The Touchdown Jesus Statue of Blake Wesley

[exstatic]

You’re right about two years. But whatever the underlying cause, he was cut because he wasn’t playing well enough or showing the improvement and growth they needed to see

assuming birch is the cut, next year the spurs will have Collins, Osman, McDermott, and Graham (most likely) off their books. They will also have at least 2 first round picks coming in. If they want to say, re-sign Collins and add FA help, you might be seeing another roster crunch.

i don’t believe Wesley gets cut this year but i don’t think it can be taken for granted that he will be on the roster to start next season and that he’s simply going to be granted a second redshirt year. He’s going to have to play into that spot.

I don't have a problem with that, but I do have a problem with cutting a guy with gobs of remaining upside after his rookie year, especially with our development staff. That's not enough of a look.

[spurraider21]

I don't have a problem with that, but I do have a problem with cutting a guy with gobs of remaining upside after his rookie year, especially with our development staff. That's not enough of a look.
im not sure anybody here thinks he should be cut ahead of birch. i think theres just a growing pessimism about him reaching the potential we all fawned over when he was drafted

[exstatic]

im not sure anybody here thinks he should be cut ahead of birch. i think theres just a growing pessimism about him reaching the potential we all fawned over when he was drafted

He was drafted #25. A good outcome would BE Cory Joseph. Not sure what people were expecting. To think we could have a 3rd non-lottery FRP hit their 99% development curve like Tony and Kawhi is unrealistic.

[wildbill2u]

The question in my mind is whether he has enough skills > deficiencies at this point to warrant keeping him on the big club or whether he would be better off developing in Austin. Is there anyone on the team at this point who can challenge him for a rotation spot?

[John B]

Wesley is one of the better one-on-one defender of this team. He plays that part with gusto. Anybody think Pop would cut a guy playing good defense??

[spurraider21]

Wesley is one of the better one-on-one defender of this team. He plays that part with gusto. Anybody think Pop would cut a guy playing good defense??
Bryn Forbes started 81 games in a season

[John B]

Bryn Forbes started 81 games in a season

Forbes was trying to fix a mid-range infatuatef Demar with knockdown shooters to catch-up with NBA scoring in the 130’s. I’m glad that’s over.

[Obstructed_View]

He was drafted #25. A good outcome would BE Cory Joseph. Not sure what people were expecting. To think we could have a 3rd non-lottery FRP hit their 99% development curve like Tony and Kawhi is unrealistic.
Nope. He wasn't drafted for position, he was a home run swing. That means the Spurs were hoping he would develop into a superstar. The biggest concern for me is that a developing superstar does something jaw-dropping once in a while. Wesley has nothing. Now we are reduced to hoping he is good enough to carve out a career as a backup.

[Obstructed_View]

You’re right about two years. But whatever the underlying cause, he was cut because he wasn’t playing well enough or showing the improvement and growth they needed to see
Nope. He was cut because he turned the ball over and gave up the layup. Talent with no work ethic kills a team and goes against everything the Spurs preach. That one moment sealed his fate.

[rjv]

it'd be a big shock to me if the spurs actually thought wesley could eventually become a superstar. they didn't even think that about Tony when they drafted him.

[exstatic]

Nope. He wasn't drafted for position, he was a home run swing. That means the Spurs were hoping he would develop into a superstar. The biggest concern for me is that a developing superstar does something jaw-dropping once in a while. Wesley has nothing. Now we are reduced to hoping he is good enough to carve out a career as a backup.

I don't know how you get that from drafting someone at #25, but you do you. If more people share this view, it would explain a lot of the hating on Blake Wesley.

IMO, drafting at 25 is never a homerun swing, it's a crap shoot 100% of the time. You hope to get an NBA player.

[Proxy]

I think Blake gets in his head, maybe reads too much about himself on the internet or something. Hope he figures it out though

[jjspur]

We wouldn't be having this conversation if they had traded the #25 pick (Wesley) and signed Cory Joseph. Granted he would not be on the current spurs timeline, but Joseph offers much more than Wesley (other than age). GS was smart to sign Joseph, a backup player who only gets spot minutes, but doesn't hurt you team. If he manages to stay on the team isn't that what we want Wesley to be ?

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, I'm completely puzzled at the thought that Wesley was some kind of home run swing. He's firmly in the tradition of Kyle Anderson/Dejounte Murray/Keldon Johnson, late picks who needed a lot of development.

Seems that with these late draft picks the Spurs tend to pick players with one or two superior skills and work to advance the rest. Blake has uncommon speed and defensive potential. Sidy is a really nice passer and has defensive potential.

[Obstructed_View]

I don't know how you get that from drafting someone at #25, but you do you. If more people share this view, it would explain a lot of the hating on Blake Wesley.

IMO, drafting at 25 is never a homerun swing, it's a crap shoot 100% of the time. You hope to get an NBA player.
Well, I watched the draft. I read the scouting reports. I knew the Spurs' depth chart and their positions of need. I also understand what floor and ceiling mean when evaluating talent.

Wesley was scouted as a young kid with superstar upside. The Spurs didn't need yet another undersized swing player but Wesley's first step is world class and they thought it was worth the draft pick to swing for a guy who might turn into Jimmy Butler. The talent evaluators on draft night explained the pick this way as well. This is not anything different than what everyone said about him. The Spurs did not have need for a short shooting guard who can't hit free throws to become a fringe rotation player.

But you do you.

Lol hating. What a stupid word.

[Obstructed_View]

it'd be a big shock to me if the spurs actually thought wesley could eventually become a superstar. they didn't even think that about Tony when they drafted him.
It's the only reason they picked him. Take a flyer on a deer or trade the pick.

[koriwhat]

I like Wesley, or want to like Wesley, but I hate his horrible layups that never go in. He gets all the way to the hoop just to rim check or bounce off the backboard over and over again. It's frustrating.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

I can't believe that there are people who are serious about bailing on a 20 year old, long armed, athletic, willing defender who has all of 1/2 of an injury-plagued season under his belt. Especially on a team that is balls deep into a rebuild trying to figure out which of its many young prospects are long term keepers. Granted, he's looked raw as hell and generally pretty crappy, but give the kid half a chance to play himself into or out of the league before pulling the plug. He is going to essentially make that decision for the Spurs, not the other way around. But he at least needs enough time for them to properly evaluate him. It's not like he's taking up a roster spot from someone that is going to make or break this team's championship aspirations this season.

[PrimeMinister]

trading a first for cojo bro i cant lmfao

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Well, I watched the draft. I read the scouting reports. I knew the Spurs' depth chart and their positions of need. I also understand what floor and ceiling mean when evaluating talent.

Wesley was scouted as a young kid with superstar upside. The Spurs didn't need yet another undersized swing player but Wesley's first step is world class and they thought it was worth the draft pick to swing for a guy who might turn into Jimmy Butler. The talent evaluators on draft night explained the pick this way as well. This is not anything different than what everyone said about him. The Spurs did not have need for a short shooting guard who can't hit free throws to become a fringe rotation player.

But you do you.

Lol hating. What a stupid word.

None of that has to do with how the Spurs came to the decision to draft him.

[BackHome]

I liked Wes...but to be honest he should have not been with the big club he should have been full time in G League last year - He has the talent he is just so raw he needs a lot of work on his game - I think I would even prefer for him and Sidy both to stay and work on their game in the G League this season.

[objective]

Wesley being some homerun swing? Don't buy it.

If he was raw but a special athlete maybe, but he's not. He's fast but can't jump and has bad touch. Can't get vertical, x-axis only. Calculated risk more than homerun swing

If the Spurs thought he had superstar potential I'm not surprised, they thought Primo had it too. Primo who was one of the slowest most groundbound players in the league. Wesley at least gets to the rim and fails, Primo struggled to even get to the nail.

[KobesAchilles]

There are about 4 people currently on the team that I still want on the team in in the next couple of years. Wesley ain’t one of them. I will give up on him. I have no problem making bold claims and sounding “stupid.” There are plenty of explosive guards that can’t finish and can’t shoot are young that come into the league every year. Most of them don’t pan out. No big deal if Wesley doesn’t. I’d rather just move on from him in 2 years when he proves absolutely nothing with his play.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Fact is, nobody in the starting lineup can attack the basket besides maaaaybe Vic.

BW still has an opportunity over this long season. We'll find ourselves just trying him one day in some odd third quarter. He needs to be ready for that moment.

[Obstructed_View]

Fact is, nobody in the starting lineup can attack the basket besides maaaaybe Vic.

BW still has an opportunity over this long season. We'll find ourselves just trying him one day in some odd third quarter. He needs to be ready for that moment.
Agree, but Wesley has shown no improvement once he gets past his man. He can't hit an open man, he can't draw fouls, and he can't score. On the rare occasion he draws a foul, he misses free throws.

[Mr. Body]

Agree, but Wesley has shown no improvement once he gets past his man. He can't hit an open man, he can't draw fouls, and he can't score. On the rare occasion he draws a foul, he misses free throws.

I get that it's a piss-and-moan fest in here, but c'mon, let's be vaguely accurate. He had three assists tonight in eight minutes. He does hit open guys. Commence the existential anguish.

[HankChinaski]

Hard to stay hyped on this cat. Has the speed to be lethal but his brain can't keep up with him physically.

[Chinook]

I find it so odd that people are shocked folks aren't big on Wesley. This has been a thing people have been talking about for months. I get not agreeing with it, but it's not weird. It should be extremely well worn at this point.

Wesley seems pretty safe to me at this point in the season. The team putting Sochan at PG definitely gives them more freedom to make a move at the position, but we aren't seeing any competition for his spot right now. Of course, we'll have to see if the Spurs pick up Blake's option along with Branham and Sochan. If they don't, the odds of Wesley being a Spur all season go down dramatically. Even if they do, Wesley should be one of the players most likely to be in a trade after the obvious options. As I've said a million times, the Spurs no longer have to scared into keeping guys because of their upside. They have too many prospects and too many picks to worry about that. It's very possible that there are guards sitting in the d-league or on deep benches that are going to be better than Blake will. The team's not really hurting for options. Wes currently has an expiring contract. The team doesn't have to be married to him.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Agree, but Wesley has shown no improvement once he gets past his man. He can't hit an open man, he can't draw fouls, and he can't score. On the rare occasion he draws a foul, he misses free throws.

You're not wrong about the shooting. I do still want to give it a little more time and see if something clicks. And he's probably a top 3 defender on the team.

[KingKev]

Blake good once he slows the game down

[Obstructed_View]

You're not wrong about the shooting. I do still want to give it a little more time and see if something clicks. And he's probably a top 3 defender on the team.
He's gonna make the roster this year for sure, but he's closer to being last on the roster than any of us would have hoped. I'm definitely rooting for him when he's on the court.

[Atl Spur]

Blake good once he slows the game down

Nope. Lacks bbiq / feel for the position

[Dejounte]

Yeah so if Tre has that backup point spot, there really is no room for this guy

our pipeline at point looks good: Sochan/ Tre/ Rice
SG: Vassell/ Branham
SF: Keldon/ Cedi/ Sidy
PF: Wemby/ McDermott/ Barlow
C: Collins/ Bassey/ Mamu

just looking at this it looks like our weakest development pipeline is between sf/pf so I hope we draft that next year or get a nice free agent who could improve it

[John B]

Blake good once he slows the game down

I agree. He is much composed from last year tazmanian devil.

[onechance87]

Blake good once he slows the game down

but we need a pg who plays fast and makes shots....thats todays nba..Adapt or die

[Obstructed_View]

I agree. He is much composed from last year tazmanian devil.
He was drafted for his speed. It was his only plus skill.

He hasn't developed a floater. He doesn't draw fouls. He doesn't penetrate and kick. He doesn't lob it to the front of the rim. This is not just lack of development, it's EXTREME lack of development. And judging by his free throws, his shooting isn't any better.

He has made some effort on defense but he and the team were coached not to play D last year.

[KobesAchilles]

If Sochan is our future starting PG going forward then we are fucked. Dude is not a PG and it’s actually a pretty fucking important position. Our pipeline for PG is really shitty. Our pipeline for a point forward might me good but Sochan is still a forward. We don’t need to do anything with Wesley this year but we have like 15 picks in the next 5 years and just by sheer volume his place on the team is in jeopardy.

[exstatic]

If Sochan is our future starting PG going forward then we are fucked. Dude is not a PG and it’s actually a pretty fucking important position. Our pipeline for PG is really shitty. Our pipeline for a point forward might me good but Sochan is still a forward. We don’t need to do anything with Wesley this year but we have like 15 picks in the next 5 years and just by sheer volume his place on the team is in jeopardy.

Tell me the last time the Spurs had a ball dominant traditional PG.

[spurraider21]

Tell me the last time the Spurs had a ball dominant traditional PG.
William Anthony Parker, Jr.

id even say last year of dejounte being here qualifies when the offense stopped running through derozan

but ill await your specific definition of ball dominant traditional PG

[exstatic]

William Anthony Parker, Jr.

id even say last year of dejounte being here qualifies when the offense stopped running through derozan

but ill await your specific definition of ball dominant traditional PG

Avery Johnson.

Even Tony admitted that he was on the middle of the spectrum, where Pop put him, halfway between Iverson and John Stockton, a scoring hybrid.

Dejounte could barely manage anything besides a simple dump pass on a pick and roll. If anyone paved the road for Sochan, it was Dejounte, who literally played SF his rookie season to get on the floor. Or, DeRozan, who played PF, but initiated the offense. This isn't new territory.

[spurraider21]

Avery Johnson.

Even Tony admitted that he was on the middle of the spectrum, where Pop put him, halfway between Iverson and John Stockton, a scoring hybrid.

Dejounte could barely manage anything besides a simple dump pass on a pick and roll. If anyone paved the road for Sochan, it was Dejounte, who literally played SF his rookie season to get on the floor. Or, DeRozan, who played PF, but initiated the offense. This isn't new territory.
tbh i was expecting some unreasonably specific definition of traditional point guard but you managed to be even more absurd than i'd have guessed

how about giving some parameters when trying to define what a traditional point guard is?

[Obstructed_View]

Tony Parker was not a traditional point guard. AJ was the most traditional point guard the Spurs have had since Rod Strickland, and the only one who was on the team in his prime.

[KobesAchilles]

Tell me the last time the Spurs had a ball dominant traditional PG.
Who tf cares about traditional PG. Tony was still a HOF PG. He led the Spurs for damn near 20 years as a PG. He ran the offense amazingly well and set people up all the time and was personally responsible for so many damn hockey assists that they should change the name to the Parker assist. If Sochan could play like that then I wouldn’t be so worried about our lack of a PG.
DJ turned into (albeit I didn’t see it coming) a much better PG than I ever saw him being, after about 5 years but if we take 5 years to turn Sochan into a DJ then we are still fucked. Idk how long Wemby will play but I give him about a decade before injuries mount up. And if we waste half of it on Sochan I will tear my hair out. Sochan has so much in his game that he needs to fix that I don’t want him to be our PG.

imo this is a bad decision by Pop in his upbringing as a pro. Sochan needs to worry about D and rebounding, and hitting open 3s. Then you can add some playmaking as a secondary play maker. We rushed all the way to him being our primary ball handler. Why? For what reason? Makes zero sense.

[Obstructed_View]

You want Sochan to play like Parker? Nobody in NBA history plays like Parker. :lol

[Chinook]

There's a huge, huge gap between "This guy isn't a traditional point guard" and "This guy isn't a point guard". Like no one is arguing the first point, but multiple times folks have tried to substitute it is for the second point. Arguing if Wesley is a "true point-guard" is a substantially different thing than arguing whether Sochan is a PG at all. It would be like if people were debating if Keldon Johnson were a power-forward, and someone saying, "The Spurs haven't had a traditional power-forward since Tim Duncan." Who gives a shit? That's an entirely different conversation.

No, Sochan isn't Parker and no matter what position he plays he shouldn't be expected to be Parker. But that doesn't mean folks shouldn't believe the team would be well served to have a guy in the mold of Johnson, Parker, Irving or Holiday rather than having the lineup of Sochan, two wings and two bigs. It's okay to disagree with that -- Pop seems to be in that camp right now. We'll all see how it goes. But I don't get why folks keep trying to pull this bait and switch on this discussion.

In general, I do worry the discussion around Wesley is becoming too polarizing. I do think the Spurs could've done things over the summer that would lead to Blake being cut or trade -- and I do think the Spurs should be scouting PG prospects pretty heavily this season and/or look to see if there are any high-impact vet PGs they can snag. But Blake's on the team now, I hope he does well and all that jazz. Hope he shows some good development and takes advantage of whatever minutes he gets with the big club.

[spurraider21]

is the argument that sochan is closer to a "traditional point guard" than parker was (whatever your arbitrary definition of traditional point guard is)? because even if i considered the quintessential "traditional" point guard to be john stockton, parker way closer to that than sochan is

[scott]

Sometimes picks in the late 20s turn into Derrick, DJM, or Keldon. Sometimes they turn into a player who gets a shot for a couple years and you just move on. It happens. (Notably, Blake is the only #25 pick we've ever had. We've had really great success at 28 and 29, but 24-26 is a little iffy with only George Hill making it out of that group), we've never had a Pick 27, and our only pick 30 was Kyle Anderson).

Given the success rate of late FRPs, I'd argue that they are all homerun swings. If you get a serviceable NBA player (Beno, Cory Joseph, Cory Alexander, SloMo), that's a home run. If you get a Parker, Splitter, DJM, Derrick, Keldon its a grand slam.

[Obstructed_View]

is the argument that sochan is closer to a "traditional point guard" than parker was (whatever your arbitrary definition of traditional point guard is)? because even if i considered the quintessential "traditional" point guard to be john stockton, parker way closer to that than sochan is
My argument is that the Spurs have never since ~1991 had a prototypical point guard in his prime. So the idea that Sochan is not a prototypical point guard is not the disaster many of you make it out to be. They made it work with Parker's unique skills. Why can't they make it work with Sochan's?

This team has a chance to do amazing things on defense and in transition with their five best players starting. They have speed, size, long arms, hustle, and what may be the greatest developing secret weapon in the modern history of the sport.

[sfernald]

There's a huge, huge gap between "This guy isn't a traditional point guard" and "This guy isn't a point guard". Like no one is arguing the first point, but multiple times folks have tried to substitute it is for the second point. Arguing if Wesley is a "true point-guard" is a substantially different thing than arguing whether Sochan is a PG at all. It would be like if people were debating if Keldon Johnson were a power-forward, and someone saying, "The Spurs haven't had a traditional power-forward since Tim Duncan." Who gives a shit? That's an entirely different conversation.

No, Sochan isn't Parker and no matter what position he plays he shouldn't be expected to be Parker. But that doesn't mean folks shouldn't believe the team would be well served to have a guy in the mold of Johnson, Parker, Irving or Holiday rather than having the lineup of Sochan, two wings and two bigs. It's okay to disagree with that -- Pop seems to be in that camp right now. We'll all see how it goes. But I don't get why folks keep trying to pull this bait and switch on this discussion.

In general, I do worry the discussion around Wesley is becoming too polarizing. I do think the Spurs could've done things over the summer that would lead to Blake being cut or trade -- and I do think the Spurs should be scouting PG prospects pretty heavily this season and/or look to see if there are any high-impact vet PGs they can snag. But Blake's on the team now, I hope he does well and all that jazz. Hope he shows some good development and takes advantage of whatever minutes he gets with the big club.

Right on man. I think there’s a good chance that a high quality pg becomes available before the trade deadline. But for now this a great chance for Sochan to grow as a player so I don’t mind it. As long as Wemby doesn’t start to get frustrated I guess. If they really struggle over the first ten games, might want to do that trade a little earlier.

[spurraider21]

My argument is that the Spurs have never since ~1991 had a prototypical point guard in his prime. So the idea that Sochan is not a prototypical point guard is not the disaster many of you make it out to be. They made it work with Parker's unique skills. Why can't they make it work with Sochan's?

This team has a chance to do amazing things on defense and in transition with their five best players starting. They have speed, size, long arms, hustle, and what may be the greatest developing secret weapon in the modern history of the sport.
Why don’t we just play Bassey at point and then rationalize it by saying well we’ve never had a prototypical point guard anyway

[Obstructed_View]

Why don’t we just play Bassey at point and then rationalize it by saying well we’ve never had a prototypical point guard anyway
Bassey has shown point guard skills equal to Wesley at this point. :lol

Sochan is better than both of them. Not sure why you keep wanting to play inferior guys ahead of him.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't understand why people have a problem with Sochan being the PG this season. This is not a year where we are trying to win a title. Let Sochan run point and develop his playmaking and ball handling. The team should still be in the playoff hunt and after this season they can focus on trading for a PG and drafting a PG prospect. Sochan being the PG is not a long term solution.

[exstatic]

I don't understand why people have a problem with Sochan being the PG this season. This is not a year where we are trying to win a title. Let Sochan run point and develop his playmaking and ball handling. The team should still be in the playoff hunt and after this season they can focus on trading for a PG and drafting a PG prospect. Sochan being the PG is not a long term solution.

Most of the people who have issues with Sochan at the point are the same ones who want Victor down on the block, shooting jump hooks. They lack imagination or the ability to think outside the box. They see a 6’9” guy, and he’s a PF. They see a 7’3” guy, and he’s a center. It’s the way it’s always been, so it’s the way it will always be.

[spurraider21]

Most of the people who have issues with Sochan at the point are the same ones who want Victor down on the block, shooting jump hooks. They lack imagination or the ability to think outside the box. They see a 6’9” guy, and he’s a PF. They see a 7’3” guy, and he’s a center. It’s the way it’s always been, so it’s the way it will always be.
I like neither of those things

[Obstructed_View]

Most of the people who have issues with Sochan at the point are the same ones who want Victor down on the block, shooting jump hooks. They lack imagination or the ability to think outside the box. They see a 6’9” guy, and he’s a PF. They see a 7’3” guy, and he’s a center. It’s the way it’s always been, so it’s the way it will always be.
It's fairly easy to tell who wasn't watching Spurs games last year. Sochan was the best point guard on the team then, as well.

[wildbill2u]

It's fairly easy to tell who wasn't watching Spurs games last year. Sochan was the best point guard on the team then, as well.

That seems to be the problem for a lot of folks. If the coaches want to try it, the results will show if this is the right player for the job of initiator and offense director.

[Obstructed_View]

That seems to be the problem for a lot of folks. If the coaches want to try it, the results will show if this is the right player for the job of initiator and offense director.
The Spurs showed precisely zero urgency about filling the point position, despite only having Tre on the roster.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I don't understand why people have a problem with Sochan being the PG this season. This is not a year where we are trying to win a title. Let Sochan run point and develop his playmaking and ball handling. The team should still be in the playoff hunt and after this season they can focus on trading for a PG and drafting a PG prospect. Sochan being the PG is not a long term solution.

My problem is only that he's looked really debilitated trying to move with the ball in his hands. I don't remember him looking like that last year. I want him to be the Spurs' Kuz (but better), with the ball in his hands and just doing whatever is needed in the moment. He just hasn't moved well with the ball so far.

[objective]

Sochan looks less aggressive and out of plays as a point guard. But then he'll have a spurt of forced shooting possessions in a row in the second half like he was told he had to score

He just strangely looks less involved as a play starter rather than as a connector or finisher.

So I think he looks worse so far. But it's preseason and I don't have a problem with trying it out a bunch of regular season games. I wouldn't mind seeing them try Branham at point at some time this season, he has a little more game as a pick and roll threat

[Russ]

The Spurs showed precisely zero urgency about filling the point position, despite only having Tre on the roster.

Perhaps because point guards can be ball dominant and they don't want that with this young developing roster -- maybe they want all these guys to handle the ball and pass.

[spurraider21]

My problem is only that he's looked really debilitated trying to move with the ball in his hands. I don't remember him looking like that last year. I want him to be the Spurs' Kuz (but better), with the ball in his hands and just doing whatever is needed in the moment. He just hasn't moved well with the ball so far.
last year he wasnt asked to break defenses down. he would attack closeouts or drive into open space then make a good pass. which are valuable skills, but not what he's asked to do

[Obstructed_View]

Perhaps because point guards can be ball dominant and they don't want that with this young developing roster -- maybe they want all these guys to handle the ball and pass.
Well stated. I agree. Building an offense that relies on screens and smart ball movement rather than one guy breaking down his man one-on-one. I seem to recall the team having some success with that about a decade ago.

[spurraider21]

Well stated. I agree. Building an offense that relies on screens and smart ball movement rather than one guy breaking down his man one-on-one. I seem to recall the team having some success with that about a decade ago.
when parker got a screen, he was always a threat to quickly get to and finish in the paint. or if they switched, parker could dance on a big and abuse that mismatch.

if sochan gets a screen, i dont think he's going to consistently pose a scoring threat, whether it be getting to the rim or pulling up behind a screen. and if a big switches onto him, im not sure he's good enough for that to be considered a mismatch. sochan's ideal mismatch is getting a small onto him, getting into deep position, and taking that to the paint.

maybe im wrong, sochan becomes really good at this, and i eat a lot of crow. i'd be glad for that to happen. i just dont see it.

[Spurs Homer]

I don't think people are understanding the meaning of allowing the players to go out there and show you who they are.
The same way that pop is preaching - when asked - about allowing wemby to go out there and do his thing and then AFTERWARDS -

pop and the staff will have a better understanding of who victor is...and then they can instruct/coach/

makes sense also with Sochan.

Sochan made some cool plays last year, has great size and athleticism and isnt horrible with his handles - so it is an intriguing prospect for pop to install a yuge lineup which just might give opponents massive headaches if this defensive unit can gel in about 20 games or so...

then see what sochan morphs into as pg...

I like it and at pops age I am really really impressed that he is consciously trying to keep himself as head coach - open and flexible as he knows very well he has the youngest team in the nba.

Very cool to see - and it is also great that tre jones comes in hungry and terrorizes nba 2nd team players.

[Dejounte]

Sochan looks less aggressive and out of plays as a point guard. But then he'll have a spurt of forced shooting possessions in a row in the second half like he was told he had to score

He just strangely looks less involved as a play starter rather than as a connector or finisher.

So I think he looks worse so far. But it's preseason and I don't have a problem with trying it out a bunch of regular season games. I wouldn't mind seeing them try Branham at point at some time this season, he has a little more game as a pick and roll threat

They played Branham at point so many times last season. Did you watch last season?

[Obstructed_View]

when parker got a screen, he was always a threat to quickly get to and finish in the paint. or if they switched, parker could dance on a big and abuse that mismatch.

if sochan gets a screen, i dont think he's going to consistently pose a scoring threat, whether it be getting to the rim or pulling up behind a screen. and if a big switches onto him, im not sure he's good enough for that to be considered a mismatch. sochan's ideal mismatch is getting a small onto him, getting into deep position, and taking that to the paint.

maybe im wrong, sochan becomes really good at this, and i eat a lot of crow. i'd be glad for that to happen. i just dont see it.
No point guard in history attacked the rim the way Tony Parker does. Nobody expects Sochan to be Parker. The Spurs offense will, like you said, rely on mismatches. Sochan has a very good turnaround jumper and has shown the ability to get his own shot with it.

[Obstructed_View]

They played Branham at point so many times last season. Did you watch last season?

They certainly played him at point enough to know that they want no part in it. He's proving to be a bit of a black hole early in his career. You damn sure don't want him starting.

[Chinook]

when parker got a screen, he was always a threat to quickly get to and finish in the paint. or if they switched, parker could dance on a big and abuse that mismatch.

if sochan gets a screen, i dont think he's going to consistently pose a scoring threat, whether it be getting to the rim or pulling up behind a screen. and if a big switches onto him, im not sure he's good enough for that to be considered a mismatch. sochan's ideal mismatch is getting a small onto him, getting into deep position, and taking that to the paint.

maybe im wrong, sochan becomes really good at this, and i eat a lot of crow. i'd be glad for that to happen. i just dont see it.

People seem to forget that the offense the Spurs built around Parker involved him playing off ball for multiple options. In many ways, the Zipper-series offense the Spurs ran at the beginning of the Medium Three era was the long-two version of what the Warriors ran for Curry in his prime. It had tons of off-ball movement and options for guys to score. This was the offense the Spurs ran for Peak Tony:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9FuNF7EezQ&ab_channel=CoachDaniel

Do you see how many people get good shots, despite the fact that Tony is the engine that runs the offense? In case someone worries about the non-PG being passive, this is the same offense but with Leonard being the featured player:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMukb_vvBXY&t=28s&pp=ygUTemlwcGVyIHNlcmllc yBzcHVycw%3D%3D

So many people here are bragging about "watching the Spurs", but it seems that's all they do -- just passively watch the game. They don't bother to look into what the team's doing and why it works or doesn't. Tony wasn't like Harden or Lillard, especially in his prime. The Spurs had an offense that could feature multiple scorers. The Motion Weak offense that required a big that was both a good post scorer and a good passer. That was the "Beautiful Game" offense that people associate with "positionless" perimeter players.


https://youtu.be/KOaC9gx7VTM

Yes, the Spurs will start to build an offense around Wemby, and that offense will have plays and structures that will get analyzed so we can all have more insight into how and why it works. But you can see how having certain attributes on offense can make the lives of other players easier. With things being nebulous now, we're gabbing about what sorts of things we'd like the team to do and if what they're doing looking like it's going to work. We're all just giving our opinions, and none of them will alter what happens on the court. But there also seems to be a huge lack of history in what made the previous iterations of the team work.

[Obstructed_View]

last year he wasnt asked to break defenses down. he would attack closeouts or drive into open space then make a good pass. which are valuable skills, but not what he's asked to do
Are we 100 percent sure he's even in game shape yet?

[spurraider21]

No point guard in history attacked the rim the way Tony Parker does. Nobody expects Sochan to be Parker. The Spurs offense will, like you said, rely on mismatches. Sochan has a very good turnaround jumper and has shown the ability to get his own shot with it.
you are the one who brought up the parker offense with your comment about how the spurs had success with a given system a decade ago... when parker was the point guard.

yes, the spurs had great movement and sets that didnt always require parker to be dominant on the ball, but as chinook already laid out, that was still a scheme that was largely built around parker and his ability to attack

[spurraider21]

Are we 100 percent sure he's even in game shape yet?
im talking about what we saw from him last year when he was in game shape. he wasnt being asked to break defenses down last year, nor did we really see him have the ability to do so.

[objective]

They played Branham at point so many times last season. Did you watch last season?

Yes, same with Sochan.

Difference is last year when he was point it was mostly scrubtown for teammates. This year he's been off the ball. I'd like to see him on ball with Wemby. He had enough feeds to Bassey last year that were good plays I'd like to see it tried with Wemby.

[Obstructed_View]

you are the one who brought up the parker offense with your comment about how the spurs had success with a given system a decade ago... when parker was the point guard.

yes, the spurs had great movement and sets that didnt always require parker to be dominant on the ball, but as chinook already laid out, that was still a scheme that was largely built around parker and his ability to attack
Yea I said the Spurs adapted to a point guard with nontraditional skills. I never implied Parker and Sochan had THE SAME nontraditional skills.

[Obstructed_View]

im talking about what we saw from him last year when he was in game shape. he wasnt being asked to break defenses down last year, nor did we really see him have the ability to do so.
Nor did we see the Spurs trying to win games. We did see the Spurs sitting Sochan to prevent wins.

[Obstructed_View]

you are the one who brought up the parker offense with your comment about how the spurs had success with a given system a decade ago... when parker was the point guard.

yes, the spurs had great movement and sets that didnt always require parker to be dominant on the ball, but as chinook already laid out, that was still a scheme that was largely built around parker and his ability to attack
And a decade ago was the beautiful game. They were relying on passing and screens, not Parker. Go back another ten years for that.

[spurraider21]

And a decade ago was the beautiful game. They were relying on passing and screens, not Parker. Go back another ten years for that.
beautiful game years were also the years the parker was actually getting league MVP votes, scored as much as ever, had his highest assist numbers, and generally had usage rates on par with the highest of his career

[Chinook]

And a decade ago was the beautiful game. They were relying on passing and screens, not Parker. Go back another ten years for that.

The Spurs were running Zipper and Motion Weak at the same time. The years where Parker was a dominant scorer in the "loop" was 2013, literally the year before the "Beautiful Game". You can see in the videos Zipper plays from 2016 and Motion Weak plays from 2013.

[playbonner15]

Damn... good thing he'll probably be staying in Austin

[onechance87]

ill take rice over him at this point

[rankingtear]

Pretty telling that Bassey developed a floater before Wes.

[Obstructed_View]

Pretty telling that Bassey developed a floater before Wes.
And it's really good.

[rankingtear]

I just don't like the idea of filling 2 spots for that third stringer point guard spot for 2 years maybe 3. We don't even care where we finish this season and yet there is no confidence that Wes could play insurance behind Tre without completely nuking the offense.

[Maddog]

Damn... good thing he'll probably be staying in Austin

Probably.
He definitely isn't ready for prime time.
You can see things that are tantalizing and why the Spurs took a flyer on him. There's reasons he was a late 1st rounder. Still very raw. I'd hoped for more development by now, however he's still young and only 1 year in.

[Obstructed_View]

Good on Blake for hitting his final two free throws. Other than that, he stinks.

Remember that he, Sochan and Branham were all at the same level not that long ago.

[exstatic]

Good on Blake for hitting his final two free throws. Other than that, he stinks.

Remember that he, Sochan and Branham were all at the same level not that long ago.

That blown MCL set him back a bit. Six weeks in your rookie season is an eternity. Remember, Branham looked like dog shit until probably mid January. He started getting reps when Vassell went down, and not so magically, he improved.


I think someone like Blake is another reason for the mad scientist season this year by Pop. He’s going to take some lumps and losses to get time for Blake, to see if he pops like Sochan and Branham did.

[sfernald]

They need to focus on getting Wemby to the playin this year and not worry about low end first round picks that aren’t developing well. I would trade three Wesleys for a guy like Miller who the spurs just gave away in the draft this year.

What the spurs need to do is focus on a mid season trade that brings in a top three player in their roster the way the Celtics did bringing in Jrue and Porz this off season.

Forget development. Wemby is a top 10 player this year! Get this man into the playoffs now!

[exstatic]

They need to focus on getting Wemby to the playin this year and not worry about low end first round picks that aren’t developing well. I would trade three Wesleys for a guy like Miller who the spurs just gave away in the draft this year.

What the spurs need to do is focus on a mid season trade that brings in a top three player in their roster the way the Celtics did bringing in Jrue and Porz this off season.

Forget development. Wemby is a top 10 player this year! Get this man into the playoffs now!

You just haven't been paying attention, have you? That's not the plan, no matter how much of a fit you throw. They will evaluate Wemby, and everyone else on the roster for a year. It's also dumb to compare us to the Celtics. They have been a deep playoff team for like 4 seasons, and most of the guys on their roster are mid to late 20s. Most of our guys are 19-23, and we've never been to the playoffs with this group. You make different moves at different points in the team's life cycle, and win now moves make no sense for us.

[Spurs Homer]

You just haven't been paying attention, have you? That's not the plan, no matter how much of a fit you throw. They will evaluate Wemby, and everyone else on the roster for a year. It's also dumb to compare us to the Celtics. They have been a deep playoff team for like 4 seasons, and most of the guys on their roster are mid to late 20s. Most of our guys are 19-23, and we've never been to the playoffs with this group. You make different moves at different points in the team's life cycle, and win now moves make no sense for us.

sez who? Where?

wemby evaluation for a year w/out any moves?

please show this memo i must have missed…

pop wants to watch him and allow him to be himself but to suddenly conclude pop needs a YEAR …is just as inaccurate as what you are criticising isnt it?

win- now moves make no sense?
wow

if you were a consultant to a business i had investments $$ in i would ask the board to vote to fire you and get me the guy that thinks outside the box and will be OPEN to win now!

[Fireball]

i hope he has fun in Austin ...

[JPB]

That blown MCL set him back a bit. Six weeks in your rookie season is an eternity. Remember, Branham looked like dog shit until probably mid January. He started getting reps when Vassell went down, and not so magically, he improved.


I think someone like Blake is another reason for the mad scientist season this year by Pop. He’s going to take some lumps and losses to get time for Blake, to see if he pops like Sochan and Branham did.

I'm really not spurs have any kind of specific plan for Wesley at this point and that we can compare him with Sochan and Branham who didn't show worrying flaws like Wesley repeteadly shows. You never wondered if sochan or Branham belonged or thought to yourself, "damn they suck ass", which you defintely do with Wesley sometimes... Ofc spurs are gonna continue to develop and try to make him a valuable player but there's that feeling he's more of an afterthought now, and he's not in the same wagon as his rookie class fellas. His challenge is to stay on the train now.

[wildbill2u]

My question is whether Blake feels like he under so much pressure to perform well that he becomes a chucking black hole without the skill set to pull it off, or he just doesn't have the mentality to share the ball when it is imperative. KJ kinda grew out of it so maybe Blake will to, but it is painful to watch sometimes.

[exstatic]

sez who? Where?

wemby evaluation for a year w/out any moves?

They made no moves not predicated on renting cap space.

please show this memo i must have missed…

numerous press conferences.

pop wants to watch him and allow him to be himself but to suddenly conclude pop needs a YEAR …is just as inaccurate as what you are criticising isnt it?

The only thing I criticized was his lack of paying attention, and apparently, you're not either. Have fun with your year of frustration, both of you.

win- now moves make no sense?
wow

The last time the Spurs were in this position, some good young prospects and a #1 pick, was 1989. They traded an All D, multi All Star, one time All NBA player for a veteran PF who turned out to have only a couple of good years left, a win now move. They won nothing until they got lucky again and won the lottery for a second time eight years later. It was a dumb move.

if you were a consultant to a business i had investments $$ in i would ask the board to vote to fire you and get me the guy that thinks outside the box and will be OPEN to win now!

Casuals would advocate for "win now". Thinking outside the box is waiting a year to see how the pieces fit.

[couchman]

Wemby being this good means the timeline for everyone moves up.
The Spurs will solve the PG issue one way or another in the next 12 months.
Wesley will either be part of that solution or he won’t be a Spur.

I love his defense, his energy, and his first step.
But that first step is pointless if he can’t find a floater or some other way to finish at the rim.
He needs to spend the next 7 months in Austin working in finishing like his career depends on it, because it does.

[exstatic]

I'm really not spurs have any kind of specific plan for Wesley at this point and that we can compare him with Sochan and Branham who didn't show worrying flaws like Wesley repeteadly shows. You never wondered if sochan or Branham belonged or thought to yourself, "damn they suck ass", which you defintely do with Wesley sometimes... Ofc spurs are gonna continue to develop and try to make him a valuable player but there's that feeling he's more of an afterthought now, and he's not in the same wagon as his rookie class fellas. His challenge is to stay on the train now.

Posters here, unsurprisingly, WERE calling Malaki a bust by January. He looked awful.

[Spurs Homer]

You might be the one not paying attention or I did not communicate it properly...

I am OPEN to the plan you seem to believe that is etched in stone -if pop is indeed set on a time and on a plan and is not open to trades/moves/improvements-

I am OPEN to that - a bit disappointed - but OPEN

I am also OPEN to seeing where it goes and seeing how things progress- WITHOUT the set time of 1 year
or the

1-4 year plan BEFORE the spurs compete for titles...

I am also aware that the FIRST thing I ever heard Victor say to the Spurs - in public - the first message was;
"I want to win now"

Now,

sure, we can all ASSUME that Victor is just another perfect Timmy/David/Manu/Parker type of young man and that HE will be happy to snail across his career and wait for pops brilliant system to eventually lead him to a title...

but

I am OPEN to the fact that Victor appears to MEAN what he says and he grew up in the Lebron era - like it or not and that era means PLAYERS/STARS call the shots and franchises make stars happy and if not -

then...who knows.

Victor appears to be in the mold of the Timmy's of the world but we do not know what happens if and when he tastes defeat or if and when he feels that when he rests on the bench- the team loses games.
We do not know and I am proud of Pop and in the fact that Pop KNOWS- that he must be OPEN to new ways.

If Pops plan and your belief of it is accurate - I am OPEN to it and I hope to see victor believe in the spurs and follow the plan and I am open to see what happens if a proper deal/offer comes along that the spurs feel is in the teams best interests too!

[sfernald]

You just haven't been paying attention, have you? That's not the plan, no matter how much of a fit you throw. They will evaluate Wemby, and everyone else on the roster for a year. It's also dumb to compare us to the Celtics. They have been a deep playoff team for like 4 seasons, and most of the guys on their roster are mid to late 20s. Most of our guys are 19-23, and we've never been to the playoffs with this group. You make different moves at different points in the team's life cycle, and win now moves make no sense for us.


People who still believe in the developmental plan (and that includes spurs management in case they haven’t figured it out) are falling behind in the narrative.

Wemby is so good right now, he is going to drag this team to the playin. There’s no low draft picks ahead folks, besides the ones from other teams. We good. We gunna be really good. Wemby is one of these rarified air once in a generation players who will lift his team to greatness every time he plays. Even greater than someone like Zion who when he’s healthy makes his team one of the best in the league. His teammates aren’t nearly as good but I think he will lift them to become the best possible versions of themselves.

We are about to see magic and there’s no reason not to upgrade this season cause who knows we might just win that playin and even win the first series! I’ve lived long enough to see this begin a few times with Magic and Lebron and it is sheer joy to watch.

[exstatic]

People who still believe in the developmental plan (and that includes spurs management in case they haven’t figured it out) are falling behind in the narrative.

Wemby is so good right now, he is going to drag this team to the playin. There’s no low draft picks ahead folks, besides the ones from other teams. We good. We gunna be really good. Wemby is one of these rarified air once in a generation players who will lift his team to greatness every time he plays. Even greater than someone like Zion who when he’s healthy makes his team one of the best in the league. His teammates aren’t nearly as good but I think he will lift them to become the best possible versions of themselves.

We are about to see magic and there’s no reason not to upgrade this season cause who knows we might just win that playin and even win the first series! I’ve lived long enough to see this begin a few times with Magic and Lebron and it is sheer joy to watch.

Ah,you’re one of the ones that think they’re smarter than PATFO. I’ll trouble you no further, since we have no frame of reference in which to discuss.

[Obstructed_View]

That blown MCL set him back a bit. Six weeks in your rookie season is an eternity. Remember, Branham looked like dog shit until probably mid January. He started getting reps when Vassell went down, and not so magically, he improved.


I think someone like Blake is another reason for the mad scientist season this year by Pop. He’s going to take some lumps and losses to get time for Blake, to see if he pops like Sochan and Branham did.
It might have set him back a bit, but he was healthy by the end of the year, so he had the entire off season and came in with nothing new. No floater, no jump-stop, no nothin. He strikes me at this point as a guy who succeeded at other levels with his athletic talent.

But you could be right, because right up to his injury he was really looking good. Far better than he has looked for a single moment since.

[sfernald]

Ah,you’re one of the ones that think they’re smarter than PATFO. I’ll trouble you no further, since we have no frame of reference in which to discuss.

I’m sure front office is figuring this out too. I mean I hope they are watching the games lol. Are you watching what Wemby is doing out there?

[RC_Drunkford]

the timeline should not be 4 years. They should also not rush things and try to win a title now. You see what you have this season, then try to upgrade next season. If the Spurs are able to get an All-Star level PG without giving up much, they should be a dark horse contender next season.

[spurraider21]

the timeline should not be 4 years. They should also not rush things and try to win a title now. You see what you have this season, then try to upgrade next season. If the Spurs are able to get an All-Star level PG without giving up much, they should be a dark horse contender next season.
who would be PG trade targets in the next 1.5 years? i havent really looked that closely.

like obviously could say garland would be great, but i dont feel like Cavs would be sellers anytime soon. gotta think up realistic scenarios. personally i'd love dejounte if the hawks start falling apart :lol. but man, thats a really nice contract that i dont think atlanta would be inclined to move. he did good by them

[onechance87]

who would be PG trade targets in the next 1.5 years? i havent really looked that closely.

like obviously could say garland would be great, but i dont feel like Cavs would be sellers anytime soon. gotta think up realistic scenarios. personally i'd love dejounte if the hawks start falling apart :lol. but man, thats a really nice contract that i dont think atlanta would be inclined to move. he did good by them

would rather have derrick white back..think he would fit perfect running this team....I would trade keldon johnson to get
him back

[exstatic]

would rather have derrick white back..think he would fit perfect running this team....I would trade keldon johnson to get
him back

Boston won't let him go. He and Jure are going to wreak havoc on other team's backcourts.

[Spurs Homer]

would rather have derrick white back..think he would fit perfect running this team....I would trade keldon johnson to get
him back

id rather sochan in that case…

nothing like trying to apply an OLD formula to a new reality

new nba, new style, different players, wemby is the unicorn

just stop trying to put your old styles/formulas/traditions

into something the nba has never seen before - imo of course

[RC_Drunkford]

who would be PG trade targets in the next 1.5 years? i havent really looked that closely.

like obviously could say garland would be great, but i dont feel like Cavs would be sellers anytime soon. gotta think up realistic scenarios. personally i'd love dejounte if the hawks start falling apart :lol. but man, thats a really nice contract that i dont think atlanta would be inclined to move. he did good by them

there aren't much tbh. Haliburton (almost impossible), Garland, Doncic, White, Murray. Spurs need to wait and see who's available.

[BackHome]

Spurs Champions have come through the draft plain and simple and I am laughing after a couple of Pre Season games some people thinking we can make a Championship run this year. You know there is a reason why we didn’t have a starting PG last year and his name is “Wemby” the organization did the right thing in getting us in a position to have a legit chance of being able to draft him. The kid is just 19 its going to take him time to get his body adjusted so your crazy to think he is going to play 30 minutes a game and play back to backs.

You know a lot of posters did not like us tanking last season but I was like screw them I want a high draft pick as this team needs a serious upgrade in talent. Going into this season I don’t think will tank but we still a lottery team and for the long haul could be very important in keeping Wemby. By the end of the season will definitely know what type of players will need to surround Wemby with and having our lottery and the Raptors pick could pay huge dividends down the years.

Yes, they are no Unicorns in this upcoming draft but I think they are a couple of “Robbins” in which i am pretty sure will give us our starting PG.

[RC_Drunkford]

Spurs Champions have come through the draft plain and simple and I am laughing after a couple of Pre Season games some people thinking we can make a Championship run this year. You know there is a reason why we didn’t have a starting PG last year and his name is “Wemby” the organization did the right thing in getting us in a position to have a legit chance of being able to draft him. The kid is just 19 its going to take him time to get his body adjusted so your crazy to think he is going to play 30 minutes a game and play back to backs.

You know a lot of posters did not like us tanking last season but I was like screw them I want a high draft pick as this team needs a serious upgrade in talent. Going into this season I don’t think will tank but we still a lottery team and for the long haul could be very important in keeping Wemby. By the end of the season will definitely know what type of players will need to surround Wemby with and having our lottery and the Raptors pick could pay huge dividends down the years.

Yes, they are no Unicorns in this upcoming draft but I think they are a couple of “Robbins” in which i am pretty sure will give us our starting PG.

there's no way the Spurs will end up in the lottery this year

[koriwhat]

Are you watching what Wemby is doing out there?

So far he's doing some unbelievable shit and some I've never seen before in the league. It's amazing this early on.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

the timeline should not be 4 years. They should also not rush things and try to win a title now. You see what you have this season, then try to upgrade next season. If the Spurs are able to get an All-Star level PG without giving up much, they should be a dark horse contender next season.

It seems to me that they are evaluating now as opposed to making 4 year plans ahead of time. I get the pundits comments but when I hear about what they are actually doing that is the impression I get.

[spurraider21]

1716496697688305958

the only other move we are waiting on is what happens with bediako. does he get waived or converted to a two-way. the fact that they've waited this long tells me they see him as a fallback option, and are keeping their options open hoping for a specific player or two to become available to scoop onto a two way. and if they cant make that happen, bediako gets the spot by default

by keeping him today instead of waiving him a few days ago, they technically pay him on a day to day basis iirc from what i read. they wouldnt really do that if they had zero interest in getting him onto a two-way

[John B]

1716496697688305958

the only other move we are waiting on is what happens with bediako. does he get waived or converted to a two-way

Good for those 3 especially Wesley.

I like Bediako as project big. He could be an elite post defender if he pans out.

[spurraider21]

Good for those 3 especially Wesley.
yeah, sochan and branham were obvious no-brainers. and while i havent been too fond of wesley, it would usually take something pretty outrageous for a team to not pick up this option after just 1 year.


I like Bediako as project big. He could be an elite post defender if he pans out.
he seems really far away from being an nba player, though with collins locked up now, bassey looking ready for a nice year, and barlow seeming like a candidate to get a real contract at midseason, guess we can be patient

[rjv]

hope he makes the most of it.

[Mr. Body]

1716496697688305958

the only other move we are waiting on is what happens with bediako. does he get waived or converted to a two-way. the fact that they've waited this long tells me they see him as a fallback option, and are keeping their options open hoping for a specific player or two to become available to scoop onto a two way. and if they cant make that happen, bediako gets the spot by default

by keeping him today instead of waiving him a few days ago, they technically pay him on a day to day basis iirc from what i read. they wouldnt really do that if they had zero interest in getting him onto a two-way

There have been some mildly interesting final cuts to rosters but there's probably more value to keeping a decent big right now. Especially for the guys playing in Austin, having the structure of a big helps simulate looking for Collins and especially Wemby.

[exstatic]

1716496697688305958

the only other move we are waiting on is what happens with bediako. does he get waived or converted to a two-way. the fact that they've waited this long tells me they see him as a fallback option, and are keeping their options open hoping for a specific player or two to become available to scoop onto a two way. and if they cant make that happen, bediako gets the spot by default

by keeping him today instead of waiving him a few days ago, they technically pay him on a day to day basis iirc from what i read. they wouldnt really do that if they had zero interest in getting him onto a two-way

Or, they could be sitting on a player they prefer that may be cut in the final round. Bediako seems like a gleaguer.

[spurraider21]

1716496697688305958

the only other move we are waiting on is what happens with bediako. does he get waived or converted to a two-way. the fact that they've waited this long tells me they see him as a fallback option, and are keeping their options open hoping for a specific player or two to become available to scoop onto a two way. and if they cant make that happen, bediako gets the spot by default

by keeping him today instead of waiving him a few days ago, they technically pay him on a day to day basis iirc from what i read. they wouldnt really do that if they had zero interest in getting him onto a two-way


Or, they could be sitting on a player they prefer that may be cut in the final round. Bediako seems like a gleaguer.

[Mr. Body]

Houston cut James Robinson-Earl, in midly surprising news.

[Fizziksman]

Nice to see him on the who to foul list of the Mavs scouting report.

[JPB]

25 pages for Blake freaking Wesley :lol

[scott]

25 pages for Blake freaking Wesley :lol

A mere sliver compared to the thread on Josh Primo's junk

[Mr. Body]

Nice to see him on the who to foul list of the Mavs scouting report.

I have no idea why they included preseason stats. What's the point?

[Fizziksman]

I have no idea why they included preseason stats. What's the point?

I guess they saw him almost give the game away to the Warriors in the last minutes missing two in a row

[Fizziksman]

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

[Obstructed_View]

I guess they saw him almost give the game away to the Warriors in the last minutes missing two in a row
Didn't he then hit two in a row to seal it?

[Atl Spur]

I hope I’m wrong but I just don’t see him as a pg.

[tim_duncan_fan]

May as well play the man!

It is not like giving him some burn would hamstring our offense.

[TimmyBuckets]

I love the creatively worded threads for D- players.

[John B]

I actually like to see him than Sochan on PG tbh. He is not gonna get backed-down like Tre on defense by starting PG’s, and Sochan can slide back to PF where he could thrive better. Not a popular take, but at this point he will be a better starting PG than Sochan.

[onechance87]

I actually like to see him than Sochan on PG tbh. He is not gonna get backed-down like Tre on defense by starting PG’s, and Sochan can slide back to PF where he could thrive better. Not a popular take, but at this point he will be a better starting PG than Sochan.

no he wont....cause he cant shoot or pass....Just like the rest of our other pgs

[Mugen]

Funny, I was just thinking of worse PGs in the league than Jeremy and I totally forgot Blake was on the team :lol

[rankingtear]

Funny, I was just thinking of worse PGs in the league than Jeremy and I totally forgot Blake was on the team :lol

Scoot is the worst.

[cool cat]

Scoot is the worst.

Ouch I haven’t looked at Portland this year and you maybe right.

[spurraider21]

Funny, I was just thinking of worse PGs in the league than Jeremy and I totally forgot Blake was on the team :lol
:lol

[couchman]

Poor Scoot. To think that I wanted us to go get him :dizzy
Too early to say for sure that he is a bust but jeez he looks terrible!
One thing I did have right was a wish for another PG on this team

[ChumpDumper]

1724165264525144212

I am not a fan of this season's web/media designs. The schedule was illegible when released.

[Obstructed_View]

I actually like to see him than Sochan on PG tbh. He is not gonna get backed-down like Tre on defense by starting PG’s, and Sochan can slide back to PF where he could thrive better. Not a popular take, but at this point he will be a better starting PG than Sochan.
:lmao

[poopbox]

Scoot is the worst.

Good thing Portland is smart enough to keep playing him so he can get better instead of sending him to the g league and moving Jeremy Grant to point guard

[rjv]

Good thing Portland is smart enough to keep playing him so he can get better instead of sending him to the g league and moving Jeremy Grant to point guard

scoot isn't playing at all right now.

[MannyIsGod]

scoot isn't playing at all right now.

Yes cause he's hurt not because he sucks lol

[scott]

That Sochan-Bran-Blake draft class we were all so excited about has a non-zero chance of being a complete bust

[rjv]

Yes cause he's hurt not because he sucks lol

that wasn't exactly my point, but even it was, we don't know whether or not he sucks yet. we don't know anything definitive about the rookies ten games into the season. i mean, i doubt he sucks.

[MannyIsGod]

That Sochan-Bran-Blake draft class we were all so excited about has a non-zero chance of being a complete bust

Much greater chance of having two good rotation players. When we get done trying to make Sochan a point guard that will become more evident I think. Sochan will probably be better than Kyle Anderson who's had a nice NBA career and Branham should be as good as Lonnie who's also having a serviceable NBA career.

Blake though? lol

[MannyIsGod]

that wasn't exactly my point, but even it was, we don't know whether or not he sucks yet. we don't know anything definitive about the rookies ten games into the season. i mean, i doubt he sucks.

Gotcha I was just following the flow of the conversation in this therad.

[scott]

Much greater chance of having two good rotation players. When we get done trying to make Sochan a point guard that will become more evident I think. Sochan will probably be better than Kyle Anderson who's had a nice NBA career and Branham should be as good as Lonnie who's also having a serviceable NBA career.

Blake though? lol

You said Landon Donovan was a lock for the 2014 World Cup squad and that Keldon would definitely have multiple All Star appearances in his career. Sorry Manny, one of my IRL amigos, but I don't trust your odds making anymore :lol

[MannyIsGod]

You said Landon Donovan was a lock for the 2014 World Cup squad and that Keldon would definitely have multiple All Star appearances in his career. Sorry Manny, one of my IRL amigos, but I don't trust your odds making anymore :lol

Fuck that's fair.

[TD 21]

That Sochan-Bran-Blake draft class we were all so excited about has a non-zero chance of being a complete bust

I was never high on it.

I didn't love anyone at 9 (I liked Williams and was intrigued with Duren, but didn't want to see a team so bereft of talent take a high floor, abundant archetype like rim running C that high).

I liked Branham and was shocked he fell to 20, but was never a Sochan or Wesley fan.

With Wembanyama in tow, the days of hoping to hit a homerun with projects like Samanic, Primo and Wesley, need to be over and high floor, older types need to be back in play.

[CGD]

That Sochan-Bran-Blake draft class we were all so excited about has a non-zero chance of being a complete bust

Nah, the problem is we’re trying hard to see foundational building blocks when in reality, at those draft ranges, you’re picking solid role players/archetypes. That said I think Jeremy is the type of guy you always want on your team.

Malaki has a bench microwave ceiling, which is great, but not a building block. And Wesley was always a reach. I just hope we get SOMETHING good out of trading away Derrick, who is crushing it in Boston.

[Ice009]

Nah, the problem is we’re trying hard to see foundational building blocks when in reality, at those draft ranges, you’re picking solid role players/archetypes. That said I think Jeremy is the type of guy you always want on your team.

Malaki has a bench microwave ceiling, which is great, but not a building block. And Wesley was always a reach. I just hope we get SOMETHING good out of trading away Derrick, who is crushing it in Boston.

It hurts a little bit seeing him play so well there as he'd fit in so well with the current team, but never would have gotten then number 1 pick if he wasn't traded. Plus, I am happy to see him on a winning team. I don't know if he would have been happy sticking around here on the rebuilding teams.

[Obstructed_View]

It hurts a little bit seeing him play so well there as he'd fit in so well with the current team, but never would have gotten then number 1 pick if he wasn't traded. Plus, I am happy to see him on a winning team. I don't know if he would have been happy sticking around here on the rebuilding teams.
At least we don't have to deal with threads entitled, "Derrick White is not a point guard".

[Ditty]

At this point, just give Wesley a chance to backup Tre Jones. He at least made Luka look foolish.

[tim_duncan_fan]

May as well play the man!

It is not like giving him some burn would hamstring our offense.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1736521641570803926

[CorrectCrusader]

https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1736521641570803926

King of the shit league

[Obstructed_View]

https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1736521641570803926
Athletic ability -96
Mental ability -34

[itzsoweezee]

https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1736521641570803926

Gotdamn. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like that dunk

[spursparker9]

Wesley is auditioning for oversea league tbh :lol

[Obstructed_View]

Worth one point thanks to the technical foul.

Doesn't act like he's been there before, because he hasn't.

Gayest taunt in the universe the first time he doesn't get his shit stuffed back in his face.

[John B]

Give this kid a break. He is on his 2nd year. Already he’s Spurs better point-of-attack defender. Once and IF he gets it all together, he’ll be a great addition to the team.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I agree with BOTH of the last two posts.

[BackHome]

I actually think Pop kinda of screwed him as he was such a project that he should have been in the G League all of last year and the start of this year. He had a lot of things to work on and I thought that was what the G League was for? If he could just slow his brain down a little bit and understand he is not MJ on offense I think he could make a great bench guy cause his defense is legit.

[playbonner15]

I actually think Pop kinda of screwed him as he was such a project that he should have been in the G League all of last year and the start of this year. He had a lot of things to work on and I thought that was what the G League was for? If he could just slow his brain down a little bit and understand he is not MJ on offense I think he could make a great bench guy cause his defense is legit.

He was playing well last season.. then he got injured... wasnt the same when he came back

[mudd]

the kind of player pop needs to keep and develop. He can push the pace not like Sochan, turnovers will happen with Blake what is the difference now... Can't teach speed and he can motor....he is worth the risk.. jmho

[Obstructed_View]

He was playing well last season.. then he got injured... wasnt the same when he came back
And then he was given all off season to develop and showed up doing all the same stupid shit. Seriously, the taunt after that dunk tells me he's too goddamned stupid to be an NBA player.

[spurraider21]

https://i.gyazo.com/3985333e4ebcfda6b00c379f885ff034.jpg

[taps]

Give Wesley a chance to swipe at the ball instead of getting back on defense like everybody else!
I guess one good thing is he has played within himself in NBA garbage time this year.
I got emotional during a Summer League game reacting like it was 6 but I am still curious about him. And I love Tre don’t think this is his replacement or anything.

[Degoat]

It is surprising, I know Wesley has been shit but so has our entire team. Why spend 20 games absolutely bleeding at PG with Sochan and not at least throw Wesley in there a time or two lol

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I love all these posters getting mad at the lack of a stoic response.

[Dejounte]

So I’m watching the austin g league game and Wesley looks much improved finishing wise… just one game though

[sfernald]

So I’m watching the austin g league game and Wesley looks much improved finishing wise… just one game though

lol

[widowmaker]

Why can’t he do that in real life?

[The Truth #6]

I remember when Dejounte couldn't finish and then all of a sudden he could. Granted, Blake's deficiency feels unprecedented, but not getting blocked at the rim every time would be huge for him. Whether he can pass or not is a different issue, but iirc in college he statistically was very good running pnr actions. So we'll see how he develops.

So many of our players need patience to see if they turn it around. Unfortunately, many posters here want to shit on young players when they suck then blame everyone when the player later turns it around on another team, and it's not just because Pop is holding all of them back. Some, sure, but not all.

That's my pseudo nuanced thought on the State of Blake Wesley.

[spurraider21]

I remember when Dejounte couldn't finish and then all of a sudden he could. Granted, Blake's deficiency feels unprecedented, but not getting blocked at the rim every time would be huge for him. Whether he can pass or not is a different issue, but iirc in college he statistically was very good running pnr actions. So we'll see how he develops.

So many of our players need patience to see if they turn it around. Unfortunately, many posters here want to shit on young players when they suck then blame everyone when the player later turns it around on another team, and it's not just because Pop is holding all of them back. Some, sure, but not all.

That's my pseudo nuanced thought on the State of Blake Wesley.
main issue dejounte had early in his career iirc was the loose dribble, but he looked really different going into year 3 before he tore is ACL, and that carried through upon his return. then the middy jumper became more of an automatic for him that thats when he became a really good player

[ginobilized]

That was a strong finish and dunk. This is a great direction for him. I'd say he's learning something. He had a lot of Lonnie Walker type finishes in the big club. That's why he's in Austin. Hopefully, he keeps developing and next year can contribute.

[DAF86]

This guy is a scrub that will be out of the league by next season, fuck all of you that thought he should be playing over Tre Jones. :lol

Even Branham is less detrimental than this chinese league level player.

[NASpurs]

This guy is a scrub that will be out of the league by next season, fuck all of you that thought he should be playing over Tre Jones. :lol

Even Branham is less detrimental than this chinese league level player.

The hits keep on coming:

This guy
Branham
Lonnie
Fake Luka
Sexual Predator

[tim_duncan_fan]

He was like pick 25 or something like that lol.

Yall expect him to make plays against a team that Wembanyama can't make plays against?

[AFBlue]

Ssssssssssssssuuuuuuuuuuuuccccckkkkssss

[DAF86]

He was like pick 25 or something like that lol.

Yall expect him to make plays against a team that Wembanyama can't make plays against?

No, I expect him to not be in the court.

[DAF86]

Dejounte John B Pauleta14 please tell me you have already seen the light regarding this scrub. We have too many non-shooters to add another one, specially one that sucks at everything.

[timtonymanu]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWIoRRtWYAIJUTV?format=jpg&name=large

What a clusterfuck of a draft this was.

[tim_duncan_fan]

No, I expect him to not be in the court.

oh OK, that's maybe fair then lol

[objective]

Is there anything that he looks like he's improved over the off-season?

[Mnky]

I think Blake's handling and footwork have improved at a great pace. His defense is really nice.

His offense is non existent and that paired next to a bunch of guys who can't shoot just isn't going tk be a recipe for any success. If we could combine branham and wesley, we would have something. They're the Ying and yang to their incomplete counterparts.

[spurraider21]

I think Blake's handling and footwork have improved at a great pace. His defense is really nice.

His offense is non existent and that paired next to a bunch of guys who can't shoot just isn't going tk be a recipe for any success. If we could combine branham and wesley, we would have something. They're the Ying and yang to their incomplete counterparts.
pretty much this. his weaknesses overlap with the roster's general weaknesses, and his strengths arent enough to justify playing time.

if this was a celtics/knicks type team loaded with shooters everywhere, you could live with his lack of shooting

[stephen jackson]

Blake sucks

[Ice009]

Shooting ain't anyone's thing on this team. Just another one of the guys.

[John B]

Dejounte (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=51342) John B (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=42719) Pauleta14 (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15128) please tell me you have already seen the light regarding this scrub. We have too many non-shooters to add another one, specially one that sucks at everything.

His defense is above average especially his POA which is probably one of the better ones in the team. Definitely he’ll hang his hat on defense. I seriously think he’s improved offensively. He’s so far 33% beyond the arc, and someone who can really push the tempo. The kid is 21. He’s basically sophomore in college. Chill

[tim_duncan_fan]

His defense is above average especially his POA which is probably one of the better ones in the team. Definitely he’ll hang his hat on defense. I seriously think he’s improved offensively. He’s so far 33% beyond the arc, and someone who can really push the tempo. The kid is 21. He’s basically sophomore in college. Chill

This.

[scott]

It was fun watching #38 pick Ajay Mitchell get productive minutes for the best roster in the league, whereas we punt away SRPs because we don't want to challenge Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham too hard

[spurraider21]

It was fun watching #38 pick Ajay Mitchell get productive minutes for the best roster in the league, whereas we punt away SRPs because we don't want to challenge Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham too hard
to be fair OKC also gave away Tre Mann for free to Charlotte where he looks like a legit 6MOY candidate.

[scott]

to be fair OKC also gave away Tre Mann for free to Charlotte where he looks like a legit 6MOY candidate.

Image having a roster so good that you can do this and still have a Top 3 roster in the league.

[Mal]

His defense is above average especially his POA which is probably one of the better ones in the team. Definitely he’ll hang his hat on defense. I seriously think he’s improved offensively. He’s so far 33% beyond the arc, and someone who can really push the tempo. The kid is 21. He’s basically sophomore in college. Chill

Spurs may have as much as 6 picks this draft, with 4 of them being 1st rounders. He is running out of time to show something, before another wave of 18 yo comes

[RC_Drunkford]

According to him he worked on his shooting in the offseason. I haven‘t seen any progress there

[DAF86]

His defense is above average especially his POA which is probably one of the better ones in the team. Definitely he’ll hang his hat on defense. I seriously think he’s improved offensively. He’s so far 33% beyond the arc, and someone who can really push the tempo. The kid is 21. He’s basically sophomore in college. Chill

Well, let him prove it on the G-league because he just doesn't fit in the rotation of the big team right now. Too many guards that can't shoot, and he's the worst of the bunch.

[spurraider21]

These Wesley/Castle lineups should not be a thing. having one non-shooter in the backcourt in today's game is bad enough, but at least it makes sense for Castle to get reps.

[exstatic]

LOL. His mom must have been a fan of Dynasty. Went to his bbref page to check some stats, and his full name id Blake Carrington Wesley. He was named after a fictitious white oligarch.

[DAF86]

Well, I sure hope this is it for the Wesley experiment, but with the old fart you never know.

Mamu over Wesley should have always been the case, it makes much more sense. The old fart was playing Wesley, Castle, Branham, Keldon and Collins off the bench. 4 guards and a center. With Mamu not only you get everyone to slip down to their actual positions (Castle PG, Branham SG, Keldon SF) but you get a shooter instead of a non-shooter. There isn't a single aspect where this move didn't make sense, I don't know what the fuck Pop was thinking with his bullshit rotation.

[Atl Spur]

He needs some semblance of offense ability…. His dribbling and lack of terrible decision making has improved. He’s a long term project for sure

[8FOR!3]

I wanted Wesley to work out bc he is so fast if he could figure it out he'd be a force. But at the same time it allows for more opportunities for Castle who is already the better player. And it allows Tre Jones to keep his place as well who is just a solid backup PG.

[DAF86]

He needs some semblance of offense ability…. His dribbling and lack of terrible decision making has improved. He’s a long term project for sure


I wanted Wesley to work out bc he is so fast if he could figure it out he'd be a force. But at the same time it allows for more opportunities for Castle who is already the better player. And it allows Tre Jones to keep his place as well who is just a solid backup PG.

Wesley needs to be sent to the G-league for the foreseable future. Let him develop his offensive game there, give him all the green light in the World and see if he can produce there. If he does, then you give him a shot back with the big boys, if not, off to China.

[8FOR!3]

Wesley needs to be sent to the G-league for the foreseable future. Let him develop his offensive game there, give him all the green light in the World and see if he can produce there. If he does, then you give him a shot back with the big boys, if not, off to China.

He was putting up 17.5 in the G League last year but I still agree that is the place for him right now.

[J_Paco]

I doubt this is a permanent demotion and Wesley will get another crack at being a rotation player (at least until Jones and possibly Vassell are back).

Pop is gonna have some hard decisions to make once Vassell and Jones are back. Which will likely be when Brahnam & Wesley see a lot less on-court time.

They both need to observe and learn from Chris Paul, anyway, while the better prospect and veteran (Jones) lead the bench.

[J_Paco]

He was putting up 17.5 in the G League last year but I still agree that is the place for him right now.

He's stuck between being too good for G-League but not even close to good enough offensively to be rotational guard in the NBA.

[8FOR!3]

I doubt this is a permanent demotion and Wesley will get another crack at being a rotation player (at least until Jones and possibly Vassell are back).

Pop is gonna have some hard decisions to make once Vassell and Jones are back. Which will likely be when Brahnam & Wesley see a lot less on-court time.

They both need to observe and learn from Chris Paul, anyway, while the better prospect and veteran (Jones) lead the bench.

No doubt. I haven't given up on him completely either but right now he's losing to everyone else. Tre Jones can run PG and knows where he can gets his scoring from too. His game is limited, but he plays well within it. Branham is frustrating but he is aggressive and can knock down shots at time. Even if it's not often enough, Wesley flat out can't. Tre is a better player than both of them.

[DAF86]

I doubt this is a permanent demotion and Wesley will get another crack at being a rotation player (at least until Jones and possibly Vassell are back).

Pop is gonna have some hard decisions to make once Vassell and Jones are back. Which will likely be when Brahnam & Wesley see a lot less on-court time.

They both need to observe and learn from Chris Paul, anyway, while the better prospect and veteran (Jones) lead the bench.

How is it a hard decision? :lol Jones and Vassell are above average NBA players, Branham and, specially, Wesley aren't even rotation pieces.

[J_Paco]

How is it a hard decision? :lol Jones and Vassell are above average NBA players, Branham and, specially, Wesley aren't even rotation pieces.

Sorry, I meant more with Champagnie, Johnson and Mamu. Those 2 (Branham & Wesley) are going to see spot minutes and mop up duty once the backcourt is at full strength.

[spurraider21]

Well, I sure hope this is it for the Wesley experiment, but with the old fart you never know.

Mamu over Wesley should have always been the case, it makes much more sense. The old fart was playing Wesley, Castle, Branham, Keldon and Collins off the bench. 4 guards and a center. With Mamu not only you get everyone to slip down to their actual positions (Castle PG, Branham SG, Keldon SF) but you get a shooter instead of a non-shooter. There isn't a single aspect where this move didn't make sense, I don't know what the fuck Pop was thinking with his bullshit rotation.
i'd been pounding the table for mamu to be the reserve 4 most of the offseason

[z0sa]

I'm done with Wesley. His defense has a lot of potential but what we need right now is shooting and in spades. Even discounting outside work, if you can't punish a mismatch like being paired purposefully, multiple possessions, on a center (Adams), then you worked on the wrong thing in the off-season. Right now, I wouldn't play him a single minute when Tre returns.

[Mr. Body]

How is it a hard decision? :lol Jones and Vassell are above average NBA players, Branham and, specially, Wesley aren't even rotation pieces.

Branham is 100% a rotation piece. May not eventually be with SAS, but he is. SpursTalk needs to reevaluate this one or stop the group think.

It's far from too late for Wesley. He's a good full-court defender and disruptive in the half court. He seems to take care of the ball and can hit open guys. He's extremely fast and can get into the lane at will.

Problems are -- he's too small and slight against bigger players, his discipline and ability to read offensive players one-on-one isn't the best, and his finishing is really bad.

Can those things be fixed? He's come a good ways. I don't see any reason to sound the alarm just yet. The problem is floor time and where to get it.

[spurraider21]

Sorry, I meant more with Champagnie, Johnson and Mamu. Those 2 (Branham & Wesley) are going to see spot minutes and mop up duty once the backcourt is at full strength.
i think the tougher question is what happens with Tre Jones. return of vassell movies champagnie to the bench where he will be the primary reserve 2 instead of branham, and allows castle to spend more time at the 1. obviously in games where castle just isnt playing well, we'd have the luxury of going to Tre, but i dont think his playing time needs to be an emphasis.

mamu should just be the reserve 4. reserve lineup would be Castle/Champagnie/Keldon/Mamu/Collins. thats enough spacing for Castle to operate

[The Truth #6]

The team has major offensive challenges, and the fact that Blake can drive into the paint at will and is looking to pass to other people, I think, is actually helpful. Obviously he has huge limitations. And yes, Jones is better at making safer reads and being generally competent. The problem is, in my opinion, the team really needs a point guard who can drive and kick and there's really not a lot of great options. Blake and Castle seem to be best suited for that skill right now.

[DAF86]

The team has major offensive challenges, and the fact that Blake can drive into the paint at will and is looking to pass to other people, I think, is actually helpful. Obviously he has huge limitations. And yes, Jones is better at making safer reads and being generally competent. The problem is, in my opinion, the team really needs a point guard who can drive and kick and there's really not a lot of great options. Blake and Castle seem to be best suited for that skill right now.

These drives and kicks by Wesley are here among us?

[Joseph Kony]

Driving and kicking only works when the guy driving can actually score at the fucking rim and pulls in a perimeter defender. which does not work for Wesley at all because he is one of the most offensively challenged players i've ever seen and no one is concerned about him scoring

dude's just out there doing cardio. playing ok defense here and there does not warrant a roster spot. Kid is simply not an NBA level player and likely never will be

[J_Paco]

Driving and kicking only works when the guy driving can actually score at the fucking rim and pulls in a perimeter defender. which does not work for Wesley at all because he is one of the most offensively challenged players i've ever seen and no one is concerned about him scoring

dude's just out there doing cardio. playing ok defense here and there does not warrant a roster spot. Kid is simply not an NBA level player and likely never will be

He has the skill set to be a smaller Dyson Daniels/Dante Exum - type player, IMO, but I think the progress he showed last season hasn't carried over.

People are down on him big time and I understand questioning his long-term viability in the NBA, but the kid does have some positive traits.

He'll either figure things out or be gone by sometime next season, so everyone can find a new 'whipping boy.'

[Mugen]

I don't know what Wesley does on an nba level besides "be fast" tbh.

Sure he's a pesky defender but so is Bronny :lol

[mystargtr34]

These drives and kicks by Wesley are here among us?

L LOL

[The Truth #6]

Tre Jones is a solid backup and for the moment brings needed competency for a shaky roster. But he generally doesn't really move the needle much on offense. I'm not exactly clamoring for him to come back quickly. I'd rather see more Castle foremost, and probably some more of Wesley to give him more of an opportunity before closing the book on him.

[Atl Spur]

He needs a floater and develop more touch. Dude has an attribute that is rare…blazing speed but can’t quite harness it yet. He has show progression from last year.

[Dejounte]

Rise of the phoenix tbh

Is this version of him here to stay or is it another series of fluke performances..?

[CGD]

Rise of the phoenix tbh

Is this version of him here to stay or is it another series of fluke performances..?

I definitely think he’s eating into Tre’s minutes. He also seems to have great chemistry with Castle. He just might make Tre expendable.

[Atl Spur]

He’s better than Jones!

[Obstructed_View]

He’s better than Jones!
Speaking of, Jones fucking sucks.

[scott]

Been really impressed with him that last two games. Form is temporary, but class is permanent... let's hope this is who Blake is.

[TimmehC]

Long term, I think the best complimentary guard to Castle(methodical, cerebral, strong) is an athletic speedster who can blow by defenders and keep up with the Sexton/Poole/Garland types. The only guy who even comes close on the current roster is Blake, and imo that's why they seem to have a great synergy. If we can get TP to spend a summer with him developing a floater(along with further natural development) those two could be absolutely devastating.

[SpursGenius]

Long term, I think the best complimentary guard to Castle(methodical, cerebral, strong) is an athletic speedster who can blow by defenders and keep up with the Sexton/Poole/Garland types. The only guy who even comes close on the current roster is Blake, and imo that's why they seem to have a great synergy. If we can get TP to spend a summer with him developing a floater(along with further natural development) those two could be absolutely devastating.
TP is a selfish prick, would never do it. Blake is here to stay regardless. And yes Tre Jones sux and should be traded in a package with Keldon at the deadline for picks or one good role player who can 3 and D.

[John B]

Blake Wesley’s 3’s are becoming money, and his layups conversion is trending up. He can push the ball, cuts well to the basket, and of course solid defender harassing the ball-handler full court. Plus he’s really limited his errors. Great job!

[Robz4000]

Temporary, but I'd like to see him get consistent minutes tbh. He has all the physical abilities to be elite and is already the second best guard defender on the team.

[Obstructed_View]

Blake Wesley’s 3’s are becoming money, and his layups conversion is trending up. He can push the ball, cuts well to the basket, and of course solid defender harassing the ball-handler full court. Plus he’s really limited his errors. Great job!
It's funny watching someone evaluate a player from a fan standpoint instead of from a realistic one. Wesley is a 20 percent shooter from the arc who hit one three in the game. He made himself look better by only attempting two.

[Obstructed_View]

I'm done with Wesley. His defense has a lot of potential but what we need right now is shooting and in spades. Even discounting outside work, if you can't punish a mismatch like being paired purposefully, multiple possessions, on a center (Adams), then you worked on the wrong thing in the off-season. Right now, I wouldn't play him a single minute when Tre returns.

So glad the Spurs didn't utilize a draft pick on Dillingham or McCain or Knecht. Surrounding Victor with shooters makes no sense. Putting him on the floor with Blake, Branham and Jones and hoping for the best is just good team management.

[John B]

It's funny watching someone evaluate a player from a fan standpoint instead of from a realistic one. Wesley is a 20 percent shooter from the arc who hit one three in the game. He made himself look better by only attempting two.

And easier to see a hater. Wesley’s jump shots have improved so much from previous years. I used to cringe when he bricked those 3’s but now seems shooting in rhythm. Wesley’s closing at the rim has also improved. His overall game has improved on top of his already elite defense. He actually looks like a real contributor and fits the team perfectly as 3rd PG and defense specialist

[Mr. Body]

So glad the Spurs didn't utilize a draft pick on Dillingham or McCain or Knecht. Surrounding Victor with shooters makes no sense. Putting him on the floor with Blake, Branham and Jones and hoping for the best is just good team management.

Dillingham, McCain and Knecht are all negative defenders. One massive problem the Lakes are facing is that their defense is awful.

Wesley, Branham, and Jones are players already on the team. What does it cost to acquire those players? Nothing. We already have them.

It's a fallacy to equate the two groups. The first group would take assets to acquire and create new problems. The second group takes no assets to acquire.

[spurraider21]

Blake Wesley’s 3’s are becoming money, and his layups conversion is trending up. He can push the ball, cuts well to the basket, and of course solid defender harassing the ball-handler full court. Plus he’s really limited his errors. Great job!
he is shooting 21.1% from 3 on the season

he's gone 1-2 each of the last two games, but that hardly makes it a trend

[NickiRasgo]

He's playing well lately, and it seems he's better at 2 than 1. I don't mind him being 8th to 10th guy. He brings energy in the court and in the locker room. Something like a poor man's version role of Marcus Smart - thinner but faster. Hope he can still improve his three-point shooting to a serviceable percentage (30%+).

[Mr. Body]

he is shooting 21.1% from 3 on the season

he's gone 1-2 each of the last two games, but that hardly makes it a trend

It's not great, but establishing the threat is important. Getting reps in-game and not thinking about them is important if he wants to start knocking them down.

[spurraider21]

It's not great, but establishing the threat is important. Getting reps in-game and not thinking about them is important if he wants to start knocking them down.
oh, agreed. i took issue with the characterization that his 3 point shot is "becoming money"

[onechance87]

Wesley has yet to prove of being consistent.Gotta have more good games at playmaking and shooting.Not one good game every 10 games
wont cut it.Hopefully he can keep it up.His comp is tre jones,Who he should easily beat out if hes a decent player.

[rjv]

Blake Wesley’s 3’s are becoming money, and his layups conversion is trending up. He can push the ball, cuts well to the basket, and of course solid defender harassing the ball-handler full court. Plus he’s really limited his errors. Great job!


if he can just be more consistent, i can definitely be sold on wesley having a part in the rotation on a more regular basis.

[The Truth #6]

Well, at least it was one good three-point shot and he took it with confidence! Lol.

[Obstructed_View]

Shaq's free throws were money.

[Obstructed_View]

Shaq's free throws were money.
You're a hater if you disagree.

[John B]

When you start to reply on your own post, that’s borderline schizophrenia bruh :lol:lol

[RC_Drunkford]

When you start to reply on your own post, that’s borderline schizophrenia bruh :lol:lol

we have a bunch of those on this board :lol

[Seventyniner]

we have a bunch of those on this board :lol

And so do we.

[playbonner15]

I like his pairing w/ Castle but got to have Mamu in there bec Castle& Blake's offense could go stagnant anytime

[The Truth #6]

When they show shots of him on the sideline, it looks like he's wearing a back brace for some reason...

[Atl Spur]

There’s a lot of everything on this board….

[J_Paco]

Wesley has played better lately, but his offense needs to really develop some consistency. He's virtually a non-factor on that end and that just won't cut it.

Which is a bit weird, IMO, cause he was known as a 'gunner' and scorer in college. Still, being able to score on college kids - on meh efficiency - doesn't always translate to being a scorer in the NBA.

[Obstructed_View]

When you start to reply on your own post, that’s borderline schizophrenia bruh :lol:lol
Your posts are money. Just like your basketball takes, bruh.

[scott]

Blake Wesley is also extension eligible this offseason. Spurs have given extensions based on post-ASB performance before extension availability before... wonder if they'll consider a modest extension for Blake (I'm not making a case that we should).

Archetype-wise, he's in the same mold as Fox (fast, good length, defensive event creator). Have thought Fox would be a good person for Blake to model his game after and learn from.

[spurraider21]

i like wesley. i advocated for picking up his option, and wanted him to get more playing time this season. i think he has a pathway to being the backup PG next season. he just turned 22.

i have 0 interest in extending him unless its dirt cheap, in a way that wouldnt make sense for him to sign