The Underfunded Sanitarium of Brian Wright

[The Truth #6]

So many things to say that have already been said, but I’m starting on a tangent.

For a FO that seems highly motivated in crafting the team’s image, has there ever been such a growing dichotomy between the image they want to project (community oriented, fan friendly) and this amazing disregard for the fans? Not just the disastrous moves but the complete opacity in which they operate?

They shun/manipulate the media.
They do community oriented photo ops with the Coyote and rookies (typically).

When the losses start piling up and they can’t even communicate a goal or process to the fans, fans will eventually stop going. The Hemisphere was a ghost town in the late 80s. Might need to bring back nickel beers. This team is really getting weird in how they operate.

[tonight...you]

Lol... The Highway Port-O-Potty of Brian Wright.

[TD 21]

:lmao At people pretending Wright has autonomy and is alone in this.

[offset formation]

Lol... The Highway Port-O-Potty of Brian Wright.

The knocked-over Construction Site Port-a-John of Brian Wright.

[tonight...you]

:lmao At people pretending Wright has autonomy and is alone in this.
Most truthish thing spoken, so sayeth the Lawd.

[rjv]

Sanitarium? Does Wright have TB?

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Brian White

[cd98]

He's either going to pull off some move that makes all of this make sense and prove that he is a genius, or he is going to go down as one of the dumbest GMs of all time. Even the bad ones throw their cap space at names. Casual NBA fans don't know any of the people we signed.

[The Truth #6]

:lmao At people pretending Wright has autonomy and is alone in this.

Who is suggesting that?

[BillMc]

Sanitarium? Does Wright have TB?

No but he'd trade for it.

[The Truth #6]

Sanitarium? Does Wright have TB?

Still assessing his malady.

[r0drig0lac]

:lmao At people pretending Wright has autonomy and is alone in this.

yep, is 100% about Pop.

[poopbox]

He's either going to pull off some move that makes all of this make sense and prove that he is a genius, or he is going to go down as one of the dumbest GMs of all time. Even the bad ones throw their cap space at names. Casual NBA fans don't know any of the people we signed.

I guaranfuckingtee you Brian Wrong aint no genius and he sure as shit isn't about to rain man himself into some sort of 4d off season chess move :lol

[Chinook]

I actually think Wright's on the whole been a good trader so far. Even the DeRozan trade is arguably a success given that it met Pop's goal of getting a star and has netted at least two firsts. There were better trades out there, but it's possible he wasn't allowed to pursue them.

DeRozan part 2 was a good trade in a vacuum given that the Bulls first does indeed become unprotected in 2028. The Spurs have a definite first to use or trade. Hutchison was good. He even almost got a pick for Lyles before the other teams backed out.

We'll see on drafting, and the Carroll hire along with these other moves are bad early FA returns. But he's not as hopeless as I believed.

[slick'81]

This mofo can aquire 2nd rnd picks like no other

[JeffDuncan]

This mofo can aquire 2nd rnd picks like no other


He can even convert lottery picks to 2nd round picks, which is amazing.

[Uriel]

:lmao At people pretending Wright has autonomy and is alone in this.
This. There’s no way he makes any of these moves without RC’s blessing.

[The Truth #6]

I actually think Wright's on the whole been a good trader so far. Even the DeRozan trade is arguably a success given that it met Pop's goal of getting a star and has netted at least two firsts. There were better trades out there, but it's possible he wasn't allowed to pursue them.

DeRozan part 2 was a good trade in a vacuum given that the Bulls first does indeed become unprotected in 2028. The Spurs have a definite first to use or trade. Hutchison was good. He even almost got a pick for Lyles before the other teams backed out.

We'll see on drafting, and the Carroll hire along with these other moves are bad early FA returns. But he's not as hopeless as I believed.

Beyond debating what percentage of these moves is Wright's decision (0%, 44.3234 %?), I would have agreed with you before the draft. I thought the Morris trade and maneuvering showed cleverness, but he got embarrassed/played by Rich Paul and Morris and the Knicks. Not his fault in my opinion.

But I don't like shifting supposed priorities from defense last offseason to now the more nebulous "character". I like some of the new pieces. Some I can't stand. But I still don't see any vision. I'm gagging as I say this, but if he had just prioritized DDR and built around him from the beginning, traded LMA for 3/D players at every other position, or close to it, then that would have been something I could have tried to get behind. Instead, it's poor asset management and shifting priorities and now we are back to getting horrible defenders.

Anyway, I know you aren't defending all of this, but, yeah, it's a confusing mess until proven otherwise.

[objective]

Everyone loves passing the buck and shielding him from responsibility. "Oh it's Pop. Oh it's RC. Oh it's Holts. Oh it's the Coyote".

If he can take the check, he takes the blame.

[TD 21]

Everyone loves passing the buck and shielding him from responsibility. "Oh it's Pop. Oh it's RC. Oh it's Holts. Oh it's the Coyote".

If he can take the check, he takes the blame.

His check is smaller than theirs and the president of basketball operations is generally the lead decision maker in front office's (except when it's meddlesome owners).

[objective]

His check is smaller than theirs and the president of basketball operations is generally the lead decision maker in front office's (except when it's meddlesome owners).

So?

If he doesn't want responsibility or scrutiny then he should have stayed an intern in Orlando where his check was probably 0.

Part of the job is saving the superiors from themselves. Whether that's the President, the vice president, the chairman of the board, whoever.

That's it. Talk them out of bad ideas or the team suffers, any team

Get it wrong and you fail.

[TD 21]

So?

If he doesn't want responsibility or scrutiny then he should have stayed an intern in Orlando where his check was probably 0.

Part of the job is saving the superiors from themselves. Whether that's the President, the vice president, the chairman of the board, whoever.

That's it. Talk them out of bad ideas or the team suffers, any team

Get it wrong and you fail.

So he wasn't supposed to take the opportunity to move up the food chain?

In theory. In reality, he joined the most entrenched lead decision makers in the league. A relative neophyte like him was/is probably going to have a hard time swaying them, much less gaining autonomy.

[objective]

Every bad GM can blame someone.

Vlade? Vivek's fault

Billy King? Pressure to win now from the Russian.

Grunfeld? Abe the owner wanted to see a title before he died, so they HAD to make shit moves

Isaiah Thomas? Dolan interference.

[objective]

So he wasn't supposed to take the opportunity to move up the food chain?

In theory. In reality, he joined the most entrenched lead decision makers in the league. A relative neophyte like him was/is probably going to have a hard time swaying them, much less gaining autonomy.

Too bad, that's the job.

If you want easy, don't work in sports. I'm sure he could go be a manager of a GNC and not have to answer to such entrenched power.

[Jordan Jackson]

He was the Assistant GM for the Pistons. They did goofy things there during his tenure.

Hope for the sake of the franchise things turn out better here.

[slick'81]

Atleast spurs can still draft. Some of that rc mojo has to rub off on BW right?

[NASpurs]

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/oy6md7/give_this_man_some_credit/

Give this man some credit

[Robz4000]

:lol semen shielders gonna semen shield

[slick'81]

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/oy6md7/give_this_man_some_credit/

Give this man some credit



Reddit is a cesspool of homers and retards,tbh

[NASpurs]

They did give me a great avatar though.

[Robz4000]

They did give me a great avatar though.

:lmao

[The Truth #6]

Brian Wright, I will admit, is making moves. Or at least he’s involved in stuff. Losing Dieng (and playing Eubanks over him, even after the shoulder healed) now makes sense with Jock coming over. I like getting the second round picks. Forbes is enough to ruin any off-season but it doesn’t seem they’re done. So, ok, you son of a bitch. I’m not in, but a few steps away from the ledge.

[TD 21]

Too bad, that's the job.

If you want easy, don't work in sports. I'm sure he could go be a manager of a GNC and not have to answer to such entrenched power.

You're usually on the money, but this is irrational drivel.

He almost certainly doesn't have autonomy nor a path to it and there's nothing he can do about it. They all deserve blame, but absolving those above him is absurd.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

https://i.imgflip.com/5iopsq.jpg

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

:lmao At people pretending Wright has autonomy and is alone in this.

I think everyone knows who's truly pulling the strings down at the Spurs' FO.....






Thanks timvp!! :madrun :flipoff

[spurraider21]

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/oy6md7/give_this_man_some_credit/

Give this man some credit

jesus christ :lol

[objective]

Brian Wright's latest success story seems to be (based on realgm future picks detailed page) ... Managing to leverage a sign and trade with the Pacers, who wanted the trade exception, into a deal where it's entirely possible the Spurs could send a second rounder without getting any picks in return. Not a high chance, but non-zero.

So since so many want to excuse every move he makes because he's a helpless innocent with zero power, who is to be held responsible for this new mess?

Which elderly sleepy individual is the real culprit here? Who dares keep Wright from getting a guaranteed second rounder in return?

[slick'81]

Its like the spurs literally cant make a deal where they dont look incompetent

[rankingtear]

Brian Wright's latest success story seems to be (based on realgm future picks detailed page) ... Managing to leverage a sign and trade with the Pacers, who wanted the trade exception, into a deal where it's entirely possible the Spurs could send a second rounder without getting any picks in return. Not a high chance, but non-zero.

So since so many want to excuse every move he makes because he's a helpless innocent with zero power, who is to be held responsible for this new mess?

Which elderly sleepy individual is the real culprit here? Who dares keep Wright from getting a guaranteed second rounder in return?

He should be fired if that pick conveys. If we are a top 5 regular season team in 2 years and we give a pick to IND when we are doing them a favor, oh man. We would be the most incompetent FO in the league.

[The Truth #6]

Someone in another thread suggested the Zollins signing could actually be a trade involving Thad Young. Good lord. How many ways can they destroy their assets. It’s stunning.

[TD 21]

Brian Wright's latest success story seems to be (based on realgm future picks detailed page) ... Managing to leverage a sign and trade with the Pacers, who wanted the trade exception, into a deal where it's entirely possible the Spurs could send a second rounder without getting any picks in return. Not a high chance, but non-zero.

So since so many want to excuse every move he makes because he's a helpless innocent with zero power, who is to be held responsible for this new mess?

Which elderly sleepy individual is the real culprit here? Who dares keep Wright from getting a guaranteed second rounder in return?

Saying their predicament is not 100% or primarily on probably still the third most powerful voice in basketball ops does not equate to this . . . but why let facts get in the way of blaming the perceived black man?

[GAustex]

Why does our first round pick play like Ollie?

[Kurgan]

Someone in another thread suggested the Zollins signing could actually be a trade involving Thad Young. Good lord. How many ways can they destroy their assets. It’s stunning.

Giving up a 2nd in order to do the Pacers a favor is bad. Giving up Thad Young in order to sign Zollins, a white scrub that's played 11 games in the past two years is even worse. Combine this with the Forbes signing and this is a joke of an off-season.

[buttsR4rebounding]

He should be fired if that pick conveys. If we are a top 5 regular season team in 2 years and we give a pick to IND when we are doing them a favor, oh man. We would be the most incompetent FO in the league.

Do you even read what you are writing before you post? If we are a top 5 team in the league in 2 years how can you say we have the most incompetent FO in the league. I hope like hell that does happen. It would indicate one of the BEST FO in the league to go from lottery to top 5 in 2 years. :rolleyes

[The Truth #6]

Saying their predicament is not 100% or primarily on probably still the third most powerful voice in basketball ops does not equate to this . . . but why let facts get in the way of blaming the perceived black man?

The problem is there aren’t a lot of facts, just results, or the lack thereof. But I’m trying to understand your position: the FO is horrible, but don’t blame the GM?

I agree he isn’t the only decision maker, just like most NBA teams, with owners and others chiming in. But I don’t sense opposition to Wright is because of his race. I definitely hope it’s not that. To me it’s a continuation of frustration that has been the same for a while before he came along. I mean, if he can’t shoulder some blame than that argument has racial tones as well. Regardless, I started this thread to gripe about the FO as he is the titular leader.

[K...]

The team has all our draft picks added one, is not capped out and people, who aren't experts in cap nuance, are bitching about a second round pick? Grow the fuck up.

[K...]

Oh, you wanted to spend the spurs capspace on hookers and cocaine, but brian wright stopped you and said "i need the money for a pick swap"?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Let's ask a different question - what did Pop see out of Wright that made him think he was the guy for the Spurs to hire?

Let's take a look at Wright's draft picks while in Detroit:

2015 -

Round 1, pick 8: Stanley Johnson
Round 2, pick 38: Darrun Hilliard

2016 -

Round 1, pick 18 - Henry Ellenson
Round 2, pick 49 - Michael Gbinije



Ellenson's still in the league, a career 4 points, 2.5 boards guy on his sixth team.

Johnson's still in the league, on his fifth team, a career 6 and 3 guy.

The other two guys washed out after two seasons or less.


Okay Pop, what is it we are supposed to see that justified you hiring this guy and then giving him the keys to the Spurs?

[TD 21]

The problem is there aren’t a lot of facts, just results, or the lack thereof. But I’m trying to understand your position: the FO is horrible, but don’t blame the GM?

I agree he isn’t the only decision maker, just like most NBA teams, with owners and others chiming in. But I don’t sense opposition to Wright is because of his race. I definitely hope it’s not that. To me it’s a continuation of frustration that has been the same for a while before he came along. I mean, if he can’t shoulder some blame than that argument has racial tones as well. Regardless, I started this thread to gripe about the FO as he is the titular leader.

I've already explained the facts and my position in this thread. The fact is that the way it works in the NBA, the majority stakeholder (if they're meddlesome) and/or president of basketball ops have autonomy. The GM does a lot of the leg work.

Everyone with any ounce of say or sway deserves some of the blame, just make sure to ration the portions correctly (100% on the likely third in command doesn't compute).

There's clearly been a bunch of racially motivated comments.

[objective]

Saying their predicament is not 100% or primarily on probably still the third most powerful voice in basketball ops does not equate to this . . . but why let facts get in the way of blaming the perceived black man?

By removing him from any of the responsibility, you are stealing all of his credit to give to others.

I've already posted several times in the other threads, that if Primo hits like a star or Jock becomes a good player, those are credits belonging to Wright. Maybe there were other voices in the room like any move, but I'm going to give the credit to Wright, certainly the lion-sized share of it. His term, his credit.

If you want to steal that credit to give it to others, that's you.

I will give Wright the credit or blame due the power of his title and office.

And if people above him want to make the wrong move that he doesn't believe in, it's his job to change their minds and do what he knows is best for the team, because he's the one out talking to the media, he's the one who will have that transaction to his name in the record books. Jerry Jones is the owner and gm of the Cowboys, and he was set on taking Johnny Manzel in the first round, but the subordinates did their job and talked him out of it.

[cjw]

He should be fired if that pick conveys. If we are a top 5 regular season team in 2 years and we give a pick to IND when we are doing them a favor, oh man. We would be the most incompetent FO in the league.

If the Spurs are a top 5 regular season team in two years, Wright deserves a really long contract extension…

[TD 21]

Let's ask a different question - what did Pop see out of Wright that made him think he was the guy for the Spurs to hire?


Let's take a look at Wright's draft picks while in Detroit:

2015 -

Round 1, pick 8: Stanley Johnson
Round 2, pick 38: Darrun Hilliard

2016 -

Round 1, pick 18 - Henry Ellenson
Round 2, pick 49 - Michael Gbinije



Ellenson's still in the league, a career 4 points, 2.5 boards guy on his sixth team.

Johnson's still in the league, on his fifth team, a career 6 and 3 guy.

The other two guys washed out after two seasons or less.


Okay Pop, what is it we are supposed to see that justified you hiring this guy and then giving him the keys to the Spurs?

:lmao Blaming the assistant GM for draft busts and spouting counting stats without context in '21.

Brian Wright | San Antonio Spurs (nba.com) (https://www.nba.com/spurs/brian-wright)




By removing him from any of the responsibility, you are stealing all of his credit to give to others.

I've already posted several times in the other threads, that if Primo hits like a star or Jock becomes a good player, those are credits belonging to Wright. Maybe there were other voices in the room like any move, but I'm going to give the credit to Wright, certainly the lion-sized share of it. His term, his credit.

If you want to steal that credit to give it to others, that's you.

I will give Wright the credit or blame due the power of his title and office.

And if people above him want to make the wrong move that he doesn't believe in, it's his job to change their minds and do what he knows is best for the team, because he's the one out talking to the media, he's the one who will have that transaction to his name in the record books. Jerry Jones is the owner and gm of the Cowboys, and he was set on taking Johnny Manzel in the first round, but the subordinates did their job and talked him out of it.

Except I've repeatedly said I'm not doing that.

Without more information on the genesis of those acquisitions, that doesn't make sense.

Yeah, which is definitely second and probably third in command.

It's his job to try, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's probably as difficult to do that here as anywhere (probably along with the Heat).

[EricB]

This. There’s no way he makes any of these moves without RC’s blessing.


RC isn’t involved anymore. It’s Wright, scouts, advisors like Ferry, Brent Barry and Pop.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

:lmao Blaming the assistant GM for draft busts and spouting counting stats without context in '21.

Brian Wright | San Antonio Spurs (nba.com) (https://www.nba.com/spurs/brian-wright)





Except I've repeatedly said I'm not doing that.

Without more information on the genesis of those acquisitions, that doesn't make sense.

Yeah, which is definitely second and probably third in command.

It's his job to try, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's probably as difficult to do that here as anywhere (probably along with the Heat).



https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/07/20/brian-wright-san-antonio-spurs/87331800/

I just grabbed the first google result.


Wright, 34, was the assistant GM in charge of collegiate scouting and has run the past two NBA drafts for the Pistons.

Van Gundy gave Wright control of the drafts while he was there, this is public knowledge.

But keep on making excuses for this scrub.

[objective]

Except I've repeatedly said I'm not doing that.

Without more information on the genesis of those acquisitions, that doesn't make sense.

Yeah, which is definitely second and probably third in command.

It's his job to try, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's probably as difficult to do that here as anywhere (probably along with the Heat).

1. Then what are you doing? Because it seems like nobody can give him any critique without being told that nothing is his fault and everything is Pop, or RC, or someone else.

When will it be okay to treat the gm like a gm? Do we have to wait until Pop and RC are retired? Or, because they will still hold sway and influence in retirement, do we have to wait until they're dead?

2. I am giving him the credit nonetheless. I don't care if Pop called him from Japan and told him, "This Jock guy is pretty good. I want him. Get it done.". It's up to Wright to decide what's best and how to go about it.

If he doesn't believe in Jock, he could work it to where the deal never happens. Or if he does believe in Jock, it's up to him to get the deal most in the Spurs favor. We still don't know the details. If he gave him a max deal, that's bad. If he gave him a 1-year deal like Boban where the Spurs don't get guaranteed control of a second year or the power to trade, that's also bad. If Wright got him on a 3 or 4 year minimum deal with unguaranteed money every year, that's great and Wright gets the credit for working a deal in the Spurs favor. Spurs would have protection if he doesn't pan out but also a great cheap movable asset if he does.

And if Primo hits and is the next Paul George and every clip of every draft show is people killing the Spurs for reaching, Wright will be a shotcalling legend. And if some other team comes sniffing around wanting to poach him like how Toronto took Masai from Denver, people will be furious if the Spurs let him get away. And the other team's fans will be joyous, "He's the guy who took Primo! Everyone thought he was crazy but he got Primo!"

I don't think that will happen and the Spurs will regret passing on Sengun, big time. but hey, it could happen.

3. Wright's the one facing the fire in the media, doing the press rounds. He's high enough in the flow chart to bear responsibility. It's a team effort and all, above and below, with personnel guys, cap guys, analytics guys, etc etc. But the GM is the fulcrum. If it was Brent Barry in that job and the results were the same, I'd give him him the same blame/credit.

4. Yeah, it's a hard job. They're all hard jobs. And a franchise with a recent history of dominating for almost 2 decades comes with lots of scrutiny from some of the fans. He's lucky it's a market where the local media is happy to go along with anything and the national media is happy to ignore the team.

When the Celtics passed on Tony Parker, they were too cowardly to accept the blame. What did they do instead? Blame an elderly Red Auerbach for Joe Forte. Wasn't that Chris Wallace in charge? If he believed in Parker he should have fought for and taken Parker. It's almost elder abuse. Easier to blame the elderly for being out of touch.

Maybe Auerbach really did campaign for Forte. Maybe he did carry the weight of titles over poor Chris Wallace. And so, fine, he can take some of it. But he's not getting 100% from me.

[objective]

Wright definitely did the prep work on the draft year where they took Ellenson, but I thought he had already left by draft night. Could be wrong though

[TD 21]

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/07/20/brian-wright-san-antonio-spurs/87331800/

I just grabbed the first google result.



Van Gundy gave Wright control of the drafts while he was there, this is public knowledge.

But keep on making excuses for this scrub.

Doing the prep work is not the same as making the final call.

Except I haven't made any. I've stated facts: He's not the president of basketball ops and they should all be receiving blame for the predicament they're in . . . like they have been for most of the past few years, until a segment of this forum decided to pin it on all on the perceived black man whose second or third in command.



1. Then what are you doing? Because it seems like nobody can give him any critique without being told that nothing is his fault and everything is Pop, or RC, or someone else.

When will it be okay to treat the gm like a gm? Do we have to wait until Pop and RC are retired? Or, because they will still hold sway and influence in retirement, do we have to wait until they're dead?

2. I am giving him the credit nonetheless. I don't care if Pop called him from Japan and told him, "This Jock guy is pretty good. I want him. Get it done.". It's up to Wright to decide what's best and how to go about it.

If he doesn't believe in Jock, he could work it to where the deal never happens. Or if he does believe in Jock, it's up to him to get the deal most in the Spurs favor. We still don't know the details. If he gave him a max deal, that's bad. If he gave him a 1-year deal like Boban where the Spurs don't get guaranteed control of a second year or the power to trade, that's also bad. If Wright got him on a 3 or 4 year minimum deal with unguaranteed money every year, that's great and Wright gets the credit for working a deal in the Spurs favor. Spurs would have protection if he doesn't pan out but also a great cheap movable asset if he does.

And if Primo hits and is the next Paul George and every clip of every draft show is people killing the Spurs for reaching, Wright will be a shotcalling legend. And if some other team comes sniffing around wanting to poach him like how Toronto took Masai from Denver, people will be furious if the Spurs let him get away. And the other team's fans will be joyous, "He's the guy who took Primo! Everyone thought he was crazy but he got Primo!"

I don't think that will happen and the Spurs will regret passing on Sengun, big time. but hey, it could happen.

3. Wright's the one facing the fire in the media, doing the press rounds. He's high enough in the flow chart to bear responsibility. It's a team effort and all, above and below, with personnel guys, cap guys, analytics guys, etc etc. But the GM is the fulcrum. If it was Brent Barry in that job and the results were the same, I'd give him him the same blame/credit.

4. Yeah, it's a hard job. They're all hard jobs. And a franchise with a recent history of dominating for almost 2 decades comes with lots of scrutiny from some of the fans. He's lucky it's a market where the local media is happy to go along with anything and the national media is happy to ignore the team.

When the Celtics passed on Tony Parker, they were too cowardly to accept the blame. What did they do instead? Blame an elderly Red Auerbach for Joe Forte. Wasn't that Chris Wallace in charge? If he believed in Parker he should have fought for and taken Parker. It's almost elder abuse. Easier to blame the elderly for being out of touch.

Maybe Auerbach really did campaign for Forte. Maybe he did carry the weight of titles over poor Chris Wallace. And so, fine, he can take some of it. But he's not getting 100% from me.

1. See above.

2. Is it or have you decided that?

3. That's meaningless and for the umpteenth time, I agree that he bears some responsibility, I just missed when it became all.

4. I don't think it's as simple as you seem to think.

Yeah, that's my point; there's plenty of it to go around.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't care who you want to blame, the entire FO needs an overhaul from president of basketball operations all the way down to headcoach, which are one and the same person here :lol

[slick'81]

I don't care who you want to blame, the entire FO needs an overhaul from president of basketball operations all the way down to headcoach, which are one and the same person here :lol


Brian wright is easily one of the most underwhelming fo hirings spurs have made in a long time

[BackHome]

Yeah he needs to go and he needs to go ASAP!!!!

[Kurgan]

The thing about Wright is that his resume before the Spurs was really, really bad. He was part of the disastrous Pistons and Magic front offices. Why would the Spurs hire this guy? I'm assuming all the good GM candidates didn't want to play to play third fiddle to Pop/Buford and Spurs went down their list until they found someone pathetic enough that was willing to accept that position.

[The Truth #6]

Have to give Brian props. Like Dejounte, he has surprised us.

[rankingtear]

Turned 28 mil in capspace into 3 FRP and 5 SRP. While Presti gave his guys a 21 million bonus. Oof.

[Ocotillo]

Not sure where to stick this. Luka is finding the NY media is not as forgiving as the SA Express-News...

https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/luka-samanic-signing-has-turned-into-another-knicks-calamity/?utm_source=twitter_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons



Luka Samanic signing has turned into another Knicks calamity

https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Knicks-Luka-Samanic.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1535

[slick'81]

Not sure where to stick this. Luka is finding the NY media is not as forgiving as the SA Express-News...

https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/luka-samanic-signing-has-turned-into-another-knicks-calamity/?utm_source=twitter_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons

:lmao 1 game in two months because of a sore heel




https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Knicks-Luka-Samanic.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1535

[buttsR4rebounding]

Not sure where to stick this. Luka is finding the NY media is not as forgiving as the SA Express-News...

https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/luka-samanic-signing-has-turned-into-another-knicks-calamity/?utm_source=twitter_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons

This clown blames Samanic for being injured. He wrote this today but I guess didn’t bother to check on his status. He played yesterday for the Knicks G-league affiliate yesterday scoring 17 points in 18 minutes.

https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Knicks-Luka-Samanic.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1535

[tim_duncan_fan]

Zach Collins turning out to be a good player is hilarious.

[Atl Spur]

Zach Collins turning out to be a good player is hilarious.

Nah……just expected:)

[exstatic]

Zach Collins turning out to be a good player is hilarious.

Why? Health issues were really the only road block. He was a top 10 pick, and is now in about his 3rd season’s worth of games.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I'd expected him to be just some injured guy who took up a spot. He's looking really good.

[The Truth #6]

He looks healthy so I don't expect a huge improvement next year, though it's possible, I guess, if he's having challenges adjusting to our system. For me, it's more that he's playable and doesn't seem hindered by his awful injuries. I don't think he could be a starter if we're actually trying to win.

[Atl Spur]

He looks healthy so I don't expect a huge improvement next year, though it's possible, I guess, if he's having challenges adjusting to our system. For me, it's more that he's playable and doesn't seem hindered by his awful injuries. I don't think he could be a starter if we're actually trying to win.

He will be better next year homie.

[KingKev]

He looks healthy so I don't expect a huge improvement next year, though it's possible, I guess, if he's having challenges adjusting to our system. For me, it's more that he's playable and doesn't seem hindered by his awful injuries. I don't think he could be a starter if we're actually trying to win.

He’s met my expectations at this point. Jak took some pretty big jumps the last few years so I think Zollins can improve but still see his ceiling as a high level bench big who can start occasionally as required. He is another useful contract we can move if need be already which is a nod to B Wright.

[The Truth #6]

The bar was low considering his injury history, so big picture, yeah, he has been a success.

[RC_Drunkford]

Zach said in one of his last interviews that he‘s still getting his legs under him so I would assume some offseason work would still have to be done to fully get his speed and athleticism back

[Biggems]

Wright has not been Jerry West by any means. However, he has done a very nice job for the Spurs this season. He has helped us attain several possible future assets, as well as keep our cap in order. Honestly, it feels like this team is really close to being a top 5 contender for many years to come. We just need 1 dominant and athletic Big to start and 1 versatile guy who can play 1-4 to come off the bench. Hell, as big a Poeltl fan as I am, I would trade him for some serious draft capital, especially if it landed us a more athletic version of Jakob.

[objective]

I don't think Collins has been so wonderful. He can sometimes get nice numbers against tanking teams without NBA talent in Portland, who he was also motivated against for obvious reasons. 1 career double double and it's against Eubanks.

[KingKev]

Wright has not been Jerry West by any means. However, he has done a very nice job for the Spurs this season. He has helped us attain several possible future assets, as well as keep our cap in order. Honestly, it feels like this team is really close to being a top 5 contender for many years to come. We just need 1 dominant and athletic Big to start and 1 versatile guy who can play 1-4 to come off the bench. Hell, as big a Poeltl fan as I am, I would trade him for some serious draft capital, especially if it landed us a more athletic version of Jakob.

Close to a playoff team, not even close to becoming a contender.

[The Truth #6]

Just to clarify my point, he looks mostly like a replacement level player, but considering the chance he would play a week then crumble into a pile of dust, I'm happy that he has shown enough to be brought back, but that's more of a statement of our weak big man department outside of Yak, and according to some, including Yak.

[spurraider21]

He looks healthy so I don't expect a huge improvement next year, though it's possible, I guess, if he's having challenges adjusting to our system. For me, it's more that he's playable and doesn't seem hindered by his awful injuries. I don't think he could be a starter if we're actually trying to win.
dont know about this. when was the last time he was healthy enough during an offseason to work on his game?

[The Truth #6]

I think it goes back to expectations. To me, him not disintegrating on the court is a sign of healthiness. I hope his physical functioning improves, and it may, but he could easily get another injury and get worse. It's too early to say either way, I suppose.

[R. DeMurre]

Plus, in this day & age, Zach's contract is practically a penny stock, less than the MLE and not fully guaranteed. The worst possible outcome is the Spurs took a small chance with him, it didn't work out, and both sides move on. The best outcome is he plays like a $12-15mil type of player in his 3rd year.

[Biggems]

Close to a playoff team, not even close to becoming a contender.

I disagree. Murray, Johnson, Vassell, and Poeltl have all elevated their games as the year has progressed. Richardson looks to be a very good fit to the rotation for the future. McDermott has already shown he belongs in the rotation once he comes back from injury. Collins is finding his groove. Lonnie has gotten a bit more consistent, but still needs as some improving to do. Who knows if he will be with the team next year, I won't complain if he is. Jones needs to find his consistency now that he is getting more playing time. He has some good moments, but also many bad moments. Landale has proven that he deserves at least 15 minutes a game. Primo has had an up and down rookie season, but he is still way too inconsistent. However, he is only 18, and if he is a gym rat in the offseason, he should come back vastly improved next year.

This team is a lot better than its record. I honestly believe that several of the games we lost early on, would be wins now. The team is playing so much better especially in the 4th quarter of games.

[Sugus]

I disagree. Murray, Johnson, Vassell, and Poeltl have all elevated their games as the year has progressed. Richardson looks to be a very good fit to the rotation for the future. McDermott has already shown he belongs in the rotation once he comes back from injury. Collins is finding his groove. Lonnie has gotten a bit more consistent, but still needs as some improving to do. Who knows if he will be with the team next year, I won't complain if he is. Jones needs to find his consistency now that he is getting more playing time. He has some good moments, but also many bad moments. Landale has proven that he deserves at least 15 minutes a game. Primo has had an up and down rookie season, but he is still way too inconsistent. However, he is only 18, and if he is a gym rat in the offseason, he should come back vastly improved next year.

This team is a lot better than its record. I honestly believe that several of the games we lost early on, would be wins now. The team is playing so much better especially in the 4th quarter of games.

Yeah, it's been a year of major growth for several key players. Anyone shrugging off this season as a "waste" or bad season because the team didn't tank it out is foolish. Great developmental year for the Spurs and hopefully the draft/play-in/playoffs process keeps building onto that, whatever the outcome.

[KingKev]

Yeah, it's been a year of major growth for several key players. Anyone shrugging off this season as a "waste" or bad season because the team didn't tank it out is foolish. Great developmental year for the Spurs and hopefully the draft/play-in/playoffs process keeps building onto that, whatever the outcome.

No one is arguing this year wasn’t a success. Biggems is arguing we are a player away from contention.

[Mr. Body]

I disagree. Murray, Johnson, Vassell, and Poeltl have all elevated their games as the year has progressed. Richardson looks to be a very good fit to the rotation for the future. McDermott has already shown he belongs in the rotation once he comes back from injury. Collins is finding his groove. Lonnie has gotten a bit more consistent, but still needs as some improving to do. Who knows if he will be with the team next year, I won't complain if he is. Jones needs to find his consistency now that he is getting more playing time. He has some good moments, but also many bad moments. Landale has proven that he deserves at least 15 minutes a game. Primo has had an up and down rookie season, but he is still way too inconsistent. However, he is only 18, and if he is a gym rat in the offseason, he should come back vastly improved next year.

This team is a lot better than its record. I honestly believe that several of the games we lost early on, would be wins now. The team is playing so much better especially in the 4th quarter of games.

The team is much better than it was at the beginning of the year. It's better balanced as a roster, two players have made big leaps, others are getting time that weren't before. The biggest problem has been knowing how to close games and they're getting better in this regard.

[Sugus]

No one is arguing this year wasn’t a success. Biggems is arguing we are a player away from contention.

I'd agree we are a player away from contention, too, tbh. The supporting cast is there. The complication, of course, is getting a real, true "that guy" player. Maybe this draft unearths it, maybe not. But the Spurs could be one Ja Morant, or Luka Doncic, away from relative contention, I wouldn't say it's an insane take.

There's a lot of dead weight on the current roster that won't be there next season, both in players and dead cap space. The team will look different.

[KingKev]

I'd agree we are a player away from contention, too, tbh. The supporting cast is there. The complication, of course, is getting a real, true "that guy" player. Maybe this draft unearths it, maybe not. But the Spurs could be one Ja Morant, or Luka Doncic, away from relative contention, I wouldn't say it's an insane take.

There's a lot of dead weight on the current roster that won't be there next season, both in players and dead cap space. The team will look different.

Most, including myself would agree we are a generational talent such as Ja or Luka away from contention LOL

[Sugus]

Most, including myself would agree we are a generational talent such as Ja or Luka away from contention LOL

So you're saying, we are a player away from contention? Good to know... :wakeup

[CGD]

Nah……just expected:)

Co-signed. Had to be among of the few folks here with you cheering the signing.

[KingKev]

So you're saying, we are a player away from contention? Good to know... :wakeup

Yes, we are a superstar away from contention. That holds true for 75% of the league.

[emanueldavidginobili]

There's a lot of variables involved in this, we have a ton of young guys that can potentially break out with a hard working off season. The guys are all close with each other and around the same age so they should all be in the lab together a lot this off season. I expect leaps from Keldon, Devin, Primo, Tre, maybe Collins, shit even DJ will improve and hopefully finding a gem with the top 9 pick this season with two other 1st round picks. This team for sure has some upside to compete in the near future if PATFO make the right moves. My confidence with Brian Wright has risen exponentially.

The thing is the Spurs don't have that Superstar yet.

Suns-Booker

Grizz-Morant

Warriors-Curry

Mavs-Luka

Jazz-Mitchell, even though I think he's done there and the Jazz are going to reset

Timberwolves-Edwards, wouldn't label him that yet but he's a superstar talent out the box and has the Timberwolves 2 games out of 5th.

Nuggets-Jokic

Clippers-Nephew.

It's going to be tough to be a legit contender in the west without a legit superstar and a huge leap from the supporting cast, which I think will happen..acquiring a superstar not so much.

[Ariel]

The best player on the Spurs would be the 2nd or 3rd best players on most contenders... that's not nearly enough. You don't necessarily need and MVP caliber player to contend (though most championship caliber teams do have one such player), but you can't have a SINGLE all star caliber player (barely) and expect to contend.

[Ariel]

It's going to be tough to be a legit contender in the west without a legit superstar and a huge leap from the supporting cast, which I think will happen..acquiring a superstar not so much.
You could also go the 2004 Detroit route, which didn't have a superstar or even close... but they had FOUR all stars plus Tayshaun Prince and McDyess. A talent level comparison of this current Spurs team with championship teams is light years away.

[The Truth #6]

While we wait for Superman to save us, Wright should at least start trimming fat this off-season. I’ve put down the bong, and no longer feel we should resign Lonnie, for example. He had a good 5-10 game run but it dried up and he is still a bad defender, as much as it hurts to write that. I hope he stays in the league and goes to the EC and has a few great games a year at our expense, but I’ve moved on, again, I guess. McBuckets—please get rid of him, too. Those two subtractions, and more time for Primo, Vassel, and Richardson is preferable.

And yes, hopefully Wright strikes gold in the off-season.

[R. DeMurre]

The best player on the Spurs would be the 2nd or 3rd best players on most contenders... that's not nearly enough. You don't necessarily need and MVP caliber player to contend (though most championship caliber teams do have one such player), but you can't have a SINGLE all star caliber player (barely) and expect to contend.


Agreed. I think, slow & steady, the Spurs are developing, but at this rate it's going to be a bunch of years of trying to make the play in or considering a 6th seed a major accomplishment. The time will probably come when Wright has to make a big move, and that'll likely involve trading pieces that people have kind of fallen in love with out of team loyalty. I mean, we're fighting tooth and nail with a New Orleans team whose best player hasn't even played a single game this season, and 5 games behind a Clipper team whose #1 and #2 options have missed most of the season. Can you imagine what the Spurs' record would be if Dejounte had missed the entire year?

[CGD]

Bottomline is Wright’s has had a good year. It’s ok to give a man his due from time to time.

This off-season will presents a number of interesting questions:

- how do they resolve the Walker situation?
- do they keep all 4 picks this draft?
- what happens with Richardson?
- do they extend Keldon and at what price?
- with roster spots at a premium (bc multiple picks), whose leaving of KBD, Jock, weiskamf, Romeo, Tre?
- can they avoid using their cap space to give out another questionable McBuckets deal?

[KingKev]

Bottomline is Wright’s has had a good year. It’s ok to give a man his due from time to time.

This off-season will presents a number of interesting questions:

- how do they resolve the Walker situation?
- do they keep all 4 picks this draft?
- what happens with Richardson?
- do they extend Keldon and at what price?
- with roster spots at a premium (bc multiple picks), whose leaving of KBD, Jock, weiskamf, Romeo, Tre?
- can they avoid using their cap space to give out another questionable McBuckets deal?

Great points. Draft day will probably dictate most of those.

[Biggems]

Yes, we are a superstar away from contention. That holds true for 75% of the league.

so, then you agree that we are a player away....nice chancla move with your argument.

[exstatic]

so, then you agree that we are a player away....nice chancla move with your argument.

Superstar =/= ‘player’

[KingKev]

Superstar =/= ‘player’

I enjoy chirping him but Ex is a bright man.

[cd98]

So is the master plan next year to sign Ayton as a free agent, trade Poertl and picks for something bigger and add those pieces to the current roster? I don't see them tanking so we are never going to bottom out for a chance at a top 3 pick.

[exstatic]

So is the master plan next year to sign Ayton as a free agent, trade Poertl and picks for something bigger and add those pieces to the current roster? I don't see them tanking so we are never going to bottom out for a chance at a top 3 pick.

PHO isn’t going to let Ayton walk, even if they don’t like him as a long term piece. They’ll match, and then start looking for trade partners, which would be one of 28 teams, but not the team extending the contract offer, per the CBA.