Which young Spur will be the best

[talkspurs]

This is not as asking who is the best right now or who has the most potential. This is staking a claim as who WILL be the best.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

vassell is the easiest pick because he's the highest pick and unlike some (cough samanic) has already earned a bit of quality pt

[Spurs Homer]

I think walker has the most talent - but I picked luka

walker lacks the heart/drive/motor that a keldon has -

but samanic is a wild card - he could flame out and become a bust- or he could be the one that surprises

im betting he will fulfill most of his potential

[paperboy77]

Murray already gained some respect around the league..players and refs. Already ALL-NBA Defensive team.

[Uriel]

Murray, Walker, and Samanic are all said to have all-star potential, with Samanic having the highest ceiling. No guarantee he ever reaches it though (or even comes close).

[Uriel]

vassell is the easiest pick because he's the highest pick and unlike some (cough samanic) has already earned a bit of quality pt
People are saying Samanic would be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft.

[EasyMoney]

Lonnie

[daslicer]

Vassell he looks like he's going to be a very good two way player.

[rjv]

one thing that I can agree with is that it won't be white or poeltl

[K...]

Johnson is the body, looks the part, has the attitude. Nba highlights are either "hit a big three" or "abuse a smaller player" and johnson excels at the latter. He's a few skills short but is young enough.

Vassell didn't get to play g league so he may get pigeon holed as a roll player. It's still way early to understand how vassel will expand. But he does have a great base, it's just more of a role player base then star.


In other words, there are true mvp guys and fake stars, both of which make all star games. Keldon can easily get to fake star status.

[Trill Clinton]

This is tough. They've all been disappointing. Murray I guess.

[Harry Callahan]

I don't get White. He's just been way too inconsistent to get any read on this year.

He simply can't get physically healthy for any stretch of time.

Murray and Johnson have improved and I like what they offer. JP has improved as well.

Walker has the most physical tools, but like White he can't put it together for long periods of time.

At some point, the guards might have to be thinned out by trade for a pick or veteran player at this point.

Vassell needs consistent PT to grow.

[FutureMan]

People are saying Samanic would be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft.

which people out of curiosity?

[SpursDynasty85]

theoretically you have to like Murray, Walker, and Samanic if they can reach their peaks but the floor of Vassell looks very enticing. His jumpshot is really good but his ability to shoot it over defenders is what is going to make him really good. His absolute floor is like a Rashard Lewis-lite. Ceiling is Klay/Rip Hamilton hybrid. I'll take it!

[Prose]

Johnson seem the most promising
white is a mystery and frustrating
walker and Murray have so much potential but are not that consistant
saminic is showing some signs of life but still closer to a bust than a star at this point
Jacob is what he is and is a role player
vassal is promising but will get somewhat of a limited role due to all the wing players in front of him

I think we may need to clear out some minutes in the backcourt at this point.

[Maddog]

Murray
He's not far from being a borderline all star
Not sure he'll get there but is the closest and has the drive and attitude

White
Really like him and his game- but is really inconsistent and hasn't made huge leaps

Poeltl
Really good role player, but given todays game suspect he's not far from his peak impact

Johnson
Love KJ, but not really sure how much better he will get. Still very young, but he is a bit of a tweener.
Next year will tell a lot as he tweeks his game in the off season

Walker
Oozes talent- not sure he has the attitude

Vassell
I've been a little underwhelmed- But I definitely realize I'm in the minority

Samanic
See Walker

[Prime BEEF]

This is tough. They've all been disappointing. Murray I guess.
My thoughts exactly

[BackHome]

Murray
Luka
Keldon

[TheGreatYacht]

Dejounte as the 1st option will be glorious to watch next season. Guaranteed all star

Lonnie has the highest ceiling but I didn’t vote for him because he sadly won’t reach it here as long as Pop keeps collecting free checks.

[GreekSpursfan]

To answer the question, the one we're gonna draft after this season.

[ATXSpursfan]

Murray seems to be the closest as far as mentality and has greatly improved offensively. He is probably the closest.

Walker and Samanic have the ability, but seem to waiver on their actual ability to do it.

Johnson and Vassell will be very good NBA players but I'm not sure i see the ability to be more than very good rotation players.

[Down Under]

I voted KJ, but how the fuck has no one voted for White? He's the best player right now at least.

[tim_duncan_fan]

They all look the same so far. 10-17 ppg with like 4rbs 4ast.

None look like potential all-stars.

Keldon could be if he adds a 3-point shot.

Vassell needs more burn. How good he gets will depend on how he grows physically. He's at least prime Danny Green already. He could be an all-star if he gets waaay stronger.

[KobesAchilles]

Vassell will be Danny Green at peak. It’s not a bad player and I’m not hating but Vassel will never be our best player

Murray has reached his peak. He has Kyle Anderson/ DDR syndrome where he is afraid to shoot the 3 and that will hinder him going forward bc otherwise I would say him

White has too much confidence/injury issues for it to be him

Lonnie was ruined by his dad apparently who told him not to take contact and as long as that is the case he will never be more than what he is now

KJ is the only one you can put any hope in. But as long as he is playing out of position we are fucking him over

:lol Poeltl

:lol Luka

[My Fault]

Not sure how people are voting KJ over Murray, I like KJ but he won't be an all star. His defense is terrible most the time and he's way to easy to take out the game by simply packing the paint since he can't shoot. Sure KJ has the drive to get better but Lonnie looks way more promising than KJ and KJ has been way overhyped here despite showing nothing but fearlessness to drive into the paint

[tim_duncan_fan]

An intelligent team would have Vassell shooting 6 threes per game already. Unfortunately, the Spurs are stupid.


Anywho, are any of these guys off the table for trades in your eyes?

I could trade pretty much any of them depending on the offer.

[Sugus]

An intelligent team would have Vassell shooting 6 threes per game already. Unfortunately, the Spurs are stupid.


Anywho, are any of these guys off the table for trades in your eyes?

I could trade pretty much any of them depending on the offer.

There's very, very, very few players in the league that are truly off the table irrespective of the offer being presented. Of about 400 NBA players, I'd dare say less than 30 (maybe less than 20) are actually off the table, non-starter kind of protected. For everyone else, it'll always depend on the offer - even such a promising talent as SGA wasn't off the table when the right deal came through.

Having said that, I would really hesitate to trade either Keldon or Samanic unless we're talking about a king's ransom. Every other player on our team either has a roleplayer ceiling with no clear flashes of star potential (Vassell, White), has potential but hasn't so far been able to consistently translate it to the court (Lonnie, though in a pinch he'd be the third name on my do-not-trade list), or has real value but would be better served traded for assets (I'm still convinced we gotta sell high on Dejounte before other teams start scouting him out of games).

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Hard to say. Each of those guys has strengths and each has some glaring weaknesses.

If we're making this bet simply on potential, the needle still points to LWIV. Then Murray, Keldon, Vassell and White in that order.

Heart and soul...Keldon and then Murray.

Current skillset...White.

LWIV, Murray, Keldon, Vassell and White is a good start. Now we need some faster, longer talent to put around them.

[BillMc]

In terms of raw potential Lonnie and Luka have the highest ceilings. Devin has the highest floor.

Still, they're longer odds and it seems Murray is likely to be the best.

[John B]

1. Luka because of his size and guard abilities, especially with today's NBA. If he reaches his potential, he will have the highest upside.
2. Devin already has the finesse, and the smoothest jump shots. He is long, athletic and has all the tools to become a very good 2way player. Easily a top 3 in his class when all is done. And yes, better than Hallibur-who?
3. Keldon, I love his motor and I like to put him in #1, BUT he would need to develop a consistent jump shot. I bet he would work his butt off this summer though.
3. Walker is just an athletic freak that if he put it together, he could easily dominate the game.
4. Dejounte is very good now, but unless he gets stronger to finish strong, his inconsistent jump shots will not save him every night.
5. White is a glue, a very necessary solid role player, but unfortunately that's all he is.
6. Tre, he is deceptively athletic, has that burst of speed. Already has the highest basketball IQ among the young core. If he knocks down those shots, like his brother does, watch out!
7. Poeltl, his 5 years in the NBA has yet to develop him a go-to move. He can't even shoot a free throw, and gets dunked on by random big men. He has the tools, but not the heart to be great.

[tim_duncan_fan]

There's very, very, very few players in the league that are truly off the table irrespective of the offer being presented. Of about 400 NBA players, I'd dare say less than 30 (maybe less than 20) are actually off the table, non-starter kind of protected. For everyone else, it'll always depend on the offer - even such a promising talent as SGA wasn't off the table when the right deal came through.

Having said that, I would really hesitate to trade either Keldon or Samanic unless we're talking about a king's ransom. Every other player on our team either has a roleplayer ceiling with no clear flashes of star potential (Vassell, White), has potential but hasn't so far been able to consistently translate it to the court (Lonnie, though in a pinch he'd be the third name on my do-not-trade list), or has real value but would be better served traded for assets (I'm still convinced we gotta sell high on Dejounte before other teams start scouting him out of games).

I'm definitely with you here.

[talkspurs]

I thought I set this up so we could see who voted for who but I guess not.

I put KJ will be the best. I see him as having the most tools. People are down on him this year because he is playing out fo position. he is more of a 3 then a 4. putting him at a 4 hurts his game.

The rest would be
Murray
Vassel
White
Poeltl
Walker.

I am unsure where to put Luka but could see him being in the Murray, KJ area. I think people think way to much of walker. he is the one that should be traded if anyone has interest in him. I think value may be low though.

[RVSTX]

I went with Walker, has all the tools...I hope he gets there.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

i dont normally look at advanced stats but lonnies are Putrid

[John B]

i dont normally look at advanced stats but lonnies are Putrid

https://youtu.be/1u9_bLOhMmA

[MannyIsGod]

There's very, very, very few players in the league that are truly off the table irrespective of the offer being presented. Of about 400 NBA players, I'd dare say less than 30 (maybe less than 20) are actually off the table, non-starter kind of protected. For everyone else, it'll always depend on the offer - even such a promising talent as SGA wasn't off the table when the right deal came through.

Having said that, I would really hesitate to trade either Keldon or Samanic unless we're talking about a king's ransom. Every other player on our team either has a roleplayer ceiling with no clear flashes of star potential (Vassell, White), has potential but hasn't so far been able to consistently translate it to the court (Lonnie, though in a pinch he'd be the third name on my do-not-trade list), or has real value but would be better served traded for assets (I'm still convinced we gotta sell high on Dejounte before other teams start scouting him out of games).

How exactly do you think that teams are going to scout Murray out of games? They've got years of tape on him. On offense he's not exactly reinventing the wheel, he uses his quickness and his crossover to get past people or to get to his spots for his midrange jumpers. If teams were going to scout against that then they'd already be doing it. Outside of Derozan, DJ is probably the most reliable scorer we have right now because of his ability to get to his spots. I'm not sure how much more he can improve his shooting, but it shouldn't get any worse going forward so I'm not sure how teams will somehow magically stop him.

Before this season I thought a few other Spurs had higher ceilings than DJM and while the super young ones might improve to be better than DJM I wouldn't bet on a single one being a better player when its all said and done. It really is time for people to stop underrating Murray. i could really see DJM being a 20-7-7 two way guard next year. That's pretty fucking good.

[B1gduff]

Murray: Last year, I said that I can see Murray being a 14-17 ppg/7 reb/4 Ast guy at his peak. guess what he's doing that. With what I've seen from him this year and how improvement he's gotten, I truly Beleive that there is another level to his game. For Murray, its just confidence in his 3pt shooting, a little more improvement.

Floor: 16 pts/ 7 reb/5 ast (which i assumed his ceiling would be)
Ceiling: 20 ppg/ 7/7 ( This is his ceiling now, and he's an 1st/2nd option)

Lonnie, I still think high of him. Can he reach his ceiling? it's hard to judge what he's still young, has time to still improvment. I will say that since his move to the bench, he has looked like a different player and something that looks good for him! I also think at the moment, being on the bench is the perfect spot for him. He still has the potential to be 1st option and all-star and now its just a waiting game for us and him.

KJ, Big Boy. Man i Love the energy and hustle he brings! here's the thing. Keldon has scary upside! he plays like a mini Giannis, he get to the hoop with ease and the only way to stop him is either, built a mini wall (2-3 people) or he gets fouled but doesn't get called. That it. He has teh abuilty just attack and attack and dominate. Now here's the issue, teams adjust and now it's time for him to adjust. He just needs to refine his offensive game; add a Jumpshot, doesn't all ways need to attack, add a tear drop and than just practice on the 3pt. No I am not saying he's going to turn into Giannis, I think his ceiling will be a solid 2nd/3rd option on a good team.

Samanic. he's fits the mold of the perfect 4 in the modern NBA. He's got the quickness and length to take it to the rim. Has the defenive ability to defend 2-4, Has an High Iq. He has as much upside as anyother player. But i would like to see him more to determine just what type of upside he has.

WHite, i feel like he's hit his ceiling, He's a solid high-end [player, that will do everything and hit the 3 and at time get you some big games.

Vassel: too early to judge, defenively i woulf says beside's Dj, he has the highest upside. Offensively, there is alot of work to be done and will ultimately determine where or what type of player he is.

[Maddog]

...... It really is time for people to stop underrating Murray. i could really see DJM being a 20-7-7 two way guard next year. That's pretty fucking good.

That's not much of stretch either. He's at 16-6-7 right now.
Increase in usage if DDR leaves and or improved 3 point shot and he's there. All the others have significant questions about their game, but DJM is actually putting up some good stuff

[spurraider21]

Murray is the safest bet considering how good he already is, and how he's been able to improve pretty steadily.

sadly, it's possible that White already peaked

[RC_Drunkford]

Lonnie. Y’all keep doubting this kid, but he has the potential to become a franchise player and I think he will get there

[rudwick]

I think it’s awesome that we’ve got a long list of guys in the discussion!

[SpursDynasty85]

An intelligent team would have Vassell shooting 6 threes per game already. Unfortunately, the Spurs are stupid.


Anywho, are any of these guys off the table for trades in your eyes?

I could trade pretty much any of them depending on the offer.

He is a rookie and gets lost on the court a lot. Gets confused in certain situations. For the most part he has had a pretty loose leash as far as rookies shooting it looks like. He almost shoots a bit too much when he is out there. But I will say I am excited about his future and he will be a really good scorer and help defender at the very least. Hopefully his body builds out in the right way.

[John B]

I think it’s awesome that we’ve got a long list of guys in the discussion!

Agree. And you can even add Tre in the mix.

[Texas_Ranger]

I think it’s awesome that we’ve got a long list of guys in the discussion!

theres like a 10% chance any of them will ever be an all star. Murray, Lonnie, White and Poeltl wont improve. Samanic will probably be in Europe in 2 years, as he wont be happy being a bench warmer. Vassell should become at least a solid role player and Keldon is the only one i see being pretty good.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Interesting poll. Not one vote for White.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Agree. And you can even add Tre in the mix.

I like Tre a lot. He threw some amazing passes last night. That alley-oop to Vassell was pretty nice. You don't see that type of play out of the Spurs too often.

[John B]

I like Tre a lot. He threw some amazing passes last night. That alley-oop to Vassell was pretty nice. You don't see that type of play out of the Spurs too often.

He's a steal at 41st pick. Already he has one of the highest bball IQ in the young core. And deceptively athletic with his burst of speed. He knocks down those shots, he'd be a solid PG for a long time.

[John B]

Interesting poll. Not one vote for White.

I like Derrick a lot. He sacrifices his body, a real glue and a great team mate. Maybe he could squeak in 1-2 all star if things go his way.

[8sy21vd]

Keldon just needs to develop his outside shot/mid-range and become a more willing passer. He should become better and better each season if he does. His motor is 2nd to none. If his game can mature, no reason why he can't become a top notch SF in the league. Thought his conditioning took a big hit when he was out for a month due to COVID but seems recovered. I would say based on age, attitude and playing style, KJ has the biggest upside.

White is already a solid NBA starter because he can play both ends and does everything at least decently. The concerns are injury and confidence. Still has upside although maybe with another organization. His shooting has been down this season but I think that's mainly due to the early injuries/COVID hiatus but he's finishing a lot better now and playing with more energy on D. With Jamal Murray going down with the ACL, Spurs trading White to Denver would make a lot of sense if SA can get a couple late firsts or young assets in the off-season. I feel it might work out well for both sides if Derozan stays and/or Walker develops.

People seem to be underrating and overrating Walker. He's a phenomenal athlete with a beautiful stroke but he has got to become stronger and a better defender. To me, he's a good offensive spark off the bench right now with big upside. He's still young and needs more time. He should be taking Mills' role as the first sub off the bench.

DJ has really improved offensively and is a real disruptor on defense. He's like a swiss army knife since he can do a bunch of different things. Has a great attitude so he should only improve. One of the better overall players under 25. Showed a lot of toughness/character coming back from that ACL injury so well. I would put DJ as the player with the highest upside after KJ.

Poetl is a really good backup but average starter at best. Needs to improve a lot of on the offensive end and his defense seems to be slipping as he's used more. I just don't think he has the skill set to get much better offensively. Hard to envision him averaging 10ppg. Just so limited.

Vassell/Samanic are young talents with defensive versatility with a lot of upside but need rotational minutes for us to get a better read on.

I think in general the younger guys would all improve if we had better bigs. To me, it's the glaring weakness of the team (on the court) which would balance the roster a lot more. Also-Derozan's presence has stalled some of their growth because everybody defers to him.

[R to the P McMurphy]

Its easily Murray from what we've seen. Guy has the drive to be the best, will work, and is turning out to be a good leader/motivator. He has improved actually quite rapidly after the ACL process and the needed games to get back into NBA action.

[Degoat]

I hate it but patience is key, last year watching Murray I thought he was never going to pan out but he’s surpassed all my expectations this season and his future looks promising! Even Luka lol last season I thought he was a complete scrub and the jury is still out on him but he’s had some nice moments

[Gagnrath]

I like Derrick a lot. He sacrifices his body, a real glue and a great team mate. Maybe he could squeak in 1-2 all star if things go his way.

I sort of feel the same way the thing is that the team needs to come together around him for him to do that. You don't get an all star very often anymore unless you're regularly being mentioned on sorts center and tnt coach selection is almost always the guy who just missed on the votes. Unlike Ginobli barkley doesn't love saying white and the spurs television national games are fewer and further between.I feel like the young core is a superstar baway from being a contender and that if there was a real first option at the 3 or 4 this team will be in real contention as soon as it happens. I want white to get physically right, murray is turning into a more confident shooter faster than I thought he's never going to be a marksman but much like kidd when you look at his stats in a few years you're going to say how did this guy get a non shooter rep. Answer (not be when you came into the league and take a few years to develop confidence in it.)

Luka, Last year he grew into his frame, this year he needs to get some more floor time. He is from europe he understands a tiered league system a couple of games with the big team to get a feel and some experience rip up the d league for two weeks a couple of games with the big team (basically a week) rip up the d league for two weeks with what you were told to work on. Covid messed this up. I don't know how he's responding coaching wise in the locker room and team wise I hope well because I see a very high ceiling if he can grow his game a bit. I can also see a burn without a second nba shot if he decides to fold from the nba.

[John B]

I hate it but patience is key, last year watching Murray I thought he was never going to pan out but he’s surpassed all my expectations this season and his future looks promising! Even Luka lol last season I thought he was a complete scrub and the jury is still out on him but he’s had some nice moments
Agreed. Spurs fans just got too spoiled with 22 years straight playoffs. As must as I get disgusted sometimes with the loss, or who Pop is playing or not, we are getting out of this season and possibly drafting another Vassell quality player, and sign a quality C/FP who can help us get to the next level. And it’s still much shorter period than the likes of sizers, Knicks, Suns who have been rebuilding for years. Patience Daniel-son

[exstatic]

one thing that I can agree with is that it won't be white or poeltl

I think you might be surprised at how White will blossom if DD is gone. I always go back to the draft video of him, and his HS coach. He said that every coach underestimates him, but eventually puts the ball into his hands. He did, his coach at UCCS did, and even as a senior transfer, his coach at UC did.

[PrimeMinister]

Murray is the easy pick

Derrick White has the most well rounded skill set but is the oldest

Jak is good. He will get better. But he’s going to be a guy who plays off of others and makes his money anchoring a top defense. It’s a super valuable role but he’s a role player ultimately.

Vassell has a lot of untapped scoring potential beyond the traditional 3 and D mold. He’s comfortable handling the ball, at FSU he was a ball handler and in garbage time situations in the NBA we’ve seen him handle the ball a bit in iso and PnR. Can pull up a bit from 15 already and has a nice release point and repeatable mechanics. Early season he made some nice outlet passes off rebounds and just seems to have an understanding of the floor. He is tall but not that tall, long but not that long, athletic but not that athletic. He’s a lock to be a rotation player for a very long time. Potential is there and he could explode or he could stagnate.

Keldon is raw but has the tools and work ethic to greatly expand his game in the coming seasons. But until I see the flashes of 3 level scoring, stop and pop, whatever- I’m not going to fully hitch my wagon to him being “the guy” but I’m not ruling it out.

Walker had his best stretch of basketball prior to the wrist injury and looks to be finally embracing his athleticism and understanding how to weaponize it in the half court. Looks to be a player that will score at 3 levels, is learning to create for himself and others off the bounce. Defense I think he will always have limitations one on one as he doesn’t use his body particularly well but the effort seems to more or less be there. I do think Lonnie is starting to turn the corner and 2022 will be a big year for him.

Luka has similar scoring potential to Lonnie at 3 levels, is tall, quick, has a quick and easy shooting stroke that should be repeatable and consistent given enough attempts. Can put his back to the basket and score. He’s shown an ability to use his physical tools to guard wings, bigs, plug driving lanes, rebound the ball, clean up the offensive glass, and generally just be a difference maker when he’s comfortable on the floor. Watching a lot of Nuggets basketball this year I can see a future for Luka that looks similar to what Michael porter Jr is doing in Denver.

Im gonna gamble a bit here and say Luka. He’s still raw, his playing time is scant, and there’s times he’s going to look lost on the floor. But the leap from year 1 to year 2 is substantial both physically and in his mindset on the floor and I think he’s going to be really damn good.

Grand scheme the spurs are in a pretty nice place with young talent, tbh.

[KingKev]

My vote is DJ. With that being said I don’t think we will see more than 1-2 all-star appearances from our entire young core combined over their careers, especially if they remain Spurs.

[$pursDynasty]

there was a time when I swore White would be the best and that the instagram baller was more hype than substance, now Dijon looks like the truth and Derrick has fallen off, it might be more about injuries than it is about either players true max. The first year back from the injury Dijon was meh but now he is showing that potential he flashed early on. Now Derrick looks meh but maybe next year he will show that swagger that almost single handedly eliminated the Nuggets in the playoffs. I am really like Mr. Big Body as well. The Spurs are a in his prime superstar away from being the truth. An in their prime LMA or the nephew with these young guys would be pretty good. DePression is alright if he is your 2nd super star but has been proven he can't be your top guy.

[GreekSpursfan]

The obvious answer is Murray. he will have the chance to be the most impactful of the bunch because the ball will be in his hands most of the time.
If one of them becomes an all star i would be a happy fan and Murray seems to be the only one with some potential even though i have to say that i'm not entirely sold on any of them tbh.

[koriwhat]

This is tough. They've all been disappointing. Murray I guess.

Lol

[jjspur]

A lot was expected of Murray and he has improved to the point of almost 16 pts. per game plus he is pretty good defensively already. One more year of incremental improvement and he may make the all star team sooner rather than later. The rest of the young guys (other than White) need to make quite a few more leaps still.

[PhantomDashCam]

Vassell was on full display in the Suns game. We got to see a bit of everything from him today.

What's so exciting about his potential development is that he already knows how to play off ball.

His on ball skill-set already appears ahead of where it was coming out of college. The DNPs, unless for injury - need to stop.