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

[Mr. Body]

Probably got tired of his slow-ass behind the back dribble-drive he spammed like a little kid on the controller. His attitude is garbage but maybe that's improving.

[tbdog]

Now that we are in the lottery, we can't miss on our picks. It just delays playoff appearance every year on every miss. Picks like primo is dangerous. I'm happy the spurs got what they wanted but you shouldn't take risks like that. Anyway, Luka nba career is probably over.

[K...]

Now that we are in the lottery, we can't miss on our picks. It just delays playoff appearance every year on every miss. Picks like primo is dangerous. I'm happy the spurs got what they wanted but you shouldn't take risks like that. Anyway, Luka nba career is probably over.

i look forward to your career as a scout, surely you know the tricks to get guys who are sure things. For real though the draft has changed, kids are mostly raw. There's a number of picks to churn through to find a star times a number of years to develop them, minus the odds they bail for bigger clubs, it's fucking hard to tank!!!!!!

[exstatic]

He has no bball skills

He has good ball handling skills, and when he puts in the effort is an above average defender. He can’t shoot the long ball ,limiting his floor time, and his effort is sporadic, at best.

[MultiTroll]

Unless we have eyes on Celtics camp report I'm not concluding Boston brain trust is 100% on summarizing Luka. If he does still suck / lack effort, so be it. But sounds like he's gonna be on their GLeague team so who knows. FFS he's only 22.

But these clowns handing the Warriors the chip after the 3-2 lead have me questioning them 100. Don't bring the vomit about Warriors were just so good.
The strategy to keep playing Kobme Tatum ball after Team Ball got the ahead was barf inducing. Now we know perhaps why Ime's head was fully up his ass to lead the choke.

[tbdog]

i look forward to your career as a scout, surely you know the tricks to get guys who are sure things. For real though the draft has changed, kids are mostly raw. There's a number of picks to churn through to find a star times a number of years to develop them, minus the odds they bail for bigger clubs, it's fucking hard to tank!!!!!!

Okay, a bit blunt there. My point still stands, you can't miss on your picks of your in the lottery.

[Harry Callahan]

The transition of the top players going pro so much sooner and often having little or no college experience makes development way tougher. Players drafted 19th are generally there for a reason and rarely turn into something amazing.

Lottery picks have failed on a regular basis as well with projections having to take place.

Samanic was a miss. The Spurs picked a much better player at 30. Sometimes that happens.

There are VERY few sure things no matter where you draft. I hope the years the Spurs hit bottom work out well like the last two times. They will draft in the top five and hopefully draw one or two for 2023.

[John B]

Every now and then I would open this thread to wander how Luka is doing. I really rooted for this guy and Lonnie. I think had they played to their potentials, the Spurs would look very different right now. I still think Lonnie would make it because he works hard and it just a matter of time. I think he is too unselfish and defers too much, not wanting to make bad plays, ironically playing bad consequently. But with Lakers I think he could have more freedom to showcase his athleticism for that nightly ESPN highlight reels.

Luka, not so much. Spurs would’ve been the perfect place to nurture and allow him to develop, especially an international player who Spurs have been very successful in the pass. Much has been discussed what went wrong. Hopefully the Spurs have learned their lesson.

[BillMc]

Every now and then I would open this thread to wander how Luka is doing. I really rooted for this guy and Lonnie. I think had they played to their potentials, the Spurs would look very different right now. I still think Lonnie would make it because he works hard and it just a matter of time. I think he is too unselfish and defers too much, not wanting to make bad plays, ironically playing bad consequently. But with Lakers I think he could have more freedom to showcase his athleticism for that nightly ESPN highlight reels.

Luka, not so much. Spurs would’ve been the perfect place to nurture and allow him to develop, especially an international player who Spurs have been very successful in the pass. Much has been discussed what went wrong. Hopefully the Spurs have learned their lesson.

Lonnie is a good guy by all accounts. And he has shown flashes of offensive brilliance. But he is so inconsistent on offense that it can't balance out his atrocious defense. He has never shown flashes on that side of the ball. Fact is, the much malighned Forbes is a better NBA player. At least Forbes, whose D is statistically BETTER than Lonnie's, is a fairly consistent offensive player. Anyway, I wish the best for Lonnie as he seems like a nice man, just without a motor.

Speaking of "no motor". Luka is the poster boy for it. I disagree with many on here. I think it was smart to make the gamble on someone iwth his size and physical gifts. You have to take risks now and again, and frankly our front office is usually too risk averse. But gambles are called gambles because they usually don't pay out. And Luka didn't. Not sure what his issue is. He should be hungry, but he isn't. And his NBA career looks like it is over. And it is nobody's fault but his own.

[exstatic]

The transition of the top players going pro so much sooner and often having little or no college experience makes development way tougher. Players drafted 19th are generally there for a reason and rarely turn into something amazing.

Lottery picks have failed on a regular basis as well with projections having to take place.

Samanic was a miss. The Spurs picked a much better player at 30. Sometimes that happens.

There are VERY few sure things no matter where you draft. I hope the years the Spurs hit bottom work out well like the last two times. They will draft in the top five and hopefully draw one or two for 2023.

Keldon was 29. So were White, DJ, And CoJo.

[Harry Callahan]

Keldon was 29. So were White, DJ, And CoJo.

Yes - that's correct. SAS has made some pretty good picks at 29 over the last few years. They also turned two of those picks into three or four additional #1s. That'll work.

[K...]

the spurs are good at picking 29 isnt so interesting when you consider that every draft is different and whether you accept that the spurs had keldon an loonie high up there boards and they fell (we'll hear the same about branahm i think too soon)

[exstatic]

28 hasn’t been bad,either. TP9, Splitter, Mahinmi, Beno.

Arguably the 3rd best pick in franchise history was GHill at #26 in 2008. That pick yielded Kawhi, Bertans, Derozan, Jak, Keldon, Malaki, plus upcoming 2025 FRP and SRP from Chicago, and whatever we pull for Jak this year. Possibly Keldon in the future,too. The number of WS the Spurs got from that pick is adtounding. I had it calculated once, but can’t find the file just now.

[NickiRasgo]

Have the skills and potential, doesn't have will.

[John B]

28 hasn’t been bad,either. TP9, Splitter, Mahinmi, Beno.

Arguably the 3rd best pick in franchise history was GHill at #26 in 2008. That pick yielded Kawhi, Bertans, Derozan, Jak, Keldon, Malaki, plus upcoming 2025 FRP and SRP from Chicago, and whatever we pull for Jak this year. Possibly Keldon in the future,too. The number of WS the Spurs got from that pick is adtounding. I had it calculated once, but can’t find the file just now.

Would you consider the 1999 Manu’s pick at 57th pick less than 2008? I don’t know about that year’s 29th pick that got traded to Dallas, but I’d take Manu’s pick as one of the best picks ever. DRob and Timmy were obvious #1 overall, but getting Manu at 57th was a bball god sent, even though I think it was a combination of great luck. For argument sake I’d put Timmy at 1997 #1, Drob at 1987 #2, Manu at 1999 at #3 then TP at 2001 #4, then 2008 GH that got Kawhi, et al at #5. Because TP and Manu’s selections got the Spurs 4 rings is my rational. While giving Kawhi the 2014 Finals MVP while deserving, still got over blown, but that’s for another thread.

[exstatic]

Manu 106.4 WS

GHill 14.9 WS in SA
Bertans 9.3 WS in SA
Kawhi 56.3 WS in SA
DeRozan 20.9 WS in SA
Jakob 28.9 WS in SA
Keldon 9.3 WS
Thad 1.0 WS in SA

TBD Malaki, 2025 CHI FRP & SRP, Return from Jak.

Total, so far: 140.6 WS

In the movie Moneyball, Pete explains to Billy that you’re not buying players, you’re buying wins. SA bought a shit ton of wins with that one pick in 2008.

[John B]

Manu 106.4 WS

GHill 14.9 WS in SA
Bertans 9.3 WS in SA
Kawhi 56.3 WS in SA
DeRozan 20.9 WS in SA
Jakob 28.9 WS in SA
Keldon 9.3 WS
Thad 1.0 WS in SA

TBD Malaki, 2025 CHI FRP & SRP, Return from Jak.

Total, so far: 140.6 WS

In the movie Moneyball, Pete explains to Billy that you’re not buying players, you’re buying wins. SA bought a shit ton of wins with that one pick in 2008.

Nice analogy. But if you’re not careful that pick would also be better than DRob and even Timmy.

[exstatic]

Nice analogy. But if you’re not careful that pick would also be better than DRob and even Timmy.

The pick payoff in wins could be better, but it’s always better to get it with one player. I was Surprised at David’s total until I remembered that as dominant as he was, he started at 24, and ended comparatively early due to injuries.

[Chinook]

Danny Green was part of the Leonard trade and shouldn't be discounted. Dude had 33 win-shares with the Spurs. The Spurs got Braham with Thad and the Detroit pick, which not only cost them some cap space but also their 2015 first. While the real trade was fine as Miluntinov was never going to be a Spur, they 100-percent spent an additional first in this deal. I'd estimate the Spurs had to pump in another two or three firsts on top of the 2008 pick to get this haul. Likely still worth it, as Leonard was just that good of a pick. But after that trade things get murky, and we'll see if the hauls for Murray or White might have something to say about it.

[Rocalcio]

I believe Samanic would have more time and opportunity to develop this year since it's a non competitive season for us. That doesn't change the fact that he would need to move his ass and show motivation, but I'm convinced it would be a waste of talent if he doesn't make his way in the league. The guy has talent.

[exstatic]

Danny Green was part of the Leonard trade and shouldn't be discounted. Dude had 33 win-shares with the Spurs. The Spurs got Braham with Thad and the Detroit pick, which not only cost them some cap space but also their 2015 first. While the real trade was fine as Miluntinov was never going to be a Spur, they 100-percent spent an additional first in this deal. I'd estimate the Spurs had to pump in another two or three firsts on top of the 2008 pick to get this haul. Likely still worth it, as Leonard was just that good of a pick. But after that trade things get murky, and we'll see if the hauls for Murray or White might have something to say about it.

Danny Green was a freebie, costing us nothing on the front end after being cast off by Cleveland. Consider him another value acquisition, and salary ballast. As you said, Mulitinov was never coming. Casting that as an included FRP is specious. Consider it a wasted FRP FRP, like Lonnie or Sammich. His rights had zero value, and I’m not sure why they were even included, and doubt the deal fails without them.

[poopbox]

It's sad cause if Luka had panned out we would be such a better team and might not even be tanking tbh...

I think he still might be something in this league...he's just not one of those wait your turn or earn your way players...and if you aren't one of those type of players then you won't make it under pop

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Wzi8ouJS4&t=2s

A monster!

[Mugen]

It cracks me up that this dude posts nothing but his G League highlights on IG. Like no shit, you're in your 4th year, you should be dominating those scrubs :lol

[rascal]

People still talking about this loser.

[Excessive Egotist]

I said this in another thread, but I would have preferred signing Samanic to Alize Johnson. Odds that such a signing turns into nothing are high, but some upside still exists, if you squint. And I'm sure there are gleague dudes to whom I'm totally oblivious whose signing would signal the Spurs had the right strategic commitments and would make more sense to me than the Johnson signing. 15th men usually amount to nothing, but as the Hinkie 76ers proved, the goal should be to develop Jerami Grant and Robert Covington from the 15th position. Those players either stick with your program--inexpensively and with great loyalty in both directions--or they turn into assets to convert. If not Grant, TJ McConnell will do as an end of rotation guy. When a team is ranked last in offense and last in defense, Alize Johnson is not the player you target.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Is he better than Zollins now? lmao

[timvp]

I said this in another thread, but I would have preferred signing Samanic to Alize Johnson. Odds that such a signing turns into nothing are high, but some upside still exists, if you squint. And I'm sure there are gleague dudes to whom I'm totally oblivious whose signing would signal the Spurs had the right strategic commitments and would make more sense to me than the Johnson signing. 15th men usually amount to nothing, but as the Hinkie 76ers proved, the goal should be to develop Jerami Grant and Robert Covington from the 15th position. Those players either stick with your program--inexpensively and with great loyalty in both directions--or they turn into assets to convert. If not Grant, TJ McConnell will do as an end of rotation guy. When a team is ranked last in offense and last in defense, Alize Johnson is not the player you target.

Agreed. Alize is what he is. I'd much rather the Spurs take a flyer on someone with potential ... even Samanic, who 95% is still not worth a roster spot. But with someone like Samanic, at least there's a 5% chance he'll end up more valuable than an Alize-type player.

[wildbill2u]

You never know just how much shit flew when Samniac was let go, presumably after the infamous failure to chase down a fast breaking player. If the coaches were really really pissed and let him know that they thought he was a lazy no-good player not worthy to be a Spur, then I doubt that could ever be smoothed over to bring him back under any circumstances.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Luka Samanic signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz today.

[Mr. Body]

Guess those incredible games for the Maine Lobsters in front of a crowd of three weren't enough to keep him with the Celtics.

[John B]

Will Hardy giving Luka a 2nd look

[tonight...you]

Luka Samanic signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz today.
Totes gonna trampoline into stardom.
Dude has a trajectory!

[R. DeMurre]

Utah's just following the example of OKC last year, and will have their highest impact players sit with things like "back tightness" or "sore calf" while they start G-leaguers in an attempt to get better odds in the draft.

[jjspur]

I think that one of Utah's bigs will suddenly come up with an "injury" which will help the Jazz slide down the standings for a better draft position. Playing Sammich will do that as well.

[libertarian4321]

Samanic has 9 rebounds and scores 9 against the Spurs. His first useful contribution to the Spurs since they drafted him!

Anyone selling Spurs Wembanyama jerseys yet?

[JPB]

Guess those incredible games for the Maine Lobsters in front of a crowd of three weren't enough to keep him with the Celtics.

Yeah crazy, another G League player signing an NBA contract... Jazz could have picked one one of those one million NCCA "players" who will never sniff the NBA instead, since they play competitive, team BB for great coaches in front of a big crowd... Nevermind if you could put my cousins playing each others in the Tournament coached by my uncles, and people would still watch with a full arena.

[exstatic]

Yeah crazy, another G League player signing an NBA contract... Jazz could have picked one one of those one million NCCA "players" who will never sniff the NBA instead, since they play competitive, team BB for great coaches in front of a big crowd... Nevermind if you could put my cousins playing each others in the Tournament coached by my uncles, and people would still watch with a full arena.

Nice analogy, except you’re stupid. NCAA players can’t just SIGN A DEAL, or there would be no draft process. You have to go through the draft process by either having your eligibility expire, or declaring early. Once you’re drafted and cut, or go undrafted, then you can sign any deal you want. Just watch the post draft process, and note the origin of 95% of the UDFAs. They’ll be undrafted NCAA players, not gleaguers.

[donaldsonian]

Totes gonna trampoline into stardom.
Dude has a trajectory!

I still maintain that if Eubanks can manage to stay in the league, so can a healthy Samanic.

[John B]

I still maintain that if Eubanks can manage to stay in the league, so can a healthy Samanic.

Eubanks had the motor to learn, while Samanic feels entitled that he already belong. True Samanic has all the skills to becoming an NBA player, just lacks the right attitude.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Eubanks had the motor to learn, while Samanic feels entitled that he already belong. True Samanic has all the skills to becoming an NBA player, just lacks the right attitude.

Did you have the same outlook at 23 as you did at 18? Especially if you are constantly being told how great you are from age 10 then learn valuable lessons that you are now in a group that you are no longer special. He was one of the top rebounders in the G League which is largely an effort/technique stat. He outrebounded every Spur player last night. I'd take him right now over every player we have at the 4 save for Sochan.

[exstatic]

Did you have the same outlook at 23 as you did at 18? Especially if you are constantly being told how great you are from age 10 then learn valuable lessons that you are now in a group that you are no longer special. He was one of the top rebounders in the G League which is largely an effort/technique stat. He outrebounded every Spur player last night. I'd take him right now over every player we have at the 4 save for Sochan.

He wasn’t 18,he was 19 when drafted, and 21 when he was cut for being a lazy ass. He’s barely 23 now. It’s nice that you’re still on the Luka train, but 29 other GMs have seen fit to give him nothing more than a 2way or a 10 day in the intervening 2 years.

[rjv]

if all Luka can manage is a 10 year contract at the end of the season, after all this time, i'd say it's a pretty safe bet that luka's NBA career is nearing dusk.

[The Truth #6]

Nice analogy, except you’re stupid. NCAA players can’t just SIGN A DEAL, or there would be no draft process. You have to go through the draft process by either having your eligibility expire, or declaring early. Once you’re drafted and cut, or go undrafted, then you can sign any deal you want. Just watch the post draft process, and note the origin of 95% of the UDFAs. They’ll be undrafted NCAA players, not gleaguers.

Well, that’s a very literal interpretation of the point of his post.

[John B]

Did you have the same outlook at 23 as you did at 18? Especially if you are constantly being told how great you are from age 10 then learn valuable lessons that you are now in a group that you are no longer special. He was one of the top rebounders in the G League which is largely an effort/technique stat. He outrebounded every Spur player last night. I'd take him right now over every player we have at the 4 save for Sochan.

Don’t get me wrong. I rooted for Luka, likewise Lonnie and Primo. I thought Luka could be the answer to the mobile stretch 4 that Spurs desperately needed, and had to force Keldon atvthat position. Hardy, if I’m not mistaken, was his Austin coach. But just the same, he sees something in Luka, likewise Ime before at Celtics, to give Luka a 2nd look.

Luka reminds me of Lyle. They have so much skills, but seems entitled so they don’t work their butt off. They’re a lot of those players who never made because they are lazy, or could have been great but lacks the proper attitude.

[spurraider21]

if all Luka can manage is a 10 year contract at the end of the season, after all this time, i'd say it's a pretty safe bet that luka's NBA career is nearing dusk.
10 year contract would be quite impressive imho

[TD 21]

Did you have the same outlook at 23 as you did at 18? Especially if you are constantly being told how great you are from age 10 then learn valuable lessons that you are now in a group that you are no longer special. He was one of the top rebounders in the G League which is largely an effort/technique stat. He outrebounded every Spur player last night. I'd take him right now over every player we have at the 4 save for Sochan.

Don't be fooled by counting stats which are mostly a product of minutes (and in the case of points, usage as well).

Sure, like most things there's exceptions to the rule (Love, Sabonis) of t-rex armed types being good rebounders, but Samanic is not one of them.

[John B]

We got Mamu >>>>> Luka, so we can stop obsessing on Luka.

[BatManu20]

It still hurts :cry

1644179812909723648

[John B]

It still hurts :cry

1644179812909723648

Hardy was his coach at Austin, right? I guess he sees something in him worth 2nd look. I hope it clicks on him now. He’s too skilled to be throwing it away.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I still say if Luka would have been given the Lonnie Walker treatment he would be be a bright part of the Spurs future.

[duncan2150]

8 pts 3 rebounds in 30 minutes yesterday. Still don't see him as a legit nba player.

[exstatic]

Hardy was his coach at Austin, right? I guess he sees something in him worth 2nd look. I hope it clicks on him now. He’s too skilled to be throwing it away.

No, it was the Aussie with the beard, currently on the Spurs staff.

[exstatic]

I still say if Luka would have been given the Lonnie Walker treatment he would be be a bright part of the Spurs future.

Lonnie always tried, and gave effort.

[dbestpro]

Lonnie always tried, and gave effort.
Lol. We will have to agree to disagree.

[John B]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqqDIfnLecM/?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ=https://www.instagram.com/p/CqqDIfnLecM/?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ=https://www.instagram.com/p/CqqDIfnLecM/?igshid=YTY0NGM2M2E=

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqqDIfnLecM/?igshid=YTY0NGM2M2E=

I don’t know how to paste an instagram picture. But funny how Luka posted him dunking on Lebron :lol. He’s getting a lot of hate from Lebron fans of course. But it shows how immature he thinks. He wants to show him on a Jazz jersey, but why a dunk on Lebron? :lol

[bluebellmaniac]

Luka is the Rocky Balboa of the NBA. He's going to start showing skills at 29 or 30.

Or rather,.the right attitude at that age.

[The Truth #6]

If he shows anything it’s likely because the Spurs cut him and he had to learn to prove himself.

[exstatic]

Lol. We will have to agree to disagree.

Clueless isn’t the same as lazy. Being in the wrong place isn’t lack of effort. Lonnie was terrible, and I was one of the first to write him off, but I recognize his issue, and it wasn’t lack of effort. He was a basketball idiot.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, I think the Spurs had to cut him to wake him up.

And Lonnie definitely put in effort. He seems like a good guy, just doesn't process NBA basketball that great.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Lonnie always tried, and gave effort.

No Lonnie was given a pass because everyone said it was because he couldn’t process the game quickly enough to figure it out. That is just an opinion like everything else on this board.

[exstatic]

No Lonnie was given a pass because everyone said it was because he couldn’t process the game quickly enough to figure it out. That is just an opinion like everything else on this board.

He was not given a pass, he was shown the door.

He was often put on the top scorer on the opposing team last season, even with Dejounte on the floor. Was it because he was the best point of attack defender, or was it because he was so clueless that he couldn’t execute even one crisp rotation, let alone the frequently need second, and sometimes needed third rotations? You don’t rotate off the top scorer.

[GAustex]

Bless his heart
Lonnie could run and jump like a deer
He thought like one too

[Ariel]

At some point you have to draw the line. Neither Lonnie nor Samanic were worth the continued investment in them for an unlikely chance they could improve somewhat years down the road. Not worth the opportunity cost, good riddance to both.

[szkorhetz]

Looking like a legit NBA player right now, TBH.

[Ariel]

Holy cow, 9 points and 2 rebounds in 21 minutes on 4/11 from the field? Name him MVP already.

[scott]

Holy cow, 9 points and 2 rebounds in 21 minutes on 4/11 from the field? Name him MVP already.

Yeah, but you're also discounting his -19

[Ariel]

Meanwhile, Barlow (who likely wouldn't be on the Spurs without the roster spot Samanic's departure opened up) is putting up 21 points (8/11) and 17 rebounds, along with 1 block and 1 steal.

[Harry Callahan]

Barlow looks like a player to me. He's active and actually cares about his job.

[Mr. Body]

I'd trade Samanic for Barlow in a heartbeat. Neither is ready yet, but Barlow is a rookie and his attitude seems to be terrific. Bad call on him? Doesn't get irritated, just goes back down the court. He hustles.

Nothing against Luka. He has talent and I'm glad he's woken up, but we have good young players replacing him.

[Ariel]

Forget about Barlow, I wouldn't give up a bag of chips for Samanic.

[GAustex]

I'd trade Samanic for Barlow in a heartbeat. Neither is ready yet, but Barlow is a rookie and his attitude seems to be terrific. Bad call on him? Doesn't get irritated, just goes back down the court. He hustles.

Nothing against Luka. He has talent and I'm glad he's woken up, but we have good young players replacing him.
When I first read this I thought u wanted to trade for Luka and giving up Barlow

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xv3LK0fW0Y

What could have been.

[Texas_Ranger]

are people that were responsible for drafting this drunk loser still part of the Spurs?

[Dejounte]

are people that were responsible for drafting this drunk loser still part of the Spurs?

What the fuck did Samanic do to you that you don’t post in here for a year and then come back literally two minutes after someone posts about him? Did he fuck your mom?

Let me correct that— two minutes after someone posts about Luka, you switch onto this troll account from your main one. Either way, you’re a fucking loser.

[Texas_Ranger]

What the fuck did Samanic do to you that you don’t post in here for a year and then come back literally two minutes after someone posts about him? Did he fuck your mom?

Let me correct that— two minutes after someone posts about Luka, you switch onto this troll account from your main one. Either way, you’re a fucking loser.

Saw his name pop up and I asked a normal question... It would be nice to know that people wasting a draft pick, were not part of the team.

also, you fat retarded faggot, i don't have a troll account... And I also don't have all day to post on here like you, fatass..

[Dejounte]

Saw his name pop up and I asked a normal question... It would be nice to know that people wasting a draft pick, were not part of the team.

also, you fat retarded faggot, i don't have a troll account... And I also don't have all day to post on here like you, fatass..

Nah, you’re over 20 years old and you’re still keeping up this weirdo behavior. Stop being an incel and get out of your mom’s basement. You’re fucked up in the head to still be doing this childish garbage online. Look in the mirror and see how pathetic it is that you’ve spent much of your life doing this trolling bullshit online.

[spurraider21]

a realized version of samanic would actually have been a good forward to pair with vic

[exstatic]

a realized version of samanic would actually have been a good forward to pair with vic

He’d have had to be non lazy AND learned how to shoot. How we sign big Euro white guys who don’t shoot just defies the odds. I love me some Mamu, but he can’t fucking shoot the three, either.

[JeffDuncan]

are people that were responsible for drafting this drunk loser still part of the Spurs?


Of course. Except, Sammich was Buford’s pet project, the last of Buford’s draft picks when he was GM, before he became the CEO. Buford wears a different job title now. But sure, the same people are still there. It’s like asking if some 80-year old lying crook is still in Congress. You know he is.

[objective]

Samanic will pass his mantle of "PF Who Can't Shoot but Still has an Attitude Problem" on to his #1 heir, Bustzelis

[exstatic]

Samanic will pass his mantle of "PF Who Can't Shoot but Still has an Attitude Problem" on to his #1 heir, Bustzelis

:lol. The Venn diagram of people who want this guy who put up crap numbers in the gleague, but think that Topic is no good after putting up good numbers in a mid level European league is a circle.

[Uriel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xv3LK0fW0Y

What could have been.
He's basically a better version of Ryan Richards. Which isn't exactly the greatest compliment.

[spurraider21]

:lol. The Venn diagram of people who want this guy who put up crap numbers in the gleague, but think that Topic is no good after putting up good numbers in a mid level European league is a circle.
its a lower level euro league. its not as good as spanish, italian, turkish, russian, or german. its as far as international leagues its more on par with greek league or even NBL

its also easier to deal with a 4 with shooting struggles than it is a guard

[Rocalcio]

The Jazz didn't keep him so Fenerbahce hired him, and they are already considering Khem Birch to replace him (knowing the season hasn't started yet)

https://x.com/SportsDigitale/status/1833413281576362186

[poopbox]

I remember thinking he would be a good player after that game against the Knicks where he stonewalled Randle :rollin

[BackHome]

He’d have had to be non lazy AND learned how to shoot. How we sign big Euro white guys who don’t shoot just defies the odds. I love me some Mamu, but he can’t fucking shoot the three, either.

I would take Manu all day every day

[exstatic]

I would take Manu all day every day

If that’s the choice, sure. The ONLY thing I was comparing was their shooting. They both suck at shooting the long ball.

[Uriel]

Even 5 years later, I can still understand why we made the pick. The guy had the size, length, mobility, and tools to be a very good player. He fit the archetype of a modern 4 perfectly. He would’ve been a great fit in today’s NBA. In fact, if he had managed to put everything together, he would probably starting for us today instead of Sochan.

Unfortunately, he never did manage to put everything together, and was always more of a theoretical talent than an actual one. Oh well. Took a swing and missed. Time to move on.

[Ice009]

What pick was he? I don't remember, and did the Spurs miss out on anyone notable that was picked after him?

[Indianman]

I believe he was 19 and we missed out on Brandon Miller

[Maddog]

What pick was he? I don't remember, and did the Spurs miss out on anyone notable that was picked after him?


I believe he was 19 and we missed out on Brandon Miller

Brandon Clarke not Miller

So the most significant players taken after Luka (very subjective)




Brandon Clarke
Jordan Poole
Keldon Johnson
Nic Claxton
Daniel Gafford

No home runs there
Also 17 players taken after him have played 5 years in the NBA- but several of those are probably not going to make 6 years

Definitely a swing for the fences on an outside pitch but don't think they missed out on anything that would significantly alter the trajectory of any franchise

[Sugus]

Even 5 years later, I can still understand why we made the pick. The guy had the size, length, mobility, and tools to be a very good player. He fit the archetype of a modern 4 perfectly. He would’ve been a great fit in today’s NBA. In fact, if he had managed to put everything together, he would probably starting for us today instead of Sochan.

Unfortunately, he never did manage to put everything together, and was always more of a theoretical talent than an actual one. Oh well. Took a swing and missed. Time to move on.

I was so high on the guy, he really had the full package for modern day playing.... Except for a working motor, and a "fuck to give" about his career.

Him and Lonnie are two players who really disappointed me. I'm glad to see Lonnie has made a career for himself, however fringe a player, but he's another player who had all the tools in the world, except for a missing key piece (brains).

Looking back, and having seen the ridiculously 3pt-oriented shift of the NBA in the last 5 years, I'd still take him, tbh. Scared money don't make none.

[exstatic]

I was so high on the guy, he really had the full package for modern day playing.... Except for a working motor, and a "fuck to give" about his career.

Him and Lonnie are two players who really disappointed me. I'm glad to see Lonnie has made a career for himself, however fringe a player, but he's another player who had all the tools in the world, except for a missing key piece (brains).

Looking back, and having seen the ridiculously 3pt-oriented shift of the NBA in the last 5 years, I'd still take him, tbh. Scared money don't make none.

Just goes to show that tools alone won’t get the job done. Lonnie was very much like Ben McLemore, a high flyer with a nice 3 pointer, but low IQ. Ben was out of the league at 28, pretty much at a player’s physical prime.

[John B]

Both players shined at the Combine (likewise Primo, Joe Wieskamp) and all did not make as a Spur, which seemed the Spurs scout heavily relied on while less on knowing more about the character and how they will survive in the NBA. I don’t think Luka was a big swing at 19. As somebody said, he has all the tools of a modern big man just not the brain and the motor. I still remember rooting for this kid at the G League Bubble, which many thought would translate. Luka would’ve been a perfect mobile big next to Wemby.

[jjspur]

We could have drafted Samanic's younger clone Matas Buzelis this year but didn't. Did someone on the spurs staff learn their lesson ?

[rjv]

We could have drafted Samanic's younger clone Matas Buzelis this year but didn't. Did someone on the spurs staff learn their lesson ?

i can see how the two would share some common attributes and red flags but i'm hoping Buzelis is good enough to give the Bulls some wins this year.

[Texas_Ranger]

The Jazz didn't keep him so Fenerbahce hired him, and they are already considering Khem Birch to replace him (knowing the season hasn't started yet)

https://x.com/SportsDigitale/status/1833413281576362186

and now they cut him... He was not really Fenerbahce material anyway, but still a shit move to cut him even before he played a game. This is not a normal thing in Europe.

[exstatic]

and now they cut him... He was not really Fenerbahce material anyway, but still a shit move to cut him even before he played a game. This is not a normal thing in Europe.

Consider the player. His reputation is pretty much crap by now, mainly lack of effort. His coach probably saw all he needed to see in the first practice.

[Mr. Body]

Samanic might have had a decent NBA career if he wasn't an asshole. From what I understand he was basically eastern european MAGA.

[CGD]

Samanic might have had a decent NBA career if he wasn't an asshole. From what I understand he was basically eastern european MAGA.

It’s my understanding that “Eastern European MAGA” is pretty much Neonazi, right? Guys from those parts dont even try to hide it.

[offset formation]

I was so high on the guy, he really had the full package for modern day playing.... Except for a working motor, and a "fuck to give" about his career.

Him and Lonnie are two players who really disappointed me. I'm glad to see Lonnie has made a career for himself, however fringe a player, but he's another player who had all the tools in the world, except for a missing key piece (brains).

Looking back, and having seen the ridiculously 3pt-oriented shift of the NBA in the last 5 years, I'd still take him, tbh. Scared money don't make none.

Same. Definitely one of my worst draft day misses.

[Texas_Ranger]

got released by a croatian team just after 3 weeks.... still a dumbass.... perhaps he'll learn how to be a pro before he reaches 30.

[jeebus]

Never forget one of his last plays with the Spurs, where he flat out gave up.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/q65rtr/luka_samanics_last_defensive_effort_with_the_spurs/

[KingKev]

Maybe he just always sucked at basketball and PATFO made another bad FRP reach. Playing devils advocate here as we all know PATFO are the basically immortal.

[Mr. Body]

Nah, he had some talent, he was just shit between the ears.

[Obstructed_View]

Maybe he just always sucked at basketball and PATFO made another bad FRP reach. Playing devils advocate here as we all know PATFO are the basically immortal.

He had talent and the Spurs hoped he would outgrow being a fucking lunkhead. Million dollar talent with a five cent head. It's why he was a reach. At least that pick makes sense. Josh Primo has yet to make a lick of sense.

[KingKev]

He had talent and the Spurs hoped he would outgrow being a fucking lunkhead. Million dollar talent with a five cent head. It's why he was a reach. At least that pick makes sense. Josh Primo has yet to make a lick of sense.

Clearly not that talented if he can’t stick ANYWHERE

[Obstructed_View]

Clearly not that talented if he can’t stick ANYWHERE
See the part where he's a fucking lunkhead. It's called a reach for a reason.

[Ocotillo]

Reminds me of another draft pick, Ryan Richards turned out to be a poor man's Luka Samanic. Of course, Richards was taken later in the second round.

[Obstructed_View]

Reminds me of another draft pick, Ryan Richards turned out to be a poor man's Luka Samanic. Of course, Richards was taken later in the second round.
Yep. Richards had talent too and washed out. He was a lunkhead.

[Uriel]

Isn’t Samanic basically a poor man’s Collins?

[CGD]

Isn’t Samanic basically a poor man’s Collins?

Ouch

[John B]

Samanic was an attempt to get a stretch 4. He certainly could be but lazy. Another one of those that the PATFO relied heavily on the Combine performance like Primo and Weiskamp, but whose character they failed to investigate further, surprisingly with the Spurs historically known for finding good-character players

[BatManu20]

Never forget one of his last plays with the Spurs, where he flat out gave up.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/q65rtr/luka_samanics_last_defensive_effort_with_the_spurs/

God that lineup on the floor was dog-shit. Forbes, Primo, Wieskamp, KBD, and Samanic. How depressing. And that wasn't even that long ago. Wemby really saved us tbh.

[cutewizard]

We need intensity

[scola4]

It’s my understanding that “Eastern European MAGA” is pretty much Neonazi, right? Guys from those parts dont even try to hide it.

Neonazi?

Now I'm a little worried

Could somebody elaborate... It seems he gonna sign with Baskonia

[Maddog]

https://basketnews.com/news-216980-luka-samanic-in-advanced-talks-with-baskonia.html

Luka's reported demise is premature

[Bruno]

Before his failed stint in Croatia, Samanic spend a month in Turkey before leaving the team for personal reasons. What's weird is that he was replaced by Spurs legend Khem Birch.

[John B]

Samanic would’ve been a great fit with his size and ability to knock down 3’s. Too bad he’s lazy.

[spurraider21]

We need intensity
Intensity, Integrity, and Intelligence

[Texas_Ranger]

and he terminates his contract with another club... that's like 3 in 2 years.... Retard gonna retard.

[GAustex]

A real disappointment
Lack of competitive desire
And intelligence