LWIV back on main squad!

[HWoodNixon]

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2018/12/23/18154438/spurs-recall-lonnie-walker-chimezie-metu-from-austin

[BillMc]

Wahoo!

https://i.imgur.com/Gv0evM2.gif?noredirect

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

it moved

[SpurPadre]

Come on Lonnie, relegate that scrub Forbes to towel waiving duty where he belongs.

[FkLA]

NBA = fucked

[FkLA]

Come on Lonnie, relegate that scrub Forbes to towel waiving duty where he belongs.

Forbes is good, tbh.

[TimmyBuckets]

Come on Lonnie, relegate that scrub Cunningham to towel waiving duty where he belongs.

[SpurPadre]

Forbes is good, tbh.

He has a negative net rating of -4.03 mainly due to his atrocious defense. He has amongst the worst RPM of all starting guards. And he is a very limited offensive player. He's way out of his realm considering the role he's been given.

[John B]

They don’t play until Wednesday so maybe just to practice with the team and evaluate from there. As much as we need his defense, we need Forbes to open up lanes for Demar and LMA, which LW4 has yet to prove a consistent shot.

[SpurPadre]

They don’t play until Wednesday so maybe just to practice with the team and evaluate from there. As much as we need his defense, we need Forbes to open up lanes for Demar and LMA, which LW4 has yet to prove a consistent shot.

Forbes' role of opening lanes for DeMar and LMA isn't indispensable. Do people really think they go to games thinking, "Damn, I sure am lucky Forbes is starting, otherwise I'd be fucked!" :lol

[Stabula]

Come on Lonnie, relegate that scrub Forbes to towel waiving duty where he belongs.

SpursTalk never lets you down when you want to hear a trash-tier take.

[TDomination]

Awesome! Even if it's just for limited minutes I would love to see him play!

[dbestpro]

Still need a true PG, and a 3 and D SF.

[RC_Drunkford]

He will be back in Austin once we play our next game

[r0drig0lac]

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/lobt2.gif https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/lobt2.gif https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/lobt2.gif https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/lobt2.gif https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/lobt2.gif https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/lobt2.gif

[ceperez]

I don't think LWIV is ready until he can shoot the 3 more consistently.

White is a much better 3pt shooter and yet he hasn't shot well enough!

Metu... I can't see how he fits in the 2nd team.

[Strategic]

Always like good news

[John B]

Forbes' role of opening lanes for DeMar and LMA isn't indispensable. Do people really think they go to games thinking, "Damn, I sure am lucky Forbes is starting, otherwise I'd be fucked!" :lol
Understood and I for one am excited to see LW4 finally and see what the kid can do. I’ve seen Forbes played perfectly with the 2nd team, Belli, Mills, Davis and Poeltl. It was beautiful to watch that chemistry, and I even think that squad has better offensive chemistry and flow than the 1st team, especially in today’s basketball. LW4 with his defense would’ve fit perfectly with White, Demar, Gay and LM4 20 years ago. White/LW4 and even Demar really need to develop consistent 3 to make that squad playable in today’s basketball. Or maybe to close games when they have the lead?

[spursparker9]

He will be back in Austin once we play our next game

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/really-good-point.gif

[hater]

Forbes is good, tbh.

:tu

He is ok cant complain from a 3rd string guard

F course us losing our MVP PG to Bobcats and our 2nd string PG to a knee explosion doesnt help

But for a 3rd string guard he is good no doubt about it

[HankChinaski]

:tu

He is ok cant complain from a 3rd string guard

F course us losing our MVP PG to Bobcats and our 2nd string PG to a knee explosion doesnt help

But for a 3rd string guard he is good no doubt about it

THIS.

People call Forbes trash, can't comprehend the depth charts of a NBA Roster through a season. Forbes has been throw-in to the starting line-up and has done a passable job with the duties he isn't always fully equipped to handle. For what he makes and where his strengths are, Forbes has done a acceptable job at that.

Lonnie Walker IV is coming up to practice with the squad to more than likely be evaluated by the coaching staff firsthand to see how he is coming along and possibly see where they can use him now without destroying the current chemistry with the rotations as of now as well to see where he can begin focusing his talents towards the next month/into the end of the season down in the G-League.

That is my assessment of what is currently happening. Having said that it is good to hear he will be up with the main squad, hopefully he can show the coaching staff he is capable of being injected into roster and play minutes as they are expecting.

[Mirrornick]

Seriously fuck Forbes. Dude is a good 3rd string point guard. He doesn't do anything other than Chuck long 3s facing away.

[ceperez]

Maybe a 2nd team line up of Mills, Walker IV, Belinelli, Bertans and Poetl may work out well. You need a slasher like Walker IV to free up the 3 point shooters.

[TimDunkem]

Forbes is not good. Just about everyone - except our stars, of course - can shoot threes. He is nothing special on offense, and obviously doesn't play defense...or do anything else really.

HE SUCKS.

[ulosturedge]

Forbes has done a good job filling a role. No one said he was starting pg material. His defense is something left to be desired. Lonnie Walker maybe an upgrade on defense based on athletiscm but he still needs to learn to play defense. I think ppl here just like to hate on Forbes.

[TimmyBuckets]

Figures Lonnie thread turns into Forbes thread. Hope they give Lonnie some minutes.

[duncan2150]

I don’t like forbes but he is playing well offensively. There is no reason To bench him, still i hope he will not play more than 20 minutes per Game.

For lonnie, if nobody is injured he will not play i think. I hope he can play but the team is playing good BB and we know spurs history with rookies.

[J_Paco]

Still need a true PG, and a 3 and D SF.

Pretty sure White can man the PG spot but he's still too jittery and lacks consistency.

Finding another wing player is far more vital, but I'd rather that happen after the season if isn't a developmental player. No need losing assets to overcompensate for the issue, IMO.

[John B]

Why only LW4 and Meto? Why not call Moore also and maybe take Dante’s any minutes, see what the guy can bring against bigs

[jjktkk]

Forbes has done a good job filling a role. No one said he was starting pg material. His defense is something left to be desired. Lonnie Walker maybe an upgrade on defense based on athletiscm but he still needs to learn to play defense. I think ppl here just like to hate on Forbes.

Exactly. Forbes is a specialty player which is to bring scoring off the bench. I don't get the overanalyzing of him by some on here.

[Gordy58]

Seriously fuck Forbes. Dude is a good 3rd string point guard. He doesn't do anything other than Chuck long 3s facing away.
You been watching the games? Forbes can also take it to the rack and his passing really helps the offense at times, he’s just limited as a defender due to his size and lack of anticipation skills with steals, but it’s clear pop is really in his head about playing better defense. Not bad for an undrafted player.

[spurs10]

Wahoo!

https://i.imgur.com/Gv0evM2.gif?noredirect Woot!!

[TheGreatYacht]

Everyone trashing on Forbes.... White is even worse

[playbonner15]

About time Lonnie gets some playing time, even just to defend and hustle tbh

[skin27]

Pop will jus bench this scrub..tbh,


i see nothing special about his game

[Mirrornick]

You been watching the games? Forbes can also take it to the rack and his passing really helps the offense at times, he’s just limited as a defender due to his size and lack of anticipation skills with steals, but it’s clear pop is really in his head about playing better defense. Not bad for an undrafted player.

1 or 2 good games doesn't justify that he is nothing more than a chucker.

[Sigiedwards]

Hopefully this guy won't disappoint but I guess we will have to wait and see

[RC_Drunkford]

:tu

He is ok cant complain from a 3rd string guard


F course us losing our MVP PG to Bobcats and our 2nd string PG to a knee explosion doesnt help

But for a 3rd string guard he is good no doubt about it

agree and the main thing is he also gets paid like a 3rd string guard in contrast to another undersized SG that's on our roster

[dbestpro]

Its Christmas day and Forbes is still > White.

[BackHome]

He should be White is a rookie while Forbes is not

[John B]

Excited to see what he can offer, albeit now in limited minutes. Unless it’s a blowout game, I don’t expect to see him

[offset formation]

Walker IV is active for tonight's game vs Denver. His first NBA minutes probably come tonight boys.

[Seventyniner]

Pop will jus bench this scrub..tbh,

Of course. Lonnie just got promoted to the bench.

[RC_Drunkford]

His defense will be what determines his playing time

[Larry O]

I'd be shocked if this were to happen, but for smiles & giggles... let's say if Pop were to start LWIV tonight, would he play the two or the three spot? And would you start White over Forbes? And also, let's say that Pau is cleared for tonight's game, would he inserted into the starting lineup as the center for that "high-low" connection he & LMA have (LMA would be back to PF while RG22 comes off the bench), plus having Pau's presence for his rebounding, passing, defense & ability to stretch the floor? Just some hypotheticals as well as something to kick around... GSG!!!

[r0drig0lac]

I'd be shocked if this were to happen, but for smiles & giggles... let's say if Pop were to start LWIV tonight, would he play the two or the three spot? And would you start White over Forbes? And also, let's say that Pau is cleared for tonight's game, would he inserted into the starting lineup as the center for that "high-low" connection he & LMA have (LMA would be back to PF while RG22 comes off the bench), plus having Pau's presence for his rebounding, passing, defense & ability to stretch the floor? Just some hypotheticals as well as something to kick around... GSG!!!

sg for sure

[TimmyBuckets]

About time Lonnie gets some playing time, even just to defend and hustle tbh


His defense will be what determines his playing time

[John B]

If we get the lead early, then possibly we see White/LW4 depending the guard penetration. Jamal can really get pesky. Spurs can score, it’s relinquishing the lead that’s a problem and LW4 can help, again to maintain the lead and close it. 2nd unit of Forbes, Mills, Belli, Davis, Poeltl or with maybe Gay/Demar could be fun

[BackHome]

Walker was brought in for offense he has not shown he is a good defender yet.

[Larry O]

Walker was brought in for offense he has not shown he is a good defender yet.

It's true that LW4 has physical skills as an upside for offensive scorer, but as poster, The Drew Show posted that pic of LW4 in his post of his media interview following this morning's shootaround, LW4 did mention that the coaching staff is monitoring his progress; coaching him up & they also have him to watch film of his game & plays as a teaching tool, but they also want him (just as the rest of the team) to excell in defense as a first option, for he's learning & understanding the philosophy that defense is what wins most games. He knows that this will keep him on the court. GSG!!!

[Spurs da champs]

They should have him study Marco, that defense of his helps him stay in games along with his excellent shot selection.

[BackHome]

Well only if he can shoot the 3 ball as good as him :wow

As far as the interview you can tell he is over his self he is understanding that he is going to have a complete game to get playing time or to stay in the league. I have watched him play in Austin the guy is as athletic as hell but he is also still very raw. I like the way the Spurs are approaching him as far as monitoring his health and spending time with him on coaching all the small things.

I do think He and Metu will get some playing time as the next several games are on the road and I can see us getting blown out in one or two of them.

[duncan2k5]

Well only if he can shoot the 3 ball as good as him :wow

As far as the interview you can tell he is over his self he is understanding that he is going to have a complete game to get playing time or to stay in the league. I have watched him play in Austin the guy is as athletic as hell but he is also still very raw. I like the way the Spurs are approaching him as far as monitoring his health and spending time with him on coaching all the small things.

I do think He and Metu will get some playing time as the next several games are on the road and I can see us getting blown out in one or two of them.

This over yourself stuff is bullshit... There are TONS of stars we would love to come here who had coaches that didn't beat them down until they got over themselves...

[RC_Drunkford]

short stint

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1078388193202827264

[TheGreatYacht]

:lol His season is going just about how most non-vanilla posters expected. Austin all star, healthy DNP's with the first team, etc

Lol at the idiots who were banking on him getting healthy to save our season. This is Pop. Old dogs don't learn new tricks.

[Pavlov]

:lol His season is going just about how most non-vanilla posters expected. Austin all star, healthy DNP's with the first team, etc

Lol at the idiots who were banking on him getting healthy to save our season. This is Pop. Old dogs don't learn new tricks.Also he's not all that good right now.

[ceperez]

Also he's not all that good right now.

I agree with this. If he was consistently scoring 24+ points in G-league, then I would say he might be ready. He scores in the teens. Metu scores in the 20s.

[Dverde]

I would only expect to see him if Demar or Marco gets hurt.

[Dex]

1078400328150773760

Well that didn't last long :lol

[John B]

I really like LW4 getting Q-Pon’s minutes. But I guess Pops wants him to play as much minutes to develop more, instead of riding the bench

[Larry O]

Spurs today announced that they have recalled guard Lonnie Walker IV from the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League.

LW4 will be available for tonight's game against the Raptors. Would be surprised if he actually gets playing time unless it's a blowout. Perhaps since RG22 may be out, LW4 is probably brought in as an extra body just in case an injury to the wing position happens. With RG22 out, it will
interesting to see if SAS will start JP25 again or go with DC33 to guard No.2? I can see DC33 get the start with SAS giving No.2 multiple looks on defense. Hopefully LMA can feast early and often playing bully ball against Ibaka. GSG!!!

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Probably won't play. I hope he gets some run soon, though. I like his skillset.

[SpursDynasty85]

He played garbage time and its obvious he is not ready to contribute. Let's stop all this PATFO bashing and making it seem like Walker IV needs playing time over anybody on this team right now. I would argue he won't be ready next year either. He has no feel for the NBA team game right now.

[ninjaskrzypek]

He played garbage time and its obvious he is not ready to contribute. Let's stop all this PATFO bashing and making it seem like Walker IV needs playing time over anybody on this team right now. I would argue he won't be ready next year either. He has no feel for the NBA team game right now.

All this from 4 min of garbage time?

[SpursDynasty85]

All this from 4 min of garbage time?

He was a cone out there and our team is stacked with gaurds and is playing beautiful basketball. I've seen his summer league and g league play. Derrick White and Forbes killed in G League and Summer League. Mills, Belinelli, and DeRozan would too. QPon is a smarter defender and savvy veteran. Lonnie is better off in the G league this year with in and out stints next year. If Lonnie is ready he should be dominating the G league.

[Spurtacular]

He played garbage time and its obvious he is not ready to contribute. Let's stop all this PATFO bashing and making it seem like Walker IV needs playing time over anybody on this team right now. I would argue he won't be ready next year either. He has no feel for the NBA team game right now.

He's just coming back from injury; too early to say all that; especially with how good he was looking before the injury.

[NASpurs]

He was a cone out there and our team is stacked with gaurds and is playing beautiful basketball. I've seen his summer league and g league play. Derrick White and Forbes killed in G League and Summer League. Mills, Belinelli, and DeRozan would too. QPon is a smarter defender and savvy veteran. Lonnie is better off in the G league this year with in and out stints next year. If Lonnie is ready he should be dominating the G league.

Sorry I quoted you, didn’t mean to but on the other hand, I was thinking you’re a retard. Lol QPon

[SpursDynasty85]

Sorry I quoted you, didn’t mean to but on the other hand, I was thinking you’re a retard. Lol QPon

Well if you mentioning Qpon means you rather have him sit on the bench like Qpon you are not very smart. Qpon is a garbage time, emergency veteran on the end of the bench. That's his role and it makes sense. Lonnie is a young inexperienced player who needs as many minutes as possible. Makes sense that Lonnie is in the G league starting every gameand Qpon sits at the end of the bench.

[SpursDynasty85]

He's just coming back from injury; too early to say all that; especially with how good he was looking before the injury.

But still, if that is the case the G League is the perfect place to be to get his rhythm and show what he can do. If he was ready he'd be killing in the G league. So far that is not the case at all. If he's killing it like D White was last year, I would totally understand an argument for it but at this point its unrealistic hope to see him become a contributor this season.

[alpha_HaZE]

He was a cone out there and our team is stacked with gaurds and is playing beautiful basketball. I've seen his summer league and g league play. Derrick White and Forbes killed in G League and Summer League. Mills, Belinelli, and DeRozan would too. QPon is a smarter defender and savvy veteran. Lonnie is better off in the G league this year with in and out stints next year. If Lonnie is ready he should be dominating the G league.

Good points!

[BackHome]

You are correct right now Metu, Ben Moore, and Nick Johnson are putting up better numbers then Walker. He is not ready yet and needs all the playing time he can get which means G League even more then White probably.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Hard to tell much from last night. He stood around on D, didn’t get in front of anyone and had slow feet, but it may have been because the game was essentially over.

[picnroll]

Just saw the video of Walker’s behind the back dribble drive to the basket. Dayam that was one sweet smooth move.

[playbonner15]

Yeah was hoping we can see his defense since the team needs a defensive wing. But he’s not there

[Spurs da champs]

All this from 4 min of garbage time?
Garbage time and first live action in the NBA. Talk about an overreaction. :lmao

[RC_Drunkford]

I think he should get minutes. He looks like he will foul too often if he defends people, but he can definitely get to the rim and his shot looks smooth. Would love to see him as the 10th guy in the rotation getting like 5-10 minutes a night so he can adjust to NBA physicality and learn some things

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

I think he should get minutes. He looks like he will foul too often if he defends people, but he can definitely get to the rim and his shot looks smooth. Would love to see him as the 10th guy in the rotation getting like 5-10 minutes a night so he can adjust to NBA physicality and learn some things

is 20-30 in g league more or less valuable than 5-10 in nba?

theyll prolly mix it up and he’ll spend 90% of time in gleague with spot callups for nba minutes i would guess

[RC_Drunkford]

is 20-30 in g league more or less valuable than 5-10 in nba?

theyll prolly mix it up and he’ll spend 90% of time in gleague with spot callups for nba minutes i would guess

he should go back and forth, but he should also get NBA minutes. The sooner he can feel out how to play in the big league the sooner he can contribute. He has to learn how to defend NBA players first and stay out of foul trouble. There's a huge difference between G-League and NBA

[weebo]

LWIV will be the next great Spur, barring injuries--but let's be real. He's not ready to contribute--in his brief time playing he showed flashes of what he can become but he also looked lost--he'll get better playing/learning in Austin...once their season is over he'll join the Spurs and get spot minutes to get him some exposure and some idea of what he needs to work on during the offseason.

[picnroll]

Like virtually all Spurs rookies, second year players playing time when called up, put in a game should correlate with defensive effort, effectiveness.

[r0drig0lac]

Just saw the video of Walker’s behind the back dribble drive to the basket. Dayam that was one sweet smooth move.

very high potential...the guy will be a star.

[Pavlov]

Is playing for Austin starting now if you want to see him.

[Spurs fever]

I'm liking the way the Spurs are developing these newer bash of players. I'm looking forward to our future. Lonnie, Derrick, Bryn, DJ!

[emanueldavidginobili]

He should defintely be with the G league to get those minutes in but at the same time he should be getting called up each and every time Austin has no game and a break to be with the main squad. Even if it’s just to sit on the bench it’s still good to be around the team and see how things work. Also to get some garbage minutes if the game is a blow out.

[r0drig0lac]

Josh Huestis in ...hummm

[Pavlov]

Lonnie's three is falling; layups are getting blocked.

[Pavlov]

A couple of good iso plays for Lonnie late in the second. Cut off at the baseline on both of them. Spin move out of one for a layup and passed to Moore coming down the middle for an assist on the other.

[Pavlov]

Release isn't fast but his three point shot is smooth.

Nobody on this team sets a decent pick which is a shame.

[BD24]

His defense looked like shit the other night. Won’t judge too much off of a few minutes in garbage time though

[r0drig0lac]

onfire, future star

[Pavlov]

Taking over the game with his jumper. Might be too late though.

[Rocalcio]

He’s killing it right now, has 34 pts.

[SpursDynasty85]

jumper is looking good.

[Pavlov]

Finally found a play that works for him. Was awesome coming off high screens on the sides. Got maybe six points in the paint. Passing and D weren't good.

[r0drig0lac]

this was probably the first time he had the freedom to run the offense as a primary playmaker

[Robz4000]

Finally found a play that works for him. Was awesome coming off high screens on the sides. Got maybe six points in the paint. Passing and D weren't good.

Haven't watched him in the D-league as much as you prolly have. Is his defense as bad as I saw or was today just a bad game?

[picnroll]

Didn’t see the game. Box score 4 of 6 on 3s which is nice. Rebounding and assists not so great.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhiS2VzaxS8

[Chinook]

Thanks for the highlights. Looking more comfortable. That's what I'm getting from that performance. We'll see if he's turned a corner in his shooting. Still with a ways to go, but it looks like that short stint with the big club might have had a good effect on him.

[Pavlov]

Haven't watched him in the D-league as much as you prolly have. Is his defense as bad as I saw or was today just a bad game?I don't think he has natural instincts for defense but with his physical tools he should be trainable enough to not be a huge liability there.

[emanueldavidginobili]

this was probably the first time he had the freedom to run the offense as a primary playmaker
Exactly, usually Nick Johnson is jacking up shots tbh

[Pavlov]

His isos and drives weren't as good as one thinks they should be at this level, though Memphis is long and well coached. The high screen plays were great since he'll get better screens in the NBA and was getting into his shot as soon as he got separation.

[acoelho1]

He's got good mechanics and elevation on his shot so I'm not really worried about his jumper. The question for me is what is his BBIQ. His speed and athleticism is also special.

[J_Paco]

He's got good mechanics and elevation on his shot so I'm not really worried about his jumper. The question for me is what is his BBIQ. His speed and athleticism is also special.

He reminds me a lot of Zach Lavine with his fluidity, movements and overall athleticism on offense. Zach has way better hoops (pre - ACL tear), but both guys (still) have (a lot of) leaping ability to spare.

He seems like Westbrook in that his leaping ability looks more impressive in-game compared to during testing.....

[Namundy]

Tremendous balance and confidence on his jumper.

[Coach X]

Ok, we had some minutes of Walker.

The kid keeps showing great potential. And his game is still raw.

You all will name here is good actions, let me be the grumpy old man.
- Misses a P&R defense call, Aldridge clearly calls PUSH and he doesn't deny middle, allowing his man to take the pick, drive to the basket and score.
- Soft 1on1 defense in several actions, far and near the basket. Evitable fouling.
- White recognizes a mismatch after a pick and tries to give the ball to Rudy in the post. Makes a signal to Lonnie in order to stop his cut and stay in the opposite side of the court. Walker doesn't notice/doesn't listen and White has to look for an alternative option.
- Turnover pushing the ball in traffic with no need to do it.
- A few more subtle details about spacing in offense and defensive positioning.

Everything pretty basic and easy for the average young NBA player. I'm not setting the execution bar at a 10-year veteran level. Lonnie still needs to LEARN the game with the Toros.
If you like the boy, don't rush him. Allow him to build his game up playing minutes in Austin. When you feel impatient, watch D White and think if his game would have been the same without spending one season in the Development team. And Walker is 19! White was a 23years old rookie!

[phxspurfan]

Ok, we had some minutes of Walker.

The kid keeps showing great potential. And his game is still raw.

You all will name here is good actions, let me be the grumpy old man.
- Misses a P&R defense call, Aldridge clearly calls PUSH and he doesn't deny middle, allowing his man to take the pick, drive to the basket and score.
- Soft 1on1 defense in several actions, far and near the basket. Evitable fouling.
- White recognizes a mismatch after a pick and tries to give the ball to Rudy in the post. Makes a signal to Lonnie in order to stop his cut and stay in the opposite side of the court. Walker doesn't notice/doesn't listen and White has to look for an alternative option.
- Turnover pushing the ball in traffic with no need to do it.
- A few more subtle details about spacing in offense and defensive positioning.

Everything pretty basic and easy for the average young NBA player. I'm not setting the execution bar at a 10-year veteran level. Lonnie still needs to LEARN the game with the Toros.
If you like the boy, don't rush him. Allow him to build his game up playing minutes in Austin. When you feel impatient, watch D White and think if his game would have been the same without spending one season in the Development team. And Walker is 19! White was a 23years old rookie!

He’s not going to be known for his defense or b-ball IQ. He will be a chucker and a scorer. But he’s athletic af so he can be a poor mans D Wade if he develops a shitload of moves like D Wade had when he came into the league.

[GreekSpursfan]

He needs to take the defensive approach like Pop did with Kawhi. If that doesn't happen, if he doesn't develop that part of his game first, he's not gonna stay with the Spurs, Pop will make sure of that.

[GAustex]

Intrigued by his athleticism (he jumps are outstanding) but he really was not good on defense. He could not get around a pick at all. He needs to master that jump forward move as the pick is set and then slide over it so that he can stay with his man. Hopefully he can get a sense of what to do quick or Pop will not have his no defense.

[ceperez]

Ok, we had some minutes of Walker.

The kid keeps showing great potential. And his game is still raw.

You all will name here is good actions, let me be the grumpy old man.
- Misses a P&R defense call, Aldridge clearly calls PUSH and he doesn't deny middle, allowing his man to take the pick, drive to the basket and score.
- Soft 1on1 defense in several actions, far and near the basket. Evitable fouling.
- White recognizes a mismatch after a pick and tries to give the ball to Rudy in the post. Makes a signal to Lonnie in order to stop his cut and stay in the opposite side of the court. Walker doesn't notice/doesn't listen and White has to look for an alternative option.
- Turnover pushing the ball in traffic with no need to do it.
- A few more subtle details about spacing in offense and defensive positioning.

Everything pretty basic and easy for the average young NBA player. I'm not setting the execution bar at a 10-year veteran level. Lonnie still needs to LEARN the game with the Toros.
If you like the boy, don't rush him. Allow him to build his game up playing minutes in Austin. When you feel impatient, watch D White and think if his game would have been the same without spending one season in the Development team. And Walker is 19! White was a 23years old rookie!

:bobo

Definitely needs to focus on better defense.

[SpurPadre]

Intrigued by his athleticism (he jumps are outstanding) but he really was not good on defense. He could not get around a pick at all. He needs to master that jump forward move as the pick is set and then slide over it so that he can stay with his man. Hopefully he can get a sense of what to do quick or Pop will not have his no defense.

Pop has no problem with Forbes' no defense so that would be hypocritical of Pop not to cut Walker some slack at 19 years old.

[Mikeanaro]

He’s not going to be known for his defense or b-ball IQ. He will be a chucker and a scorer. But he’s athletic af so he can be a poor mans D Wade if he develops a shitload of moves like D Wade had when he came into the league.
Whistle moves.

[John B]

His ticket to getting minutes is D. Forbes and Mills can score but big/athletic guards just go through them and the whole defense collapse. Playing great D and hitting those open shots. Rebounds and pushing the fastbreak would be a plus. I’m sure Pop just got his feet wet especially with DDR/Davis down. But he’s going back to Austin for more seasoning. But I like the athleticism, shooting range a lot. Kinda reminds me of Sprewell??

[BackHome]

He reminds me off a short young Sean Elliott.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HQuzRf_nvI

[RC_Drunkford]

Give this kid more NBA minutes. His defense will improve by playing. Offensively he has the moves and athleticism, just needs to learn which spots to be in when sets are run.

[ceperez]

Give this kid more NBA minutes. His defense will improve by playing. Offensively he has the moves and athleticism, just needs to learn which spots to be in when sets are run.

I agree that he can't learn NBA level defense playing only in the G-league. Pop should just have him defend the best offensive wing on the court (sink or swim). That'll help White focus more energy on running the offense.

[ceperez]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HQuzRf_nvI

He's asking to guard the best player.... let him have it! Have him guard Bradley Beal!

[picnroll]

Certainly has no lack of confidence. A few film sessions with Pop and let’s see where he’s at.

[CGD]

I like it man. And say what you want about late rounds duds/non-factors like Ian, LJC, and TBD Mulitinov, but RC has done some WORK 3 straights years deep in the draft.

A lot of it comes from players seeing the value of essentially red shirting one year. Not just from talent development POV, but the fact that as a late pick they have a great shot at getting PAID. See Kyle, Bert, CoJo (hell, you can even lump Ian in there).

In my minds makes those 2 firsts this draft that much more valuable.

[ceperez]

I like it man. And say what you want about late rounds duds/non-factors like Ian, LJC, and TBD Mulitinov, but RC has done some WORK 3 straights years deep in the draft.

A lot of it comes from players seeing the value of essentially red shirting one year. Not just from talent development POV, but the fact that as a late pick they have a great shot at getting PAID. See Kyle, Bert, CoJo (hell, you can even lump Ian in there).

In my minds makes those 2 firsts this draft that much more valuable.

The record shows that Spurs have draft 4 NBA quality players in the last 5 years on high draft picks. That's beating the usual odds by a mile!



Anderson, Murray, White, Walker.

The only one questionable in Mulitinov, who hasn't played yet but may be a good trade asset.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

The record shows that Spurs have draft 4 NBA quality players in the last 5 years on high draft picks. That's beating the usual odds by a mile!



Anderson, Murray, White, Walker.

The only one questionable in Mulitinov, who hasn't played yet but may be a good trade asset.

Milutinov absolutely is NBA quality, he's more advanced than Baynes was when they brought him. He's a back up big at least, I'd compare him to Gortat, who's had a decent career.

The problem isn't his talent, it's his contract. Seems like he won't sign the rookie scale deal and will look for something between that and what Bogdanovic got. This would be a problem for any team looking to sign him, so he won't be much of a trade asset unless someone likes him a lot and is willing to use cap space for him (Vlade?).

[picnroll]

Milutinov absolutely is NBA quality, he's more advanced than Baynes was when they brought him. He's a back up big at least, I'd compare him to Gortat, who's had a decent career.

The problem isn't his talent, it's his contract. Seems like he won't sign the rookie scale deal and will look for something between that and what Bogdanovic got. This would be a problem for any team looking to sign him, so he won't be much of a trade asset unless someone likes him a lot and is willing to use cap space for him (Vlade?).

Unless you’re a fairly exceptional big man the contract value of bigs in the NBA is in serious decline.

[BackHome]

You still need bigs hell look at Warriors signing Cousins but agree not like you needed in Shaq days.

[CGD]

The record shows that Spurs have draft 4 NBA quality players in the last 5 years on high draft picks. That's beating the usual odds by a mile!



Anderson, Murray, White, Walker.

The only one questionable in Mulitinov, who hasn't played yet but may be a good trade asset.

That’s right! I forgot Kyle and CoJo, each of who got PAID. Regardless of whether Multinov comes or not, can’t say Spurs wiffed if he turns into the Euro MVP.

[acoelho1]

He's got a textbook form on his jump shot with good elevation. The guy has some serious tools and easily the most athletic on the team. We already hit solid players with Murray and White and if Walker ends up being another one, we are right back in business. I hope he gets more time but he'll probably get a DNP from Pop in the Wizards game. I've noticed that's what Pop does with young players after giving them an extended run.