Grades: Spurs at Rockets - Preseason Game #1

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/grades-san-antonio-spurs-houston-rockets-preseason-game-1/

Welp, that's a way to start off preseason action.

[heyheymymy]

Thanks OP! I intentionally clicked a GMC ad to help out some lol

[heyheymymy]

That damn near mid ranger from Poeltl was especially interesting because wasn't it kinda along the base line and he did it in that little cup scoop shot technique he usually does in the paint so like a much longer floater and it looked pretty pure like he's been working on that.

Will be huge if he can range out on those since he will likely be utilized with other non range shooters like Jones etc Sochan (though he surprised with some shots from 3 last night. I was told he wasn't a shooter lol)

[heyheymymy]

That 3 Sprinkles hit was pretty ballsy. Not really drawn up or a huge open window either. Wasn't it pretty quickly pulled up and even a decent close out by the nearby defender and he still sunk it. Tried one from the same spot a few possessions later even much more wide open but it was like he had too much time lol and that one he over thought on and the release wasn't as true on the miss.

But that first made 3 was interesting because he was going for it deliberately like he's been working on that look. It wasn't like Sochan was just found wide open and took one, looked like he deliberately wanted that attempt.

[TheChillFactor]

the tanking clowns got what they wanted. we'll be lucky to win 22 games this year.

[John B]

Thanks Timvp. Having Sengun backdown Poeltl was not close to being “stout.” B+ is too high for me. I was expecting Sochan/Poeltl and how Sochan’s defense could’ve helped Poeltl, but instead it was Diop. Here’s hoping Pop just wanted to see more Diop and what to do with him.

Sochan impressed me. He was quick on his feet defensively. His shot was better than expected. I really think he should start.

Malaki is a pure scorer and should be the first one’s to come out off the bench. Blake, I like his aggressiveness, but again still very raw and should play a lot in Austin to improve.

Devin just had a bad night. He’ll be okay. Tre needs to attack the basket more, but his 3 is there.

It’s pre-season. I’m not going to overreact. And Keldon and Primo could’ve helped. On to the next game

[jjspur]

Bran and Roby came to play. Everyone else was meh, bad, pretty bad or really bad (hitting the side of the backboard ..really). Granted its preseason, but come on guys have a little pride in your profession.

It was a bad first game no doubt, and the time is now to make a few changes on the team so that the real players can get their preseason minutes and improve a bit. The coaching and rotations weren't very good either.

We don't have to tank. As constructed this team will lose a lot of games, hopefully we don't set a record for losses. They made the decision to tank and this is what you get . Its going to be a very long season. :bang

[Dex]

Bran and Roby came to play. Everyone else was bad, pretty bad or really bad (hitting the side of the backboard ..really). Granted its preseason, but come on guys have a little pride in your profession.

It was a bad first game no doubt, and the time is now to get rid of the dead wood lingering on the team so that the real players can get their preseason minutes and improve a bit. The coaching and rotations weren't very good either.

We don't have to tank. As constructed this team will lose a lot of games, hopefully we don't set a record for losses. Its going to be a looooong season. They made the decision to tank and this is what you get .... is everyone happy now.

Been saying this for years. Tanking sounds great in theory, but not sure how many of these fans will be able to stomach 10-game losing streaks and still care enough to tune in and watch. Last night was just a taste of what is to come...we got blown out by the Rockets C-squad and they are looking to also be one of the worst teams in the NBA.

I've finally resigned to the fact that tanking is what we need to do, but I don't expect to enjoy it much. We've been spoiled by winning for a historically long time.

[KingKev]

I enjoy watching sniffers meltdown. It’s quite fulfilling.

[MultiTroll]

Nice write up.

[Ariel]

Been saying this for years. Tanking sounds great in theory, but not sure how many of these fans will be able to stomach 10-game losing streaks and still care enough to tune in and watch. Last night was just a taste of what is to come...we got blown out by the Rockets C-squad and they are looking to also be one of the worst teams in the NBA.

I've finally resigned to the fact that tanking is what we need to do, but I don't expect to enjoy it much. We've been spoiled by winning for a historically long time.
Stomach winning 20 something games as opposed to what? winning 35 games and have nothing to show for it as a result? We've been trying that for 3 years now... this is where it got us. The best chance to get out of this h3llhole is by means of adding talent... you know, like the Rockets that whopped our a$$ did... or just about every team in the league that is trending up right now.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Thanks OP! I intentionally clicked a GMC ad to help out some lol

61K for a Denali. Damn. That’s a lot.

[Dex]

Stomach winning 20 something games as opposed to what? winning 35 games and have nothing to show for it as a result? We've been trying that for 3 years now... this is where it got us. The best chance to get out of this h3llhole is by means of adding talent... you know, like the Rockets that whopped our a$$ did... or just about every team in the league that is trending up right now.

Trust me, I get it. Being stuck in the middle of the NBA is literally the worst...not winning shit, but also not gaining assets. We are probably a few years overdue to start the tanking effort, especially once DeMar and LMA left.

Just saying, the casual Spurs fan was used to our teams winning 50-60 games a season. Obviously those days went out the door with Tim Duncan, but...if you think attendance was poor the last couple seasons, hold on to your butts.

Whether its for the right cause or not, watching your team get embarrassed isn't much fun and I watch sports to have fun.

[The Truth #6]

Did contact year Yak actually work on his game this off-season with that jumper…interesting.

[Ariel]

Trust me, I get it. Being stuck in the middle of the NBA is literally the worst...not winning shit, but also not gaining assets. We are probably a few years overdue to start the tanking effort, especially once DeMar and LMA left.

Just saying, the casual Spurs fan was used to our teams winning 50-60 games a season. Obviously those days went out the door with Tim Duncan, but...if you think attendance was poor the last couple seasons, hold on to your butts.

Whether its for the right cause or not, watching your team get embarrassed isn't much fun and I watch sports to have fun.
If someone expects to win 50-60 games right now, there's no point in trying to appease them, that's a lost cause no matter what route we take. So we might as well focus on shortening that period as much as we can, which is exactly what we're hoping they'll do. If it goes well, in a couple of years we might pick up right where we left off. If we had realized that sooner, the agony might be over by now.

[Ariel]

What we saw yesterday was not far from expectations: Branham is really polished and ready to go, Sochan needs to get into rhythm but he's active and smart and clearly has no business playing behind KBD or McDermott, Roby is an interesting prospect who should start right away, and Wesley is painfully raw and should be developed in Austin before exposing him in the NBA (this coming from someone who said so all along but was still clamoring for us to pick him up), his grade was very generous. Watching Wieskamp on the court makes me wonder what the h3ll they see in him. He doesn't even look good shooting, which is supposed to be his strength. A head scratcher as far as I'm concerned.

[Drom John]

Thanks OP! I intentionally clicked a GMC ad to help out some lol
Not me.
I intentionally clicked a SailPoint ad.

[daslicer]

Trust me, I get it. Being stuck in the middle of the NBA is literally the worst...not winning shit, but also not gaining assets. We are probably a few years overdue to start the tanking effort, especially once DeMar and LMA left.

Just saying, the casual Spurs fan was used to our teams winning 50-60 games a season. Obviously those days went out the door with Tim Duncan, but...if you think attendance was poor the last couple seasons, hold on to your butts.

Whether its for the right cause or not, watching your team get embarrassed isn't much fun and I watch sports to have fun.

I did not find watching Spurs basketball enjoyable after the Spurs traded Kawhi. Pop being the selfish ego maniac he was delayed the rebuild to be a useless mediocre team simply because he wanted to have the all-time win record. In my eyes winning 15 games or winning 32 is the same. I'm fine with this team sucking for a while until they get a legit star. The positive side of this is that I have no emotional investment like I did in the past or care about how the Spurs fair against other contenders. I can just enjoy seeing other teams do well without having to hate them outside of Warriors who I will always hate.

[DaDakota]

Rockets - A+
Spurs - D

But that is to be expected you guys are a couple of years behind us in rebuilding.

DD

[rjv]

after watching the guard play last night (not including blake and maliki) maybe the possibility of scoot henderson as a consolation to Wemba isn't such a bad scenario after all.

[Dejounte]

What we saw yesterday was not far from expectations: Branham is really polished and ready to go, Sochan needs to get into rhythm but he's active and smart and clearly has no business playing behind KBD or McDermott, Roby is an interesting prospect who should start right away, and Wesley is painfully raw and should be developed in Austin before exposing him in the NBA (this coming from someone who said so all along but was still clamoring for us to pick him up), his grade was very generous. Watching Wieskamp on the court makes me wonder what the h3ll they see in him. He doesn't even look good shooting, which is supposed to be his strength. A head scratcher as far as I'm concerned.
Agreed. What the team needs right now is someone to take control and tone everything down. When Poeltl attempted to pass an alley oop to Vassell, I shook my head so hard. There were quite a bit of boneheaded plays last night.

[rjv]

What we saw yesterday was not far from expectations: Branham is really polished and ready to go, Sochan needs to get into rhythm but he's active and smart and clearly has no business playing behind KBD or McDermott, Roby is an interesting prospect who should start right away, and Wesley is painfully raw and should be developed in Austin before exposing him in the NBA (this coming from someone who said so all along but was still clamoring for us to pick him up), his grade was very generous. Watching Wieskamp on the court makes me wonder what the h3ll they see in him. He doesn't even look good shooting, which is supposed to be his strength. A head scratcher as far as I'm concerned.

wieskamp might be able to hold on to a spot on the end of the bench this year but unless he shows something soon, his NBA career might be over before it ever really started.

[Dex]

wieskamp might be able to hold on to a spot on the end of the bench this year but unless he shows something soon, his NBA career might be over before it ever really started.

So far Wieskamp just seems like a shitty McDermott...and that's not a good sign given McD's play with the Spurs

[The Truth #6]

Maybe Lil Weezy will stick around because he’s good friends with Primo. You know, got to keep the franchise player happy!

Joking?

[KingKev]

Maybe Lil Weezy will stick around because he’s good friends with Primo. You know, got to keep the franchise player happy!

Joking?

The funny part is they have equal chance at becoming franchise guys lol.

[jjspur]

Had they played, maybe Keldon and Primo would have made a little bit of a difference. I don't think either would have hit the side of the backboard though. At least they have shown that they can hit a three and drive inside.

[jjspur]

[QUOTE=Dex;10812646]So far Wieskamp just seems like a shitty McDermott...and that's not a good sign given McD's play with the Spurs[/QUOTE
I like that a shitty McDermott, you must mean a shittier McDermott considering how bad McNuggets played.

[Sugus]

Out of everything that happened last night, I was especially un-impressed and disappointed in Tre Jones. Preseason, yes, low-talent teammates, maybe, but... He was the exact third-string player that he was last season yesterday. Team offense was a mess and he had a large hand in that, and I didn't see any improvements whatsoever regarding his shooting confidence - matter of fact, I remember him shying away from shooting on back-to-back possessions. Just a no-go for the supposedly "never lost a summer scrimmage" "starting PG" guy.

I don't know how Primo will play this season, but I'm eagerly hoping it's at least good enough to put Tre on the bench, where he belongs.

[rjv]

yeah, tre looked nothing like a legit starting PG last night. not in the least.

[The Truth #6]

The funny part is they have equal chance at becoming franchise guys lol.

I think Weezy could be a franchise guy for the Austin Spurs. Come on now!

[The Truth #6]

As for Tre Jones, I've supported him as a solid backup PG. Last night was bad for him in particular to be a starter. But it's the first game and all that, I suppose.

I missed seeing Malaki play, but it doesn't surprise me that he played well. His poise on offense is special. Assuming he plays more, his defense will probably frustrate the hell out of me. But if Pop gives Malaki the Tough Love Approach, I think Malaki will up for the challenge. So I'm curious to see how Pop handles Malaki, and how Malaki responds.

Blake's shooting form, including his stance, is troubling. He's a confidence guy and luckily he doesn't seem to get fazed, so there's tons of hope longterm.

It would have been great to see Keldon and Primo, if for nothing else than to see what sort of leadership they would have provided. The leader role has been given to Keldon. If he can actually assume that personality, then it will be huge for his progress. I think more likely is that Primo, with his personality style, will become the closest thing we have to a leader, so for that I want to see him play.

[Chinook]

Trust me, I get it. Being stuck in the middle of the NBA is literally the worst...not winning shit, but also not gaining assets. We are probably a few years overdue to start the tanking effort, especially once DeMar and LMA left.

Just saying, the casual Spurs fan was used to our teams winning 50-60 games a season. Obviously those days went out the door with Tim Duncan, but...if you think attendance was poor the last couple seasons, hold on to your butts.

Whether its for the right cause or not, watching your team get embarrassed isn't much fun and I watch sports to have fun.

I get so sick of this idea that anything other than tanking or contending is a waste of time. Tanking sucks. Most of the folks wanting it aren't going to go to games. Many I suspect won't even watch them. When it comes to a product, I'd far prefer a 6-8 seed team that competes hard on defense and has some good talent and chemistry. My favorite regular season in recent memory was 2017-2018. That's not just because it was the last hurrah for Tony and Manu. It had Aldridge doing this best carry job of his career, LDN in his last season with the team, Slowmo growing into a defensive menace, Murray emerging. Rudy, Patty and Pau gave a number of good moments too. It sucks the Spurs got the Warriors that year in the first round. I feel pretty confident they would've beaten Houston.

That year was quality ball, and it's not something that's unattainable. Aldridge was a special player despite the shit he got and still gets on this forum. The intangibles for the other HoFers on the team can't be overstated. But that's still something they can do with moderate drafting success and aggressive free-agent signings. Passing that up trying to be bad enough to draft a superstar that they have to keep happy and healthy for long enough to rebuild a team around them. That's way harder, and I think the ROI is worse. So it's more miserable in the near future and likely not truly better in the long term. I'm a Spurs fan and will watch the team as much as I can, but for sure my interest is at an all-time low. If the on-court product is going to be this bad, the off-court stuff isn't going to be able to balance it out. Count me as someone who'd prefer the Spurs to find a way to the play-in even if it costs them in their lotto spot. I obviously hope they they win the lotto if they make it there I don't have a good feeling that the Spurs are going to turn things around based on their pick, no matter who they select.

[Chinook]

Out of everything that happened last night, I was especially un-impressed and disappointed in Tre Jones. Preseason, yes, low-talent teammates, maybe, but... He was the exact third-string player that he was last season yesterday. Team offense was a mess and he had a large hand in that, and I didn't see any improvements whatsoever regarding his shooting confidence - matter of fact, I remember him shying away from shooting on back-to-back possessions. Just a no-go for the supposedly "never lost a summer scrimmage" "starting PG" guy.

I don't know how Primo will play this season, but I'm eagerly hoping it's at least good enough to put Tre on the bench, where he belongs.

The only one who played well in the first half was Roby. I didn't like Poeltl nearly as much as timvp did. I'm just going to chalk it up to rustiness. With more practices under this belt, I'm hoping he can find the balance between being aggressive and facilitating. I think the general lack of structure on offense Pop's been cultivating for the last few years isn't helping, and it'll take time for folks to figure things out.

[spurraider21]

excellent preview of the tank tbh

[jjspur]

yeah, tre looked nothing like a legit starting PG last night. not in the least.

Just read Mac McClung got cut by the warriors. He isn't the best but he is at least a point guard and doesn't cost a lot. Spurs could use someone who isn't afraid to drive into the paint and either make a layup or dish out to someone like Bran or Keldon. After last nights game he would be an upgrade. Time to cut the guy who hit the side of the backboard. Hasta la vista Langford. We hardly knew ya.

[Mr. Body]

Spurs are missing three starters from an already marginal team from last year -- Primo, Keldon, Dejounte. It's not a huge surprise they sucked, although it's not fun.

Tons to work on and super disappointing to see Jones and Vassell suck it up. Keita should be deep on the bench. I'm not terribly interested in the usual jags whining about whether we're tanking or not. The point is progress and trying to be competitive. I'd much rather get Malaki, Sochan and Wesley out there. Each of them became really important for their teams as their NCAA seasons went along; Wesley in particular had to carry a bad ND team. I'm more interested in them than Jones or Vassell.

[KingKev]

Spurs are missing three starters from an already marginal team from last year -- Primo, Keldon, Dejounte. It's not a huge surprise they sucked, although it's not fun.

Tons to work on and super disappointing to see Jones and Vassell suck it up. Keita should be deep on the bench. I'm not terribly interested in the usual jags whining about whether we're tanking or not. The point is progress and trying to be competitive. I'd much rather get Malaki, Sochan and Wesley out there. Each of them became really important for their teams as their NCAA seasons went along; Wesley in particular had to carry a bad ND team. I'm more interested in them than Jones or Vassell.

Agree with this although Primo isn’t a starter. Vassell really isn't either. Keldon is a 3rd or 4th option on a good team.

[Leetonidas]

Meh. We know we're going to suck this season for sure but I wouldn't overreact to anything that happens in a preseason game tbh

[wildbill2u]

The problem with such a weak overall roster is that there is NO ONE to make the mediocre players look better. I bet Vassell has plenty of nights like this.

[KingKev]

The problem with such a weak overall roster is that there is NO ONE to make the mediocre players look better. I bet Vassell has plenty of nights like this.

Good point.

Keldon, Vassell and Jak have their work cut out from them on the offensive end and that’s not a knock on Tre Jones it is that DJ was at least a threat who needed to be watched.

[jjspur]

Meh. We know we're going to suck this season for sure but I wouldn't overreact to anything that happens in a preseason game tbh

Seems like most of the spurs (not all) were completely unprepared to play. They made Houston look like NBA champs. I know that we had a few players out and that will help a bit later on, but we're still a bad team with a long way to go.

Anyone catch highlights of the suns - Adelide 36ers game. Those Aussies could shoot the three, and that's probably why they won the game. Spurs need to hire their shooting coach or steal a few of their players.

[tonight...you]

I get so sick of this idea that anything other than tanking or contending is a waste of time. Tanking sucks. Most of the folks wanting it aren't going to go to games. Many I suspect won't even watch them. When it comes to a product, I'd far prefer a 6-8 seed team that competes hard on defense and has some good talent and chemistry. My favorite regular season in recent memory was 2017-2018. That's not just because it was the last hurrah for Tony and Manu. It had Aldridge doing this best carry job of his career, LDN in his last season with the team, Slowmo growing into a defensive menace, Murray emerging. Rudy, Patty and Pau gave a number of good moments too. It sucks the Spurs got the Warriors that year in the first round. I feel pretty confident they would've beaten Houston.

That year was quality ball, and it's not something that's unattainable. Aldridge was a special player despite the shit he got and still gets on this forum. The intangibles for the other HoFers on the team can't be overstated. But that's still something they can do with moderate drafting success and aggressive free-agent signings. Passing that up trying to be bad enough to draft a superstar that they have to keep happy and healthy for long enough to rebuild a team around them. That's way harder, and I think the ROI is worse. So it's more miserable in the near future and likely not truly better in the long term. I'm a Spurs fan and will watch the team as much as I can, but for sure my interest is at an all-time low. If the on-court product is going to be this bad, the off-court stuff isn't going to be able to balance it out. Count me as someone who'd prefer the Spurs to find a way to the play-in even if it costs them in their lotto spot. I obviously hope they they win the lotto if they make it there I don't have a good feeling that the Spurs are going to turn things around based on their pick, no matter who they select.
As always, a sage and wise post from you.
The vocal dweebs will ignore it, as per usual as they've already started to ignore you as they comment ahead.
Whatevs. You're appreciated.

[tbdog]

I get so sick of this idea that anything other than tanking or contending is a waste of time. Tanking sucks. Most of the folks wanting it aren't going to go to games. Many I suspect won't even watch them. When it comes to a product, I'd far prefer a 6-8 seed team that competes hard on defense and has some good talent and chemistry. My favorite regular season in recent memory was 2017-2018. That's not just because it was the last hurrah for Tony and Manu. It had Aldridge doing this best carry job of his career, LDN in his last season with the team, Slowmo growing into a defensive menace, Murray emerging. Rudy, Patty and Pau gave a number of good moments too. It sucks the Spurs got the Warriors that year in the first round. I feel pretty confident they would've beaten Houston.

That year was quality ball, and it's not something that's unattainable. Aldridge was a special player despite the shit he got and still gets on this forum. The intangibles for the other HoFers on the team can't be overstated. But that's still something they can do with moderate drafting success and aggressive free-agent signings. Passing that up trying to be bad enough to draft a superstar that they have to keep happy and healthy for long enough to rebuild a team around them. That's way harder, and I think the ROI is worse. So it's more miserable in the near future and likely not truly better in the long term. I'm a Spurs fan and will watch the team as much as I can, but for sure my interest is at an all-time low. If the on-court product is going to be this bad, the off-court stuff isn't going to be able to balance it out. Count me as someone who'd prefer the Spurs to find a way to the play-in even if it costs them in their lotto spot. I obviously hope they they win the lotto if they make it there I don't have a good feeling that the Spurs are going to turn things around based on their pick, no matter who they select.

I agree, it's not just about contending or tanking. I got joy knocking the lakers out last season. But spurs hand was made on that Murray deal. You just have to take that package and hope after this season things progress and we have 5 to 10 years of playoff runs in due course.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Part of me wants this group to overachieve just to show Murray he’s not all that.

But what’s the Vegas over/under on wins? 23.5? Definitely the under. Money in el banco.

[DeRozan m8]

Tre is not the answer to anything

[Dejounte]

Out of everything that happened last night, I was especially un-impressed and disappointed in Tre Jones. Preseason, yes, low-talent teammates, maybe, but... He was the exact third-string player that he was last season yesterday. Team offense was a mess and he had a large hand in that, and I didn't see any improvements whatsoever regarding his shooting confidence - matter of fact, I remember him shying away from shooting on back-to-back possessions. Just a no-go for the supposedly "never lost a summer scrimmage" "starting PG" guy.

I don't know how Primo will play this season, but I'm eagerly hoping it's at least good enough to put Tre on the bench, where he belongs.

Agreed. I’ve been on the “Primo isn’t fit to be the primary PG” train for awhile now, but that was contingent on Tre actually looking competent. So far, he’s giving us no reason why Primo or someone else shouldn’t just take the reins and see how it shakes out from there. Tre is supposed to offer stability for the short term while Wesley or a future point guard eventually takes over. He provided no imprint on this game, and it was reminiscent of a typical “Lonnie special” invisible game. Only one preseason game, so I hope he settles in by game 15 or else his NBA career is going to be a short one.

[Dex]

Tre is not the answer to anything

Right now, Tre is what he is...a third-string PG currently playing in a starting role.

Should guarantee plenty of losses if that stays the case

[KingKev]

Right now, Tre is what he is...a third-string PG currently playing in a starting role.

Should guarantee plenty of losses if that stays the case

Tre is well on his way to being a solid backup PG.

[Dex]

Tre is well on his way to being a solid backup PG.

For his sake, I hope so...have no ill will against the kid and hope he succeeds in the league somehow.

Just haven't seen it yet.

[Dejounte]

For his sake, I hope so...have no ill will against the kid and hope he succeeds in the league somehow.

Just haven't seen it yet.

Don’t say any of this to John B who thinks he can easily get those triple dubs like DJ did…

[rascal]

Sooner ot later the Spurs were going to fall to the bottom.

It's up to the fans to still support the team and if they can't then they will lose the team to Las Vegas.

[ChumpDumper]

Sooner ot later the Spurs were going to fall to the bottom.

It's up to the fans to still support the team and if they can't then they will lose the team to Las Vegas.

Vegas will get an expansion team.

[Brazil]

the tanking clowns got what they wanted. we'll be lucky to win 22 games this year.

perfect

[John B]

Don’t say any of this to John B (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=42719) who thinks he can easily get those triple dubs like DJ did…

First game of a Pre-season and everybody’s already looking for heads to fall. Typical ST :lol

Just chilax and enjoy the ride. Worst case, Spurs get top 3 pick :toast

[ismael-robert]

Worst case Tre is new George Hill or Cory Joseph...career wise too

[poopbox]

Worst case Tre is new George Hill or Cory Joseph...career wise too

Hopefully the next George so we can trade him for the next great small forward tbh :claw

[slick'81]

First game of a Pre-season and everybody’s already looking for heads to fall. Typical ST :lol

Just chilax and enjoy the ride. Worst case, Spurs get top 3 pick :toast

best case buddy

[dbestpro]

The was Wesley plays makes it seem like he should be nicknamed "Wild Thing".