Lonnie Walker Appreciation Thread

[J_Paco]

That's my fear also. It's pretty rare to see a player with advanced stats that poor three years in a row who suddenly turns it around to become a big net positive guy.

I think he is in that danger zone of becoming an "empty stats," low IQ gunner if certain areas don't drastically improve, but I wouldn't give up on him completely, yet. Jordan Clarkson and Will Barton were both in similar situations to him, IMO, and came out the other side with good, productive careers.

His improvement in a lot of areas needs to come relatively soon or he could find himself moving on. Feel/IQ, defense & more efficient scoring are all areas where he needs to make a jump.

Not writing him off yet, but I understand completely why others are beginning to do so, his advanced metrics have been plain terrible.

On two positive notes, he did show flashes of being a better passer than his numbers/role suggest (can he do it consistently, efficiently and at a higher rate?) and finally began using his athleticism a lot more in transition.

[The Truth #6]

He probably needs a new situation. Either new team or new coach. But if Pop returns, I can maybe see the absence of DDR being enough of a change for LW to play differently. But hey, maybe he works hard in the off-season and gets his mind straight. He’s young and still figuring out his past as much as his future.

[exstatic]

If you look at a couple of comps in this thread, Clarkson and McLemore, neither of them prospered with their drafting team, and both of them eventually came off the bench.

There is a bit of a sense of urgency. This offseason will be, or not be, when he’s offered an extension. He’s not nearly worth what White and DJ got, and offering his true worth could cause problems. If you extend him, hoping his development curve steepens and it doesn’t, you’re stuck with four years of negative worth that would be difficult to move. I can see him being a sweetener in a trade this summer, maybe for Barnes. He and D’Aaron are boys.

[John B]

I hate to lose Walker. I see him having the most upside with his athleticism if he meets his potential. Him and Luka.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I hate to lose Walker. I see him having the most upside with his athleticism if he meets his potential. Him and Luka.

I agree. Losing him would kind of suck. He's a bit of an enigma with all of that untapped potential. He can look like a world-beater at times, and then fade into the background just as easily. Sometimes his defense looks stout, sometimes he looks disinterested. Then there's the offensive talent that can single-handedly bring the Spurs back against the Rockets, versus the guy that is happy just to hover on the perimeter and not look for the ball.

Walker would be one of those guys that this place could be freaking out about if he goes to another team and realizes what he can be. And I'm also fairly positive that should that happen, it's going to be Pop's fault for not letting him spread his wings here.

At the end of the day, I think I try to keep him if possible, unless there's someone available via trade that we know will fill a need.

[JeffDuncan]

... This offseason will be, or not be, when he’s offered an extension. ...

The Spurs exercised the team option for Lonnie for next season last December 21. Salary of 4.45 mil for next season. (Just to be clear how things stand.) So there’s not that much urgency. They can watch him, and work with him, for at least another half season before having to make a final decision. And the Spurs rarely make midseason moves.

[J_Paco]

Another good comp for Lonnie (and not in a good way) is Josh Richardson. He too - like Ben McLemore - has become a "journeyman" but after finding some early success in Miami. Unfortunately, he seems to have plateaued while being a mediocre shooter and defender.

Probably seeing his time in Dallas coming to an end after being benched in the playoffs....

[spurraider21]

He seems to be the next incarnation of Ben McLemore, a player who has huge hops and can shoot pretty well, but really offers nothing else. I can absolutely see his career arc going the same way: journeyman. Advanced stats hate both of them, pretty much across the board.
or gerald green who is also afraid of dunking

[poopbox]

Meh at talking about advanced stats for Lonnie. The problem with advanced stats is they treat every team like they are the same, when all teams are different and need different things. Advances metrics always hated Jordan Clarkson yet he is one of the main reasons Utah is a one seed cause you know, they need somebody to shoot a lot. Same thing with Lou going back to Atlanta because somebody needs to put up shots when Trae is out or having a bad game. Between Patty Rudy and Demar leaving you talking about around 30 shots a game being up for grabs. I would like to see Lonnie come off the bench and get a lot of those shots in a volume shooter role. His defense is mostly trash but this is the nba, the overwhelming majority of guards defense is trash.

[wildbill2u]

Walker just seems to be one of those guys who never quite "get it" on defense as well as some others. The court awareness of where everyone is--and where they will be-- just isnt there. With all that physical ability, he COULD be a really good defensive player, but he always seems lost. He may fall into the category of player described so well by Sir Charles; deer can run fast and jump high, but you don't see them playing in the NBA."

[Atl Spur]

I say trade him for draft assets or make him part of a larger trade deal. If he finds his way somewhere else kudos to him!

[R. DeMurre]

Meh at talking about advanced stats for Lonnie. The problem with advanced stats is they treat every team like they are the same, when all teams are different and need different things. Advances metrics always hated Jordan Clarkson yet he is one of the main reasons Utah is a one seed cause you know, they need somebody to shoot a lot. Same thing with Lou going back to Atlanta because somebody needs to put up shots when Trae is out or having a bad game. Between Patty Rudy and Demar leaving you talking about around 30 shots a game being up for grabs. I would like to see Lonnie come off the bench and get a lot of those shots in a volume shooter role. His defense is mostly trash but this is the nba, the overwhelming majority of guards defense is trash.

I agree that advanced stats can vary greatly (especially defensive rating) depending on individual teams, but Lonnie's advanced stats are among the worst compared to his own teammates, so I think the "each team is different therefore advanced stats don't work" concept doesn't apply. I'm still holding out hope that he can flip a switch next year, but it would definitely require him changing his approach to the the game. I spent a lot of time this season watching him this year, and there are just far too many minutes when he's not doing anything positive. If he was racing around the court like Reggie Miller or Ray Allen, trying to get free & exhausting his defender, it would be one thing... but watching him in isolation, he too frequently is doing nothing outside of waiting for the ball to come his way, so when I see those terrible advanced stats it matches the eye test for me. He's not boxing out on shots, changing position for possible kick outs, etc... and unfortunately that passivity translates accurately to bad advanced stats. Maybe without DDR dominating the ball (and that's a big assumption at this point, but we'll see) Lonnie can rework his approach and shine.

[The Truth #6]

Unless they see some amazing progress I say trade or simply not extend yet, and I assume they do the latter, though I like the Barnes suggestion as long as we don’t lose a pick.

[4lifecowboy]

I agree that advanced stats can vary greatly (especially defensive rating) depending on individual teams, but Lonnie's advanced stats are among the worst compared to his own teammates, so I think the "each team is different therefore advanced stats don't work" concept doesn't apply. I'm still holding out hope that he can flip a switch next year, but it would definitely require him changing his approach to the the game. I spent a lot of time this season watching him this year, and there are just far too many minutes when he's not doing anything positive. If he was racing around the court like Reggie Miller or Ray Allen, trying to get free & exhausting his defender, it would be one thing... but watching him in isolation, he too frequently is doing nothing outside of waiting for the ball to come his way, so when I see those terrible advanced stats it matches the eye test for me. He's not boxing out on shots, changing position for possible kick outs, etc... and unfortunately that passivity translates accurately to bad advanced stats. Maybe without DDR dominating the ball (and that's a big assumption at this point, but we'll see) Lonnie can rework his approach and shine.
IMO that is more of an indictment on the offensive play sets, I've heard Walker say he isn't even the fourth option at times when he's on the floor. He really has been misused, hopefully next year he will be used as a primary scorer.

[R. DeMurre]

IMO that is more of an indictment on the offensive play sets, I've heard Walker say he isn't even the fourth option at times when he's on the floor. He really has been misused, hopefully next year he will be used as a primary scorer.

That's why I think the Spurs re-signing DDR would be bad news for Lonnie...

[exstatic]

IMO that is more of an indictment on the offensive play sets, I've heard Walker say he isn't even the fourth option at times when he's on the floor. He really has been misused, hopefully next year he will be used as a primary scorer.
You keep trying to spin this. They run the same play sets for any Spurs players that are on the floor at any given time. Lonnie isn’t getting it done even to the level of the other players on the team.

[rankingtear]

Spurs have to decide if they are going to extend Lonnie for 13 mil with the hope that he becomes the next Jordan Clarkson a player who is making 12 mil.

[JeffDuncan]

... They run the same play sets for any Spurs players that are on the floor at any given time. ...


No they do not. That is not true. I can give you an example.

I wish I could remember the specific game but I don’t. I only remember what happened, the sequence of events.

Lonnie hit a 3, I think it was on a c&s. Clean as could be, nothing but net, sweet. He looked hot, I thought.

Was he hot? We’ll never know. I was hoping that on the next possession they’d work to get him another try. They did not. There was no effort, at all, to run a play for him, set a screen or anything. It was like his shot never happened. Nor on the next possession after that. Nor ever. It was like neither the team, nor the coaches, ever even noticed that Lonnie hit that perfect 3 pointer.

However — Patty got subbed in, and I’m sure this was within 2 minutes of Lonnie’s shot. On the very next possession, the team immediately ran a play for Patty, with a screen for him to try a 3. He missed it badly. Clunk, have a brick.

Again, that was within 2 minutes of Lonnie hitting that textbook 3.

Patty got a play, coming in cold off the bench (and he clunked.) Where was Lonnie’s play, after he just hit perfectly? Nowhere.

On the subject of discussion, as far as the Spurs running the same things for all their players, they sure as hell do not. Not last season they didn’t. And they never have.

[rankingtear]

No they do not. That is not true. I can give you an example.

I wish I could remember the specific game but I don’t. I only remember what happened, the sequence of events.

Lonnie hit a 3, I think it was on a c&s. Clean as could be, nothing but net, sweet. He looked hot, I thought.

Was he hot? We’ll never know. I was hoping that on the next possession they’d work to get him another try. They did not. There was no effort, at all, to run a play for him, set a screen or anything. It was like his shot never happened. Nor on the next possession after that. Nor ever. It was like neither the team, nor the coaches, ever even noticed that Lonnie hit that perfect 3 pointer.

However — Patty got subbed in, and I’m sure this was within 2 minutes of Lonnie’s shot. On the very next possession, the team immediately ran a play for Patty, with a screen for him to try a 3. He missed it badly. Clunk, have a brick.

Again, that was within 2 minutes of Lonnie hitting that textbook 3.

Patty got a play, coming in cold off the bench (and he clunked.) Where was Lonnie’s play, after he just hit perfectly? Nowhere.

On the subject of discussion, as far as the Spurs running the same things for all their players, they sure as hell do not. Not last season they didn’t. And they never have.

Don't think Lonnie is any good on those off-screen 3, there was a scouting report on him of his jumper being too compact to hit those shots. He is also in the 16th percentile on those shots, Patty on the other hand is in the 93 percentile. So running that play for Patty makes logical sense , for Lonnie not so much.

[SAGirl]

Walker just seems to be one of those guys who never quite "get it" on defense as well as some others. The court awareness of where everyone is--and where they will be-- just isnt there. With all that physical ability, he COULD be a really good defensive player, but he always seems lost. He may fall into the category of player described so well by Sir Charles; deer can run fast and jump high, but you don't see them playing in the NBA."
Which would lead me to think, with a few exceptions, the Spurs have a lot of deer...

[JeffDuncan]

Don't think Lonnie is any good on those off-screen 3, ...

Then think again, because you are mistaken.

As far as Patty getting screens, are you simply not very bright? Guy, Patty is short. You didn’t know that? He typically needs a screen to get a shot off. Do you ever watch any basketball? At all?

But screens are used to help any player get a shot. You wouldn’t know that since you’ve never seen a basketball game.

The reason why Lonnie doesn’t get many screens is because the Spurs are stupid. And Poeltl is over screening for DDR or Murray even when they’re cold and clanky. Because they got the play and Lonnie didn’t, even tho he looks hot. And so it goes.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Lonnie is just not good off the ball period. He doesn’t cut or more well on offense (he has gotten better but that could really help him even more) off the ball and defensively he falls asleep a lot when his player doesn’t have the ball.

that shit has nothing to do with coaching and everything to do with basketball IQ.

he is a great athlete and a beautiful shooting stroke but it’s obvious he still has poor feel of what to do on the court if he isn’t told. I think if Demar leaves and Lonnie is still with our Spurs his numbers will look a bit better but hopefully he really takes a lot of time during the off season to watch a ton of film as well as work on finishing with his left hand and contested at the rim

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Then think again, because you are mistaken.

As far as Patty getting screens, are you simply not very bright? Guy, Patty is short. You didn’t know that? He typically needs a screen to get a shot off. Do you ever watch any basketball? At all?

But screens are used to help any player get a shot. You wouldn’t know that since you’ve never seen a basketball game.

The reason why Lonnie doesn’t get many screens is because the Spurs are stupid. And Poeltl is over screening for DDR or Murray even when they’re cold and clanky. Because they got the play and Lonnie didn’t, even tho he looks hot. And so it goes.

lmao lonnie is fucking terrible off screen brah

https://www.nba.com/stats/players/off-screen/?SeasonType=Regular%20Season&CF=TEAM_ABBREVIATION*E*sas

[Seventyniner]

Lonnie is just not good off the ball period. He doesn’t cut or more well on offense (he has gotten better but that could really help him even more) off the ball and defensively he falls asleep a lot when his player doesn’t have the ball.

that shit has nothing to do with coaching and everything to do with basketball IQ.

he is a great athlete and a beautiful shooting stroke but it’s obvious he still has poor feel of what to do on the court if he isn’t told. I think if Demar leaves and Lonnie is still with our Spurs his numbers will look a bit better but hopefully he really takes a lot of time during the off season to watch a ton of film as well as work on finishing with his left hand and contested at the rim

For all the (mostly justified) crap Belinelli got, he was an absolute wizard at moving without the ball. His BBIQ was pretty high, at least on offense.

[4lifecowboy]

That's a horrible barometer, he take far less shots off screens than anyone on that list, including Johnson. Which really just prove the point that he doesn't get many designed plays called for him.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

lmao lonnie is fucking terrible off screen brah

https://www.nba.com/stats/players/off-screen/?SeasonType=Regular%20Season&CF=TEAM_ABBREVIATION*E*sas

wow lonnie is horrid in almost every situation. above average in spot up but that is about it ...

[rjv]

I hate to lose Walker. I see him having the most upside with his athleticism if he meets his potential. Him and Luka.

yeah, i'm not ready to give up on Lonnie, considering his upside. but he has to get it together. he has to step us his recognition of what is happening on the floor and his confidence has to grow. i feel the same about luka-except i don't doubt his confidence.

[John B]

yeah, i'm not ready to give up on Lonnie, considering his upside. but he has to get it together. he has to step us his recognition of what is happening on the floor and his confidence has to grow. i feel the same about luka-except i don't doubt his confidence.
They’ll get plenty of opportunities IF they let the veterans go. Is the PATFO ready to take that road? I think our young core has plenty to prove, AND they will have the support of the Spurs fans, win or lose, imo. We’ve been waiting for this group to shine. I think Walker has the potential to be a Donovan with his explosiveness. That Jazz team is what this Spurs could become with crisp passing and finding the open man, reminiscent of the beautiful game, plus a version of the early DRob era “transition offense” with everybody running. It’s not popular, but I would put Dieng, hopefully he resigns back, in place of Poeltl, for that passing/shooting big, Luka on PF another shooting big who can run, and Keldon at SF. A toss between DJ/Derrick at PG and Walker at SG. If might mean fewer W’s who knows? But it would be fun.

[exstatic]

They’ll get plenty of opportunities IF they let the veterans go. Is the PATFO ready to take that road? I think our young core has plenty to prove, AND they will have the support of the Spurs fans, win or lose, imo. We’ve been waiting for this group to shine. I think Walker has the potential to be a Donovan with his explosiveness. That Jazz team is what this Spurs could become with crisp passing and finding the open man, reminiscent of the beautiful game, plus a version of the early DRob era “transition offense” with everybody running. It’s not popular, but I would put Dieng, hopefully he resigns back, in place of Poeltl, for that passing/shooting big, Luka on PF another shooting big who can run, and Keldon at SF. A toss between DJ/Derrick at PG and Walker at SG. If might mean fewer W’s who knows? But it would be fun.

The Jazz are a LOT better 3 point shooting team than we are, number 1 in the NBA as a matter of fact. There’s really no comparing the teams. Our best shooter, combining atts/game and percentage is Derrick White, and he’d be like the 4th or 5th best shooter on Utah’s roster. You can’t model yourself after a team you’re nothing like, and Lonnie is a dead homeless man’s version of Spider Mitchell. He’s just not going to get to that level, because he’s not very good.

[John B]

The Jazz are a LOT better 3 point shooting team than we are, number 1 in the NBA as a matter of fact. There’s really no comparing the teams. Our best shooter, combining atts/game and percentage is Derrick White, and he’d be like the 4th or 5th best shooter on Utah’s roster. You can’t model yourself after a team you’re nothing like, and Lonnie is a dead homeless man’s version of Spider Mitchell. He’s just not going to get to that level, because he’s not very good.

It also had to do with contested shots. With the beautiful game, even TP gets a good 3pt percentage because of a good look. I think DJ has a better shooting form than TP. My point, they need to get back to crisp passing to get from good to better looks, and that should help increase the percentage. It starts with not resigning Demar and his ISO plays, and removing Poeltl who also clogs the lane, and go from there. Walker defers too much imo. Without Demar, I hope, not only him, but the rest of the guys would step up. I’m a big critique of Walker, but I’m not ready to give up on him.

[John B]

I predict that Lonnie will get that Kawhi treatment next season, hopefully the one that passed the torch from TP and not the one that sent him away. When that time comes and he's averaging 25 pts and more, this ST will explode.

[joeyjfive]

I predict that Lonnie will get that Kawhi treatment next season, hopefully the one that passed the torch from TP and not the one that sent him away. When that time comes and he's averaging 25 pts and more, this ST will explode.

You are one optimistic man.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I predict that Lonnie will get that Kawhi treatment next season, hopefully the one that passed the torch from TP and not the one that sent him away. When that time comes and he's averaging 25 pts and more, this ST will explode.

He's capable of doing that, but damn, he needs to become more consistent. I've never seen such a skilled player so willingly disappear in games. Seems like whenever he tries to go on a streak he fails miserably. His highlights are almost always sporadic peppered in with an equal number of poor plays.

[John B]

He's capable of doing that, but damn, he needs to become more consistent. I've never seen such a skilled player so willingly disappear in games. Seems like whenever he tries to go on a streak he fails miserably. His highlights are almost always sporadic peppered in with an equal number of poor plays.

Without Demar, he wouldn’t have anybody to defer to. Kawhi was also shy taking the reins from the big 3. Heck, the big 3 didn’t even believe he was all that, and Pop had to bark at TP to pass Kawhi the ball. DJ is not shy, he’s ready to be the ringleader. But Lonnie needs persuasion, and I think he could do it. I mean he’s a winner. He also came through adversities growing up. I remember that’s what Spurs are looking for when they interview them prior to drafting, if they have the character. Lonnie is a good guy with his charities, and I’m rooting for him to shine next season. He got all the moves and still improving. Pop just needs to give him the green light to do “anything” out there, like what he gave Manu, and Lonnie will take off.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Without Demar, he wouldn’t have anybody to defer to. Kawhi was also shy taking the reins from the big 3. Heck, the big 3 didn’t even believe he was all that, and Pop had to bark at TP to pass Kawhi the ball. DJ is not shy, he’s ready to be the ringleader. But Lonnie needs persuasion, and I think he could do it. I mean he’s a winner. He also came through adversities growing up. I remember that’s what Spurs are looking for when they interview them prior to drafting, if they have the character. Lonnie is a good guy with his charities, and I’m rooting for him to shine next season. He got all the moves and still improving. Pop just needs to give him the green light to do “anything” out there, like what he gave Manu, and Lonnie will take off.

I'm rooting for him too. High character kid, and he definitely has the tools to be very good.

And for the same reasons you talk about with Demar, I'm actually hoping Patty either doesn't come back or is willing to take on a reduced role next year. Time to pass the torch to the young guys. We're not a playoff team with the vets leading the charge, so why not just go all-in on the youth movement at this point. Some veterans coaching from the bench is ok, but Pop needs to make the young guys the primary options and let them sink or swim.

[John B]

I'm rooting for him too. High character kid, and he definitely has the tools to be very good.

And for the same reasons you talk about with Demar, I'm actually hoping Patty either doesn't come back or is willing to take on a reduced role next year. Time to pass the torch to the young guys. We're not a playoff team with the vets leading the charge, so why not just go all-in on the youth movement at this point. Some veterans coaching from the bench is ok, but Pop needs to make the young guys the primary options and let them sink or swim.

Patty was playing out of character because of lack of personnel. With Jazz ball movement or any other contender, he would shoot the lights out. That said, he’s 32 and probably on his last chance to get a lucrative deal. It wouldn’t be fair to him and his family to take a reduced pay, and Pop is not that type to let him do it. If Patty gets a better offer, he is gone.

[dbestpro]

When Walker was drafted Donovan Mitchell was asked which player could have an impact similar to him and he said Walker. I think Walker should start, get 30 plus minutes a night and be allowed to play through his mistakes. He could be a 20 PPG scorer plus and could be the guy if Pop would free him up. Same thing to a certain degree can be said for Luca.

[SpursStar]

When Walker was drafted Donovan Mitchell was asked which player could have an impact similar to him and he said Walker. I think Walker should start, get 30 plus minutes a night and be allowed to play through his mistakes. He could be a 20 PPG scorer plus and could be the guy if Pop would free him up. Same thing to a certain degree can be said for Luca.

Lonnie being the guy would ultimately have the team in a similar if not worse situation in the Western Conference. I do think using him or one of the other guards as trade bait could be a good idea to see if a team would be willing to bite.

[dbestpro]

Lonnie being the guy would ultimately have the team in a similar if not worse situation in the Western Conference. I do think using him or one of the other guards as trade bait could be a good idea to see if a team would be willing to bite.

Giving up on who could be a star is what teams do that miss the playoffs ten years in a row. Walker eventually is going to make either the Spurs or another team very happy.

[exstatic]

Giving up on who could be a star is what teams do that miss the playoffs ten years in a row. Walker eventually is going to make either the Spurs or another team very happy.

I don’t think so. Outside of long shooting, he really doesn’t do much. He is going to get someGM fired, though.

[B1gduff]

wow the board is already giving up on Lonnie after a year? wow..it's mindblowing that people thing we're going to resign him when we gave Dejounte his contract while being imjured and had no offensive game. News flash, I would be really surpised if they don't re-sign him. I'm 96% sure that they will re-sign him
it's not a surpise that Lonnie strguggled as bad as he did, he was extremely raw, had relapse in college, disappeared college and everythat that saw him could see that (Well...I guess not all)
It's called a rebuild for a reason! and you have to be patient. I saw alot of bad from lonnie, but I also saw alot of good from him. From the year before to last year, there was big difference, and I expect a similar jump heading inot this season. When they got booted out of the Playoffs, Lonnie was the one guy that you could clearly see was effected the most and i expect him to improve. The guy is only 22/23 by next season, dude's still young and still entering his prime while learning, he might not be that starter we envisioned him to be, but he can/could be a solid 6 men, where we saw flashes of his upside.

[exstatic]

wow the board is already giving up on Lonnie after a year? wow..it's mindblowing that people thing we're going to resign him when we gave Dejounte his contract while being imjured and had no offensive game. News flash, I would be really surpised if they don't re-sign him. I'm 96% sure that they will re-sign him
it's not a surpise that Lonnie strguggled as bad as he did, he was extremely raw, had relapse in college, disappeared college and everythat that saw him could see that (Well...I guess not all)
It's called a rebuild for a reason! and you have to be patient. I saw alot of bad from lonnie, but I also saw alot of good from him. From the year before to last year, there was big difference, and I expect a similar jump heading inot this season. When they got booted out of the Playoffs, Lonnie was the one guy that you could clearly see was effected the most and i expect him to improve. The guy is only 22/23 by next season, dude's still young and still entering his prime while learning, he might not be that starter we envisioned him to be, but he can/could be a solid 6 men, where we saw flashes of his upside.

It’s three years. Three years. Dejounte started his second year. Keldon started his second year. White started his second year.

[4lifecowboy]

It’s three years. Three years. Dejounte started his second year. Keldon started his second year. White started his second year.
First off Demar was occupying the role Lonnie is best suited for, and secondly IMO he should have been starting over White this year.

[exstatic]

First off Demar was occupying the role Lonnie is best suited for, and secondly IMO he should have been starting over White this year.

Yeah, except HE CANT FUCKING DEFEND AT ALL. We have enough defensive liabilities as it is. He also is pretty bad at creating shots. And rebounding. You know, those things DJ and White do, all fucking day.

Other than jumping high,I’m not sure he’s any better than Forbes.

[John B]

It’s three years. Three years. Dejounte started his second year. Keldon started his second year. White started his second year.

I don't know. But DJ, Derrick and Lonnie's 3rd year stats look pretty similar to me. While Keldon's 2nd year is already at par and should be even better when he adds more to his offensive repertoire. But he got the benefits of getting Pop's nod from the get go. And that's something. Actually with DJ, I was getting frustrated with him until only this year when he starts to prove me wrong, on his 4th year, as the starting PG with consistent minutes. Again DJ had all the backing of Pop and even TP as the next starting PG. While Lonnie sometimes didn't even get to play, and really only got burn whenever White or Demar were out. He beasted on Harden, and got benched the following game?? I think what Lonnie, Luka and those guys need are just consistent minutes of play, which they will have plenty of next season, and a little green light to do a little experiment out there. It didn't hurt Manu, and I think it would help Lonnie as well. He's a special kid.

Dejounte Murray


GP
GS
MIN
FG
FG%
3PT
3P%
FT
FT%
OR
DR
REB
AST
BLK
STL
PF
TO
PTS




66
58
25.6
4.5-9.7
46.2
0.6-1.7
36.9
1.4-1.7
79.8
1.0
4.8
5.8
4.1
0.3
1.7
2.2
1.9
10.9


Lonnie Walker


60
38
25.4
4.3-10.2
42.0
1.7-4.7
35.5
1.0-1.2
81.4
0.2
2.4
2.6
1.7
0.3
0.5
1.7
1.1
11.2


Derrick White


68
20
24.7
3.7-8.1
45.8
1.2-3.2
36.6
2.6-3.1
85.3
0.5
2.8
3.3
3.5
0.9
0.6
2.2
1.3
11.3


Keldon Johnson (2nd year)


69
67
28.5
4.9-10.2
47.9
0.9-2.6
33.1
2.1-2.8
74.0
1.3
4.6
6.0
1.8
0.3
0.6
2.1
1.1
12.8

[4lifecowboy]

Yeah, except HE CANT FUCKING DEFEND AT ALL. We have enough defensive liabilities as it is. He also is pretty bad at creating shots. And rebounding. You know, those things DJ and White do, all fucking day.

Other than jumping high,I’m not sure he’s any better than Forbes.
Evidently we weren't watching the same team this year, from what I remember the teams overall production took the biggest dive when Walker missed, not White. And the only shots he get are the one's he create so I don't know what the fuck you are talking about on that front? Lastly, Demar, Patty, or Rudy don't defend worth a shit either, difference is Walker still has upside.

[exstatic]

Evidently we weren't watching the same team this year, from what I remember the teams overall production took the biggest dive when Walker missed, not White. And the only shots he get are the one's he create so I don't know what the fuck you are talking about on that front? Lastly, Demar, Patty, or Rudy don't defend worth a shit either, difference is Walker still has upside.

They were 15-21 without White, and 5-7 without Walker. Perhaps people here might take you a bit more seriously if you weren’t outright making shit up.

[4lifecowboy]

They were 15-21 without White, and 5-7 without Walker. Perhaps people here might take you a bit more seriously if you weren’t outright making shit up.
I don't give a fuck about your bullshit google stats, I watched the games, I know we had a winning record without White for the first few games of the year, I know Pop stubbornness costed us a few games because he didn't put Lonnie in the starting line up when White went down the second time.

[4lifecowboy]

I don't know. But DJ, Derrick and Lonnie's 3rd year stats look pretty similar to me. While Keldon's 2nd year is already at par and should be even better when he adds more to his offensive repertoire. But he got the benefits of getting Pop's nod from the get go. And that's something. Actually with DJ, I was getting frustrated with him until only this year when he starts to prove me wrong, on his 4th year, as the starting PG with consistent minutes. Again DJ had all the backing of Pop and even TP as the next starting PG. While Lonnie sometimes didn't even get to play, and really only got burn whenever White or Demar were out. He beasted on Harden, and got benched the following game?? I think what Lonnie, Luka and those guys need are just consistent minutes of play, which they will have plenty of next season, and a little green light to do a little experiment out there. It didn't hurt Manu, and I think it would help Lonnie as well. He's a special kid.

Dejounte Murray


GP
GS
MIN
FG
FG%
3PT
3P%
FT
FT%
OR
DR
REB
AST
BLK
STL
PF
TO
PTS




66
58
25.6
4.5-9.7
46.2
0.6-1.7
36.9
1.4-1.7
79.8
1.0
4.8
5.8
4.1
0.3
1.7
2.2
1.9
10.9


Lonnie Walker


60
38
25.4
4.3-10.2
42.0
1.7-4.7
35.5
1.0-1.2
81.4
0.2
2.4
2.6
1.7
0.3
0.5
1.7
1.1
11.2


Derrick White


68
20
24.7
3.7-8.1
45.8
1.2-3.2
36.6
2.6-3.1
85.3
0.5
2.8
3.3
3.5
0.9
0.6
2.2
1.3
11.3


Keldon Johnson (2nd year)


69
67
28.5
4.9-10.2
47.9
0.9-2.6
33.1
2.1-2.8
74.0
1.3
4.6
6.0
1.8
0.3
0.6
2.1
1.1
12.8


Thank you for saying that.

[Sugus]

I don't give a fuck about your bullshit google stats, I watched the games, I know we had a winning record without White for the first few games of the year, I know Pop stubbornness costed us a few games because he didn't put Lonnie in the starting line up when White went down the second time.

:lol that's a good attitude, we need more of that around here.

Stats can be misleading. I wouldn't say he impacts the team more than White, but he was absolutely missed when he went down - people looking at only his stats (offensive or defensive) are really missing the picture. His ability to take defenders off the dribble, his warping of a defense when he penetrates (even if those drives don't always end in a score or assist!) is a huge aspect of the game, where the Spurs are very lacking. Dejounte can do that but he doesn't put the same pressure on a defense, and often gets tunnel vision with his score-first mentality. White often has to resort to acrobatics because he lacks the first step to consistently beat his defender... Keldon is a beast, I don't have a critique there. But Lonnie's athleticism, whilst not yet translating to consistently solid outputs, is an absolute gem that doesn't present itself on a stat sheet.

I think if the vets are truly gone for good, and the Spurs actually hang over the keys to the kids, Lonnie could surprise a lot of people next season. Chinook is convinced he's not getting re-signed, but I'm not nearly convinced. Spurs staff/FO know what he's got... And the idea that resigning him could be bad is laughable. Someone with his physical profile and shooting ability from 3, barring extreme injuries, will never be untradeable in the NBA, almost no matter the contract he gets (and for sure, given that he's likely to command much less than White and DJ got). That's my 2cents on the common takes of these last few pages.

[Slippy]

Yeah, except HE CANT FUCKING DEFEND AT ALL. We have enough defensive liabilities as it is. He also is pretty bad at creating shots. And rebounding. You know, those things DJ and White do, all fucking day.

Other than jumping high,I’m not sure he’s any better than Forbes.

Dumbest post of the year.

Why do people reply to this keyboard warrior.. full of diatribe and hyperbole . Not much substance. Pissing on players like he know them. Like fuk u do

[200 miles]

Dumbest post of the year.

Why do people reply to this keyboard warrior.. full of diatribe and hyperbole . Not much substance. Pissing on players like he know them. Like fuk u do

:clap

[B1gduff]

It’s three years. Three years. Dejounte started his second year. Keldon started his second year. White started his second year.



wow the board is already giving up on Lonnie after a year? wow..it's mindblowing that people thing we're going to resign him when we gave Dejounte his contract while being imjured and had no offensive game. News flash, I would be really surpised if they don't re-sign him. I'm 96% sure that they will re-sign him
it's not a surpise that Lonnie strguggled as bad as he did, he was extremely raw, had relapse in college, disappeared college and everythat that saw him could see that (Well...I guess not all)
It's called a rebuild for a reason! and you have to be patient. I saw alot of bad from lonnie, but I also saw alot of good from him. From the year before to last year, there was big difference, and I expect a similar jump heading inot this season. When they got booted out of the Playoffs, Lonnie was the one guy that you could clearly see was effected the most and i expect him to improve. The guy is only 22/23 by next season, dude's still young and still entering his prime while learning, he might not be that starter we envisioned him to be, but he can/could be a solid 6 men, where we saw flashes of his upside.

[exstatic]

wow the board is already giving up on Lonnie after a year? wow..it's mindblowing that people thing we're going to resign him when we gave Dejounte his contract while being imjured and had no offensive game. News flash, I would be really surpised if they don't re-sign him. I'm 96% sure that they will re-sign him
it's not a surpise that Lonnie strguggled as bad as he did, he was extremely raw, had relapse in college, disappeared college and everythat that saw him could see that (Well...I guess not all)
It's called a rebuild for a reason! and you have to be patient. I saw alot of bad from lonnie, but I also saw alot of good from him. From the year before to last year, there was big difference, and I expect a similar jump heading inot this season. When they got booted out of the Playoffs, Lonnie was the one guy that you could clearly see was effected the most and i expect him to improve. The guy is only 22/23 by next season, dude's still young and still entering his prime while learning, he might not be that starter we envisioned him to be, but he can/could be a solid 6 men, where we saw flashes of his upside.

Again, it’s not A year, it’s THREE YEARS. He was drafted in 2018. It’s 2021.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Patty was playing out of character because of lack of personnel. With Jazz ball movement or any other contender, he would shoot the lights out. That said, he’s 32 and probably on his last chance to get a lucrative deal. It wouldn’t be fair to him and his family to take a reduced pay, and Pop is not that type to let him do it. If Patty gets a better offer, he is gone.

I guess 50 million doesn't stretch that far in the Outback...

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1427007840145723394

[ismael-robert]

Lonnie was briefly interviewed tonight n mentioned waking up at 430am n doing 3-a-days!

[John B]

https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1427007840145723394

Let's go Lonnie. GSG!

[Atl Spur]

I don’t trust Lonnie....yet

[Sugus]

Lonnie was briefly interviewed tonight n mentioned waking up at 430am n doing 3-a-days!

Uh, what's a 3-a-days?

I know of a certain kind of three-a-day's, but I'm sure Lonnie's stamina has far better uses than that :lol

[Mr. Body]

Uh, what's a 3-a-days?

I know of a certain kind of three-a-day's, but I'm sure Lonnie's stamina has far better uses than that :lol

Guess it's three workouts a day. Wake up extremely early, go hard, rest, go hard, rest, then one more time.

[KobesAchilles]

I wonder which tranny Dwight is working on his “d” with

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I still like Lonnie. I'm hopeful we see him improve on those things where he's been lacking...staying aggressive offensively, and becoming less of a defensive liability. He's probably still our most athletically gifted player.

[Dejounte]

You would think Lonnie would start feeling uncomfortable about his future with the team but it seems like the opposite is happening. Is he going to re-sign for cheap and possibly be content with a reduced role?

[GreekSpursfan]

Mixtapes and workout clips be gone. I put zero stock in these kind of things. We'll see him on the court against actual NBA players, so far not impressed at all, lets see if he makes any progress.

[SpursDynasty85]

You would think Lonnie would start feeling uncomfortable about his future with the team but it seems like the opposite is happening. Is he going to re-sign for cheap and possibly be content with a reduced role?

Definitely an important year for Lonnie. Hopefully this is the year he starts “getting it”.

[RC_Drunkford]

Uh, what's a 3-a-days?

I know of a certain kind of three-a-day's, but I'm sure Lonnie's stamina has far better uses than that :lol

That‘s the Kobe Bryant workout regiment

[timvp]

https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1427007840145723394

Lonnie doing defensive drills with a trainer? It's good that he realizes that's an area where he really needs to improve :tu

[Seventyniner]

Lonnie doing defensive drills with a trainer? It's good that he realizes that's an area where he really needs to improve :tu

Sure he needs to improve on D, but imo it's his BBIQ and awareness that are the problems, not his athleticism.

How good on defense would a hybrid of Bryn's effort/positioning and Lonnie's physical tools (height/length/athleticism) be? My memory might be bad but I remember Bryn generally being in the right place at the right time, he just doesn't have the physical tools to turn that into effective defense. But I could be way off here cause my blessed memory doesn't let me remember much of Bryn's time with the team.

[exstatic]

Sure he needs to improve on D, but imo it's his BBIQ and awareness that are the problems, not his athleticism.

How good on defense would a hybrid of Bryn's effort/positioning and Lonnie's physical tools (height/length/athleticism) be? My memory might be bad but I remember Bryn generally being in the right place at the right time, he just doesn't have the physical tools to turn that into effective defense. But I could be way off here cause my blessed memory doesn't let me remember much of Bryn's time with the team.

I’m not sure Lonnie will ever have that positioning knowledge. He was so bad, Pop started putting him on the lead opposition scorer so the he would never have to rotate.

[Slippy]

Bryn Forbes you try to hide as a defender. Lonnie Walker you try to get him engaged as a defender. Bryn is undersized, while Lonnie isnt. It aint rocket science and why lookin at stats is misleading.

Cool story though.:spin:spin

Its obvious with that type of weight training he trying to get his base stronger while moving laterally. Meaning not losing his balance or getting bumped off less when defending.

[Sugus]

That‘s the Kobe Bryant workout regiment

:lmao :tu

[BillMc]

https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1427007840145723394

Good to see Lonnie working at it. Hope he improves dramatically on defense.

[DPG21920]

Lonnie doing defensive drills with a trainer? It's good that he realizes that's an area where he really needs to improve :tu

I am pretty sure the exit interviews clued him into it :lol

[KobesAchilles]

I am pretty sure the exit interviews clued him into it :lol
Lonnie: what do I have to improve on for next year to get better?
:pop: yes

[Chinook]

Walker might also be the top candidate to replace DMDR as the starting three on the team. I've been assuming McD would get it, since the SL could use better shooting and size. But it also needs scoring, and Walker is the most gifted three-level scorer on the team right now. I would prefer him to start at the two along with McD and Johnson as the middle guys, but I have no reason to believe that's going to happen. Forbes obviously might start, but Pop might've also signed him to be the sixth man, freeing Lonnie to try again in the SL. If he is playing SF, then getting stronger on defense is a must.

[Em-City]

Walker might also be the top candidate to replace DMDR as the starting three on the team. I've been assuming McD would get it, since the SL could use better shooting and size. But it also needs scoring, and Walker is the most gifted three-level scorer on the team right now. I would prefer him to start at the two along with McD and Johnson as the middle guys, but I have no reason to believe that's going to happen. Forbes obviously might start, but Pop might've also signed him to be the sixth man, freeing Lonnie to try again in the SL. If he is playing SF, then getting stronger on defense is a must.


I bet they roll out Johnson and Young in the SL

[FutureMan]

I bet they roll out Johnson and Young in the SL

I don’t think the Spurs can start a combo of Poeltl, Murray, Young, & Johnson… that’s like 6 threes per game

Oh god. And then Forbes would have to start and shoot 10 threes a game….

next season might be unwatchable haha

[exstatic]

Young has primarily come off the bench the last 2 years. Doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.

[tbdog]

I don’t think the Spurs can start a combo of Poeltl, Murray, Young, & Johnson… that’s like 6 threes per game

Oh god. And then Forbes would have to start and shoot 10 threes a game….

next season might be unwatchable haha

I think Young plays the Gay role and probably more backup Center. I think Poeltl is a mid 20 min player, so plenty of minutes of young switching from the 5 and 4. His role as small ball 5 should work for most teams in the game. This makes room for Luka or Aminu as backup 4. I think the 3 will be covered by Mcdermott/Walker/Vassell/Luka.

Starting
Murray
White
Walker or Mcdermott
Johnson
Poeltl

Second unit
Forbes
Vassell
Mcdermott or Walker
Luka
Young


What would be interesting is if Johnson get's injured. A young and Poeltl front line is not ideal. I think Luka just gets token starts then and Aminu becomes the backup 4.

[XDT76]

Walker might also be the top candidate to replace DMDR as the starting three on the team. I've been assuming McD would get it, since the SL could use better shooting and size. But it also needs scoring, and Walker is the most gifted three-level scorer on the team right now. I would prefer him to start at the two along with McD and Johnson as the middle guys, but I have no reason to believe that's going to happen. Forbes obviously might start, but Pop might've also signed him to be the sixth man, freeing Lonnie to try again in the SL. If he is playing SF, then getting stronger on defense is a must.

I would also prefer the starting lineup to be DJM, Walker, Johnson, McD and Poeltl. If White and DJM are both in the starting lineup our playmaking for the 2nd unit will be poor. I do not want Tre and Forbes to play together, their lack of height would be exploited by other teams.

[The Truth #6]

There’s a lot of directions Pop can take this team purely through his rotation. That’s exciting but lots of possibilities for frustration. I doubt Pop sees this team as a rebuild. I expect him to play our veterans more than we want. I mean, we can’t expect him to completely change his M.O.

SL:

Yak
Young
McDermot
White
Murray

[Em-City]

There’s a lot of directions Pop can take this team purely through his rotation. That’s exciting but lots of possibilities for frustration. I doubt Pop sees this team as a rebuild. I expect him to play our veterans more than we want. I mean, we can’t expect him to completely change his M.O.

SL:

Yak
Young
McDermot
White
Murray

There's no way johnson doesn't start. reflecting, i think that spurs get away with McDermott at the 3, if white and Murray are starting, and lonnie coming out as a jamal crawford type (go for buckets as a primary ball handler).

Alternatively, if white is on the bench in a manu role (primary playmaker), then lonnie could start at the 2.

[The Truth #6]

There's no way johnson doesn't start. reflecting, i think that spurs get away with McDermott at the 3, if white and Murray are starting, and lonnie coming out as a jamal crawford type (go for buckets as a primary ball handler).

Alternatively, if white is on the bench in a manu role (primary playmaker), then lonnie could start at the 2.

I’m pondering what may happen not what I think should happen.

[FutureMan]

It’s interesting to see people talking about two known bench players (Young and McDermott) in the starting lineup.

At this point the question is who is starting Forbes or Walker?

[rogcl1]

Walker might also be the top candidate to replace DMDR as the starting three on the team. I've been assuming McD would get it, since the SL could use better shooting and size. But it also needs scoring, and Walker is the most gifted three-level scorer on the team right now. I would prefer him to start at the two along with McD and Johnson as th e middle guys, but I have no reason to believe that's going to happen. Forbes obviously might start, but Pop might've also signed him to be the sixth man, freeing Lonnie to try again in the SL. If he is playing SF, then getting stronger on defense is a must.

Lonnie , in my opinion is never going to be a defensive stalwart. He must capitalize on his athleticism on the offensive side of the ball. That is where his potential success lies. It is now time for him to shit or get off the pot. It is a mental thing and it is time for him to show if he has the fuzzy nuts or not.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

It’s interesting to see people talking about two known bench players (Young and McDermott) in the starting lineup.

At this point the question is who is starting Forbes or Walker?

whatchoo talkin bout future?? dougie mcbuckets is our super-awesome free agent score!

[lefty20]

I had given up on Walker's prospects and was ready to move on. But after Forbes' signing I'm hoping to god that Pop will give him on final chance to prove that he belongs in the league by giving him consistent burn for the entire season.

Not gonna hold my breath doe, tbh.

[BillMc]

Have there been any rumors at all about the Spurs trying to extend Lonnie? PAFO are usually quiet but Rich Paul's agency sometimes leaks things. Anything?

[dbestpro]

I would like to see Jock at center, Luka PF, Johnson SF Walker SG, and White at PG. Murray can come off the bench with Forbes to provide defense to cover for Forbes lack thereof. This allows for plenty of three point shooters in the starting lineup. I also see Walker as the only player with the true potential to score 20ppg plus.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Have there been any rumors at all about the Spurs trying to extend Lonnie? PAFO are usually quiet but Rich Paul's agency sometimes leaks things. Anything?

It’s unlikely we hear anything until close to the extension deadline, which is just before the season begins. They’ll probably look to extend him to a figure that’s less than his cap hold of $13 mil.

[John B]

I’ve rooted for Lonnie, and Luka, to finally have their breakout years without the vets. But I’m willing to give up both, and DJ, for a chance to get a franchise player like Simmons.

[DPG21920]

It’s unlikely we hear anything until close to the extension deadline, which is just before the season begins. They’ll probably look to extend him to a figure that’s less than his cap hold of $13 mil.

Agreed - I’m actually fine with 4/50M

[Sugus]

I’ve rooted for Lonnie, and Luka, to finally have their breakout years without the vets. But I’m willing to give up both, and DJ, for a chance to get a franchise player like Simmons.

I was with you until those last two words. Simmons isn't a franchise player whatsoever. Mind-blowing to me that people have looked at his entire career arc and still think he's just "gonna get there" someday. Don't be surprised in a couple years when people talk about Simmons the way they talk about Draymond now - glorified role player.

[DPG21920]

I also 100% agree with Chinook; Lonnie starting makes a whole lot of sense.

DJ
Derrick
Lonnie
Doug/Thad
Jak

[Seventyniner]

I also 100% agree with Chinook; Lonnie starting makes a whole lot of sense.

DJ
Derrick
Lonnie
Doug/Thad
Jak

I agree with the premise, but not the lineup. I can't see Keldon not starting.

Picking Doug there would be a defensive disaster, and Thad starting next to Poeltl would kill the spacing, especially factoring in Murray. Keldon will have to shoot more 3s though.

[FutureMan]

I agree with the premise, but not the lineup. I can't see Keldon not starting.

Picking Doug there would be a defensive disaster, and Thad starting next to Poeltl would kill the spacing, especially factoring in Murray. Keldon will have to shoot more 3s though.

Agreed on Keldon starting and needing to shoot more 3’s. At some point this team will need to make a decision on Murray or Poeltl considering how low this teams % is and attempts are for 3’s. If we’re tanking there seem to be a few C’s in next years draft that would immediately replace Poeltl in this starting lineup who can help with 3 point shooting.

[exstatic]

I agree with the premise, but not the lineup. I can't see Keldon not starting.

Picking Doug there would be a defensive disaster, and Thad starting next to Poeltl would kill the spacing, especially factoring in Murray. Keldon will have to shoot more 3s though.

Don’t start Thad. He’s been coming off the bench for the last two years.

DJ
White
Lonnie
Keldon
Poeltl

[baseline bum]

I am pretty sure the exit interviews clued him into it :lol

I'm almost nervous that he'll show something next year since it means he waited until a contract year to care about defense.

[objective]

I wouldn't get too attached Lonnie being here much longer.

He's a good candidate for being the Danny Green in the next bad Kawhi-style trade they make.

[TD 21]

I've thought of him starting as the nominal "SF", but I suspect that's something we'd see more as a shakeup type move at some point.

He'll still play a good amount at the three though because at least one of Murray or White will have to play virtually every meaningful minute and Forbes will be a fixture off the bench.

Barring a quantum leap, there's not a chance he's worth 4/$50M and this is the last team that should be locking up a third sub star guard to a significant contract.

[Seventyniner]

Barring a quantum leap, there's not a chance he's worth 4/$50M and this is the last team that should be locking up a third sub star guard to a significant contract.

4/50 isn't much more than the MLE at this point, with 8.5% raises the contract would start at $11.1M. Lonnie is still young enough that he can improve over the course of the contract too.

I agree that Lonnie shouldn't be given significant money, we just might disagree on what that is.

[baseline bum]

4/50 isn't much more than the MLE at this point, with 8.5% raises the contract would start at $11.1M. Lonnie is still young enough that he can improve over the course of the contract too.

I agree that Lonnie shouldn't be given significant money, we just might disagree on what that is.

He's going to have to make a huge jump this season to be worth MLE money even if the Spurs didn't already have Vassell and Primo there to take his spot.

[TD 21]

4/50 isn't much more than the MLE at this point, with 8.5% raises the contract would start at $11.1M. Lonnie is still young enough that he can improve over the course of the contract too.

I agree that Lonnie shouldn't be given significant money, we just might disagree on what that is.

I know, but a player who's yet to prove he's a certified rotational one, shouldn't be making, much less exceeding the MLE.

[Seventyniner]

Fair points. Makes even more sense with the logjam at Walker's natural position.

[Kurgan]

Lonnie's shooting and athleticism will guarantee a career in the NBA but it won't be with the Spurs. This year is make or break for him but I feel he's not gonna show enough(especially on defense) and end up playing elsewhere next year.

[Trill Clinton]

1429573878527922182

Lonnie looking good against NBA competition. How does Lyles always find his way in these games?

[GAustex]

Effortless speed and jumping that is eye popping.
Maybe with DDR gone he can find his way and be influential.

[tbdog]

This is the finally year with walker if he doesn't show up. It's his contract year too. The guy has immense talent. Could easily be a Jordan Claxton off the bench this season.

[ismael-robert]

Think u meant Clarkson. That was mostly all star game level defense but we'll see

[tim_duncan_fan]

Still not dunking when approaching the rim. That's a bad omen, tbh.

[tbdog]

Think u meant Clarkson. That was mostly all star game level defense but we'll see

I didn't realise he was good a D.

[ismael-robert]

Sorry was referring to video...mostly open jumpers n poor d

[exstatic]

I didn't realise he was good a D.

He’s not. Constantly blows rotations. Video clips only show the good.

[cd98]

1429573878527922182

Lonnie looking good against NBA competition. How does Lyles always find his way in these games?

Has he been reading Spurstalk?

[Chinook]

Walker should start. He shouldn't be a bench player with his talent and the team's need for offensive creation. Assuming everyone stays, it might be best for White to come off the bench to preserve his body. He does seem to get stress injuries quite a bit. Have Murray, Walker, McDermott (or Vassell if he has it together), Johnson and Poeltl start. Bring in Derrick as the first sub for the SF and slide Lonnie over. Bring Forbes (since he's going to be there) in for Murray, Young in for Walker and Eubanks/Landale in for Poeltl on the next sub. Then top it off by bringing in Vassell/McDermott for Johnson. That should prevent the spacing from ever being bad. The worst it gets is with the starting lineup, but you aren't going to bench Murray, Johnson or Poeltl if they're on the team. Hopefully the former two are able to shoot better next season.

Murray, White
Walker, Forbes
McDermott, Vassell
Johnson, Young
Poeltl, Eubanks/Landale

Hopefully Devin's three-and-D chops are ready to go so he can start. Otherwise defense in that first unit is going to be interesting.

[Seventyniner]

Hopefully Devin's three-and-D chops are ready to go so he can start. Otherwise defense in that first unit is going to be interesting.

An "interesting" disaster. The others will wear themselves out trying to cover for the mistakes McD and Walker will make.

[exstatic]

Walker should start. He shouldn't be a bench player with his talent and the team's need for offensive creation. Assuming everyone stays, it might be best for White to come off the bench to preserve his body. He does seem to get stress injuries quite a bit. Have Murray, Walker, McDermott (or Vassell if he has it together), Johnson and Poeltl start. Bring in Derrick as the first sub for the SF and slide Lonnie over. Bring Forbes (since he's going to be there) in for Murray, Young in for Walker and Eubanks/Landale in for Poeltl on the next sub. Then top it off by bringing in Vassell/McDermott for Johnson. That should prevent the spacing from ever being bad. The worst it gets is with the starting lineup, but you aren't going to bench Murray, Johnson or Poeltl if they're on the team. Hopefully the former two are able to shoot better next season.

Murray, White
Walker, Forbes
McDermott, Vassell
Johnson, Young
Poeltl, Eubanks/Landale

Hopefully Devin's three-and-D chops are ready to go so he can start. Otherwise defense in that first unit is going to be interesting.

Ball’s not going to move in that SL. Both Lonnie and DJ are pretty rudimentary/mechanical in their passing, and lack real court vision.

[Chinook]

An "interesting" disaster. The others will wear themselves out trying to cover for the mistakes McD and Walker will make.

Probably, but if Devin isn't ready to go, it might not be able to be helped.

[Chinook]

Ball’s not going to move in that SL. Both Lonnie and DJ are pretty rudimentary/mechanical in their passing, and lack real court vision.

The Spurs shouldn't be relying on their two-guard to be the facilitator. If Murray can't handle be the distributor of the SL, he should come off the bench. Regardless, though, the Spurs should absolutely run an actually system this time instead of that free-flowing crap. You don't make McD your biggest signing in a half-decade if you aren't prepared to run plays for him.

[exstatic]

The Spurs shouldn't be relying on their two-guard to be the facilitator. If Murray can't handle be the distributor of the SL, he should come off the bench. Regardless, though, the Spurs should absolutely run an actually system this time instead of that free-flowing crap. You don't make McD your biggest signing in a half-decade if you aren't prepared to run plays for him.

The reality is that Murray is the two guard. White is the best remaining facilitator. He’s the only one that can instinctively run the PnR. If you don’t want free form, and you want plays run, White’s your guy.

I’m just dead tired of the SL digging big holes every game that the bench has to dig out of. It’s been that way for two seasons.

[The Truth #6]

That recent Walker video: man, he’s really avoiding contact. I know its a scrimmage and avoiding injuries, but that isn’t progress. And I like Walker. But hey, we’ll see. It’s just a single silly video.

[exstatic]

That recent Walker video: man, he’s really avoiding contact. I know its a scrimmage and avoiding injuries, but that isn’t progress. And I like Walker. But hey, we’ll see. It’s just a single silly video.

No, he’s been like that for 3 seasons.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

That recent Walker video: man, he’s really avoiding contact. I know its a scrimmage and avoiding injuries, but that isn’t progress. And I like Walker. But hey, we’ll see. It’s just a single silly video.

It looks like no one out there was playing any defense, or being physical. Just an Twitter shoot for these guys to give their fans some highlights.

[The Truth #6]

No, he’s been like that for 3 seasons.

Right. We’re agreeing. That video doesn’t show him playing differently is what I’m saying.

[SpursDynasty85]

It looks like no one out there was playing any defense, or being physical. Just an Twitter shoot for these guys to give their fans some highlights.

Yes and No. they never play defense on scrimmages anymore. Would be stupid to get injured and lose millions.

[SAGirl]

Even in a no defense game, he could work on his moves to get to the basket. I was impressed at first but it was just the highlights of him making some jumpshots. He looked aggressive with his shot but he is prone to settling for jumpshots and not being too aggressive driving and none of those drives looked easy.

This is a different player working on moves to get to the basket for comparison...
1429918835159666693

Same no defense being played, it just looked like the player was working on his moves to get to the basket which is fun to see...

Upon reflection on the comments here. I'd have to agree, Lonnie was the same we have seen b4.

[rankingtear]

Welp scoring 5 points in 2 games won't get you an extension.

[MultiTroll]

1488716679383330818

[John B]

1488716679383330818

I’m rooting for Lonnie, but those are mostly acrobatic shots. How many of those does he make?

[RC_Drunkford]

his defense was impressive last night. 3 blocks

[exstatic]

This was his teaser game. He’ll disappear into his shell for 3-4 games now.

[Atl Spur]

Hopefully we can trade him now.

[james evans]

I don't think he's right for this team or popovich's style of coaching. He will be ok elsewhere.

[John B]

Thank you Lonnie


https://youtu.be/pEyw3gPho3M

[Sugus]

Lonnie looks to be comfortable and playing well from the little I've seen of the Fakers this season. Good for him, I'll always root for El Cuatro. Hope he can put it all together sometime in his career and plays up to his potential.

[BacktoBasics]

I was never a fan of letting him walk. Especially now with Primo gone.

I would say that Pop's system helped him round out his game but in the long term that same system would have likely stifled his offensive flow. I'm not at all surprised that he's opening up on a less disciplined team. Shooting percentage is up, no surprise there either.

[absoloot66]

Thank you Lonnie


https://youtu.be/pEyw3gPho3M

Primo not completely scrubbed from official Spurs history, I see. Did someone screw up:oops, or is there a comeback in the works:stirpot:?

[Harry Callahan]

I wish he could have stayed but he never put it together in San Antonio when they needed him to. The early season numbers in LA are inflated with the volume shooters being out a lot.

The Spurs need to have these upcoming young guys get to the second contract - only Johnson is there now. Vassell seems to be a good bet to get one an extension too. The 2016 and 2017 ones were recycled into four futures.

ESPN did a kiss butt article on Walker stating he has improved in every area, but as we've seen in short stretches he can do well.

Does he actually DEFEND in LA? I haven't seen him play on that side of the floor this year. Lonnie seems to be a decent dude based on his time in SA and he tried to turn the corner here but it just didn't happen. The confidence would wane.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

He needed some alphas to play with. He’s a great complimentary piece. The Lakers with Russ, AD and Lebron (and Beverly I suppose) are a perfect fit for him.

[Gibbz]

He needed some alphas to play with. He’s a great complimentary piece. The Lakers with Russ, AD and Lebron (and Beverly I suppose) are a perfect fit for him.

Agreed. He was too soft and unconfident to stand out on a team of young guys. He had his chance last season and Keldon completely overshadowed him.

[TDMVPDPOY]

this clown can get to the rim at will, but cant finish

had all the opportunities on this team where there was no alpha scorer, had the green light to chuck...yet couldnt handle the responsibility....the same could be said about beta cuck IG BALLER

[RC_Drunkford]

Lonnie is averaging the same numbers per 36 minutes like he did last year on the Spurs, just with better shooting splits. All he does on the Lakers is play more minutes, but of course none of y'all recognize this :lol

[Chinook]

The "better shooting splits" in "more minutes" kind of outweighs the fact that per-36 numbers are the same. He's scoring more on better efficiency despite playing with better scorers. That's impressive. Lonnie's not playing like the alpha the Spurs need and had hoped Primo would become, but he is playing well. It's lame how many folks have to fight just admitting that. The Spurs had good reason to move on, and they'll be good with Vassell developing so quickly. But as they've done and will continue to do, the Spurs let a talented player go. It's just something that folks should get used to happening more and more as they have so many draft picks.

[KingKev]

The "better shooting splits" in "more minutes" kind of outweighs the fact that per-36 numbers are the same. He's scoring more on better efficiency despite playing with better scorers. That's impressive. Lonnie's not playing like the alpha the Spurs need and had hoped Primo would become, but he is playing well. It's lame how many folks have to fight just admitting that. The Spurs had good reason to move on, and they'll be good with Vassell developing so quickly. But as they've done and will continue to do, the Spurs let a talented player go. It's just something that folks should get used to happening more and more as they have so many draft picks.

Good way to frame it. It’s not like we let him walk. He wanted a new situation. He may have even taken money off the table short term for a different opportunity. In PATFO’s defense he had 0 trade value leading up to free agency.

[BackHome]

The "better shooting splits" in "more minutes" kind of outweighs the fact that per-36 numbers are the same. He's scoring more on better efficiency despite playing with better scorers. That's impressive. Lonnie's not playing like the alpha the Spurs need and had hoped Primo would become, but he is playing well. It's lame how many folks have to fight just admitting that. The Spurs had good reason to move on, and they'll be good with Vassell developing so quickly. But as they've done and will continue to do, the Spurs let a talented player go. It's just something that folks should get used to happening more and more as they have so many draft picks.

Yep, the higher we draft the more talented player we get and a good chance that beats out a current player in his position.

[Rocalcio]

Lonnie is averaging the same numbers per 36 minutes like he did last year on the Spurs, just with better shooting splits. All he does on the Lakers is play more minutes, but of course none of y'all recognize this :lol

Percentages are better too.

[james evans]

Yep, the higher we draft the more talented player we get and a good chance that beats out a current player in his position.
we'll just draft a player that no one would have with a lottery pick and send him to the G league for a year.

[Uriel]

It’s crazy for me to think that the Spurs liked Lonnie so much that they were willing to trade up for him in the draft. And now, at the age of 25, he could be out of the league.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41886251/celtics-waive-lonnie-walker-sources-say

[Mr. Body]

Sounds like the Cs had to cut him because their tax bill is enormous. He should get picked up by a team pretty quickly.

[KingKev]

It’s crazy for me to think that the Spurs liked Lonnie so much that they were willing to trade up for him in the draft. And now, at the age of 25, he could be out of the league.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41886251/celtics-waive-lonnie-walker-sources-say

I guess this is your first rodeo? Kinda how the game works.

[KobesAchilles]

We have a team full of Lonnie Walkers. Heck I’d take LW4 over Branham

[benefactor]

I guess this is your first rodeo? Kinda how the game works.
Urinal doesn't really understand much of anything.

[John B]

Good character just not that smart bball wise

[exstatic]

Good character just not that smart bball wise

Combination of meh BBIQ and passivity. I’m glad we didn’t trade up for him, but his shot and hops weren’t a bad gamble, even if it didn’t turn out. It’s not a tragedy when pick #18 doesn’t pan out.

[spursparker9]

He was suppose to be the next Nephew after he left in 2018

[Ice009]

Didn't he have a spectacular game against the Rockets in his rookie season and then didn't get any court time after it? Who's the say that Pop didn't contribute to him flaming out. You never know, littles things like that could have changed the trajectory of his career. If he was given more minutes and a green light after the game, maybe he turns into a better player, maybe not, but I felt he was mishandled a little bit early on.

[Mr. Body]

Didn't he have a spectacular game against the Rockets in his rookie season and then didn't get any court time after it? Who's the say that Pop didn't contribute to him flaming out. You never know, littles things like that could have changed the trajectory of his career. If he was given more minutes and a green light after the game, maybe he turns into a better player, maybe not, but I felt he was mishandled a little bit early on.

Don't know that game, but the staff and most good coaches constantly say that taking the right shot and missing is more important than taking the wrong shot and making. Walker's problem is that the larger ideas and patterns of basketball aren't his strong suit. .It's cool if you drop 20 points freelancing, but that kind of game is going to disappear and it's not going to happen again. What is going to happen again is if you take the right shots within a system of sets or principles.

This is a major reason why promising young players flame out. Walker is a good player and will stick somewhere. Boston couldn't afford him right now due to their extreme tax situation.

[CGD]

Strictly a money move. Somewhere I read that keeping him meant adding another 9M in tax (on top of his salary).

[RC_Drunkford]

https://t4.ftcdn.net/jpg/01/88/08/59/360_F_188085929_a2nAaeLhRZoBCQ9yOQybVb3oiz0mjpLA.j pg

[KingKev]

https://t4.ftcdn.net/jpg/01/88/08/59/360_F_188085929_a2nAaeLhRZoBCQ9yOQybVb3oiz0mjpLA.j pg

Harrro Wonnnnie Walkaa!!!

[LeBowen]

Tbh, he could become a star in Asia.
Flashy player with overwhelming athleticism for those leagues, marketable personality, he could be in for some good money.
I don't think he'd do well in Europe with his low IQ and lack of awareness.

[spurraider21]

Boston is keeping the 15th spot open because the tax hit on any additional salary is pretty gargantuan. Lonnie is what he is but he’s an nba player. I’d take him over the current version of branham

[The Truth #6]

Boston is keeping the 15th spot open because the tax hit on any additional salary is pretty gargantuan. Lonnie is what he is but he’s an nba player. I’d take him over the current version of branham

I don't know if I would. Branham seems aggressively looking for his shot. Iirc, Lonnie struggled with even that. But overall, yeah, similar, microwave scorer archetype that rarely gets hot.

[CorrectCrusader]

I'll never forget the game vs Houston

[TDomination]

Don't know that game, but the staff and most good coaches constantly say that taking the right shot and missing is more important than taking the wrong shot and making. Walker's problem is that the larger ideas and patterns of basketball aren't his strong suit. .It's cool if you drop 20 points freelancing, but that kind of game is going to disappear and it's not going to happen again. What is going to happen again is if you take the right shots within a system of sets or principles.

This is a major reason why promising young players flame out. Walker is a good player and will stick somewhere. Boston couldn't afford him right now due to their extreme tax situation.



https://youtu.be/ghTT43i3qME?si=Q4UzrDyU1RXy4cNy

[rankingtear]

28 points and 0 assist is classic Lonnie.

[Maddog]

https://youtu.be/ghTT43i3qME?si=Q4UzrDyU1RXy4cNy

All D James Harden had a tough time containing him

[Dverde]

Spurs were correct in their assessment to let him go. I’m glad they moved on and gave his minutes to Vassell. He should go overseas. He’s old news in the NBA and teams will want younger prospects.

[exstatic]

Spurs were correct in their assessment to let him go. I’m glad they moved on and gave his minutes to Vassell. He should go overseas. He’s old news in the NBA and teams will want younger prospects.

He’s a decent NBA bench bucket, but he’d have to find a team with both a roster spot and money they can spend. He’s no longer a prospect, though. What you see is what you get. His dilemma is that bad teams need prospects, and good teams that might need him are the same as Boston, in a cap/apron crunch.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Lonnie Walker has his flaws, but he is a way better player than Malaki Branham.

[exstatic]

Lonnie Walker has his flaws, but he is a way better player than Malaki Branham.

No. Lonnie has a better 3 ball, but finishes worse and is hesitant on every thing he does.

[ismael-robert]

Last year was consistent 20pts in 20min

[CGD]

No. Lonnie has a better 3 ball, but finishes worse and is hesitant on every thing he does.

I’m not saying Lonnie’s finishes at the rim were Blake Wesley bad, but they were pretty cringe.

[The Truth #6]

Lonnie avoided contact egregiously. Whereas Blake was just horrendous at finishing. Subtle distinctions?

[Ice009]

Last year was consistent 20pts in 20min

What's this for? Lonnie average 20pts when he played 20mins?

[gilmor2002]

How do you feel LWIV compared to Steph Castle?

[exstatic]

How do you feel LWIV compared to Steph Castle?

Castle is already a better all around player with zero regular season games than Lonnie is with 322 regular season games played.

[spurraider21]

1851750015632330817

[scott]

Would take Lonnie over Branham, tbqh

[ChumpDumper]

1851750015632330817

Zalgiris is staaacked

[BacktoBasics]

Would take Lonnie over Branham, tbqh

I was just thinking this the other day. He would actually fit in better now than when he was last here.

[John B]

Would take Lonnie over Branham, tbqh

I, myself, am getting frustrated with Malaki’s nonchalant ways sometimes. But he’s only 21 and we really still don’t know his ceiling. While Lonnie, he is what he is.

[exstatic]

Would take Lonnie over Branham, tbqh

Neither would be along term fit, but Lonnie’s shooting would help. If I were his defender,though,I’d crowd his shot. If he gets past you,he’s not going to finish, or create off the dribble.

[ambchang]

1851750015632330817

With his athleticism, he could be a dominant offensive force in the euro league.

[RC_Drunkford]

With his athleticism, he could be a dominant offensive force in the euro league.

:lol