Spurs Select G Malaki Branham with the 20th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft

[wildbill2u]

Showing greater development than any of our rookies at this point. He can be a legitimate 20+ point shooter it looks like despite getting some 3s blocked because he holds the ball to low on his release. But he is learning. Sochan really isn't developing a 3 pt shot yet so I'm giving Branham the nod over him at this point because of that. You may disagree.

[exstatic]

Showing greater development than any of our rookies at this point. He can be a legitimate 20+ point shooter it looks like despite getting some 3s blocked because he holds the ball to low on his release. But he is learning. Sochan really isn't developing a 3 pt shot yet so I'm giving Branham the nod over him at this point because of that. You may disagree.

Sochan is better, because he's a two way player. Malaki is a sieve on defense.

[Mr. Body]

He still seems bashful out there, like he's still just happy to be there and he's just scoring because he doesn't want to disappoint coach. I'm curious to see if he has that killer instinct in him where he just murders people, like gets pissed being down by ten and starts dropping 30-bombs on teams. His offensive repertoire isn't actually as extensive as it can be - he massively favors going right, he spams his curls - but when it does expand and he does, presumably, realize he can just score endlessly, it could be a sight to see.

[Atl Spur]

He still seems bashful out there, like he's still just happy to be there and he's just scoring because he doesn't want to disappoint coach. I'm curious to see if he has that killer instinct in him where he just murders people, like gets pissed being down by ten and starts dropping 30-bombs on teams. His offensive repertoire isn't actually as extensive as it can be - he massively favors going right, he spams his curls - but when it does expand and he does, presumably, realize he can just score endlessly, it could be a sight to see.

Give him a few yrs :) The kid is nice and further along than I thought he would be. Has the right temperament

[tim_duncan_fan]

He's already more confident than Lonnie, tbh.

I think he just needs someone to whisper in his ear that he has the green light and he'll chuck a little more.

[ginobilized]

10 ppg, he's stayed healthy and seems to have a stellar attitude and disposition
at pick #20 in his first season at age 19?
That's a hell yes, all day, every day

[slick'81]

Spurs definitely nailed picks #9&20

[spurraider21]

Spurs definitely nailed picks #9&20
branham had a nice rookie year but hard to say we nailed the pick when walker kessler was there

[exstatic]

branham had a nice rookie year but hard to say we nailed the pick when walker kessler was there

Kessler is a top example of a player type no longer in demand. Who cares how good of a center you have? One of the tweaks in the newCBA is that all post season teams are position neutral, and I’m betting within 5 years, there won’t be a center on the All NBA teams.

[spurraider21]

Kessler is a top example of a player type no longer in demand. Who cares how good of a center you have? One of the tweaks in the newCBA is that all post season teams are position neutral, and I’m betting within 5 years, there won’t be a center on the All NBA teams.
milwaukee - brook lopez
boston - al horford
philly - joel embiid
cleveland - jarrett allen

denver - nikola jokic
memphis - steven adams
kings - sabonis
suns - ayton

the top 4 teams in each conference have at the very least solid centers, with the worst being solid role player types like Adams and Allen. its still a position that matters. even timvp was reporting that the spurs valued poeltl because he'd be a strong potential fit alongside wemby. im not even sure you believe what you are saying since you were among those who were advocating for Duren to be our pick last draft

kessler has been nothing short of outstanding since they let him have the starting job. he's basically come in as a rookie and played as well if not better than poeltl ever did for us (who we were just able to sell for a first round pick + change despite him needing a new big contract). i know you didnt like kessler going into the draft, but he's outdone expectations so far.

[Atl Spur]

Kessler is good and so is Malaki……. Fixed! Lol

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/JakeSpegal270/status/1672584475434180609

[Dejounte]

This guy has an arsenal of offensive moves. You can tell he studies the game 100%

[exstatic]

This guy has an arsenal of offensive moves. You can tell he studies the game 100%

He has an extremely high level hesitation move. His middie is so good that when he throws the hesitation dribble at you, you have to bite on it, and he’s by you in a flash.

[Atl Spur]

He has an extremely high level hesitation move. His middie is so good that when he throws the hesitation dribble at you, you have to bite on it, and he’s by you in a flash.

Approved!

[Mr. Body]

Looking forward to his defensive training hype video.

[RC_Drunkford]

One of the few players on this team who can get his own shot

[sfernald]

What former player would you compare his game to?

[ace3g]

What former player would you compare his game to?

Richard Hamilton

[Mr. Body]

What former player would you compare his game to?

I've said Michael Redd, another former Buckeye, but Redd had range. I think someone like Rip Hamilton.

[Gibbz]

What former player would you compare his game to?

Marcus Thornton maybe?

[exstatic]

I've said Michael Redd, another former Buckeye, but Redd had range. I think someone like Rip Hamilton.

Like Vassell, Malaki was a 40% 3G shooter in college, and will be much better than he’s shown in year one. Don’t write off that range just yet.

[Mr. Body]

Like Vassell, Malaki was a 40% 3G shooter in college, and will be much better than he’s shown in year one. Don’t write off that range just yet.

He'll be fine, I think, but more as a spot-up shooter. In college his threes were toeing the line. He didn't and doesn't (yet) have much movement beyond the stripe, or depth. Right now I think it's a strength issue. And he still seems to shoot those shots from his forehead.

[exstatic]

He'll be fine, I think, but more as a spot-up shooter. In college his threes were toeing the line. He didn't and doesn't (yet) have much movement beyond the stripe, or depth. Right now I think it's a strength issue. And he still seems to shoot those shots from his forehead.

Vassell was like that in college, too. What most people don’t realize is that while the distance between the arcs isn’t that great,you don’t want to be shooting from right atthe arc, so you probably need add 5 feet to your range. His FT shooting is a strong sign that all he needs is strength and reps, lots of reps. Vassell regularly rails 26-28 footers now.

[Mr. Body]

Vassell was like that in college, too. What most people don’t realize is that while the distance between the arcs isn’t that great,you don’t want to be shooting from right a the arc, so you probably next add 5 feet to your range. His FT shooting is a strong sign that all he needs is strength and reps, lots of reps. Vassell regularly rails 28 footers now.

The distance is less of an issue for me. Being able to shoot 3s off the dribble or move into spots and hit them, do the side-steps that Curry popularized (and Wemby can do), those are things Vassell is improving. Malaki right now is strictly a stationary, catch-and-shoot guy from three. I don't see him shooting threes with any accuracy off of picks or, if he has the ball in isolation, being able to free himself and hit with any chance.

Those can change. Right now, though, being a spot-up shooter from three can be very valuable. I have no doubts he can probably develop those other things in time.

[Russ]

What former player would you compare his game to?

Current player -- Devin Booker.

[J_Paco]

He's a slightly smaller, more adapt passing version of Michael Redd.

Redd was more of a wing, while Branham has more combo guard potential.

I wish him and Keldon would switch places in the rotation, but that might happen sooner than later.

[Mr. Body]

He's a slightly smaller, more adapt passing version of Michael Redd.

Redd was more of a wing, while Branham has more combo guard potential.

I wish him and Keldon would switch places in the rotation, but that might happen sooner than later.

If Branham can't play defense, I don't see him ever starting. He's just terrible on that end. He'd create a mess for everyone else.

[John B]

What former player would you compare his game to?

A shorter Steve “Smitty” Smith. He has that cool cat attitude, cool under pressure, cool hand Luke.

[J_Paco]

If Branham can't play defense, I don't see him ever starting. He's just terrible on that end. He'd create a mess for everyone else.

I agree that his defense needs to improve, but it's not like Keldon is a world-beater on that end.

I'd rather have Malaki's potential shot-creation and passing alongside Zach/Jeremy, Victor, Devin, and Tre. Keldon just isn't a long-term answer at either SF or PF, IMO.

[Mr. Body]

I agree that his defense needs to improve, but it's not like Keldon is a world-beater on that end.

I'd rather have Malaki's potential shot-creation and passing alongside Zach/Jeremy, Victor, Devin, and Tre. Keldon just isn't a long-term answer at either SF or PF, IMO.

I don't want to compare him to Johnson here. But Malaki is alarmingly awful at defense. Completely dies on screens. Doesn't use lateral quickness. Often just gives up on active plays and watches what happens. Needs to hit the boards and get defensive rebound. He has a long, long way to go. I'm a huge Branham fan, but if he cannot improve here I don't see how he can start.

[J_Paco]

I don't want to compare him to Johnson here. But Malaki is alarmingly awful at defense. Completely dies on screens. Doesn't use lateral quickness. Often just gives up on active plays and watches what happens. Needs to hit the boards and get defensive rebound. He has a long, long way to go. I'm a huge Branham fan, but if he cannot improve here I don't see how he can start.

I totally agree with your assessment of Malaki's (lack of) defense, but Keldon has unequivocally been one of the worse defenders in the NBA the last two seasons.

I'd rather have Malaki and Devin playing/defending their more natural positions than worrying about how to hide Keldon on that end.

His offense can probably benefit from the gravity Victor can/will provide, but he'll be the opposing team's #1 target on offense.

[Kevin]

The only guy taking Keldon out of the starting five is Sochan. Tre/Dev/Mal starting lineup is way to small.

[John B]

I totally agree with your assessment of Malaki's (lack of) defense, but Keldon has unequivocally been one of the worse defenders in the NBA the last two seasons.

I'd rather have Malaki and Devin playing/defending their more natural positions than worrying about how to hide Keldon on that end.

His offense can probably benefit from the gravity Victor can/will provide, but he'll be the opposing team's #1 target on offense.


Keldon is best at 6th man Manu role. I don’t know how well he would take that, but Manu was a Hofer at that role. Keldon at 6th man will create havoc to opposing bench. He would have the green light offensively, compare to sharing ball with Wemby, Vassell and Sochan who will be occassionally run the offense. Keldon’s numbers would suffer starting.

[Ocotillo]

Malaki is alarmingly awful at defense.

I think maybe this season when he lacks effort or makes the wrong move he is in for a rude awakening compared to last season. Red-faced Pop that calls a time-out and yanks him back to the bench will be back.

[EricB]

I think maybe this season when he lacks effort or makes the wrong move he is in for a rude awakening compared to last season. Red-faced Pop that calls a time-out and yanks him back to the bench will be back.


yeah I don’t know if that pop exists anymore but if he does, it’ll be back this year.

[Mr. Body]

Keldon is best at 6th man Manu role. I don’t know how well he would take that, but Manu was a Hofer at that role. Keldon at 6th man will create havoc to opposing bench. He would have the green light offensively, compare to sharing ball with Wemby, Vassell and Sochan who will be occassionally run the offense. Keldon’s numbers would suffer starting.

I strongly disagree with respect. Manu worked well off the bench because he was strong at multiple things. If the team needed more facilitation, he could do it, if they needed more effort on defense, he could do it, if they needed more scoring, he could do it. Keldon is going to be much stronger in the starting squad because of what he does well: he can shoot a high percentage and drive hard against defenses that aren't set. His range will help spread the floor for Wembanyama and others. It really diminishes his skills if you stick him on the bench.

[Cabrito]

He reminds me of Ro Blackman.

[cutewizard]

This is actually my favorite

this is our Marksman!

[cutewizard]

This guy has an arsenal of offensive moves. You can tell he studies the game 100%


I like him a lot, too

Hope he continues to improve

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY5vUVhvI8k

[BatManu20]

Branham’s still my boy, but goddamn that was rough :lol. Might be the worst performance I’ve ever seen tbh.

1678222123809005571

[Kurik]

I’m generally a Branham fan but it was tough to watch.

[Darkwaters]

Clearly he still needs Summer League.

Any talk of pulling him early probably needs to end.

However, even with that said, the missed shots don't worry me nearly as much as the ones that were blocked. He has a serious problem with getting to the rim and not getting destroyed.

[SpursFan86]

Going to try and erase this one from the memory bank but he was so damn bad tonight :lol

[Mr. Body]

He was deferential to getting Vic established then never got on track. He'll need to learn how to turn things on mid game.

Anyway, I never want to hear about him playing PG. He's just not.

[KobesAchilles]

Imagine shooting the ball 17 times and the franchise player only shot 14 times. It’s shit like this that scares me. It won’t be Branham outshooting Wemby in the main roster but I can totally see KJ doing it and maybe even Vassell

[spurs1990]

2nd year guy going 1-17 in a rich man’s pro am game is not a good takeaway. Seriously 1-17 wtf??

[paperboy77]

Imagine shooting the ball 17 times and the franchise player only shot 14 times. It’s shit like this that scares me. It won’t be Branham outshooting Wemby in the main roster but I can totally see KJ doing it and maybe even Vassell

Yup. Still sayin the only way that should be is if we get a star player via trade.

[rascal]

Branham will be fine.

Just an off night shooting.

Like everyone on the roster other than Wemby he'll have good and bad games because that's what role players are, inconsistent players.

[onechance87]

Branham will be fine.

Just an off night shooting.

Like everyone on the roster other than Wemby he'll have good and bad games because that's what role players are, inconsistent players.

if hes not making shots hes worthless...bad at defence and bad at creating plays for his team...he lost us the game today because of this

[Atl Spur]

Tough night….

[Vince Carter's ankle]

Branham will be fine.

Just an off night shooting.

Like everyone on the roster other than Wemby he'll have good and bad games because that's what role players are, inconsistent players.
just like Shaedon Sharpe

[rjv]

hopefully, this was just a result of fatigue but if he plays more summer league, i sure hope he bounces back. the worst thing about last night was watching him shrivel up mentally as the game went on.

[Obstructed_View]

hopefully, this was just a result of fatigue but if he plays more summer league, i sure hope he bounces back. the worst thing about last night was watching him shrivel up mentally as the game went on.
The only points he scored were during the comeback. His lone three cut the lead in half.

[koriwhat]

That dude was shitting it up with bad shot after bad shot and no dishing it out in between. Worthless this summer league and I don't know if you fix that type of ego going forward. I liked what I saw out of him at the end of the season but damn the past couple SL games have been shit with him in the line up.

[BacktoBasics]

That dude was shitting it up with bad shot after bad shot and no dishing it out in between. Worthless this summer league and I don't know if you fix that type of ego going forward. I liked what I saw out of him at the end of the season but damn the past couple SL games have been shit with him in the line up.

His last game was fine. Other than last night he’s had a good summer league. You also don’t know what the coaches were telling him. They left him in the game for a reason.

By your logic the last couple of games have been shit with Wemby in the line up.

At some point you need to grow up and act like an adult.

[objective]

Windhorst pod had a bit about a big Vegas party Saturday night put on by the union and Fanatics. Wemby was invited but turned it down to get rest for Sunday

I wonder if Branham and Champagnie were there, which would explain the bad night

[tonight...you]

That dude was shitting it up with bad shot after bad shot and no dishing it out in between. Worthless this summer league and I don't know if you fix that type of ego going forward. I liked what I saw out of him at the end of the season but damn the past couple SL games have been shit with him in the line up.
Dude. I... he had a terrible game, but he has not been shit this Summer League.
You truly watch nothing and nobody should pay attention to you and your takes.
And that's about it from me. Have a great life.

[BacktoBasics]

Dude. I... he had a terrible game, but he has not been shit this Summer League.
You truly watch nothing and nobody should pay attention to you and your takes.
And that's about it from me. Have a great life.

He comes here to talk shit and complain.

[tonight...you]

He comes here to talk shit and complain.
Yeah. I generally don't respond to crap, but I did and I ended it with declaration.
He can suck eggs. Terrible poster.

[HankChinaski]

Windhorst pod had a bit about a big Vegas party Saturday night put on by the union and Fanatics. Wemby was invited but turned it down to get rest for Sunday

I wonder if Branham and Champagnie were there, which would explain the bad night

My thoughts were these two must have hit the strip hard in Vegas especially at their age and fat wallets. Why I thought they played bad.

[Mr. Body]

My thoughts were these two must have hit the strip hard in Vegas especially at their age and fat wallets. Why I thought they played bad.

They were trying overly hard to get Victor going, it was very evident, and they couldn't get themselves back on track. It happens.

[HankChinaski]

They were trying overly hard to get Victor going, it was very evident, and they couldn't get themselves back on track. It happens.

I didn't get to watch the game. Only highlights. That actually makes sense.

[Mr. Body]

I didn't get to watch the game. Only highlights. That actually makes sense.

I felt like the whole team was nervous, really, then Victor settled in. Blake got back into it. Just never felt like Julian or Malaki got their heads back in the game.

[Obstructed_View]

My thoughts were these two must have hit the strip hard in Vegas especially at their age and fat wallets. Why I thought they played bad.

Having summer league in Vegas can also teach non-basketball lessons to young players.

[couchman]

The SL team has looked disjointed trying to figure out how to set up Wemby.
For one thing, the pace has slowed considerably to account for Wemby’s conditioning.
That has disrupted the things Bran and Champ we’re doing well in a faster paced gunslinging environment.
Still doesn’t excuse 1-17 sheesh, but shoot your way out of a slump I guess

[rascal]

Dude. I... he had a terrible game, but he has not been shit this Summer League.
You truly watch nothing and nobody should pay attention to you and your takes.
And that's about it from me. Have a great life.

Agree with this.

Branham hasn't looked bad outside of last game.

[onechance87]

The SL team has looked disjointed trying to figure out how to set up Wemby.
For one thing, the pace has slowed considerably to account for Wemby’s conditioning.
That has disrupted the things Bran and Champ we’re doing well in a faster paced gunslinging environment.
Still doesn’t excuse 1-17 sheesh, but shoot your way out of a slump I guess

All they needed to do is play a lil better making shots...thats why they lost...not because there were trying to get wemby involved...1 from 17 is terrible...champ
had a bad game as well

[tmtcsc]

For being such a prolific shooter, the arc on his jump shot appears very flat. I'm really not sure what the Spurs have in this guy. His game against Portland was borderline horrific.

[dbestpro]

My thoughts were these two must have hit the strip hard in Vegas especially at their age and fat wallets. Why I thought they played bad.

I used to hit the club in SA and remember Strickland, Mitchell, and Willis Reed (Hawks coach) one night were getting lit up after a game.

[koriwhat]

His last game was fine. Other than last night he’s had a good summer league. You also don’t know what the coaches were telling him. They left him in the game for a reason.

By your logic the last couple of games have been shit with Wemby in the line up.

At some point you need to grow up and act like an adult.

And you need to simply be a man and stfu already and kick rocks. You got your opinions and I got mine so fuck off you little bitch. :tu

[koriwhat]

Dude. I... he had a terrible game, but he has not been shit this Summer League.
You truly watch nothing and nobody should pay attention to you and your takes.
And that's about it from me. Have a great life.

Yeah bro I watch nothing but 4 summer league games recently. :lmao

He doesn't need you white knighting for him. His SL has been shit. Sorry if facts elude you but show me a good shot selection of his this SL. All I see is get to the rim, get blocked, or lose the dish out, forced into a block, or throw it away. :lol

[Mr. Body]

For being such a prolific shooter, the arc on his jump shot appears very flat. I'm really not sure what the Spurs have in this guy. His game against Portland was borderline horrific.

Yeah, they pretty much have to cut him due to that Portland game.

[BacktoBasics]

And you need to simply be a man and stfu already and kick rocks. You got your opinions and I got mine so fuck off you little bitch. :tu

You’re not here to share reasonable opinions and productive discussion. You’re hear to act out in a contrarian manner because there’s something missing from your real life… or you’re socially insecure and want the attention. Negative or otherwise.

Almost everything you say is negative and resides on the far end of the spectrum.

You could legit have Asperger’s or Autism but I’d put my money more on narcissism.

[koriwhat]

You’re not here to share reasonable opinions and productive discussion. You’re hear to act out in a contrarian manner because there’s something missing from your real life… or you’re socially insecure and want the attention. Negative or otherwise.

Almost everything you say is negative and resides on the far end of the spectrum.

You could legit have Asperger’s or Autism but I’d put my money more on narcissism.

Your assumptions are full of shit just like you B2B. You're such a fucking idiot you arm chair therapist. :lmao

You got all this just because I said Branham has been shitting the bed this SL? :lmao

Why haven't you asked if I like him as a prospect or if I want him off the team? It would crush all your bs assumptions if you did ask you stupid fuck.

Whatever you say Corky. :tu

[BacktoBasics]

Your assumptions are full of shit just like you B2B. You're such a fucking idiot you arm chair therapist. :lmao

You got all this just because I said Branham has been shitting the bed this SL? :lmao

Why haven't you asked if I like him as a prospect or if I want him off the team? It would crush all your bs assumptions if you did ask you stupid fuck.

Whatever you say Corky. :tu

I’ve read a bunch of your posts. The fact that you would argue against my assessment by stating it’s about one single post of yours shows the very narcissistic behavior I’m referring to.

You’re more interested in pigeonholing an argument with a lie simply to be right than you are being honest.

You’re a clown on the internet that no one here appreciates. That should tell you something. Well, a normal person would take it into consideration. A narcissist just blames everyone else like you do.

[koriwhat]

I’ve read a bunch of your posts. The fact that you would argue against my assessment by stating it’s about one single post of yours shows the very narcissistic behavior I’m referring to.

You’re more interested in pigeonholing an argument with a lie simply to be right than you are being honest.

You’re a clown on the internet that no one here appreciates. That should tell you something. Well, a normal person would take it into consideration. A narcissist just blames everyone else like you do.

You're so long winded over your feefee's you fucking pussy.

Bro I like Branham and I'm sure he could take a critique unlike your bitch ass. Cry more puto! :cry

The tale of all tales... "that no one here appreciates", I didn't ask to be appreciated here and especially not by males who are nothing more than bitch ass pussies like yourself B2B. :tu

[tonight...you]

I’ve read a bunch of your posts. The fact that you would argue against my assessment by stating it’s about one single post of yours shows the very narcissistic behavior I’m referring to.

You’re more interested in pigeonholing an argument with a lie simply to be right than you are being honest.

You’re a clown on the internet that no one here appreciates. That should tell you something. Well, a normal person would take it into consideration. A narcissist just blames everyone else like you do.
That dude needs to be ignored into oblivion.
Less people that engage, the better.
He's going to get nothing from me. He doesn't deserve my energy.

[BatManu20]

It appears the reports of Branham’s death were greatly exaggerated.

1678984846918537216

[Obstructed_View]

Good for you, Mal. Looked like a fuckin assassin out there.

Eventually.

[LeBowen]

https://twitter.com/NBA_University/status/1747283885736481217

Amazing.

[CGD]

^ Also, remember when people wanted to give Reaves a stupid huge bag?

[The Truth #6]

Branham. I'm not saying to bench him completely but I would give some of his minutes to Blake at this point. He needs some motivation.

[Mr. Body]

A lot of ST favorites on that list.

To me, playing Branham as a lead guard is a mess. He can't guard the point of attack and it doesn't play to his offensive skills.

[RC_Drunkford]

it was pretty clear that Branham and Collins hurt our defense a lot, cause it got way better once they were replaced by Wesley and Barlow, who basically can't do shit but defend.

[ambchang]

Spurstalk reactions when seeing the list:

1. Branham - Told you he sucks.
2. Reaves - Aberration, and his high offensive IQ offsets it. Spurs should still have given him an offer sheet.
5. Wiseman - We knew he sucked
10. Mathurin - we should trade Vassell for him. Total disaster PATFO didn't trade up to get him but instead got some guy who shoots FTs with one hand.
15. K. George - He is the guy we should've traded up to get last year.
17. McDermott - Told you he sucks.
18. Payne - Him is a HUGE upgrade from Jones.

[spurraider21]

Spurstalk reactions when seeing the list:

1. Branham - Told you he sucks.
2. Reaves - Aberration, and his high offensive IQ offsets it. Spurs should still have given him an offer sheet.
5. Wiseman - We knew he sucked
10. Mathurin - we should trade Vassell for him. Total disaster PATFO didn't trade up to get him but instead got some guy who shoots FTs with one hand.
15. K. George - He is the guy we should've traded up to get last year.
17. McDermott - Told you he sucks.
18. Payne - Him is a HUGE upgrade from Jones.
based and true

[Kevin]

Bran also 7th worst in TS% according to NBA University account. Sucks on defense inefficient on offense.

[exstatic]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lowest True Shooting % (minimum 250 FGA)<br><br>1. Scoot Henderson—45.3%<br>2. Killian Hayes—46.1%<br>3. Jaden Hardy—48.6%<br>4. Andrew Wiggins—49.5%<br>5. Ausar Thompson—50.0%<br>6. David Roddy—50.6%<br>7. Horton-Tucker/Branham—50.8%<br>9. Russell Westbrook—51.6%<br>10. Vucevic/Sochan—51.8%<br><br>Poor Efficiency <a href="https://t.co/NJmCKzpYBL">pic.twitter.com/NJmCKzpYBL</a></p>— NBA University (@NBA_University) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA_University/status/1747346794235740570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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[baseline bum]

Still can't believe he lets his man shoot 57% against him.

[TheGreatYacht]

Huge credit to this guy for responding to his benching the way he has. Haven’t seen the numbers but his 3p shot has felt like it’s going in every time the last couple of weeks. Never been fond of him but he’s looked great and sent a statement in his first start

[Raven]

still far from a finished product, but clearly getting better at everything

[rjv]

His defense is still atrocious though but he’s showing up on the offensive side of the ball.

[heyheymymy]

looks like he turned a corner these past few weeks

[heyheymymy]

Bran is still well within his timeline too

people were expecting too much too soon

[spurraider21]

Nice stretch for him offensively

[slick'81]

We know dude can score

[intlspurshk]

Good game but Spurs should still look for opportunities to trade him for a FRP

[Mr. Body]

OMGAZZZZ they were working on a lot of shit and you didn't even realize! WTF that's astonishing!

[RC_Drunkford]

His defense against the Pacers was actually decent. He guarded Haliburton well in the first half.

[The Truth #6]

Yeah, he seemed to stay home on his man instead of collapsing in the paint like everyone used to do.

[r0drig0lac]

https://twitter.com/Josh810/status/1764526781111980439

[John B]

https://twitter.com/Josh810/status/1764526781111980439

Lol that’s funny

[spurraider21]

His defense against the Pacers was actually decent. He guarded Haliburton well in the first half.
he had some moments very early in the season where his point of attack defense was actually strong and both chinook and i saw and gave him props for that. but that basically never happened again until the pacers game. yeah, he had a few moments where hali couldnt shake him and kept getting redirected.

i also think haliburton is playing hurt and just trying to reach the 65 game qualifier tbh :lol

[Knoxxx]

His defense against the Pacers was actually decent. He guarded Haliburton well in the first half.

He also had some credible moments where he was able to stay in front of SGA. Unlike Champagnie who looked completely outmatched.

[spurraider21]

He also had some credible moments where he was able to stay in front of SGA. Unlike Champagnie who looked completely outmatched.
everything about champagnie still seems hypothetical. he's theoretically a good enough athlete to apply rim pressure. he's theoretically a good enough athlete to be a good defender. he's theoretically a good enough shooter to be a floor spacing specialist.

but overall its been a disappointing year for him because he hasnt excelled at any of those things, let alone developing in all of them. his contract makes it easy for him to stick around, esp with light competition at the position (its just him and keldon rn)

[Mugen]

His defense against the Pacers was actually decent. He guarded Haliburton well in the first half.

Haliburton is playing on an injured hamstring, wouldn't read too much into Malak's defense of him tbh :lol

[The Truth #6]

At least his offense was assertive, and I think that motivates him to try a little more on defense. He's taking the ball to the rim. Fairly strong bouncing off contact, which is something Lonnie Walker could never do, so I think he's better than that for sure, but he won't stay in the league if he has months on end of being passive. So it's up to him to increase his energy and motivation. Fingers crossed.

[Mugen]

Couple more solid games from Malaki and I'm sure Pop will put him back at point or have him defend the other team's best player :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

I didn't know Haliburton was injured, but something seemed wrong when he put up 0 points in the game before. Branham has a good wingspan and should be able to guard people, he's just not as engaged a lot of times. Apparently Pop talked to him and told him that he has to step up (Pop, Victor and other players talked about it in interviews). Good to see he responded well.

[Dverde]

It’s all fake hustle, he’ll slump back to his normal habits soon. I actually believe Blake Wesley has turned the corner on being a productive player for the Spurs.

[onechance87]

It’s all fake hustle, he’ll slump back to his normal habits soon. I actually believe Blake Wesley has turned the corner on being a productive player for the Spurs.

i dont believe it either,Hes also getting alot of easy shots

[z0sa]

The problem isn't that Branham is the worst player ever (though he looks like it when he's off, which has been often) -- it's that there's just so much better you could do with that starting SG/PG slot. Branham is only playing because we suck balls, in other words. He wouldn't get time on the vast majority of the teams in this league, including off the bench.

[Atl Spur]

It’s year two…. Give it some time fellas.

[onechance87]

It’s year two…. Give it some time fellas.

how much time

[Atl Spur]

Considering his age, you should probably wait until his fourth year before pulling the plug unless year three tells the tale. He’s an asset at this point…

[TheGreatYacht]

Yeah it’s time to start him the remaining 20 games. Champagnie is the worst starter in the entire league. He has absolutely zero business getting playing time over Sidy.

Malaki’s good shooting form continues

[Mr. Body]

Lot of usual junk takes in here.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

everything about champagnie still seems hypothetical. he's theoretically a good enough athlete to apply rim pressure. he's theoretically a good enough athlete to be a good defender. he's theoretically a good enough shooter to be a floor spacing specialist.

but overall its been a disappointing year for him because he hasnt excelled at any of those things, let alone developing in all of them. his contract makes it easy for him to stick around, esp with light competition at the position (its just him and keldon rn)

I imagine they spend most of their effort on getting Wemby and Vassell integrated into the offense based on recent results. Jones and Sochan are basically doing the same stuff sometimes better. Johnson, Osman, Branham, Wesley, and Barlow take baby steps if at all as a unit and individually.

i think the idea with Champagnie is just get him NBA minutes and several hours of tape to break down and work on in the offseason. if he doesn't improve significantly next year then he is unlikely to improve much at all. that dude has a huge opportunity.

[KobesAchilles]

Considering his age, you should probably wait until his fourth year before pulling the plug unless year three tells the tale. He’s an asset at this point…
Yeah but we will have chosen 6 new rookies by the time his 4th year is over if we keep all our FRPs. Everyone that is saying to give Branham time and then are simultaneously against trading our FRPs for all star talent are the ones who need to choose a lane

[spurraider21]

I imagine they spend most of their effort on getting Wemby and Vassell integrated into the offense based on recent results. Jones and Sochan are basically doing the same stuff sometimes better. Johnson, Osman, Branham, Wesley, and Barlow take baby steps if at all as a unit and individually.

i think the idea with Champagnie is just get him NBA minutes and several hours of tape to break down and work on in the offseason. if he doesn't improve significantly next year then he is unlikely to improve much at all. that dude has a huge opportunity.
he's now below 36% from 3 as well for the season. he's also below 50% from 2, and a vast majority of his 2 point shots come within 3 feet of the rim.

he's already had a pretty big opportunity. was basically granted a starting spot, the only competing shooter at his position was traded at the deadline, and on a team with no real expectations. if he couldnt even put up empty numbers in this situation, its pretty concerning for his outlook. he'll also be 23 at the start of next season

[FuzzyLumpkins]

he's now below 36% from 3 as well for the season. he's also below 50% from 2, and a vast majority of his 2 point shots come within 3 feet of the rim.

he's already had a pretty big opportunity. was basically granted a starting spot, the only competing shooter at his position was traded at the deadline, and on a team with no real expectations. if he couldnt even put up empty numbers in this situation, its pretty concerning for his outlook. he'll also be 23 at the start of next season

Obvious placeholder is obvious. He is a bench player and will go back to the bench hopefully next season. I don't see the need to get alarmed about a young player fading at the end of a season either.

he now has an excellent knowledgebase to work on his NBA game that he has never had before. hopefully, he works his ass off and improves and if not we lose what exactly? Our starting SF? :lol

[Atl Spur]

Yeah but we will have chosen 6 new rookies by the time his 4th year is over if we keep all our FRPs. Everyone that is saying to give Branham time and then are simultaneously against trading our FRPs for all star talent are the ones who need to choose a lane

Two things can be true... trade some assets being players , picks or a mixture of both. I myself would trade for young ( give Atlanta all their picks back + Charlotte pick + Boston pick swap+ Keldon + Tre Jones + Graham ), use all my draft capital this year ( leave at least one prospect overseas if not two ), sign Bey and Hartenstein in free agency. Starting lineup : Young, Vassell, Bey, Sochan, Wemby ( Sub in IH if the opposition decides to go big body )

[T Park]

how much time

the kid is freaking 21, you give him more than a year..... I can't believe shit like this has to be actually said.....

[KobesAchilles]

Two things can be true... trade some assets being players , picks or a mixture of both. I myself would trade for young ( give Atlanta all their picks back + Charlotte pick + Boston pick swap+ Keldon + Tre Jones + Graham ), use all my draft capital this year ( leave at least one prospect overseas if not two ), sign Bey and Hartenstein in free agency. Starting lineup : Young, Vassell, Bey, Sochan, Wemby ( Sub in IH if the opposition decides to go big body )
No there's a contingent of poster who want BOTH to be patient with Branham AND not to trade any of our picks for veteran allstar players. It's a ridiculous stance to take. You either have to be patient AND make a trade or make no trade and NOT be patient. There is no inbetween due to the number of picks we have.

I also want Young. That would be nice to have imo because he brings alot of things that we desperately need. I would give the Hawks their picks back too. Basically it would be a Murray for Young trade and I'm fine with that trade.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

No there's a contingent of poster who want BOTH to be patient with Branham AND not to trade any of our picks for veteran allstar players. It's a ridiculous stance to take. You either have to be patient AND make a trade or make no trade and NOT be patient. There is no inbetween due to the number of picks we have.

I also want Young. That would be nice to have imo because he brings alot of things that we desperately need. I would give the Hawks their picks back too. Basically it would be a Murray for Young trade and I'm fine with that trade.

It's not so binary. For those of us the be patient camp, they don't have to trade picks for vets/all stars. They can also trade for more future picks and push them down the road. Once contract extensions start kicking in, they are going to need to replenish the coffers through young/cheap talent to stay competitive and not commit salary cap suicide.

[Atl Spur]

No there's a contingent of poster who want BOTH to be patient with Branham AND not to trade any of our picks for veteran allstar players. It's a ridiculous stance to take. You either have to be patient AND make a trade or make no trade and NOT be patient. There is no inbetween due to the number of picks we have.

I also want Young. That would be nice to have imo because he brings alot of things that we desperately need. I would give the Hawks their picks back too. Basically it would be a Murray for Young trade and I'm fine with that trade.

Gotcha

[itzsoweezee]

the kid is freaking 21, you give him more than a year..... I can't believe shit like this has to be actually said.....

You do understand that this is his second year, right? He’s not a rookie. He can have as much time as he wants as a 9th man. His current role is way too big for him until he can prove he is actually an nba level player.

[KobesAchilles]

It's not so binary. For those of us the be patient camp, they don't have to trade picks for vets/all stars. They can also trade for more future picks and push them down the road. Once contract extensions start kicking in, they are going to need to replenish the coffers through young/cheap talent to stay competitive and not commit salary cap suicide.
The only way to be in salary suicide is the continuous cycle of signing bad players to contracts they don’t deserve and years that aren’t needed. Like Collins or KJ and potentially Vassell and Sochan. It’s almost impossible to be in cap salary suicide by signing vets or trading for one. Mainly bc the amount of years left on their salary won’t match up Vassell or KJs. It will be less years. Add on top that We won’t pay Victor for another 4 years and it’s hard to be in cap hell.

[ambchang]

How in the world is Keldons contract bad?

[John B]

Malaki has responded to his coach’s benching him and nonchalant criticism of him, with almost double-digit every night capping it with 20 pts last outing. He got a knack at scoring and playing well when aggressive, but at times he’s “too nice” and has tendencies to disappear when not poked. Wesley is much aggressive, if only he got Malaki’s offensive talent

[sfernald]

Branham has looked better the past few games, like I actually had expected him to play. It might be a case of too little too late. We can’t take a risk with this type of player next year. We need to trade for someone better and more reliable and let the Wizards or Blazers take the time to develop his ilk.

[Atl Spur]

Branham has looked better the past few games, like I actually had expected him to play. It might be a case of too little too late. We can’t take a risk with this type of player next year. We need to trade for someone better and more reliable and let the Wizards or Blazers take the time to develop his ilk.

Mistake. He will be a very valuable bench piece over the next couple of years as you build a contender

[sfernald]

Mistake. He will be a very valuable bench piece over the next couple of years as you build a contender

Maybe, but I need to see more. At least he needs to keep this up through the end of the season.

[Truckules]

How in the world is Keldons contract bad?

Yeah, that's completely wrong. The last two years of that contract will be around 10-11% of the cap.

[KobesAchilles]

Yeah, that's completely wrong. The last two years of that contract will be around 10-11% of the cap.
Bc you can get similar impact from a bench player for a cheaper amount.

[Russ]

the kid is freaking 21, you give him more than a year..... I can't believe shit like this has to be actually said.....



You do understand that this is his second year, right? He’s not a rookie. He can have as much time as he wants as a 9th man. His current role is way too big for him until he can prove he is actually an nba level player.


Branham will still only be 20 (not 21) at the end of the Spurs season this year. (Younger than some of the guys being discussed as draft targets this year.)

[Raven]

Branham has looked better the past few games, like I actually had expected him to play. It might be a case of too little too late. We can’t take a risk with this type of player next year. We need to trade for someone better and more reliable and let the Wizards or Blazers take the time to develop his ilk.
welp..

[Atl Spur]

Maybe, but I need to see more. At least he needs to keep this up through the end of the season.

If you say so……how’s ol’ Johnny Davis doing in Washington? Brother try to be reasonable & rational:)

[TimmyBuckets]

I know I keep yapping about Trae in every thread, but considering how well MB has been playing, I think there's a potential concern for him to be included in a trade for Trae. Picks+KJ+Devonte/MB would be a likely deal IMO, and I honestly hope Devonte or Wesley are in that package instead of MB. I think he has his moments and he can be smooth on the court with his movements and his shot. I'd much rather keep him over Devonte or Wesley.

[T Park]

You do understand that this is his second year, right? He’s not a rookie. He can have as much time as he wants as a 9th man. His current role is way too big for him until he can prove he is actually an nba level player.

his current role as, 7th or 8th?



uh ok

[T Park]

Branham will still only be 20 (not 21) at the end of the Spurs season this year. (Younger than some of the guys being discussed as draft targets this year.)

exactly. hes only 20. the rush to declare players "who they are" and "peaked" is absolutely absurd.

[itzsoweezee]

his current role as, 7th or 8th?



uh ok

I’ll make it very clear:branham should average between 10 to 15 minutes a game, not the more than 20 minutes he plays right now.

[itzsoweezee]

I know I keep yapping about Trae in every thread, but considering how well MB has been playing, I think there's a potential concern for him to be included in a trade for Trae. Picks+KJ+Devonte/MB would be a likely deal IMO, and I honestly hope Devonte or Wesley are in that package instead of MB. I think he has his moments and he can be smooth on the court with his movements and his shot. I'd much rather keep him over Devonte or Wesley.

Absurd. He’s not even a good basketball player. He’s terrible. Maybe he’ll be decent one day, but so could Graham and Wesley. Any of these guys are fine as trade bait.

[TimmyBuckets]

No there's a contingent of poster who want BOTH to be patient with Branham AND not to trade any of our picks for veteran allstar players. It's a ridiculous stance to take. You either have to be patient AND make a trade or make no trade and NOT be patient. There is no inbetween due to the number of picks we have.

I also want Young. That would be nice to have imo because he brings alot of things that we desperately need. I would give the Hawks their picks back too. Basically it would be a Murray for Young trade and I'm fine with that trade.

Bingo. It would basically be getting rid of Murray+KJ for Young and Wemby.

[sfernald]

If you say so……how’s ol’ Johnny Davis doing in Washington? Brother try to be reasonable & rational:)

I mean that’s very true. There’s worse out there MUCH worse. I really think Brandan has talent and I always loved his smooth buttery mid game. Now that he’s making threes let’s make him a starter ahead of Champ. We need to find the best possible five that we got that works with Wemby. As they said in “Starship Troopers” I wanna see more.

[Atl Spur]

I mean that’s very true. There’s worse out there MUCH worse. I really think Brandan has talent and I always loved his smooth buttery mid game. Now that he’s making threes let’s make him a starter ahead of Champ. We need to find the best possible five that we got that works with Wemby. As they said in “Starship Troopers” I wanna see more.

He reminds me of a Bradley Beal type scorer. Once his game iq increases look out! Defense ain’t looking too shabby these days ( not great by any stretch )

[TheGreatYacht]

Another great game. 5/5 from three. I have to give credit to our shooting coach for what he’s done with Vic and Branham the last month

[Mr. Body]

He's becoming a real weapon off the bench and there's still room to go. He's just launching from deep, no hesitation, and he's vastly improved over just a year ago there. Finding ways to impact the stat sheet even beyond shooting. He's not a complete wreck on defense. More to go there, too. Kid's only twenty, still? Won't turn 21 until the end of the season. Great work, Malaki.

[Tyronn Lue]

Absurd. He’s not even a good basketball player. He’s terrible. Maybe he’ll be decent one day, but so could Graham and Wesley. Any of these guys are fine as trade bait.
On an NBA competition level you're right. You never know what these guys will end up doing though. There's too many examples of seemingly terrible players who one day weren't terrible.

[Mr. Body]

Some of these takes are just eating wood right now.

[Atl Spur]

That bbiq or lack there of are the growing pains I referenced above:( ughh. Productive loss none the less

[Atl Spur]

Some of these takes are just eating wood right now.

Par the course….

[spurraider21]

He’s apparently become a knockdown 3 point shooter overnight and as a result has been more confident. Confidence and hot shooting tend to go well

[JPB]

Some of these takes are just eating wood right now.


Par the course….

After a couple decent games guys, really? :lol

He had a few last season too like 1896468169987 players in NBA history. that's not the point, which is that that roster Pop wants to "develop" is filled with furutre non elite role players at best, and I'm not sure in what Pop believes (or has the pretention to believe) he can develop into...

Pop didn't make Tim, Dave, TP or Manu. they were uber talented/gifted players he just put in a right system. ... Sure these kids will necessarily improve, like any of us would playing and training 82 NBA games, bone of the current kids have a quarter of the potential talent and BBIQ the former ones had... Still and somehow we should trust and be happy seeing a 75 old coach spend the next 4 years producing a bunch of future bench, spot up minutes guys who have no chance to start on a contender... Have we lowered ou standards and expectations that low that "we" should flex and call out everyone because Malaki Freaking Branham is making a few 3s and starting to understand there's 4 other guys on a BB court?

he's not gonna be a star in this league. Nor will Blake, nor will Sochan, nor will Keldon, nor will Tre, (nor will Primo, nor will Lonnie, nor will Samanich) nor will Vassel (who would be the closest to that). What's the point spending the next 3 years developing these guys? What does it lead to?

Besides Wemby who fell from the sky, spurs haven't drafted a real, potential star in ages...but still should trust it to build a contender... Hell, they certainly didn't expect TP and Manu to be that good and Dave and Tim were also given to them... So you could argue PATFO never really found a star by themselves...

[exstatic]

He’s apparently become a knockdown 3 point shooter overnight and as a result has been more confident. Confidence and hot shooting tend to go well

He was always going to be a good shooter. He and Vassel were very similar in college, 40-41% from 3, 80+% FTs. It’s just a matter of adjusting to the farther distance, and the better closeouts.

[exstatic]

After a couple decent games guys, really? :lol

He had a few last season too like 1896468169987 players in NBA history. that's not the point, which is that that roster Pop wants to "develop" is filled with furutre non elite role players at best, and I'm not sure in what Pop believes (or has the pretention to believe) he can develop into...

Pop didn't make Tim, Dave, TP or Manu. they were uber talented/gifted players he just put in a right system. ... Sure these kids will necessarily improve, like any of us would playing and training 82 NBA games, bone of the current kids have a quarter of the potential talent and BBIQ the former ones had... Still and somehow we should trust and be happy seeing a 75 old coach spend the next 4 years producing a bunch of future bench, spot up minutes guys who have no chance to start on a contender... Have we lowered ou standards and expectations that low that "we" should flex and call out everyone because Malaki Freaking Branham is making a few 3s and starting to understand there's 4 other guys on a BB court?

he's not gonna be a star in this league. Nor will Blake, nor will Sochan, nor will Keldon, nor will Tre, (nor will Primo, nor will Lonnie, nor will Samanich) nor will Vassel (who would be the closest to that). What's the point spending the next 3 years developing these guys? What does it lead to?

Besides Wemby who fell from the sky, spurs haven't drafted a real, potential star in ages...but still should trust it ti build a contender. Hell, they certainly didn't expect TP and Manu to be that good and Dave and Tim were also given to them... So you could argue PATFO never really found a star by themselves...

It’s not been games, it’s been WEEKS. Started on Valentines Day, and the only break was one game of 0-1.

I know you hate him. Your screeds can’t be described as anything else. It’s hard to walk back a position, but you might want to consider it. Pretty sure Malaki has found his NBA stroke.

Oh, and the bolded sections seem to contradict. Pop didn’t make them, but no one thought they’d be as good? Seems to be an inconsistency. At this point, you’re just flailing and thrashing around.

[Mr. Body]

After a couple decent games guys, really? :lol

He had a few last season too like 1896468169987 players in NBA history. that's not the point, which is that that roster Pop wants to "develop" is filled with furutre non elite role players at best, and I'm not sure in what Pop believes (or has the pretention to believe) he can develop into...

Pop didn't make Tim, Dave, TP or Manu. they were uber talented/gifted players he just put in a right system. ... Sure these kids will necessarily improve, like any of us would playing and training 82 NBA games, bone of the current kids have a quarter of the potential talent and BBIQ the former ones had... Still and somehow we should trust and be happy seeing a 75 old coach spend the next 4 years producing a bunch of future bench, spot up minutes guys who have no chance to start on a contender... Have we lowered ou standards and expectations that low that "we" should flex and call out everyone because Malaki Freaking Branham is making a few 3s and starting to understand there's 4 other guys on a BB court?

he's not gonna be a star in this league. Nor will Blake, nor will Sochan, nor will Keldon, nor will Tre, (nor will Primo, nor will Lonnie, nor will Samanich) nor will Vassel (who would be the closest to that). What's the point spending the next 3 years developing these guys? What does it lead to?

Besides Wemby who fell from the sky, spurs haven't drafted a real, potential star in ages...but still should trust it to build a contender... Hell, they certainly didn't expect TP and Manu to be that good and Dave and Tim were also given to them... So you could argue PATFO never really found a star by themselves...

Popovich developed Kawhi, developed George Hill, developed Danny Green, Dejounte Murray, sure as fuck developed Tony Parker.

Sorry, don't take this personally, but these posts are whiny dogshit.

[rankingtear]

After a couple decent games guys, really? :lol

He had a few last season too like 1896468169987 players in NBA history. that's not the point, which is that that roster Pop wants to "develop" is filled with furutre non elite role players at best, and I'm not sure in what Pop believes (or has the pretention to believe) he can develop into...

Pop didn't make Tim, Dave, TP or Manu. they were uber talented/gifted players he just put in a right system. ... Sure these kids will necessarily improve, like any of us would playing and training 82 NBA games, bone of the current kids have a quarter of the potential talent and BBIQ the former ones had... Still and somehow we should trust and be happy seeing a 75 old coach spend the next 4 years producing a bunch of future bench, spot up minutes guys who have no chance to start on a contender... Have we lowered ou standards and expectations that low that "we" should flex and call out everyone because Malaki Freaking Branham is making a few 3s and starting to understand there's 4 other guys on a BB court?

he's not gonna be a star in this league. Nor will Blake, nor will Sochan, nor will Keldon, nor will Tre, (nor will Primo, nor will Lonnie, nor will Samanich) nor will Vassel (who would be the closest to that). What's the point spending the next 3 years developing these guys? What does it lead to?

Besides Wemby who fell from the sky, spurs haven't drafted a real, potential star in ages...but still should trust it to build a contender... Hell, they certainly didn't expect TP and Manu to be that good and Dave and Tim were also given to them... So you could argue PATFO never really found a star by themselves...

It is laughable to think the PATFO that sustained a 20 year contending window won't be able to build a contender. GM stumbles to building contenders all the time. MIL went 0 for on their lottery picks, fucked up Giannis shot and still somehow won a chip because they gave reps to this older second round pick who was a throw in. What they did to constantly retool without capspace, market or good picks is near impossible.

[sfernald]

It is laughable to think the PATFO that sustained a 20 year contending window won't be able to build a contender. GM stumbles to building contenders all the time. MIL went 0 for on their lottery picks, fucked up Giannis shot and still somehow won a chip because they gave reps to this older second round pick who was a throw in. What they did to constantly retool without capspace, market or good picks is near impossible.

I think Milwaukee with Giannis is our best comp. We should learn as many lessons from them as we can. Do what they did right. They go after every single player on the market that fits their criteria and they can afford. But we need to urgently avoid their mistakes. They have absolutely no resources to improve their roster at this point and they’ve burned through three coaches in a year, yikes.

[Russ]

I think Milwaukee with Giannis is our best comp. We should learn as many lessons from them as we can. Do what they did right. They go after every single player on the market that fits their criteria and they can afford. But we need to urgently avoid their mistakes. They have absolutely no resources to improve their roster at this point and they’ve burned through three coaches in a year, yikes.

Hire Coach Bud?


But we need to urgently avoid their mistakes.

Then don't fire Coach Bud?

[sfernald]

Hire Coach Bud?



Then don't fire Coach Bud?

I personally thought they gave up on Coach Bud too soon. He did win them a championship after all. But that’s the life of a coach on a contender I guess. I think coach Bud would be a great fit on this team to replace Pop one day actually. I think trading for Lillard will end up being a mistake too but we will see.

[Atl Spur]

This isn’t rocket science! The kid has an nba skill set that just needs time to cultivate; we’ve seen it before with this organization. Devin starts and Malaki comes off the bench sustaining pressure on the opposition.

[Ariel]

He was always going to be a good shooter. He and Vassel were very similar in college, 40-41% from 3, 80+% FTs. It’s just a matter of adjusting to the farther distance, and the better closeouts.
Malaki hitting 3s consistently (and not just open looks) is the skill he can't afford not to have to be a viable NBA player going forward, I was counting on this when I wanted the Spurs to pick him at 20 in the '22 NBA draft, but it's taken him way longer to get there (league average) than I figured. If he can improve on that and becomes a high level 3 pt shooter with (at least) defensive effort and some awareness then he already becomes a legit rotation player (and not a prospect) who can still work on the rest of his game as time goes on, That is going to be huge for him to avoid falling victim of the roster crunch that will inevitably come in the next year or two. He's still 20 so it was always too early to give up on him, along with Wesley (who has also shown significant improvement, even more so than Branham I'd say) they'll probably get to spend the rest of their rookie contract years with the team, if even one of them pans out that's already a success.

[Atl Spur]

Blake is growing on me:) He has a lot of work to do but doesn’t seem to mind doing it. May end up being a faster Marcus Smart type= win for us. Tre Jones days are numbered.

[DAF86]

If I were Pop I would start Branham and give him 35 mins a night untill the end of the season. Let's see if he can develop into the next tier.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If I were Pop I would start Branham and give him 35 mins a night untill the end of the season. Let's see if he can develop into the next tier.

If I were Pop I would not hand him anything after a couple weeks of good games and keep him where he is at hungry as hell and improving.

[DAF86]

If I were Pop I would not hand him anything after a couple weeks of good games and keep him where he is at hungry as hell and improving.

You wouldn't be "handing him" anything, you would be testing him, tbh. This is how development works: the player shows improvement, you give him more playing time and responsabilities to see if he can deal with it.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

You wouldn't be "handing him" anything, you would be testing him, tbh. This is how development works: the player shows improvement, you give him more playing time and responsabilities to see if he can deal with it.

you'd be handing him the most minutes on the team.

'testing' him for what exactly that is not already testable when the status quo is working extremely well?

[Mr. Body]

Malaki is doing what I hoped he'd be doing.

Starting to bang threes. And not thinking about it.

Starting to impact the score sheet other than shots. He's getting boards and assists.

Starting to not be a disaster on defense. This is getting better.

I really like what I see.

[exstatic]

Malaki hitting 3s consistently (and not just open looks) is the skill he can't afford not to have to be a viable NBA player going forward, I was counting on this when I wanted the Spurs to pick him at 20 in the '22 NBA draft, but it's taken him way longer to get there (league average) than I figured. If he can improve on that and becomes a high level 3 pt shooter with (at least) defensive effort and some awareness then he already becomes a legit rotation player (and not a prospect) who can still work on the rest of his game as time goes on, That is going to be huge for him to avoid falling victim of the roster crunch that will inevitably come in the next year or two. He's still 20 so it was always too early to give up on him, along with Wesley (who has also shown significant improvement, even more so than Branham I'd say) they'll probably get to spend the rest of their rookie contract years with the team, if even one of them pans out that's already a success.

His rookie year was kinda choppy, but a 35% in year two, he’s pretty much on the Vassell track.

[RC_Drunkford]

Y‘all can bitch about Branham, Wesley and Sochan next season. Year 2 is never easy for draft picks, but in year 3 you expect to see a huge leap. If not, then all that complaining would actually be justified.

[DAF86]

you'd be handing him the most minutes on the team.

'testing' him for what exactly that is not already testable when the status quo is working extremely well?

Let's say you start him and give him starter's minutes, and the kid shows he can start putting up 20+ pts consistently. You don't see any benefit in that?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Let's say you start him and give him starter's minutes, and the kid shows he can start putting up 20+ pts consistently. You don't see any benefit in that?

now consider the downside and stop pretending it is all roses.

[TD 21]

I don't know why apologists and homers resort to this hypocrisy of not writing off players too soon, but then acting like they've turned a corner because of small sample size theater.

We've seen this countless times over the years where people think Spurs prospect X who can't shoot suddenly can only for them to regress again in short order.

I know he was supposed to be at least a decent shooter, but I'm not patting him or the front office on the back because he finally showed signs of being more than a replacement player.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I don't know why apologists and homers resort to this hypocrisy of not writing off players too soon, but then acting like they've turned a corner because of small sample size theater.

We've seen this countless times over the years where people think Spurs prospect X who can't shoot suddenly can only for them to regress again in short order.

I know he was supposed to be at least a decent shooter, but I'm not patting him or the front office on the back because he finally showed signs of being more than a replacement player.

:lol don't be a hypocrite and agree with me! players always regress and disappoint you!

[z0sa]

Checking in to eat (a small amount of) crow - Malaki has been above average for this stretch post ASB. I can live with the last turnover of the Kings game if he's going to be Dougie McBuckets 2.0, only cheaper and (hopefully) more loyal to the Spurs. Something like that IS a growing pain type of play. Just sucking like he did pre ASB (and getting benched) are what most of us were rightfully referencing. Hoping he keeps this up and I'll be glad to move over to his bandwagon. We desperately need some hot shooting on this team.

[spurraider21]

branham's midrange pullup game becomes a lot more valuable if its part of his arsenal to counter aggressive closeouts, rather than being his primary mode of offense.

[John B]

His problem is being “nonchalant” and hopefully Pop doesn’t need to poke him everytime to wake him up.

[DAF86]

now consider the downside and stop pretending it is all roses.

What would be the downside? He can't handle the job and he remains a borderline rotation player like he is now? :lol

For someone that sounds so secure of himself, you make quite the irrelevant points sometimes. :lol

[FuzzyLumpkins]

What would be the downside? He can't handle the job and he remains a borderline rotation player like he is now? :lol

For someone that sounds so secure of himself, you make quite the irrelevant points sometimes. :lol

So arresting a player's development is irrelevant. Talk about a stupid take.

[Atl Spur]

Checking in to eat (a small amount of) crow - Malaki has been above average for this stretch post ASB. I can live with the last turnover of the Kings game if he's going to be Dougie McBuckets 2.0, only cheaper and (hopefully) more loyal to the Spurs. Something like that IS a growing pain type of play. Just sucking like he did pre ASB (and getting benched) are what most of us were rightfully referencing. Hoping he keeps this up and I'll be glad to move over to his bandwagon. We desperately need some hot shooting on this team.

Nice humility displayed by you sir! MB is trending back in the right direction:)

[DAF86]

So arresting a player's development is irrelevant. Talk about a stupid take.

You do realize that giving someone more playing time and chances is the complete opposite of "arresting" their development, right? :lol

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Why would you be "arresting" anyone's development by giving him more chances on a season without pressure to win? :lol

Change his role and lineup plus give him a start that he has not earned. What could go wrong?

You are just fanboing and don't know much about development. Thankfully, Pop is one of the best ever.

[Raven]

i love seeing him improve, but let's admit it, he has a long way to go.

[rascal]

He was the 20th pick, some struggles should have been expected.

Hopefully he continues showing signs of life because he was headed off the team with his earlier play.

[John B]

Malaki has a knack for scoring but it’s attitude is the problem. I wonder if the Spurs are still boxing as a form of conditioning. I think that helped also with staying aggressive. Being too nice and deferring. Derrick had the same problem before, and Dejounte being ultra competitive overshadowed Derrick early, despite being the better all-around point guard, which shows now in Boston with his winning style. Malaki could take a page from Derrick. I also mentioned Rip Hamilton before how he continously moved to be open.

[RC_Drunkford]

Checking in to eat (a small amount of) crow - Malaki has been above average for this stretch post ASB. I can live with the last turnover of the Kings game if he's going to be Dougie McBuckets 2.0, only cheaper and (hopefully) more loyal to the Spurs. Something like that IS a growing pain type of play. Just sucking like he did pre ASB (and getting benched) are what most of us were rightfully referencing. Hoping he keeps this up and I'll be glad to move over to his bandwagon. We desperately need some hot shooting on this team.

WTF are you talking about? McDermott said he loves San Antonio and would love to retire here right before the deadline

[BatManu20]

1766677197899587612

[The Truth #6]

Post Allstar game stats seem to be difficult to trust sometimes. Hopefully Malaki has indeed turned a corner and he approaches his offseason with increased motivation. He has a perfect window of opportunity to establish himself before all the draft picks start rolling in.

[onechance87]

Post Allstar game stats seem to be difficult to trust sometimes. Hopefully Malaki has indeed turned a corner and he approaches his offseason with increased motivation. He has a perfect window of opportunity to establish himself before all the draft picks start rolling in.

yea,It happend last year with collins.

[Spursfanfromafar]

He has turned a corner on offense even though his playmaking is still a bit loose. On defense, he seems to be trying but he is still mediocre there.

[DAF86]

Change his role and lineup plus give him a start that he has not earned. What could go wrong?

You are just fanboing and don't know much about development. Thankfully, Pop is one of the best ever.

That start today surely played against Branham. Fucking dumbass. :lol

[FuzzyLumpkins]

That start today surely played against Branham. Fucking dumbass. :lol

Here is the thing. I don't think I am the smartest person in the world and if Pop is content to start him that is cool with me.

At the same time, let's see what happens when Wemby and Vassell come back to the starting lineup. Hopefully, you get what you want.

[TheGreatYacht]

He’s fucking sniping right now. Every three just feels like it’s going in when it leaves his hands. Good sign that he showed up infront of two tough away crowds like Sacramento and GS

[emanueldavidginobili]

His confidence looks good right now and it is showing. Regardless if he regress in the next couple of games or not the kid is 20 years old still. He has a chance to be a really good scorer in this league if he keeps improving over the next couple of years.

[Leetonidas]

Malaki has been balling lately. He was the biggest disappointment of most of the season for me since he showed a lot of potential his rookie season but has really turned it around since Pop benched his ass. Good to see him take the lesson and get better. He's been a walking bucket

[Spurs Homer]

Hey Malaki

keep making me eat crow!

now Zollins- do the same!

[spurraider21]

Nothing worse than a player who plays on ball a lot but lacks confidence. Glad to see he’s turned a corner there. Hopefully it lasts

[Atl Spur]

Pop tore into him before halftime and he got his shit together….damn right he’s starting to get it! He’s going to be a weapon off the bench!

[Harry Callahan]

Quality shooting would be welcome - hopefully he can build on recent positive play on offense. The next step is valuing the ball more and reducing TOs.

[SpursFan86]

Fucking brutal tonight :lol

[Mr. Body]

Fucking brutal tonight :lol

I really don't think this team deserves fans like this. Just a dogshit personality.

[SpursFan86]

I really don't think this team deserves fans like this. Just a dogshit personality.

Don’t be so sensitive. Do you think he played well tonight?

He’s looked better post-ASB but he’s still been massively underwhelming this year. Even with his hot streak over the past couple of weeks, he’s still sitting pretty much identically to where he was last year (hint: that’s not a positive thing).

I’m rooting for the guy and he’s still young. I’m not writing him off entirely. This is a forum where people discuss positive and negative things. Personally I think the people clamoring that he “turned a corner” were jumping the gun and I’m more inclined to think he isn’t going to keep shooting 50%+ from 3. Tonight was some of that regression to the mean but hopefully he finishes the year strong.

[Jordan Jackson]

Spurs might be wasting their time here. Warriors were targeting him on defense.

Probably need to draft his replacement this offseason when they start to churn this roster. Teams are not waiting around for these guys anymore to figure it out - and I suspect the Spurs will be the same.

[ambchang]

4 good games in a row: it’s going to regress to the mean because he sucks
1 bad game: told you he suck.

[Atl Spur]

4 good games in a row: it’s going to regress to the mean because he sucks
1 bad game: told you he suck.

^ This

[JPB]

4 good games in a row: it’s going to regress to the mean because he sucks
1 bad game: told you he suck.

Try two games, plus most of the season.

Malaki last two games: 3/15 shooting (0/8 on 3)... Turning a corner, they told you.

Looks to me that's rather a few posters coming out of the wood after 3 good Malaki games to call out everyone about a player who just hasn't been really good the whole season. Same for the whole team who suddenly would have "gotten it"... Or "resurgence" I should say :).

Great jinx tbh.

[SpursFan86]

Guy is extremely underwhelming for 50+ games, proceeds to have 5 solid games in a row, and now we’re acting like the past 2 games are just a “blip”…when in reality the 5 good games he had were the blip :lol

Again, I am rooting for Malaki. He’s young and the Spurs shouldn’t give up on him just yet. But I don’t know how anyone could be confident that he’s going to stick around and be a core part of the team going forward. He’s legitimately been one of the worst rotational players in the league this year. Look at almost any metric for guys who average 20+ mpg and it’ll be hard to find many that grade out worse than Branham.

[ambchang]

Try two games, plus most of the season.

Malaki last two games: 3/15 shooting (0/8 on 3)... Turning a corner, they told you.

Looks to me that's rather a few posters coming out of the wood after 3 good Malaki games to call out everyone about a player who just hasn't been really good the whole season. Same for the whole team who suddenly would have "gotten it"... Or "resurgence" I should say :).

Great jinx tbh.

I am totally good with Malaki having bad games, honestly, a 20th pick having any good games is a bonus. he has shown flashes, and is obviously very raw. Important thing is that he shows improvements and can either be useful for the team or can be traded for a price that is better than a 20th pick.

What I cannot understand though is how Spurs fans can actively root for our own players to play bad and taking joy at it just so that they can divert any blame from Wemby with regards to their own misplaced, overly optimistic predictions for the year.

[vy65]

I am totally good with Malaki having bad games, honestly, a 20th pick having any good games is a bonus. he has shown flashes, and is obviously very raw. Important thing is that he shows improvements and can either be useful for the team or can be traded for a price that is better than a 20th pick.

What I cannot understand though is how Spurs fans can actively root for our own players to play bad and taking joy at it just so that they can divert any blame from Wemby with regards to their own misplaced, overly optimistic predictions for the year.

I struggle to think of a single poster who would be unhappy if Malaki turned out to be a great player. The overwhelming sentiment is that him turning into a good player would be a great thing for the team.

That sentiment is totally different than most here understanding that a 15% sampling of good games is too small to meaningfully or statistically sway expectations on who he is as a player given how abominably bad he has been for 85% of the season. Those numbers make any belief that he is reverting back to who is as a player absolutely reasonable.

[LeBowen]

My issue is that he's completely useless when his shot isn't falling.

Can't get to the rim, questionable decision making and often tunnel visions, can't run an offense and is awful on defense.

Since everyone is getting good at shooting in the modern NBA, 3pt specialist types like Korver, Redick or McDermott are getting phased out.
Unless you're among the very best at that skill, the team is better off having a player who can do multiple things and isn't bad defensively.

Obviously too early to completely write him off, but I don't see how can he become a legit rotation piece on a playoff roster.

[Spurs Homer]

welp, that is what i get for thinking he proved me wrong by playing well...

he fooled me lol

[ambchang]

I struggle to think of a single poster who would be unhappy if Malaki turned out to be a great player. The overwhelming sentiment is that him turning into a good player would be a great thing for the team.

That sentiment is totally different than most here understanding that a 15% sampling of good games is too small to meaningfully or statistically sway expectations on who he is as a player given how abominably bad he has been for 85% of the season. Those numbers make any belief that he is reverting back to who is as a player absolutely reasonable.

On the contrary, I see people taking joy in being right that the team is trash outside of Wemby every single day.

I am not sure if Malaki will be good or not, I think he has potential, and it is worth taking a look at this year, or maybe for another year. I don't see him being particularly ground breakingly good now, but I do see a microwave like role for him would be beneficial for the team.


My issue is that he's completely useless when his shot isn't falling.

Can't get to the rim, questionable decision making and often tunnel visions, can't run an offense and is awful on defense.

Since everyone is getting good at shooting in the modern NBA, 3pt specialist types like Korver, Redick or McDermott are getting phased out.
Unless you're among the very best at that skill, the team is better off having a player who can do multiple things and isn't bad defensively.

Obviously too early to completely write him off, but I don't see how can he become a legit rotation piece on a playoff roster.

And this is the level of expectation that is frustrating. You know how many people drafted after Malaki averaged more points than him? No one. Sure there are better players, Kessler, maybe Nembrandt, Jaden Ivey, but to expect a 20th pick to be some sort of contributing factor to a future playoff team is unlikely.

At some point we have to understand these are players who are whiffs, them not making it is normal, them making it is pure gravy. Going on and on, day after day, about how this front office is garbage because they can't get players at the 20th pick who can't contribute 2 years after they were drafted at 19 years old? How stupid is that?

[TheGreatYacht]

His advanced stats are absolutely atrocious. Somehow worse than last season. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a player with worse numbers than him that has played as many minutes as he has.

Thought he was turning the corner into being Eric Gordon there for a bit, but he's not even close to being better than 35yr old Eric Gordon on ANY metric. Problem with him is, if the shot isn't falling he brings nothing to a team. Just a shot chucker that's a cone defensively.

[ambchang]

His advanced stats are absolutely atrocious. Somehow worse than last season. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a player with worse numbers than him that has played as many minutes as he has.

Thought he was turning the corner into being Eric Gordon there for a bit, but he's not even close to being better than 35yr old Eric Gordon on ANY metric. Problem with him is, if the shot isn't falling he brings nothing to a team. Just a shot chucker that's a cone defensively.

Advanced metrics are heavily dependent on team performance. And he is not going to impact a bad team into a positive direction. He may be able to contribute to a good team by playing a specific role. I would be ecstatic if he could become an eric Gordon, someone who can play in the league for a decade and a half or so. I’d settle for someone who can have a 5 or 6 year career by being a designated quick couple of points off the bench.

[LeBowen]

And this is the level of expectation that is frustrating. You know how many people drafted after Malaki averaged more points than him? No one. Sure there are better players, Kessler, maybe Nembrandt, Jaden Ivey, but to expect a 20th pick to be some sort of contributing factor to a future playoff team is unlikely.


Yeah, my bad for expecting him to be better than being literally the worst defensive player in the league.
There's a massive chasm between being a servicable bench player for a bad team and being a rotation piece for a playoff team.

Right now he's not ea servicable bench player for one of the worst teams in the league.


At some point we have to understand these are players who are whiffs, them not making it is normal, them making it is pure gravy. Going on and on, day after day, about how this front office is garbage because they can't get players at the 20th pick who can't contribute 2 years after they were drafted at 19 years old? How stupid is that?

Also wrote about this many times.
It's like nephew scumbagging us ruined the entire front office.
Look at our draft record since 2018, I don't think drafting two players that worked out with 8 picks is a record that's good enough to keep the fans from raising some questions.
Yeah, Jeremy might be decent, but again nothing that special for 9th pick.

The only truth is that PATFO went from one of the, if not the best front offices at drafting to an average one, if that.
They kept pulling all-time greats out of their ass with worse picks, now we can't get a quality starter with lottery picks.

We went from defense being the first, second and third most important thing, to having 1.5 useful defenders in the rotation.

[scott]

The only truth is that PATFO went from one of the, if not the best front offices at drafting to an average one, if that.


This is the inconvenient truth bomb, backed up with data science that I've posted numerous times in this forum. Here it is again for those who may have missed it: https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702. Cliff's Notes version: The Spurs used to be among the best, but since 2018 they've very much been average.

So, either the Spurs scouting prowess has regressed, or their development department has (or potentially both). The only third explanation is that just just gotten extremely unlucky.

Either way, questions should be asked and it's certainly not a trend that gives me a lot of confidence that we're going to draft our way to success.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

This is the inconvenient truth bomb, backed up with data science that I've posted numerous times in this forum. Here it is again for those who may have missed it: https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702. Cliff's Notes version: The Spurs used to be among the best, but since 2018 they've very much been average.

So, either the Spurs scouting prowess has regressed, or their development department has (or potentially both). The only third explanation is that just just gotten extremely unlucky.

Either way, questions should be asked and it's certainly not a trend that gives me a lot of confidence that we're going to draft our way to success.

From the article:


Lastly, lottery draft picks are “discounted” according to how obvious the selection was. For example, a consensus first overall pick (where it is universally agreed this player should go first) would be discounted nearly 100% — meaning the draft score becomes close to zero regardless of how good or bad the player turns out. Draft picks that were less certain (where multiple players could have been conceivably picked) receive credit for either positive or negative outcomes.

what a pile of shit in the tabulation at root.

[vy65]

This is the inconvenient truth bomb, backed up with data science that I've posted numerous times in this forum. Here it is again for those who may have missed it: https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702. Cliff's Notes version: The Spurs used to be among the best, but since 2018 they've very much been average.

So, either the Spurs scouting prowess has regressed, or their development department has (or potentially both). The only third explanation is that just just gotten extremely unlucky.

Either way, questions should be asked and it's certainly not a trend that gives me a lot of confidence that we're going to draft our way to success.

And, this data is consonant with those suggesting we offload some of our draft capital in trades (and no, not just for Trae Young) which would have the ancillary benefit of speeding up the timeline.

[scott]

From the article:



what a pile of shit in the tabulation at root.

Thanks for another worthless contribution to the forum, Fuzzy.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Thanks for another worthless contribution to the forum, Fuzzy.

The worthless contribution was quoting that article and asserting "he Spurs used to be among the best, but since 2018 they've very much been average." Prima facie we get no credit for drafting Wemby.

I would love to hear you explain the methodology of the study and explain how you get to your conclusion.

You likely have no concept of how the stats are put together given your initial take.

[scott]

The worthless contribution was quoting that article and asserting "he Spurs used to be among the best, but since 2018 they've very much been average." Prima facie we get no credit for drafting Wemby.

I would love to hear you explain the methodology of the study and explain how you get to your conclusion.

You likely have no concept of how the stats are put together given your initial take.

And here is another example of things you know nothing about, yet comment on anyway. The Spurs get no credit for Wemby in the current analysis because the current analysis only goes through the 2021 season (since players need time to be evaluated).

I don't need to explain the methodology, it's all already explained in the link. Feel free to disagree, no one will care.

[vy65]

lololol kudos to Brian Wright and the rest of the FO for getting it right between picking Wemby and not some dude named Scoot who wears googles. They really threaded the needle on that decision.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

And here is another example of things you know nothing about, yet comment on anyway. The Spurs get no credit for Wemby in the current analysis because the current analysis only goes through the 2021 season (since players need time to be evaluated).

I don't need to explain the methodology, it's all already explained in the link. Feel free to disagree, no one will care.

Sure but the method still would not consider Wemby at any point. It is highly subjective as evidence by the one quote we have from the piece.

and yes we all know you would love to rest on some apparent expertise. its really just laziness and ignorance.

[rascal]

welp, that is what i get for thinking he proved me wrong by playing well...

he fooled me lol

That's to be expected from a Spurs Homer.

[LeBowen]

lololol kudos to Brian Wright and the rest of the FO for getting it right between picking Wemby and not some dude named Scoot who wears googles. They really threaded the needle on that decision.

My biggest concern are their shots in the dark and picks noone could've predicted.
Attempted masterstrokes that turned into wasted picks.
Keldon kind of cancelled out Samanic being a disgraceful pick, but picking Primo ahead of Sengun?
Why pass on Sengun after all those random Euros they picked?

I don't blame them for picking Devin over SGA because we still had both DJ and Derrick on the roster at the time, but picking Sochan ahead of Jalen Williams really hurts.

While Malaki and Blake picks are reasonable gambles, it looks like neither one will be good enough and that's a failure, you'd expect at least one to be a good pick.

[Pauleta14]

This is the inconvenient truth bomb, backed up with data science that I've posted numerous times in this forum. Here it is again for those who may have missed it: https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702. Cliff's Notes version: The Spurs used to be among the best, but since 2018 they've very much been average.

So, either the Spurs scouting prowess has regressed, or their development department has (or potentially both). The only third explanation is that just just gotten extremely unlucky.

Either way, questions should be asked and it's certainly not a trend that gives me a lot of confidence that we're going to draft our way to success.


There isn’t any mystery really…

Its a natural (negative) effect of constant turnovers at so many positions for so many years.

It’s actually impressive that they managed to keep a high level for so long. It was just meant to happen, you can’t always be lucky with ur new recruits

Many companies end up bankrupt bc if that phenomenon bc once the incompetent ppl are in place they become super hard to get rid of bc they usually know they’re and focus on relationships and networks to keep their positions.

[ambchang]

Yeah, my bad for expecting him to be better than being literally the worst defensive player in the league.
There's a massive chasm between being a servicable bench player for a bad team and being a rotation piece for a playoff team.

Right now he's not ea servicable bench player for one of the worst teams in the league.



Also wrote about this many times.
It's like nephew scumbagging us ruined the entire front office.
Look at our draft record since 2018, I don't think drafting two players that worked out with 8 picks is a record that's good enough to keep the fans from raising some questions.
Yeah, Jeremy might be decent, but again nothing that special for 9th pick.

The only truth is that PATFO went from one of the, if not the best front offices at drafting to an average one, if that.
They kept pulling all-time greats out of their ass with worse picks, now we can't get a quality starter with lottery picks.

We went from defense being the first, second and third most important thing, to having 1.5 useful defenders in the rotation.

Look at the thunders draft record. Of the players they drafted in the last few years, holmgren was a no brainer, giddey is ok at 6th; and J dub was absolutely out of the park. Other than that the drafting is meh.

For the spurs, wemby was a no brainer, dejounte Derrick and keldon were incredible given the draft position, Tre jones was fantastic. Sochan is meh so far, primo and Luka were disappointments, Malaki and Wesley were meh. Then sissiko and Barlow are tbds. That’s a pretty decent track record in the last few years. Could it have been better? Sure, with the benefit of hindsight.

[LeBowen]

Look at the thunders draft record. Of the players they drafted in the last few years, holmgren was a no brainer, giddey is ok at 6th; and J dub was absolutely out of the park. Other than that the drafting is meh.

For the spurs, wemby was a no brainer, dejounte Derrick and keldon were incredible given the draft position, Tre jones was fantastic. Sochan is meh so far, primo and Luka were disappointments, Malaki and Wesley were meh. Then sissiko and Barlow are tbds. That’s a pretty decent track record in the last few years. Could it have been better? Sure, with the benefit of hindsight.

I didn't include Derrick and DJ because as I said, it feels like the entire front office crumbled after nephew did what he did.
Thunder isn't that great at drafting, but Presti is way better than PATFO at brute forcing it.
Brute forcing as in accumulating enough pick so that even with average drafting, they simply can't fail due to sheer quantity of their picks.

I still think PATFO is great at developing players, if not one of the best in the league, but drafting and trading leaves a lot to be desired.
Actually, even development evaluation will have to wait a year or two because Chip left.

I'm sure they'll develop Branham into the best possible version of him, but the issue is that the best version of Branham isn't good enough for a playoff team.

[Atl Spur]

I didn't include Derrick and DJ because as I said, it feels like the entire front office crumbled after nephew did what he did.
Thunder isn't that great at drafting, but Presti is way better than PATFO at brute forcing it.
Brute forcing as in accumulating enough pick so that even with average drafting, they simply can't fail due to sheer quantity of their picks.

I still think PATFO is great at developing players, if not one of the best in the league, but drafting and trading leaves a lot to be desired.
Actually, even development evaluation will have to wait a year or two because Chip left.

I'm sure they'll develop Branham into the best possible version of him, but the issue is that the best version of Branham isn't good enough for a playoff team.

And you know how this 20yrs old kid will end up professionally? Bro please tell me you are kidding!

[ambchang]

I didn't include Derrick and DJ because as I said, it feels like the entire front office crumbled after nephew did what he did.
Thunder isn't that great at drafting, but Presti is way better than PATFO at brute forcing it.
Brute forcing as in accumulating enough pick so that even with average drafting, they simply can't fail due to sheer quantity of their picks.

I still think PATFO is great at developing players, if not one of the best in the league, but drafting and trading leaves a lot to be desired.
Actually, even development evaluation will have to wait a year or two because Chip left.

I'm sure they'll develop Branham into the best possible version of him, but the issue is that the best version of Branham isn't good enough for a playoff team.

I am not sure having Kawhi as some demarcation point makes sense, yet .... And using it to take away at two of their best players drafted is arbitrary , but to each their own.

If Thunder isn't good at drafting, then who is? I am not seeing FO who consistently hit it out of the park with their drafting, which is the point, you win some you lose some, and the Spurs, other than Primo, didn't really have any huge missteps (even Luka was a swing and miss, I am OK with that). All their drafted players were, at the least, solid relative to their positions. Besides, the Spurs pretty much have some of the best picks coming up in the next 5 or 6 years (other than the Thunder) precisely because they had some pretty good trades. OKC started off with Durant, Harden, Westbrook and ibaka, and they had to sell because that core didnt' work out. The Spurs ran Duncan, Ginobili and Parker to the end of life, then nephew pulled the rug under them. Unless you are saying the Spurs should have blew it up with the big 3 had some value and started then, which would cause riots on the streets.

As for Branham, i sort of agree with you to some degree, but then that depends on the development. If his full potential is realized, he can be a smooth volume scorer off the bench for a decent team, like a poor man's Jamal Crawford, and that isn't too bad with a 20th pick.

[MannyIsGod]

Does anyone remember when some idiots tried to dunk on people because branham had a few abnormally high scoring games despite the dozens upon dozens of games where the guy didn't look like an NBA rotation player?

[spurraider21]

Does anyone remember when some idiots tried to dunk on people because branham had a few abnormally high scoring games despite the dozens upon dozens of games where the guy didn't look like an NBA rotation player?
same people that thought sochan became bruce bowen overnight

[SpursGuy91]

Other players consistently get trashed for being low iq chuckers and somehow don’t realize Branham is exactly that. That coupled with his weak first step, underwhelming size and awful effort on defense should be obvious but are somehow overlooked, still haven’t figured it out honestly.

[onechance87]

Other players consistently get trashed for being low iq chuckers and somehow don’t realize Branham is exactly that. That coupled with his weak first step, underwhelming size and awful effort on defense should be obvious but are somehow overlooked, still haven’t figured it out honestly.

not sure what people see in branham...Guy is bad and should not be out on the court.Dude seems lost and has no awareness of
whats going on.No talent or iq

[Atl Spur]

Does anyone remember when some idiots tried to dunk on people because branham had a few abnormally high scoring games despite the dozens upon dozens of games where the guy didn't look like an NBA rotation player?

Please remind us:) I’ll be clear, I stick by the kid being ok sooner than later; now you don’t have to be cute.

[Atl Spur]

same people that thought sochan became bruce bowen overnight

Overnight? When it’s all said and done he should definitely be better than Brucey B!

[MannyIsGod]

Please remind us:) I’ll be clear, I stick by the kid being ok sooner than later; now you don’t have to be cute.

You were plenty clear before. There's no reason to expect him to be good at any point in his career. Is it beyond the realm of possibily? Of course not, he could improve, but he's been incredibly poor both of his years and he's regressed in year two. The Spurs have a lot of youth and are about to have another high draft pick or two this offseason so I don't think Branham is in line to be given a long time to develop. At least not for the Spurs. Unless you think that 3 good games are a reason to believe in him (lol which its apparent some of you foolishly do) then there's absolutely no reason to be optimistic with him.

[The Truth #6]

Branham definitely seems skilled, but it feels like his problems are from his personality and possibly low confidence. Too nice and passive. Maybe Pop needs to call him out occasionally to wake him up. Mixed in with praise here and there at dinner over chianti et cetera.

[Atl Spur]

You were plenty clear before. There's no reason to expect him to be good at any point in his career. Is it beyond the realm of possibily? Of course not, he could improve, but he's been incredibly poor both of his years and he's regressed in year two. The Spurs have a lot of youth and are about to have another high draft pick or two this offseason so I don't think Branham is in line to be given a long time to develop. At least not for the Spurs. Unless you think that 3 good games are a reason to believe in him (lol which its apparent some of you foolishly do) then there's absolutely no reason to be optimistic with him.

This won’t age well….

[Mr. Body]

This won’t age well….

Manny has never said anything that's been remotely correct on these forums. He's been a steaming piss baby for years. Don't worry about it.

[vy65]

Manny’s not wrong. This dude blows. He had a handful of good games that approximated 15% of this season and the PATFO youth rally declared him as the second coming. He’s awful defensively and single handedly got kyrie going tonight. He doesn’t do anything particularly well, is one of the lower iq players on the team - which says something - and has done nothing in the past two years to demonstrate he’s worth further review. I understand the knee jerk reaction to “dear leader” the front office, but this dude is straight up awful.

[Mr. Body]

Manny’s not wrong. This dude blows. He had a handful of good games that approximated 15% of this season and the PATFO youth rally declared him as the second coming. He’s awful defensively and single handedly got kyrie going tonight. He doesn’t do anything particularly well, is one of the lower iq players on the team - which says something - and has done nothing in the past two years to demonstrate he’s worth further review. I understand the knee jerk reaction to “dear leader” the front office, but this dude is straight up awful.

:lol

[JPB]

I stumbled about game 4 of the 2007 finals on YT yesterday.

anyone sincerely believing anybody not named Victor on his team has a chance to be even remotely close to belong in the same category as the big 3 and can constitute the core of a contender is plain delusional. They're just not from the same species and that's something you can see pretty much their very first day, all the more after two years. Watching the special talent, the skills, the IQ, the drive, the class, competitiveness TP, Manu and Tim had and imagining Branham, Sochan, Blake or even Devin could ever reach a quarter of that, no matter how you "develop them," is pure inconsciousness. Man, that's brutal, and nothing against them but they're just randos in the NBA.

[duncan2150]

I stumbled about game 4 of the 2007 finals on YT yesterday.

anyone sincerely believing anybody not named Victor ont his team has a chance to be even remotely close to belong in the same category as the big 3 and can constitute the core of a contender is plain delusonal. They're just not from the same species an that's something you can see pretty much their very first day, all the more after two years. Watching the special talent, the skills, the IQ, the drive, the class, competitiveness TP, Manu and Tim had and imagining Branham, Sochan, or Devin could ever reach a quarter of that, no matter how you "develop them," is pure inconsciousness. Man, that's brutal.

You're comparing hall of fame players to our young players ?

[JPB]

You're comparing hall of fame players to our young players ?

Yep, the core of NBA champions is mostly made of future HOFers, and all stars anyway for sure. And there's no core or future all stars on the current team, which is the point. Not even necessarily reaching big 3 level, but somehow not too far to contend.

But current guys are just not in the same universe, so seeing people imagining there's a core here and it's worth developing them or that current analyses about them are not gonna age well, as if they were gonna become anything else that average role players is delusional and homerism.

[ambchang]

I stumbled about game 4 of the 2007 finals on YT yesterday.

anyone sincerely believing anybody not named Victor on his team has a chance to be even remotely close to belong in the same category as the big 3 and can constitute the core of a contender is plain delusional. They're just not from the same species and that's something you can see pretty much their very first day, all the more after two years. Watching the special talent, the skills, the IQ, the drive, the class, competitiveness TP, Manu and Tim had and imagining Branham, Sochan, Blake or even Devin could ever reach a quarter of that, no matter how you "develop them," is pure inconsciousness. Man, that's brutal, and nothing against them but they're just randos in the NBA.

2007 wasn’t Tony or manus first or second year. In fact Tony was panned regularly in his first few years for being thrown into the starting role way too soon. Manu was playing out of control and didn’t get the name turnobili for nothing. But guess what, they learned and improved.

Go rewrite history some more.

Note: I don’t believe anyone on the spurs not named victor will be anywhere remotely close to Tony or manu either. I don’t think Trae young can be as well.

[JPB]

2007 wasn’t Tony or manus first or second year. In fact Tony was panned regularly in his first few years for being thrown into the starting role way too soon. Manu was playing out of control and didn’t get the name turnobili for nothing. But guess what, they learned and improved.

Go rewrite history some more.

Note: I don’t believe anyone on the spurs not named victor will be anywhere remotely close to Tony or manu either. I don’t think Trae young can be as well.

I invite you to read again cos you're obviously missing the whole point... Ofc, no one is pretending TP and Manu were playing HOFer basketball in their first years.

Although talking about rewritting history, nobody really panned TP for taking the starting job over Antonio freaking Daniels and both him and Manu (who entered the NBA as a euro star) were doing great in their first years already, winning a title in his second year for TP and first for Manu... you know.

But the main point is you could see very early they had something special, TP with his incredible speed, the tear drops, the fearlessness, and Manu for his energy and fearlessness too, among other things. And very importantly, you could see they were smart players, they got it, they felt BB, the court vision, the awareness, demeanor and attitude on the court and the competitiveness, independently of godam "development" which seems to be some kind of buoy some people hold on to to try to convincee themselves that, "yeah, after 2 4 or 5 years in the NBA", Keldon, Blake or Brnaham didn't show any of that, but "development will transform them into all stars...

there's a reason why HOFers and guys like the big 3 are rare, and none of the current kids besides Wemby has it. they're not from that race, and you can't teach that. We gotta stop believing "development" is gonna make these players who they are not. Blake is not a TP in the making and Malaki is not Manu in the making. Sochan is no future Boris (french league MVP at 18) either.