The Rented Airport Radisson Ballroom of Devin Vassell

[200 miles]

If they are not going to trade him to the Warriors or whomever else, then I believe they made a wise pick with this two-way player. Besides, it's just another guard spot that will eventually be occupied in order to force Bryn out.

[byrontx]

Best “Church of” ever.

[ginobilized]

My compliments to the chef. Exquisite title. Welcome Devin!!!

[ElNono]

Amen

[tonight...you]

Is it the whole ballroom, or like half of it sectioned off with those movable walls, made of asbestos?

[Robz4000]

Should've went with Airport Hilton imo.

https://southpark.fandom.com/wiki/Airport_Hilton?file=Airporthilton.jpg

[DAF86]

Missed opportunity of doing a word play with Vessell, tbh.

[BillMc]

Better than the "Disease-ridden brothel of..."

Damn, we should have drafted James Harden.

[Trainwreck2100]

Four seasons landscaping garage of

[phxspurfan]

Welcome, 2020 Devin Brown!

[JR3]

I haven’t posted in years... props to OP on the title. Made me laugh.

[SAGirl]

Four seasons landscaping garage of
I totally get this reference. Very 2020.
checking in.

[r0drig0lac]

IN

[Dverde]

The Candlewood Suites of Devin Vassell is better, because he is here for an extended stay. Deal with it, Spurstalk.

[Dverde]

Best “Church of” ever.

I’m still a fan of The Neighborhood Walmart of Demarre Carroll. Very fitting name in retrospect.

[John B]

I like this pick. Forbes is gone at #2. Danny Green 2.0 with much better handles, and height who can switch from 1-4 with his 6'10 wingspan.

[slick'81]

Spurs have too many fucking guards. Mills needs to gtfo

[Em-City]

Spurs have too many fucking guards. Mills needs to gtfo

by the time vassell is relevant, he will be.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1329299963159990272?s=20


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvVOoWdPbcc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6ZtJw1k3bk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbjC85s2YZ4

[tim_duncan_fan]

Supposedly the team decided to stand pat when they saw Vassell would be available at 11. Supposedly they have been watching him for 2 years.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Yvngdevo/status/1329263968427401216

[rankingtear]

He is also young for a sophomore.

[szkorhetz]

Is is just me or he has a similar build and playing style to Rodney Hood?

[Dverde]

The fact he hasn’t tweeted about the Spurs picking him makes me like the kid more. I also like that he would throw out a tweet for getting a free $50 party pack from Wingstop. Kinda reminds me of the early version of Nephew.

[tapiefan]

Trust me, he will be our next Kawhi Leonard, first by being our defense specialist (like Kawhi was his first year), then starting to hit some spot-up 3s, for finally with the help of Chip and the organization, developing his offensive tools to become the best two-way player of the league.

And then, my alarm rang.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Cosmis/status/1278471693707759617

https://twitter.com/Cosmis/status/1278474398694023169

[Atl Spur]

https://twitter.com/Cosmis/status/1278471693707759617

https://twitter.com/Cosmis/status/1278474398694023169

Ace always doing good work! Keep it up my guy!!!!

[Seventyniner]

https://twitter.com/Cosmis/status/1278471693707759617

That's nuts. Reminds me of that one season where Duncan had more blocks than fouls, the only one in league history iirc.

I didn't watch him at FSU. Was his low turnover rate due to chucking up shots, actually being a really good and smart ball-handler, low usage, some combination of those? Or something else?

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/FSUHoops/status/1329478112044834820

[Jsmythe]

Here's what fivethiryeight had to say about Vassell:

For that reason alone, Vassell, who has been pegged as one of the best defensive players in the entire draft, makes sense for all these teams. Along with having a wiry 6-foot-7 frame with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, his off-ball awareness makes it seem as if six defenders are on the floor. Whether he’s trailing ball-handlers over screens, ducking under them and then recovering, or chasing JJ Redick-esque shooting guards from sideline to sideline, Vassell should display his value from the jump.

Just as important: He made 41.7 percent of his threes in two seasons as a Seminole. It wasn’t at the same volume as Bey or Nesmith (only 3.5 tries per game last year), but as a sophomore, Vassell finished second in offensive rating (126.9) and sixth in true shooting percentage (58.5) in the ACC. Nationwide, he had the 16th-lowest turnover rate (8.2 percent), according to KenPom. Along with Bey, Vassell can excel inside an important role while having the size, physical tools and skill to someday expand beyond it.

Here’s what Florida State assistant coach Stan Jones recently said about his development: “He’s got great basketball IQ. He’s a great finisher in transition. He’s got an unbelievable ability to go left or right, take one or two dribbles and get his primary defender up in the air a little bit. And he’s a killer on midrange jumpers.”

Full article comparing Nesmith, Vassell, and Bey: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/these-3-nba-draft-prospects-are-perfect-fits-for-the-modern-league/

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/Cosmis/status/1278471693707759617

https://twitter.com/Cosmis/status/1278474398694023169

Wow.

Those are both impressive stats. The second is major. Tre Jones is also known to be very good defending PNRs.

[Mr. Body]

One thing to consider is how the loss of the NCAA Tournament impacted the draft board. We will never know, of course, but often reputations are made with deep runs, and the Seminoles were especially damaged by the inability to show themselves on the world stage. There's a chance Vassell could have risen with a complete season.

[Chinook]

That's nuts. Reminds me of that one season where Duncan had more blocks than fouls, the only one in league history iirc.

Ben actually did that for his whole career, apparently. Maybe Tim did something else along with that that made him special.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallabe01.html

[Seventyniner]

Ben actually did that for his whole career, apparently. Maybe Tim did something else along with that that made him special.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallabe01.html

Looking at Tim's stats, he had several seasons like that too. I must have misremembered something. I do know the season I'm thinking of was late in his career, either the last or second-to-last.

[Chinook]

Looking at Tim's stats, he had several seasons like that too. I must have misremembered something. I do know the season I'm thinking of was late in his career, either the last or second-to-last.

In 12-13 he had 187 blocks to 113 fouls. That ratio is bonkers.

[PhantomDashCam]

Want to go full analytics/optimist mode on Devin Vassell? Will put a smile on your face. :reading

https://twitter.com/abovethebreak3/status/1329551296995733505?s=20

[R. DeMurre]

That's nuts. Reminds me of that one season where Duncan had more blocks than fouls, the only one in league history iirc.

I didn't watch him at FSU. Was his low turnover rate due to chucking up shots, actually being a really good and smart ball-handler, low usage, some combination of those? Or something else?

Duncan always had a great Block-to-Foul ratio, but he's not the only one to finish a season with more blocks than fouls-- Ben Wallace, Marcus Camby, Serge Ibaka, Hassan Whiteside, Anthony Davis, Andrew Bynum, Brook Lopez, Rudy Gobert, and Pau Gasol have all done it in the last dozen years.

[Chinook]

To be clear, I don't really like defensive analytics. That's what tricked people into thinking Murray was some All-Defense player. But obviously, it's not a bad thing that he has that kind of track record. Maybe he and DeJounte will be the starting back court next season and get a bunch of turnovers.

Murray, White, Jones
Vassell, Walker, Mills
DeRozan, Johnson
Lyles, Gay, Samanic
Aldridge, Poeltl, Eubanks

I don't love Trey at PF, but I could see that team being a huge improvement over what they've had with Forbes and Beli

[Mr. Body]

The major reason Kawhi was considered such an incredible defender was not just that he could lockdown players he was guarding, but that he wreaked havoc on entire sectors of the court. Wherever he was, there was a turnover or deflection waiting to happen. (He's dropped off since then.)

Vassell doesn't project as the same one-on-one beast, but he could be the same player within whatever area he's in -- and people are wrong to downplay how vital good help defense is, especially in this era when defenders are constantly pulled to the three-point line. Not only does Vassell seem to recover very well, not only does he seem to guard the PnR very well, not only can he potentially erase the mistakes of teammates, he potentially solves some of the problem of fielding a good defensive team in an era where it's remarkably hard to be one.

[Chinook]

Kawhi's ability as a one-on-one defender was always overstated. He had a tremendous defensive support group. That's why instead of "making guys work" or "getting under their skin", the Spurs were able to shut down perimeter players on the regular. The point is well taken that Vassell is more likely someone who would be part of that support system rather than the beneficiary of it. But him, White, Johnson, Poeltl and even Murray have a chance to reek havoc. They might be able to get Achiuwa from the Heat as well, and that would be a really interesting cast of defenders.

[Dejounte]

Kawhi's ability as a one-on-one defender was always overstated. He had a tremendous defensive support group. That's why instead of "making guys work" or "getting under their skin", the Spurs were able to shut down perimeter players on the regular. The point is well taken that Vassell is more likely someone who would be part of that support system rather than the beneficiary of it. But him, White, Johnson, Poeltl and even Murray have a chance to reek havoc. They might be able to get Achiuwa from the Heat as well, and that would be a really interesting cast of defenders.

Huh? How?

[superbigtime]

Love the pick

[SpursDynasty85]

Needs more bulk and better handles and he will be a 10 year starter. Trevor Ariza-lite.

[Mr. Body]

Kawhi's ability as a one-on-one defender was always overstated. He had a tremendous defensive support group. That's why instead of "making guys work" or "getting under their skin", the Spurs were able to shut down perimeter players on the regular. The point is well taken that Vassell is more likely someone who would be part of that support system rather than the beneficiary of it. But him, White, Johnson, Poeltl and even Murray have a chance to reek havoc. They might be able to get Achiuwa from the Heat as well, and that would be a really interesting cast of defenders.

You're nuts. Leonard really was an incredible defender.

[rudwick]

I think we’ll be playing four guards most of the time, so that ups the need for guards somewhat.

[C-Dub]

DJM, Patty, Tre'J
White, LW4, QW
DDR, Keldon, Vassell
Lyles, Gay, Saminic
LMA, Jakob, Drew

The following season:

DJM, Tre-J, QW
White, LW4, Free Agent
Keldon, Vassell, F-Agent
Samanic, Lyles, 2nd Rd Pick
Jakob, Drew, 1st Rd Pick

[Chinook]

You're nuts. Leonard really was an incredible defender.

Yes, but he didn't "shut down" players alone. He, Green, Splitter and Duncan always combined to shut down opposing players. That's why the standard for what they could do was so much higher than it was for Bowen, who rarely shut down stars the way the Spurs could in the Medium Three era.

[Chinook]

Huh? How?

I'm just speculating about an Aldridge trade down the line.

[Dhbsr555]

To be clear, I don't really like defensive analytics. That's what tricked people into thinking Murray was some All-Defense player. But obviously, it's not a bad thing that he has that kind of track record. Maybe he and DeJounte will be the starting back court next season and get a bunch of turnovers.

Murray, White, Jones
Vassell, Walker, Mills
DeRozan, Johnson
Lyles, Gay, Samanic
Aldridge, Poeltl, Eubanks

I don't love Trey at PF, but I could see that team being a huge improvement over what they've had with Forbes and Beli

I guarantee you white starting after what happened in the bubble

[RC_Drunkford]

The major reason Kawhi was considered such an incredible defender was not just that he could lockdown players he was guarding, but that he wreaked havoc on entire sectors of the court. Wherever he was, there was a turnover or deflection waiting to happen. (He's dropped off since then.)

Vassell doesn't project as the same one-on-one beast, but he could be the same player within whatever area he's in -- and people are wrong to downplay how vital good help defense is, especially in this era when defenders are constantly pulled to the three-point line. Not only does Vassell seem to recover very well, not only does he seem to guard the PnR very well, not only can he potentially erase the mistakes of teammates, he potentially solves some of the problem of fielding a good defensive team in an era where it's remarkably hard to be one.

one of the biggest issues this team had is that there was nobody on the wings who could help to block shots. Our shotblockers were always our bigs and to a certain degree Derrick White. But back then when we had nephew and Danny they would always fly in and swat shots away. That's also why I'm against Lyles being a starter. I want somebody at the 4 who can help protect the rim as well, like Jeremy Grant for example

[Seventyniner]

Duncan always had a great Block-to-Foul ratio, but he's not the only one to finish a season with more blocks than fouls-- Ben Wallace, Marcus Camby, Serge Ibaka, Hassan Whiteside, Anthony Davis, Andrew Bynum, Brook Lopez, Rudy Gobert, and Pau Gasol have all done it in the last dozen years.

Yeah, I probably remembered something wrong. There was probably some extra qualifier in there that made Duncan's season unique.

That or the person who said what I remembered was just plain wrong.

[Dverde]

I look forward to not seeing him play. Maybe next year.

[Dverde]

I look forward to not seeing him play. Maybe next year.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/htA8AP2KjQM

This guy echoes the same thoughts I've had for a while.

Makes comparisons to Stephen Jackson, Reggie Miller, and Klay.

VERY informative video. There's a part one as well, which covers strengths. This guy knows basketball, unlike many youtubers out there who offer lazy analysis.
Sugus

[Dejounte]

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=devin-vassell--klay-thompson

Devin compares favourably to Klay, with a much lower usage rate.

[Sugus]

https://youtu.be/htA8AP2KjQM

This guy echoes the same thoughts I've had for a while.

Makes comparisons to Stephen Jackson, Reggie Miller, and Klay.

VERY informative video. There's a part one as well, which covers strengths. This guy knows basketball, unlike many youtubers out there who offer lazy analysis.
Sugus

Thanks for the rec! Looks like an interesting video. I'm currently in the midst of exams season, I'll check it out when I can. Hopefully sometime next week after a lot of these papers are due.

[BackHome]

I look forward to not seeing him play. Maybe next year.

With Covid I don't think we see him until after the next season 2022

[JuneJive]

He could be a token starter kind of a guy.

And from there grow into a full time starter.

It's time for Pop to surprise us.

[NickiRasgo]

My favorite point guard...

https://scontent.fcrk1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/126446488_4017498844947424_5416364280709198270_o.j pg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_eui2=AeHpdO5kU7s6y_CA00QCBitaZc3taegyTCllze1p6 DJMKTclvUHDTy97AH0INcWLCEI&_nc_ohc=9UpJPaywHy0AX-Xm8Kx&_nc_ht=scontent.fcrk1-2.fna&tp=6&oh=b4572fc2bf258614b4db68f9c45dbf53&oe=5FDDF1DB

[Dejounte]

CHvdF9eJgkt

[objective]

next to Vassell on the shorter side is Josh Green, who did the combine and measured at 6-5 in shoes.

Toppin supposedly checks in at 6-9

[BackHome]

https://youtu.be/htA8AP2KjQM

This guy echoes the same thoughts I've had for a while.

Makes comparisons to Stephen Jackson, Reggie Miller, and Klay.

VERY informative video. There's a part one as well, which covers strengths. This guy knows basketball, unlike many youtubers out there who offer lazy analysis.
Sugus (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=54941)

Nice Vid clearly they are things he needs to work on which I think he will as he clearly loves basketball and he he seems to be a smart kid. I also think he will fit very well with Keldon, White, and Luka, though I definitely think he will need almost a full year of G League to make the necessary improvements.

[objective]

For some interesting defensive stats stuff with Vassell, everyone should check out the Locked On Hawks podcast from 11-16. The Vassell stuff should start around 13:40 or so depending on the ad attached.

Locked on Hawks 11-16 (https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-6i7hb-c0d3678?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share)

spoilers: It's very impressive

Dejounte

[timvp]

For some interesting defensive stats stuff with Vassell, everyone should check out the Locked On Hawks podcast from 11-16. The Vassell stuff should start around 13:40 or so depending on the ad attached.

Locked on Hawks 11-16 (https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-6i7hb-c0d3678?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share)

spoilers: It's very impressive

Dejounte

Good find, thanks. Worth a listen :tu

[bluebellmaniac]

For some interesting defensive stats stuff with Vassell, everyone should check out the Locked On Hawks podcast from 11-16. The Vassell stuff should start around 13:40 or so depending on the ad attached.

Locked on Hawks 11-16 (https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-6i7hb-c0d3678?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share)

spoilers: It's very impressive

Dejounte

Tags Dejounte, then TimVP replies with thanks. One might be led to believe that Dejounte is just one of TimVP's aliases.

Of course it couldn't be true..

[BackHome]

For some interesting defensive stats stuff with Vassell, everyone should check out the Locked On Hawks podcast from 11-16. The Vassell stuff should start around 13:40 or so depending on the ad attached.

Locked on Hawks 11-16 (https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-6i7hb-c0d3678?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share)

spoilers: It's very impressive

Dejounte (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=51342)

Yeah don’t drink Reb Bull and Vodka and then try to sleep not happening - Another nice Vid I won’t say anything to spoil it but I have to agree with Objective it’s impressive.

[objective]

Tags Dejounte, then TimVP replies with thanks. One might be led to believe that Dejounte is just one of TimVP's aliases.

Of course it couldn't be true..

Dejounte = 3 syllables

timvp = 3 syllables

Need I say more?

Wait a second ...

objective = 3 syllables?

Am we timjountive?

[Dejounte]

Oops. Everybody already knew anyway...

[bluebellmaniac]

Oops. Everybody already knew anyway...

+1000

You da man anyway!

[slick'81]

Hopefully pop turns vassell into a defensive monster to pair with white&murray

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/FSUHoops/status/1330255413980270593

[Dverde]

https://twitter.com/FSUHoops/status/1330255413980270593

Yuck. That is Dick Jefferson’s old number. I hope it’s not cursed.

[BackHome]

Damn why did they do him wrong by that. SMH.

[ace3g]

Probably because he wore 24 at FSU, lol.

[The Truth #6]

Yuck. That is Dick Jefferson’s old number. I hope it’s not cursed.

Lies! It’s Sweat Pea Lloyd Daniels’ old number!

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1330647248980631554?s=20

[Dejounte]

Also fun fact which should be obvious: he chose that number in high school because of Kobe. He's also a big LeBron fan.

[Mr. Body]

I dont know if its the Covid shit for months and months.... but these types of exchanges I have found quite irritating today.

A guy like ace3g provides a service and I GUESS ITS TO MUCH TO ASK that so called fans of a team that they have spent 1000s of post and countless hours on this forsaken corner of cyberspace to actually know what GD college number the first round lottery pick their alleged favorite team. Instead they find some shit reason to hate the number..... Fucking Richard Jefferson......

Fugguin shitz

You okay, bro? Maybe take a nap for a year or so.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1327098866055995393?s=19

Devin's a Laker bandwagoner

[timvp]

Devin's a Laker bandwagoner

That didn't turn out too badly for Tim Duncan or the other 90% of players who grow up Laker fans.

[Dejounte]

For the record, it wasn't a slight. Don't really care if he was lol

I will say though I miss players like Manu who would give unusual answers and deeper insight in interviews.

What dude from Arizona? TheDrewShow

[Dejounte]

some hold ass troll had many names on here I think @Culver is one and some others..... He was tight with the Benefactors for a while... but he is one of the chief archetypes of the Toxicity and shit posting here for a while....

Thought you meant an NBA player lol.

Here's another great video, everyone:


https://youtu.be/0yYDuxn815k

[Dejounte]

Dejounte (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=51342) the more I look at him the more I see Willie Anderson with out the handles.... I Dont think Anderson ever got above 200 lbs in his whole career....
dude said that he thinks that Vassell needs to be 240? Dat aint happening.... 220 would be a 99.9%tile matrix for him even on that Lebron and Kyle Anderson Good Good...eeerrr....
Modern Sports Science Diet, exercise and Supplementation that is.

I'll take functional strength over bulk for that frame. Who knows maybe he'll be the Prime Time of Florida State Basketball.....

Haha I actually read from the person who made the video that he made a mistake and meant 20 lb, not 40 lb.

[kobyz]

That's nuts. Reminds me of that one season where Duncan had more blocks than fouls, the only one in league history iirc.

I didn't watch him at FSU. Was his low turnover rate due to chucking up shots, actually being a really good and smart ball-handler, low usage, some combination of those? Or something else?

Most impressive is kawhi, more steals than fouls for his career

[kobyz]

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1327098866055995393?s=19

Devin's a Laker bandwagoner

Most boring talker in the draft! I like it, finally we taking some no nonsense draftee, seems like the opposite of instaballer and hairdo!

[John B]

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1330647248980631554?s=20
Kobe, LeBron, KD fan :lol:lol:lol For a 2way player, I’m surprised no mention of a defensive guy except for The Dream but more on his hook shot.

[Dejounte]

CH76DGchLDk

Devin sporting his first Spurs t-shirt, working with Zach Graham.

[ace3g]

CH1Iu8iMeMk



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Nov 20, 2020, 5:01:17 PM

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/7hfPwLxrvYM

I've been watching a lot of film on Vassell, just to try to get a feel on what to expect from him this upcoming season.

He's a lot different from Kawhi, which everyone knew, but I figured I wanted to know by just how much.

Contrary to popular belief, and I've said this before, the Spurs did not "build" Kawhi. He was not this super raw athlete with no skills whatsoever. His handles were pretty advanced already in college, he could dribble between his legs, which I didnt see Devin do once in all the videos I've seen. If you watch the video above, you'll see that Kawhi's comfort zone was anywhere 10 feet from the rim which we grew to see over the years he was a Spur. He was automatic from there. Kawhi loved to bang down low and use his strength to get his shot up in the interior. He possessed already good footwork in college.

But here's the interesting thing, and probably why people assume the Spurs "built" him. He displayed ONLY about 10% of what I mentioned in the last paragraph in his first two years with the Spurs. There could be a myriad of reasons to this, but IMO, I came away with one conclusion as to why Kawhi was able to showcase just a few things he did in college... It has to do with the way the Spurs develop their players.

If you watched all bubble games and focused on Keldon as I did, if you were paying attention you would have noticed something changed with his play style after about the first two or three games. During the first two or three games, he was basically playing with a lot of freedom and taking the ball, driving it in, doing a lot to show his abilities. Then, by game three or four, you will notice he started to park his ass in the corner or on the three point line to have the ball kicked out to him so he can shoot it... And we all know how well he shot it. After that specific game, he basically implied he was given marching orders to be a 3 and D guy and work his way up from there in the post game interview.

This is how the Spurs develop their players.

And it is evident with what Pop says all the time in interviews: "Before you try to be great, we want you to be solid."

Kawhi during his rookie year was assigned to be that 3 and D guy behind our three stars and was basically told to perfect that craft before he moves on to becoming great.

What does this all have to do with Devin Vassell?

Well, after watching Devin, I see an upside beyond being a 3 and D guy. His arsenal in college includes pull up Js in the mid-range with remarkable efficiency. He also has amazing hops.

When Devin plays this year, I think like with our talented rookies of the past (please note: I'm only referring to Spur players who were drafted with extreme upside) he will be instructed to perform a specific role and the goal will be for him to be solid at it.

I think Devin of the future is a player who will be a lights out shooter from anywhere (weakest probably still in the interior even if he gains strength) on the court. People will love his off ball defense, reminds me so much of Manu's timely steals. And people will be surprised by his hops.

Devin's game has shades of Khris Middleton, Reggie Miller, and Klay Thompson.
A lot of Khris on offense = shoots it with a hand in the face, mostly takes faceup jumpers, tendency to shoot from mid-range. Not super explosive, but gets it done with basic crossovers.
A lot of Klay on defense = In terms of who he can guard (occasionally PG's and SF's, full-time on SG's), with similar foot speed and awareness leading to timely steals and weakside blocking.

My bottom-line point is that players are who they were in college. No one gets "built" from scratch. There usually is a foundation there to begin with. The Spurs are probably the best at taking that foundation, and polishing it up real nice by slow and patient development.

Be solid first, then be great.

Maybe that can be applied to life.

Sugus (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=54941)

[rankingtear]

^ Yeah Culver the 6th pick from MIN got his confidence got shot when MIN tried to give him a lot of responsibilities on offense at the start of the year. All his progress he built of from college gone , now he is shooting free throws like Poeltl. Same thing happened with Frank and Knox in New York.

[San Antonio Slayer]

But here's the interesting thing, and probably why people assume the Spurs "built" him. He displayed ONLY about 10% of what I mentioned in the last paragraph in his first two years with the Spurs. There could be a myriad of reasons to this, but IMO, I came away with one conclusion as to why Kawhi was able to showcase just a few things he did in college... It has to do with the way the Spurs develop their players.
Sugus (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=54941)

but mostly it has to do with different level of opposing players defensive skills and athleticism

[Dejounte]

but mostly it has to do with different level of opposing players defensive skills and athleticism

I don't disagree with that statement. However, I believe it's more of a cause than it is an effect to why the Spurs do what they do when it comes to developing players.

Basketball has always been a confidence game. The best proof of this is what we've seen with Derrick White. Everyone knew he had the ability to do the things he does now, but he always shied away from it because the tiniest mistake ate at him mentally. Imagine if the Spurs had thrown him into the fire and he made all of those mistakes all at once. It wouldn't be as easy for him to conquer all the doubts he had in his game. Instead, each mistake that he had he was able to digest little by little and he was able to go to battle mentally with the lie in his head that he couldn't do it.

[XDT76]

I don't disagree with that statement. However, I believe it's more of a cause than it is an effect to why the Spurs do what they do when it comes to developing players.

Basketball has always been a confidence game. The best proof of this is what we've seen with Derrick White. Everyone knew he had the ability to do the things he does now, but he always shied away from it because the tiniest mistake ate at him. Imagine if the Spurs had thrown him into the fire and he made all of those mistakes all at once. It wouldn't be as easy for him to conquer all the doubts he had in his game. Instead, each mistake that he did he was able to digest little by little and he was able to go to battle mentally with the lie in his head that he can't do it.

That is the reason why I don't understand the situation is with DJM, too much was expected from him. If he concentrate on 3 & D, which he shows he got the potential to do it, then move on to other things, he would be much better. It's time to stop expecting him to be a PG.

[Dejounte]

That is the reason why I don't understand the situation is with DJM, too much was expected from him. If he concentrate on 3 & D, which he shows he got the potential to do it, then move on to other things, he would be much better. It's time to stop expecting him to be a PG.

To be fair, I think it's a different learning curve for players like DJ who don't have natural PG skills. So when there was a PG who was used to the system (Tony Parker) still available to mentor him, I think they went after that opportunity.

There is a lot of demand from the PG position. It's a position where a lot of shuffling of players for that spot is less than ideal. They probably saw DJ and figured they want to have SOME kind of stability for the next decade vs constantly having to teach the system to a new veteran PG every 3 years.

[Sugus]

https://youtu.be/7hfPwLxrvYM

I've been watching a lot of film on Vassell, just to try to get a feel on what to expect from him this upcoming season.

(...)


Wow, I'm absolutely loving this Dejounte x Vassell redemption storyline, lmao. From begging the Spurs not to draft him, to spending heavy time watching his film and game.

Some real interesting analysis! I will say though, that I don't think it's always the case that college players' games are an absolute determination of what they'll end up being in the NBA - for better or worse. An example I recently looked into was Anthony Davis - someone asked me to look at his college tape and try to see flashes of perimeter play that's now a heavy part of his game, but when I went to look at the film, I was surprised to see it wasn't the case when he played college ball. He was strictly a rim-runner, dunker, and generally played around the rim. No 3's whatsoever, clutch ones at that like his bubble game-winner, nor those guard-like dribbling and ball-handling skills that make him so unique.

That doesn't mean Vassell can't have the development curve you bring up, it's just an interesting thing I noticed in regards to players' games in college, that they don't always flash their full potential or abilities. Of course, this can work in Devin's favor... And I agree with the rest of your write-up in regards to the Spurs' development. I think DJ is already "screwed up" in that I don't think his ceiling includes being a PG in any capacity, but he's already been "anointed" so that if he's ever switched off that role, he'll inevitably lose confidence in his game and stunt his growth. Had he been developed properly as you described, he could've solidified his role as a 3-D player, and then try to play PG, where he would've failed IMO, but would still have a role to fall back on. Right now, he's in no-man's land, and unless he somehow comes into the season with a noticeably more advanced game, I fear our other guards and prospects will soon take his place in the rotation, and it will cause problems for the Spurs.

[Dejounte]

Wow, I'm absolutely loving this Dejounte x Vassell redemption storyline, lmao. From begging the Spurs not to draft him, to spending heavy time watching his film and game.

Some real interesting analysis! I will say though, that I don't think it's always the case that college players' games are an absolute determination of what they'll end up being in the NBA - for better or worse. An example I recently looked into was Anthony Davis - someone asked me to look at his college tape and try to see flashes of perimeter play that's now a heavy part of his game, but when I went to look at the film, I was surprised to see it wasn't the case when he played college ball. He was strictly a rim-runner, dunker, and generally played around the rim. No 3's whatsoever, clutch ones at that like his bubble game-winner, nor those guard-like dribbling and ball-handling skills that make him so unique.

That doesn't mean Vassell can't have the development curve you bring up, it's just an interesting thing I noticed in regards to players' games in college, that they don't always flash their full potential or abilities. Of course, this can work in Devin's favor... And I agree with the rest of your write-up in regards to the Spurs' development. I think DJ is already "screwed up" in that I don't think his ceiling includes being a PG in any capacity, but he's already been "anointed" so that if he's ever switched off that role, he'll inevitably lose confidence in his game and stunt his growth. Had he been developed properly as you described, he could've solidified his role as a 3-D player, and then try to play PG, where he would've failed IMO, but would still have a role to fall back on. Right now, he's in no-man's land, and unless he somehow comes into the season with a noticeably more advanced game, I fear our other guards and prospects will soon take his place in the rotation, and it will cause problems for the Spurs.

Wasn't Anthony Davis a 6'2" point guard in high school?

I'm gonna love my Spurs no matter who they are lol

[Dejounte]

To me, Precious had a similar story to Anthony Davis...

Precious played wing in high school, desired to play wing in college, Wiseman declared out, and he's forced to play a center type role by committee / best talent available. Had to be forced to hide some of skills and play in the paint more often.

Anthony, because he's their tallest player and had skills rebounding, rim running, had to play a specific role in college. This also happened during a time when basketball had not adapted to bigs playing on the perimeter more often. Anthony only started playing like he has for about two to three years now when it became widely accepted for bigs to have perimeter skills. If we rate his perimeter skills right now an "A" for a big, I think it's hard for us all to say that he developed "A" level perimeter skill in very few years time. Rather, I think it's more realistic to say that he's always had those skills (in high school, as mentioned) and he's bringing them back to his game as of late.

So I guess there is another layer to consider of when there are skills in high school that weren't shown in college.

I could be wrong about all this, but it just sounds similar.
Sugus

[Dejounte]

Here's a good article on Anthony Davis and his guard skills:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=5894839

[Sugus]

Wasn't Anthony Davis a 6'2" point guard in high school?

I'm gonna love my Spurs no matter who they are lol


To me, Precious had a similar story to Anthony Davis...

Precious played wing in high school, desired to play wing in college, Wiseman declared out, and he's forced to play a center type role by committee / best talent available. Had to be forced to hide some of skills and play in the paint more often.

Anthony, because he's their tallest player and had skills rebounding, rim running, had to play a specific role in college. This also happened during a time when basketball had not adapted to bigs playing on the perimeter more often. Anthony only started playing like he has for about two to three years now when it became widely accepted for bigs to have perimeter skills. If we rate his perimeter skills right now an "A" for a big, I think it's hard for us all to say that he developed "A" level perimeter skill in very few years time. Rather, I think it's more realistic to say that he's always had those skills (in high school, as mentioned) and he's bringing them back to his game as of late.

So I guess there is another layer to consider of when there are skills in high school that weren't shown in college.

I could be wrong about all this, but it just sounds similar.
Sugus

Ooh, that's an interesting comp. You know I'm always up for some Precious. Hmm, interesting points.... Though I think the line kinda gets blurry here - could we really extrapolate the skills shown in HS by every prospect, and try to derive their NBA playstyle or ceilings from there? It would've made you a visionary had you said it 4 years ago about AD, but surely that's not the case for every prospect. Definitely something we could take into account when evaluating players - not only the kind of competition they faced growing up, and their skill levels, but also the progression (or regression in this case) of their arsenal of abilities in these extraneous circumstances. Oh, also, I knew about the AD being a PG thing - I was just saying that he definitely didn't play that way through college. Though the point about perimeter play for bigs being a very recent thing is also good... I wonder which past prospects suffered from this close-mindedness in regards to bigs playing perimeter games.

I've gone off a tangent, though. I hope you're right about Devin. I've seen a lot of videos on him that flash both passing, and dribbling potential, which is a must if he ever hopes to get out of the 3-and-D mold that he's in right now. We'll see how he develops, though I'm fairly high on him now, especially due to his defense. We need every bit of it that we can get for these new Spurs.

[Dejounte]

Ooh, that's an interesting comp. You know I'm always up for some Precious. Hmm, interesting points.... Though I think the line kinda gets blurry here - could we really extrapolate the skills shown in HS by every prospect, and try to derive their NBA playstyle or ceilings from there? It would've made you a visionary had you said it 4 years ago about AD, but surely that's not the case for every prospect. Definitely something we could take into account when evaluating players - not only the kind of competition they faced growing up, and their skill levels, but also the progression (or regression in this case) of their arsenal of abilities in these extraneous circumstances. Oh, also, I knew about the AD being a PG thing - I was just saying that he definitely didn't play that way through college. Though the point about perimeter play for bigs being a very recent thing is also good... I wonder which past prospects suffered from this close-mindedness in regards to bigs playing perimeter games.

I've gone off a tangent, though. I hope you're right about Devin. I've seen a lot of videos on him that flash both passing, and dribbling potential, which is a must if he ever hopes to get out of the 3-and-D mold that he's in right now. We'll see how he develops, though I'm fairly high on him now, especially due to his defense. We need every bit of it that we can get for these new Spurs.

Tough job indeed. That's why the people employed to do this gets paid the big bucks. I'd put more time and research into finding out more about that blurry line if I was getting paid.

[Phenomanul]

If he does manage to grow a little more (based on his age) he might end up having the tools that will allow him to be compared to someone like Scottie Pippen... That said, where Scottie excels above Devin's current skillset, however, is that his creative vision as a playmaker was vastly underrated.

[Dejounte]

Yeah, Pippen was T-Mac before T-Mac. Even if Devin grows, there's no way he's reaching Pippen's measurables. Pippen was a freak with a 7'3" wingspan. I'm telling you, Khris/Reggie/Klay hybrid is his upside. All with similar measurables and offense/defense tools. Worst case is that he never learns to be confident with his pull up J + handle and becomes another Danny Green...which isn't TERRIBLE.

I hope Keldon and Devin challenge each other hard in practice. Maybe Devin's defense on Keldon will cause Keldon to tighten up his handles and improve Keldon's passing.

But Keldon might bully the shit out of Devin right now because he's such a lightweight, and strength is Keldon's calling card.

[Atl Spur]

Yeah, Pippen was T-Mac before T-Mac. Even if Devin grows, there's no way he's reaching Pippen's measurables. Pippen was a freak with a 7'3" wingspan. I'm telling you, Khris/Reggie/Klay hybrid is his upside. All with similar measurables and offense/defense tools. Worst case is that he never learns to be confident with his pull up J + handle and becomes another Danny Green...which isn't TERRIBLE.

I hope Keldon and Devin challenge each other hard in practice. Maybe Devin's defense on Keldon will cause Keldon to tighten up his handles and improve Keldon's passing.

But Keldon might bully the shit out of Devin right now because he's such a lightweight, and strength is Keldon's calling card.
Best case scenario........iron sharpens iron! You don’t play d on this team you will get no minutes as a youngster!

[SpursDynasty85]

Does anyone believe he is really 6’ 7”? Probably 6’5.5” w/o shoes?

[ace3g]

From DV's IG story

https://instagram.frix7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t51.2885-15/e35/p1080x1080/127955482_698136887476645_8848419157110299208_n.jp g?_nc_ht=instagram.frix7-1.fna.fbcdn.net&_nc_cat=101&_nc_ohc=_gTdT5sc-twAX9_HP5y&tp=1&oh=ab56c0bf0e0c513842cac23e6be712cf&oe=5FC294D6&ig_cache_key=MjQ1MTE1ODkyNjE2NjcyNTU1Mg%3D%3D.2

[Dejounte]

I think this upcoming Tuesday is the last day they can sign their rookie contracts before training camp begins on Dec.1. They sure are taking their time. I've seen a lot of rookies sign their contracts already.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA/status/1329271042615947264?s=20

[Dejounte]

CIGyCeTn3DL
Devin on his way to SA to sign his contract.

[Dejounte]

CIHfrn5DDME

It's official

[Dejounte]

Quotes from his college coach, Leonard Hamilton:


“Whoever gets him will get a hell of a player. Because he is a great shooter, he loves to play defense, he’s coachable. He has all those attributes and he’ll make good contributions to whoever drafts him,” Hamilton said.


“What separates Devin from a lot of guys is even though he has an even-keeled temperament, he has extreme confidence but he’s not selfish. He’s a team-guy but he has a knack of putting the ball in the basket. He’s one those guys that you can’t leave open. If you don’t contest his shot, a high percentage of those shots will go in. He’s shot over 40 percent of his three-point shots two years in a row. That speaks for itself,” he continued.


“Sometimes, people evaluate all the physical attributes but I think it’s very difficult to evaluate, which is the most important thing, is that your mentality, your emotions in the game, your IQ, your ability to make decisions, and how you respond to stressful situations. Well, that’s what they call it the “It” factor and Devin, he checks all those boxes,” Hamilton said. “And the good thing about him is his best basketball is still ahead of him.”


“Devin is a high-character youngster. He has a great support system with his mother and father. They are God-fearing people, he’s very religious and focused. He has a tremendous basketball IQ. He has great attention to detail. He is extremely unselfish, a great teammate. He’s a very hard worker. He’s a fast-learner. He has a tremendous amount of confidence. He’s a guy when the game is on the line, he’s focused and his confidence rises and he’s able to deliver under stressful situations. He’s the guy who has the ‘It’ factor,” Hamilton said.

https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/new-york-knicks-devin-vassell-has-the-it-factor-says-fsu-coach/

Quotes from Florida State assistant coach Charlton ‘CY’ Young:


“From the first time I saw him, he was just special,” Young says.Young obviously believed in Vassell more than any other top college coach in the country at the time, but even he’s been surprised by Vassell’s development.

“When he first came to Florida State, I thought he might be there for three-four years and be a pro,” Young says. “Like, ‘Bambi’s going to get some bucks on his head, and it’s going to be over.’… Exactly what I thought was going to happen, happened. But what I didn’t factor in – he was (a) high-character gym rat.


“His humility was through the roof and all he wanted to do was get better. Everything we told him, he tried to do.”Case in point: Vassell shot 21 percent beyond the arc in high school. He spent the summer before his freshman season with Young and the Florida State staff, working on his shot. Over the past two seasons, he’s hit over 41 percent of his 3-point attempts at FSU.

“What does that tell you about Devin Vassell? You judge people on consistent behavior -- not on what they say but what they do.” Young says. “What that action tells you about Devin Vassell is that anything y'all tell him he can't do right now, eventually he’s going to work on it and he’s going to be doing it.”


“Never ever ever bet against consistent behavior,” Young says. “What's the knock on him now? Can't handle the ball? Can't beat a man one on one, get downhill? You tell Devin Vassell that he’s got to get better getting downhill off the dribble, consistent behavior says that he’s going to be doing it in three months.”


Young learned early on that Vassell’s "laid-back, mild-mannered" demeanor belies a nasty competitive streak.

“Inside the lines, he wakes up mad every morning,” Young says. “He knows that they had him ranked 17 in the city of Atlanta (in high school). He knows every guy that was ranked ahead of him. He’s got a long list and he’s marking them off. He remembers.”


“There's some guys that play the game and they got the (loading) circle on their phone. They can’t read and react quickly. Their decision-making is slow. With Devin, his decision-making comes in crystal clear,” Young says.The coach adds that Vassell can make quick decisions on both sides of the ball and make an impact without the ball in his hands.
“If he's in the opposite corner guarding a guy and somebody throws a lob pass over the top to the big at the rim, he's coming from the corner and he's going to rotate all the way over there. And he's going to deflect that ball,” Young says. “I can show you clip after clip after clip. Now, most people with the naked eye, they don't know what they’re watching. But I know that I'm watching Picasso. I know that I’m watching Albert Einstein. I know that I’m watching Bill Gates.

“I told the Knicks this, and I’m telling you – this boy is special.”

https://sny.tv/articles/florida-state-coach-talks-knicks-draft-target-devin-vassell-his-decision-making-comes-in-crystal-clear-

[Dejounte]

CIJAODws1qj

Doesn't look to have father figure issues...

[exstatic]

CIJAODws1qj

Doesn't look to have father figure issues...

Interesting trend: since they drafted Dejounte, every American first round pick has come from a two parent home. Lonnie, Derrick, Keldon, and now Devin. Wonder if they’re gun shy about another Uncle Dennis lurking in the wings...

[Dejounte]

Interesting trend: since they drafted Dejounte, every American first round pick has come from a two parent home. Lonnie, Derrick, Keldon, and now Devin. Wonder if they’re gun shy about another Uncle Dennis lurking in the wings...

Makes sense. To simplify the shit out of it, players with parental void seems to have issues. For example, DJ has ego issues + he hates his dad.

[Em-City]

Best “Church of” ever.
can someone explain the church name to me? What's the go with a Radisson ballroom?



Four seasons landscaping garage of

Missed opportunity.

[Dejounte]

CIOVryELegU

Let's goooooooooo

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1333470224767721472?s=19

[GAustex]

Skinny
Someone buy this dude a coupon book to Whataburger

[Dejounte]

one more wake up and its on... Be interesting to see these dudes next to each other....

Physically he looks like a taller Dejuante body type wise..... TBH 220 is a big ask even at 6'7"is to put on that body frame type. Typical Hard Gainers.
Hopefully he has better ACLs than DJ

[Sugus]

I wouldn't want Vassell to put on too much muscle, though. Maybe 10-20 pounds at most, would be healthy as he grows into his body, definitely not 30+ though. Good perimeter defenders in this modern NBA tend to have that long, lanky, nimble body type, and bulking up over the count can be counter-productive, losing speed and agility with mass that won't be of much use in other areas. I actually really like the combination at SF between Keldon and Vassell, they have opposite games and body types that compliment each others'. I wonder if the Spurs could get away with lineups with the both of them, one at the 4, with Jakob as the traditional 5.

A lineup of White - Dejounte - Vassell - Keldon - Poeltl would be really hard to score on. Let's get back to defense oriented play...

[KobesAchilles]

I wouldn't want Vassell to put on too much muscle, though. Maybe 10-20 pounds at most, would be healthy as he grows into his body, definitely not 30+ though. Good perimeter defenders in this modern NBA tend to have that long, lanky, nimble body type, and bulking up over the count can be counter-productive, losing speed and agility with mass that won't be of much use in other areas. I actually really like the combination at SF between Keldon and Vassell, they have opposite games and body types that compliment each others'. I wonder if the Spurs could get away with lineups with the both of them, one at the 4, with Jakob as the traditional 5.

A lineup of White - Dejounte - Vassell - Keldon - Poeltl would be really hard to score on. Let's get back to defense oriented play...
Yeah I agree. He needs to get stronger, but not necessarily jacked up. Some people don't have that weight room strength, but rather game strength (like Manu).

[Rocalcio]

I wouldn't want Vassell to put on too much muscle, though. Maybe 10-20 pounds at most, would be healthy as he grows into his body, definitely not 30+ though. Good perimeter defenders in this modern NBA tend to have that long, lanky, nimble body type, and bulking up over the count can be counter-productive, losing speed and agility with mass that won't be of much use in other areas. I actually really like the combination at SF between Keldon and Vassell, they have opposite games and body types that compliment each others'. I wonder if the Spurs could get away with lineups with the both of them, one at the 4, with Jakob as the traditional 5.

A lineup of White - Dejounte - Vassell - Keldon - Poeltl would be really hard to score on. Let's get back to defense oriented play...

Johnson is already short to play 3, so I don’t see him playing 4.

[Dejounte]

Johnson is already short to play 3, so I don’t see him playing 4.

Who plays what position is determined by strength, not height in most cases for today's NBA.

Draymond Green is literally Kobe's height and plays PF/C.

[Dejounte]

You also see players like Jrue Holiday and Royce O Neal punking much taller players than they are and they're 6'3". This is because they're strong as fuck.

[Dejounte]

This is not to say I think Keldon is too short-- i think he grew and most fans don't realize it. Maybe I'm wrong, but we will know this week.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/DvmDvSFidCI

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/DvmDvSFidCI

Rui Hachimura (6'8") struggled like hell against Jrue in this video. He couldn't even back him down.

[cd021]

Johnson is already short to play 3, so I don’t see him playing 4.


Who plays what position is determined by strength, not height in most cases for today's NBA.

Draymond Green is literally Kobe's height and plays PF/C.

I tend to agree with that, besides most big 3's play the four nowadays (think Rudy Gay).

KJ should be able to guard 3's.

[Sugus]

You also see players like Jrue Holiday and Royce O Neal punking much taller players than they are and they're 6'3". This is because they're strong as fuck.

Definitely agree with this. I also think Keldon has grown, but even if he didn't, he's got great size to play the modern 3 and small-ball 4, on defense especially. Core strength and good instincts can make up for a lot in terms of height/size differences, and Keldon seems to have both - if he can develop into something at least close to Holiday's defense, he's gonna be a damn cheatcode for the Spurs. We could play him at the 4, 3, or 2 depending on what lineups are called, and he's got the strength, length, shooting and passing to make it work. Exciting stuff.



https://youtu.be/DvmDvSFidCI

Great video. It's really easy to see how Holiday's strength helps him be a great defender - he can absorb contact, not in the way we usually talk about "absorbing contact" on offense, but in the opposite way; he waits and stands his ground until the opposing player exerts strength at him and leans into him as a result, and quickly goes for the ball at the moment where these players are accustomed to having that newly created space, all while hardly getting moved even by bigger matchups. And to think if Keldon can do this, and even if the opponent gets by them, they still have to deal with Vassell and Dejounte's length in passing lanes, White as help defense, and Poeltl at the rim.....

Yeah, gimme some of that any time.

[SpursDynasty85]

Johnson is already short to play 3, so I don’t see him playing 4.

They've already stated, shoulders and arms-wise, Keldon is an average SF for NBA. So no, he is not small for a 3. He certainly is not weak or shy for a 3 either. As long as you put a solid big and another lengthy defender next to him, they should be fine. I'm still not convinced on Vassell and Dejounte as individual defenders though. Hopefully Dejounte takes the big leap that we were expecting pre-ACL this year. Vassell hopefully surprises us with his individual D and strength this year.

[offset formation]

Johnson is already short to play 3, so I don’t see him playing 4.

Big Body Johnson disagrees with your assessment.

[Rocalcio]

I hope you guys are right and that he will prove me wrong, I want nothing but him being in the starting line up.

[spurraider21]

I hope you guys are right and that he will prove me wrong, I want nothing but him being in the starting line up.
well vassell will be in the gleague all year to get over himself, so there will be plenty of opportunities for keldon

[Dejounte]

This is probably the best article written on Devin Vassell so far...

https://valleytales.substack.com/p/devin-vassells-former-coach-this

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HIGH SCHOOL:

I’m looking at him, and he looks like Bambi. His hairline is all the way down to his forehead. He’s got one string on his chin. And he’s weak. So I’m looking at him and I’m saying, “Man, this kid’s gonna grow about another inch and a half, two inches. (He’ll) do some push-ups. This boy’s a pro.” The first possession, he goes down and they shoot a 3, and he goes in and tips it in. They come back down, he gets the rebound and he pushes it up the floor and he kicks it to the corner. They come back down this way, they drive baseline and he blocks it (and) pins it on the glass. They run back down and they throw it to him, and he rips a two-foot pop, one-handed floater in the paint. They go back down and he gets a back-tip. They come back down, and he hits a 3 in the corner. And I was like, “Hey, scrimmage over.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I saw Devin Vassell, I saw Allen Houston. He’s a better defensive version. Allen Houston was on my All-Star team (when I was in high school). I’m a basketball junkie, like a savant. I remember when I was at (the Five-Star camp) in 1988 and we’re on the All-Star team, and I passed the ball to Allen Houston and he ripped, took one dribble and jumped real high and shot it. I had never seen nothing like that, not at 6-7. Now (Vassell’s) grown a little more. I don’t know if I should say this, because Paul George was so bad in the playoffs, but you see a little Paul George. I knew (Vassell) was a pro. When you throw in his character and his humility and his work ethic, you got a future All-Star.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is why he’s gonna be an All-Star and get four or five: the amount of professionalism he has at a young age. The season starts, and he had five DNPs. Did. No. Play. He had five more games where he played less than 10 minutes. Now, his AAU coach ain’t calling me. His high school coach ain’t calling me. His momma ain’t calling me. His daddy ain’t calling me. His brother ain’t calling me. Now, in 2020, that’s virtually impossible with what we’re dealing with in this day and age. The boy comes in my office after five games, he says, “I need to get a bump. I need to get a workout.” After he did not play. I was more upset than him. I’m going to (Jones) and Hamilton, fussing and fighting. Devin Vassell told me, “Unc, don’t worry about it. When (Jones) and Hamilton call my name, I’m gonna be ready.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would say his competitiveness (is also underrated). Most people look at him and they think he’s Theo Huxtable from Suwanee, Georgia. But now, this dude wakes up mad every day about not being ranked (by recruiting services). He’s got everybody’s name written down. All this, “I was a two-star player and I wasn’t ranked,” he’s mad as hell about that, now. He comes to the game, and he’s trying to put everybody’s name on the list and mark them off. He’s got a lot of fuel. They threw gasoline on the fire, now.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This kid is a high-character gym rat. I’m talking about, “Yes, sir. No, sir.” (He follows the catchphrase that) everything you need to make it in life, you learned in kindergarten. This boy, he’s special. His humility. He’s one of those guys that, when he finishes playing pro ball, he’s gonna own 22 car dealerships or he’s gonna own Starbucks or he’s gonna be a GM of a team. You can just see it. This boy’s like the Rain Man (with his routine). Gotta work out. Gotta work out.

My wife’s trying trick him into marrying my oldest daughter (Ariel), who’s a redshirt sophomore at North Carolina right now. That’s how much we think of him. We’re trying to have an arranged marriage. And his momma, who’s my best friend, we’re in cahoots. We’re trying to make it happen. Now, I’ve had players that I wanted to marry my daughter, but I didn’t want them on my team. Then, I had players that I wanted on my team, but couldn’t be marrying my daughter. But this boy is both. You don’t find that often.

[Dejounte]

Didn't follow Allan Houston much back then. But I can see it.
https://youtu.be/cNBfRV5vdUc

[GAustex]

Houston was pretty good. He was a big part of that ‘99 Knicks team that the Spurs beat in the finals.

[rastaspur]

I think they struck gold with this pick. He's going to improve year upon year. The talent is there. The work ethic, humility and character seem to be there.

Pop is a better judge of character than talent at this point. I think they got this one right.

[daslicer]

I think they struck gold with this pick. He's going to improve year upon year. The talent is there. The work ethic, humility and character seem to be there.

Pop is a better judge of character than talent at this point. I think they got this one right.

He comes from a stable two parent household which also bodes well.

[daslicer]

I'm a little fuzzy on the exact detail. However. Doug Collins was hired as HC and GM of Detroit for GH second year. He had Hil, and Houston on that roster almost won 50 games and made the playoff as a Version of Jordan Pippin(pick whom you want to be Jordan or Pippin). They had a hellacious perimeter Defense and a promising offensive pace. You can talk all kinds of shit about Jerry Krause, there is NO WAY in hell He allowed Pippen's rookie contract to expire so goes to the NICKS for nothing in Pippin's Second YEAR if EVER. Pretty Much what Doug did with Houston after that break out season and making the playoffs.

I don't know what Doug was thinking, if he EVER DID. Maybe he thought having second rate version of Pippin Jordan with the Actual Pippin and Jordan in his Division was a loosing gambit? Who knows. Its one of those NBA what IF's? Surprised the Youtube NBA hacks haven't made one of those Videos about this.

According to this article the Pistons tried to keep Houston and also acquire Juwon Howard through FA during the summer of '96. Houston refused to resign with the Pistons and then Howard decided not to sign with them when he found out Houston wasn't resigning.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-12-24-9612240092-story.html

[BackHome]

I think they struck gold with this pick. He's going to improve year upon year. The talent is there. The work ethic, humility and character seem to be there.

Pop is a better judge of character than talent at this point. I think they got this one right.

I have to agree everything points to this guy having the desire and the discipline to become a really good player for us years to come. He kinda reminds me of a young Sean Elliot and hopefully he will have as great a career or better then Sean so I will enjoy watching him grow up Spurs for Life

[Ice009]

Allan Houston was one of my favourite players back then. Great shooter and very solid player. Pistons were retarded for letting him go, and I believe he was one of the biggest keys in the Knicks doing great in the playoffs. When Allan Houston was healthy, the Knicks performed great in the playoffs. Too bad both him and Grant Hill were separated and both didn't reach their peak due to injuries. I wonder if they stayed together how great they could have been? Maybe the injuries don't happen? Wow, really sucks for both of these two, as they were top notch/classy guys (from what I remember, Houston was a classy guy?) as well as being great players.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/JakeInThePaint/status/1334576972970782722?s=20

This is an interesting read.
It reminded me a lot of what I saw from Vassell in the various vids. and scouting reports posted.

[pad300]

...
Because DOUG was a Horrible GM for Detroit.
...
Yep, Doug was a dumbass.

But, IIRC, there was actually a plan there. Doug was trying to play salary cap games. If he signed Houston to the extension, he didn't have the cap to chase a big time FA ( Howard ); if he let Houston wait until FA, he still had bird rights to sign Houston with after signing Howard. But apparently Houston was not on board with said plan (Why? I don't know. A lack of communication?) ... and Doug didn't succeed in getting Howard to sign either...

While we can say that the Spurs FO does have a few blemishes on their record but I'd say they have more extenuating circumstances than Doug did.

[exstatic]

Holy shit. The penny just dropped into the slot. This, from the linked article...


Ideal NBA fit

These teams like Golden State and Portland that like to spread it out and play fast in transition. Not two yards and a cloud of dust (by) running sets. Teams that want to play fast. He’s gonna get somebody a raise. I promise you that. Because he’s gotten me two.

I think they re-did the offense for him.

[Dejounte]

Holy shit. The penny just dropped into the slot. This, from the linked article...



I think they re-did the offense for him.

You're saying the Spurs did?

[ginobilized]

Vassell seems like a great fit for this team and culture. Definitely seems to be of impeccable character and has a strong work ethic.
Very curious to see how/when he fits in with this team. If he just became Danny Green, but, without the mental lapses, Pop would play him a lot.
His ceiling might be much higher. Psyched to see how it works out. Also, wonder if the weird shooting form was done to throw teams off and he was the Spurs pick all along.

[exstatic]

You're saying the Spurs did?

Yup. We subtracted a couple of bad defenders, but the personnel are much the same as last year, except for our draft picks. Why didn’t they do this new offense last year? Missing piece, maybe? Could also be why they list him as a guard. He’ll be handling the ball more than the wings. Him being 6’6” or 6’7” has nothing to do with it. It’s all about what they’re calling processor speed, like a top QB going through all of his reads in 2 seconds.

[ismael-robert]

Holy shit. The penny just dropped into the slot. This, from the linked article...



I think they re-did the offense for him.

Which linked article cuz people posting stuff from 90s in here

[Dejounte]

Yup. We subtracted a couple of bad defenders, but the personnel are much the same as last year, except for our draft picks. Why didn’t they do this new offense last year? Missing piece, maybe? Could also be why they list him as a guard. He’ll be handling the ball more than the wings. Him being 6’6” or 6’7” has nothing to do with it. It’s all about what they’re calling processor speed, like a top QB going through all of his reads in 2 seconds.

They didn't do this new offense last year (pre-bubble) because they had belief in the previous system. The old system didn't get them into the playoffs, so they are doing a new system. I wouldn't say they did it for Vassell, rather, they drafted the player who would easily fit in the new system-- Florida State college basketball is similar to Spurs Bubble basketball.

[exstatic]

Which linked article cuz people posting stuff from 90s in here

This one, that poster Dejounte posted on the previous page.
https://valleytales.substack.com/p/devin-vassells-former-coach-this

[exstatic]

They didn't do this new offense last year because they had belief in the previous system. The old system didn't get them into the playoffs, so they are doing a new system. I wouldn't say they did it for Vassell, rather, they drafted the player would easily fit in the new system-- Florida State college basketball is similar to Spurs Bubble basketball.

The offense really hasn’t worked in a couple of years, since Kawhi bolted. I don’t think it was a belief in the previous system that kept them in it. More like a holding pattern waiting for the right piece. If anyone knows Devin, it’s CY, and he thought GS should have taken him at #2.

[offset formation]

Vassell seems like a great fit for this team and culture. Definitely seems to be of impeccable character and has a strong work ethic.
Very curious to see how/when he fits in with this team. If he just became Danny Green, but, without the mental lapses, Pop would play him a lot.
His ceiling might be much higher. Psyched to see how it works out. Also, wonder if the weird shooting form was done to throw teams off and he was the Spurs pick all along.

CIA Pop.

On that front though, if you'll recall, the Spurs took every second of their allotted time on draft night. And it even took longer than the 5 minutes as Reece Davis observed that there was some sort of delay.

Makes you wonder if it was just all part of the act so they can pull the ruse sometime down the line, lol

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

CIA Pop.

On that front though, if you'll recall, the Spurs took every second of their allotted time on draft night. And it even took longer than the 5 minutes as Reece Davis observed that there was some sort of delay.

Makes you wonder if it was just all part of the act so they can pull the ruse sometime down the line, lol

Most likely because teams were trying to trade up for Haliburton but apparently the Spurs liked Vassell more than the offers they got.

[daslicer]

Yep, Doug was a dumbass.

But, IIRC, there was actually a plan there. Doug was trying to play salary cap games. If he signed Houston to the extension, he didn't have the cap to chase a big time FA ( Howard ); if he let Houston wait until FA, he still had bird rights to sign Houston with after signing Howard. But apparently Houston was not on board with said plan (Why? I don't know. A lack of communication?) ... and Doug didn't succeed in getting Howard to sign either...

While we can say that the Spurs FO does have a few blemishes on their record but I'd say they have more extenuating circumstances than Doug did.

According to this article which is a year old Allan Houston states that his original intent was to stay with the Pistons and he was going to use the Knicks as leverage to get a good deal from the Pistons. What ended up happening was that he was impressed by the pitch Patrick Ewing and Knicks threw at him that it changed his mind about coming back to the Pistons.

https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/steve-popper/allan-houston-knicks-free-agency-1.30891816

[BillMc]

Did Devin sign yet?

[exstatic]

Did Devin sign yet?

He’s in camp practicing, so the answer must be yes.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/EPcxiazGSbQ

In sum: Devin excels at being a weakside defender, is a great team defender.

We could see him REALLY shine if our players can be decent on ball defenders (Keldon, White, Lonnie). If the ball handler sees pressure, they'll make a reckless pass for an easy steal by Devin. This is probably what the Spurs envisioned.

DJ is probably a lesser version of Devin (funny because he was second team defense), but with them both on weakside, there could be a lot of steals this season.

[Dejounte]

The question begs:

Is it harder to develop weakside defense than on-ball defense? Just for discussion only, and try to provide an unbiased answer.

We've all understood on-ball defense as being more impactful, but is that changing?

[Mr. Body]

The question begs:

Is it harder to develop weakside defense than on-ball defense? Just for discussion only, and try to provide an unbiased answer.

We've all understood on-ball defense as being more impactful, but is that changing?

Good defense can be taught to most anyone. Great weakside defense requires a very strong knowledge of the game to see plays just before they happen.

[exstatic]

The question begs:

Is it harder to develop weakside defense than on-ball defense? Just for discussion only, and try to provide an unbiased answer.

We've all understood on-ball defense as being more impactful, but is that changing?

The NBA doesn’t let you play on ball D the way they used to. You can no longer fight thru a pick without drawing a foul. You have to go under, which creates a shooting advantage, or follow over,which creates a driving advantage.

Devin not only understands his rotation, he understands where his NEXT rotation needs to be, and gets there.

[John B]

https://youtu.be/EPcxiazGSbQ

In sum: Devin excels at being a weakside defender, is a great team defender.

We could see him REALLY shine if our players can be decent on ball defenders (Keldon, White, Lonnie). If the ball handler sees pressure, they'll make a reckless pass for an easy steal by Devin. This is probably what the Spurs envisioned.

DJ is probably a lesser version of Devin (funny because he was second team defense), but with them both on weakside, there could be a lot of steals this season.

Thinking about it gets me a boner :lol

[Dejounte]

Thinking about it gets me a boner :lol

Dude, go see a doctor. That's not normal

[John B]

Dude, go see a doctor. That's not normal
I remember how Kawhi improved every year. It's the same with this guy in every aspect of his game. He's already better than rookie Kawhi offensively. If he's the gym rat as they say, dang Spurs hit the jackpot. I think Keldon can play the one-on-one defender, with DJ and Vassell as help defense?? Geez :lol

[Dejounte]

I remember how Kawhi improved every year. It's the same with this guy in every aspect of his game. He's already better than rookie Kawhi offensively. If he's the gym rat as they say, dang Spurs hit the jackpot. I think Keldon can play the one-on-one defender, with DJ and Vassell as help defense?? Geez :lol

I must say, the one thing I miss about Kawhi is his all around impact everywhere on the floor. Almost every play you could see his presence is felt. When I watch Kawhi now, it doesn't show as much. His prime truly was when he cared more about defense than offense. The article I posted a couple pages back seem to indicate Vassell may be capable of the same things Kawhi did when he was a Spur. I think it's a bit of a stretch to say he's better than rookie Kawhi... Let's wait and see.

Btw, Kawhi looks like he's gained weight. Is he committing himself to become a power forward?

https://twitter.com/demarco528/status/1335700068754739200?s=19

Dude is built like a tank.

[Obi Juan Kenobi]

Can't wait for KJ and Nephew to lock horns...

[BillMc]

He’s in camp practicing, so the answer must be yes.

Yeah, that's what I thought but never heard an announcement.

[Chinook]

Yeah, that's what I thought but never heard an announcement.

He signed when Jones did. Spurs tweet out a pic of the two of them putting pen to paper. Might be in the Jones thread.

[BillMc]

He signed when Jones did. Spurs tweet out a pic of the two of them putting pen to paper. Might be in the Jones thread.

Thanks man. :bobo

[twilo73]

Does anyone listen to the Draft Dummies podcast? First of all it's very good, but most important Vassell was their number one prospect this year for months. They love this kid.

I don't think the question is whether he can turn into a very important player in the team the question is whether they will develop him correctly as mentioned by others on this thread and how long it will take.

[exstatic]

Does anyone listen to the Draft Dummies podcast? First of all it's very good, but most important Vassell was their number one prospect this year for months. They love this kid.

I don't think the question is whether he can turn into a very important player in the team the question is whether they will develop him correctly as mentioned by others on this thread and how long it will take.

Yeah, because they always fail at developing young first round players. Oh, wait, that never happened.

[twilo73]

Yeah, because they always fail at developing young first round players. Oh, wait, that never happened.

Unfortunately that's what i'm expecting too... very little playing time this year... but again I'm convinced Vassell can become a very good player.

[Seventyniner]

For all the whining some have done over the Spurs not making a move, it's quite possible that the Spurs had Vassell really high on their board and were planning on doing a trade of some sort if he had gotten taken before #11. All teams have draft boards and contingency plans. The Spurs are one of the least likely teams to make a move, but that might be due to them getting the players they want and trusting their top-notch player development personnel.

[BackHome]

I am OK with what happened so far it’s looking like Vassell is going to be a key player for us for years to come. Still crossing my fingers that Spurs can move one or two players to get draft capital first round or second round it doesn’t matter to me.

[TD 21]

Unfortunately that's what i'm expecting too... very little playing time this year... but again I'm convinced Vassell can become a very good player.

He should play a good amount. People focus too much on projected rotations, when in reality it's more rare than not to have the top 9-10 intact regularly and that's likely to be exacerbated this season.

He's next in line when any of them are out (with the possible exception of Aldridge/Poeltl, but even then they could go small before inserting Eubanks depending on the matchup) and since two already are, he'll have an immediate opportunity. If he takes advantage, there's no reason to think he won't continue to play.

[Dejounte]

1336399105422225411
Gained weight? That makes no sense because he has already been around 245-50 ish since his 3rd or fourth year here. Articles have refereed to this for ever. WHY would a guy with bad knees want to "put on weight", if anything they DROP weight as they get older like Timmy did. FML

My take away from this is, WTF? Spurms media so bad they arn't even inviting Puppet Local Media to Take Pictures of practices?

CIjokfUB26Q

Finally

[Dejounte]

https://i.imgur.com/WbV89o1.jpg

Dude is REAL Skinny... don't like his "foundation"

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/demar-derozan-of-the-toronto-raptors-poses-during-the-2009-nba-rookie-picture-id89718342

Here's DeMar as a rookie for comparison.

He needs to get on that Keldon diet plan.

[Dejounte]

https://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/warriors/photos/ThompsonSigning_500.jpg

Klay as a rookie for comparison. I feel Klay has the most similar profile to Devin.

[Dejounte]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/53/c6/8b/53c68b096782f345ecb9ab21c14609c2.jpg

Here's Rip Hamilton as a 20 year old. He's listed as 6'7", but I can't find his wingspan anywhere. Don't know if Devin is this anorexic, but it's close.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/x6ZIZzzjFRM
Some similarities here... Not very explosive, pulls up for a J with a hand in the face.

[Dejounte]

https://i.imgur.com/1zQ89I0.jpg
LOL the Legs!! Bruh those dudes have CALF's and QUADS... DUDE YOU'RE A CERTIFIED SPUR STALK EYE TESTER.


LOL this is a trash as forum filled with trash ass fans with trash as brains... loose my number....

DREW SHOW OUT!!!!

Where did I say DeMar and Devin were similar? I just posted the photo for comparison. Nowhere did I say they were the same.

Please be a little less aggressive, Drew. I don't come on this forum looking to fight or argue all the time. I can be wrong, I never said I was perfect.

We come on here just to discuss. I think things are a little too serious with you. You're a great poster when you don't look to attack other people. You actually bring great content. I plead with you to stop. Some people come on here for peace. It doesn't have to be you against everybody. Or me versus anybody.

[Dejounte]

See you, Drew. I'll miss you.

[ChumpDumper]

DIDNT read
https://i.imgur.com/pYo9q1G.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/mxzJgls.jpg
This site is dying, articles literally get dozens to maybe a hundred views. I get 10s of thousands on some little throw away youtube channel... I started as a LARK.....

Enjoy the season and you few 100 people can enjoy the cirlce jerk of grades and shit that goes on here. ....

If management wants some free advise on how to make this a better URL, feel free to hit me up via my youtube channel

til then
All you spergs, Eye Testers and Grade sniffers....


later....:lol you'll never leave

[r0drig0lac]

lol

[timtonymanu]

lol

[Dejounte]

:lol you'll never leave

Fuck off SPERG. A legend is leaving SpursTalk. I'm going to commemorate him by using his iconic avatar.

[exstatic]

Fuck off SPERG. A legend is leaving SpursTalk. I'm going to commemorate him by using his iconic avatar.

OMG. :lol

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/_9Sjmh6xwoo

In this video, Steve Kerr is interviewed and says Klay reminds him of Rip Hamilton. Klay has been mentioned to have some similarities with Devin (along with Khris Middleton, Reggie Miller). It all comes full circle.

[BackHome]

That was to funny Ripp lead his team in scoring one night he missed all of his outside shots but was 14 for 14 on the free throw line.

[buttsR4rebounding]

:lol you'll never leave

Yeah, too good to be Drew

[Joseph Kony]

Drew is a weird guy :lol I find his takes humorous but dude is pretty out there tbh

[tonight...you]

Drew is a weird guy :lol I find his takes humorous but dude is pretty out there tbh
He seems like he stresses himself out all the time.
Dude must have busted blood vessels in his eyes, looking like some junkie.
Probably gets kicked out of places with children.

[offset formation]

:lol you'll never leave

Please baby Jesus, be wrong.

[offset formation]

Where did I say DeMar and Devin were similar? I just posted the photo for comparison. Nowhere did I say they were the same.

Please be a little less aggressive, Drew. I don't come on this forum looking to fight or argue all the time. I can be wrong, I never said I was perfect.

We come on here just to discuss. I think things are a little too serious with you. You're a great poster when you don't look to attack other people. You actually bring great content. I plead with you to stop. Some people come on here for peace. It doesn't have to be you against everybody. Or me versus anybody.

I agree with the tenor of your response, but Dejounte, bro, way too much respect was given to him.

Drew Show is a dick 95/100 posts. He doesn't bring a fucking thing to the table. And he's clearly sucked his own dick way too many times. Good riddance, and godspeed, imo.

[Dejounte]

I agree with the tenor of your response, but Dejounte, bro, way too much respect was given to him.

Drew Show is a dick 95/100 posts. He doesn't bring a fucking thing to the table. And he's clearly sucked his own dick way too many times. Good riddance, and godspeed, imo.

This isn't true. He's just misunderstood. Drew has a lot of potential, he just needs someone to believe in him. I believe in him.

Don't listen to these people, Drew. There's more good in you than you think. Power is when you can do anything you want but you choose not to wield it. The power you have is the person who is criticized, but chooses to ignore it.

We all make mistakes, and it's okay to own up to them.

Drew, we may not all have common ground, but that's not what makes us a community... It's the different colors we all bring to this community. You are a unique color and for you to share that color would be a gift to all of us. All of these colors can co-exist. There's no need for us to quarrel anymore.

[offset formation]

This isn't true. He's just misunderstood. Drew has a lot of potential, he just needs someone to believe in him. I believe in him.

Don't listen to these people, Drew. There's more good in you than you think. Power is when you can do anything you want but you choose not to wield it. The power you have is the person who is criticized, but chooses to ignore it.

We all make mistakes, and it's okay to own up to them.

Drew, we may not all have common ground, but that's not what makes us a community... It's the different colors we all bring to this community. You are a unique color and for you to share that color would be a gift to all of us. All of these colors can co-exist. There's no need for us to quarrel anymore.

Ok, Stuart. And doggone it, people like you.

[Seventyniner]

I agree with the tenor of your response, but Dejounte, bro, way too much respect was given to him.

Drew Show is a dick 95/100 posts. He doesn't bring a fucking thing to the table. And he's clearly sucked his own dick way too many times. Good riddance, and godspeed, imo.

imo you're being taken in by some level 2 trolling.

You're absolutely right about DrewShow btw.

[offset formation]

imo you're being taken in by some level 2 trolling.

You're absolutely right about DrewShow btw.

Yeah, didn't catch onto it properly until his last response to me.

[Obi Juan Kenobi]

Definitely gonna miss Drew he was hilarious af...

[tonight...you]

Definitely gonna miss Drew he was hilarious af...
He was the angry freak-out queen of the board.
You need glue guys like that.

[buttsR4rebounding]

This isn't true. He's just misunderstood. Drew has a lot of potential, he just needs someone to believe in him. I believe in him.


Drew, we may not all have common ground, but that's not what makes us a community... It's the different colors we all bring to this community. You are a unique color and for you to share that color would be a gift to all of us. All of these colors can co-exist. There's no need for us to quarrel anymore.

Actually the definition of community is a group that shares common characteristics.

[Dejounte]

Actually the definition of community is a group that shares common characteristics.

We can all agree Drew is a Spurs fan.

[tonight...you]

We can all agree Drew is a Spurs fan.
I disagree. Drew's a Drew fan.

[The Truth #6]

I’m not sure if Drew is a real person. Seems like an awkward and occasionally brilliant troll. I assumed he was a weird burner account for someone else.

[TimDunkem]

TheDrewShow is the Koriwat of this side of ST these days. You can agree with everything he's saying and, somehow, the act of merely responding triggers some cringey low IQ response. Only difference is he will also drop a link to his shitty YouTube channel while railing against you.

[exstatic]

I’m not sure if Drew is a real person. Seems like an awkward and occasionally brilliant troll. I assumed he was a weird burner account for someone else.

Mouse, would be my guess.

[Dejounte]

CIpIuMoMQyN

[GAustex]

Dude needs some Whataburger

[John B]

CIpIuMoMQyN
He kinda look like Willie Anderson :wakeup

[BackHome]

Mouse, would be my guess.

Your sure it’s not Ghost?

[exstatic]

Your sure it’s not Ghost?

Much more mouse’s type of shtick. Ghost was really only combative with MB.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/egaaDpUUoSA

Rare inside look at how Devin acts around his friends

I'm thankful we aren't going after any more weird introverts

Seems like a good kid and would get along with anybody

[BackHome]

Nice Vid D. Man he is starting to make me a believer probably going to get his Jersey for my own X-Mas present. Lol.

You know just for fun watching some old vids and one player that just jumped out at me was the Ice
Man - George Gervin they just have a lot of the same mannerisms not super athletic but very fluid they even both 6’7.

[Mr. Body]

https://youtu.be/egaaDpUUoSA

Rare inside look at how Devin acts around his friends

I'm thankful we aren't going after any more weird introverts

Seems like a good kid and would get along with anybody

A weird introvert would usually do okay in a city like San Antonio. Turns out Kawhi is a major league asshole.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Mouse, would be my guess.

That is who he reminds me of.

[John B]

https://youtu.be/egaaDpUUoSA

Rare inside look at how Devin acts around his friends

I'm thankful we aren't going after any more weird introverts

Seems like a good kid and would get along with anybody

He looks like he’s gonna gel well with the young core and hold his own. I’m stoked with this pick.

[Seventyniner]

A weird introvert would usually do okay in a city like San Antonio. Turns out Kawhi is a major league asshole.

At least by NBA standards, Duncan was a weird introvert too.

Number Two is even more introverted and a much more insidious type of weird, though. Not quirky like Duncan but instead alien and unapproachable.

[Atl Spur]

Seems to come from good stock....... we are trending in right direction!

[Light]

https://youtu.be/egaaDpUUoSA

Rare inside look at how Devin acts around his friends

I'm thankful we aren't going after any more weird introverts

Seems like a good kid and would get along with anybody

10:50 - Guy starts screaming, "He's coming/going to Texas, baby!"
11:05 - Same guy: "That's where they sell them What-A-Burgers, at Texas!"

:rollin

[daslicer]

At least by NBA standards, Duncan was a weird introvert too.

Number Two is even more introverted and a much more insidious type of weird, though. Not quirky like Duncan but instead alien and unapproachable.

I don't even know what a weird introvert is for NBA standards. The only thing weird you can say about Duncan was he didn't like to go partying or clubbing but that's actually normal for introverts hence not weird.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

lol


exactly. LMAO

[offset formation]

Glad I was all in on drafting Devin. Kids defense is a breath of fresh air.

A defensive backcourt with Derrick, Devin, and KJ will be stout af. I'm fucking sick of teams scoring 120 or 130 pts nightly. And I really can't stand the reffing nowadays. Everything is a foul and it ruins the game.

[DAF86]

This guy is a high floor, ready to play, prospect. No reason to not have him on the rotation since day 1 of the regular season.

[offset formation]

This guy is a high floor, ready to play, prospect. No reason to not have him on the rotation since day 1 of the regular season.

He's clearly NBA ready. It really bothers me that Luka just might not have it, whatever it is. Because it's clear as day Devin has it and that pop sees it...which means pop isn't seeing it from Luka.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I didn't want to draft this guy.

My bad. Lol

[tim_duncan_fan]

pop isn't seeing it from Luka.

Or Lonnie, sadly.

You'd think these two guys would come in and be aggressive but it just doesn't appear to be part of their personalities.

[XDT76]

Devin is gonna start over a few picks over the last couple of years. I think he could be in the top 3 as of now from our last 5 draft.

[Degoat]

He better not get buried in the g league by pop lol

[DAF86]

Csm63O5AMes

[LurkingSpursFan]

Seriously...such a breath of fresh air since Kawhi left...Spurs were so much starved of lengthy defensive guards..has lot better game sense than DJ

[daslicer]

He looked good and we might have at worst another Danny Green and at best a special prospect.

[Dejounte]

https://i.imgur.com/NnKbUjy.jpg


The screen capture above is why I believe Devin is not too tall. He may be DeMar's exact height though.

But consider that it's not a perfect screen capture, it is possible for Devin to be taller than DeMar (but probably not by much)

Again, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter. NBA is positionless these days and Devin's strength comes down to off ball defense anyway, so his strengths will still be utilized.

I do feel it reinforces the idea that Keldon will be guarding the bigger wing if both of them are on the court together.

Will post more screen caps when there are ones available.

[Atl Spur]

White 6’4 , Vassell 6’7, Keldon 6’6 / 6’7, DeMar 6’6, Lamarcus 6’11 is a pretty big line up. Keep your eye on Diop......we may have stole him!

[cjw]

He's clearly NBA ready. It really bothers me that Luka just might not have it, whatever it is. Because it's clear as day Devin has it and that pop sees it...which means pop isn't seeing it from Luka.

Devin, KJ and White all appear to be hits over the past four drafts (five first rounders). Not bad for a team never drafting better than 11 (and usually late teens at best). If Walker and Luka are the big question marks, you’ve done okay. Walker is probably a 9th or 10th man at worst, and Luka is a lottery ticket. I still think Luka doesn’t amount to much, but nobody would be complaining if KJ and Luka picks were reversed.

Yes, maybe it’s an overreaction after one preseason game with Vassell, but he looked like he belonged from day 1.

[offset formation]

Csm63O5AMes

Dude's gonna be a stat filler like Manu if his first game is any indication.

[Ice009]

I really loved Devin's play out there in his first NBA preseason game. I think he could be good enough to warrant being in the regular rotation THIS season.

[Dejounte]

Devin, KJ and White all appear to be hits over the past four drafts (five first rounders). Not bad for a team never drafting better than 11 (and usually late teens at best). If Walker and Luka are the big question marks, you’ve done okay. Walker is probably a 9th or 10th man at worst, and Luka is a lottery ticket. I still think Luka doesn’t amount to much, but nobody would be complaining if KJ and Luka picks were reversed.

Yes, maybe it’s an overreaction after one preseason game with Vassell, but he looked like he belonged from day 1.

Exactly. Can't get them all. Especially when you usually pick late. I'm happy we got it right with KJ, White, and now likely Devin. You could even argue there was a good reason for drafting the other guys, which is they had to go with high ceiling prospects even with the high risks.

[Atl Spur]

Devin, KJ and White all appear to be hits over the past four drafts (five first rounders). Not bad for a team never drafting better than 11 (and usually late teens at best). If Walker and Luka are the big question marks, you’ve done okay. Walker is probably a 9th or 10th man at worst, and Luka is a lottery ticket. I still think Luka doesn’t amount to much, but nobody would be complaining if KJ and Luka picks were reversed.

Yes, maybe it’s an overreaction after one preseason game with Vassell, but he looked like he belonged from day 1.

Vassell is the real deal ( there will be bumps & bruises but the kid has it ); bro if people on this board don’t recognize our draft prowess, don’t waste your time explaining!

[Mr. Body]

Devin, KJ and White all appear to be hits over the past four drafts (five first rounders). Not bad for a team never drafting better than 11 (and usually late teens at best). If Walker and Luka are the big question marks, you’ve done okay. Walker is probably a 9th or 10th man at worst, and Luka is a lottery ticket. I still think Luka doesn’t amount to much, but nobody would be complaining if KJ and Luka picks were reversed.

Yes, maybe it’s an overreaction after one preseason game with Vassell, but he looked like he belonged from day 1.

These are my thoughts, too. This is a pretty great hit rate, with these players still showing more potential (obvs. for Vassell). Dejounte Murray was a hit, too; I just don't think this is the team for him. Samanic looks like Livio or Milutinov.

I'll add Tre Jones, who I think people are sleeping on in a big way.

[Mr. Body]

Csm63O5AMes

If anything, the play at :45 excites me the most. It shows a rookie without tunnel vision, who is making a natural if veteran pass in open play. At 2:14 we see his vaunted help defense. He was sniffing out the roll but then blew up the cut. Other players might have to become aware of him.

[offset formation]

Vassell is the real deal ( there will be bumps & bruises but the kid has it ); bro if people on this board don’t recognize our draft prowess, don’t waste your time explaining!

He was responding to me. I didn't question our draft prowess in the slightest. I questioned Lukas development.

[Sugus]

https://i.imgur.com/NnKbUjy.jpg


The screen capture above is why I believe Devin is not too tall. He may be DeMar's exact height though.

But consider that it's not a perfect screen capture, it is possible for Devin to be taller than DeMar (but probably not by much)

Again, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter. NBA is positionless these days and Devin's strength comes down to off ball defense anyway, so his strengths will still be utilized.

I do feel it reinforces the idea that Keldon will be guarding the bigger wing if both of them are on the court together.

Will post more screen caps when there are ones available.

I definitely think Keldon will be given the bigger/better wing assignment, regardless of Devin's height. Not only does it play to both Devin and Keldon's strengths (off-ball and on-ball defense, respectively), but Keldon's body is much stronger and visibly bulkier than Devin's, which you always want for your primary defender. Dude is built like a brick house. I don't care how tall or short Vassell is, as long as he keeps disrupting the weakside, tbh. You don't defend with the top of your head, and he certainly looks like he knows how to D up.

[TimDunkem]

I already like him more than Lonnie and the other young guys, tbh.

[DAF86]

White, Vassell and Keldon is a pretty damn Nice 2-way perimeter for years to come, tbh. We just need that 6-8 foot star and we are set. Not that it would easy to get but you catch my drift. :lol

[The Truth #6]

White, Vassell and Keldon is a pretty damn Nice 2-way perimeter for years to come, tbh. We just need that 6-8 foot star and we are set. Not that it would easy to get but you catch my drift. :lol

I agree with that.

[John B]

White 6’4 , Vassell 6’7, Keldon 6’6 / 6’7, DeMar 6’6, Lamarcus 6’11 is a pretty big line up. Keep your eye on Diop......we may have stole him!
Keldon might be taller than 6’6. The kid just keeps on getting bigger. I expect him to be the one-on-one stopper, while Vassell can feast on steals

[BackHome]

Yeah White, Keldon, and Vassell or all 3 definitely keepers and all 3 are all really good defenders and you can add Poodle to the defensive mix that a tough unit to score on. My only concern going forward is White feet man it seems he always has something wrong or just nagging injuries all season long. If he has another year we’re he misses a lot of time I think we might have to consider either using our first pick on a PG or sign a Vet PG to be insurance

You know I hope Vassell is told when he plays in G League game to go all out on offense I want to see what he can really do if he is told to be main offensive threat for the whole game.

[ginobilized]

Damn impressive first outing from Vassell. What a great combination of savvy, instincts, skill and composure. Such an old-school type.
There are so many solid plays from him for game 1. He seems to understand the Spurs way better than several of the older, seasoned players.
Lots to be excited about here. If this is the tip of the iceberg of who he is, I am beyond excited. He should be starting by game 10 if not sooner.
What struck me the most was the precision of his timing on both offense and defense. That's hard to teach.

Pippen-esque stat line.

[lefty]

He will eventually go to a bigger market in a few years

[Atl Spur]

He will eventually go to a bigger market in a few years

I hope not��

[JuneJive]

He a baller, that's fo sho.

[EasyMoney]

He's going to leapfrog Lonnie in the rotation. And if dejounte continues to be inconsistent he might get leap frogged too.