How many games and MPG do you / we want rookie Wama participating in?

[MultiTroll]

Sure we are 100% united in wanting to see Rookie Wemby remain above all.....healthy and strong til the conclusion of his rookie year.

On that note, how many regular season games and minutes should Wemby play?

What do you think would be best?

[Seventyniner]

65 games, just enough to be eligible for awards.

25-28 minutes per game, starting low and ramping up slightly over the season. Let him adjust to the schedule.

[MultiTroll]

Timmy Dunkar comparisons abound and have us giddy, but sure we here at ST are well aware of the differences.

Wama is 19 years old. Will not turn 20 until Jan 4th 2024.
Duncan was (22?) and had 4 years of college ball.
Duncan was much more muscular then Wama.

We do not and most likely will not agree.
We won't have accesss to all the info Spurs trainers etc have. (Or will we? Never underestimate the power of Spurstalk to get Spurs related info.) :rollin

Ok here is what i propose.
I am taking a very long term view of Wamas rookie season.

I only want him playing in 45 regular season games. Yes, i know what i just said.
If Wemby is rocking and rolling and putting up All Star #s, i know this will virtually 100% not happen. (The 45 game limit)
Make that over 100% if Spurs are winning in addition to (and because of) Wemby rocking.

I'm not on the "all skinny guys 6' 11" + are injury prone wagon" -thank you Lew Alcindor - Kareem. But facts are facts. A whole hell of a lot of them have had problems.
Therefore I am proposing major rest between games in this his transition year. This is in no way shape of form Nephew crap, quite the opposite.

Closest comparison is Chet. Chet made an extremely unwise defensive play and in a summer league game to boot.

My #1 goal for Wama in his rookie season is to stay healthy while excelling. But I am fine and dandy with a growth chart that is long term and racks up multiple Championships. Yes he's going to need helpful teamates without a doubt. Ginobili and Parkers would be heavenly.

Feel 100% free to disagree.

[Pauleta14]

Knowing Pop and considering he was precursor in time management, I can't see him hesitating with Wemby

20-25min/game max, no b2b, 50/60 games

[lefty20]

55-60 games at 26/mpg. Similar to Sochan's rookie campaign.

[Splits]

For reference, he's been playing 34 games a year (not including playoffs or FIBA) averaging 32 min/game in the French top league, which is basically like the G-League or Chinese league or wherever NBA rejects go.

[scott]

I think it will be smartly managed, but I also think they'll hit the 65 game threshold for post-season awards.

[kht]

65 games, just enough to be eligible for awards.

25-28 minutes per game, starting low and ramping up slightly over the season. Let him adjust to the schedule.

I'm good with even 20 minutes a game.

[tbdog]

Banchero avg nearly 34 mins per game, turned 20 a few months in the season.

Durant rookie year avg over 34 mins per game. And he was known to be very weak in his rookie season.

Pokusevski is just skin. Maybe not even bones and got 24mins per game in his rookie season.
Wama will get his 30 mins per.

[Brazil]

For reference, he's been playing 34 games a year (not including playoffs or FIBA) averaging 32 min/game in the French top league, which is basically like the G-League or Chinese league or wherever NBA rejects go.

wtf bro... don't diss like that French top league... encule !

:lol

[RC_Drunkford]

65 Games and about 30 min per game. The kid will want to win all awards including ROY so Pop should not stay in the way of that

[SpurSpike]

He is your star player. You let him play as much as he wants to play! If he wants all the accolades you let him go after it period.

[couchman]

Just enough to be eligible for awards and right around 29min per game while they focus on getting him stronger and hopefully he stops growing!

[slick'81]

25 solid mpg

[MultiTroll]

I think it will be smartly managed, but I also think they'll hit the 65 game threshold for post-season awards.


65 Games and about 30 min per game. The kid will want to win all awards including ROY so Pop should not stay in the way of that


Just enough to be eligible for awards and right around 29min per game while they focus on getting him stronger and hopefully he stops growing!
Completely disagree. Shits given about phony media awards should = zero.
The Most Undeserving NBA All-Star Selections in History, by the Numbers - The Ringer (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/2/1/22911673/nba-all-star-game-kobe-bryant-dirk-nowitzki)

Zaza came within 14,000 votes of ousting Prime Kwa as a starter in the All Star game. 2017 some phaggot in the Bay Area named BamBam got an online crush to massively vote.
Ya i know Phan Bois have since had their votes deleted but the article has a ton more. Kirby Bryant after playing 6 games etc.

The Spurs way should be all about legit Championships.
The Timmy Duncan way should be the way. How many years was Duncan burned out of an MVP and certainly DPOY?
Horrible precedent imo to be chasing media awards if it puts Wama at health risk.
The awards either come organically from good play and the minority of non dildo media people voting or -let it go.

[RC_Drunkford]

Completely disagree. Shits given about phony media awards should = zero.
The Most Undeserving NBA All-Star Selections in History, by the Numbers - The Ringer (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/2/1/22911673/nba-all-star-game-kobe-bryant-dirk-nowitzki)

Zaza came within 14,000 votes of ousting Prime Kwa as a starter in the All Star game. 2017 some phaggot in the Bay Area named BamBam got an online crush to massively vote.
Ya i know Phan Bois have since had their votes deleted but the article has a ton more. Kirby Bryant after playing 6 games etc.

The Spurs way should be all about legit Championships.
The Timmy Duncan way should be the way. How many years was Duncan burned out of an MVP and certainly DPOY?
Horrible precedent imo to be chasing media awards if it puts Wama at health risk.
The awards either come organically from good play and the minority of non dildo media people voting or -let it go.

yeah right, tell that to your star player and see how long he wants to stay here

[MultiTroll]

He is your star player. You let him play as much as he wants to play! If he wants all the accolades you let him go after it period.
Noooooo.
This is where management ownership needs to wear the pants.
You do not let a players wants play himself into injury.

[MultiTroll]

yeah right, tell that to your star player and see how long he wants to stay here
Timmy Duncan

19 seasons.

You're welcome.

[RC_Drunkford]

Timmy Duncan

19 seasons.

You're welcome.

Tim Duncan won Rookie of the year and missed 9 games in his first 6 years and averaged over 38 minutes per game every season. Try again

[MultiTroll]

Tim Duncan won Rookie of the year and missed 9 games in his first 6 years and averaged over 38 minutes per game every season. Try again
:lmao Tim as 21 with 4 years of college under his belt. Ya that is a fair comparison with Wama.
Duncs also tore his meniscus his 3rd year.

Denied!

[Ariel]

Completely disagree. Shits given about phony media awards should = zero.
I agree with your concerns, long term should be prioritized. However, you don't alienate your foundational piece by excluding him from rookie awards on purpose. You can achieve the same goal (protecting him and letting him get used to the NBA schedule gradually) by being smart about which games he plays and which games he doesn't (careful on B2B or if he's got some issue), limiting minutes (25-30 MPG), being smart about his role (playing him next to a big body that can take the punishment inside, get a Plumlee or somebody like that), etc. Play him just enough so that he can develop and be eligible for awards (which surely matters to HIM at least). Wemby is a blessing, but one walking on a VERY THIN LINE, and we should be EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND PROTECTIVE, of both his body and his mental well being. This is potentially the face of the franchise for 20 years, we need to look at EVERY ANGLE.

[Splits]

wtf bro... don't diss like that French top league... encule !

:lol

:lol sorry bruh... but it's true... enfoiré

[DAF86]

Every non-B2B game at around 30 mpg. Folks talking about 60 games at 25 minutes per game are fucking crazy.

[SpurSpike]

Noooooo.
This is where management ownership needs to wear the pants.
You do not let a players wants play himself into injury.

Ask the Spurs management how it went last time they tried to wear the pants with Kawhi... Also ask Doc Rivers when he was in Orlando how it worked out when Tim almost left SA but Doc wouldn't let Tim's family on the plane.

Case in point when you have a franchise player you let them be involved in many of the teams decisions, within reason of course.

[Splits]

Every non-B2B game at around 30 mpg. Folks talking about 60 games at 25 minutes per game are fucking crazy.

agreed, that's 67-69 games

[JPB]

Wemby will get his 30+min and 65+ games, you won't bridle the wunderkid (who will win ROY, MVP, DOTY, Finals MVP, MIP, Ctizen Award, a Nobel prize and a couple Oscars).

[honestfool84]

If Wemby has a Tim Duncan type 19-year career with the Spurs, then nobody will complain.

You just said feel free to 100% disagree with - and then can't handle disagreement.

[honestfool84]

I think he's going to play as many games as he can, if he stays healthy. 82 games - with minutes managed.

[MultiTroll]

Pokusevski is just skin. Maybe not even bones and got 24mins per game in his rookie season.
2021 45 games
2022 61
2023 34

Has Pok been injured Out more then half his NBA games?

Banchero has way more bulk then Wama.
Durbetta has had plenty of injuries, in spite of being ref pampered for over half his career.​

[MultiTroll]

Knowing Pop and considering he was precursor in time management, I can't see him hesitating with Wemby

20-25min/game max, no b2b, 50/60 games


55-60 games at 26/mpg. Similar to Sochan's rookie campaign.
I could be talked into 50-55 games provided the schedule calls for plenty of rest.
Still say why push it with a 19 year old.
No b2bs, period. Non negotiable.

[Mr. Body]

They need to get to 65 for awards. I don't think they'll deny him that chance.

[MultiTroll]

I agree with your concerns, long term should be prioritized. However, you don't alienate your foundational piece by excluding him from rookie awards on purpose. You can achieve the same goal (protecting him and letting him get used to the NBA schedule gradually) by being smart about which games he plays and which games he doesn't (careful on B2B or if he's got some issue), limiting minutes (25-30 MPG), being smart about his role (playing him next to a big body that can take the punishment inside, get a Plumlee or somebody like that), etc. Play him just enough so that he can develop and be eligible for awards (which surely matters to HIM at least). Wemby is a blessing, but one walking on a VERY THIN LINE, and we should be EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND PROTECTIVE, of both his body and his mental well being. This is potentially the face of the franchise for 20 years, we need to look at EVERY ANGLE.
Poppeds idea of muscle next to Timmy Duncan was Michael Finley, Matt Bonner and other scare crows during the dark 2008-11 years.
Tim looked visibly relieved when he had Blair inserted for some sorely and extremely overdue muscle, rebounding and paint patrol. Blairs knees were only going to last so long, so that was only a temp stop gap. Blair was obviously not the answer, but he was a serious upgrade to help the beating Tim was taking with the previous scarecrows / Pops Pets.

Wemby needs to have some muscle and protection on the floor.
Holt and mgmnt needs to get involved NOW.

[scott]

He isn't some egoless robot just waiting to be activated at the Spurs choosing. Artificially throttling him and holding him back from accolades is a sure fire way to have him demanding a trade.

"The greatest prospect in the history of team sports" is not looking for some team to baby him along.

[MultiTroll]

He isn't some egoless robot just waiting to be activated at the Spurs choosing. Artificially throttling him and holding him back from accolades is a sure fire way to have him demanding a trade.

"The greatest prospect in the history of team sports" is not looking for some team to baby him along.
Injury prevention, taking a long term view and reasonable precautions are "Artificially throttling him and holding him back."

MMmnn ok. :lol
Chet Holmgren says hello.

Your witness.

[BackHome]

His people moved him to another league just so they could work on his body and game because he was getting to banged up. They understand 100% that he needs to be brought around slowly as they were very upfront that him bulking up was out of the question. So I think Wemby is smart and his team is smart and the Spurs are smart so I think they will all get on the same page as far as working out his playing time.

[MultiTroll]

10 out of 10 games started.
30 mpg.

You ones who thought in large or small part that Wemby would play enough games to qualify for awards are right on so far.


65 games, just enough to be eligible for awards.

25-28 minutes per game, starting low and ramping up slightly over the season. Let him adjust to the schedule.


I think it will be smartly managed, but I also think they'll hit the 65 game threshold for post-season awards.


65 Games and about 30 min per game. The kid will want to win all awards including ROY so Pop should not stay in the way of that


He is your star player. You let him play as much as he wants to play! If he wants all the accolades you let him go after it period.


Just enough to be eligible for awards and right around 29min per game while they focus on getting him stronger and hopefully he stops growing!


I agree with your concerns, long term should be prioritized. However, you don't alienate your foundational piece by excluding him from rookie awards on purpose. You can achieve the same goal (protecting him and letting him get used to the NBA schedule gradually) by being smart about which games he plays and which games he doesn't (careful on B2B or if he's got some issue), limiting minutes (25-30 MPG), being smart about his role (playing him next to a big body that can take the punishment inside, get a Plumlee or somebody like that), etc. Play him just enough so that he can develop and be eligible for awards (which surely matters to HIM at least). Wemby is a blessing, but one walking on a VERY THIN LINE, and we should be EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND PROTECTIVE, of both his body and his mental well being. This is potentially the face of the franchise for 20 years, we need to look at EVERY ANGLE.


Every non-B2B game at around 30 mpg. Folks talking about 60 games at 25 minutes per game are fucking crazy.


agreed, that's 67-69 games


Wemby will get his 30+min and 65+ games, you won't bridle the wunderkid (who will win ROY, MVP, DOTY, Finals MVP, MIP, Ctizen Award, a Nobel prize and a couple Oscars).


They need to get to 65 for awards. I don't think they'll deny him that chance.

[MultiTroll]

Currently out with ankle injury.
Ave 31 min per game.
Played 23 of 25 games.


Knowing Pop and considering he was precursor in time management, I can't see him hesitating with Wemby

20-25min/game max, no b2b, 50/60 games
CIA Popped has played Wama B2B
Twice.

Nov / minutes
5th 38
6th 21

17th 30
18th 31

[MultiTroll]

Ok so Wemby has reached the 65 games award level and many of you nailed his minutes level, which as we speak is at 29.
He is also playing fantastic. 1st team All Pro level the last month, easily.
So now what? 7 games to go.


65 games, just enough to be eligible for awards.

25-28 minutes per game, starting low and ramping up slightly over the season. Let him adjust to the schedule.


I think it will be smartly managed, but I also think they'll hit the 65 game threshold for post-season awards.


65 Games and about 30 min per game. The kid will want to win all awards including ROY so Pop should not stay in the way of that


Just enough to be eligible for awards and right around 29min per game while they focus on getting him stronger and hopefully he stops growing!


Every non-B2B game at around 30 mpg. Folks talking about 60 games at 25 minutes per game are fucking crazy.


agreed, that's 67-69 games


Wemby will get his 30+min and 65+ games, you won't bridle the wunderkid (who will win ROY, MVP, DOTY, Finals MVP, MIP, Ctizen Award, a Nobel prize and a couple Oscars).

[couchman]

Ok so Wemby has reached the 65 games award level and many of you nailed his minutes level, which as we speak is at 29.
He is also playing fantastic. 1st team All Pro level the last month, easily.
So now what? 7 games to go.

Before the season I would have expected us to find an excuse to shut down Wemby at this point.
But right now I think he plays most of the last 7, maybe sitting one or two.

It feels like the team is starting to gel a little bit and I think continuing that positive trend may be more important right now.
It also keeps Wemby onboard with the process.
He doesn't want to sit and seeing some improvement in the team is likely to keep him from being discouraged with the Spurs and the process.

[Seventyniner]

No reason for Wemby to sit at all if he's healthy. As good as he is, he still has room to improve and playing minutes against teams who have something to play for can only help him. He has all summer to rest.

Wemby also seems to care at least some about counting stats. While it's below winning on his priority list, I'd imagine he does want to have a chance at breaking records like total career points. Sitting out when he's healthy runs counter to that goal.

[MultiTroll]

Before the season I would have expected us to find an excuse to shut down Wemby at this point.
But right now I think he plays most of the last 7, maybe sitting one or two.
One more B2B.
Wama will miss one of:

9th @ Grizzleys
10th @ Thunder

I'm assuming Wama wants to play against Chet again. But i would caution overdoing it. Wama is rookie of the year. He doesn't need to have some monster or even average game to seal the deal. Also, Chet might not even play depending on how much OKC does or does not want this game.


Concur 100% keep Victor rolling at this point as well as he is playing. I'd still like to see another sit out game in addition to a B2B, therefore play 5 of the final 7.
Or even 4 as the final game vs Detroit will be for LOL lottery purposes only.

But that might not be happening.
Jokic obviously has Victors number with the huge physical advantage but a sit out might be misinterpreted as chicken shit.
I think Victor plays, hey one way to learn is to get your ass handed to you so you can know what to improve on.

What a fabulous 1st year for Victor.

[MultiTroll]

He has all summer to rest.
Playing on the Frenchie in the World Commercialism Games (Olympics).

Sure wish he wasn't.

[couchman]

Now that Sochan and Devin are out perhaps Wemby sits more these last few?