Spurs select Blake Wesley with the 25th pick

[Dejounte]

I was one of the first people who was high on this dude. Future star.

[dbestpro]

Wasted pick

[Chinook]

Hmm... This suggests the Spurs are going to continue to play small. We're talking like Sochan-playing-more-minutes-at-center-than-PF small. It also implies Primo is very much a PG on the depth chart, even though he and Jones would both be in the rotation.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson, Branham, Wesley
Vassell, McDermott, Langford
Johnson, Sochan, KBD
Poeltl, Collins, Landale,

[Dejounte]

Hmm... This suggests the Spurs are going to continue to play small. We're talking like Sochan-playing-more-minutes-at-center-than-PF small. It also implies Primo is very much a PG on the depth chart, even though he and Jones would both be in the rotation.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson, Branham, Wesley
Vassell, McDermott, Langford
Johnson, Sochan, KBD
Poeltl, Collins, Landale,

G - Murray
G - Tre Jones
G/W - Primo
G/W - Josh Richardson
G/W - Lonnie
G/W - Blake Wesley
W - Vassell
W - Malaki Branham
W - Wieskamp
W - DJ Stewart II
W - Romeo Langford
F - Keldon Johnson
F - McDermott
F - Robert Woodard II
F/C - Jeremy Sochan
F/C - KBD
F/C - Cacok
C - Poeltl
C - Z. Collins
C - Landale

[Ariel]

Me too. I've been on the Sochan / Wesley bandwagon for like 3 months. Can't believe we got both, plus Branham who I never thought would make it to 20. FANTASTIC DRAFT.

[Kurik]

Wasted pick

Great pick

[BatManu20]

Wouldn’t be a Spurs Draft if we didn’t take a 6’4 Guard.

At least this one’s really athletic and plays defense. Hopefully chip can work his magic on his jumpshot because if he does, he could become a real weapon for us off the bench.

[Dejounte]

Wesley’s defense is underrated. His anticipation on steals is crazy. He has really good length on defense. He also has a nice turnaround J which I love from guards.

[rascal]

Wesley adds much needed athleticism which the Spurs lack.

[Chinook]

G - Murray
G - Tre Jones
G/W - Primo
G/W - Josh Richardson
G/W - Lonnie
G/W - Blake Wesley
W - Vassell
W - Malaki Branham
W - Wieskamp
W - DJ Stewart II
W - Romeo Langford
F - Keldon Johnson
F - McDermott
F - Robert Woodard II
F/C - Jeremy Sochan
F/C - KBD
F/C - Cacok
C - Poeltl
C - Z. Collins
C - Landale

Indeed, it's the same list with the assumed RFA's added in. It's another way to look at it. Most of the Spurs' solid players are guards and wings, and most of the shaky players are forwards and centers. We'll see if trades happen, but we might be looking at a pretty set roster, with camp bodies likely being salary dumps like last year. 38 and the RFA's left to sort out.

[Kurik]

Hopefully people realize Branham and Wesley are pretty different players but both have plenty of talent/upside.

[Chinook]

Wesley’s defense is underrated. His anticipation on steals is crazy. He has really good length on defense. He also has a nice turnaround J which I love from guards.

If he's the type of son of a bitch who can stay with Ja, Trae and SGA, I'm in.

[Uriel]

I’ve seen Blake Wesley play in person and was mostly impressed. He’s very good at penetrating, creating his own offense and getting to the rim. He’s super athletic, gets steals on the open court, and finishes with ferocity. I’m not sure if he can play with the big club right away, but if he marinates in the G-League for a year or two, I believe he can be a contributor down the line.

[poopbox]

Hmm... This suggests the Spurs are going to continue to play small. We're talking like Sochan-playing-more-minutes-at-center-than-PF small. It also implies Primo is very much a PG on the depth chart, even though he and Jones would both be in the rotation.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson, Branham, Wesley
Vassell, McDermott, Langford
Johnson, Sochan, KBD
Poeltl, Collins, Landale,

So you are telling me we drafted Sochan so he could play power forward BEHIND Keldon, instead of having him play power forward and having keldon play small forward?

We drafted a guy with quintessential size and length for the power forward position, who's specialty is defense, to start a player who has been a defensive disaster at the power forward position?

[offset formation]

Hmm... This suggests the Spurs are going to continue to play small. We're talking like Sochan-playing-more-minutes-at-center-than-PF small. It also implies Primo is very much a PG on the depth chart, even though he and Jones would both be in the rotation.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson, Branham, Wesley
Vassell, McDermott, Langford
Johnson, Sochan, KBD
Poeltl, Collins, Landale,

Yup. makes zero sense

[Dejounte]

Lonnie and Wesley are nearly the same height but…

Wesley’s standing reach is 8’7”
Lonnie’s is 8’3.5”

Lonnie was abused whenever he was switched on taller players.
I think Wesley will be better suited to be versatile on defense.

an extremely exciting pick.

[Chinook]

So you are telling me we drafted Sochan so he could play power forward BEHIND Keldon, instead of having him play power forward and having keldon play small forward?

We drafted a guy with quintessential size and length for the power forward position, who's specialty is defense, to start a player who has been a defensive disaster at the power forward position?

Yes, though I'm talking about going into the season, not as something set going forward. I don't think they drafted anyone they'd start immediately. I expect Sochan to be in the rotation immediately while Wesley and Branham would be in Austin. That's not shade on them. It's just how the Spurs do things.

If Sochan shows some improved performance and shows he's a better choice to start than Johnson, Vassell or Primo, I think he'll get the nod later on like Kawhi did. Or maybe Murray moves on through a trade, and the whole structure of the rotation changes. It's fluid, man. But I don't think Keldon or Vassell is slated to be benched any time soon, and if a rookie is NBA ready, I don't see why it has to be Sochan rather than Branham or Wesley, who also add needed attributes to the starting unit.

Also, as I said, Sochan might play way more center than you probably want him to, especially early on.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/jeffgspurszone/status/1540169863418855425

https://twitter.com/paulgarcianba/status/1540168674748891137

[offset formation]

G - Murray
G - Tre Jones
G/W - Primo
G/W - Josh Richardson
G/W - Lonnie
G/W - Blake Wesley
W - Vassell
W - Malaki Branham
W - Wieskamp
W - DJ Stewart II
W - Romeo Langford
F - Keldon Johnson
F - McDermott
F - Robert Woodard II
F/C - Jeremy Sochan
F/C - KBD
F/C - Cacok
C - Poeltl
C - Z. Collins
C - Landale

Timvp says spurs are gonna slot Primo at PG. Keldon has no business playing F. Branham (who I like) is 6'5" and is not a W. Likewise, Wesley is 6'4" and is strictly a G, and has no business playing W too. PATFO apparentlydoes not understand part of the reason we keep getting our shit pushed in defensively is in part due to playing undersized players, especiallyat the guard position.

Sigh.

[paperboy77]

Hmm... This suggests the Spurs are going to continue to play small. We're talking like Sochan-playing-more-minutes-at-center-than-PF small. It also implies Primo is very much a PG on the depth chart, even though he and Jones would both be in the rotation.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson, Branham, Wesley
Vassell, McDermott, Langford
Johnson, Sochan, KBD
Poeltl, Collins, Landale,


No freaking way dude. That is a linup that will be equal to the last couple of years. Needs to be:

Murray
Vassell
Johnson
Sochan
Poetl


But really.... this roster still sucks in the end. We still need to make some trades to make real impacts.

[slick'81]

I mean its #25 its hit or miss,tbh

[RC_Drunkford]

I like Wesley a lot, also a very good passer. Basically just has to work on his left hand, finishing through contact and getting more consistent with his shot

[Fusternino]

We still have a lot of cap space.

"No worries", right guys?

[Dejounte]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-draft-2022-notre-dames-blake-wesley-could-be-biggest-sleeper-of-the-class-with-elite-speed-potential/

[Chinook]

No freaking way dude. That is a linup that will be equal to the last couple of years. Needs to be:

Murray
Vassell
Johnson
Sochan
Poetl


But really.... this roster still sucks in the end. We still need to make some trades to make real impacts.

What you think it "needs to be" what and it's likely to be are two different things. I hope Sochan blows them out of the water and starts right away too. But the last rookie to start from jump-street was literally decades ago. There's a ton of pressure to start another guard too, given the talent they have on their roster. Given Sochan's current skill-set he probably fits better with Coillins or replacing Collins anyway, even if fans don't want to hear it.

[slick'81]

We still have a lot of cap space.

"No worries", right guys?

cool as the other side of the pillow

[BackHome]

Hmm... This suggests the Spurs are going to continue to play small. We're talking like Sochan-playing-more-minutes-at-center-than-PF small. It also implies Primo is very much a PG on the depth chart, even though he and Jones would both be in the rotation.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson, Branham, Wesley
Vassell, McDermott, Langford
Johnson, Sochan, KBD
Poeltl, Collins, Landale,

Sorry I like Primo but he is no where close to being a PG he is about at close to being a PG at to being a Center...

[BackHome]

Me too. I've been on the Sochan / Wesley bandwagon for like 3 months. Can't believe we got both, plus Branham who I never thought would make it to 20. FANTASTIC DRAFT.

Not sure about Sochan at 9 but glad to finally get a starting PF - Have to say Wesley and Branham were a pleasant Surprise I was shocked Branham fell to 20 he was a real steal and we got another upside kid who can guard quick PG/SG in Wesley - This would have been a perfect draft for me if we could have snagged Procida ..:(

[Chinook]

Sorry I like Primo but he is no where close to being a PG he is about at close to being a PG at to being a Center...

Sure, but that doesn't mean he's not going to play PG.

[itzsoweezee]

Timvp says spurs are gonna slot Primo at PG. Keldon has no business playing F. Branham (who I like) is 6'5" and is not a W. Likewise, Wesley is 6'4" and is strictly a G, and has no business playing W too. PATFO apparentlydoes not understand part of the reason we keep getting our shit pushed in defensively is in part due to playing undersized players, especiallyat the guard position.

Sigh.

Like I said in a different post, this draft only makes sense if they’re planning to tank next year and trading away some major pieces.

[rankingtear]

Wesley is still far from being a rotation guy. He is a swing.

[paperboy77]

What you think it "needs to be" what and it's likely to be are two different things. I hope Sochan blows them out of the water and starts right away too. But the last rookie to start from jump-street was literally decades ago. There's a ton of pressure to start another guard too, given the talent they have on their roster. Given Sochan's current skill-set he probably fits better with Coillins or replacing Collins anyway, even if fans don't want to hear it.

All I’m sayin is that we really don’t have a choice. The old thinking isn’t working. These guys ain’t hungry anymore, they talk too much. All bark no bite. We need an identity. Someone from the spurs brass needs to take charge and make an imprint.

[poopbox]

Yes, though I'm talking about going into the season, not as something set going forward. I don't think they drafted anyone they'd start immediately. I expect Sochan to be in the rotation immediately while Wesley and Branham would be in Austin. That's not shade on them. It's just how the Spurs do things.

If Sochan shows some improved performance and shows he's a better choice to start than Johnson, Vassell or Primo, I think he'll get the nod later on like Kawhi did. Or maybe Murray moves on through a trade, and the whole structure of the rotation changes. It's fluid, man. But I don't think Keldon or Vassell is slated to be benched any time soon, and if a rookie is NBA ready, I don't see why it has to be Sochan rather than Branham or Wesley, who also add needed attributes to the starting unit.

Also, as I said, Sochan might play way more center than you probably want him to, especially early on.

I expect Collins to be the backup 5. If Sochan is going to play at the 5 then why is collins even on this team? Sochan shouldn't see any minutes at the 5 unless the other team goes super small and we know Collins and Poeltl just can't keep up.

Not starting Sochan at the 4 day 1 is a mistake, since there is virtually no competition their. Keldon can play the 3 just fine and McDermott needs to come off the bench so he can shoot at will anyway. Sochan at the 4 day one is a no brainer, though I do agree that somehow Pop will fuck it up and wait until we start the season 5 - 15 to start Sochan, the act surprised when we go 11 - 4 over our next 15

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

I expect Collins to be the backup 5. If Sochan is going to play at the 5 then why is collins even on this team? Sochan shouldn't see any minutes at the 5 unless the other team goes super small and we know Collins and Poeltl just can't keep up.

Not starting Sochan at the 4 day 1 is a mistake, since there is virtually no competition their. Keldon can play the 3 just fine and McDermott needs to come off the bench so he can shoot at will anyway. Sochan at the 4 day one is a no brainer, though I do agree that somehow Pop will fuck it up and wait until we start the season 5 - 15 to start Sochan, the act smugly condescending when we go 11 - 4 over our next 15

fify

[Chinook]

I expect Collins to be the backup 5. If Sochan is going to play at the 5 then why is collins even on this team? Sochan shouldn't see any minutes at the 5 unless the other team goes super small and we know Collins and Poeltl just can't keep up.

There are going to be at least seven players on the roster who don't play in the everyday rotation. Collins might be one of them. He's way more vulnerable to losing his spot for a lot of reasons. Sochan might play the five because it's a position he can play in the NBA, especially off the bench for stretches. 6-8/6-9 guys play there all the time, way more than seven-footers play PF. That's not my opinion about what should happens. It's just what happens.


Not starting Sochan at the 4 day 1 is a mistake, since there is virtually no competition their. Keldon can play the 3 just fine and McDermott needs to come off the bench so he can shoot at will anyway. Sochan at the 4 day one is a no brainer, though I do agree that somehow Pop will fuck it up and wait until we start the season 5 - 15 to start Sochan, the act surprised when we go 11 - 4 over our next 15

Maybe. I do think Sochan will have the competition I mentioned. It's not just about him at PF. The Spurs will start five players. Murray, Vassell, Johnson and Poeltl are locked in. The question will be: Who complements them best? I know you think that'll be Sochan because you think he'll just come in and fix the defense and not hurt the offense. And he might. But reasonable minds might think starting one of the other young guards instead makes sense. The unit can use shooting, spend and guard defense. At best, Sochan projects to provide the latter thing, and I don't know that he's going to be considered the answer to their woes. I would put Primo as the favorite to start, especially if he does have the improvement I expect him to show. After that, Sochan and McDermott are pretty close, and the two drafted guards aren't too far behind. I don't do odds, but I wouldn't put money on Sochan starting opening day at this point in the off-season.

As far as how they'll start record-wise, we'll see. They had a better record than 5-11 last year despite always starting Johnson and some other small-forward. They likely won't lose as much as you're fearing/hoping just by virtue of the guys they do have improving.

[mystargtr34]

I see Wesley as a 2/1 combo guard (primary position at the 2 and secondary position at the 1) where as I see Branham as a 2/3 so he'll spend his time playing and defending the 2/3 positions.

Murray/Primo/Jones
Vassell/Wesley
Johnson/Branham
Sochan/McDermott/KBD
Poeltl/Collins/Landale

I see it shaking out like this.

[goliath]

John hollinger had Wesley going 10 to Washington

[bdictjames]

Based on his highlights, his layup package reminds me of Tony Parker's. Wouldn't mind seeing him run some point, or maybe a combo guard.

[mystargtr34]

John hollinger had Wesley going 10 to Washington

Do you mind sharing his mock? Im assuming its behind a pay wall.

[Mr. Body]

I think fans are sleeping on this pick a bit. He has some ivey in his game -- a big burst and good athleticism. He was required to do way too much for Notre Dame. I would have been happy with Sochan and Wesley just by themselves.

[PhantomDashCam]

When it’s all said and done, Wesley may be the guy for Spurs from this draft. An absolutely outstanding haul tonight. Couldn’t be happier.

[goliath]

From Hollinger

11. Blake Wesley | 6-5 freshman | SG | Notre Dame

This is purely an upside play — there’s a chance Wesley ends up being terrible if his shooting and finishing don’t progress. It’s still worth taking Wesley here because his first-step quickness and lateral mobility provide a framework for some elite two-way outcomes … if he can just figure out how to shoot and make a layup. In this draft class, only Ivey can surpass Wesley’s explosiveness getting downhill to the rim, something that should be a much greater weapon at the NBA level.

Wesley’s offensive stats from his one season are a tad underwhelming. While he scored in volume (29.8 points per 100 possessions), he shot 47.1 percent from the arc, 30.3 percent on 3s and 65.7 percent from the line and barely had more assists than turnovers. Yikes. He’ll benefit from the more open space of the NBA floor, but there’s a lot to clean up here.

Where I feel better about Wesley is on the defensive end. He can move his feet laterally, contest shots and had an impressive steal rate (2.8 thefts per 100 possessions). You’d like to see him get into the ball a little bit more on the perimeter and concede fewer pull-ups, but he’s long and bouncy enough to bother players when they rise up. Bizarrely, he only blocked two shots all season — another sign he may be leaving some money on the table at that end.

As a result, I see two outs for success here: first as a downhill shot creator and second as a wing defensive stopper. Hit on both, and you’ve really got something. I initially had Wesley ranked lower but comparing his best-case scenarios with the less intriguing upside scenarios that follow, I had to move him up the list even if there’s a decent chance he bombs because of his offense.

[mystargtr34]

From Hollinger

11. Blake Wesley | 6-5 freshman | SG | Notre Dame

This is purely an upside play — there’s a chance Wesley ends up being terrible if his shooting and finishing don’t progress. It’s still worth taking Wesley here because his first-step quickness and lateral mobility provide a framework for some elite two-way outcomes … if he can just figure out how to shoot and make a layup. In this draft class, only Ivey can surpass Wesley’s explosiveness getting downhill to the rim, something that should be a much greater weapon at the NBA level.

Wesley’s offensive stats from his one season are a tad underwhelming. While he scored in volume (29.8 points per 100 possessions), he shot 47.1 percent from the arc, 30.3 percent on 3s and 65.7 percent from the line and barely had more assists than turnovers. Yikes. He’ll benefit from the more open space of the NBA floor, but there’s a lot to clean up here.

Where I feel better about Wesley is on the defensive end. He can move his feet laterally, contest shots and had an impressive steal rate (2.8 thefts per 100 possessions). You’d like to see him get into the ball a little bit more on the perimeter and concede fewer pull-ups, but he’s long and bouncy enough to bother players when they rise up. Bizarrely, he only blocked two shots all season — another sign he may be leaving some money on the table at that end.

As a result, I see two outs for success here: first as a downhill shot creator and second as a wing defensive stopper. Hit on both, and you’ve really got something. I initially had Wesley ranked lower but comparing his best-case scenarios with the less intriguing upside scenarios that follow, I had to move him up the list even if there’s a decent chance he bombs because of his offense.

Thanks! What about the rest of the 1st round haha.

[Chinook]

I think fans are sleeping on this pick a bit. He has some ivey in his game -- a big burst and good athleticism. He was required to do way too much for Notre Dame. I would have been happy with Sochan and Wesley just by themselves.

I do find myself sleeping on him, even in the context of Barlow. It feels like an "extra" selection, when in reality, he and Branham fill different needs. Obviously there are "too many" guards right now, but that doesn't mean only one of these guys is going to get the short end of the stick. They could both be part of the team for a while.

[Mr. Body]

I do find myself sleeping on him, even in the context of Barlow. It feels like an "extra" selection, when in reality, he and Branham fill different needs. Obviously there are "too many" guards right now, but that doesn't mean only one of these guys is going to get the short end of the stick. They could both be part of the team for a while.

I'm also really curious. I don't know much about Wesley's personality, but Branham appears to be a fantastic teammate. This matters because they'll inevitably be compared to each other although, as you say, they are fairly different players. One thing I like about all three rookies is that they don't seem to back down. They're not wilting daisies. I want game players who aren't getting the yips. Just play.

[AFBlue]

Great swing at 25. Could be a monster after a year in the G-league

[Kurik]

I'm also really curious. I don't know much about Wesley's personality, but Branham appears to be a fantastic teammate. This matters because they'll inevitably be compared to each other although, as you say, they are fairly different players. One thing I like about all three rookies is that they don't seem to back down. They're not wilting daisies. I want game players who aren't getting the yips. Just play.

Wesley is also regarded as having good character and is willing to learn.

[BatManu20]

Wesley is still far from being a rotation guy. He is a swing.

He’s a much better swing than Lonnie though imo because he actually plays defense. He’s got long arms and really gets up into the ball handlers and makes them uncomfortable. Lonnie could never. Oh, and he’s still really fucking athletic. Maybe not quite the high-flyer Lonnie is, but he’s got plenty of bounce.

-6d6JmbTi1M

[Ariel]

I think fans are sleeping on this pick a bit. He has some ivey in his game -- a big burst and good athleticism. He was required to do way too much for Notre Dame. I would have been happy with Sochan and Wesley just by themselves.
There are quite a bit of similarities between Ivey and Wesley, he's sort of a less polished, younger Ivey if you will. But they both are about the same size (I believe Wesley is actually larger), both athletically gifted (though not quite at Ivey's level), both can really drive and score, Ivey is a better shooter at this point and more efficient, and Wesley is a better defender. And both need to gain court awareness and improve on their playmaking abilities. There's a real chance they end up much closer as players than their draft order would have you believe. I'm not saying he's a guaranteed hit (Ivey isn't 100% either), but he's definitely an excelent gamble considering where we got him.

[Ariel]

I'm also really curious. I don't know much about Wesley's personality, but Branham appears to be a fantastic teammate. This matters because they'll inevitably be compared to each other although, as you say, they are fairly different players. One thing I like about all three rookies is that they don't seem to back down. They're not wilting daisies. I want game players who aren't getting the yips. Just play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DE0AjB9lc8
Seems like a humble, level headed kid.

[offset formation]

I do find myself sleeping on him, even in the context of Barlow. It feels like an "extra" selection, when in reality, he and Branham fill different needs. Obviously there are "too many" guards right now, but that doesn't mean only one of these guys is going to get the short end of the stick. They could both be part of the team for a while.

So what gives then Chinook?

[John B]

I thought I’d bumped this thread. Blake seems to have been playing much poised, avoiding a lot of mistakes. Imo he is playing great defense out there. I wonder what he’s defensive rating, but would be very small sample. But I noticed his POA defense is elite, slowing the opposing PG to setting up plays. Pop has put him on Ja and last night on Dame, even playing along Tre. I’m really hoping Pop could find more minutes for him especially in keeping the lead or avoiding get steamrolled. I like Tre for his PG qualities setting up Wemby, but he’s often getting overpowered by the opposing starting PG. Wesley still need to make crisp passes, but his dribble penetration is effective in creating open looks.

[RC_Drunkford]

you really need to get a pair of glasses

[mo7888]

I thought I’d bumped this thread. Blake seems to have been playing much poised, avoiding a lot of mistakes. Imo he is playing great defense out there. I wonder what he’s defensive rating, but would be very small sample. But I noticed his POA defense is elite, slowing the opposing PG to setting up plays. Pop has put him on Ja and last night on Dame, even playing along Tre. I’m really hoping Pop could find more minutes for him especially in keeping the lead or avoiding get steamrolled. I like Tre for his PG qualities setting up Wemby, but he’s often getting overpowered by the opposing starting PG. Wesley still need to make crisp passes, but his dribble penetration is effective in creating open looks.

They are definitely taking a look at him right now and evaluating him at the PG spot much like they did Sochan and Branham before.

[BacktoBasics]

I thought I’d bumped this thread. Blake seems to have been playing much poised, avoiding a lot of mistakes. Imo he is playing great defense out there. I wonder what he’s defensive rating, but would be very small sample. But I noticed his POA defense is elite, slowing the opposing PG to setting up plays. Pop has put him on Ja and last night on Dame, even playing along Tre. I’m really hoping Pop could find more minutes for him especially in keeping the lead or avoiding get steamrolled. I like Tre for his PG qualities setting up Wemby, but he’s often getting overpowered by the opposing starting PG. Wesley still need to make crisp passes, but his dribble penetration is effective in creating open looks.

This is a good assessment. Blake looks way more under control and seems to pick and choose his moments with much more care and measure. He still has a long way to go but I think this is a solid move in the right direction. He’s making the most of his limited time on the floor.

[spurraider21]

He still has a lot to figure out. He's avoiding mistakes, but also not taking risks. he played 15 minutes yesterday, and sure he had no turnovers, but he also had no assists and only attempted 1 field goal, which was the layup that got swatted when there was a trailing wemby ready to hammer it home (and the block led to an easy fastbreak dunk for portis)

his defensive effort has been great though, and historically thats a way to get on the floor on a pop coached team. he also played some of his minutes alongisde Tre to be fair. with branham out there wasn't really a natural reserve SG when vassell had to sit. if they really wanted to play 2 small guards, a wesley/graham pairing would have made more sense in those minutes.

but tbh i have no idea what's going on with graham. thats its own discussion

[BackHome]

I think this is the way for him to be coached and grow meaning we don’t expect you to be our starting PG we want you to be a good to great 3 and D type of guy. Yeah, he can use his speed to get to the rim but until his finishing and court vision improves that should not be his go to move. As everyone knows just create enough where you can give Wemby good looks as long as you can feed him and hit the occasional 3 and lock up opposing guards you will have a place on the team

[John B]

He still has a lot to figure out. He's avoiding mistakes, but also not taking risks. he played 15 minutes yesterday, and sure he had no turnovers, but he also had no assists and only attempted 1 field goal, which was the layup that got swatted when there was a trailing wemby ready to hammer it home (and the block led to an easy fastbreak dunk for portis)

his defensive effort has been great though, and historically thats a way to get on the floor on a pop coached team. he also played some of his minutes alongisde Tre to be fair. with branham out there wasn't really a natural reserve SG when vassell had to sit. if they really wanted to play 2 small guards, a wesley/graham pairing would have made more sense in those minutes.

but tbh i have no idea what's going on with graham. thats its own discussion

His stats may not show assists, but his dribble penetration and kicks created connecting passes. You really need to watch the game because even Reggie Miller was praising Blake with his dribble penetrations and collapsing the defense.

[spurraider21]

His stats may not show assists, but his dribble penetration and kicks created connecting passes. You really need to watch the game because even Reggie Miller was praising Blake with his dribble penetrations and collapsing the defense.
i was watching. pretty sure i commented at least once in the game thread that wesley was playing well. and while there are always hockey assist situations, at some point you expect to see those counting stats

[exstatic]

I thought I’d bumped this thread. Blake seems to have been playing much poised, avoiding a lot of mistakes. Imo he is playing great defense out there. I wonder what he’s defensive rating, but would be very small sample. But I noticed his POA defense is elite, slowing the opposing PG to setting up plays. Pop has put him on Ja and last night on Dame, even playing along Tre. I’m really hoping Pop could find more minutes for him especially in keeping the lead or avoiding get steamrolled. I like Tre for his PG qualities setting up Wemby, but he’s often getting overpowered by the opposing starting PG. Wesley still need to make crisp passes, but his dribble penetration is effective in creating open looks.

He’s the best point of attack defender we have on the roster. I’d just start him and live with the offensive growing pains.

[Seventyniner]

He’s the best point of attack defender we have on the roster. I’d just start him and live with the offensive growing pains.

The offense has been pretty putrid without him, last night notwithstanding. There isn't a lot to lose on that end.

[TrainOfThought5]

He’s the best point of attack defender we have on the roster. I’d just start him and live with the offensive growing pains.

the only PG experiment that should’ve been done was with Wesley. Soaking up all these losses to find out Sochan isn’t that guy when it should’ve been Wesley gaining all the EXP is frustrating as hell.

[cd98]

Hope Blake works out. He definitely has speed but he made a ton of mistakes last night.

[spurraider21]

He’s the best point of attack defender we have on the roster. I’d just start him and live with the offensive growing pains.
you could, but for the sake of balance i would still prefer Tre/Vassell pairing, with Wesley/Branham (or frankly, Wesley/Graham) off the bench.

not opposed to giving wesley some opportunities with the starting unit. much rather work through those pains than point sochan/branham experiments. at least with wesley if you squint you can see the light at the end of the tunnel

[The Truth #6]

We need help with defense and someone who can drive and kick and he's improved in those areas in the last two games. He has a long way to go but he was so bad before his progress is impressive.

[Seventyniner]

the only PG experiment that should’ve been done was with Wesley. Soaking up all these losses to find out Sochan isn’t that guy when it should’ve been Wesley gaining all the EXP is frustrating as hell.

I don't like this way of framing it. Wemby's usage rate is 30.1% (#15 in the league) and Sochan's is 18.1% (6th on the team and below the league average of 20%). It's not like taking a few % from Sochan to add to Wemby will help Wemby's development. This isn't some shared-EXP JRPG where you can funnel the EXP to one character by killing everyone else.

[spurraider21]

I don't like this way of framing it. Wemby's usage rate is 30.1% (#15 in the league) and Sochan's is 18.1% (6th on the team and below the league average of 20%). It's not like taking a few % from Sochan to add to Wemby will help Wemby's development. This isn't some shared-EXP JRPG where you can funnel the EXP to one character by killing everyone else.
he said wesley not wemby

[Seventyniner]

he said wesley not wemby

Oops, thanks for catching that. My mistake.

Wesley's usage rate is 14.5% and if he's going to develop as a player that needs to go up some.

Wesley is such a bad and reluctant shooter, though, that he will have to start forcing things to increase his usage and that might make things worse.

It's a long season, there's plenty of time to give both Sochan and Wesley 20 starts each.

[spurraider21]

Oops, thanks for catching that. My mistake.

Wesley's usage rate is 14.5% and if he's going to develop as a player that needs to go up some.

Wesley is such a bad and reluctant shooter, though, that he will have to start forcing things to increase his usage and that might make things worse.

It's a long season, there's plenty of time to give both Sochan and Wesley 20 starts each.
its less about comparing wesley's usage rate to sochan's, so much as wesley's minutes at PG vs sochan's