Spurs Select F Luka Samanic in the 2019 NBA Draft (19th Overall)

[Dejounte]

I think his lack of interest is him being in Austin playing. He was drafted by an NBA team, his dream was to play in the NBA, and he’s been told that he has to play for the fucking Austin Spurs. Not everyone responds well to that like Pop expects them to. If he bulks up though then he can help the team a lot. Anything else he does in Austin is kinda worthless tbh.

If hes not dominating in Austin (like Keldon), he doesnt deserve to get minutes in SA.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Trade him. It's waaay too early for him to be having attitude problems when he hasn't shown anything especially noteworthy that demands accommodation.

[Dejounte]

Im really not sure how yall are taking Luka liking that tweet as a swipe against the Spurs... The tweet was made from a Grizzlies reporter. If anything, hes liking it because he wants to remember people who doubt his draft selection and prove them wrong. Please read the tweet again.

[rascal]

It was a bad draft pick. The Spurs drafted a player not even good enough to make the team. Bad pick

[BALLZ & MY WORD]

Im really not sure how yall are taking Luka liking that tweet as a swipe against the Spurs... The tweet was made from a Grizzlies reporter. If anything, hes liking it because he wants to remember people who doubt his draft selection and prove them wrong. Please read the tweet again.

����

[BD24]

Wait - Did Drew say Clarke is losing minutes to Ja Morant? The Grizz's star PG? What do his minutes as a PF have to do with Ja's?
Haha. Glad I’m not the only one that caught that :lol

[emanueldavidginobili]

1215835398871691265

He also liked this.

[JuneJive]

It was a bad draft pick. The Spurs drafted a player not even good enough to make the team. Bad pick

Yeah. Because he is a final product. Lol.

[daslicer]

I can't judge this kid right now. We will know in 3-4 years whether or not this was a good pick. I know that's going to anger some people because they want results now but that's just the way it is.

[Prime BEEF]

If hes not dominating in Austin (like Keldon), he doesnt deserve to get minutes in SA.
Agree. Yeah pop sucks but if you can’t play well in g league then you aren’t getting called up

[Kobe'sAchilles]

If hes not dominating in Austin (like Keldon), he doesnt deserve to get minutes in SA.
Idgaf about his Austin Spurs numbers tbh. Even though aren't bad at all. He needs to bulk up and get stronger. His skills are NBA ready, but his body isn't. I agree he is a year away, but some of these takes are ridiculous. Dude was 19 and moved to another country to play in the NBA and gets put in the G-League instead and people are saying he has attitude problems :lol

[itzsoweezee]

It was an incredibly dumb draft by the Spurs. Clark was the obvious better choice. A guaranteed NBA roleplayer at pick 19 is a no brainer.

Then they picked up an undersized guard on a team full of them.

Spurs continue to fuck up. An organization without direction or any smart people at the lead

[UZER]

1215835398871691265

He also liked this.

He’s going to keep liking them for 3 more years.

Eventually, and we’re probably there already, players are going to hate getting drafted by the Spurs, as long as Pop is in charge and around.

[boutons_deux]

Manu's career was a disaster because he was missing 30 pounds of muscle

[Harry Callahan]

Would someone please post Dirk Nowitzki's rookie year statistics? I think he had an adjustment period before he took off.

Luka S. should get a chance to develop - he just turned 20 years old.

[Prime BEEF]

Dirk was on the roster and playing his rookie year. It took him a little bit to start averaging +20ppg though. However, Luka isn’t even on the roster. Sure give him time to develop but his ceiling is a role player off the bench. He is what I thought he was pre-draft. Luka isn’t saving this franchise and may not even be on the roster in a couple of seasons

[Texas_Ranger]

Would someone please post Dirk Nowitzki's rookie year statistics? I think he had an adjustment period before he took off.

Luka S. should get a chance to develop - he just turned 20 years old.

8, 3 & 1... not great but still better than 0, 0 & 0.

[dbestpro]

Dirk was 20 before his rookie season started. He's about one year difference. Dirk averaged 8 ppg his rookie year. Just saying.

[cd98]

Also, the G-League didn't exist as a place to develop young players when Dirk joined the league.

[Harry Callahan]

8, 3 & 1... not great but still better than 0, 0 & 0.

There was no G-League and the Mavericks were way worse his rookie season than this Spurs roster.

I'm making the comparison realizing Samanic will not end up at a HOF level. He was also the 19th pick in the draft for a reason. Dirk was the 9th pick in the draft. Major difference.

[Texas_Ranger]

There was no G-League and the Mavericks were way worse his rookie season than this Spurs roster.

I'm making the comparison realizing Samanic will not end up at a HOF level. He was also the 19th pick in the draft for a reason. Dirk was the 9th pick in the draft. Major difference.

A 19th pick should play in at least 1 game. The pick was a waste.

[EasyMoney]

A 19th pick should play in at least 1 game. The pick was a waste.


Is the season over?

[Harry Callahan]

I didn't know there was a rule if you don't play in the first 35 games at the 19th pick you are a complete loss. That's news to me. Let's just blow it up then - let's cut him.[/COLOR]

Watching Samanic IN PERSON tells me he has a lot of tools that will serve him well as he develops over time. All of the Spurs top picks recently have spent their first year in Austin mostly. This is no different.

[Texas_Ranger]

I didn't know there was a rule if you don't play in the first 35 games at the 19th pick you are a complete loss. That's news to me. Let's just blow it up then - let's cut him.[/COLOR]

Watching Samanic IN PERSON tells me he has a lot of tools that will serve him well as he develops over time. All of the Spurs top picks recently have spent their first year in Austin mostly. This is no different.

the way the Spurs are playing I actualy wouln't mind if he played.

[JuneJive]

One needs time to adjust then develop, jesus.

[rascal]

One needs time to adjust then develop, jesus.

Not if you are good.

[rascal]

I didn't know there was a rule if you don't play in the first 35 games at the 19th pick you are a complete loss. That's news to me. Let's just blow it up then - let's cut him.[/COLOR]

Watching Samanic IN PERSON tells me he has a lot of tools that will serve him well as he develops over time. All of the Spurs top picks recently have spent their first year in Austin mostly. This is no different.

No, but it is not a good start if the player can't even make the roster his first year.

[JeffDuncan]

The Spurs lost in a close playoff series against the Nuggets. It was a series close enough that if a couple things had gone differently, or if they had just a little more help, they might have won.

What did the Spurs do in the draft, then? They used their first pick on a player they knew could not play for them this season.

Players drafted after Samanic in the 1st round, who have averaged more than 12 minutes (one quarter) of play in more than half the games.

Matisse Thybulle. Has appeared in 31 NBA games, avg of 17.6 minutes per game.

Brandon Clarke. 33 NBA games, 21.3 min/gm.

Grant Williams. 34 games, 15.3 min/gm.

Darius Bazley. 38 games, 17 min/gm.

Nassir Little. 28 gms, 12.6 min/gm.

Jordan Poole. 33 gms, 21.1 min/gm.

Kevin Porter Jr. 34 gms, 21.8 min/gm.

Seven players drafted after Samanic are making serious contributions to their teams this season.

The Spurs (whose current record is 16 - 21) were unable to draft a player they could use at all.

[GAustex]

Was not Porter drafted the year before?

[GAustex]

Is Kevin Porter the Denver dude?

[JeffDuncan]

Was not Porter drafted the year before?

I'm using draft picks from this page:

https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2019.html

Kevin Porter Jr is #30, chosen by the Bucks, then he went in a roundabout way to the Cavaliers.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porteke02.html

Denver's Porter Jr is Michael, drafted in 2018. This is Michael's rookie year because he missed last season after having back surgery.

[BackHome]

Not if you are good.

It is if you play for Pop.

[BackHome]

The Spurs lost in a close playoff series against the Nuggets. It was a series close enough that if a couple things had gone differently, or if they had just a little more help, they might have won.

What did the Spurs do in the draft, then? They used their first pick on a player they knew could not play for Players drafted after Samanic in the 1st round, who have averaged more than 12 minutes (one quarter) of play in more than half the games.

Matisse Thybulle. Has appeared in 31 NBA games, avg of 17.6 minutes per game.

Brandon Clarke. 33 NBA games, 21.3 min/gm.

Grant Williams. 34 games, 15.3 min/gm.

Darius Bazley. 38 games, 17 min/gm.

Nassir Little. 28 gms, 12.6 min/gm.

Jordan Poole. 33 gms, 21.1 min/gm.

Kevin Porter Jr. 34 gms, 21.8 min/gm.

Seven players drafted after Samanic are making serious contributions to their teams this season.

The Spurs (whose current record is 16 - 21) were unable to draft a player they could use at all.

They NOT Playing For POP!!

[JeffDuncan]

They NOT Playing For POP!!


And they're all glad about that.

[ismael-robert]

Spurs pick for future. None of those picks would help us against Lakers itd likely still be the 4 game sweep yall complain about. They draft looking into the future

[DavidTheGoliath]

Then why dont you jump ship to teams playing their rookies? Oh right they arent a winning franchises compared to SA :cry

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Samanic's ceiling is so much higher than undersized center Brandon Clarke's, it's not even funny. I'd rather a team in transition draft based on potential rather than role players. Even if Samanic never develops and turns into a Dragan Bender the pick would still have been worth it.

It would have been cool if he could see some real NBA minutes from time to time but there no doubt it'd serve him better to play 30 mins a game in the Gleague rather than 5 or so in the NBA. The roster being constructed so weirdly makes it even more difficult - let's not forget the Spurs currently have 7 players on rookie contracts, that's as many as deep-into-rebuilding Atlanta Hawks. The other half of the roster consists of vets, with barely anyone in their prime. Must be difficult for the coaches to find the right balance, while still trying to make the playoffs.

[RC_Drunkford]

Seven players drafted after Samanic are making serious contributions to their teams this season.

The Spurs (whose current record is 16 - 21) were unable to draft a player they could use at all.

Spurs actually drafted 2 players they could use. Keldon Johnson and Quindary Weatherspoon. It's just that their coach won't play them. Both of them are better than Nasir Little

[Dejounte]

JeffDuncan is a nagging bitch. None of those rookies he listed he's crying about are any good. Who the fuck cares if they're getting minutes?

[bluebellmaniac]

Samanic's ceiling is so much higher than undersized center Brandon Clarke's, it's not even funny. I'd rather a team in transition draft based on potential rather than role players. Even if Samanic never develops and turns into a Dragan Bender the pick would still have been worth it.

It would have been cool if he could see some real NBA minutes from time to time but there no doubt it'd serve him better to play 30 mins a game in the Gleague rather than 5 or so in the NBA. The roster being constructed so weirdly makes it even more difficult - let's not forget the Spurs currently have 7 players on rookie contracts, that's as many as deep-into-rebuilding Atlanta Hawks. The other half of the roster consists of vets, with barely anyone in their prime. Must be difficult for the coaches to find the right balance, while still trying to make the playoffs.

This

[daslicer]

Samanic's ceiling is so much higher than undersized center Brandon Clarke's, it's not even funny. I'd rather a team in transition draft based on potential rather than role players. Even if Samanic never develops and turns into a Dragan Bender the pick would still have been worth it.

It would have been cool if he could see some real NBA minutes from time to time but there no doubt it'd serve him better to play 30 mins a game in the Gleague rather than 5 or so in the NBA. The roster being constructed so weirdly makes it even more difficult - let's not forget the Spurs currently have 7 players on rookie contracts, that's as many as deep-into-rebuilding Atlanta Hawks. The other half of the roster consists of vets, with barely anyone in their prime. Must be difficult for the coaches to find the right balance, while still trying to make the playoffs.

Agreed I'm all for the spurs taking risks with their first round picks. They have to try to find players that have potential to be stars. The guys the Spurs passed up to pick Luka over are just going to be good role players at best. Even Luka turns out to be trash I feel it was still a good risk to take in the sense it was low risk and high reward. The Spurs also drafted Keldon so he could turn out to be as good as guys like Clarke that it will offset Luka not panning out.

[JeffDuncan]

Spurs actually drafted 2 players they could use. Keldon Johnson and Quindary Weatherspoon. It's just that their coach won't play them. Both of them are better than Nasir Little

The point remains that a team which is now 16-21 used its top draft pick on a player they knew perfectly well could not play at all this season. Drafting like that is the kind of thing a senile drunk would do. Or two senile drunks working together.

Quinndary and Keldon have played a combined total of 3.5 minutes. What they might do for the Spurs is totally unknown, and is going to stay that way.

[slick'81]

Hope the spurs can get something out of luka next season

[Darius Bieber]

Is he injured? Not even playing in today’s GLeague game

[bluebellmaniac]

The point remains that a team which is now 16-21 used its top draft pick on a player they knew perfectly well could not play at all this season. Drafting like that is the kind of thing a senile drunk would do. Or two senile drunks working together.

Quinndary and Keldon have played a combined total of 3.5 minutes. What they might do for the Spurs is totally unknown, and is going to stay that way.

What will our record be next season? We'll need to know that before picking our next draft pick so we can gauge the risk we are willing to take. Please be specific, within a game or two, we want to be precise in our risk managment.

[UZER]

Is he injured? Not even playing in today’s GLeague game

Punishment for liking those tweets.

[JeffDuncan]

What will our record be next season? We'll need to know that before picking our next draft pick so we can gauge the risk we are willing to take. Please be specific, within a game or two, we want to be precise in our risk managment.

You would do the "smart" thing again, and draft a player you know will not play for the team, you say?

The Spurs were coming off a playoff series they ultimately lost by 4 points in the final game. Seems rather obvious the team needed a little help, doesn't it? So who did they draft? They intentionally drafted a player they knew would be of no help this season, because they knew he wouldn't even play, at all. And you think that was smart.

[exstatic]

Trade him. It's waaay too early for him to be having attitude problems when he hasn't shown anything especially noteworthy that demands accommodation.

He came in with the attitude and entitlement rep. He bailed on his Euro team to go through the draft workout process, just walked away.

[exstatic]

Spurs actually drafted 2 players they could use. Keldon Johnson and Quindary Weatherspoon. It's just that their coach won't play them. Both of them are better than Nasir Little

Not to mention that they don't shove cocaine up their noses, and rat out their boys to stay out of jail.

[Maddog]

He came in with the attitude and entitlement rep. He bailed on his Euro team to go through the draft workout process, just walked away.


This is what I've been observing all season, dude is not a "team" "we" guy. For me this was CONFIRMED when Keldon was asked directly about his chemistry with Luka and he artfully, politically, dodged answering it directly. The kid has all the athletic metrics but he if ANYBODY needed that Greg Popovich "tough love" directly its this kid. Yet he'll he is consigned to the Austin club.

I think this was a known concern and I'm still god with drafting him.
Given his potential it's worth a shot. He just turned 20 living in a foreign country (not everybody it mature at 20- I wasn't). I do agree he could benefit form direct Pop time- but he also needs to play. As Drew has pointed out- while far from NBA the G league is pretty decent caliber nad he has not played much at any level.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1216850011818020864

[slick'81]

He aint getting no call up this season:lol

[ZeusWillJudge]

Samanic's ceiling is so much higher than undersized center Brandon Clarke's, it's not even funny. I'd rather a team in transition draft based on potential rather than role players. Even if Samanic never develops and turns into a Dragan Bender the pick would still have been worth it.


I'd rather that a team in transition behave like it's in transition. I've said it before - they aren't committed either way. IF they were in transition this offseason, why in the hell were they even looking at Marcus Morris? And that's just one example.

They're trying to have it both ways. You can't have it both ways.

[palangi]

He aint getting no call up this season:lol

Fuck off

[duncan2k5]

Who knows if Luka could have had a breakaway season? Pop would have sat ppl like Nunn, Devonte Graham, etc... They'd probably have the other Luka in the G-league where we would be saying he is too slow and can't play defense good enough to be on the main roster...

We never know if we can have a breakout star because THIS VERSION of Pop doesn't handle young players well... He treats them as if we are a championship contender when in reality we suck and we should be actually playing our youth

[K...]

It's not smart to mention guards, who can use athleticism to survive as rookie, to big men who aren't strong enough to play down low and don't shoot lights out.

Spurs currently have a lottery talent big in his prime years, is Luka a better win now prosect over poertle?

[Kobe'sAchilles]

It's not smart to mention guards, who can use athleticism to survive as rookie, to big men who aren't strong enough to play down low and don't shoot lights out.

Spurs currently have a lottery talent big in his prime years, is Luka a better win now prosect over poertle?
The real question: is he better than Lyles. It would be interesting to see him play instead of Lyles in February when we are out of the playoff hunt

[itzsoweezee]

Samanic's ceiling is so much higher than undersized center Brandon Clarke's, it's not even funny. I'd rather a team in transition draft based on potential rather than role players. Even if Samanic never develops and turns into a Dragan Bender the pick would still have been worth it.

It would have been cool if he could see some real NBA minutes from time to time but there no doubt it'd serve him better to play 30 mins a game in the Gleague rather than 5 or so in the NBA. The roster being constructed so weirdly makes it even more difficult - let's not forget the Spurs currently have 7 players on rookie contracts, that's as many as deep-into-rebuilding Atlanta Hawks. The other half of the roster consists of vets, with barely anyone in their prime. Must be difficult for the coaches to find the right balance, while still trying to make the playoffs.

Lol. Complete absolute nonsense. What are Luka's attributes that make his ceiling so high?

Even for a project this dude is not good. For a supposed shooter, he is complete trash, and against trash competition.

And he just might be the most unathletic supposedly "athletic" player I have ever seen.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Lol. Complete absolute nonsense. What are Luka's attributes that make his ceiling so high?


:pop: "Well for starters, he won't be competing with Bryn for minutes."

[Sugus]

Lol. Complete absolute nonsense. What are Luka's attributes that make his ceiling so high?

Even for a project this dude is not good. For a supposed shooter, he is complete trash, and against trash competition.

And he just might be the most unathletic supposedly "athletic" player I have ever seen.

Why do you have to be so hyperbolic in your statements? Samanic is not "complete trash" as a shooter or close to it. Ben Simmons is complete trash... Luka has, above all, a willingness to shoot; he has good form and a quick, high release point from the games I've watched. Obviously he's not going to be Curry but there's certainly room for improvement there. What catches the eye about Luka is how he handles the ball, which is much closer to a guard than a big. It's part of what makes KD so special (who, by the way, Luka models his game after): guards are too small to effectively guard his shot (someone post that Patty/Forbes on KD pics please), and bigs are too slow to keep up with his moves and handles. He's very far away from that picture but I'd say the ceiling is high.

[poopbox]

Where are people getting this he had an attitude problem from :lol

Talking about Keldon dancing around a question playing with Luka...uh KELDON WOULDN'T EVEN WORK OUT FOR THE SPURS SINCE HE THOUGHT HE WAS A LOTTERY PICK:lol

Doesn't Keldon have his own logo and shit to :lol

Whats his uncle name :lol

[Frenchfred]

I’m always surprised at the expectation people have with a 19th pick of the draft. Teams spend years drafting in the top10 and still don’t get talent. If Samanic was drafted with the 5th pick, yes we could complain but 19th pick, really?

[TimDunkem]

I really don't know what everyone see's in him other than his skillset. He seems to have a dynamic style of play although it means nothing if he lacks the strength, IQ, and polish.

Obviously, he's a project, but that doesn't make sense if you're trying to stand pat, make the playoffs, and compete. Why not just draft those players who are clearly ready to contribute if that's the plan? Plug those obvious holes with a Thybulle or Clarke and compete.

To me - the Spurs reached. Time will tell though.

[K...]

I really don't know what everyone see's in him other than his skillset. He seems to have a dynamic style of play although it means nothing if he lacks the strength, IQ, and polish.

Obviously, he's a project, but that doesn't make sense if you're trying to stand pat, make the playoffs, and compete. Why not just draft those players who are clearly ready to contribute if that's the plan? Plug those obvious holes with a Thybulle or Clarke and compete.

To me - the Spurs reached. Time will tell though.

Yeah they obviously reached, I don't think anyone argues otherwise. It's just weird seeing, say MO Bamba struggle and asking why an even less quality prospect is struggling.

[itzsoweezee]

Why do you have to be so hyperbolic in your statements? Samanic is not "complete trash" as a shooter or close to it. Ben Simmons is complete trash... Luka has, above all, a willingness to shoot; he has good form and a quick, high release point from the games I've watched. Obviously he's not going to be Curry but there's certainly room for improvement there. What catches the eye about Luka is how he handles the ball, which is much closer to a guard than a big. It's part of what makes KD so special (who, by the way, Luka models his game after): guards are too small to effectively guard his shot (someone post that Patty/Forbes on KD pics please), and bigs are too slow to keep up with his moves and handles. He's very far away from that picture but I'd say the ceiling is high.

Ok, excise the hyperbole, but it matches that of the assessments to those with whom Luka is being compared. Regardless, it's KD's combo of elite shooting, dribbling, and decision-making that make him a superstar. Luka has shown none of those things. His handles, without a shot, are pretty worthless. But maybe he'll become an elite shooter even though he's never shown he can be. I guess we'll see

[Russ]

To me - the Spurs reached. Time will tell though.

I think Samanic was a bit of a reach at 19.

But it was more than made up for by getting Keldon Johnson at 29.

[ginobilized]

I seriously doubt that Luka is better than Lyles right now.
He needs to stay on the vine. He’s not going to save us.
He’d need to be completely dominating the G league to be ready for the call.

[FutureMan]

I think Samanic was a bit of a reach at 19.

But it was more than made up for by getting Keldon Johnson at 29.

This.

My only issue with Johnson is his three point shot and turnover rate. Both can be fixed and then he’ll be ready.

[John B]

I think Samanic was a bit of a reach at 19.

But it was more than made up for by getting Keldon Johnson at 29.
Yup Keldon at 29 was a steal, likewise Queen Mary at 49th is solid

[Sugus]

Ok, excise the hyperbole, but it matches that of the assessments to those with whom Luka is being compared. Regardless, it's KD's combo of elite shooting, dribbling, and decision-making that make him a superstar. Luka has shown none of those things. His handles, without a shot, are pretty worthless. But maybe he'll become an elite shooter even though he's never shown he can be. I guess we'll see

So... He's a project? He's obviously a year away and will probably spend two seasons in Austin, I wasn't arguing that. I just don't see why you'd call him trash when he's obviously on the development curve and has shown flashes of what he could do. Of course he's 99% not going to reach KD levels of handles/shooting/IQ but you'd be foolish to expect that of a 19th pick. We'd be lucky to have him develop into a rotation player, tbh, but I'm excited for him and he's got the opportunity to exceed those expectations if he puts it all together.

[Coach X]

I really don't know what everyone see's in him other than his skillset. He seems to have a dynamic style of play although it means nothing if he lacks the strength, IQ, and polish.

Obviously, he's a project, but that doesn't make sense if you're trying to stand pat, make the playoffs, and compete. Why not just draft those players who are clearly ready to contribute if that's the plan? Plug those obvious holes with a Thybulle or Clarke and compete.

To me - the Spurs reached. Time will tell though.

Samanic is a great project. He's talented, he has a great combination of technical and physical skills, he understands the game and has instincts. He's just young and inexperienced.

He is NOT a big. PATFO was wrong with Bertans, pretending he was a PF when he is a SF. I hope they understand Samanic is a forward, he's not a Center at all. Tall players need more time to mature his game because they stopped growing and building his body later than the rest.

Be patient, trust Samanic.

[JeffDuncan]

Samanic is a great project. ...


At a time when the Spurs very much need a player, not a project.

Gay... Lyles... Carroll... the Spurs need another player.



He is NOT a big. ...


He's a modern big. There's a trend away from the heavyweights, both because of changes in how the rules are enforced, and because the heavyweights are usually poor at perimeter defense, and poor in transition, not speedy enough.

Samanic is not a center, as you say. But he could play either forward, in the modern game. Pascal Siakam might be seen as a model for power forwards now - slender, agile, nimble - and Samanic's listed weight is within a couple pounds of Siakam's.

Samanic does not need more bulk, altho he might need more of the toughness that comes with maturity.

From the low block, Samanic has a remarkably quick spin move to his right, a move which is genuinely reminiscent of Siakam. No joke. You can see an example of it on the youtube highlights of the recent game against Rio Grande Valley, the last play of the highlights.

He also has a respectably quick spin move to his left, and he can drive from it.

He jumps well enough to dunk easily. He can drive baseline and do a reverse one-handed dunk.

He could probably play some for San Antonio now, without embarrassing either himself or the Spurs. He assuredly would not be the embarrassment that Brent Forms is.

But the Spurs powers-that-be have decreed he must spend the whole season in Austin, with no hope of parole. Too bad.

[Play Boban]

Not if you are good.
You needed time to develop as a poster

[Play Boban]

I’m always surprised at the expectation people have with a 19th pick of the draft. Teams spend years drafting in the top10 and still don’t get talent. If Samanic was drafted with the 5th pick, yes we could complain but 19th pick, really?
Truth nuke

[BackHome]

Why all the hate on Luka is crazy it’s not his fault Poop won’t bring him or that RC drafted him. To be honest we got a A + for last years draft I think all 3 guys Will grade out very well when we look back at that draft. We all new Luka was a reach but I like the pick and I think he is going to be a very good player for us for years to come.

You know maybe RC had a plan draft this young kid who will need two years to grow and will feel that position with signing Morris - If that had happen we would not even be talking about Luka TBH.

[itzsoweezee]

So... He's a project? He's obviously a year away and will probably spend two seasons in Austin, I wasn't arguing that. I just don't see why you'd call him trash when he's obviously on the development curve and has shown flashes of what he could do. Of course he's 99% not going to reach KD levels of handles/shooting/IQ but you'd be foolish to expect that of a 19th pick. We'd be lucky to have him develop into a rotation player, tbh, but I'm excited for him and he's got the opportunity to exceed those expectations if he puts it all together.

He's way more than a year away. He's not even g league player yet. The ceiling you all are attributing to him is not fact based. It's fantasy. He's tall and theoretically athletic. He can't shoot. He's not elite at anything.

At the 19th pick, the Spurs would've been much better off getting a quality role player like Clark. At the very least he could've been part of some future trade package.

[XDT76]

He's way more than a year away. He's not even g league player yet. The ceiling you all are attributing to him is not fact based. It's fantasy. He's tall and theoretically athletic. He can't shoot. He's not elite at anything.

At the 19th pick, the Spurs would've been much better off getting a quality role player like Clark. At the very least he could've been part of some future trade package.

He could eventually be Siakam or Lyles, it will depends on his work ethics and what he is going to do in the summer. I remember everyone bashing Metu last year, and he had shown tremedous growth over the summer. There is only so much growth you can do in season mainly positional sense and BBQ IQ or minor adjustment to shot mechanics.

[palangi]

He's way more than a year away. He's not even g league player yet. The ceiling you all are attributing to him is not fact based. It's fantasy. He's tall and theoretically athletic. He can't shoot. He's not elite at anything.

At the 19th pick, the Spurs would've been much better off getting a quality role player like Clark. At the very least he could've been part of some future trade package.

I swear it gets dumber and dumber in here all the time.

Dude is averaging 14 ppg and 7.3 RPGs as a 19 year old developmental rookie. And you say he isn't even a G league player.
Good hell just don't ever post again.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I swear it gets dumber and dumber in here all the time.

Dude is averaging 14 ppg and 7.3 RPGs as a 19 year old developmental rookie. And you say he isn't even a G league player.
Good hell just don't ever post again.

This. If Luka shows the same improvement that Metu has from year 1 to year 2 he will be totally dominating GL next year.

[bluebellmaniac]

I swear it gets dumber and dumber in here all the time.

Dude is averaging 14 ppg and 7.3 RPGs as a 19 year old developmental rookie. And you say he isn't even a G league player.
Good hell just don't ever post again.

This.

[DavidTheGoliath]

LOL dude... you want to give that dumb Trey Lyles ANOTHER 5000 minutes to make up your mind?


Fuck this soft NBA mentality. Mark my words when the NBA realizes that they need to use the FARM system like the MLB and NFL use the Minors and Practice squads the better.


Some fuck mistakenly gets picked at a position called "lottery," and EVERYBODY has to give that meathead 5000 minutes plus of rope to prove that that decision wasn't WRONG.


Trey Lyles SUCKED in college, He sucked in Utah, Sucked in Denver and Now is SUCKING as a STARTER in San Antonio.


This motherfucker says.


"Oh, Luca, Metu ANY of what..400 guys... suiting up in the G League is Better than that guy who was wrongly Selected at some imaginary position 4 years ago."


STAUSKAS!!!!(rightfully out of the league)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEK_d-SFfCQ
Cringey front office. No wonder they suck
:lol

[Sugus]

He's way more than a year away. He's not even g league player yet. The ceiling you all are attributing to him is not fact based. It's fantasy. He's tall and theoretically athletic. He can't shoot.He's not elite at anything.

At the 19th pick, the Spurs would've been much better off getting a quality role player like Clark. At the very least he could've been part of some future trade package.

Since no one seems to have tackled this part of your post, and you seem dead-set on Luka "can't shoot": Pascal Siakam, the absolute role model for a modern forward that Luka ought to follow, shot 7 3PA his first season. Not even made 7 - SHOT seven. And was over 21 when drafted. Luka is already a better shooter than Siakam was as a rookie, and is younger. Obviously not every player is going to develop at the same rate, but you're seriously pulling at strings for your Luka hate here.

[TimDunkem]

LOL dude... you want to give that dumb Trey Lyles ANOTHER 5000 minutes to make up your mind?


Fuck this soft NBA mentality. Mark my words when the NBA realizes that they need to use the FARM system like the MLB and NFL use the Minors and Practice squads the better.


Some fuck mistakenly gets picked at a position called "lottery," and EVERYBODY has to give that meathead 5000 minutes plus of rope to prove that that decision wasn't WRONG.


Trey Lyles SUCKED in college, He sucked in Utah, Sucked in Denver and Now is SUCKING as a STARTER in San Antonio.


This motherfucker says.


"Oh, Luca, Metu ANY of what..400 guys... suiting up in the G League is Better than that guy who was wrongly Selected at some imaginary position 4 years ago."


STAUSKAS!!!!(rightfully out of the league)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEK_d-SFfCQ

I imagine Pop is just like that when the Spurs are drafting...."We really like this guy Thybu-...."

:pop: : "Luka!!!"

[JuneJive]

Wristcutters everywhere.

[spurraider21]

LOL dude... you want to give that dumb Trey Lyles ANOTHER 5000 minutes to make up your mind?


Fuck this soft NBA mentality. Mark my words when the NBA realizes that they need to use the FARM system like the MLB and NFL use the Minors and Practice squads the better.


Some fuck mistakenly gets picked at a position called "lottery," and EVERYBODY has to give that meathead 5000 minutes plus of rope to prove that that decision wasn't WRONG.


Trey Lyles SUCKED in college, He sucked in Utah, Sucked in Denver and Now is SUCKING as a STARTER in San Antonio.


This motherfucker says.


"Oh, Luca, Metu ANY of what..400 guys... suiting up in the G League is Better than that guy who was wrongly Selected at some imaginary position 4 years ago."


STAUSKAS!!!!(rightfully out of the league)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEK_d-SFfCQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgX1a_NUMFo

[tholdren]

Yes the nba is terrible product

[itzsoweezee]

I swear it gets dumber and dumber in here all the time.

Dude is averaging 14 ppg and 7.3 RPGs as a 19 year old developmental rookie. And you say he isn't even a G league player.
Good hell just don't ever post again.

Cherry picking box score stats from the g league. Lol. You stans are either the extremely disingenuous or extremely stupid. I can't decide which one.

[itzsoweezee]

Since no one seems to have tackled this part of your post, and you seem dead-set on Luka "can't shoot": Pascal Siakam, the absolute role model for a modern forward that Luka ought to follow, shot 7 3PA his first season. Not even made 7 - SHOT seven. And was over 21 when drafted. Luka is already a better shooter than Siakam was as a rookie, and is younger. Obviously not every player is going to develop at the same rate, but you're seriously pulling at strings for your Luka hate here.

This is typical of the Spurs' homer logic these days. Because Pascal siakim was capable of going from a bad player to a good player, it is somehow reasonable to conclude Luka will as well. Pascal is an extreme outlier, he's not the standard, and no reasonable person would even consider raising him as an example of what we can expect from Luka given his shitty career thus far.

[313]

Paskal was always elite, even without a shot. Luka has nothing of note to offer.

All in on Keldon at this point. Maybe we can package Luka with Forbes for a pack of skittles and a 2nd round pick.

[JeffDuncan]

This is typical of the Spurs' homer logic these days. Because Pascal siakim was capable of going from a bad player to a good player, it is somehow reasonable to conclude Luka will as well. Pascal is an extreme outlier, he's not the standard, and no reasonable person would even consider raising him as an example of what we can expect from Luka given his shitty career thus far.

His career? You are crazy. He turned 20 six days ago. He's the age of a college sophomore. Are you trying to prove to everyone that you're nuts?

[ragas]

Paskal was always elite, even without a shot. Luka has nothing of note to offer.

All in on Keldon at this point. Maybe we can package Luka with Forbes for a pack of skittles and a 2nd round pick.

No, he was not. He was bad, very bad in his rookie year. And only a little bit better in his second year.

[palangi]

Cherry picking box score stats from the g league. Lol. You stans are either the extremely disingenuous or extremely stupid. I can't decide which one.

You did it.... you posted again.

And totally proved your stupidity again.

[Sugus]

Paskal was always elite, even without a shot.

:lmao do you even bother to check the shit you're spewing out? Siakam entered the league at 22, three years older than Luka, and averaged a measly 4.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 0.3apg, on 55 fucking games played. Luka could be there already if Pop wasn't so stubborn. Siakam then averaged 7 fucking points in 80 games his second season. Since you're obviously going to say that his game went beyond boxscore stats, would you mind pointing out what things about him were "elite" coming into the league? Lol, give me a break...


This is typical of the Spurs' homer logic these days. Because Pascal siakim was capable of going from a bad player to a good player, it is somehow reasonable to conclude Luka will as well. Pascal is an extreme outlier, he's not the standard, and no reasonable person would even consider raising him as an example of what we can expect from Luka given his shitty career thus far.

This is typical of the SpursTalk coach GMs these days. Just because another player made improvements in his game means our rookie cannot do it and is hopeless. First off, Siakam was picked below Luka, at 27th; and he showed nothing at the time that Luka hasn't shown. Luka has a (much) better shot at a younger age, is more coordinated than Siakam was (Pascal has the excuse of being a late learner of the game, but I digress), and he has not had a "shitty career" whatsoever no matter how much you want to jerk off to that delusional take.

If you're not high on Luka, or hate him even, that's completely fine and your opinion. Just try and not pose it as a fact next time, you end up coming off as very unknowledgeable or straight up hater/troll. Samanic could very well "bust" (in reality no 19th pick truly busts since more often than not they don't pan out anyways) but the signs so far suggest the opposite. Shitty career :lmao

[JuneJive]

If you're not high on Luka, or hate him even, that's completely fine and your opinion. Just try and not pose it as a fact next time, you end up coming off as very unknowledgeable or straight up hater/troll. Samanic could very well "bust" (in reality no 19th pick truly busts since more often than not they don't pan out anyways) but the signs so far suggest the opposite. Shitty career :lmao

Thanks for the dose of reality.

[313]

In college, at 20 years old, Paskal put up 13-7 on 57% then 20-11.5 on 53% shooting at 21. He had a 27 PER his freshman year, and a 31.1 PER his second year. Coming into the league, his usage was super low like Kawhi his first couple years, but he was efficient with the touches he got, still shooting 50%. He didn't have a 3 point shot right away, but he also didn't take any either, and still excelled.

Luka at 20 is putting up 13-7 on 39% shooting, and turning the ball over 3 times a game. His patented shot is good for 30% on 4 attempts per game as of today. The only bright spot so far is his rebounding.
Comparing him to Siakam makes no sense.

For the sake of our new GM, I hope he turns it around, but there's no use sugar coating the situation. The 2nd best player in the draft was there at 19(Brandon Clarke), among other better options(grant williams, thybull.. ).

[Sugus]

In college, at 29 years old, Paskal put up 13-7 on 57% then 20-11.5 on 53% shooting at 21. He had a 27 PER his freshman year, and a 31.1 PER his second year. Coming into the league, his usage was super low like Kawhi his first couple years, but he was efficient with the touches he got, still shooting 50%. He didn't have a 3 point shot right away, but he also didn't take any either, and still excelled.

Luka at 20 is putting up 13-7 on 39% shooting, and turning the ball over 3 times a game. His patented shot is good for 30% on 4 attempts per game as of today. The only bright spot so far is his rebounding.
Comparing him to Siakam makes no sense.

For the sake of our new GM, I hope he turns it around, but there's no use sugar coating the situation. The 2nd best player in the draft was there at 19(Brandon Clarke), among other better options(grant williams, thybull.. ).

So the difference between Siakam and Luka is the efficiency with which they're getting their points? That's the entire point of your argument on how Pascal was "elite" from the get go while Luka would be barely worth a second round pick? You do know that you can improve efficiency and shot selection as part of learning the game and improving, right...?

I thought your argument would be more fun to pick apart. Believe what you will, I guess. Luka and Pascal have a lot of similarities which make a comparison sensible, like their mobility, rebounding strength and shooting touch (bad efficiency hardly means bad shooting form; take a look at Forbes for a negative example of this).

Also, I really hope that last sentence was a blunder/typo... Clarke, second best player in the entire draft? Do you happen to watch other teams beside the Spurs at all, my guy?

[Texas_Ranger]

if you're drafting a player in the first round he should be good enough to play in the first season. And this guy was not the last pick, but 19th. ''But, but, the Spurs always take one year to develop the player in the G league'', yea, thats also retarded. Develop the 2nd round picks, not a fucking 19th pick, otherwise why draft him that high. And I hope the Spurs are not surprised that he aint that good, cause every guy that watched him play last year could tell you he is a 2nd round pick. The retarded FO most likely thought that cause his name is Luka he'll be good. Also don't mention that this FO is smart and that they know what they are doing, cause after that contract they gave to Caroll they look like retards. Half season gone and the 19th pick was not even close to play. Fucking pathetic.

[spurraider21]

In college, at 29 years old
Wat

[Sugus]

if you're drafting a player in the first round he should be good enough to play in the first season. And this guy was not the last pick, but 19th. ''But, but, the Spurs always take one year to develop the player in the G league'', yea, thats also retarded. Develop the 2nd round picks, not a fucking 19th pick, otherwise why draft him that high. And I hope the Spurs are not surprised that he aint that good, cause every guy that watched him play last year could tell you he is a 2nd round pick. The retarded FO most likely thought that cause his name is Luka he'll be good. Also don't mention that this FO is smart and that they know what they are doing, cause after that contract they gave to Caroll they look like retards. Half season gone and the 19th pick was not even close to play. Fucking pathetic.

You mix up a lot of points that aren't really related in this comment. First off, the Spurs model of developing players in the GL has worked for many of their players, and it's currently working wonders for the Raptors, who have kind of copied the Spurs blueprint and modernized it. More and more teams will start looking at their GL teams for development and talent as they recognize what a successful model it is. Second, a 19th pick is not "high" at all and most players drafted there peak as role players, save for Kawhi-like exceptions, and it's around the area where teams take gambles on multi-year projects instead of looking for instant production, like lottery picks are expected to provide. I don't think saying the FO drafted Luka for the name is warranted or an ingenious comment especially since we know RC has been following Luka and Olimpija team for some years now.

The Carrol contract was bad, but it has nothing to do with Luka, tbh (and IMO it's on Pop for not even giving DeMarre an opportunity to showcase his talent on the court; no player is going to look their best if you put them in on garbage time every 10 games). I don't really know what you expected since this is the Spurs FO and it has brought them 20 years of success... You'd think being here since '06, you'd have grown accustomed to it, tbh.

[313]

Wat
20* :tu

[313]

So the difference between Siakam and Luka is the efficiency with which they're getting their points? That's the entire point of your argument on how Pascal was "elite" from the get go while Luka would be barely worth a second round pick? You do know that you can improve efficiency and shot selection as part of learning the game and improving, right...?

I thought your argument would be more fun to pick apart. Believe what you will, I guess. Luka and Pascal have a lot of similarities which make a comparison sensible, like their mobility, rebounding strength and shooting touch (bad efficiency hardly means bad shooting form; take a look at Forbes for a negative example of this).

Also, I really hope that last sentence was a blunder/typo... Clarke, second best player in the entire draft? Do you happen to watch other teams beside the Spurs at all, my guy?
You’re optimistic about our 19th pick. As a SF, how could I blame you? I just haven’t seen enough to convince me. His feel for the game is the biggest concern and probably explains a lot of his shortcomings despite his above average athleticism and handle. I’ll be happy to be proven wrong in the not so distant future, though.

Clarke is indeed the 2nd best player in the draft and is proving it so far this season.


Clarke is shooting 64.5 percent from the field this season. He is the first rookie in NBA history (https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&type=totals&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&season_start=1&season_end=1&lg_id=NBA&age_min=0&age_max=99&is_playoffs=N&height_min=0&height_max=99&birth_country_is=Y&as_comp=gt&as_val=0&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&c1stat=fga_per_g&c1comp=gt&c1val=8&c2stat=fg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=64&order_by=ws) ever to do so with at least eight shot attempts per game. Even lowering the parameters (https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&type=totals&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&season_start=1&season_end=1&lg_id=NBA&age_min=0&age_max=99&is_playoffs=N&height_min=0&height_max=99&birth_country_is=Y&as_comp=gt&as_val=0&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&c1stat=fga_per_g&c1comp=gt&c1val=4&c2stat=fg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=60&order_by=ws) yields mostly centers that only dunked. Clarke's shooting all across the floor defies practically anything ever seen in NBA history, rookie or otherwise. He is already in the 90th percentile or higher league-wide in terms of efficiency in spot-up shooting, transition scoring and pick-and-roll finishing, per Synergy Sports (https://www.synergysportstech.com/Synergy/Sport/Basketball/web/teamsst/Video/QuantifiedPlayer2.aspx). That last area is where Clarke is at his most dangerous, and according to one of his point guards, he is already well ahead of schedule.

[UZER]

You’re optimistic about our 19th pick. As a SF, how could I blame you? I just haven’t seen enough to convince me. His feel for the game is the biggest concern and probably explains a lot of his shortcomings despite his above average athleticism and handle. I’ll be happy to be proven wrong in the not so distant future, though.

Clarke is indeed the 2nd best player in the draft and is proving it so far this season.

Clarke would be in the G league paying his dues.

:pop:

[ragas]

In college, at 20 years old, Paskal put up 13-7 on 57% then 20-11.5 on 53% shooting at 21. He had a 27 PER his freshman year, and a 31.1 PER his second year. Coming into the league, his usage was super low like Kawhi his first couple years, but he was efficient with the touches he got, still shooting 50%. He didn't have a 3 point shot right away, but he also didn't take any either, and still excelled.

Luka at 20 is putting up 13-7 on 39% shooting, and turning the ball over 3 times a game. His patented shot is good for 30% on 4 attempts per game as of today. The only bright spot so far is his rebounding.
Comparing him to Siakam makes no sense.

For the sake of our new GM, I hope he turns it around, but there's no use sugar coating the situation. The 2nd best player in the draft was there at 19(Brandon Clarke), among other better options(grant williams, thybull.. ).

Pascal showed nothing in his rookie year except his motor. And he surely wasn’t efficient. The Raptors fans weren’t pleased about the pick and would have sent him to hell if they could. Siakam made dumb fouls, bricked open shots and didn’t know where to go on the court. That’s why these sent him to the d-league for a while. He made some improvements there, but even when he came back he didn’t show signs to become the player he’s now.

[Ditty]

I don't see much of the Austin Spurs, and have only seen highlights of Luka. Seeing those highlights he looks pretty impressive as any NBA player could look great on a highlight reel. I saw him in July in Vegas up close, and thought he moved really well for his size and has some skills. I get the argument that Brandon Clarke is the better player right now which he is, but to already say that Luka is already a bad pick is beyond ridiculous tbh.

[TimDunkem]

You’re optimistic about our 19th pick. As a SF, how could I blame you? I just haven’t seen enough to convince me. His feel for the game is the biggest concern and probably explains a lot of his shortcomings despite his above average athleticism and handle. I’ll be happy to be proven wrong in the not so distant future, though.

Clarke is indeed the 2nd best player in the draft and is proving it so far this season.

Guys here want to pretend Clarke is a below average player to absolve their Spurs from wasting yet another pick.

[Dejounte]

Guys here want to pretend Clarke is a below average player to absolve their Spurs from wasting yet another pick.

Who did we waste a pick on recently?

[Sugus]

Guys here want to pretend Clarke is a below average player to absolve their Spurs from wasting yet another pick.

Are you referring specifically to my comments on Clarke (since you quote the poster I was talking with)? There's quite a distance between saying he's not the second best draftee and saying he's a below average player. I don't support the latter statement, but defend the former. Without looking at any stats I can already tell you that Ja Morant and Tyler Herro are having better rookie seasons than Clarke, and both are 3 years younger (which is a HUGE difference and definitely something to take into account when comparing rookies' performances). But since I don't know if that was a response to that argument in particular, I won't argue further. I hardly see why you would consider Luka a "wasted pick" and have argued as such previously, but I'll hear your arguments as well :tu

[exstatic]

if you're drafting a player in the first round he should be good enough to play in the first season. And this guy was not the last pick, but 19th. ''But, but, the Spurs always take one year to develop the player in the G league'', yea, thats also retarded. Develop the 2nd round picks, not a fucking 19th pick, otherwise why draft him that high. And I hope the Spurs are not surprised that he aint that good, cause every guy that watched him play last year could tell you he is a 2nd round pick. The retarded FO most likely thought that cause his name is Luka he'll be good. Also don't mention that this FO is smart and that they know what they are doing, cause after that contract they gave to Caroll they look like retards. Half season gone and the 19th pick was not even close to play. Fucking pathetic.

Very few first rounders are ready to play right out of the box. That died with the one and done craze. Less college coaching = more NBA development time. Kids come out not knowing how to use a pick or set one. That's basketball 101.

[exstatic]

Cherry picking box score stats from the g league. Lol. You stans are either the extremely disingenuous or extremely stupid. I can't decide which one.

Just a heads up...when you give full season to date stats, that's not cherry picking.

[ceperez]

Pascal showed nothing in his rookie year except his motor. And he surely wasn’t efficient. The Raptors fans weren’t pleased about the pick and would have sent him to hell if they could. Siakam made dumb fouls, bricked open shots and didn’t know where to go on the court. That’s why these sent him to the d-league for a while. He made some improvements there, but even when he came back he didn’t show signs to become the player he’s now.
Always best to gamble on things you can't improve. You can't increase height and you can't improve athleticism. Luka has both height and athleticism.

Bryn Forbes has neither, has improved a lot, but nobody has high expectations.

[itzsoweezee]

Just a heads up...when you give full season to date stats, that's not cherry picking.
I'm talking about the box score stats he chose to post. He conveniently left those outstanding shooting percentage and turnover stats, for example

[itzsoweezee]

:lmao do you even bother to check the shit you're spewing out? Siakam entered the league at 22, three years older than Luka, and averaged a measly 4.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 0.3apg, on 55 fucking games played. Luka could be there already if Pop wasn't so stubborn. Siakam then averaged 7 fucking points in 80 games his second season. Since you're obviously going to say that his game went beyond boxscore stats, would you mind pointing out what things about him were "elite" coming into the league? Lol, give me a break...



This is typical of the SpursTalk coach GMs these days. Just because another player made improvements in his game means our rookie cannot do it and is hopeless. First off, Siakam was picked below Luka, at 27th; and he showed nothing at the time that Luka hasn't shown. Luka has a (much) better shot at a younger age, is more coordinated than Siakam was (Pascal has the excuse of being a late learner of the game, but I digress), and he has not had a "shitty career" whatsoever no matter how much you want to jerk off to that delusional take.

If you're not high on Luka, or hate him even, that's completely fine and your opinion. Just try and not pose it as a fact next time, you end up coming off as very unknowledgeable or straight up hater/troll. Samanic could very well "bust" (in reality no 19th pick truly busts since more often than not they don't pan out anyways) but the signs so far suggest the opposite. Shitty career :lmao

There are actually no signs to suggest he will be anything other than a bust. He's a tall guy that can't shoot.

He's a big ol bust. His ceiling is a role player, at best.

[itzsoweezee]

In college, at 20 years old, Paskal put up 13-7 on 57% then 20-11.5 on 53% shooting at 21. He had a 27 PER his freshman year, and a 31.1 PER his second year. Coming into the league, his usage was super low like Kawhi his first couple years, but he was efficient with the touches he got, still shooting 50%. He didn't have a 3 point shot right away, but he also didn't take any either, and still excelled.

Luka at 20 is putting up 13-7 on 39% shooting, and turning the ball over 3 times a game. His patented shot is good for 30% on 4 attempts per game as of today. The only bright spot so far is his rebounding.
Comparing him to Siakam makes no sense.

For the sake of our new GM, I hope he turns it around, but there's no use sugar coating the situation. The 2nd best player in the draft was there at 19(Brandon Clarke), among other better options(grant williams, thybull.. ).

These people are incredibly dumb. I've already seen Luka compared to both siakim and Durant, and the only possible thing Luka had in common with them is that he is tall.

[itzsoweezee]

His career? You are crazy. He turned 20 six days ago. He's the age of a college sophomore. Are you trying to prove to everyone that you're nuts?

Yes, career. Are you unaware of the ages of young NBA players? This guy was playing professionally in Europe. Second year NBA players aren't 23 years old anymore.

[TimDunkem]

These people are incredibly dumb. I've already seen Luka compared to both siakim and Durant, and the only possible thing Luka had in common with them is that he is tall.

There are still Spurs fans here waiting on Hanga and Milutinov, and still say that Kyle Anderson will have a breakout this season if he gets more minutes.

Spurs fans are delusional. Most here are JUST getting fed up with Forbes.

[JeffDuncan]

Yes, career. ...



Ok, you really are nuts.

[itzsoweezee]

You did it.... you posted again.

And totally proved your stupidity again.

You're dickriding a scrub that can't even shoot 40% in the g league. Stfu

[itzsoweezee]

Ok, you really are nuts.

Another Luka truther. Let me know when he's shooting above 40%. The next Kevin Durant :downspin:

[JeffDuncan]

Another Luka truther. Let me know when he's shooting above 40%. The next Kevin Durant :downspin:


You were speaking of the "career" of a 19-year old, and insisting on it. You are not rational.

[itzsoweezee]

You were speaking of the "career" of a 19-year old, and insisting on it. You are not rational.

Sorry you don't understand professional basketball. It doesn't require a 4 year degree. Go read Wikipedia or something

[JeffDuncan]

Sorry you don't understand professional basketball. It doesn't require a 4 year degree. Go read Wikipedia or something

Oh, stop lying, you poor little crazy fool.

[313]

Pascal showed nothing in his rookie year except his motor. And he surely wasn’t efficient. The Raptors fans weren’t pleased about the pick and would have sent him to hell if they could. Siakam made dumb fouls, bricked open shots and didn’t know where to go on the court. That’s why these sent him to the d-league for a while. He made some improvements there, but even when he came back he didn’t show signs to become the player he’s now.
Didn't know he played in the gleague, thanks for the heads up. He dominated in his short stint there from what I'm seeing (https://gleague.nba.com/player/pascal-siakam/)...probably why he didn't stay long.

Maybe raptors fans didn't see it, but the FO sure did, hence why he wasn't even on the table for the Kawhi trade :lol

We should just hope Luka improves game to game, rather than make delusional comparisons to proven players.

The FO should be shamed, though(at the least) for such a risky pick.

[313]

Yes, career. Are you unaware of the ages of young NBA players? This guy was playing professionally in Europe. Second year NBA players aren't 23 years old anymore.
Since we're making crazy comparisons, the other Luka in Texas is 20 years old too :lol

[palangi]

Just a heads up...when you give full season to date stats, that's not cherry picking.

Which is why I've instructed him to not post. It really is embarrassing, and he has no idea.

[palangi]

.

[palangi]

I'm talking about the box score stats he chose to post. He conveniently left those outstanding shooting percentage and turnover stats, for example

You just keep doing it. Please im trying to help you out. Stop posting, it's for your benefit

[palangi]

You're dickriding a scrub that can't even shoot 40% in the g league. Stfu

Im sorry everyone. This guy is really struggling. Learning is not his strength.

[Prime BEEF]

There are still Spurs fans here waiting on Hanga and Milutinov, and still say that Kyle Anderson will have a breakout this season if he gets more minutes.

Spurs fans are delusional. Most here are JUST getting fed up with Forbes.
yup. And add Ryan Richards to that list too.

[Sugus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHVsmJ5Zgck&feature=share

Haven't seen it posted yet. Good video highlighting Luka's growth and potential. Really like that he's shooting the second most 3's out of every player in Austin - he'll need to knock them down if he ever wants to start alongside DJ or White.

[Sugus]

39% from the field and this Donk says "he is getting it done on the offensive end" ????

he is also talking about him being young, and keldon is 2 1/2 months OLDER...

since the "Film Room" he has raised it 3.2% with higher usage.


Never makes the coloration to motor only working when a ball is in his hands and thus the shitty D he put up and hardly commented on.

Yeah, he was a bit generous in his assessment but I didn't think it was too far off, at least where it talks about Luka's strengths and possible future contributions. I'm not too worried about his percentages (shooting is one area players mostly always improve at after their rookie seasons), or his defense which also needs time to be worked on. I wish the staff was making him focus on off-ball movement and readings but I guess it'll be a project for his next season, probably to be spent in Austin as well if Pop has any say in it.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/SamanicLuka/status/1222384200231243776

[slick'81]

Our future^^^^^^^

[duncan2k5]

https://i.imgur.com/zMOKZZN.jpg



Guess Luka is Emo because he hasn't been called up as much......

I just bet if Pop had told him to say HE is better than Eubanks Keldon Quinndary and Metu...


He'd say "FUCK YEAH I AM!!!"

LMFAO!!!!!!!

[exstatic]

Didn't know he played in the gleague, thanks for the heads up. He dominated in his short stint there from what I'm seeing (https://gleague.nba.com/player/pascal-siakam/)...probably why he didn't stay long.

Maybe raptors fans didn't see it, but the FO sure did, hence why he wasn't even on the table for the Kawhi trade :lol

We should just hope Luka improves game to game, rather than make delusional comparisons to proven players.

The FO should be shamed, though(at the least) for such a risky pick.

No pick at 19 is really risky, and you really should take a high ceiling, low floor player at that point, over some more ready, zero growth prospect.

[313]

No pick at 19 is really risky, and you really should take a high ceiling, low floor player at that point, over some more ready, zero growth prospect.
I agree, which is why Semanic was such an odd pick. He wasnt a stud over in europe who lit it up. He shot 28% from 3 over there last year and showed pretty much what he’s showing us in the d league. His counterparts drafted near him showed more in college and are, unsurprisingly, showing more even playing against nba players..while semanic struggles to blossom against janitors.

For the Spurs who have seldom gotten picks below 20, they didn’t seem to value it much, reaching for a player of Semanic’s caliber.

[Sugus]

I agree, which is why Semanic was such an odd pick. He wasnt a stud over in europe who lit it up. He shot 28% from 3 over there last year and showed pretty much what he’s showing us in the d league. His counterparts drafted near him showed more in college and are, unsurprisingly, showing more even playing against nba players..while semanic struggles to blossom against janitors.

For the Spurs who have seldom gotten picks below 20, they didn’t seem to value it much, reaching for a player of Semanic’s caliber.

Yeah, judging a pick half a year after they were drafted always holds up well in time. Didn't realize Luka was in his prime already... Time sure flies!

[Dejounte]

I dont understand why people are saying Samanic isnt blossoming... Stop talking out of your ass and watch the games.

[spurspl]

samanic will be an all star like all of our young drafted players bc spurs are great and spurs fans believe so much that it must happen

[Dverde]

samanic will be an all star like all of our young drafted players bc spurs are great and spurs fans believe so much that it must happen

You take AllStar selections for granted. Spurs will seldom get an All Star selection if they stay mediocre in the West. It may be a decade before we get another one.

[313]

Honestly I feel bad for him tbh nobody chooses to be picked too early and have unrealistic expectations placed on them. For once, Pop’s gleague will work out, and Luka can keep developing around players at a similar skill level in the gleague for a year. :tu

He has his work cut out for him in the summer, though, where he’ll need to get those shot mechanics down first and foremost.

[BillMc]

Give Luka time. Way too soon to judge him either way. And there is enough there to have "risked" the pick at 19.

[wildbill2u]

I think the stats of a 19th pick making it in the NBA are about 20%. Maybe he just needs glasses. I know when I got mine I realized that the basket actually had hard contours I could aim at.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/TyJagerRadio/status/1223790753471778817

[TimDunkem]

He looks slow as fuck, tbh.

[Dejounte]

Got another solid 18 and 8 tonight but yet hes not "blossoming". Lmfao hes doing better than Metu did his first year in the G league b

[RC_Drunkford]

THEORY:

Somebody told RC that "There is this luka in the Baltics that you need to see, FUTURE STAR"

He mistook Latvia for Croatia and scouted the wrong Luka

He is all on the Wrong Luka just as much as Pop is on Byrn.

Bruh there is no Luka from Latvia. Doncic is Slovenian which is right next to Croatia and Samanic actually played ball there

[RC_Drunkford]

Samanic's foot speed is the most intriguing thing about him. A power forward being able to rebound and push the ball in transition will be very valuable. I'm still high on him

[palangi]

THEORY:

Somebody told RC that "There is this luka in the Baltics that you need to see, FUTURE STAR"

He mistook Latvia for Croatia and scouted the wrong Luka

He is all on the Wrong Luka just as much as Pop is on Byrn.

How many times are you going to tell this lame joke....

[palangi]

Got another solid 18 and 8 tonight but yet hes not "blossoming". Lmfao hes doing better than Metu did his first year in the G league b

Drew the master bater isn't going to like your comment

[Manong Ginobili]

[TWEET] https://twitter.com/TyJagerRadio/status/1223805767666618376?s=19 [TWEET]

[palangi]

https://twitter.com/TyJagerRadio/status/1223812232888365058
https://twitter.com/TyJagerRadio/status/1223831464413929475

From a person who was at the game watching it and not reading box scores.

Didn't say anything about eubanks not having a very good game.
Just laughing how you down play the second best player in the game.
So fuck your box score faggot

[palangi]

[TWEET] https://twitter.com/TyJagerRadio/status/1223805767666618376?s=19 [TWEET]

But drew the talent scout was at the game.

So this is obviously a false tweet

[Manong Ginobili]

Hey Drew, yeah I'll learn posting tweets. Still, Luka was part of the comeback, just watched the recap of the game. The guy you tweet quoted also credited Luka.

[Dejounte]

IF you watched the game... Which you don't didn't and wont

this was lost until Eubanks came through... but keep looking at the box score

Umm i do watch the games. Luka didnt have most his points until the second half (during the comeback)

Im not even arguing with you. Im talking to the idiot who said Luka hasnt been blossoming this year. You yourself cant deny this fact if you say you have been watching these games. Luka is a different player now than a few months ago.

[bdictjames]

Luka looks fluid. FO may have something from this draft.

[spurspl]

give him minutes in nba and we will see how good he is

[Mugen]

Luka is actually one of the few Spurs rookies that I think can benefit from a year in G League.

Keldon on the other hand could have easily contributed this season even in 5-10 mins a game.

[exstatic]

Luka shows his toolset when the ball is in his hands. That’s why he was drafted. Unfortunately, he seems to drift when he doesn’t have the ball, and seems completely uninterested in defense. That could be why Keldon is with the big club, and he isn’t. If he fails, it won’t be lack of talent, it will be attitude and lack of motor.

[Harry Callahan]

I would rather have Johnson taking minutes from Rudy Gay now. That won't happen until March probably. The Spurs management team is looking to make the playoffs first and foremost. Young players have been put on the shelf to a certain extent.

[palangi]

HAHA, Bent out of shape is this kid your nephew or something...

No but he must have hit it and quit it with your mom

[spurraider21]

From a person who was at the game watching it and not reading box scores.
pop goes to and watches every spurs game yet still thinks forbes and marco need to play often

[R. DeMurre]

Have to admit, Samanic hasn't been overly impressive so far: mediocre FG%, 3pt%, and a negative +/- on a G League team with a winning record... Obviously, a guy like Brandon Clarke-- who was available in the draft-- is doing better now in the NBA than Samanic is in the G League. But when Clarke was Samanic's age, he was playing for San Jose State & that seems like an eternity ago, before Clarke's year off and then meteoric rise with Gonzaga. Guess we'll have to wait & see how he progresses...

[exstatic]

Have to admit, Samanic hasn't been overly impressive so far: mediocre FG%, 3pt%, and a negative +/- on a G League team with a winning record... Obviously, a guy like Brandon Clarke-- who was available in the draft-- is doing better now in the NBA than Samanic is in the G League. But when Clarke was Samanic's age, he was playing for San Jose State & that seems like an eternity ago, before Clarke's year off and then meteoric rise with Gonzaga. Guess we'll have to wait & see how he progresses...

His numbers aren't awful, but advanced stats don't like him. His ORtg and DRtg are upside down by about 20, and his BPM and WS are both negative. My guess is that the plan has always been two years in Austin to develop, the standard "two years away" draftee.

[313]

Have to admit, Samanic hasn't been overly impressive so far: mediocre FG%, 3pt%, and a negative +/- on a G League team with a winning record... Obviously, a guy like Brandon Clarke-- who was available in the draft-- is doing better now in the NBA than Samanic is in the G League. But when Clarke was Samanic's age, he was playing for San Jose State & that seems like an eternity ago, before Clarke's year off and then meteoric rise with Gonzaga. Guess we'll have to wait & see how he progresses...17 9 and 2.5(blocks) with a 29 PER at San Jose State before his meteoric rise is pretty eye popping.

:lol PATFO

[TimDunkem]

17 9 and 2.5(blocks) with a 29 PER at San Jose State before his meteoric rise is pretty eye popping.

:lol PATFO

These guys are going to keep convincing themselves that the turd sandwiches PATFO feeds them are palatable. You can't reason with them despite the fact that this team - a team DESPERATE to make the playoffs - would have done well to have drafted a contributor with that pick. It didn't even have to be Clarke. There were others but, of course, the Spurs went with the project Euro.

[Gibbz]

If they had drafted Brandon Clarke he wouldn't be playing either. I'm willing to be patient with Samanic because with current PATFO no rookie short of Zion Williamson would be playing meaningful minutes on this team. I'm not crazy about it either but hopefully Samanic has got the patience to just grind and get better.

[ElNono]

Hopefully he asked for a trade already, shouldn’t get his career ruined by having to be 5th in line behind the likes of Marco and Patty, tbh, which should be getting thank you contract extensions soon...

[exstatic]

Hopefully he asked for a trade already, shouldn’t get his career ruined by having to be 5th in line behind the likes of Marco and Patty, tbh, which should be getting thank you contract extensions soon...

I hear the Maine Red Claws were asking after him...

[palangi]

7 years "vet" bolded and all that stuff

and your comeback is this?

Oh dear lord.......

If you have to deflect from your mom getting ran through by how my name is displayed... them good on you....

[duncan2k5]

If they had drafted Brandon Clarke he wouldn't be playing either. I'm willing to be patient with Samanic because with current PATFO no rookie short of Zion Williamson would be playing meaningful minutes on this team. I'm not crazy about it either but hopefully Samanic has got the patience to just grind and get better.

Agreed...for the most part... they'd have Zion in the G-league too...this Pop is different from Pop of the past...he has lost it

[JeffDuncan]

Agreed...for the most part... they'd have Zion in the G-league too...this Pop is different from Pop of the past...he has lost it


Pop isn't different, it's only that the current situation has made his shortcomings more obvious.

[duncan2k5]

Pop isn't different, it's only that the current situation has made his shortcomings more obvious.

What ur saying is true...but he IS different...pop got rid of poop playoff performers immediately in the past (hedo, Jefferson,etc...) ...now he cares about their feelings and would keep them around...

Pop would scream at any of the big 3...but uses kid gloves on LMA and DDR...

Pop would play young, promising players significant minutes...now he automatically sends them to the G-league, and benches them indefinitely when they make a mistake in an NBA game...

[Atl Spur]

Wow! Some things never change around here.

[Dejounte]

Not blossoming. Lmfao!

[duncan2150]

https://gleague.nba.com/games/20200204/ACCAUS/

Good game by Samanic

28 pts ( 10/20 shooting - 2/6 at 3) 7 rebounds 3 blocks 2 asst 1 stl

[emanueldavidginobili]

21.8/9.8 1.8 blocks on 55-47-75 splits over his last 5 games.

[LakerHater]

https://images2.imgbox.com/32/32/WvYr97UO_o.gif

[phxspurfan]

in the league where Kyle Anderson and Murray put up huge #s

[itzsoweezee]

Hey Luka loonies, don't look at Brandon Clark's stats from tonight's game, where he was a huge contributor to his playoff team stomping another playoff team.

Butbutbut Luka scored 20 in the g league!

[look_at_g_shred]

Hey Luka loonies, don't look at Brandon Clark's stats from tonight's game, where he was a huge contributor to his playoff team stomping another playoff team.

Butbutbut Luka scored 20 in the g league!
Be that as it may, sadly, he’s still better than any forward we are trotting our sans LA

[rudwick]

Hey Luka loonies, don't look at Brandon Clark's stats from tonight's game, where he was a huge contributor to his playoff team stomping another playoff team.

Butbutbut Luka scored 20 in the g league!

Nobody gives a shit what Brandon Clark is doing, so go tell your Brandon Clark buttbuddy club.

[SpurPadre]

It's a good thing Luka has hops, othewise this would be him:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/animals-dinosaur-basketball-hoop-slam-dunk-shl100902_low.jpg

[TimDunkem]

Hey Luka loonies, don't look at Brandon Clark's stats from tonight's game, where he was a huge contributor to his playoff team stomping another playoff team.

Butbutbut Luka scored 20 in the g league!

You think a team in 10th place, desperate to make the playoffs, that starts Trey Lyles and plays DD and Gay at PF would want a guy like that? :(

[Collins21]

You think a team in 10th place, desperate to make the playoffs, that starts Trey Lyles and plays DD and Gay at PF would want a guy like that? :(

My god man give up th Brandon Clarke shit if he is as good as you say he is why did all other teams who picked before the Spurs pass him up? He's ok that's it the way some of y'all hype him up it's like he's prime Amare or some shit. I didn't like the Luka pick either but I can name better players that I would rather have over him than Clarke.

[313]

My god man give up th Brandon Clarke shit if he is as good as you say he is why did all other teams who picked before the Spurs pass him up? He's ok that's it the way some of y'all hype him up it's like he's prime Amare or some shit. I didn't like the Luka pick either but I can name better players that I would rather have over him than Clarke.Generational talent tbh

[313]

21.8/9.8 1.8 blocks on 55-47-75 splits over his last 5 games.:tu

[palangi]

My god man give up th Brandon Clarke shit if he is as good as you say he is why did all other teams who picked before the Spurs pass him up? He's ok that's it the way some of y'all hype him up it's like he's prime Amare or some shit. I didn't like the Luka pick either but I can name better players that I would rather have over him than Clarke.

It's the same crew that hyped Bell too

[DPG21920]

My god man give up th Brandon Clarke shit if he is as good as you say he is why did all other teams who picked before the Spurs pass him up? He's ok that's it the way some of y'all hype him up it's like he's prime Amare or some shit. I didn't like the Luka pick either but I can name better players that I would rather have over him than Clarke.

Strange logic :lol. So I guess Tony Parker and Manu both sucked since lots of teams passed on them/

[palangi]

Strange logic :lol. So I guess Tony Parker and Manu both sucked since lots of teams passed on them/

Well since parker and Manu were great do will Clarke then. You're right

[DPG21920]

Well since parker and Manu were great do will Clarke then. You're right

No. But using the logic that Clarke can’t be that good because other teams passed on him is silly. No one is saying he’s going to be great since other players drafted late were great.

[Collins21]

Strange logic :lol. So I guess Tony Parker and Manu both sucked since lots of teams passed on them/

Not he same thing at all and you know it. Parker was a French kid who no one really knew anything about because the international scene had yet to explode in the NBA. Clarke was a 4 year senior at a major college basketball program believe me if Teams thought of him that highly he would have not had been passed up that much. Name me one American born 4 senior that was passed up that much in the draft besides Draymond that turned into a great player.

[DPG21920]

Not he same thing at all and you know it. Parker was a French kid who no one really knew anything about because the international scene had yet to explode in the NBA. Clarke was a 4 year senior at a major college basketball program believe me if Teams thought of him that highly he would have not had been passed up that much. Name me one American born 4 senior that was passed up that much in the draft besides Draymond that turned into a great player.

Define great? Clarke may never be an all star but hes’ very talented and definitely impacts winning.

I’m fine with Luka but let’s not bash Clarke for no reason.

[phxspurfan]

All this while Nassir Little is actually playing big boy minutes

[gambit1990]

give the man some minutes. goddamn.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

This Brandon Clarke love reminds me of ST's obsession with Jordan Bell when Spurs drafted Derrick White instead.

[Atl Spur]

Please for the sake of saving face, give this man a few years to develop. He should be a steal......patience kiddos. Our organization is the measuring stick.

[exstatic]

All this while Nassir Little is actually playing big boy minutes

And shoveling cocaine up his nose, no doubt.

[exstatic]

Spurs make a safe pick: ST - They should have taken a flyer on a player with upside!

Spurs take a flyer on a player with upside: ST - Look at what this player who is 23 and already at his ceiling is doing!

[DJR210]

And shoveling cocaine up his nose, no doubt.

I heard he boofs cocaine

[TimDunkem]

And shoveling cocaine up his nose, no doubt.

If he's a good player, I wouldn't give a fuck, tbh.

[Dejounte]

If he's a good player, I wouldn't give a fuck, tbh.

The truth is he isnt.

[Collins21]

The truth is he isnt.

Thank you Nassir Little sucks.

[itzsoweezee]

Spurs make a safe pick: ST - They should have taken a flyer on a player with upside!

Spurs take a flyer on a player with upside: ST - Look at what this player who is 23 and already at his ceiling is doing!

"Player with upside" = dude who, if he's lucky, might a roleplayer in the NBA when he reaches 23 and could've easily been obtained in the second round or the second of the first round picks.

Luka loonies: actually, he'll be Kevin Durant (for some unexplainable reason) or he'll be Pascal Siakim because Pascal also sucked at one point.

I can't decide which group of people on this site are dumber, the Luka loonies or the Bryn truthers (he spreads the floor!)

[Dejounte]

"Player with upside" = dude who, if he's lucky, might a roleplayer in the NBA when he reaches 23 and could've easily been obtained in the second round or the second of the first round picks.

Luka loonies: actually, he'll be Kevin Durant (for some unexplainable reason) or he'll be Pascal Siakim because Pascal also sucked at one point.

I can't decide which group of people on this site are dumber, the Luka loonies or the Bryn truthers (he spreads the floor!)


This dude apparently sees the future and is some basketball guru who knows exactly how players will turn out in four years. This guy must get paid a lot for his basketball wisdom. Definitely listen to this basketball god for valuable information.

...what a fucking moron

You know as the saying goes,

You usually find out that the smarter people in life are those who admit they dont know....than people who say they know everything.

[exstatic]

"Player with upside" = dude who, if he's lucky, might a roleplayer in the NBA when he reaches 23 and could've easily been obtained in the second round or the second of the first round picks.

Luka loonies: actually, he'll be Kevin Durant (for some unexplainable reason) or he'll be Pascal Siakim because Pascal also sucked at one point.

I can't decide which group of people on this site are dumber, the Luka loonies or the Bryn truthers (he spreads the floor!)

I'm not sure what Luka can or will be. He would NOT have been obtainable either at 29 or in the second round. There were a number of teams from 21-30 who had been working him out, and some of them have coaching staffs or FOs led by Pop proteges. Those teams tend to value the same types of players, and in many cases the same exact players that the Spurs do. Samanic has a terrific offensive toolbox, and a rare one for a 6'11" player. He's pretty bouncy, too, with that 38" vertical, a number that most guards and wings would envy. He needs two things: more (actually any) interest in defense, and a better motor/attitude. He's been wrecking it since Metu and Keldon have been called up to the big club.

[itzsoweezee]

This dude apparently sees the future and is some basketball guru who knows exactly how players will turn out in four years. This guy must get paid a lot for his basketball wisdom. Definitely listen to this basketball god for valuable information.

...what a fucking moron

You know as the saying goes,

You usually find out that the smarter people in life are those who admit they dont know....than people who say they know everything.

I don't need to see the future, loonie. The facts are pretty clear. The Spurs, a win-now team with no power forward, chose a second round project (to put it nicely) with the 19th pick in the first round. Incredible incompetence. But I don't expect loonies to understand logic. So keep on believing little guy!

[TimDunkem]

The truth is he isnt.

I never was high on him. Thybulle tho..

[TimDunkem]

I don't need to see the future, loonie. The facts are pretty clear. The Spurs, a win-now team with no power forward, chose a second round project (to put it nicely) with the 19th pick in the first round. Incredible incompetence. But I don't expect loonies to understand logic. So keep on believing little guy!

Yeah, for me, the issue isn't Clarke specifically. It just makes no sense to draft a project with your first pick when you are eager to make the playoffs. Try and grab a contributor, ffs.

[Dejounte]

I don't need to see the future, loonie. The facts are pretty clear. The Spurs, a win-now team with no power forward, chose a second round project (to put it nicely) with the 19th pick in the first round. Incredible incompetence. But I don't expect loonies to understand logic. So keep on believing little guy!

Says "i dont need to see the future" proceeds to say what Samanic's future looks like

Says "facts are pretty clear" proceeds to say false narrative about how he would have been a second round pick where there were reports of him being taken between 21-30

Says he understands logic, but proceeds to make no sense of his own.

Biggest dumbass of spurstalk everybody!

[SpursDynasty85]

Can't wait to see DJ, White, Walker IV, Samanic, and Metu on the same floor together at one point. LA and Derozan need to leave after this year. Make it happen PATFO!

[wildbill2u]

Luka shows his toolset when the ball is in his hands. That’s why he was drafted. Unfortunately, he seems to drift when he doesn’t have the ball, and seems completely uninterested in defense. That could be why Keldon is with the big club, and he isn’t. If he fails, it won’t be lack of talent, it will be attitude and lack of motor.

We have all seen players with God-given talent who excell in some lower league or school and they haven't had to learn or practice some aspects of the game. When they move up to a higher league they still rest on their previous laurels and don't give the effort necessary to advance against players of equal or lesser physical talents. In the NBA attitude and work ethic is often the difference between a player that succeeds and those who fail

[exstatic]

We have all seen players with God-given talent who excell in some lower league or school and they haven't had to learn or practice some aspects of the game. When they move up to a higher league they still rest on their previous laurels and don't give the effort necessary to advance against players of equal or lesser physical talents. In the NBA attitude and work ethic is often the difference between a player that succeeds and those who fail

He's killing it right now with Keldon and Metu with the big club, but to be a full time NBA rotation player, you have to be able to play both without the ball and solid defense.

[TimDunkem]

Can't wait to see DJ, White, Walker IV, Samanic, and Metu on the same floor together at one point. LA and Derozan need to leave after this year. Make it happen PATFO!

Metu kinda sucks.

[slick'81]

Can't wait to see DJ, White, Walker IV, Samanic, and Metu on the same floor together at one point. LA and Derozan need to leave after this year. Make it happen PATFO!

ok

[Mugen]

He's killing it right now with Keldon and Metu with the big club, but to be a full time NBA rotation player, you have to be able to play both without the ball and solid defense.

:lmao :lmao :lmao

https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2994526.png

[Mugen]

:lmao :lmao :lmao



:lmao

:lmao

[TimDunkem]

:lmao :lmao :lmao

https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2994526.png

Damn. :lol

[SpursDynasty85]

Metu kinda sucks.

He's got the tools to make that lineup fun to watch though.

[3&D_TBH]

Spurs make a safe pick: ST - They should have taken a flyer on a player with upside!

Spurs take a flyer on a player with upside: ST - Look at what this player who is 23 and already at his ceiling is doing!

[RC_Drunkford]

He's killing it right now with Keldon and Metu with the big club, but to be a full time NBA rotation player, you have to be able to play both without the ball and solid defense.

not on the Spurs. The coach just has to like you

[leo07251413]

:lmao :lmao :lmao

https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2994526.png

Got to admit I laughed when I saw this lol.
Nice one sir.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

So, I have spent a lot of time watching game film of the Austin Spurs and Luka’s Summer League games and I have a different take on his “motor” issues. I think some of it at the beginning was likely due to conditioning, but the vast majority of Luka’s problem here appears to have nothing to do with his attitude and everything to do with not knowing where to be on the floor when he’s helping on defense. Luka is a good to above average on ball defender and can be pretty aggressive in going for blocks and steals when he is able to read the play, but he often times doesn’t know how to anticipate defensive rotations or intuit where to be on the floor when opponents run screen and rolls or drive and kick from the perimeter.

That said, I think he’s improved a lot in this area over the course of the season, and he seems to have a better overall feel for the defensive end of the floor over the past few weeks.

All of this makes sense to me since Luka is coming from Europe where they play a very different style of basketball and he learned to play a very different style of defense.

[CGD]

So, I have spent a lot of time watching game film of the Austin Spurs and Luka’s Summer League games and I have a different take on his “motor” issues. I think some of it at the beginning was likely due to conditioning, but the vast majority of Luka’s problem here appears to have nothing to do with his attitude and everything to do with not knowing where to be on the floor when he’s helping on defense. Luka is a good to above average on ball defender and can be pretty aggressive in going for blocks and steals when he is able to read the play, but he often times doesn’t know how to anticipate defensive rotations or intuit where to be on the floor when opponents run screen and rolls or drive and kick from the perimeter.

That said, I think he’s improved a lot in this area over the course of the season, and he seems to have a better overall feel for the defensive end of the floor over the past few weeks.

All of this makes sense to me since Luka is coming from Europe where they play a very different style of basketball and he learned to play a very different style of defense.

This is good analysis. Thanks.
Better than the noise coming from those still pissed we didn't draft Mattise "the second coming of Michael Jordan" Thybulle at 19, tbh

[RobinsontoDuncan]

This is good analysis. Thanks.
Better than the noise coming from those still pissed we didn't draft Mattise "the second coming of Michael Jordan" Thybulle at 19, tbh

Thanks.

One other thing I forgot to mention is that, in comparing Luka’s game film during summer league to his recent film in the G League, Luka looks visibly stronger and more mature now than he did in July. That said, he still could probably stand to add about 10 pounds of muscle to his frame (or more potentially, but Luka’s build doesn’t really support him becoming some massive big, so everything he’s adding is more like lean muscle and that takes longer to develop into bulk). The reason I think this matters is that a lot of the scoring plays that Luka is making during his run of good gamers have been power moves at the rim. Go back and watch his film from summer league and he was either struggling to finish those or settling for weak layups at the hoop. Lots of posters at the time we’re complaining that Luka was to weak to finish his drives then (which to me was stupid because not many bigs can penetrate like that off the dribble). Now he’s finishing his drives by throwing down massive dunks with authority, and his body control seems to have improved around the basket as well.

It really does need to be acknowledged that, whatever you think about the pick, Luka Samanic is a remarkably fluid athlete for his size. He has impressive footwork around the rim, a pro ready spin move, good handles that allow him to frequently cross over guards (especially in transition and off the drive and kick to the perimeter), and he has good balance for someone his size. He’s also a really creative player on offense—his game has an almost Manu-esque quality to it at times. Additionally, Luka has really good lateral quickness which helps him a lot on offense and defense.

Is he raw? Yeah, he still has a ways to go. But do I see why the Spurs drafted him and feel like he’s making real progress in Austin? Absolutely, the man has an incredibly high ceiling if he puts it all together. He could play like a better shooting, less good defensively version of the Greek Freak in his prime if he has a Kawhi Leonard like developement trajectory with the spurs. At a minimum, I’m convinced the man will have an NBA career and will be an impact role player as his worst case scenario. Like a Shawn Marion type toward the end of his career.

[Coach X]

Thanks.

One other thing I forgot to mention is that, in comparing Luka’s game film during summer league to his recent film in the G League, Luka looks visibly stronger and more mature now than he did in July. That said, he still could probably stand to add about 10 pounds of muscle to his frame (or more potentially, but Luka’s build doesn’t really support him becoming some massive big, so everything he’s adding is more like lean muscle and that takes longer to develop into bulk). The reason I think this matters is that a lot of the scoring plays that Luka is making during his run of good gamers have been power moves at the rim. Go back and watch his film from summer league and he was either struggling to finish those or settling for weak layups at the hoop. Lots of posters at the time we’re complaining that Luka was to weak to finish his drives then (which to me was stupid because not many bigs can penetrate like that off the dribble). Now he’s finishing his drives by throwing down massive dunks with authority, and his body control seems to have improved around the basket as well.

It really does need to be acknowledged that, whatever you think about the pick, Luka Samanic is a remarkably fluid athlete for his size. He has impressive footwork around the rim, a pro ready spin move, good handles that allow him to frequently cross over guards (especially in transition and off the drive and kick to the perimeter), and he has good balance for someone his size. He’s also a really creative player on offense—his game has an almost Manu-esque quality to it at times. Additionally, Luka has really good lateral quickness which helps him a lot on offense and defense.

Is he raw? Yeah, he still has a ways to go. But do I see why the Spurs drafted him and feel like he’s making real progress in Austin? Absolutely, the man has an incredibly high ceiling if he puts it all together. He could play like a better shooting, less good defensively version of the Greek Freak in his prime if he has a Kawhi Leonard like developement trajectory with the spurs. At a minimum, I’m convinced the man will have an NBA career and will be an impact role player as his worst case scenario. Like a Shawn Marion type toward the end of his career.

Thanks for your comment.

Samanic is GOOD. Very good. He is not a big, a center or anything like that. He's a forward. A talented, offensive, versatile forward. I hope PATFO doesn't repeat the mistake they made with Bertans. Davis is a shooter, SF or even SG, but not a 4 and he always played at the 3 in Europe. Samanic can't play the 5, he's the kind of creative talented player with the classic issues: he can be inconsistent, doesn't like defense or hustling in general, might look soft.

I'd go all-in with Luka Samanic for an NBA season (2020/21). Around 20' per game at least. At the end of de season, go to performance review and progression assesment: Is he getting notably better? If so, keep going and increase playing time. Isn't he? goodbye and good luck.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I really don’t agree that Luka doesn’t like to play defense. The man has had some really impressive blocks, and frequently chases perimeter players to the rim and blocks their shots. He’s even used his lateral quickness to make quick recoveries and block a couple of 3s this year down in Austin.

I think he’s just learning the game over here. Like, in Europe, they tend to play more team oriented offensive systems where there is a lot less isolation, and a lot less guards running under multiple screen and rolls where you have to know how to rotate to the right part of the floor to be in a good position to make a play. Luka often looks confused about where to be and how to switch. He’s not lazy.

[GAustex]

Thanks for your comment.

Samanic is GOOD. Very good. He is not a big, a center or anything like that. He's a forward. A talented, offensive, versatile forward. I hope PATFO doesn't repeat the mistake they made with Bertans. Davis is a shooter, SF or even SG, but not a 4 and he always played at the 3 in Europe. Samanic can't play the 5, he's the kind of creative talented player with the classic issues: he can be inconsistent, doesn't like defense or hustling in general, might look soft.

I'd go all-in with Luka Samanic for an NBA season (2020/21). Around 20' per game at least. At the end of de season, go to performance review and progression assesment: Is he getting notably better? If so, keep going and increase playing time. Isn't he? goodbye and good luck.
After Nephew got hurt against GS, Davis played a lot and guarded Klay and did pretty good. Poop screw up in handling Davis.

[sasaint]

After Nephew got hurt against GS, Davis played a lot and guarded Klay and did pretty good. Poop screw up in handling Davis.

Actually there is a pretty long list (and growing) of players who Pop mishandled.

[phxspurfan]

Luka Sammich is a sammich

[venitian navigator]

Actually there is a pretty long list (and growing) of players who Pop mishandled.

Sometimes Pop needed a scapegoat, and more than one time this has been a good player...in the past that's been Beno Udrith, for example, that was a good player but had a miserable playing against the Pistons in the finals (not athletic enough, he was owned by Hunter, that at the time was a wonderful defensive player). After that Pop admitted to have used the wrong approach with him...but evidently he forgot his mistake and did it again.
That said the mistake made with Davis using him as a scapegoat and trading him for nothing like if he had very limited nba value is inexplicable, expecially compared to the shooter choice :
a) how in hell can you prefer a non athletic midget with no defensive intelligence and skills to a 6.10 feet player with the same deadly shooting skills and more defensive skills? why use the pat pat discipline with the first one (and re-sign him) and the "I bench and blame you hard whenever you make any kind of mistake" approach with the second one (and trade him for nothing)?
b) considering it was obvious to everybody (except to people that is at the same time blind and deaf) that Davis was gonna be abused under the rim by strongest players and that his body was not going tu support an amount of muscle big enough to compete with such players, how in hell you do play him strictly as a Center/power forward? it was clear that he was a shooter from three and a potential swingman, able to cut to the rim taking advantage of his height and jumping skills against smaller players (practically quite every G or sf in the league)... Bertans was and is a poor's man Kevin Durant...he has, obviously at an inferior level, the height, lenght and basketball skills (shooting, cutting, passing and a little play making) that Durant has. What he doesn't have of Durant's skils is that Durant confidence with the ball in his hands: in that regard KD value is way highter...(in fact Durant has been for most of his career an isolation player).
But who in his right mind, in this new nba (where shooting skills are the most valuable) would not consider precious a team player (and Davis has always been a team player) with a good amount of KD skills? probably only our coach and patfo?

[ceperez]

Sometimes Pop needed a scapegoat, and more than one time this has been a good player...in the past that's been Beno Udrith, for example, that was a good player but had a miserable playing against the Pistons in the finals (not athletic enough, he was owned by Hunter, that at the time was a wonderful defensive player). After that Pop admitted to have used the wrong approach with him...but evidently he forgot his mistake and did it again.
That said the mistake made with Davis using him as a scapegoat and trading him for nothing like if he had very limited nba value is inexplicable, expecially compared to the shooter choice :
a) how in hell can you prefer a non athletic midget with no defensive intelligence and skills to a 6.10 feet player with the same deadly shooting skills and more defensive skills? why use the pat pat discipline with the first one (and re-sign him) and the "I bench and blame you hard whenever you make any kind of mistake" approach with the second one (and trade him for nothing)?
b) considering it was obvious to everybody (except to people that is at the same time blind and deaf) that Davis was gonna be abused under the rim by strongest players and that his body was not going tu support an amount of muscle big enough to compete with such players, how in hell you do play him strictly as a Center/power forward? it was clear that he was a shooter from three and a potential swingman, able to cut to the rim taking advantage of his height and jumping skills against smaller players (practically quite every G or sf in the league)... Bertans was and is a poor's man Kevin Durant...he has, obviously at an inferior level, the height, lenght and basketball skills (shooting, cutting, passing and a little play making) that Durant has. What he doesn't have of Durant's skils is that Durant confidence with the ball in his hands: in that regard KD value is way highter...(in fact Durant has been for most of his career an isolation player).
But who in his right mind, in this new nba (where shooting skills are the most valuable) would not consider precious a team player (and Davis has always been a team player) with a good amount of KD skills? probably only our coach and patfo?

Big fail. Yes, I always felt that Bertans shouldn't have played as a PF.

[RC_Drunkford]

Sometimes Pop needed a scapegoat, and more than one time this has been a good player...in the past that's been Beno Udrith, for example, that was a good player but had a miserable playing against the Pistons in the finals (not athletic enough, he was owned by Hunter, that at the time was a wonderful defensive player). After that Pop admitted to have used the wrong approach with him...but evidently he forgot his mistake and did it again.
That said the mistake made with Davis using him as a scapegoat and trading him for nothing like if he had very limited nba value is inexplicable, expecially compared to the shooter choice :
a) how in hell can you prefer a non athletic midget with no defensive intelligence and skills to a 6.10 feet player with the same deadly shooting skills and more defensive skills? why use the pat pat discipline with the first one (and re-sign him) and the "I bench and blame you hard whenever you make any kind of mistake" approach with the second one (and trade him for nothing)?
b) considering it was obvious to everybody (except to people that is at the same time blind and deaf) that Davis was gonna be abused under the rim by strongest players and that his body was not going tu support an amount of muscle big enough to compete with such players, how in hell you do play him strictly as a Center/power forward? it was clear that he was a shooter from three and a potential swingman, able to cut to the rim taking advantage of his height and jumping skills against smaller players (practically quite every G or sf in the league)... Bertans was and is a poor's man Kevin Durant...he has, obviously at an inferior level, the height, lenght and basketball skills (shooting, cutting, passing and a little play making) that Durant has. What he doesn't have of Durant's skils is that Durant confidence with the ball in his hands: in that regard KD value is way highter...(in fact Durant has been for most of his career an isolation player).
But who in his right mind, in this new nba (where shooting skills are the most valuable) would not consider precious a team player (and Davis has always been a team player) with a good amount of KD skills? probably only our coach and patfo?

Nailed it. What I didn't understand is why they didn't move Beli for Carroll. Beli earns 6 million, I don't think it would've been that hard to get Carroll to sign for 1 million less and give it to him in his 2nd year or guarantee it in his 3rd to get the trade done. Bertans was the best trade asset this team had and giving him away for nothing never made any sense.

[sasaint]

Sometimes Pop needed a scapegoat, and more than one time this has been a good player...in the past that's been Beno Udrith, for example, that was a good player but had a miserable playing against the Pistons in the finals (not athletic enough, he was owned by Hunter, that at the time was a wonderful defensive player). After that Pop admitted to have used the wrong approach with him...but evidently he forgot his mistake and did it again.
That said the mistake made with Davis using him as a scapegoat and trading him for nothing like if he had very limited nba value is inexplicable, expecially compared to the shooter choice :
a) how in hell can you prefer a non athletic midget with no defensive intelligence and skills to a 6.10 feet player with the same deadly shooting skills and more defensive skills? why use the pat pat discipline with the first one (and re-sign him) and the "I bench and blame you hard whenever you make any kind of mistake" approach with the second one (and trade him for nothing)?
b) considering it was obvious to everybody (except to people that is at the same time blind and deaf) that Davis was gonna be abused under the rim by strongest players and that his body was not going tu support an amount of muscle big enough to compete with such players, how in hell you do play him strictly as a Center/power forward? it was clear that he was a shooter from three and a potential swingman, able to cut to the rim taking advantage of his height and jumping skills against smaller players (practically quite every G or sf in the league)... Bertans was and is a poor's man Kevin Durant...he has, obviously at an inferior level, the height, lenght and basketball skills (shooting, cutting, passing and a little play making) that Durant has. What he doesn't have of Durant's skils is that Durant confidence with the ball in his hands: in that regard KD value is way highter...(in fact Durant has been for most of his career an isolation player).
But who in his right mind, in this new nba (where shooting skills are the most valuable) would not consider precious a team player (and Davis has always been a team player) with a good amount of KD skills? probably only our coach and patfo?

Precisely. Well put.

[look_at_g_shred]

Here’s a fun question, if Luka was in the upcoming draft, where would he be ranked?

[CGD]

Here’s a fun question, if Luka was in the upcoming draft, where would he be ranked?

Lottery

[exstatic]

So, I have spent a lot of time watching game film of the Austin Spurs and Luka’s Summer League games and I have a different take on his “motor” issues. I think some of it at the beginning was likely due to conditioning, but the vast majority of Luka’s problem here appears to have nothing to do with his attitude and everything to do with not knowing where to be on the floor when he’s helping on defense. Luka is a good to above average on ball defender and can be pretty aggressive in going for blocks and steals when he is able to read the play, but he often times doesn’t know how to anticipate defensive rotations or intuit where to be on the floor when opponents run screen and rolls or drive and kick from the perimeter.

That said, I think he’s improved a lot in this area over the course of the season, and he seems to have a better overall feel for the defensive end of the floor over the past few weeks.

All of this makes sense to me since Luka is coming from Europe where they play a very different style of basketball and he learned to play a very different style of defense.

Does not knowing where to be on defense include not understanding that he has to be on the same half of the court? The game I watched, he LITERALLY jogged back in transition defense on multiple occasions. That’s where my motor comments come from. He was so far back, he couldn’t have picked up a trailing 3 point shooter, like not across half court yet when the ball was shot by the other team.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Does not knowing where to be on defense include not understanding that he has to be on the same half of the court? The game I watched, he LITERALLY jogged back in transition defense on multiple occasions. That’s where my motor comments come from. He was so far back, he couldn’t have picked up a trailing 3 point shooter, like not across half court yet when the ball was shot by the other team.

I honestly don’t know, I’d have to see the play. I think it also matters when this game was and how quick the transition was. As I mentioned, it does appear that Luka has been improving on the defensive end as his season in Austin has gone on. This is the reason why the G League exists so it’s nice to see the Spurs use it to help their players develop. Lots of posters on this board used to complain that Metu looked lost and low IQ in his first season in Austin, now they want to ship off half the team so he can play more in SA. That’s what I find frustrating about reading this form—it’s like people have unrealistic expectations about how player development happens.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Does not knowing where to be on defense include not understanding that he has to be on the same half of the court? The game I watched, he LITERALLY jogged back in transition defense on multiple occasions. That’s where my motor comments come from. He was so far back, he couldn’t have picked up a trailing 3 point shooter, like not across half court yet when the ball was shot by the other team.


I was gonna respond the same way you did because the couple games I’ve seen in person at Cedar Park, he gave little effort if he didn’t touch the ball on the offensive end the plays before.

Now maybe he was just gassed but it isn’t a good look. He just seemed not to give a lot of effort on defense the games I seen in person but it could’ve been a number of reasons why.

One of the things I love about Keldon Johnson is he plays hard and gives everything he has on the court. As a player who hasn’t proven anything at the NBA level I feel all rookies or guys trying to make it into the NBA should always at the least give maximum effort.

[itzsoweezee]

Brandon Clarke today against the Blazers: 25 pts (11-13) 5 rebs and 3 stls; leading his playoff bound team against it's closest competition. The game isn't even over yet, lol.

Luka: wallowing in the g league. Can't even sit on the Spurs' bench. Might get to play in the NBA for a couple games in 3 years.

[SAGirl]

The Spurs drafting for sure will get more scrutiny the more the team has to lean on the draft to find talent. Clarke is already a big time contributor to a seemingly playoff bound team, not even a matter of stuffing the stat sheet on bad teams.

[313]

Such a huge whiff of a draft and in such a pivotal year. I want to give Wright the benefit of the doubt and blame Pop/Buford, but he’s going to need to get off to a strong start once Pop retires regardless of the cards he’s left with.

[palangi]

Brandon Clarke today against the Blazers: 25 pts (11-13) 5 rebs and 3 stls; leading his playoff bound team against it's closest competition. The game isn't even over yet, lol.

Luka: wallowing in the g league. Can't even sit on the Spurs' bench. Might get to play in the NBA for a couple games in 3 years.
And if we had drafted Clarke here would be wallowing in the G league too. So it doesn't even matter

[UZER]

Sometimes Pop needed a scapegoat, and more than one time this has been a good player...in the past that's been Beno Udrith, for example, that was a good player but had a miserable playing against the Pistons in the finals (not athletic enough, he was owned by Hunter, that at the time was a wonderful defensive player). After that Pop admitted to have used the wrong approach with him...but evidently he forgot his mistake and did it again.
That said the mistake made with Davis using him as a scapegoat and trading him for nothing like if he had very limited nba value is inexplicable, expecially compared to the shooter choice :
a) how in hell can you prefer a non athletic midget with no defensive intelligence and skills to a 6.10 feet player with the same deadly shooting skills and more defensive skills? why use the pat pat discipline with the first one (and re-sign him) and the "I bench and blame you hard whenever you make any kind of mistake" approach with the second one (and trade him for nothing)?
b) considering it was obvious to everybody (except to people that is at the same time blind and deaf) that Davis was gonna be abused under the rim by strongest players and that his body was not going tu support an amount of muscle big enough to compete with such players, how in hell you do play him strictly as a Center/power forward? it was clear that he was a shooter from three and a potential swingman, able to cut to the rim taking advantage of his height and jumping skills against smaller players (practically quite every G or sf in the league)... Bertans was and is a poor's man Kevin Durant...he has, obviously at an inferior level, the height, lenght and basketball skills (shooting, cutting, passing and a little play making) that Durant has. What he doesn't have of Durant's skils is that Durant confidence with the ball in his hands: in that regard KD value is way highter...(in fact Durant has been for most of his career an isolation player).
But who in his right mind, in this new nba (where shooting skills are the most valuable) would not consider precious a team player (and Davis has always been a team player) with a good amount of KD skills? probably only our coach and patfo?



Regardless of how much your post makes valid points, you have never coached an NBA team. Therefore, all of your points are immediately and completely disregarded as laughable and a waste of time. Why are you even here?

Sincerely,

Sniffers

[Prime BEEF]

Regardless of how much your post makes valid points, you have never coached an NBA team. Therefore, all of your points are immediately and completely disregarded as laughable and a waste of time. Why are you even here?

Sincerely,

Sniffers
lol. There are a couple on here that say that all the time.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Luka shows his toolset when the ball is in his hands. That’s why he was drafted. Unfortunately, he seems to drift when he doesn’t have the ball, and seems completely uninterested in defense. That could be why Keldon is with the big club, and he isn’t. If he fails, it won’t be lack of talent, it will be attitude and lack of motor.


Ummm… pretty sure those are most of the thing that some people said about him BEFORE the draft. That, plus the fact that he ran out on his teammates in the playoffs to come here and pimp himself for his own draft position.

I can't remember who it was who said all that before the draft, but I'm sure it was someone you all know and love. But I might be wrong. After all, I thought that all G-League players made it to the NBA until you set me straight. :lol


Love Mugen's response. :D


:lmao :lmao :lmao

https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2994526.png

[Collins21]

The Spurs drafting for sure will get more scrutiny the more the team has to lean on the draft to find talent. Clarke is already a big time contributor to a seemingly playoff bound team, not even a matter of stuffing the stat sheet on bad teams.

Ok are sure Mmemphis is going to hold on to that 8th seed because they can easily lose the first 5 games after the All Star break. Furthermore what is this Brandon Clarke shit this dude is closer to 30 then is to becoming a star. I'm rooting for Luka to be great because y'all overhype Clarke so much when truth be told he's not even better than Eric Paschall.

[SAGirl]

Ok are sure Mmemphis is going to hold on to that 8th seed because they can easily lose the first 5 games after the All Star break. Furthermore what is this Brandon Clarke shit this dude is closer to 30 then is to becoming a star. I'm rooting for Luka to be great because y'all overhype Clarke so much when truth be told he's not even better than Eric Paschall.
I am not sure of that. But if they don't make it it's unlikely to be because of him. He is one of their most consistent players and has been a net positive player all season, he plays both ends. This is not a case of empty stats at all. This team could have used him for sure.

I can't say anything about Luka and I am not saying anything about him. Unlike others here, I haven't scouted him or watched his games, and I consider him being in the Gleague a token Pop thing. But he will get scrutinized more, and these picks are expected to pan out. Every season the team misses on the best player available to them is going to cost them dearly. They need talent to pan out better than expected, a gem.

[Collins21]

I am not sure of that. But if they don't make it it's unlikely to be because of him. He is one of their most consistent players and has been a net positive player all season, he plays both ends. This is not a case of empty stats at all. This team could have used him for sure.

I can't say anything about Luka and I am not saying anything about him. Unlike others here, I haven't scouted him or watched his games, and I consider him being in the Gleague a token Pop thing. But he will get scrutinized more, and these picks are expected to pan out. Every season the team misses on the best player available to them is going to cost them dearly. They need talent to pan out better than expected, a gem.

I get your point I really do. My thing is people here not you tend tomato it seem like Clarke was the end all be all of players they could have had. I think that they should have drafted Keldon Johnson at 19 and then got Kevin Porter Jr at 29 but it wouldn't matter honestly because They would never play because of this mandatory first year in the G league crap.

[rjv]

clarke has a low ceiling and has all the look and feel of a decent rotational player but he wasn't going to be a difference maker on this roster. samanic might not be either but you take chances sometimes with the 19th pick. declaring clarke a steal and samanic a bust at this point in time is typical ST premature evisceration.

[ernest787]

there is also a weird spin that the Spurs never play young players. Either people forget, or weren't around but when guys are ready early they play. Recently the guys the Spurs have drafted primarily have not been plug and play. They are dudes that are projects and need some seasoning.