The Penthouse Of Josh Primo

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

It’s best that he goes to Austin and get as many minutes as he can to absorb the playbook and tighten aspects of his game that need to be worked on.

Hopefully he dominates in the G-League, while helping the team win a bunch of games. Him and Trae Jones should be a really good backcourt in Austin. up in Austin he can work on playing off and on the ball (he has actually shown to be already pretty good) even more seamlessly, he can tighten his handles, learn more about the offensive plays the Spurs like to run, and also the defensive schemes.

it is nothing wrong with going to Austin for some of these young guys and the players who showed in practice that they could help with the main club got run with the main club. Folks tend to forget about (most recently) Kawhi and Vassell (along with other players in the past) both getting hella minutes as a rookie on this team with the very same head coach

[look_at_g_shred]

I see that too. Tatum reminds me of Kobe.. as such Primo really reminds me of Kobe as well with his demeanor and attitude. You see it come out on the court when someone blankets him and he splashes it in their face.

He has a..dare I say...Mamba Mentality. (Darn the interwebs for making me say that)

He is nowhere near the amazing athlete Kobe was, but the kid is an athlete and has a burst showing up once or twice a game in the preseason I hadn't seen in college tape. Awareness is very good. Was really impressed with his patience on plays last game. He pulled back on a switch and I was for sure he was going to let it fly with the spacing he got, but he knew the whole time where it was going. The mismatch created down low. Easy two points. May seem like a little thing to some, but that was big to me in his ability to be a true difference maker later on.

His Mentality could make him special.
It's the "always a step ahead" to his game that the superstars in this league have...and he's only **checks notes** 18

[Atl Spur]

Some of you just don’t get it:) Primo will hopefully continue to prove you doubters wrong.... 18 wow!!!

[slick'81]

kids definitely not ready

[exstatic]

kids definitely not ready

Beal abused him,mainly physically. Got so bad, they had to bring Lonnie in to defend.

[MI21]

Beal abused him,mainly physically. Got so bad, they had to bring Lonnie in to defend.

Will learn more from those 5 minutes than he will in 5 games "defending" G-League talent.

[duncan2k5]

Will learn more from those 5 minutes than he will in 5 games "defending" G-League talent.

Facts! Ppl don't understand a HUGE part of playing NBA defense is learning the tendencies of players... U don't do that by playing trash ass d league talent

[buttsR4rebounding]

Will learn more from those 5 minutes than he will in 5 games "defending" G-League talent.

Why? Lonnie never has.

[bluebellmaniac]

Will learn more from those 5 minutes than he will in 5 games "defending" G-League talent.

Forbes says hi!

[slick'81]

Beal abused him,mainly physically. Got so bad, they had to bring Lonnie in to defend.


so the all star got the better of an 18 y/0 who isn't ready?! Shocked

[exstatic]

so the all star got the better of an 18 y/0 who isn't ready?! Shocked

If he is put into the rotation now, that will happen on a nearly nightly basis. Not the greatest learning environment, getting your ass handed to you on the regular. Teach the techniques, and apply them in Austin. He’ll be more ready after that.

[Atl Spur]

He’s earning minutes with his effort on defense and overall play as a team player. Primo is a smart kid it appears and is really comfortable in his role ( will expand as time goes on )

[spurraider21]

If he is put into the rotation now, that will happen on a nearly nightly basis. Not the greatest learning environment, getting your ass handed to you on the regular. Teach the techniques, and apply them in Austin. He’ll be more ready after that.
Rudy Gay sonning Kawhi ruined his development

[KobesAchilles]

Weird. Primo played a game in the NBA and he didn’t die. I just hope his development isn’t ruined by this mistake going forward

[exstatic]

Rudy Gay sonning Kawhi ruined his development

Older. More NCAA experience. Was actually the focal point at SDSU. Better NBA body when he got here. Surrounded by HOF players, and not expected to carry the team.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Beal abused him,mainly physically. Got so bad, they had to bring Lonnie in to defend.
]If he is put into the rotation now, that will happen on a nearly nightly basis[/B]. Not the greatest learning environment, getting your ass handed to you on the regular. Teach the techniques, and apply them in Austin. He’ll be more ready after that.
Based off what? He got scored on twice by one of the best scorers in the world lmao relax. The first time it was a straight drive to the basket after Tre jones got blocked and the Wizards pushed the ball and Beal noticed Jakob was covering Avdija at the corner three and Beal just drove and took a layup with no rim protection. The second time Josh and Jakob in the P&R and Josh committed to the pick and Beal went the opposite way and went by him and he did a layup over Tre Jones. Where are you getting abused physically from?

Also it didn't get so bad that they had to put Lonnie in to defend lmao. Pop simply cut Lonnies 3rd quarter rotation minutes in half with Primo and gave them to him. Primo was the first off the bench in the second half just how Lonnie always is and then around the three minute mark Lonnie was subbed in for him.

[mo7888]

Primo would develop better in this team than in Austin imo. In Austin he's thrust into the alpha role and expected to carry the team. All the focus is on him. Here he's just a role player and can develop in an environment where he's not expected to be the focus. 10-12 minutes a night here would do wonders for his development.

[KobesAchilles]

If he is put into the rotation now, that will happen on a nearly nightly basis. Not the greatest learning environment, getting your ass handed to you on the regular. Teach the techniques, and apply them in Austin. He’ll be more ready after that.
He will be facing other bench players. He will also be learning directly from Pop and playing a role that he is actually GOING to play. Playing Alpha in the GL and then playing spot minutes once every 3 games doesn't actually help him at all. He then has to learn a completely new role on the main team that iss vastly different than his role in the GL. That is what actually hurts his development.

Also :lol at your take. He got scored on so his development is ruined :cry

[GAustex]

^ I been saying this since the year begin

[emanueldavidginobili]

1465534991711023109

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I kind of like him playing for Austin and also some minutes in SA as well, having completely different roles.

We can argue a lot about it but the objective truth is none of us know enough to make an informed judgement about what his best development path is. This doesn't mean that the Spurs are necessarily right to do it their way but it's impossible to prove. If he plays in Austin this season, then gets a regular role his 2nd year and does well people will say that he should have been in SA from the beginning, and if he struggles they'll say his time in Austin's been useless. There are plenty of examples either way, but people are different and we can only hope that he turns into a good NBA player. He's younger than most players projected in the lottery for next year's draft.

[TDomination]

I'm glad he played! Finally!
He looked ready to go, meaning he was up for the challenge. you could see it in his body language.

Yeah of course he will be shown up quite a bit but thats what happens when you are a rookie. And you learn from it and you get better because of it

[exstatic]

Based off what? He got scored on twice by one of the best scorers in the world lmao relax. The first time it was a straight drive to the basket after Tre jones got blocked and the Wizards pushed the ball and Beal noticed Jakob was covering Avdija at the corner three and Beal just drove and took a layup with no rim protection. The second time Josh and Jakob in the P&R and Josh committed to the pick and Beal went the opposite way and went by him and he did a layup over Tre Jones. Where are you getting abused physically from?

Also it didn't get so bad that they had to put Lonnie in to defend lmao. Pop simply cut Lonnies 3rd quarter rotation minutes in half with Primo and gave them to him. Primo was the first off the bench in the second half just how Lonnie always is and then around the three minute mark Lonnie was subbed in for him.
Beal bumped him hard enough to knock him to the ground. He’s not ready physically. That second physical play was when Pop pulled him.

[exstatic]

Primo would develop better in this team than in Austin imo. In Austin he's thrust into the alpha role and expected to carry the team. All the focus is on him. Here he's just a role player and can develop in an environment where he's not expected to be the focus. 10-12 minutes a night here would do wonders for his development.

If you want an alpha, you have to develop an alpha. I don’t know if he is or not, but he won’t be if he’s developed as a role player in SA.

[spurraider21]

Older. More NCAA experience. Was actually the focal point at SDSU. Better NBA body when he got here. Surrounded by HOF players, and not expected to carry the team.
kawhi did not have anything resembling a "focal point" skill set as a rookie

astonishingly he improved despite not spending time in the gleague to hone those skills

[KobesAchilles]

If you want an alpha, you have to develop an alpha. I don’t know if he is or not, but he won’t be if he’s developed as a role player in SA.
Exstatic with the mass troll. :lmao

Name the alpha who was developed in the G-League. I will wait

Now name the role players.

[mo7888]

If you want an alpha, you have to develop an alpha. I don’t know if he is or not, but he won’t be if he’s developed as a role player in SA.

Kawhi was developed as a role player and developed into an alpha.

[slick'81]

kawhi did not have anything resembling a "focal point" skill set as a rookie

astonishingly he improved despite not spending time in the gleague to hone those skills

Bbb but kawhi wasnt 18 ,and weighed more

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Exstatic with the mass troll. :lmao

Name the alpha who was developed in the G-League. I will wait.

Does Khris Middleton count? Pascal Siakam? Would anybody object if Primo turned out to be as good as either one of them?

It's disingenuous to compare the "alphas" over the entire history of the league when the g league as we currently know it (with teams actually having their own de facto farm team) has only been around for a few years.

[John B]

Primo is not afraid of the moment, just letting them fly, and I’m just impressed with how he’s taking defense seriously, albeit he got bullied by one of the best scorer in the league. I also thought he has already gotten bigger than when he get drafted. I’m really hoping he gets to be 6’6” or bigger. He could eventually be a combo guard, and Devin playing SF. But the defense of DJ, Primo, Devin though. Personally I’m still not impressed with “ally-hoop recipient” Poodle. And Keldon is too small against bigger PF’s.

[Seventyniner]

There's a huge range between "alpha" and "role player" too. Primo can become a Mitchell/LaVine/J Murray/Booker-like scorer; teams led by those types tend to not go far in the playoffs but as second options they shine.

[KobesAchilles]

Does Khris Middleton count? Pascal Siakam? Would anybody object if Primo turned out to be as good as either one of them?

It's disingenuous to compare the "alphas" over the entire history of the league when the g league as we currently know it (with teams actually having their own de facto farm team) has only been around for a few years.
So there are 2 examples you can give. They aren't even really great examples tbh since Giannis is by far the alpha and Siakim is aight. And EVERYBODY else who ever played in the GL is a role player. And none of the Spurs who have played in the GL their whole first year has ever been anything but a role player. So this argument that playing in the GL makes you an alpha and a star is a stupid one.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

So there are 2 examples you can give. They aren't even really great examples tbh since Giannis is by far the alpha and Siakim is aight. And EVERYBODY else who ever played in the GL is a role player. And none of the Spurs who have played in the GL their whole first year has ever been anything but a role player. So this argument that playing in the GL makes you an alpha and a star is a stupid one.

Great point since the g league has been around in its current incarnation for just a few years. It's like talking about how terrible all the three point shooters were before the league instituted the three point shot.

[Chinook]

Okay, so we gotta pull this bus over before it goes off a cliff:

The question is not, "Which star played in the d-league?" Drom already answered that.

The question is, "Which players developed as d-league stars then came to the NBA as stars without having been role-players?"

Middleton played three games in the d-league and averaged 11/8/3. He was obviously not developed there (at all really, but certain not) as a star.

Siakam played five games in the d-league. He did average 18/8/3/2/2, which is closer to a star. But supposedly, as a multi-season, 22-year-old prospect, he has nothing in common with Primo anyway, according to Ex.

In reality, those guys developed with their NBA rosters and touched the d-league for very short stints. Primo has already played as much or more than those guys, and Gobert, who's the king of the d-league at this point, only stayed for eight games. There's not a history of a d-league bootcamp turning raw guys into "ready" prospects. There's a MUCH longer history of guys going for bit players to NBA stars, and that includes every player on the d-league list in addition to guys like Leonard and George and Butler. No, it's actually not very common for guys to go from role-players to stars. Most of them actually come into the league with the obvious talent. If that wasn't true, there wouldn't be any upside to tanking. But as a whole, the d-league hasn't shown itself to be a superior or even equal avenue to develop top prospects. It's a place to rehab and for marginal prospects to get the time investment that the big clubs can't afford to spend. No one was complaining about Wieskamp being assigned there, for example. But it's not a necessary path for Primo.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Facts! Ppl don't understand a HUGE part of playing NBA defense is learning the tendencies of players... U don't do that by playing trash ass d league talent

One of the big reasons Bowen was such an animal on defense is that he studied film on people he was guarding relentlessly. I remember a comment by Tim once that no one worked harder on defensive preparation than Bruce.

[KobesAchilles]

Great point since the g league has been around in its current incarnation for just a few years. It's like talking about how terrible all the three point shooters were before the league instituted the three point shot.
So since it's only been around for a few years does that mean you can't count Middleton? So just Siakim? In 5 years. That's it
Also since it's only been around for a few years why do you trust this process? The NBA has 75 years of making stars and the Gleague apparently only has a few years and hasn't even made one yet. You are owning yourself

**edit**
Just read Chinooks post. This nonsense has to stop

[slick'81]

Okay, so we gotta pull this bus over before it goes off a cliff:

The question is not, "Which star played in the d-league?" Drom already answered that.

The question is, "Which players developed as d-league stars then came to the NBA as stars without having been role-players?"

Middleton played three games in the d-league and averaged 11/8/3. He was obviously not developed there (at all really, but certain not) as a star.

Siakam played five games in the d-league. He did average 18/8/3/2/2, which is closer to a star. But supposedly, as a multi-season, 22-year-old prospect, he has nothing in common with Primo anyway, according to Ex.

In reality, those guys developed with their NBA rosters and touched the d-league for very short stints. Primo has already played as much or more than those guys, and Gobert, who's the king of the d-league at this point, only stayed for eight games. There's not a history of a d-league bootcamp turning raw guys into "ready" prospects. There's a MUCH longer history of guys going for bit players to NBA stars, and that includes every player on the d-league list in addition to guys like Leonard and George and Butler. No, it's actually not very common for guys to go from role-players to stars. Most of them actually come into the league with the obvious talent. If that wasn't true, there wouldn't be any upside to tanking. But as a whole, the d-league hasn't shown itself to be a superior or even equal avenue to develop top prospects. It's a place to rehab and for marginal prospects to get the time investment that the big clubs can't afford to spend. No one was complaining about Wieskamp being assigned there, for example. But it's not a necessary path for Primo.

argument over

[The Truth #6]

He’s not a typical rookie in regards to confidence. He’s already more confident than almost everyone else on the team. His youth shouldn’t be the main factor here.

Edit: And, uhh yeah, what Chinook said.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

I don't disagree with anything Chinook wrote and I'm not advocating for Primo to be playing in the G-league, either. I think he should be in the NBA, especially given the context of how (non)competitive the team is.

All I'm saying is that we don't have a large enough sample size to say definitively that the G-league isn't a viable avenue to develop a superstar. You're talking 75 years of the NBA vs 6 years of all teams having their own d league affiliate. Just because something has been done one way for 75 years because it was the only option, doesn't mean that it is the only way. This is relatively new ground for the NBA. I'd like to see more data before writing it off as a waste of time.

Perhaps there is something to the process of not living the first-class NBA lifestyle for a little bit that is humbling to a young kid and can help with his maturation process? Maybe prevent him from becoming a prima donna later in his career, faking an injury and having his money grubbing uncle demand a trade? I dunno. I'm spit balling here. There may be some long term value there. I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time, even today. Could be a giant waste of time.

[Chinook]

I don't have a huge issue with Primo playing in the d-league. When the team has an extra day off or whatever, getting a random game in where Primo can play 35 minutes is nice. I wouldn't even be against them sending him down there later in the year once the rotation settles down if it's then determined that he should. My issues are more with the Spurs defaulting to having him do that without giving him a chance to win a spot and with fans defending that mentality by creating a false impression of how players tend to develop. I think the Spurs have consistently taken a lazy approach to player development. At least that's what it looks like to me from what we've been told. They give a guy meh summer-league run, don't play them in the pre-season, shunt them to Austin for a year, give them a featured role in their second summer league and then either send them back to the d-league or try to work them into the rotation during their second season. How they think that same technique applies to guys as different as White and Primo, as Blossomgame and Samanic, as Walker and Weatherspoon, I don't know.

[Chomag]

I know a crazy thing but Primo got a couple of minutes and contributed and he didn't die!
Amazing right?

[Chomag]

Beal abused him,mainly physically. Got so bad, they had to bring Lonnie in to defend.
Seriously,?! Beal abuses most of the NBA as one of the best scores in the league, so according to you most of the NBA needs to go back to G league because they aren't ready.

Did Primo get bullied a bit, yes but lets nor forget it was by a All-Star player so let's try to keep that in context. Primo is a smart kid and I don't doubt that he will use this experience that he had guarding a top NBA player to make himself better.

[KobesAchilles]

I don't have a huge issue with Primo playing in the d-league. When the team has an extra day off or whatever, getting a random game in where Primo can play 35 minutes is nice. I wouldn't even be against them sending him down there later in the year once the rotation settles down if it's then determined that he should. My issues are more with the Spurs defaulting to having him do that without giving him a chance to win a spot and with fans defending that mentality by creating a false impression of how players tend to develop. I think the Spurs have consistently taken a lazy approach to player development. At least that's what it looks like to me from what we've been told. They give a guy meh summer-league run, don't play them in the pre-season, shunt them to Austin for a year, give them a featured role in their second summer league and then either send them back to the d-league or try to work them into the rotation during their second season. How they think that same technique applies to guys as different as White and Primo, as Blossomgame and Samanic, as Walker and Weatherspoon, I don't know.
That’s exactly what I’ve been saying! Only you said it much better :lol

[Atl Spur]

I look at it this way, in baseball drafted players go through development period in minors majority of the time but in football they are expected to play & contribute immediately. Basketball use a mixture of both ideologies, so it shouldn’t be a shock when a group of some of the best talent evaluators ( not my opinion but the consensus of others ) determine said player be placed on a specific development path. In Primos case, they drafted him when & where no one on planet earth saw coming, so to say they’ve given this ( him and his development ) some thought would be an understatement WRIGHT?

[rjv]

Will learn more from those 5 minutes than he will in 5 games "defending" G-League talent.

so what, exactly, did he learn from those 5 minutes?

[MultiTroll]

so what, exactly, did he learn from those 5 minutes?
Speed, pace of game, physicality of players.

[Atl Spur]

Are we having fun yet? This kid is different....imagine him in 4 years :elephant

[slick'81]

Let him play now!

[Atl Spur]

Let him play now!

Lol

[LeBowen]

Are we having fun yet? This kid is different....imagine him in 4 years :elephant

We pretty much drafted a top5 pick a year earlier, he'd still be one of the youngest draftees if he waited for another year.

He has to be playing more, but even if he's not over himself by Pop's standards yet, G-league and occasional minutes with the big boys is way better for his development than college.

People just need to have patience. Cade, Mobley and Barnes are the only players I'd have taken over Primo and we obviously couldn't get them.

[KingKev]

I’m okay with the current Austin assignment and call up duty plan given the logjam at the 2 but if we could move White & Walker it would be great to see him take the reigns as the back up SG.

[SAGirl]

Primo continues to look like he can contribute bench minutes and go from there.

[mo7888]

Primo continues to look like he can contribute bench minutes and go from there.

Sorry...wrong thread

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/bouncepassos/status/1468237451613421576?s=21

This is a veteran play

Shit, most veterans don’t even do this

[Atl Spur]

He competes....... plain and simple!!!

[Sugus]

Primo played 18 minutes last night, and did pretty well. He's also playing regularly in Austin and being featured there. Seems like all the cliff-jumping over him getting "banished to Austin" and not seeing the court in his rookie year might've been overblown... Who would've thought!

[spurraider21]

Primo played 18 minutes last night, and did pretty well. He's also playing regularly in Austin and being featured there. Seems like all the cliff-jumping over him getting "banished to Austin" and not seeing the court in his rookie year might've been overblown... Who would've thought!
hey if we can mitigate the damage to just having wasted only a quarter of a season, that's a good thing!

[Mr. Body]

Getting so much run against perhaps the best team in the league is a fantastic sign. Yes, it was the front of a back-to-back. Yes, Vassell was out. But Primo responded with seven combined steals and blocks and looked for all purposes like a kid who needs more floor time. Who knows with Pop, but this seems to suggest a pivot in his near future.

[B1gduff]

Have to say, compared to draft night, Primo has put on some weight. Dude looks a big guard out there, he looks more like 6'6/7 than 6'4/5.

[RC_Drunkford]

Primo had 4 blocks in 18 minutes. That's 4 blocks more than Forbes had in his entire career

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Watching the game live I knew he was hustling on defense and playing well but after seeing the stats I’m even more impressed.

gotta love his fight and confidence at such a young age. Like he isn’t cocky but he is self assured out there.

[MultiTroll]

hey if we can mitigate the damage to just having wasted only a quarter of a season, that's a good thing!
:lol

The Sniffers trying to spin it like this is the plan Popped had all along.
If Vassel was not out would we even see Primo up from Austin and in the game(s)?

Whatever, onward.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/bouncepassos/status/1468237451613421576?s=21

This is a veteran play

Shit, most veterans don’t even do this

Heck Poodle doesn’t even play that great of a defense on Javale

[wildbill2u]

Let's hope he gets some more minutes tonight to show what he can do. IF he can earn his way onto the rotation with the big boys, more power to him.

[exstatic]

Bill Land is funny.

“three mo for Primo!”

[cd98]

He's going to be up and down as a underage rookie. I expect limited minutes with some games hitting threes and some games looking like an 18 year old that should be in college playing. That's the nature of the equivalent of a high school rookie. I'm just looking for flashes of potential.

[KobesAchilles]

I just think it was a wasted opportunity for us to cut Sammich. Imagine our Austin Spurs with both of these studs playing. G-League :lobt2:

[Ocotillo]

Lil' Weezy is being sent back to Austin while Primo is staying with the mothership. Vassell and Keldon being out means minutes for Primo (and Bryn Bryn).

[exstatic]

I just think it was a wasted opportunity for us to cut Sammich. Imagine our Austin Spurs with both of these studs playing. G-League :lobt2:

I honestly don’t care if Austin is a winning or losing program in any given season. It’s just a development platform, and I don’t view it as much more than an extended, more organized formalized summer league.

[Chomag]

So when is Pop going to get over himself and free this kid?

[tim_duncan_fan]

So when is Pop going to get over himself and free this kid?

Well, he didn't get sent back down today so maybe sooner than we think.

[playbonner15]

Heck Poodle doesn’t even play that great of a defense on Javale

Primo at 5 will be the smallest small ball in Spurs era

[exstatic]

Well, he didn't get sent back down today so maybe sooner than we think.

Keldon and Vassell are both on the shelf. Once they’re back, I think Primo will be back to his occasional call ups for homestands. I think there will also be a dead spot in Austin’s schedule, since they are 3rd in their division during cup play, and don’t look like they’ll make the tournament.

[R. DeMurre]

Most of this debate about Primo's time in or out of the G League seems like much ado about nothing to me. If a few games too many or too few in the G League in the first half of his rookie season could have some sort of long term negative effect on him, then I'd say his talents and temperament were too dainty to matter anyway. I'm guessing that in 2023, no one will think or talk about his handful of G League games at all, whatever the case turns out to be on his eventual ceiling as a player.

[EasyMoney]

https://twitter.com/bouncepassos/status/1468237451613421576?s=21

This is a veteran play

Shit, most veterans don’t even do this


And how about the effort by tre jones? That's good shit

[MultiTroll]

Thought perhaps Grandpa was looking out for Primos health vs Denver.

Then to put him out there for the final minute.

WTF was that?!

[MI21]

And how about the effort by tre jones? That's good shit

Yep, at first I thought the highlight existed to show how well Jones did. Great effort.

[Dverde]

Thought perhaps Grandpa was looking out for Primos health vs Denver.

Then to put him out there for the final minute.

WTF was that?!

Are you new? Welcome to Spurstalk

[BackHome]

Yeah putting someone in for one minute is kinda a Dick move

[Sugus]

Yeah putting someone in for one minute is kinda a Dick move

Kind of a Pop move :lol he's notorious for doing this to rookies, not giving them much playing time if at all, and letting them "ride the pine and learn from the bench". I was surprised he put Primo in at all... Sucks.

[MultiTroll]

Are you new? Welcome to Spurstalk


Yeah putting someone in for one minute is kinda a Dick move


Kind of a Pop move :lol he's notorious for doing this to rookies, not giving them much playing time if at all, and letting them "ride the pine and learn from the bench". I was surprised he put Primo in at all... Sucks.
Pop sure showed Primo.

Can't wait til that pompous ass is gone.

[Chomag]

Yep, I knew Pop just couldn't help himself, he is the most predictable person known, I guess he has got to flex those I'm is charged muscles on the kid especially when he plays well. I won't be shocked to see a few more DNP's mixed with non meaningful rotational minutes in Primo's the near future.

Maybe we will get lucky and see him worked in a few spot minutes in the next season but most Primo won't be getting full starter rotational minutes until his 3'rd season.

In future drafts what top Lottery pick is even going to want to come here? Luckily they will have to I guess but I'm sure they will be thrilled knowing that they will be buried to the bench and or G League

Well unless Pop leaves first (crosses fingers)

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Reading a lot of these comments is so funny. Lmao.

[BackHome]

Not so good game this past Saturday 1-7 from 3 and 4 turnovers to go with 9 pts

[TDomination]

Not so good game this past Saturday 1-7 from 3 and 4 turnovers to go with 9 pts

the best thing about a game like that is to get a chance to see how he responds

[ChumpDumper]

Didn't the opposing team have a guy drafted above him? I may be mistaken.

[BackHome]

I am Ok with him getting some G League burn but I am on the Tanking camp but I can see the other side wanting him to play to try and get the play in. I am not sure he was out of shape or he was just costing to me it looked like he was costing like I don’t even need to try that hard to get points it’s so easy. Have to say it is nice to see a big man or for that matter any Spurs player have a nice outside shoot he definitely needs to be backup next year.

As far as Collins I do t think people know how serious his injuries have been he had a shoulder separation where he had ligament and cartilage damage where he missed a year. And then he had a food fracture which cost him another season and then at end of rehab he fractured the same foot. I watched a vid where they where showing usually when you do this twice in same foot it is because foot/bone structure is not right so your putting to much pressure on foot so when they do second surgery they usually have to shave some of the bone on the foot to relieve that pressure. So I am hoping he can play again but he is definitely not going to be getting any minutes this year and will probably be third backup if he continues to make progress.

As far as Eubanks I really like him he is kinda a glue guy most teams need you can tell he gets along well with his team mates. He looked like he made some progress in the beginning of season but the pressure is getting to him I think. But it’s not even close between him and Jock only way I see him staying is if Collins foot doesn’t work out.

Another play I like is Devontae Cacock who has had several games where he has had 20+ pt and 10+ rebounds. I know he is a really short Center but man when he plays with Jock that leaves him under the basket with guys his size and he just kills them on boards or scoring over them kinda reminds me of a taller Keldon. Jock really shows you how him being able to hit the 3 ball really opens the paint for the other players and makes it so much easier to score.

[BackHome]

Another terrible shooting night from Primo 0 for 4 to go with 6 assist and 11 pts

Cacok with another Monster Game 27 points and 18 rebounds!!

Wisekamp showing nice touch outside at least 18 pts 4 for 8 on his 3 ball.

[XDT76]

Lucky this is in the G league, if he posted these stats with the main team, ST probably gonna starting flaming either PATFO or Primo.

[Atl Spur]

Sigh......

[JeffDuncan]

Another terrible shooting night from Primo 0 for 4 to go with 6 assist and 11 pts



For those who have seen him, how is Primo’s shooting form now?

[buttsR4rebounding]

Another terrible shooting night from Primo 0 for 4 to go with 6 assist and 11 pts

Cacok with another Monster Game 27 points and 18 rebounds!!

Wisekamp showing nice touch outside at least 18 pts 4 for 8 on his 3 ball.

Wisekamp has a beautiful stroke. Every shot he puts up looks the same. I am liking this 2nd round pick more than the 1st rounder so far. Cacock might become the Eubanks replacement.

[exstatic]

Wisekamp has a beautiful stroke. Every shot he puts up looks the same. I am liking this 2nd round pick more than the 1st rounder so far. Cacock might become the Eubanks replacement.

He’s 2” shorter, at 6’7”, than the already undersized Eubanks. He’s more like a better rebounding KBD.

[cd98]

Primo is still a boy playing against men in the G-League. He should be a freshman in college, but in the G League, he's playing against grown men that were the best players on their division one college team. So expect ups and downs, just not as many ups and downs as the NBA, where he is really overmatched as a young, young rookie.

[MultiTroll]

meh maybe he's bored.

[C-Dub]

I agree, maybe he's just bored because dude has talent.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I agree, maybe he's just bored because dude has talent.

That would be a much more alarming red flag than some missed shots.

[Mr. Body]

It looks like Primo is trying to rebuild his shot, getting his stance right. I wouldn't be too concerned on that score.

[ace3g]

uh oh

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1471658642437185538

[offset formation]

uh oh

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1471658642437185538

awesome. he'll miss multiple games, at best, it appears. from a fucking g-league injury. so fucking pathetic.

hopefully he doesnt hold that against the Spurs like nephew did with his knee/quad and be gone.

[Mr. Body]

I believe he went back in and played after this.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I didn't watch, but looking at the play-by-play, he scored after that happened.

[ChumpDumper]

awesome. he'll miss multiple games, at best, it appears. from a fucking g-league injury. so fucking pathetic.

hopefully he doesnt hold that against the Spurs like nephew did with his knee/quad and be gone.

:lol drama queen

[offset formation]

:lol drama queen

you must be new here. it's called anti-jinx. it worked and you're welcome.

[ChumpDumper]

you must be new here. it's called anti-jinx. it worked and you're welcome.

No. I've seen drama queens meltdown and try to save face afterwards plenty of times.

[exstatic]

It looks like Primo is trying to rebuild his shot, getting his stance right. I wouldn't be too concerned on that score.

Yeah, he’s got that bad habit of landing only on his left foot. The good thing is, he leads them in assists most games, so he’s the de facto PG, initiating and running the offense.

[emanueldavidginobili]

From last nights game, Also Austin doesn't play another game until the 28th so I assume he'll be with the main squad for the time being.
1471702035489705985

[vy65]

This dude is overrated af by this board.

[Atl Spur]

Give him some time��������

[Sugus]

From last nights game, Also Austin doesn't play another game until the 28th so I assume he'll be with the main squad for the time being.
1471702035489705985

Perfect, perfect.

He's really looking like the team's PG. Handling the ball from the start of the possession, navigating screens, learning his way on finishes, and overall getting some quality reps. He's looking good, though it's only highlights obviously.

Hope he's recalled to the big boy club if Austin isn't playing games for a while... At least so he can "watch and learn" from the bench :lol

[exstatic]

From last nights game, Also Austin doesn't play another game until the 28th so I assume he'll be with the main squad for the time being.
1471702035489705985

They’ll play at least two more games. The league finishes up Cup play tonight, and they might make the 8 team tournament. Even if they don’t, all teams will have two more as yet unscheduled games. The Cup is kind of like the Gubble from last year in format, minus being confined in Orlando.

The games starting in late December are the regular gleague season. The Ignite and the Capitans won’t participate in that portion of the season.

[exstatic]

This dude is overrated af by this board.

In the sense that most feel that he’s ready now, yes. He positively oozes talent, but he’s raw AF, and it appears that the Spurs are trying to develop him into something more than a complementary piece.

[offset formation]

In the sense that most feel that he’s ready now, yes. He positively oozes talent, but he’s raw AF, and it appears that the Spurs are trying to develop him into something more than a complementary piece.

Just because many want him to play now doesn't equate to we think he's ready now.

I certainly don't. But I think it's clear that players with a high ceiling have a faster development experience facing a higher level of talent.

[BackHome]

Yeah, he’s got that bad habit of landing only on his left foot. The good thing is, he leads them in assists most games, so he’s the de facto PG, initiating and running the offense.

I think he is also leading the team in turnovers to? But I get what your saying I love the Spurs are making him play point it makes you really work on your handles as you well get embarrassed real quick if you don't. I really think Covid hurt Vassell as I think he would have gained so much playing in G League last year -he would probably have played point also just to work on his handles. For me I don't care if your a PG or a Center you should be playing PG at least some of the time in G League because so many players now have terrible handles which I don't understand but that is another story.

[XDT76]

I think he is also leading the team in turnovers to? But I get what your saying I love the Spurs are making him play point it makes you really work on your handles as you well get embarrassed real quick if you don't. I really think Covid hurt Vassell as I think he would have gained so much playing in G League last year -he would probably have played point also just to work on his handles. For me I don't care if your a PG or a Center you should be playing PG at least some of the time in G League because so many players now have terrible handles which I don't understand but that is another story.

What many don't understand regarding the important of handling. Many of our main guys does not have advanced handling, coupled with their size we have issue drawing fouls and attacking the rim.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Primo with 7 TO to start the 4th. A bunch of lazy passes but that’s immaturity and lack of experience. Kid played off ball his only season in college and now is playing PG against grown men at 18. But he can score he has 20 right now on. Some of his passes that are turnovers are just ambitious passes that some of these g league guys are not ready.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Destroyed top 5 projected Jaden Hardy.

Despite of some hiccups, he's been doing great as an 18 year old in a grown man's league.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Destroyed top 5 projected Jaden Hardy.

Despite of some hiccups, he's been doing great as an 18 year old in a grown man's league.

If that’s the standard then we should have drafted Sengun.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

If that’s the standard then we should have drafted Sengun.

I like Sengun and he's been good, but Primo's projected skillset is more valuable in today's NBA.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I like Sengun and he's been good, but Primo's projected skillset is more valuable in today's NBA.

I hope you are right.

[emanueldavidginobili]

That put back :spin

1473155451198099457

[exstatic]

Primo with 7 TO to start the 4th. A bunch of lazy passes but that’s immaturity and lack of experience. Kid played off ball his only season in college and now is playing PG against grown men at 18. But he can score he has 20 right now on. Some of his passes that are turnovers are just ambitious passes that some of these g league guys are not ready.

His handle is shaky when negotiating the pick. He looks a lot like rookie DJ.

Things that were good:
Three point shooting
He had a drive from the three point line all the way to the cup for a dunk
He shot a LONG 2 pointer that he new was a miss, and traversed 19-20 feet in a flash for a tip in. He’s got a lot more vert than I thought.

[MultiTroll]

His handle is shaky when negotiating the pick. He looks a lot like rookie DJ.
Senor Sniffer,
can you and your band tell us how the Spurs are better served having Bryn Bryn taking minutes vs Primo?

[exstatic]

Senor Sniffer,
can you and your band tell us how the Spurs are better served having Bryn Bryn taking minutes vs Primo?

His 7 turnovers would have been 12-13 in the big leagues, and if you’re just going to play him off the ball, he won’t develop into what he could be.

Forbes sucks, and will never be anything other than what he is now: a roster placeholder shooter on a one year contract.

[MultiTroll]

His 7 turnovers would have been 12-13 in the big leagues,
Assumes facts not in evidence.


and if you’re just going to play him off the ball, he won’t develop into what he could be.
I can buy that enhancing skills at the G could be good, if that is indeed what is happening. As one poster noted, how many of his turns were G teamates not ready for the pass? Could also have simply been bad passes by Primo. I myself would much rather see more trips up to play with the Young Core Spurs vs Austin Only / sitting on bench watching Forbes / being given garbage scrap minutes.


Forbes sucks, and will never be anything other than what he is now: a roster placeholder shooter on a one year contract.
Speaking of cores, this speaks volumes to your Leader.

[Atl Spur]

They have to be showcasing Forbes......hopefully!������

[Drom John]

The Ringer: Jonathan Tjarks: Scenes From a COVID-Disrupted G League Showcase (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/12/22/22849255/g-league-showcase-nba-covid-19)


Primo Content

Tjarks: Josh Primo might have been the most surprising pick of the first round. He was widely expected to be a late first-round pick after averaging 8.1 points per game in his freshman season at Alabama. But the Spurs saw a chance to buy low and drafted him no. 12 overall.

Primo couldn’t do much at Alabama. He was one of the youngest players in college basketball and was on an experienced team that won the SEC and made the Sweet 16. It has been the same story for Primo as a rookie. He has played in only eight games in San Antonio and has barely seen the court. That’s where the G League becomes so important for his development.

When Primo plays for the Austin Spurs, he’s making up not only for the opportunities he didn’t get in the NBA, but also in college. The 18-year-old is averaging 17.3 points on 41.9 percent shooting and 5.1 assists per game in the G League this season. He more than held his own in a matchup with the G League Ignite team on Wednesday, going toe-to-toe on both ends of the floor with future lottery picks Jaden Hardy and Scoot Henderson.

The skills are there. Primo has good size for a point guard (6-foot-4 and 189) and the ability to shoot off the dribble and play above the rim. The most encouraging part is how natural he looks at the position. He runs the offense, moves the ball, and doesn’t get rattled by opposing defenders.

Playing well in the G League doesn’t necessarily mean all that much, but it is a good first step. The Spurs don’t have to rush. Time with the ball in your hands is the most precious resource in the NBA, and Primo would never get it if he were playing with Dejounte Murray and Derrick White at the next level.

There’s a lot of room for Primo to improve. He turns 19 the day before Christmas, making him younger than two of the Ignite players (Hardy and MarJon Beauchamp) expected to go in the first round of the 2022 draft. If he needs the next two seasons in the G League to develop, he would still be younger than some of the players taken in the 2023 draft.

San Antonio took a big gamble on Primo and there’s no way to know at this point whether it will pay off. But it looks a lot better after his first 11 games in the G League.

[JuneJive]

Spending time on ball, lots of reps / minutes is surely gonna help his development more than the occasional minutes at the big club.

That's why I don't understand those advocating for him being with the Spurs knowing very well he won't get those kind of reps there.

[Spursfanfromafar]

The Ringer: Jonathan Tjarks: Scenes From a COVID-Disrupted G League Showcase (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/12/22/22849255/g-league-showcase-nba-covid-19)

Nice read. But isn't he 6'6''?

[emanueldavidginobili]

Nice read. But isn't he 6'6''?
Yeah I have seen 6'6 and 6'4 not sure which one he is but he looks decently big out there at the PG position.

[MultiTroll]

Sure seems like Primo Suave could also play the 2. I don't want to see him get pigeonholed into a You Must Be a PG and only a PG every trip down the floor.

Todays NBA has become somewhat positionless.

Don't want to see him forced into PG only like senile Grandpa tried to do with DJ. "Pattern your game after Chrissy Paul."
Fark that was detrimental.

On many transition possessions, ie ball gets tipped away and/or rebound comes out to whichever player happens to get it........
the ensuing trip up the floor could have Primo Suave on the wing. He is a most excellent finisher from what i have seen.

Primo
DJ
White
Lonnie
Vassel......all great in fastbreak tansition imo.

[Sugus]

Sure seems like Primo Suave could also play the 2. I don't want to see him get pigeonholed into a You Must Be a PG and only a PG every trip down the floor.

Todays NBA has become somewhat positionless.

Don't want to see him forced into PG only like senile Grandpa tried to do with DJ. "Pattern your game after Chrissy Paul."
Fark that was detrimental.

On many transition possessions, ie ball gets tipped away and/or rebound comes out to whichever player happens to get it........
the ensuing trip up the floor could have Primo Suave on the wing. He is a most excellent finisher from what i have seen.

Primo
DJ
White
Lonnie
Vassel......all great in fastbreak tansition imo.

Huh? Primo isn't being "pigeonholed" at all. As you said, the modern NBA is positionless in the guard/forward/bigs divisions, and the one skill that's mandatory for a SG (shooting), he already has in spades, so there's no problem with developing aspects of his game that he hasn't polished, and can provide him better versatility and flexibility. Not to mention even SGs do a lot of ball-handling, especially the star kind... Manu, Harden, those kinds of guys.


Really looks like you're continuously picking straws just to be mad at something the team does at this point.

[KingKev]

Primo looks more like a 2 who can distribute versus a true PG in my eyes but it's all nomenclature, especially in this day and age of the NBA. They should be trying to develop him into a volume scorer with his multi level scoring ability regardless of what guard spot he plays at. Remember ppl on this board thought Walker was going to be a PG in his early days LOL.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Draws/writes with his left hand.
1472314587173167105

[BillMc]

Haven't been paying attention. How's he been playing in the G-league?

[Dejounte]

The Spurs are last in the league in ISO possessions. If Primo meets his potential, he will elevate that. I see him as our DeMar of the future, but hopefully without us being too reliant on him to score. With some guys like Murray finally developing into a nice player, I don’t see us relying on Primo too much. I think it will be fun as hell next year when Primo gets those consistent minutes. Can’t wait.

[Sugus]

Draws/writes with his left hand.
1472314587173167105

Literally James Harden

[objective]

Hopefully he doesn't become overly conservative with his passes because of turnovers caused by g-league talent around him.

[exstatic]

Hopefully he doesn't become overly conservative with his passes because of turnovers caused by g-league talent around him.

They’re not all caused by teammates. Many of them were just foolish, or the result of very loose handles.

[Mnky]

Is it just me, or does he look taller already?

He seems to have slimmed up at the showcase. Was being more active. Still seems like he's definitely a ball hog still who's effort relates to having the ball in has hand. Enjoyed seeing him be most consistently active though. I think the G league is really going to benefit him tbh. He is still a kid at heart, and it's very clear.

[exstatic]

Is it just me, or does he look taller already?

He seems to have slimmed up at the showcase. Was being more active. Still seems like he's definitely a ball hog still who's effort relates to having the ball in has hand. Enjoyed seeing him be most consistently active though. I think the G league is really going to benefit him tbh. He is still a kid at heart, and it's very clear.

Um, the Spurs WANT the ball in his hands, all of the time. He’s not being a ball hog, he’s following instructions. There are only two other players on the whole roster with NBA chops, Weiscamp and Cacok, and they both get plenty of touches. The rest are either good gleague players or average gleague players. You don’t want the ball out of his hands and in theirs.

He had 7 TOs again last night, and I’m beginning to understand why. On one fast break, he fed a direct, chest level pass to Cacok for a dunk, but it was damn near picked off because a couple of their players got back. It needed to be a bounce pass or an oop. Throw it up, and let Cacok go get it, and it has zero chance to be picked off.

[BackHome]

I agree but all in all I think he is improving from coming from a team where he would run to a corner and shoot the 3 ball to know having to actually run PG for a team is a tough challenge for anyone. I think it will take time but it is improving his handles and giving him experience in having the ball in his hands which are all good things.

Yeah, he will never be a true PG he can be someone like DEROZZ if he keeps working on his handles but yeah he definitely needed the G League this year to reach his true potential. It will be interesting to see where he fits in next year and I guess will get a glimpse when Walker contract is up. As of right now we have 4 SG - White, Walker, Forbes, and Primo - next season so will see what happens with Forbes and Walker on there ending contracts.

[exstatic]

I agree but all in all I think he is improving from coming from a team where he would run to a corner and shoot the 3 ball to know having to actually run PG for a team is a tough challenge for anyone. I think it will take time but it is improving his handles and giving him experience in having the ball in his hands which are all good things.

Yeah, he will never be a true PG he can be someone like DEROZZ if he keeps working on his handles but yeah he definitely needed the G League this year to reach his true potential. It will be interesting to see where he fits in next year and I guess will get a glimpse when Walker contract is up. As of right now we have 4 SG - White, Walker, Forbes, and Primo - next season so will see what happens with Forbes and Walker on there ending contracts.

I think if they thought Forbes was anything but a one year stopgap, they would have signed him to a 1+1 or a 2+1 instead of a one year deal. Lonnie is a coin flip. If he’ll take Forbes money, he could be back. Otherwise, Primo could absorb most of their 37 minutes, with the balance going to Vassell.

[MultiTroll]

oops

[MultiTroll]

Spending XMass at Austin.

[BatManu20]

HBD Youngblood.

1474364418796437504

[DAF86]

How's this guy doing in the G-league? He shows some promise. He needs to make that click and start believing that he belongs.

[Mnky]

The Spurs are last in the league in ISO possessions. If Primo meets his potential, he will elevate that. I see him as our DeMar of the future, but hopefully without us being too reliant on him to score. With some guys like Murray finally developing into a nice player, I don’t see us relying on Primo too much. I think it will be fun as hell next year when Primo gets those consistent minutes. Can’t wait.

A Demar with a 3 pt shot would definitely take them to another level offensively.

I have a feeling he night stretch out a little more. Maybe get between that 2-3 body. If he can get closer to a 3 body, that'll just be amazing luck.

[exstatic]

How's this guy doing in the G-league? He shows some promise. He needs to make that click and start believing that he belongs.

He’s good right now in a complementary role, but the Spurs see more. He’s the guy in Austin. He controls the rock, and runs the offense. He averages 6 assists. Unfortunately, he also averages 4.7 TOs, and has had 7 each of the last two games. Still needs work. Since the gleague season is going to be delayed with all of the emergency call ups, the three Austin guys will probably be up for the rest of the home stand, tomorrow and Wednesday.

[Dejounte]

A Demar with a 3 pt shot would definitely take them to another level offensively.

I have a feeling he night stretch out a little more. Maybe get between that 2-3 body. If he can get closer to a 3 body, that'll just be amazing luck.

He is consistently blocking the shots of guys 6’7” and up when he’s guarding them one on one. His height is fine for a wing (2 and 3).

[DAF86]

We should have known better than to criticise the Spurs' scouting department. When was the last time the Spurs had a first round pick and didn't get, at least, a rotation player?

'20- Vassell, 19- Keldon, 18- Lonnie, 17- White, 16- Murray.

The streak ends in 2015, but that year they drafted Milutinov, who could have easily played in the NBA. Then we have Kyle Anderson in 2014. The only time in recent years where they really drop the ball was in 2013 with Livio Jean-Charles.

[ismael-robert]

Even Quindary having resurrected career with Warriors

[lefty20]

We should have known better than to criticise the Spurs' scouting department. When was the last time the Spurs had a first round pick and didn't get, at least, a rotation player?

'20- Vassell, 19- Keldon, 18- Lonnie, 17- White, 16- Murray.

The streak ends in 2015, but that year they drafted Milutinov, who could have easily played in the NBA. Then we have Kyle Anderson in 2014. The only time in recent years where they really drop the ball was in 2013 with Livio Jean-Charles.

Luka Samanic.

But I think that it was a homerun swing worth taking at that spot. Just sucks that we struck out.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Luka Samanic.

But I think that it was a homerun swing worth taking at that spot. Just sucks that we struck out.

More like didn’t play the game….

[Mnky]

He is consistently blocking the shots of guys 6’7” and up when he’s guarding them one on one. His height is fine for a wing (2 and 3).

Positionless basketball works better with the more variance in sizes you have. It won't hurt to be taller and longer with his skillset. That's the area they're lacking most right now. True forward size with those intangibles. The best teams in the league have great size/reach at the forward position.

It looks like Landale and Collins along with a standout rookie sf/pf scorer/creator will go far for them next year.

[Mnky]

LJC was never the same after his injury. He looked very promising before. Same with the Anderson kid.

[Maddog]

We should have known better than to criticise the Spurs' scouting department. When was the last time the Spurs had a first round pick and didn't get, at least, a rotation player?

'20- Vassell, 19- Keldon, 18- Lonnie, 17- White, 16- Murray.

The streak ends in 2015, but that year they drafted Milutinov, who could have easily played in the NBA. Then we have Kyle Anderson in 2014. The only time in recent years where they really drop the ball was in 2013 with Livio Jean-Charles.

Milutinov- was drafted because he wasn't coming over anytime soon and Spurs wanted cap space (Signed LMA that summer). I think style of play changed so that he was no longer an option.
Livio was long and athletic. Post injury just long.

[BackHome]

LJC was never the same after his injury. He looked very promising before. Same with the Anderson kid.

Yeah, Anderson was looking to be a solid starter but once he broke his foot it was all over such a shame he was a good kid.

[DAF86]

Luka Samanic.

But I think that it was a homerun swing worth taking at that spot. Just sucks that we struck out.

Yeah, but we still got Keldon out of that year.

[ismael-robert]

Luka isn't done yet

[emanueldavidginobili]

New ESPN+ article

Who's got next? The first-round picks and G League standouts ready to be called

First-round rookie check-in

Of the 60 draftees from 2021, 24 have played at least five games in the G League this season, several of which took to the hardwood at the G League Showcase. How did the 2021 first-round picks fare in Las Vegas? Will any be able to crack the rotation after the New Year?
Joshua Primo (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4702176/joshua-primo) | 6-6 | SG | San Antonio Spurs (https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) | Age: 19.0 | No. 12 pickWhen the Spurs drafted Primo No. 12 overall ahead of more productive collegiate prospects like Chris Duarte (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4592402/chris-duarte), Corey Kispert (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4280151/corey-kispert) or Moses Moody (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4432171/moses-moody), they were essentially buying in a year early on a prospect who could have ultimately been selected in the top-5 if he stayed at Alabama and entered the draft in 2022. The thought amongst Primo's biggest supporters league-wide was that the 6-5 Canadian guard had far more shot-creation than most scouts saw during his freshman season with the Crimson Tide, where he came off the bench and played mostly a catch-and-shoot role.

Primo showed exactly why that thinking had merit with his play in Las Vegas, where he averaged 17 points, 6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in 31.5 minutes in two wins while shooting 8-of-18 from 2 and 5-of-11 from 3. Primo went for 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 threes in a blowout win over the G League Ignite and fellow teenagers Dyson Daniels and Jaden Hardy. He made 3s off the catch, changed speeds impressively in pick-and-roll, rose up in mid-range, dropped in finesse shots in the paint and showcased the ability to both hit the roller and the wing shooter out of ball screens. Primo also flashed his stellar defensive potential, using his length and improved frame to bother both jump shots and finishes around the rim as both the primary and helpside defender.
The recently-turned 19-year-old was still a turnover machine out of pick-and-roll, coughing the ball up 7 times per game in Vegas due to inaccurate deliveries. He struggles to finish through length and contact consistently. For all the potential he displays defensively, he'll still get stuck on screens or get beat in a box out situation. But Primo showed enough of his two-way talent in Las Vegas to instill optimism about his long-term upside, even if it takes until next season to see his talent come to life in the NBA.
With the Spurs still in the playoff hunt and perimeter players such as Dejounte Murray (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray), Derrick White (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3078576/derrick-white), Keldon Johnson (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395723/keldon-johnson), Devin Vassell (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395630/devin-vassell), and Lonnie Walker (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277890/lonnie-walker-iv) all ahead of him on the depth chart, will his jolts of G League success be enough for him to earn real NBA minutes in 2022? Primo scored an NBA career-high 9 points in 15 minutes during a blowout win over the Pistons following the G League Showcase, as he knocked down two spot 3s and a late-game step back. That, along with Murray still being in COVID-19 protocols, helped earn him four minutes in a competitive game against the Jazz. Given how high he was drafted and the flashes of long-term potential we've seen so far, Primo's development is something scouts league wide will have a close eye on for the rest of the season. -- Mike Schmitz

[offset formation]

We should have known better than to criticise the Spurs' scouting department. When was the last time the Spurs had a first round pick and didn't get, at least, a rotation player?

'20- Vassell, 19- Keldon, 18- Lonnie, 17- White, 16- Murray.

The streak ends in 2015, but that year they drafted Milutinov, who could have easily played in the NBA. Then we have Kyle Anderson in 2014. The only time in recent years where they really drop the ball was in 2013 with Livio Jean-Charles.

And let's be clear about each of those players and our record: Currently 5 games below .500

'16 -- Murray -- clearly the player that has shown the most upside and our current best player and the only one recognized league wide with any awards (all defense)

'17 -- White -- oft injured, streaky player that has shown top notch play in only parts of 2 seasons and often struggled with his confidence.

'18 -- Walker -- A player the team chose not to extend and whom this board is routinely frustrated by his occasional flashes of brilliance, though it seems he may finally be putting it together under Manu's tutelage.

'19 -- Keldon -- An undersized player that has been underwhelming, until MAYBE, the last month or so when Chip maybe said or did something to greatly alter his 3 pt percentage, which is his only viable path to making a long term impact on this team.

'19 -- Luka -- FAIL

'20 -- Vassell -- Jury is still out but he looks to be our best all around draft pick since Murray with a chance to be an impact player for years to come.

'21 -- Primo -- Jury out. See Vassell above.

Cumulatively, they might have figured something out in the last 2 weeks, but we'll see if it was just a flash in the pan.

[Atl Spur]

And let's be clear about each of those players and our record: Currently 5 games below .500

'16 -- Murray -- clearly the player that has shown the most upside and our current best player and the only one recognized league wide with any awards (all defense)

'17 -- White -- oft injured, streaky player that has shown top notch play in only parts of 2 seasons and often struggled with his confidence.

'18 -- Walker -- A player the team chose not to extend and whom this board is routinely frustrated by his occasional flashes of brilliance, though it seems he may finally be putting it together under Manu's tutelage.

'19 -- Keldon -- An undersized player that has been underwhelming, until MAYBE, the last month or so when Chip maybe said or did something to greatly alter his 3 pt percentage, which is his only viable path to making a long term impact on this team.

'19 -- Luka -- FAIL

'20 -- Vassell -- Jury is still out but he looks to be our best all around draft pick since Murray with a chance to be an impact player for years to come.

'21 -- Primo -- Jury out. See Vassell above.

Cumulatively, they might have figured something out in the last 2 weeks, but we'll see if it was just a flash in the pan.

Don’t forget to take in consideration where they were picked ( number ) too���� Not to many people have done it better.....

[LeBowen]

Keldon -- An undersized player

???
He's not undersized, he's just playing out of position because we don't have an actual power forward. If anything, he bullies most starting SFs in the league.

[KingKev]

???
He's not undersized, he's just playing out of position because we don't have an actual power forward. If anything, he bullies most starting SFs in the league.

Agreed. He isn’t the only player playing out of position recently. 3-4 players each of the last few years continue to play 50% of their minutes out of position. Position-less basketball does not mean playing people out of position when they have no clear advantage to play out of position. Pop hasn’t learned this 15 years later. Half of the Dirk tribute video was him shooting over Finley and Manu.

[Kevin]

Crazy to think that all of the Spurs recent first round draft misses have been foreign players. Hopefully we're past the days of pundit's lazily mocking Eros to the Spurs.

[KingKev]

Crazy to think that all of the Spurs recent first round draft misses have been foreign players. Hopefully we're past the days of pundit's lazily mocking Eros to the Spurs.

Well it’s harder to find out if white guys from Europe have parking tickets or jay walk so they will remain probable top candidates. If we can find more Euro’s like Manu, Tiago and Scola we will be back to greatness!!!

[exstatic]

Well it’s harder to find out if white guys from Europe have parking tickets or jay walk so they will remain probable top candidates. If we can find more Euro’s like Manu, Tiago and Scola we will be back to greatness!!!

Yeah, that’s not going to happen. The first real Euros to show they belonged were Sarunis Marciuliones and Drazen Petrovic. Both smashed the perception of Euros as soft. Unfortunately, Marciulionis’ career was cut short by injury, and Petrovic was killed in an auto accident in his mid 20s. The next wave included Dirk, skinny Gasol, Tony, and Manu, and they proved to have more staying power, being so successful that there will never be any more undiscovered Euros to be found late in the 1st or 2nd rounds. If you want to know why they drafted Sammich at 19, that’s why. He was about as unknown a Euro as your ever going to find, and we still would have missed him drafting in the late 20s.

[KingKev]

Yeah, that’s not going to happen. The first real Euros to show they belonged were Sarunis Marciuliones and Drazen Petrovic. Both smashed the perception of Euros as soft. Unfortunately, Marciulionis’ career was cut short by injury, and Petrovic was killed in an auto accident in his mid 20s. The next wave included Dirk, skinny Gasol, Tony, and Manu, and they proved to have more staying power, being so successful that there will never be any more undiscovered Euros to be found late in the 1st or 2nd rounds. If you want to know why they drafted Sammich at 19, that’s why. He was about as unknown a Euro as your ever going to find, and we still would have missed him drafting in the late 20s.

Their race and/or country of origin hardly matter. Half of this board thinks Manu is from Europe. 25% of this board can’t point out on a map the country Primo is from. If you can play ball you should get a shot.

[exstatic]

Their race and/or country of origin hardly matter. Half of this board thinks Manu is from Europe. 25% of this board can’t point out on a map the country Primo is from. If you can play ball you should get a shot.

I’m not saying players don’t deserve a shot, I’m saying you’re not going to find HOF Euros at the end of the first or second rounds ever again. It would be like driving out to the American river in Cali to pan for gold. Everyone found out about that, and mined it bare over 150 years ago. The last really good Euro taken late in the first was Gobert, and he was raw AF, and it was 2013.

[KingKev]

I’m not saying players don’t deserve a shot, I’m saying you’re not going to find HOF Euros at the end of the first or second rounds ever again. It would be like driving out to the American river in Cali to pan for gold. Everyone found out about that, and mined it bare over 150 years ago. The last really good Euro taken late in the first was Gobert, and he was raw AF, and it was 2013.

Jokic disagrees. Is Serbia in Europe or Russia? I forget.

[exstatic]

Jokic disagrees. Is Serbia in Europe or Russia? I forget.

Fair. I guess you might pan a nugget or a bit of dust if you went to the American river. Not going to make a living at that, though. Jokic was like Samanic in that he had some red flags, fat, didn’t really care, etc. He panned out, and Sammich didn’t. Thinking this is a path to building a team around isn’t a good percentage.

[offset formation]

Fair. I guess you might pan a nugget or a bit of dust if you went to the American river. Not going to make a living at that, though. Jokic was like Samanic in that he had some red flags, fat, didn’t really care, etc. He panned out, and Sammich didn’t. Thinking this is a path to building a team around isn’t a good percentage.


What about Giannis? 2 time league MVP.
Luka?

Sabonis (had a split upbringing in US and Lithuania)
Saric
Valanciunas
Vucevic
Nurkic
Fornier
Porzingis
Bogdan Bogdanovic ATL
Bojan Bogdanovic UTAH
Satoransky

etc.

There's still lots of gold in them thar hills and not all of it is highly prospected immediately.

[Chinook]

Ex didn't say that good players don't come from Europe. He didn't even say some guys from Europe won't end up vastly outperforming their draft spot. What he is saying is that teams aren't going to be able to do like SA did a couple of decades ago and find a huge untapped prospect market in Europe. Guys are getting scouted now, and obviously good prospects are going where their domestic counterparts are going (shit, some of them WERE domestic college players). Most of the guys on that list were first-rounders if not lotto picks. Sam was certainly a more scouted prospect than Primo. The Spurs used to be able to get guys are a discount because of the European exchange rate. Now the currency is about the same, so they're gambles will look similar no matter where the players come from.

[ismael-robert]

Sammie probably didn't fit the Spurs culture for them to keep investing in him but he's only 2 years in. By year 4-6 he'll be a rotation piece for another team the Spurs will get credit for finding...and maybe he comes back

[KingKev]

Let’s get this thread back on topic.

Is there a chance in hell Primo earns and is awarded the backup PG position in the 2022-23 season? Makes Tre Jones a decent sweetener if a trade presents itself.

[exstatic]

Let’s get this thread back on topic.

Is there a chance in hell Primo earns and is awarded the backup PG position in the 2022-23 season? Makes Tre Jones a decent sweetener if a trade presents itself.

His ball handling needs work. I think he’s a rotation player next year, maybe taking Lonnie’s minutes if he moves on.

[CGD]

Don’t forget to take in consideration where they were picked ( number ) too���� Not to many people have done it better.....

Important point. Makes the list look more impressive actually since half of those were late 20 picks. Lonnie and Luka clearly in the big swing territory of the draft too.

[Dejounte]

Let’s get this thread back on topic.

Is there a chance in hell Primo earns and is awarded the backup PG position in the 2022-23 season? Makes Tre Jones a decent sweetener if a trade presents itself.

Tre has little to no value. There’s nothing he actually does that’s super impressive aside from occasionally looking like a pass-first PG that many Spurs fans jizz about. IMO, he’s one of the lower ceiling guys, but with a higher floor. If his head never gets big, he would be a nice, cheap third string PG to keep forever and the Spurs never have to worry about their PG depth and go after old ass veterans at that spot.

[BackHome]

Yeah he is a guy without a 3 ball which is not worth much to this team.

As far as Walker I don’t see him with the Spurs next season so definitely can see Primo moving up and getting those minutes. Also, if White goes out due to being injury prone he can and should get those minutes so definitely enough to see a little bit of playing time every game

[Sugus]

Primo can absolutely get minutes next season, and the team doesn't even need to shed Lonnie for that to happen. It's curious how pervasive that correlation is, when Lonnie is on the team this season, and yet Forbes still manages to find his way into 8-10MPG. I've little doubt that the team moves on from him, which will open up minutes for Josh regardless of what the team does with Lonnie - matter-of-factly, I'm pretty sure the Spurs would try to re-sign Forbes, or get another cheap player at SG, if both Forbes and Lonnie moved on, tbh.

[exstatic]

Primo can absolutely get minutes next season, and the team doesn't even need to shed Lonnie for that to happen. It's curious how pervasive that correlation is, when Lonnie is on the team this season, and yet Forbes still manages to find his way into 8-10MPG. I've little doubt that the team moves on from him, which will open up minutes for Josh regardless of what the team does with Lonnie - matter-of-factly, I'm pretty sure the Spurs would try to re-sign Forbes, or get another cheap player at SG, if both Forbes and Lonnie moved on, tbh.

If they even thought they wanted Forbes for next year, they could have signed him to a 1+1. It would have given them more flexibility, and allowed them to trade him at any time. Instead, by signing him to a straight 1 year deal, they can’t trade him without his consent.

I see both Forbes and Lonnie’s as gone, with Primo picking up Lonnie’s minutes, and Vassell tacking on Forbes minutes to his own.

[Sugus]

If they even thought they wanted Forbes for next year, they could have signed him to a 1+1. It would have given them more flexibility, and allowed them to trade him at any time. Instead, by signing him to a straight 1 year deal, they can’t trade him without his consent.

I see both Forbes and Lonnie’s as gone, with Primo picking up Lonnie’s minutes, and Vassell tacking on Forbes minutes to his own.

Yep, I don't have any doubts about Forbes being gone (hopefully for good this time....) next season.

I don't think Lonnie's as clear-cut a choice, especially if he continues his upward trajectory into the second half of the season, but it's definitely a toss-up. At any rate, I feel like this will majorly depend on how "ready" Primo looks by the end of the season/training camp maybe? I could see the Spurs holding onto Lonnie as a "placeholder" if they feel like Primo's due for some more G-L burn, or if he's not ready for a major role in the NBA. We'll see how it goes.

[DAF86]

And let's be clear about each of those players and our record: Currently 5 games below .500

'16 -- Murray -- clearly the player that has shown the most upside and our current best player and the only one recognized league wide with any awards (all defense)

'17 -- White -- oft injured, streaky player that has shown top notch play in only parts of 2 seasons and often struggled with his confidence.

'18 -- Walker -- A player the team chose not to extend and whom this board is routinely frustrated by his occasional flashes of brilliance, though it seems he may finally be putting it together under Manu's tutelage.

'19 -- Keldon -- An undersized player that has been underwhelming, until MAYBE, the last month or so when Chip maybe said or did something to greatly alter his 3 pt percentage, which is his only viable path to making a long term impact on this team.

'19 -- Luka -- FAIL

'20 -- Vassell -- Jury is still out but he looks to be our best all around draft pick since Murray with a chance to be an impact player for years to come.

'21 -- Primo -- Jury out. See Vassell above.

Cumulatively, they might have figured something out in the last 2 weeks, but we'll see if it was just a flash in the pan.

Still, 5 straight years of finding rotation level players with mid to late draft picks. That's pretty remarkable.

[exstatic]

Yep, I don't have any doubts about Forbes being gone (hopefully for good this time....) next season.

I don't think Lonnie's as clear-cut a choice, especially if he continues his upward trajectory into the second half of the season, but it's definitely a toss-up. At any rate, I feel like this will majorly depend on how "ready" Primo looks by the end of the season/training camp maybe? I could see the Spurs holding onto Lonnie as a "placeholder" if they feel like Primo's due for some more G-L burn, or if he's not ready for a major role in the NBA. We'll see how it goes.

Lonnie’s QO will be $13M, and I think that’s a figure they’d like to see for 3 years, not one. It would be a disaster if he signed it. He’d clog the cap, and almost certainly leave. The QO is considered a one year contract, so they can’t trade him without his permission. No wonder that almost no one who signs it ever stays with their drafting team.

They may not, and probably shouldn’t offer it to him. That would likely cause them to lose him for nothing, but at least they wouldn’t pour $13M down a rat hole, and then lose him for nothing.

[KobesAchilles]

Lonnie’s QO will be $13M, and I think that’s a figure they’d like to see for 3 years, not one. It would be a disaster if he signed it. He’d clog the cap, and almost certainly leave. The QO is considered a one year contract, so they can’t trade him without his permission. No wonder that almost no one who signs it ever stays with their drafting team.

They may not, and probably shouldn’t offer it to him. That would likely cause them to lose him for nothing, but at least they wouldn’t pour $13M down a rat hole, and then lose him for nothing.
Are you saying to offer him a 3 year 13 million dollar deal? Or that we should sign him to a 13 million a year for 3 years deal?

[BackHome]

I am pretty confident that in the next draft we have 3 picks one will be Walkers and Forbes replacement

[KingKev]

Lonnie’s QO will be $13M, and I think that’s a figure they’d like to see for 3 years, not one. It would be a disaster if he signed it. He’d clog the cap, and almost certainly leave. The QO is considered a one year contract, so they can’t trade him without his permission. No wonder that almost no one who signs it ever stays with their drafting team.

They may not, and probably shouldn’t offer it to him. That would likely cause them to lose him for nothing, but at least they wouldn’t pour $13M down a rat hole, and then lose him for nothing.

I think 13mm is his cap hold if my mind serves me correct. His QO to at least keep him as an RFA for a 1 yr deal is around 6mm. Whether they execute the QO in June 2022 will depend on how how finishes the season. Given the backlog of players at the 2 I’d wish him luck with another team unless he really turn it around.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Are you saying to offer him a 3 year 13 million dollar deal? Or that we should sign him to a 13 million a year for 3 years deal?

I think what he meant was that the Spurs should tender a qualifying offer in order to be able to match should another team make an offer. If he signs it it's a 1 year deal after which he's an unrestricted free agent.

I'm pretty sure, though, that his QO isn't $13 mil - his cap hold would be $13 mil, but his QO would only be about half that.

I think he'd be fine to keep on some contract that's short of MLE. Like say 3/25. There's value in players like him even if he's not efficient. And there's probably still some untapped potential left. It depends on what their other FA plans are though.

Edit: KingKev beat me to it.

[KingKev]

I think what he meant was that the Spurs should tender a qualifying offer in order to be able to match should another team make an offer. If he signs it it's a 1 year deal after which he's an unrestricted free agent.

I'm pretty sure, though, that his QO isn't $13 mil - his cap hold would be $13 mil, but his QO would only be about half that.

I think he'd be fine to keep on some contract that's short of MLE. Like say 3/25. There's value in players like him even if he's not efficient. And there's probably still some untapped potential left. It depends on what their other FA plans are though.

Edit: KingKev beat me to it.

BG has it. If Walker doesn’t show out the next few months knowing the implications pribably says enough not to offer him anything. Few teams will have anything more than excpetion money to give him.

I’m no capologist… what is the relevance of his cap hold if his QO is 6mm? For example, we decounce his 13mm cap hold but tender the 6mm QO in June 2022, end up signing him for 8mm for the 22-23 season. Have we lost his bird rights from here because we declined the cap hold?

[exstatic]

I am pretty confident that in the next draft we have 3 picks one will be Walkers and Forbes replacement

Walker’s replacement is Primo. Forbes replacement is more minutes for Vassell.

[exstatic]

Are you saying to offer him a 3 year 13 million dollar deal? Or that we should sign him to a 13 million a year for 3 years deal?

3/13, not 3/39. He’s really only worth Forbes money.

[exstatic]

I think what he meant was that the Spurs should tender a qualifying offer in order to be able to match should another team make an offer. If he signs it it's a 1 year deal after which he's an unrestricted free agent.

I'm pretty sure, though, that his QO isn't $13 mil - his cap hold would be $13 mil, but his QO would only be about half that.

I think he'd be fine to keep on some contract that's short of MLE. Like say 3/25. There's value in players like him even if he's not efficient. And there's probably still some untapped potential left. It depends on what their other FA plans are though.

Edit: KingKev beat me to it.

You are correct. The cap hold is$13M. It remains until he is signed or renounced. If he’s renounced, we can still make him an offer, but he’s unrestricted. We can also make the QO to keep him from being poached immediately, and then rescind it at the rescind deadline, when most teams have spent their cap. Kind of a dick move, but it’s been done.

[bluebellmaniac]

BG has it. If Walker doesn’t show out the next few months knowing the implications pribably says enough not to offer him anything. Few teams will have anything more than excpetion money to give him.

I’m no capologist… what is the relevance of his cap hold if his QO is 6mm? For example, we decounce his 13mm cap hold but tender the 6mm QO in June 2022, end up signing him for 8mm for the 22-23 season. Have we lost his bird rights from here because we declined the cap hold?

If you renounce, yes, you lose Bird rights, etc. Then it's like he's just a free agent you are trying to sign.

[KingKev]

If you renounce, yes, you lose Bird rights, etc. Then it's like he's just a free agent you are trying to sign.

So his QO still loses bird rights… his free agency is basically Zollins’ decision but we’ve seen Walker at full health with a long leash, even for coach Pop. That Houston game was iight, he had a meme where he didn’t even dunk it when he could have. He is an afterthought for me.

[buttsR4rebounding]

So his QO still loses bird rights… his free agency is basically Zollins’ decision but we’ve seen Walker at full health with a long leash, even for coach Pop. That Houston game was iight, he had a meme where he didn’t even dunk it when he could have. He is an afterthought for me.

Extending the QO does not lose Bird rights. Even if he signs the QO the team retains Bird rights they just have no leverage other than being able to go over the cap to sign him. Only if he is renounced do you lose Bird rights. Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this is how it works.

[talkspurs]

I’m no capologist… what is the relevance of his cap hold if his QO is 6mm? For example, we decounce his 13mm cap hold but tender the 6mm QO in June 2022, end up signing him for 8mm for the 22-23 season. Have we lost his bird rights from here because we declined the cap hold?

His cap hold is what the spurs would have to count against the cap until he is signed or released. at that point his actual number would count. I believe the reason for the hold is picks are paid less then their value so it is to better estimate how much they should be paid so people dont put off signing them so they can sign other players. only time it really matters is for teams under the cap. dont know if tax payer exemption goes off last year payroll or predicted future payroll.

[tim_duncan_fan]

No point in watching tomorrow's game besides seeing this guy and Vassell put up 20 FGAs each.

If that doesn't happen, we riot.

[Dverde]

I am pretty confident that in the next draft we have 3 picks one will be Walkers and Forbes replacement

Whoever we draft will play very little their rookie year. We all know this.

[KingKev]

^ Walker, Forbes and White’s replacements are already on the roster

[MultiTroll]

vs 76ers started.

You trying playing O and D with Bryn Forms as your fellow guard.

All in all i thought Primo did well.

[Atl Spur]

Forbes is being showcased I’m hoping…

[CGD]

Excited for Primo. See a little herky-jerky Harden in his game (without the foul hunting). He’s also so patient with the ball and letting plays develop.

[CGD]

Forbes is being showcased I’m hoping…

I hope we can get something for Forbes. Im eying CLE who had two decent 2nds this year (in 30s) as a possibility

[dbestpro]

I hope we can get something for Forbes. Im eying CLE who had two decent 2nds this year (in 30s) as a possibility

You will have to give up a second to get someone to take Forbes. Every team knows he will give up six or more points for every two he scores.

[Maddog]

vs 76ers started.

You trying playing O and D with Bryn Forms as your fellow guard.

All in all i thought Primo did well.


Primo at 19 years, 14 days is believed to be the youngest starter in Spurs history. Tony Parker was at 19 years, 173 days when he made his first start on 11-6-01 vs. Orlando.

[exstatic]

I hope we can get something for Forbes. Im eying CLE who had two decent 2nds this year (in 30s) as a possibility

Do we really NEED any more picks this year? I’d rather take a flyer on something a year or years down the road.

[CGD]

Do we really NEED any more picks this year? I’d rather take a flyer on something a year or years down the road.

Fair point

[mo7888]

Do we really NEED any more picks this year? I’d rather take a flyer on something a year or years down the road.

Only in the context of a larger deal and you're using the picks combined with other assets to go after a player somewhere in a 3 team deal...if we don't have that teed up I'd rather take something down the road....I feel the same about moving Thad as well..

[John B]

Primo is Spurs future starting SG. I hate to say bye to White, but Primo has bigger cajones and not afraid to shine

[exstatic]

Only in the context of a larger deal and you're using the picks combined with other assets to go after a player somewhere in a 3 team deal...if we don't have that teed up I'd rather take something down the road....I feel the same about moving Thad as well..

I suppose, but then you’re a short term version of the OKC situation, where they legit have to make deals with 17 FRPs in the next 5 drafts, plus players they want to keep. They can’t keep those players AND rent capspace AND hold picks. They literally have too many picks stashed.

[Atl Spur]

Primo is Spurs future starting SG. I hate to say bye to White, but Primo has bigger cajones and not afraid to shine

White is your six man…..Lonnie is the one gone. As far as gathering picks, we should gather as many assets for every person not part our future vision.

[Seventyniner]

I suppose, but then you’re a short term version of the OKC situation, where they legit have to make deals with 17 FRPs in the next 5 drafts, plus players they want to keep. They can’t keep those players AND rent capspace AND hold picks. They literally have too many picks stashed.

Yeah it's definitely possible to go too far with it like OC did. They will have to package multiple picks to move up, and there's a ceiling to how far that will take them. How many teams with a top 3 pick would trade it even for 3-4 mid firsts? Not many, I'd imagine.

[BatManu20]

Primo is Spurs future starting SG. I hate to say bye to White, but Primo has bigger cajones and not afraid to shine

Spurs will keep White over Lonnie. He’s the odd man out of it comes to it.

[Dejounte]

The play where Primo held a pivot and then scored was a sign of elite skill. Not sure I’ve seen that from any of our wings.

[MultiTroll]

I hope we can get something for Forbes. Im eying CLE who had two decent 2nds this year (in 30s) as a possibility


Do we really NEED any more picks this year? I’d rather take a flyer on something a year or years down the road.
What we do NOT need is another year of extreme overplaying of a PET and getting NOTHING in return.

And yet here we are.

[mo7888]

I suppose, but then you’re a short term version of the OKC situation, where they legit have to make deals with 17 FRPs in the next 5 drafts, plus players they want to keep. They can’t keep those players AND rent capspace AND hold picks. They literally have too many picks stashed.

In the context if the larger deal those extra picks we'd acquire from Forbes and/or Thad wouldn't stay with us, they'd be moving elsewhere as we acquire a player in the 3 team deal. So we wouldn't be replicating the okc situation at all.

[BackHome]

Yeah not sure we going to get much with mid to late second round picks - To me Forbes being gone next year is a given I highly doubt he would get us a second but hey if you can get that then take it.

One thing to consider depending on where we draft there is a good chance the best player available to us is a SG if that is the case then that going to make things very interesting for some of our players

[emanueldavidginobili]

The play where Primo held a pivot and then scored was a sign of elite skill. Not sure I’ve seen that from any of our wings.
1479632995271258114

[Dejounte]

1479632995271258114


Yeah, I really hope we go for more skill and smarts players like him in the draft. Much more fun to watch than a raw, athletic player.

[MultiTroll]

Stop, pivot, step.
Primos got all three.
http://www.parentztalk.com/engine/static/articles/28-cheerleaders-who-got-confused-with-their-uniforms/images/13/ib0WGRPc2QCaid.gif

[John B]

1479632995271258114

Tbh honest Derrick has that. The main difference is Primo not afraid to use it and he’s 19. I seriously hope Pop does not castrate him as he’s done with Lonnie.

[Atl Spur]

He’s coming along…..

[tim_duncan_fan]

He needs to shoot more.

[emanueldavidginobili]

1480681281482641408

[MultiTroll]

^ Can't find it now but article quoted Primo saying he has benefitted from GL.

How much and how often to send him down now, well let's just hope it's not another screw up by Grandpa.

[Mr. Body]

Primo looks really nice. He has good instincts, doesn't second guess himself, and higher end skills forming. Youngest guy in the NBA, right? I wish he was a bit quicker, but he's much bigger than I expected and has already improved his sloppy handles.

I have no issue with G-League time. This team is headed for the lottery and Primo is on a longer-term development track.

[LeBowen]

Primo looks really nice. He has good instincts, doesn't second guess himself, and higher end skills forming. Youngest guy in the NBA, right? I wish he was a bit quicker, but he's much bigger than I expected and has already improved his sloppy handles.

I have no issue with G-League time. This team is headed for the lottery and Primo is on a longer-term development track.


Yeah, I don't want to get too optimistic, but he definitely looks like he has the highest ceiling on our roster.
Everything he does is fluid and natural. I'm especially impressed with his passing style. In a couple of years he'll be by far the best passer on the roster.

And he shouldn't go back to the G-league.
He's already better than Forbes and Tre on both ends of the floor.
So what if he makes some mistakes? It's not like those two will help us win games. And it's not like we're coming close to .500 record.
Since Devin is used mostly as SF and Pop even uses Lonnie as SF in some lineups, Primo should be the third perimeter guy coming off the bench. No excuses.

10mpg with the big boys is worth more than 35 in G-league.

[Chomag]

Is there some reason a player can't learn how to play while in the NBA? How in the world have players been doing it for years without G League... I guess Pop will never know.

[BacktoBasics]

Yeah, I don't want to get too optimistic, but he definitely looks like he has the highest ceiling on our roster.
Everything he does is fluid and natural. I'm especially impressed with his passing style. In a couple of years he'll be by far the best passer on the roster.

And he shouldn't go back to the G-league.
He's already better than Forbes and Tre on both ends of the floor.
So what if he makes some mistakes? It's not like those two will help us win games. And it's not like we're coming close to .500 record.
Since Devin is used mostly as SF and Pop even uses Lonnie as SF in some lineups, Primo should be the third perimeter guy coming off the bench. No excuses.

10mpg with the big boys is worth more than 35 in G-league.


Is there some reason a player can't learn how to play while in the NBA? How in the world have players been doing it for years without G League... I guess Pop will never know.

There’s a lot to be gained from g-league time. It affords him the ability to work on singular aspects of his game without sacrificing or worrying about messing with regular rotation players.

IE they tell Primo, let’s not worry about scoring we want you to concentrate on splitting a double team and kicking to a certain spot on the floor regardless if your teammate rotated correctly. Just execute your end.

You do that on the big team and it throws your other teammates under the bus. Spurs have never tanked in the traditional way. Players are playing to win. Not watch a rookie develop.

G league can be used to isolate training and development in players in ways you wouldn’t do on the main squad.

Plus it’s easier to teach things when you can start slower and build up. There are aspects of fundamentals like dribbling etc that can really develop nicely if you start honing those skills against slower competition. Think of a piano or guitar player. You start at 80 beats per minute. Then 100. Then 140 and eventually you can play at full speed… but not just do it, you can do it cleaner and more precise because you weren’t forced to work on speed or react erratically. He’s forced to work on fundamentals and the speed comes up along with that.

I’m certain he learned from his time on the squad. Now he can work on that with zero pressure or concern for teammates. Then come up again and start applying it.

Time is on his side.

A good mix of g and main is perfect for his age develop cycle.

[Leetonidas]

Really like what i've seen from him in his increased minutes but he has a lot of room to grow. Really needs to work on his driving game. once he runs off the three point line he is almost always looking to pass it where he should be looking to break down the defense and score. though i will say he has authored some very slick passes thus far

[exstatic]

Yeah, I don't want to get too optimistic, but he definitely looks like he has the highest ceiling on our roster.
Everything he does is fluid and natural. I'm especially impressed with his passing style. In a couple of years he'll be by far the best passer on the roster.

And he shouldn't go back to the G-league.
He's already better than Forbes and Tre on both ends of the floor.
So what if he makes some mistakes? It's not like those two will help us win games. And it's not like we're coming close to .500 record.
Since Devin is used mostly as SF and Pop even uses Lonnie as SF in some lineups, Primo should be the third perimeter guy coming off the bench. No excuses.

10mpg with the big boys is worth more than 35 in G-league.

No, it’s not. He is learning to be THE GUY in the gleague. His ball handling isn’t up to doing that in the NBA. He’s averaging 4.7 TOs against gleague defenders. He’d get absolutely raped in the NBA as a lead guard. You don’t want him training to play off the ball if he’s going to be your guy.

[Chinook]

I think way too much of this is trying to rationalize a conclusion that wasn't originally reached through rational means. Nothing is stopping Primo from playing a lot of NBA minutes now. He's not fouling out or getting winded due to how much bigger and stronger the vets are or whatever. There's no rule that states other guys have to play ahead of him other than whatever Pop says. It would be one thing if the Spurs were trying to win games, but they've made way too many decisions this season that suggest that Pop doesn't really care about that or may even not want that. The minutes are there already if Pop updates his rotation. Even a starting role would be there.

I don't think the g-league is a place to develop good habits. If anything, the lower competition and lack of vet oversight means it's a place to develop bad habits that have to be scrubbed out once a player moves up to the big league. Primo, like many young players, shouldn't be learning to be "the man", because he's not going to be the man any time soon. He should be learning how to play with NBA players and pick his spots to be aggressive. Then, as his skills mature, the spots he's supposed to pick will expand and his usage will increase. He's not going to learn to defend NBA players by not playing against them. He's clearly going to be a forward in the NBA, and him running around checking d-league PGs isn't doing anything for the fears that guys will bully him. His best offensive skills, his off-ball movement and shooting off the catch -- are things that were arguably developed in college (where he was supposedly misused) and are hard to improve in a high-usage role.

Given where the Spurs are in the standings, this should be where PATFO looks to trade away the vets and sink or swim with the young guys. They are either going to make the play-in or miss it, and whatever they do isn't going to be due to the win-now older players. They've lost too many games already to have a realistic chance at a HCA seed. Pop has to ask himself where the team's future is in, because guys like Tre Jones who MIGHT be decent rotation guards shouldn't be getting the developmental priority. The White/Murray starter pairing shouldn't be considered the backbone of the franchise. Pop's going to have to accept that a bad team doesn't become a good team by low-ceiling players improving their chemistry. There are too many low-ceiling guys walking around like core pieces right now. There's no pecking order that should be sending Primo anywhere. The Spurs are rebuilding, and they should act like it.

[Ocotillo]

I dunno. I was ok with him working on stuff in the G-league but now I would like to see him on the big boy squad. Of course, my paycheck is not signed by Holt Cat so I guess that shows how much they value my opinion.

He will be up with the main squad once the G-league is over but the only reason I kept watching the Knicks game was to see how the kid was doing.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

There’s a lot to be gained from g-league time. It affords him the ability to work on singular aspects of his game without sacrificing or worrying about messing with regular rotation players.

IE they tell Primo, let’s not worry about scoring we want you to concentrate on splitting a double team and kicking to a certain spot on the floor regardless if your teammate rotated correctly. Just execute your end.

You do that on the big team and it throws your other teammates under the bus. Spurs have never tanked in the traditional way. Players are playing to win. Not watch a rookie develop.

G league can be used to isolate training and development in players in ways you wouldn’t do on the main squad.

Plus it’s easier to teach things when you can start slower and build up. There are aspects of fundamentals like dribbling etc that can really develop nicely if you start honing those skills against slower competition. Think of a piano or guitar player. You start at 80 beats per minute. Then 100. Then 140 and eventually you can play at full speed… but not just do it, you can do it cleaner and more precise because you weren’t forced to work on speed or react erratically. He’s forced to work on fundamentals and the speed comes up along with that.

I’m certain he learned from his time on the squad. Now he can work on that with zero pressure or concern for teammates. Then come up again and start applying it.

Time is on his side.

A good mix of g and main is perfect for his age develop cycle.


exactly!

he doesn’t have to defer as much as he would with the big team and he can really work on a lot of skills more in actual game situations playing in the G League instead of sitting in the corner waiting to shot or brining the ball up and quickly handing it off to a teammate to run the offense.

[B1gduff]

I haven't seen someone with this skillset that Primo has shown since Kawhi. I'm really excited about him, he has similar upside to that of Dj, or even higher. But the skill set and the way he plays, its crazy.

I still do thing, that Lonnie has had the highest upside in the system, but with Lonnie, he reallies more on his physical skills than basketball skils. With Primo, he has the physical skills, but the IQ and Baseketball skills are eye popping.

[Chomag]

Ok, name how many players that have become major contributing players in the NBA after spending time developing in the G league. My money is on that sample size being rather small.

It seems to me most evidence points to that nothing beats actual experience with the big leagues.

[Atl Spur]

Does the same argument apply to mlb?

[exstatic]

Ok, name how many players that have become major contributing players in the NBA after spending time developing in the G league. My money is on that sample size being rather small.

It seems to me most evidence points to that nothing beats actual experience with the big leagues.

It seems to me that nothing beats the Spurs development model. It kind of is the gold standard. They’ve taken a group of draft picks in the 28-30 range in the last decade, and turned them into NBA players whose careers span hundreds of games. Their 20s picks have a better track record that a lot of team’s lottery picks. When your season is like 50 games, there’s a lot more time for both team practices, and individual instruction.

[Chinook]

Many teams can match the Spurs track record. PatFO looks great when you have a homer view of the Spurs' picks and are critical of those from other teams.

[exstatic]

Many teams can match the Spurs track record. PatFO looks great when you have a homer view of the Spurs' picks and are critical of those from other teams.

Name one team that has. It’s literally the only credit given to this franchise, albeit grudgingly, by the nba media. I mean, Keldon, drafted at #29, has the 9th highest WS in his class. yes, the Spurs have their duds, but that would also be a better % than other clubs.

[R. DeMurre]

Name one team that has. It’s literally the only credit given to this franchise, albeit grudgingly, by the nba media. I mean, Keldon, drafted at #29, has the 9th highest WS in his class. yes, the Spurs have their duds, but that would also be a better % than other clubs.

Keldon, White, and Murray are ahead of their draft positions in terms of WS, while Samanic and Walker are behind. Vassell is almost exactly where expected, while Haliburton is #1 for that class. Primo is currently behind, albeit with a small sample size. Kind of looks like a pretty average return to me. Although admittedly, WS doesn't tell the whole story.

[R. DeMurre]

Some interesting articles on the topic:

https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702
https://sidelinesources.com/nba-news/the-franchise-that-is-the-best-and-worst-at-drafting-in-the-nba/

[Atl Spur]

From an historical view of draft position, production, career longevity etc…….. it’s not even close! Spurs win!!

[Atl Spur]

Start out in our system = usually an NBA career in some capacity!

[Atl Spur]

BTW………Primo will be one of our best but please do not sleep on Devin.

[Chomag]

It's such an odd concept sending a lottery pick to G league . Well unless they are rehabing or a bust...

There is no evidence that a talented player can learn to play more in G league over the NBA. It's actually to the contrary

[Atl Spur]

It's such an odd concept sending a lottery pick to G league . Well unless they are rehabing or a bust...

There is no evidence that a talented player can learn to play more in G league over the NBA. It's actually to the contrary

Other sports do it……. Is basketball special for development?

[rjv]

Many teams can match the Spurs track record. PatFO looks great when you have a homer view of the Spurs' picks and are critical of those from other teams.


from what time period? and i think you'd have to narrow it down to front offices that have been around a while as well rather than just a franchise.

[pad300]

Some interesting articles on the topic:

https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702
https://sidelinesources.com/nba-news/the-franchise-that-is-the-best-and-worst-at-drafting-in-the-nba/

I think the statistical model used is significantly flawed.

Some examples
1) Consider a draft with 3 Tier 1 prospects none of whom bust and who are approximately equally productive. None of the players after Tier 1 are significantly productive... The first 2 picks are considered not to be particularly good picks (low Net Rating), as the counterfactual value is mostly generated from the 2 tier 1 prospects picked after them. The 3ed pick is considered a great pick, as there are no high productivity picks after him (thus, high Net Rating)...when it was actually just making the obvious pick.
2) Consider the Jokic draft (2014). Toronto took a complete reach for Caboclo at 20. SAS picked Kyle Anderson at 29. Both should have obviously picked Jokic. Due to how the alpha value is calculated and how it impacts the counterfactual value SAS will have a much larger penalty on the value of Kyle Anderson from Jokic being available at 41 in comparison to the penalty that TOR sees for picking Caboclo at 20...