Starting Lineup for Game One

[Dverde]

My prediction

1. Dejounte Murrey
2. Demar Derozen
3. Rudy Gay
4. LaMarcus Aldridge
5. Pau Gasol

[KDKSpurs24]

My prediction

1. Dejounte Murrey
2. Demar Derozen
3. Rudy Gay
4. LaMarcus Aldridge
5. Pau Gasol
This is going to be the lineup. But eventually it’s gonna change. I’d rather trade Pau. Just feels like he’s the one ruining the rotations. Really need a 3 & D SF badly in replace of him and the team would be set.

[Down Under]

I've got the feeling that will be it & it's pretty ordinary, particularly defensively. Gay isn't a SF (certainly not against starters) anymore, Gasol is surely close to unplayable at this point. I'd almost rather them shift DDR to SF & start White at SG.

[DAF86]

Probably Murray, Mills/Bellinelli, DeRozan, Aldridge, Gasol.

Or

Murray, Mills/Bellinelli, DeRozan, Gay, Aldridge.

[BD24]

I've got the feeling that will be it & it's pretty ordinary, particularly defensively. Gay isn't a SF (certainly not against starters) anymore, Gasol is surely close to unplayable at this point. I'd almost rather them shift DDR to SF & start White at SG.
That would be the better lineup, but the lineup mentioned in OP will be what Pop goes with. You now how he likes to give burn to the old fucks.

[spurs10]

Likely the line-up, but needs someone who can shoot the 3. I could see Beli coming in early...Bertans too.

[offset formation]

White will start at some point, assuming Pop puts DD at the 3 at some point. If not, he might not just because I dont see him starting at the 1.

[alpha_HaZE]

My prediction

1. Dejounte Murrey
2. Demar Derozen
3. Rudy Gay
4. LaMarcus Aldridge
5. Pau Gasol

That's a good prediction!

A few remarks, Pau does not suck on defense or is unplayable like some posters argue. He was one of the BEST in the league at protecting the rim. Actually, it was his offense that hurt his game after that shoulder injury he just wasn't quite right. If heathly he will be OK for us. But I so hope that Poeltl can play defense, because offensively he is a better fit for us than Pau. But like many said, who is going to make a three?

I would go with; DJ, Patty, DeMar, LA, and Pau.

Hopefully, by the end of the season we can see; DJ, DeMar, Lonnie, LA, and Poeltl.

[TheGreatYacht]

Murray, White, DeRozan, Gay, Aldridge

Mills, Ginobili, Belinelli, Bertans, Gasol

Forbes, Walker, (Blossomgame?), Cunningham, Poeltl

[lebomb]

Murray
DeRozan
Gay
Bertans
Aldridge

What I could see happening

White
Walker
DeRozan
Gay
Aldridge

[Dancer]

Have anyone heard anything on Manu coming back or not.

[cd98]

My prediction

1. Dejounte Murrey
2. Demar Derozen
3. Rudy Gay
4. LaMarcus Aldridge
5. Pau Gasol

No. Probably Beli will start. They need 3 point shooting and Gay will be scorer off the bench.

[Dex]

Have anyone heard anything on Manu coming back or not.

He's still under contract and hasn't announced that he is retiring, so general consensus is he will be returning.

[John B]

DJ, Mills, DeRozan, LMA, Gasol

Hopefully we see
DJ, Lonnie (3&D), DeRozan, Gay, LMA

At pick 18, I really hope they take a chance at Lonnie. He has long wingspan and very athletic and can ultimately replace Green. White will be the new Manu to play PNR with Poeltl. But with Bertans and Mills salary, I suspect we see them first with Belli. High offense but low defense on Mills/Belli/Bertans

[turkish spurs fan]

lets play small ball. i cant stand watching gasol-lma together.

[cutewizard]

Gasol, Lamarcus, Gay, Derozan and Murray!!!!!!

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1bP7joKyEo

[Dex]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1bP7joKyEo

Dude who made this said Green should be in the starting lineup, so he obviously has no idea what he is talking about.

He also suggested that we start Beli at the three, and start the Aldridge/Gasol combo which has so far proven itself to be highly flawed. Good god.

[bklynspursfan]

I just don't see Gasol starting anymore, but maybe i'm wrong. Maybe Aldridge/Bertans/DeRozan/White/Murray

[TheRemix]

My prediction

1. Dejounte Murrey
2. Demar Derozen
3. Rudy Gay
4. LaMarcus Aldridge
5. Pau Gasol
Gasol and lma on the court together? Gross

[Dex]

I just don't see Gasol starting anymore, but maybe i'm wrong. Maybe Aldridge/Bertans/DeRozan/White/Murray

Probably better suited for the bench mob. Pau can do work against other bench units, but he will get bent over by other starting centers.

I'd like to see Murray/White/Derozan/Poetl/Aldridge or Murray/Derozan/Gay/Poetl/Aldridge, but wouldn't be surprised if Bertans gets a nod over Jakob until he gets acclimated in the system.

[bklynspursfan]

1030134286874288129

[TimmyBuckets]

DDR at 3 is so infuriating. That is not the position he should be playing. He's not good enough defensively at the 2, which is his natural position, but the 3? Jeez. Anyway, ideal lineup:

DJ
DDR
Gay
LMA
Yak

[Dex]

1030134286874288129

"This just in...professional athlete hopes to get better." :lol

Gotta love Twitter journalism.

[Cardinal]

Starters:

1. Murray
2. DeRozan
3. Gay
4. Aldridge
5. Gasol

Bench

1. Mills
2. White/Ginobili
3. Belinelli
4. Bertans
5. Poetl

[bklynspursfan]

Probably better suited for the bench mob. Pau can do work against other bench units, but he will get bent over by other starting centers.

I'd like to see Murray/White/Derozan/Poetl/Aldridge or Murray/Derozan/Gay/Poetl/Aldridge, but wouldn't be surprised if Bertans gets a nod over Jakob until he gets acclimated in the system.

Yea for sure. I'm hoping his 3 point shot comes back too...

I'd be cool with Poetl starting too, just didn't know how realistic that is, unless he does big things during training camp/pre-season, which I guess is a possibility. I said and kinda preferred Bertans simply for his spacing ability, but we'll see maybe Murray's improved shooting rolls over into the season.

[TimmyBuckets]

Starters:

1. Murray
2. DeRozan
3. Gay
4. Aldridge
5. Gasol

Bench

1. Mills
2. White/Ginobili
3. Belinelli
4. Bertans
5. Poetl

I really don't think that DDR should start or even play much of the 3 position. This, imo, is the most realistic starting lineup.

[Dverde]

No way Bertrans starts unless there are injuries

[bklynspursfan]

No way Bertrans starts unless there are injuries

why not?

[bklynspursfan]

"This just in...professional athlete hopes to get better." :lol

Gotta love Twitter journalism.

Haha.. I mean there are athletes who are who they are and don't do much outside of their comfort zone. So trying to develop more is a good thing. Maybe he'll get some time with TD

[Dex]

Haha.. I mean there are athletes who are who they are and don't do much outside of their comfort zone. So trying to develop more is a good thing. Maybe he'll get some time with TD

All joking aside, I agree. It's good to see he is coming in with the mindset of an expanded role.

[spurraider21]

first thought is pop is going to start out with the murray/mills backcourt again, until white wins the job from mills. but we dont really have a backup pg at this point, so maybe he opts with marco instead of patty at the 2

so murray/belinelli/derozan/aldridge/gasol

gay subs in for gasol and aldridge slides to the 5

[TimmyBuckets]

first thought is pop is going to start out with the murray/mills backcourt again, until white wins the job from mills. but we dont really have a backup pg at this point, so maybe he opts with marco instead of patty at the 2

so murray/belinelli/derozan/aldridge/gasol

gay subs in for gasol and aldridge slides to the 5

I don't get why people have DD at the 3. He's a bad defender at the 2, which is his natural position, and will be far worse against the Durants, Lebrons, Paul Georges, etc of the league. So why put him at the 3? Isn't Gay far better suited?

[spurraider21]

I don't get why people have DD at the 3. He's a bad defender at the 2, which is his natural position, and will be far worse against the Durants, Lebrons, Paul Georges, etc of the league. So why put him at the 3? Isn't Gay far better suited?
the collective outside shooting ability of murray/derozan/gay is not workable imho

[SpursDynasty85]

I don't get why people have DD at the 3. He's a bad defender at the 2, which is his natural position, and will be far worse against the Durants, Lebrons, Paul Georges, etc of the league. So why put him at the 3? Isn't Gay far better suited?

I honestly think the opposite. Looking at videos he has trouble staying in front of quicker guards trying to penetrate or quick step backs or spot ups. He will see less quickness and a bit more physicality at the 3. He has plenty size and strength to handle that.

Nick Nurse said that they can't hide from Derozans lack of defensive effort. In my opinion I think DeRozan slacked off on perimeter defense hoping their stacked interior depth would handle the rest. His defense looked pretty horrid from what I can tell. At his size and athleticism guarding 2 or 3 should not be a problem, it's more about effort and discipline at this point which I think Pop will focus on.

[BSfromTX]

Murray, White, DeRozan, Gay, Aldridge

Mills, Ginobili, Belinelli, Bertans, Gasol

Forbes, Walker, (Blossomgame?), Cunningham, Poeltl

+1

at least it is my preference. I would put JP ahead of Gasol though

[bklynspursfan]

All joking aside, I agree. It's good to see he is coming in with the mindset of an expanded role.

No doubt,.. I'm excited to see what he can do

[Ocotillo]

"This just in...professional athlete hopes to get better." :lol

Gotta love Twitter journalism.

Yeah, I agree but then again at least he is not tearing it up at Whataburger like John Wall.

[TD 21]

I just don't see Gasol starting anymore, but maybe i'm wrong. Maybe Aldridge/Bertans/DeRozan/White/Murray

Then prepare to be disappointed. Expect Gasol to generally start (Bertans probably will in certain matchups) because of his 3-point shooting, high post passing and doing so makes it easier to play Poeltl some.

In many cases, especially on this team, starting is overblown anyway. Gasol is probably going to play about half a game again and in most matchups, it doesn't really matter if those minutes start during or after the first 6 minutes of the 1st/3rd quarters.




I honestly think the opposite. Looking at videos he has trouble staying in front of quicker guards trying to penetrate or quick step backs or spot ups. He will see less quickness and a bit more physicality at the 3. He has plenty size and strength to handle that.

Nick Nurse said that they can't hide from Derozans lack of defensive effort. In my opinion I think DeRozan slacked off on perimeter defense hoping their stacked interior depth would handle the rest. His defense looked pretty horrid from what I can tell. At his size and athleticism guarding 2 or 3 should not be a problem, it's more about effort and discipline at this point which I think Pop will focus on.

Depends on the match-up. With a relatively paltry 6'9'' wingspan, DeRozan's not long enough to defend big wings who can create their own shot. This is why I think Gay starts, at least to begin the season.

[TimmyBuckets]

Yeah, I agree but then again at least he is not tearing it up at In-N-Out like John Wall.

FIFY

[kobyz]

the hate here on Bryn Forbes is unbelievable, he is ready for a breakout season and should start!

[TimmyBuckets]

the hate here on Bryn Forbes is unbelievable, he is ready for a breakout season and should start!

Undersized 2 in a lengthy wing league, that's why

[TimDunkem]

Not to mention he is only an average shooter at best, which is his only skill. :lol

[r0drig0lac]

probably something like:
Murray/White/Walker
Mills/Bellinelli/Forbes
Demar/Ginobili/Cunningham
Bertans/Gay
Aldridge/Gasol/Poetl


I would like:
Murray/White/Mills
Walker/Bellinelli
Demar/Ginobili
Bertans/Gay
Aldridge/Poetl/Gasol


a good scenario imo would be to get Demarre Carroll
Murray/White
Derozan/Bellinelli/Walker
Carroll/Gino
Gay/Bertans
Aldridge/Poetl/Gasol

[dbestpro]

the hate here on Bryn Forbes is unbelievable, he is ready for a breakout season and should start!

I totally agree, and Dante Cunningham is going to win DPOY.

[Walter Donovan]

Then prepare to be disappointed. Expect Gasol to generally start (Bertans probably will in certain matchups) because of his 3-point shooting, high post passing and doing so makes it easier to play Poeltl some.

In many cases, especially on this team, starting is overblown anyway. Gasol is probably going to play about half a game again and in most matchups, it doesn't really matter if those minutes start during or after the first 6 minutes of the 1st/3rd quarters.





Depends on the match-up. With a relatively paltry 6'9'' wingspan, DeRozan's not long enough to defend big wings who can create their own shot. This is why I think Gay starts, at least to begin the season.

As glad as I am to see Kawhi the Cancer gone, it sucks that Green had to be shipped out in that deal. Green would’ve been ideal to take over the 3. You’d likely have a rotation of:

PG - Murray, Mills, White, Forbes
SG - DeRozan, Belinelli, Ginobili, Walker
SF - Green, Gay, Cunningham
PF - Aldridge, Bertans
C - Gasol, Poeltl

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

FIFY

Five Guys tbh

[SouthTexasRancher]

...

[Fusternino]

Pretty sure it will be Murray/Mills/DDR/Aldridge/Gasol. The Murray/Mills combo worked well enough last season and DDR may actually be a better defender at the 3 due to (as someone said earlier) guarding slower opponents. Gasol adds much necessary spacing and I think the high-low game is still going to be attempted. I think we will end up with an 11-man rotation. Bench will be (White or Manu)/Marco/Gay/Bertans/Poeltl. Deep bench will be Forbes/Walker/(hopefully Quincy Acy)/Cunningham. Bring in Forbes only if Mills is really way off. I don't ever want to see those two on the floor together ever again. Walker should basically only play in garbage time or if there's a mountain of injuries and Acy/Cunningham can be used as 3&D specialists at the 3/4 if certain match-ups favor it and match-ups against Dubs and Rox certainly will.

[spurs10]

I don't get why people have DD at the 3. He's a bad defender at the 2, which is his natural position, and will be far worse against the Durants, Lebrons, Paul Georges, etc of the league. So why put him at the 3? Isn't Gay far better suited? Yes Gay is better suited at the 3 and DD is better suited at the 2 and would struggle, especially defensively, at the 3. Gay with some help from Beli, Manu, and Bertans will play SF I'm thinking.

[JR3]

This team will be so much better than last years. Def looking forward to watching even though we are not true contenders.

[objective]

I'm starting to expect the worst, Mills starting, which was trash.

Going back over game full game highlights from last season after be Parker came back and was on the bench, it was frustrating to see Murray be handicapped by constantly being paired with small guys like Mills, Parker and Forbes. He almost never got to enjoy the advantages of his size at his position because Pop seemed to never pair him with anyone his size and bigger.

So then either Murray was stuck guarding twos or threes, or even worse Mills, Parker and Forbes getting shot right over and wrecked by twos and threes.

I'd hoping Pop does the different thing and plays Murray the majority of the time with decent sized players. Murray-White-DeRozan, or Murray-DeRozan-Gay, or Murray-Marco--DeRozan. Anything to avoid Murray-Mills or Murray-Forbes.

[Fusternino]

I'm starting to expect the worst, Mills starting, which was trash.

Going back over game full game highlights from last season after be Parker came back and was on the bench, it was frustrating to see Murray be handicapped by constantly being paired with small guys like Mills, Parker and Forbes. He almost never got to enjoy the advantages of his size at his position because Pop seemed to never pair him with anyone his size and bigger.

So then either Murray was stuck guarding twos or threes, or even worse Mills, Parker and Forbes getting shot right over and wrecked by twos and threes.

I'd hoping Pop does the different thing and plays Murray the majority of the time with decent sized players. Murray-White-DeRozan, or Murray-DeRozan-Gay, or Murray-Marco--DeRozan. Anything to avoid Murray-Mills or Murray-Forbes.

I think it's the opposite. Mills (or Forbes is Mills is cold) is going to play. Who do you play him with? A big PG. Manu is getting too old for that so Murray-Mills makes a lot of sense.

[alfahdlan]

Mills-Murray-Ginobili-Gay-Aldridge gave Spurs a fighting chance last playoff and a win. Sub DD for Manu may give the same result.

[Coach X]

Again people is confusing starting line up with best/closing games line up.
We all would be close to agree on who will play the clutch, but speaking about opening the regular season games:

Rudy can’t play as 3 anymore in this league. I’m all in with him at 4, though. Mills is a 1 for Popovich, he’s not starting. Both will have to lead the second unit. The roster, last season and Popovich history are telling us so.

DeRozan, Belinelli, Manu will play minutes at the 3. Bertans might have a chance as well.

Poetl/Gasol will play the 5 next to Aldridge.

Training camp and preseason games will define who’s joining Murray-DDR-LA.

[007nites]

I don't want to see Gasol start. Hell I don't even want him to come off the bench.

Murray
Derozan
Gay
Bertans
Aldridge

Maybe around Jan/Feb you can swap out Poetl for Bertans and put Poetl at the 5 and Aldridge at the 4.

[BackHome]

I really do not care who starts to me it’s about who finishes that is the most important

[Chinook]

I don't get why people have DD at the 3. He's a bad defender at the 2, which is his natural position, and will be far worse against the Durants, Lebrons, Paul Georges, etc of the league. So why put him at the 3? Isn't Gay far better suited?

I don't get why you don't get it. The Spurs don't play the Durant and James every game. Those are extreme cases. Most of the time, they play SFs who aren't particularly hard to guard with a guy DeRozan's size. That makes at least as much sense as putting a PF on them like Gay. I want to see Rudy get more center minutes than wing minutes (even though I don't want him to get center minutes either with Pau and Poeltl on board).

[Chinook]

first thought is pop is going to start out with the murray/mills backcourt again, until white wins the job from mills. but we dont really have a backup pg at this point, so maybe he opts with marco instead of patty at the 2

so murray/belinelli/derozan/aldridge/gasol

gay subs in for gasol and aldridge slides to the 5

White's a PG, who I see no reason why he wouldn't get the nod there. I mean, sure, he has a ton of upside as a starter too. But it's not like Patty is a better fit as a one than Derrick. They shouldn't break up Manu/Beli anyway. I'd much rather them try to build an ideal bench and just fill in cracks around LMA and DMDR anyway, because the team lacks true complimentary players for those guys as it is. Murray/ /DeRozan/Aldridge/Gasol can work well together, especially if Murray's shot is real, DeRozan and Pau get the 3-5 PnP working and that blank is a shooter. But without it being a three-and-D SF, it may as well just be Patty.

[Leetonidas]

Agree with OP. Pop will start with Pau and Aldridge again but I'm confident the opening night SL will not be the same a couple months in

[Chinook]

Agree with OP. Pop will start with Pau and Aldridge again but I'm confident the opening night SL will not be the same a couple months in

Well, of course not. Pop always changes. But on paper, Gasoldrdige is easily the best combination for the front court. Pau synergizes really well with both LMA and DMDR, and the defense needs rim-protection with Green and Leonard gone.

[Leetonidas]

Gasol is just so old, slow, and clumsy though. Really hope that Poeltl is starting after 20 games

[BackHome]

I really do not care who starts to me it’s about who finishes that is the most important

[Leetonidas]

I really do not care who starts to me it’s about who finishes that is the most important

Disagree. Spurs found themselves in way too many big holes because their SL couldn't score for shit last year. Pop needs to figure out a SL that doesn't have us digging out of a hole to start every second quarter

[BackHome]

I do agree that Pop has to win the ones we have a chance and not try to make a point and loose and easy game.

[TD 21]

As glad as I am to see Kawhi the Cancer gone, it sucks that Green had to be shipped out in that deal. Green would’ve been ideal to take over the 3. You’d likely have a rotation of:

PG - Murray, Mills, White, Forbes
SG - DeRozan, Belinelli, Ginobili, Walker
SF - Green, Gay, Cunningham
PF - Aldridge, Bertans
C - Gasol, Poeltl

Yeah, Green instead of Mills was my biggest gripe about the trade. It had to be one of them or Gasol though to make it work financially though.

Had they been able to pull that off and not signed Belinelli beforehand, the roster would be so much more balanced . . .

Aldridge/Bertans/Cunningham
Green/Gay
Gasol/Poeltl
DeRozan/Ginobili/Forbes/Walker
Murray/White

Would have needed a young, 3rd PG for depth.



I don't get why you don't get it. The Spurs don't play the Durant and James every game. Those are extreme cases. Most of the time, they play SFs who aren't particularly hard to guard with a guy DeRozan's size. That makes at least as much sense as putting a PF on them like Gay. I want to see Rudy get more center minutes than wing minutes (even though I don't want him to get center minutes either with Pau and Poeltl on board).

And when they play those types, when what? Players don't always play the position they're best suited to in general, but the one they're best suited to given the composition of their roster. Unfortunately, this one will need Gay to play more SF than PF, the same way the Bulls will need Parker to and the Clippers will need one of Harris/Gallinari to.

It's not all about what's best for the starters though, it's also what's best for the 2nd unit. Mills is not only not a starting caliber player, but has chemistry with Ginobili and Belinelli. It's easy to envision Poeltl, Bertans and White, fitting in with their free flowing style. They don't need a designated go-to scorer/ball stopper inhibiting that.

[Chinook]

And when they play those types, when what?

They should just kiss their asses goodbye, because Pop didn't hold the line for OG, draft a forward at 18 or sign any wing with size. Obviously, they can put Gay/Cunningham in if DeRozan/Murray just can't get it done. They're playing Minny in Game One, and you don't need a guy of Gay's size on Butler. Just have Murray guard him, DeRozan Wiggins and Mills Teague.


Players don't always play the position they're best suited to in general, but the one they're best suited to given the composition of their roster. Unfortunately, this one will need Gay to play more SF than PF, the same way the Bulls will need Parker to and the Clippers will need one of Harris/Gallinari to.

The roster is set up as being guard-heavy, and this seems intentional. Pop isn't going to have so many guards but play PFs at SF because of "roster limitations". It makes much more sense that DeRozan and Beli will be SFs because that's best for the personnel. Ideally, they have two big defensive SFs who can shoot to run with DMDR and Ginobili, but this is what they have. Of course, when looking at the bench exclusively, the Spurs can probably do reasonably well with Gay/Bertans as the forwards. Most teams don't have backup wings that will torch that duo.


It's not all about what's best for the starters though, it's also what's best for the 2nd unit. Mills is not only not a starting caliber player, but has chemistry with Ginobili and Belinelli. It's easy to envision Poeltl, Bertans and White, fitting in with their free flowing style. They don't need a designated go-to scorer/ball stopper inhibiting that.

I don't think anything about last year has discouraged Pop from starting Mills. Patty has history with Beli and chemistry with Manu, but he also has experience with the starters now and is a strong offensive fit between Murray and DeRozan. If not him, maybe Beli starts (and I guess you can say he's the three). Both of them are much more important offensive fits than they are defensive liabilities. Gay is a much more important sixth man than he is a third-starter. It seems clear that Pop always wanted Gay to remain there to replace Manu as a focal point for the second unit.

Murray/Belinelli/DeRozan/Aldridge/Gasol
Mills/Ginobili/Gay/Bertans/Poeltl

That could make sense, as could

Murray/Mills/DeRozan/Aldridge/Gasol
White/Ginobili/Belinelli/Gay/Poeltl

But this just feels like the worst of both worlds

Murray/DeRozan/Gay/Aldridge/Gasol
Mills/Ginobili/Belinelli/Bertans/Poeltl

No spacing on O for the first unit and no size or defense and no offensive foundation for the second unit. Manu should not even be playing at this point, let alone being the main bench creator. Sure, back in like 2012, that would be an intriguing unit, but even that squad had Diaw and Jack to assist.

[TD 21]

They should just kiss their asses goodbye, because Pop didn't hold the line for OG, draft a forward at 18 or sign any wing with size. Obviously, they can put Gay/Cunningham in if DeRozan/Murray just can't get it done. They're playing Minny in Game One, and you don't need a guy of Gay's size on Butler. Just have Murray guard him, DeRozan Wiggins and Mills Teague.


Butler would plow right through Murray. At the very least, they'd have to have DeRozan guard him, with Murray on Wiggins (not nearly as strong as Butler).


The roster is set up as being guard-heavy, and this seems intentional. Pop isn't going to have so many guards but play PFs at SF because of "roster limitations". It makes much more sense that DeRozan and Beli will be SFs because that's best for the personnel. Ideally, they have two big defensive SFs who can shoot to run with DMDR and Ginobili, but this is what they have. Of course, when looking at the bench exclusively, the Spurs can probably do reasonably well with Gay/Bertans as the forwards. Most teams don't have backup wings that will torch that duo.


I don't think it was intentional. I think it was a combination of the perceived best talent they could get and their hands being somewhat tied in the Leonard trade. When the off season began, they probably thought they'd eventually have one of Brown, Covington, Ingram.

First you claim Gay is strictly a PF, then claim he'll be the backup SF when there's no 2nd wing who's going to command typical starters minutes (which would mean he'd still play it a far amount against starters).



I don't think anything about last year has discouraged Pop from starting Mills. Patty has history with Beli and chemistry with Manu, but he also has experience with the starters now and is a strong offensive fit between Murray and DeRozan. If not him, maybe Beli starts (and I guess you can say he's the three). Both of them are much more important offensive fits than they are defensive liabilities. Gay is a much more important sixth man than he is a third-starter. It seems clear that Pop always wanted Gay to remain there to replace Manu as a focal point for the second unit.

Murray/Belinelli/DeRozan/Aldridge/Gasol
Mills/Ginobili/Gay/Bertans/Poeltl

That could make sense, as could

Murray/Mills/DeRozan/Aldridge/Gasol
White/Ginobili/Belinelli/Gay/Poeltl

But this just feels like the worst of both worlds

Murray/DeRozan/Gay/Aldridge/Gasol
Mills/Ginobili/Belinelli/Bertans/Poeltl

No spacing on O for the first unit and no size or defense and no offensive foundation for the second unit. Manu should not even be playing at this point, let alone being the main bench creator. Sure, back in like 2012, that would be an intriguing unit, but even that squad had Diaw and Jack to assist.

Ideally, they probably preferred to have Gay be the 6th man. But unforeseen circumstances played a significant part in this roster construction. White is the eventual focal point of the 2nd unit.

So they're going to pay Bertans $7-7.5M to be a non rotation player and bury Cunningham, who they gave a portion of the MLE to (the difference was miniscule financially, but the symbolism wasn't)?

It's the worst of both worlds if they're played that way for long stretches. In reality, they'll be plenty of mixing and matching, but that 2nd unit doesn't need an "offensive foundation" (look no further than last season's Raptors, who were the league's best). They'll get by with superior basketball IQ.

[Chinook]

Butler would plow right through Murray. At the very least, they'd have to have DeRozan guard him, with Murray on Wiggins (not nearly as strong as Butler).



I don't think it was intentional. I think it was a combination of the perceived best talent they could get and their hands being somewhat tied in the Leonard trade. When the off season began, they probably thought they'd eventually have one of Brown, Covington, Ingram.

First you claim Gay is strictly a PF, then claim he'll be the backup SF when there's no 2nd wing who's going to command typical starters minutes (which would mean he'd still play it a far amount against starters).




Ideally, they probably preferred to have Gay be the 6th man. But unforeseen circumstances played a significant part in this roster construction. White is the eventual focal point of the 2nd unit.

So they're going to pay Bertans $7-7.5M to be a non rotation player and bury Cunningham, who they gave a portion of the MLE to (the difference was miniscule financially, but the symbolism wasn't)?

It's the worst of both worlds if they're played that way for long stretches. In reality, they'll be plenty of mixing and matching, but that 2nd unit doesn't need an "offensive foundation" (look no further than last season's Raptors, who were the league's best). They'll get by with superior basketball IQ.

Fuck. I had typed a long response to this, but my browser wonked out and deleted it.

Cliff Notes:

Murray has to be able to guard Butler-like players.
The Spurs probably always wanted DeRozan and let Anderson walk. I'm not sure they were caught unware or assumed they were getting Cov/Ingram/Brown.
Gay is a PF but might be able to get away with SF off the bench. There is a shortage of SF minutes, despite your assumptions, so he shouldn't be forced into duty there against starters.
Cunningham is being paid like a 12th man and probably is getting the min anyway. He's not promised anything.
Bertans and Beli are competing with White and Poeltl for two-and-a-half rotation spots. Money won't save them, as neither is getting paid all that much.
Manu getting older means he needs a creator on the bench with him. Toronto ran two PGs off their bench, and you have SA running none.

[Coach X]

From Gay-Bertans duo, Rudy is the 4 and Davis is the 3. You can use the "size-of-ass" criteria or what this really means: quickness, lateral movement, mobility far from the ring, transition speed, strength under the board, etc. Add to this the 3pt shooting. I believe Popovich is trying Davis in the SF, it's his natural position, he's only played PF in the NBA.

Inserting Bertans in the starting SF will fix the spacing problem. Defensively, Is it worst to have Bertans guarding SF than having Marco doing it or all the problems would cause having Mills? I doubt so. what would be Bertans weakness in defense, being beaten? You have two bigs to protect the rim. On the other hand, Davis can rotate and contest quickly all over the place, can switch with bigs and give a hand protecting the rim and rebounding. He's fast and good running the court as a wing as well. To me is a no-brainer, but I'm not sure if Pop will do it.

Murray-DeRozan-Bertans-Aldridge-Gasol/Poetl
Mills-Manu-Marco-Gay-Gasol/Poetl
White would be the wildcard to replace anybody in the rotation in case of injury, rest, CD and Forbes, Cunningham 12th 13th men.

[Mario1976]

This

[TD 21]

Fuck. I had typed a long response to this, but my browser wonked out and deleted it.

Cliff Notes:

Murray has to be able to guard Butler-like players.
The Spurs probably always wanted DeRozan and let Anderson walk. I'm not sure they were caught unware or assumed they were getting Cov/Ingram/Brown.
Gay is a PF but might be able to get away with SF off the bench. There is a shortage of SF minutes, despite your assumptions, so he shouldn't be forced into duty there against starters.
Cunningham is being paid like a 12th man and probably is getting the min anyway. He's not promised anything.
Bertans and Beli are competing with White and Poeltl for two-and-a-half rotation spots. Money won't save them, as neither is getting paid all that much.
Manu getting older means he needs a creator on the bench with him. Toronto ran two PGs off their bench, and you have SA running none.

- No, he doesn't and having him do so would be ridiculous.
- Suspect they preferred Brown or Ingram (so long as the Lakers paid a tax for being the Lakers). If they truly wanted DeRozan, the only logical explanation for the delay was haggling over Anunoby because the actual trade was a no brainer for the Raptors.
- This is the same coach who had Mills and Forbes guarding Thompson and Durant, yet you think Gay starting at SF would be a stretch? There's not a shortage of SF or wing minutes because White is unlikely to have as big a role as many assume or he should.
- Considering Cunningham is in his prime, has been a rotation player for 7 seasons and a part time starter for 4, it's safe to say he's not joining a non contender to be buried on the deep bench. In small ball matchups, expect him to be the 4th big (at Poeltl's expense).
- Belinelli isn't competing for a rotation spot. He's got that on lock. Whether you agree that he should or not, you should know better.
- Maybe, but as long as Ginobili is playing, the ball is going to primarily be in his hands on the 2nd unit. Point is, the Raptors 2nd unit has a bunch of guys who can make plays in different ways and that Spurs one would too.

[Dverde]

- No, he doesn't and having him do so would be ridiculous.
- Suspect they preferred Brown or Ingram (so long as the Lakers paid a tax for being the Lakers). If they truly wanted DeRozan, the only logical explanation for the delay was haggling over Anunoby because the actual trade was a no brainer for the Raptors.
- This is the same coach who had Mills and Forbes guarding Thompson and Durant, yet you think Gay starting at SF would be a stretch? There's not a shortage of SF or wing minutes because White is unlikely to have as big a role as many assume or he should.
- Considering Cunningham is in his prime, has been a rotation player for 7 seasons and a part time starter for 4, it's safe to say he's not joining a non contender to be buried on the deep bench. In small ball matchups, expect him to be the 4th big (at Poeltl's expense).
- Belinelli isn't competing for a rotation spot. He's got that on lock. Whether you agree that he should or not, you should know better.
- Maybe, but as long as Ginobili is playing, the ball is going to primarily be in his hands on the 2nd unit. Point is, the Raptors 2nd unit has a bunch of guys who can make plays in different ways and that Spurs one would too.

Is there a “prime” for a Dante Cunningham?

[spurs10]

I'm looking forward to this game and think that Gay will start unless Pop already has a sixth man role mapped out for him. In which case I could see Beli starting. We need someone who can shoot from the outside of course....I'll be all eyes and ears. I have a feeling we will see Beli and Gay out there together when we're closing some games- Murray, Derozan, Beli, Gay/Bertans, LMA.

[Dverde]

- No, he doesn't and having him do so would be ridiculous.
- Suspect they preferred Brown or Ingram (so long as the Lakers paid a tax for being the Lakers). If they truly wanted DeRozan, the only logical explanation for the delay was haggling over Anunoby because the actual trade was a no brainer for the Raptors.
- This is the same coach who had Mills and Forbes guarding Thompson and Durant, yet you think Gay starting at SF would be a stretch? There's not a shortage of SF or wing minutes because White is unlikely to have as big a role as many assume or he should.
- Considering Cunningham is in his prime, has been a rotation player for 7 seasons and a part time starter for 4, it's safe to say he's not joining a non contender to be buried on the deep bench. In small ball matchups, expect him to be the 4th big (at Poeltl's expense).
- Belinelli isn't competing for a rotation spot. He's got that on lock. Whether you agree that he should or not, you should know better.
- Maybe, but as long as Ginobili is playing, the ball is going to primarily be in his hands on the 2nd unit. Point is, the Raptors 2nd unit has a bunch of guys who can make plays in different ways and that Spurs one would too.

Is there a “prime” for a Dante Cunningham?

[dabom]

I'm looking forward to this game and think that Gay will start unless Pop already has a sixth man role mapped out for him. In which case I could see Beli starting. We need someone who can shoot from the outside of course....I'll be all eyes and ears. I have a feeling we will see Beli and Gay out there together when we're closing some games- Murray, Derozan, Beli, Gay/Bertans, LMA.

Gay is not gonna start. He is liable to break down. I think he's a good player though.

[Chinook]

- No, he doesn't and having him do so would be ridiculous.

He really does. If Green can go on guys like Durant and Lebron, Murray has to be able to go up to Butler. Jimmy is a two-guard who's tough enough to play three. There shouldn't be a two-guard in the league Murray can't check. Danny shut Jimmy down in the season-opener last year. I don't expect DeJounte to do that, especially not the first time. But he's the ace now and has to be able to handle it. Pop would have gladly put George Hill on Butler, and Murray matches up better than Georgie does.


- Suspect they preferred Brown or Ingram (so long as the Lakers paid a tax for being the Lakers). If they truly wanted DeRozan, the only logical explanation for the delay was haggling over Anunoby because the actual trade was a no brainer for the Raptors.

It was in the long post, but I'm pretty convinced DeRozan was the "third star" Pop offered to acquire. I think the delay was Toronto switching from seller to buyer. The deal just seems like Toronto was almost as keen to part with DeMar as to acquire Kawhi. Obviously, we'll never know, but if your idea is right, SA should have held the line at OG, Siakam or keeping Green. They just have no defense now, and Toronto wasn't in a position of strength, especially if the word had really gotten out that the Raps were shopping DeMar. They had so much more to lose.


- This is the same coach who had Mills and Forbes guarding Thompson and Durant, yet you think Gay starting at SF would be a stretch? There's not a shortage of SF or wing minutes because White is unlikely to have as big a role as many assume or he should.

It's the coach that clearly thinks guards on larger players makes sense. That's why I don't think he'll worry about having Gay's size on the first unit. He might do it for a number of reasons, but I hope you wouldn't be legit surprised if Pop ran three guards out of the gate.


- Considering Cunningham is in his prime, has been a rotation player for 7 seasons and a part time starter for 4, it's safe to say he's not joining a non contender to be buried on the deep bench. In small ball matchups, expect him to be the 4th big (at Poeltl's expense).

Cunningham's highest salary in his career was $3 Million. He's been to the playoffs three times in his career. He's not some high-stock guy who had his choice of places. That's even more true if the Spurs offered him several hundred-thousand bucks over the min. Maybe the dude signed on with the idea that he had a chance at a spot, but he definitely didn't sign on with a guarantee. I like Cun better than most dudes here seem to, but he's not getting minutes over any of the top 10/11 unless he shows out.


- Belinelli isn't competing for a rotation spot. He's got that on lock. Whether you agree that he should or not, you should know better.

You're right, and in that long post I said as much. The point that I was making is that Bertans and Beli are the bottom two guys in the rotation if Poeltl (or in your theory Poeltl or Cunningham) have a fixed spot. If you also fix Beli, that means you have Murray, Mills, DeRozan, Aldridge, Gasol, Ginobili, Belinelli, Gay and Poeltl(/Cun) as the nine locks. Like sure, Bertans can slot into that last spot, but so can White, or Cun(/Poeltl) or Forbes or whomever the Spurs bring in for that last spot.


- Maybe, but as long as Ginobili is playing, the ball is going to primarily be in his hands on the 2nd unit. Point is, the Raptors 2nd unit has a bunch of guys who can make plays in different ways and that Spurs one would too.

I disagree. They'd only have the one. Poe completely depends on someone feeding him and the others are guys whose percentages go way down when they have to dribble. Gay can get his own shot at least. He also gives a big skilled forward to cause match-up problems. No one in your proposed unit can threaten a defense like he can.

[BackHome]

I think that White, Cunningham and Poeltl are going to get a lot more minutes at the end of the season which will be a good thing.

[cutewizard]

Pop might come up with a surprise starting five

Lamarcus at center, Gay and Murray at forwards

Manu and Derozan at guards

Anything is posible, lol

[cd021]

No. Probably Beli will start. They need 3 point shooting and Gay will be scorer off the bench.
No way pop starts Beli ad DDR together on the perimeter. Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA, and Gasol is the most likely SL.

[ceperez]

I suspect that Spurs will trade Pau Gasol to Memphis in exchange for Kyle Anderson and someone else.

The Gasol brothers will eventually want to play together and it appears to be setup this way.

[Dancer]

I think this year team can actually cause match up problems for other teams. We have a lot of versatility at the guard position. That is what is needed.

[sasaint]

I suspect that Spurs will trade Pau Gasol to Memphis in exchange for Kyle Anderson and someone else.

The Gasol brothers will eventually want to play together and it appears to be setup this way.

Whoa! Seriously? Or are you trolling? Not like you to troll, but man that is the most novel, ST-blowing idea I've read in a while.

[sasaint]

From Gay-Bertans duo, Rudy is the 4 and Davis is the 3. You can use the "size-of-ass" criteria or what this really means: quickness, lateral movement, mobility far from the ring, transition speed, strength under the board, etc. Add to this the 3pt shooting. I believe Popovich is trying Davis in the SF, it's his natural position, he's only played PF in the NBA.

Inserting Bertans in the starting SF will fix the spacing problem. Defensively, Is it worst to have Bertans guarding SF than having Marco doing it or all the problems would cause having Mills? I doubt so. what would be Bertans weakness in defense, being beaten? You have two bigs to protect the rim. On the other hand, Davis can rotate and contest quickly all over the place, can switch with bigs and give a hand protecting the rim and rebounding. He's fast and good running the court as a wing as well. To me is a no-brainer, but I'm not sure if Pop will do it.

Murray-DeRozan-Bertans-Aldridge-Gasol/Poetl
Mills-Manu-Marco-Gay-Gasol/Poetl
White would be the wildcard to replace anybody in the rotation in case of injury, rest, CD and Forbes, Cunningham 12th 13th men.

Given Davis' history in Europe, that makes sense. On the other hand, NBA SFs are a lot quicker/more athletic. I think Pop will give that lineup a hard look, though. And I hope that before too many games pass, White gets penciled in for Manu in that second unit. I also hope Poodle overtakes Pau pretty quickly. Pau is still reasonably serviceable most games; Poodle's overtaking him would bode well for the Team. Maybe even set up a Pau-to-Memphis trade (see ceperez above).

[dbestpro]

Pop is not gonna play Warrior small ball. While the rest of the NBA mimics Warrior small ball, and loses, Pop is gonna go conventional and run the three point shooters of the three. Gay will be fine as the starting SF in such a role as we are going to crowd the shooters and force them into the bigs. He does not have to keep up with them, he just needs to keep them off the three.

[Fusternino]

Here's what I see our line-ups against GSW/Rox being:

Starters: Murray/DDR/Cunningham/Bertans/Aldridge Bench: White/Ginobili/Acy/Gay/Poeltl

Shooting and defense balanced more or less. Gasol, Mills, Forbes and Belinelli will be assumed to be unplayable.

[TD 21]

Is there a “prime” for a Dante Cunningham?

:lol



He really does. If Green can go on guys like Durant and Lebron, Murray has to be able to go up to Butler. Jimmy is a two-guard who's tough enough to play three. There shouldn't be a two-guard in the league Murray can't check. Danny shut Jimmy down in the season-opener last year. I don't expect DeJounte to do that, especially not the first time. But he's the ace now and has to be able to handle it. Pop would have gladly put George Hill on Butler, and Murray matches up better than Georgie does.

While he did it by default on occasion, Green was too small to guard James (which is why Diaw was the secondary defender in the '13 and '14 Finals) and Durant doesn't have the strength of James or Butler. Butler isn't an SG; he's a power wing and Murray is too slight to guard those types.

You're also presuming Mills starts. If Gay does, that means DeRozan would have to defend PG's on occasion, which he can't do.


It was in the long post, but I'm pretty convinced DeRozan was the "third star" Pop offered to acquire. I think the delay was Toronto switching from seller to buyer. The deal just seems like Toronto was almost as keen to part with DeMar as to acquire Kawhi. Obviously, we'll never know, but if your idea is right, SA should have held the line at OG, Siakam or keeping Green. They just have no defense now, and Toronto wasn't in a position of strength, especially if the word had really gotten out that the Raps were shopping DeMar. They had so much more to lose.

Nah. DeRozan would have been a terrible fit playing off of Leonard and to a lesser extent Aldridge because he's useless off ball. As limited as I think DeRozan's value was if this didn't fall into the Raptors lap, the Spurs wouldn't have otherwise had the assets. Even though the Raptors clearly wanted to move on, it would have been a PR nightmare to trade him for something like financial relief, a B prospect and late 1st.


It's the coach that clearly thinks guards on larger players makes sense. That's why I don't think he'll worry about having Gay's size on the first unit. He might do it for a number of reasons, but I hope you wouldn't be legit surprised if Pop ran three guards out of the gate.

I would be mildly surprised.


Cunningham's highest salary in his career was $3 Million. He's been to the playoffs three times in his career. He's not some high-stock guy who had his choice of places. That's even more true if the Spurs offered him several hundred-thousand bucks over the min. Maybe the dude signed on with the idea that he had a chance at a spot, but he definitely didn't sign on with a guarantee. I like Cun better than most dudes here seem to, but he's not getting minutes over any of the top 10/11 unless he shows out.

Not a guarantee, but if he didn't believe he was going to be at least a part time rotation player, I seriously doubt he signs. As minimal as he is, as I've alluded too numerous times, the league clearly doesn't view him that way.



You're right, and in that long post I said as much. The point that I was making is that Bertans and Beli are the bottom two guys in the rotation if Poeltl (or in your theory Poeltl or Cunningham) have a fixed spot. If you also fix Beli, that means you have Murray, Mills, DeRozan, Aldridge, Gasol, Ginobili, Belinelli, Gay and Poeltl(/Cun) as the nine locks. Like sure, Bertans can slot into that last spot, but so can White, or Cun(/Poeltl) or Forbes or whomever the Spurs bring in for that last spot.

No, I have Bertans as the 9th lock, not Poeltl/Cunningham. I have them as the 10th, depending on the matchup. Belinelli probably plays the 2nd most minutes off the bench, behind Mills.



I disagree. They'd only have the one. Poe completely depends on someone feeding him and the others are guys whose percentages go way down when they have to dribble. Gay can get his own shot at least. He also gives a big skilled forward to cause match-up problems. No one in your proposed unit can threaten a defense like he can.

Gay isn't a p-n-r initiator though; he's a mid post ISO scorer. He's not creating for the rest of the 2nd unit any more than Mills' off ball movement/gravity would.

[8FOR!3]

My guess is:

Murray
Mills
DeRozan
Aldridge
Gasol

Not going to analyze how I feel about it until we see who actually starts and how it looks, but that's my best guess at what they'll go with.

[Walter Donovan]

Here's what I see our line-ups against GSW/Rox being:

Starters: Murray/DDR/Cunningham/Bertans/Aldridge Bench: White/Ginobili/Acy/Gay/Poeltl

Shooting and defense balanced more or less. Gasol, Mills, Forbes and Belinelli will be assumed to be unplayable.

What was the point of signing Ferrari then? Your lineups are delusional at best.

1: Murray, Mills, White, Forbes
2: Belinelli, Ginobili, Walker
3: DeRozan, Gay, Cunningham
4: Aldridge, Bertans, Metu
5: Gasol, Poetl

This is very likely the depth chart and lineups you’re going to see.

[cd98]

No way pop starts Beli ad DDR together on the perimeter. Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA, and Gasol is the most likely SL.

This team isn’t winning games with defense. They can’t outscore teams without having a three point shooter on the floor at all times.

[sasaint]

Disagree. Spurs found themselves in way too many big holes because their SL couldn't score for shit last year. Pop needs to figure out a SL that doesn't have us digging out of a hole to start every second quarter

Absolutely! This! Especially early when the parts are still meshing, we need strong starts. A team with a lot of new/young pieces is not nearly as prepared to stage come-backs as a veteran team that has played together for awhile. We saw that last season.


I do agree that Pop has to win the ones we have a chance and not try to make a point and loose and easy game.

Yep. Dropping a game to spark a team that was not giving good effort in the GOAT era was one thing. Trying that same shtick with this team of young/new guys seems like a bad/risky idea to me.

[D Emily D]

Derrick White has surpassed expectations repeatedly in the last few years, in college, in the G League, and in Summer League...
I'm hoping he can do it again this year and finish the season with 20+ MPG. His advanced stats have been consistently good, so he's not putting up empty numbers, and he has the potential to match/beat Danny Green's 3PT% & D while easily surpassing his passing & ball handling abilities. I think he's the single player I'm most interested in watching develop this year.

[Dverde]

My guess is:

Murray
Mills
DeRozan
Aldridge
Gasol

Not going to analyze how I feel about it until we see who actually starts and how it looks, but that's my best guess at what they'll go with.


How about
Murray
Ginobili
DeRozen
Aldridge
Gasol

No law exists that Manu must come off the bench.

[Nathan89]

These potential lineups are horrendous. I'm most interested in the progression of White this year tbh.

[Fusternino]

What was the point of signing Ferrari then? Your lineups are delusional at best.

1: Murray, Mills, White, Forbes
2: Belinelli, Ginobili, Walker
3: DeRozan, Gay, Cunningham
4: Aldridge, Bertans, Metu
5: Gasol, Poetl

This is very likely the depth chart and lineups you’re going to see.

OK so how will we guard Durant/Lebron/Kawhi/Butler/PG13?

[cd98]

How about
Murray
Ginobili
DeRozen
Aldridge
Gasol

No law exists that Manu must come off the bench.

Problem with starting Manu is that he is going to play few minutes for most games and he'll sit out a number. I think the Spurs will want a more consistent unit. Plus, the Spurs need three point shooting in their starting line up, which means either Mills or Belli. They'll figure it out defensively, but this team has to have space since its two best scorers are two point scorers that like to operate in the paint.

[kaji157]

Problem with starting Manu is that he is going to play few minutes for most games and he'll sit out a number. I think the Spurs will want a more consistent unit. Plus, the Spurs need three point shooting in their starting line up, which means either Mills or Belli. They'll figure it out defensively, but this team has to have space since its two best scorers are two point scorers that like to operate in the paint.

It could be a good unit to start the season where our calendar is hard and our experience will be little, the he can slide back to the bench when DeRozan and whoever beats him for the starting lineup are up to the task defensively.

[Nivek_ogre]

Murray
White
Derozan
Bertans
Aldridge

[Walter Donovan]

OK so how will we guard Durant/Lebron/Kawhi/Butler/PG13?

The Spurs wont. They don’t have anybody on the roster or any lineup capable of doing that. Stop pretending they do.

[Chinook]

While he did it by default on occasion, Green was too small to guard James (which is why Diaw was the secondary defender in the '13 and '14 Finals) and Durant doesn't have the strength of James or Butler. Butler isn't an SG; he's a power wing and Murray is too slight to guard those types.

You're also presuming Mills starts. If Gay does, that means DeRozan would have to defend PG's on occasion, which he can't do.

Butler isn't going to be posting anyone up and down the floor. He's a slasher. There's no reason why Murray can't just use length and quick hands to guard him. James destroyed Diaw in 14, and Pop gave up on that after the first game.

Of course I'm presuming Mills starts instead of Gay. That's been my opposing position to yours this whole time.


Nah. DeRozan would have been a terrible fit playing off of Leonard and to a lesser extent Aldridge because he's useless off ball. As limited as I think DeRozan's value was if this didn't fall into the Raptors lap, the Spurs wouldn't have otherwise had the assets. Even though the Raptors clearly wanted to move on, it would have been a PR nightmare to trade him for something like financial relief, a B prospect and late 1st.

DeRozan is an abysmal fit next to Gay and Murray, but you think Pop would ignore that. Between Mills and Leonard? That's fine, especially if Bertans started at the four. DMDR would essentially be replacing Parker on offense. Having that guard scorer would have been just what the doctor ordered. Were there players I'd rather have as the third member of the Big Three? Yes, of course. But for what they could give up (Murray, Green, Gasol, 18 and a first), I think that's the best they could get.


I would be mildly surprised.

It's almost literally the only option if Gay doesn't start. It can't be that surprising.


Not a guarantee, but if he didn't believe he was going to be at least a part time rotation player, I seriously doubt he signs. As minimal as he is, as I've alluded too numerous times, the league clearly doesn't view him that way.

The league doesn't view him as anything special. This is his last season compared to two guys who are currently out of the league and to Rasual Butler (RIP) the year before he signed his non-guaranteed year with SA.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.fcgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1_hint=Dante+Cunningham&player_id1_select=Dante+Cunningham&y1=2018&player_id1=cunnida01&idx=players&player_id2_hint=Jamal+Crawford&player_id2_select=Jamal+Crawford&y2=2018&player_id2=crawfja01&idx=players&player_id3_hint=Quincy+Acy&player_id3_select=Quincy+Acy&y3=2018&player_id3=acyqu01&idx=players&player_id4_hint=Rasual+Butler&player_id4_select=Rasual+Butler&y4=2015&player_id4=butlera01&idx=players

They are very similar in terms of uses, and Cun is solidly middle-of-the-road compared to those guys in terms of performance. If he had been as sought after as you seem to think, he wouldn't have stayed in Brooklyn all year. Teams like Cleveland had open spots all the way until the end of the season. Nope, the reality is that had SA not signed Dante, he could very well be in China right now.


No, I have Bertans as the 9th lock, not Poeltl/Cunningham. I have them as the 10th, depending on the matchup. Belinelli probably plays the 2nd most minutes off the bench, behind Mills.

Beli may play more minutes than Ginobili, but he's clearly not higher up on the lock list. Also, it doesn't make sense that Bertans is more of a lock than Poeltl. Jakob has been a significantly better player and has more NBA experience. It's really not close between the two of them. Pop certainly starts rookies off slowly, but he doesn't have same bias toward new vets. When talking about salaries as small as Bertans' and Poeltl's it doesn't make a ton of sense to assign incumbency there. That's even more true considering how much rim protection is needed. Bertans would have a rotation spot if he were so good that he had to play. But guys with his salary sit all the time.


Gay isn't a p-n-r initiator though; he's a mid post ISO scorer. He's not creating for the rest of the 2nd unit any more than Mills' off ball movement/gravity would.

First, Gay can create just fine when he wants to. But second, Gay doesn't have to be a play-maker in his own right to relieve Manu's burden. Just him being able to catch the ball and make something happen or being a guy they can throw it to in the post would help

[skookumchuck]

Also, it doesn't make sense that Bertans is more of a lock than Poeltl. Jakob has been a significantly better player and has more NBA experience. It's really not close between the two of them.


I'm sorry what now? I get that you're not really into Bertans, but claiming Jakob is a significantly better player and has more NBA experience is just outright wrong. It's at best close between them in Bertans favor. Poeltl, however, can only play the 5, thus he fits his position better, than Davis at the 4, which isn't his position at all. Jako has definitely had more opportunities to succeed, what with his MPG being higher. Low/sporadic minutes hamper with shooters often. Jako is a good rim defender, good rebounder and good finisher. Everything else Davis does better. Wash at best.

[cutewizard]

I think this year team can actually cause match up problems for other teams. We have a lot of versatility at the guard position. That is what is needed.

Agree.
By the way, are you a Malazan fan?

Coz i am too

[cutewizard]

Derrick White has surpassed expectations repeatedly in the last few years, in college, in the G League, and in Summer League...
I'm hoping he can do it again this year and finish the season with 20+ MPG. His advanced stats have been consistently good, so he's not putting up empty numbers, and he has the potential to match/beat Danny Green's 3PT% & D while easily surpassing his passing & ball handling abilities. I think he's the single player I'm most interested in watching develop this year.


Agree. I like White's composure a lot......

[ceperez]

Derrick White has surpassed expectations repeatedly in the last few years, in college, in the G League, and in Summer League...
I'm hoping he can do it again this year and finish the season with 20+ MPG. His advanced stats have been consistently good, so he's not putting up empty numbers, and he has the potential to match/beat Danny Green's 3PT% & D while easily surpassing his passing & ball handling abilities. I think he's the single player I'm most interested in watching develop this year.

I have high hopes that White will exceed expectations.

[cd021]

This team isn’t winning games with defense. They can’t outscore teams without having a three point shooter on the floor at all times.

I disagree, I still think that this team can be a top 10-12 on defense and offense. If Pop is dead set on adding more shooting, then I'd rather have Mills, Murray, DDR, LMA and Gasol.

[monkeypunk]

I have high hopes that White will exceed expectations.

Pops thinks at least highly enough of him to insert him for a good chunk of game one against the Dubs. Not sure why he didn’t get more run but he certainly can be a great role player with consistent minutes. At least 20 minutes a game to start with and more if he shows up along the way.

As far as game 1 lineup, Pop is Pop so it’ll be the old standards, DJ, DD, Gay, LMA and Gasol. But down the line, I’d expect Jakob to swap for Pau and Beli / White starting at 2 and DD shifting over to the 3 with Gay and Manu backing him up.

As long as Mills doesn’t start, we’ve got a chance, :lol

[8FOR!3]

Problem with starting Manu is that he is going to play few minutes for most games and he'll sit out a number. I think the Spurs will want a more consistent unit. Plus, the Spurs need three point shooting in their starting line up, which means either Mills or Belli. They'll figure it out defensively, but this team has to have space since its two best scorers are two point scorers that like to operate in the paint.

Yeah I agree, I don't think Manu starting will happen and it makes sense why not.

[bpday31]

Murray
White
DeRozan
Bertans
LMA

[SpursDynasty85]

Murray
White
DeRozan
Bertans
LMA

This line up would be ideal starter or Gay over Bertans in case the opposing forward is too big.

[r0drig0lac]

This line up would be ideal starter or Gay over Bertans in case the opposing forward is too big.
I agree, any lineup with White would be ideal because we would give a secondary playmaker and shooter on the court (although I want to see Lonnie playing from day 1), but it's impossible to see Pop doing it already at the start of the season

[SpursDynasty85]

I agree, any lineup with White would be ideal because we would give a secondary playmaker and shooter on the court (although I want to see Lonnie playing from day 1), but it's impossible to see Pop doing it already at the start of the season

Honestly Lonnie is not ready for NBA. If he starts killing it in the G league I would start pushing for him to play but he seems a little lost out there when I saw him in the summer league. He wasn't very effective even at the collegiate level yet.

[dbestpro]

Funny how so many says they hope White will play better than expected, and then puts him in their starting line-up.

[TD 21]

Butler isn't going to be posting anyone up and down the floor. He's a slasher. There's no reason why Murray can't just use length and quick hands to guard him. James destroyed Diaw in 14, and Pop gave up on that after the first game.

Of course I'm presuming Mills starts instead of Gay. That's been my opposing position to yours this whole time.

He is if a lightweight like Murray is defending him. He could also easily overpower him on drives.

I know. What I'm saying is, if Mills doesn't start and they utilize Murray to defend the best opposing perimeter player without taking anything else into account, that will mean the led footed DeRozan would have to defend PG's at times.


DeRozan is an abysmal fit next to Gay and Murray, but you think Pop would ignore that. Between Mills and Leonard? That's fine, especially if Bertans started at the four. DMDR would essentially be replacing Parker on offense. Having that guard scorer would have been just what the doctor ordered. Were there players I'd rather have as the third member of the Big Three? Yes, of course. But for what they could give up (Murray, Green, Gasol, 18 and a first), I think that's the best they could get.

Sure, but the difference is, Gay is not a star, much less a superstar. He won't have the usage or minutes that Leonard would have had and when he does play with Aldridge and DeRozan, he'll have to function as more of a spot up shooter.

DeRozan is like a worse version of Westbrook, in that he has to have the ball to have any use offensively. That's why him next to a superior player, like Leonard, would be awkward because Leonard has more of an off ball skillset, but is too good to acquiesce to him. This is why Durant and Wesbtrook were always an awkward fit.


It's almost literally the only option if Gay doesn't start. It can't be that surprising.

I meant Gay not starting would be mildly surprising.


The league doesn't view him as anything special. This is his last season compared to two guys who are currently out of the league and to Rasual Butler (RIP) the year before he signed his non-guaranteed year with SA.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.fcgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1_hint=Dante+Cunningham&player_id1_select=Dante+Cunningham&y1=2018&player_id1=cunnida01&idx=players&player_id2_hint=Jamal+Crawford&player_id2_select=Jamal+Crawford&y2=2018&player_id2=crawfja01&idx=players&player_id3_hint=Quincy+Acy&player_id3_select=Quincy+Acy&y3=2018&player_id3=acyqu01&idx=players&player_id4_hint=Rasual+Butler&player_id4_select=Rasual+Butler&y4=2015&player_id4=butlera01&idx=players

They are very similar in terms of uses, and Cun is solidly middle-of-the-road compared to those guys in terms of performance. If he had been as sought after as you seem to think, he wouldn't have stayed in Brooklyn all year. Teams like Cleveland had open spots all the way until the end of the season. Nope, the reality is that had SA not signed Dante, he could very well be in China right now.

I didn't say they did. But they have viewed him as a 20-25 mpg, part time starter, for a long time. He's not that caliber of player, but that's been his role. It won't be now, but those who think he's coming here to be Butler, are going to be in for a rude awakening.

By the way, he was traded from the Pelicans to the Nets for Vaughn on February 8th. Hill was due back and Miller had outplayed him, so it was a cost cutting move.


Beli may play more minutes than Ginobili, but he's clearly not higher up on the lock list. Also, it doesn't make sense that Bertans is more of a lock than Poeltl. Jakob has been a significantly better player and has more NBA experience. It's really not close between the two of them. Pop certainly starts rookies off slowly, but he doesn't have same bias toward new vets. When talking about salaries as small as Bertans' and Poeltl's it doesn't make a ton of sense to assign incumbency there. That's even more true considering how much rim protection is needed. Bertans would have a rotation spot if he were so good that he had to play. But guys with his salary sit all the time.

Belinelli isn't more of a lock than Ginobili, but he's a lock all the same. Bertans ahead of Poeltl makes perfect sense because of the composition of the roster. Already starting 2 traditional bigs and a lack of shooting, it's highly unlikely the 3rd big will be another player who fits that description.

Rim protection isn't a need. Aldridge and Gasol rate among the best in the league.


First, Gay can create just fine when he wants to. But second, Gay doesn't have to be a play-maker in his own right to relieve Manu's burden. Just him being able to catch the ball and make something happen or being a guy they can throw it to in the post would help.

I don't see it as the burden you do. I suspect they'll be lots of mixing and matching and the stretches they play full 2nd unit, their perpetual motion and IQ will make up for the lack of a static, go-to scorer.

[Chinook]

I'm sorry what now? I get that you're not really into Bertans, but claiming Jakob is a significantly better player and has more NBA experience is just outright wrong. It's at best close between them in Bertans favor. Poeltl, however, can only play the 5, thus he fits his position better, than Davis at the 4, which isn't his position at all. Jako has definitely had more opportunities to succeed, what with his MPG being higher. Low/sporadic minutes hamper with shooters often. Jako is a good rim defender, good rebounder and good finisher. Everything else Davis does better. Wash at best.

You need to actually look at their histories in the NBA. Poeltl was been much better, and last year, he played 50-percent more minutes that Davis. Poeltl can play his position well, whereas Bertans needs to show he can. Despite your complaints, Davis has been a much better big than wing in the NBA http://www.82games.com/1718/17SAS13.HTM

He's not some guy who's playing out of position. Sure, it's great that he have more mobility on O than like Bonner. But he's not a wing, especially not in the small-ball era.

It's not about hating Davis. I like him just fine and hyped him up like mad before he came over. But he's going to have to compete for a rotation spot. He struggled to hold onto one last year, and his salary isn't going to guarantee him one this year. Being a fan of his doesn't mean ignoring reality.

[Chinook]

He is if a lightweight like Murray is defending him. He could also easily overpower him on drives.

I know. What I'm saying is, if Mills doesn't start and they utilize Murray to defend the best opposing perimeter player without taking anything else into account, that will mean the led footed DeRozan would have to defend PG's at times.

Can't think of too many teams that have a potent offensive PG who is not the top perimeter option on his team. Maybe Houston? But even though Harden is better, I think Pop would let him try to beat the team alone if Murray had a chance at taking out Paul.


Sure, but the difference is, Gay is not a star, much less a superstar. He won't have the usage or minutes that Leonard would have had and when he does play with Aldridge and DeRozan, he'll have to function as more of a spot up shooter.

OR he could be on the bench where he can have the high-usage role the team needs him to have and the team could instead have a real shooter be the fifth guy. I obviously don't disagree with how Gay would have to function on offense if he is starting. But I don't see any real reason to misuse him that way outside of matchups with GS and Cleveland. I'd even want Pop to take his chances with smaller guys on Leonard (and George) rather than putting Rudy on him.


DeRozan is like a worse version of Westbrook, in that he has to have the ball to have any use offensively. That's why him next to a superior player, like Leonard, would be awkward because Leonard has more of an off ball skillset, but is too good to acquiesce to him. This is why Durant and Wesbtrook were always an awkward fit.

DeRozan isn't the same type of wasteland-level cancer Russ was at times with Durant. Sure, it's not a great fit nor one I would have loved (especially at the expense of Green and those assets), but the awkward Thunder duo made for a fine enough offense, and Pop would have made it better. Add in LMA, and I don't think SA would really have to worry about that end.


I didn't say they did. But they have viewed him as a 20-25 mpg, part time starter, for a long time. He's not that caliber of player, but that's been his role. It won't be now, but those who think he's coming here to be Butler, are going to be in for a rude awakening.

By the way, he was traded from the Pelicans to the Nets for Vaughn on February 8th. Hill was due back and Miller had outplayed him, so it was a cost cutting move.

I know his transaction history. But after that trade, he would have been bought-out and signed on with a contender had anyone wanted him. I posted the comparison link. His minutes profile is not one of a solid rotation player. It's one of a journeyman who only got minutes because he was on bad teams. As I said, I still firmly believe Cunningham's contract is a regular min that may not even be guaranteed. The Spurs wouldn't have signed him at all had they not liked him, but he's less guaranteed a spot than say Jeff Ayres was (Ayres didn't hovered between 10th and 12th depending on the metrics). Jeff had a longer deal and only Bonner as competition for the bench center role. Cun has to hope Pop sits a better player for no reason to give him time.


Belinelli isn't more of a lock than Ginobili, but he's a lock all the same. Bertans ahead of Poeltl makes perfect sense because of the composition of the roster. Already starting 2 traditional bigs and a lack of shooting, it's highly unlikely the 3rd big will be another player who fits that description.

Rim protection isn't a need. Aldridge and Gasol rate among the best in the league.

I don't expect Poeltl to be the third big. I expect that to be Gay. But I do expect Jakob to take over after that. If Poe plays well, maybe he could come in for Pau earlier, but I don't think Pop is going to play Gasol and Poeltl at the same time -- at least, I hope he wouldn't.

Rim protection is a need now that they've lost three strong perimeter defenders. That's even more true since Pau pretty much has to start now and can't anchor the second unit.


I don't see it as the burden you do. I suspect they'll be lots of mixing and matching and the stretches they play full 2nd unit, their perpetual motion and IQ will make up for the lack of a static, go-to scorer.

I just think you underestimate the importance of having an anchor on the court at all times. Manu had been that for years. Diaw did that in 2014. Gay had his moments where he did that last year. Even if it didn't seem like it, Manu always had the ability to get a bucket for himself when the bench was in its prime. He did that when the team needed it, and that threat made it easy for the rolling big to get good looks. I just don't see Manu being the guy who can pound that rock at this point.

[cutewizard]

Interesting would be......

Lamarcus
Gay
Murray
White
Derozan

[Joseph Kony]

TD 21 has some of the worst takes ive ever seen :lol

[TD 21]

OR he could be on the bench where he can have the high-usage role the team needs him to have and the team could instead have a real shooter be the fifth guy. I obviously don't disagree with how Gay would have to function on offense if he is starting. But I don't see any real reason to misuse him that way outside of matchups with GS and Cleveland. I'd even want Pop to take his chances with smaller guys on Leonard (and George) rather than putting Rudy on him.

They could do both. Gay could start, come out mid quarter, then come back in and play with the 2nd unit. The hope would be that, in the first 6 minutes of the 1st/3rd quarters, the starters defense, rebounding and individual shot creation either wins out or at least is neutral.

It's not just the Warriors and Lakers. To varying degrees, Celtics, Clippers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Thunder, 76ers, Raptors.


DeRozan isn't the same type of wasteland-level cancer Russ was at times with Durant. Sure, it's not a great fit nor one I would have loved (especially at the expense of Green and those assets), but the awkward Thunder duo made for a fine enough offense, and Pop would have made it better. Add in LMA, and I don't think SA would really have to worry about that end.

DeRozan's not as inherently selfish as Westbrook, but he's also not as talented and for as talented as Durant and Westbrook were, the Thunder offense routinely came up short in the playoffs.


I know his transaction history. But after that trade, he would have been bought-out and signed on with a contender had anyone wanted him. I posted the comparison link. His minutes profile is not one of a solid rotation player. It's one of a journeyman who only got minutes because he was on bad teams. As I said, I still firmly believe Cunningham's contract is a regular min that may not even be guaranteed. The Spurs wouldn't have signed him at all had they not liked him, but he's less guaranteed a spot than say Jeff Ayres was (Ayres didn't hovered between 10th and 12th depending on the metrics). Jeff had a longer deal and only Bonner as competition for the bench center role. Cun has to hope Pop sits a better player for no reason to give him time.

Not necessarily. The Nets could have asked and he could have balked because of the role he had with them. 20-25 mpg and occasionally starting is the definition of a profile of a solid rotation player (even though he's not actually of that caliber).

Bonner was never a C. Duncan, Splitter, Baynes and Ayres were. Baynes/Bonner were the 4th big depending on the match-up. Expect Poeltl/Cunningham to be the same.


I don't expect Poeltl to be the third big. I expect that to be Gay. But I do expect Jakob to take over after that. If Poe plays well, maybe he could come in for Pau earlier, but I don't think Pop is going to play Gasol and Poeltl at the same time -- at least, I hope he wouldn't.

Rim protection is a need now that they've lost three strong perimeter defenders. That's even more true since Pau pretty much has to start now and can't anchor the second unit.

So you have Bertans either playing SF or out of the rotation. The former, he's done damn near none of in 2 seasons and isn't any more of one than Gay and the latter, again, he's making $7-7.5M and they desperately need his skillset.

Poeltl is too good and the optics would be bad for him to be out of the rotation regularly, but theoretically, Gasol could still start and anchor the 2nd unit; he did so for much of last season.


I just think you underestimate the importance of having an anchor on the court at all times. Manu had been that for years. Diaw did that in 2014. Gay had his moments where he did that last year. Even if it didn't seem like it, Manu always had the ability to get a bucket for himself when the bench was in its prime. He did that when the team needed it, and that threat made it easy for the rolling big to get good looks. I just don't see Manu being the guy who can pound that rock at this point.

You're too focused on starters/bench, as if they'll be playing long stretches with both units, when in reality they'll most likely be constant mixing and matching. That's the only way to attempt to make sense of this roster.

[cutewizard]

Jacob plus Gay plus Bertans plus White is a hell of a bench

[cutewizard]

Plus Belli of course

[skookumchuck]

You need to actually look at their histories in the NBA. Poeltl was been much better, and last year, he played 50-percent more minutes that Davis. Poeltl can play his position well, whereas Bertans needs to show he can. Despite your complaints, Davis has been a much better big than wing in the NBA http://www.82games.com/1718/17SAS13.HTM

He's not some guy who's playing out of position. Sure, it's great that he have more mobility on O than like Bonner. But he's not a wing, especially not in the small-ball era.

It's not about hating Davis. I like him just fine and hyped him up like mad before he came over. But he's going to have to compete for a rotation spot. He struggled to hold onto one last year, and his salary isn't going to guarantee him one this year. Being a fan of his doesn't mean ignoring reality.

It's like you say, too. Poeltl has played more minutes, thus given more opportunity. It can certainly be argued that Davis could've played more, but suffered from the doghouseitis, frequently contracted by young players on Pop's Spurs. Jako plays the only position he fits, whereas Davis can play more than one position and rather well, for the modern NBA. Jako has his size and rebounding working for him. Davis will never be as good at those two things, obviously. But I can't agree with the fact that Jako's significantly better or more NBA experienced. Yeah, he's played more minutes over these 2 seasons, than Davis, by about 300. But Davis played more games and for Pop at that.
Per 36, Davis' stats are better across the board, except RBD and BLK.

[YGWHI]

OK so how will we guard Durant/Lebron/Kawhi/Butler/PG13?
Spurs just face LeBron in 3/4 games of 82 regular season games.

The same with KD, Butler, PG13. I wouldn't care for just a few games in a whole season.

In a playoff serie? Spurs don't need to be successful against LeBron to beat the Lakers since the rest of LA roster is horrible. Spurs in 5.

Butler/PG13, I doubt the Thunder and Wolves have a chance against this new Spurs team. Spurs in 6.

KD? It doesn't matter since the Warriors will win that series with/without him.

[SpursDynasty85]

Spurs just face LeBron in 3/4 games of 82 regular season games.

The same with KD, Butler, PG13. I wouldn't care for just a few games in a whole season.

In a playoff serie? Spurs don't need to be successful against LeBron to beat the Lakers since the rest of LA roster is horrible. Spurs in 5.

Butler/PG13, I doubt the Thunder and Wolves have a chance against this new Spurs team. Spurs in 6.

KD? It doesn't matter since the Warriors will win that series with/without him.

Disagree with this. Vs the Spurs the two big culprits are KD and Thompson. I say any injury to their top 3 ulopens the doors for almost every playoff team in the west especially the Rockets and Spurs. We have the experience, veterans, length, and, depth/versatility especially now that mcGee is gone. I think DeMarcus is a huge question mark how he will fit especially since he will only be back near the midway point and plays completely different to what they were used to.

[YGWHI]

Disagree with this. Vs the Spurs the two big culprits are KD and Thompson. I say any injury to their top 3 ulopens the doors for almost every playoff team in the west especially the Rockets and Spurs. We have the experience, veterans, length, and, depth/versatility especially now that mcGee is gone. I think DeMarcus is a huge question mark how he will fit especially since he will only be back near the midway point and plays completely different to what they were used to.
I agree on DeMarcu. If it took Gay two years to feel good, I doubt a bigman putting his full weight on his ankle -a lot more weight than a perimeter player like Rudy- could play at his previous good level just in the first year post-injury.

[Kobe'sAchilles]

I fully expect the starting line up to change after or during the rodeo road trip and that will be interesting. I dont know why but I expect Derrick white to start at 2 guard which would make DDR slide to 3. Also I think everyone wants big Poeltl the starting 5 by playoff time.

[BackHome]

Yeah Pop has to have Poeltl ready to be starting by playoff for us to have a chance. If that happens we are going to do some serious damage come playoff time.

[TimmyBuckets]

If Bertans and Murray increase the level of their play, Spurs are top 2.

[cutewizard]

If Bertans and Murray increase the level of their play, Spurs are top 2.


They will......

[cutewizard]

Bellineli shall light a fire under Bertans......

[cutewizard]

Yeah Pop has to have Poeltl ready to be starting by playoff for us to have a chance. If that happens we are going to do some serious damage come playoff time.


Jacob over Gasol?

[Dverde]

I could see Poeltl getting some run in the regular season even starting the getting benched in the playoffs like Dedmon and Blair. Pop trying to conserve Pau’s minutes.

[cd021]

If Manu returns;

Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA Gasol
Mills, Belinelli, Manu, Bertans, Poeltl

If Manu retires;

Mills, Murray, DDR, LMA, Gasol
White, Belinelli, Bertans, Gay, Poeltl

[cd021]

I could see Poeltl getting some run in the regular season even starting the getting benched in the playoffs like Dedmon and Blair. Pop trying to conserve Pau’s minutes.

I don't think that is out of the question- Poeltl starting, especially if Manu retires. Gasol and Gay would come off the bench and be focal points, while Poeltl would probably play the first 6 minutes of each half and a few on the second in an energy role similar to Blair.

[SpursDynasty85]

Big question is who starts at the 2? Assuming DeRozan slides to the 3? Or is Bertans the 3 with DeRozan at the 2? Lol. So confusing this year.

[Fusternino]

If Manu returns;

Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA Gasol
Mills, Belinelli, Manu, Bertans, Poeltl

If Manu retires;

Mills, Murray, DDR, LMA, Gasol
White, Belinelli, Bertans, Gay, Poeltl

Definitely agree with the second one.

[TD 21]

If Manu returns;

Murray, DDR, Gay, LMA Gasol
Mills, Belinelli, Manu, Bertans, Poeltl

If Manu retires;

Mills, Murray, DDR, LMA, Gasol
White, Belinelli, Bertans, Gay, Poeltl

Why would Ginobili retiring change the starting lineup when White could just take his role? Ginobili is no more of an "SF" defensively than Belinelli or White. There's certain types of wings all 3 will be able to defend and certain types all 3 won't.


When they're playing against 1 they can't, obviously they'll have to split them, likely by having Gay do what Gasol did last season: sub out mid 1st/3rd, sub back in late 1st/3rd, then sub back out early 2nd/4th, with a decision on crunch time to be made during the game. I suspect we'll see a good amount of that anyway.

There's too much focus on strict designations, specifically starting/bench and "SF".

[cd021]

Why would Ginobili retiring change the starting lineup when White could just take his role? Ginobili is no more of an "SF" defensively than Belinelli or White. There's certain types of wings all 3 will be able to defend and certain types all 3 won't.


When they're playing against 1 they can't, obviously they'll have to split them, likely by having Gay do what Gasol did last season: sub out mid 1st/3rd, sub back in late 1st/3rd, then sub back out early 2nd/4th, with a decision on crunch time to be made during the game. I suspect we'll see a good amount of that anyway.

There's too much focus on strict designations, specifically starting/bench and "SF".




A Mills, White, Beli, Bertans and Poeltl bench, really doesn't have a player that can consistently create shots for themselves or others. Moving Gay to the bench adds a focal point to that unit; Pop ran a number of post-up plays for Gay and he showed some ability as a ball handler in P&R situations, he would be the new 6th man, a role that needs filling if Manu retires.


Mills fills a the of a high volume shooter in the SL, while White fills his role off the bench. White has potential to carve out a role for himself; he can shoot, looks like he can be a decent to average NBA defender, move without the ball, handle the ball and has good court vision.

I mentioned in a post from a few weeks ago that he could be a dark horse starter but I would doubt it. If White is able to do all of those things I mentioned and the Mills version of the SL struggles to defend, I could see Pop doing some tinkering and White getting a chance.

[TD 21]

A Mills, White, Beli, Bertans and Poeltl bench, really doesn't have a player that can consistently create shots for themselves or others. Moving Gay to the bench adds a focal point to that unit; Pop ran a number of post-up plays for Gay and he showed some ability as a ball handler in P&R situations, he would be the new 6th man, a role that needs filling if Manu retires.

Mills fills a the of a high volume shooter in the SL, while White fills his role off the bench. White has potential to carve out a role for himself; he can shoot, looks like he can be a decent to average NBA defender, move without the ball, handle the ball and has good court vision.

I mentioned in a post from a few weeks ago that he could be a dark horse starter but I would doubt it. If White is able to do all of those things I mentioned and the Mills version of the SL struggles to defend, I could see Pop doing some tinkering and White getting a chance.

I've answered this a bunch of times, mostly in the back and forth with Chinook. Before I refer you to those, I'll just add, White can create for himself and others probably at least as well, if not better than a 41 year old Ginobili could . . .



It's the worst of both worlds if they're played that way for long stretches. In reality, they'll be plenty of mixing and matching, but that 2nd unit doesn't need an "offensive foundation" (look no further than last season's Raptors, who were the league's best). They'll get by with superior basketball IQ.


Gay isn't a p-n-r initiator though; he's a mid post ISO scorer. He's not creating for the rest of the 2nd unit any more than Mills' off ball movement/gravity would.


I don't see it as the burden you do. I suspect they'll be lots of mixing and matching and the stretches they play full 2nd unit, their perpetual motion and IQ will make up for the lack of a static, go-to scorer.



When they're playing against 1 they can't, obviously they'll have to split them, likely by having Gay do what Gasol did last season: sub out mid 1st/3rd, sub back in late 1st/3rd, then sub back out early 2nd/4th, with a decision on crunch time to be made during the game. I suspect we'll see a good amount of that anyway.

[TimmyBuckets]

No more Manu. What's the lineup now along with main bench?

[marinoman]

I just hope white gets at least 20+ a game, wouldn’t even mind him starting next to Murray at some point

[-21-]

I still think it's gonna be Mills/Murray/DeRozan/Aldridge/Gasol to start the season. Hopefully it will be Murray/White/DeRozan/Aldridge/Poetl before the playoffs. Manu's retirement should open up time for White (unless Pop gives it all to Beli and Forbes :( ).

[SpursDynasty85]

I still think it's gonna be Mills/Murray/DeRozan/Aldridge/Gasol to start the season. Hopefully it will be Murray/White/DeRozan/Aldridge/Poetl before the playoffs. Manu's retirement should open up time for White (unless Pop gives it all to Beli and Forbes :( ).

Pop would never put his absolute best players in the starting lineup I think. The second lineup you have, if dominating, would be the finishing line up. Popovich likes to spread the minutes around during the 82 game grind so everyone can be fresh and in rhythm by the playoffs. Should be interesting since there are some many combinations and depth with this years lineup. I imagine poeltl and gay would sub for each other depending on matchups in crunch time as well. Now that Manu is gone, we need to go 100% in on our 25 year old prospect (White).

[Truth4sale$]

Due to the lack of playmaking ability on the bench with the loss of Ginobili, I have changed my position on Derrick White starting. He will be vital to the Spurs bench. Let Walker IV start and learn trial by fire. The veterans can carry him for the 1st half. Let Walker learn on the fly

[TimmyBuckets]

Due to the lack of playmaking ability on the bench with the loss of Ginobili, I have changed my position on Derrick White starting. He will be vital to the Spurs bench. Let Walker IV start and learn trial by fire. The veterans can carry him for the 1st half. Let Walker learn on the fly

[keithington1]

Murray Walker Derozan Aldridge Gasol

White Belinelli Gay Bertans Poeltl

Mills Forbes Pondexter Cunningham Metu

Flip Bertans and Gasol depending on matchup

Flip Mills and Belinelli and Walker if you want but I want Walker to start

[Dex]

Murray Walker Derozan Aldridge Gasol

White Belinelli Gay Bertans Poeltl

Mills Forbes Pondexter Cunningham Metu

Flip Bertans and Gasol depending on matchup

Flip Mills and Belinelli and Walker if you want but I want Walker to start

There is no way in hell Walker will be starting this year, let alone for Game One.

[Walter Donovan]

Murray Ferrari DeRozan Aldridge Gasol
Mills White Gay Bertans Poeltl
Forbes Walker Pondexter Cunningham Metu

[illusioNtEk]

Due to the lack of playmaking ability on the bench with the loss of Ginobili, I have changed my position on Derrick White starting. He will be vital to the Spurs bench. Let Walker IV start and learn trial by fire. The veterans can carry him for the 1st half. Let Walker learn on the fly

This

[SpursDynasty85]

Due to the lack of playmaking ability on the bench with the loss of Ginobili, I have changed my position on Derrick White starting. He will be vital to the Spurs bench. Let Walker IV start and learn trial by fire. The veterans can carry him for the 1st half. Let Walker learn on the fly

Not going to happen. Plus no way he is ready to out play any of the guards except maybe Forbes. He will get little to no playing time or we will lose more games with him in the starting line up. He will progress more in the G league and be ready once he's gained some confidence and gotten used to the Spurs playbook.

[keithington1]

Walkers better than Mills, Forbes, Belinelli, agree?

[Joseph Kony]

Walkers better than Mills, Forbes, Belinelli, agree?
he certainly will be, but right now? with no time at all in a real NBA game? hell no

[SpursDynasty85]

Walkers better than Mills, Forbes, Belinelli, agree?

I say no to all of them. Walker needs a lot of work on his rhythm. We can't afford to use up NBA season games to get him ready. Thats what the G League is for. THe other 3 are ready to roll even though Walker should surpass these guys easily in about 3-4 years.

[sventhedog]

start pop. we need derozan's spark off the bench.

[Indianman]

start pop. we need derozan's spark off the bench.
Haven't had a laugh like the one that I did reading that in years now.
Thanks mate.

[keithington1]

I say no to all of them. Walker needs a lot of work on his rhythm. We can't afford to use up NBA season games to get him ready. Thats what the G League is for. THe other 3 are ready to roll even though Walker should surpass these guys easily in about 3-4 years.I think Pop will realize he's better than them during training camp. Play your best players I always say. He compliments Derozan, Murray, LMA quite well.

[Walter Donovan]

Murray Belinelli DeRozan Aldridge Gasol
Mills White Gay Bertans Poeltl
Forbes Walker Pondexter Cunningham Metu

[SpursDynasty85]

I think Pop will realize he's better than them during training camp. Play your best players I always say. He compliments Derozan, Murray, LMA quite well.

It sure would be great if Walker made huge strides in being NBA ready at 19 years old but I doubt it. He is by far the best prospect we've had since Kawhi.

[Chinook]

Murray Belinelli DeRozan Aldridge Gasol
Mills White Gay Bertans Poeltl
Forbes Walker Pondexter Cunningham Metu

Definitely the favorites. Pon is likely to get competition. Everyone else has a fully guaranteed deal.

[spurs1990]

Definitely the favorites. Pon is likely to get competition. Everyone else has a fully guaranteed deal.

Do you like Blossomgame's chances to get spot #15 or is he training camp fodder still?

[Chinook]

Do you like Blossomgame's chances to get spot #15 or is he training camp fodder still?

I don't think SA would cut Blossom if they sign him.

[spurs10]

Murray Belinelli DeRozan Aldridge Gasol
Mills White Gay Bertans Poeltl
Forbes Walker Pondexter Cunningham Metu :toast


Definitely the favorites. Pon is likely to get competition. Everyone else has a fully guaranteed deal. I've thought they might try Beli as a starter because he can shoot and spread the floor...obviously need someone who can shoot the 3. Don't you think Beli and Gay will be more considered as 3s and in Gay case. a 4 on occassion?

[venitian navigator]

Murray - De Rozan - Gay - Alridge - Poeltl
White - Walker - Bertans - Metu - Gasol
Mills - Forbes - Belinelli (Pondexter) - Cunningham

i obviously privilege defense over 3 point shooting...since my third team is made of all our worst defesive players except Cunningham.

[SpursDynasty85]

If you bench Mills over Walker, we will lose more games than not. Metu is interesting. Not sure if he should play more than Belli yet but against the Warriors I foresee his need at the 3.

White, DeRozan, Metu, Gay, Aldridge would be our death lineup more likely. Maybe Bertans in for Metu or Gay if we need more 3 pt shooting.

[Dex]

Mills and Beli will definitely be in the top 10 of the rotation. Forbes will likely be right behind them unless Walker just balls out in training camp.

[ceperez]

(1) Mills can only be paired with Murray or DeRozan
(2) White will play PG, so he's 3rd in the rotation.
(3) Gasol shouldn't be paired with Poetl

So....

Murray, Mills, DeRozan, Aldridge, Gasol
White, Belinelli, Gay, Bertans, Poetl

Forbes Walker Pondexter Cunningham Metu

Players that can make plays surrounded by players who can shoot the ball. Pop has a lot of opportunity for balance, or to create complete lopsided lineups:

Mills, Forbes, Belinelli, Bertans, Gasol ... no defense, but lots of 3's
Murray, Gay, Cunningham, Aldridge, Poetl ... all length
Murray, DeRozan, Gay, Cunningham, Metu ... switchable defense

Who knows if Pop will do the platoon substitution of old.

[spurraider21]

#ceperez

[ceperez]

Given that we don't have any aging players that *need* to win now, I would favor pop doing a lot of experimentation!

This team is loaded and will make the playoffs. I have zero confidence that they can win in the playoffs though. Let's just wait until Spurs can sign either Kay Thompson or Draymond Green.

[MaNu4Tres]

Lol at Belinelli starting.



One of the worst perimeter defenders in the NBA.

He needs to play off the bench.

I think the starting wings will be one of these three:

2- DeRozan
3- Gay

2- Walker
3 - DeRozan

2- White
3 - DeRozan

[SpursDynasty85]

Lol at Belinelli starting.



One of the worst perimeter defenders in the NBA.

He needs to play off the bench.

I think the starting wings will be one of these three:

2- DeRozan
3- Gay

2- Walker
3 - DeRozan

2- White
3 - DeRozan

If Belli is that bad then it probably wont be a good idea for him and Mills to play off the bench together. So maybe it's a forgone conclusion that Mills, Murray and DeRozan will be our back court / wings. Would prefer Poeltl and Gay over Gasol to start with LMA.

Murray, Mills, DeRozan, LMA, Gasol/Poeltl

White, Belli, Gay, Bertans, Gasol/Poeltl

Forbes and Metu on back to backs

[ceperez]

If Belli is that bad then it probably wont be a good idea for him and Mills to play off the bench together. So maybe it's a forgone conclusion that Mills, Murray and DeRozan will be our back court / wings. Would prefer Poeltl and Gay over Gasol to start with LMA.

Murray, Mills, DeRozan, LMA, Gasol/Poeltl

White, Belli, Gay, Bertans, Gasol/Poeltl

Forbes and Metu on back to backs

LMA, Gasol and Gay most likely will not play on back to backs.

[MaNu4Tres]

If Belli is that bad then it probably wont be a good idea for him and Mills to play off the bench together. So maybe it's a forgone conclusion that Mills, Murray and DeRozan will be our back court / wings. Would prefer Poeltl and Gay over Gasol to start with LMA.

Murray, Mills, DeRozan, LMA, Gasol/Poeltl

White, Belli, Gay, Bertans, Gasol/Poeltl

Forbes and Metu on back to backs

Mills & Belinelli against back ups isnt nearly as bad as one of them starting.

[SpursDynasty85]

LMA, Gasol and Gay most likely will not play on back to backs.

That's one way to get our young guys playing time. I support it 100%.

[cd021]

(1) Mills can only be paired with Murray or DeRozan
(2) White will play PG, so he's 3rd in the rotation.
(3) Gasol shouldn't be paired with Poetl

So....

Murray, Mills, DeRozan, Aldridge, Gasol
White, Belinelli, Gay, Bertans, Poetl

Forbes Walker Pondexter Cunningham Metu

Players that can make plays surrounded by players who can shoot the ball. Pop has a lot of opportunity for balance, or to create complete lopsided lineups:

Mills, Forbes, Belinelli, Bertans, Gasol ... no defense, but lots of 3's
Murray, Gay, Cunningham, Aldridge, Poetl ... all length
Murray, DeRozan, Gay, Cunningham, Metu ... switchable defense

Who knows if Pop will do the platoon substitution of old.

:tu

exactly the rotation that I had in mind.

[cd021]

LMA, Gasol and Gay most likely will not play on back to backs.
Gasol will be the only one that will sit and would probably only do so in about half of the B2B's though he'll probably only be playing around 20 mpg anyways

[tbdog]

Gasol will be the only one that will sit and would probably only do so in about half of the B2B's though he'll probably only be playing around 20 mpg anyways

Yeah. We cannot afford to sit back to backs like we use to. I only see Gasol getting minute management. Everyone else should be good to go.

[cd021]

If you bench Mills over Walker, we will lose more games than not. Metu is interesting. Not sure if he should play more than Belli yet but against the Warriors I foresee his need at the 3.

White, DeRozan, Metu, Gay, Aldridge would be our death lineup more likely. Maybe Bertans in for Metu or Gay if we need more 3 pt shooting.


Mills, Murray, DeRozen, Gay, Aldridge is almost certainly the closing unit.

and is s the "Metu at the 3" thing really catching on? Its batshit crazy to me. Never mind, he has never been a 3 but you have him in the Spurs closing lineup when he is an end of the bench developmental guy .

[LakerHater]

Walker will spend 90% in Austin.

[SpursDynasty85]

Mills, Murray, DeRozen, Gay, Aldridge is almost certainly the closing unit.

and is s the "Metu at the 3" thing really catching on? Its batshit crazy to me. Never mind, he has never been a 3 but you have him in the Spurs closing lineup when he is an end of the bench developmental guy .

Well by death lineup I mean our longest and biggest lineup. Not necessarily our best lineup. Ultimately we will need something to give fits to the Rockets and Warriors. Those teams have more skill than us so for situational purposes just like how Messinba was putting Bertans against the Warriors sometimes at the 3 or even 2 we need to experiment even in spurts. Metu is definitely more suited at the 4 and I wouldn't want to see him at the 5 because he is so small. Would love to see if he works out as our KD stopper for 20 mpg.

[Nivek_ogre]

Gasol has no business in the starting lineup. He's a situational match up at best.

[TimmyBuckets]

idc what anyone says. If this rag tag group gets top 3 in the west, Pop should be COY

[TimmyBuckets]

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2018/9/4/17662594/most-important-numbers-for-every-spur-2018-19-lamarcus-aldridge-demar-derozan

tldr:

Bryn Forbes (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/282813/bryn-forbes): 3PT FG%
Over/under: 39

Lonnie Walker IV (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/299900/lonnie-walker-iv): Minutes played
Over/under: 150

Chimezie Metu (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/299899/chimezie-metu): Defensive rebound rate
Over/under: 18.5

Marco Belinelli (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296611/marco-belinelli): Off-screen points per possession
Over/under: 1.1

Pau Gasol (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296721/pau-gasol): Plus/minus
Over/under: 0.0

Derrick White: Pull-up shooting effective field-goal %
Over/under: 44

Dante Cunningham (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/297110/dante-cunningham): Catch-and-shoot 3PT%
Over/under: 35

Dejounte Murray: Deflections per game
Over/under: 2.6

Patty Mills (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296732/patty-mills): Average speed on offense
Over/under: 5.1

Rudy Gay (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296725/rudy-gay): % of Clutch minutes played
Over/under: 42.5

Davis Bertans: 3 point field-goal attempts per game
Over/under: 4.2

Jakob Poeltl (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/276640/jakob-poeltl): Fouls per 36 minutes
Over/under: 4.0

LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296740/lamarcus-aldridge): Catch-and-shoot effective FG%
Over/under: 46

DeMar DeRozan (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296661/demar-derozan): Assists per game
Over/under: 4.0

[Fusternino]

Aldridge needs to shoot 2-3 3's a game.

[Dex]

Spurs need at least two players who can shoot over 40% from three this season on a solid number of attempts.

[SpursDynasty85]

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2018/9/4/17662594/most-important-numbers-for-every-spur-2018-19-lamarcus-aldridge-demar-derozan

tldr:

Bryn Forbes (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/282813/bryn-forbes): 3PT FG%
Over/under: 39

OVER

Lonnie Walker IV (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/299900/lonnie-walker-iv): Minutes played
Over/under: 150

UNDER

Chimezie Metu (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/299899/chimezie-metu): Defensive rebound rate
Over/under: 18.5

?? I dont know what this is

Marco Belinelli (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296611/marco-belinelli): Off-screen points per possession

IDK
Over/under: 1.1

Pau Gasol (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296721/pau-gasol): Plus/minus
Over/under: 0.0

Over

Derrick White: Pull-up shooting effective field-goal %
Over/under: 44

Under/Over - Depends on which is the push

Dante Cunningham (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/297110/dante-cunningham): Catch-and-shoot 3PT%
Over/under: 35

Under

Dejounte Murray: Deflections per game
Over/under: 2.6

Under

Patty Mills (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296732/patty-mills): Average speed on offense
Over/under: 5.1

?? IDK

Rudy Gay (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296725/rudy-gay): % of Clutch minutes played
Over/under: 42.5

Total Clutch Minutes? HAS TO BE OVER!?

Davis Bertans: 3 point field-goal attempts per game
Over/under: 4.2

OVER

Jakob Poeltl (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/276640/jakob-poeltl): Fouls per 36 minutes
Over/under: 4.0

UNDER

LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296740/lamarcus-aldridge): Catch-and-shoot effective FG%
Over/under: 46

Over/Under - Depends on the push

DeMar DeRozan (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296661/demar-derozan): Assists per game
Over/under: 4.0

OVER

[Dverde]

After the injuries...

Forbes, DeRozen, Gay, LMA, Gasol

I think Pop keeps Patty on the bench.