Monastery of Luka Samanic

[Dejounte]

I’m happy Luka has been taking advantage of his time seeing real NBA action so far. I really hope he continues to improve

Looks like he didn't need to shoot a certain 3 pt percentage to play in the NBA after all. LMAO

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Looks like he didn't need to shoot a certain 3 pt percentage to play in the NBA after all. LMAO

so far this season in his limited amount of NBA time he is shooting 40% from 3....

You can do better.

[Dejounte]

so far this season in his limited amount of NBA time he is shooting 40% from 3....

You can do better.

I don't think you understand what I'm referring to... Doesn't matter. I was just being playful.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I don't think you understand what I'm referring to... Doesn't matter. I was just being playful.

Seems like you was joking about me saying the only way he gonna get real NBA minutes is him improving on defense (which in this small sample size, it looks like he is getting better) and being able to hit the 3 at league average which is around 35% with a decent amount (3-4) of attempts per game.

that’s cool that you are just joking with me but so far what I stated has looked very factual. Not to mention he is getting minutes due to injuries and COVID-19 related DNP’s. He is taking advantage of the opportunity, which is great

I definitely ( cautiously) have faith in him getting better and in this thread and the Austin Toro thread I’ve been one of his biggest supporters before the hype, but you know this already.

[Rocalcio]

Interesting article about why we don’t see him much these days.

https://airalamo.com/2021/03/16/san-antonio-spurs-luka-samanic-secret-weapon/

[Dejounte]

Interesting article about why we don’t see him much these days.

https://airalamo.com/2021/03/16/san-antonio-spurs-luka-samanic-secret-weapon/

I'm suing that writer for plagiarism.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IyEqTSd7u0&feature=youtu.be

[Dejounte]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IyEqTSd7u0&feature=youtu.be

"Good things happen from there...... Until Popovich fucking benched me for the rest of the season!"

[poopbox]

You can see his confidence growing every. He’s clearly getting more comfortable out there on the floor. You love to see it.

I wonder where his confidence is now :rollin

[BatManu20]

I wonder where his confidence is now :rollin

In Pop’s back pocket.

[objective]

He's been much better than I expected.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1374921882059821061?s=19

DJMVP approves.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1374918178963402754?s=19

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1374925028714811392?s=19

[NASpurs]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1374918178963402754?s=19

“Beginning to prove himself deserving of time “... :lol what about those games before the AS break you dumb old fuck.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1374918178963402754?s=19

I seriously think Pop was showcasing Rudy. And think we'll see more of him in the 2nd half especially with his performance tonight.

[Chomag]

So sad that the guy has to play behind a scrub like Lyles who probably wouldn't even be in the league right now but you know Pop.

[RC_Drunkford]

Šamanić is in the same spot as Lonnie was with Belinelli last season. That’s the only approach that Pop knows. Right now it’s Luka and Trey. Luka already got him to split their minutes, now he has to take that spot away from Lyles permanently. If he messes up he will immediately get benched and Trey comes in.

[BillMc]

“Beginning to prove himself deserving of time “... :lol what about those games before the AS break you dumb old fuck.

There are certain players, you get the impression that Pop thinks giving slight praise as a carrot is the way to motviate them. Never give full on praise. He was like that with Tony until his later years. Seems like Luka is in that category. Other players he'll overpraise to keep their spirits up. I think he reads their personalties (as he sees it) and adjusts. Luka is a relative praise guy. All praise is a form of "he's slowly getting it". Keep the carrot out there.

Of course, on the court, he'll yell at anybody. Which was great when the leader was Duncan who'll take it. When your leaders are Kawhi and LMA who quit, or DeMar who needs to be coddled it doesn't work as well.

[John B]

I didn't get to watch the game. It was blocked out where I'm at. But watching the highlights, Luka looked very mobile defensively switching to defend perimeters. And his offense penetrating with the ball. He has so much athleticism out there that Pop cannot seriously not play him minutes anymore.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsSW/status/1374923026437963779?s=19

[BackHome]

Luka is the real deal a lot of posters going to have to get that plate and Eat that Crow!!!!!

:bobo

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1374932960114307076?s=19

[buttsR4rebounding]

I know that +|- isn’t a good short term barometer, but in the 3 COVID games plus this one Luka has led the team in +|- 3 times and was 2nd in the other. Good things happen for the Spurs when he is on the court.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Hey Pop, pull your Larry Brown lovin' head out of your ass and give this kid 20 minutes a night.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Hey Pop, pull your Larry Brown lovin' head out of your ass and give this kid 20 minutes a night.

Vassell too.

[EricB]

So sad that the guy has to play behind a scrub like Lyles who probably wouldn't even be in the league right now but you know Pop.


he’s not behind Lyles in the rotation

[duncan2150]

Good game overall, i like the attitude on offense, needs some work on D but he is not bad. Overall he changes his mindset and he is ready to contribute now.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1375122130237599748

I love that a couple of his made shots were against Nephew.

[B1gduff]

Seems like peeple have turned a new leaf on Luka. I'm happy that i don't have to hear the good ole..." ooh we should have gone after Clarke or Thybule".....

Obn the down side, I get to hear about him playing more min, than so and so.


On the bright side, Luka is at the same spot as Keldon was last year Skill wise. He's got the skills to attacks, hit the mid range and even a few threes. On Defesnse, There is still work to be done! But he going in the right direction, and i can say he had a better skill set than keldon has.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1375122130237599748

I love that a couple of his made shots were against Nephew.

That alone is making me like Luka more :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

Murray/Walker/Keldon/Luka/Poeltl with White as a 6th man is super intriguing tbh. It's just about how much and how fast they will develop

[BillMc]

Murray/Walker/Keldon/Luka/Poeltl with White as a 6th man is super intriguing tbh. It's just about how much and how fast they will develop

Lonnie and Luka could bring some much needed spacing.

[spurraider21]

Murray/Walker/Keldon/Luka/Poeltl with White as a 6th man is super intriguing tbh. It's just about how much and how fast they will develop
:tu

white in the Manu role alongside Patty. doesnt mean he should play less minutes, but should be more staggered with murray.

still think our young wings have issues... Keldon's outside shot isn't getting any better (and will be more exposed if he's starting at the 3), and Vassell is still incredibly passive/timid

[Truth4sale$]

Luka is growing up before our eyes. If anyone noticed, he did not play the last 5 minutes of the clippers game, Trey Lyles did. Luka earned it. Garbage time is for developing young, player's, pass their prime veterans or garbage players....none if which Luka needed in that game.
If he gets his 3pt alot down----lookout!

[ace3g]

From Tre's IG story

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExXFKgJUUAE2BKZ?format=jpg&name=medium

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/ireginaldthomas/status/1375457016504799237

Luka being intimate with the Spurs photographer

[exstatic]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1375122130237599748

I love that a couple of his made shots were against Nephew.

I lold at the one drive down the right side of the lane when he had turned the corner and gotten his hips past mute cancer. He layed the ball up, but was able to show it to nephew because he knew his reach exceeded nephews.

[tim_duncan_fan]

What does "deserving of time" even mean at this point?

Just play the best players.

[RC_Drunkford]

honestly Luka developing is probably the fastest way to improve the team. He should play every night, but Pop will play Rudy instead

[Dejounte]

I have a feeling Pop didn't play Luka to spite the heckler in last night's game.

[FkLA]

I have a feeling Pop didn't play Luka to spite the heckler in last night's game.

Details on this??

[mo7888]

honestly Luka developing is probably the fastest way to improve the team. He should play every night, but Pop will play Rudy instead

This

[Dejounte]

Details on this??

Someone repeatedly yelled "YOU SUCK!!!!" when Vassell (I think) was at the free throw line. He said some other shit but I couldn't make it out. After a little bit, he stopped...maybe he was escorted out :lmao which one of you fuckers was it? :lmao :lmao

[FkLA]

Someone repeatedly yelled "YOU SUCK!!!!" when Vassell (I think) was at the free throw line. He said some other shit but I couldn't make it out. After a little bit, he stopped...maybe he was escorted out :lmao which one of you fuckers was it? :lmao :lmao

Was the "you suck" directed at Pop? :lol

[Ice009]

More wasted games and time. I just watched the rest of the Clippers second game as I didn't have time yesterday and am shocked we lost to them with them missing a bunch of players and you know who. How in the hell is Luka not getting court time? What is the point of all this. It also looks like Lonnie's shooting makes a bigger difference than people thought. As I mentioned after the Milwaukee game. I want to keep Lonnie around and give him more of a chance. I think he's getting close to really turning the corner. Luka too. These guys need playing time, yet Pop will not give it to them for some reason.

Losing to an undermanned Clippers team and not giving Luka more minutes to develop is just a waste of time IMO. What are the Spurs trying to do? What is their goal/s?

[BackHome]

We Covert Tanking CIA Pop Style :toast

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1375841674010710018?s=19

[spurs1990]

I avoided this thread back when Samanic was getting dragged universally, not to mention the pounding on twitter from Spurs fans. The near 180 in viewpoints on him has been my favorite part so far. Rooting like heck for the kid and really really hope Gregg doesn't give him the Walker treatment from last season; pulling him, benching him at the slightest misstep.

[KobesAchilles]

I avoided this thread back when Samanic was getting dragged universally, not to mention the pounding on twitter from Spurs fans. The near 180 in viewpoints on him has been my favorite part so far. Rooting like heck for the kid and really really hope Gregg doesn't give him the Walker treatment from last season; pulling him, benching him at the slightest misstep.
We should’ve started him this season as soon as LMA got “hurt.”

[BackHome]

Once again it’s cause Pop is just a plain Dick I think Luka is not bending over backwards for Pops wishes and Pop don’t like that. Even after he had that great game is was like pulling teeth from Pop to say anything Good about Luka and you could tell it pained him to do that. It’s a No Brainer Luka should be our starting PF and it’s not even close

[3&D_TBH]

honestly Luka developing is probably the fastest way to improve the team. He should play every night, but Pop will play Rudy instead

I agree. His ceiling is high enough that he could lift the entire team to another level if he turns into a consistent contributor. I think even Pop has realized, based off his recent comment, that Luka needs more time. His development potential is big. I just wanna see him let it fly from deep and play defense on the other end. At his size, if he can shoot the three at a 37-40% clip and at a high volume (5-7 threes a game), and he can play average to good D on the other end, then we are in business. Pop needs to put him in and greet light him to let it fly. That's clearly what the fans wanna see, too. Give the people what they want! :lmao
It's that simple to me. Put him in and let it rip, and let's see what we got. For fuck's sake. lol
So yea, he could for sure be our quickest way to level up as a team. Trouble is that Pop is late to the party. Many of us would have had him playing 20 minutes per game a couple of weeks ago, but hey, at least he has realized it now.

[spurraider21]

he's earned more minutes :pop:

[offset formation]

he's earned more minutes :pop:

It's shit like this that is finally putting me over the finish line with Pop. Unless I've missed it, I don't think he's sniffed the court since he said this. Fucking pathetic.

[Chomag]

Pop just flexing his who is in charge muscles on the kid...Its stupid and undeserved.

[onechance87]

We were doing well with luka getting playing time...Pop messed up the momentum

[200 miles]

Pop hasn't been this bad at coaching (at least in terms of asset management) since 2011 when he force-fed minutes to a dismal Bonner and Blair (the so-called Turd towers IIRC) rather than a vastly superior rim protector in Splitter.

Nvm: Pop was at his absolute worst two seasons ago when he made Forbes a starter.

[John B]

I can’t help to think CIA Pop is on a covert tanking, as last year we landed Vassell. Vassell is a great pickup, I don’t care what people’s comparison to Halliburton. Vasell will be a stud as a 2-way player. And PATFO could be looking at another prospect at the 11-15 range? A Wagner, Garuba? Otherwise it doesn’t make sense. There were winnable games that is a matter of putting the right personnel, similar to last year where he kept playing Forbes/Beli.

[Ice009]

he's earned more minutes :pop:

Darn, I forgot that he said that. Pop is a complete asshole these days. Absolute liar.

[RC_Drunkford]

People thinking that Pop is stealth tanking really shows you how bad of a coach he has become. It’s very obvious that he’s trying to win

[jjspur]

Pop is the head coach meaning he screws with your head whether you do well or not. I also don't make sense of it.

[rankingtear]

Why do people assume Luka is a good three point shooter right now? Does not make sense.

[LeBowen]

Why do people assume Luka is a good three point shooter right now? Does not make sense.

He's definitely better than DJ, Demar, Keldon and Jakob.
4 out of 5 starters. And he's proven to be a way better defender than Demar and Rudy.

It's disgusting that he can't get a proper chance. He plays a great game on both ends of the floor and gets DNP the very next game.
Literally the same thing happened to Lonnie and look at him now. Always passive because he's scared of making mistakes.

How can a young player develop if he's not given a proper chance? Or we expect him to be amazing every time he enters the game. That's really hard to do if you're sitting most of your games.

[look_at_g_shred]

He's definitely better than DJ, Demar, Keldon and Jakob.
4 out of 5 starters. And he's proven to be a way better defender than Demar and Rudy.

It's disgusting that he can't get a proper chance. He plays a great game on both ends of the floor and gets DNP the very next game.
Literally the same thing happened to Lonnie and look at him now. Always passive because he's scared of making mistakes.

How can a young player develop if he's not given a proper chance? Or we expect him to be amazing every time he enters the game. That's really hard to do if you're sitting most of your games.
The perfect post doesn't exis.........

[Ocotillo]

Why do people assume Luka is a good three point shooter right now? Does not make sense.

He has three point range is the more accurate statement. Whether he is good or not, we don't have enough floor time to have any idea what his percentage would be at this point in time.

[SpursDynasty85]

He's definitely better than DJ, Demar, Keldon and Jakob.
4 out of 5 starters. And he's proven to be a way better defender than Demar and Rudy.

It's disgusting that he can't get a proper chance. He plays a great game on both ends of the floor and gets DNP the very next game.
Literally the same thing happened to Lonnie and look at him now. Always passive because he's scared of making mistakes.

How can a young player develop if he's not given a proper chance? Or we expect him to be amazing every time he enters the game. That's really hard to do if you're sitting most of your games.

I've seen plenty of minutes of him playing in the G League. He really is not ready to play. Trey is definitely the better player at this point imo but it looks like somewhere along the last few weeks they are both ready to part ways so Luka is finally playing over Trey. If anything it appears they are trying to build his confidence up and have him ready to contribute when he does play. IMO he would be exposed pretty bad if he plays regular NBA minutes. Hopefully next year he can play his way into the rotation or even starting lineup.

[exstatic]

He's definitely better than DJ, Demar, Keldon and Jakob.
4 out of 5 starters. And he's proven to be a way better defender than Demar and Rudy.

It's disgusting that he can't get a proper chance. He plays a great game on both ends of the floor and gets DNP the very next game.
Literally the same thing happened to Lonnie and look at him now. Always passive because he's scared of making mistakes.

How can a young player develop if he's not given a proper chance? Or we expect him to be amazing every time he enters the game. That's really hard to do if you're sitting most of your games.

His 3pt % is lower than 7 rotation players. Devin .412 17mpg. Luka .320 9mpg. It’s not fucking rocket science.

[mo7888]

His 3pt % is lower than 7 rotation players. Devin .412 17mpg. Luka .320 9mpg. It’s not fucking rocket science.

Small sample size in garbage time...it doesn't mean much at this juncture..

[exstatic]

Small sample size in garbage time...it doesn't mean much at this juncture..

Small bubble sample size of 8 games propelled Keldon from garbage time to the SL. It’s not like Devin is getting huge burn, either. If I’m picking a hill-to die on, right now, it’s not Luka, it’s Devin. Monday, the Spurs were on the break, and he was running up the left side, waving for the ball. DJ penetrated the 3pt arc, and whipped a pass to him, and he nailed a long bomb. He WANTS the ball.

Luka is just so fucking passive, and that doesn’t work in his favor. Just look at his last game log. 10 minutes, one rebound, one TO. Zero shots attempted. Zero FTs attempted. That’s not going to get you minutes, and he won’t get them until he shows that he will make them count. Carpe Diem, basketball style.

[LeBowen]

I've seen plenty of minutes of him playing in the G League. He really is not ready to play. Trey is definitely the better player at this point imo but it looks like somewhere along the last few weeks they are both ready to part ways so Luka is finally playing over Trey. If anything it appears they are trying to build his confidence up and have him ready to contribute when he does play. IMO he would be exposed pretty bad if he plays regular NBA minutes. Hopefully next year he can play his way into the rotation or even starting lineup.


I also thought he wasn't ready, but whenever he played this season, he impressed. Beyond every expectation.
Most importantly, not only that he looked like he can hold his own on defense, he looked like a great defender. Sure, there were some breakdowns because of bad rotations here and there, but he can keep up with almost anyone and not even Randle could bully him.

On the other hand, we have Rudy who can't guard a traffic cone and even when he scores 15, he gives it all up on the other end.

I can't buy the confidence story, not after what we've seen this season. He plays great, Pop even talks about how he earned his minutes...and then he sits the next 5 games.

As for shooting, small sample size as already said.
Idk why you mention Devin because he'll probably be the best shooter on the team in a couple of years. I just mentioned players who legit don't want to shoot 3s. Not even when wide open. And we're starting 4 of them.

And then you have a positive 6'11 defender who'll at least shoot it when asked to sitting on the bench. My question is what do we have to lose by playing him?

[objective]

Small sample size in garbage time...it doesn't mean much at this juncture..

If you need a larger sample size, look at his entire European professional career. If I recall right he shot like garbage in Europe as well.

But I do like that for now he seems to be a willing shooter.

[GAustex]

Luka I wish would let the shots fly from three
He is tall enough to get the shot off. His form is good. He looks like Bertrans a bit. What is the problem. Pull the trigger

[cd98]

I want Luka to succeed as much as anyone. But if anyone here is saying he's better than any of our starters, they are way off in my opinion. Luka has nice attributes for a player, but he has not shown that he can consistently perform given minutes and that he is ready to have a role other than to stand in the corner. Vassell does the same thing on offense when he plays. Luka is nowhere near the scorer that DDR is and to be honest, he's behind every starter we have. If the Spurs want to make the playoffs, and they do, then Luke is going to struggle to get minutes because there are more reliable players on the team. I'd love for Luka to get minutes and a larger role in the offense to see what he can do, but I can acknowledge that there is no way to do that without conceding the playoffs. I'm all for tanking to get a real star in the lottery, but the Spurs are not tanking.

[EasyMoney]

I don't understand why coaches just DNP players when they have already shown their potential. Nick nurse randomly DNPs Chris boucher. Mike Malone used to DNP Michael porter Jr.

Frustrating as a fan.

Luka and devin should be getting minimum 10 minutes a game.

[mo7888]

Small bubble sample size of 8 games propelled Keldon from garbage time to the SL. It’s not like Devin is getting huge burn, either. If I’m picking a hill-to die on, right now, it’s not Luka, it’s Devin. Monday, the Spurs were on the break, and he was running up the left side, waving for the ball. DJ penetrated the 3pt arc, and whipped a pass to him, and he nailed a long bomb. He WANTS the ball.

Luka is just so fucking passive, and that doesn’t work in his favor. Just look at his last game log. 10 minutes, one rebound, one TO. Zero shots attempted. Zero FTs attempted. That’s not going to get you minutes, and he won’t get them until he shows that he will make them count. Carpe Diem, basketball style.

Luka has taken 25 3's and Devin has taken 85 3's....that a pretty big difference... I'm not taking either guy on my hill to die on but, if I'm looking for a solid pro with high floor I'll take Devin but, I know he's doesn't have the talent to be a franchise guy.... Luka does but he also has the potential to wash out..... what you see as passive I see as pouting because he isn't getting his opportunities (or at least his opportunities aren't consistent)...when pop played him for a few games in the regular rotation he looked really good....

[mo7888]

If you need a larger sample size, look at his entire European professional career. If I recall right he shot like garbage in Europe as well.

But I do like that for now he seems to be a willing shooter.

He was a teenager in Europe and he regularly got abused by grown men playing the position...now he's put on muscle and is filling out.... he needs to be developed by getting consistent minutes at the 4... that's really all it comes down to..

[exstatic]

He was a teenager in Europe and he regularly got abused by grown men playing the position...now he's put on muscle and is filling out.... he needs to be developed by getting consistent minutes at the 4... that's really all it comes down to..
That’s a pretty flimsy excuse for poor 3pt shooting. No one is abusing him on the perimeter.

[exstatic]

Luka has taken 25 3's and Devin has taken 85 3's....that a pretty big difference... I'm not taking either guy on my hill to die on but, if I'm looking for a solid pro with high floor I'll take Devin but, I know he's doesn't have the talent to be a franchise guy.... Luka does but he also has the potential to wash out..... what you see as passive I see as pouting because he isn't getting his opportunities (or at least his opportunities aren't consistent)...when pop played him for a few games in the regular rotation he looked really good....

no one thought a kawhi was all world as a rookie. I’ve already seen Devin adding things to his game this year, with no summer league, training camp, or practices to speak of.

Pouting won’t get you minutes from Pop. I worry about his intellectual capacity if he hasn’t picked that up yet, after nearly two years.

[mo7888]

That’s a pretty flimsy excuse for poor 3pt shooting. No one is abusing him on the perimeter.

It's not a excuse for 3 pt shooting...it's an excuse for being intimidated in a league his body hadn't caught up to at that point.

[mo7888]

no one thought a kawhi was all world as a rookie. I’ve already seen Devin adding things to his game this year, with no summer league, training camp, or practices to speak of.

Pouting won’t get you minutes from Pop. I worry about his intellectual capacity if he hasn’t picked that up yet, after nearly two years.

I agree that his intellectual capacity is a concern....I think his desire is also a concern....the talent is there but those things will have to be born out on the court if he's to reach his potential. I will add though that his desire and intellectual capacity looked just fine for the few games in a row that pop played him consistently..... it was pop who said he had 'earned minutes' and then stopped giving him those minutes....that's not the best way to inspire or build up the confidence of any individual.

[PhantomDashCam]

I wouldn't put a ceiling on Vassell, it's just too early to say how good he can be.

The big thing for me about Luka is he has shown an aptitude to be a solid perimeter threat and is willing to take the shot this season. There in lies half the battle.
DDR and KJ (and to a lesser extent, DJ) for all their improvements and good qualities, still routinely pass up open 3s or worse hesitate and then take the shot, in DDR's case often a loooong 2.

Taking good high quality shots, an ability to attack a close out and not to mention the old adage - "You can't teach size"; suggests in theory Luka would be an immediate upgrade at times, though admittedly the Spurs will have to live with some mistakes and botched rotations.
But the flip-side to this is, for me, is evident.

Speaking Defensively, As an example - Watch the 4th Q of the last King's game - Patty rotates correctly to cover the lane but is just too small to lend assistance or stop a deep paint catch. Again Patty made the right play from a positioning stand point and fundamental basketball point of view. The outcome though was/is inevitable on possessions you play undersized, in this case with a trio of DJ, DW and PM (2 of the 3 positions).

Luka is still a big unknown, without question. (I thought heading into the season he was still a year away from receiving any valuable minutes). However, with Lyles out of the rotation seemingly for good and Rudy's status beyond the season in doubt,
let's roll the dice Spurs - we might just "re-bubble" ourselves into relevance.

[exstatic]

It's not a excuse for 3 pt shooting...it's an excuse for being intimidated in a league his body hadn't caught up to at that point.

The post you replied to, the one I quoted, was specifically targeted to crappy shooting.

[objective]

He was a teenager in Europe and he regularly got abused by grown men playing the position...now he's put on muscle and is filling out.... he needs to be developed by getting consistent minutes at the 4... that's really all it comes down to..

He shot 29% in 2 years of the Barcelona youth teams before moving to Union Olimpija for the year before his draft.

Kids or grown men, he's shot poorly.

[BackHome]

That’s a pretty flimsy excuse for poor 3pt shooting. No one is abusing him on the perimeter.

Man you act like he is starting every game and getting major minutes HE Is Not so how can you judge someone who very rarely gets more then 5 minutes a game? I am not saying he is the best shooter in the team I am saying he is one of the more talented players on this team. He sat last year did what he had to do hit the weight room cleaned up his act and this year he did great in the G League - When he did play major minutes he actually did very well only to then be benched by Poop which makes no sense since LMA is gone - You can’t get better at any sport unless your actually playing against competition - Play Luka and win - Sit Luka and Tank - I guess it’s a win win

[Texas_Ranger]

if only he'd get as many minutes and chances as the loser Devin Vassell gets.

[BackHome]

Every time I look at Vassell box score it always seems to show he scored 3pts like every time am I imagining it?

[slick'81]

He aint getting run as long as gay is breathing

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

no excuse now not to give vassel, samanaic, even tre some serious burn the rest of the year. like 20+mpg every night.

this team isn't making the playoffs much less making any noise with its current rotations

[longhorn]

no excuse now not to give vassel, samanaic, even tre some serious burn the rest of the year. like 20+mpg every night.

this team isn't making the playoffs much less making any noise with its current rotations

The excuse is that this team seems unwilling to call a spade a spade and set their sights on the future of this franchise. We'd rather give minutes to the Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, Gorgui Dieng, and Drew Eubanks of the world than let the guys who we spent draft capital on play minutes in order to learn, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes.

This FO would rather hold on to guys who we know aren't in our future plans--and then buy them out mid-season to go ring chase--than trade them when they have a semblance of value.

Find me one guy who was picked in the 1st round and had their development slow-walked like Pop has Luka, Lonnie, etc. and ended up becoming a All Star level player. I literally don't think there is an example of this "strategy" working.

Especially considering there pretty much is no D-League this year, and we are an early first round exit at best, Pop giving minutes to guys in their mid to late 30s at the expense of the youth is genuinely inexcusable.

Somehow this franchise which was for two decades plus championship oriented has decided the ultimate goal is literally just making the playoffs. It's an insult to the fans.

[Dverde]

Yup, Halliburton would be on the bench getting 10 minutes a game.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

The excuse is that this team seems unwilling to call a spade a spade and set their sights on the future of this franchise. We'd rather give minutes to the Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, Gorgui Dieng, and Drew Eubanks of the world than let the guys who we spent draft capital on play minutes in order to learn, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes.

This FO would rather hold on to guys who we know aren't in our future plans--and then buy them out mid-season to go ring chase--than trade them when they have a semblance of value.

Find me one guy who was picked in the 1st round and had their development slow-walked like Pop has Luka, Lonnie, etc. and ended up becoming a All Star level player. I literally don't think there is an example of this "strategy" working.

Especially considering there pretty much is no D-League this year, and we are an early first round exit at best, Pop giving minutes to guys in their mid to late 30s at the expense of the youth is genuinely inexcusable.

Somehow this franchise which was for two decades plus championship oriented has decided the ultimate goal is literally just making the playoffs. It's an insult to the fans.

i understand and am in favour of the argument that losing is for losers, and you can't become a winner by losing.

that being said, "win now" mode for Spurs means losing. so let's acknowledge reality and play the next generation to see if we have any real winners

(i also have the greatest respect for Pop. and that's what makes me scared -- maybe he sees the youngest guns (luke jr, vassell, tre, etc.), and knows right away none of them are going to have a major impact, so he figures might as well not waste time trying to play them)

[Texas_Ranger]

Pop would make doncic a stand in a corner spot up shooter...in his 2nd or 3rd year. Hed have to watch and learn from Rudy first.

[siraulo23]

i mean pop gave him a good 6 min stretch, he didnt really take advantage, he looked lost

[BackHome]

i understand and am in favour of the argument that losing is for losers, and you can't become a winner by losing.

that being said, "win now" mode for Spurs means losing. so let's acknowledge reality and play the next generation to see if we have any real winners

(i also have the greatest respect for Pop. and that's what makes me scared -- maybe he sees the youngest guns (luke jr, vassell, tre, etc.), and knows right away none of them are going to have a major impact, so he figures might as well not waste time trying to play them)

Well hell Poop picked them so he either sucks as a talent advisor or he sucks as a coach or he sucks at both? Which one you wanna pick?

[exstatic]

if only he'd get as many minutes and chances as the loser Devin Vassell gets.

He will, just as soon as he shoots 40% from three, and defends. :lol

[EasyMoney]

Didn't really have much to write home about. Of course. Rudy didn't make things any better by icing him out..

[PrimeMinister]

So I see we’re doing that yearly thing where a young player has a breakout performance, rides the bench for an extended period of time while the team loses ball games, he returns to the rotation having not played in weeks and looks lost.

Not gonna fault Luka for that one. Pop has to force failure upon his young players when they don’t bring it upon themselves. Part of the humbling process or some crap.

I wouldn’t mind it so much if we didn’t have to rehash this circular conversation every year.

[exstatic]

i mean pop gave him a good 6 min stretch, he didnt really take advantage, he looked lost

He was terrible in 10 minutes the game before, but don’t confuse them with facts.

[Truth4sale$]

Sadly, Spurs will go into the offseason looking for a power forward, because they dont know what they have in Luka.

[PrimeMinister]

He was terrible in 10 minutes the game before, but don’t confuse them with facts.

breakout game——->DNPs——>scattered minutes where player doesn’t look comfortable—->this conversation

a yearly tradition for spurs fans

[mo7888]

breakout game——->DNPs——>scattered minutes where player doesn’t look comfortable—->this conversation

a yearly tradition for spurs fans

Exactly.... this shouldn't be hard to understand...

[exstatic]

Minutes aren’t awarded, they’re earned. Seems like we have THIS conversation every year, too. As bad as he was last night, he was still better than he was in the 10 minute game. Trey lyes had been perma benched for the same floating around on the court, do nothing play.

[mo7888]

Minutes aren’t awarded, they’re earned. Seems like we have THIS conversation every year, too. As bad as he was last night, he was still better than he was in the 10 minute game. Trey lyes had been perma benched for the same floating around on the court, do nothing play.

Bullshit.... he already earned minutes...his coach said so publicly....then his coach didn't give them.... that's tears down confidence and hurts a players ability to continue at that level....

[BackHome]

He will, just as soon as he shoots 40% from three, and defends. :lol

Dude DEROZZ doesn’t do either of the two and he gets major minutes so what’s your point?

[exstatic]

Dude DEROZZ doesn’t do either of the two and he gets major minutes so what’s your point?

And he’s roundly scorned on this board, probably the player most STers want to get rid of, DeRozan ball isn’t winning ball, so why would you want to perpetuate that by “developing” young players by just letting them run up and down the court, exerting effort when they feel like it?

One of the draft red flags on Samanic was attitude and effort. You don’t reward lack of those two things with minutes.

[exstatic]

Bullshit.... he already earned minutes...his coach said so publicly....then his coach didn't give them.... that's tears down confidence and hurts a players ability to continue at that level....

Earning minutes is a game to game thing, especially for a young player with effort and attitude red flags. He took Pop’s complement, and promptly shit the bed the next game, by running around like a headless cjicken for 10 minutes.

[SpursDynasty85]

if only he'd get as many minutes and chances as the loser Devin Vassell gets.

Vassell is way more ready than Samanic. Pop is playing his best players every game. Rookies need to earn their playing time in practice.

[LeBowen]

Vassell is way more ready than Samanic. Pop is playing his best players every game. Rookies need to earn their playing time in practice.

Pop, is that you? :lmao

When Rudy was out, Luka was in rotation for 3 straight games.

Nets: 8/5 in 16 minutes.
Knicks: 14/7 in 20 minutes, with amazing defense on Randle.
OKC: 9/7 in 19 minutes.

Rudy returns and Luka plays nothing but garbage minutes ever since.
Pop's second favorite vet averages 10/4 in 20mpg, 38% shooting over the next 10 games. With some of the worst defense we've ever seen anyone play in Spurs uniform.

Now you tell me how is a young player supposed to feel?

I'm honestly sick of all the "Pop coaches everyone equally, who am I if he yells on Tim Duncan stories".
Maybe that was true once upon a time, but right now it's nothing but pure bs created by mainstream media.

Patty, Demar and Rudy play atrocious defense every single game. Awful closeouts, missed rotations, getting torched on pnr, not boxing out and so on. Every single fucking game. Have you ever seen Pop yell at any of the 3? I haven't. He's gone soft and senile.
But young guys have to walk on eggshells every single fucking game because they're so scared of making mistakes. Then Pop does his favorite thing, the quick sub out to have his "teaching moments" that look good on TV. Fuck him, tbh.

How are the young guys supposed to respond if 3 supposed leaders of the team play half-assed defense and just keep chucking the team out of games? Sorry to disappoint you, but none of our young guys are future superstars and you can't expect them to take games over in such a dysfunctional enviroment.

Rookies need to earn playing time in practice. :pop:

GTFOH with that bs, everyone who has a working set of eyes can see who's the problem.

[SpursDynasty85]

Pop, is that you? :lmao

When Rudy was out, Luka was in rotation for 3 straight games.

Nets: 8/5 in 16 minutes.
Knicks: 14/7 in 20 minutes, with amazing defense on Randle.
OKC: 9/7 in 19 minutes.

Rudy returns and Luka plays nothing but garbage minutes ever since.
Pop's second favorite vet averages 10/4 in 20mpg, 38% shooting over the next 10 games. With some of the worst defense we've ever seen anyone play in Spurs uniform.

Now you tell me how is a young player supposed to feel?

I'm honestly sick of all the "Pop coaches everyone equally, who am I if he yells on Tim Duncan stories".
Maybe that was true once upon a time, but right now it's nothing but pure bs created by mainstream media.

Patty, Demar and Rudy play atrocious defense every single game. Awful closeouts, missed rotations, getting torched on pnr, not boxing out and so on. Every single fucking game. Have you ever seen Pop yell at any of the 3? I haven't. He's gone soft and senile.
But young guys have to walk on eggshells every single fucking game because they're so scared of making mistakes. Then Pop does his favorite thing, the quick sub out to have his "teaching moments" that look good on TV. Fuck him, tbh.

How are the young guys supposed to respond if 3 supposed leaders of the team play half-assed defense and just keep chucking the team out of games? Sorry to disappoint you, but none of our young guys are future superstars and you can't expect them to take games over in such a dysfunctional enviroment.

Rookies need to earn playing time in practice. :pop:

GTFOH with that bs, everyone who has a working set of eyes can see who's the problem.

3 games is a great way to make judgements on players vs coaches who see them about 30-50 hours out of the week. Pretty sure this year, it's about a style of play and whoever is the better player in practice. Pretty sure Patty, Gay, and Derozan are the best players in practice and a lot of times on the actual game time floor too.

[GAustex]

Would be surprised if poop has not totally lost Luka and Lonnie and is in danger of losing the entire team.
The administration of this team is really bad-incompetently bad

[koriwhat]

The excuse is that this team seems unwilling to call a spade a spade and set their sights on the future of this franchise. We'd rather give minutes to the Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, Gorgui Dieng, and Drew Eubanks of the world than let the guys who we spent draft capital on play minutes in order to learn, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes.

This FO would rather hold on to guys who we know aren't in our future plans--and then buy them out mid-season to go ring chase--than trade them when they have a semblance of value.

Find me one guy who was picked in the 1st round and had their development slow-walked like Pop has Luka, Lonnie, etc. and ended up becoming a All Star level player. I literally don't think there is an example of this "strategy" working.

Especially considering there pretty much is no D-League this year, and we are an early first round exit at best, Pop giving minutes to guys in their mid to late 30s at the expense of the youth is genuinely inexcusable.

Somehow this franchise which was for two decades plus championship oriented has decided the ultimate goal is literally just making the playoffs. It's an insult to the fans.

Welcome to the beginning of the 90's bro! Now let's go get kicked out of the PO's in the 1st rnd by Portland like we used to do every year when I was a kid... Smdh

[LeBowen]

3 games is a great way to make judgements on players vs coaches who see them about 30-50 hours out of the week. Pretty sure this year, it's about a style of play and whoever is the better player in practice. Pretty sure Patty, Gay, and Derozan are the best players in practice and a lot of times on the actual game time floor too.

He literally closed a game out with Patty and Rudy when they were 1-15 combined.
You need a reality check, idk what else to tell you.

[spurraider21]

Step 1: Don't give younger players minutes to develop through growing pains

Step 2: Maybe reach playoffs

Step 3: Don't let those younger players get run in the playoffs because "they're not ready" thanks to their lack of earlier playing time

[SpursDynasty85]

He literally closed a game out with Patty and Rudy when they were 1-15 combined.
You need a reality check, idk what else to tell you.

How many games have Patty and Rudy kept us in and/or closed us out?

[LeBowen]

How many games have Patty and Rudy kept us in and/or closed us out?

For every one of those, they had 3 awful games.
Not to mention how even when they're hot, they give most of those points right back on defense.
Most games we won came down to opponents missing their open shots.

[mo7888]

Earning minutes is a game to game thing, especially for a young player with effort and attitude red flags. He took Pop’s complement, and promptly shit the bed the next game, by running around like a headless cjicken for 10 minutes.

That's not true either....he played 19, 24,17, 20, 19 minutes in consecutive games....then 1....then 6........ he didn't 'shit the bed' until after Pop pulled his bs....his effort and attitude was just fine until Pop started screwing with it...

[Dejounte]

Is exstatic trolling people? You were one of the most loyal and most patient of all Luka supporters.

[exstatic]

The 10 minutes was the kicker. His effort was so awful, the he didn’t get his second half minutes. One rebound. One turn over. Zero shot attempts. Zero FT attempts. Invisible.

Did you cry this hard for Tony when he was being benched as a youngster, including during the Finals?

[exstatic]

Is exstatic trolling people? You were one of the most loyal and most patient of all Luka supporters.

I see both his high ceiling, and his basement level floor, and have always been wary of his red flags.

If Pop didn’t push him, he’d be an NBA player, poor defense, so he’d probably top out at something like 10/6, because his shooting and defense wouldn’t keep him on the floor. He could consistently eat that 20 minutes, though, and be a decent rotation piece.

[mo7888]

The 10 minutes was the kicker. His effort was so awful, the he didn’t get his second half minutes. One rebound. One turn over. Zero shot attempts. Zero FT attempts. Invisible.

Did you cry this hard for Tony when he was being benched as a youngster, including during the Finals?

There was no 10 minutes game when he was getting consistent minutes... there was a 9 minute game (which I assume you're referring to) but it was after Pop had stopped playing him consistently.

And as far as Tony goes.... it's not comparable to contrast benching him in the finals to this team....that team was very good...this team sucks..if we were contending it would matter if we played Luka...no one would care..

[Texas_Ranger]

The 10 minutes was the kicker. His effort was so awful, the he didn’t get his second half minutes. One rebound. One turn over. Zero shot attempts. Zero FT attempts. Invisible.

Did you cry this hard for Tony when he was being benched as a youngster, including during the Finals?

these stats remind me of Vassell, just that he has 3 missed shots in that time.

[EasyMoney]

I want to see what he can do with 15 minutes a game. Every game. For the rest of the season. Now 4 minutes every 5 games.

[GB20]

Step 1: Don't give younger players minutes to develop through growing pains

Step 2: Maybe reach playoffs

Step 3: Don't let those younger players get run in the playoffs because "they're not ready" thanks to their lack of earlier playing time
Exactly!! Pop did the same shit with Tiago Spliter. What is the point getting a lottery pick player, Pop won’t play him in his first three years.

[Dejounte]

Exactly!! Pop did the same shit with Tiago Spliter. What is the point getting a lottery pick player, Pop won’t play him in his first three years.

1) Luka wasn't a lottery pick player
2) Vassell is and is playing in his first year.

[GB20]

1) Luka wasn't a lottery pick player
2) Vassell is and is playing in his first year.
What about Lonnie walker?

[Dejounte]

What about Lonnie walker?

Bro, Lonnie wasn't a lottery pick either lol

[GB20]

Bro, Lonnie wasn't a lottery pick either lol
Let put it this way, who is playing more minutes vassel or that rookie from Sacramento kings?

[GB20]

What pissed me of is Pop doesn’t play young guys enough minutes.

[Dejounte]

Let put it this way, who is playing more minutes vassel or that rookie from Sacramento kings?

I mean, Hali is a much better player right now. This is oranges to apples. What if I went back to you and said this:

Who is playing more minutes, Vassell or that rookie from the Phoenix Suns (drafted before Vassell)?

[GB20]

I mean, Hali is a much better player right now. This is oranges to apples. What if I went back to you and said this:

Who is playing more minutes, Vassell or that rookie from the Phoenix Suns (drafted before Vassell)?
I agree with your point but all I want is for pop to give Luka minutes and develop him.

[Dejounte]

I agree with your point but all I want is for pop to give Luka minutes and develop him.

Trust me, I do too.

Part of what lowered the frustration for me is knowing the team I root for.

The Spurs taking their time with *some* young players is what they have always done in the past. For them not to do so would be out of character.

So I look forward to what I know the Spurs DO that excites me: if this season continues the way it does then I know the Spurs will have a chance to get a player they like in the draft and I also know the players who are in the way of younger plays right now will be gone. This is the same coach who pushed LMA out of the rotation and off this team because he was a detriment on the court. As a coach, you can't do that to all your players (Rudy, Mills, DeMar) or else you'll run out of players on your roster. I can see it, you can see it. It's just taking as long as it usually does for those players to leave this team. The offseason will be an interesting one, and next season will be too.

[Sugus]

So I see we’re doing that yearly thing where a young player has a breakout performance, rides the bench for an extended period of time while the team loses ball games, he returns to the rotation having not played in weeks and looks lost.

Not gonna fault Luka for that one. Pop has to force failure upon his young players when they don’t bring it upon themselves. Part of the humbling process or some crap.

I wouldn’t mind it so much if we didn’t have to rehash this circular conversation every year.

I'm getting flashbacks of arguing with bonzos in here on Lonnie and Pop doing this exact same shit on him.

"But don't you see! When Lonnie gets a random 5m garbage time stretch after not playing the last 3-5 games, he doesn't immediately put up 10 points! He sucks!", or "He sucks so much at practices that Pop doesn't want to throw the actual games away by playing him!", or "Pop is teaching him humbleness by not gifting him minutes, seeing Belinelli make countless mistakes on the court will teach him by example not to make them!", or my favorite, "Pop's just waiting for Lonnie to learn the ropes from the vets, and then he WILL UNLEASH Lonnie! You gotta wait for him to develop in the sidelines!".

Complete bullshit. Yet another season of over-reliance on vets (and awful vets at that), whilst squandering the development of the prospects who might lift the franchise once again in the future, but probably won't ever get the chance to do so. Now we're left with the final act of "Pop's Developmental Program"........ Luka coming in next season, afraid to make mistakes when he is given minutes after all the shit he's gone through, and people telling me "You see! He's just a pussy/beta/trash! He was never good or going to develop, that's why Pop didn't play him! It's Luka's fault!".

Can't wait. :bang

[C-Dub]

Rudy did not have to make it so obvious on that one play where he literally grabbed Luka and made it really obvious in a meaningful way and pulled/pushed Luka to the corner to defend the 3. Luka may have been lost on that defensive assignment but you know what, Rudy misses defensive assignment all the time. How would Rudy feel if Luka or any other teammate for that matter, was to do it to him. Luka should be playing more and most of us know this and I'm sure his teammates and assistant coaches realize it as well. Luka and LW4 should do what's best for them and leave when they become free agents. D. White should be handling the ball more. Patty should not be closing games unless we're down and need a few 3's to try and make the game close. Please don't resign DDR. Let Rudy walk after this season. Resign Patty to the vet minimum and cut his minutes to about 12 mpg and get him ready to become an assistant coach. Hope that Pop breaks the all time winning record by next season so that he can retire and Becky takes over after next season.

[exstatic]

these stats remind me of Vassell, just that he has 3 missed shots in that time.

Well, that would mean that he PUT UP THREE SHOTS. I’m guessing you’re also maybe overlooking some other stuff like rebounds, steals, maybe the odd assist. It’s shameful to call yourself an NBA player and nearly put up a line of zeros in ten minutes. The only time I was this shocked at any young player was looking at a Bulls box score back in the day, seeing Eddy Curry, who WAS a lottery pick, play 30+ and not grab one single fucking rebound.

[exstatic]

There was no 10 minutes game when he was getting consistent minutes... there was a 9 minute game (which I assume you're referring to) but it was after Pop had stopped playing him consistently.

And as far as Tony goes.... it's not comparable to contrast benching him in the finals to this team....that team was very good...this team sucks..if we were contending it would matter if we played Luka...no one would care..

Pop doesn’t just want to create NBA players. Any fool can do that. He wants to create really good two way NBA players. If your attitude is that we’re not a contender, and probably just a borderline playoff team, so we should just give unproven players minutes regardless, well, congratulations, you’re well on your way to creating the new Sacramento Kings.

The arrogance on this board is astounding. You say that PATFO only does one thing well, player development, and then you proceed to say that you would be better at it, and know more of what should be done.

[exstatic]

Rudy did not have to make it so obvious on that one play where he literally grabbed Luka and made it really obvious in a meaningful way and pulled/pushed Luka to the corner to defend the 3. Luka may have been lost on that defensive assignment but you know what, Rudy misses defensive assignment all the time. How would Rudy feel if Luka or any other teammate for that matter, was to do it to him. Luka should be playing more and most of us know this and I'm sure his teammates and assistant coaches realize it as well. Luka and LW4 should do what's best for them and leave when they become free agents. D. White should be handling the ball more. Patty should not be closing games unless we're down and need a few 3's to try and make the game close. Please don't resign DDR. Let Rudy walk after this season. Resign Patty to the vet minimum and cut his minutes to about 12 mpg and get him ready to become an assistant coach. Hope that Pop breaks the all time winning record by next season so that he can retire and Becky takes over after next season.

Rudy did what vets do. He always knows his rotations, but is not the athlete he used to be, so is sometimes late. If he does blow one, you can believe he hears about it from Pop.

Lonnie is getting plenty of time when healthy. He’ll sign an extension next summer. Luka may sign one the following summer, or he may not. He’s not really the Spursy type. That entitlement red flag may rear its ugly head. Spurs may also only be able to play one of he and Keldon.

We agree on everything I bolded above. Patty won’t sign for minimum, though, and he stated in the bubble that he’s not interested in coaching.

[Ice009]

We agree on everything I bolded above. Patty won’t sign for minimum, though, and he stated in the bubble that he’s not interested in coaching.

I'm glad you at least agree on all that stuff C-Dub mentioned, but I will ask, if Patty has said he's not interested in coaching and won't take a pay cut, why is he still on the Spurs? Why didn't they try to trade him? I think they could have gotten some value back for him. EricB says stuff that makes me feel like the Spurs FO thinks Patty walks on water and it makes me think they're going to pay him more money than he's worth to return. I really do not want him back. I don't think I even want him back at his pre-50mills contract anymore. I just want him gone.

Edit : not to completely shit on him, I will say, he was great in the 2014 playoffs in his limited role (he came up big for us, but he was also put in the correct role as the 8th guy on the team), and I also thought he played very good in the 2015 playoffs. In regard to the 2015 playoffs, I feel it's the same story as the youth of today that is on the team. Patty shot well and played well in limited minutes, yet he never got more court time and instead Pop played a hobbled Parker over him. Who knows what trajectory Mills would have taken if he played more that series and we won it due to him shooting lights out. It might have made him a different player. If he failed, the Spurs could have avoided the whole 50mills situation to begin with, but I thought he earned/deserved more minutes in that series with Parker being hurt, but again, Pop just doesn't play players whenever he feels like it. Sometimes, it doesn't seem like performance has anything to do with it.

[mo7888]

Pop doesn’t just want to create NBA players. Any fool can do that. He wants to create really good two way NBA players. If your attitude is that we’re not a contender, and probably just a borderline playoff team, so we should just give unproven players minutes regardless, well, congratulations, you’re well on your way to creating the new Sacramento Kings.

The arrogance on this board is astounding. You say that PATFO only does one thing well, player development, and then you proceed to say that you would be better at it, and know more of what should be done.

That makes no sense and is devoid of reality... you don't grasp human nature or the human psyche.... the choice isn't between being the Kings and being mediocre all the time...there are other choices...it's more nuanced than that. You're looking at this through the mind of an autistic individual....you see raw data but don't have the ability to process the human factor or the human psyche...

[Dejounte]

Rudy did what vets do. He always knows his rotations, but is not the athlete he used to be, so is sometimes late. If he does blow one, you can believe he hears about it from Pop.

Lonnie is getting plenty of time when healthy. He’ll sign an extension next summer. Luka may sign one the following summer, or he may not. He’s not really the Spursy type. That entitlement red flag may rear its ugly head. Spurs may also only be able to play one of he and Keldon.

We agree on everything I bolded above. Patty won’t sign for minimum, though, and he stated in the bubble that he’s not interested in coaching.

I think Luka's character concerns are being overstated. He's in a better place now than last season. Dude is embracing coffee gang and is laughing more with teammates this season than at any point last season.

[Dejounte]

I'm glad you at least agree on all that stuff C-Dub mentioned, but I will ask, if Patty has said he's not interested in coaching and won't take a pay cut, why is he still on the Spurs? Why didn't they try to trade him? I think they could have gotten some value back for him. EricB says stuff that makes me feel like the Spurs FO thinks Patty walks on water and it makes me think they're going to pay him more money than he's worth to return. I really do not want him back. I don't think I even want him back at his pre-50mills contract anymore. I just want him gone.

Edit : not to completely shit on him, I will say, he was great in the 2014 playoffs in his limited role (he came up big for us, but he was also put in the correct role as the 8th guy on the team), and I also thought he played very good in the 2015 playoffs. In regard to the 2015 playoffs, I feel it's the same story as the youth of today that is on the team. Patty shot well and played well in limited minutes, yet he never got more court time and instead Pop played a hobbled Parker over him. Who knows what trajectory Mills would have taken if he played more that series and we won it due to him shooting lights out. It might have made him a different player. If he failed, the Spurs could have avoided the whole 50mills situation to begin with, but I thought he earned/deserved more minutes in that series with Parker being hurt, but again, Pop just doesn't play players whenever he feels like it. Sometimes, it doesn't seem like performance has anything to do with it.

Patty at a reduced role where he's focused on being a microwave scorer is fine. The Patty now where he's relied on for all the scoring on the team is bad. I'm fine with him returning if he goes back to his initial role. Money isn't an issue to me if the Spurs get all the guys they plan on getting and Patty's contract isn't a hindrance to those plans. Patty can re-sign for $50 mil for all I care, as long as the Spurs get the guys they want. He can fuck off if he fucks with those plans.

[exstatic]

Patty at minimum isn’t a pay cut, it’s an insult. I can see the Spurs making a trade or two for two year contracts, and then signing Patty for two years at something below the MLE, a pay cut. He should not handle the ball, though. Strictly catch and shoot.

[Ice009]

Patty at minimum isn’t a pay cut, it’s an insult. I can see the Spurs making a trade or two for two year contracts, and then signing Patty for two years at something below the MLE, a pay cut. He should not handle the ball, though. Strictly catch and shoot.

I guess I could maybe live with that, but I really do think Mills is going to ask for more, and I am worried the Spurs will give it to him if they strike out in whatever plans they have. I am actually liking what you're saying in most of your posts this past day or so hearing your opinion on certain players/Spurs related things.

[exstatic]

Nah, Patty understands the score. Of all of the 30 somethingS, I think the younglings like and respect him the most, and he still has one high level NBA skill that is relevant in today’s NBA.

[rankingtear]

5 assist , I guess his playmaking he showed in his first summer league is coming back. Still a bad 3 point shooter though. Before anyone accuses pop of destroying his shooting , this was one of his weakness coming in the draft, RC admitted his shooting needs a lot of work.

[ace3g]

Based on Luka's latest IG story, he will have even more tats by the start of next season.

[BackHome]

Pop doesn’t just want to create NBA players. Any fool can do that. He wants to create really good two way NBA players. If your attitude is that we’re not a contender, and probably just a borderline playoff team, so we should just give unproven players minutes regardless, well, congratulations, you’re well on your way to creating the new Sacramento Kings.

The arrogance on this board is astounding. You say that PATFO only does one thing well, player development, and then you proceed to say that you would be better at it, and know more of what should be done.

Yeah Bryan Forbes was a "Really Good Two Way Player"........:lmao

[exstatic]

Yeah Bryan Forbes was a "Really Good Two Way Player"........:lmao

You’ll notice that he’s no longer here…

[ernest787]

I know there is a lot of Mills hate around here, but I wouldn't mind them bringing him back at the right $ amount. If Gay and DDR leave you have a really young team and it would be nice to have a veteran around that can continue to help the team. Patty seems to have a good relationship with a lot of the young players on the team and has ties to the last championship roster. I think Mills becomes every more important to keep around if Pop does retire.

[John B]

I know there is a lot of Mills hate around here, but I wouldn't mind them bringing him back at the right $ amount. If Gay and DDR leave you have a really young team and it would be nice to have a veteran around that can continue to help the team. Patty seems to have a good relationship with a lot of the young players on the team and has ties to the last championship roster. I think Mills becomes every more important to keep around if Pop does retire.
Mills is still relatively young at 32, and can still be very effective with a contender. I hope he stays, but that could mean a big salary cut on his part. It wouldn't be fair to him and his family if he stays.

[exstatic]

I know there is a lot of Mills hate around here, but I wouldn't mind them bringing him back at the right $ amount. If Gay and DDR leave you have a really young team and it would be nice to have a veteran around that can continue to help the team. Patty seems to have a good relationship with a lot of the young players on the team and has ties to the last championship roster. I think Mills becomes every more important to keep around if Pop does retire.

I’d honestly rather have Rudy stay. He’s always been a strong advocate for the youngsters, and didn’t fade down the stretch like Patty did.

[rjv]

I'd be perfectly happy if Rudy stays. Hell, he nutted up in the play-in game, unlike Demar. Patty, only if in a very reduced role and salary.

[Seventyniner]

I’d honestly rather have Rudy stay. He’s always been a strong advocate for the youngsters, and didn’t fade down the stretch like Patty did.

I agree. He also isn't a guard. The Spurs are rather thin in the frontcourt.

[rjv]

of course, keeping rudy won't be easy; there are some contenders that could seriously use someone like rudy-and i wouldn't blame him for trying to get a shot at a ring.

[Atl Spur]

Rudy is a relic, I’d say move on! Time to pull off the bandaid.

[offset formation]

Anyone see that team photo? Luka is the second tallest player behind Poeltl and it's fairly close. Clearly he kept growing the way the Spurs had hoped. He's every bit of 6'10 or taller now.

He has so much potential that just needs to be unleashed. What is he going to be next year 21 or 22? And this off-season will be his first full training camp with the big boys? Should see exponential growth.

And I could easily see him be our best player by the end of the year and average a double double with say something like 18/10 with sufficient minutes. by the time he's 25 he could be a 25+ and 12 guy that has the occasional triple dub.

He's our future. Should be clear to everybody. He'll be Pop's going away present to all Spurfandom.

[Texas_Ranger]

Anyone see that team photo? Luka is the second tallest player behind Poeltl and it's fairly close. Clearly he kept growing the way the Spurs had hoped. He's every bit of 6'10 or taller now.

He has so much potential that just needs to be unleashed. What is he going to be next year 21 or 22? And this off-season will be his first full training camp with the big boys? Should see exponential growth.

And I could easily see him be our best player by the end of the year and average a double double with say something like 18/10 with sufficient minutes. by the time he's 25 he could be a 25+ and 12 guy that has the occasional triple dub.

He's our future. Should be clear to everybody. He'll be Pop's going away present to all Spurfandom.

he will average 18/10, but not on the Spurs. I expect Pop to have him on the bench once again.

[toki9]

Anyone see that team photo? Luka is the second tallest player behind Poeltl and it's fairly close. Clearly he kept growing the way the Spurs had hoped. He's every bit of 6'10 or taller now.

He has so much potential that just needs to be unleashed. What is he going to be next year 21 or 22? And this off-season will be his first full training camp with the big boys? Should see exponential growth.

And I could easily see him be our best player by the end of the year and average a double double with say something like 18/10 with sufficient minutes. by the time he's 25 he could be a 25+ and 12 guy that has the occasional triple dub.

He's our future. Should be clear to everybody. He'll be Pop's going away present to all Spurfandom.

This one? https://mobile.twitter.com/spurs/status/1397560655075553287/photo/1

Lyles is listed at 6'9", Poeltl at 7'1", Dieng at 6'10" and Eubanks at 6'9".

[John B]

This one? https://mobile.twitter.com/spurs/status/1397560655075553287/photo/1

Lyles is listed at 6'9", Poeltl at 7'1", Dieng at 6'10" and Eubanks at 6'9".

And looking very buff. I mean I don't think he would be a great defender with his 6'10.5" wingspan, but I still rather him or Dieng or both in the C/PF position than Poeltl, again moving Keldon to SF position.

[ernest787]

I’d honestly rather have Rudy stay. He’s always been a strong advocate for the youngsters, and didn’t fade down the stretch like Patty did.

I'm ok with either or potentially both coming back if the money is right. I went with mills though bc I think there might be a bigger market for Rudy and he may want to go play for a contender to get a ring.

[dbestpro]

I am in the camp of wanting Rudy gone. Ball just disappears when passed to him. We use to to go from a good shot to a great shot but with Rudy it goes froma good shot to a not so good shot.

[spurraider21]

replace rudy with Larry Nance Jr

[offset formation]

replace rudy with Larry Nance Jr

Rudy carries our O in our 2nd or 3rd unit at times. Nance is the second coming of Poeltl.

[Trill Clinton]

He needs to spend time with a sports psychologist this off-season tbh.

[alfahdlan]

Anyone see that team photo? Luka is the second tallest player behind Poeltl and it's fairly close. Clearly he kept growing the way the Spurs had hoped. He's every bit of 6'10 or taller now.

He has so much potential that just needs to be unleashed. What is he going to be next year 21 or 22? And this off-season will be his first full training camp with the big boys? Should see exponential growth.


And I could easily see him be our best player by the end of the year and average a double double with say something like 18/10 with sufficient minutes. by the time he's 25 he could be a 25+ and 12 guy that has the occasional triple dub.

He's our future. Should be clear to everybody. He'll be Pop's going away present to all Spurfandom.



@ NBA draft Combine listed height barefoot:
Gorgui Dieng - 6’9.75”
Luka Samanic - 6’9.5”
@ 2021?

[J_Paco]

This one? https://mobile.twitter.com/spurs/status/1397560655075553287/photo/1

Lyles is listed at 6'9", Poeltl at 7'1", Dieng at 6'10" and Eubanks at 6'9".

Those measurements (which I'm still very skeptical of) are supposedly without shoes, so it's within reason that Luka is either 6'11 or 7' tall by now if he had a late growth spurt.

They'll likely "re - measure" them during training camp and we'll likely find out then.


And looking very buff. I mean I don't think he would be a great defender with his 6'10.5" wingspan, but I still rather him or Dieng or both in the C/PF position than Poeltl, again moving Keldon to SF position

I know he's more of an anomaly, but doesn't Jimmy Butler have notoriously short arms yet is an All - NBA caliber defender?

[Sugus]

https://i.imgur.com/qePJFYf.jpeg

Interesting. Really wasn't expecting Luka to be taller than both Dieng, and Eubanks by such a margin. Hope his hand heals soon, he needs a good offseasonn of training and working on his game to reach the next level.

[BackHome]

[QUOTE=Trill Clinton;10525241]He needs to spend time with a sports psychologist this off-season tbh.[/QUOTE

Both him and Walker

[KobesAchilles]

He's this generation of LJC

[exstatic]

He's this generation of LJC

Uh, no. LJC was what happens when a team falls in love with an athlete, who then blows out his knee, and never plays an NBA game. Luka has high level basketball skills. He only needed two things: bulk and a 3 pointer.

[KobesAchilles]

Uh, no. LJC was what happens when a team falls in love with an athlete, who then blows out his knee, and never plays an NBA game. Luka has high level basketball skills. He only needed two things: bulk and a 3 pointer.
High level? If he had high level skills then he would be playing. He might have some skills but it isn't high level. If Pop returns next year this guy isn't going to get more than 15 minutes a game if he's lucky enough to even play every game. He might develop into a decent bench player or maybe even a fringe starter but odds are he will have to find a second team to continue playing in the league

[K...]

Luka is like mahinimi. Slow slow slow to adapt mentally but physically able.

The closest to ljc is lonnie tbh

[The Truth #6]

I don't know. Mahinimi had lingering lower leg issues that derailed him and took away his breathtaking athleticism. He wasn't particularly skilled. Luka has a good handle and a good outside shot as far as I can tell. What he needs more than anything is minutes.

[exstatic]

High level? If he had high level skills then he would be playing. He might have some skills but it isn't high level. If Pop returns next year this guy isn't going to get more than 15 minutes a game if he's lucky enough to even play every game. He might develop into a decent bench player or maybe even a fringe starter but odds are he will have to find a second team to continue playing in the league

When he got here, he wasn’t physically prepared to play in the NBA, and most of us saw him as a two year project. Even so, he was 6’10” with good dribble/pass/shoot skills, in addition to his physical gifts. There’s no legitimate way to compare him to LJC, just sheer stupidity.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Hopefully Luka and Lonnie are able to earn minutes to show and prove this upcoming season.

Luka definitely looked way better in the G-League this season on both offense and defense and when he got minutes in the regular season during the actual guts of games, he showed more effort on both ends than last season.

like I said earlier in this and other threads. The keys for him is being able to actually hit the 3 point shot at a decent clip and playing decent defense. If he can do those two things he will easily get minutes. His defensive Basketball IQ still needs a boost but, especially defensively but him giving more effort will go a long way

[SAGirl]

High level? If he had high level skills then he would be playing. He might have some skills but it isn't high level. If Pop returns next year this guy isn't going to get more than 15 minutes a game if he's lucky enough to even play every game. He might develop into a decent bench player or maybe even a fringe starter but odds are he will have to find a second team to continue playing in the league
I feel like without at least a 35% 3 pt shot this guy is not an NBA level player. He hasn’t played enough to really say all that much except that he hasn’t shot the 3 well at any point, predraft, gleague or limited NBA minutes. I suspect that is one of the main factors holding him back (his need to add muscle was evident when drafted, but its been 2 years now).

[SAGirl]

I don't know. Mahinimi had lingering lower leg issues that derailed him and took away his breathtaking athleticism. He wasn't particularly skilled. Luka has a good handle and a good outside shot as far as I can tell. What he needs more than anything is minutes.
He can’t shoot. His shooting ability is mostly theoretical. I remember him in the last game of the bubble last year make 3 or 4 threes, shooting without hesitation and I thought he had arrived, meaning we would see him get minutes this season. He still didn’t play this season and his shooting night appears an outlier.

Still he should play next season because that will put to rest this question of whether or not he can shoot. I think his NBA career depends on it. It’s not that he couldn’t conceivably play scattered minutes without shooting well, but evidently he would be a marginal role player and would never fulfill the potential the Spurs saw when they drafted him higher than Johnson.

[exstatic]

He can’t shoot. His shooting ability is mostly theoretical. I remember him in the last game of the bubble last year make 3 or 4 threes, shooting without hesitation and I thought he had arrived, meaning we would see him get minutes this season. He still didn’t play this season and his shooting night appears an outlier.

Still he should play next season because that will put to rest this question of whether or not he can shoot. I think his NBA career depends on it. It’s not that he couldn’t conceivably play scattered minutes without shooting well, but evidently he would be a marginal role player and would never fulfill the potential the Spurs saw when they drafted him higher than Johnson.

You need to be a little more specific, because if you really mean that he can’t shoot (at all) then you’re full of crap. He can shoot out to 18-20 feet very well, like 67% well from 16 feet to the arc. He just needs to take it out beyond the arc

[KobesAchilles]

When he got here, he wasn’t physically prepared to play in the NBA, and most of us saw him as a two year project. Even so, he was 6’10” with good dribble/pass/shoot skills, in addition to his physical gifts. There’s no legitimate way to compare him to LJC, just sheer stupidity.
I don't mean to compare them as the types of players but mainly as they are picks that people were excited for and won't work out in the end

[exstatic]

I don't mean to compare them as the types of players but mainly as they are picks that people were excited for and won't work out in the end

Well, if that’s your criteria, throw Lonnie on the pile, too.

[John B]

First of all, folks are forgetting COVID derailed some of these rookies progress. This off-season is really the 1st time Luka will be working out with the big club. The whole team didn’t even have enough practice together. When Luka got some decent and condistent minutes in the Bubble, it was evident he was the best player on the court, every single time. And to say he wouldn’t make it to the NBA without shooting 35% or more in the 3pt, clearly didn’t watch his postup games in the bubble. Luka IS NOT just a stretch big, he has footworks and touches in the paint. Last season was an anomaly because of the Covid situation. This year should really be his 2nd year. He is no longer the skinny European kid. Without Aldridge, Lyles and hopefully Rudy, not popular to some, the PF/C position is less clogged. I expect Keldon to play some SF with Demar’s departure, again not popular to some. Bottomline, there are available playing time for Luka, and Lonnie, to prove themselves. Much will be expected next season. I hope the PATFO will committ to the changing of the guards. It might mean more losses, or not. But it will be fun.

[rjv]

First of all, folks are forgetting COVID derailed some of these rookies progress. This off-season is really the 1st time Luka will be working out with the big club. The whole team didn’t even have enough practice together. When Luka got some decent and condistent minutes in the Bubble, it was evident he was the best player on the court, every single time. And to say he wouldn’t make it to the NBA without shooting 35% or more in the 3pt, clearly didn’t watch his postup games in the bubble. Luka IS NOT just a stretch big, he has footworks and touches in the paint. Last season was an anomaly because of the Covid situation. This year should really be his 2nd year. He is no longer the skinny European kid. Without Aldridge, Lyles and hopefully Rudy, not popular to some, the PF/C position is less clogged. I expect Keldon to play some SF with Demar’s departure, again not popular to some. Bottomline, there are available playing time for Luka, and Lonnie, to prove themselves. Much will be expected next season. I hope the PATFO will committ to the changing of the guards. It might mean more losses, or not. But it will be fun.

:bobo

[John B]

The kid didn’t bulk-up for no reason. He will be playing in the paint. And if anybody watched him in the Bubble, he’s not a catch and shoot guy. He will take it to the rim.

[The Truth #6]

He can’t shoot. His shooting ability is mostly theoretical. I remember him in the last game of the bubble last year make 3 or 4 threes, shooting without hesitation and I thought he had arrived, meaning we would see him get minutes this season. He still didn’t play this season and his shooting night appears an outlier.

Still he should play next season because that will put to rest this question of whether or not he can shoot. I think his NBA career depends on it. It’s not that he couldn’t conceivably play scattered minutes without shooting well, but evidently he would be a marginal role player and would never fulfill the potential the Spurs saw when they drafted him higher than Johnson.

You've seem pretty convinced that Luka is not good and that he doesn't play because he isn't good. I'd say his playing time has been mostly theoretical, and so looking at his stats as hard proof of anything is tricky. This last season should have been the time to get a better idea what we had with Luka. He did great when Rudy was out for a few games, but then Rudy came back from injury and Luka was put back on the shelf because, you know, we had a big playoff run in front of us. His minutes have been mismanaged horribly.

[toki9]

You need to be a little more specific, because if you really mean that he can’t shoot (at all) then you’re full of crap. He can shoot out to 18-20 feet very well, like 67% well from 16 feet to the arc. He just needs to take it out beyond the arc

Given how much he has bulked up so quickly: would that affect his long range shooting touch as his fine motor/coordination skills catch up to a changed body? I'm asking since I don't have any personal experience of bulking up (or gaining any amount of significant muscle), but that seems like it could be one of the consequences? I mean, that neck?!?

[John B]

Given how much he has bulked up so quickly: would that affect his long range shooting touch as his fine motor/coordination skills catch up to a changed body? I'm asking since I don't have any personal experience of bulking up (or gaining any amount of significant muscle), but that seems like it could be one of the consequences? I mean, that neck?!?
I would think so. But he got great form and should get back when he’s gotten used to his new strength. I think he really worked on getting big first to go against NBA bigs. Remember his layups getting swat? To get bulky like that quick only shows his drive to get better. The kid is ready to battle.

[rjv]

Luka can shoot the ball but he lacks consistency at the line and from beyond the arc. But it's not as if he as terrible mechanics. To say Luka can't shoot is just hyperbole.

[SAGirl]

You need to be a little more specific, because if you really mean that he can’t shoot (at all) then you’re full of crap. He can shoot out to 18-20 feet very well, like 67% well from 16 feet to the arc. He just needs to take it out beyond the arc
I need to see him play more to comment more in depth. I have limited watching opportunities bc the guy barely plays to begin with and of the gleague minutes, I only watch highlights, but him shooting the midrange doesn’t seem as much a part of his game. Its all a drive or 3s in the gleague highlights for example. His drives in the NBA often don’t end well since his finishing ability needs work and some of those gleague highlights wouldn’t translate.

If guys only watch highlights those would lead you to believe he can shoot the 3 but he can’t shoot well enough and has never done it well enough before. That was basically my point to the guys who watch highlights.

I think it’s obvious he was drafted for potential with the hope he’d fix his shot, gain strength and learn how to play.

[John B]

https://i.imgur.com/qePJFYf.jpeg

Interesting. Really wasn't expecting Luka to be taller than both Dieng, and Eubanks by such a margin. Hope his hand heals soon, he needs a good offseasonn of training and working on his game to reach the next level.
Eubanks is listed at 6’9” and their shoulders are the same height. Luka’s neck is longer I guess. But comparing their shoulders, this kid got big. If he has the same strength as Eubank, we got some enforcers guys :lol

[Dejounte]

Luka can shoot the ball but he lacks consistency at the line and from beyond the arc. But it's not as if he as terrible mechanics. To say Luka can't shoot is just hyperbole.

It is more of an agenda sort of thing than any sort of logical rational at this point. You just gotta ignore those people.

[SAGirl]

You've seem pretty convinced that Luka is not good and that he doesn't play because he isn't good. I'd say his playing time has been mostly theoretical, and so looking at his stats as hard proof of anything is tricky. This last season should have been the time to get a better idea what we had with Luka. He did great when Rudy was out for a few games, but then Rudy came back from injury and Luka was put back on the shelf because, you know, we had a big playoff run in front of us. His minutes have been mismanaged horribly.
This team has lacked size for a few years and frontcourt depth that was decimated when LMA and Lyles fell out of the coach’s favor. In addition, Metu, who was once ahead of him for minutes, was not re-upped. He still couldn’t get rotation minutes. As I have said before that is alarming and it should raise concerns about him to any objective fan. I don’t see that as a good sign. He was very young and raw when drafted. I think this next season he needs to show game.

[KobesAchilles]

Well, if that’s your criteria, throw Lonnie on the pile, too.
I did. Maybe premature on all of these kats but I don't have faith in really any of our players except White and Keldon.

[SpursDynasty85]

This team has lacked size for a few years and frontcourt depth that was decimated when LMA and Lyles fell out of the coach’s favor. In addition, Metu, who was once ahead of him for minutes, was not re-upped. He still couldn’t get rotation minutes. As I have said before that is alarming and it should raise concerns about him to any objective fan. I don’t see that as a good sign. He was very young and raw when drafted. I think this next season he needs to show game.


who was he going to get minutes over this past year? Its no surprise he didn't get minutes when you consider, White, Keldon, DJ, Lonnie, etc all were benched for a large portion of their first 2 years. Pop's strategy all year was the small ball era to maximize and prioritize making the playoffs this year. Rumors of him retiring should rest assure the youth movement is here. UNLESS, we get a marquee free agent or trade signing (not likely).

[rankingtear]

You need to be a little more specific, because if you really mean that he can’t shoot (at all) then you’re full of crap. He can shoot out to 18-20 feet very well, like 67% well from 16 feet to the arc. He just needs to take it out beyond the arcThat is maybe on 3 attempts total ( 2.9% of his shots ) relax.

[rjv]

who was he going to get minutes over this past year? Its no surprise he didn't get minutes when you consider, White, Keldon, DJ, Lonnie, etc all were benched for a large portion of their first 2 years. Pop's strategy all year was the small ball era to maximize and prioritize making the playoffs this year. Rumors of him retiring should rest assure the youth movement is here. UNLESS, we get a marquee free agent or trade signing (not likely).

exactly. not to mention that pop wasn't going to give minutes to a 2nd year player who did not have a summer league, an extremely abbreviated training camp and no G league to play in until the midway point of this season.

[ace3g]

https://i.imgur.com/qePJFYf.jpeg

Interesting. Really wasn't expecting Luka to be taller than both Dieng, and Eubanks by such a margin. Hope his hand heals soon, he needs a good offseasonn of training and working on his game to reach the next level.

I was going to post an edit like this a few weeks ago with the line as a reference. I wish teams had to post a photo like this with everyone lined up side by side. Gives you a good idea if their "listed" height is accurate or for younger players, if they had a growth spur from one season to the next.

[offset formation]

He can’t shoot. His shooting ability is mostly theoretical. I remember him in the last game of the bubble last year make 3 or 4 threes, shooting without hesitation and I thought he had arrived, meaning we would see him get minutes this season. He still didn’t play this season and his shooting night appears an outlier.

Still he should play next season because that will put to rest this question of whether or not he can shoot. I think his NBA career depends on it. It’s not that he couldn’t conceivably play scattered minutes without shooting well, but evidently he would be a marginal role player and would never fulfill the potential the Spurs saw when they drafted him higher than Johnson.

Sigh. The dudes almost 7 ft tall with leaps. He's shown an ability to get to the basket as well from the baseline. Dude is 21. Lol.

His shot is streaky but has the skills to be consistent...at 21.

Lol. You don't make decisions about him bring a marginal role player at 21. With his skill set, size, athleticism, and already demonstrated defensive capabilities.

You know shit.

[Sugus]

Eubanks is listed at 6’9” and their shoulders are the same height. Luka’s neck is longer I guess. But comparing their shoulders, this kid got big. If he has the same strength as Eubank, we got some enforcers guys :lol

This comment made me think I was taking crazy pills :lol so I had to go back and check. Additional line for further reference:

https://i.imgur.com/gP5ARJ8.jpeg

It's not just the long neck, Luka's shoulders are comfortably above Eubanks' (unless you and I have different definitions of shoulders I guess?). Luka doesn't IMO have an unnaturally long neck; of the three rookies of that class, Weatherspoon was the crazy-long-necked one, and Keldon the crazy-short-necked, with Luka an inbetween. Also, look at those trapezoids on Luka, they're fucking built - this kid is gonna be strong when he hits his prime. Will he stick in the NBA, I don't know, but he's put in work in the weightroom for sure.

E: btw it puts me off how fucking stoned Luka looks in this pic, lmfao. Every time I go to edit it, I just gotta laugh. Dude is not photogenic, to be sure :lol

[Sugus]

I was going to post an edit like this a few weeks ago with the line as a reference. I wish teams had to post a photo like this with everyone lined up side by side. Gives you a good idea if their "listed" height is accurate or for younger players, if they had a growth spur from one season to the next.

Yeah, it's really, really useful, especially as you say for comparing young players' possible growth spurts. The NBA is an annoyingly secrecy-ridden league in terms of how tall their players are, and every year you hear about X or Y player "hitting a late spurt" or "adding 20 pounds of muscle" and that shit. I don't usually like comparing players' heights by pictures, but this one is just perfect, and Luka really stands out as having grown in both length and width of his body (those shoulders look insane compared to his rookie season!).

[offset formation]

Given how much he has bulked up so quickly: would that affect his long range shooting touch as his fine motor/coordination skills catch up to a changed body? I'm asking since I don't have any personal experience of bulking up (or gaining any amount of significant muscle), but that seems like it could be one of the consequences? I mean, that neck?!?

It'll factor in until he's used to his body. I mean the dude is still growing. Might end up 7 ft tall. We would have all been very happy with him at 6'10" He's clearly close to 6'11" now. Was drafted at 6'9". Yet unlike other lanky ass kids, dude's bulked the fuck up and now has a legitimate NBA body. Tough to add muscle weight while still stretching and putting in that much gym time.

I have to say (and eat crow) if he pans out, he'll be the model for developing 19 yr old big men draft picks going forward.

[SpursDynasty85]

Eubanks is listed at 6’9” and their shoulders are the same height. Luka’s neck is longer I guess. But comparing their shoulders, this kid got big. If he has the same strength as Eubank, we got some enforcers guys :lol


actually Luka’s shoulders are a bit slumped in the picture while Eubanks is not. Luka definitely has about an inch on him is my guess.

[tonight...you]

This comment made me think I was taking crazy pills :lol so I had to go back and check. Additional line for further reference:

https://i.imgur.com/gP5ARJ8.jpeg

It's not just the long neck, Luka's shoulders are comfortably above Eubanks' (unless you and I have different definitions of shoulders I guess?). Luka doesn't IMO have an unnaturally long neck; of the three rookies of that class, Weatherspoon was the crazy-long-necked one, and Keldon the crazy-short-necked, with Luka an inbetween. Also, look at those trapezoids on Luka, they're fucking built - this kid is gonna be strong when he hits his prime. Will he stick in the NBA, I don't know, but he's put in work in the weightroom for sure.

E: btw it puts me off how fucking stoned Luka looks in this pic, lmfao. Every time I go to edit it, I just gotta laugh. Dude is not photogenic, to be sure :lol
Maybe he's trying to give the sultry bedroom eyes, lol.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I love how a lot of the Johnnie come lately folks are trying to judge the folks who have been posting in this thread and the G-League thread about these players and Luka specifically from the beginning. LMAO.

A lot of the folks who watched these players and Luka specifically seen how they have progressed and respect what they’ve done but understand that some of the things they did in the G-League will not correlate to the actual NBA. Luka showed some decent post moves (this season) but his game on the block in the G-League wasn’t so refined (shooting numbers weren’t the greatest in the G-League bubble) that any decent NBA team would actually run their entire offense through him like the Austin Spurs did.

The reason a few of us have consistently stated the best way for Luka to earn actual quality NBA minutes is to play defense and hit the 3 at league average on a decent amount of attempts is due to the fact that his skill level isn’t great enough right now to think the coaching staff is going to do like the Austin team did. Now if he some how impressed the coaching staff so much that they turn the whole offense over to him I would be surprised but that most likely isn’t happening. Lmao.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Luka hasn’t shot well, period. In the G-League he had some games where he played great but his numbers leave something to be desired. His 1st G- League season with a decent amount of games he didn’t shoot the greatest from deep and the few games he played in the G league bubble this season he shot awful from deep.

To his credit in the bubble for the g league (this season) when his shot wasn’t dropping he posted up more (something he didn’t as much of the first g league season) and took advantage of mismatches. He used his quickness against bigger defenders and his new found strength against smaller defenders. He was way more engaged and better on defense this season overall which is very pleasing.

but if everyone is being honest his shooting is theoretical and that’s all. He has a nice looking shot but even in Europe his numbers were not that good and so far it hasn’t been good in the g league and NBA.

I’m not a hater and if you check the threads I’ve been consistently one of the more positive folks on here about the guy and being patient with his progression. I’m just being honest though about what I’ve seen in actual live games in Austin and watching on television, not just reading stats.

[SAGirl]

Luka hasn’t shot well, period. In the G-League he had some games where he played great but his numbers leave something to be desired. His 1st G- League season with a decent amount of games he didn’t shoot the greatest from deep and the few games he played in the G league bubble this season he shot awful from deep.

To his credit in the bubble for the g league (this season) when his shot wasn’t dropping he posted up more (something he didn’t as much of the first g league season) and took advantage of mismatches. He used his quickness against bigger defenders and his new found strength against smaller defenders. He was way more engaged and better on defense this season overall which is very pleasing.

but if everyone is being honest his shooting is theoretical and that’s all. He has a nice looking shot but even in Europe his numbers were not that good and so far it hasn’t been good in the g league and NBA.

I’m not a hater and if you check the threads I’ve been consistently one of the more positive folks on here about the guy and being patient with his progression. I’m just being honest though about what I’ve seen in actual live games in Austin and watching on television, not just reading stats.
Since you watched him a lot in the gleague I wonder if they are asking him to add a post up game and to play inside more, specially since his shot is still in progress, I really do wish we had a bigger sample of games from him. I look forward to watching him in summer league although even that is not indicative of how he’ll play in the NBA, as I know all too well, but it’s a start. It will be interesting if he develops a more traditional big man game, specially when it’s been noted that he’s had a late growth spurt since drafted.

Thank you for your comments, they have added insight I appreciate. :toast

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Since you watched him a lot in the gleague I wonder if they are asking him to add a post up game and to play inside more, specially since his shot is still in progress, I really do wish we had a bigger sample of games from him. I look forward to watching him in summer league although even that is not indicative of how he’ll play in the NBA, as I know all too well, but it’s a start. It will be interesting if he develops a more traditional big man game, specially when it’s been noted that he’s had a late growth spurt since drafted.

Thank you for your comments, they have added insight I appreciate. :toast



his first season in the g league he posted up some but he did it way more in the few games in the g league bubble this year. He looked more comfortable than he did the first season and I think it was due to him adding muscle and also having guys like Jones who actually knew how to get him the ball in his spots.

his post game wasn’t the greatest thing I’ve seen but he had a decent little spin move he liked to use which was his most impressive thing. Other than that he mostly overpowered smaller defenders or used his quickness to get around bigger slower guys. It wasn’t anything super special to be honest.

What I liked was the fact that he was way more aggressive this season in the g league bubble and he played way better defense. he also rebounded a whole lot better (even getting some contested boards) and actually boxed out way better than his rookie year.

you can tell why the Spurs drafted the guy though. He is a good athlete for a big guy, (he is really quick and can jump pretty well) shown to be able to put the ball on the deck when players close out on him, okay passer, and his shot LOOKS good. Sadly the shot hasn’t went in as much as you would think it would with how his form looks though. Some of it can definitely be attributed to poor shot selection in the G league though.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

he definitely improved from his first season from the few outings he got. I think (hope anyway) he has a decent chances of staying in the NBA for a long time but I feel some folks are over hyping the few flashes he has shown. Unless he makes a seriously huge jump I don’t see him being some offensive hub that a decent amount of the folks on here believe.

He still has issues finishing in traffic and through contact, his shooting (no matter how pretty his form is) hasn’t been consistent, he doesn’t have a strong go to or counter post move, his handle isn’t tight enough to ask him to beat players (not folks closing hard due to the threat of the jumper) on the perimeter straight up, and he has turnover issues due to all the items mentioned above.

that is just a few (not all) offensive deficiencies I’ve noticed and I will not even get into defense.


I’m rooting for the guy and think he still has a chance to be an NBA player but if he doesn’t figure it out and get run next season……..

[Dejounte]

Luka hasn’t shot well, period. In the G-League he had some games where he played great but his numbers leave something to be desired. His 1st G- League season with a decent amount of games he didn’t shoot the greatest from deep and the few games he played in the G league bubble this season he shot awful from deep.

To his credit in the bubble for the g league (this season) when his shot wasn’t dropping he posted up more (something he didn’t as much of the first g league season) and took advantage of mismatches. He used his quickness against bigger defenders and his new found strength against smaller defenders. He was way more engaged and better on defense this season overall which is very pleasing.

but if everyone is being honest his shooting is theoretical and that’s all. He has a nice looking shot but even in Europe his numbers were not that good and so far it hasn’t been good in the g league and NBA.

I’m not a hater and if you check the threads I’ve been consistently one of the more positive folks on here about the guy and being patient with his progression. I’m just being honest though about what I’ve seen in actual live games in Austin and watching on television, not just reading stats.


A lot of folks here just read stats and then when something suits their views, they go “great insight” and run away like cowards.

It’s okay to have an opposing view, especially when it’s a well-researched one. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case and you have people spewing nonsense when they haven’t watched a fucking game since the 2020 Bubble.

Concerning your point of view: I’ll say this again. There’s not a sufficient sample size to determine whether he is or isn’t a good shooter. To judge whether he is based on the little opportune moments he had during the season is asinine. The Spurs system is so slow and its shot distribution among players is so condensed that it makes it seem like every shot that goes up, a player has to make it count. In contrast, Poku shot up almost five threes a game and only shot 21%. Do I think he’s a bad shooter? No. Does anyone think he’s going to shoot better over time? Yes. Why is that? It’s something you have to ask yourself why Poku should continue to get those shots and it will pretty much relate to the questions you have for Samanic.

Brook Lopez didn’t shoot 3’s until he was 27 years old. When he did start, he had five shot attempts per game. Luka barely put up a single 3 per game this year and we’re supposed to put that under a magnifying lens and believe he should have made more of those 3s this year to determine if he is a good shooter or not. Tell me why that sounds fair.

All this to say that I have not concluded anything about Luka. Neither should the idiots who say they have an “objective view” about things when they’re not really invested in the team and only pretend to be until there’s a good player on board (great fan, btw). Like you, I think next season is boom (and by boom, I mean showing he belongs in the NBA, not star production) or bust for Luka. As for me, it’s great if he makes it and “oh well” if he doesn’t. I think there’ll be great opportunities soon to find someone suited for the role if it isn’t him.

[rjv]

A lot of folks here just read stats and then when something suits their views, they go “great insight” and run away like cowards.
All this to say that I have not concluded anything about Luka. Neither should the idiots who say they have an “objective view” about things when they’re not really invested in the team and only pretend to be until there’s a good player on board (great fan, btw). Like you, I think next season is boom (and by boom, I mean showing he belongs in the NBA, not star production) or bust for Luka. As for me, it’s great if he makes it and “oh well” if he doesn’t. I think there’ll be great opportunities soon to find someone suited for the role if it isn’t him.

i saw every game that Luka played in the gubble and you'd have to judge his play by quarters. there were times during games where luka seemed hesitant to shoot or did not have the greatest shot selection. then, consistently, he'd take over in the 4th and displayed a lot of range. he used a great spin move that was consistent, showed a nice touch, had some decent post-ups and loved to use the baseline to drive in for dunks or layups. he also displayed a decent mid-range game and hit the three ball at a nice percentage in the closing minutes. his FT shooting was a mixed bag but his form looked good. he was also pretty ferocious on the boards. to me, luka was always the best player on the court. for a player who had no training camp or summer league and did not play at all the year before because of how scrawny he was, i think he was pretty solid and showed that he has the potential to be more than just a one-trick pony. also, post-gubble Luka was significantly better when he came back from the gubble (in the few minutes he played for the spurs). yes, he had some crappy moments (the philly game at philly stands out) but more often than not he showed flashes. i hope he plays in the summer league because i am really looking forward to seeing what he shows in the off-season and training camp.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

A lot of folks here just read stats and then when something suits their views, they go “great insight” and run away like cowards.

It’s okay to have an opposing view, especially when it’s a well-researched one. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case and you have people spewing nonsense when they haven’t watched a fucking game since the 2020 Bubble.

Concerning your point of view: I’ll say this again. There’s not a sufficient sample size to determine whether he is or isn’t a good shooter. To judge whether he is based on the little opportune moments he had during the season is asinine. The Spurs system is so slow and its shot distribution among players is so condensed that it makes it seem like every shot that goes up, a player has to make it count. In contrast, Poku shot up almost five threes a game and only shot 21%. Do I think he’s a bad shooter? No. Does anyone think he’s going to shoot better over time? Yes. Why is that? It’s something you have to ask yourself why Poku should continue to get those shots and it will pretty much relate to the questions you have for Samanic.

Brook Lopez didn’t shoot 3’s until he was 27 years old. When he did start, he had five shot attempts per game. Luka barely put up a single 3 per game this year and we’re supposed to put that under a magnifying lens and believe he should have made more of those 3s this year to determine if he is a good shooter or not. Tell me why that sounds fair.

All this to say that I have not concluded anything about Luka. Neither should the idiots who say they have an “objective view” about things when they’re not really invested in the team and only pretend to be until there’s a good player on board (great fan, btw). Like you, I think next season is boom (and by boom, I mean showing he belongs in the NBA, not star production) or bust for Luka. As for me, it’s great if he makes it and “oh well” if he doesn’t. I think there’ll be great opportunities soon to find someone suited for the role if it isn’t him.


I will give you credit you’ve been one of the more realistic folks about Luka since he got drafted. Not too high or low on him and honestly that’s the way I am also. I definitely think if he puts everything together he could be really special but I don’t know if he will.

I say all that to say this….. lmao.

so far we have a pretty solid sample size of his shooting from his draft profile all the way until now. The pundits said he had a good looking shot but didn’t convert it efficiently enough in Europe before being drafted. His two seasons in the G league And few NBA games he hasn’t shot well from deep and his numbers along with seeing it backs that up. now, I’m not saying the young man can’t get (and will not get) better because I believe he will but so far he has proven to not be a reliable shooter and it’s crazy to tell folks who are pointing out this fact while discounting all the historical evidence that is backing up their claims. you are what your actions say you are until proven otherwise and so far he hasn’t proven in Europe or the NBA that he is a reliable shooter. It isn’t an opinion by us, it’s facts backed up by actual statistical analysis . LMAO.

I’m rooting for him to ball out though and I’m not like some of these folks who can’t see the potential he has and will never point out the good things he has done.

[dbestpro]

Don't know what a player can do until you play him.

[R. DeMurre]

Let's look at Luka's shooting percentages:

2016-17: 8 games, 33.3% from three. Europe

2017-18: 26 games, 28.2% from three. Europe

2018-19: 50 games, 33.8% from three. Europe

2019-20: 32 games, 30.7% from three. G league

2019-20: 3 games, 37.5% from three. NBA

2020-21: 6 games, 29.7% from three. G league

2020-21: 33 games, 27.9% from three. NBA

Could he develop into a decent three point shooter? Sure, it's possible. It just doesn't seem especially likely. One indicator Tankathon uses to predict future 3pt%s for prospects (in addition to previous 3pt%) is FT%, and there again, Samanic is OK, but certainly nothing along the lines of elite, or even above average. Add in the coach Pop factor-- he just won't have the patience to let a player like Luka experiment with shooting threes at a subpar rate, so I don't think it's a good scenario even if Luka wants to focus on them.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Luka-Samanic/International/94639/Career/By_Split/Total/By_Location/0
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/samanlu01.html
https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/players/s/samanlu01d.html

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

He's a better defender than I thought he was. Stamina seems to be an issue. Consistency and mettle as well.

[SpursDynasty85]

I've seen his G-League games and they are definitely ugly but scattered with some decent performances. I do recall feeling like Luka was just demanding the ball and looking for isolation scoring plays. This is obviously hard at his age and definitely something he will need to add to his game. The coaching staff even said developing his skills was a focus this past season.

Looking at his play without this context made it look like he was 100% not ready to play but his few games in the actual NBA looked a lot better and was way more in rhythm than his G-League play. In conclusion, I believe Spurs were putting Luka in tough situations in the G-League to prepare him for the NBA. I think he will definitely be in for an up and down season this year but he should at least develop in a bench role by the end of the year. Potential for a starting role is still there but hard to visualize with the way he is being used right now.

[John B]

I've seen his G-League games and they are definitely ugly but scattered with some decent performances. I do recall feeling like Luka was just demanding the ball and looking for isolation scoring plays. This is obviously hard at his age and definitely something he will need to add to his game. The coaching staff even said developing his skills was a focus this past season.

Looking at his play without this context made it look like he was 100% not ready to play but his few games in the actual NBA looked a lot better and was way more in rhythm than his G-League play. In conclusion, I believe Spurs were putting Luka in tough situations in the G-League to prepare him for the NBA. I think he will definitely be in for an up and down season this year but he should at least develop in a bench role by the end of the year. Potential for a starting role is still there but hard to visualize with the way he is being used right now.

You are talking about the last G-League Bubble, right? Because I remember Luka Samanic averaged 21.8 pts, 11.3 rebs and 2.2 assists. And clearly the best player every time he's on the court.

[SpursDynasty85]

You are talking about the last G-League Bubble, right? Because I remember Luka Samanic averaged 21.8 pts, 11.3 rebs and 2.2 assists. And clearly the best player every time he's on the court.

Yes. He was spoon-fed the ball in awkward situations. He did not make his teammates better and he shot bad percentages from the field and especially from the 3. There was obviously some good plays where you knew he had elite skills that could translate but the performances were ugly in large part. Always getting the ball tipped out of his hands when going to the rim or blocked. Getting his stagnant jumpers off only because he is 2-3 inches taller than everyone guarding him.

[John B]

Yes. He was spoon-fed the ball in awkward situations. He did not make his teammates better and he shot bad percentages from the field and especially from the 3. There was obviously some good plays where you knew he had elite skills that could translate but the performances were ugly in large part. Always getting the ball tipped out of his hands when going to the rim or blocked. Getting his stagnant jumpers off only because he is 2-3 inches taller than everyone guarding him.

Are you sure you were watching the same games? :lol Because I believe they won all games that he played, and probably would've been the MVP if Luka wasn't called up.

Maybe this article would help? https://airalamo.com/2021/02/21/san-antonio-spurs-luka-samanic-dominating-bubble/
It pretty much said, Luka Samanic dominating the G-League bubble. Come on man :lol

[exstatic]

Are you sure you were watching the same games? :lol Because I believe they won all games that he played, and probably would've been the MVP if Luka wasn't called up.

Maybe this article would help? https://airalamo.com/2021/02/21/san-antonio-spurs-luka-samanic-dominating-bubble/
It pretty much said, Luka Samanic dominating the G-League bubble. Come on man :lol

I think they were like 6-1 with Luka and Tre.

[John B]

I think they were like 6-1 with Luka and Tre.
I wasn't so sure, but I'm pretty certain his game wasn't ugly and in fact he was the best player every time he's on the court.

[exstatic]

I wasn't so sure, but I'm pretty certain his game wasn't ugly and in fact he was the best player every time he's on the court.

I thought he was very good in the Gubble, and was pissed for months at Quindarry for infecting the big club with covid, necessitating their call up before the end of the league.

[SpursDynasty85]

I wasn't so sure, but I'm pretty certain his game wasn't ugly and in fact he was the best player every time he's on the court.


Definitely not the "best". He definitely stood out at times as the most exciting but the wins were more dictated by a group of players which included Samanic: Tre Jones, Cameron Reynolds, Luka Samanic, Robert Woodard, Khyri Thomas, Nate Renfro London Perrantes was a stacked GLeague team. From the 3 or so games I saw them play that would be the order of the best effective players I saw out there. All were pretty close. Luka had some good takeover moments but otherwise looked a bit out of rhythm and was jacking up lots of shots. Look at Khyri Thomas, and Cameron Reynolds shooting percentages for the year compared to Luka's. Luka was not "Clearly the best player" but his potential is the best for sure.

[exstatic]

Definitely not the "best". He definitely stood out at times as the most exciting but the wins were more dictated by a group of players which included Samanic: Tre Jones, Cameron Reynolds, Luka Samanic, Robert Woodard, Khyri Thomas, Nate Renfro London Perrantes was a stacked GLeague team. From the 3 or so games I saw them play that would be the order of the best effective players I saw out there. All were pretty close. Luka had some good takeover moments but otherwise looked a bit out of rhythm and was jacking up lots of shots. Look at Khyri Thomas, and Cameron Reynolds shooting percentages for the year compared to Luka's. Luka was not "Clearly the best player" but his potential is the best for sure.

If it was such a team effort, why did they basically fall apart when Luka and Tre got called up? Those other guys didn’t shoot for shit once the NBA roster guys got called up.

[SpursDynasty85]

If it was such a team effort, why did they basically fall apart when Luka and Tre got called up? Those other guys didn’t shoot for shit once the NBA roster guys got called up.


Well losing 2 of the team's top 2 players makes a huge difference. Especially their pg and who I said was probably their most "effective" player.

6-1 is a small sample size. They were not blowing teams out but winning closing games even with the team at full health. Even without Jones and Samanic they held up ok (4-3 the next 7 games) despite losing Robert Woodard later in the year too. The last two defeats were bad but at that point they lose 3 of their 4 best players, so yea it makes sense they fell apart a bit.

[John B]

Well losing 2 of the team's top 2 players makes a huge difference. Especially their pg and who I said was probably their most "effective" player.

6-1 is a small sample size. They were not blowing teams out but winning closing games even with the team at full health. Even without Jones and Samanic they held up ok (4-3 the next 7 games) despite losing Robert Woodard later in the year too. The last two defeats were bad but at that point they lose 3 of their 4 best players, so yea it makes sense they fell apart a bit.
I think you’re back-pedaling here :lol:lol Look, just go over the stats. Luka had:
6/10 W, 20 pts, 17 rebs
6/11 W, 23 pts, 10 rebs
6/13 W, 16 pts, 11 rebs
6/15 W, 26 pts, 9 rebs
6/18 W, 29 pts, 13 rebs
6/20 W, 17 pts, 9 rebs

I was right. They won ALL games that Luka played. He sat down on that 6/16 lost with injury, and last game was 6/20 and he got called up with Tre. But if that stat wasn’t dominating to you, I don’t know what :lol

[SpursDynasty85]

I think you’re back-pedaling here :lol:lol Look, just go over the stats. Luka had:
6/10 W, 20 pts, 17 rebs
6/11 W, 23 pts, 10 rebs
6/13 W, 16 pts, 11 rebs
6/15 W, 26 pts, 9 rebs
6/18 W, 29 pts, 13 rebs
6/20 W, 17 pts, 9 rebs

I was right. They won ALL games that Luka played. He sat down on that 6/16 lost with injury, and last game was 6/20 and he got called up with Tre. But if that stat wasn’t dominating to you, I don’t know what :lol


How am I backpedaling? Luka played with a full squad every single one of those games. I already said Spurs were padding his stats bit by giving him the green light. His offense was not necessarily in the flow of the game. His potential is strong but rhythm and bball iq is lacking. Tre Jones and a lot of those G-League vets masked a lot of what Luka was doing in those wins. I checked all the boxscores it was a collective effort and Luka shot a poor percentage for the year. Those are facts. You stating "Clearly the best player" is hyperbole and a shallow analysis of his playing time this past year. Do you have any criticisms for the guy?

[John B]

How am I backpedaling? Luka played with a full squad every single one of those games. I already said Spurs were padding his stats bit by giving him the green light. His offense was not necessarily in the flow of the game. His potential is strong but rhythm and bball iq is lacking. Tre Jones and a lot of those G-League vets masked a lot of what Luka was doing in those wins. I checked all the boxscores it was a collective effort and Luka shot a poor percentage for the year. Those are facts. You stating "Clearly the best player" is hyperbole and a shallow analysis of his playing time this past year. Do you have any criticisms for the guy?

It’s hard to criticize the guy when they won every game that he played, and had the best production (per above stats). And watch the games again, and notice Luka would beast in the 4th quarter, end game situations to get them the W. Clearly we didn’t watch the same games :lol. And it wasn’t just my opinion. I forwarded you a link that said, in all 5 games, so far, Luka was dominating the game. Come on bro. Were you a disgruntled Lyle’s fan and don’t like the minutes to go to Luka?? :lol The guy, when he meets his potential, has the highest upside of any of our young core, because of his height and guard skills.

[rjv]

It’s hard to criticize the guy when they won every game that he played, and had the best production (per above stats). And watch the games again, and notice Luka would beast in the 4th quarter, end game situations to get them the W. Clearly we didn’t watch the same games :lol. And it wasn’t just my opinion. I forwarded you a link that said, in all 5 games, so far, Luka was dominating the game. Come on bro. Were you a disgruntled Lyle’s fan and don’t like the minutes to go to Luka?? :lol The guy, when he meets his potential, has the highest upside of any of our young core, because of his height and guard skills.

i was thinking the same thing. :lol

[SpursDynasty85]

It’s hard to criticize the guy when they won every game that he played, and had the best production (per above stats). And watch the games again, and notice Luka would beast in the 4th quarter, end game situations to get them the W. Clearly we didn’t watch the same games :lol. And it wasn’t just my opinion. I forwarded you a link that in all 5 games, so far, Luka was dominating the game

yea we see things differently. I liked some of what I saw and also saw things he struggled with like setting his teammates up, not finishing strong enough, shooting poor percentages, and still seemingly awkward around his teammates still. What’s your analysis? Luka dominating and is ready to dominate NBA? Great analysis.

[John B]

Oh and you’re back pedalling because you said it’s: “Tre Jones, Cameron Reynolds, Luka Samanic, Robert Woodard, Khyri Thomas, Nate Renfro London Perrantes was a stacked GLeague team. From the 3 or so games I saw them play that would be the order of the best effective players I saw out there.” But then, oh if you pull the best two players.. :lol And Reynolds is not even the 2nd best player, there’s Woodard and Renfro ahead of him, not to mention Luka

[SpursDynasty85]

Oh and you’re back pedalling because you said it’s: “Tre Jones, Cameron Reynolds, Luka Samanic, Robert Woodard, Khyri Thomas, Nate Renfro London Perrantes was a stacked GLeague team. From the 3 or so games I saw them play that would be the order of the best effective players I saw out there.” But then, oh if you pull the best two players.. :lol And Reynolds is not even the 2nd best players, there’s Woodard and Renfro ahead of him, not to mention Luka




I said "2 of the best players". I never said TOP 2. I clearly ranked him as the 3rd most effective player there. but ultimately they are all pretty darn close. Reynolds, Jones, Samanic, Woodard were all pretty darn good and impressive this year.

Edit: Not to mention he was being fed the ball the most so his scoring will definitely be high.

I'll ask again, any criticisms or things he needs to work on?

[John B]

yea we see things differently. I liked some of what I saw and also saw things he struggled with like setting his teammates up, not finishing strong enough, shooting poor percentages, and still seemingly awkward around his teammates still. What’s your analysis? Luka dominating and is ready to dominate NBA? Great analysis.
I’m just saying, he didn’t have an ugly game in the Gubble as you said. On the contrary, he was the best out there every time he was on the court, and not just my own opinion. And based on the performances of our other young core who also dominated the G-League, DJ, White, Keldon, and if that’s any indication, Luka would be prime to get serious minutes come next season especially since some playing time would be available to him, and should be exciting to watch him translate to NBA games. That’s all. I was correcting what you said that he had an ugly game from the Gubble, which was far from what a lot of us saw. Peace bruh

[SpursDynasty85]

I’m just saying, he didn’t have an ugly game in the Gubble as you said. On the contrary, he was the best out there every time he was on the court, and not just my own opinion. And based on the performances of our other young core who also dominated the G-League, DJ, White, Keldon, and if that’s any indication, Luka would be prime to get serious minutes come next season especially since some playing time would be available to him, and should be exciting to watch him translate to NBA games. That’s all. I was correcting what you said that he had an ugly game from the Gubble, which was far from what a lot of us saw. Peace bruh


Cool Cool. I'll still say your statement "clearly the best" is overstated. I did backpedal a bit because I was not impressed when I was seeing him but then I thought Spurs wanted him in awkward situations and to give him the ball continuously despite some other players shooting a bit better and playing better (like Woodard, Reynolds, Jones). Coaching staff specifically targeted the bubble for Luka's offensive game development which is when I backpedaled and said "its hard to come to a conclusion, how ready he is". I hope I'm wrong and Luka kills it next year. Look forward to hearing more of your points in the future.

[Sugus]

What's all this discussion about whether Luka was some scrub on the G-L team this season? What gibberish. Dominating games and putting up good stats isn't as easy as "getting the green light" lmfao, y'all sound like Seth Curry saying Steph is only so great because they let him do what he wants in GS.... No he's not.

Luka might not have the best percentages or top tier efficiency, but he sure was the best player on that Gubble team - and it's not only in terms of skills, as you say. He was the go-to player in the clutch; even if he'd been having a bad game, come 4th Q, the team knew they could feed him and he'd pick it up, as evidenced by not only his good counting numbers, but the fact that he didn't lose a single game he played there. Small sample size? Yes, definitely, I'm not nearly saying it's gonna translate entirely to the NBA and he'll be the Spurs' closer or whatever. But you can't tell me the guy didn't rise to the occasion, and didn't make the shots when it matters. Nowadays it's so easy to get lost looking at all the available stats, and the modern fixation on efficiency and whatever.... The game is played beyond the stat sheet. And Luka delivered there, beyond the stat sheet, as well.

I also recall a few of those Gubble games, where he was cold from deep the first quarters, then started making 3s in the 4th. Does anyone have per-quarter splits to back this up? That's a really underrated skill to have - to not lose confidence once shots start missing (ahem, White), to keep pounding that rock. Especially for someone who seemingly struggled with confidence and engagement issues on the court on his first GLeague stint, that's a growth that also doesn't get plastered on a stat sheet. Y'all need to ditch the stats for a second and look at his game - his sample sizes are small at every level he's played so far, except his first GLeague season, because COVID has been fucking two seasons now and Pop's rotations fucked him even worse when he was with the big boy club.

Cam fucking Reynolds, lmfao...

[EricB]

He needs to spend time with a sports psychologist this off-season tbh.


hes fixed a bunch of that

[EricB]

I think Luka's character concerns are being overstated. He's in a better place now than last season. Dude is embracing coffee gang and is laughing more with teammates this season than at any point last season.


his time with the team before and after the gubble, with Patty Mills and Rudy gay mentoring him “changed things” is what I was told. Patty Mills’s positive influence on this team is so important yet shit on by basement dwellers on this board so much it’s amazing.

[EricB]

Nah, Patty understands the score. Of all of the 30 somethingS, I think the younglings like and respect him the most, and he still has one high level NBA skill that is relevant in today’s NBA.

He’s very respected and it’s because of his contributions starting in 14, getting paid for soldiering through a fucked up diagnosis on his shoulder, and pretty much carrying the winning culture over that he learned with the vets.

his influence is not seen but very much felt in that locker room.

[EricB]

I’d honestly rather have Rudy stay. He’s always been a strong advocate for the youngsters, and didn’t fade down the stretch like Patty did.


Patty faded purely due to PT and that crap schedule. He had zero legs with 3 weeks to go.

[EricB]

I don't know. Mahinimi had lingering lower leg issues that derailed him and took away his breathtaking athleticism. He wasn't particularly skilled. Luka has a good handle and a good outside shot as far as I can tell. What he needs more than anything is minutes.


Mahinmi was more a volleyball player than basketball player when drafted

[EricB]

I need to see him play more to comment more in depth. I have limited watching opportunities bc the guy barely plays to begin with and of the gleague minutes, I only watch highlights, but him shooting the midrange doesn’t seem as much a part of his game. Its all a drive or 3s in the gleague highlights for example. His drives in the NBA often don’t end well since his finishing ability needs work and some of those gleague highlights wouldn’t translate.

If guys only watch highlights those would lead you to believe he can shoot the 3 but he can’t shoot well enough and has never done it well enough before. That was basically my point to the guys who watch highlights.

I think it’s obvious he was drafted for potential with the hope he’d fix his shot, gain strength and learn how to play.


shots are easy to fix, weight is easy to gain unless you’re Shawn Bradley.

Again, I don’t think you’ve watched a minute this kids played, also, he’s 22….

[EricB]

He's a better defender than I thought he was. Stamina seems to be an issue. Consistency and mettle as well.


i mean he’s 21. What kid at 21 isn’t not not consistent other than the sure fire hall of famers

[R. DeMurre]

Here's an interesting question: if the 76ers offered Paul Reed straight up for Samanic, would you take it?

G league stats this year:

Paul Reed, 15 games
22.3 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.8 bpg, 2.6 TOpg, 62.8% 2pt%, 44.4% 3pt%, 78.9 FT%, .238 WS/48

Luka Samanic, 6 games
21..8 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.2 bpg, 3.2 TOpg, 51.4% 2pt%, 29.7% 3pt%, 71.4% FT%, .002 WS/48

Reed is 6 months older, 6'9", 210-220 lbs
Samanic is probably 6'10" or 6'11", 230+ lbs (hard to say exactly for either guy, as last measurements are at least a year old)

[Mr. Body]

Here's an interesting question: if the 76ers offered Paul Reed straight up for Samanic, would you take it?

G league stats this year:

Paul Reed, 15 games
22.3 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.8 bpg, 2.6 TOpg, 62.8% 2pt%, 44.4% 3pt%, 78.9 FT%, .238 WS/48

Luka Samanic, 6 games
21..8 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.2 bpg, 3.2 TOpg, 51.4% 2pt%, 29.7% 3pt%, 71.4% FT%, .002 WS/48

Reed is 6 months older, 6'9", 210-220 lbs
Samanic is probably 6'10" or 6'11", 230+ lbs (hard to say exactly for either guy, as last measurements are at least a year old)

How is that an interesting question?

[R. DeMurre]

How is that an interesting question?

You don't have to participate, Mr Always Grumpy.

Or should I say Mr Broody?

It's an interesting question for people who enjoy talking about basketball, which is kinda the point of this website.

Are you saying there's no possible way that Paul Reed has a career as good as or better than Samanic? I imagine lots of oddsmakers would like that bet.

[John B]

Here's an interesting question: if the 76ers offered Paul Reed straight up for Samanic, would you take it?

G league stats this year:

Paul Reed, 15 games
22.3 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.8 bpg, 2.6 TOpg, 62.8% 2pt%, 44.4% 3pt%, 78.9 FT%, .238 WS/48

Luka Samanic, 6 games
21..8 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.2 bpg, 3.2 TOpg, 51.4% 2pt%, 29.7% 3pt%, 71.4% FT%, .002 WS/48

Reed is 6 months older, 6'9", 210-220 lbs
Samanic is probably 6'10" or 6'11", 230+ lbs (hard to say exactly for either guy, as last measurements are at least a year old)
At 58th pick? Dang Spurs could’ve taken him instead of Queendairy.

I think overtime, Luka would have a higher upside. Luka is arguably 6’11 and thick as a mule. He would be punishing people come his 5th year. Well Reed could be another Kuzma.

[R. DeMurre]

At 58th pick? Dang Spurs could’ve taken him instead of Queendairy.

I think overtime, Luka would have a higher upside. Luka is arguably 6’11 and thick as a mule. He would be punishing people come his 5th year. Well Reed could be another Kuzma.

He was famously all over the place in terms of draft predictions. Chad Ford had him at #20, Jason McIntyre had him at #17, & Kevin O'Connor at #35, but lots of other folks had him as a late 2nd rounder.

[Dejounte]

I will give you credit you’ve been one of the more realistic folks about Luka since he got drafted. Not too high or low on him and honestly that’s the way I am also. I definitely think if he puts everything together he could be really special but I don’t know if he will.

I say all that to say this….. lmao.

so far we have a pretty solid sample size of his shooting from his draft profile all the way until now. The pundits said he had a good looking shot but didn’t convert it efficiently enough in Europe before being drafted. His two seasons in the G league And few NBA games he hasn’t shot well from deep and his numbers along with seeing it backs that up. now, I’m not saying the young man can’t get (and will not get) better because I believe he will but so far he has proven to not be a reliable shooter and it’s crazy to tell folks who are pointing out this fact while discounting all the historical evidence that is backing up their claims. you are what your actions say you are until proven otherwise and so far he hasn’t proven in Europe or the NBA that he is a reliable shooter. It isn’t an opinion by us, it’s facts backed up by actual statistical analysis . LMAO.

I’m rooting for him to ball out though and I’m not like some of these folks who can’t see the potential he has and will never point out the good things he has done.

Solid sample size?

Do you realize that Bertans shot it at a lower percentage than Samanic when he was in Europe at the same age of 20? He shot it at a rate of 26.7%.

https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/71637/sid/5194/tid/2134/tid2//_/2011_FIBA_U19_World_Championship/index.html

At the age of 21, Bertans joined a team called KK Union Olimpija and shot a 3pt rate of 21.7%.

At the age of 22 (the age Samanic will be coming into next season), Bertans joined a team called Partizan and shot a lot better with a higher usage rate.

From your post, you would be itching to conclude that Bertans was a poor shooter when he was 21 ignoring the context of the team around him and his role, which Luka shares in common with him right now.

Where we differ in opinion is just that: I believe there's not enough sample size on whether or not Luka is a poor shooter, and certainly not enough to project him as a good or bad shooter going forward. What we do have that we can go by, is his shooting form and his comfort level shooting 3's. You disagree with these points because you want to say a maximum of 6.5FGA during his Croatian career is enough evidence to use to say he's a bad shooter (Bertans had a maximum of 9 to 11 FGA at an older age) AND you want to use g-league stats to gauge his skills. That is fine... you do you. I merely think it's inconclusive. That is not a stretch.


Also, there's not much "statistical analysis" being performed in your prior posts so not sure why say that. If you want to go there, we can go there. I can pop open my excel spreadsheet and we can go at it. I have a lot of raw data I can pull from various types of players that shows Luka is not as far off as you think. What types of charts do you prefer? Bar graphs? Scatter plots?

[exstatic]

At 58th pick? Dang Spurs could’ve taken him instead of Queendairy.

I think overtime, Luka would have a higher upside. Luka is arguably 6’11 and thick as a mule. He would be punishing people come his 5th year. Well Reed could be another Kuzma.

Not the same draft. Reed was a rookie this year, and Q was on the second year of his two way deal.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Solid sample size?

Do you realize that Bertans shot it at a lower percentage than Samanic when he was in Europe at the same age of 20? He shot it at a rate of 26.7%.

https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/71637/sid/5194/tid/2134/tid2//_/2011_FIBA_U19_World_Championship/index.html

At the age of 21, Bertans joined a team called KK Union Olimpija and shot a 3pt rate of 21.7%.

At the age of 22 (the age Samanic will be coming into next season), Bertans joined a team called Partizan and shot a lot better with a higher usage rate.

From your post, you would be itching to conclude that Bertans was a poor shooter when he was 21 ignoring the context of the team around him and his role, which Luka shares in common with him right now.

Where we differ in opinion is just that: I believe there's not enough sample size on whether or not Luka is a poor shooter, and certainly not enough to project him as a good or bad shooter going forward. What we do have that we can go by, is his shooting form and his comfort level shooting 3's. You disagree with these points because you want to say a maximum of 6.5FGA during his Croatian career is enough evidence to use to say he's a bad shooter (Bertans had a maximum of 9 to 11 FGA at an older age) AND you want to use g-league stats to gauge his skills. That is fine... you do you. I merely think it's inconclusive. That is not a stretch.


Also, there's not much "statistical analysis" being performed in your prior posts so not sure why say that. If you want to go there, we can go there. I can pop open my excel spreadsheet and we can go at it. I have a lot of raw data I can pull from various types of players that shows Luka is not as far off as you think. What types of charts do you prefer? Bar graphs? Scatter plots?


you can pull up any type of spreadsheet you like and it’s going to agree that with the sample size we have Samanic isn’t a good shooter. Lmao.

I’m looking at Bertans numbers in Europe and he never shot that low from 3 out there unless you gonna mentioned that ONE FUCKING GAMES HE POSTED THAT %. LMAO In 2011-12 season he shot 37% in 29 total games. In 2012-13 he shot 43% In 13 total games, 45.6 in 16 games and he tore his ACL the season before and that’s why he didn’t play a lot of games total those two seasons. 2014-15 he shot 38.6% and on 32 games and 2015-16 he shot 42.6% from 3. Bertans was and still is a shooter.


All his numbers are on the realgm link posted below. They do a great job of posting damn near anything basketball related for a player as you will see.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Davis-Bertans/Summary/24343 (https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Davis-Bertans/Summary/24343)


All I can do is shake my head at your response, especially when I tried to be respectful and you came back loud, disrespectful, and wrong as hell. I’m not gonna be like most of these clowns on here and go back and forth with people but please remember that I’m not one of these trolls that talks non sense on here

[Dejounte]

you can pull up any type of spreadsheet you like and it’s going to agree that with the sample size we have Samanic isn’t a good shooter. Lmao.

I’m looking at Bertans numbers in Europe and he never shot that low from 3 out there unless you gonna mentioned that ONE FUCKING GAMES HE POSTED THAT %. LMAO In 2011-12 season he shot 37% in 29 total games. In 2012-13 he shot 43% In 13 total games, 45.6 in 16 games and he tore his ACL the season before and that’s why he didn’t play a lot of games total those two seasons. 2014-15 he shot 38.6% and on 32 games and 2015-16 he shot 42.6% from 3. Bertans was and still is a shooter.


All his numbers are on the realgm link posted below. They do a great job of posting damn near anything basketball related for a player as you will see.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Davis-Bertans/Summary/24343 (https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Davis-Bertans/Summary/24343)


All I can do is shake my head at your response, especially when I tried to be respectful and you came back loud, disrespectful, and wrong as hell. I’m not gonna be like most of these clowns on here and go back and forth with people but please remember that I’m not one of these trolls that talks non sense on here

Trust me, I’m shaking my damn head too at your response. I don’t waste my time with trolls, and that’s why I don’t put in as much effort like I did with you. Iron sharpens iron, and if you’ve known anything about me since I’ve been posting here, it’s that I despise irresponsibility with the information one has been provided.

It was not one game. I literally provided you a link. The same age Bertans was in Europe as Luka, 2010-2011, is when he shot a low percentage. You can’t outright dismiss that. You’re fucking disregarding everything I said about age and missing the point. You’re going on about how he performed at ages 22 and onwards. I showed you his stats before that age and how he shot poorly.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Trust me, I’m shaking my damn head too at your response. I don’t waste my time with trolls, and that’s why I don’t put in as much effort like I did with you. Iron sharpens iron, and if you’ve known anything about me since I’ve been posting here, it’s that I despise irresponsibility with the information one has been provided.

It was not one game. I literally provided you a link. The same age Bertans was in Europe as Luka, 2010-2011, is when he shot a low percentage. You can’t outright dismiss that. You’re fucking disregarding everything I said about age and missing the point. You’re going on about how he performed at ages 22 and onwards. I showed you his stats before that age and how he shot poorly.

that was the Latvia U19 squad not league games and only 8 at that ……….


SMH. that isn’t the same or close to Luka’s situation so far. You used a tournament as your data.

man….. I thought you were better than this….

[Dejounte]

that was the Latvia U19 squad not league games and only 8 at that ……….


SMH. that isn’t the same or close to what Luka. You used a tournament as your data.

man….. I thought you were better than this….

Luckily, I don’t give a shit and neither should you. But if you want to continue this, feel free. You have a problem with me thinking it’s inconclusive apparently, and I can bring up many points to back it up. It’s your choice to be dismissive about it or not. It seems like you already made up your mind, anyway.

To the topic at hand:

That’s the problem with counting backwards, you can fuck it up. I’ll own up to that.

Using an age calculator now:

2010-2011 Bertans at age 18 with KK Union
2018-2019 Luka at age 18 with his Croatian team

2011-2012 Bertans at age 19 with Partizan
2019-2020 Luka at age 19 with Austin Spurs 1st year

2012-2013 Bertans at age 20 with (fill out tomorrow)
2020-2021 Luka at age 20 with Austin Spurs 2nd year and spot minutes with main team

^Could be wrong, I’m typing this from my phone. Will continue tomorrow.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Luckily, I don’t give a shit and neither should you. But if you want to continue this, feel free. You have a problem with me thinking it’s inconclusive apparently, and I can bring up many points to back it up. It’s your choice to be dismissive about it or not. It seems like you already made up your mind, anyway.

To the topic at hand:

That’s the problem with counting backwards, you can fuck it up. I’ll own up to that.

Using an age calculator now:

2010-2011 Bertans at age 18 with KK Union
2018-2019 Luka at age 18 with his Croatian team

2011-2012 Bertans at age 19 with Partizan
2019-2020 Luka at age 19 with Austin Spurs 1st year

2012-2013 Bertans at age 20 with (fill out tomorrow)
2020-2021 Luka at age 20 with Austin Spurs 2nd year and spot minutes with main team

^Could be wrong, I’m typing this from my phone. Will continue tomorrow.


the stats you posted (the link) clear as day said it was from the Latvia under 19 team and it was 8 games. I posted career stats for Bertans.

I personally think and have posted continuously that Luka will get better (don’t know if he will fulfill his total potential) but I’ve also pointed out that so far he hasn’t been a good shooter which data has backed up. I’ve been consistent with my stance and pretty straight forward. I have no clue why you came off the way you did but I find it hilarious that you came at me loud and wrong as fuck. Lmao.