RIP Spurs defense

[SAGirl]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.poundingtherock.com/platform/amp/2018/8/7/17645552/san-antonio-spurs-defense-danger-mediocre

The Spurs lost a lot of disruptiveness at the wing. Kyle Anderson (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246160/kyle-anderson) averaged over two steals per 36 minutes, an elite mark last season. Kawhi Leonard (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296735/kawhi-leonard) ranks third in steals per game among active players. Those two, plus Danny Green (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296730/danny-green) also averaged over a block per 36 minutes. The Spurs were actually getting rim protection from the wing. All that production is gone and the incoming players aren’t likely to replace it.

Marco Belinelli (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296611/marco-belinelli) averages under one steal and 0.1 blocks for his career and DeMar DeRozan (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296656/demar-derozan) averages 1.1 and 0.3 — dreadful marks. Rudy Gay (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296725/rudy-gay) will get more minutes and he averaged 1.3 and 1.1 last season, similar to Green (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296742/danny-green) on steals but worse on blocks. Manu was always good at getting steals, but he declined precipitously last season. Who knows if Lonnie Walker or Derrick White (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285709/derrick-white) will get minutes. Bryn Forbes (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/282813/bryn-forbes) has a total of 29 steals and two blocks in his NBA career
——————-
Hoping Derrick White and Lonnie get some burn personally...

[Maj_G]

There are two ways to think our off-season, one that we replaced Danny and Kyle with DeMar and Jakob and that's an upgrade and the other that our team last season overachieved.

I take comfort on the fact that we have upgraded in terms of athleticism and that couldn't be that bad defensively.

[Dex]

I sincerely doubt that the Spurs are going to be elite defensively next season (read: top 3), but Pop's system should keep them afloat if the players buy into it. I still anticipate we can stay within the Top 10 and be good enough to compete.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

what are we gonna do without kawhis contributions from last year??

[benefactor]

lol pounding the cock

[dabom]

Fathead played defense like he had lead boots on. :lol

[dabom]

Can you go to the grizz forums already. Tired of all the player fans getting pissy and taking it out on these forums. :lol

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

We’ll be weak defensively at the 3, but I’m hopeful the young guns emerge and are given a chance. If so we could get solid D from our guards, and I’m hopeful we’ll be ok in the paint as well.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

We will fail to be a top ten defensive team and barely be a top 15 offensive team

[TimmyBuckets]

We will fail to be a top ten defensive team and barely be a top 15 offensive team

I think so too. If we miraculously reach top 5 defensively, Pop should get COY no question.

[r0drig0lac]

We will fail to be a top ten defensive team and barely be a top 15 offensive team

I'm confident we'll be in the top 10 on both sides of the court

[SpurPadre]

Maybe Jakob Bonner will get a lot of blocks?

[kaji157]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.poundingtherock.com/platform/amp/2018/8/7/17645552/san-antonio-spurs-defense-danger-mediocre

The Spurs lost a lot of disruptiveness at the wing. Kyle Anderson (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246160/kyle-anderson) averaged over two steals per 36 minutes, an elite mark last season. Kawhi Leonard (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296735/kawhi-leonard) ranks third in steals per game among active players. Those two, plus Danny Green (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296730/danny-green) also averaged over a block per 36 minutes. The Spurs were actually getting rim protection from the wing. All that production is gone and the incoming players aren’t likely to replace it.

Marco Belinelli (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296611/marco-belinelli) averages under one steal and 0.1 blocks for his career and DeMar DeRozan (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296656/demar-derozan) averages 1.1 and 0.3 — dreadful marks. Rudy Gay (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296725/rudy-gay) will get more minutes and he averaged 1.3 and 1.1 last season, similar to Green (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296742/danny-green) on steals but worse on blocks. Manu was always good at getting steals, but he declined precipitously last season. Who knows if Lonnie Walker or Derrick White (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285709/derrick-white) will get minutes. Bryn Forbes (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/282813/bryn-forbes) has a total of 29 steals and two blocks in his NBA career
——————-
Hoping Derrick White and Lonnie get some burn personally...



Come on, we have to wait and see in order to say that.
I am thrilled to see what this team can (and cannot) do, but i am not going to expect the worse. Quite the opposite, i believe this team will surprise us a lot.

[gambit1990]

I'm confident we'll be in the top 10 on both sides of the court
easily.

[wildbill2u]

Most of the current fan base has never experienced a rebuild of the team. You will have to take your enjoyment where and when you get it. Think of the fun or anticipation of the developing potential of the newbies and don't get down on them if they don't meet your expectations. +We've enjoyed the absolute record of excellence for 20 years. Nobody will ever approach our string of 50+I wins.

So we are about to experience what the rest of the league has had to endure on a regular basis.

[SpurPadre]

Most of the current fan base has never experienced a rebuild of the team. You will have to take your enjoyment where and when you get it. Think of the fun or anticipation of the developing potential of the newbies and don't get down on them if they don't meet your expectations. +We've enjoyed the absolute record of excellence for 20 years. Nobody will ever approach our string of 50+I wins.

So we are about to experience what the rest of the league has had to endure on a regular basis.

Actually, we're not. We almost won 50 games last year without our best player at the time. This time, we've added an All-Star who's durable and trimmed the fat(head) off some players who no longer fit in the team's plans. And we have a couple promising youngsters under the tutelage of arguably the greatest coach in NBA history. We're not experiencing what other teams have had to endure any time soon, tbh.

[emmo]

I’m excited to root for a team with a chip on its shoulder again. The cancer is gone. Go Spurs Go!

[emmo]

Actually, we're not. We almost won 50 games last year without our best player at the time. This time, we've added an All-Star who's durable and trimmed the fat(head) off some players who no longer fit in the team's plans. And we have a couple promising youngsters under the tutelage of arguably the greatest coach in NBA history. We're not experiencing what other teams have had to endure any time soon, tbh.

[RD2191]

Didn't realize I was on GrizzliesTalk tbh

[Stabula]

Can you go to the grizz forums already. Tired of all the player fans getting pissy and taking it out on these forums. :lol

Calm down apalisoc_9

[DJR210]

Stopped reading at combination of OP and "Kyle".

[TheGreatYacht]

Fathead couldn't stop OP from stuffing her face with churros, much less an NBA player from scoring.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

We will fail to be a top ten defensive team and barely be a top 15 offensive team

quoting for posterity

:wakeup

[Titi Parisien]

Corey Brewer (https://hoopshype.com/player/corey-brewer/)

[NameLess Scrub]

Just enjoy all the mid range moments we'll get. Everything else would be icing.

[DeRozan m8]

Stopped reading at Kyle Anderson tbh

[K...]

Stopped reading at combination of OP and "Kyle".


Stopped reading at Kyle Anderson tbh
So you each read this:. The Spurs lost a lot of disruptiveness at the wing.. ? And have nothing to add but posted for the thrill?

[rjv]

and we've now reached the point where we are delivering eulogies for tier 3 players.

[Dex]

The fact that Kyle was the Spurs' third best defender is just as much of an indictment on our other players last year as it is a praise of Kyle's abilities tbh.

[lmbebo]

We won't be as good defensively, but I think I think we can be a top 15, if not top 10 defensive team. Its as much about effort than anything else most of the time. Was easier when you had great defenders in green and asshole.

[TD 21]

I could see the defense being a lesser version of last season's Raptors: relatively strong overall, but ultimately fools gold. They lacked the versatility to defend the elite teams (lack of wing/forward depth, slow footed bigs, small guards) and were repeatedly shredded by them.

Against most run of the mill teams, the combination of superior rim protection and Murray bookending, overall size of the projected starters and veteran knowhow, should suffice.



We won't be as good defensively, but I think I think we can be a top 15, if not top 10 defensive team. Its as much about effort than anything else most of the time
. Was easier when you had great defenders in green and asshole.

Not at this level, it isn't. Obviously, it's a factor, but it's much more about physical tools (specifically length) and IQ.

[Coach X]

Losing Leonard, Green, Anderson will have an impact on the defensive end. But don't raise the alarm bells yet.

The offseason has improved the team offensively and you can't forget we have lost Parker, found an alternative to Gasol, incorporated White into the second unit and we still have a potentially elite defender on Murray ( 2nd all-defensive team). And Aldridge, a current excellent defender.


DeRozan's defense off the ball is not good but is a coachable issue. He has the physical tools to be a good defender. He won't have to spend all his energy in offense carrying the team on his shoulders like he did in Toronto so you can expect from him to put more emphasis on D. He will definitely improve, won't become a stopper but won't be a team weakness.
Marco is a liability, not bigger than Parker though. Hopefully, Pop can hide him on the opponent's weakest offensive player. Belli's help to team ball movement and shooting allows Pop to consider him playable.
Poetlmight not play a lot initially but can be the defensive C the team has been missing since Duncan's retirement. His mere presence on the roster could make Pau work on defense in order to earn his playing time. He has played good D in Toronto, he guarantees rim protection without ruining the transition D even when LA is taking a break. That's a real improvement.
Cunningham is a veteran forward with some size, in good condition yet. He will work hard on his minutes on the court. In a similar situation than Pau-Poetl, Dante should be used to remind Gay not to relax.




Patty as the only small on court is not that bad. He might play less compared to last year and recover his "pesting" ability.
Don't expect Gay to play the SF, he can't do it on D, too slow now. But he's kind of a wildcard at PF: can contest power forwards inside, match up well with shooting PFs, rebound, help around the rim, and isn't a bad switch on the picks.
Bertans is another player with room to improve. He has shown flashes and is tall and fast enough to become a versatile defender. IMHO he can be one of the next season's stand out Spurs players.
Manu does ok on D. White will do better than ok probably. Gasol can still do it ok in the second unit.
Forbes will hopefully suffer the consequences of this loss of team defensive power and won't have effective playtime.

Popovich has already checked how super small lineups hurt defense and Gasol and Mills have lost weight on this roster. So, yeah, Spurs defense won't be as good as it has been in past years but still could be fine. On top of that, the team should have a better offense than last season.

Spurs are not supposed to contend for the championship this year, forget about beating the TOP 5 teams of the league. If the team makes the playoffs, improves the young players and gets the best from DeRozan then we can consider the season successful.

[jjktkk]

Fathead couldn't stop OP from stuffing her face with churros, much less an NBA player from scoring.

I bet you like getting stuffed with churros.

[tonight...you]

So you each read this:. The Spurs lost a lot of disruptiveness at the wing.. ? And have nothing to add but posted for the thrill?
And what a thrill it was...

[ElNono]

stopped reading at Kyle Anderson

[TheGreatYacht]

I bet you like getting stuffed with churros.
https://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/011/869/internet_white_knight_colored_4350.jpg

[TD 21]

Losing Leonard, Green, Anderson will have an impact on the defensive end. But don't raise the alarm bells yet.

The offseason has improved the team offensively and you can't forget we have lost Parker, found an alternative to Gasol, incorporated White into the second unit and we still have a potentially elite defender on Murray ( 2nd all-defensive team). And Aldridge, a current excellent defender.


DeRozan's defense off the ball is not good but is a coachable issue. He has the physical tools to be a good defender. He won't have to spend all his energy in offense carrying the team on his shoulders like he did in Toronto so you can expect from him to put more emphasis on D. He will definitely improve, won't become a stopper but won't be a team weakness.
Marco is a liability, not bigger than Parker though. Hopefully, Pop can hide him on the opponent's weakest offensive player. Belli's help to team ball movement and shooting allows Pop to consider him playable.
Poetlmight not play a lot initially but can be the defensive C the team has been missing since Duncan's retirement. His mere presence on the roster could make Pau work on defense in order to earn his playing time. He has played good D in Toronto, he guarantees rim protection without ruining the transition D even when LA is taking a break. That's a real improvement.
Cunningham is a veteran forward with some size, in good condition yet. He will work hard on his minutes on the court. In a similar situation than Pau-Poetl, Dante should be used to remind Gay not to relax.




Patty as the only small on court is not that bad. He might play less compared to last year and recover his "pesting" ability.
Don't expect Gay to play the SF, he can't do it on D, too slow now. But he's kind of a wildcard at PF: can contest power forwards inside, match up well with shooting PFs, rebound, help around the rim, and isn't a bad switch on the picks.
Bertans is another player with room to improve. He has shown flashes and is tall and fast enough to become a versatile defender. IMHO he can be one of the next season's stand out Spurs players.
Manu does ok on D. White will do better than ok probably. Gasol can still do it ok in the second unit.
Forbes will hopefully suffer the consequences of this loss of team defensive power and won't have effective playtime.

Popovich has already checked how super small lineups hurt defense and Gasol and Mills have lost weight on this roster. So, yeah, Spurs defense won't be as good as it has been in past years but still could be fine. On top of that, the team should have a better offense than last season.

Spurs are not supposed to contend for the championship this year, forget about beating the TOP 5 teams of the league. If the team makes the playoffs, improves the young players and gets the best from DeRozan then we can consider the season successful.

Wrong. Their best lineups were always Lowry + the bench. Their bench has been 2nd best to the Spurs in recent seasons, before overtaking them last season.

If anything, despite playing with another alpha scorer, DeRozan might have to do more heavy lifting on offense, considering the lack of another perimeter player to ease the shot creating/play making burden. Maybe Murray becomes that, but we don't know that yet. White likely won't play a big enough role.

Neither can Parker, yet he'll be doing so for the Bulls because that's where he fits on their roster. Gay is no different on this roster. You can debate the details (starting, backup, SF, PF), but the reality is him and Cunningham will have to defend James, Durant, etc. by default because no one else is even remotely physically capable.

[Stabula]

Kawhi Leonard didn't play last season and Danny Green was trash on both ends, even lost his starting job. Spurs defense won't be worse than last year and their offense will be much improved.

[objective]

One reason for optimism if one wants that is more minutes for Dejounte.

Him being 2nd team all defense while only averaging 21 minutes a game on the season was incredible ... His minutes need to be 50% higher, he has to be at 32 or so.

Even after he became the full time starter, his minutes weren't that high due to Pop having to give career achievement minutes to Parker while at the same time giving 'underserved but he's got a big contract' minutes to Mills.

The last 20 games of the season in March and April saw Murray still only averaging about 26.5 minutes a game.

His defense at the point of attack with another year of added strength and experience could at least help minimize the damage.

If White gets real playing time that will help also, he's much more capable than Forbes or Mills or Marco. Whether Pop gives him a chance though is another story.

We'll see how much Pop still gives his bullshit contract minutes to Mills.

[tonight...you]

One reason for optimism if one wants that is more minutes for Dejounte.

Him being 2nd team all defense while only averaging 21 minutes a game on the season was incredible ... His minutes need to be 50% higher, he has to be at 32 or so.

Even after he became the full time starter, his minutes weren't that high due to Pop having to give career achievement minutes to Parker while at the same time giving 'underserved but he's got a big contract' minutes to Mills.

The last 20 games of the season in March and April saw Murray still only averaging about 26.5 minutes a game.

His defense at the point of attack with another year of added strength and experience could at least help minimize the damage.

If White gets real playing time that will help also, he's much more capable than Forbes or Mills or Marco. Whether Pop gives him a chance though is another story.

We'll see how much Pop still gives his bullshit contract minutes to Mills.
For DJ, he'll get more burn when he can hit shots on a more consistent level.
Or become a better playmaker.

One of the two. Doesn't need to be both.

[cutewizard]

Most of the current fan base has never experienced a rebuild of the team. You will have to take your enjoyment where and when you get it. Think of the fun or anticipation of the developing potential of the newbies and don't get down on them if they don't meet your expectations. +We've enjoyed the absolute record of excellence for 20 years. Nobody will ever approach our string of 50+I wins.

So we are about to experience what the rest of the league has had to endure on a regular basis.

:bobo

[cutewizard]

Losing Leonard, Green, Anderson will have an impact on the defensive end. But don't raise the alarm bells yet.

The offseason has improved the team offensively and you can't forget we have lost Parker, found an alternative to Gasol, incorporated White into the second unit and we still have a potentially elite defender on Murray ( 2nd all-defensive team). And Aldridge, a current excellent defender.


DeRozan's defense off the ball is not good but is a coachable issue. He has the physical tools to be a good defender. He won't have to spend all his energy in offense carrying the team on his shoulders like he did in Toronto so you can expect from him to put more emphasis on D. He will definitely improve, won't become a stopper but won't be a team weakness.
Marco is a liability, not bigger than Parker though. Hopefully, Pop can hide him on the opponent's weakest offensive player. Belli's help to team ball movement and shooting allows Pop to consider him playable.
Poetlmight not play a lot initially but can be the defensive C the team has been missing since Duncan's retirement. His mere presence on the roster could make Pau work on defense in order to earn his playing time. He has played good D in Toronto, he guarantees rim protection without ruining the transition D even when LA is taking a break. That's a real improvement.
Cunningham is a veteran forward with some size, in good condition yet. He will work hard on his minutes on the court. In a similar situation than Pau-Poetl, Dante should be used to remind Gay not to relax.




Patty as the only small on court is not that bad. He might play less compared to last year and recover his "pesting" ability.
Don't expect Gay to play the SF, he can't do it on D, too slow now. But he's kind of a wildcard at PF: can contest power forwards inside, match up well with shooting PFs, rebound, help around the rim, and isn't a bad switch on the picks.
Bertans is another player with room to improve. He has shown flashes and is tall and fast enough to become a versatile defender. IMHO he can be one of the next season's stand out Spurs players.
Manu does ok on D. White will do better than ok probably. Gasol can still do it ok in the second unit.
Forbes will hopefully suffer the consequences of this loss of team defensive power and won't have effective playtime.

Popovich has already checked how super small lineups hurt defense and Gasol and Mills have lost weight on this roster. So, yeah, Spurs defense won't be as good as it has been in past years but still could be fine. On top of that, the team should have a better offense than last season.

Spurs are not supposed to contend for the championship this year, forget about beating the TOP 5 teams of the league. If the team makes the playoffs, improves the young players and gets the best from DeRozan then we can consider the season successful.

:bobo

[Fusternino]

Wrong. Their best lineups were always Lowry + the bench. Their bench has been 2nd best to the Spurs in recent seasons, before overtaking them last season.

If anything, despite playing with another alpha scorer, DeRozan might have to do more heavy lifting on offense, considering the lack of another perimeter player to ease the shot creating/play making burden. Maybe Murray becomes that, but we don't know that yet. White likely won't play a big enough role.

Neither can Parker, yet he'll be doing so for the Bulls because that's where he fits on their roster. Gay is no different on this roster. You can debate the details (starting, backup, SF, PF), but the reality is him and Cunningham will have to defend James, Durant, etc. by default because no one else is even remotely physically capable.

Team needs to get Quincy Acy now to be another defensive minded 3/4 who can shoot the 3.

[DeRozan m8]

So you each read this:. The Spurs lost a lot of disruptiveness at the wing.. ? And have nothing to add but posted for the thrill?

Yes

[TimDunkem]

Why can't SAGirl manage more than 10 words without dropping Fathead's name?

[Kawhitstorm]

Shit Antonio Suckers:lmao

[cutewizard]

Lets win the trophy!

[Coach X]

Wrong. Their best lineups were always Lowry + the bench. Their bench has been 2nd best to the Spurs in recent seasons, before overtaking them last season.

If anything, despite playing with another alpha scorer, DeRozan might have to do more heavy lifting on offense, considering the lack of another perimeter player to ease the shot creating/play making burden. Maybe Murray becomes that, but we don't know that yet. White likely won't play a big enough role.

I don't have the stats, but based on the games I've been watching, I'd say DeRozan used to play against starters while Lowry+bench played against second units. East Conference second units. Maybe that explains the numbers. Watching games you can see DDR taking the load on offense and relaxing on defense. Being the Spurs a much more collective basketball team in both ends of the court, and playing next to Aldridge, I believe DeRozan's focus will balance better. He's been kicked from home after his best offensive season, traded for defensive players. That should mean something for him too I guess. Moreover, most of the players arriving in San Antonio improve defensively.


Neither can Parker, yet he'll be doing so for the Bulls because that's where he fits on their roster. Gay is no different on this roster. You can debate the details (starting, backup, SF, PF), but the reality is him and Cunningham will have to defend James, Durant, etc. by default because no one else is even remotely physically capable.
I want to think Bertans can play the SF and progress defensively. However, is true that the team doesn't have a player that can match with that kind of players, I highlighted that in the "SF" post, here (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274947&page=5&p=9498899&viewfull=1#post9498899). I'm sure PATFO is conscious of this weakness and could try something around February.

Anyway, up here in my optimistic post, I'm also admitting we can't compete against the better teams of the league and that's one of the reasons. Unfortunately, we are some more upgrades away from real contention so I won't say fixing one specific detail here or there would make our team fight for the Championship. Under my point of view, this is a transitional season for the team to find a new type of play, new players to adapt and youngsters to progress. Those are the tasks for the team and I'd say the franchise will be ok with that as long as they win around 45-50 and make the playoffs. The team is still good enough and capable of hitting the targets. Leonard's drama finally finished, I'm really excited about the 2018/19 season.

[offset formation]

Shit Antonio Suckers:lmao

Joke's on you moron. Too bad you can't change your favorite team under your avi to that, amirite?

What a pathetic existence to waste time on an internet messageboard trying to savage the team you're supposedly a fan of, and do it 16,424 times. You are going to ring at Most Pathetic one day though...keep trying.

[Drom John]

I am hoping that DeRozan becomes like Finley as a Spur and is pressured to be in the right place (not miss assignments) on defense; not good defensively but improving to tolerable.
Poetl > Lauvergne
White > Parker
Murray, more minutes.
Good coaching.

The Spurs will be a very good defensive team, which is a downgrade.

[T Park]

We will fail to be a top ten defensive team and barely be a top 15 offensive team



🙄

[YGWHI]

I’m excited to root for a team with a chip on its shoulder again. The cancer is gone. Go Spurs Go!

Stop hating on TP, he's the best PG in Spurs' history.


Have fun. Blue font and all :D

[YGWHI]

Most of the current fan base has never experienced a rebuild of the team. You will have to take your enjoyment where and when you get it. Think of the fun or anticipation of the developing potential of the newbies and don't get down on them if they don't meet your expectations. +We've enjoyed the absolute record of excellence for 20 years. Nobody will ever approach our string of 50+I wins.

So we are about to experience what the rest of the league has had to endure on a regular basis.

Not really. This is not a rebuilding-team. It would be that type of team if PATFO would have traded Kawhi for Boston's picks or Philly role players & picks combo but they opted to stay competitive and made a deal for other All Star like DeRozan.

The Spurs are still an elite team with plenty of vets, not a rebuilding team that depends on the development of its whole young roster.

[lmbebo]

no reason to hate on TP. Guy played his butt off for the spurs for 17 years. He's lost 2-3 steps, age, injury, etc. But he was always spurs. Same can't be said for jack ass who pulled a medical hold out.

[YGWHI]

no reason to hate on TP. Guy played his butt off for the spurs for 17 years. He's lost 2-3 steps, age, injury, etc. But he was always spurs. Same can't be said for jack ass who pulled a medical hold out.

You can bet he wasn't exactly hating on TP...And for me, I just made a joke because there are still too much "sensitive" Spurs' fans that can't move on.

Parker is a Spurs' legend, no one doubts it.

[TD 21]

Team needs to get Quincy Acy now to be another defensive minded 3/4 who can shoot the 3.

Acy is strictly a PF and is similar to Cunningham.

Think it's best they leave the final roster spot open for flexibility purposes. There's no external veteran who'd play over the internal ones and whatever leftover minutes exist on the wing, I'd rather go to Walker over some minimal retread anyway.



I don't have the stats, but based on the games I've been watching, I'd say DeRozan used to play against starters while Lowry+bench played against second units. East Conference second units. Maybe that explains the numbers. Watching games you can see DDR taking the load on offense and relaxing on defense. Being the Spurs a much more collective basketball team in both ends of the court, and playing next to Aldridge, I believe DeRozan's focus will balance better. He's been kicked from home after his best offensive season, traded for defensive players. That should mean something for him too I guess. Moreover, most of the players arriving in San Antonio improve defensively.


I want to think Bertans can play the SF and progress defensively. However, is true that the team doesn't have a player that can match with that kind of players, I highlighted that in the "SF" post, here (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274947&page=5&p=9498899&viewfull=1#post9498899). I'm sure PATFO is conscious of this weakness and could try something around February.

Anyway, up here in my optimistic post, I'm also admitting we can't compete against the better teams of the league and that's one of the reasons. Unfortunately, we are some more upgrades away from real contention so I won't say fixing one specific detail here or there would make our team fight for the Championship. Under my point of view, this is a transitional season for the team to find a new type of play, new players to adapt and youngsters to progress. Those are the tasks for the team and I'd say the franchise will be ok with that as long as they win around 45-50 and make the playoffs. The team is still good enough and capable of hitting the targets. Leonard's drama finally finished, I'm really excited about the 2018/19 season.

There's some truth to that, but last season, their most successful yet, they mostly sat Lowry and DeRozan simultaneously, yet their league best 2nd unit was still their best lineup.

DeRozan is definitely more of an alpha scorer than Lowry (whose range shooting makes him more effective off ball), but the former isn't as good as he thinks he is.

Spurs morphed from a "collective team" to a more traditional one the instant the Leonard-Aldridge era commenced. Even though the bench will probably be their best lineup, this won't be any different, in terms of two high minute/usage, alpha scorers.

Leonard is a far more efficient scorer than DeRozan.

Bertans won't play SF, but he's going to have to guard some big wings/combo forwards. Against teams flush with those types, starting Gasol won't be feasible. They'll need his combination of size, shooting and mobility to matchup.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

��

Welcome back old friend

[wildbill2u]

Not really. This is not a rebuilding-team. It would be that type of team if PATFO would have traded Kawhi for Boston's picks or Philly role players & picks combo but they opted to stay competitive and made a deal for other All Star like DeRozan.

The Spurs are still an elite team with plenty of vets, not a rebuilding team that depends on the development of its whole young roster.

You make some interesting points, but we differ on what is considered a rebuild I think. For the first time in a long time the Spurs may have to either be lucky or bring this team together in a hurry in order to make the playoffs or win 50 games. Las Vegas line has the over/under of wins at 43.5. Those guys are pretty good at what they do.

On the other hand, if Murray and Walker really blossom in a hurry, then we might do a tad better and make the playoffs--but I didn't notice the West getting any easier. FYI I'm putting some money down on a bet on the over, but just enough to keep me excited about the season. :toast

[cutewizard]

As for rhe mad person that I am, I still ghink the Spurs can win the NBA title......

[DMC]

stopped reading at Kyle Anderson

Tired schtick tbh

[ElNono]

Tired schtick tbh

mine or hers?

[DMC]

mine or hers?

Hers

[YGWHI]

You make some interesting points, but we differ on what is considered a rebuild I think. For the first time in a long time the Spurs may have to either be lucky or bring this team together in a hurry in order to make the playoffs or win 50 games. Las Vegas line has the over/under of wins at 43.5. Those guys are pretty good at what they do.

On the other hand, if Murray and Walker really blossom in a hurry, then we might do a tad better and make the playoffs--but I didn't notice the West getting any easier. FYI I'm putting some money down on a bet on the over, but just enough to keep me excited about the season. :toast

Well, I wouldn't care about Las Vegas odds...Those guys and National sport media are betting against the Spurs since the run&gun-Suns' days.

[ElNono]

Hers

with some sort of luck, he'll be out of the league when his deal is up.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F53vp7H0glU

[Fusternino]

Acy is strictly a PF and is similar to Cunningham.

Think it's best they leave the final roster spot open for flexibility purposes. There's no external veteran who'd play over the internal ones and whatever leftover minutes exist on the wing, I'd rather go to Walker over some minimal retread anyway.

What? Both Acy and Cunningham are both 3/4. Acy is also a lot younger and longer than Cunningham. More upside even though their games are pretty similar right now. Nothing wrong with a little redundancy.

[HarlemHeat37]

23rd ranked defense, right now..ew..

[NASpurs]

23rd ranked defense, right now..ew..

So there’s seven other teams with shittier defense? Hard to imagine.

[HarlemHeat37]

So there’s seven other teams with shittier defense? Hard to imagine.

OTOH, when you consider that the rotation includes DeRozan, Forbes, Mills, Belinelli and Bertans, 23rd isn't that bad:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Memphis went from 26th to 6th on defense since adding Kyle Anderson..some will attribute their improvement to Gasol being healthy, adding Jaren Jackson Jr. and not tanking, but I call those niggas "haters"..

[SpurPadre]

Memphis went from 26th to 6th on defense since adding Kyle Anderson..some will attribute their improvement to Gasol being healthy, adding Jaren Jackson Jr. and not tanking, but I call those niggas "haters"..

Isn't it possible that people are Kyle "haters" while others simply overrate him?

[NASpurs]

23rd ranked defense, right now..ew..

Where are you getting 23rd from anyway? NBA.com/advanced stats has the Spurs 24th in defensive rating.

This dude says the Spurs are 26th:

1067983383832207360

For some reason, 26th is more believable to me even though it's not that far off from 23rd/24th. :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Where are you getting 23rd from anyway? NBA.com/advanced stats has the Spurs 24th in defensive rating.

This dude says the Spurs are 26th:

1067983383832207360

For some reason, 26th is more believable to me even though it's not that far off from 23rd/24th. :lol

Checked my model this morning, data is scraped from b-ball reference..

[SAGirl]

1068260667113713664

[SAGirl]

Where are you getting 23rd from anyway? NBA.com/advanced stats has the Spurs 24th in defensive rating.

This dude says the Spurs are 26th:

1067983383832207360



For some reason, 26th is more believable to me even though it's not that far off from 23rd/24th. :lol
OTOH, Eleventh pick here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:hungry:

[therealtruth]

Is it possible losing the 4 best defensive players to injury/trade/FA could have something to do with that?

[SAGirl]

Update:
1068917673118130178
26th out of 30 in bball ref.

1068708437738078208