Pescatarian Revelry For C Bassey

[playbonner15]

Join the feast! :hungry:


https://youtu.be/jJLR9MHQyy0

[playbonner15]

Should be signed to a full contract tbh...

[exstatic]

Should be signed to a full contract tbh...

I think eventually, he will be. Can’t see Jordan Hall making it past the NBA guarantee deadline. He’s terrible. That would open a spot, as would any lopsided trade.

[playbonner15]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPav4M6FKSE

A rebounding big FINALLY! Thanks for the gimme, Doc!

[spursparker9]

Number 28. At first I thought Ian Mahinmi was back

[Sugus]

Last night was my first game watching him, and I'm pretty sold already tbh. What caught me most was how pedestrian he made everything look: I didn't see a single thing that I can't see him doing every other night, those kind of "flukey" hot-shooting nights or whatever, no sir. Just played hard and hustled, and everything else came with it. Exciting shit.

:lmao Glenn Rivers stays fucking up whichever team he's a part of :lmao

[stephen jackson]

As a two way can he stay up here forever or he’s gonna be forced to go back to Austin ?

[XDT76]

As a two way can he stay up here forever or he’s gonna be forced to go back to Austin ?

He can play a max of 50 NBA games.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I think eventually, he will be. Can’t see Jordan Hall making it past the NBA guarantee deadline. He’s terrible. That would open a spot, as would any lopsided trade.

Seems like the logical path for signing Bassey to a full deal. This guy has Spur DNA, you can tell.

[RC_Drunkford]

1591467170013511680

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[Russ]

Bassey is a throwback. He has that old-school NBA body. His size, his physicality, the strong deliberate way he moves. He's straight from the 90's almost as much as Pat Riley. (Except for his pretty nice three-point shot.)

I get a kick out of watching him play.

[Mr. Body]

1591467170013511680

1591232023930499072

It will always be a headscratcher. I guess the Sixers didn't have a Wieskamp or Aminu deep in the bench they could cut to keep Bassey. With such long rosters, how could they not have made something happen?

And then, as pointed out, the entire league let him sit there after he passed waivers. I get that rosters were generally filled at that point.

Bassey seems to like quieter, non-fancy/non-glitzy destinations. I haven't heard anything about his choice of Western Kentucky, but he didn't go for a bigger program. San Antonio seems attractive to him, just a normal dude who wants to play basketball.

Ultimately, he's produced in high school, he was productive in college, and he's doing the same now. I don't mind him going late in the 2nd -- but it's hard to think he could have gone higher with more hype. True, hsi A:TO wasn't great, but he was blocking shots, rebounding, and was like at .300 from deep, I believe.

[John B]

He can play a max of 50 NBA games.

I think they’ll sign him full to give him more burn with the mothership. Faried being his replacement.

[playbonner15]

1591467170013511680

1591232023930499072

smh Glenn :lol

[exstatic]

Number 28. At first I thought Ian Mahinmi was back

He was the guest Spurs callback a few games ago.

[John B]

Oh yeah :lol


https://youtu.be/MLZqi8NbjhI

[slick'81]

Dude is a beast. Good get for sa

[playbonner15]

Oh yeah :lol


https://youtu.be/MLZqi8NbjhI
LOL @ next Shaq :lol .... but good to see his journey and his SA roots :toast

[scott]

It will always be a headscratcher. I guess the Sixers didn't have a Wieskamp or Aminu deep in the bench they could cut to keep Bassey. With such long rosters, how could they not have made something happen?

And then, as pointed out, the entire league let him sit there after he passed waivers. I get that rosters were generally filled at that point.

Bassey seems to like quieter, non-fancy/non-glitzy destinations. I haven't heard anything about his choice of Western Kentucky, but he didn't go for a bigger program. San Antonio seems attractive to him, just a normal dude who wants to play basketball.

Ultimately, he's produced in high school, he was productive in college, and he's doing the same now. I don't mind him going late in the 2nd -- but it's hard to think he could have gone higher with more hype. True, hsi A:TO wasn't great, but he was blocking shots, rebounding, and was like at .300 from deep, I believe.

I was able to dig up this blurb on his college recruiting, seems like there wasn't much about him despite being a 5-start recruit and the top C in the nation coming out of HS: https://www.tarheeltimes.com/article94530.aspx

This article makes it seem like it was always a done deal that Bassey would go to WKU: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentuckiana/2018/06/14/reasons-wku-basketball-charles-bassey-signing/702239002/

Indeed, it was his guardian Hennssy who brought Bassey to St. Anthony along with a bevvy of other talented players and spurred the Yellow Jackets getting booted from TAPPS. As a St. Anthony alum myself, I can tell you our school is not an athletic training ground (like St. Anthony in NJ used to be, maybe still is?). In every sport, we were a bunch of undersized kids enjoying a chance to play as an extra curricular activity. Many of us who played varsity ball would not have made the team at big public schools.

[scott]

Great article by the Philly Inquirer basically calling the Sixers morons :lol https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-roster-news-charles-bassey-20221113.html

[Atl Spur]

Ol’ Brian Wright getting’er done!

[XDT76]

I think they’ll sign him full to give him more burn with the mothership. Faried being his replacement.

Knowing PATFO they might be reluctant to terminal Hall twice, so it would probably needs to wait until a mid season trade is done or promise him a full contract next season. There is also Zollins role to be addressed if Bassey is signed full time.

[Fireball]

There is also Zollins role to be addressed if Bassey is signed full time.

Poeltl will be gone in a few months so its Zollins/Bassey as our centers after the trade deadline ... pretty sure Zollins will start then

[exstatic]

Knowing PATFO they might be reluctant to terminal Hall twice, so it would probably needs to wait until a mid season trade is done or promise him a full contract next season. There is also Zollins role to be addressed if Bassey is signed full time.

Hall is fully unguaranteed. I don’t think that was an accident. I’d be genuinely shocked if he makes it past the non guaranteed cut deadline in January. I mean, AJ was released 3 or 4 different times by the Spurs. Not sure where you’re getting a reluctance to release borderline players from.

[Dverde]

Kick their ass C Bass!

https://media.tenor.com/RO5jfrMwEtAAAAAC/dumb-and-dumber-kick-his-ass.gif

[scott]

Talking Bassey in another thread made me want to take a look at this comparison.

In his second season, first in the Spurs system and in many ways being developed like a rookie (which is appropriate), I think Bassey continues to show a lot of promise. Certainly enough to where had he been the 20th or 25th pick, we’d all be pretty pleased with his development.

In that vein, I wanted to compare where Bassey is in his 2nd year to where Jak was in his. The consensus seems to be that Jak is a solid starting C. Some people go as far as saying he is a top 10 C in the league. I don’t think anyone believes he is not at least a quality starting C.

I think Bassey has the potential to be a starting C at Jak’s caliber, while providing the upside of greater offensive range.

Comparing 2nd year stats:

Jak (TOR): 82 gp, 0 starts, 18.6 mpg, 6.9 ppg, .659 FG%, .660 eFG%, .594 FT%, 2.0 orpg, 2.8 drpg, 4.8 trpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 1.2 bpg, 1.0 TOV, 2.6 pf

Bassey (SAS): 18 gp, 1 start, 16.2 mpg, 6.0 ppg, .687 FG%, .701 eFG%, .636 FT%, 2.3 orpg, 3.8 drpg, 6.1 trpg, 1.6 apg, 0.4 spg, 1.2 blg, 1.3 TOV, 2.6 pf

Definitely looks like Bassey is on a similar developmental track

[Mr. Body]

Walker Kessler is looking like a nice pick for Utah. Time will tell whether we missed on him in taking Branham. But Bassey's production actually looks really similar.

[offset formation]

Bassey had a hell of a game tonight with Austin Spurs. 40 pts. 16 Boards

Pretty impressive night overall.

[scott]

Bassey had a hell of a game tonight with Austin Spurs. 40 pts. 16 Boards

Pretty impressive night overall.

Nice! He had a DNP the other day, followed up by not even being listed on the box score, so I was wondering what was up. Glad to see him dominating the G-League. The optimist in me wants to buy into the theory that he'll get a multiyear deal after the trade deadline and some serious minutes. He needs a full off-season to really get engrained into the system.

[BackHome]

Walker Kessler is looking like a nice pick for Utah. Time will tell whether we missed on him in taking Branham. But Bassey's production actually looks really similar.

Yeah i really liked him in the draft people were laughing at me but the dude is legit will have a very good NBA career majority starting center.

[offset formation]

He could have had a 50 pt night but he didn't play as many minutes given we were blowing out the Texas Legends.

I was very impressed with his touch around the basket, his range, his athleticism, even his on ball defense. He was left out on the perimeter on two occasions and the guard got by him but he rolled hard and made a block twice.

I came away super impressed. Would love to see what he can do at the next level.

Conversely, I was not too impressed with Barlow. His shot literally comes out with a side spin. So I don't see him being a knock down shooter, though he's got a decent inside game.

[Mr. Body]

He could have had a 50 pt night but he didn't play as many minutes given we were blowing out the Texas Legends.

I was very impressed with his touch around the basket, his range, his athleticism, even his on ball defense. He was left out on the perimeter on two occasions and the guard got by him but he rolled hard and made a block twice.

I came away super impressed. Would love to see what he can do at the next level.

Conversely, I was not too impressed with Barlow. His shot literally comes out with a side spin. So I don't see him being a knock down shooter, though he's got a decent inside game.

Thanks for the insight. I hope the team is keeping Bassey away from the main squad, they suck so bad.

Barlow is a project. Playing for Overtime Elite is like wasting a year at bst, maybe even worse.

[exstatic]

Yeah i really liked him in the draft people were laughing at me but the dude is legit will have a very good NBA career majority starting center.

I can’t see why people are knob slobbering him. He plays 20 minutes, and is a cocktail: 7p/7r.

[offset formation]

Some highlights of Bassey's game last night for anyone interested:

https://twitter.com/projectspurs/status/1618828141866397696?s=19

[John B]

I can’t see why people are knob slobbering him. He plays 20 minutes, and is a cocktail: 7p/7r.

B-but Spurs have the worst defensive rating.

For a team who’s one of the leaders in assist, has no problem scoring, but MUST not have terrible defense? How do people expect Spurs to lose and get Wemby?

[wildbill2u]

Bassey made a couple of 3s and a couple of jumpers from the top of the lane in this rout. He looked like he could do whatever he wanted againt this competition. If he can bring some of that confidence to the Big Club when he gets the invite for a short stay, he will be fine. I remember that during his previous stint he was screwing up the pnr plays by releasing too soon in order to get open for his own shot, but I didn't see that in the highlights.

Re Barlow shot release: DJM came into the league with the same shot release that sent the ball with a sideways spin. Chip fixed that. I wish he was still here to coach. Do we even have a specialized shooting coach now?

[Vince Carter's ankle]

Do we even have a specialized shooting coach now?
No, Chip is the only one in the world.

[offset formation]

B-but Spurs have the worst defensive rating.

For a team who’s one of the leaders in assist, has no problem scoring, but MUST not have terrible defense? How do people expect Spurs to lose and get Wemby?

You can't be serious? The Rockets, Pistons, Hornets, 76ers, and every other NBA team in NBA HISTORY managed to do it without being this bad defensively.

Don't be a Homer. It's not a good look. Also if you want to reply to something I've written, grow a spine and @ me.

[John B]

You can't be serious? The Rockets, Pistons, Hornets, 76ers, and every other NBA team in NBA HISTORY managed to do it without being this bad defensively.

Don't be a Homer. It's not a good look. Also if you want to reply to something I've written, grow a spine and @ me.

What are you 12? I’m talking in general with posters complaining about Spurs defensive rating. Lose but don’t get blown away. Sochan not a good defender. Dude was guarding Curry one night, then LeBron the other. That’s covering perimeter, then defending post and switching in between. You’re not living rent-free in my mind. Spurs are tanking, and people are complaining about defensive rating?? You let me know when Pop’s jugular starts popping, then Spurs are not tanking :lol

[offset formation]

What are you 12? I’m talking in general with posters complaining about Spurs defensive rating. Lose but don’t get blown away. Sochan not a good defender. Dude was guarding Curry one night, then LeBron the other. That’s covering perimeter, then defending post and switching in between. You’re not living rent-free in my mind. Spurs are tanking, and people are complaining about defensive rating?? You let me know when Pop’s jugular starts popping, then Spurs are not tanking :lol

No, are you 9?

You've made a habit (3 times now) of referencing my points and passively-aggressively trying to throw shade at my post without tagging me. My 9 year old does the same thing when someone hurts her feelings.

And before you try and say "posters" generally is what you meant, I've been the one driving this point home for weeks and even made a thread on it.

It seems you don't like seeing legitimate criticism. Stop being such a homer and recognize concerning patterns where they exist. And the last thing I want to see is a pathetic argument that the Spurs cannot both tank and be less than historically abominable on defense. Literally every other team EVER has managed that better than us to date. Make better arguments.

[RC_Drunkford]

I can’t see why people are knob slobbering him. He plays 20 minutes, and is a cocktail: 7p/7r.

says the guy who was knob slobbering Jalen Smith

[scott]

Our prince goes down around the 32:15 mark and didn't return today. Saw on Twitter could be season-ending :(

https://youtu.be/sxFHh68zh1Q?t=1925

[offset formation]

FURK!

[scott]

Interestingly, the game cap doesn't mention anything about the injury other than Bassey finished with 11 points (it doesn't point out that it was in only 12 minutes of work)

https://gleague.nba.com/game/aus-vs-rgv-2022200193?view=game-story

Hopefully it's minor.

[ace3g]

Yeah, still haven't seen any official news on the injury.

https://twitter.com/BasseyCollector/status/1619760386328379397

[Sugus]

Yeah, still haven't seen any official news on the injury.

https://twitter.com/BasseyCollector/status/1619760386328379397

What a freak injury - that was no contact, right? I'd love an alternate angle. The little steps before going up make it even weirder, non-contact injuries usually happen when you go power-footing and your body just ain't having it.

Also, the tweet body is complete BS. You can get just as injured (arguably more so) in the NBA than in the GL, and if you're developing your game anyways, it's not like you're missing on a lifetime opportunity. Dejounte literally had almost the same (seemingly) injury during NBA Preseason, should he have skipped all preseason games and training camp too? BS.

[offset formation]

I've no idea where one is more likely to injure themselves between the NBA or G-League but I'm hopeful it's not a thing where he's out a calendar year type thing.
I'm admittedly fairly late to Bassey fandom but he impressed the shit out of me the other night. Just smooth from outside, midrange, and down low. Plays admirable defense. And he looks light years better than my first time seeing him.

If he's injured in such a way that his development basically stops for a year, it could be devastating to his chances. And it is rather odd we still don't have a diagnosis, at least publicly available, yet.

He could be a contributor to this team moving forward. Will remain hopeful the injury is not serious.

[John B]

Having no news is better news imo. If he tore a muscle we would be hearing about it now. I suspect it’s a sprain and be out a week or two, I hope.

[exstatic]

What a freak injury - that was no contact, right? I'd love an alternate angle. The little steps before going up make it even weirder, non-contact injuries usually happen when you go power-footing and your body just ain't having it.

Also, the tweet body is complete BS. You can get just as injured (arguably more so) in the NBA than in the GL, and if you're developing your game anyways, it's not like you're missing on a lifetime opportunity. Dejounte literally had almost the same (seemingly) injury during NBA Preseason, should he have skipped all preseason games and training camp too? BS.

DeJountes ACL tear was non contact, IIRC.

[XDT76]

Any update on his wife injury?

[scott]

Any update on his wife injury?

None. He is listed on the Spurs injury report as simply "Out - G League". My attempts to ask Spurs beat reporters on Twitter has gone unanswered. Bassey himself retweeted on Twitter this morning "better days are coming"

Just crazy it is 2023 and there is ZERO info about this.

[wildbill2u]

On the other hand, there was this good news on the night Bassey was injured: San Antonio Spurs Two-Way player Dominick Barlow led Austin with a double-double 32 points and 10 rebounds. Is there any place I can watch Austin highlights? I think there is more good news up there than in San Antonio:lmao

[scott]

Highlights to pretty much every game are posted in the Austin Toros thread.

[scott]

Still ZERO information on Bassey's injury anywhere, which is Bizarre, but he wasn't named to the G-League Next Up team for the All-Star game despite being one of the top vote getters. Definitely makes me think he is done for the year.

[exstatic]

Still ZERO information on Bassey's injury anywhere, which is Bizarre, but he wasn't named to the G-League Next Up team for the All-Star game despite being one of the top vote getters. Definitely makes me think he is done for the year.

Even a grade one or two sprain would keep him out of that game.

[offset formation]

Only thing I can surmise is they are getting second opinions on the severity and timetable to return before announcing exactly what his injury is. Which makes me think it's believed to be serious, and thus a long recovery time frame but maybe Bassey or his reps think there's some uncertainty to the diagnosis.

Otherwise his status without an injury update to even what body part sustained an injury just seems odd.

Hopefully I'm off and he can come back asapbut I sense there's a longer term recovery in his future given the odd delay on his status.

[KingKev]

I’m not sure the Sours care to release injury updates for anyone let alone a g-leaguer.

[offset formation]

I’m not sure the Sours care to release injury updates for anyone let alone a g-leaguer.

There's a requirement for it. Knicks just got fined 25K for not properly reporting on one. Not sure how that rule translates to the G-league but you'd think it might be similar framework for all NBA affiliates.

[scott]

1620545614076579841

First I've seen of anyone getting any kind of update. I chat with the guy he was responding to pretty frequently since we both collect Bassey cards.

Edit: once again, tweet embed not working. Here's a link: https://twitter.com/Matthew_Tynan/status/1620545614076579841?s=20&t=eexv_PZDK7LNN1piXQMlPw

[Ariel]

1620545614076579841

First I've seen of anyone getting any kind of update. I chat with the guy he was responding to pretty frequently since we both collect Bassey cards.

Edit: once again, tweet embed not working. Here's a link: https://twitter.com/Matthew_Tynan/status/1620545614076579841?s=20&t=eexv_PZDK7LNN1piXQMlPw
Just type this number:
https://twitter.com/Matthew_Tynan/status/1620545614076579841?s=20&t=eexv_PZDK7LNN1piXQMlPw
between [/TWEET ] tags (intentionally left a space so that it would show). Like this:
[TWEET]1620545614076579841

[scott]

Just type this number:
https://twitter.com/Matthew_Tynan/status/1620545614076579841?s=20&t=eexv_PZDK7LNN1piXQMlPw
between [/TWEET ] tags (intentionally left a space so that it would show). Like this:
[TWEET]1620545614076579841

I did that. When I go to edit my post, it is still in there... it just doesn't show up in my post for some reason.

Edit: now it shows up. It's been acting funny lately. Probably user error.

[offset formation]

I did that. When I go to edit my post, it is still in there... it just doesn't show up in my post for some reason.

Edit: now it shows up. It's been acting funny lately. Probably user error.

I tried it the other day too and it didn't work either.

Great news if true on his injury.

[scott]

For those keeping track... still no official news on Bassey (which just seems totally insane to me), but he was in street clothes on the bench during last night's Austin Spurs game.

Blake did put in 29 pts on 11-18 and 3-6 from 3. 2 Assists vs 4 turnovers though.

Barlow 21 pts and 10 reb on 6-11 and 2-3 from 3.

Spurs lost on a buzzer beater by old friend Robert Woodard II.

The Ignite coming up for two games next week.

[wildbill2u]

Trying to get to the Austin Spurs website is a pain. I kept getting kicked to their ticket sales. And I never could find the highlight vids menu or any particular game. It might be the worst website for a team I ever saw. Someone with the knowhow and the time should start a Austin Spurs thread with all that info.

[scott]

Trying to get to the Austin Spurs website is a pain. I kept getting kicked to their ticket sales. And I never could find the highlight vids menu or any particular game. It might be the worst website for a team I ever saw. Someone with the knowhow and the time should start a Austin Spurs thread with all that info.

We already have one. It's the Austin Toros thread.

Also, are you 80 years old or something. Site is really easy to find and navigate. https://austin.gleague.nba.com/

[ace3g]

CobLtnaIVx-

[scott]

Bassey didn’t play in Austin’s last game either, and still no official reports about his injury. Spurs beat writers completely clueless of the injury or too lazy to inquire with the team.

[playbonner15]

Assuming Collins will replace Poelt on the 1st unit, is he now gonna be the bench C?

[Mr. Body]

Aggravating how the franchise no longer reports injury information.

[scott]

timvp - has any kind of injury been brought up when you’ve talked to your sources?

[timvp]

timvp - has any kind of injury been brought up when you’ve talked to your sources?

No, I haven't heard anything. Weird situation. Perhaps the Spurs just wanted to keep him on ice until the inevitable Poeltl trade and didn't even want him risking injury in the G League. Guess we'll see soon enough.

[Mr. Body]

No, I haven't heard anything. Weird situation. Perhaps the Spurs just wanted to keep him on ice until the inevitable Poeltl trade and didn't even want him risking injury in the G League. Guess we'll see soon enough.

But I thought he actually did hurt himself in the G League?

[exstatic]

I did that. When I go to edit my post, it is still in there... it just doesn't show up in my post for some reason.

Edit: now it shows up. It's been acting funny lately. Probably user error.

There’s a lag while it fetches the tweet.

[timvp]

But I thought he actually did hurt himself in the G League?

Yeah, I'm saying perhaps the Spurs didn't want him playing in G League after that injury scare due to the impending Poeltl trade.

[wildbill2u]

We already have one. It's the Austin Toros thread.

Also, are you 80 years old or something. Site is really easy to find and navigate. https://austin.gleague.nba.com/

I just kept getting on links which were for ticket sales. Actually I'm 82 and was probably a Spurs season ticket holder before you were born. Don't you feel bad for posting an agist remark and beating up on an old man. :nope

[scott]

I just kept getting on links which were for ticket sales. Actually I'm 82 and was probably a Spurs season ticket holder before you were born. Don't you feel bad for posting an agist remark and beating up on an old man. :nope

No, tbqh.

[Atl Spur]

No, tbqh.

Yuck……. Respect cost nothing! He gave you a chance to get out your feelings; getting to be old is hard work!!��

[playbonner15]

He was on the Spurs bench last game vs Pistons so I guess he's ok

[scott]

He was on the Spurs bench last game vs Pistons so I guess he's ok

Was he? Because he was listed as Out-G League and he showed up in the Austin Spurs box score, albeit a DNP

[Ocotillo]

Was he? Because he was listed as Out-G League and he showed up in the Austin Spurs box score, albeit a DNP

One bench shot, I did see him.

[timvp]

Was he? Because he was listed as Out-G League and he showed up in the Austin Spurs box score, albeit a DNP

Yeah, he's there again tonight.

[scott]

Mahalo Ocotillo and timvp!

[J_Paco]

When is he gonna be available to play, again? The team could really use his hustle on the glass. Giving up too many second chance looks for the 2nd night in a row.

[K...]

The San Antonio Spurs are signing two-way center Charles Bassey to a new four-year, $10.2 million deal, including strong guarantees of $5.2M, his agents Adie von Gontard and Daveed Cohen tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

[KingKev]

The San Antonio Spurs are signing two-way center Charles Bassey to a new four-year, $10.2 million deal, including strong guarantees of $5.2M, his agents Adie von Gontard and Daveed Cohen tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

wasn’t it you who called this?!?

[K...]

wasn’t it you who called this?!?

If i did its because someone else said it. In the thread about waiving stanley J

[KingKev]

It'll be interesting to see the optionality on the deal. 4yrs/8m GUARANTEED is what a second rounder can procure these days.

[playbonner15]

The San Antonio Spurs are signing two-way center Charles Bassey to a new four-year, $10.2 million deal, including strong guarantees of $5.2M, his agents Adie von Gontard and Daveed Cohen tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
hmmm good deal

[playbonner15]

Should be signed to a full contract tbh...
that one took a while :lol

[playbonner15]

Looks good vs Thunder today. Good signing as a backup C tbh

[heyheymymy]

6/12/4 & 2blks

[Drom John]

I noticed that Victor Wembanyama just tied Joffrey Lauvergne at #211 with 93 FG, then saw the splits,
.516/.000/.638, TS% .536, eFG% .516 Lauvergne
.424/.269/.782, TS% .509, eFG% .479 Wembanyama
Hmm, eFG% is such a big man's stat.
So I ran:

For combined seasons, in the NBA/BAA or ABA, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, in the regular season, requiring Minutes Played >= 418, sorted by descending Effective Field Goal Percentage.
418 minutes was selected for Wembanyama.

1) Charles Bassey
2) Steve Johnson
3) Mark McNamara
4) Jakob Poeltl
5) Dewayne Dedmon
6) Artis Gilmore
7) Stanley Johnson
8) Boban Marjanovic
9) Davis Bertans
10) David Lee

12) Doug McDermott

19) Zach Collins

44) Keldon Johnson

46) Julian Champagnie

48) Dominick Barlow

57) Devin Vassell

62) Sandro Mamulelashvili
63) Joffrey Lauvergne

83) Devonte' Graham

96) Malaki Branham

110) Tre Jones

141) Jeremy Sochan

165) Victor Wembanyama

254) Blake Wesley

258 of 258) Chris Whitney

[spurraider21]

Bassey looks awesome as the backup 5. Wouldn’t hate him getting more run tbh

[scott]

Glad to see my guy making the most of his minutes. He could easily lead this team in rebounds in only 20 min/game if given the opportunity. Would like to see more of him rotating along side all the bigs. His minutes with Wemby give us amazing rim protection. His minutes with Collins can provide some much needed inside toughness while Collins stretches the floor and provides spacing. Minutes with Mamu seem to have been productive as well.

Bassey can definitely carve out a nice career for himself as a quality backup in this league.

He has a jumper, but it's definitely but put in the box by the coaching staff.

[offset formation]

Glad to see my guy making the most of his minutes. He could easily lead this team in rebounds in only 20 min/game if given the opportunity. Would like to see more of him rotating along side all the bigs. His minutes with Wemby give us amazing rim protection. His minutes with Collins can provide some much needed inside toughness while Collins stretches the floor and provides spacing. Minutes with Mamu seem to have been productive as well.

Bassey can definitely carve out a nice career for himself as a quality backup in this league.

He has a jumper, but it's definitely but put in the box by the coaching staff.

Yup, recall you and I seem to be his biggest fans. I'm definitely a fan of his. Dude can score and has a nice game inside and midrange. We've seen next to none of it though because he hasn't been even close to the focus offensively. But he looks healthy and I've like to see him get some post up opportunities. Work facing the basket from the elbow area (FT line extended) He's very capable in both spots.

[The Truth #6]

They need to let him shoot outside occasionally. Seems stupid to somehow not develop him in basic ways while everything else is going on.

[scott]

They need to let him shoot outside occasionally. Seems stupid to somehow not develop him in basic ways while everything else is going on.

No time to let a guy develop a jump shot while we are busy teaching a PF how to dribble and pass as a PG, apparently.

[RC_Drunkford]

It‘s classic Pop. He‘s not allowed to shoot jumpers otherwise he‘d be benched. Not sure why he‘s still doing that while we lose every game by double digits

[Spurs Brazil]

Bassey suffers knee injury
The G League experience was not as kind to reserve big man Charles Bassey.

Bassey played well in his one-game cameo with Austin, putting up 30 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in Sunday’s loss to the Legends in Frisco. He also left with a left knee injury the team fears could cause him to miss extended time.

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/g-league-appearance-helped-spurs-mamukelashvili-18547331.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20 (Premium)&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

[scott]

Damn, that sucks.

[Ocotillo]

And the door opens for either Mamu or Dom.

[offset formation]

Bassey suffers knee injury
The G League experience was not as kind to reserve big man Charles Bassey.

Bassey played well in his one-game cameo with Austin, putting up 30 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in Sunday’s loss to the Legends in Frisco. He also left with a left knee injury the team fears could cause him to miss extended time.

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/g-league-appearance-helped-spurs-mamukelashvili-18547331.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20 (Premium)&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

Got damn it. He should be our starting center instead of fucking around in the G-League. This truly infuriates me. Dude can play and is far better than Zollins in pretty much every metric. I'm truly fucking pissed.

[BatManu20]

Torn ACL. Bummer.

1734704035888836622

[JuneJive]

Tore his ACL, ugh.

[SPURt]

Sucks… feel bad for the guy

[Robz4000]

:lmao Jesus

[spurraider21]

fuck me

guess barlow will get some more run

[LeBowen]

Damn.

Yeah, Barlow getting minutes is the only positive thing in all this.

[playbonner15]

Torn ACL. Bummer.

1734704035888836622

good night, sweet prince and have a quick recovery

on the positive side, hope Barlow gets some playing time now

[Mugen]

Bummer. Bass looked solid in the few minutes he was getting the last few games tbh.

[Mugen]

Jesus christ, they're going to bring Dieng back aren't they :lol

[ismael-robert]

Jesus christ, they're going to bring Dieng back aren't they :lol

Jesus says he ain't resurrecting that corpse

[offset formation]

The last place he should have torn his ACL was in Austin, dropping 33 points in a meaningless game. He's proven to be a very good player that can score the ball and defend.

What's worst of all is that they don't even let him play his game on the Spurs yet he still often stands out just from knowing where to be on the court.

Big loss. Big opportunity for Barlow though.

[stephen jackson]

Collins shoulda been in Austin not bassey

[NASpurs]

1745778002921980171

[spurraider21]

My understanding of the disabled player exception was that it gave you the exception to create cap room but it didn’t create a roster spot. The ptr article about Bassey says we get a roster spot though

im pretty sure they got it wrong. In any event i don’t expect the spurs to make use of it. There was just no point in not applying for it since deadline for these petitions is Monday anyway.

in theory you would hold off on applying for it in case someone more notable and expensive got hurt because the exception created there would be more significant.

[playbonner15]

https://x.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/1810444319381414123

Damn, hope a team signs him if Spurs can't but honestly, Mamu looks like a better fit w/ Wemby

[Chinook]

That makes it seem like Bassey and the Spurs don't agree on a contract. It's heartening if that means the Spurs could have grander plans for their room exception

[scott]

I won't cry that its over, I'll smile that it happened

[scott]

Steph Castle, in addition to being a very promising rookie, appears to also have an eye for talent:

1858935651712065719

[Mugen]

I seem to remember Bass having some nice touch around the basket, with that pop a shot being somewhat reliable. Hopefully he rediscovers it soon tbh.

[Dejounte]

I just am having trouble believing the team has plans for him besides a “in case of emergency, break glass” type of role

[scott]

I just am having trouble believing the team has plans for him besides a “in case of emergency, break glass” type of role

My Friend Dejounte, this is the classic "nerdy girl" situation. Once we push those bangs aside, take those glasses off, and change out of those overalls... you'll see the beauty the hides beneath.

[cutewizard]

We need them bruisers

[scott]

I TOLD YOU DUMB MOTHERFUCKERS

ALL BOW BEFORE KING CHARLES

[Dejounte]

Trade wemby, build around king charles

[itzsoweezee]

I don’t want to hear about Zach Collins ever again. Bassey’s stealing all those minutes

[tim_duncan_fan]

Guy clearly should play more.

[timtonymanu]

It’s gonna be a Splitter vs Bonner situation again when Splitter was a rookie here. Bonner kept playing cause of his 3 point shot and being healthy when it was obvious to everyone that Splitter was the better option next to Timmy.

Collins will keep playing over Bassey unfortunately because he has a 3 point shot.

[exstatic]

DESdqYamswQ

[scott]

I'm just gonna say it... he also yells just as good or better than Keldon.

[ginobilized]

I'm happy for Bassey, but, even more happy for Scott.

Seriously, dude is a rebound, hustle play, block and a dunk waiting to happen. Bassey, not Scott. Maybe Scott? But, definitely Bassey.

[scott]

I'm happy for Bassey, but, even more happy for Scott.

Seriously, dude is a rebound, hustle play, block and a dunk waiting to happen. Bassey, not Scott. Maybe Scott? But, definitely Bassey.

Definitely not me :lol

So happy for this dude. Hope he continues to back it up. One thing is for sure, he is not going to get out worked/hustled

[John B]

Give this guy more minutes. He earned it tonight

[RC_Drunkford]

It’s gonna be a Splitter vs Bonner situation again when Splitter was a rookie here. Bonner kept playing cause of his 3 point shot and being healthy when it was obvious to everyone that Splitter was the better option next to Timmy.

Collins will keep playing over Bassey unfortunately because he has a 3 point shot.

Bassey has as much of a 3-point shot as Zach "airball" Collins. He's better in every facet of the game except for post ups and passing at the top of the key. Good FT shooter, rebounder, roll man, shotblocker. Should clearly be the back up C, but Spurs have to justify Collins' contract, so he'll be ahead of Bassey as long as he's here.

[exstatic]

Bassey has as much of a 3-point shot as Zach "airball" Collins. He's better in every facet of the game except for post ups and passing at the top of the key. Good FT shooter, rebounder, roll man, shotblocker. Should clearly be the back up C, but Spurs have to justify Collins' contract, so he'll be ahead of Bassey as long as he's here.

Airball Collins is shooting 40.7% from 3.

[CGD]

Airball Collins is shooting 40.7% from 3.

Totally. people here like to dunk on Zach but he’s had a good season so far. That includes much better shooting from 3, in fact, he made a crucial one last night to help hold OKC at bay at the end.

[exstatic]

Totally. people here like to dunk on Zach but he’s had a good season so far. That includes much better shooting from 3, in fact, he made a crucial one last night to help hold OKC at bay at the end.

It’s a little more generic than that. If they have a pet cat, they MUST tear down anyone at their position who competes for minutes.

[Dejounte]

It’s willful ignorance to watch these games with your own eyes and not continually see Collins kill leads with his awful defense. Either that or these people don’t watch the games at all and rely on counting stats. Why am I asking this question when I already know the answer given that it’s ex again misrepresenting and this time misconstruing other people’s intentions behind their critique of Collins. Nobody has a pet cat competing against Collins. Collins is the maker of bad plays, the author of Shaqtin, the poster boy of Worst Players in the NBA… that’s why people don’t like the dude.

I’ve been consistent on this since after his first year. I gave him a chance his first full year as a Spur. He’s an (empty) stat stuffer through and through and fools any fake stat wizards on this site with his stats. He’s constantly the reason why the Spurs lose. I know this post is a bird call to that other fucking idiot who hunts for any posts regarding his cousin Collins…

[RC_Drunkford]

Airball Collins is shooting 40.7% from 3.

this is as valid as your Zach Collins rim protection stat before he got 40 million from the Spurs


It’s willful ignorance to watch these games with your own eyes and not continually see Collins kill leads with his awful defense. Either that or these people don’t watch the games at all and rely on counting stats. Why am I asking this question when I already know the answer given that it’s ex again misrepresenting and this time misconstruing other people’s intentions behind their critique of Collins. Nobody has a pet cat competing against Collins. Collins is the maker of bad plays, the author of Shaqtin, the poster boy of Worst Players in the NBA… that’s why people don’t like the dude.

I’ve been consistent on this since after his first year. I gave him a chance his first full year as a Spur. He’s an (empty) stat stuffer through and through and fools any fake stat wizards on this site with his stats. He’s constantly the reason why the Spurs lose. I know this post is a bird call to that other fucking idiot who hunts for any posts regarding his cousin Collins…

He was on Shaqtin' yesterday again

[Kuvai]

Collins was playing extremely bad last few games.

Aweful defense, rebounding and Turnovers out of no where..

But when Bassey went off yesterday in 2nd quarter, Collins had a good 3rd and 4th qtr.

[8FOR!3]

Zollins is good. If we're being honest I think he is more suited to be a starting center on a team. But Bassey is exactly what I want out of a backup center. He's a tank.

[Chomag]

Need to find him some minutes somehow especially since this team needs an enforcer archetype

[ginobilized]

Bassey reminds me of a taller, stronger Malik Rose.
He needs more mins to get his rhythm, build chemistry and see how he fits the bigger picture.

[LeBowen]

Tbh, we need to see how Bassey does against actual bigs.
Wemby usually sits before the opposition's starting big, if Bassey can come in and get physical to tire out their starting big even more, it would be a valuable asset for us.

[scott]

Tbh, we need to see how Bassey does against actual bigs.
Wemby usually sits before the opposition's starting big, if Bassey can come in and get physical to tire out their starting big even more, it would be a valuable asset for us.

At a bare minimum, I think Bassey should have a larger role on this team against certain types of bigs, namely the ones we've already seen destroy us this season: Zubac, Big Daddy V, etc. No matter how good of a season Collins is having, he'll always get dominated on the boards by these guys (as will Wemby to some extent, although Vic has a mitigating advantage in his length). Sure enough, a look back at those box scores: Zubac had 13 boards including 10 (!!!) OREB!!! Jonas had 13 REB against us as well, with 5 on the offensive end.

We should at least be using Bassey situationally against these types of bigs.

Collins is having a good season by Collins standards, but he's not that great of a player overall and he doesn't really fit the role he's cast into. Someone like Bassey, a high energy, big time rebounder and shot blocker, fits better with what we need out of those 15 non-Wemby minutes per game. If Bassey can continue to refine his offensive game (which he does have - he just needs time) then there is also probably some usefulness in Wemby + Bassey lineups for stretches in the game as well.

Bassey does have offensive chops. For all the talk of how players learn in the G-League, here is guy who dominated the G-League in the two seasons he put in time down there. His last season in Austin he also went 6-16 from 3. He does have some range, but you can tell in watching him in the Spurs offense that he is given a very specific role (as a screener and on the weak side post) and that he seems a little nervous. Last night was the first time I noticed those nerves starting to fad away, though there were a few moments where it just seemed like he didn't know where to be. That will all go away if he is given time.

Let's get this man back on his old contract immediately! That was a bargain for us, but he'll be an UFA this offseason.

[RC_Drunkford]

He‘s actually the player type that I want as back up C and he‘s young and has room to grow. Sadly I don’t see us getting rid of Zach Collins anytime soon.

[scott]

Last season, I spent a considerable amount of time showing that Bassey grades out as an elite rebounder and rim protector.

The sample size still small this early in the season for Bassey, but the metrics still hold true. Bassey currently grades out as a 96th Percentile Offensive and Defensive Rebounder, and 98th Percentile Shot Blocker. (for those at home wondering, Wemby is a 100th Percentile Shot Blocker, 77th Percentile Offensive Rebounder, and 98th Percentile Defensive Rebounder).

For those with further curiosities, here is the ranking of the league's best Rim Protectors in Predicted Blocks Per 100 Possessions:

Wemby - 5.6
Clingan - 5.0
Kessler - 4.7
Isaiah Jackson - 3.9
Chet - 3.7
Jay Huff - 3.7
Bassey - 3.6
Gafford - 3.4
Bamba - 3.4
Sarr - 3.3
Goga - 3.3

[objective]

Not denying Basset's skills as a rebounder, but his numbers might be inflated with the OKC game considering they had no centers and played so small

[scott]

All they do is echo is numbers from previous seasons as well. Bassey grading out as an elite rebounder isn't a new phenomenon.

[rankingtear]

Their preference is still a versatile big at the center spot to run all their different actions. I think it is still too early to min max stuff, OKC played lesser players at center just to preserve their preferred playstyle.

[RC_Drunkford]

Bassey had some great games pre-injury too. He's legit

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8GbwsevXtA

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EcLUo1n2Ig

[vy65]

There’s not a minute Zollins plays that should not be played by Scott’s man-crush instead. The difference between the two is fucking staggering

[scott]

Just going to point this out...

Charles Bassey, team leading +16 tonight versus Utah.

[spurraider21]

Turns out Bassey can be the single big and doesn’t require elite guard play to be effective

[LeBowen]

Bassey bought me with his post game talk after the last game, his energy is contagious.

[Mugen]

My beautiful Bassey tbh

[PhantomDashCam]

Magnificent play from him.

https://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/elite_shield_lg.png

[itzsoweezee]

Give all those Collins minutes to Bassey. This is a no brainier

[vy65]

I’d love to hear the galaxy brain justification of Zollins over Bassey because Zollins shoots 3s. It’s not a coincidence Zollins lead +/- with a -8.

:cry Prince Charles :cry

[tim_duncan_fan]

MORE SEA BASS!

[scott]

I think there are situations that definitely can warrant Zollins over Bassey, but Bassey shouldn't be the 13th man on our bench. Games against guys like Zubac, Adams, Big Daddy, Edey, Clingan, etc. should be games where Bassey gets the nod over Zollins.

[Chinook]

I don't know that I'd say Bass should be explicitly put against size. Like if the idea is that the team is going to run with him to tire the opposing bigs out, I could see it. But I don't think it's an accident that Bass had his more difficult match-up against Dallas with actualized bigs. He seemed to find more success in situations where his below-average height was still above his opponents.

[spurraider21]

I don't know that I'd say Bass should be explicitly put against size. Like if the idea is that the team is going to run with him to tire the opposing bigs out, I could see it. But I don't think it's an accident that Bass had his more difficult match-up against Dallas with actualized bigs. He seemed to find more success in situations where his below-average height was still above his opponents.
I trust him way more than Collins to secure a rebounds against a guy like Lively or Zubac

[playbonner15]

This guy putting in work! But I agree, he wouldnt work that well against Dallas or a fully healthy OKC

[Dejounte]

Most blocks(6) off the bench in entire league since 1984. WTH

[scott]

I don't know that I'd say Bass should be explicitly put against size. Like if the idea is that the team is going to run with him to tire the opposing bigs out, I could see it. But I don't think it's an accident that Bass had his more difficult match-up against Dallas with actualized bigs. He seemed to find more success in situations where his below-average height was still above his opponents.

Playing Bassey over Collins in these matchups is not because they will result in Bassey posting fun stat lines like the last two games, but rather just being more effective than Collins at getting boards and impacting the game in a positive way.

Yes, Bassey had a less impress stat-line against Dallas, but Collins was -15 in that game whereas Bassey was -2. This isn't mean to be an end-all-be-all statistic, but rather just a quick and dirty indicator. That's also a game where we were thoroughly trashed in the second and third quarters and I'm not sure it's worth reading too much into overall.

Considering our starting lineup has the best net rating in the league of any 5-man group with a minimum of 75 minutes played, I don't need our bench center to put up amazing counting stats, I just need him to impact the game in a way that doesn't see our gains squandered. Sometimes that will be Collins, sometimes that will be Bassey. When we face those bigger physical guys, they've killed us on OREB (but not entirely due to Collins, I'll add... Wemby was on the court for plenty of those OREB). In those cases, I just want the guy who I trust more to try to counteract that.

Yes, Bassey is going to have an advantage over smaller lineups and be able to put up fun stat lines... but so can Collins. It's not about what matchup is best for Bassey, it's about which of Bassey or Collins is best for the matchup.

[TimmehC]

Wemby/Collins froncourt couldn't work because Zach can't guard the rim. But in late-game defensive situations, I think you almost have to put Bassey and Wemby together for maximum disruption. He's more than proven he can be that anchor down low. And just imagine the havoc Vic can cause when he doesn't have to stay by the rim.

[scott]

Wemby/Bassey front court would be some elite rim protection, but it would leave us a little exposed on switches (and our guys seemed to get switched on a lot). But I'd love to see it in spurts!

[cutewizard]

Bassey, Wemby, Sochan and Castle could be terrifying defensively .................................

[playbonner15]

It’s gonna be a Splitter vs Bonner situation again when Splitter was a rookie here. Bonner kept playing cause of his 3 point shot and being healthy when it was obvious to everyone that Splitter was the better option next to Timmy.

Collins will keep playing over Bassey unfortunately because he has a 3 point shot.

Nah Tiago didnt play well with Timmy bec of the spacing. Timmy played better with Diaw. And Splitter could take advantage of his pick&roll skills w/ Manu

[timtonymanu]

Nah Tiago didnt play well with Timmy bec of the spacing. Timmy played better with Diaw. And Splitter could take advantage of his pick&roll skills w/ Manu

Duncan and splitter worked fine against teams that played 2 bigs (Lakers, Grizzlies, Blazers). I’m talking about the spurs before Diaw was there when they had to rely on a less talented player in Bonner. Once Diaw was in the fold, the Spurs could afford to play him over Splitter in certain matchups.

[RC_Drunkford]

I think the part that people overlook is that Bassey can do everything Collins does. Bassey can hit cutters at the top of the key, just like Collins. Just look how he hit McDermott last season in this clip at 2:40. Bassey can also shoot 3s. And of course he's a better rim protector, rebounder and roll man than Collins besides also being a lob threat. He's a very complete player and I think we actually don't have to invest into a back up center. He can hold it down for 15-20 min while Wemby is on the bench.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys0YZRTJsRg

[cutewizard]

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

[timtonymanu]

:lol 76ers

[cutewizard]

Bassey looked like a Poor man's David Robinson today hahahaha

[Maddog]

:lol 76ers

Julian Champagne
February 14, 2023: Waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Charles Bassey
October 13, 2022: Waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.

[sananspursfan21]

This is absolutely killing it. I don’t wanna speak too soon, but his play has been worthy of first big off the bench or even starting if he and Wemby could coexist

[couchman]

Bassey passes the eye test for sure.
The kinds of plays he makes not only impact winning more than Collins but also hype up the team and the crowd.
They have a compounding effect.
I hope he stays healthy and keeps it going.

The biggest change so far with Pop gone has been in the rotations.
Castle and Bassey playing more, Wesley and Branham playing less, Collins also playing less (which is leading to better results from him!)
The real test for Mitch will come if/when we have a fully healthy roster.

[NASpurs]

Bassey passes the eye test for sure.
The kinds of plays he makes not only impact winning more than Collins but also hype up the team and the crowd.
They have a compounding effect.
I hope he stays healthy and keeps it going.

The biggest change so far with Pop gone has been in the rotations.
Castle and Bassey playing more, Wesley and Branham playing less, Collins also playing less (which is leading to better results from him!)
The real test for Mitch will come if/when we have a fully healthy roster.

I guess that's the difference between a coach that wants to win while the other wants to have teaching moments.

[ismael-robert]

C. Bass only playing cause wemby out. Not cause of Mitch. Had no idea he was Nigerian n spoke with accent, his name certainly doesn't sound it. Pre-game they spoke of how he would sell chicken in streets to support his mom's store.

[couchman]

To be fair, he wasn't fully cleared to play regular minutes until after the season began.

[bigfan]

First time I ever really watched this guy, hell he seems damn good. Lets see if he can keep it up. If so, play him with Wemby as the enforcer.

[scott]

I think the part that people overlook is that Bassey can do everything Collins does. Bassey can hit cutters at the top of the key, just like Collins. Just look how he hit McDermott last season in this clip at 2:40. Bassey can also shoot 3s. And of course he's a better rim protector, rebounder and roll man than Collins besides also being a lob threat. He's a very complete player and I think we actually don't have to invest into a back up center. He can hold it down for 15-20 min while Wemby is on the bench.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys0YZRTJsRg

Great video. At 3:40 there is a good example of Basseyy destroying Zubac trying to post him up, a play where Zubac easily scores on Collins but Charles holds his own at gets the block.

The main thing about Bassey right now is that he is clear that sometimes he doesn't know where he is supposed to be. On the offensive end, the play calls seem limited to DHO and PNR when he is on the court, but Charles isn't a dumb player - he just needs reps to get confidence and familiarity and he will be just as capable of running other actions.

As RC points out, Bassey CAN shoot! We saw it in the G-League and his first few games with the Spurs. I recall at that time, Sean was practically begging for Charles to let it fly - but it's very clear he does not have the green light, which is okay for now, but hopefully Mitch gains some confidence in Charles and starts letting him take those open threes. He can nail them.

Lastly, there is a thread last year where I outlined how Charles grades out as an ELITE shot blocker, to which some folks were skeptical. Hopefully everyone can see that in action now. I'll go out and say it this way: Charles is as talented a shot blocker as Wemby is, Wemby just has the advantage of his size and can get to even more balls. The sample size is still way to small, but this season Wemby is averaging 4.2 blks/36, Charles is at 5.0 blk/36. The Spurs legitimately have two of the best rim protectors in the entire league, I hope they find a way to exploit that!

Edited to add Wemby and Charles shot blocking statistics per 100 possessions:

Wemby - 5.7
Bassey - 6.7 (!!!)
Collins - 1.7
Mamu - 2.3
Champ - 1.0 (added this because it's pretty nice for the position Champ plays)

[spurraider21]

:pop: he's a basketball neophyte

guy needs experience/raps. had some dumb fouls yesterday that were the only real blemish on his performance

[scott]

:pop: he's a basketball neophyte

guy needs experience/raps. had some dumb fouls yesterday that were the only real blemish on his performance

I remember that quote well, definitely stood out to me at the time.

It seems to imply Bassey is just some big physical specimen who got discovered in a college gym and was introduced to basketball for the first time, which is far from reality.

For those just getting introduced to Bassey for the first time, allow me to provide a little bit of his history. I'm been following Bassey since his freshman year in HS (Spurs, sign me as a 20131 scout, tbh) because he went to my alma mater (St. Anthony) and suddenly we had this nationally recognized basketball team (our school is NOT an athletic powerhouse).

He came in to St. Anthony at a measured 6'10" (but I can tell you from my own experience as a varsity athlete at this school... they definitely add on some inches in the program) and was immediately considered one of the top prospects in his class. His Freshman year, he averaged 20.2/17.1/5.9. Absolutely dominant and led us to the TAPPS title game (which we lost). Bassey got invited to the Jordan Brand Classic Game (again, as a freshman) and won MVP.

Unfortunately after that there was a bit of a scandal (maybe a topic for another day - didn't involve any wrong doing by Bassey), Bassey was ruled ineligible by TAPPS, people got fired, St. Anthony left withdrew from TAPPS, and went back to not having a competitive basketball team.

Bassey was a 5-star recruit for WKU and rated the #9 Prospect in the Nation by 24/7 Sports (this isn't to say that 24/7 Sports is perfect or even good... but it's a major recruit ranking that is used a lot) with a 99 rating. The top recruit in that class was RJ Barrett. Zion was #7. Lots of players you all will recognize on this list: https://247sports.com/season/2018-basketball/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool Rivals also had him as a 5-star, #9 in the class. ESPN also had him as a 5-star but was a little lower on him, had him 18th in the class.

Here is a summary how his college career went:

Freshman: 14.6/10/2.4, First Team All-Conference USA, Conference DPOY, Conference Freshman of the Year
Sophomore: 15.3/9.2/1.6, had a season ending injury (leg fracture)
Junior: 17.6/11.6/3.1, Conference USA Player of the Year, Conference USA DPOY

I remember going into that draft, back when timvp was still more active on the boards, repeatedly asking LJ if he had heard any buzz around the Spurs being interested in Bassey. When he was sitting there at #41 I was hopeful we might hear his name... but we got Joel Wisenheimer instead. He ended up Pick #53 to Philly, one pick ahead of Mamu. The end of that draft had a few other future Spurs: Brandon Boston was picked #51 and RaiQuan Gray #59. Aaron Wiggins at #55 to OKC is unfair, tbh.

Thanks for tuning into Bassey History Hour. May his legend be forever told.

[ambchang]

Man he does look good. Want to see how he could integrate in the offence more. Right now he’s really more a garbage man and rim runner. But if he could develop better court sense to hit cutters and such he’d be invaluable.

[RC_Drunkford]

It was really unfortunate that we had to opt out of his 4 year deal tbh. They need to resign him to a cheap long term contract. Our team will be a defensive juggernaut once we add more pieces.

[timtonymanu]

It won’t always be pretty but Bassey at his best >>>> Zollins at his best.

Glad he’s been balling. There was potential for him last year before he got a season ending injury.

[Dejounte]

Bassey at his worst > Collins at his best tbh

[baseline bum]

C-Bass is a bad motherfucker, so nice having a strong defensive presence / clean up man in the middle when Victor goes to the bench. This team is still fun to watch when Victor is resting or misses a game, unlike last year where I'd go take a shit or let the dog out or fix a sandwich or go jerk off on the wife's face as soon as Victor checked out and Collins came in.

[mystargtr34]

C-Bass is a bad motherfucker, so nice having a strong defensive presence / clean up man in the middle when Victor goes to the bench. This team is still fun to watch when Victor is resting or misses a game, unlike last year where I'd go take a shit or let the dog out or fix a sandwich or go jerk off on the wife's face as soon as Victor checked out and Collins came in.

Your wife must be stoked with Bassey being in the rotation.

[Dejounte]

Spurs finding guys like Bassey (and Champ) is a huge advantage to their roster flexibility for the future. Kudos to them for having the vision to stick to these guys even when it looked like they didn’t offer much in their first year.

[exstatic]

Spurs finding guys like Bassey (and Champ) is a huge advantage to their roster flexibility for the future. Kudos to them for having the vision to stick to these guys even when it looked like they didn’t offer much in their first year.

Also, thank you Philly. Twice.

[Tyronn Lue]

Lawman Bass Reeves

[Raven]

i like that we are keeping bassey as the backup c, as this should provide consistency in defensive rotations, but so far he has mostly been a net negative in terms of actual beating the opponents. Then again, I'll take it

[CGD]

Spurs finding guys like Bassey (and Champ) is a huge advantage to their roster flexibility for the future. Kudos to them for having the vision to stick to these guys even when it looked like they didn’t offer much in their first year.

I’m hoping Cissoko can be the next one.

[scott]

I think it's well known that I'm the biggest Bassey fan there is... but at this point I'm honestly surprised that the Spurs haven't released him to open up a roster spot to take a flier on a young guy who might be able to make the team next year.

I don't have a whole lot of hope that Bassey will return this year, and if he does... is there really anything he can show the team that he hasn't already?

Unless the Spurs intend on bringing back Bass as the 3rd C next year and have already made that commitment to him (and I'll be the first to say I'm not sure he's necessarily earned that role), I'm kind of shocked he is still on the roster. My man's knees have just failed him, and I'm not sure he'll ever be an NBA player.

[BackHome]

If they bring him back next season then you know we still interested in the possibility of having to tank another season. He seems like a nice guy but his injuries have really hampered his growth which is a shame but that happens and you need to adjust and move on.