Keldon open to coming off the bench

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1684606910526259220?s=46

I tried to tell y’all.

[Spursfanfromafar]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1684606910526259220?s=46

I tried to tell y’all.

Keldon is a good kid. He will thrive in the bench in a heavy scoring role. But he still needs to improve his defense. If he does that he will be a finisher despite coming off the bench.

[PrimeMinister]

keldon is gonna terrorize some poor bench players at the end of first quarters this year lol

[spurraider21]

is there any indication that there are plans to play him off the bench?

[DPG21920]

is there any indication that there are plans to play him off the bench?

None other than putting 2+2 together.

If Wemby is dead set on NOT playing Center then that means Wemby/Collins both start. That leaves 3 spots for these 4 players: Tre, Vassell, Keldon and Sochan. Hard to imagine Sochan coming off bench IMO and Vassell seems like a lock to start.

That means Tre or Keldon has to go to bench and I can see an argument from both. I personally would start Vassell, Keldon, Sochan, Wemby, Collins, but I can see a path to Tre replacing Keldon in that lineup if you want more ball handling and don’t think Sochan can handle it well enough in that lineup l

[Atl Spur]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1684606910526259220?s=46

I tried to tell y’all.

I was with this also….js

[mo7888]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1684606910526259220?s=46

I tried to tell y’all.

That's been my view as well. I'd still like to have Tre coming off the bench too and someone who's more of a 3 point threat at the PG in the SL.

Lowry would be a good fit there for a year and could clear up our logjam of players.

[spurraider21]

None other than putting 2+2 together.

If Wemby is dead set on NOT playing Center then that means Wemby/Collins both start. That leaves 3 spots for these 4 players: Tre, Vassell, Keldon and Sochan. Hard to imagine Sochan coming off bench IMO and Vassell seems like a lock to start.

That means Tre or Keldon has to go to bench and I can see an argument from both. I personally would start Vassell, Keldon, Sochan, Wemby, Collins, but I can see a path to Tre replacing Keldon in that lineup if you want more ball handling and don’t think Sochan can handle it well enough in that lineup l
as much as i think keldon's best bet at long term success is a bench role, ive always seen sochan as the obvious candidate to come off the bench for now. he did so at baylor. we would have mostly a 3-man big rotation between collins/wemby/sochan. also makes sense since sochan can handle some ball handling duty as a backup when Tre is sitting

and keldon will space the floor much better than sochan would. wemby needs a lot of room to operate when he's facing up, especially if he's going to constantly use that long spin move

[TD 21]

That's nice, but until this team gets a starting caliber PG who can shoot, I still think he starts because it'll be easier to limit the amount of time Jones and Sochan play together.

[Dejounte]

That's nice, but until this team gets a starting caliber PG who can shoot, I still think he starts because it'll be easier to limit the amount of time Jones and Sochan play together.
*Only an issue if Sochan hasn’t improved his 3’s

[DPG21920]

as much as i think keldon's best bet at long term success is a bench role, ive always seen sochan as the obvious candidate to come off the bench for now. he did so at baylor. we would have mostly a 3-man big rotation between collins/wemby/sochan. also makes sense since sochan can handle some ball handling duty as a backup when Tre is sitting

and keldon will space the floor much better than sochan would. wemby needs a lot of room to operate when he's facing up, especially if he's going to constantly use that long spin move

It’s possible - just have to see. I may argue that Tre doesn’t space the floor better than Sochan but with Sochan you get elite defensive capabilities along with similar play making chops

This clearly isn’t a year SA is trying to “win win” so I think having Sochan start next to Wemby and keep developing as a PG type is the best move personally. But I’m sure it will be a mis-mash of lineups to a degree

[exstatic]

*Only an issue if Sochan hasn’t improved his 3’s

He was spotted in the background of the SL training camp putting up some shots during someone's interview, and he was taking his left hand off the ball much sooner, which is the key to a more consistent shot.

[TD 21]

*Only an issue if Sochan hasn’t improved his 3’s

Highly unlikely he has to the point where defenses respect him.

[spurs10]

None other than putting 2+2 together.

If Wemby is dead set on NOT playing Center then that means Wemby/Collins both start. That leaves 3 spots for these 4 players: Tre, Vassell, Keldon and Sochan. Hard to imagine Sochan coming off bench IMO and Vassell seems like a lock to start.

That means Tre or Keldon has to go to bench and I can see an argument from both. I personally would start Vassell, Keldon, Sochan, Wemby, Collins, but I can see a path to Tre replacing Keldon in that lineup if you want more ball handling and don’t think Sochan can handle it well enough in that lineup l Yep it's a quandary for sure. I'm thinking Keldon coming off the bench might be the most impactful move. I think his energy could thrive in that role. I hope Sochan is spending the summer working on his shot, but I'm sure they all are.

[Chinook]

I definitely don't think it's hard to see Sochan coming off the bench. I'm imagining a second unit featuring Keldon, Branham and McDermott. That defense would be something else.

[spurraider21]

I definitely don't think it's hard to see Sochan coming off the bench. I'm imagining a second unit featuring Keldon, Branham and McDermott. That defense would be something else.
Graham/Branham/McDermott/Keldon/Mamu

who says no

[Mr. Body]

I'm sure they don't know what works yet, but going by skillet Keldon would probably fit better as a starter. We'll see.

[JPB]

He's just saying he's open to it, and basically all the good things, not that it's gonna necessarily happen.

[CGD]

I just think Wemby and Sochan need to play as much together as possible. Spurs don’t appear to be ready to have that pair start at the 4 and 5, so only logical the Keldon move to the bench.

[DPG21920]

I definitely don't think it's hard to see Sochan coming off the bench. I'm imagining a second unit featuring Keldon, Branham and McDermott. That defense would be something else.

I agree in a year you’re trying to be a legit playoff team, but this is still more of a development year so I don’t think 2nd unit defense is a massive concern. I think having Sochan playing and developing, like we saw last year with him being thrust into ball handling duties at times, is going to rank higher in pecking order.

Of course I could be wrong and Sochan goes to bench and that would make sense. But IMVHO, Sochan is starting and it’s Keldon or Tre on the bench.

[DAF86]

None other than putting 2+2 together.

If Wemby is dead set on NOT playing Center then that means Wemby/Collins both start. That leaves 3 spots for these 4 players: Tre, Vassell, Keldon and Sochan. Hard to imagine Sochan coming off bench IMO and Vassell seems like a lock to start.

That means Tre or Keldon has to go to bench and I can see an argument from both. I personally would start Vassell, Keldon, Sochan, Wemby, Collins, but I can see a path to Tre replacing Keldon in that lineup if you want more ball handling and don’t think Sochan can handle it well enough in that lineup l

This never happened. Why do people insist on pushing this made up narrative? :lol

[DPG21920]

This never happened. Why do people insist on pushing this made up narrative? :lol

Did you see the word “IF” in there?

[DAF86]

Did you see the word “IF” in there?

The way you worded that it made it seem like it was something that Wemby said.

What's the point of coming up with a random ass hypothetical like that? It just places the conversation on a false narrative.

[rjv]

The way you worded that it made it seem like it was something that Wemby said.

What's the point of coming up with a random ass hypothetical like that? It just places the conversation on a false narrative.

i mean, if you think about it, i'd say more than half of ST posts are based upon hypotheticals and conjencture.

[Dejounte]

The quote by Keldon and how he expressed it is as if it’s writing on the wall… to all the folks saying, “well! There’s no indication this really means anything” people. You don’t really get asked that question if it isn’t the elephant in the room and he had an answer like he’s thought about it already/ been informed of the possibility.

[Maddog]

i facetiously stayed in another thread about the potential starting lineup, but could really see this lineup
Zollins
Wemby
Champagnie
Devin
Tre

You put Keldon and Sochan at 25+ minutes off the bench you've got a pretty good rotation.
Of course Champagnie has yet to show sustained output.

[spurraider21]

The quote by Keldon and how he expressed it is as if it’s writing on the wall… to all the folks saying, “well! There’s no indication this really means anything” people. You don’t really get asked that question if it isn’t the elephant in the room and he had an answer like he’s thought about it already/ been informed of the possibility.
or the reporter is speculating as much as anybody that one of last year's starters is going to come off the bench, and keldon is one of the possibilities, so he just asked him what he'd think if that happened

[spurraider21]

i facetiously stayed in another thread about the potential starting lineup, but could really see this lineup
Zollins
Wemby
Champagnie
Devin
Tre

You put Keldon and Sochan at 25+ minutes off the bench you've got a pretty good rotation.
Of course Champagnie has yet to show sustained output.
champ would have to have a sustained level of very good play for that to even be considered. keldon isnt a bad player.

with that said, a bench unit including sochan/keldon could be quite good

[Maddog]

champ would have to have a sustained level of very good play for that to even be considered. keldon isnt a bad player.

with that said, a bench unit including sochan/keldon could be quite good

Agreed
Champagnie has some interesting POTENTIAL as a starter- spreads the floor, moves well without the ball. He's definitely unproven.
Sochan and Keldon would be interesting off the bench as both are high energy players

[Uriel]

Really glad we have high character guys that have gotten over themselves on this team :tu

[Mnky]

as much as i think keldon's best bet at long term success is a bench role, ive always seen sochan as the obvious candidate to come off the bench for now. he did so at baylor. we would have mostly a 3-man big rotation between collins/wemby/sochan. also makes sense since sochan can handle some ball handling duty as a backup when Tre is sitting

and keldon will space the floor much better than sochan would. wemby needs a lot of room to operate when he's facing up, especially if he's going to constantly use that long spin move

Wemby can space the floor for them. High pick and roll with sochan and wemby would be a fun concept and difficult for teams to match with their reach and agility. I don't expect them to be superstars their first year, but that could definitely develop into something special.

[scott]

i facetiously stayed in another thread about the potential starting lineup, but could really see this lineup
Zollins
Wemby
Champagnie
Devin
Tre

You put Keldon and Sochan at 25+ minutes off the bench you've got a pretty good rotation.
Of course Champagnie has yet to show sustained output.

I had a similar thought with a starting lineup of:

Tre
Bran
Dev
Vic
Zollins

I like the idea of BOTH KJ and Sochan off the bench.

[redman112]

I had a similar thought with a starting lineup of:

Tre
Bran
Dev
Vic
Zollins

I like the idea of BOTH KJ and Sochan off the bench.

KJ and The Destroyer will punish opposing teams bench. what an exciting season! :spin

[timtonymanu]

Really glad we have high character guys that have gotten over themselves on this team :tu

Just make sure they aren’t flashers tbh

[TrueSpursFan]

This never happened. Why do people insist on pushing this made up narrative? :lol

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wemby-watch-victor-wembanyama-prefers-not-to-play-center-so-which-nba-rebuilder-is-best-suited-for-phenom/amp/

Windy wrote up a profile of Wemby and stated that. That’s where it comes from.

[Fireball]

I think its best that Keldon comes off the bench. I want Sochans defense in the starting five and Wemby needs to be paired with Collins to not play center. It will be interesting to see which direction Pop goes ...

[John B]

It only makes sense for Keldon to play off the bench. Sochan fits better next to Wemby, than Keldon/Wemby. Sochan can help defend the post better than Keldon could, avoiding Wemby getting pounded than necessary. Sochan is a better facilitator to Wemby than Keldon would. And if Sochan improves on the 3, checkmate.

Likewise, Keldon would create havoc against the opposing bench. It’s 2 plus 2, period.

[John B]

i facetiously stayed in another thread about the potential starting lineup, but could really see this lineup
Zollins
Wemby
Champagnie
Devin
Tre

You put Keldon and Sochan at 25+ minutes off the bench you've got a pretty good rotation.
Of course Champagnie has yet to show sustained output.

Putting Champagnie over Keldon/Sochan, could only mean and one thing only… Bonner passed him Pop’s incriminating pictures.

[heyheymymy]

i facetiously stayed in another thread about the potential starting lineup, but could really see this lineup
Zollins
Wemby
Champagnie
Devin
Tre

You put Keldon and Sochan at 25+ minutes off the bench you've got a pretty good rotation.
Of course Champagnie has yet to show sustained output.

Great post, I could see something like that.

Functional in the basketball sense plus diplomatic between Sochan and KJ since one won't start instead of the other.

Had a similar idea except swap Champ for Doug

[Atl Spur]

Sochan will start :) There are a few moves that must be made before settling on a starting 5 though.

[DPG21920]

The way you worded that it made it seem like it was something that Wemby said.

What's the point of coming up with a random ass hypothetical like that? It just places the conversation on a false narrative.

Because enough smoke has been there that it’s worthy of discussing that possibility? Alongside the fact the Spurs listed Wemby as a PF in Summer League?

[spurraider21]

The spurs could literally trade for Steven Adams, start him alongside wemby, list wemby as a forward, and DAF will still yell that he’s playing center

[couchman]

I think either Keldon or Tre go to the bench but that assumes that Sochan’s late season shooting improvement carries over.
In today’s NBA it is tough to start more then one non-shooter.
The point about Sochan’s development reminds me that a lot may depend on what coach Pop sees in preseason practices.
I think we’re all eager to see if Sochan and Branham take the next step, and which players develop chemistry with each other.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see this lineup:
Branham
Vassell
Sochan
Wemby
Collins

With Tre and Keldon subbing in together to push the pace and feast on second units.

[slick'81]

The spurs could literally trade for Steven Adams, start him alongside wemby, list wemby as a forward, and DAF will still yell that he’s playing center


Say it with me! Hes a c-e-n-t-e-r:lol

[KingKev]

This team will have multiple starting lineups but I see Keldon coming off the bench by year end unless he shows he can be a league average wing defender.

[Joseph Kony]

just play the kid at PF and put Sochan as "C" on the lineup. anything else makes the shakeup of the lineups needlessly complicated.

Wemby
Sochan
KJ
Vassell
Jones

That lineup fits. There's no reason to start Collins and force one of KJ or Sochan (who is probably our 2nd or 3rd best player) to ride the bench when they'd both be more effective next to Wemby.

[John B]

Manu making it to HOF and winning championships with a 6th man role, will make it easier for Keldon to do the same.

Keldon will log the minutes and will close the games. I think they close with Sochan, Vassell, Keldon, Wemby, Collins.

But yes I agree this team will have different lineups until Pop sees which work best, finalizing after the trade deadline. Then will see if they trade for a Vet to add, or even let the young guys continue if Pop sees them taking the leap. But for sure, it will be a fun season to watch, finally.

[Mr. Body]

I think either Keldon or Tre go to the bench but that assumes that Sochan’s late season shooting improvement carries over.
In today’s NBA it is tough to start more then one non-shooter.
The point about Sochan’s development reminds me that a lot may depend on what coach Pop sees in preseason practices.
I think we’re all eager to see if Sochan and Branham take the next step, and which players develop chemistry with each other.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see this lineup:
Branham
Vassell
Sochan
Wemby
Collins

With Tre and Keldon subbing in together to push the pace and feast on second units.

The team will get destroyed if Branham is guarding the point of attack.

[kobyz]

Graham/Branham/McDermott/Keldon/Mamu

who says no

You need some defense in the second unit, i think Sochan come of the bench and Osman starts

[Rocalcio]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1684606910526259220?s=46

I tried to tell y’all.

That’s some classic bullshit speech, he would obviously never say that he has to start. I would believe that so far.

[CGD]

You need some defense in the second unit, i think Sochan come of the bench and Osman starts

We ain’t winning anything next year. Just assess your talent and address needs next summer. Also, Osman won’t be making this team.

[Big Empty]

If we’re playing a team with a top notch Center
Collins
Sochan
Wemby
Vassel
Jones

If there isnt a top notch center

Sochan
Wemby
Johnson
Vassel
Jones

[kobyz]

We ain’t winning anything next year. Just assess your talent and address needs next summer. Also, Osman won’t be making this team.

Let Osman showcase himself maybe get a draft pick for him

[DAF86]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wemby-watch-victor-wembanyama-prefers-not-to-play-center-so-which-nba-rebuilder-is-best-suited-for-phenom/amp/

Windy wrote up a profile of Wemby and stated that. That’s where it comes from.

We have been over this. A French poster even posted the french interview from where it comes the quote this article used and it was never about not playing center (he literally hasn't played anything but center in his entire career), it was about a coach that "put him on a box" and didn't let him do the other things he can.

[DAF86]

Because enough smoke has been there that it’s worthy of discussing that possibility? Alongside the fact the Spurs listed Wemby as a PF in Summer League?

Sure, but that smoke never came from Wemby. A sentence like "if Wemby is dead set on not playing center" is just wrong.

[DAF86]

The spurs could literally trade for Steven Adams, start him alongside wemby, list wemby as a forward, and DAF will still yell that he’s playing center

No, I would say they are playing Wemby the wrong way. They tried to play Wemby like a 7'5" Allen Iverson in the first game of Summer League and I didn't say Wemby played center. I did say that they set him for failure, though.

[KobesAchilles]

He better be open to coming off the bench bc everybody else actually has a role/purpose for starting except KJ. You can sub him in at the 6 minute mark and let him jack up his inefficient shots.

[DAF86]

He better be open to coming off the bench bc everybody else actually has a role/purpose for starting except KJ. You can sub him in at the 6 minute mark and let him jack up his inefficient shots.

Keldon does have a role in the SL next to Wemby as a guy that can spread the floor better than other potential starters like Sochan or Tre, tbh.

[KobesAchilles]

Keldon does have a role in the SL next to Wemby as a guy that can spread the floor better than other potential starters like Sochan or Tre, tbh.
Tre is a point guard so he has nothing to do with KJ starting. And I believe Sochan will be able to hit the corner 3 at a high rate. His defense though would highly out weigh his offensive struggles and I believe he has potential to be unstoppable in the pic n roll with Wemby. Well I mean the combo of those 2 would be unstoppable.

[DAF86]

Tre is a point guard so he has nothing to do with KJ starting. And I believe Sochan will be able to hit the corner 3 at a high rate. His defense though would highly out weigh his offensive struggles and I believe he has potential to be unstoppable in the pic n roll with Wemby. Well I mean the combo of those 2 would be unstoppable.

Sure, there's a case for any of those guys, tbh. I'm just saying Keldon does have a case for being a starter too.

[rankingtear]

If KJ is coming off the bench, then the most likely lineup is Branham , Devin, Sochan, Wemby and Zach. Tre and Sochan won't start next to each other. Pop is already done with that pairing last season.

[Knoxxx]

If we’re playing a team with a top notch Center
Collins
Sochan
Wemby
Vassel
Jones

If there isnt a top notch center

Sochan
Wemby
Johnson
Vassel
Jones

That's what's funny, the common theme being the Spurs would only have ONE starting lineup. So do we need to cut 3 our otherwise offload 3 players still? My simple cave man Googling showed us having to get down to 15 players and only being able to have another 2 on 2-way deals. (Smith/Barlow).

[exstatic]

That's what's funny, the common theme being the Spurs would only have ONE starting lineup. So do we need to cut 3 our otherwise offload 3 players still? My simple cave man Googling showed us having to get down to 15 players and only being able to have another 2 on 2-way deals. (Smith/Barlow).

They have 3 excess NBA contracts, so they will Ned to make a consolidation trade or cut 3 players. They have only 2 of 3 two way spots filled, and can sign another if they want. The third spot is new this year with the new CBA that went into effect 1 July.

[Knoxxx]

They have 3 excess NBA contracts, so they will Ned to make a consolidation trade or cut 3 players. They have only 2 of 3 two way spots filled, and can sign another if they want. The third spot is new this year with the new CBA that went into effect 1 July.

Thanks. I hereby nominate you to start a 2023-4 Spurs Roster Numbers thread. I can’t believe that information is scattered over numerous related threads or is it just more fun that way?

[JH22]

Starters:
C- Zach Collins
PF- Victor Wembanyama
SF- Devin Vassell
SG- Keldon Johnson
PG- Tre Jones

2nd unit:
C- Sandro Mamukelashvili
PF- Jeremy Sochan
SF- Julian Champagnie
SG- Doug McDermott
PG- Devonte Graham

Long bench:
C- Charles Bassey
PF- Cedi Osman
SF- Reggie Bullock
SG- Blake Wesley
PG- Cameron Payne

SG- Malaki Branham ?
PG- Sidy Cissoko ?

[Knoxxx]

Starters:
C- Zach Collins
PF- Victor Wembanyama
SF- Devin Vassell
SG- Keldon Johnson
PG- Tre Jones

2nd unit:
C- Sandro Mamukelashvili
PF- Jeremy Sochan
SF- Julian Champagnie
SG- Doug McDermott
PG- Devonte Graham

Long bench:
SF- Cedi Osman
SG- Malaki Branham
SG- Reggie Bullock
SG- Blake Wesley
PG- Cameron Payne

Except the long bench needs to include Bassey and Cissoko which means two of the players you included there will be waived or traded. One thing that also seems clear is it won’t be Branham.

I don’t recall being this excited about our players 6-10 and 11-15 though!

[exstatic]

Starters:
C- Zach Collins
PF- Victor Wembanyama
SF- Devin Vassell
SG- Keldon Johnson
PG- Tre Jones

2nd unit:
C- Sandro Mamukelashvili
PF- Jeremy Sochan
SF- Julian Champagnie
SG- Doug McDermott
PG- Devonte Graham

Long bench:
SF- Cedi Osman
SG- Malaki Branham
SG- Reggie Bullock
SG- Blake Wesley
PG- Cameron Payne

Are you waiving Charles Bassey?

[JH22]

Are you waiving Charles Bassey?

Ya. I don't see a spot for him. Maybe over Branham?

[JH22]

Except the long bench needs to include Bassey and Cissoko which means two of the players you included there will be waived or traded. One thing that also seems clear is it won’t be Branham.

I don’t recall being this excited about our players 6-10 and 11-15 though!

I edited the 15 man roster in my post.

[exstatic]

Ya. I don't see a spot for him. Maybe over Branham?

He just signed a bargain 3 year deal in February, and is a far better roster fit than Osman

[lefty]

And some people here re ok to trading him for a glorified fidget spinner