Are we back, boys?

[FkLA]

?

[r0drig0lac]

no bryn, no marco....why not?

[Robz4000]

Fire up the river boats!!! :danceclub:danceclub:danceclub

[mookie2001]

I always said coach Pop will have us back in the NBA Finals again.

[phxspurfan]

Keldon with the surprise comeback to start and save the Spurs was unexpected...

and :lol "defensive stud" Murray letting Morant go for almost 50

[FkLA]

Holy shit we look good. It's insane how much Brent Forms dragged this team down.

[daslicer]

As a contender not yet but as a product that’s watchable I would say yes.

[Sugus]

Keldon with the surprise comeback to start and save the Spurs was unexpected...

and :lol "defensive stud" Murray letting Morant go for almost 50

Tbh, I didn't think Murray did too bad a job, I'd have to watch the game again to tell though. Ja is just insane as a scorer, he's gonna be a future All-Star for sure and a problem in the West for years to come.

[John B]

Pop seems to be on this running, hassle, energy. And if Aldridge/Demar get their 20pts playing in that system.. everybody buying in.
And this is without White yet, and Vassell didn't play as well. We need him to contribute 8pts or more to limit Patty's minutes and avoid the defensive liabilities.

[Uriel]

I genuinely believe the team underachieved last season, and Pop playing the wrong lineups was a leading reason for that underachievement. Last year's team should have made the playoffs, if not for Pop.

If Pop sticks to playing the right lineups this season, this team will not only make the playoffs, but may even snag a top 6 seed.

[lefty]

Pop seems to be on this running, hassle, energy. And if Aldridge/Demar get their 20pts playing in that system.. everybody buying in.
And this is without White yet, and Vassell didn't play as well. We need him to contribute 8pts or more to limit Patty's minutes and avoid the defensive liabilities.

Vassell played

[SpurPadre]

?

https://media1.tenor.com/images/c3b89754a4559132be0ec93652c56946/tenor.gif?itemid=15972701

[Dex]

Great start, but let's not get carried away after one win.

[The_Worlds_finest]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/c3b89754a4559132be0ec93652c56946/tenor.gif?itemid=15972701

Don’t hate bro

[jbspurs]

Too early... Spurs won because most of their 1 on 1 play went in. I want to see ball movement that turns into easy basket. The Spurs beautiful basketball is still missing. Hoping they'll learn how to play that way and I know they can. On defense, we no longer have an undersized shooting guard that needs help on D all the time.

[Gibbz]

Tbh, I didn't think Murray did too bad a job, I'd have to watch the game again to tell though. Ja is just insane as a scorer, he's gonna be a future All-Star for sure and a problem in the West for years to come.

Ja's all-star level this year I have no doubt

[SpurPadre]

Don’t hate bro

It's the first game of the season against the Grizzlies. Just like I say when the media is already crowning the Nets, settle down and let's see where this goes. Good first game though.

[tim_duncan_fan]

It was one game and the other guy got 42 while his big was missing.

Looked good though.

[FkLA]

Morant got like 15 of his points in the last 5 mins when the Spurs let their guard down. He was nowhere near as dominant as his stat line would suggest, imo.

Talented for sure, but theres still a lot of holes in his game.

[John B]

Vassell played
I said Vassell didn't play AS WELL.. he got 3 pts. Spurs need Vassell to score 8pts or more to limit Patty's minutes and defensive liabilities.

[timvp]

If Pop uses a sensible rotation, at the very worst this will be an interesting team to watch.

[Sugus]

Ja's all-star level this year I have no doubt

For sure. Lottery picks are really something else, when they hit that is. Ja has a soft touch around the rim that you just can't teach... AND he got 42 with just a single 3pt shot. Vintage scoring night for him. I'd be lying if I said I'd be catching Grizzlies games just to watch him... But they're probably going to be a good watch as long as he's leading them.


Morant got like 15 of his points in the last 5 mins when the Spurs let their guard down. He was nowhere near as dominant as his stat line would suggest, imo.

Talented for sure, but theres still a lot of holes in his game.

Yeah, also agreed. As good as his touch is, he's still too lanky for the NBA play, he gets pushed around at times and has a tendency to just throw his body out there without regard. Not the best strategy considering how hardcore and grindy an NBA season is, and his low weight. Once he gains like, 10 more pounds of muscle, his finishing at the rim will get even better. His court vision and passing are already elite, only thing separating him from an All-Star selection right now is his shooting, IMO. Can't get there without a strong 3pt shot nowadays, tbh.

[DAF86]

I would love for the Spurs to be a surprise (fake) contender so that the TV planners feel at least a little bit ashamed they didn't give them even 1 national TV Game.

[99 Problems]

Time to GET IN HERE.

[duncan2k5]

No... As long as we have LMA and DDR on the team, we will forever be battling with the bottom feeders like memphis for an 8th spot or lottery pick

[ducks]

If Pop uses a sensible rotation, at the very worst this will be an interesting team to watch.

Voting for biden is not sensible

[heyheymymy]

We passed the eye test tonight. Going to be fun watching this group gel.

Ja was getting some garbage time and anything after like 36pts was padding. Felt like they were just letting Ja make the Grizz one dimensional on offense. But it was nice to see the Spurs keep up offensively. Can't wait till White is back.

[TDomination]

Based on bubble and this first game and lineups by pop, we will make playoffs barring injuries.
this team is good, but were really young too.
but seriously no Forbes makes a world a difference. Oh and actually playing the correct players instead of starting Rudy pop went with Lonnie. Excellent coaching! And thanks for sticking with it.

[Obi Juan Kenobi]

The arrow is definitely pointing up now...

[Dennis the Menace]

I would love for the Spurs to be a surprise (fake) contender so that the TV planners feel at least a little bit ashamed they didn't give them even 1 national TV Game.

This. This. And more of this. Shove the small market success down their throat. Make them look like the money grubbing fools that they are.

[Emperor]

We're gonna be the Miami Heat from last season, except we'll actually finish the job. :lobt2:

[JeffDuncan]

Are we back, well, the Spurs are back to being a team that's worth watching. That, by itself, is a big improvement.

[spurraider21]

Voting for biden is not sensible
81 million :wow

record

[tim_duncan_fan]

81 million :wow

record

Imagine losing a game by 7 MILLION points. Holy shit.

[Rummpd]

Great start, but let's not get carried away after one win.

TBH

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

If Pop uses a sensible rotation, at the very worst this will be an interesting team to watch.

My thoughts as well.

Even when we were down 10 early, I thought to myself that this team will be a lot more fun to watch, win or lose, than enduring that plodding, defensiveless mess we witnessed last season. May God never let me witness Marco, Forbes and Mills all on the floor together again.

[CGD]

Haven’t given up on Luka yet, but damn he’s gotta start showing something soon.

[Light]

Less then 10 games into the youth movement and the early returns are encouraging. If what we've seen since the start of the bubble is our floor, we'll be in the playoffs this year.

[Dex]

Haven’t given up on Luka yet, but damn he’s gotta start showing something soon.

I'm not too worried yet. Luka was always a 3 year project in my opinion.

Sure, it would have been great if he could've surprised us all and beat that expectation, but I won't really be concerned unless he doesn't start showing us some stuff by next season.

[John B]

My thoughts as well.

Even when we were down 10 early, I thought to myself that this team will be a lot more fun to watch, win or lose, than enduring that plodding, defensiveless mess we witnessed last season. May God never let me witness Marco, Forbes and Mills all on the floor together again.

That would be watching Lyles walking like a zombie. But I hope he gets the message not playing at all last night. He needs to bring the same type of energy as the rest of the young guys. I noticed LMA got pulled and replaced by Poeltl after a non-contested dunk by his man. I really hope Pop yank guys who are bad with their defense and keep with the new Spurs defensive identity.

[Larry O]

Yup, looks like we're back playing better basketball on the offensive & defensive end, with hopes for improvement as the season progresses. Looks like a difficult schedule coming up with the Raptors on Saturday, the Pels on Sunday as a back to back, & then the Chumps, The Lackers, on 12/30/20. These will be good games to gage & test this team's progress, with hopes for them to put things together & build chemistry & get their rhythm established. Expecting steps forward & backwards as well as this team is meshed with the youngins & the vets. GSG!!!

[Mr. Body]

Haven’t given up on Luka yet, but damn he’s gotta start showing something soon.

Just extended him, literally seems to indicate they don't expect him to show something soon.

[rastaspur]

Voting for biden is not sensible

And voting for a deranged idiotic conman traitor is sensible. Huh. You're a fucking idiot tbh

[Gorepopovich]

Go Spurs go! (Where´s Timmy?)

[BD24]

Youth looked good. Was also a happy reminder we no longer have that turnstile Kyle Anderson. Loved every time one of our guards blew by him.

[RC_Drunkford]

Team looked really good yesterday. Curious to see what this team's ceiling is once White is back and they start clicking

[Dhbsr555]

If we beat Toronto it’s time to start taking the youth movement seriously

[Dejounte]

If we beat Toronto it’s time to start taking the youth movement seriously


You mean the Tampa Raptors?

[lefty]

I said Vassell didn't play AS WELL.. he got 3 pts. Spurs need Vassell to score 8pts or more to limit Patty's minutes and defensive liabilities.

my bad

[Joseph Kony]

If we beat Toronto it’s time to start taking the youth movement seriously
didnt the shitty version of SA beat them in their own building last year? one win means nothing tbh

[ducks]

And voting for a deranged idiotic conman traitor is sensible. Huh. You're a fucking idiot tbh
Biden is owned by China
He is the traitor

[Joseph Kony]

Biden is owned by China
He is the traitor

Biden president NOT TRUMP.

[Down Under]

I'd love to this lineup with Poeltl instead of Aldridge. The difference defensively between the 2 is becoming massive.

[RC_Drunkford]

Toronto is not as good as they used to be. They lost Ibaka and Gasol and are starting Aaron Baynes now. Their bench is also weak with Norman Powell being their 6th man

[offset formation]

I'd love to this lineup with Poeltl instead of Aldridge. The difference defensively between the 2 is becoming massive.

Yes. One hits 50%+ of his shots and 80%+ of his free throws whilst the other is useless beyond 5 feet, especially the free throw line. Cant stretch the floor worth shit which enables his defender to play help defense. And refuses to throw a ball down which means he routinely gets punked even within 5 feet.

What fucking game are you watching?

[TE]

If this is any indication moving forward, Pop’s willingness to let youth develop individually and collectively as a team is a great sign. I expect this iteration of the team to be competitive even against the heavyweights. Championship is a pipe dream right now, but one never knows how rapid the progress will be.

[SAGirl]

And girls.
Merry Xmas all (or whatever holiday you celebrate)
:hungry::lobt2::lobt2::lobt:

[buttsR4rebounding]

After 1 game Spurs are the highest scoring team in the league. What did we need Bryn and Marco for?

[Down Under]

Yes. One hits 50%+ of his shots and 80%+ of his free throws whilst the other is useless beyond 5 feet, especially the free throw line. Cant stretch the floor worth shit which enables his defender to play help defense. And refuses to throw a ball down which means he routinely gets punked even within 5 feet.

What fucking game are you watching?
2.5/10

[couchman]

Our ceiling as a team depends on how well DDR keeps breaking people down and distributing from the 4 spot, how well LMA defends, and how well we shoot the 3 as a team. If DDR avgs 7+ assists w guys knocking down 3s I expect the offense to be really good. If Aldridge plays average defense our D can be solid. My prediction: I think we'll like the offense a lot but our defense will struggle against some elite teams and we'll be a lower seed playoff team.

[gambit1990]

Morant got like 15 of his points in the last 5 mins when the Spurs let their guard down. He was nowhere near as dominant as his stat line would suggest, imo.

Talented for sure, but theres still a lot of holes in his game.
:lol he’s a sophōmore. any franchise would be lucky to build around him.

[FkLA]

Yeah, Ive seen enough. We're officially back.

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ParchedFlickeringFlatcoatretriever-size_restricted.gif

[Dejounte]

Like I said in the game thread...

Milwaukee, Miami, and Dallas has or had (they played tonight) a 2-3 record.

You people can jump ship right now

The smarter fans can stay

It'll make cruising this boat much nicer

[John B]

Yeah on the broad shoulders of Big Body :ihit:ihit

[tim_duncan_fan]

We're not back yet.

Need an All-New frontcourt.

[Mr. Body]

Badly, badly, badly need good bigs. With LMA or an in rhythm White, this was a win, though.

[spurraider21]

its stunning how perfect a fit Wiseman would have been. sucks they couldnt get deal done with LMA for that

[daslicer]

We're not back yet.

Need an All-New frontcourt.

This they need 3 solid to good big men that can play PF-C.

[daslicer]

its stunning how perfect a fit Wiseman would have been. sucks they couldnt get deal done with LMA for that

Agreed. He would have been great with the Spurs guards.

[gospursgojas]

I mean we played the defending champs with a upgraded team. Then we play the clippers and lakers again. We’ll have a shit record to start but even out when we beat the bottom to mid level teams.

[tim_duncan_fan]

We are giving the Lakers a serious run with guys who haven't played 5 games with everyone available at once.

Literally all we need is someone to rebound, dunk 4 putbacks and/or rolls per game, and deter threats at the rim, and we aint got it.

Wild.

[gospursgojas]

We are giving the Lakers a serious run with guys who haven't played 5 games with everyone available at once.

Literally all we need is someone to rebound, dunk 4 putbacks and/or rolls per game, and deter threats at the rim, and we aint got it.

Wild.

Precious and Isaiah Stewart were both available in draft.

[John B]

I mean we played the defending champs with a upgraded team. Then we play the clippers and lakers again. We’ll have a shit record to start but even out when we beat the bottom to mid level teams.
Agreed. I can take these meaningful loses from the defending champs, but should prepare them against lesser teams. The guys are playing good quality basketball, with tweaks that can be remedied early in the season.

[rankingtear]

Precious and Isaiah Stewart were both available in draft.

You take the Wing who can start everytime. Those two are backup centers.

[J_Paco]

Precious and Isaiah Stewart were both available in draft.

Oh Lord, already starting with the revisionist history crap?

Either would have been a huge reach at 11 and the two better fits (Wiseman and Smith) were off the board.

Smith was also considered a reach how high he was selected by Phoenix, so the Spurs took the better (in most mock drafts and boards) prospect between the two.

Pop needs to find a better way to give Walker IV & Vassell minutes while also playing the "main group" of Murray, White, DeRozan & Johnson.

Team definitely needs to focus on upgrading the front court this off-season, though.

[Thomas82]

its stunning how perfect a fit Wiseman would have been. sucks they couldn't get deal done with LMA for that.

I'm still trying to come to grips with it myself.

[Mr. Body]

GSW was never trading their pick for Aldridge, give me a fucking break.

[k830713]

Suns: Lyles, Walker
Spurs: Smith, Nader
Spurs:
White, Murray, Jones
DeRozan, Mills, Q.W.
Johnson, Vassell, Nader
Gay, Smith, Samanić, K.B-D
Aldridge, Poeltl, Eubanks

Suns:
Paul, Payne, Galloway
Booker, Walker, Moore
Bridges, Johnson,
Crowder, Sarić, Lyles
Ayton, Kaminski, Jones

[poopbox]

GSW was never trading their pick for Aldridge, give me a fucking break.

I believe it was LMA and 11 for Wiggins and 2...

After Klay got hurt though they knew they would be trash so no way they were going to do it then

[EasyMoney]

I believe it was LMA and 11 for Wiggins and 2...

After Klay got hurt though they knew they would be trash so no way they were going to do it then


I wish there was an insider willing to confirm whether that deal was in the works. But yeah klay getting hurt deaded any trade that the warriors were potentially penned for

[itzsoweezee]

5 games into the season and popovich has already benched his lottery pick wing. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

[poopbox]

I wish there was an insider willing to confirm whether that deal was in the works. But yeah klay getting hurt deaded any trade that the warriors were potentially penned for

On one of the warriors post drafts shows they had some local reporter saying that the most aggressive team in pursuing the number 2 pick was the spurs and that it was really coming down to would the spurs also toss in another young player and if GS thought that one of the players they wanted at 11 would be there. He said GS was leaning more toward trading the pick since they want to be competing for titles every year Steph is there, but once Klay got hurt they all knew it was a lost season and after that there is no way they were trading that pick, so it all became a moot point.

[BillMc]

With playing really only 3 older guys (DD, Patty and Rudy) in the rotation, we did pretty well against the champs. I think it generally bodes well for the team's future.

[Mr. Body]

I believe it was LMA and 11 for Wiggins and 2...


Yeah, bullshit created exclusively on message boards.

[Mr. Body]

5 games into the season and popovich has already benched his lottery pick wing. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

Have you ever watched this team before?

[itzsoweezee]

Have you ever watched this team before?

Benching a lottery pick on a roster headed to the lottery? I didn't think even popovich would be that silly. It's one thing to do that to late picks on quality teams (although Tony got plenty of playing time as a 19 year old rookie). It's another to do that to this guy on this team

[John B]

On one of the warriors post drafts shows they had some local reporter saying that the most aggressive team in pursuing the number 2 pick was the spurs and that it was really coming down to would the spurs also toss in another young player and if GS thought that one of the players they wanted at 11 would be there. He said GS was leaning more toward trading the pick since they want to be competing for titles every year Steph is there, but once Klay got hurt they all knew it was a lost season and after that there is no way they were trading that pick, so it all became a moot point.
Dubs could’ve gotten Halliburton at 11 or Vassell as their new Livingston. I think Vassell would be playing big minutes with Dubs

[BackHome]

Need to be ready for when DEROZZ and LMA are gone next year and only way we doing that is by getting talent in draft. I am still holding out hope that we can still net a first or another second round pick from on our Vets but will see. Either way we got a lot of work before we get to back to winning basketball.

[Sugus]

Need to be ready for when DEROZZ and LMA are gone next year and only way we doing that is by getting talent in draft. I am still holding out hope that we can still net a first or another second round pick from on our Vets but will see. Either way we got a lot of work before we get to back to winning basketball.

How so? We're playing "winning basketball" right now. Almost beat the defending champs and #1 team in the NBA the other night. Now, if you're talking "championship-level basketball", yeah, we're a ways away still.

I think you should rather get ready for one of DD (can I ask why you consistently call him "DEROZZ"? Is it just autocorrect? Way too consistent to be accidental) or LMA still being on the team next season, rather than both being gone, tbh. If the team doesn't lose a whole lot of games in embarrassing fashion through the season, I could see the FO talking themselves into re-signing DeMar as THE vet presence. Especially since, out of the 4 vets, he's the one playing the best, but also not the most likely one to net us a positive asset. I see the "trading priority" being Mills -> LMA -> Rudy -> DD, in terms of both value to other teams, chances of positive return, and likelyhood of being traded.

Though at my core, I'm skeptical of any of the 4 being traded at all. :lol

[gambit1990]

:lmao

[gambit1990]

?
did you mean back to missing the playoffs?

[FkLA]

Fluky loss, imo.

I still believe. :cry

[Amuseddaysleeper]

did you mean back to missing the playoffs?

but enough about the Raptors

[Arcadian]

Back to what?

[RD2191]

:music

[Seventyniner]

Back to what?

If it's "last year's form" then it is certainly heading that direction.

[NASpurs]

Back to the lottery :hungry:

[Obi Juan Kenobi]

Better than the treading in water team before the bubble but the team still has a ways to go...the team is heading in the right direction now though...

[CGD]

We’ll be back if they can flip Lamarcus, Derozen, Gay, and Lonnie/DJ into: Turner, Hunter, Huerter, Heat Pick, and Heat young guy.


White
Lonnie/DJ
Keldon
Hunter
Turner

[KobesAchilles]

We back boys! tied for the division lead no? Ah damn Pels. Well still, we baaaack... until the next game when we are back to tanking :lol

One thing for sure, I am enjoying watching the youth finally play

[KingKev]

We’ll be back if they can flip Lamarcus, Derozen, Gay, and Lonnie/DJ into: Turner, Hunter, Huerter, Heat Pick, and Heat young guy.

White
Lonnie/DJ
Keldon
Hunter
Turner

lol please elaborate

[CGD]

lol please elaborate

Not rocket science champ:

- LMA for Turner/filler
- Lonnie/Gay for Hunter/filler (eg Snell)
- DeRozen for late pick/filler (eg iggy/olynk)

[Dejounte]

Not rocket science champ:

- LMA for Turner/filler
- Lonnie/Gay for Hunter/filler (eg Snell)
- DeRozen for late pick/filler (eg iggy/olynk)

I don't know where this Lonnie for Hunter dream started for you, but if you head over to the Hawks forums, they are extremely high on him. He is probably one of their untouchables.

[Leetonidas]

Not rocket science champ:

- LMA for Turner/filler
- Lonnie/Gay for Hunter/filler (eg Snell)
- DeRozen for late pick/filler (eg iggy/olynk)


These are horrible trades for the other teams. Why would they give up assets for our trash? :lol LMA for Turner is the biggest head scratcher, no way Indy would ever make that trade

[CGD]

These are horrible trades for the other teams. Why would they give up assets for our trash? :lol LMA for Turner is the biggest head scratcher, no way Indy would ever make that trade

- It’s well known pacers are trying to move Turners money, and Boston depressed his value by rejecting him in a Hayward deal. I don’t think it’s farfetched that Turner could be had for less than what folks think. If folks are being honest the drop off between him and LMA isn’t that big, and arguably the fit is better with sabonis.

- Spurs would get the short end of stick in Miami trade honestly, essentially a late 1st for Ddr. Miami was one of the few teams rumored to want him, where ddr probably extends or reups. I think it’s not a head scratcher at all for them.

- a Lonnie (or DJ) trade for Hunter is probably the biggest stretch, but hawks also just committed long term dollars to vets they’ll be pressured to play at that position for next two years. Seems like there is a squeeze between Hunter, reddish, Huerter.

[r0drig0lac]

It’s well known pacers are trying to move Turners money

maybe before the season, and for a clear update in position 3 (or wing, or SF, whatever), and an old Aldridge is definitely not that (besides being an even worse fit with his best player, Domas)



Seems like there is a squeeze between Hunter, reddish, Huerter.
they have 72 min. for SG/SF/PF covered with Bogdanovic/Huerter/Hunter/Reddish/Gallo/Collins, there is really no problem, and especially none that having Walker in place of Hunter could solve.

[John B]

Oh yeah baby we're back :lol:lol:lol

[ezau]

Hell yeah we're back!

[DAF86]

.500 ball against probably the toughest strength of schedule. Not bad, tbh.

[FkLA]

4-1 road trip

BACK

[MultiTroll]

Compared to the last 2 seasons this is wonderful. :lol

Back!

[CGD]

maybe before the season, and for a clear update in position 3 (or wing, or SF, whatever), and an old Aldridge is definitely not that (besides being an even worse fit with his best player, Domas)



they have 72 min. for SG/SF/PF covered with Bogdanovic/Huerter/Hunter/Reddish/Gallo/Collins, there is really no problem, and especially none that having Walker in place of Hunter could solve.

Like I said the ATL trade is a lift. That said I don’t see that much drop off in some of our young guys and Hunter at least offensively. Like the Spurs they can stand to balance their roster too bit with an attacking SG (we need one of their SFs).

This Indy trade seems more plausible. Feels like Pacers are trying to move on. Though not perfect, I don’t agree on the fit issue especially in LMA shows continued willingness to shot the 3. I can see the Spurs throwing in a distant protected 1st to make it work, hopefully when they’re good again. Something like LMA, 2025 protected 1st for Turner and filler.

I really don’t k know what to make of DDR. It kinda feels like he’ll get extended now...