Dejounte, Lonnie, DeStar, Rudy, and LMA looks BEAST tbh

[dabom]

And MVPatty to replace any of those guys and we can be fire brahs.

[dabom]

Hopefully that fathead number 2 and that white center add some good minutes too.

[SpurPadre]

Forbes is a horrible stain on the roster, tbh. And Davis Bonner, tbh.

[dabom]

Pau of course gonna add some good rebounding minutes.

[Mr. Body]

You're just going for post count at this point, right?

[dabom]

First 3 guys can actually break their man down 1 on 1. :wow

[Mr. Body]

First 3 guys can actually break their man down 1 on 1. :wow

Rudy can easily get his shot when he wants to.

[dabom]

Rudy can easily get his shot when he wants to.

He gonna get that Stephen Jackson open looks all day.

[SpursDynasty85]

I like Derrick White over Dejounte and Lonnie for now.

[BSfromTX]

[QUOTE=dabom;9493400]Hopefully that fathead number 2 and that white center add some good minutes too

Dat funny

[itzsoweezee]

Losing both Green and Anderson hurts, a lot. Bellynelly and DeRozan are huge drop offs defensive-wise.

[Arcadian]

They might be a pleasant surprise, considering the dumpster fire expectations.

[Stabula]

hello

[TimmyBuckets]

3rd seed

:bobo

[FkLA]

Lonnie ain't ready and he's not really a good shooter. Throw Lil' Fathead in there and we are set.

[KimmyGib]

Demar will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Rudy very motivated to have a strong year. Dj's gonna have a breakout season. LMA ready for year two in beast mode. Pop will be much more focused. This going to be the hungriest spurs squad since '14.

[Stabula]

sup guys

[alpha_HaZE]

And MVPatty to replace any of those guys and we can be fire brahs.

That line up has tons of potential, what I like most about it is that you can plug in lots of different players and still work.

1) DJ Lonnie DDR Rudy LA and Pau, would be fun to watch offensively. Give the ball to DDR who is able to take his man and if the double team comes give it to Pau who has high basketball IQ; He can shoot the open three at a high rate so you can't leave him alone and he can play the Hi-Lo game with LA or pass to Lonnie who also can make the open three. It's the way were up by 25 against the warriors, replace Lonnie with Danny, obviously.

2) DJ Lonnie DDR Rudy LA and Patty, would be fantastic.

3) DJ Lonnie DDR Rudy LA and Belli, could be an upgrade from 2 depending on who plays better defense; Patty or Beli to be honest.

4) DJ Lonnie DDR Rudy LA and Dante, would definitely be an upgrade on D from 1-3.

5) DJ Lonnie DDR Rudy LA and Derrick/Bryn/Davis all work in my mind :)


I don't know how long it will take but I can see Lonnie being a prime Danny Green. I think he has the offense already down and I hope he focus on defense, so he can stay on the court.

[r0drig0lac]

White would probably be the best option in sg right now

[cutewizard]

Demar will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Rudy very motivated to have a strong year. Dj's gonna have a breakout season. LMA ready for year two in beast mode. Pop will be much more focused. This going to be the hungriest spurs squad since '14.


Agree, agree

:bobo

[cutewizard]

Add to that the NBA 3 point shooting champ Bellineli

[cutewizard]

White would probably be the best option in sg right now


How about poitn guard?

[cutewizard]

Truly a versatile line up

[cutewizard]

I wonder if we could Manimal plus one 3 AND D small forward someday....

Then we are set

[stxspurs]

Lol...Lonnie probably wont even play.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQh07nDqziQ

[NameLess Scrub]

They can be the raptors from 2013.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC0UogLtQe0

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OA5ckgTa6w

[hater]

Ferrari nogas

He will win the starting rotation by december

Book this

[cutewizard]

Presenting the new court general of the Spurs!!!!!!

[cutewizard]

Ferrari nogas

He will win the starting rotation by december

Book this

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

You mean Marco good Sir?

[Keepin' it real]

Losing both Green and Anderson hurts, a lot. Bellynelly and DeRozan are huge drop offs defensive-wise.

What about offensive-wise?

[cutewizard]

D White: A court general whose game is predicated on intelligence, basketball IQ, skill and smarts!

like him!!!!!

[cutewizard]

THE PNR BETWEEN WHITE AND JACOB SHALL BE FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

wouldnt you say guys??

[sasaint]

How about poitn guard?

Should be. But Pop has already hitched his wagon to DJ over White, the natural PG. Pop will push White to SG to accommodate DJ who doesn't have PG instincts/skills.

[sasaint]

Presenting the new court general of the Spurs!!!!!!

Not as long as Pop and DJ are with the team.

[cutewizard]

The Spurs bench is quite amazing

White at point, Jacob at center

Belli and Gay

then Manu or Bertans or Cunningham or even Walker

[sasaint]

THE PNR BETWEEN WHITE AND JACOB SHALL BE FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

wouldnt you say guys??

The potential is certainly there.

[cutewizard]

Should be. But Pop has already hitched his wagon to DJ over White, the natural PG. Pop will push White to SG to accommodate DJ who doesn't have PG instincts/skills.


----------------------------Maybe they switch, hmmm?

Then Derozan as small forward in small ball............??

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Ah2ayKG6w

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4Gpb_TykQ

[hater]

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

You mean Marco good Sir?

Yea sir

[sasaint]

----------------------------Maybe they switch, hmmm?

Then Derozan as small forward in small ball............??

DJ has to develop a much better 3-ball.

[cutewizard]

DJ has to develop a much better 3-ball.


------------------------------
:bobo

[TimmyBuckets]

We're overloaded at the 2. If Manu rerurns, doubt Lonnie gets much playing time. With DDR, White, Marco, Forbes, idk how lonnie gets much time either way actually


DJ has to develop a much better 3-ball.

Speaking of which. https://youtu.be/PUGtXODMm_M.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2018/7/26/17615798/san-antonio-spurs-starting-point-guard-dejounte-murray-is-kicking-summer-into-overdrive-nba

[Dex]

They might be a pleasant surprise, considering the dumpster fire expectations.

Sad but true.

Coming off consecutive 60-win seasons, last season felt like a disappointment with all of the Kawhi nonsense and not breaking 50. Expectations were high after the two prior years, and the team fell flat due to circumstances out of their control.

This season, nobody knows what to expect. We could win 30. We could win 55. At least there isn't this built up expectation, so even if the Spurs only do ho-hum, it will still be a pleasant surprise.

[John B]

I like Lonnie, but I think Belli starts over him but maybe not for long until Lonnie finds his way because he is the better defensive player. I sincerely hope not Mills though. And pls no more Mills on PG. He’s best at SG coming from the bench as streaky scorer.

[Dex]

We're overloaded at the 2. If Manu rerurns, doubt Lonnie gets much playing time. With DDR, White, Marco, Forbes, idk how lonnie gets much time either way actually



Speaking of which. https://youtu.be/PUGtXODMm_M.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2018/7/26/17615798/san-antonio-spurs-starting-point-guard-dejounte-murray-is-kicking-summer-into-overdrive-nba

Lonnie definitely has the tools, but after seeing him in summer league, I really don't think he is ready for NBA minutes. He has a long ways to go with his shooting, ball-handling, and decision making.

I'd love to just throw him out there and see if he sinks or swims, but that's not really a recipe for the team being competitive. I just don't see him getting a lot of minutes with Murray, DeMar, Mills, Manu, Beli, White, and (ugh) Forbes all fighting for that guard spot.

Maybe he shows up to training camp and forces Pop's hand, but I expect Lonnie will be spending quite a bit of time in Austin this year, and he could probably use the playing time instead of playing 5-10 spot minutes off the bench.

[NameLess Scrub]

We're overloaded at the 2. If Manu rerurns, doubt Lonnie gets much playing time. With DDR, White, Marco, Forbes, idk how lonnie gets much time either way actually



Speaking of which. https://youtu.be/PUGtXODMm_M.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2018/7/26/17615798/san-antonio-spurs-starting-point-guard-dejounte-murray-is-kicking-summer-into-overdrive-nba

They can experiment with 5 SG line ups :lol

[TimmyBuckets]

Also, i just dont get why they re-signed Forbes. Hope I'm proven wrong, but he's a defensive liability and unnecessary. I think PATFO think his elite shooting+ability to somewhat drive will make him worth the money, but his small size at the 2 and lack of D makes him almosy worthless. Granted he's a worker on D, but just too small. Plus we have Patty so why we need 2 of these guys?

[Budkin]

Also, i just dont get why they re-signed Forbes. Hope I'm proven wrong, but he's a defensive liability and unnecessary. I think PATFO think his elite shooting+ability to somewhat drive will make him worth the money, but his small size at the 2 and lack of D makes him almosy worthless. Granted he's a worker on D, but just too small. Plus we have Patty so why we need 2 of these guys?

I don't get it either. Just doesn't make a lick of sense.

[JPB]

Hard to distinguish trolling from genuine takes in this thread.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Hard to distinguish trolling from genuine takes in this SpursTalk.

[SpursforSix]

I wish they would have signed Cousins.

[kaji157]

Forbes is fine, he makes marginal money and is on a short deal, the problem is Patty.

[offset formation]

Hard to distinguish trolling from genuine takes in this thread.


I wish they would have signed Cousins.

Case in point.

[John B]

Forbes is there in case Spurs trade Patty, I hope

[SpursforSix]

Case in point.

I sincerely think they could have taken a shot on Cousins. He's pretty cheap and he'd be playing for a contract.
He'd be on his best behavior and have something to prove.
Even at 70%, he'd be a nice piece to have down low.

[sasaint]

We're overloaded at the 2. If Manu rerurns, doubt Lonnie gets much playing time. With DDR, White, Marco, Forbes, idk how lonnie gets much time either way actually



Speaking of which. https://youtu.be/PUGtXODMm_M.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2018/7/26/17615798/san-antonio-spurs-starting-point-guard-dejounte-murray-is-kicking-summer-into-overdrive-nba

:pop: "This season isn't for Lonnie."
Lonnie is far too raw to spend more minutes in The Show this season than a much more NBA-ready White spent last season. Lonnie needs to beast in the G League this year.

As for DJ: draining selected threes in an empty gym doesn't show me anything, and putting on rebounding clinics isn't what we need from a PG. Gravy without the chicken fry.

[sasaint]

Lonnie definitely has the tools, but after seeing him in summer league, I really don't think he is ready for NBA minutes. He has a long ways to go with his shooting, ball-handling, and decision making.

I'd love to just throw him out there and see if he sinks or swims, but that's not really a recipe for the team being competitive. I just don't see him getting a lot of minutes with Murray, DeMar, Mills, Manu, Beli, White, and (ugh) Forbes all fighting for that guard spot.

Maybe he shows up to training camp and forces Pop's hand, but I expect Lonnie will be spending quite a bit of time in Austin this year, and he could probably use the playing time instead of playing 5-10 spot minutes off the bench.

I don't want to see him get 5-10 minutes average when we have Murray and White who need every minute they can get. Especially White who is far more ready and already spent a season playing against boys in the G League. We simply have too many young guys to develop all of them simultaneously - another reason White should have logged more time in The Show last season.

[ivanfromwestwood]

https://youtu.be/5To488OjzD8

:wow

[offset formation]

I sincerely think they could have taken a shot on Cousins. He's pretty cheap and he'd be playing for a contract.
He'd be on his best behavior and have something to prove.
Even at 70%, he'd be a nice piece to have down low.

Except that Pop isn't likely to bring in that kind of personality onto the team when he's trying to remake it. And he's not likely to play until January.

[offset formation]

I don't want to see him get 5-10 minutes average when we have Murray and White who need every minute they can get. Especially White who is far more ready and already spent a season playing against boys in the G League. We simply have too many young guys to develop all of them simultaneously - another reason White should have logged more time in The Show last season.

While it was frustrating not to have him last year more than we did, that decision is going to pay off in spades this year as the kid gets serious playing time and becomes one of our best players. He had that kind of development last year. He'll even acknowledge that.

[sasaint]

While it was frustrating not to have him last year more than we did, that decision is going to pay off in spades this year as the kid gets serious playing time and becomes one of our best players. He had that kind of development last year. He'll even acknowledge that.

I certainly hope so. I have serious doubts about Pop's plans to utilize him. Nonetheless, that just reinforces how much Lonnie needs to be in Austin rather than San Antonio next season.

[sasaint]

Except that Pop isn't likely to bring in that kind of personality onto the team when he's trying to remake it. And he's not likely to play until January.

I do wonder sometimes if a strong coach and winning culture might have a strong positive impact on him...

[SpursforSix]

Except that Pop isn't likely to bring in that kind of personality onto the team when he's trying to remake it. And he's not likely to play until January.

I agree with all that. There's certainly some risk. I just don't think that Cousins would be behave poorly with what he has at stake.
That being said, he is a nut and if his recovery was going poorly, he might not be able to control himself.

[rastaspur]

Lonnie isnt ready to start. He is super raw. Beli will start if manu returns imo

[Stabula]

I am typing words

[TimmyBuckets]

How does Lonnie get in the lineup, let alone start? Beli, Manu, etc. are not starting b/c of DDR (at least that's what i think, unless they put DDR at the 3, which is dumb cuz he cant play good D well enough against other 3s to have consistent minutes at that position). Obv. Pop will mess with lineup a million times, but I think we see this lineup the most: Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA, Gasol and for small ball it'll be Murray, Patty, DDR, Gay, LMA (this lineup doesn't get much play though imo, but rough draft). Also I think many are overhyping White. He sucked ass last year and although he looks fantastic in G-league, no guarantee he'll do well in the rotation.

[Raven]

Add to that the NBA 3 point shooting champ Bellineli
you mean subtract?

[tmtcsc]

"Dejounte, Lonnie, DeStar, Rudy and LMA looks beast tbh"

Source or its not true.

[BackHome]

Walker will spend most of his time in G League but he will get called up more then White did last year. Pop needs to release White this season he easily is in the top 3 of ball handlers DDR, and Manu rounding out our best ball handlers on our team.

I agree Pop is going to have fun this season I think a lot of guys are going to make a point that this is their team not K-Y

[Spurtacular]

You're just going for post count at this point, right?

With Kawhi gone, he's gone from player fan to simply fanboy. :lol

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

https://youtu.be/5To488OjzD8

:wow

Forbes' offensive talent is not the issue.

[cutewizard]

Versatility is nice

[TheDoctor]

"Dejounte, Lonnie, DeStar, Rudy and LMA looks beast tbh"

Source or its not true.
#DoneDeal

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCkdMCbr7wc

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8F8GfEtw4k

[cutewizard]

This Derozan being is ATHLETIC guys!!!!!

hehehehehehehe

[Gagnrath]

I don't get it either. Just doesn't make a lick of sense.

Personally I think it's because they hope either Forbes or Mills is on shooting wise any given night, it also lets the trade market for Mills be more open.

[Gagnrath]

So what's the over under on 20 games played for Leonard?

[cutewizard]

Trade Mills for a defensive 3

[dabom]

Trade Mills for a defensive 3


Slow your roll. Everyone knows MVPatty mister 12 "O" ONE is staying. :hat

[cd021]

Am I the only one that thinks Pop will simply go with Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA, Gasol?

Mills, Beli, Manu, Bertans, and Poeltl would be the bench, assuming Manu returns.

That seems like the most likely scenario.

[cd021]

Also, i just dont get why they re-signed Forbes. Hope I'm proven wrong, but he's a defensive liability and unnecessary. I think PATFO think his elite shooting+ability to somewhat drive will make him worth the money, but his small size at the 2 and lack of D makes him almosy worthless. Granted he's a worker on D, but just too small. Plus we have Patty so why we need 2 of these guys?


I don't get it either. Just doesn't make a lick of sense.

To make things weirder; Sean McDonald (beat writer) appeared on the Back to Back podcast and mentioned at least 3 times that the Spurs coaches really like Derrick White.

White and Beli are both better than Forbes and fill the same role as him, it has to be an asset play- no other team was interested so they locked him up for $5 million over two years because they like him too.

[Fusternino]

Am I the only one that thinks Pop will simply go with Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA, Gasol?

Mills, Beli, Manu, Bertans, and Poeltl would be the bench, assuming Manu returns.

That seems like the most likely scenario.

I basically agree with you although I am convinced Cunningham will start over Gay when we absolutely need a defensive "stopper."

[kobyz]

if it depend on me i would start: Patty, Bryn, DeMar, LMA and Jacob

[SpursDynasty85]

To make things weirder; Sean McDonald (beat writer) appeared on the Back to Back podcast and mentioned at least 3 times that the Spurs coaches really like Derrick White.

White and Beli are both better than Forbes and fill the same role as him, it has to be an asset play- no other team was interested so they locked him up for $5 million over two years because they like him too.

Yeo. It's just another guy they can hold on to until he needs replace Belli,Manu,Mills.

[SpursDynasty85]

if it depend on me i would start: Patty, Bryn, DeMar, LMA and Jacob

White over Bryn easily. He might be better at Bryn in everything (specially height) except a 3 or shooting contest, even then it is probably close

[kobyz]

if it depend on me i would start: Patty, Bryn, DeMar, LMA and Jacob
second unite: DJM, DW, Manu, Rudy and Pau with Loonie and Metu getting little minutes to close the rotation while Marco and Davis go fuck themselves...

[offset formation]

second unite: DJM, DW, Manu, Rudy and Pau with Loonie and Metu getting little minutes to close the rotation while Marco and Davis go fuck themselves...

You CAN NOT start Bryn AND Patty, man. Quit.

[szkorhetz]

You CAN NOT start Bryn AND Patty, man. Quit.
You can if tanking is the main priority.

I still believe Bryan was brought back because Mills will be traded.
Mills for RoCo would make so much sense for both teams.

[dabom]

You can if tanking is the main priority.

I still believe Bryan was brought back because Mills will be traded.
Mills for RoCo would make so much sense for both teams.

Did someone forget to tell you? :lol

[cd021]

I basically agree with you although I am convinced Cunningham will start over Gay when we absolutely need a defensive "stopper."

Gasol, LMA, and Murray had an excellent defensive rtg together last season, when looking at 3 man lineups. Green and Anderson often played along with them- which certainly helped but the Gasol and Aldridge pairing had similar results, despite not always playing with two of those 3 perimeter player's.

That's a long winded way of saying that the Spurs defense is already good when Gasol and Aldridge share the floor because of the rim protection that both provide; Murray's presence only helps them, and DeRozen is DeRozen on D- not good, but hopefully better. I think Gay was fine defensively last season, he isn't a stopper by any means but he does have two bigs behind him to help him and Murray to harass PGs.

That unit is also massive in terms of size and length with good athleticism on the perimeter-limited opponents transition opportunities by not turning the ball over, contesting and forcing the other team off the 3 point line and not fouling are staples of Pops defenses, they should be able to stay well enough to be an effective defensive unit.

Starting Cunningham seems unnecessary and unlikely for those reasons, plus Gay is a much better offensive player.

Cunningham probably doesn't play regular minutes, and if Manu returns, I suspect Gay and Manu would play most of the SF minutes next season.

[Fusternino]

Gasol, LMA, and Murray had an excellent defensive rtg together last season, when looking at 3 man lineups. Green and Anderson often played along with them- which certainly helped but the Gasol and Aldridge pairing had similar results, despite not always playing with two of those 3 perimeter player's.

That's a long winded way of saying that the Spurs defense is already good when Gasol and Aldridge share the floor because of the rim protection that both provide; Murray's presence only helps them, and DeRozen is DeRozen on D- not good, but hopefully better. I think Gay was fine defensively last season, he isn't a stopper by any means but he does have two bigs behind him to help him and Murray to harass PGs.

That unit is also massive in terms of size and length with good athleticism on the perimeter-limited opponents transition opportunities by not turning the ball over, contesting and forcing the other team off the 3 point line and not fouling are staples of Pops defenses, they should be able to stay well enough to be an effective defensive unit.

Starting Cunningham seems unnecessary and unlikely for those reasons, plus Gay is a much better offensive player.

Cunningham probably doesn't play regular minutes, and if Manu returns, I suspect Gay and Manu would play most of the SF minutes next season.

Any idea on who gets the 15th spot? Hearing a lot of rumble of Metu and Blossomgame being our two way contracts. Anyone on the open market besides Greg Monroe look good?

[kobyz]

You CAN NOT start Bryn AND Patty, man. Quit.

you want to start strong by maximize the backcourt outside shooting to open the floor for DeMar Driving and mid range game and LMA post and mid range game...

[kobyz]

imagine that big lineup have we kept Fathead: DJM(6'5"), DDR(6'8"), Kyle(6'10"), LMA(6'11"), Yaakov(7,1")

[TimDunkem]

Start Bryn and Patty? :lmao :lmao :lmao

Great. We can get 20 points out of them combined while giving up 40!

[KDKSpurs24]

Start Bryn and Patty? :lmao :lmao :lmao

Great. We can get 20 points out of them combined while giving up 40!

[r0drig0lac]

Start Bryn and Patty? :lmao :lmao :lmao

Great. We can get 20 points out of them combined while giving up 60!

[TimDunkem]

Kobyz's recent takes are up there as some of the worst I've ever read. The sad thing is that I think he's completely serious.

[kobyz]

Kobyz's recent takes are up there as some of the worst I've ever read. The sad thing is that I think he's completely serious.

just wait and see, like always i once again will be proven right...

[exstatic]

:pop: "This season isn't for Lonnie."
Lonnie is far too raw to spend more minutes in The Show this season than a much more NBA-ready White spent last season. Lonnie needs to beast in the G League this year.

As for DJ: draining selected threes in an empty gym doesn't show me anything, and putting on rebounding clinics isn't what we need from a PG. Gravy without the chicken fry.

Your thinking is far too two dimensional. Why does it matter who does what?

DJ defensive rebound % 22.4 - 3G% 27%
LMA defensive rebound % 17.3 - 3G% 29%
PG defensive rebound % 30.2 - 3G% 36%

The secret to Pop's success is thinking outside of the box. The Spurs will never be able to afford a payroll like GS, so they have to work with what they have. You need people to score. You need rebounding. You need floor spacing.

Why does it matter who does what?

I'll let you in on a little secret. With that DRB%, DJ doesn't need an outlet pass very often. I think the Spurs are going to run this year, maybe more than any time since the 90s.

[offset formation]

you want to start strong by maximize the backcourt outside shooting to open the floor for DeMar Driving and mid range game and LMA post and mid range game...

In a vacuum, this makes sense. In reality, it doesn't.

Patty and Bryn are simply too small and their defensive skills to exploitable to have on the court at the same time.

Patty, who fights like crazy and tries his ass off routinely became a liability in switches on bigs last year. Bryn got completely lost. Team defense can mask that most of the time, when only one is on the floor. You can't do it with both.

Now maybe if Pop ever wants to play run and gun and forgo his defensive mentality in a random game, maybe it will happen. But as a strategy, game to game, it's utter lunacy.

[kobyz]

In a vacuum, this makes sense. In reality, it doesn't.

Patty and Bryn are simply too small and their defensive skills to exploitable to have on the court at the same time.

Patty, who fights like crazy and tries his ass off routinely became a liability in switches on bigs last year. Bryn got completely lost. Team defense can mask that most of the time, when only one is on the floor. You can't do it with both.

Now maybe if Pop ever wants to play run and gun and forgo his defensive mentality in a random game, maybe it will happen. But as a strategy, game to game, it's utter lunacy.

portland last year with liliard and macolem two bad defenders were top 5 defensive team...

[offset formation]

portland last year with liliard and macolem two bad defenders were top 5 defensive team...
3 reasons...
1. Those players are still tall enough not to become switch disasters. Plus they are both as good as at least Patty. Bryn at times got completely lost last year. I expect improvement this year from him but you can't have those two on the floor at the same time. Any coach worth his salt will gameplan us to death, especially if they know that is our "starting lineup."
2. Nurkic, Swanigan, Harkless, Leonard, Turner are all solid defensive players, which helps make up for their shortcomings
3. That's also because they run an up tempo offense and kind of force teams to play their way. If we do that, we are committing fraud by misusing LA.

[kobyz]

3 reasons...
1. Those players are still tall enough not to become switch disasters. Plus they are both as good as at least Patty. Bryn at times got completely lost last year. I expect improvement this year from him but you can't have those two on the floor at the same time. Any coach worth his salt will gameplan us to death, especially if they know that is our "starting lineup."
2. Nurkic, Swanigan, Harkless, Leonard, Turner are all solid defensive players, which helps make up for their shortcomings
3. That's also because they run an up tempo offense and kind of force teams to play their way. If we do that, we are committing fraud by misusing LA.

all those names are not solid individual defenders, maybe only harkless...
you over thinking it, make them playing hard and press the other backcourt in their limited time together should be positive overall...

[TimmyBuckets]

all those names are not solid individual defenders, maybe only harkless...
you over thinking it, make them playing hard and press the other backcourt in their limited time together should be positive overall...

Warriors series really highlighted Forbes' liability on D. Playing hard isn't enough when you're an undersized 2 in a switchable league with taller SG/SFs. Pop values D too much. I just don't see Patty and Forbes together a lot, but separately sure, when Forbes is on its awesome, but I've seen, and I'm sure you have as well, Pop pull hot shooters b/c of their liability on D.

[kobyz]

Warriors series really highlighted Forbes' liability on D. Playing hard isn't enough when you're an undersized 2 in a switchable league with taller SG/SFs. Pop values D too much. I just don't see Patty and Forbes together a lot, but separately sure, when Forbes is on its awesome, but I've seen, and I'm sure you have as well, Pop pull hot shooters b/c of their liability on D.

it's also a shooting league more so and you don't have 5 allstar to work with, something had to give, but i'm not with you in the idea of that combination couldn't work to start games...

[Coach X]

Last season, Popovich thought Pau-Aldridge could co-exist with Leonard-Green-Parker, still thinking Tony would run the team after recovering from injury, being Mills plan B. Mid-season, coaches realized Murray had to take over. Pop confirmed on the DeRozan trade presser that Murray has the keys of the team for this season. I think Popovich will adapt team structure around DJ, giving him a lighter starting lineup, speeding up the pace. So I reckon we won't be starting two bigs because of that. (Not saying we will run like D'Antoni's Suns, just some more transition game ala Parker's last good years.

I also believe Gay will keep coming off the bench to lead the second unit as he did very well. With DDR, no more scoring is needed in the SL. Of course, Rudy will play the crunch. Same with Mills, seen as a PG by the coaches, not for his playmaking abilities but because of the corporate knowledge and his locker room leadership.

So we have a core of Aldridge-DeRozan-Murray starting, with Gasol/Poetl-Gay-Mills-Manu? as the second unit core. I understand LA, DDR, DJM will have a lot of ball on their hands so off-the-ball players and 3pt shooting are needed around them so I'd say at least one of Belinelli/Bertans could start. With Manu on the roster, I could see White as a starter on D Green minutes, without Manu I see White being Mills colleague on the bench backcourt. Cunningham's role is intriguing to me, as he could start at the PF or hardly get into the rotation. Forbes minutes are another big question to be answered, I don't like him but PATFO trusts him.

I'm afraid Lonnie Walker won't see a lot of NBA hardwood this season and I'm ok with that. After watching him in summer leagues, the boy needs to learn the game playing it. Huge potential to be developed on the court, not warming the bench.

That being said, forget about it :rollin because I go with (aprox min avg ) :
Murray (28') - Mills (20')
DeRozan (31') - White (17') - Forbes (8') - Looney
Belinelli (20') - Bertans (20') - Ginobili (17')
Aldridge (32') - Gay (24') - Cunningham (13')
Poetl (14') - Gasol (20')

[offset formation]

Last season, Popovich thought Pau-Aldridge could co-exist with Leonard-Green-Parker, still thinking Tony would run the team after recovering from injury, being Mills plan B. Mid-season, coaches realized Murray had to take over. Pop confirmed on the DeRozan trade presser that Murray has the keys of the team for this season. I think Popovich will adapt team structure around DJ, giving him a lighter starting lineup, speeding up the pace. So I reckon we won't be starting two bigs because of that. (Not saying we will run like D'Antoni's Suns, just some more transition game ala Parker's last good years.

I also believe Gay will keep coming off the bench to lead the second unit as he did very well. With DDR, no more scoring is needed in the SL. Of course, Rudy will play the crunch. Same with Mills, seen as a PG by the coaches, not for his playmaking abilities but because of the corporate knowledge and his locker room leadership.

So we have a core of Aldridge-DeRozan-Murray starting, with Gasol/Poetl-Gay-Mills-Manu? as the second unit core. I understand LA, DDR, DJM will have a lot of ball on their hands so off-the-ball players and 3pt shooting are needed around them so I'd say at least one of Belinelli/Bertans could start. With Manu on the roster, I could see White as a starter on D Green minutes, without Manu I see White being Mills colleague on the bench backcourt. Cunningham's role is intriguing to me, as he could start at the PF or hardly get into the rotation. Forbes minutes are another big question to be answered, I don't like him but PATFO trusts him.

I'm afraid Lonnie Walker won't see a lot of NBA hardwood this season and I'm ok with that. After watching him in summer leagues, the boy needs to learn the game playing it. Huge potential to be developed on the court, not warming the bench.

That being said, forget about it :rollin because I go with (aprox min avg ) :
Murray (28') - Mills (20')
DeRozan (31') - White (17') - Forbes (8') - Looney
Belinelli (20') - Bertans (20') - Ginobili (17')
Aldridge (32') - Gay (24') - Cunningham (13')
Poetl (14') - Gasol (20')

Aldridge likes getting his minutes because he told Pop he can't get into a flow in more limited minutes. That's great that your best guy is asking for those minutes though. And he gives you everything he has every minute he's in. Perhaps DDR can be talked into fewer minutes at the 2 and more at the 3 though to give White more run. I'm more and more convinced he'll be one of our best players.

I think by the end of the season, our most lethal starting 5 will be: Murray, White, Derozan, Aldridge, Poetl.

That is length, athleticism, and stifling D.
On offense, it's far better than we had last year.

With a really good 2nd team of:
Mills, Ginobili/Belinelli, Bertans/Gay, Gay/Bertans, Pau. Interchange in some youth with Cunningham, Walker Blossingame, and Forbes and that provides some shotmaking and hustle for spots to spell the older vets.

I can see this team winning 55-60 games if they are able to gel and not let egos get in the way.

[sasaint]

Your thinking is far too two dimensional. Why does it matter who does what?

DJ defensive rebound % 22.4 - 3G% 27%
LMA defensive rebound % 17.3 - 3G% 29%
PG defensive rebound % 30.2 - 3G% 36%

The secret to Pop's success is thinking outside of the box. The Spurs will never be able to afford a payroll like GS, so they have to work with what they have. You need people to score. You need rebounding. You need floor spacing.

Why does it matter who does what?

I'll let you in on a little secret. With that DRB%, DJ doesn't need an outlet pass very often. I think the Spurs are going to run this year, maybe more than any time since the 90s.

I would rather have a PG who can do PG things first (chicken fry). After that, rebounding is great (gravy). I would much rather have a PG who had the handles, court vision and passing skills to run a fast break really well whether he gets outlet passes or not. Moreover, could a PG's high DRB% be compensating for the fact that the guys who should be pulling down boards aren't as effective as they should be? DJ does some nice things for the team, and I love how he talks the talk. But I am not yet sold on him as a PG. I hope he improves in all of those traditional PG skills and also continues to rebound effectively this season. I also hope he gets some help on the boards this season from...?

[cd021]

Any idea on who gets the 15th spot? Hearing a lot of rumble of Metu and Blossomgame being our two way contracts. Anyone on the open market besides Greg Monroe look good?

I think Blossomgame may be one of the two 2 way players. Metu may play a year with the Austin Spurs before possibility getting an cheap multi-year deal with the Spurs, they clearly like him given that they have been scouting him for two years.

Assuming Manu returns, that is 14. Paul makes 15 but isn't a guarantee to be on the roster at the start of the season.

He shot worse from 3 than one would expect given that he's been pretty good in other stops. I think they probably keep him and see if his shot improves to the mean, iirc, defensively he was good last year and is long enough to probably defend 3s but he might get cut later on.

An open roster spot around March would allow the Spurs to pursue buyout options with players like DeMarre Carrol and Jared Dudley possibly being available.

[John B]

No Mills starting please, not even 2nd PG. That was a terrible experiment. He turned over a lot passing on a double team, the wing defender seemed to telegraph the turnaround pass every time. He’s buried among big men he couldn’t see the help defense lurking for the cross court pass. Watch it. I cringed every time it happened. Patty is a streaky scorer coming off the bench at best, going through the screen and hitting the 3. But not to pass it because he would lose it.

[Fusternino]

I think Blossomgame may be one of the two 2 way players. Metu may play a year with the Austin Spurs before possibility getting an cheap multi-year deal with the Spurs, they clearly like him given that they have been scouting him for two years.

Assuming Manu returns, that is 14. Paul makes 15 but isn't a guarantee to be on the roster at the start of the season.

He shot worse from 3 than one would expect given that he's been pretty good in other stops. I think they probably keep him and see if his shot improves to the mean, iirc, defensively he was good last year and is long enough to probably defend 3s but he might get cut later on.

An open roster spot around March would allow the Spurs to pursue buyout options with players like DeMarre Carrol and Jared Dudley possibly being available.

I like BP3 a lot more than Forbes (although I don't really like either of them much at all on the court) and wouldn't be against giving him another opportunity in a year or so. Can he be put on two way contract or at least signed to a G League contract?

I still think we are set at the 3 with Gay/Cunningham or Manu/DDR for small ball lineups. If Forbes kills it before the ASG can we flip him for a 2nd round pick? What about the two first round picks we have? Is it enough worth trying to trade both of them for a higher pick? Probably not, I'd think.

How about Allen Crabbe? The Nets really want to find a way to get rid of his salary for next year.

[TD 21]

Am I the only one that thinks Pop will simply go with Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA, Gasol?

Mills, Beli, Manu, Bertans, and Poeltl would be the bench, assuming Manu returns.

That seems like the most likely scenario.

Yeah, I've come around on this. I initially thought (not wanted) Cunningham would start at SF :lol, then DeRozan (with Mills at SG).

Even when the roster has been unbalanced, Pop has always preferred starting big and the reality is, there is no other second wing that's starter material (White is probably the closest, but he's unproven and unlikely to be in the rotation).

I suspect the starters are limited to the first 6 minutes of the 1st and 3rd quarters as a unit. After that, expect constant mixing and matching to infuse some much needed shooting.

Poeltl/Cunningham for 4th big will probably be matchup dependant and with the way the game is being played now, that plays into the latter's hands. It'd be difficult to play 3 centers, including a non shooting one, for any team, let alone one as starved for shooting as this one is.

[cutewizard]

An interesting small line up is

Lamarcus

Gay

Bertans

White

Derozan

Solves all offensive problems....balanced scoring too.....

[cutewizard]

Come to think of it, our best classical court general archetypes are Manu and White

If White cannot be in the rotation this season, Pop is not a genius Coach.....

[Stabula]

I am posting

[cutewizard]

Or

Lamarcus

Gay

Derozan

Bellineli

Murray

Hmmmm.......??

Your thoughts guys?

[cutewizard]

By the way I have a new favorite player.....

Tell you soon hihihihihih

[cd021]

Yeah, I've come around on this. I initially thought (not wanted) Cunningham would start at SF :lol, then DeRozan (with Mills at SG).

Even when the roster has been unbalanced, Pop has always preferred starting big and the reality is, there is no other second wing that's starter material (White is probably the closest, but he's unproven and unlikely to be in the rotation).

I suspect the starters are limited to the first 6 minutes of the 1st and 3rd quarters as a unit. After that, expect constant mixing and matching to infuse some much needed shooting.

Poeltl/Cunningham for 4th big will probably be matchup dependant and with the way the game is being played now, that plays into the latter's hands. It'd be difficult to play 3 centers, including a non shooting one, for any team, let alone one as starved for shooting as this one is.


-The Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA, Gasol unit fits Pop's coaching style of starting two bigs and also gives the Spurs the best chance of playing good defense, in leu of not having a defensive wing. Gay is a meh man to man defender (he reaches in too much instead of making more effort to move laterally) though he is super long, athletic, and mobile.


-DeRozen is a bad defender, though there is hope that he can improve to below average or even slightly below average in. Murray, DDR, and Gay together make for a long, quick, and athletic perimiter pairing with Aldridge and Gasol behind are both good rim protectors.


-Offensively; that unit might be okay, Gay is a better shooter than he showed last season from 3. He's an 38% career 3pt shooter from the corners, which is where I expect him to operate when DeRozen has the ball. Murray seems to be actively working on his shot, so there is some hope that he'll be a near league average 3pt shooter on a decent amount of attempts. With DeRozen is an improved playmaker and should be able to get Gasol some open looks in pick and pop situations while he and Aldridge, operate in the midrange or post.


-There is definitely going to mix and matching and the bench has plenty of shooting, even if several of them are smallish guards. I expect Bertans to play a fairly significant role, getting minutes at the 4-next to Aldridge with DDR, with two of the three of Mills, Manu, and Murray playing alongside them in some lineups.


-I don't expect Cunningham to play much however, I see him as more of a deep bench guy who can step and play some minutes at the 3 and 4.


-Poeltl could be a very good fit and I expect him to play consistently, if not very many minutes. In theory, he's the 3rd center with Aldridge likely sliding over to the 5 after the first 6 minutes of each half. I expect about 10 minutes per game of all-bench units with Mills, Beli, Manu, Bertans and Poeltl.

-I think that bench lineup could be especially good offensively; Manu running pick and roll with an athletic big who can roll hard and finishes strong at the rim, and three shooters spacing the floor.

-Eventually, Spurs will use the final spot to address the SF situation-which might become an issue, especially against teams with elite wings. The buyout market is the most obvious route with DeMarre Carroll and Jared Dudley both potentially being available in March (both are expiring deals and Brooklyn is set to have their own pick for the first time in years). I'd certainly take Carrol, he's a good 3pt shooter (on a high volume too) and ranked 13th among 3's in DRPM. Spurs could shift Gay back to the bench and be better equipt to defend on the better teams.

[hooperflash]

By the way I have a new favorite player.....

Tell you soon hihihihihih
Stay tuned

[SAGirl]

Last season, Popovich thought Pau-Aldridge could co-exist with Leonard-Green-Parker, still thinking Tony would run the team after recovering from injury, being Mills plan B. Mid-season, coaches realized Murray had to take over. Pop confirmed on the DeRozan trade presser that Murray has the keys of the team for this season. I think Popovich will adapt team structure around DJ, giving him a lighter starting lineup, speeding up the pace. So I reckon we won't be starting two bigs because of that. (Not saying we will run like D'Antoni's Suns, just some more transition game ala Parker's last good years.

I also believe Gay will keep coming off the bench to lead the second unit as he did very well. With DDR, no more scoring is needed in the SL. Of course, Rudy will play the crunch. Same with Mills, seen as a PG by the coaches, not for his playmaking abilities but because of the corporate knowledge and his locker room leadership.

So we have a core of Aldridge-DeRozan-Murray starting, with Gasol/Poetl-Gay-Mills-Manu? as the second unit core. I understand LA, DDR, DJM will have a lot of ball on their hands so off-the-ball players and 3pt shooting are needed around them so I'd say at least one of Belinelli/Bertans could start. With Manu on the roster, I could see White as a starter on D Green minutes, without Manu I see White being Mills colleague on the bench backcourt. Cunningham's role is intriguing to me, as he could start at the PF or hardly get into the rotation. Forbes minutes are another big question to be answered, I don't like him but PATFO trusts him.

I'm afraid Lonnie Walker won't see a lot of NBA hardwood this season and I'm ok with that. After watching him in summer leagues, the boy needs to learn the game playing it. Huge potential to be developed on the court, not warming the bench.

That being said, forget about it :rollin because I go with (aprox min avg ) :
Murray (28') - Mills (20')
DeRozan (31') - White (17') - Forbes (8') - Looney
Belinelli (20') - Bertans (20') - Ginobili (17')
Aldridge (32') - Gay (24') - Cunningham (13')
Poetl (14') - Gasol (20')
Good interesting post. :tu

[PublicOption]

Hanga

[cutewizard]

Stay tuned

Clue, .......this player can hit the three!!!

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Clue, .......this player can hit the three!!!

if it is a spur the only answer is

belli balls

[spurs10]

Or

Lamarcus

Gay

Derozan

Bellineli

Murray

Hmmmm.......??

Your thoughts guys? Well I have to say it seems very good to me to have 3 pt shooters out there with the trio of DD, DeRozan, and LMA. So Beli, Bertans, and Gay make a lot of sense. If Bertans plays the 4 then Gay at the 3. If Gay plays the 4 then Beli at the 3. I won't be surprised to see this even if Pau starts. Pau was shooting the 3pt very good at one time.

[cutewizard]

You will be totally surprised, lol