Monastery of Luka Samanic

[Chinook]

Not going to derail the Sam thread with talk about Clarke. Just going to say I hope Luka does well and that I think there's a role for him with the big club next year if his shooting is there.

[R. DeMurre]

I doubt Samanic will ever be the defensive dynamo that Clarke is, but if he's 6'11" and consistently hitting threes along with some playmaking IQ, he could be a very nice piece.

[The Truth #6]

I wonder what assessment the FO is making about Luka's progress over the break. I don't think it would impact who they draft, but if he is shows a much greater engagement and improvement, it makes me wonder...

[Sugus]

I wish he was on the swoll patrol instead of posting pictures calling himself a gym rat

To be fair, the longer your limbs are, the harder it gets to see results of muscle mass growth, in some cases being damn near impossible to look "ripped" (KD) like our guards are. Still, Sammich in most photos is already showing a bulkier frame and arms, which are signs that he's been putting in the work even if he's not 100% yet.

As for the GymRat thing, I actually also thought it was weird - it's one of those things that looks good when other people say it about you, but bad when you're saying it about yourself. But on a closer look... He responded to an IG pic of Drew working out by commenting "GYMRAT!!!" as well, so this might be just a case of foreign kid learning an expression that he likes and overusing it. We'll see in a couple months whose players' hard work paid off or didn't.

[The Truth #6]

You missed the neck that is bigger than his head? First thing I noticed. He’s been lifting.

I agree. In the full photo, his legs look stronger as well. He’s putting in some work. I do think the photo is an odd one to showcase being a gym rat (he’s standing, doing a passive layup?), but I’m buying stock in Luka right now. I don’t know any of the details, but if I had to guess, I would assume that there is some camaraderie with the G league guys trying to improve and move up this year.

[Dejounte]

To be fair, the longer your limbs are, the harder it gets to see results of muscle mass growth, in some cases being damn near impossible to look "ripped" (KD) like our guards are. Still, Sammich in most photos is already showing a bulkier frame and arms, which are signs that he's been putting in the work even if he's not 100% yet.

As for the GymRat thing, I actually also thought it was weird - it's one of those things that looks good when other people say it about you, but bad when you're saying it about yourself. But on a closer look... He responded to an IG pic of Drew working out by commenting "GYMRAT!!!" as well, so this might be just a case of foreign kid learning an expression that he likes and overusing it. We'll see in a couple months whose players' hard work paid off or didn't.

Yeah, likely a language barrier/ awkward foreigner phase for Luka.

[Dejounte]

Luka and Trey Lyles don't seem to be friends at all. Probably sees each other as competition rather than teammates. Not good for team chemistry, but I hope Luka gets better enough to beat Lyles in the rotation.

Also, I don't know how Lyles thought he was ever good enough to have his own logo.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

You missed the neck that is bigger than his head? First thing I noticed. He’s been lifting.

He does look bigger. That would be great since he was rocking the high school physique last year.

[exstatic]

I wonder what assessment the FO is making about Luka's progress over the break. I don't think it would impact who they draft, but if he is shows a much greater engagement and improvement, it makes me wonder...

The Spurs drafted 6’4” - 6’6” guards 3 years in a row, so it’s pretty safe to say they go with BPA.

[The Truth #6]

The Spurs drafted 6’4” - 6’6” guards 3 years in a row, so it’s pretty safe to say they go with BPA.

It makes sense. I’m not expecting anything, to be honest. But bpa for the Spurs might not be what people assume.

[exstatic]

It makes sense. I’m not expecting anything, to be honest. But bpa for the Spurs might not be what people assume.

Oh, sure. They often surprise us. My point was that their 2020 draft pick will not be a commentary on previous picks.

[look_at_g_shred]

Luka getting the full sleeve done via IG story

[Dejounte]

His body looks a lot different here:

https://instagram.com/stories/lukasamanic9/2425846291677113229?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=gl34sduyzw7x
ace3g please help with posting? :)

[ace3g]

His body looks a lot different here:

https://instagram.com/stories/lukasamanic9/2425846291677113229?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=gl34sduyzw7x
ace3g (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2345) please help with posting? :)

His IG is set at private for the past few weeks and the sites I use to post the stores from hasn't been working for stories.

[Dejounte]

His IG is set at private for the past few weeks and the sites I use to post the stores from hasn't been working for stories.

Ahh. I screen captured it. Ill post it later.

[ace3g]

Never-mind found another site

https://scontent-waw1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/e35/p1080x1080/122101150_201922681288167_5793892210052096234_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-waw1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=103&_nc_ohc=SH32gTY4tM0AX_Yfk3a&tp=19&oh=d38bf5b874b239e8692ac10054edb0b8&oe=5F948B52&ig_cache_key=MjQyNTg1ODk3MTcyMDc1NTIwMA%3D%3D.2

https://scontent-waw1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/e35/p1080x1080/122420284_657788811777792_4904191815300158474_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-waw1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=100&_nc_ohc=FxJV5ZzM7A0AX8eEgF-&tp=19&oh=3a5cd3d62201e7b34220ba6d0470768b&oe=5F941B3E&ig_cache_key=MjQyNTg0NjI5MTY3NzExMzIyOQ%3D%3D.2

[Dejounte]

U da man, ace

Luka looking like a legit NBA player physically

[DavidTheGoliath]

dude is ripped :lobt2:

[tim_duncan_fan]

His leg muscles have their own muscles.

Can he, KJ, and Lonnie peer pressure Dejounte into working out?

[look_at_g_shred]

Killian and Deni both follow Luka on IG. Probably nothing but it’s weird that he’s the only NBA guy they follow. Could just be a euro thing.

[Dejounte]

Killian and Deni both follow Luka on IG. Probably nothing but it’s weird that he’s the only NBA guy they follow. Could just be a euro thing.

Leandro follows Luka too (and Luka follows him back)

[Dejounte]

Actually Killian follows other NBA players too so not sure where you got that from.
He follows Frank Nktitila, Nassir Little, Sekou Dombouya, Nando Decolo,

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

That’s good he is getting a bit bigger and most likely stronger. Hopefully he is also working on his stamina and film study. I’m very interested to see if he can earn some run with the Spurs early in the season

[Dejounte]

Only thing stopping Luka from being a decent player was his strength

Change my mind

[JuneJive]

It's his head. His drive and fortitude.

But he's doing good. Getting mature and realizing what's important.

His skill set was never questionable.

[exstatic]

Only thing stopping Luka from being a decent player was his strength

Change my mind

Well, attitude plays a role as well. Have to wait and see on that.

[ace3g]

close up of the new ink

CGsS4atDuv0

[EasyMoney]

close up of the new ink

CGsS4atDuv0

Please don't tell me that's a tattoo of his girlfriend

[ginobilized]

The Last Dance has really gotten dudes working this off season. Looking forward to the dividends for the Spurs, but, also expect many players/teams are putting in the work and improving.
There is such a deep level of competitive intensity with MJ. I just watched it and am getting my ass in shape as I approach 60. Very inspiring. Perfect for a dude like Luka.

[Chinook]

Is that Charlize Theron?

[BackHome]

Well at least he is getting some good ink I do not know what the Hell Murray has stated on his shoulder is is an alien a frog or both?

[Dejounte]

ace3g

https://instagram.com/stories/theguardwhisperer/2426669704703963594?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=1o16ibxx92op1

[ace3g]

ace3g (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2345)

https://instagram.com/stories/theguardwhisperer/2426669704703963594?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=1o16ibxx92op1

https://twitter.com/ace3g/status/1319850586121113602

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Please don't tell me that's a tattoo of his girlfriend

for his sake I hope it isn’t his girlfriend . Lmao

cool tattoo though.

[Dejounte]

CG3i3lgHnpo

I like Samanic's new build. He thicc. He put on good weight. Boxing should help with his endurance. Plenty times in the Gleague he looked out of breath.

[Sugus]

CG3i3lgHnpo

I like Samanic's new build. He thicc. He put on good weight. Boxing should help with his endurance. Plenty times in the Gleague he looked out of breath.

Good find! Boxing, and second sports in general, are great for NBA players to pick up. I remember Nash talking about the benefits that playing soccer from an early age gave him when on the basketball court. Boxing is also helpful in teaching you propio-ception in regards to your body, general coordination, agility, and fast-twitch movements, all of which Samanic could use for his game. I'm loving this focused side of him, and also noticed the mass gain. Next season can't get here soon enough, tbh.

[SpurPadre]

His short wingspan still concerns me, though.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/SamanicLuka/status/1321690936771043328

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EleW5tQWMAApDEZ?format=jpg&name=large

[tim_duncan_fan]

Luka is gonna look like Birdman before it's done.

[Chinook]

It's good that it looks like Sam is spec'ing into being a stretch-four and isn't wasting time trying to be a wing. His wingspan isn't great, but he's not the only T-Rex in the league, and Bonner managed to make it work for a long time despite not having the skill-set or athleticism Sam has. Shoot, be strong enough to defend your position, THEN work on the extra stuff. If the Spurs don't get a PF, I could see Luka challenging Lyles for a starting job (provided Trey doesn't get cut, which he might given the financial reality). I'm not displeased with his development so far.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

It’s awesome that he seems to be really taking off season training seriously. The guy definitely has some talent he just needs to put it all together on the court.

he has got to be able to beat out Lyles for minutes this season or at the very least cut into some of his minutes . If he doesn’t that is a serious problem in my opinion

[The Truth #6]

Debbie Downer here. I’m concerned people’s expectations are getting too high. I’m glad he’s working out, lifting weights, and boxing, but I want to see if this translates to increased production. Or worse, Pop just doesn’t play him.

[RC_Drunkford]

I think Pop can play Samanic for about 10 minutes next season. Just let him get a feel for the game playing spot minutes off the bench

[Chinook]

Debbie Downer here. I’m concerned people’s expectations are getting too high. I’m glad he’s working out, lifting weights, and boxing, but I want to see if this translates to increased production. Or worse, Pop just doesn’t play him.

There's nothing you can do about Pop playing the guy. But I agree if folks are thinking Luka's going to come in and be special or even a consistent option, they might want to reconsider. However, I don't think it's hard to see him coming off the bench as a spot-up forward this year. That would be better path to development than going back to Austin.

[Seventyniner]

There's nothing you can do about Pop playing the guy. But I agree if folks are thinking Luka's going to come in and be special or even a consistent option, they might want to reconsider. However, I don't think it's hard to see him coming off the bench as a spot-up forward this year. That would be better path to development than going back to Austin.

I think Bertans-level minutes is a reasonable expectation. If he really improves over the course of the season he could crack the starting lineup because the Spurs don't have many good options at starting 4.

[Dejounte]

Samanic is better than Bertans, so I can see him getting those minutes easily. All that fucker does is shoot. Samanic does more.

[Chinook]

Doing more doesn't make you better, and Bertans is also a decent floor-runner and shot-blocker. Dude has legit athleticism, and that's after tearing up his knee multiple times.

[Dejounte]

Doing more doesn't make you better, and Bertans is also a decent floor-runner and shot-blocker. Dude has legit athleticism, and that's after tearing up his knee multiple times.

Yes, I remember how Bertans played. His shot-blocking were an empty stat and were very unimpactful. When I think of shot-blocking as a positive, it's when players are afraid to shoot it around you because of that skill. No one was afraid of Bertans.

[The Truth #6]

Samanic is better than Bertans, so I can see him getting those minutes easily. All that fucker does is shoot. Samanic does more.

Higher potential? Sure. But he hasn’t done much on the court yet to warrant being better than Bertans. I hope he is better and next year shows it. But so far all he has done is have a single above average game in the bubble, lift weights, do some boxing, and get a sweet tattoo that may or may not be an homage to Charlize Theron. Not trying to argue, but there are a lot of unknowns with Luka still.

[Dejounte]

Higher potential? Sure. But he hasn’t done much on the court yet to warrant being better than Bertans. I hope he is better and next year shows it. But so far all he has done is have a single above average game in the bubble, lift weights, do some boxing, and get a sweet tattoo that may or may not be an homage to Charlize Theron. Not trying to argue, but there are a lot of unknowns with Luka still.

Meh. I wasn't the biggest Bertans fan. Sure, Luka hasn't shown much but give him minutes (provided he's learned how to rotate on defense) and he'll show quickly how much more valuable he is than a guy who just gets hot from the 3 point line.

[The Truth #6]

Meh. I wasn't the biggest Bertans fan. Sure, Luka hasn't shown much but give him minutes (provided he's learned how to rotate on defense) and he'll show quickly how much more valuable he is than a guy who just gets hot from the 3 point line.

Bertans was one dimensional but useful and probably underutilized on the Spurs. I think we’re basically agreeing. Let’s hope Luka puts it together. But he hasn’t done it yet.

[Down Under]

Thing that stood out in the limited times I saw him in Austin, was his defence was pretty good (switching, foot speed). Seems like he could start with a simplified offensive role now & keep developing other facets over time.

[SAGirl]

Doing more doesn't make you better, and Bertans is also a decent floor-runner and shot-blocker. Dude has legit athleticism, and that's after tearing up his knee multiple times.
Bertans worked really hard to come back from those injuries too and despite his flaws he always looked engaged and competing.

anyway, this is about Samanic. I am glad Samanic is developing his body. That’s a good sign. It shows the right attitude and he came in really young, he had to grow into his body (perspective). I don’t expect him to play more next season than Walker in his second season, so I am not going to get expectations up the whazoo. That’s recipe for frustration when Pop benches him.

I would just like to see his attitude and competitive spirit develop. The mental aspect probably needs time. Learning plays, staying engaged even if he’s not getting featured, not drifting lazily on defense, hustling, etc

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

This page has a lot of good positive points. That’s very rare on this site. Lol.

I honestly think if he can’t get rotation minutes (doesn’t have to be heavy, just gets to consistently play) this season then he never will under Pop. He has a way to go for him to be a 6th man or starter but with the talent that’s currently on this roster he should definitely get a little run

[Sugus]

Bertans worked really hard to come back from those injuries too and despite his flaws he always looked engaged and competing.

anyway, this is about Samanic. I am glad Samanic is developing his body. That’s a good sign. It shows the right attitude and he came in really young, he had to grow into his body (perspective). I don’t expect him to play more next season than Walker in his second season, so I am not going to get expectations up the whazoo. That’s recipe for frustration when Pop benches him.

I would just like to see his attitude and competitive spirit develop. The mental aspect probably needs time. Learning plays, staying engaged even if he’s not getting featured, not drifting lazily on defense, hustling, etc

I really, really hope Pop doesn't treat Luka the way he (mis)treated Lonnie. Pop being a HoF coach and proven methods and all that jazz aside - putting a player in the doghouse doesn't work for developing every youngster, many times having the opposite effect. Lonnie did not get consistent minutes, not even game-to-game, didn't get a clear role beyond "stand on the corner and wait for a pass", wasn't really "coached" on the court beyond getting pulled after his first missed defensive assignment. I especially remember a couple videos of Lonnie getting pulled, and sulking towards the bench with a dejected look on his face, and then have Coach Patty try to cheer him up on the sidelines. I'm not sure that's the best way to develop a player, and certainly not for someone like Samanic.

But otherwise yeah, here's to hoping he can develop and at least show some flashes, a semblance of greatness beyond career role-player (or even NBA player). His man-to-man defense looked improved in the bubble, but young guys always struggle with zones, so we'll see how far his mental game has developed as well.

[Dejounte]

I really, really hope Pop doesn't treat Luka the way he (mis)treated Lonnie. Pop being a HoF coach and proven methods and all that jazz aside - putting a player in the doghouse doesn't work for developing every youngster, many times having the opposite effect. Lonnie did not get consistent minutes, not even game-to-game, didn't get a clear role beyond "stand on the corner and wait for a pass", wasn't really "coached" on the court beyond getting pulled after his first missed defensive assignment. I especially remember a couple videos of Lonnie getting pulled, and sulking towards the bench with a dejected look on his face, and then have Coach Patty try to cheer him up on the sidelines. I'm not sure that's the best way to develop a player, and certainly not for someone like Samanic.

But otherwise yeah, here's to hoping he can develop and at least show some flashes, a semblance of greatness beyond career role-player (or even NBA player). His man-to-man defense looked improved in the bubble, but young guys always struggle with zones, so we'll see how far his mental game has developed as well.

I'm not sure it didn't work. The Lonnie at the beginning at the season is much different than the one later and in the bubble. He's much more controlled and isn't going at one speed all the time. He makes way better decisions. I think the short leash woke him the fuck up from looking to be a human highlight reel vs one who knows how to play in a team concept. I think he's been spoiled all his life by people telling him he's a good basketball player because he can dunk.

But again, you and I are commonly on the opposite ends when it comes to Lonnie lol

[Dejounte]

With all that said, I do agree the method should be different for Luka. He seems like he has a fragile ego whereas with Lonnie, he was open to being pushed the way he has.

[Sugus]

I'm not sure it didn't work. The Lonnie at the beginning at the season is much different than the one later and in the bubble. He's much more controlled and isn't going at one speed all the time. He makes way better decisions. I think the short leash woke him the fuck up from looking to be a human highlight reel vs one who knows how to play in a team concept. I think he's been spoiled all his life by people telling him he's a good basketball player because he can dunk.

But again, you and I are commonly on the opposite ends when it comes to Lonnie lol

Haha, we can agree to disagree for sure, and it's mostly a wash either way since we fans don't really know all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. There's a lot of levels to coaching beyond on-court X and O's.

I can see the angle on Pop bringing Lonnie "back down to Earth", so to speak. He just never looked like the kind of player that would need that, to that extreme of being shut into the doghouse, not even on his G-League days - and to me he could've really used a little bit of focus or spotlight, at least on a couple games (beyond the famous Rockets game, and we all saw the results of that). Of course, he's not gonna be dropping 28 every night Pop calls a couple plays for him - but there's just as much value in learning how to play within an offense as a "cog in the machine", as in learning how to play as the focus of one, especially in regards to getting used to being heavily guarded/pickpocketed/double-teamed or even triple-teamed, passing out of those instances, handling the pressure especially in late game, and so forth. I don't discard that Pop might have it in his plans to teach Lonnie those things in the future, but the matter of fact is that he actively avoided doing it this season, and it was kind of weird (especially because Lonnie's body language at times reflected the same confusion that we fans had about his role).

Agree that he looked way better, especially decision-making-wise, in the bubble, but again there's not much of a way to tell how much of that is Pop's "coaching" and how much is Lonnie being a regular 21yo and maturing and learning the game on a deeper level. I will say, whatever they did to him (or he did to himself) pre-bubble, let's hope they keep at it...

[ace3g]

From his IG story today

https://instagram.frix7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t51.2885-15/e35/p1080x1080/126938012_367743537647433_6691949867595724802_n.jp g?_nc_ht=instagram.frix7-1.fna.fbcdn.net&_nc_cat=109&_nc_ohc=4xDtpG0nEisAX9PzrZo&tp=1&oh=aa5671e246702b9429aca268c7cb74cc&oe=5FBFBCAC&ig_cache_key=MjQ0OTc2NDYxMDMzMTE2MzE3OQ%3D%3D.2

[GAustex]

He needs to let it fly. And don’t pay attention to what that old fuck says.

[tonight...you]

UTEP? What's he doing in Covid Country?

Edit. Nvm. My badness.

[exstatic]

From his IG story today

https://instagram.frix7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t51.2885-15/e35/p1080x1080/126938012_367743537647433_6691949867595724802_n.jp g?_nc_ht=instagram.frix7-1.fna.fbcdn.net&_nc_cat=109&_nc_ohc=4xDtpG0nEisAX9PzrZo&tp=1&oh=aa5671e246702b9429aca268c7cb74cc&oe=5FBFBCAC&ig_cache_key=MjQ0OTc2NDYxMDMzMTE2MzE3OQ%3D%3D.2

Almost had a heart attack seeing those UTEP banners behind the basket.

[BackHome]

Dam that place is blazing with Covid - Be safe Luka

Af far as his playing time I would love it if he could get 5 to 10 minutes a game because I think he is one of those players that needs to be engaged all the time. And yeah Poop can really fuck a rookie mind set just ask Sean Elliott about that.

[look_at_g_shred]

Dam that place is blazing with Covid - Be safe Luka

Af far as his playing time I would love it if he could get 5 to 10 minutes a game because I think he is one of those players that needs to be engaged all the time. And yeah Poop can really fuck a rookie mind set just ask Sean Elliott about that.
Looks like its UTSA here in San Antonio not UTEP despite the banner

[exstatic]

Looks like its UTSA here in San Antonio not UTEP despite the banner

I did eventually see the UTSA STUFF. El Paso should be the last place you’d want to be in the US, but certainly the last place in TX you’d want to be. Maybe South Dakovid is worse, but that’s debatable.

[tonight...you]

I did eventually see the UTSA STUFF. El Paso should be the last place you’d want to be in the US, but certainly the last place in TX you’d want to be. Maybe South Dakovid is worse, but that’s debatable.
I unfortunately live in El Paso and my wife works the front line at a hospital.
It's horrible.

[The Truth #6]

His frame looks stronger. That’s good.

[BWS-1994]

I unfortunately live in El Paso and my wife works the front line at a hospital.
It's horrible.

Be safe.

[tonight...you]

Be safe.
We do our best.
It's a worry every single day. Absolutely stinks.
My wife is 1st generation Mexican-American and she is entirely upset at her family planning a Thanksgiving get-together.

She told them it's an insult to her and every hospital worker.
Suffice it to say, we're not going, lol.

[Atl Spur]

We do our best.
It's a worry every single day. Absolutely stinks.
My wife is 1st generation Mexican-American and she is entirely upset at her family planning a Thanksgiving get-together.

She told them it's an insult to her and every hospital worker.
Suffice it to say, we're not going, lol.

God bless!

[offset formation]

I did eventually see the UTSA STUFF. El Paso should be the last place you’d want to be in the US, but certainly the last place in TX you’d want to be. Maybe South Dakovid is worse, but that’s debatable.

Nah, El Paso has gotten much better over the last 5-10 years. Downtown has started developing and lots of new shops and restaurants have come in. It's far from the worst place you could be.

[TimDunkem]

^He's obviously speaking to it being a COVID hotspot.

[Joseph Kony]

can't wait til they ship out LMA and we have the Twink Towers starting at PF/C

[tonight...you]

^He's obviously speaking to it being a COVID hotspot.
And shit is insane here. No doubt about it.
I have horror stories from hell.

[TimDunkem]

And shit is insane here. No doubt about it.
I have horror stories from hell.

You should tell tholdren in the political forum. He laughs at covid deaths every day claiming no hospital anywhere was ever overwhelmed due to COVID. Worst poster on this forum. Used to post up here telling everyone no NBA player has any skill and the 3pt line ruined basketball.

I lost a cousin and coworker/friend myself.

[phxspurfan]

South Dakovid

:bobo

[tonight...you]

You should tell tholdren in the political forum. He laughs at covid deaths every day claiming no hospital anywhere was ever overwhelmed due to COVID. Worst poster on this forum. Used to post up here telling everyone no NBA player has any skill and the 3pt line ruined basketball.

I lost a cousin and coworker/friend myself.
I have no interest in engaging. Waste of time.

[BackHome]

Have a Dr. Cousin in the Valley, El Paso, and San Antonino and one of their big concerns months ago was what was going to happen in Mexico. Right now they have reported over 100,000 deaths but we all know it' is probably double or triple that and with the lack of medical facilities their only hope is coming to America very sad for everyone.

[timtonymanu]

I unfortunately live in El Paso and my wife works the front line at a hospital.
It's horrible.

Damn, wish her and your family all the best. I have 3 family members working the front line too. Fortunately, not the worst case where I live, but still so horrible to experience.

[timtonymanu]

You should tell tholdren in the political forum. He laughs at covid deaths every day claiming no hospital anywhere was ever overwhelmed due to COVID. Worst poster on this forum. Used to post up here telling everyone no NBA player has any skill and the 3pt line ruined basketball.

I lost a cousin and coworker/friend myself.

Ugh people like tholdren are cancer. I roll my eyes at people like that, my family isn't going through hell to be laughed at. Man, if there was a God maybe tholdren will catch the rona just for saying stupid shit like that.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Dam that place is blazing with Covid - Be safe Luka

Af far as his playing time I would love it if he could get 5 to 10 minutes a game because I think he is one of those players that needs to be engaged all the time. And yeah Poop can really fuck a rookie mind set just ask Sean Elliott about that.

looking at the banners in the background I’m guessing that’s the conference opponents for UTSA because a UAB banner is beside the UTEP one


I agree that I hope Luka gets consistent minutes this season because it can help his confidence and also the team can properly see what they have in the young man.

why did you bring up Sean Elliott understanding how coach Pop can kill a rookies confidence? Pop wasn’t coaching when Sean was a rookie or do you mean Sean has pointed out how he has seen Pop do this to others?

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1331730696340201473?s=19

Anybody here a Lanier HS alum?

[The Truth #6]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1331730696340201473?s=19

Anybody here a Lanier HS alum?

No. They are usually known for their groundbreaking mariachi department in High School. But I digress...

[tonight...you]

No. They are usually known for their groundbreaking mariachi department in High School. But I digress...
I love a good mariachi. Wonderful music.

[Dejounte]

For the hundredth time, I hope this guy surprises us this year. It will ease the pain of not drafting a PF/C of the future this year. If you have 30 minutes going to Poetl and 30 minutes going to Luka (if they both pan out) then it makes sense not to go for a big. Hope he's working his ass off.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

For the hundredth time, I hope this guy surprises us this year. It will ease the pain of not drafting a PF/C of the future this year. If you have 30 minutes going to Poetl and 30 minutes going to Luka (if they both pan out) then it makes sense not to go for a big. Hope he's working his ass off.


I agree 100%.

I watched a decent amount of development league games (even a few in person) and you can see why they drafted the young man. He has talent and can move really well for a guy his height. If he plays stronger around the rim and just always plays with more energy consistently that's going to help his game so much.....

[Twisted_Dawg]

For the hundredth time, I hope this guy surprises us this year. It will ease the pain of not drafting a PF/C of the future this year. If you have 30 minutes going to Poetl and 30 minutes going to Luka (if they both pan out) then it makes sense not to go for a big. Hope he's working his ass off.

Had they not drafted Vassell, what player would have been your choice for PF/C of the future? Stewart?

[Dejounte]

Had they not drafted Vassell, what player would have been your choice for PF/C of the future? Stewart?

Smith (if he had dropped), Stewart, even Poku. Something to stack the talent there. Seems like we have all our eggs in Luka's basket for that position. Either that or the plan is to put a wing at the PF spot while a true big (Poetl, Eubanks) occupies the C spot.

I'm against the latter since I don't think any of our current wings can guard the likes of MPJ, LeBron, etc. Seems like we're investing in those tweener stretch 4 types anyway with Lyles, Gay, Luka, Keita. They all have the same body type and skillset.

Or maybe they just intend to stack the talent there during the 2021 NBA draft. Next year's draft is small forward / guard heavy at the top so a lot of PFs may be available in the mid to late first round.

[kobyz]

Luka plays like Siakam

[Dejounte]

I think they have very specific archetypes they're looking for at each position:

PG: with exception to Tre, seems like they're filling this spot with taller, more length players. Likely so they can switch when needed. Examples: Murray, White, Q

SG: a position filled by either guard or wing depending on the matchup or fit with the line-up. Combo guards with length like what's listed above or versatile wing types with talent to provide athleticism (Lonnie) or great 3 and D skills (Vassell)

SF: Versatile wing types who are bulkier or possesses great 3 and D skills (Vassell in limited action). These guys seem to be stockier and have greater strength. Examples: DeMar, Keldon

PF: gone are the days of the bruiser type power forwards like Zach Randolph or Elton Brand. Seems like the Spurs are looking for skinny, tall, shooters at this position. Body types theyre going for are similar to Rasheed Wallace, Lamar Odom, Antawn Jefferson types.

C: Tall, wide, super strong Tiago Splitter types are used here

[mo7888]

I think they have very specific archetypes they're looking for at each position:

PG: with exception to Tre, seems like they're filling this spot with taller, more length players. Likely so they can switch when needed. Examples: Murray, White, Q

SG: a position filled by either guard or wing depending on the matchup or fit with the line-up. Combo guards with length like what's listed above or versatile wing types with talent to provide athleticism (Lonnie) or great 3 and D skills (Vassell)

SF: Versatile wing types who are bulkier or possesses great 3 and D skills (Vassell in limited action). These guys seem to be stockier and have greater strength. Examples: DeMar, Keldon

PF: gone are the days of the bruiser type power forwards like Zach Randolph or Elton Brand. Seems like the Spurs are looking for skinny, tall, shooters at this position. Body types theyre going for are similar to Rasheed Wallace, Lamar Odom, Antawn Jefferson types.

C: Tall, wide, super strong Tiago Splitter types are used here

I'm not sure if these are archetypes they are looking for or if they're just being opportunistic with who's on the board when they've picked in the lower part of the draft. I tend to think they're just being opportunistic and figure they'll sort out the details later.

[Kurgan]

Smith (if he had dropped), Stewart, even Poku. Something to stack the talent there. Seems like we have all our eggs in Luka's basket for that position. Either that or the plan is to put a wing at the PF spot while a true big (Poetl, Eubanks) occupies the C spot.

I'm against the latter since I don't think any of our current wings can guard the likes of MPJ, LeBron, etc. Seems like we're investing in those tweener stretch 4 types anyway with Lyles, Gay, Luka, Keita. They all have the same body type and skillset.

Or maybe they just intend to stack the talent there during the 2021 NBA draft. Next year's draft is small forward / guard heavy at the top so a lot of PFs may be available in the mid to late first round.

Spurs have been fairly unlucky in back to back drafts when it comes to bigs. It almost feels like teams are conspiring against SA, preventing them from drafting their next big of the future. The near 30 year run of having Robinson and Duncan in our frontcourt must have left a lot of teams salty lol.

[Dejounte]

I'm not sure if these are archetypes they are looking for or if they're just being opportunistic with who's on the board when they've picked in the lower part of the draft. I tend to think they're just being opportunistic and figure they'll sort out the details later.

Perhaps.

Though I do not think that can be said for the archetypes at the C position. The Spurs chose to extend them when they could have opted to go a different direction. It can't be a coincidence that Poetl and Eubanks are very similar to each other. I think that's what they really want for that position.

[wildbill2u]

Perhaps.

Though I do not think that can be said for the archetypes at the C position. The Spurs chose to extend them when they could have opted to go a different direction. It can't be a coincidence that Poetl and Eubanks are very similar to each other. I think that's what they really want for that position. Or when life gives you lemons, you make a lemonade. I'm not knocking our guys with this analogy, but they certainly aren't Duncan or Robinson. But they are NBA players who may not have hit a ceiling yet and may be a realistic part of the puzzle.

It might be a revolutionary strategy, but if you don't have a couple of SUPERSTARS, what if you can run about 12 equal legitimate NBA players at those superstars for 48 minutes? Don't let them pace themselves. Run their cheap second units off the floor with interchangeable hard chargers who know if they give 5-7 minutes of all out play and give the floor to another wave of players for 5-7 minutes and another wave for 5-7 minutes a team of 12-15 above average substitutes might have a chance against some superstars.

I can dream can't I????

[KobesAchilles]

I am hoping Luka becomes something. Would be nice if gets playing time this year. I rather have him over Lyles

[ginobilized]

Hopefully this season Luka gets some time on the court.
It would be nice if the youthful scrappiness of his teammates rub off a little.
He might end up like Beno did, talented but not quite tough enough for Pop.

[bluebellmaniac]

Or when life gives you lemons, you make a lemonade. I'm not knocking our guys with this analogy, but they certainly aren't Duncan or Robinson. But they are NBA players who may not have hit a ceiling yet and may be a realistic part of the puzzle.

It might be a revolutionary strategy, but if you don't have a couple of SUPERSTARS, what if you can run about 12 equal legitimate NBA players at those superstars for 48 minutes? Don't let them pace themselves. Run their cheap second units off the floor with interchangeable hard chargers who know if they give 5-7 minutes of all out play and give the floor to another wave of players for 5-7 minutes and another wave for 5-7 minutes a team of 12-15 above average substitutes might have a chance against some superstars.

I can dream can't I????

This. This is the dream. That would be fun to watch.

[JuneJive]

Where is RobinsontoDuncan?

I think he was/is pretty high on Luka.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Where is RobinsontoDuncan?

I think he was/is pretty high on Luka.

I’m still really high on him. I’ve watched a lot of Luka’s film, and what I’ll say is that his biggest weakness right now remains understanding help defense. He was really lost there for most of his first season in North America, although I did see some signs of real improvement during his limited time in the bubble.

The truth is, with Luka, I don’t have any real questions about whether or not his game will translate at the NBA level. I have the same general questions with him as I would with any 20 or 21 year old about work ethic, drive etc. but not because of anything negative I’ve read or observed. I assume that the spurs will be able to coach him into being a passable help defender, at the very least, based on their track record. Otherwise, his game will translate, it’s just a question of whether he becomes just a role player, a very good role player, a high quality starter, or a star player.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Hopefully this season Luka gets some time on the court.
It would be nice if the youthful scrappiness of his teammates rub off a little.
He might end up like Beno did, talented but not quite tough enough for Pop.

Beno is exactly how he is trending. If nothing changes, he'll realize he wants to be in a less demanding league, but hopefully he is better than that.

[Atl Spur]

Beno is exactly how he is trending. If nothing changes, he'll realize he wants to be in a less demanding league, but hopefully he is better than that.

You got all of this from his first year? I suspect the kid will be ok����

[FireMicoHalili]

You got all of this from his first year? I suspect the kid will be ok����
some people spend way too much time on this forum lmao

[exstatic]

Hopefully this season Luka gets some time on the court.
It would be nice if the youthful scrappiness of his teammates rub off a little.
He might end up like Beno did, talented but not quite tough enough for Pop.

Beno’s problem wasn’t talent. He was ahead of his time. His pull-up jumper in transition game would be perfect in today’s NBA, but drove Pop crazy 15 years ago, when we ran a half court offense. He was a pale precursor to Patty Mills.

[tim_duncan_fan]

You got all of this from his first year? I suspect the kid will be ok����

I hope so, but remember the first thing we heard about him was that there may be possible motor issues.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Beno is exactly how he is trending. If nothing changes, he'll realize he wants to be in a less demanding league, but hopefully he is better than that.

Really? Based on what? The only similarity with Beno is that the are both from Europe. You know what an opinion pulled straight out of your ass is worth?

[JuneJive]

I assume that the spurs will be able to coach him into being a passable help defender, at the very least, based on their track record. Otherwise, his game will translate, it’s just a question of whether he becomes just a role player, a very good role player, a high quality starter, or a star player.

Cheers.

Let's hope he can learn those concepts through repetition.
We can be thankful his deficiencies are in that department.
The teachable one.

I'm looking forward to seeing him play.
As I said before he's the X factor of this young core.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Beno is exactly how he is trending. If nothing changes, he'll realize he wants to be in a less demanding league, but hopefully he is better than that.

I’ve seen a lot of weird and frankly dumb takes on Luka, and I feel like they come from people that have not watched him play. If you compare footage of Luka from his summer league games in the summer of 2019 to his time in Austin and his time in the bubble it’s impossible to miss his progression unless you’re trying to be negative. Luka had clearly bulked up, his ability to finish at the rim through contact is significantly improved, his footwork posting up has grown by leaps and bounds, and his three point shooting has improved as well. His accuracy on the three point shots was iffy his first few months in Austin, but his form looks perfect and he was starting to really put it all together with some very explosive and high scoring games before the shut down. His stats were somewhat hurt by KJ who was the featured scorer for most of his time in Austin, but once KJ went up to the big club Luka started to dominate at that level.

There’s also zero comparison between Beno and Luka. Beno topped out as a solid starter who played more than 10 years in the league, but Luka could top out as one of the more dominant 4s in the NBA if he reaches his very high ceiling. Spurs fans are really ignorant.

[GAustex]

Your last sentence in your post above is ignorant

[buttsR4rebounding]

I’ve seen a lot of weird and frankly dumb takes on Luka, and I feel like they come from people that have not watched him play. If you compare footage of Luka from his summer league games in the summer of 2019 to his time in Austin and his time in the bubble it’s impossible to miss his progression unless you’re trying to be negative. Luka had clearly bulked up, his ability to finish at the rim through contact is significantly improved, his footwork posting up has grown by leaps and bounds, and his three point shooting has improved as well. His accuracy on the three point shots was iffy his first few months in Austin, but his form looks perfect and he was starting to really put it all together with some very explosive and high scoring games before the shut down. His stats were somewhat hurt by KJ who was the featured scorer for most of his time in Austin, but once KJ went up to the big club Luka started to dominate at that level.

There’s also zero comparison between Beno and Luka. Beno topped out as a solid starter who played more than 10 years in the league, but Luka could top out as one of the more dominant 4s in the NBA if he reaches his very high ceiling. Spurs fans are really ignorant.


Your last sentence in your post above is ignorant

So you are saying that RobinsontoDuncan is a Spurs fan?

[GAustex]

He should have said some spurs fans are...

[tonight...you]

This. This is the dream. That would be fun to watch.
Like old U of Arkansas coach Nolan's "40 Minutes Of Hell" plus 8 minutes?
That would be insane and wonderful.

[Atl Spur]

Like old U of Arkansas coach Nolan's "40 Minutes Of Hell" plus 8 minutes?
That would be insane and wonderful.

They were good! NBA players are hard to press & turnover at a high rate.

[Truth4sale$]

Has anyone seen this footage of Luka training with boxing.
https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/spurs-zone/watch-spurs-luka-samanic-steps-into-the-boxing-ring

[cd98]

So is this guy going to be on the main roster this year?

[exstatic]

So is this guy going to be on the main roster this year?

All first rounders are on the NBA 15 man roster from the minute they sign their contracts. He was on the main roster LAST year.

[BackHome]

Yep yep

[Dejounte]

CIThD98HBJ6

Luka heard all of Chinook 's trash talking

Revenge SZN

[Dejounte]

CITinecMNl4

[Dejounte]

CIVwpJVn43O

Luka getting some practice in against really good competition

[NASpurs]

Luka getting some practice in against really good competition

lmao I was laughing at Luka posting that midget up and then the next picture is him swatting the ball away.

[Light]

Is that Dirk's one-legged fadeaway I see? :hungry:

[ismael-robert]

His sons are active in aau my son has played them. He's always there. He also coaches at utsa

[John B]

At 20, Luka seems to be growing more and close to 6'11. Spurs need that versatile 4/5 with handles and range.

[gospursgojas]

https://youtu.be/2d7ed0h92bU

https://youtu.be/DsN9Qy_G5aU
Yup, but not the Spurs "Family"??
UTSA gonna take care of Devin,
BTW HC Steve Henson, been a minute since he had a winning season. Also, Henson has a 6'10" Croatian on the Roster which is probably why Luka was practicing there anyways. Hopefully he has been getting SOME practice time with him and that Oklahoma Kid, who looks decent by UTSA Conference USA satands. Quite athletic.

Lol. Why he play in long sleeves?

[gospursgojas]

https://youtu.be/mdYTdqVqR2E

Dont get it twisted those are just dudes that are playing in the gym, maybe inter-murals. Not the Actual Road Runners Team. They have a decent BBall Program and have made the tournament a few times. Greatest era and player was with Devin Brown who even made the spurs and RUNG with them against Detroit. He had a 10ish year NBA career played overseas. Don't know why a home town kid from SA who made the Team won a Chip isn't involved with "the program" on some level today? Thought the Spurs were about "family" and "community". BTW he was 100% better than patty Mills, Guess he never fully kissed somebody's ass or the right ass. PETER HOLT's CALL in this guy post career.

Spurs never forgave him for falling down and letting TMac beat them with 13 in 30 seconds or whatever it was.

[exstatic]

Spurs never forgave him for falling down and letting TMac beat them with 13 in 30 seconds or whatever it was.

Don’t think it was that. His time on the ring team wasn’t his first stint with SA. He was cut the first time for tardiness and lack of effort.

[Sugus]

Is that Dirk's one-legged fadeaway I see? :hungry:

That would be such a good move for Luka to develop... Also check the range on that 3pt shot. For Luka to succeed, he needs to be as good of a shooter as he can be, at all levels. That'll be the first door to open that will unlock the rest of his game at the NBA level, as a secondary penetrator/scorer and maybe even playmaker someday.

[GAustex]

Yep Luka needs to let it fly and not worry about that old senile drunk.

[Seventyniner]

Yep Luka needs to let it fly and not worry about that old senile drunk.

It's okay, he never listened to you anyway.

[Light]

That would be such a good move for Luka to develop... Also check the range on that 3pt shot. For Luka to succeed, he needs to be as good of a shooter as he can be, at all levels. That'll be the first door to open that will unlock the rest of his game at the NBA level, as a secondary penetrator/scorer and maybe even playmaker someday.

Yep. The more tools in his arsenal, the better. His go-to moves when penetrating appear to be the spin move and going behind the back with his dribble to create space. Remains to be seen if he can be consistently successful doing that with the varsity squad, but becoming a better shooter will certainly open things up for him, like you said.

[Dejounte]

For comparison:

Dirk came to the NBA as a 20 year old. Essentially, Luka's second year would be Dirk's rookie year.

Dirk averaged 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist during his rookie year (47 total games).

Let's see if Luka can match that this coming season.

Praying someone is telling Luka to try more mid range shots. Most of all he did was 3's and drives during his rookie year.

I called it right here back in September. Luka's been listening to me.

[GAustex]

It's okay, he never listened to you anyway.

Good one

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/lJn1w85Wp_Q

Squint your eyes and you'll see Luka Samanic

Keep watching the tape, Luka.

[John B]

Well it helped that Dirk was 7'0 with 7'4 wingspan to hit that fade away.
Luka - 6'11 with and 6'10 wingspan.

[Dejounte]

Well it helped that Dirk was 7'0 with 7'4 wingspan to hit that fade away.
Luka - 6'11 with and 6'10 wingspan.

If Luka is hitting it against that elite competition I posted earlier in this thread, he should be fine.

[Dejounte]

Also, Jamal Murray is making all sorts of magic happen with his short wing span. I think Luka will be okay.

If you have a shorter wingspan, isn't your release quicker since you don't have to pull back as much?

[look_at_g_shred]

CIVwpJVn43O

Luka getting some practice in against really good competition

Forgive me but who's the good comp?

[Dejounte]

Well it helped that Dirk was 7'0 with 7'4 wingspan to hit that fade away.
Luka - 6'11 with and 6'10 wingspan.

By the way, Dirk's wingspan is not listed as 7'4" anywhere (not that I can find). If you google it-- 7'4" was listed as Durant's wingspan, not Dirk's.

Edit:

I think I found it

https://twitter.com/TexasLegends/status/667903302642696193?s=19

86" = 7' 2"

Samanic's wingspan is 6' 10.5"

2.5" difference from Luka

[TD 21]

Duncan = 6'10'' barefoot with a 7'5'' wingspan.

Nowitzki = 7'0'' barefoot with a 7'2'' wingspan.

Most white players don't have long wingspans relative to height, but most African players do.

[buttsR4rebounding]

By the way, Dirk's wingspan is not listed as 7'4" anywhere (not that I can find). If you google it-- 7'4" was listed as Durant's wingspan, not Dirk's.

Edit:

I think I found it

https://twitter.com/TexasLegends/status/667903302642696193?s=19

86" = 7' 2"

Samanic's wingspan is 6' 10.5"

2.5" difference from Luka

2 1/2 or 3 1/2. Somewhere around there.

[wildbill2u]

I can just as easily argue that a somewhat shorter wingspan makes it easier and fractionally faster to dribble the ball because of standard physics.

[offset formation]

I can just as easily argue that a somewhat shorter wingspan makes it easier and fractionally faster to dribble the ball because of standard physics.

Not sure I'm following, but I'm also not saying you're wrong. Just seems to me shorter arms means the ball actually has to bounce higher eacher time, which would in theory slow down the time between each dribble, therefore making the physics better for someone with linger arms.

[wildbill2u]

Been watching a lot of film on Samanic and trying to compare him to previous Spur PF's and SFs in my memory. Of course every player is different with different physiques and skills, so trying to distill Spur big men all the way back to 1976 is hard and inevitably I will overlook some players. Kenon comes to mind as a speedy SF with great ball handling skills but he didn't have Samanic's height. Davis Bertans had the height and great 3pt shooting but even as he worked on developing moves to the basket, he reminded me of the Red Rocket and possibly giraffes driving to the basket. A lumbering animal as an accident in progress. But other posters will make their own comparisons.

I will stick to a few current players that everyone knows for my comparisons. First of course is Tim Duncan, the PF nonpariel. This is not to uprate a untested rookie against an all-time great, but to show what they have in common and where the rookie shows some similarities. It's not a bad thing to model your skills after all time greats who are willing and able to coach you.
First, ball handling and moves. Duncan could make a spin move away from a defender's weight on a shoulder. I think Samanic is faster in that move at this age than Duncan was and like Duncan, also has a great following move to the basket with either hand or as a dunk. I suspect that Duncan has been working with him as well as Aldrich who also has a spin move.

Every player is different with unique physiques and ball handling skills of course, but Samanic has some unusual ball handling ability, great hands in traffic, due in part to great court awareness. If he gets a quick pass from a teammate while in a scrum under the basket, he doesn't fumble the ball and goes up for the quick short dunk or layup. What past Spur forwards have had that ability?

He makes some unusual moves for a big man (eg, stretch in off of a defended drive for a soft shot off the boards a la Tony P) and a willingness to go into traffic. He is fearless going in against multiple defenders in the paint and that is the result of his past orientation against players of lesser stature, especially if he gets switched onto a guard defender at the top of the perimeter arc. He has the moves and ballhandling to get past that first defender and has only a couple of steps to the basket.

Saminic hasn't shown much in short jumpers because if he is inside the perimeter, he prefers to drive for the shorter shot under control. Duncan, on the other hand, came into the league with a beautiful short shot off the backboard. People scoffed, but this old style shot has been proven to be statistically better that the non-banked shot. Somewhere in his career he lost confidence in the short shot off the board and took fewer and fewer. Neither is distinguished by a 3pt shot in the skill set. However, Saminic has a 3pt shot, somewhat like a one-handed push shot of the old days, but he can still be a 3pt threat because he has lots of range and can develop a better shot if practiced and demanded of him.

He has so much upside potential that I would put him ahead of all the youngsters in a conparison of high ceilings. I'd like to see Pop work him in as a SF rather than a PF. He has the speed and height to be outstanding at that position. If you bulk him up to compete against PFs he will lose some of his speed and possibly handling. He may transition to that PF position with age, but right now take advantage of his speed and superiour height at the SF. Move Rudy to PF (it's time Rudy)behind Aldrich and make Lyles at starting SF work to keep Samanic and Keldon on the bench. I think the future is Samanic starting with Keldon the 6th man.

This is longer than I usually post but I would like some good arguments from ST posters.

[wildbill2u]

Not sure I'm following, but I'm also not saying you're wrong. Just seems to me shorter arms means the ball actually has to bounce higher eacher time, which would in theory slow down the time between each dribble, therefore making the physics better for someone with linger arms.����

thanks for not flaming me, but let me give you an example from out current players. I said from the first time he took the floor that our new wonder at PG (Murray) was a target for lots of steals by good defenders and miscues when dribbling into the lane BECAUSE he dribbled as high as his shoulders. That fraction of a second more while the ball is in the air both downward and upward makes a good defending guard lick his chops. The defender can time it better, slap at the ball, and/or and brush THROUGH the dribble and the offensive players body to make the steal. He doesn't so much pick the ball off as use his entire body, hands and arms to take the ball in the opposite direction. When he has control he is already two steps ahead of the offensive player on the way down the court for a uncontested layup or a pass to the oppposite wing for a fast break.

[Chinook]

Murray has a high dribble because he can't dribble well, not because of his wingspan. He has good length for his height, but he's not a freak. Quite a number of good or decent dribblers have that same or a greater difference. One of M3 Kawhi's biggest highlights was him stealing the ball from Curry, dribbling through traffic and scoring. I'm not saying that there isn't something to high dribbles being easier to steal the ball, but that's a height and technique thing more than it's a thing with wingspan.

[BackHome]

Been watching a lot of film on Samanic and trying to compare him to previous Spur PF's and SFs in my memory. Of course every player is different with different physiques and skills, so trying to distill Spur big men all the way back to 1976 is hard and inevitably I will overlook some players. Kenon comes to mind as a speedy SF with great ball handling skills but he didn't have Samanic's height. Davis Bertans had the height and great 3pt shooting but even as he worked on developing moves to the basket, he reminded me of the Red Rocket and possibly giraffes driving to the basket. A lumbering animal as an accident in progress. But other posters will make their own comparisons.

I will stick to a few current players that everyone knows for my comparisons. First of course is Tim Duncan, the PF nonpariel. This is not to uprate a untested rookie against an all-time great, but to show what they have in common and where the rookie shows some similarities. It's not a bad thing to model your skills after all time greats who are willing and able to coach you.

First, ball handling and moves. Duncan could make a spin move away from a defender's weight on a shoulder. I think Samanic is faster in that move at this age than Duncan was and like Duncan, also has a great following move to the basket with either hand or as a dunk. I suspect that Duncan has been working with him as well as Aldrich who also has a spin move.

Every player is different with unique physiques and ball handling skills of course, but Samanic has some unusual ball handling ability, great hands in traffic, due in part to great court awareness. If he gets a quick pass from a teammate while in a scrum under the basket, he doesn't fumble the ball and goes up for the quick short dunk or layup. What past Spur forwards have had that ability?

He makes some unusual moves for a big man (eg, stretch in off of a defended drive for a soft shot off the boards a la Tony P) and a willingness to go into traffic. He is fearless going in against multiple defenders in the paint and that is the result of his past orientation against players of lesser stature, especially if he gets switched onto a guard defender at the top of the perimeter arc. He has the moves and ballhandling to get past that first defender and has only a couple of steps to the basket.

Saminic hasn't shown much in short jumpers because if he is inside the perimeter, he prefers to drive for the shorter shot under control. Duncan, on the other hand, came into the league with a beautiful short shot off the backboard. People scoffed, but this old style shot has been proven to be statistically better that the non-banked shot. Somewhere in his career he lost confidence in the short shot off the board and took fewer and fewer. Neither is distinguished by a 3pt shot in the skill set. However, Saminic has a 3pt shot, somewhat like a one-handed push shot of the old days, but he can still be a 3pt threat because he has lots of range and can develop a better shot if practiced and demanded of him.

He has so much upside potential that I would put him ahead of all the youngsters in a conparison of high ceilings. I'd like to see Pop work him in as a SF rather than a PF. He has the speed and height to be outstanding at that position. If you bulk him up to compete against PFs he will lose some of his speed and possibly handling. He may transition to that PF position with age, but right now take advantage of his speed and superiour height at the SF. Move Rudy to PF (it's time Rudy)behind Aldrich and make Lyles at starting SF work to keep Samanic and Keldon on the bench. I think the future is Samanic starting with Keldon the 6th man.

This is longer than I usually post but I would like some good arguments from ST posters.

I think Pop is going to be a mad scientist again and well see so many different groups playing together which because of depth I am Ok with as it will help long term. After this season if we loose LMA/Derozz/Rudy/Mills will see:

Starting:
White
Murray
Keldon
Luka
Poode

Second Unit:
Trey
Walker
Vassell
Lyles
Eubanks

I also think in next draft will be able to get a starting player which might be PG/SF/PF/C

[wildbill2u]

Back home I don't think we will start out the season with trading LMA and DDR. Hard to trade away two proven stars at once who can both score. I think the new strategy of fast BB will not play to their strengths, but who will we get in return from GMs who know our difficulty in playing them with all our dwarfs? I think Pop will keep them both and just substitute a lot with different lineups to keep the ball moving on offense and with better defenders. YOu won't be able to keep track of the lineups without a program or roster sheet. At some point the computers will spit out an analysis of the best lineups, but maybe not in time to make a run for the playoffs. I simply don't see Murray as anyone's starting PG in the future.

Personally I think that using our youngsters is OK if we get another shot at a lottery pick.

[BackHome]

Yeah the line up is based on if our one year contract tract players don’t get picked up after this season which should be 4 players of which 2 are starters LMA and DEROZZ. As far as the line up I think it’s all going to be based on match ups, injuries, performance, as far as who starts and who ends up closing out the end of games.

I am with you as far as getting a good draft pick my God this upcoming draft class is loaded still crossing my fingers we can pull of a trade that might get us a first or second round pick. As far as who we draft I am hoping that this season will answer some of our questions we have.

1. Can White stay healthy - Feet
2. Can Murray show necessary improvements and except new role
3. Can Walker show improvements and stay healthy - Knee
4. Can Luka get playing time and be engaged and live up to his potential
5. Can Poodle average more then 5pts a game.

Based on the above questions I think will have a impact on who we draft and what free agents we might go after 2021 season.

[C-Dub]

Luka will get some playing time this season because of the compacted season and back to backs. Some are not realizing that because of the compacted compressed season Pop will sit the vets more to keep them fresh. So Luka, Eubanks and Vassell will get some playing time this season which will help them be ready for significant playing time the following season when DDR, LMA and Rudy are no longer on the team. There's a good chance that you see some of these lineups every now and then this season:

DJM - T. Jones or QW
White - Walker
Keldon - Vassell
Lyles - Luka
Jakob - Eubanks

[RC_Drunkford]

Luka will get some playing time this season because of the compacted season and back to backs. Some are not realizing that because of the compacted compressed season Pop will sit the vets more to keep them fresh. So Luka, Eubanks and Vassell will get some playing time this season which will help them be ready for significant playing time the following season when DDR, LMA and Rudy are no longer on the team. There's a good chance that you see some of these lineups every now and then this season:

DJM - T. Jones or QW
White - Walker
Keldon - Vassell
Lyles - Luka
Jakob - Eubanks

Ah yeah, Pop resting players for the playoffs on a lottery team. I can totally see the senile old man do that

[DavidTheGoliath]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eowc6D-W4AEzBMw?format=jpg&name=large


bambi growing up, looks High 230s- to low to med 240s lbs now......

whos the other dude?

[tim_duncan_fan]

Zeller.

How do you not know a Spurs roster guy? Lololol

[Sugus]

https://www.spurstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/luka-samanic-passing.jpeg
https://www.spurstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/luka-samanic-debut.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eowc6D-W4AEzBMw?format=jpg&name=large

:stirpot::stirpot::stirpot:

[Dejounte]

https://www.spurstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/luka-samanic-passing.jpeg
https://www.spurstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/luka-samanic-debut.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eowc6D-W4AEzBMw?format=jpg&name=large

:stirpot::stirpot::stirpot:

The lack of mention of Luka in any interview so far is concerning... I feel this guy being a loner is biting him in the ass. Hopefully I'm wrong and he's not being an outcast.

[SAGirl]

I have evolved to be a fan that needs to see performances on the court to believe. In my earlier stages as a fan I was easily swindled and got excited by training videos or practices, but after having players not live up to expectations, I am now of the kind that needs to see it on games to believe. Therefore I am not hyped up about him yet. I want him to succeed but I am in the camp that needs to see it to believe it.

[SAGirl]

The lack of mention of Luka in any interview so far is concerning... I feel this guy being a loner is biting him in the ass. Hopefully I'm wrong and he's not being an outcast.
He gives me a Nando DeColo vibe. He had talent but couldn’t get enough minutes leading him to ask for a trade. He was a fairly talented guy.

This guy is much younger so I am not sure how he’s developing, but tou are right that if he doesn’t mesh in he could be on the outside looking in. Hopefully not bc the team needs his size and his talent to pan out.

[DavidTheGoliath]

Zeller.

How do you not know a Spurs roster guy? Lololol

i mean, i didnt even know that the guy is still in the league :lmao

[XDT76]

i mean, i didnt even know that the guy is still in the league :lmao

Well he is, until the Spurs cut him.

[XDT76]

The lack of mention of Luka in any interview so far is concerning... I feel this guy being a loner is biting him in the ass. Hopefully I'm wrong and he's not being an outcast.

Wonder how he feels to be the only first round pick not in the fiesta Jersey ad. Or was he away when it was shot?

[Dejounte]

Wonder how he feels to be the only first round pick not in the fiesta Jersey ad. Or was he away when it was shot?

Looks to me he's been in SA all this time.

[Sugus]

The lack of mention of Luka in any interview so far is concerning... I feel this guy being a loner is biting him in the ass. Hopefully I'm wrong and he's not being an outcast.

Agreed, tbh. I'm clinging on to hope that it's just the foreigner barrier and him not being integrated into the language/culture fully (he doesn't use english much in his social media captions, either, oftentimes just emojis). I'm HOPING that given playing time this season, he'll mesh with the rest of the team and establish a place for himself on the team and locker room. But as of right now, as much as his body looks improved, I get the feeling that he's on the outside looking in.

We'll see soon enough, I guess - it's like 4 days until preseason, right? Also, what's up with the profile pic? I feel like I'm getting an aneurysm with you and Drew sharing an avatar :lol

[Dejounte]

Agreed, tbh. I'm clinging on to hope that it's just the foreigner barrier and him not being integrated into the language/culture fully (he doesn't use english much in his social media captions, either, oftentimes just emojis). I'm HOPING that given playing time this season, he'll mesh with the rest of the team and establish a place for himself on the team and locker room. But as of right now, as much as his body looks improved, I get the feeling that he's on the outside looking in.

We'll see soon enough, I guess - it's like 4 days until preseason, right? Also, what's up with the profile pic? I feel like I'm getting an aneurysm with you and Drew sharing an avatar :lol

It's a tribute. Read the last few pages of the Vassell thread. I've been bummed ever since. Couldn't really sleep last night. I'll miss the guy a lot.

Come back, Drew.

[ismael-robert]

Drews alt confirmed

[Dejounte]

Drews alt confirmed

SHUT up Grade sniffer

[bluebellmaniac]

SHUT up Grade sniffer

Grade sniffer? What is that?

[tonight...you]

SHUT up Grade sniffer
:rollin:lol

[ismael-robert]

Or drews life partner, from toxic masculinity to look at keldons arms to hosting drews image....

[DavidTheGoliath]

It's a tribute. Read the last few pages of the Vassell thread. I've been bummed ever since. Couldn't really sleep last night. I'll miss the guy a lot.

Come back, Drew.

Whats wrong with him anyway? Calls everyone names after disagreeing with their opinion. The internet is a weird place :rollin

[tonight...you]

Whats wrong with him anyway? Calls everyone names after disagreeing with their opinion. The internet is a weird place :rollin
He seems like he's trying to be a freak-out artist.
Maybe that's the new thing.

[Sugus]

It's a tribute. Read the last few pages of the Vassell thread. I've been bummed ever since. Couldn't really sleep last night. I'll miss the guy a lot.

Come back, Drew.

I mean, I just looked at his profile, last activity 8 hours ago. Doesn't seem like he's quitting too good :lol

But if he doesn't post at all after this, I think I'll manage to mentally switch and associate that awful profile pic with you, man. Though the mystery of lacking an avatar fit you better, in my opinion. I also like/d Drew, he's a bit challenging to engage but I laugh often at his unnecessarily angry diatribes. A true character of the forum, lmao. Maybe I'll join you in the "come back, Drew" sentiment...

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

It is kinda odd that we haven’t heard much about Luka during training camp. I’m hoping he is going to impress during the preseason games and he is holding his own during the practices.

it is obvious that he has put on muscle. Hopefully it hasn’t slowed his quickness or speed down any

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/Q0C_IfSmxoc

[lefty]

Yesterday, DDR dunked the ball and the Rockets announcer called him Samanic
:lmao

[rjv]

looks like samanic is definitely going to be starting his season in austin-hope it can pay dividends for him.

[Sugus]

looks like samanic is definitely going to be starting his season in austin-hope it can pay dividends for him.

I'm not too sure that's gonna happen, and if it did, I don't know how much good it'd be to Sammich. Don't get me wrong, he's raw as hell, but his problems are much less on the basketball side of things, and more on the mental road - his drive, motor, passion and on-court demeanor all can use a lot of work. Demoting him (even if it isn't a demotion, it'll look like one after thinking he'd be playing with the "grown up" team) simply to have him dominate G-L competition isn't, IMO, as valuable as playing him maybe 5-10m a night with the Spurs in garbage time or 3rd quarter, but having him build chemistry with his teammates, be there at every practice, and overall just work on the go on other things, like most players do during the season.

Play him 10-15 as bench PF, and maybe throw him a starting bone about 20 games in, see how he fares against real competition. It's also a humbling experience - at some point, you have to "hit the wall" and experience being the least talented player on the court, learn how to role-play, work as a cog in the machine. Luka ain't learning that by posting up G-Leaguers and having an offense catered to him, tbh.

[rjv]

I'm not too sure that's gonna happen, and if it did, I don't know how much good it'd be to Sammich. Don't get me wrong, he's raw as hell, but his problems are much less on the basketball side of things, and more on the mental road - his drive, motor, passion and on-court demeanor all can use a lot of work. Demoting him (even if it isn't a demotion, it'll look like one after thinking he'd be playing with the "grown up" team) simply to have him dominate G-L competition isn't, IMO, as valuable as playing him maybe 5-10m a night with the Spurs in garbage time or 3rd quarter, but having him build chemistry with his teammates, be there at every practice, and overall just work on the go on other things, like most players do during the season.

Play him 10-15 as bench PF, and maybe throw him a starting bone about 20 games in, see how he fares against real competition. It's also a humbling experience - at some point, you have to "hit the wall" and experience being the least talented player on the court, learn how to role-play, work as a cog in the machine. Luka ain't learning that by posting up G-Leaguers and having an offense catered to him, tbh.

i'd prefer to see samanic on the spurs roster rather than in austin but from what i'm seeing of how he has been used in these two preseason games, that leads me to believe that he is going to be getting his reps in austin.

[BackHome]

I'm not too sure that's gonna happen, and if it did, I don't know how much good it'd be to Sammich. Don't get me wrong, he's raw as hell, but his problems are much less on the basketball side of things, and more on the mental road - his drive, motor, passion and on-court demeanor all can use a lot of work. Demoting him (even if it isn't a demotion, it'll look like one after thinking he'd be playing with the "grown up" team) simply to have him dominate G-L competition isn't, IMO, as valuable as playing him maybe 5-10m a night with the Spurs in garbage time or 3rd quarter, but having him build chemistry with his teammates, be there at every practice, and overall just work on the go on other things, like most players do during the season.

Play him 10-15 as bench PF, and maybe throw him a starting bone about 20 games in, see how he fares against real competition. It's also a humbling experience - at some point, you have to "hit the wall" and experience being the least talented player on the court, learn how to role-play, work as a cog in the machine. Luka ain't learning that by posting up G-Leaguers and having an offense catered to him, tbh.

This + 100

[KobesAchilles]

Really liked that dunk he threw down against the Rockets. It was hella impressive. He looked like he was another player out there!

[GAustex]

I see what you did there

[offset formation]

i'd prefer to see samanic on the spurs roster rather than in austin but from what i'm seeing of how he has been used in these two preseason games, that leads me to believe that he is going to be getting his reps in austin.

He was ruled out of yesterday's and tomorrow's game. That said, I found it disconcerting how he was actually played in the game against OKC. Only late game, garbage time minutes against a team without an all star playing is most definitely not trying to determine his abilities against top end competition. So I acknowledge that's problematic if you are hopeful of a Samanic explosion this year.

[offset formation]

I'm not too sure that's gonna happen, and if it did, I don't know how much good it'd be to Sammich. Don't get me wrong, he's raw as hell, but his problems are much less on the basketball side of things, and more on the mental road - his drive, motor, passion and on-court demeanor all can use a lot of work. Demoting him (even if it isn't a demotion, it'll look like one after thinking he'd be playing with the "grown up" team) simply to have him dominate G-L competition isn't, IMO, as valuable as playing him maybe 5-10m a night with the Spurs in garbage time or 3rd quarter, but having him build chemistry with his teammates, be there at every practice, and overall just work on the go on other things, like most players do during the season.

Play him 10-15 as bench PF, and maybe throw him a starting bone about 20 games in, see how he fares against real competition. It's also a humbling experience - at some point, you have to "hit the wall" and experience being the least talented player on the court, learn how to role-play, work as a cog in the machine. Luka ain't learning that by posting up G-Leaguers and having an offense catered to him, tbh.

G-Leaguers? Looks like he's posting up local players that aren't either tall or fast.

[Sugus]

G-Leaguers? Looks like he's posting up local players that aren't either tall or fast.

Tbh, I don't want him posting anybody up as a modern-NBA stretch 4... :lol

[Sugus]

i'd prefer to see samanic on the spurs roster rather than in austin but from what i'm seeing of how he has been used in these two preseason games, that leads me to believe that he is going to be getting his reps in austin.

I can see that. I also disliked how Pop handled his rotation of Luka, but tbh, it's been a constant last season and looks like it'll be a problem this season as well (rotations, I mean), so I wouldn't single it out on Samanic. And the reality is, you can't keep prospects playing against lower level competition indefinitely and expect them to improve to the level of superior competition just on sheer domination. Luka had a quite productive G-League season (I should know, I watched a lot of the games), has made strides in his game and body, and is now lacking in several aspects which IMO just can't be developed down in Austin the same way.

So basically, yes, on a vacuum, having Samanic spend a season in Austin would be more productive to him than 5mpg of Spurs garbage time - but I don't think either option is truly the solution to Samanic's problems. Also, having said all this, is the Austin season even confirmed at this point? I saw the Spurs signed-then-waived a couple players, hinting that it'd be happening, but no official word so far from what I've heard. Might not even "be" an Austin to send Luka to, tbh.

[rjv]

I can see that. I also disliked how Pop handled his rotation of Luka, but tbh, it's been a constant last season and looks like it'll be a problem this season as well (rotations, I mean), so I wouldn't single it out on Samanic. And the reality is, you can't keep prospects playing against lower level competition indefinitely and expect them to improve to the level of superior competition just on sheer domination. Luka had a quite productive G-League season (I should know, I watched a lot of the games), has made strides in his game and body, and is now lacking in several aspects which IMO just can't be developed down in Austin the same way.

So basically, yes, on a vacuum, having Samanic spend a season in Austin would be more productive to him than 5mpg of Spurs garbage time - but I don't think either option is truly the solution to Samanic's problems. Also, having said all this, is the Austin season even confirmed at this point? I saw the Spurs signed-then-waived a couple players, hinting that it'd be happening, but no official word so far from what I've heard. Might not even "be" an Austin to send Luka to, tbh.

yeah, i don't know what's up with the g-league. one problem is going to be that teams will probably not be all that keen on having players shuffle back and forth while Covid is still as widespread as it is now. that is, i don't think we'll be seeing a player spend one day here and the next day there. it would just be too problematic. this may really hamper the effectiveness of the g-league, if they do play.

[Sugus]

yeah, i don't know what's up with the g-league. one problem is going to be that teams will probably not be all that keen on having players shuffle back and forth while Covid is still as widespread as it is now. that is, i don't think we'll be seeing a player spend one day here and the next day there. it would just be too problematic. this may really hamper the effectiveness of the g-league, if they do play.

That is EXACTLY the issue I have with sending players to the GL this season, and why I ultimately don't think it'd be worth it for Luka. On a normal year, G-L asignees could be traveling back and forth, playing for one team or the other depending on injuries and roster composition (and if individual players are sitting out due to COVID, this becomes that much more important), and just getting "the best of both worlds". But this season, the Austin and SA Spurs will likely have training in two entirely different places, won't be getting called up/down nearly as often, if at all, and Luka would just be alienated from the team - something that, as a foreigner rookie who by all accounts seems to be "on the outside looking in" as far as the team goes, definitely doesn't need.

I'd rather he stay on the Spurs, and play low minutes whilst waiting for a chance. Maybe Lyles catches the virus, maybe Rudy falls off (or is traded at the deadline! Considering he's looking like the least lethargic of our vets sans Patty, it's a real possibility), these are all scenarios where Luka could get an increased role. I think the question should be, would Pop play him in that scenario over, say, DeMar or even Keldon at PF? And given his rotational role in the first game (I know, 1st preseason game, I know), it's not a certain thing to me.

[offset formation]

Luka got food poisoning and is out of tonight's game in addition to the last game.

[RC_Drunkford]

Use the NBA season as the G-League season. We're not gonna win a lot of games anyway

[phxspurfan]

Use the NBA season as the G-League season. We're not gonna win a lot of games anyway

I'm not a believer in him at all. But if they have any intention of seeing if he's worth a shit he needs to be playing with the big club.

[Atl Spur]

I’m with Luka.....he’s a kid still. He’ll be fine!

[Dejounte]

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-zone/watch-spurs-luka-samanic-talks-austin-spurs-development-goals-naysayers-and-more?__twitter_impression=true

Very revealing interview by Luka. Looks like he's aware of his own weaknesses, which is good.

I've personally lost hope in him, but I hope he dominates Gleague. This might be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NBA.

[exstatic]

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-zone/watch-spurs-luka-samanic-talks-austin-spurs-development-goals-naysayers-and-more?__twitter_impression=true

Very revealing interview by Luka. Looks like he's aware of his own weaknesses, which is good.

I've personally lost hope in him, but I hope he dominates Gleague. This might be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NBA.

He was always going to be a two year project.

Do you pull cookies out of the oven after 3-4 minutes because you want them to be done, and then express disappointment when they’re not?

[Dejounte]

He was always going to be a two year project.

Do you pull cookies out of the oven after 3-4 minutes because you want them to be done, and then express disappointment when they’re not?


I get that, but we're already at the end of the two year project. He needs to show something sooner than later or it's the end. If he doesn't show anything by the end of this season, what makes you think he'll suddenly get minutes next year? It's a downward slope.

[JuneJive]

I get that, but we're already at the end of the two year project. He needs to show something sooner than later or it's the end. If he doesn't show anything by the end of this season, what makes you think he'll suddenly get minutes next year? It's a downward slope.

Like the process of development has a rigid timeline.

It takes as long as it takes. Some take longer , some don't.
As he stands, he's shown promise.

[exstatic]

I get that, but we're already at the end of the two year project. He needs to show something sooner than later or it's the end. If he doesn't show anything by the end of this season, what makes you think he'll suddenly get minutes next year? It's a downward slope.

??? This is his second season. The end of the two year project will essentially be next training camp.

[rjv]

Like the process of development has a rigid timeline.

It takes as long as it takes. Some take longer , some don't.
As he stands, he's shown promise.

after what i've seen of christian wood this year, i'm all in on late bloomers.

[talkspurs]

Do you pull cookies out of the oven after 3-4 minutes because you want them to be done, and then express disappointment when they’re not?

I actually like to eat the cookie dough before I put them in the oven and am usually pretty impressed. :spin

[John B]

I get that, but we're already at the end of the two year project. He needs to show something sooner than later or it's the end. If he doesn't show anything by the end of this season, what makes you think he'll suddenly get minutes next year? It's a downward slope.
I think Samanic shows he has a lot of skills. It's the confidence issue and maybe getting stronger that's keeping him from attacking strong. I will say the same for Lonnie, lack of confidence.
As much as I love Pop, these kids are just too scared to make mistakes imo. And while Pop said he would let them the young core loose because they didn't get to the playoff, he keeps going back to the veterans, which is slowing down the tempo, letting other teams outmuscle the Spurs.

I think it's more important to develop our young core right now, than winning games. It's a bonus if we win a game here and there, but let's face it, I don't think they will pass the 1st round if they ever make it to the playoffs. So developing White, DJ, Keldon, Vassell, Samanic, Lonnie, Poeltl (shooting) and hope to get a solid 20/10 big in the FA and go from there.

[Atl Spur]

I think Samanic shows he has a lot of skills. It's the confidence issue and maybe getting stronger that's keeping him from attacking strong. I will say the same for Lonnie, lack of confidence.
As much as I love Pop, these kids are just too scared to make mistakes imo. And while Pop said he would let them the young core loose because they didn't get to the playoff, he keeps going back to the veterans, which is slowing down the tempo, letting other teams outmuscle the Spurs.

I think it's more important to develop our young core right now, than winning games. It's a bonus if we win a game here and there, but let's face it, I don't think they will pass the 1st round if they ever make it to the playoffs. So developing White, DJ, Keldon, Vassell, Samanic, Lonnie, Poeltl (shooting) and hope to get a solid 20/10 big in the FA and go from there.

This league is tough........if you can survive pop, you can survive this league! He waiting for them to say fuck it pop I got this then show him ( shut his mouth ) until then let the cookies bake!!!

[spurs1990]

Popovich couldn't even get Leonard to be on board with the way he runs this team. What chance do a Walker and a Samanic have?

Popovich has more of an imprint on the young players than any other coach out there.
I want to see what Walker, Samanic, Vassell can do without that rather large shadow looming. Hammond would be a 180 change in management if that happens in 2022.

[RD2191]

He was always going to be a two year project.

Do you pull cookies out of the oven after 3-4 minutes because you want them to be done, and then express disappointment when they’re not?
yes

[PhantomDashCam]

The Spurs rated Keldon Johnson the #1 SF in the 2019 draft. Hyperbole or not, they still chose to take Samanic at #19.
That’s pretty exciting.
He may never reach KJ’s level (to what he is already), but I would back the Spurs on this one.

[KingKev]

??? This is his second season. The end of the two year project will essentially be next training camp.

As a Spurs fan on this board I short most of everything you say. Most recently: there won’t be a conclusion to 2020 season, LMA is worth Wiggins, #2 AND the TWolves 2021 pick. You get an idea stuck in your mind and stick to
it like a commercial Sean Paul track. Like Glue. Luka has shown nothing and you showing confidence only tells me to double down.

[BackHome]

Another thing is that with all this Covid restrictions how much real coaching are these guys really getting and G League is really important for these young players to learn the NBA game.

[exstatic]

As a Spurs fan on this board I short most of everything you say. Most recently: there won’t be a conclusion to 2020 season, LMA is worth Wiggins, #2 AND the TWolves 2022 pick. You get an idea stuck in your mind and stick to
it like a commercial Sean Paul track. Like Glue. Luke has shown nothing and you showing confidence only tells
me to double down.

LMA from last year, PLUS taking on Wiggins shit deal, was. I think Kerr basically said there was a deal done before Klay tore his Achilles, This year, he’s crap. Can’t switch, can’t rotate, basically no defense.

If Sammich shows nothing in SL (if there is one), pre season, or early season, I’ll be off the train. I will wait the full two years, though. I have said all along that if he doesn’t make it, it won’t be because of his skill set or his physical tools. There just aren’t a ton of guys who are 6’10” with a 38” vert who can dribble/pass/shoot. It will be because of what’s between his ears. He’s not very Spursy.

[Ocotillo]

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-zone/watch-spurs-luka-samanic-talks-austin-spurs-development-goals-naysayers-and-more?__twitter_impression=true

Very revealing interview by Luka. Looks like he's aware of his own weaknesses, which is good.

I've personally lost hope in him, but I hope he dominates Gleague. This might be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NBA.

Thanks for posting. Regarding him being a project that clearly is the case with him but I would add that his progress may have been stunted as well by COVID situation which has taken away a lot of playing time opportunity. I am keeping my fingers crossed on the guy so let's hope the Gubble does him good.

[ulosturedge]

Luka has terrible basketball IQ. He also finishes too soft around the rim. Gets pushed around very easily. He seems pretty agile for his size and has a nice stroke, but he is nowhere near ready to keep up with the NBA style ball. Maybe by next year he will turn the corner? If not o well what can you do.

[CGD]

I’m don’t think it’s IQ. I think it’s a matter of confidence.

[cd021]

I get that, but we're already at the end of the two year project. He needs to show something sooner than later or it's the end. If he doesn't show anything by the end of this season, what makes you think he'll suddenly get minutes next year? It's a downward slope.

Covid could've really screwed with his development tbh. Remainder of G-League season got cancelled, probably limited access to a court prior to the restart, limited minutes in the bubble. Then there was a short off-season with no summer practices and summer-league games, and this season's G-league season has been cut from 50 to 16. That is bound to hamper his improvement.

I still think the Spurs could possibly toss him into the deep end next season. They have no PF's under contract next season and unless they get John Collins their not likely to find an impactful PF in FA. I could see them penciling him as the backup PF, and giving him the opportunity to prove himself before completely writing him off.


The Spurs rated Keldon Johnson the #1 SF in the 2019 draft. Hyperbole or not, they still chose to take Samanic at #19.
That’s pretty exciting.
He may never reach KJ’s level (to what he is already), but I would back the Spurs on this one.

Samanic was technically their 3rd choice after Doumboya and Bitadze. They obviously liked what they saw and probably make a promise but they also didn't expect Johnson to be available at 19. Out of sheer dumb luck, he was there at 29 after ESPN had him going 10th.

It was definitely a gamble but the Spurs have reached before and turned out right, so who knows.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1357124294288035840

[tonight...you]

I still have belief in Luka.
I look forward to him being on the big boy squad next year.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1357124294288035840

The tweet doesn't sound like he grasped the real context, which was the fact that Samanic has grown to know how hard it is to develop. He wasn't actually saying Samanic had improved his work ethic.

[ulosturedge]

I’m don’t think it’s IQ. I think it’s a matter of confidence.


Let's hope. Like Devin Vassell plays much smarter defense then Lonnie Walker. You'd think with all the athletic talent Lonnie has he could turn it into defense but he doesn't. I don't know if it's a basketball IQ thing or not with some of these guys, but it does seem to play a big part in them being able to stay on the court. I would say defense is what we need. The offense will take care of itself.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-zone/watch-spurs-luka-samanic-talks-austin-spurs-development-goals-naysayers-and-more?__twitter_impression=true

Very revealing interview by Luka. Looks like he's aware of his own weaknesses, which is good.

I've personally lost hope in him, but I hope he dominates Gleague. This might be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NBA.


thanks for posting this

I agree with you that he seems to understand now what he has to improve to be a better player and a chance to actually get run in the NBA.

I really like that he pointed out improving his effort level and especially on the defensive end. I also liked that he pointed out why Keldon is getting run and how the young guys like Murray, Lonnie, and Keldon are telling him he has to be consistent and always play hard.

I hope he takes that next step in the development league

[r0drig0lac]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1357124294288035840even Pop doesn't believe this kid...and at least this time he wasn't the last to see.

[The Truth #6]

I interpreted Pop’s first answer to mean that Luka is now realizing how much harder he has to work, and the second answer suggests that he now is learning to focus on his strengths so he can find a niche. I suppose it was neutral at best.

[ceddy21]

Yeah, I don’t know why Semanic doesn’t get more burn. He’s young. He’s long, skilled, and he can cause a lot of other small forwards havoc on the defensive end. I would play him at small forward and start him after a few game reps. With the team we have now, my lineup would be the following:

1st String:
1) White
2) Derozan
3) Semanic
4) Aldridge
5) Poetl


2nd String:
1) Murray
2) Mills
3) Johnson
4) Gay
5) Lyles

We could use Mills’ & Johnson’s energy off the bench.

[mo7888]

Yeah, I don’t know why Semanic doesn’t get more burn. He’s young. He’s long, skilled, and he can cause a lot of other small forwards havoc on the defensive end. I would play him at small forward and start him after a few game reps. With the team we have now, my lineup would be the following:

1st String:
1) White
2) Derozan
3) Semanic
4) Aldridge
5) Poetl


2nd String:
1) Murray
2) Mills
3) Johnson
4) Gay
5) Lyles

We could use Mills’ & Johnson’s energy off the bench.

I wouldn't start him and I would play him at the 4....but I would play him.... I'd trade a couple vets and play him in with the other kids and use this season to find out what we really have.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I interpreted Pop’s first answer to mean that Luka is now realizing how much harder he has to work, and the second answer suggests that he now is learning to focus on his strengths so he can find a niche. I suppose it was neutral at best.

that is what I got out of the comments also

[tonight...you]

The tweet doesn't sound like he grasped the real context, which was the fact that Samanic has grown to know how hard it is to develop. He wasn't actually saying Samanic had improved his work ethic.
I guess you gotta start somewhere.

[J_Paco]

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-zone/watch-spurs-luka-samanic-talks-austin-spurs-development-goals-naysayers-and-more?__twitter_impression=true

Very revealing interview by Luka. Looks like he's aware of his own weaknesses, which is good.

I've personally lost hope in him, but I hope he dominates Gleague. This might be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NBA.

When did he get any chance or opportunities for his second year in the league to be his "last" chance?

I agree that he needs to show more soon especially if they draft someone else at his position, but writing him off completely after 1 season is shortsighted.

I'd give him until the end of his rookie deal (if he remains with the team) to give up on him or not.


He was always going to be a two year project.

Do you pull cookies out of the oven after 3-4 minutes because you want them to be done, and then express disappointment when they’re not?

Right, he was considered a two year project and will have at least until the end of his rookie deal to show something. Things could always change if they draft a better prospect at his position, but he could still get a chance if both Lyles and Gay leave town.

[ceddy21]

I agree with finding out what we have. Right now, the front court of Aldridge, Poetl, & Gay just seem slow to me. We need some youth & athleticism in at least 1 of those spots.

[Dejounte]

When did he get any chance or opportunities for his second year in the league to be his "last" chance?

I agree that he needs to show more soon especially if they draft someone else at his position, but riding him off completely after 1 season is shortsighted.

I'd give him until the end of his rookie deal (if he remains with the team) to give up on him or not.



Right, he was considered a two year project and will have at least until the end of his rookie deal to show something. Things could always change if they draft a better prospect at his position, but he could still get a chance if both Lyles and Gay leave town.

I'm writing him after two seasons, not one. He's going down the Metu path. Metu didn't play many minutes before his time was decided either. If he isn't showing anything special in the g league, it's done. Maybe I'll extend it to next pre-season, but if it'll be pretty sad if he can't improve upon his play in the g league last year. I'll be watching the g league games for him.

[J_Paco]

I'm writing him after two seasons, not one. He's going down the Metu path. Metu didn't play many minutes before his time was decided either. If he isn't showing anything special in the g league, it's done. Maybe I'll extend it to next pre-season, but if it'll be pretty sad if he can't improve upon his play in the g league last year. I'll be watching the g league games for him.

Chimezie's situation wasn't alike at all. He was a 3 year college player, 2nd round pick that was a "low risk - low reward" type.

Luka was considered a 2 - year project, has only gotten through his first "full" season (not sure where you're getting two from with no Summer League & a truncated off-season) & is a "high risk - high reward" player.

Again, they could move on if they acquire a better PF/C prospect this summer, but they'll most likely give him until the end of his rookie deal to show something.

And it makes even less sense to "give up" on prospects early on during a time when COVID is dramatically altering training schedules & development timelines. Especially for a team that is currently replenishing it's depleted talent pool and heading towards a full - on rebuild.

[bluebellmaniac]

Give the kid 2 more years AFTER this shitshow of a season and then we'll know if we have our SF or not. That means we should exercise our option after next year. No reason not to.

[exstatic]

I'm writing him after two seasons, not one. He's going down the Metu path. Metu didn't play many minutes before his time was decided either. If he isn't showing anything special in the g league, it's done. Maybe I'll extend it to next pre-season, but if it'll be pretty sad if he can't improve upon his play in the g league last year. I'll be watching the g league games for him.

Might I remind you that you wrote off Dejounte, and were THE single loudest anti Vassell pre draft voice on the forum?

[exstatic]

Give the kid 2 more years AFTER this shitshow of a season and then we'll know if we have our SF or not. That means we should exercise our option after next year. No reason not to.

The problem with the year 4 option is that it has to be exercised BEFORE year 3, not after.

[TheGreatYacht]

after what i've seen of christian wood this year, i'm all in on late bloomers.
Wood has always been good but never truly got a shot to prove it with real NBA minutes. I’ve vouched for him for 4 years on here. He was setting the G league on fire and produced in the few minutes he would get in Philly and Milwaukee. Detroit finally gave his shot and more than delivered. That’s not the case with Luka.

[Dejounte]

Might I remind you that you wrote off Dejounte, and were THE single loudest anti Vassell pre draft voice on the forum?

No need for the reminder, I'm just your regular Joe and not a prophet. When it comes to give the player a chance, I usually do (see preseason for DJ, Vassell and all offseason long for Samanic).

[spurraider21]

The whole “he was supposed to be a 2 year project” meme is already an admission that he was a big reach

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Give him until the end of his rookie contract if each season he progresses.

unless he totally crap’s the bed in the development league bubble or has a bad attitude they shouldn’t give up on the young man after this season. COVID has really messed with the natural order of things and that should be taken into account.

[bluebellmaniac]

The problem with the year 4 option is that it has to be exercised BEFORE year 3, not after.


You gotta give the roast time to cook before you say it's no good. Exercise that option and let's see.

[Chinook]

The whole “he was supposed to be a 2 year project” meme is already an admission that he was a big reach

Yeah, no kidding. There's nothing wrong with saying the team drafted Sam knowing he'd develop over years. But no, there was no expectation that he'd be unplayable for two seasons. Very few project players fail to see time in their rookie seasons. People act like the Spurs are the only team to develop players or something.

[exstatic]

Yeah, no kidding. There's nothing wrong with saying the team drafted Sam knowing he'd develop over years. But no, there was no expectation that he'd be unplayable for two seasons. Very few project players fail to see time in their rookie seasons. People act like the Spurs are the only team to develop players or something.

No, just the best.

A 6’10 guy with a 38” vert and the ability to dribble, shoot, and pass who is playable in year one isn’t a #19 pick, probably top 5.

[spurs1990]

In hindsight, which player should have been chosen in 2019?

I highlighted the players with either a 20mpg or 10ppg average, and discarded Porter as he's flamed out.

20 - Thybuille 6'5 SG - a gluttony of players at that size already on SAS roster
21 - Clarke 6'8 PF - he's most frequently mentioned online and has the best stats. Still, that shot he currently has looks peculiar. Probably why he's shooting 58% FT
28 - Poole 6'4 SG - see Thybuille
41 - Paschall 6'6 PF - awful team means his stats are inflated

Clarke is also over 3 years older than Samanic, played at a blue blood Gonzaga team. He's naturally a more ready player.
But these Spurs aren't ready to do any damage in the present, so it made sense to go with the younger guy who flourish alongside the other recent draft picks.

Like I said hindsight, if the Spurs knew Morris would bail and Carroll was who he was, that 19th pick would have been affected, most likely.

https://i.ibb.co/xSybs5G/2019-Draft.png

[Dverde]

Even if he is a bust, busts happens to every team. Not like he was a top 3 pick. I always saw him as a long term project. They obviously saw something for them to use their first first round pick on him. They didn’t want to risk losing him.

[The Truth #6]

The tweet doesn't sound like he grasped the real context, which was the fact that Samanic has grown to know how hard it is to develop. He wasn't actually saying Samanic had improved his work ethic.

I agree. I like Tom Petrini, but it sure feels like the media has to go out of there way to defend the organization, even for stuff that seems silly.

[The Truth #6]

His challenge is mental, it seems. And youth may be a part of that. And so for some players, they can finally realize what they need to change, and that can be a faster change than actually having to work on all their skills. Or...the light might not ever turn on. So, assuming I'm right and it is mostly mental, then it might need to get worse before it gets better, especially if he is feeling some entitlement and resentment.

[The Truth #6]

In hindsight, which player should have been chosen in 2019?

I highlighted the players with either a 20mpg or 10ppg average, and discarded Porter as he's flamed out.

20 - Thybuille 6'5 SG - a gluttony of players at that size already on SAS roster
21 - Clarke 6'8 PF - he's most frequently mentioned online and has the best stats. Still, that shot he currently has looks peculiar. Probably why he's shooting 58% FT
28 - Poole 6'4 SG - see Thybuille
41 - Paschall 6'6 PF - awful team means his stats are inflated

Clarke is also over 3 years older than Samanic, played at a blue blood Gonzaga team. He's naturally a more ready player.
But these Spurs aren't ready to do any damage in the present, so it made sense to go with the younger guy who flourish alongside the other recent draft picks.

Like I said hindsight, if the Spurs knew Morris would bail and Carroll was who he was, that 19th pick would have been affected, most likely.

https://i.ibb.co/xSybs5G/2019-Draft.png

Looking at that list, the draft looks weaker than I thought. So many of these names I haven't heard anything from in casual reporting on the media. With Thybulle, if anything, he is losing his minutes to other players.

[Chinook]

No, just the best.

That's antiquated. There are a lot of good developmental and scouting departments out there. Plenty of them take guys who aren't all there yet and work their way into be solid to very good players. Very few of those eventual successes go multiple years without being in a rotation.


A 6’10 guy with a 38” vert and the ability to dribble, shoot, and pass who is playable in year one isn’t a #19 pick, probably top 5.

No one cares. I'm sorry, man, but it's true. What's going to matter is how Samanic plays, not whether a team like the Knicks or Kings would've drafted him in the top five a year later. Teams draft busts up there all the time. You don't get credit for drafting a bust later on just because he would've been a bigger bust a year later. I'm not saying that Sam is a bust. That's not yet decided. I am saying that at this point, he's a player on the Spurs, and where he was picked and where he could've been picked no longer matters.

It's not normal to be this far away. I don't think the Spurs expected it, and folks acting like this was all part of their plan are saying so without evidence. Murray was two years away, but he still played his first year and played a lot his second year. The game he's developed since his second year is way better than what he was rocking, and his body has changed a lot too. He was a project as much as Sam is, but he didn't just sit in the d-league. Giannis played. Siakam played. Jokic played. Heck, even Christian Wood played more games in his first two seasons than Sam has. It's not normal. It's not to be expected. It's a bad sign, even if it ends up working out.

[Chinook]

In hindsight, which player should have been chosen in 2019?

I highlighted the players with either a 20mpg or 10ppg average, and discarded Porter as he's flamed out.

20 - Thybuille 6'5 SG - a gluttony of players at that size already on SAS roster
21 - Clarke 6'8 PF - he's most frequently mentioned online and has the best stats. Still, that shot he currently has looks peculiar. Probably why he's shooting 58% FT
28 - Poole 6'4 SG - see Thybuille
41 - Paschall 6'6 PF - awful team means his stats are inflated

Clarke is also over 3 years older than Samanic, played at a blue blood Gonzaga team. He's naturally a more ready player.
But these Spurs aren't ready to do any damage in the present, so it made sense to go with the younger guy who flourish alongside the other recent draft picks.

Like I said hindsight, if the Spurs knew Morris would bail and Carroll was who he was, that 19th pick would have been affected, most likely.

https://i.ibb.co/xSybs5G/2019-Draft.png

I've mentioned before that it wasn't a great draft. Clarke and Thybulle are obvious picks though. It's not just about replacing Sam with them on the roster. Clarke being drafted might've made it to where the Spurs didn't sign Lyles, which would've led to to them having enough cap space this off-season to sign someone else. Thybulle could've been the piece to put SA over the top in trading up for Wiseman or just allowed SA to draft a big this draft or trade down when other teams wanted Haliburton. And there could've been trade opportunities that we can't even imagine that would be available if the Spurs had more viable prospects to deal.

I don't want to make this a Clarke thread, but the team clearly showed with White that they didn't need to draft a bunch of teenagers. Clarke is the same age as Murray and younger than White and Poeltl right now. There shouldn't've been a concern that he'd age out before they improved.

[ulosturedge]

Europlayers are too soft. I don't think he will ever get past that softness. Better to stick with US college athletes. The days of Eurostash has been dead for quite sometime now. Luka Donic being an exception. But those gems are few and far between.

[Atl Spur]

Patience young Jedi’s

[PrimeMinister]

if ST was around in 2001 there'd be a 100 page thread dedicated to asking why we even drafted manu

not saying he's gonna pan out or he's the next star or anything like that... but this isn't the first rodeo, and i'm just thankful instead of him being a 2+ year draft and stash we get to see him play in Austin.

[TD 21]

It's not normal to be this far away. I don't think the Spurs expected it, and folks acting like this was all part of their plan are saying so without evidence. Murray was two years away, but he still played his first year and played a lot his second year. The game he's developed since his second year is way better than what he was rocking, and his body has changed a lot too. He was a project as much as Sam is, but he didn't just sit in the d-league. Giannis played. Siakam played. Jokic played. Heck, even Christian Wood played more games in his first two seasons than Sam has. It's not normal. It's not to be expected. It's a bad sign, even if it ends up working out.

When a player is that far off, usually they're stashed first.

Sure, there's no evidence, but there's none to the contrary either and it was common sense from the start.

Murray was fortunate in that Parker and Ginobili were ancient and were going to be given games off and Mills was/is a secondary creator. Gay, Lyles, briefly Carroll and now Johnson, have been durable since Samanic has been drafted.

As a project, he was inherently more likely than not to not pan out. That said, it's true that if a player is going to be something worthwhile, they usually let you know early and force their way into minutes, like Johnson.

[Chinook]

When a player is that far off, usually they're stashed first.

I don't disagree. But usually if a player HAS to be stashed because he's unplayable, he's not considered a first-round pick.


Sure, there's no evidence, but there's none to the contrary either and it was common sense from the start.

I don't think it's obvious at all. The Spurs have drafted multiple projects over the years and have been perfectly able to get them playing time in their first two seasons. We're not talking about a guy who only gets garbage-time minutes in his first year or so. We're talking about a guy who didn't play even in blowouts when he was active. This isn't the team's normal MO, especially.
considering how high they drafted Sam. They definitely have a vested interest in developing him.


Murray was fortunate in that Parker and Ginobili were ancient and were going to be given games off and Mills was/is a secondary creator. Gay, Lyles briefly Carroll and now Johnson, have been durable since Samanic has been drafted.

I mean, the Spurs are playing small right now because they don't feel like they have enough forwards to play bigger. That's what a ton of STers seem to think anyway. There's no rule that Vassell HAD to get minutes over Sam or that the Spurs had to go with nine guys in their rotation to start the season. There's definitely a pathway to minutes for young PF, and that's even more true of earlier in the season. Lonnie, as raw as he was, played 17 games in his first season. Sam has only played seven games total.


As a project, he was inherently more likely than not to not pan out. That said, it's true that if a player is going to be something worthwhile, they usually let you know early and force their way into minutes, like Johnson.

And that's the thing. Usually projects that work out get playing time early and "show something" even when they aren't ready for any real role. Murray, for all of his question marks, definitely showed ability to do things as a rookie. Walker showed his physical tools. And those guys and even guys like Forbes and Neal showed they had some NBA skills from jump street. Sam isn't good enough for the Spurs to even put him out there to see what they have. It's a weird red flag.

[TD 21]

I don't disagree. But usually if a player HAS to be stashed because he's unplayable, he's not considered a first-round pick.



I don't think it's obvious at all. The Spurs have drafted multiple projects over the years and have been perfectly able to get them playing time in their first two seasons. We're not talking about a guy who only gets garbage-time minutes in his first year or so. We're talking about a guy who didn't play even in blowouts when he was active. This isn't the team's normal MO, especially.
considering how high they drafted Sam. They definitely have a vested interest in developing him.



I mean, the Spurs are playing small right now because they don't feel like they have enough forwards to play bigger. That's what a ton of STers seem to think anyway. There's no rule that Vassell HAD to get minutes over Sam or that the Spurs had to go with nine guys in their rotation to start the season. There's definitely a pathway to minutes for young PF, and that's even more true of earlier in the season. Lonnie, as raw as he was, played 17 games in his first season. Sam has only played seven games total.



And that's the thing. Usually projects that work out get playing time early and "show something" even when they aren't ready for any real role. Murray, for all of his question marks, definitely showed ability to do things as a rookie. Walker showed his physical tools. And those guys and even guys like Forbes and Neal showed they had some NBA skills from jump street. Sam isn't good enough for the Spurs to even put him out there to see what they have. It's a weird red flag.

Nah, there's been numerous foreign firsts stashed over the years.

Many of us said it at the time and it's well on it's way to coming to fruition. In the past they'd have stashed him first, but they've done a few things diffrerently recently. Metu getting 2 guaranteed years was not out of the Spurs playbook (Blair was a first round talent and Jones a borderline one), nor was the Carroll fiasco.

They're playing small because it's the only way to play their best lineup (you could argue Lyles over Walker). There's not really a pathway with Johnson, Gay and Vassell all being legit rotation players and Walker, who they're prioritizing at the moment. Also, Walker only really had to beat out a washed Belinelli.

[spurraider21]

if ST was around in 2001 there'd be a 100 page thread dedicated to asking why we even drafted manu

not saying he's gonna pan out or he's the next star or anything like that... but this isn't the first rodeo, and i'm just thankful instead of him being a 2+ year draft and stash we get to see him play in Austin.
ginobili was picked at the end of the 2nd round. nobody cares about 2nd round picks that go nowhere. and it would be different if a player was drafted and stashed while still playing full time elsewhere, as was the case with Bertans or Splitter

[Chinook]

Nah, there's been numerous foreign firsts stashed over the years.

Not really. There have been foreign firsts who were stashed because of contract like Rubio and Saric. But they almost never draft guys in the first and then keep them overseas. SA did with it with Splitter, but even that was somewhat related to contracts. It's certainly isn't a common thing in modern team-building to try to keep a guy out of the NBA. SA learned that the hard way with Milutinov.


Many of us said it at the time and it's well on it's way to coming to fruition.

That's not evidence that SA planned on him being unplayable for years.


Metu getting 2 guaranteed years was not out of the Spurs playbook

The Spurs haven't been able to get second-rounders to sign long-term contracts until recently. Most of that has to do with how easy it is to make in to the NBA from the g-league and the lessening stigma toward Americans playing overseas. Guys like DeShaun Thomas knew they didn't have to settle for that kind of deal and didn't. It also doesn't help that SA hadn't pick legit NBA guys with their second-rounders. Now that they're falling off record-wise they're finally once again getting access to better guys in the second round. That makes them more willing to give the multiple guaranteed years that you need to get the three or four years.

[duncan2150]

People were high on him because He made some nice things during the scrimmage.

Here, in Europe, Scouts had a different vision. He's lazy, no motor, no effort.... Bad D... They did not like him so much.

I don't know why spurs were so high on him after scouting him.

[TD 21]

Not really. There have been foreign firsts who were stashed because of contract like Rubio and Saric. But they almost never draft guys in the first and then keep them overseas. SA did with it with Splitter, but even that was somewhat related to contracts. It's certainly isn't a common thing in modern team-building to try to keep a guy out of the NBA. SA learned that the hard way with Milutinov.



That's not evidence that SA planned on him being unplayable for years.



The Spurs haven't been able to get second-rounders to sign long-term contracts until recently. Most of that has to do with how easy it is to make in to the NBA from the g-league and the lessening stigma toward Americans playing overseas. Guys like DeShaun Thomas knew they didn't have to settle for that kind of deal and didn't. It also doesn't help that SA hadn't pick legit NBA guys with their second-rounders. Now that they're falling off record-wise they're finally once again getting access to better guys in the second round. That makes them more willing to give the multiple guaranteed years that you need to get the three or four years.

They do. The trend lately though is that the players are pushing to come over immediately, even when they're not ready to play in the NBA.

I conceded there was no evidence, just like you have none to the contrary.

True.