Blake Wesley Check-In Thread

[CorrectCrusader]

Before the season began, we all knew Blakes problems. He couldn't finish, turned the ball over frequently, and was too chaotic on offense.

What do y'all see improvement wise this year so far? I think he's earned more minutes, especially with the lack of guard play.

[spurraider21]

He’s looked better since summer league

[Kevin]

He's finally finishing at the hoop. Game changing on offense since that should be his bread and butter for scoring. His defense looks really good too. Mal needs to start losing minutes to Wesley.

[ginobilized]

I really see a sense of calm in his face. He seemed totally lost last season. He looks like he's adjusting mentally.
His game is reflecting this with more control and he is using his natural gifts to his advantage. He really looked like a player who had barely been coached.
He looked like a Lonnie Walker type of panicked finisher, but, that seems to be changing. His speed and quickness make him a defensive pest for about any opposing guard.

It's great to see him mature. Branham may be out of a job if Wesley keeps growing.

[Mr. Body]

At least for now, he's reading the floor much better and recognizing opportunities. Before, if he could blow by a defender, he did, leading into a thicket. Before, I said he'd need to figure out the 'middle part' -- what to do once getting past his defender. Now, he's looking up, keeping his dribble, and locating possibilities. This helps read when he can try the basket or not.

He deserves more PT, especially since he's a good defender. This might help move Branham off the lead guards, where he's terrible, and hide him better.

[mudd]

g league play does wonders

[LeBowen]

Considering the state of our playmaking, he should be the backup point guard.

Give him at least 15mpg in 20ish consecutive games to see if he can be useful in the future.

[rjv]

it's a very small sample size, and could change in a minute, but blake is definitely trending better than maliki is at this time.

[Chinook]

He looks better. He doesn't look good though. No reason to give up on him, but it would be nice if he weren't playing.

[Mr. Body]

it's a very small sample size, and could change in a minute, but blake is definitely trending better than maliki is at this time.

Why would you say this? Branham is being asked to do far more than Wesley is at this point.

[spurraider21]

Why would you say this? Branham is being asked to do far more than Wesley is at this point.
Because whatever he is asked, branham does very poorly. With the exception of pull up midrange jumpers, a near useless skill for a role player

[spurraider21]

He looks better. He doesn't look good though. No reason to give up on him, but it would be nice if he weren't playing.
dont get this at all

[Raven]

mostly teams are taking us less seriously.

[J_Paco]

He's finally finishing at the hoop. Game changing on offense since that should be his bread and butter for scoring. His defense looks really good too. Mal needs to start losing minutes to Wesley.

Pop can easily remove or reduce the minutes of either Cedi or Doug to facilitate more minutes for Blake. Either way, I think we are almost at the point of the season where minutes should be allocated to Wesley.

He has too intriguing and unique a skill set on this pretty unathletic team to continue to be glued to the bench. If we can watch 15 or 20 games of Sochan failed experiment at PG, then we can obviously go the rest of the season with Wesley's dynamic & chaotic game at back up, IMO.

Also, I'm of the camp that Malaki would be much better served sharing ballhandling duties off the bench and being able to play off-ball more. Graham isn't being utilized at all this season, so the next best solution is to start pairing Wesley-Branham more.

[Mr. Body]

Because whatever he is asked, branham does very poorly. With the exception of pull up midrange jumpers, a near useless skill for a role player

Like I said, he's being asked far more than Wesley right now. He's also playing out of position most of the time. He's not a lead guard at this point.

You guys need to slow your roll on second year players, but I know you won't. It's SpursTalk disease.

[Chinook]

dont get this at all

If you don't believe Wesley's playing good defense, he hasn't really looked that good. The team should be playing Graham.

[spurraider21]

Like I said, he's being asked far more than Wesley right now. He's also playing out of position most of the time. He's not a lead guard at this point.

You guys need to slow your roll on second year players, but I know you won't. It's SpursTalk disease.
but hes doesnt really do much of what you'd want the off-ball guard to do, either.

he's not a floor spacer. he's not much of a threat going to the rim or in transition. and he is helpless defensively no matter what position he's being asked to guard.

at least with a second year devin, you could see the traits he has that had to be refined or made consistent. or murray. heck we're at least seeing positive traits from wesley

[spurraider21]

If you don't believe Wesley's playing good defense, he hasn't really looked that good. The team should be playing Graham.
thats a big if. you dont think his defense has been a sight for sore eyes?

and ive said multiple times graham should be in the rotation, though i think he should play alongside wesley, not instead of him. branham needs to be banished to the gleague until he can figure out how to be a useful player in any capacity. wesley/graham should be the backup backcourt

im fine with growing pains in a dead season, the caveat is there needs to be some light at the end of the tunnel (unlike the point sochan and point branham experiments). i also still value playing vet types like Tre/Graham because they give the squad on the floor some direction and functionality where you can actually have proper development and experience

[CGD]

Looks better than last year by a mile, but still rushed on the offensive end. It was actually interesting seeing him and Ivey together last night since Blake, with his speed, was billed as the poor man's Ivey during tht draft process.

[Kevin]

If nothing else he looks worthy of a roster spot next season. Couldn't say that three months ago.

[Mr. Body]

Looks better than last year by a mile, but still rushed on the offensive end. It was actually interesting seeing him and Ivey together last night since Blake, with his speed, was billed as the poor man's Ivey during tht draft process.

Probably mentioned but Blake and Jaden grew up together in South Bend. They used to guard each other going hard up and down the court. Wesley is really good guarding full court at this point and that's probably a reason why.

[The Truth #6]

He's not great but making huge progress. It's a developmental year, so...let's continue to develop him. Rewarding him with playing time for playing attentive, aggressive defense is a good idea to me considering our awful defense. It would set an expectation for other players if nothing else.

[RC_Drunkford]

not much, but we are so bad defensively that his defense helps us a ton. Offensively I haven't seen enough, but I hope he can put it together.

[BackHome]

People crap on our 3 draft picks but pretty much everyone who graded that class said we did an excellent job with our picks. I understand we live in a generation that wants instant satisfaction but it is not going to happen with these guys and guess what it is not going to happen with our 2024 draft picks.

As far as Blake I am glad he is looking better but no way I want to throw him back in the Ocean and watch him drown. I think they are doing the right thing in giving him a few minutes every game let him build his confidence and start to better understand the offensive side so no problem with the baby steps. Sometimes you have to take a few steps back before you can move forward which is the case with Blake.

[CGD]

Probably mentioned but Blake and Jaden grew up together in South Bend. They used to guard each other going hard up and down the court. Wesley is really good guarding full court at this point and that's probably a reason why.

Interesting, I didn’t know that.

[Fireball]

you can see improvements but IMO with his speed he should be able to get by any defender ... last season he got by and could not finish over the help defender or even on an undefended basket. Now he takes that first quick step, does not get by his defender and passes the ball again. overall he play better, but the one thing that was exciting about him is not happening

[John B]

you can see improvements but IMO with his speed he should be able to get by any defender ... last season he got by and could not finish over the help defender or even on an undefended basket. Now he takes that first quick step, does not get by his defender and passes the ball again. overall he play better, but the one thing that was exciting about him is not happening

Baby steps.. he’ll get there next. Pop is giving him a “role” out there to minimize his mistakes.. dribble penetrate and kick, play defense.

[J_Paco]

Baby steps.. he’ll get there next. Pop is giving him a “role” out there to minimize his mistakes.. dribble penetrate and kick, play defense.

Right, like with Kawhi (spot - up shooter) & DeJounte (hanging out in the dunker's spot) as they progressed, matured and improved. Obviously, the likelihood that Wesley reaches either guys' level is slim. Still, it's good to see Pop finally open to utilizing and playing Wesley more regularly.

[Mr. Body]

Dude has cut out the major mistakes and issues he had. Clearly listened and worked hard.

[Mikesatx]

https://youtu.be/9dnRdBGJeVE?si=K43E3BuxLzxr0s00

My thoughts watching Wesley the last few games.

[AusSpur]

Ignited the second half rally today with his energy and defense on Young. Shame he didn't get finish off his good work.

[Mr. Body]

Ignited the second half rally today with his energy and defense on Young. Shame he didn't get finish off his good work.

Same against Chicago. Mamu and Blake helped lead the comeback, Pop put Devin back in and the team just cratered.

[Spurs Brazil]

Wesley is playing way better then Branham. He should get all the Branham minutes.

[jeebus]

He can still get blinders on when he's driving to the basket, but the fact that he plays defense puts him over Branham.

[Mr. Body]

Wesley is playing way better then Branham. He should get all the Branham minutes.

Their roles are completely different and Branham needs time. We'll see the results before long.

[Dejounte]

Wesley is playing way better then Branham. He should get all the Branham minutes.

Branham Has Lonnie-itis. He Has Zero Impact When He’s Out There That He Might As Well Be Invisible.

[SpursFan86]

He’s had some impressive spurts on defense but until he proves to be even a league average guy on offense I’m not sure he has much of a future in this league. He’s got no jumper, he can’t finish at the rim, and he’s not much of a playmaking threat.

I still think he has time but at this point it’s more likely he’s out of the league in 3 years than it is that he becomes a starter level player.

[rjv]

it's a big deal when you're willing to play hard on defense so that counts for something. branham is just clueless on that end of the court.

[scott]

The defensive intensity is definitely welcome... but boy he is still looking rough on the offensive end.

[spurraider21]

his defense is definitely refreshing, but the solution to him being erratic on offense cannot just be him doing nothing on offense.

[Mr. Body]

We're talking about guys who are effin' 20 years old. Show some freaking patience.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Wesley had turned the corner. I think he finally found his niche on this team. Harass opposing guards and get to the rim.

[ginobilized]

Wesley has been gifted a chance by Branham. He's using it well. He has the tools to be a decent player. Hope he does.
His speed and reflexes are astonishing.

[onechance87]

wesley with a good d...Felt he made sum nice passes as well

[CGD]

We're talking about guys who are effin' 20 years old. Show some freaking patience.

I hear you man, but at the same time it’s an impatient league these days. There is so much young talent coming in right now, and teams like the spurs with multiple picks ahead of them have to make tough choices earlier than in the past. It’s shitty to say, but by your third year in the league if you’re middling, there is always another guy coming up behind you.

[Mr. Body]

I hear you man, but at the same time it’s an impatient league these days. There is so much young talent coming in right now, and teams like the spurs with multiple picks ahead of them have to make tough choices earlier than in the past. It’s shitty to say, but by your third year in the league if you’re middling, there is always another guy coming up behind you.

It's too much from the idiot sewing circle of too many ST members. We develope Kyle Anderson, we develop Dejounte and Keldon, we developed Hill and Kawhi and Parker, and all these bozos saying we should cut Blake for Cameron fucking Payne late in the summer. It's hilarious at this point. I look forward to more.

[John B]

B-but Wesley is trash and not an nba player, a wasted pick. Oh and Sochan is a joke. Fire Pop he’s not playing Wemby enough. I want Risacher or that Williams kid, but Spurs can’t be losing that much game…

[J_Paco]

He’s had some impressive spurts on defense but until he proves to be even a league average guy on offense I’m not sure he has much of a future in this league. He’s got no jumper, he can’t finish at the rim, and he’s not much of a playmaking threat.

I still think he has time but at this point it’s more likely he’s out of the league in 3 years than it is that he becomes a starter level player.

This is a horrible take. LMAO

Wesley is far from a finished product, but he's shown a lot growth & promise compared to last season. His speed and quickness can't be taught, while he's making smarter decisions and taking better shot attempts. Not seeing as much of the dumb, head down drives that lead to low - percentage attempts ala Russell Westbrook.

Pop definitely needs to figure out ways to get him more PT which would mean less time for McDermott (not Malaki). I think you can play a line up with Blake - Malaki - Cedi and platooning Zach, Mamu & Dom Barlow at the 4/5 spots.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

It is cool watching him learn to use his speed, length, and quickness. I love the mouthbreathers attributing it to his practice in IN as a child.

Victor is learning better shots to take and where to take them. His shot % is on a steady rise. His growth in knowledge of the offense and defense grows every game. More importantly the whole team around him is being taught how and where to get him the ball to good effect.

Sochan's PG experiment train wrecked but his ball handling and passing skills have taken a quantum leap forward. He is doing the drive to spin to finish move that Giannis and the elites love so much. You can see where he is learning the techniques that work before the polish comes in. His ceiling got raised big time.

Spurs development program continues to put in work.

[J_Paco]

It is cool watching him learn to use his speed, length, and quickness. I love the mouthbreathers attributing it to his practice in IN as a child.

Victor is learning better shots to take and where to take them. His shot % is on a steady rise. His growth in knowledge of the offense and defense grows every game. More importantly the whole team around him is being taught how and where to get him the ball to good effect.

Sochan's PG experiment train wrecked but his ball handling and passing skills have taken a quantum leap forward. He is doing the drive to spin to finish move that Giannis and the elites love so much. You can see where he is learning the techniques that work before the polish comes in. His ceiling got raised big time.

Spurs development program continues to put in work.

Now, find a high-end swingman, another good back up big, and the continued coaching up of the current guys to make the 'leap' everyone here is begging for.

Also, it feels like Pop's crazy, old ass was letting the guys feel each other out (to terrible outcomes) the first few months of the season. Seems like they are being coached up a lot more lately and running actual sets to get Vassell, Wembanyama, and McDermott good looks.


I just want to see the kid, Blake Wesley, continue to grow and show this encouraging growth of the last few weeks.

[Dejounte]

Tre Injured, Now Wesley Gets His Chance

[NASpurs]

Tre Injured, Now Wesley Gets His Chance

You know it and I know it... Branham is going to start :lol

[CorrectCrusader]

Blake locked up Tyrese most of the game. Great progress!

[onechance87]

loving his d....But he needs to develop some type of offense....Last thing we need is
another guard who cant shoot

[BacktoBasics]

Blake has improved nicely but it does seem that we’re just hoping that one day he becomes as good as Tre and we’re a ways away from that. As mentioned he’s gonna have to find some offensive snap to be really worthwhile.

[SpursBills]

Blake has improved nicely but it does seem that we’re just hoping that one day he becomes as good as Tre and we’re a ways away from that. As mentioned he’s gonna have to find some offensive snap to be really worthwhile.

If Blake somehow developed Tre's awareness and passing skills with his frame, athleticism, and POA defense we would never have to worry about the PG position again. We can only hope!

[Das Texan]

Blake's development has been what you would hope a kid as young as Blake and in his second year would be doing.

Really has come a long way and has an insane competitive fire and desire to improve. The improvement from last year is pretty drastic in my eyes.

Literally the complete opposite of Branham. If Branham had 1/10 of the desire as Blake he might actually be good. I hope he is sent to Austin with the team returning to San Antonio now.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Blake's development has been what you would hope a kid as young as Blake and in his second year would be doing.

Really has come a long way and has an insane competitive fire and desire to improve. The improvement from last year is pretty drastic in my eyes.

Literally the complete opposite of Branham. If Branham had 1/10 of the desire as Blake he might actually be good. I hope he is sent to Austin with the team returning to San Antonio now.
Yeah the main thing I like is his confidence and his tenacity, you can't teach those things, his game will come around imo. I'm excited for him. He's cognizant of that fact that in order to get on the court at this point in his career he needs to bust his ass on defense and that is what he is doing.

[RC_Drunkford]

he plays hard on defense, but when he gets into the paint all he usually does is pass the ball back out. He's not even trying to finish inside.

[Mr. Body]

If Blake somehow developed Tre's awareness and passing skills with his frame, athleticism, and POA defense we would never have to worry about the PG position again. We can only hope!

Blake doesn't have natural PG skills like Tre does. Best we can hope for is working as a Parker type, circulating with the ball and moving the defense around while memorizing where players are. That can be good enough.

[The Truth #6]

I would say Blake's shooting from the outside is already better than Jones, though not saying it's great necessarily at all. In college. I got the sense he was more of a shooting guard but yet did really well in pick and roll situations as the lead ball handler which led to some of his appeal as a freshman for the NBA draft. I don't know, I think his inability to finish was so unexpectedly severe that it affected his whole mindset to the game. At least he's adjusting, probably over adjusting at this point, and as he feels better driving and kicking, he'll be able to figure out when to actually take it to the rim when he has an actual opening, or maybe like Parker develop a floater. I'm happy with that.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Blake's defense is starting to have a really noticeable effect from game to game. He's been making the few shots he's taken in the past couple of appearances.

I am intrigued.

[RC_Drunkford]

If he can improve his 3-point shot he'd become a 3-and-D guard and could try to build from there

[tim_duncan_fan]

He has shown the ability to move the defense. That is ALOT.

Now, he's got to show that he will actually shoot and complete the field goal once he has taken the pick and gotten past his man, because it is pointless if defenses learn to just ignore him, but I see potential for him to be consistently bring good spark.

I think offense is a confidence and speed-of-the-game thing for him. He is making his layups now, at least lmao. He might get better.

[objective]

Too bad Chip is gone, Wesley needs the teardrop floater game.

[Kevin]

If he can improve his 3-point shot he'd become a 3-and-D guard and could try to build from there

They will develop him as a PG for as long as they can before shifting him to a 3&D wing. Point guards who can get to the hoop at will are very hard to find. Plus the defense is already there. Next big step for Wesley is hitting the three ball.

It amazing how far he has come in the six months. Showed no improvement in summer league or preseason and now he's finishing at the rim and playing fantastic defense.

[Seventyniner]

I think becoming a better finisher at the rim is more important for Wesley than improving his three point shot. He can get to the rim seemingly at will, and layups are even more efficient than threes.

He will never be a Parker-level finisher, but if he can become decently above average at it his whole offensive game will unlock. That's the time to pivot to shooting like Parker did.

[barakz21]

I think Wesley is playing right now the way CoJo was during that last title, and in the year after. Taking care of the ball, running the plays, and picking his spots on offense. And I think he might even have an edge since he’s got the speed that CoJo didn't. He just needs to keep working on his game.

[niraj2000]

Pretty impressed with Blake especially on defense.

[TD 21]

Too bad Chip is gone, Wesley needs the teardrop floater game.

Yeah, no chance he/some other developmental coach could possibly figure that out without the genius Engelland.

It's amazing that White, Murray and Walker IV learned how to shoot five minutes after they left here despite no longer having his magic pixie dust sprinkled on them.

[spurraider21]

might get his chance...

1749920774318629165

[ginobilized]

We have a shooting coach.

His name is Robert Paulson.

[ismael-robert]

How bout him laying out embiid last night

[get_mills_out]

Man people need to adjust their expectations to how stacked with talent the modern NBA is, especially at guard. Wesley is closer to playing cornerback for the Cowboys than he is to being a rotation piece on a team that wants to win NBA games. The speed and full court meme defense are neat but the dude can't even throw an inbound pass to the guy with the biggest catch box in the league, much less shoot a basketball.

He and Branham are both total whiffs.

[spurraider21]

some really impressive moments from him. the change of direction against maxey (and Ja, who scored anyway), is pretty nasty

1751828052537925743

[Mugen]

Good for Blake - happy to be wrong on him if he keeps it up and actually becomes a rotation player tbh.

[Ariel]

His improvement is impressive, last year he basically couldn't do anything, now he's a jump shot away from being a really valuable player. But he REALLY needs to be able to shoot it, he can't survive shooting like Shaq.

[RC_Drunkford]

His point of attack defense is elite

[CorrectCrusader]

some really impressive moments from him. the change of direction against maxey (and Ja, who scored anyway), is pretty nasty

1751828052537925743

Excellent defensive upside. Just needs an offensive game. Lets hope it develops!

[spurraider21]

Excellent defensive upside. Just needs an offensive game. Lets hope it develops!
we know he has the speed, but he still doesnt really seem to know what to do with it. his adjustment to limit the mistakes has been to basically show no aggression at all and let somebody else create. if he's not going to be a volume outside shooter, that's not really going to work long term. but baby steps are there

[Mr. Body]

This kid has a chance to be one of the best point of attack defenders in the league.

[vy65]

Love the guy, he’s been showing real promise, but wtf is up with those painted nails?

[Mr. Body]

Love the guy, he’s been showing real promise, but wtf is up with those painted nails?

Who gives a shit

[Raven]

i have been very impressed with him, he's a keeper tbh, ditch tre, his fakeass passing, nonexistent shooting and atrocious D.

[vy65]

https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qZvfq8dDaazQkLxbJDm7QA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTUzMQ--/https://s.yimg.com/os/en/blogs/ymusic-heard/crocker2007.jpg

[spurraider21]

You’re the one upset about his nails :lol

[onechance87]

a floater would make him better

[vy65]

Only the color, periwinkle blue does nothing for me

[The Truth #6]

i have been very impressed with him, he's a keeper tbh, ditch tre, his fakeass passing, nonexistent shooting and atrocious D.

Tre is still better overall right now, but hopefully Blake narrows that margin by improving his ability to drive, kick, and run the offense. And in a perfect world Blake has improved enough to be a better backup point guard, and we have an actual starting point guard better than Tre... But who knows. Blake seems to be super motivated and hard-working and so it's hard to say how good he can be yet.

[SpursFan86]

He’s had some impressive spurts on defense but until he proves to be even a league average guy on offense I’m not sure he has much of a future in this league. He’s got no jumper, he can’t finish at the rim, and he’s not much of a playmaking threat.

I still think he has time but at this point it’s more likely he’s out of the league in 3 years than it is that he becomes a starter level player.

He’s continued to impress but I still feel about the same. He still very much has an uphill climb to become an average guy offensively. That being said he’s super young so there’s plenty of time for him to make strides. Rooting for the guy…needless to say Branham’s future is looking bleak so would be nice to have 2/3 first round picks from 2022 pan out :lol

[ginobilized]

All I think when I see Blake defend is I'm glad I'm not trying to bring the ball up the court against that combo of speed, quickness, lateral movement and hunger. That kid is hungry on defense.

[exstatic]

I like Blake, but I see his ceiling as something like Lindsay Hunter, a defensive specialist who eventually learned to shoot, but that you had to pair with a creator.

On the telecast recently, Sean quoted former Spurs assistant and Pop mentor Hank Egan, who said “Only God makes PGs”. In other words they’re born, not made. They have a special level of processing speed that allows them to create,and see open guys before they are actually open. unfortunately, Blake is yet another small guard who was drafted by an NBA team that thinks they can make a small guard into a PG. Shit has been going on for decades.

[rjv]

yeah, blake has so many natural talents but court vision isn't one of them. but on a team that has so many poor perimeter defenders, one hopes that he can find something that won't make him such a liability on the other end of the court.

[couchman]

Blake's first step and quickness is elite, even at the NBA level.
That's something you can't teach.

He has figured out how to use it on defense.

They've broken him down to nothing on offense and it has worked!
The erratic mistakes are over and he has a very nice 4/1 assist/TO ratio.

Now let's see how they build him back up.
Can he add some offensive pieces to his game that are effective at this level?
That will ultimately decide his ceiling.
I doubt he will ever been a good finisher at the rim, but a reliable floater would be sublime and open up so many opportunities for him.

[Seventyniner]

I like Blake, but I see his ceiling as something like Lindsay Hunter, a defensive specialist who eventually learned to shoot, but that you had to pair with a creator.

On the telecast recently, Sean quoted former Spurs assistant and Pop mentor Hank Egan, who said “Only God makes PGs”. In other words they’re born, not made. They have a special level of processing speed that allows them to create,and see open guys before they are actually open. unfortunately, Blake is yet another small guard who was drafted by an NBA team that thinks they can make a small guard into a PG. Shit has been going on for decades.

I wouldn't call him small, he's 6'5". But I do agree that he isn't a natural PG.

[Kevin]

Future 3&D wing who would be a perfect fit next to Trae Young or Dilly. Just needs the three ball.

[JPB]

Let's not overreact. Nothing against the kid but he started from so low that some improvement had to be expected. Challenge for Blake was to understand and accept he would never be an alpha nor a star in the NBA and should focus on what could keep in the league, as a non shooter, non PG... elite defense. And that's what he's doing now, taking pride in it. The offensive game, much less the PG skills, will probaly never really come to the point he'll indeed never be more than a 3&D specailist, which is already pretty nice for a 25th pick and could earn him a productive and lucrative career as a role player... Hopefully with age he'll become somehow more savvy and confident attaking the rim and develop a reliable 3 so he can earn some more playing time or defenses will just ignore him. I mean even late LDN was giving you the occasional drive and lay up, so there's hope.

[spurraider21]

Let's not overreact. Nothing against the kid but he started from so low that some improvement had to be expected. Challenge for Blake was to understand and accept he would never be an alpha nor a star in the NBA and should focus on what could keep in the league, as a non shooter, non PG... elite defense. And that's what he's doing now, taking pride in it. The offensive game, much less the PG skills, will probaly never really come to the point he'll indeed never be more than a 3&D specailist, which is already pretty nice for a 25th pick and could earn him a productive and lucrative career as a role player... Hopefully with age he'll become somehow more savvy and confident attaking the rim and develop a reliable 3 so he can earn some more playing time or defenses will just ignore him. I mean even late LDN was giving you the occasional drive and lay up, so there's hope.
"get over himself "in 2024 is wild

[Seventyniner]

It would be great if Wesley could follow the Dejounte Murray development track. But he isn't the same kind of player. His ceiling is probably a Danny Green type plus some additional bring-the-ball-up-the-court duties, and if he gets the Spurs would have an absolute steal.

[BatManu20]

a floater would make him better

Floater, runner, tear-drop, or even just a simple 5-foot jumper when he gets to the lane. This is easily his biggest weakness right now and he would instantly become a completely different player if he could just develop one of the above-mentioned shots and hit it with some consistency. He gets to the rim with such ease with his explosive first step and long strides, he just fucking sucks at finishing once he gets there right now tbh :lol

[Dejounte]

Do People Remember Danny Green? He Could Not Dribble Worth A Damn

[The Truth #6]

I see him having an easier chance of learning basic point guard skills than being a 3 and D. Lots of 3/D guys can't get into the lane automatically. Also, his shooting numbers are weird. Terrible from free throw this year iirc but not horrible from 3. (though Bowen was like that otoh). Anyway, just learning basic drive and kick ideas will really help the offense flow. Now that he's stopped his existential crisis at the rim, he's been adding small steps to his game that have been super helpful. So I don't see an all star, but he's so damn determined to work harder than everyone else, I can't confidently say what he definitely won't be able to do. Sounds like a coach's dream. And defense will get him on the court to get opportunities, especially in contrast to Branham.

Anyway. Lots of ways this could play out. I do think once he gets a little more confidence he will improve exponentially.

[BackHome]

If he can just continue to play great defense and start hitting the 3 ball at a regular clip he can have a long NBA career. Do I think he will ever be a starter No but I think he could be a great addition to a playoff contending team if like I said he improves his 3 ball and continues to work on his handles.

[spurraider21]

obviously id welcome him becoming knockdown 3 point shooter, though i dont think he needs to add that to become a good rotation player. granted, he was shooting nearly 39% from 3 in the gleague on good volume, but thats a 12 game sample size. he just needs to be a capable shooter, not a specialist. like Keldon/Osman so teams cant just leave him wide open and sag off him so much the way they do with Tre.

its also true that by giving him space, you also give him a runway. however, despite his speed, he's not much of a leaper. athletically, he's a bigger/stronger tony parker, but he plays with the craft and finesse of a guy like westbrook.

he just needs to develop some form of go-to move while attacking the rim. parker was also famously awful at finishing at the rim earlier in his career, and he had to develop the craftiness over the course of his career. he does need something though. whether its a floater like Trae/Tre, or a middy pullup like DeJounte. but he needs something. right now if its not an uncontested layup you kinda have to hold your breath

[CGD]

Do People Remember Danny Green? He Could Not Dribble Worth A Damn

He really couldn’t. It was cringeworthy.
But Danny was the man; that 2013 playoff run was special.

[Uriel]

The Danny Green comparisons are funny :lol Green was a much better shooter and much more versatile defender (his size allowed him to guard wings, in a way Blake may not be able to do at an elite level).

On the other hand, Wesley is a much better penetrator, much better at intercepting passes in the lane, much better at breaking defenses down and handling the ball.

They’re very different players. Wesley may never be as good a shooter or even all-around defender as Green, but I think his offensive upside as a primary creator is much higher. Wesley has the tools. He just needs to put it together.

[TD 21]

The Green comparisons are absurd.


I wouldn't call him small, he's 6'5". But I do agree that he isn't a natural PG.

He's 6'3'' barefoot or about 6'4'' in shoes. Draft Combine Anthrometric | Stats | NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro)

He's a combo guard in the mold of Murray to where he's not (yet?) dynamic enough on ball to be a lead guard or off ball because he can't shoot.

Since I doubt he'll ever be good enough at either to be one or the other, his path to prosperity is likely to be passable enough at both to be a utility guard who can fit into virtually any lineup configuration.

[SpursBills]

I wonder if a better comparison for him moving forward would be kris dunn. 6'3", limited creation, limited shooting, awesome POA defender

[mystargtr34]

I wonder if a better comparison for him moving forward would be kris dunn. 6'3", limited creation, limited shooting, awesome POA defender

Kris Dunn is a good comparison.

Avery Bradley is another one. He tortured offensive guards with his defense. Played a great role on the Lakers title team as they’re starting 1.

Blake should model his game after Bradley. Sure you can work on the driving game and if it develops his ceiling goes up another notch or two. But focus on defense and hitting the open shot then go from there. Spurs would need a legit second option next to Wemby ideally at the wing position for Blake to be able to be a 3-D type 1 like Bradley.

[The Truth #6]

Are people suggesting he should be more like a SG and not a PG? Seems like it would've hard for a PG to focus on spot up 3 point shooting when they need to be running the offense to some degree.

[Ocotillo]

Are people suggesting he should be more like a SG and not a PG? Seems like it would've hard for a PG to focus on spot up 3 point shooting when they need to be running the offense to some degree.

I believe that was what he was in college and the Spurs are trying to make him into a combo guard. Another in a long tradition of the Spurs working a guy at the point guard role to increase the ball handlers on the floor.

[The Truth #6]

I believe that was what he was in college and the Spurs are trying to make him into a combo guard. Another in a long tradition of the Spurs working a guy at the point guard role to increase the ball handlers on the floor.

I think with some players it doesn't make sense, like Josh Primo being a perfect example, but with Blake I think it's actually legitimate to try to make him a point guard because he can get into the lane whenever he wants, and in his freshman year in college statistically he was very good in pick and roll situations handling the ball, so with him at least it makes sense to me.

[Brazil]

Do People Remember Danny Green? He Could Not Dribble Worth A Damn

still can't tbh :lol

[Ocotillo]

Yeah, I agree with that (also the point about Primo or Sochan for that matter).

[Kevin]

Blake has way more value as a PG than a 3&D wing so they keep him at PG for as long as possible.

Its kinda like in baseball they keep a pitchers as a starting pitcher for as long as possible before making them relievers because starters are way more valuable.

[mudd]

The Green comparisons are absurd.



He's 6'3'' barefoot or about 6'4'' in shoes. Draft Combine Anthrometric | Stats | NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro)

He's a combo guard in the mold of Murray to where he's not (yet?) dynamic enough on ball to be a lead guard or off ball because he can't shoot.

Since I doubt he'll ever be good enough at either to be one or the other, his path to prosperity is likely to be passable enough at both to be a utility guard who can fit into virtually any lineup configuration.
and he plays a lot shorter with his release being so low...

[JPB]

Are people suggesting he should be more like a SG and not a PG? Seems like it would've hard for a PG to focus on spot up 3 point shooting when they need to be running the offense to some degree.

Bulls' PGs did that for years (Paxton, B.J Amstrong, Kerr). just bring the ball up the court and give it to a playmaker.

[The Truth #6]

Bulls' PGs did that for years (Paxton, B.J Amstrong, Kerr). just bring the ball up the court and give it to a playmaker.

True but was that more because of the Triangle offense?

[exstatic]

True but was that more because of the Triangle offense?

And Michael being that creator?

[The Truth #6]

Yeah, to me Jordan and the Triangle is an outlier in terms of point guard identity. But back to Blake, sure he could be a combo guard but I think he'll be undersized as a shooting guard, and so that's why I think he still needs to be somewhat of a initiator or point guard or whatever you want to call it and can't just spot up to make threes, when that's not even his strength right now.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/SpursCulture/status/1757951765297701189

[tim_duncan_fan]

Guy has been intriguing again of late. One of the few solid defenders on the team. Maybe the only solid defender. And starting to look a little more lively on the offensive side too.

[Dejounte]

https://x.com/brayknowball/status/1758245528935051633?s=46

[RC_Drunkford]

:lol