Stanley Johnson - 2019 Free Agent

[timvp]

https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1626169.png

Stanley Johnson
Position: Small Forward
Age: 23.1
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 245 pounds
College: Arizona
Years Pro: 4
Status: Restricted Free Agent

Stats (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsst04.html)

[RC_Drunkford]

wouldn't mind adding him to the team, but he's not the solution at the starting spot

[monty4329]

Can't shoot.

That's all, I guess.

[venitian navigator]

One of my favourite. Young, athletic, good on defense and so bad on shooting and on offense in general that his market value is an all time low...so we could afford him for a long term deal (3/4 years) at a good price (4 x year?) with the goal of develop and improve his offensive skills in the perspective of a new and larger next contract...in few words, treat him like a well paid fresh draft pick (as a 23 years old next could be his first year out of college). Only problem is he's restricted...and the Pels could decide to match any offer we make as rfa (if they have extended him the qualifying offer)...'cause after all they only have Ingram coming from a bad injury as small forward...

[slick'81]

Shit i thought he still played for detroit :rollin

[venitian navigator]

Can't shoot.

That's all, I guess.

aren't we the best in the business for fixing it?

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Pelicans most likely will match any decent deal for him. I like taking a flyer on this guy because he is still young and a defender. His shooting issues can be fixed if he is willing to work and put into initial positions that aren’t too overwhelming for him offensively

[monty4329]

aren't we the best in the business for fixing it?

Apparently not. Last season we had a starting five that couldn't hit a buthtub.

[cd98]

Seems like the Spurs have tried to get this guy for years with no luck.

[ceperez]

He will have to be acquired on the cheap because he's a project. He can't shoot.

[Maddog]

aren't we the best in the business for fixing it?


Pelicans most likely will match any decent deal for him. I like taking a flyer on this guy because he is still young and a defender. His shooting issues can be fixed if he is willing to work and put into initial positions that aren’t too overwhelming for him offensively

The Spurs are probably the best at fixing shooting- but you don't always succeed and Johnson has never shown any skill at all. If cheap- I'd take a flyer given he's young

[Atl Spur]

For some of you to act like this guy has two left feet offensively is laughable. He is a hard nose defender that we can make serviceable at the very least on offense. Trade Beli for him...

[GreekSpursfan]

I prefer Thaddeus Young over this guy and i don't even like Thad so yeah...

[pad300]

Would consider if cheap enough. Not a first choice, IMO.

[ceperez]

A draft bust looking for redemption. Not going anywhere unless he gets into a good development program.

[timvp]

Things I like about him:

1) Already a good individual defender.

2) Has the potential to be a great individual defender. Perfect body style to defend long threes. (Probably defends Nephew as well as anyone in the league, for example.)

3) He's a bulk three-point shooter, so there are no issue in terms of the quickness or height of his release.

4) Still young.

5) Might be had for cheap.



Things I don't like:

1) Consistently terrible shooting the ball (~29% career three-point shooter and no signs of improvement).

2) Low offensive basketball IQ. Struggles with shoot/pass/dribble decisions as much as any player in the league.

3) Defensive basketball IQ middling in terms of reading and fitting into team schemes.

[Philthemage]

Our defense hasnt been the issue the last few years, it's our offense which sputters especially when we are on the road.

[timvp]

Our defense hasnt been the issue

https://i.imgur.com/NErFV6F.gif

[RD2191]

https://i.imgur.com/NErFV6F.gif

:lol

[cd98]

He reminds me of Corey Brewer. The Spurs chased that dude for years. It seems like he played on every team, but the Spurs. But the Spurs could never get a trade for him to go through and they could never convince him to come when he was a free agent. I think Stanley Johnson will always be the guy the Spurs chase, but he never comes.

[Drom John]

Our defense hasnt been the issue the last few years, it's our offense which sputters especially when we are on the road.

Not as good as the timvp blinks, but last year the Spurs were
4th in offensive rating,
13th in defensive rating.

That matches my eye test, with or without blinks.

[look_at_g_shred]

Not as good as the timvp blinks, but last year the Spurs were
4th in offensive rating,
13th in defensive rating.

That matches my eye test, with or without blinks.
Is there a stat for offensive rating on the road?

[Atl Spur]

We need a wing defender...... is this really even a question??

[cd021]

Not as good as the timvp blinks, but last year the Spurs were
4th in offensive rating,
13th in defensive rating.

That matches my eye test, with or without blinks.

Spurs were 7th in Off Rtg, 19th in D Rtg last season.

[timvp]

last year the Spurs were
4th in offensive rating,
13th in defensive rating.

Where do you see 13th in defensive rating? The Spurs were 20th according to NBA.com, 19th according to basketball-reference and tied for 18th according to ESPN, tbh.


Is there a stat for offensive rating on the road?

Road games only, Spurs had the 6th best offense and 25th best defense. So, yeah, I'm not sure I can buy the opinion that the team's road offense was the problem, IMO.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Squeeze him and Belli into one body and you've got a player. Without that, you've got the same liability, just on the other end of the court. Offensively, the team is playing 4 on 5. No way I would want him over his teammate, Miller.

[KDKSpurs24]

I think at the end of the day.. if we strike out with our free agent options we will at least land Stanley Johnson.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1144047041473077248

[YoungbuckMurray]

Wouldn’t hate this guy. Really good defender hopefully could work on his shot with chip

[DPG21920]

Chip is going to start doing group sessions :lol

[NASpurs]

Seems we've been linked to Stanley Johnson for years now despite him being 23 :lol

[ace3g]

I always loved this story

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1144048621333225472

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1144048622130159616

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1144048622906085376

[timvp]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1144047041473077248

The path is clear for the Chosen One to finally arrive :tu

[DPG21920]

I mean SA has been rumored to be interested for years now. This is their chance seemingly.,

[slick'81]

Rhj or Stanley upside wise?!

[DPG21920]

The path is clear for the Chosen One to finally arrive :tu


I mean SA has been rumored to be interested for years now. This is their chance seemingly.,

Jinx

[Dejounte]

This dude would be another Dante Cunningham... His offensive flaws would shine too bright to ignore. No thanks.

[DPG21920]

This dude would be another Dante Cunningham... His offensive flaws would shine too bright to ignore. No thanks.

If he shot open 3s as good as Cun last season he’s elite

[timvp]

Things I like about him:

1) Already a good individual defender.

2) Has the potential to be a great individual defender. Perfect body style to defend long threes. (Probably defends Nephew as well as anyone in the league, for example.)

3) He's a bulk three-point shooter, so there are no issue in terms of the quickness or height of his release.

4) Still young.

5) Might be had for cheap.



Things I don't like:

1) Consistently terrible shooting the ball (~29% career three-point shooter and no signs of improvement).

2) Low offensive basketball IQ. Struggles with shoot/pass/dribble decisions as much as any player in the league.

3) Defensive basketball IQ middling in terms of reading and fitting into team schemes.

The uniqueness of his build is also a pretty important factor when considering him. This guy was 242 pounds as a 19-year-old at the combine. He's probably 250+ now. There just aren't that many 6-foot-7, 250-pound-plus human beings who can move their feet fast enough to survive out on the perimeter in the NBA.

His offense is horrible but he's a fixed shot away from being really valuable, IMO.

9M408h-VNKs

You can't teach that type of size, mobility and effort. And he's only 23 so it's reasonable for him to get better offensively.

[MaNu4Tres]

The uniqueness of his build is also a pretty important factor when considering him. This guy was 242 pounds as a 19-year-old at the combine. He's probably 250+ now. There just aren't that many 6-foot-7, 250-pound-plus human beings who can move their feet fast enough to survive out on the perimeter in the NBA.

His offense is horrible but he's a fixed shot away from being really valuable, IMO.

9M408h-VNKs

You can't teach that type of size, mobility and effort. And he's only 23 so it's reasonable for him to get better offensively.

Can we blend him and Bryn together?

Please?

[Dejounte]

If he shot open 3s as good as Cun last season he’s elite

How is it elite? Thats exactly what Dante was. 3s and nothing else. Need a little more versatility.

[Dejounte]

The uniqueness of his build is also a pretty important factor when considering him. This guy was 242 pounds as a 19-year-old at the combine. He's probably 250+ now. There just aren't that many 6-foot-7, 250-pound-plus human beings who can move their feet fast enough to survive out on the perimeter in the NBA.

His offense is horrible but he's a fixed shot away from being really valuable, IMO.

9M408h-VNKs

You can't teach that type of size, mobility and effort. And he's only 23 so it's reasonable for him to get better offensively.

Not gonna lie. The defense is impressive.

[timvp]

How is it elite? Thats exactly what Dante was. 3s and nothing else. Need a little more versatility.

The big difference is Cunningham is a low volume three-point shooter and Stanley Johnson is a medium to high volume three-point shooter (he has the fast release and high release point to be a high volume three-point shooter long-term).

[LakerHater]

werent the Spurs trying to get him before?

[DPG21920]

How is it elite? Thats exactly what Dante was. 3s and nothing else. Need a little more versatility.

If SJ shot the 3 as good as Cunningham that would be huge bruh

[DPG21920]

werent the Spurs trying to get him before?


For years. Tried trading for him at least once (2017) and maybe more.

[ace3g]

SJ has a euro step and decent post game ability.

[DPG21920]

I’m on board - he’d be the most natural SF on the team and between that and his age? About as good as you could hope for despite SERIOUS concerns of what he’d do to the offense.

[timvp]

despite SERIOUS concerns of what he’d do to the offense.

Yeah, he's so bad on offense that he could end up being worthless. Advanced stats (including RPM) grade him as consistently one of the worst offensive players in the league.

But dat D doe. And his shot looks salvageable, IMO.

[FvckMavs]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1144047041473077248

Maybe they do Spurs a favor by making SJ a URF. We can send them freebie like Bertans to free some space.

[DPG21920]

Yeah, he's so bad on offense that he could end up being worthless. Advanced stats (including RPM) grade him as consistently one of the worst offensive players in the league.

But dat D doe. And his shot looks salvageable, IMO.

Luckily his contract would theoretically reflect that risk. Since it’s via FA it’s not like he’s being traded for a shooter. He’s a spot guy unless he proves (that’s the hope) that he can be a net positive.

But with all the ball handlers SA has (Murray, White, DeRozan and even Lonnie/Mills) he would not be asked to do much other than spot up. If he can do that effectively while having ANY improvement in secondary/third pass dribble drive creation that’s a hell of a fit

[pad300]

Would like. If we can get him for the min, awesome. Do we have any other options beside splitting the MLE? If we dumped someone, say belinelli, for a trade exception, could we use that?

[BWS-1994]

How well does he defend against 4’s?

[DPG21920]

Would like. If we can get him for the min, awesome. Do we have any other options beside splitting the MLE? If we dumped someone, say belinelli, for a trade exception, could we use that?

Anyone you trade while taking back LESS salary creates a trade exception. But that can’t be used to sign a free agent. Only used in a single trade (can’t be combined)

[Immortal Spur]

this man could be Chip's sistine chapel tbh

[timvp]

I imagine SJ still gets $3-4 million per season, especially now that he's unrestricted.

[DPG21920]

I imagine SJ still gets $3-4 million per season, especially now that he's unrestricted.

Ya - at that level there is really no risk. Id sign him 4 full years at that price EASILY

[venitian navigator]

happy he's ufa...hoping we sign him by day one. Price? just depending how much ha asks and how much we value him...but for sure if he wants to improve his chances to become a better player and enhance his value for his next contract, ther's no better choice for him than us...I would be inclined to let him sign a 3/4 years contract starting from a decent part (from 3 to half) of the MLE...but I would not be disappointed if we decide to go all in on him for the same multiple years with the full MLE...

[jbspurs]

https://i.imgur.com/NErFV6F.gif:lmao

[jbspurs]

https://i.imgur.com/NErFV6F.gif:lmao

[Chinook]

Nope. Don't get the love. Having a guy who can "body up" Kawhi isn't remotely a concern. This isn't the 00s anymore. You don't win by putting your one-on-one defender on a guy and letting them go to work. Kawhi's a throwback player for sure, but he's only one guy, and it's probably still better to guard him with a team rather than a guy. Moreover, I wasn't really that impressed with Stan's defense. Kawhi seemed to let the contact get to him and tried to match like with like. He should have backed up and tried to go downhill rather than trying to post up. I assume Leonard learned how to go against Johnson as their teams' series went on.

I mean, I'm not against any flier PATFO wants to take. Maybe Stan can learn to shoot and become an everyday starting four. Sign me up for that. But him doing okay against a guy who isn't even in the team's division doesn't feel worth the money and roster spot when they have a legit rotation spot they should be trying to fill.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Even at 23 he’d be as much of a project as a rookie and the Spurs already have a player of a similar ilk in Keldon Johnson, so I can’t see them being interested.

[cutewizard]

Get this guy plllllllllllllssssssssss

[cutewizard]

Get this guy plllllllllllllssssssssss

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I hope we can get him for cheap. I think he is still young enough to fix his shot

[ceperez]

"The New Orleans Pelicans will decline to extend qualifying offers to Stanley Johnson and Cheick Diallo."

I guess Spurs can get him on the cheap if they want to.

[r0drig0lac]

Ya - at that level there is really no risk. Id sign him 4 full years at that price EASILY

agree

[venitian navigator]

Nope. Don't get the love. Having a guy who can "body up" Kawhi isn't remotely a concern. This isn't the 00s anymore. You don't win by putting your one-on-one defender on a guy and letting them go to work. Kawhi's a throwback player for sure, but he's only one guy, and it's probably still better to guard him with a team rather than a guy. Moreover, I wasn't really that impressed with Stan's defense. Kawhi seemed to let the contact get to him and tried to match like with like. He should have backed up and tried to go downhill rather than trying to post up. I assume Leonard learned how to go against Johnson as their teams' series went on.

I mean, I'm not against any flier PATFO wants to take. Maybe Stan can learn to shoot and become an everyday starting four. Sign me up for that. But him doing okay against a guy who isn't even in the team's division doesn't feel worth the money and roster spot when they have a legit rotation spot they should be trying to fill.

you're not wrong but the point is that he could have a big value for us just with his perimeter defense...think of a team that has anytime on then floor at least three and in special situations four to five players all young and good at defending the perimeter...that's a nightmare for opposing teams. With Murray, White, Walker, Kj and him (because one of his value for our team is that - and in this he's similar but different from KJ - cause his role is more like a 3/4 than a 2/3 and only in case 4) we could have 5 players that can come in and guarantee an high level and energetic perimeter defense also if the fourth and fifth man are defensively just average or less than average ...(like DDR, Bertans, Mills, Forbes, Belli...).

[look_at_g_shred]

4 years 18/20 plz !!

[Atl Spur]

I hope the kid lands here to get his career back on track & help us ring!

[timvp]

Nope. Don't get the love. Having a guy who can "body up" Kawhi isn't remotely a concern. This isn't the 00s anymore. You don't win by putting your one-on-one defender on a guy and letting them go to work. Kawhi's a throwback player for sure, but he's only one guy, and it's probably still better to guard him with a team rather than a guy. Moreover, I wasn't really that impressed with Stan's defense. Kawhi seemed to let the contact get to him and tried to match like with like. He should have backed up and tried to go downhill rather than trying to post up. I assume Leonard learned how to go against Johnson as their teams' series went on.

I mean, I'm not against any flier PATFO wants to take. Maybe Stan can learn to shoot and become an everyday starting four. Sign me up for that. But him doing okay against a guy who isn't even in the team's division doesn't feel worth the money and roster spot when they have a legit rotation spot they should be trying to fill.

Don't follow, tbh. It's not just Neph, the Spurs obviously had issues defending the majority of wing players. When the current backup small forward is Belinelli, I'd say a player who can defend that position classifies as a need.

It's fine if you don't like SJ specifically. He's admittedly a mediocre prospect worth only worth something like $6 million over two years. If any of the rumors are true that he's hardheaded and doesn't listen to coaching, I'd be okay with the Spurs crossing him off their list. But in theory, he's in the ballpark of player that would help the Spurs, IMO.

[DPG21920]

Don't follow, tbh. It's not just Neph, the Spurs obviously had issues defending the majority of wing players. When the current backup small forward is Belinelli, I'd say a player who can defend that position classifies as a need.

It's fine if you don't like SJ specifically. He's admittedly a mediocre prospect worth only worth something like $6 million over two years. If any of the rumors are true that he's hardheaded and doesn't listen to coaching, I'd be okay with the Spurs crossing him off their list. But in theory, he's in the ballpark of player that would help the Spurs, IMO.

Side note to this - where’s the value in signing him to 2/6? If he’s willing to take 3-4 years at that price isn’t that the value play? If he improves at all he’s locked in. If he doesn’t? Not to big of a deal on your cap

[timvp]

Side note to this - where’s the value in signing him to 2/6? If he’s willing to take 3-4 years at that price isn’t that the value play? If he improves at all he’s locked in. If he doesn’t? Not to big of a deal on your cap

I'm just assuming he'd want a shorter deal so he can hit the free agent market again quicker. It'd cost more per year to get a player like him to sign for longer.

[Russ]

This guy seems to fit the Bowen profile when the Spurs got him.

Undervalued by an ambitious team in transition (Bowen/Miami, Johnson/NOP).

Great defender.

Potential to become a 3-point shooter (his latest % with NO was his best, finally over 30%). Chip awaits.

I get a good feeling from this guy.

The Spurs could be going with waves of unknown athletes, all playing in a unique system (i.e., any system at all).

[JuneJive]

Timeline wise, he fits.

I say go for it. I think Brian Wright knows his situation very well.

[DPG21920]

I'm just assuming he'd want a shorter deal so he can hit the free agent market again quicker. It'd cost more per year to get a player like him to sign for longer.

Got ya - I was reading it as you wouldn’t sign him to 4/12

[Atl Spur]

Keldon j can back him up.......yikes

[Chinook]

Don't follow, tbh. It's not just Neph, the Spurs obviously had issues defending the majority of wing players. When the current backup small forward is Belinelli, I'd say a player who can defend that position classifies as a need.

It's fine if you don't like SJ specifically. He's admittedly a mediocre prospect worth only worth something like $6 million over two years. If any of the rumors are true that he's hardheaded and doesn't listen to coaching, I'd be okay with the Spurs crossing him off their list. But in theory, he's in the ballpark of player that would help the Spurs, IMO.

There's a wide gap between prioritizing guys like Johnson and playing Beli. There are plenty of options who have legit combo-forward size and aren't unplayable like Stan is. The Spurs don't need to save by "only" giving Johnson $3 Million. They have $9 Million. Spend it on someone who's worth it. Get a legit rotation player (something I've been advocating in our discussions for a while). They have three forward projects already.

The Spurs need to upgrade their 1-10 talent level rather than just adding to their back end. Johnson platooning with Beli for the last rotation spot as the big change for this off-season is ridiculous in my mind. They simply don't need either player if they're so limited. Trade for someone. Use the MLE on someone. Hell, let Keldon into the rotation.

[lmbebo]

I like him and RHJ. If Spurs could pick up one of them who they think they can work on there outside shooting, I'd do it.

[Trueblood]

There's a wide gap between prioritizing guys like Johnson and playing Beli. There are plenty of options who have legit combo-forward size and aren't unplayable like Stan is. The Spurs don't need to save by "only" giving Johnson $3 Million. They have $9 Million. Spend it on someone who's worth it. Get a legit rotation player (something I've been advocating in our discussions for a while). They have three forward projects already.

The Spurs need to upgrade their 1-10 talent level rather than just adding to their back end. Johnson platooning with Beli for the last rotation spot as the big change for this off-season is ridiculous in my mind. They simply don't need either player if they're so limited. Trade for someone. Use the MLE on someone. Hell, let Keldon into the rotation.

I can't say I disagree with what you're saying completely, but I think you're talking apples and oranges here. Your first post was talking about getting him as a 4 and here you're discussing needing a combo forward.
The people here that want him aren't looking for someone who can play the 4. We have Aldridge to play the 4 in big lineups, Gay (provided he re-signs) to play the 4 in small ball lineups, and Bertans when we need a stretch 4. We aren't looking for another combo forward. We need an actual 3 who can stay in front of faster 3's and be able to switch off onto guards when needed and this guy fits the bill.
I think what you're trying to say is this guy doesn't fit the need you see for the team but most of us here believe he does because we feel we need a real 3 on the team. Enough with with square pegs in round holes already. Beli and DDR are not Small Forwards no matter how they try to make them fit.

[cd98]

Spurs have always had interest in Stanley Johnson, including trying to trade for him last year, if my memory is correct. There must be something about his potential that they like. The guy has been dumped by what, three teams? I wouldn't say he has no market, but I don't think teams are going to get into a bidding war over his services. I'm sure the Spurs will kick the tire. If they can get him for the right price, they might do it. Yes, they have other guys they can develop, but maybe they see with his size, speed, and aggressiveness that they can turn him into a top notch defender and maybe they think they can transform his abysmal shooting. But if they get him, he probably won't be usable except in limited situations, so he's definitely not a person I'd spend the mid level on unless the Spurs strike out on every small forward that would get consistent minutes in the rotation.

[Chinook]

I can't say I disagree with what you're saying completely, but I think you're talking apples and oranges here. Your first post was talking about getting him as a 4 and here you're discussing needing a combo forward.
The people here that want him aren't looking for someone who can play the 4. We have Aldridge to play the 4 in big lineups, Gay (provided he re-signs) to play the 4 in small ball lineups, and Bertans when we need a stretch 4. We aren't looking for another combo forward. We need an actual 3 who can stay in front of faster 3's and be able to switch off onto guards when needed and this guy fits the bill.
I think what you're trying to say is this guy doesn't fit the need you see for the team but most of us here believe he does because we feel we need a real 3 on the team. Enough with with square pegs in round holes already. Beli and DDR are not Small Forwards no matter how they try to make them fit.

I think most Spurs fans are wrong. I don't think the team needs a three. I think we all are thinking of the same archetype, but you guys are saying that's an SF, and I'm saying that's a PF. Gay isn't a "small-ball four"; he's just a four. The Spurs need someone like him to start as the everyday PF but who is better a defense and a consistent shooter. What they don't need is a 6-7 guy who can't shoot just because he fits the physical profile of what an SF was seven years ago (which wasn't even true then). It's like saying you need a center to play next Aldridge because LMA fit what a PF was back then.

DeRozan is a small-forward. Sure, you can put him at the two and be fine if you have a big guy who can shoot next to him. But he's not outsized by any star SF nowadays. He's slow-footed and isn't guarding guards. Even with that, it's fine to but someone like Bogdanovic next to him if you also bring in a defensive four to balance out the lack of footspeed on the wings. Trying to put in a guy like Johnson just pisses all over the spacing. I have no interest in this Swiss army knife approach where you mix and match 12 guys. Get a good unit together and make teams adjust to you, not the other way around.

[bluebellmaniac]

1. Trade Beli and Bertans for Bojan.
2. Sign Stanley for part of the MLE (4M?).
3. Make Nikola a last offer for the remainder of the MLE. He has to earn the big payday at the end of that contract.

4.!Prepare for the championships.

[TD 21]

I think most Spurs fans are wrong. I don't think the team needs a three. I think we all are thinking of the same archetype, but you guys are saying that's an SF, and I'm saying that's a PF. Gay isn't a "small-ball four"; he's just a four. The Spurs need someone like him to start as the everyday PF but who is better a defense and a consistent shooter. What they don't need is a 6-7 guy who can't shoot just because he fits the physical profile of what an SF was seven years ago (which wasn't even true then). It's like saying you need a center to play next Aldridge because LMA fit what a PF was back then.

DeRozan is a small-forward. Sure, you can put him at the two and be fine if you have a big guy who can shoot next to him. But he's not outsized by any star SF nowadays. He's slow-footed and isn't guarding guards. Even with that, it's fine to but someone like Bogdanovic next to him if you also bring in a defensive four to balance out the lack of footspeed on the wings. Trying to put in a guy like Johnson just pisses all over the spacing. I have no interest in this Swiss army knife approach where you mix and match 12 guys. Get a good unit together and make teams adjust to you, not the other way around.

:tu

People don't seem to comprehend that this team is overloaded with rotation players from 1-3 as is (and even in the unlikely event they trade Bertans/Belinelli and sign Bogdanovic, they'd still be). They need a 4 who's a good shooter first and foremost, but also a mobile enough defender to do something resembling a credible job defending overpowering big wings. Basically, a rich man's Cunningham.

Outside of Marcus Morris, which isn't happening for obvious reasons, JaMychal Green is the closest thing to this available.

[ZeusWillJudge]

I think most Spurs fans are wrong. I don't think the team needs a three. I think we all are thinking of the same archetype, but you guys are saying that's an SF, and I'm saying that's a PF. Gay isn't a "small-ball four"; he's just a four. The Spurs need someone like him to start as the everyday PF but who is better a defense and a consistent shooter. What they don't need is a 6-7 guy who can't shoot just because he fits the physical profile of what an SF was seven years ago (which wasn't even true then). It's like saying you need a center to play next Aldridge because LMA fit what a PF was back then.

DeRozan is a small-forward. Sure, you can put him at the two and be fine if you have a big guy who can shoot next to him. But he's not outsized by any star SF nowadays. He's slow-footed and isn't guarding guards. Even with that, it's fine to but someone like Bogdanovic next to him if you also bring in a defensive four to balance out the lack of footspeed on the wings. Trying to put in a guy like Johnson just pisses all over the spacing. I have no interest in this Swiss army knife approach where you mix and match 12 guys. Get a good unit together and make teams adjust to you, not the other way around.


Potato, potahto. All this small-ball, positionless play has made having discussions a pain in the ass. They're calling guys SF's who are really only 6'5", and guys who are only 6'7" or a hair over. That works fine for small ball offense.

Players are, overall, more athletic than they were a decade ago. On defense they close quicker, and they can double and recover quicker than they did. The inside game is MUCH more difficult than it was back then, if there aren't multiple guys who are a legit 3P threat on the floor. If the Spurs had a guy who could defend 3 and 4, but could also shoot from the perimeter, DeRozan could be a lot more effective. As it is, they collapse on him any time he looks like he might move to the rim. With that big defender also posing a serious 3P threat, DeRozan would run amok in the paint.

You just get into a lot of unnecessary arguments because people are talking SF and they mean a 6'8" guy. You're talking PF, and you mean a 6'8" guy - because the Spurs can't afford any of the few 6'10" guys who have elite lateral quickness and can shoot.

The Spurs have painted themselves into a corner with this roster construction. They just can't afford to add a guy like Johnson who they may like for his defense, but who just can't do anything to space the floor. If DDR was even adequate shooting 3's, it would make a big difference. But he isn't. Johnson doesn't fit because he can't shoot for shit, and the Spurs can't afford to put him on the floor with this roster construction.

[picnroll]

Spurs should have picked up Cabocolo last season like a lot of Spurstalk posters were clamoring for. Pop almost always refuses to make late season cuts. Would have been better to dump Cunningham or Pondexter for him. Possible chance SF problem would be solved with Caboclo, who seems to be figuring it out, behind Gay.

[spurraider21]

Height: 6-foot-7
this is literally the reason spurstalk wants him

[spurraider21]

i dont like him as much as ST seems to, but at 3-4 mil apy he would be a nice pickup. he's basically a pre-jumpshot aminu who is young enough to still develop one

[JeffDuncan]

He's a G League project. That is all.

[BatManu20]

I’m surprised at what a bust he’s been tbh. He had a man’s body coming into the league at 19 years old. Thought he’d be a good player by now. Still only 23 though, and he does play some D. Maybe Spurs could turn him into a serviceable player tbh.

[venitian navigator]

we have an abundance of 3 point shooters that are defensive liabilities...(mills, forbes, belli, bertans) and our main 2 scorers are not 3 point shooters...looks like none of you has understood that our main problem last year was defense and perimeter defense in particular...that's the main problem we have to solve because, despite the lacking of a complete player with a 3 point shot, we didn't do so bad on offense last season...and that's one thing that SJ can do at a more than adequate level and some that, imho, with appropriate coaching and after one year of tutelage, he could even do at an elite level. In few words, he has the skills to replace n° 2 defense (a thing that, for example, Cunningham wasn't able to) while let the other 4 players take care of the offense being just a fifth option (corner threes and garbage baskets on offensive rebounds).

[cd021]

I would sign him to a 2 year deal, second year non guaranteed, with hope that he could be turned into an NBA player.

[Atl Spur]

Player development means everything; the tools are there. We must stop having selective memories, did non established Bruce Bowen have a better looking upside than SJ! No! I say this to emphasize, until properly coached up we don’t know what this kid can be. One thing is for sure, he’s not soft nor a coward!

[ceperez]

:tu

People don't seem to comprehend that this team is overloaded with rotation players from 1-3 as is (and even in the unlikely event they trade Bertans/Belinelli and sign Bogdanovic, they'd still be). They need a 4 who's a good shooter first and foremost, but also a mobile enough defender to do something resembling a credible job defending overpowering big wings. Basically, a rich man's Cunningham.

Outside of Marcus Morris, which isn't happening for obvious reasons, JaMychal Green is the closest thing to this available.

I agree that JaMychal Green is most likely to be affordable.

[tmtcsc]

Our defense hasnt been the issue the last few years, it's our offense which sputters especially when we are on the road.

https://media.giphy.com/media/glmRyiSI3v5E4/giphy.gif

[Russ]

I've heard nothing but radio silence regarding this guy as of this afternoon (July 1).

No rumors, no nothing.

Anyone have any news?

[kobyz]

I've heard nothing but radio silence regarding this guy as of this afternoon (July 1).

No rumors, no nothing.

Anyone have any news?

try a chinese station

[DPG21920]

I've heard nothing but radio silence regarding this guy as of this afternoon (July 1).

No rumors, no nothing.

Anyone have any news?

With his flaws, he’s not top priority for anyone. Especially since so many teams are looking for shooting.

[sasaint]

He's a G League project. That is all.

At best. Spurs do not need a project SF/PF. They need an immediate contributor.

[JeffDuncan]

Oops, wrong thread.

[timvp]

Beginning to sound like Stanley Johnson is in line to get a minimum level contract. Maybe two-year minimum with the second year a player option or something like that.

Even though the Spurs don't have a roster spot and just signed a SF/PF in Carroll ... I wouldn't be against adding him, tbh.

[slick'81]

We dont need him with belli and patty in tow

[Marcus Bryant]

Sold. Still have ~$3MM left of the MLE. All it takes is a minor trade or waive to open up a roster spot in time.

[spurraider21]

Carroll and KJ are already in line for the role he would have played. its a good question if carroll at 6 is better than stanley at the minimum

[slick'81]

Carroll and KJ are already in line for the role he would have played. its a good question if carroll at 6 is better than stanley at the minimum


Yea hes redundant af with carroll making 6.5 per

[Truth4sale$]

Stanley is known for defense, and is more of a true position less player, playing power forward, small forward and some point guard with the Pelicans. The talent is there. Demarre Caroll is a combo forward who also brings defense and toughness. But they are not the same players. I wanted Stanley but at this point barring a trade, I dont think he is coming and it is too bad, I think the Spurs development staff could have turned his career around.

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

So who would we let go? Eubanks?

[venitian navigator]

Stanley is known for defense, and is more of a true position less player, playing power forward, small forward and some point guard with the Pelicans. The talent is there. Demarre Caroll is a combo forward who also brings defense and toughness. But they are not the same players. I wanted Stanley but at this point barring a trade, I dont think he is coming and it is too bad, I think the Spurs development staff could have turned his career around.

completely agree...but I'm still hoping...looks like young guys with elite skills (toè ten draft picks) but big developmental problems are actually affordable at a decent price...and that makes sense, because just a little part of nba franchises actually spend (like we do) a lot of time and resources on improving and developing player's skills (also if they are already young veterans, like SJ and, for example, also my other proposed developmental project aka Dragan Bender).

[exstatic]

So who would we let go? Eubanks?

Metu. He’s shown nothing at the NBA level, and is making about $800K.

[Atl Spur]

I have faith we still are going to get him.

[SAGirl]

At best. Spurs do not need a project SF/PF. They need an immediate contributor.
In just one sentence you summed up Chinooks point.

Zeus’ too. With the roster Spurs have they can’t afford to take on projects that can’t shoot.

Id rather give opportunities to Keldon for a project wing.

[SAGirl]

Carroll and KJ are already in line for the role he would have played. its a good question if carroll at 6 is better than stanley at the minimum
Spurs going for Carroll at the first opportunity already told us that their prior interest in Stanley has waned.

[Truth4sale$]

I think the Spurs are missing on a great opportunity for a lottery reclamation project. He has size that is ideal on the wing at 6'6, 240lb, 6'11 wingspan. He can guard big 2's, 3's and 4's. He is committed to defense, he knows how to score but cant shoot. He needs a shooting coach and regain his confidence. To be brought along slowly, like he should have when he came into the league. The Spurs way!.A breakdown to be rebuilt.
Now, we know the Spurs just drafted Keldon Johnson and signed Demarre Carroll but sometimes a team needs to collect the best talent it can afford that is available. Which, as a former lottery pick he is. Keldon Johnson likely wont play this year in San Antonio, and Demarre Carroll is a stop gap. But the spurs need to develop a star, what better way is to grap as much young talent (lottery) as you can and let competition and coaching see what the future holds.

[ace3g]

I'm starting get a feeling all the interest from the Spurs we have heard about the past 2-3 years has been from SJ's agent. A perfect opportunity to sign him this year, especially after going from Restricted to Unrestricted, and still no signing.

[Truth4sale$]

I'm starting get a feeling all the interest from the Spurs we have heard about the past 2-3 years has been from SJ's agent. A perfect opportunity to sign him this year, especially after going from Restricted to Unrestricted, and still no signing.

I think all agents use the Spurs name because of Popovich but nobdy ever signs.

[RC_Drunkford]

the crazy thing is Metu is only 1 year younger than Johnson and can't do anything at an NBA level

[apalisoc_9]

Stanley Johnson probably goes to Lakers or Warriors.

[RC_Drunkford]

:pop: "we can't break up coffee gang, Chimezie is a great person. There are things more important than winning basketball games"

[TDMVPDPOY]

mezu and mills or belli for a trade

[Blackhaus]

I’d be all about moving patty or beli or both to bring him in. It’s goimg to be so depressing to see a 1st quarter lead gone because our second unit of patty, belli and Carroll piss it away.

[horseshue]

Cant believe Stanley is still unemployed.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I’d take him over Metu.

[NASpurs]

1147559914228912130

[Leetonidas]

1147559914228912130

Replacing Kawhi leonard with Stanley johnson :lmao

[venitian navigator]

at that number we could have been interested...I don't know about Raptors developmental program but I'm sorry he didn't have the chance to try ours...imho this could have been the right time...

[venitian navigator]

Replacing Kawhi leonard with Stanley johnson :lmao

Looks like they tried the two for one deal...they replaced n° 2 with Stanley Johnson and RHJ...aka two gays yjay looks quite the same player. Both good on defense but both, actually, with non existent offense...one thing to say is that both have very athletic bodyes...looks like they could be part of an nba "defensive special team"...but maybe more of an nfl special team...

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I’m disappointed the Spurs didn’t pick him up. He’s one of those guys with potential to get better.

[NickiRasgo]

at that number we could have been interested...I don't know about Raptors developmental program but I'm sorry he didn't have the chance to try ours...imho this could have been the right time...

Raptors developmental program is decent to be fair.

[timvp]

I’m disappointed the Spurs didn’t pick him up. He’s one of those guys with potential to get better.

Yeah, especially with the news about Brian Wright. Wright was the guy who reached for Stanley Johnson in Detroit when everyone was expecting the Pistons to go with Justise Winslow or Devin Booker ..........

[ace3g]

I’m disappointed the Spurs didn’t pick him up. He’s one of those guys with potential to get better.


Yeah, especially with the news about Brian Wright. Wright was the guy who reached for Stanley Johnson in Detroit when everyone was expecting the Pistons to go with Justise Winslow or Devin Booker ..........

Especially considering all the previous trade interest Spurs had in SJ -- and then going from a RFA to UFA -- the perfect opportunity to sign him and nothing...

[spurraider21]

Stanley "Six foot Seven" Johnson

think he's officially become the next Nic Batum as far as spurstalk obsessions

[slick'81]

Yeah, especially with the news about Brian Wright. Wright was the guy who reached for Stanley Johnson in Detroit when everyone was expecting the Pistons to go with Justise Winslow or Devin Booker ..........


yikes

[Spursfanfromafar]

Johnson's complete uselessness on the offensive end seems to have worked against his favour