Saddiq Bey - 2020 NBA Draft Prospect

[timvp]

https://i.imgur.com/pHy0qQY.png

Saddiq Bey

College: Villanova
Position: SF/PF
Age: 21
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 215 pounds
Draft Range: 10 to 18

Why: Has the body of a prototypical wing in today's NBA. Moves his feet well on defense; has a chance to be a perimeter stopper. Plays hard and plays smart. Makes few mistakes: low rate of turnovers and fouls. Hit 45.1% of his three-pointers as a sophomore and 76.9% of his free throws. Defense, basketball IQ, shooting and team-first focus results in a high floor. Ready to contribute early on.

Why Not: Underwhelming ceiling; he looks like a finished product. Has quick feet and can jump decently well but just doesn't move as smoothly as you'd expect. He's a B or a B- athlete, which will make it difficult for him to become an elite defender. His defensive stats are worrisome, as he had very low rates for rebounds, steals and blocks. His release is slow and low, which could limit his attempts in the NBA.

Spurs Fit: Since he's very likely a role player in the NBA, the Spurs might as well throw him into the fire. It doesn't appear as if the G League would help him much.

Spurs Comparison - Ceiling: More Competitive Richard Jefferson

Spurs Comparison - Floor: Ime Udoka

Statistics (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/saddiq-bey-1.html)
Highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KJgLBevdfM)
Interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nBlrTCY9Ic)

[ZeusWillJudge]

I hope we get to see something like combine measurements. He's not an elite athlete, but he's not below average. He's not great at creating his own shot, but he did a pretty good job of facilitating offense this past season. He's not a ball-stopper. He's a damn good catch and shoot scorer, but he was also damn good coming off of screens and scoring on the move - I forget the exact number, but something like 95th percentile. And he plays smart, on both ends.

He hasn't been a good rebounder, but it's not from lack of energy or effort. He played with a human vacuum cleaner on the boards, and it wasn't his role. But he doesn't box any better than the rest of the Spurs roster, which annoys the living shit out of me.

He's NBA-ready. The problem with a lot of the "high upside" guys this year is that a lot of them have a floor of never seeing a minute in the NBA. (I disagree about some of their upsides as well, but that's another story.) I think Bey will get at least 15-20 minutes this year, pretty much anywhere he goes - except maybe for here. You never know with Pop. But he's a guy who will give a decent ROI for the pick. I don't think he'll go lower than 14, and could go as high as 8 or 9.

[talkspurs]

I think he could be like Sean Elliot with better 3s and less ball handling. He is my pick for the Spurs as well.

[wildcardX]

I like this guy over Nesmith, taller and does not have the injury concerns. Looks like he can contribute right away. The Spurs have Luka as a project as well as a bunch of young players that are "works in progress" as far as bringing out their potential. I guess the Spurs can try to pick up a player on potential higher ceiling(if available) but this draft seems to have more unknowns due to shortened season and no March Madness, plus no G-league for development this next season. Besides, some here wanted the ready to contribute guy over Luka last year. I think maybe this draft the Spurs should go for that player. If anything maybe this player is able to replace Forbes or Belli in the rotation sometime during the season, that would be a win.

[cd021]

Maybe if the Spurs get a second first round pick in his range but not my first choice.

[rankingtear]

A lot of bust potential on Bey
- creates no separation on the college level ( how would he fare with NBA athletes )
- no outlier strength to play the 4 lacks quick first step to play the 3
- questions on shot translating, release is low and out easier to strip, FT% just average, shot is flat.
- good on ball but exposed on switches/scrambles already good technique and IQ no more defensive upside.

If the athletic testing results is as bad as the eye test then he will fall outside the lottery.

[Dejounte]

A lot of bust potential on Bey
- creates no separation on the college level ( how would he fare with NBA athletes )
- no outlier strength to play the 4 lacks quick first step to play the 3
- questions on shot translating, release is low and out easier to strip, FT% just average, shot is flat.
- good on ball but exposed on switches/scrambles already good technique and IQ no more defensive upside.

If the athletic testing results is as bad as the eye test then he will fall outside the lottery.

Spot on. People shouldn't settle for a guy like Saddiq when you can easily find someone like him in the gleague, and in my opinion, we already had someone like him in DeMarre Carroll.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Maybe if the Spurs get a second first round pick in his range but not my first choice.


LOL. The problem is, most of the players people are calling "first choice" will be gone in the top 7-8 picks. He's not the only player I like, but he's one of my top contenders that are likely to still be around when the Spurs pick. And a lot of the others are 6'5".

If the Spurs pick a solid PG, I won't cry over passing on Bey. But if they pick another 6'5" two guard, this place is going to melt down. If they select another slow, no-3-shooting big man, this place is going to melt down.



Spot on. People shouldn't settle for a guy like Saddiq when you can easily find someone like him in the gleague, and in my opinion, we already had someone like him in DeMarre Carroll.


He's going to be playing in the NBA as a rookie. If you could find guys like that in the G-League, they wouldn't be in the G-League. And if you think the G-League is chock full of players who could just as easily be playing at the next level, you don't get it at all.

[Dejounte]

LOL. The problem is, most of the players people are calling "first choice" will be gone in the top 7-8 picks. He's not the only player I like, but he's one of my top contenders that are likely to still be around when the Spurs pick. And a lot of the others are 6'5".

If the Spurs pick a solid PG, I won't cry over passing on Bey. But if they pick another 6'5" two guard, this place is going to melt down. If they select another slow, no-3-shooting big man, this place is going to melt down.





He's going to be playing in the NBA as a rookie. If you could find guys like that in the G-League, they wouldn't be in the G-League. And if you think the G-League is chock full of players who could just as easily be playing at the next level, you don't get it at all.

Look, I get it. You're confident he's going to be playing immediately in the NBA, and I'm not. Just a difference in opinion. This guy is your horse. I get it.

[ZeusWillJudge]

If the athletic testing results is as bad as the eye test then he will fall outside the lottery.


Eye test. :lmao

You haven't watched him play. I guarantee it. You know it, everybody here knows it. You read a fucking scouting report by someone who probably hasn't watched him play either. YouTube instant experts.


For the record, he was one of the best 3P shooters in the country. His PPP (points per possession) were something like 98th percentile in the nation. I can see why someone like you would think that's not going to be valuable to NBA teams. :lol

[exstatic]

I hope we get to see something like combine measurements. He's not an elite athlete, but he's not below average. He's not great at creating his own shot, but he did a pretty good job of facilitating offense this past season. He's not a ball-stopper. He's a damn good catch and shoot scorer, but he was also damn good coming off of screens and scoring on the move - I forget the exact number, but something like 95th percentile. And he plays smart, on both ends.

He hasn't been a good rebounder, but it's not from lack of energy or effort. He played with a human vacuum cleaner on the boards, and it wasn't his role. But he doesn't box any better than the rest of the Spurs roster, which annoys the living shit out of me.

He's NBA-ready. The problem with a lot of the "high upside" guys this year is that a lot of them have a floor of never seeing a minute in the NBA. (I disagree about some of their upsides as well, but that's another story.) I think Bey will get at least 15-20 minutes this year, pretty much anywhere he goes - except maybe for here. You never know with Pop. But he's a guy who will give a decent ROI for the pick. I don't think he'll go lower than 14, and could go as high as 8 or 9.

The last thing I heard was that the combine would be held regionally. I imagine they would do all of the same things, though, measurements, and all of the speed and agility drills.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Look, I get it. You're confident he's going to be playing immediately in the NBA, and I'm not. Just a difference in opinion. This guy is your horse. I get it.


I can live with that. Except for the part about him being my guy. (I already have a horse.) He's ONE of the guys I think will be pick-worthy by the time the Spurs are on the clock. I would rather see the Spurs pick Tyrese Haliburton, if he's still on the board - but I don't think they will pick a PG.

[duncan2150]

Spot on. People shouldn't settle for a guy like Saddiq when you can easily find someone like him in the gleague, and in my opinion, we already had someone like him in DeMarre Carroll.

I can't agree with that or name a SF in gleague like him.

I think he's fine, I don't get the bust potential, maybe the ceilling as he is not an unbelivable athlet.

I think he would be a decent SF in the nba, could also be kind of 3 and D.

[JuneJive]

I would rather see the Spurs pick Tyrese Haliburton, if he's still on the board - but I don't think they will pick a PG.

I don't see them picking another guard as a mistake.

Versatile guard in a small-ball oriented league seems like a good get.

[cd021]

LOL. The problem is, most of the players people are calling "first choice" will be gone in the top 7-8 picks. He's not the only player I like, but he's one of my top contenders that are likely to still be around when the Spurs pick. And a lot of the others are 6'5".

If the Spurs pick a solid PG, I won't cry over passing on Bey. But if they pick another 6'5" two guard, this place is going to melt down. If they select another slow, no-3-shooting big man, this place is going to melt down.



Meh, there's always someone projected to go relatively high but slides. Sometimes its because players improve their stock or others hurt theirs. Someone protected to go 7-8 could fall to eleven.

I'd be fine with a PG like Hayes or Haliburton or a big like Jalen Smith at 11. Spurs definitely could use a wing and Bey seems like a perfectly fine wing that can shoot and defend but he wouldn't be my first choice.

[jjktkk]

True wing, definitely Spurs material, but not at 11.

[dbestpro]

He has become my favorite too. It is not just hitting three, he has an NBA style quick release. He is going to be star from day one. Why choose a player who you hope can play at an NBA level when you got the sure thing here. He will be rhe rookie of the year.

[Chinook]

I like this guy over Nesmith, taller and does not have the injury concerns. Looks like he can contribute right away. The Spurs have Luka as a project as well as a bunch of young players that are "works in progress" as far as bringing out their potential. I guess the Spurs can try to pick up a player on potential higher ceiling(if available) but this draft seems to have more unknowns due to shortened season and no March Madness, plus no G-league for development this next season. Besides, some here wanted the ready to contribute guy over Luka last year. I think maybe this draft the Spurs should go for that player. If anything maybe this player is able to replace Forbes or Belli in the rotation sometime during the season, that would be a win.

There needs to be a balance between potential and production. Nesmith (if healthy) can contribute right away at the NBA level while having the potential to step into a much bigger offensive role going forward. That he can both compliment DeRozan/Aldridge and be a main perimeter offensive cog with White/Johnson is why he's my top guy among players who will probably be around at 11. If you believe Bey has potential to get better, it makes sense to take him. But the lack of upside is a real question mark for me, because there are a number of decent low-ceiling types that could be around at 41.

[rankingtear]

Haha the f , why zeus so aggressive your'e not his agent.

Spurs being a small market team, needs to use the draft to find stars. Scouting is good enough to find good young role players in the g-league and europe. ( Temple, Ingles , Royce, Bev, Baynes, Theis, Kieber, Marjanovic, Neal etc. )

[ZeusWillJudge]

There needs to be a balance between potential and production. Nesmith (if healthy) can contribute right away at the NBA level while having the potential to step into a much bigger offensive role going forward. That he can both compliment DeRozan/Aldridge and be a main perimeter offensive cog with White/Johnson is why he's my top guy among players who will probably be around at 11. If you believe Bey has potential to get better, it makes sense to take him. But the lack of upside is a real question mark for me, because there are a number of decent low-ceiling types that could be around at 41.


I know you and I give each other shit, but I'm really curious what your thoughts are on that comment. Do you really think that complementing DDR and Aldridge is a factor going forward? Do you think either or both of those guys are part of the future here? I'm thinking that a guy who might take a year to settle in might never see any court time with either one of them.

[ZeusWillJudge]

I don't see them picking another guard as a mistake.

Versatile guard in a small-ball oriented league seems like a good get.


If it means they're going to use one or two of them in trades, I don't have a problem with it either. People tend to look at the draft in a vacuum. Drafting a "versatile guard" isn't a bad thing, in principle. But roster construction and balance is a really, really big deal, and the Spurs need help in that regard.

[Chinook]

I know you and I give each other shit, but I'm really curious what your thoughts are on that comment. Do you really think that complementing DDR and Aldridge is a factor going forward? Do you think either or both of those guys are part of the future here? I'm thinking that a guy who might take a year to settle in might never see any court time with either one of them.

I don't think the Spurs will try to be bad with the goal of being good. To that end, I see them as having guys on their team that will be competitive with their main prospects for touches even if those guys aren't DeRozan, Gay or Aldridge. It's always going to be valuable for guys they draft to be able to contribute right away to a club with the goal of making the playoffs. That said, it wouldn't surprise me if LMA and DMDR are both given longer contracts with the team. Aldridge especially fits as a potential HoFer who's playing well at a position of need who's from the state, played at the big university and in general seems to have settled down. DeRozan might want to move on, and we should hope so. But he's also famously loyal, and there's a place for him if the team gets rid of Murray. White/Johnson/DeRozan/defensive 4/Aldridge can be a playoff lineup for a couple of seasons.

[kobyz]

He's a clone of Stephen Jackson as a player, how you missed it?

[ZeusWillJudge]

I don't think the Spurs will try to be bad with the goal of being good. To that end, I see them as having guys on their team that will be competitive with their main prospects for touches even if those guys aren't DeRozan, Gay or Aldridge. It's always going to be valuable for guys they draft to be able to contribute right away to a club with the goal of making the playoffs. That said, it wouldn't surprise me if LMA and DMDR are both given longer contracts with the team. Aldridge especially fits as a potential HoFer who's playing well at a position of need who's from the state, played at the big university and in general seems to have settled down. DeRozan might want to move on, and we should hope so. But he's also famously loyal, and there's a place for him if the team gets rid of Murray. White/Johnson/DeRozan/defensive 4/Aldridge can be a playoff lineup for a couple of seasons.


That's what I was asking. There is a huge difference in how this team moves forward if they are going to keep DDR and LMA as the centerpieces, of if they are going to try to build a new, young core.

Starting several years ago, the Spurs' FO opted for a "win now" strategy, and then didn't follow through with what they really needed to do to win now. If they commit their lottery pick(s) to drafting players to complement DDR and LMA, at this stage in their careers it will be exactly what you say - a goal of making the playoffs. Maybe second round exits. Sadly, I think you're probably right about what they will do.

[mo7888]

I don't think the Spurs will try to be bad with the goal of being good. To that end, I see them as having guys on their team that will be competitive with their main prospects for touches even if those guys aren't DeRozan, Gay or Aldridge. It's always going to be valuable for guys they draft to be able to contribute right away to a club with the goal of making the playoffs. That said, it wouldn't surprise me if LMA and DMDR are both given longer contracts with the team. Aldridge especially fits as a potential HoFer who's playing well at a position of need who's from the state, played at the big university and in general seems to have settled down. DeRozan might want to move on, and we should hope so. But he's also famously loyal, and there's a place for him if the team gets rid of Murray. White/Johnson/DeRozan/defensive 4/Aldridge can be a playoff lineup for a couple of seasons.

If we go this route then I'd rather trade the #11 for an established player. That lineup might make the playoffs but they aren't doing anything when they get there. That's not an interesting outcome as far as I'm concerned.

[BackHome]

It’s contract year for both so that means LMA will finely come into camp in shape and will want to shoot the ball more.

Derozz is always in shape but he will want the ball in his hands more and also take more shots.

[Chinook]

That's what I was asking. There is a huge difference in how this team moves forward if they are going to keep DDR and LMA as the centerpieces, of if they are going to try to build a new, young core.

Starting several years ago, the Spurs' FO opted for a "win now" strategy, and then didn't follow through with what they really needed to do to win now. If they commit their lottery pick(s) to drafting players to complement DDR and LMA, at this stage in their careers it will be exactly what you say - a goal of making the playoffs. Maybe second round exits. Sadly, I think you're probably right about what they will do.


If we go this route then I'd rather trade the #11 for an established player. That lineup might make the playoffs but they aren't doing anything when they get there. That's not an interesting outcome as far as I'm concerned.

I don't think it's an either/or thing. They aren't likely to make picks on boom-or-bust guys like Poke and maybe Precious is they want to win with LMA and DMDR. But guys who are solid or elite role-players are literally always valuable, both to their teams and on the trade market. You need stars to win in the NBA, but there are more than one way to get there. With the new rules, bottoming how doesn't have the same value it used to, and fielding a competitive team with guys on good contracts is a viable way to attract stars. Develop a guy, sign a second and trade for a third. That's the best path to rebuilding. Miami did not tank to get where they are today, and before you or someone else says, "But that's because players want to go to South Beach," nothing about developing Bam and trading for Butler required them to be a big market. Sure, it was an S&T, but two smaller-market teams had just traded for Jimmy the two years before. Toronto is another example, both from Leonard/Siakam and Lowry/DeRozan before that.

In the years since the last title, the two seasons I've enjoyed watching the most are 2014-2015 and 2017-2018. The first one is because that was probably Danny Green's most exciting year as a Spur, and I picked him in the last round of my fantasy pool before he went on to put up second-round value. The second is because I really enjoyed watching the short-handed Spurs win games on grit and strategy even as their injuries sapped all of their talent advantage. It was exciting to see the Murray/Green/Anderson perimeter trio, Pau showing off terrific passing, Bertans lighting it up from three, good Rudy Gay and eventually what would be the last of the Big Three going down guns ablazing. They were not a contender without Leonard, but they were a fun team to watch. They fought hard in a very difficult situation and damned near kept the 50-wins streak alive when they had no business doing so. I think the only reason more people might not agree with me is because of all the Kawhi drama going on around that time. That was really shitty, but on the court was fun, basically a whole season of the bubble performance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTE7SHLNy4&ab_channel=NBA

I would totally enjoy seeing the Spurs fight and scrap against the odds for a playoff spot through a mix of vets turning good performances and young players stepping up. I'd be less of a fan of the Forbes and Beli fests we've seen the last two years. But I'm down for White/Walker-Johnson/DeRozan/Smith-Bey/Aldridge and Mills/Murray/Johnson-Walker/Gay/Poeltl off the bench. That sounds like a fun transitional season, so long as Pop doesn't get in his own way.

[mo7888]

I don't think it's an either/or thing. They aren't likely to make picks on boom-or-bust guys like Poke and maybe Precious is they want to win with LMA and DMDR. But guys who are solid or elite role-players are literally always valuable, both to their teams and on the trade market. You need stars to win in the NBA, but there are more than one way to get there. With the new rules, bottoming how doesn't have the same value it used to, and fielding a competitive team with guys on good contracts is a viable way to attract stars. Develop a guy, sign a second and trade for a third. That's the best path to rebuilding. Miami did not tank to get where they are today, and before you or someone else says, "But that's because players want to go to South Beach," nothing about developing Bam and trading for Butler required them to be a big market. Sure, it was an S&T, but two smaller-market teams had just traded for Jimmy the two years before. Toronto is another example, both from Leonard/Siakam and Lowry/DeRozan before that.

In the years since the last title, the two seasons I've enjoyed watching the most are 2014-2015 and 2017-2018. The first one is because that was probably Danny Green's most exciting year as a Spur, and I picked him in the last round of my fantasy pool before he went on to put up second-round value. The second is because I really enjoyed watching the short-handed Spurs win games on grit and strategy even as their injuries sapped all of their talent advantage. It was exciting to see the Murray/Green/Anderson perimeter trio, Pau showing off terrific passing, Bertans lighting it up from three, good Rudy Gay and eventually what would be the last of the Big Three going down guns ablazing. They were not a contender without Leonard, but they were a fun team to watch. They fought hard in a very difficult situation and damned near kept the 50-wins streak alive when they had no business doing so. I think the only reason more people might not agree with me is because of all the Kawhi drama going on around that time. That was really shitty, but on the court was fun, basically a whole season of the bubble performance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTE7SHLNy4&ab_channel=NBA

I would totally enjoy seeing the Spurs fight and scrap against the odds for a playoff spot through a mix of vets turning good performances and young players stepping up. I'd be less of a fan of the Forbes and Beli fests we've seen the last two years. But I'm down for White/Walker-Johnson/DeRozan/Smith-Bey/Aldridge and Mills/Murray/Johnson-Walker/Gay/Poeltl off the bench. That sounds like a fun transitional season, so long as Pop doesn't get in his own way.

I don't disagree with that line of thinking at all. I'd prefer to be competitive as well, I just don't think running back lma and ddr and adding #11 does that. I see that lineup missing the playoffs.

[Chinook]

I don't disagree with that line of thinking at all. I'd prefer to be competitive as well, I just don't think running back lma and ddr and adding #11 does that. I see that lineup missing the playoffs.

They might. But it'd still be worth watching, and when it comes down to it, it's all supposed to be for the entertainment anyway.

But yes, I'd rather the Spurs move DeRozan, draft Toppin and still find a way to get another first to use on a guard like Kira Lewis. That would be more reminiscent of 17/18 and also clearly be moving toward the future.

[ZeusWillJudge]

They might. But it'd still be worth watching, and when it comes down to it, it's all supposed to be for the entertainment anyway.

But yes, I'd rather the Spurs move DeRozan, draft Toppin and still find a way to get another first to use on a guard like Kira Lewis. That would be more reminiscent of 17/18 and also clearly be moving toward the future.


And maybe that's the difference. I'm always thinking about the path to the next LOB. Always. If the Spurs are at least a threat to challenge the WCF, I'll be entertained. For a big chunk of the Duncan era, they were known as the most boring team in the league, and I was entertained. If they're fighting to get to the post season, and maybe to the second round? I'll watch, but I'll always be dissatisfied.

For me, the only thing worse than middle of the road is to be bad without a clean plan for using lottery picks to build a contender (like the Knicks). And if the Spurs absolutely HAVE to have a mediocre record, I'd rather watch a bunch of fiery young over-achievers.

[Joseph Kony]

I don't think it's an either/or thing. They aren't likely to make picks on boom-or-bust guys like Poke and maybe Precious is they want to win with LMA and DMDR. But guys who are solid or elite role-players are literally always valuable, both to their teams and on the trade market. You need stars to win in the NBA, but there are more than one way to get there. With the new rules, bottoming how doesn't have the same value it used to, and fielding a competitive team with guys on good contracts is a viable way to attract stars. Develop a guy, sign a second and trade for a third. That's the best path to rebuilding. Miami did not tank to get where they are today, and before you or someone else says, "But that's because players want to go to South Beach," nothing about developing Bam and trading for Butler required them to be a big market. Sure, it was an S&T, but two smaller-market teams had just traded for Jimmy the two years before. Toronto is another example, both from Leonard/Siakam and Lowry/DeRozan before that.

In the years since the last title, the two seasons I've enjoyed watching the most are 2014-2015 and 2017-2018. The first one is because that was probably Danny Green's most exciting year as a Spur, and I picked him in the last round of my fantasy pool before he went on to put up second-round value. The second is because I really enjoyed watching the short-handed Spurs win games on grit and strategy even as their injuries sapped all of their talent advantage. It was exciting to see the Murray/Green/Anderson perimeter trio, Pau showing off terrific passing, Bertans lighting it up from three, good Rudy Gay and eventually what would be the last of the Big Three going down guns ablazing. They were not a contender without Leonard, but they were a fun team to watch. They fought hard in a very difficult situation and damned near kept the 50-wins streak alive when they had no business doing so. I think the only reason more people might not agree with me is because of all the Kawhi drama going on around that time. That was really shitty, but on the court was fun, basically a whole season of the bubble performance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTE7SHLNy4&ab_channel=NBA

I would totally enjoy seeing the Spurs fight and scrap against the odds for a playoff spot through a mix of vets turning good performances and young players stepping up. I'd be less of a fan of the Forbes and Beli fests we've seen the last two years. But I'm down for White/Walker-Johnson/DeRozan/Smith-Bey/Aldridge and Mills/Murray/Johnson-Walker/Gay/Poeltl off the bench. That sounds like a fun transitional season, so long as Pop doesn't get in his own way.

Fuck I miss Manu. Add 2018 Manu to the 2020 team and i guarantee they make the playoffs

[buujness]

Saddiq Bey would be a safe, if slightly uninspiring pick. He'll probably be a solid rotation piece, or even perhaps a starter as a smart, 3-D larger wing. The Spurs could certainly do worse, but I still prefer Patrick Williams, whose floor is lower but has a higher ceiling. At 11, I'd like to see more potential for growth. However, if the Spurs found a way to get back to the late lottery, I wouldn't mind Bey at all.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't think it's an either/or thing. They aren't likely to make picks on boom-or-bust guys like Poke and maybe Precious is they want to win with LMA and DMDR. But guys who are solid or elite role-players are literally always valuable, both to their teams and on the trade market. You need stars to win in the NBA, but there are more than one way to get there. With the new rules, bottoming how doesn't have the same value it used to, and fielding a competitive team with guys on good contracts is a viable way to attract stars. Develop a guy, sign a second and trade for a third. That's the best path to rebuilding. Miami did not tank to get where they are today, and before you or someone else says, "But that's because players want to go to South Beach," nothing about developing Bam and trading for Butler required them to be a big market. Sure, it was an S&T, but two smaller-market teams had just traded for Jimmy the two years before. Toronto is another example, both from Leonard/Siakam and Lowry/DeRozan before that.

In the years since the last title, the two seasons I've enjoyed watching the most are 2014-2015 and 2017-2018. The first one is because that was probably Danny Green's most exciting year as a Spur, and I picked him in the last round of my fantasy pool before he went on to put up second-round value. The second is because I really enjoyed watching the short-handed Spurs win games on grit and strategy even as their injuries sapped all of their talent advantage. It was exciting to see the Murray/Green/Anderson perimeter trio, Pau showing off terrific passing, Bertans lighting it up from three, good Rudy Gay and eventually what would be the last of the Big Three going down guns ablazing. They were not a contender without Leonard, but they were a fun team to watch. They fought hard in a very difficult situation and damned near kept the 50-wins streak alive when they had no business doing so. I think the only reason more people might not agree with me is because of all the Kawhi drama going on around that time. That was really shitty, but on the court was fun, basically a whole season of the bubble performance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTE7SHLNy4&ab_channel=NBA

I would totally enjoy seeing the Spurs fight and scrap against the odds for a playoff spot through a mix of vets turning good performances and young players stepping up. I'd be less of a fan of the Forbes and Beli fests we've seen the last two years. But I'm down for White/Walker-Johnson/DeRozan/Smith-Bey/Aldridge and Mills/Murray/Johnson-Walker/Gay/Poeltl off the bench. That sounds like a fun transitional season, so long as Pop doesn't get in his own way.

that was a championship team. I was so excited to see the Aldridge/Gay/Nephew line up and we never got to witness it :depressed

[mo7888]

They might. But it'd still be worth watching, and when it comes down to it, it's all supposed to be for the entertainment anyway.

But yes, I'd rather the Spurs move DeRozan, draft Toppin and still find a way to get another first to use on a guard like Kira Lewis. That would be more reminiscent of 17/18 and also clearly be moving toward the future.

I'm definitely in favor of something like that...move one of our main vets and keep the other another season...

[Dejounte]

Had to dig 5 pages back for this thread

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1324901887804633088

Saddiq is my 2nd least favorite prospect after Devin Vassell

Now I know how DPG21920 (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=13014) felt when there was a report stating Spurs had interest in Deni

https://media.tenor.com/images/cfcd63550fe889419ca3db4b632cae18/tenor.gif
https://media.tenor.com/images/cfcd63550fe889419ca3db4b632cae18/tenor.gifhttps://media.tenor.com/images/cfcd63550fe889419ca3db4b632cae18/tenor.gif

HOPEFULLY JUST SMOKESCREEN HEHE
(https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=13014)

[DPG21920]

Must mean they are trading up!!

[The Truth #6]

Are there any combine type numbers on him? He looks spectacularly unathletic, which is my main concern about him.

If you could combine the best of him and the other Bey, he’d be a top 3 pick.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Must mean they are trading up!!


They can't all go in the Top 10. If he's picked ahead of 11, someone else will get pushed down.

It's funny how many people here insisted that Saddiq Bey wouldn't be worth drafting, but how many NBA teams obviously think he is.

[DPG21920]

They can't all go in the Top 10. If he's picked ahead of 11, someone else will get pushed down.

It's funny how many people here insisted that Saddiq Bey wouldn't be worth drafting, but how many NBA teams obviously think he is.

I’m meh on him. I was just joking because every workout apparently means Spurs are trading up in our minds

[talkspurs]

He is who I have wanted us to get at 11 since the beginning. If we get him and trade LMA for #2 and get Wisman I would be happy.

[look_at_g_shred]

Nesmith >>>>>>> Bey

[The Truth #6]

Bey may not have a floor or a ceiling. Could actually be a risky pick in that you might get very little production from him.

[kobyz]

I have him in my top 10 best available, could be the next Glen Rice

[ZeusWillJudge]

Bey may not have a floor or a ceiling. Could actually be a risky pick in that you might get very little production from him.


He could tear his ACL in his very first practice, and never be the same again.

[The Truth #6]

He could tear his ACL in his very first practice, and never be the same again.

That would be unfortunate as he already has the mobility of someone with a prior ACL injury. I think he has value, but not at 11.