Monastery of Luka Samanic

[r0drig0lac]

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

Bruno Caboclo 2.0



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

Thybulle or Bazley

[PrimeMinister]

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

Of course they keep playing, thats the idea of a draft and stash.

I just love how much crying people do about us not having found "the guy" and the one time in the last few years they swing for someone with a higher ceiling than a safe bet middle of the first rounder, like Brandon Clarke, it's the end of the world.

I'd be careful though leaving so much bad take fodder laying around for all the "Luka is a bust" doubters. He could have a lot of years in front of him.

[spurraider21]

Of course they keep playing, thats the idea of a draft and stash.

I just love how much crying people do about us not having found "the guy" and the one time in the last few years they swing for someone with a higher ceiling than a safe bet middle of the first rounder, like Brandon Clarke, it's the end of the world.

I'd be careful though leaving so much bad take fodder laying around for all the "Luka is a bust" doubters. He could have a lot of years in front of him.
a player who is drafted and stashed isn't taking a roster spot or being paid by the team, so its a bit different. and when it comes to first round picks, Tiago Splitter is the only successful first round pick who was a true "draft and stash"

otherwise, that track record includes Milutinov, LJC.

[Light]

Luka's lack of playing time is a result of the Spurs being in "playoffs or bust" mode every year and being overly reliant on vets, as much as it is anything else. I believe you could give Luka all of Lyle's minutes and some of Gay's (especially when he's off) and the team wouldn't be any worse for it. At the same time, he wouldn't raise the team's ceiling in any significant way, so if all things being equal, Pop will go with the vet. Pop has shown time and again that talent doesn't always equal playing time.

[exstatic]

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.

Sammich played one game as a rook that had what would be considered rotation minutes. He scored 16 points, grabbed 6 boards, and shot 2/3 beyond the arc. He’s not ready for Spurs ball, but he could play on most other teams, and put up numbers that would exceed any players picked behind him, including Clarke. Probably something like 15/7 and 36% from 3. He’d probably be on an awful team, and they wouldn’t care that he missed rotations or closed out too slowly, or at the wrong angle.

[SpursDynasty85]

Luka's lack of playing time is a result of the Spurs being in "playoffs or bust" mode every year and being overly reliant on vets, as much as it is anything else. I believe you could give Luka all of Lyle's minutes and some of Gay's (especially when he's off) and the team wouldn't be any worse for it. At the same time, he wouldn't raise the team's ceiling in any significant way, so if all things being equal, Pop will go with the vet. Pop has shown time and again that talent doesn't always equal playing time.

This is precisely why vets like to sign with the Spurs. It’s really the only way they can sign any meaningful free agents until the SA market can rival the big boys. In 10 years it should when Austin and SA will be like DFW.

[ElNono]

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.

This. And there's nothing wrong if he doesn't pan out. Would it suck for the Spurs? yes, but realistically these things happen all the time in this league.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

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.

Umm...Luka was pretty dominant in the G League at the end of last year.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I personally think that Luka's banishment has more to do with the Spurs trying to get it into his head how hard he needs to work to reach his potential. This is about creating an attitude/work ethic shift in Luka that is necessary for him to become a star. I think Luka could play back-up minutes right now and be passable. The Spurs are using the stick and the stick approach. Based on his most recent interview he is at least saying the right words in that respect. It remains to be seen if actually believes it.

[John B]

I personally think that Luka's banishment has more to do with the Spurs trying to get it into his head how hard he needs to work to reach his potential. This is about creating an attitude/work ethic shift in Luka that is necessary for him to become a star. I think Luka could play back-up minutes right now and be passable. The Spurs are using the stick and the stick approach. Based on his most recent interview he is at least saying the right words in that respect. It remains to be seen if actually believes it.

Agree. My read is that he accepts the challenge and opportunity to get better at the G-League. I certainly hope he dominates and get his confidence that he could be a great player with his skills, but it takes a lot of work to get there. I hope that Keldon’s success, a player picked after him, rubs him the right way, and that hard work pays off.

[KingKev]

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.

crazy you aren’t an NBA level GM.

[Ocotillo]

I personally think that Luka's banishment has more to do with the Spurs trying to get it into his head how hard he needs to work to reach his potential. This is about creating an attitude/work ethic shift in Luka that is necessary for him to become a star. I think Luka could play back-up minutes right now and be passable. The Spurs are using the stick and the stick approach. Based on his most recent interview he is at least saying the right words in that respect. It remains to be seen if actually believes it.

He is saying the right things. Sometimes people even believe they are busting their ass but do not realize they are not really and it's not even they are slacking, they just don't get it. Let's hope the light bulb come on and he not only says it but does it.

[TimDunkem]

POS player and POS person, tbqfh. Their hard-ons for Euro busts not withstanding, I'm surprised they selected him. Guess we've had a brain drain in the scouting department too.

[pad300]

POS player and POS person, tbqfh. Their hard-ons for Euro busts not withstanding, I'm surprised they selected him. Guess we've had a brain drain in the scouting department too.

A psychic internet character assessment, got to love it...

[The Truth #6]

A psychic internet character assessment, got to love it...

I'm not sure where he got his impression (thin air?), BUT I do remember reading a first hand account on here of how Luka was basically a dick to service workers. Not sure if it's actually true, but IIRC there have been some rumblings.

[The Truth #6]

But on the balance, if I had to choose between him being nice to the service industry or be an actual NBA player, sadly, I would put my personal politics aside, and choose: actual NBA player.

[Dejounte]

I'm not sure where he got his impression (thin air?), BUT I do remember reading a first hand account on here of how Luka was basically a dick to service workers. Not sure if it's actually true, but IIRC there have been some rumblings.

He's (@TimDunkem) the one who shared that info. Unfortunately he won't give the full scoop.

[Gagnrath]

crazy you aren’t an NBA level GM.

Oh wow, can you imagine the pick and roll games the other teams in this league could set up with having DeRozen at 2 guard, initiate with an aldridge cover at PF?

[exstatic]

But on the balance, if I had to choose between him being nice to the service industry or be an actual NBA player, sadly, I would put my personal politics aside, and choose: actual NBA player.

He may be an NBA player, but if this is true, he’s not Spurs material, and needs to be offloaded at the earliest opportunity. This sounds like way more than just immaturity.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Umm...Luka was pretty dominant in the G League at the end of last year.


i wouldn’t say dominant but he definitely played a whole lot better towards the end of their season in the development league. I got to watch a couple of games live before stuff shut down

[BillMc]

He needs to dominate the G-league at least for me to get back onboard.

[The Truth #6]

He may be an NBA player, but if this is true, he’s not Spurs material, and needs to be offloaded at the earliest opportunity. This sounds like way more than just immaturity.

And it may be nothing. Also, he wouldn’t be the only Spur that locals had weird encounters with. I’ve talked to people in the service industry who thought TP was a dick, but that obviously didn’t hurt his career. (Sleeping with a teammate’s wife didn’t either.)

[Ocotillo]

There are always stories about players being jerks to valets and waiters and other "regular" people. Who know which ones are true and which ones are people making sh*t up.

[mo7888]

He may be an NBA player, but if this is true, he’s not Spurs material, and needs to be offloaded at the earliest opportunity. This sounds like way more than just immaturity.

True but there's no evidence that it's true....

[K...]

a foreigner with engliish as a 2nd or 3rd language struggles with social cues? oh no!

[Dejounte]

Not to mention being a 21 year old with loads of cash. He keeps flaunting his car on social media in a very douchey way. Methinks he's trying so hard to fit in this culture. Even has a questionable line in his bio, "Learning how to be alone cause I'm the only person that got me". That alone is a big red flag. He's had it since his rookie year.

*This is not a bashing Luka post. Just trying to understand what's going on with this kid*

[exstatic]

a foreigner with engliish as a 2nd or 3rd language struggles with social cues? oh no!

It’s not a matter of language if you treat service workers like shit. It’s a matter of attitude and personality.

[Seventyniner]

It’s not a matter of language if you treat service workers like shit. It’s a matter of attitude and personality.

Agree. It's also a matter of degree and persistence. If it happened once or twice, and was just rudeness (as opposed to full-out berating) then I'm not worried because we all have bad days. If it's a pattern then it's definitely a sign of something deeper and more worrying.

[JuneJive]

Where is this coming from?

Source / link?

[bluebellmaniac]

Where is this coming from?

Source / link?

Cousin's neighbor's son's friend.

[The Truth #6]

Not to mention being a 21 year old with loads of cash. He keeps flaunting his car on social media in a very douchey way. Methinks he's trying so hard to fit in this culture. Even has a questionable line in his bio, "Learning how to be alone cause I'm the only person that got me". That alone is a big red flag. He's had it since his rookie year.

*This is not a bashing Luka post. Just trying to understand what's going on with this kid*

It's a good question. He may be more depressed than DDR. That's my concern.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I expect Tre Jones will spoon feed him like his baby face needs and he will dominate the Gubble gaining massive confidence. Then Tre will say “See what I did for Luka, gimme a shot at IV”.

[exstatic]

I expect Tre Jones will spoon feed him like his baby face needs and he will dominate the Gubble gaining massive confidence. Then Tre will say “See what I did for Luka, gimme a shot at IV”.

I expect Sammich to be the focus. There are no other first rounders on the team, and Tre is really the only other one on a sure development track.

[Uriel]

I believe Luka Samanic will follow a similar development path to Ian Mahinmi. The Spurs drafted Samanic on the belief that he has all-star level potential the way Mahinmni had. Mahinmi never became an all-star and the Spurs let him go after just three years with the team. But he ended up developing into a strong role player with a long NBA career.

[J_Paco]

I believe Luka Samanic will follow a similar development path to Ian Mahinmi. The Spurs drafted Samanic on the belief that he has all-star level potential the way Mahinmni had. Mahinmi never became an all-star and the Spurs let him go after just three years with the team. But he ended up developing into a strong role player with a long NBA career.

I'm surprised Ian isn't on a NBA roster, now. A center/big man starved team might still come calling, though.

And you're right, the Spurs gave up on him too early & he ended up staying in the league another 10 years. Unfortunately, we are in a time period where people want results quickly & don't want to wait for them.

Not even more than two seasons for a guy they knew was a "long - term" project.

[exstatic]

I believe Luka Samanic will follow a similar development path to Ian Mahinmi. The Spurs drafted Samanic on the belief that he has all-star level potential the way Mahinmni had. Mahinmi never became an all-star and the Spurs let him go after just three years with the team. But he ended up developing into a strong role player with a long NBA career.

Mahinmi
Beno
Cojo
Kyle
GHill

All of these guys didn’t make a career with the Spurs, but had long careers. They either got offers we couldn’t match, we’re traded, or just didn’t fit.

[Truth4sale$]

Luca
Has a tough time of being the focus and getting minutes. In the Gleague, keldon was the alpha male. On the big club, Luca is behind, Aldridge and Gay. Not even Trey Lyles is getting minutes. I would expect in the Gleague bubble, he knows the system, has experience and a better comfort level and will be the main focus.

[K...]

I believe Luka Samanic will follow a similar development path to Ian Mahinmi. The Spurs drafted Samanic on the belief that he has all-star level potential the way Mahinmni had. Mahinmi never became an all-star and the Spurs let him go after just three years with the team. But he ended up developing into a strong role player with a long NBA career.

lol i was going to bring up mahinimi when people were saying "the Luka pick is a fail because he hasn't payed well in 2 years' THe spurs know how long this can take.

[spurraider21]

Luka's lack of playing time is a result of the Spurs being in "playoffs or bust" mode every year and being overly reliant on vets, as much as it is anything else. I believe you could give Luka all of Lyle's minutes and some of Gay's (especially when he's off) and the team wouldn't be any worse for it. At the same time, he wouldn't raise the team's ceiling in any significant way, so if all things being equal, Pop will go with the vet. Pop has shown time and again that talent doesn't always equal playing time.
vassell is in the rotation. its not like the spurs couldnt use another big with aldridge struggling and now hurt. eubanks is ahead of him in the pecking order. lyles is ahead of him. if he was good enough, the minutes would be there.

[BackHome]

No way in hell is Pop not sitting LMA no matter how bad he plays it’s a contract year

[Texas_Ranger]

I believe Luka Samanic will follow a similar development path to Ian Mahinmi. The Spurs drafted Samanic on the belief that he has all-star level potential the way Mahinmni had. Mahinmi never became an all-star and the Spurs let him go after just three years with the team. But he ended up developing into a strong role player with a long NBA career.

just shows you how retarded the Spurs scouts that scouted Samanic were. All-Star potential? Hahahaha, good one. You could ask anyone that watched Samanic play and he would tell you that he's not that good and that u're wasting ur first round pick on an unprofessional bitch.

[r0drig0lac]

No way in hell is Pop not sitting LMA no matter how bad he plays it’s a contract year

lol what? contract year? Aldridge is a mle player now

[B1gduff]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrYFefLFwCA&feature=emb_title

This a condansed game, and there a few moments of Luka.

Postives
1. Alot more active on the offensive side
2. He looks alot smoother and at time fast for a guy his size
3. loved the fact he brought the ball up
4. Was easily getting by guys, looked like he has a realy quick 1st step.
5. !6 rebs! and 20 Points

Bad
1. Lackluster at times on the densive end
2. Saw a few time where it seemed like he just gave up and walked to the other side of the court
3. SHot 7/20....But, some of his misses, were from point blank range or justed missed layups. Not really worred and think that he's improve.


Final Thoughts
1. Loved his bringing the ball up, would like to see more of it see if he can play as a Point forward. He had the skills, speed and footskils to play the point
2. Really lacklustered on the defensive end, he looked lost at time.
3. Going back to point 1, he had 6 ast, and had good eye vision.

That about it, Overall this was a big postive but there a few things to develop or work on.

[offset formation]

Last night's game might just have been the, "turn the corner" game in Luka's career. He seems to finally be showing a desire to win...to dominate. We might have our starting stretch 3/4/5 for the next decade plus, boys. His game is so versatile he could realistically play any of the 5 spots. And he's attacking the basket and showing a desire to get engaged on the defensive side.

On that note, if you haven't seen it, homey does a 25 foot *hard* closeout on a wide-open 3 pt attempt, late in the game when the Austin Spurs up by a few pts. And just misses a block. It shows effort, motivation, and amazing athleticism that we've all been wanting to see.

Best of it all, he is criticizing his own effort now, even after the first game when he dropped like 20 and 17 because he didn't feel like he was giving consistent effort down the stretch. I'm cautiously geeked about this. And if you're a spurs fan and paying attention, you all should be too.

[Dejounte]

We could probably sell high if we wanted to or plant him in as a key rotation piece. If he keeps dominating like in game 2, the future is bright. That's a HUGE IF though, and he could easily start playing passive and dumb again. It's really like investing in a stock.

[John B]

I’m so stoked with Luka playing Mamba mentality out there. He feels that he’s the best out there and that helps him dominate. He could be the 20/10 big that Spurs are looking to replace Aldridge. I also notice that lackluster effort, but I think he overcomes that with better conditioning and getting stronger. And I think he’ll get there with the desire for greatness that he has shown so far. Let’s go Luka!

[Dejounte]

Natural progression for Luka is for him to become at least a backup big next season. If he doesn't and he is still buried behind as a 3rd backup, then it's the same exact thing as this year and last, and it looks bad for his future. Pop could surprise us and start him like he did with Keldon, but I doubt it. If he continues dominating the G league, and the Spurs pursue Collins, Samanic could be his main backup. That would mean Gay is gone though. It seems to me either Gay is gone or accepts not playing very much for the Spurs if he re-signs with us. That's the only way I can see Samanic playing consistent minutes like Lonnie & Keldon this year. Something's got to give.

Worst case scenario of re-signing DeMar, and no Collins:

Murray/ Tre/ Q
Vassell/ White/ Mills
DeMar/ Lonnie/ Wagner
Keldon/ Samanic/ Gay
Poetl/ Eubanks

[John B]

Luka has the frame to hold another 25 lbs of muscles. He doesn’t seem to shy from attacking the rim. I see him getting big. He says he wants to get stronger, get more rebounds and he got that swagger. If he did I think Pop starts him next year like Keldon. What worries me is that he might have that Lyle’s syndrome, so talented but feeling entitled. He did impress everybody at the Combine like he is impressing everybody now, then disappeared. Boy I hope not.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

It’s like a roller coaster in this thread. Lmao. one minute the young man is awful and the next, he is the 2nd coming of Dirk Nowitzki. Lmao


he still has a long way to go but the first two games have been very good. I really hope he keeps building on these performances and gets better. He still needs to get a little bit bigger and stronger. He doesn’t need to gain too much weight but just a little more. Defensive awareness still needs a lot of work but he definitely played better defense yesterday. He rarely lost his man off ball and showed great agility checking smaller guys on ball.

offensively he has to move better off ball, set better screens, finish better at the hoop, maybe mix in a pull up midrange jumper, and tighten his handle a bit.

love his improvements but he has work still to do.

[exstatic]

Luka has the frame to hold another 25 lbs of muscles. He doesn’t seem to shy from attacking the rim. I see him getting big. He says he wants to get stronger, get more rebounds and he got that swagger. If he did I think Pop starts him next year like Keldon. What worries me is that he might have that Lyle’s syndrome, so talented but feeling entitled. He did impress everybody at the Combine like he is impressing everybody now, then disappeared. Boy I hope not.
You don’t want him to get too big or heavy in today’s game, or he loses the ability to switch the pick and roll. On one of the telecasts this year Sean said he regretted the summer he went into the gym and put on 15-20 lbs. he thought he could have played another 3-4 years if he hadn’t. Luka was a stick when he got here, and needed to add weight, but probably doesn’t need any more. No one really posts up any more.

[SpursDynasty85]

You don’t want him to get too big or heavy in today’s game, or he loses the ability to switch the pick and roll. On one of the telecasts this year Sean said he regretted the summer he went into the gym and put on 15-20 lbs. he thought he could have played another 3-4 years if he hadn’t. Luka was a stick when he got here, and needed to add weight, but probably doesn’t need any more. No one really posts up any more.

funny you say that some athletes needed to add muscle to stay relevant like Kobe who had to add muscle to support the pounding he took. Duncan had to lose weight because of his knee.

[BillMc]

It’s like a roller coaster in this thread. Lmao. one minute the young man is awful and the next, he is the 2nd coming of Dirk Nowitzki. Lmao


he still has a long way to go but the first two games have been very good. I really hope he keeps building on these performances and gets better. He still needs to get a little bit bigger and stronger. He doesn’t need to gain too much weight but just a little more. Defensive awareness still needs a lot of work but he definitely played better defense yesterday. He rarely lost his man off ball and showed great agility checking smaller guys on ball.

offensively he has to move better off ball, set better screens, finish better at the hoop, maybe mix in a pull up midrange jumper, and tighten his handle a bit.

love his improvements but he has work still to do.

:clapGood post!

I think even if he pans out, he's nothing really like Dirk as a player. I mean white and Euro, but Dirk wasn't very mobile even when young, Luka is an athlete. Not that he has Dirk's shooting ability, awarness, or X's and O's. In fact, he lacks in all these things. Not sure who would be a good model for Luka as a goal/ceiling.

Like what we're seeing from him in the G-league. He and Tre both.

[stephen jackson]

Lonnie dominated g league too

[Dejounte]

Lonnie dominated g league too

I wouldn't say 16 ppg, 2 apg, 3 rpg as "dominating".

A better example is Kyle Anderson, who dominated the g league: 21 ppg, 9 rpg, 5 apg.

Luka is currently at: 22 ppg, 14 rpg, 3 apg.

[exstatic]

I wouldn't say 16 ppg, 2 apg, 3 rpg as "dominating".

A better example is Kyle Anderson, who dominated the g league: 21 ppg, 9 rpg, 5 apg.

Luka is currently at: 22 ppg, 14 rpg, 3 apg.

This. I expected a lot more from Lonnie in Austin.

[John B]

I wouldn't say 16 ppg, 2 apg, 3 rpg as "dominating".

A better example is Kyle Anderson, who dominated the g league: 21 ppg, 9 rpg, 5 apg.

Luka is currently at: 22 ppg, 14 rpg, 3 apg.

Anybody you know who performed highly but still a bust in the NBA? Is G-League a fair indicator?

[Dejounte]

Anybody you know who performed highly but still a bust in the NBA? Is G-League a fair indicator?

I mean, Kyle's having a successful career.

Kawhi busted open the g-league (or was it summer league?)

Derrick White dominated the g-league.

Danny Green apparently, too.

I don't think you're necessarily destined for stardom if you dominate the g-league, but I do think you'll have an average career at minimum if you do.

Edit: I forgot Keldon. I think he dominated last year, too.

[Seventyniner]

G-League dominance is a necessary but insufficient (by itself) indicator of NBA stardom imo.

To me, Luka breaking out is less "he's going to be a star no doubt" and more a step in the right direction.

[boutons_deux]

I saw Luca shoot a free throw last night hopelessly off the front of the rim nowhere near the cylinder

[BillMc]

I saw Luca shoot a free throw last night hopelessly off the front of the rim nowhere near the cylinder

If it works for Jakob....

[Texas_Ranger]

with his good play against the scrubs he does at least deserve a chance for a game or two in the NBA instead of Eubanks or Lyles. (wtf are these 2 even doing in the NBA, as they wouldnt even play on a mediocre teams in Europe) Sucks that even if he gets one, it will be 2 minutes and then back to the G-league. 2 more years and he can join his loser countrymen Dragan Bender and Ante Zizic in Israel.

[Sugus]

No highlights/statline on last night's game yet? Came into the thread looking for it... Nice to see Luka seems to be on the right track.

[Sugus]

with his good play against the scrubs he does at least deserve a chance for a game or two in the NBA instead of Eubanks or Lyles. (wtf are these 2 even doing in the NBA, as they wouldnt even play on a mediocre teams in Europe) Sucks that even if he gets one, it will be 2 minutes and then back to the G-league. 2 more years and he can join his loser countrymen Dragan Bender and Ante Zizic in Israel.

A lot of NBA players wouldn't cut it in Europe, just like most Euro players wouldn't cut it in the NBA. What's that have to do with anything? Talk about a hater...

[Dejounte]

No highlights/statline on last night's game yet? Came into the thread looking for it... Nice to see Luka seems to be on the right track.

Austin Toros Info thread

[Texas_Ranger]

A lot of NBA players wouldn't cut it in Europe, just like most Euro players wouldn't cut it in the NBA. What's that have to do with anything? Talk about a hater...

ok, perhaps I should have said China, as everyone in the NBA would be great there and pretty much no one from there would be good here... or pretty much anywhere else where there is serious basketball being played. And i dont really hate Samanic, I just think he's a shitty professional. This is also the opinion of people that I know that work for his previous club.

oh and with all this ''hate'' I still think he should play, so we can see if he is any good or not.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

It’s a ton of G-League all stars that never even sniff the NBA so the stats players accumulate in that league don’t really guarantee anything.

of course it helps if you can at least show you are a decent player in the development league because if you don’t play decent there the odds of making to the NBA is damn near impossible. Of course it might be an exception to the rule but I honestly don’t know of any with this conversation.

I’m hoping Luka keeps playing well and most importantly learning to improve the areas that he needs work on.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Pounding the rock.com has an article on Luka and the g league team.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/2/12/22279799/luka-samanic-is-out-to-prove-his-naysayers-wrong

[BillMc]

Pounding the rock.com has an article on Luka and the g league team.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/2/12/22279799/luka-samanic-is-out-to-prove-his-naysayers-wrong
Good read. Thanks!

[talkspurs]

could he get PT this year with the Spurs after the Gleague season. I think if we are not doing well he could probably get some. If we are doing well and LMA and Rudy gets hurt then he also might. If he does well in that time then he could actually stick. G league will get over with about 5 weeks left. That would be enough time for him to get into the rotation if he does well.

[cd021]

could he get PT this year with the Spurs after the Gleague season. I think if we are not doing well he could probably get some. If we are doing well and LMA and Rudy gets hurt then he also might. If he does well in that time then he could actually stick. G league will get over with about 5 weeks left. That would be enough time for him to get into the rotation if he does well.

If the Spurs move Gay and trade or buy Aldridge out, then maybe. Otherwise, I think that he'd be likely to get a shot at the backup 4 rotation spot next season.

[talkspurs]

If the Spurs move Gay and trade or buy Aldridge out, then maybe. Otherwise, I think that he'd be likely to get a shot at the backup 4 rotation spot next season.

I see 4 as his most natural position. We really dont have a 4. KJ is more of a 3 then a 4. really moveing any of LMA,DDR,or Rudy would help. Even Lonnie or Patty would help if we did not get players back.

[Sugus]

Austin Toros Info thread

Lmao I'm dumb, I thought I was on that thread already, thanks my guy!

[Sugus]

ok, perhaps I should have said China, as everyone in the NBA would be great there and pretty much no one from there would be good here... or pretty much anywhere else where there is serious basketball being played. And i dont really hate Samanic, I just think he's a shitty professional. This is also the opinion of people that I know that work for his previous club.

oh and with all this ''hate'' I still think he should play, so we can see if he is any good or not.

Yeah, China would make more sense for what you wrote. As for Luka... Wasn't he like, 17-18 when he was playing in his former club? I can't really fault him for not being a consummate professional at that age. From what we've seen so far this season, it looks like he's turned a corner in terms of work ethic/engagement, so I'm willing to "turn a blind eye" to his past mischief and see what we end up with. He's got all the tools to be good or great, just a matter of maturing and putting it all together.

[Mugen]

Obviously he still needs to get a lot stronger. Some of those interior moves aren't going to work against the big boys.

It's good that hes acknowledging his need to improve rebounding/defense because he's paper soft on that end and looks completely lost when hes gotten mins. Hopefully it's not just lip service.

[spurs1990]

Pounding the rock.com has an article on Luka and the g league team.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/2/12/22279799/luka-samanic-is-out-to-prove-his-naysayers-wrong

Very good article.

Really great baseline dunk at 1:03 of this clip they posted


https://youtu.be/lkrh2EbH27M

[Mr. Body]

Pounding the rock.com has an article on Luka and the g league team.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/2/12/22279799/luka-samanic-is-out-to-prove-his-naysayers-wrong

Are we allowed to do that? Link to a better site?

[The Truth #6]

If Luka keeps playing well, and Lyles, on average, keeps stinking up the joint, then we might see some Luka later after the Bubble. *Might*

[Dejounte]

If Luka keeps playing well, and Lyles, on average, keeps stinking up the joint, then we might see some Luka later after the Bubble. *Might*

Maybe we'll see Trey get DeMarre Carolled.

[Seventyniner]

Maybe we'll see Trey get DeMarre Carolled.

If his attitude becomes cancerous then yes. Especially because he is owed no money past this year.

For that very reason, though, I can see the Spurs keeping him around as ballast for salary-matching purposes in a trade. The other team wouldn't even have to keep him, though taking a flier on him might be worth it for them given the very low risk, meaning Lyles might have a very slight positive value as a trade asset. Emphasis on might.

[exstatic]

Maybe we'll see Trey get DeMarre Carolled.

I think we already have. He hasn’t played much more this year than Carroll did last year

[Dejounte]

I think we already have. He hasn’t played much more this year than Carroll did last year

I meant the second part of what happened to Carroll.

[Mr. Body]

Stunning that Trey Lyles is the same inept player not worth court time that he was at Utah and then Denver.

[tonight...you]

Stunning that Trey Lyles is the same inept player not worth court time that he was at Utah and then Denver.
I would say more expected than stunning, but right on.
Maybe you're being ironic and I didn't get it.

I can be dense like that.

[exstatic]

I meant the second part of what happened to Carroll.

Yeah, probably not. COVID depth is a must. It would be dumb to cut him and then come up short on the 8 man requirement one night.

[BillMc]

Just watched the compressed game. Luka looks good on offense, not so much on defense to me.

[The Truth #6]

The counter is that Pop may already have his rotations basically set, and barring injury, if Lyles isn't really seeing the court, then neither will Luka.

[Dejounte]

Just watched the compressed game. Luka looks good on offense, not so much on defense to me.

Condensed games show made shots only. So naturally you saw all the players from the other team make all their shots against Luka and think Luka sucks :lmao

I thought he played solid D in game 3. His best so far was in game 2. But his performance altogether on defense is definitely better than last year. Much more awareness and less silly fouls.

[BD24]

Had high hopes for this guy. Has all of the physical tools needed in modern nba. Can’t seem to put it together though. Hoping he surprises me and turns into something.

[John B]

Had high hopes for this guy. Has all of the physical tools needed in modern nba. Can’t seem to put it together though. Hoping he surprises me and turns into something.
Haven’t been watching the Gubble I see :lol

[John B]

The counter is that Pop may already have his rotations basically set, and barring injury, if Lyles isn't really seeing the court, then neither will Luka.
Luka shows he can score and especially connect from 3’s. He needs to continue improving on his defense, coral the rebounds and that would earn him minutes.

[Dejounte]

Luka shows he can score and especially connect from 3’s. He needs to continue improving on his defense, coral the rebounds and that would earn him minutes.

Yeah and it's not like Trey and Luka are the same type of player either. Trey can get creative with his drives, but I think where Luka has the leg up is his explosiveness to the basket. Trey really just goes one speed all the time. Honestly, sometimes it looks like watching Kyle Anderson out there.

[John B]

Yeah and it's not like Trey and Luka are the same type of player either. Trey can get creative with his drives, but I think where Luka has the leg up is his explosiveness to the basket. Trey really just goes one speed all the time. Honestly, sometimes it looks like watching Kyle Anderson out there.
It’s hard to take minutes away from the Blocks Brothers Jakob and Drew (and eventual return of Aldridge , not a big fan). I see Luka backing Keldon/Gay. Luka is starting to suit as stretch 4.

[Dejounte]

It’s hard to take minutes away from the Blocks Brothers Jakob and Drew (and eventual return of Aldridge , not a big fan). I see Luka backing Keldon/Gay. Luka is starting to suit as stretch 4.

For sure. Keldon can even slide down to 3 if we need minutes from both him and Luka.

[talkspurs]

For sure. Keldon can even slide down to 3 if we need minutes from both him and Luka.

I think KJ will be better as a 3. I think him playing up is part of what is tiring him out. He can do it but when he does it for long stretches he gets tired. I want DDR moved but this is another reason I want him moved.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Yes Keldon is a 3.

Part of our problem as a team over the last few years is that we are always trying to play people out of position. Keldon is barely the size of a 3. He's not a 4.

[Dejounte]

The reason he (Keldon) plays 4 is his advantage as a defender is through the utilization of his strength. 2s and 3s nowadays are soft as a feather and rarely try to bully their way to the rim. Keldon is our only player who can act as a wall against stronger guys instead of being bulldozed / abused by those guys.

Just look at how Christian Wood did against him, for example.

*I'm not advocating for him to play 4 full-time, but to say he shouldn't play any minutes there is flat out wrong. This isn't your 2000's basketball.

[The Truth #6]

For sure. Keldon can even slide down to 3 if we need minutes from both him and Luka.

That’s the “dream” lineup, right?:

Yak
Luka
KJ
White
DJ

Assuming Luka pans out. Not everyone does, but if I had to sacrifice Lonnie to the basketball gods on the condition that Luka makes the leap...regrettably I would do it.

[J_Paco]

The reason he (Keldon) plays 4 is his advantage as a defender is through the utilization of his strength. 2s and 3s nowadays are soft as a feather and rarely try to bully their way to the rim. Keldon is our only player who can act as a wall against stronger guys instead of being bulldozed / abused by those guys.

Just look at how Christian Wood did against him, for example.

*I'm not advocating for him to play 4 full-time, but to say he shouldn't play any minutes there is flat out wrong. This isn't your 2000's basketball.

Right, but it has clearly slowed him down (motor wise) having to "bang," rebound and playing inside. I don't think playing him at the 4 is the long - term solution especially if it costs us Keldon's best attributes (motor & intensity).

I think we'll eventually need possibly Luka, our next draft pick and/or (ST's least favorite option, apparently) a possibly returning Trey Lyles to play a bulk of the PF minutes next season.

And, again, I'm the only person who actually sees solid qualities (rebounding & three - point shooting) in Trey and think he's acquitted himself well compared to his flame outs in Denver & Utah.

He shouldn't be a starter but definitely can provide solid minutes at the 4 spot, IMO. I'm sure I'll be lambasted and dissed for even expressing the idea of him returning or having any quality attributes. LOL

[Dejounte]

Right, but it has clearly slowed him down (motor wise) having to "bang," rebound and playing inside. I don't think playing him at the 4 is the long - term solution especially if it costs us Keldon's best attributes (motor & intensity).

I think we'll eventually need possibly Luka, our next draft pick and/or (ST's least favorite option, apparently) a possibly returning Trey Lyles to play a bulk of the PF minutes next season.

And, again, I'm the only person who actually sees solid qualities (rebounding & three - point shooting) in Trey and think he's acquitted himself well compared to his flame outs in Denver & Utah.

He should be a starter but definitely can provide solid minutes at the 4 spot, IMO. I'm sure I'll be lambasted and dissed for even expressing the idea of him returning or have any quality attributes.

I don't disagree with your analysis of Keldon. Unless he improves his conditioning then he shouldn't play it full-time. I think the optimal solution is him playing half his minutes there and half playing small forward. The NBA is positionless and we should start seeing it that way. Keldon at the 4 provides value when the other team is playing small too (80% of the time these days).

As far as Trey, I feel the same way--I don't think he's as horrible as majority of ST assumes, but I don't think he's great either. If we want to get away from being average, we need plus guys and not net zero guys like Trey. Trey is great at knowing where to be at all times, which is great if you're trying to hold a lead... But if you're trying to BUILD a lead, you need a player who is more dynamic and won't just give you the status quo.

[pad300]

...
And, again, I'm the only person who actually sees solid qualities (rebounding & three - point shooting) in Trey and think he's acquitted himself well compared to his flame outs in Denver & Utah.
...

For the right contract, I've said before, I'd be happy with Trey back. He's a backup 4, can play some small ball 5, can even shoot the 3 a bit... If we can get him on $12-15 million over 3 years, you take that. For that money, he's pretty damn good; you need a 9th or 10th guy on the roster.

[The Truth #6]

For the right contract, I've said before, I'd be happy with Trey back. He's a backup 4, can play some small ball 5, can even shoot the 3 a bit... If we can get him on $12-15 million over 3 years, you take that. For that money, he's pretty damn good; you need a 9th or 10th guy on the roster.

Yeah, I agree with that. Not everyone is a star and he has the potential to be a solid three-point threat.

[The Truth #6]

Luka shows he can score and especially connect from 3’s. He needs to continue improving on his defense, coral the rebounds and that would earn him minutes.

I would hope so, but to me Pop can get rather particular about changing his rotations drastically through the middle of the season. Perhaps he is more open to change compared to all the years past.

[talkspurs]

For the right contract, I've said before, I'd be happy with Trey back. He's a backup 4, can play some small ball 5, can even shoot the 3 a bit... If we can get him on $12-15 million over 3 years, you take that. For that money, he's pretty damn good; you need a 9th or 10th guy on the roster.

I would do no more then the vet min on him. Dont even know why he got his last contract as high as he did. dont think any other teams were interested in him. your back end bench players should be making the minimum not 4-5 mil.

[TD 21]

"Positionaless basketball", but within' reason. Johnson was drafted just over 1.5 years ago as a 2.5. Asking him to be a virtually exclusive 4 long term would likely lead to diminishing returns. He should be a starting 3, who plays the nominal 4 as matchups dictate.

The only other teams starting about as small, are the Celtics (when their big 4 are available), Timberwolves (for now) and Jazz. The Celtics and Jazz are win now teams, doing it to accomodate entrenched core pieces and the Timberwolves are overloaded at the 2/3 and bereft a starting caliber 4.

[exstatic]

"Positionaless basketball", but within' reason. Johnson was drafted just over 1.5 years ago as a 2.5. Asking him to be a virtually exclusive 4 long term would likely lead to diminishing returns. He should be a starting 3, who plays the nominal 4 as matchups dictate.

The only other teams starting about as small, are the Celtics (when their big 4 are available), Timberwolves (for now) and Jazz. The Celtics and Jazz are win now teams, doing it to accomodate entrenched core pieces and the Timberwolves are overloaded at the 2/3 and bereft a starting caliber 4.

Draymond Green plays full time 4, part time 5.

[Dejounte]

"Positionaless basketball", but within' reason. Johnson was drafted just over 1.5 years ago as a 2.5. Asking him to be a virtually exclusive 4 long term would likely lead to diminishing returns. He should be a starting 3, who plays the nominal 4 as matchups dictate.

The only other teams starting about as small, are the Celtics (when their big 4 are available), Timberwolves (for now) and Jazz. The Celtics and Jazz are win now teams, doing it to accomodate entrenched core pieces and the Timberwolves are overloaded at the 2/3 and bereft a starting caliber 4.

I think Rockets, Wiz with Hachi at 4, PHX, Hornets, Thunder, Cleveland belong in this category, too. Are we looking at overall team height or just the height of the second big that teams play? We have the same view on Keldon, I just don't think there's as few teams that play small (or at least start small) than you realize. I mean, there could be a couple debatable ones where it's just a couple inches advantage but then their frame is so tiny that their height "advantage" might as well not exist.

[TD 21]

Draymond Green plays full time 4, part time 5.

Green is both stronger and significantly longer and they've always limited his minutes at the 5.



I think Rockets, Wiz with Hachi at 4, PHX, Hornets, Thunder, Cleveland belong in this category, too. Are we looking at overall team height or just the height of the second big that teams play? We have the same view on Keldon, I just don't think there's more teams that play small (or at least start small) than you realize. I mean, there could be a couple debatable ones where it's just a couple inches advantage but then their frame is so tiny that their height "advantage" might as well not exist.

Tucker and Crowder (no longer starting, but still their primary 4), despite being short, outweigh Johnson by 15-20 pounds and their skillset is more in line with that of a modern 4.

Hachimura, Washington and Nance (until he got injured, he was a placeholder for Love), all have both the physical profiles and skillsets of modern 4's.

Bazley, fair enough. He's at least more in line with the height/length of a modern 4, just needs to get considerably stronger.

[J_Paco]

I would do no more then the vet min on him. Dont even know why he got his last contract as high as he did. dont think any other teams were interested in him. your back end bench players should be making the minimum not 4-5 mil.

The reneging of the asshole Marcus Morris left the Spurs with a big hole to fill at the 4 (they had also traded away the much vaunted Davis Bertans), so they scooped up Trey as a last minute move/reclamation project.

Obviously, you know he played a significant - though ill - fitting - role last year and was on a roll before COVID caused the shutdown in March.

I still think he can match similar level of play of last season (10 & 5 in February, 14 & 6 in March), but in a reduced bench role.

I'm hopeful he's the next flame out/"bust" to arrive in SA, find a niche or role and extend his NBA career to double digit years.

[pad300]

I would do no more then the vet min on him. Dont even know why he got his last contract as high as he did. dont think any other teams were interested in him. your back end bench players should be making the minimum not 4-5 mil.

If we can get him for the vet min, great... But I suspect he'll get more than that. Seriously, his time with the spurs has been a step up from his time in Denver and Utah.

[spurs1990]

Highlights of his 11 FGs. He's got a Kirelenko game.


https://youtu.be/jPuouW1QeJA

[Mr. Body]

I hope he cleans up his act. Maybe he's just young and immature. Not even from a team perspective - who wants to play with a griping, petulant little shit - but from a personal one. He's not going to get the looks he's getting in G-League, much less be able to get the inside stuff off, so how does he react when things don't go his way and he can't wave people off?

[tonight...you]

Highlights of his 11 FGs. He's got a Kirelenko game.


https://youtu.be/jPuouW1QeJA
If only he had Kirilenko D.

[exstatic]

Yeah, there’s nothing Kirilenko about his game. AK47 drastically affected games without the ball in his hands Samanic is lost and ineffective without it.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Yeah, there’s nothing Kirilenko about his game. AK47 drastically affected games without the ball in his hands Samanic is lost and ineffective without it.

There really isn’t a smart comparison out there for Luka. He’s too distinctive from an athletic and skill set perspective. That said, Luka has a range of potential outcomes ranging from all star (not super likely, but possible) to solid overall role player with a slightly higher ceiling than Bertans. His work ethic and ability to learn as a help defender will really determine where he lands. Luka has always been a plus on ball defender, and I don’t think he lacks competitive drive or has “motor” issues as a general rule. That 3 point close out he had in the 2nd game in the 4th quarter is not new stuff from Luka. He did that several times last season and even had a block or two on similar plays. His overall understanding of help defense in North America is lacking, and he’s being forced to learn by the Spurs coaching staff. We’ll see how much he is able to pick it up as time goes on.

I think he’s made some tangible improvements in this area this season, although they have been more noticeable at the NBA level than the G League level where he does seem to save some energy for offense. His offense is coming along pretty nicely, but he still needs to improve his consistency on his 3 point jumper and refine his ball handling skills. It’s looking promising.

[John B]

If only he had Kirilenko D.
Kirilenko has 7’4 wingspan which he used effectively swatting shots. Our Luka has 6’10.5 which is relatively short, but could be remedied with better motor which he sometimes lack.

[GAustex]

A poor mans Dirk?

[mo7888]

A poor mans Dirk?

More like a poor man's Detlef Schremph

[John B]

More like a poor man's Detlef Schremph

Detlet Shremph wasn't bad. His outside shots were money and he was a pretty clutch. But I think Luka has better inside presence than him. Already Luka is showing his big men game, with his back behind the basket, and not shying from contact. I think he will improve more. He has guard's handles also and with high bball IQ. The only thing I can't ignore is his 6'10.5 wingspan. I doubt if he'll become a great defender, much less a shotblocker.

He's an outside shooter, and hopefully a poor version of Peja Stojakovic? Damn that would be great.

[mo7888]

Detlet Shremph wasn't bad. His outside shots were money and he was a pretty clutch. But I think Luka has better inside presence than him. Already Luka is showing his big men game, with his back behind the basket, and not shying from contact. I think he will improve more. He has guard's handles also and with high bball IQ. The only thing I can't ignore is his 6'10.5 wingspan. I doubt if he'll become a great defender, much less a shotblocker.

He's an outside shooter, and hopefully a poor version of Peja Stojakovic? Damn that would be great.

I'm not knocking Detlef... if Luka becomes him we will all be pleased..

[ceperez]

Looks like he's only going to improve. Look at the moves in this game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkrh2EbH27M

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Looks like he's only going to improve. Look at the moves in this game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkrh2EbH27M

Some good highlights. He's looking more physically mature. Definitely better handles and ability to drive the ball than Bertans ever had. As others have said, a lot will depend on his work ethic and willingness to defend.

[BackHome]

Yeah can't really compare him to AK as he just turned 21 years old give him four or five years and then you can make that comparison. I think he can be a big plus on offense but on defense I agree he is going to be much better on the outside guarding guards then he would in the inside vs Centers or Tall PF.

[GAustex]

More like a poor man's Detlef Schremph
Yep
You are right

[Blackhaus]

At this point he’s a homeless Detlef

[bluebellmaniac]

At this point he’s a homeless Detlef

But a Jeff Bezos Ryan Richards!

[r0drig0lac]

I'm not knocking Detlef... if Luka becomes the poor man version of him we will all be pleased..

[BillMc]

If we lose DeMar next year, I wonder if Pop will move KJ to the 3 and give Luka minutes at the 4?

[spurs1990]

That'd be a nice mix of youth and vets if DeRozan leaves. Murray-White-Johnson-Samanic-Aldridge

His 11 FGs highlights

https://youtu.be/mee4kXiJVm8

[Dejounte]

If we lose DeMar next year, I wonder if Pop will move KJ to the 3 and give Luka minutes at the 4?

I feel like Luka's time should be 60% at PF, 40% at C

Keldon should split the remaining time at PF with a do-it-all type good size forward similar to Nicholas Batum (ahem Franz Wagner) and majority of his minutes at small forward

48 minutes of PG: DJ (26 mins), White (12), Tre (10)
48 minutes of SG: White (18 mins), Vassell (14), Lonnie (10), DJ (4)
48 minutes of SF: Keldon (18), Vassell (18), Wagner (16)
48 minutes of PF: Luka (20), Keldon (16), Wagner (10)
48 minutes of C: Poetl (26), Luka (12), Eubanks (10)

[Dejounte]

If Luka makes it in the big leagues and he rises to become a starter, it would signal a return to structured basketball (inside out set plays) with Luka taking the LMA role. Luka is at his most effective when plays are run through him, similar to LMA. This means less "Bubble Spurs", so it may hurt some of the play of the young guards. On the flip side, the bubble style of play may have developed the skills of the players enough that they may still be effective in other styles of play.

The future is bright.

[Sugus]

If Luka makes it in the big leagues and he rises to become a starter, it would signal a return to structured basketball (inside out set plays) with Luka taking the LMA role. Luka is at his most effective when plays are run through him, similar to LMA. This means less "Bubble Spurs", so it may hurt some of the play of the young guards. On the flip side, the bubble style of play may have developed the skills of the players enough that they may still be effective in other styles of play.

The future is bright.

Subscribe, tbh.

I'm of the opinion that a certain freedom in playstyle was really good for our young guards, but you also have to have set plays, offensive schemes and dynamics, since those are things you can always rely on when the game slows down and you need to get buckets against good defenses. Right now, it's sorely obvious that our only true "go-to play" is just give the ball to DD and let him go to work, which works to a point now but certainly isn't reliable for the future (not even the immediate future, if DeRozan walks). Still, I don't know yet whether Luka has good BBIQ, good enough to act as a distributor from the high or low-post, which would be a bit of a "must-have" if the team is going to actually run plays through him. So far, he looks much more like a scorer than a distributor, save for a few nice passes.

Definitely way too soon to be worrying about that, though. I'm happy Luka's looking good so far. Thanks as always for all the content, dee-jay.

[Dejounte]

Subscribe, tbh.

I'm of the opinion that a certain freedom in playstyle was really good for our young guards, but you also have to have set plays, offensive schemes and dynamics, since those are things you can always rely on when the game slows down and you need to get buckets against good defenses. Right now, it's sorely obvious that our only true "go-to play" is just give the ball to DD and let him go to work, which works to a point now but certainly isn't reliable for the future (not even the immediate future, if DeRozan walks). Still, I don't know yet whether Luka has good BBIQ, good enough to act as a distributor from the high or low-post, which would be a bit of a "must-have" if the team is going to actually run plays through him. So far, he looks much more like a scorer than a distributor, save for a few nice passes.

Definitely way too soon to be worrying about that, though. I'm happy Luka's looking good so far. Thanks as always for all the content, dee-jay.

I agree with your assessment for much of the season so far, but if the last game by the Spurs is any indication, DJ and White are going to be superb shot creators for us. That game wasn't necessarily "give it to DeMar and let him work". If they continue with that, I think there will be less weight on Luka's shoulders and they can slowly bring him in.

Not sure if you saw the game vs the Hornets, I suggest you do if you can. Was absolutely fun to watch.

Also agree with you that that style of play (inside out grind basketball) would be perfect for the playoffs

[KingKev]

That'd be a nice mix of youth and vets if DeRozan leaves. Murray-White-Johnson-Samanic-Aldridge

His 11 FGs highlights

https://youtu.be/mee4kXiJVm8

lol Aldridge will not be back let alone starting and that’s hardly a mix of youth and vets

[KingKev]

If we lose DeMar next year, I wonder if Pop will move KJ to the 3 and give Luka minutes at the 4?

If DDR stays both he and Keldon should be repatriated back to their natural positions; DDR at the 2 and Keldon as a 3. Luka is nowhere near ready to start at the 4 spot which should be filled via cap space or trade.

[SpursDynasty85]

Saw his recent highlights. Physically he is gifted beyond most out there but his release on his jump shot and layups all appear too lose. Needs to more control on his touch so he can finesse his finishing with more adaptability.

[Dejounte]

If DDR stays both he and Keldon should be repatriated back to their natural positions; DDR at the 2 and Keldon as a 3. Luka is nowhere near ready to start at the 4 spot which should be filled via cap space or trade.

Did we know Keldon was ready to start at the 4 before the season started?

[cjw]

I doubted him, but feels like Spurs have a plan and are playing long game developing him. With hiatus and games dumped into later in season (more BTB), Spurs may need him in the next few month once G League wraps up.

Even if he tops out as a nice 7th or 8th man, Spurs knocked it out of the park between him and KJ. And if he’s more...

[GreekSpursfan]

He needs to add more strength and i need to see real desire and passion when he gets back. He had lackluster performances last time we saw him with the first team, can't happen again.

[John B]

If we lose DeMar next year, I wonder if Pop will move KJ to the 3 and give Luka minutes at the 4?
If Spurs loses Demar next season, Spurs will have a difficult time scoring. A playoff team would need at least a star, 2 and more and will be a contender. It’s still too early to say DJ will be that until he proves more this year, that he can carry the team. He has shown great progress. The ideal would be to get the 20/10 FP/C, resign Demar, and hope the rest made great improvements, DJ, Derrick, Keldon, Jakob, Lonnie, Devin and Samanic. That would make as a contender. Hopefully Samanic could back either PF/C depending on the lineup.

[GAustex]

Let DDR walk and use the $$ to sign good players or trade him for good players to some sucker. DDR aint worth the money he getting now or will ask for

[bluebellmaniac]

If Spurs loses Demar next season, Spurs will have a difficult time scoring. A playoff team would need at least a star, 2 and more and will be a contender. It’s still too early to say DJ will be that until he proves more this year, that he can carry the team. He has shown great progress. The ideal would be to get the 20/10 FP/C, resign Demar, and hope the rest made great improvements, DJ, Derrick, Keldon, Jakob, Lonnie, Devin and Samanic. That would make as a contender. Hopefully Samanic could back either PF/C depending on the lineup.

It's a $ issue. If you want to keep our youth, you can't pay what DDR would likely want, much less add a 20/10 player on top of that.

[The Truth #6]

If DDR stays both he and Keldon should be repatriated back to their natural positions; DDR at the 2 and Keldon as a 3. Luka is nowhere near ready to start at the 4 spot which should be filled via cap space or trade.

I agree with some of this, and Luka isn’t ready right now in a perfect world. But the team isn’t winning a title any time soon. I mean we started Forbes not long ago. I’d rather roll out Luka next year then max out John Collins or sign someone like Drummond and waste our money.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Let DDR walk and use the $$ to sign good players or trade him for good players to some sucker. DDR aint worth the money he getting now or will ask for

When you talk so vaguely it kinda sounds like a plan but when you take a look at who'd actually be available and for what price it becomes difficult. If you don't think DDR is worth his money, do you think someone like Collins for the same price would be?


It's a $ issue. If you want to keep our youth, you can't pay what DDR would likely want, much less add a 20/10 player on top of that.

Yep, exactly. A lot of cap space looks good on the surface but they should be very smart about how they use it unless they're OK being unable to keep some of the younger guys.

[John B]

It's a $ issue. If you want to keep our youth, you can't pay what DDR would likely want, much less add a 20/10 player on top of that.

I guess that's why I said ideal. It's a goal, however the PATFO do it. They're the one's making millions to sort things out.

Maybe DDR would take a paycut, if it would help sign a 20/10 PF/C. Maybe that 20/10 PF/C would do the same and sign favorably with the Spurs salary cap.

Because if they could sell the idea, that a Demar + 20/10 PF/C + improved DJ, White, Keldon, and Co. = Contender.

Let the PATFO do the math.

[pookenstein]

I feel like Luka's time should be 60% at PF, 40% at C

Keldon should split the remaining time at PF with a do-it-all type good size forward similar to Nicholas Batum (ahem Franz Wagner) and majority of his minutes at small forward

48 minutes of PG: DJ (26 mins), White (12), Tre (10)
48 minutes of SG: White (18 mins), Vassell (14), Lonnie (10), DJ (4)
48 minutes of SF: Keldon (18), Vassell (18), Wagner (16)
48 minutes of PF: Luka (20), Keldon (16), Wagner (10)
48 minutes of C: Poetl (26), Luka (12), Eubanks (10)

I can't see how Lonnie is only getting ten minutes total per game (same as Tre).

[Dejounte]

I can't see how Lonnie is only getting ten minutes total per game (same as Tre).

It was hard for me to write that either because on the one hand, White needs to be playing about 30 mins a game (because of how much he's being paid if not for his performance), and on the other, Vassell looks like he's the better player. So whose minutes do you take away from to give to Lonnie?

*This is in the event that Keldon slides down to 3

[pookenstein]

Tre and Wagner if we get him. Some of Wagners minutes go to Devin. Franz, at least as a rook, won't get >20 minutes imo, and surely not 26.

[Dejounte]

Tre and Wagner if we get him. Some of Wagners minutes go to Devin. Franz, at least as a rook, won't get >20 minutes imo, and surely not 26.

I don't see how Wagner and Tre impact Lonnie's minutes unless we slide everyone up and play small again, something like this:

48 minutes of PG: DJ (26 mins), White (10), Tre (12), Lonnie (2)
48 minutes of SG: White (20 mins), Lonnie (24), DJ (4)
48 minutes of SF: Keldon (18), Vassell (30)
48 minutes of PF: Luka (12), Keldon (12), MLE/Draft (24)
48 minutes of C: Poetl (26), Luka (14), Eubanks (8)

IMO, Vassell plays best when he's guarding the 1s and the 2s

[duncan2k5]

Yeah, there’s nothing Kirilenko about his game. AK47 drastically affected games without the ball in his hands Samanic is lost and ineffective without it.

Like Dirk?

[duncan2k5]

Some good highlights. He's looking more physically mature. Definitely better handles and ability to drive the ball than Bertans ever had. As others have said, a lot will depend on his work ethic and willingness to defend.
The other Luka is a shit defender...so if we had him, we would keep him in the G-league too?

[duncan2k5]

If Spurs loses Demar next season, Spurs will have a difficult time scoring. A playoff team would need at least a star, 2 and more and will be a contender. It’s still too early to say DJ will be that until he proves more this year, that he can carry the team. He has shown great progress. The ideal would be to get the 20/10 FP/C, resign Demar, and hope the rest made great improvements, DJ, Derrick, Keldon, Jakob, Lonnie, Devin and Samanic. That would make as a contender. Hopefully Samanic could back either PF/C depending on the lineup.

We had 2 stars and missed the playoffs, while teams with none made the playoffs...having the right group of ppl and playing the right way is more important than having a "star"... Westbrook is a star... There's a shit ton of players I would rather have on my team who aren't stars over westbrook

[duncan2k5]

I guess that's why I said ideal. It's a goal, however the PATFO do it. They're the one's making millions to sort things out.

Maybe DDR would take a paycut, if it would help sign a 20/10 PF/C. Maybe that 20/10 PF/C would do the same and sign favorably with the Spurs salary cap.

Because if they could sell the idea, that a Demar + 20/10 PF/C + improved DJ, White, Keldon, and Co. = Contender.

Let the PATFO do the math.

Why on earth do u think DeMar DeRozan can lead any team to a ring? He wasn't even CLOSE to doing it in his prime

[CGD]

I assume it’s a Sanwich/Portle paring at 4/5 next year.

[exstatic]

I don't see how Wagner and Tre impact Lonnie's minutes unless we slide everyone up and play small again, something like this:

48 minutes of PG: DJ (26 mins), White (10), Tre (12), Lonnie (2)
48 minutes of SG: White (20 mins), Lonnie (24), DJ (4)
48 minutes of SF: Keldon (18), Vassell (30)
48 minutes of PF: Luka (12), Keldon (12), MLE/Draft (24)
48 minutes of C: Poetl (26), Luka (14), Eubanks (8)

IMO, Vassell plays best when he's guarding the 1s and the 2s

Vassell has gotten better overall on D, and he just needs to be on the floor to have an affect the game on that end. He doesn’t get steals the way that DJ does, he reads passing lanes, where DJ mostly gets poke steals on his man.

[The Truth #6]

Why on earth do u think DeMar DeRozan can lead any team to a ring? He wasn't even CLOSE to doing it in his prime

Very true. If we get any stars on this team it will be a challenge, and like the Big 3, will probably be foreign born to want to stay in SA. I’m fine with rolling with a team approach given the other option of overpaying flawed players.

Edit: I don’t really consider Demar a star, at least not in the Tony or Manu model.

[The Truth #6]

Demar would have to accept a 6-man type role to accentuate his strengths, but he wouldn’t accept that personally or financially.

[Dejounte]

Duncan2k5 done it again and fucked over this thread by transforming it into a DeMar thread just because a single guy brought him up

[The Truth #6]

Duncan2k5 done it again and fucked over this thread by transforming it into a DeMar thread just because a single guy brought him up


Yeah just that moment I realized, wait, what thread is this again? Oops.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

The other Luka is a shit defender...so if we had him, we would keep him in the G-league too?

It’s obvious you’ve never played this game.

[Texas_Ranger]

The other Luka is a shit defender...so if we had him, we would keep him in the G-league too?

the other Luka is actually very good in defense this year. Way better than anyone on his team.

[ceperez]

Is this guy just too big and quick for the g-league?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mee4kXiJVm8&feature=emb_logo

He should play against people his size.

[exstatic]

the other Luka is actually very good in defense this year. Way better than anyone on his team.

You’ve got to be joking. Luka may be improved, or even good, but DJ gonna make All D team this year, and White and Vassell are just a step behind him. All Three are better than Luka on D, and that’s just off the top of my head.

[B1gduff]

I think ut safe to say that if Luka was heading into this years draft, he'd be a top 10 and maybe a top 5 pick.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

He is shooting overall solid from the floor while scoring a lot which is good but his 3 point % has got to get better. In the NBA the odds of him actually getting to post up players is most likely going to be slim unless he keeps getting a bit stronger and bigger or develop a really strong go to move and a counter for his go to.

his best weapon on offense against NBA players in my opinion is his quickness and solid handle for his size. If he can’t hit 3 point shots at a decent % NBA players will just sag off him which makes it harder for him to slash to the hoop.

he has been doing a way better job boxing out and rebounding in traffic since the 1st G-League game this season which is very encouraging. His defense has also gotten better with each game but he still has a way to go to be a solid back line or rim protector player. He definitely (when locked in) is already solid on switching out on wing and guards defensively but he has to remember to not always be so up right when defending on the perimeter.

it’s a ton to like about his first 4 G-League games so far but it’s only 4 games, his role on offense is way bigger with this team than it will most likely be in the NBA (so can he adjust?) and he still has to get better on defense. I’m excited about his progress and hope it continues

[Dejounte]

I think ut safe to say that if Luka was heading into this years draft, he'd be a top 10 and maybe a top 5 pick.

You're not wrong here. I'm looking at all the PF/C archetypes close to his size and none of them possess post up moves AND a shooter's touch. It's usually just one or the other and not both.

[Dejounte]

"Everything is mental," Samanic said. "From last year to this year, the thing that's changed is that I matured a little bit and I understand what it takes. This is my second year and I didn't fight for my chance. I was doing something wrong."

"I was really quiet last year. I guess I was shy and this year, it's something I have to do," Samanic said when asked about being vocal on the floor. "Being a big guy, you see the whole court better than everybody else."

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-samanic-looks-to-break-out-of-shyness-and-become-vocal?__twitter_impression=true

[Sugus]

"Everything is mental," Samanic said. "From last year to this year, the thing that's changed is that I matured a little bit and I understand what it takes. This is my second year and I didn't fight for my chance. I was doing something wrong."

"I was really quiet last year. I guess I was shy and this year, it's something I have to do," Samanic said when asked about being vocal on the floor. "Being a big guy, you see the whole court better than everybody else."

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-samanic-looks-to-break-out-of-shyness-and-become-vocal?__twitter_impression=true

Wow, talk about talking the talk... Addresses exactly what his problems are, no if's or but's about it, and so far it looks like he's backing it up on the court. I really like players who have accountability and can be self-critical in order to get better.

Keep on, Luka...

[BillMc]

"Everything is mental," Samanic said. "From last year to this year, the thing that's changed is that I matured a little bit and I understand what it takes. This is my second year and I didn't fight for my chance. I was doing something wrong."

"I was really quiet last year. I guess I was shy and this year, it's something I have to do," Samanic said when asked about being vocal on the floor. "Being a big guy, you see the whole court better than everybody else."

https://news4sanantonio.com/amp/sports/spurs-samanic-looks-to-break-out-of-shyness-and-become-vocal?__twitter_impression=true

I get the impression that Luka is shy and that a lot of his "aloofness" is actually just being insecure and reserved. Maybe some of the pouting too.

I know a lot of people (myself included) who misinterpret shyness as coldness.

[cd021]

He is shooting overall solid from the floor while scoring a lot which is good but his 3 point % has got to get better. In the NBA the odds of him actually getting to post up players is most likely going to be slim unless he keeps getting a bit stronger and bigger or develop a really strong go to move and a counter for his go to.

his best weapon on offense against NBA players in my opinion is his quickness and solid handle for his size. If he can’t hit 3 point shots at a decent % NBA players will just sag off him which makes it harder for him to slash to the hoop.

he has been doing a way better job boxing out and rebounding in traffic since the 1st G-League game this season which is very encouraging. His defense has also gotten better with each game but he still has a way to go to be a solid back line or rim protector player. He definitely (when locked in) is already solid on switching out on wing and guards defensively but he has to remember to not always be so up right when defending on the perimeter.

it’s a ton to like about his first 4 G-League games so far but it’s only 4 games, his role on offense is way bigger with this team than it will most likely be in the NBA (so can he adjust?) and he still has to get better on defense. I’m excited about his progress and hope it continues

His shooting is the swing skill, if he's a high-volume, high percentage 3pt shooter then the rest of his game works a lot smoother.

If they put a smaller, quicker defender on him then he could bruise them in the post and get put backs and offensive rebounds. If they play a bigger player on him, then he can take them off the dribble with a solid enough first-step.

I like his game tbh he has a lot of potential.

[BackHome]

One thing he does really good is he has insane fast put backs he gives no time to get his shot blocked.

[John B]

You're not wrong here. I'm looking at all the PF/C archetypes close to his size and none of them possess post up moves AND a shooter's touch. It's usually just one or the other and not both.
And he’s only start to skim the surface. I really hope that he could be a better defender, because that would be his kryptonite, people attacking the middle like Aldridge. He has 6’10.5 wingspan. Certainly he cannot be a better defender than Jakob, can he? But he provides all-around offense, and perfectly fit with the group, stretch 4 who can mix it up and play some postup C. Maybe a small ball C, because other big C will kill him.

[cd021]

And he’s only start to skim the surface. I really hope that he could be a better defender, because that would be his kryptonite, people attacking the middle like Aldridge. He has 6’10.5 wingspan. Certainly he cannot be a better defender than Jakob, can he? But he provides all-around offense, and perfectly fit with the group, stretch 4 who can mix it up and play some postup C. Maybe a small ball C, because other big C will kill him.

He's definitely a four and can probably play some center against second unit assuming he continues to improve his strength and size. I wonder if he can leverage his athleticism to eventually be able to protect the rim with verticality.

[John B]

He's definitely a four and can probably play some center against second unit assuming he continues to improve his strength and size. I wonder if he can leverage his athleticism to eventually be able to protect the rim with verticality.
Not necessarily a 4 though. Because he’s best when he’s playing C and when not with Kelley. He’s able to dominate the post. But I don’t know if that translate to the big league. I think he’s more a small ball C who can play stretch 4.

[John B]

Samanic has great postup moves. He has great footwork, and those spins are wicked.

[GAustex]

Luka is talented. The physicality of the big boy league gonna be his biggest challenge

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

His shooting is the swing skill, if he's a high-volume, high percentage 3pt shooter then the rest of his game works a lot smoother.

If they put a smaller, quicker defender on him then he could bruise them in the post and get put backs and offensive rebounds. If they play a bigger player on him, then he can take them off the dribble with a solid enough first-step.

I like his game tbh he has a lot of potential.

honestly I think he has to be able to shoot at least league average (35%) from 3 with a decent amount of attempts per game (at least 4 attempts per game) to be able to see the floor consistently in the NBA. The reason I believe that is the skills he is showing now in the G-League while impressive isn’t really going to be used by our team because he isn’t great (pretty good so far) at what he has showed.

I like that he can put the ball on the deck pretty decent for a bigger player but against NBA level competition that and his post game isn’t good enough right now. His defense isn’t good enough either to warrant consistent minutes in the NBA and he is not really a play maker for others and an okay at the G-League level play maker for himself.

of course he has time to improve on all the weaknesses he has in his game and I hope he does because I think he could be really good and can help our team in the future.

[Dejounte]

honestly I think he has to be able to shoot at least league average (35%) from 3 with a decent amount of attempts per game (at least 4 attempts per game) to be able to see the floor consistently in the NBA. The reason I believe that is the skills he is showing now in the G-League while impressive isn’t really going to be used by our team because he isn’t great (pretty good so far) at what he has showed.

I like that he can put the ball on the deck pretty decent for a bigger player but against NBA level competition that and his post game isn’t good enough right now. His defense isn’t good enough either to warrant consistent minutes in the NBA and he is not really a play maker for others and an okay at the G-League level play maker for himself.

of course he has time to improve on all the weaknesses he has in his game and I hope he does because I think he could be really good and can help our team in the future.

IMO, you improve those percentages by getting playing time. If the shot mechanics are good, I'm comfortable giving him those shots with NBA minutes. Our young guards never reached those benchmarks your setting for Luka, but they're getting better each season. Seems you have unusually high expectations for Luka, and that may be because you want to see star potential out of him. There are a number of guys in the NBA right now he is better than, he just needs to get reps.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/N_Magaro/status/1363203900363341829?s=19

[BackHome]

IMO, you improve those percentages by getting playing time. If the shot mechanics are good, I'm comfortable giving him those shots with NBA minutes. Our young guards never reached those benchmarks your setting for Luka, but they're getting better each season. Seems you have unusually high expectations for Luka, and that may be because you want to see star potential out of him. There are a number of guys in the NBA right now he is better than, he just needs to get reps.

Agreed you gotta break a lot of eggs before you make a good Omelet - Pop just needs to give a gentle guiding hand for these young guys and just let them play next season go out enjoy the game the right way and dominate

[GAustex]

In the big league who does Luka guard?
Zion, AD, Giannis, Sabonis, Julius Randall, Siakim.
Hmmm
Maybe Spurs would mix matchups for some of these dudes cause i am not seeing Luka guarding these dudes without some duress

[Dejounte]

In the big league who does Luka guard?
Zion, AD, Giannis, Sabonis, Julius Randall, Siakim.
Hmmm
Maybe Spurs would mix matchups for some of these dudes cause i am not seeing Luka guarding these dudes without some duress

For sure Luka will have trouble guarding certain types of players. I think that's the great thing about having someone like Keldon on the team, and I hope the team continues adding versatility at the four position. I don't think AD, Sabonis, and Julius will necessarily be trouble to Luka more than they would with other players that we would put on them. AD, Sabonis aren't very physical, and Julius isn't that quick.

[GAustex]

Yah and I think Jakob does Zion like last time

[talkspurs]

In the big league who does Luka guard?
Zion, AD, Giannis, Sabonis, Julius Randall, Siakim.
Hmmm
Maybe Spurs would mix matchups for some of these dudes cause i am not seeing Luka guarding these dudes without some duress

Who does match up well with them. Just like all players you can pick the best and unless you have a player designed to stop them you are going to have trouble. His height could hopefully trouble some of these and we still would have KJ to play on them and Poeltl to stop them if they got past them. Great players are hard to guard which is why they are great players. Tim and David both very good defenders had problems with certain players.

Someone else mentioned 35% he would need to get up to I would think 30 would be good maybe even 25. You just need them to be good enough to where people respect it. League avg is just below 37% so there a lots of people that shoot less then that.

[Coach X]

Here we go with the young Bertans wrong analysis again. Samanic a C??? NO!

TBH, he's closer to the SF position.

He's tall, he can play the post against smaller players but his skillset, physical tools and character on the court make him a forward. In fact, he would struggle against strong forwards more than he would do guarding over the 3pt line. Samanic could rebound by frame ala Murray but he's and will be a light weight under the boards.

Samanic can shoot, dribble and pass the ball. He understands the game and has good court vision in defense as well. Again, athletically, he's closer to the 3 than to the 5 position. Not a rim protector, not a rebounder. He's better taking screens than setting them. Luka Samanic is a forward.

[Dejounte]

Here we go with the young Bertans wrong analysis again. Samanic a C??? NO!

TBH, he's closer to the SF position.

He's tall, he can play the post against smaller players but his skillset, physical tools and character on the court make him a forward. In fact, he would struggle against strong forwards more than he would do guarding over the 3pt line. Samanic could rebound by frame ala Murray but he's and will be a light weight under the boards.

Samanic can shoot, dribble and pass the ball. He understands the game and has good court vision in defense as well. Again, athletically, he's closer to the 3 than to the 5 position. Not a rim protector, not a rebounder. He's better taking screens than setting them. Luka Samanic is a forward.

Bruh, I've been watching every Austin game. Luka has played C half the time. His dribbling is far from being acceptable as a SF and he doesn't have the endurance to be one.

[exstatic]

Who does match up well with them. Just like all players you can pick the best and unless you have a player designed to stop them you are going to have trouble. His height could hopefully trouble some of these and we still would have KJ to play on them and Poeltl to stop them if they got past them. Great players are hard to guard which is why they are great players. Tim and David both very good defenders had problems with certain players.

Someone else mentioned 35% he would need to get up to I would think 30 would be good maybe even 25. You just need them to be good enough to where people respect it. League avg is just below 37% so there a lots of people that shoot less then that.


Nobody guards 25. You just help off that, automatically. You might turn and look at a 30% 3 baller. 35 is league average, and the equivalent of shooting 52.5% on twos.

[Coach X]

Bruh, I've been watching every Austin game. Luka has played C half the time. His dribbling is far from being acceptable as a SF and he doesn't have the endurance to be one.
Yep.

Players are smaller in the G-league. 3s are basically NBA guards. Watching G-league and trying to transfer to NBA requires some "imagination" :spin I mean, it's a very different environment. I don't think Samanic could be that successful hitting the offensive boards and sealing players into the paint against opponent centers (not vs strong forwards either). In the other hand, I believe he's able to transfer to the big league what represents his core game, the kind of things made him be selected in the #19.

Yeah, Nielsen is playing him at C a lot but I reckon Spurs organization is making the same mistake the made with Bertans. When they finally realized he wasn't a big nor a power forward, they had wasted several NBA seasons of him trying to become something he is not.

To me, it's intriguing why Spurs are failing recurrently with this kind of players whilst they are incredibly succesful developing guards. It's like they just want them to play close to the basket because they're tall and I'm pretty sure there is something else that such simplistic argument. There has to be something else I'm missing.

About endurance, etc.: yes he needs to improve, that's why he's back to Austin. I believe Samanic is a forward... or nothing. There is no in between for him. He needs to improve and adapt or he will leave the league soon.

[talkspurs]

Nobody guards 25. You just help off that, automatically. You might turn and look at a 30% 3 baller. 35 is league average, and the equivalent of shooting 52.5% on twos.

useing your numbers of 4 attempts a game it is .2 difference in makes a game for the 30 vs 35. it is .4 if you go to 25%.

Looking at bigs there are some that hit at a high percentage but there also are some that are not. I will say i was surprised that more were higher then I thought. But Turner who a lot have mentioned on here is only shooting 32.5% this year and is 35 for career.

DJM is only shooting 31.5 on 3.3
KJ 32.5 on 3
White 34.1 on 5.5

So your saying he should be our best shooter and 2nd most attempts per game of our starters? Also one of the higher shooting bigs by volume.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

All I can do is shake my head at some of the takes on this page

its Either very disingenuous or naive to compare Luka to guys like Murray, White, Keldon,or even Lonnie. All those guys brought different translatable skills that they cultivated in the G-League, proved to be effect in practice or in actual NBA game time.

Keldon proved in the g league and nba bubble that he is a very good finisher at the rim and a great energy guy, White proved he is a really good defender and can run an offense in both the summer league, g league, and nba game time, Murray proved he was a good defender and energy guy in the g league, practice, and limited nba minutes. All those guys while not being the greatest 3 point shooters proved they could do things at the nba level before being given real minutes.

luka has to do that also. The things he is showing in the g league like post finishing and moves I feel he will not be that good at doing at the nba level. Shit his shooting % while solid isn’t the greatest. Compare his to Keldon in the g league. Lol

i hope I’m wrong and I’m rooting for him to be good

[talkspurs]

All I can do is shake my head at some of the takes on this page

its Either very disingenuous or naive to compare Luka to guys like Murray, White, Keldon,or even Lonnie. All those guys brought different translatable skills that they cultivated in the G-League, proved to be effect in practice or in actual NBA game time.

Keldon proved in the g league and nba bubble that he is a very good finisher at the rim and a great energy guy, White proved he is a really good defender and can run an offense in both the summer league, g league, and nba game time, Murray proved he was a good defender and energy guy in the g league, practice, and limited nba minutes. All those guys while not being the greatest 3 point shooters proved they could do things at the nba level before being given real minutes.

luka has to do that also. The things he is showing in the g league like post finishing and moves I feel he will not be that good at doing at the nba level. Shit his shooting % while solid isn’t the greatest. Compare his to Keldon in the g league. Lol

i hope I’m wrong and I’m rooting for him to be good

I think your talking about my post and I was saying to him that making that high of a percentage on that high of shots is unrealistic. Most NBA bigs arnt shooting it that much and most of our team is not shooting at that percentage. I listed our starters to say that him being the best shooter of them is unrealistic.

[KobesAchilles]

So what position would he even be? Can he guard non all star 3s? Or would we put him in the DeRozan role defensively and just put him on the weakest link?

[Mr. Body]

Samanic has a basket of skills suitable for multiple positions, but may have trouble fitting exactly just yet. I'm curious about the comparisons with Bertans, who has an A+ 3-pt jump shot while Samanic... doesn't. His form looks great, but he's at a B-/C+ right now. Everything else, Samanic is a far better player.

Right now, Luka needs to get some upper body strength without sacrificing his mobility. He's not really a shot blocker, so running him at C is risky, but he appears to be a pretty good rebounder. Unless he starts dropping threes at a better clip, it's hard to stick him at 3 or even at 4 in many lineups. But I think he can start hitting them. His form looks fine.

[BillMc]

My hunch is he'll be a 4 eventually and may even see sometime as a backup 5.

[GAustex]

Who does match up well with them. Just like all players you can pick the best and unless you have a player designed to stop them you are going to have trouble. His height could hopefully trouble some of these and we still would have KJ to play on them and Poeltl to stop them if they got past them. Great players are hard to guard which is why they are great players. Tim and David both very good defenders had problems with certain players.

Someone else mentioned 35% he would need to get up to I would think 30 would be good maybe even 25. You just need them to be good enough to where people respect it. League avg is just below 37% so there a lots of people that shoot less then that.

So the question was"Who does match up well with them" Each of those dudes match up with any one else on the list way better than Luka". I just think Luks is going to get put through the grinder and am not sure he comes out the other side OK.

He does have talent though

[Mr. Body]

My hunch is he'll be a 4 eventually and may even see sometime as a backup 5.

To me he's definitely a 4.

[BillMc]

Luka is like a homelessman's Durant. KD is/was too skinny to "bang with the big boys" down low, and he had guard skills. So he ended up a 4 or giant 3. Shoot over and post up smaller players, drive around bigger ones.

Luka doesn't have Durant's shooting and may never, but he probably should be the model for what Luka should strive for. Or maybe AD.

[Mr. Body]

Luka is like a homelessman's Durant. KD is/was too skinny to "bang with the big boys" down low, and he had guard skills. So he ended up a 4 or giant 3. Shoot over and post up smaller players, drive around bigger ones.

Luka doesn't have Durant's shooting and may never, but he probably should be the model for what Luka should strive for. Or maybe AD.

I have trouble seeing that, tbh. Durant had strong ball-handling skills and was able to change direction and get his shot off in multiple ways. I haven't seen Luka, who is much more stiff in posture and ability, be able to do that. Durant has always clearly been a 3, while it's a push to suggest our guy is that position.

[talkspurs]

So the question was"Who does match up well with them" Each of those dudes match up with any one else on the list way better than Luka". I just think Luks is going to get put through the grinder and am not sure he comes out the other side OK.

He does have talent though

Your talking about better players at that position. I would say some of them are not good at defense though so it would be more of who scores more. Every team has it strengths and its weaknesses. The team just has to get more strengths then the other team and hope it is able to overcome its weaknesses.

[LCM]

Luka needs to concentrate on being a perimeter 4. He can play on the block, but he won't make his living there unless he learns to take advantage of mismatches on switches. Having him play 5 shouldn't be his role, even as a small ball 5. Luka is like a Michael Porter Jr. who plays 3/4. You want a 4/small ball 5 then go sign Lauri Markkanen. Luka isn't that player.

[John B]

Matt Bonner was the same 6’10 with alligator arms and was the starting C for how many years?:lol Luka is much more mobile and athletic, has better skills. I know Bonner had Timmy, but I think they can hide Luka with long great help defenders. To play him strictly stretch 4 is not taking advantage of his great post footwork. The guy has wicked spin. He is a backup C, for now, who can play stretch.

[RC_Drunkford]

He's a 4, he shouldn't play C or SF at all

[duncan2k5]

the other Luka is actually very good in defense this year. Way better than anyone on his team.

His first 2 years he was shit...should he have been put in the G-league those 2 years?

[duncan2k5]

In the big league who does Luka guard?
Zion, AD, Giannis, Sabonis, Julius Randall, Siakim.
Hmmm
Maybe Spurs would mix matchups for some of these dudes cause i am not seeing Luka guarding these dudes without some duress

That's a very poor standard to decide if someone should play in the league...There has been MANY bad defenders in the league who are great players

[RobinsontoDuncan]

All I can do is shake my head at some of the takes on this page

its Either very disingenuous or naive to compare Luka to guys like Murray, White, Keldon,or even Lonnie. All those guys brought different translatable skills that they cultivated in the G-League, proved to be effect in practice or in actual NBA game time.

Keldon proved in the g league and nba bubble that he is a very good finisher at the rim and a great energy guy, White proved he is a really good defender and can run an offense in both the summer league, g league, and nba game time, Murray proved he was a good defender and energy guy in the g league, practice, and limited nba minutes. All those guys while not being the greatest 3 point shooters proved they could do things at the nba level before being given real minutes.

luka has to do that also. The things he is showing in the g league like post finishing and moves I feel he will not be that good at doing at the nba level. Shit his shooting % while solid isn’t the greatest. Compare his to Keldon in the g league. Lol

i hope I’m wrong and I’m rooting for him to be good

I find your point very confusing. On one hand you acknowledge that the skills other Spurs players demonstrated in the G League have mostly translated to the NBA, which is true. For reference, I would recommend that every poster in this thread should go watch highlights of Murray, White, Walker, Johnson in the G League, and you will find that all of them played roughly the same game as they do in the NBA. Of that cohort, I would say that Murray lacked the most offensive polish and identity and has had to evolve his game the most, but he’s still the same guy at that lower level, crashing boards, defensive intensity, quick cuts to the rim (touch issues with finishing).

So, acknowledging all of this, why would Luka’s game not also translate? People forget that Luka has a 38” vertical and was top of his draft class in athletic measurements on a whole bunch of tests. The man is also going to get stronger and continue rounding out his game. That’s just what the Spurs do with their young players. Additionally, for those of you who are just now watching Luka play for the first time, I would recommend you go back and find some of the highlights of his NBA game film (the Jazz bubble game, or his one game with a little more run this year), and guess what — his game translates. Same spin move, same smooth form on his 3 (he actually made several of them in the NBA bubble), same ability to get to the rim with his handles through traffic and run the break.

This is Luka’s game. Yes, he will need to continue improving to be able to have 20 and 10 games at the NBA level. That’s obvious. But, no, he doesn’t have to reinvent himself at the next level because...reasons?

[CGD]

It’s all mental with him. Once he realizes he belongs, he’ll be good. Can see the Luka-Portle front court being a fixture for some time.

[buttsR4rebounding]

In the big league who does Luka guard?
Zion, AD, Giannis, Sabonis, Julius Randall, Siakim.
Hmmm
Maybe Spurs would mix matchups for some of these dudes cause i am not seeing Luka guarding these dudes without some duress

Who in the league guards these guys without some duress?

[cjw]

Nobody guards 25. You just help off that, automatically. You might turn and look at a 30% 3 baller. 35 is league average, and the equivalent of shooting 52.5% on twos.

Exactly. 30% is the bare minimum, which is a 45% shooter from two. That’s not good, but it will at least draw some coverage. It’s also hard to adjust for open threes vs. contested, so league average is probably higher than 35% on open threes. Need to be knocking those down at above 35% as you said to draw coverage, otherwise people will drop off and protect the lane. Remember league average is 67% close to the rim and about 40% on other twos.

The position the production is coming from is also key, as well as pairings. If you’re out there with Poeltl (as great as he’s been), you better have some range.

[r0drig0lac]

the other Luka is actually very good in defense this year. Way better than anyone on his team.

haha

[exstatic]

Matt Bonner was the same 6’10 with alligator arms and was the starting C for how many years?:lol Luka is much more mobile and athletic, has better skills. I know Bonner had Timmy, but I think they can hide Luka with long great help defenders. To play him strictly stretch 4 is not taking advantage of his great post footwork. The guy has wicked spin. He is a backup C, for now, who can play stretch.

Bonner was listed as the starting C, but the reality is, once David went off into retirement, Tim was the C until he retired.

The reality is, on this team, the C is in the paint, and the defensive QB. He has to be aware, call switches, and protect the rim. Luka isn’t ready for that, even part time.

[John B]

Bonner was listed as the starting C, but the reality is, once David went off into retirement, Tim was the C until he retired.

The reality is, on this team, the C is in the paint, and the defensive QB. He has to be aware, call switches, and protect the rim. Luka isn’t ready for that, even part time.

I disagree, Oberto, Splitter, Nesterovic, etc looked Centers to me. Only playing with Blair, stretch 5 Bonner, and with Aldridge, Timmy played the C position.

But my point is, I think to play Luka strictly stretch 4 does not do justice to Luka’s great footwork down low. Luka plays better when he is posting, has his back to the basket. I know with the 2nd unit he will not even touch the ball with Mills and Rudy chucking, which is unfortunate because Luka and Tre are playing so well right now, honing their skills, getting stronger and building confidence.

[exstatic]

I disagree, Oberto, Splitter, Nesterovic, etc looked Centers to me. Only playing with Blair, stretch 5 Bonner, and with Aldridge, Timmy played the C position.

But my point is, I think to play Luka strictly stretch 4 does not do justice to Luka’s great footwork down low. Luka plays better when he is posting, has his back to the basket. I know with the 2nd unit he will not even touch the ball with Mills and Rudy chucking, which is unfortunate because Luka and Tre are playing so well right now, honing their skills, getting stronger and building confidence.

You can post up a GUARD. Where he gets his offense has little to do with his position. No one posts up more than DeMar. Is he our center?

[John B]

You can post up a GUARD. Where he gets his offense has little to do with his position. No one posts up more than DeMar. Is he our center?
I hope Pop does that and not make Luka one-dimensional stretch. Nowadays Pop is letting players “play,” more their game, but there are still times he’s back to his stubborn self and have Patty close where a defensive player should be. Still I don’t remember any Spur who didn’t come out better. I just hope that Luka would assert more. Sometimes it pays off to “defy” Pop, i.e. Manu, DJ’s “I-got-this-Pop.” But bottomline, they worked hard every time, which I can’t say with Luka lackluster attitude sometimes. I’m rooting for Luka. I think if he pans out, he’s the modern big that Spurs need.

[TD 21]

I disagree, Oberto, Splitter, Nesterovic, etc looked Centers to me. Only playing with Blair, stretch 5 Bonner, and with Aldridge, Timmy played the C position.

But my point is, I think to play Luka strictly stretch 4 does not do justice to Luka’s great footwork down low. Luka plays better when he is posting, has his back to the basket. I know with the 2nd unit he will not even touch the ball with Mills and Rudy chucking, which is unfortunate because Luka and Tre are playing so well right now, honing their skills, getting stronger and building confidence.

Duncan almost exclusively guarded centers from basically 30 on, starting during the '06 WCSF (Mavericks). But they still primarily started him next to another center, one with enough mobility (namely Oberto and Splitter) to guard the power forwards of their respective eras.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I think your talking about my post and I was saying to him that making that high of a percentage on that high of shots is unrealistic. Most NBA bigs arnt shooting it that much and most of our team is not shooting at that percentage. I listed our starters to say that him being the best shooter of them is unrealistic.

I'm not talking just about you. Lol. It’s multiple folks post I addressed with mine.

I don’t know if it’s unrealistic or not if Luka can hit a good amount attempted from 3 at league average %. but I think his best way of actually getting NBA minutes from what he is already showed skill wise is being able to knock down the 3 at a good percentage because his other talents I feel aren’t really translatable in the NBA.

of course he can get better and unlock some other talents are sharpen the ones he has shown in the G League but as of now in my opinion his best bet is his shot.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I have trouble seeing that, tbh. Durant had strong ball-handling skills and was able to change direction and get his shot off in multiple ways. I haven't seen Luka, who is much more stiff in posture and ability, be able to do that. Durant has always clearly been a 3, while it's a push to suggest our guy is that position.



EXACTLY!!!

Luka is a 4 and small ball 5 because he doesn’t have an advanced enough ball handling, finishing, or shooting skill. Not too mention as athletic as he is I don’t think he matches up in that department with most wing players. His athletic ability is really good as a 4 and 5 but average as a 3.

to maximize his positives (just like Bertans) and hide his weaknesses he should play the 4 or 5. Consequently like he has been doing in the G-League all along. Lmao

[BackHome]

His 3 pointer and his ability to break down his man for a fast dunk is what he needs to focus on I also think he can be a really good rim running type of player if he hustles.

As far as Bonner man I only remember him always guarding Shaq year after year and getting destroyed.

[John B]

His 3 pointer and his ability to break down his man for a fast dunk is what he needs to focus on I also think he can be a really good rim running type of player if he hustles.

As far as Bonner man I only remember him always guarding Shaq year after year and getting destroyed.

Shaq moved to Miami onward 2005. Matt started playing for the Spurs 2006 and did not start until after 2010 when Oberto slowed down.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I find your point very confusing. On one hand you acknowledge that the skills other Spurs players demonstrated in the G League have mostly translated to the NBA, which is true. For reference, I would recommend that every poster in this thread should go watch highlights of Murray, White, Walker, Johnson in the G League, and you will find that all of them played roughly the same game as they do in the NBA. Of that cohort, I would say that Murray lacked the most offensive polish and identity and has had to evolve his game the most, but he’s still the same guy at that lower level, crashing boards, defensive intensity, quick cuts to the rim (touch issues with finishing).

So, acknowledging all of this, why would Luka’s game not also translate? People forget that Luka has a 38” vertical and was top of his draft class in athletic measurements on a whole bunch of tests. The man is also going to get stronger and continue rounding out his game. That’s just what the Spurs do with their young players. Additionally, for those of you who are just now watching Luka play for the first time, I would recommend you go back and find some of the highlights of his NBA game film (the Jazz bubble game, or his one game with a little more run this year), and guess what — his game translates. Same spin move, same smooth form on his 3 (he actually made several of them in the NBA bubble), same ability to get to the rim with his handles through traffic and run the break.

This is Luka’s game. Yes, he will need to continue improving to be able to have 20 and 10 games at the NBA level. That’s obvious. But, no, he doesn’t have to reinvent himself at the next level because...reasons?

LMAO!!!!!

your take and using the Utah Jazz game where Luka played well against back up guys validated my argument. He hit four 3 pointers and got to the hoop on a defender closing out on him hard because he knocked down 3 three point shots before hand. He got fouled (which is great) because he picked up his dribble too soon and tried to attempt a harder lay up than what he could’ve had. He also got fouled and missed a layup at the rim off a nice dish to set him up for an easy layup.

he didn’t successfully post anyone up for points in that Utah game. He hit open 3 point shots and took advantage of folks aggressively closing on him shooting. He has to hit the 3 at a decent level to become a NBA player that gets minutes.

Those other guys I mentioned showed what they could do in the g league that can be translated to the NBA. Luka posting players up and having the offense ran through him (at what he has showed so far) isn’t something that can be translated on a winning team. Now maybe his post game or handles get better but in order to get minutes in the NBA for most teams, you have to have some type of skill that your good at or be drafted super high by a shit team. Lmao

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FNESd2p-4Ew

the Utah game.

[PrimeMinister]

Nit picking every decision a 20 year old made in one of his first real NBA games- high level and hard hitting analysis here.

Look for the flashes. Look for the physical tools and a trajectory of development. Sitting around and picking apart every piece of body language, perceived "motor" or effort problems to confirm the conclusions you already have about a developing player is pathetic.

He's an exciting prospect who has shown enough in the way of flashes at all 3 levels of scoring, back to the basket, face up, 3 point- that I do think he factors into the NBA plans going forward. He doesn't have to be perfect or make every right decision for that to be true. If you don't think Luka has shown at least some ability to post up and move his feet well I'm not going to argue with hot air.

[John B]

Nit picking every decision a 20 year old made in one of his first real NBA games- high level and hard hitting analysis here.

Look for the flashes. Look for the physical tools and a trajectory of development. Sitting around and picking apart every piece of body language, perceived "motor" or effort problems to confirm the conclusions you already have about a developing player is pathetic.

He's an exciting prospect who has shown enough in the way of flashes at all 3 levels of scoring, back to the basket, face up, 3 point- that I do think he factors into the NBA plans going forward. He doesn't have to be perfect or make every right decision for that to be true. If you don't think Luka has shown at least some ability to post up and move his feet well I'm not going to argue with hot air.

Agree. To make him stretch 4 will limit his development. Luka is a C who can play stretch 4. I think he will not face dominant bigs against 2nd units. I just want him to be allowed to mix it up and become more versatile, getting stronger, instead of camping in corner 3’s.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I can’t speak for everyone but I actually liked the Luka draft pick and I’ve consistently shown that in multiple threads.

i will say that I feel a lot of folks on here are looking at his path to getting real NBA minutes consistently very unrealistically. Especially on this team with Pop coaching. Lmao. Maybe if he was drafted by another team with another coach he would’ve been gotten thrown into the deep end of the pool and told to sink or swim.

I’m rooting for the young man and all to get better and become a difference maker for our team.

[cjw]

Shaq moved to Miami onward 2005. Matt started playing for the Spurs 2006 and did not start until after 2010 when Oberto slowed down.

Shaq did play for the Suns in the ‘08 playoffs, and was decent that series. But he was long gone from the Lakers. Good job calling people out for making something up.

Bonner wasn’t as bad of a defender as people make him out to be. Was he great? No. Did it look pretty? No. Was he effective? Yes. Advanced stats show the team was fine with him out on the floor on defensive end. He also forced teams to swap certain bigs out of lineups because they couldn’t get out to the line.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/TheTyJager/status/1363577386130935808?s=19

Likely the end of his g league play. Hopefully, they have a plan for him.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/TheTyJager/status/1363577386130935808?s=19

Likely the end of his g league play. Hopefully, they have a plan for him.
I didn’t really watch last year. But actually his stat last year was not bad. One can even say it was already dominating. It’s confidence with his game and hopefully he got stronger and better conditioning playing consistent minutes the last 6 games. I’m really hoping they give him consistent minutes and not stun his development. Luka to me has the highest ceiling of all, that if he pans out, Spurs see the playoffs for a very long time.

[cd98]

I think he needed to add muscle and adjust to NBA athletes. In his Euroleage play he surely did not face the same athletes. He was young and the Spurs are one of the best at developing talent. That’s how they make up for lower draft positions.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I didn’t really watch last year. But actually his stat last year was not bad. One can even say it was already dominating. It’s confidence with his game and hopefully he got stronger and better conditioning playing consistent minutes the last 6 games. I’m really hoping they give him consistent minutes and not stun his development. Luka to me has the highest ceiling of all, that if he pans out, Spurs see the playoffs for a very long time.

One of the best things to do with Luka is to watch clips from his summer league right after he was drafted. Look at his physical development and basketball development from then to now.


https://youtu.be/Wo5ym1vwxFc

[John B]

One of the best things to do with Luka is to watch clips from his summer league right after he was drafted. Look at his physical development and basketball development from then to now.


https://youtu.be/Wo5ym1vwxFc
Thank you. He seems very active back then. But it’s in between plays, not seen on highlights, that catches him just watching sometimes I think. Because he is very skillful even back then, and should be more now that he’s stronger and having more confidence. But I gather from interviews that he knew he needed to improve on all facets, including rebounding and defense, and assert himself. Hopefully we see him more active. He is much more better conditioning with the heavy minutes. I hope Pop give him some burn and not just a filler to satisfy the required 8 players.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Some of the positives about how Luka has played this year in the G league bubble is he seems more engaged even without the ball on offense(not the greatest but better than last season) and defensively he is way more engaged which is great. His boxing out and rebounding steadily improved each game I seen and he is hustling way more than he did last season.

those things might not seem like that big of deal to some folks but it’s a big change in how he played last season granted towards the end of the g league season last year he started to play better which is good.

[stephen jackson]

luka is an enigma

[bluebellmaniac]

He would benefit from another year in the G-League. He could really blossom into something special with the focused coaching he can get there. (Not that the big club isn't focused, but it would be tailored more for just him and they specialize in helping players who are on the cusp, like he is).

[exstatic]

He would benefit from another year in the G-League. He could really blossom into something special with the focused coaching he can get there. (Not that the big club isn't focused, but it would be tailored more for just him and they specialize in helping players who are on the cusp, like he is).

I don’t think they can assign him next year without his buy in. Only the first two seasons.

[John B]

He would benefit from another year in the G-League. He could really blossom into something special with the focused coaching he can get there. (Not that the big club isn't focused, but it would be tailored more for just him and they specialize in helping players who are on the cusp, like he is).
On the other hand, the Spurs can also benefit from what Luka can offer now, a mobile big who can hit the 3.

[The Truth #6]

On the other hand, the Spurs can also benefit from what Luka can offer now, a mobile big who can hit the 3.

Don’t get me wrong, I really want to see him play with the big team, but isn’t his three point shooting actually really weak at this point statistically?

[Leetonidas]

Luka looking like a man amongst boys this time around which is great to see. Usually prospects that pan out tend to play well in Gleague, so seeing him finally look like the Austin Spurs best player is very encouraging.

[hombre]

I like seeing his assists increase from last year. Pass out of that double big man.

[John B]

Luka looking like a man amongst boys this time around which is great to see. Usually prospects that pan out tend to play well in Gleague, so seeing him finally look like the Austin Spurs best player is very encouraging.
Not just Austin Spurs best player. I think he would’ve been GLeague MVP had he continued playing. He was averaging double double and the team undefeated when he’s on the court

[exstatic]

Not just Austin Spurs best player. I think he would’ve been GLeague MVP had he continued playing. He was averaging double double and the team undefeated when he’s on the court

Not that he might not have deserved it, but if there is a gleague MVP, it will go to one of the Golden children on Team Ignite. They have to pamper them to encourage other top HS players to pass on college and jump to the gleague.

[John B]

Not that he might not have deserved it, but if there is a gleague MVP, it will go to one of the Golden children on Team Ignite. They have to pamper them to encourage other top HS players to pass on college and jump to the gleague.
Sad but true.

But Samanic performance was eye opener, albeit the shortened schedule. But I don’t doubt he would have continued dominating. I hope he has Keldon fight to prove he belongs. If Samanic pans out, he could be the 20/10 that Spurs need, and Aldridge replacement.

[SpursGuy91]

I saw the second half of the last game Samanic played in the gubble and thought he was abysmal. Popped out past the three point after every lazy screen he set and if he touched the ball he chucked it. I didn’t see him impact the game defensively and the only rebounding he did was when the ball came directly to him. The few times he attacked the basket he didn’t finish against sub-par competition. I hope he grows as a player but I’m not optimistic that he will do particularly well in the near-term, I guess he can prove me wrong tonight.

[John B]

I saw the second half of the last game Samanic played in the gubble and thought he was abysmal. Popped out past the three point after every lazy screen he set and if he touched the ball he chucked it. I didn’t see him impact the game defensively and the only rebounding he did was when the ball came directly to him. The few times he attacked the basket he didn’t finish against sub-par competition. I hope he grows as a player but I’m not optimistic that he will do particularly well in the near-term, I guess he can prove me wrong tonight.

Are you sure you're not mistaking him for Kaylor Kelley? :lol

[rjv]

i thought luka displayed a good amount of what would have piqued the spurs interest in him; but he was obviously still lacking in other areas. he really sets some bad screens, undoubtedly, and his rim protection was poor. but, all in all, he showed more good than bad and definitely looked like a player that can become a part of the rotation down the road. if he gets any minutes over the next few games, it'll be interesting to see how he fares.

[The Truth #6]

With all the anticipation for Luka being on the team tonight, what are the chances he plays zero minutes? 50%? That would be classic Pop.

[exstatic]

With all the anticipation for Luka being on the team tonight, what are the chances he plays zero minutes? 50%? That would be classic Pop.

What I heard is that they will have 11 players available, and no one has played in 11 days, so they’ll be gassed quicker than usual.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Not just Austin Spurs best player. I think he would’ve been GLeague MVP had he continued playing. He was averaging double double and the team undefeated when he’s on the court


ehhhhh.......

It’s a few other players putting up real good and efficient numbers on winning teams in the G-League. One example is Paul Reed rookie for the Delaware Blue coats who has been balling out on a winning team and has won player of the week once already.


https://gleague.nba.com/player/paul-reed/

[The Truth #6]

What I heard is that they will have 11 players available, and no one has played in 11 days, so they’ll be gassed quicker than usual.

I want to see him play, without question. But I’m also prepared to see Lyles get all the minutes, which is kind of funny.

[C-Dub]

Luka may get some minutes at the 3 spot. With LMA playing we are set at the 4 and 5 position. The only active players that can somewhat play the 3 is LW4, DJM, KBD and Luka. If KBD plays bad you would think that Pop will have to give Luka some minutes.

[Gagnrath]

Luka started and played pretty well. He was at the 3 more than I would have liked, He is a mobile 4 in my mind and while yeah the raw foot speed is there for three time in a lot of match-ups he probably won't maintain that more than a couple of years into the future as he naturally fills out a bit, he's still going to be a very fast athletic power forward and for switching will be great at covering 3s and even some guards but not an al game sort of thing. For what ever reason he got panicked in traffic a bit which isn't a good look. He seems athletic but not instinctive which hurts a bit, he is a mental player in that he thinks about what is going on but because of that lacks some snap to what he is doing, I also think that he is a little bit unsure of both his role and what the system wants which doesn't help. Hopefully he continues to get real playing time and we see how it works out. I wish that the rest of the season wasn't so compressed. I want to see Luka progress with some coaching and film time and the Spurs schedule is real short of coaching and film time coming up.

[exstatic]

Luka started and played pretty well. He was at the 3 more than I would have liked, He is a mobile 4 in my mind and while yeah the raw foot speed is there for three time in a lot of match-ups he probably won't maintain that more than a couple of years into the future as he naturally fills out a bit, he's still going to be a very fast athletic power forward and for switching will be great at covering 3s and even some guards but not an al game sort of thing. For what ever reason he got panicked in traffic a bit which isn't a good look. He seems athletic but not instinctive which hurts a bit, he is a mental player in that he thinks about what is going on but because of that lacks some snap to what he is doing, I also think that he is a little bit unsure of both his role and what the system wants which doesn't help. Hopefully he continues to get real playing time and we see how it works out. I wish that the rest of the season wasn't so compressed. I want to see Luka progress with some coaching and film time and the Spurs schedule is real short of coaching and film time coming up.

They needed him at the 3, because he can play the skill positions, which is what they are short on now with DD, Keldon, White, and Vassell out.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/XKFxCtTyvS4

Check the defense at 5:23

That is just fucking insane how he kept up with Dort. Made him airball badly at the end.

[tonight...you]

https://youtu.be/XKFxCtTyvS4

Check the defense at 5:23

That is just fucking insane how he kept up with Dort. Made him airball badly at the end.
It's encouraging, his on-ball D, and it's understandable his team D lacking since that's much more about communication and familiarity with the team itself.

I liked what I saw.
The kid can really move for his size.

I hope he logs much more time with the Big Boys through the rest of the season.