shows progress that they can move on from Mills. But as worded in that paragraph, it reads like Murray because the context goes back some way if you meant Mills.

[Mugen]

Why would it not be the hope?


It sure reads like you want Murray to get traded for Bayless. I think you might mean Mills, and that if Murray shows progress that they can move on from Mills. But as worded in that paragraph, it reads like Murray because the context goes back some way if you meant Mills.

That's how I read it. I hope Chin means Mills for Bayless which I would do in a heartbeat.

[Chinook]

It sure reads like you want Murray to get traded for Bayless. I think you might mean Mills, and that if Murray shows progress that they can move on from Mills. But as worded in that paragraph, it reads like Murray because the context goes back some way if you meant Mills.


That's how I read it. I hope Chin means Mills for Bayless which I would do in a heartbeat.

It was in direct reply to a post saying talking about PATFO trading Mills. Murray for Bayless doesn't even work under this (or really any recent) CBA. You can accuse me of lots of things, but proposing obviously illegal trades is not one of them.

[dabom]

Great Defensive players get kept. You're on some bull shit narrative that doesn't make sense. And DG was breaking down by the end of the season and Fathead can't stay in front of anyone. That doesn't scream stopping anyone. :lol


The Spurs wanted to keep Anderson, they just couldn't afford him. And Green is a casualty of Kawhi's bitchness.


If he was great like you said, they'd roll out 8mil a year bro. :lmao

And DG was breaking down. All facts. :lol

DAF you take an L for this one. :lol

[dabom]

Great Defensive players get kept. You're on some bull shit narrative that doesn't make sense. And DG was breaking down by the end of the season and Fathead can't stay in front of anyone. That doesn't scream stopping anyone. :lol


The Spurs wanted to keep Anderson, they just couldn't afford him. And Green is a casualty of Kawhi's bitchness.


Green and Anderson were two great defensive wings.

:lol

[dbestpro]

Bowen was a 30 year old with similar stats to 31 year old Cunningham when he came to the Spurs. Just saying.

[DAF86]

DAF you take an L for this one. :lol


:lol

I guess facts don't mean shit now, you can just claim something and pretend is true. :lol

[SpursDynasty85]

Individual defense is overrated except against LeBron who you can't double & has destroyed many elite team defenses......

What elite team defenses were in the eastern conference? LOL. Lebron hasn't played notable teams until the Finals every single year. Celtics and Sixers finally become contenders and Lebron bolts to LA where he can sit back enjoy Hollywood with 0 expectations to win. Got to admit things worked out pretty well for him.

[TDomination]

Bowen was a 30 year old with similar stats to 31 year old Cunningham when he came to the Spurs. Just saying.

Wow did not know Bowen was 30 when he started with the spurs. I had to look it up on reference.

[TDomination]

Rotation should be Murray-White-DeRozan backed up by Mills-Marco-Manu and Forbes as emergency. Some staggering of course.

It's too bad White isn't bigger. If he was a legit 6-6 they'd be in better shape.

Is this with Gay and LMA as the frontcourt? Just curious

[Seventyniner]

Bowen was a 30 year old with similar stats to 31 year old Cunningham when he came to the Spurs. Just saying.

So Cunningham signed with the Spurs because he sees a path to getting his jersey retired.

[dbestpro]

So Cunningham signed with the Spurs because he sees a path to getting his jersey retired.

I'm sure Avery Johnson thought the same thing after being cut by the Spurs three times.

[sasaint]

Bowen was a 30 year old with similar stats to 31 year old Cunningham when he came to the Spurs. Just saying.

Wow. Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten.

[objective]

Is this with Gay and LMA as the frontcourt? Just curious

Either that or Pau-LMA. It makes for a crowded frontcourt rotation trying to fit in LMA, Gay, Pau, Poeltl, and Bertans but I figure Manu will have limited minutes and rest creating time at the SF for Gay or even Bertans. Plus Pau on a fossil preservation program.

Mostly it's about getting the best players on the court as much as they can, and that means a lot of White, who is better in my opinion as an all around complete player than Mills or Forbes or Marco, and maybe Manu at this point. Could even be a better point guard than Murray.

But I'm realistic.

I know it will probably be a Mills & Forbes show with White getting DNP-CDs and garbage time.

[Mugen]

:lol Forbes getting more minutes than White this year would be a fucking travesty, I would hope Pop retires by the trade deadline if that shit happened. Bryn is absolutely fucking terrible.

[objective]

Bowen was a 30 year old with similar stats to 31 year old Cunningham when he came to the Spurs. Just saying.

Bowen was already all-defense second team with Miami before he ever became a Spur.

Cunningham ... Not so much

[TD 21]

Unfortunately for Poeltl, despite already being an elite backup, at this point Gay is a PF and Aldridge a C (even though I expect him to continue mostly starting/playing PF for the first 6 minutes of the 1st/3rd) and there's just no room for 3 of the latter in a rotation in today's NBA. Considering the lack of 3-point shooting from what projects to be their 4 highest minute players (those 2, plus DeRozan and Murray), they also need as much shooting as they can get.



I do hope that Pop would go with either a Murray-White-DeRozan trio or a big Murray-DeRozan-Gay trio though I know that spacing isn't great

Mills starting and having to watch him run around doing nothing and getting shot over just gives me a headache.

At least White on defense is as close as you can get to smaller Green with the blocks and contests. After Murray, White is probably the best wing defender on the team, and he has three point range.

Rotation should be Murray-White-DeRozan backed up by Mills-Marco-Manu and Forbes as emergency. Some staggering of course.

It's too bad White isn't bigger. If he was a legit 6-6 they'd be in better shape.

Yeah, if Ginobili returns, starting White should be a no brainer. Mills/Belinelli are not only not starters, but have established chemistry with Ginobili. Unfortunately, if it happens at all, it'll probably take until midseason.

Murray's being fast tracked to starter was aided by Parker's injury and the fact that they viewed him as the successor/heir apparent. Walker is more than likely viewed as Murray's eventual backcourt mate, with White the third guard/6th man. Barring the acquisition of a 3 and D starting wing, I suspect this transition takes place during the '19-'20 season.

[apalisoc_9]

:pop: I’m the system, I can turn Bryn into Bowen as you witnessed in the postseason. #watchmework

:lmao

[TDomination]

Either that or Pau-LMA. It makes for a crowded frontcourt rotation trying to fit in LMA, Gay, Pau, Poeltl, and Bertans but I figure Manu will have limited minutes and rest creating time at the SF for Gay or even Bertans. Plus Pau on a fossil preservation program.

Mostly it's about getting the best players on the court as much as they can, and that means a lot of White, who is better in my opinion as an all around complete player than Mills or Forbes or Marco, and maybe Manu at this point. Could even be a better point guard than Murray.

But I'm realistic.

I know it will probably be a Mills & Forbes show with White getting DNP-CDs and garbage time.

Mills off the bench is a must. He has potential of being 6th man of the year imo. he is a good player. Look we trashed on him last year but i think most spursfans know he was overplayed.

I'm still not sure of having DeRozan at the 3 spot, I don't mind white starting but obviously that pushes demar at the 3 which I'm not sure yet. I'm sure pop will play with lineups like he usually does. But having Murray-Demar-Gay-LMA-Jakob has a bit more size but probably less speed.

I just hope mills comes off the bench. And Forbes is last in the rotation of the guards.

[illusioNtEk]

DJM
Walker
Derozan
Gay
LMA

[Kawhitstorm]

What elite team defenses were in the eastern conference? LOL. Lebron hasn't played notable teams until the Finals every single year. Celtics and Sixers finally become contenders and Lebron bolts to LA where he can sit back enjoy Hollywood with 0 expectations to win. Got to admit things worked out pretty well for him.

Pistons/Bulls/Celtics/Pacers/Celtics were all top 5 defenses when he beat em.

[SpursDynasty85]

Lol. Pacers took a Lebron Super team to 7 games 2 years in a row. That is more a Pacers success than Lebrons. Celtics were OLD and not elite. Pistons were pretty good but they were getting up there in age too. I will give it to Lebron in 2007. That was amazing he made it to the finals but honestly Pistons showed they were Done at that point. Bulls?? Lol. Derrick Rose lead Bulls? Man all those teams are so forgettable. His stats are impressive but the competition in the East is terrible.