Brian Windhorst: The Spurs won’t be looking to make any big moves this summer

[TimmyBuckets]

"On SiriusXM ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Spurs aren’t looking to make big moves/trades this summer and will instead focus on the 2025 Draft."




https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/4/11/24127702/report-the-spurs-wont-be-looking-to-make-any-big-moves-this-summer (https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/4/11/24127702/report-the-spurs-wont-be-looking-to-make-any-big-moves-this-summer)

[spursparker9]

Let's draft Sarr in this draft and get Flagg in 2025.

Triple Tower! :lol:toast:lol

[spursparker9]

Looking forward to Sochan PG experiment 2.0

[sfernald]

Just start Wesley at pg and Branham at sg, wash, rinse & repeat for fluffy clean tank-top.

[tbdog]

Spurs can do both, focus on draft and make a decent sized move. I honestly have a feeling of a DDR reunion.

[spursgu]

They might not but the spurs will certainly be better next year. Wemby is on the rise and all these losers of other fanbases can do is D+ level of trolling lol.

[SouthernFryd]

Tank for another year, then get rookies who need years of experience. Seriously?

But, from listening to the current "spurs" fans, they will put up with it. They've been putting up with it for the last 8 yrs or so. Basketball fans left the Spurs a long time ago. And not just the Spurs, the NBA overall. A few of us came back to watch Wemby, but probably won't watch this miserable team tank yet another year.

The NBA as a whole isn't as much fun to watch as it was years ago. Plain vanilla, all teams doing the same thing (including half time shows and stuff like the hype squads.) It's become homogeneous crap. 3 Point shooting and inside dunks. Teams didn't have to copy Curry and most have been unsuccessful doing it anway. Look at POP and the Spurs. There's only one Curry.

There is no individuality in teams anymore. They all look the same. Coaching staffs all look alike with their star-trek uniforms. In-Game promos all look the same. Everything looks "controlled" and homogenized. It's 1984 type of homogenization. It's not so much about Basketball anymore...it's about being actively woke.

And POP is right in the thick of it. His influence over the league through all his assistants has helped homogenize the entire league. And POP has become the definition of Woke. "Some guys didn't want to hear the history of Africa, they just wanted to play basketball." - Lamarcus Aldridge.

[Mal]

They better focus on this draft with Atlanta and Toronto picks... come on now..

[Degoat]

While I believe the spurs will take the slow build, everything out there is on the table with Wemby on the team now. NBA is unpredictable and after playoffs no telling what guys will be asking out

[The Truth #6]

Tank for another year, then get rookies who need years of experience. Seriously?

But, from listening to the current "spurs" fans, they will put up with it. They've been putting up with it for the last 8 yrs or so. Basketball fans left the Spurs a long time ago. And not just the Spurs, the NBA overall. A few of us came back to watch Wemby, but probably won't watch this miserable team tank yet another year.

The NBA as a whole isn't as much fun to watch as it was years ago. Plain vanilla, all teams doing the same thing (including half time shows and stuff like the hype squads.) It's become homogeneous crap. 3 Point shooting and inside dunks. Teams didn't have to copy Curry and most have been unsuccessful doing it anway. Look at POP and the Spurs. There's only one Curry.

There is no individuality in teams anymore. They all look the same. Coaching staffs all look alike with their star-trek uniforms. In-Game promos all look the same. Everything looks "controlled" and homogenized. It's 1984 type of homogenization. It's not so much about Basketball anymore...it's about being actively woke.

And POP is right in the thick of it. His influence over the league through all his assistants has helped homogenize the entire league. And POP has become the definition of Woke. "Some guys didn't want to hear the history of Africa, they just wanted to play basketball." - Lamarcus Aldridge.

I was agreeing with you for awhile but then blaming everything on Wokeness is a very odd and thin argument. Curry changed the game. Analytics changed the game. The internet changed the game. Capitalism changed the game. Woke advertising is there I suppose but it's mostly just corporate advertising and marketing.

[Leetonidas]

Tank for another year, then get rookies who need years of experience. Seriously?

But, from listening to the current "spurs" fans, they will put up with it. They've been putting up with it for the last 8 yrs or so. Basketball fans left the Spurs a long time ago. And not just the Spurs, the NBA overall. A few of us came back to watch Wemby, but probably won't watch this miserable team tank yet another year.

The NBA as a whole isn't as much fun to watch as it was years ago. Plain vanilla, all teams doing the same thing (including half time shows and stuff like the hype squads.) It's become homogeneous crap. 3 Point shooting and inside dunks. Teams didn't have to copy Curry and most have been unsuccessful doing it anway. Look at POP and the Spurs. There's only one Curry.

There is no individuality in teams anymore. They all look the same. Coaching staffs all look alike with their star-trek uniforms. In-Game promos all look the same. Everything looks "controlled" and homogenized. It's 1984 type of homogenization. It's not so much about Basketball anymore...it's about being actively woke.

And POP is right in the thick of it. His influence over the league through all his assistants has helped homogenize the entire league. And POP has become the definition of Woke. "Some guys didn't want to hear the history of Africa, they just wanted to play basketball." - Lamarcus Aldridge.

:lmao

[MultiTroll]

Coaching staffs all look alike with their star-trek uniforms. I
:lol

[Ginobili2Duncan]

Makes sense. This year’s draft class is mediocre at best and the Spurs will be lucky to come away with a decent starter this year. The FA class doesn’t look promising either. The 2025 draft class appears to give the Spurs a much better chance at finding a Robin for Wemby. It’s not popular with the fans and the media but this isn’t 2K Dynasty Mode where you can go from worst to first in a year with a high draft pick or make a few bogus trades with the CPU. Building a real contender organically takes time.

[KobesAchilles]

There are so many supposed "fans" on this site that are ok with their team being last place in the West. If the Spurs remain with the same team we will be the 14th seed next year. It's sad that the Blazers couldn't out tank us this year.

This whole team needs a roster overhaul. It needs a coaching overhaul. And after Brian Wrong chooses the wrong person this draft, it's going to need a front office overhaul as well. There are zero strengths on this team outside of Wemby. And people here defend bad basketball play and mediocrity on this site religiously bc they are supposed "fans." Fans of what? Losing? Bc if you're a Spurs fan this type of news should piss you off.

[cd98]

The Spurs are going to get better as their younger players develop. I know people here are irrationally low on the last several drafted players, but they are all going to continue to improve. Couple that with Wemby, who will likely make the leap to a top 10 player at worst, and it is hard to see how this team will have a worse record than the other teams that will be tanking for 2025. Our best hope for a low lottery pick is a disaster happening in Atlanta next season leading to a lottery pick. This team as constructed still won't make the playoffs...the west is too damn good. But they'll be picking at like 10-14, not top 3. That's my prediction, at least, unless something goes horribly wrong in S.A.

[LeBowen]

There are so many supposed "fans" on this site that are ok with their team being last place in the West. If the Spurs remain with the same team we will be the 14th seed next year. It's sad that the Blazers couldn't out tank us this year.

This whole team needs a roster overhaul. It needs a coaching overhaul. And after Brian Wrong chooses the wrong person this draft, it's going to need a front office overhaul as well. There are zero strengths on this team outside of Wemby. And people here defend bad basketball play and mediocrity on this site religiously bc they are supposed "fans." Fans of what? Losing? Bc if you're a Spurs fan this type of news should piss you off.

Spot on.
For years, if not decades, we laughed at teams stuck in infinite loops of tanking and rebuilding.
It was always obvious that competent front offices and coaches get it done with way less and that no team needs to spend 5 years in the lottery, which has started happening more and more often.
Competent teams get it done with next to nothing, incompetent ones get complacent and rely on lottery odds. When those odds don't work out, they've got no clue how to draft the best player available.
Look at the teams with longest lottery streaks right now, it's Hornets followed by Pistons and Spurs.
Three teams that are still garbage, despite many lottery seasons.

When will mainstream Spurs media start asking questions about PATFO?
If not for 14% odds going our way, we'd be two years away from being two years away. Four lottery picks on the roster already, with one more coming up.
And people want more tanking? For what? So they can pile up more charity cases?

All of PATFO's mistakes ever since nephew took a shit on everything were erased in last year's lottery. No point thinking about those decisions anymore.
But if they fuck up the draft yet again someone needs to go. It's been long overdue.

Right now this roster has nothing other than Wemby.
Devin is a solid player, but his contract is questionable. He's the most common archetype in the league, scoring wing with limited playmaking and defensive skills. You can find those everywhere.
Jeremy is a fundamentally flawed player who needs improvements in way too many areas to ever be anything more than a glue guy off the bench.
Others are not worth mentioning. I'd really like to hear from posters who think others on this roster have a future as rotation players on playoff teams. Do you guys even watch other teams around the league?
We're so bad we just grasp for straws and try to stay positive. Someone makes a couple of layups or open shots, you'll have posts about their potential in here. No, Blake Wesley will never be a good NBA player. Neither will Branham or Champagnie. Their best case ceiling is 10th man for regular season rotation that doesn't even play in the playoffs. You don't waste seasons waiting for such players to develop.

I just want to hear the discussions they had before giving Collins that extension. Was there a single team in the league that was thinking about giving $32M to Collins making PATFO react?
I'm sick of family atmosphere and we like what we have bullshit. Yeh, Collins' recovery is a great story, but it doesn't warrant a $32M extension. Spurs saved his career when noone wanted him, he's forever indebted, not the other way around.

I can get behind waiting for the next year's draft, but not going for a star player right away doesn't mean they shouldn't do anything.
This team desperately needs two good veterans. One at point and the other one at wing. No ifs or buts. Having a trash team with no structure whatsoever just stagnates everyone's development.
Winning is the best way to develop young players. Losing builds bad habits and ruins players.

[exstatic]

There are so many supposed "fans" on this site that are ok with their team being last place in the West. If the Spurs remain with the same team we will be the 14th seed next year. It's sad that the Blazers couldn't out tank us this year.

This whole team needs a roster overhaul. It needs a coaching overhaul. And after Brian Wrong chooses the wrong person this draft, it's going to need a front office overhaul as well. There are zero strengths on this team outside of Wemby. And people here defend bad basketball play and mediocrity on this site religiously bc they are supposed "fans." Fans of what? Losing? Bc if you're a Spurs fan this type of news should piss you off.

Not getting a star doesn’t mean “the same team”. They could very well do what Houston did, signing a couple of selected vets, and improving by 17 games.

[MultiTroll]

The plan to have a top 5 pick in 2025 is to completely suck again?
:pop:

[SpurSpike]

We have 2 picks in 25 and the Atlanta one could be decent. Spurs don't have to suck to get a good pick, can always try trading up too.

[MultiTroll]

We have 2 picks in 25 and the Atlanta one could be decent. Spurs don't have to suck to get a good pick, can always try trading up too.
Which may or may not be top 5.
Aren't the sure fire Robbins going to be gone by pick 6? If not sooner?
And who is going to trade down with the Spurs.

Sounds to me like completely suck is going to be utilized with Pop leading a *threepeat.

[The Truth #6]

Overall, sounds like a vague comment that Brian Windbag is making. Context is important, and it seems to be lacking, at least from the small drip of this tweet, or whatever. Not to be too autistic about this, but they need to focus on this draft first. These Spurs nuggets feel like Buddhist koans, full of everything and nothing.

[BacktoBasics]

Tank for another year, then get rookies who need years of experience. Seriously?

But, from listening to the current "spurs" fans, they will put up with it. They've been putting up with it for the last 8 yrs or so. Basketball fans left the Spurs a long time ago. And not just the Spurs, the NBA overall. A few of us came back to watch Wemby, but probably won't watch this miserable team tank yet another year.

The NBA as a whole isn't as much fun to watch as it was years ago. Plain vanilla, all teams doing the same thing (including half time shows and stuff like the hype squads.) It's become homogeneous crap. 3 Point shooting and inside dunks. Teams didn't have to copy Curry and most have been unsuccessful doing it anway. Look at POP and the Spurs. There's only one Curry.

There is no individuality in teams anymore. They all look the same. Coaching staffs all look alike with their star-trek uniforms. In-Game promos all look the same. Everything looks "controlled" and homogenized. It's 1984 type of homogenization. It's not so much about Basketball anymore...it's about being actively woke.

And POP is right in the thick of it. His influence over the league through all his assistants has helped homogenize the entire league. And POP has become the definition of Woke. "Some guys didn't want to hear the history of Africa, they just wanted to play basketball." - Lamarcus Aldridge.

You people are so fucking stupid. Can't even talk sports without injecting your political nonsense. You losers can't die off fast enough. You got a real fucking problem when you can't function without political spin.

This banana. So yellow. So woke.

Fucking pathetic.

[lefty]

Good video on the topic


https://youtu.be/HRZYEs9Dju0?si=c7pd0ux3f3rJdCn9

[aissagholi7981]

Lots of teams will fall off in the West next season, either way we will make the playoffs. With moves, top 4. Without, bottom 4/play in. Don't make this too complicated.

[scott]

The Spurs are going to get better as their younger players develop. I know people here are irrationally low on the last several drafted players, but they are all going to continue to improve. Couple that with Wemby, who will likely make the leap to a top 10 player at worst, and it is hard to see how this team will have a worse record than the other teams that will be tanking for 2025. Our best hope for a low lottery pick is a disaster happening in Atlanta next season leading to a lottery pick. This team as constructed still won't make the playoffs...the west is too damn good. But they'll be picking at like 10-14, not top 3. That's my prediction, at least, unless something goes horribly wrong in S.A.

This is sound logic, save for the fact that we just sat through an entire year where those young players + the addition of Wemby led to zero improvement from the year before. A lot of people made this exact statement after we drafted Wemby, yet, here we are.

[scott]

Spot on.
For years, if not decades, we laughed at teams stuck in infinite loops of tanking and rebuilding.
It was always obvious that competent front offices and coaches get it done with way less and that no team needs to spend 5 years in the lottery, which has started happening more and more often.
Competent teams get it done with next to nothing, incompetent ones get complacent and rely on lottery odds. When those odds don't work out, they've got no clue how to draft the best player available.
Look at the teams with longest lottery streaks right now, it's Hornets followed by Pistons and Spurs.
Three teams that are still garbage, despite many lottery seasons.

When will mainstream Spurs media start asking questions about PATFO?
If not for 14% odds going our way, we'd be two years away from being two years away. Four lottery picks on the roster already, with one more coming up.
And people want more tanking? For what? So they can pile up more charity cases?

All of PATFO's mistakes ever since nephew took a shit on everything were erased in last year's lottery. No point thinking about those decisions anymore.
But if they fuck up the draft yet again someone needs to go. It's been long overdue.

Right now this roster has nothing other than Wemby.
Devin is a solid player, but his contract is questionable. He's the most common archetype in the league, scoring wing with limited playmaking and defensive skills. You can find those everywhere.
Jeremy is a fundamentally flawed player who needs improvements in way too many areas to ever be anything more than a glue guy off the bench.
Others are not worth mentioning. I'd really like to hear from posters who think others on this roster have a future as rotation players on playoff teams. Do you guys even watch other teams around the league?
We're so bad we just grasp for straws and try to stay positive. Someone makes a couple of layups or open shots, you'll have posts about their potential in here. No, Blake Wesley will never be a good NBA player. Neither will Branham or Champagnie. Their best case ceiling is 10th man for regular season rotation that doesn't even play in the playoffs. You don't waste seasons waiting for such players to develop.

I just want to hear the discussions they had before giving Collins that extension. Was there a single team in the league that was thinking about giving $32M to Collins making PATFO react?
I'm sick of family atmosphere and we like what we have bullshit. Yeh, Collins' recovery is a great story, but it doesn't warrant a $32M extension. Spurs saved his career when noone wanted him, he's forever indebted, not the other way around.

I can get behind waiting for the next year's draft, but not going for a star player right away doesn't mean they shouldn't do anything.
This team desperately needs two good veterans. One at point and the other one at wing. No ifs or buts. Having a trash team with no structure whatsoever just stagnates everyone's development.
Winning is the best way to develop young players. Losing builds bad habits and ruins players.

You nailed it with this post. No other coach or front office in any sport would be given this degree of freedom to be bad for so long. Even the most direct contemporary to Pop, Bill Belichick, wasn't given this degree of latitude.

Ever since Pop took the mic to ask fans to stop booing an opposing player shooting FTs and I awoke from my sniffer fever dream, I've been asking the same question: What has PAFTO done in the post-Kawhi era to give anyone confidence that they are the right people to lead this rebuilding effort? Their history of team building 25 years ago is great lore, but it's no longer relevant. The banners hanging from the rafters are something we can be proud of - but they mean jack shit in terms of what happens from here. "Past performance does not guarantee future results", as mandated by the SEC to be disclosed on mutual funds applies here.

This FO has zero accountability. Ownership gives them carte blanche to do what they want, Spurs media asks zero questions, and fans slurp it up like its a Whataburger milkshake.

[scott]

On the positive side... let's for a moment take Brian Windhorst's comment, which is most likely nothing more than his opinion on what they Spurs will do this summer, and assume it comes directly from Pop's mouth and is gospel.

There is still quite a range of outcomes that fall within "not looking to make any big moves/trades and focusing on the 2025 draft". The Spurs could do any of the following and still fit that statement:

The Spurs could quite literally run it back with the same team plus a couple of draft picks. Cedi is the teams only UFA. They could not resign him (though I actually think we may and that might be a good move) and release Graham, and add two new rookies and boom, offseason done. That fits the statement.
The Spurs could send a few SRPs for Brogdon, sign Malik Monk or Grayson Allen, trade Keldon for another vet role player, add some rookies. I wouldn't call any of those "big moves" - they would be big for the Spurs, who usually don't do much, but they aren't big in the context of what normal teams do all the time. This would probably make our team significantly better while preserving all of our draft capital for some other move at the deadline or next offseason. This fits the statement.
The Spurs could do some combination of the above while seeing how the first part of the season shakes up and where those draft picks are trending (and which may or may not convey) and then make a series of small or big moves at the deadline. This fits the statement.
This doesn't fit the statement, but it could also just be smoke, as is apt to happen in the NBA.


This is truly one of those wait and see situations that no one should freak out too much about. However, my previous statements about PAFTO's lack of performance and accountability still stand.

[JeffDuncan]

The Spurs are going to get better as their younger players develop. …


Better than what? Better than the Pistons, is not going to cut it.

The goal is, better than the Nuggets, and better than the Celtics, and the current Spurs roster will never develop that much. The players don’t have enough talent, except Wemby.

It’s odd to overlook how pathetic it is to be talking about using the main Spurs roster for development of players. That’s exactly why the G League team in Austin exists, to develop players and get them ready for the NBA (if they have the talent.)

Using the main roster to try to develop players, so they’re ready for the NBA? It’s a sad situation.

[LeBowen]

You nailed it with this post. No other coach or front office in any sport would be given this degree of freedom to be bad for so long. Even the most direct contemporary to Pop, Bill Belichick, wasn't given this degree of latitude.

Ever since Pop took the mic to ask fans to stop booing an opposing player shooting FTs and I awoke from my sniffer fever dream, I've been asking the same question: What has PAFTO done in the post-Kawhi era to give anyone confidence that they are the right people to lead this rebuilding effort? Their history of team building 25 years ago is great lore, but it's no longer relevant. The banners hanging from the rafters are something we can be proud of - but they mean jack shit in terms of what happens from here. "Past performance does not guarantee future results", as mandated by the SEC to be disclosed on mutual funds applies here.

This FO has zero accountability. Ownership gives them carte blanche to do what they want, Spurs media asks zero questions, and fans slurp it up like its a Whataburger milkshake.

Spurs are probably the biggest overachiever in sports, considering how NBA works and how hard it is to stay competitive, even without the small market factor that makes things even more difficult.
Throughout the history of sports, we've seen a lot of owners/executives/coaches ruin those same teams they took to the top.
Everyone has an expiry date, it's just not possible to stay on top forever without adapting to modern times and adding fresh blood.
You could say that Wright is fairly new, but as long as Pop and RC are here, does anyone really believe he's got the final say?

With that being said, Windhorst is just generating views with his ambiguous takes, I don't really care what he has to say.

[JeffDuncan]

I’m so fucking stupid. I can't even talk sports without injecting my political nonsense. I’m a loser who can't die fast enough. I’ve got a real fucking problem when I can't function without political spin.

I’m this banana. I’m so yellow. I’m so woke.

I’m fucking pathetic.


Easy, Karen. Don’t go shooting at any school buses, ok? Maybe talk to a doctor about a prescription that might help you.

[itzsoweezee]

No big moves isn’t unreasonable. However, bringing on two additional rookies to this already unsavory mix of young players would a big step backwards. They need to either identify the young guys that are potential future pieces this offseason, jettison the rest, and bring in some competent veteran role players, or trade away those ‘24 picks for future assets.

[exstatic]

No big moves isn’t unreasonable. However, bringing on two additional rookies to this already unsavory mix of young players would a big step backwards. They need to either identify the young guys that are potential future pieces this offseason, jettison the rest, and bring in some competent veteran role players, or trade away those ‘24 picks for future assets.

There are literally 5 guys who can be jettisoned that aren’t our draft picks: Barlow,Bassey,Graham,Mamu,and Cedi. Get rid of them, draft two FRPs, and sign or trade for 3 better vets.

[rjv]

Not getting a star doesn’t mean “the same team”. They could very well do what Houston did, signing a couple of selected vets, and improving by 17 games.

ST reading comprehension consists of leaving out important details so as to reach a desired conclusion. like when did 'not signing a star' equate to not making any changes? and who does windhorst consider to be a 'star' anyway? what Bruno posted in the draft thread is spot on: wait and see what they actually do.

[MultiTroll]

Wait a minute, Carlos Boozers son is a twin?

Isn't one of the twins supposed to be can't miss? I know we are talking 2026 draft..

[MultiTroll]

Is there an absolute can't miss pick in the 2025 draft?

Regardless of which team get him. More then 1?

[spurs1990]

Let's draft Sarr in this draft and get Flagg in 2025.

Triple Tower! :lol:toast:lol

Flagg is maybe even worthy enough to tank again to have a shot at. Perfect compliment to Wembanyama for a decade of title chasing.
He'll turn 19 his rookie year - nearly 3 years younger than Victor

[spurraider21]

Is there an absolute can't miss pick in the 2025 draft?

Regardless of which team get him. More then 1?
Flagg seems to be the clear #1 and very much a tank-worthy player

Ace Bailey is another one who seems to be talked about as a true #1 overall type talent

dont know much else beyond that. people like dink pate (the guy who is trying to get eligibility to be drafted this year but probably wont happen)

[spurs10]

You people are so fucking stupid. Can't even talk sports without injecting your political nonsense. You losers can't die off fast enough. You got a real fucking problem when you can't function without political spin.

This banana. So yellow. So woke.

Fucking pathetic. Yeah it's interesting people trying to disparage people by calling them WOKE, as if it's worse than be willfully ignorant.

[taps]

Could focus on 2025 draft mean 3D chess pick-bundling for a good pick and not necessarily tanking? I don’t know anything about the ‘25 class.

[Ginobili2Duncan]

Good video on the topic


https://youtu.be/HRZYEs9Dju0?si=c7pd0ux3f3rJdCn9

There are other examples of teams rushing a rebuild only to end up trapped in mediocrity yet there’s a bunch of people acting like emotional bussies cause the Spurs won’t do the same thing. I think there’s some people on here that still suffer from Kawhi PTSD. It’s got to the point now where some people on here are paranoid that an international player going into his second year is going to want out because his isn’t rushing to be a play in team. It’s best to see how their plan actually unfolds before we have a meltdown.

[Mugen]

I don't think they need to make "big moves" this summer but they have to get better tbh.

Staying pat + adding a top 10 pick isn't good enough IMO.

Graham's partially guaranteed contract is useful. They have a shit ton of cap space AGAIN. They have a plethora of 1st/2nd round picks that could be enticing for a team not looking to contend anytime soon.

They don't have to make a Trae Young type move but the move better not be "bring back the same 20 win squad + rookie." That'd be bullshit :lol

[Mugen]

Not getting a star doesn’t mean “the same team”. They could very well do what Houston did, signing a couple of selected vets, and improving by 17 games.

Houston bringing in a competent coach in Ime has as much to do with that win improvement as FVV and Brooks (who was shit for most of the year). I don't think the Spurs are going to be able to make the massive coaching upgrade that Houston did unfortunately :lol

[MultiTroll]

No big moves isn’t unreasonable. However, bringing on two additional rookies to this already unsavory mix of young players would a big step backwards.
Absolutely.
Any draft pic MUST be NBA worthy, developing yet contributing starter immediately or at the latest by his 3rd year. That is minimum requirement. No exceptions.
Not sure if Indiana sniffed out Haliburton or just got lucky.

No more Popped / Brian Wrong failed experiments.

[MultiTroll]

Flagg seems to be the clear #1 and very much a tank-worthy player

Ace Bailey is another one who seems to be talked about as a true #1 overall type talent

dont know much else beyond that. people like dink pate (the guy who is trying to get eligibility to be drafted this year but probably wont happen)
That's so damn risky tho.
Could you imagine another Popped year of 20-62 only to have the Lotto balls fail us and land at 5 or 6? Would be disastrous.

[z0sa]

If the off-season plan is 'draft and grow' again, PATFO have utterly failed.

[scott]

I don't think they need to make "big moves" this summer but they have to get better tbh.

Staying pat + adding a top 10 pick isn't good enough IMO.

Graham's partially guaranteed contract is useful. They have a shit ton of cap space AGAIN. They have a plethora of 1st/2nd round picks that could be enticing for a team not looking to contend anytime soon.

They don't have to make a Trae Young type move but the move better not be "bring back the same 20 win squad + rookie." That'd be bullshit :lol

I agree with everything you said except the bolded, which I'm not sure is true.

I *think* Graham's partially guaranteed contract is useful only insofar we can release him and recapture about $9.7MM of cap space. I am pretty sure that if we wanted to trade him to another team so that they could save the cap space by releasing him, that would have had to have been done by this past trade deadline. I'd love for someone to check me on this, but I don't believe Graham's contract has value in this way anymore.

Second, I wouldn't say the Spurs have a shit ton of cap space. I believe the Spurs max cap space (meaning they release Graham and renounce all their FAs) would be just a hair under $30MM. If the released Bassey and Champagnie, then they can add another $4-5MM. So it's a decent amount of space, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a "shit ton". (Definitely more than the Spurs ever typically use though!)

[spurraider21]

the best way for the spurs to "focus" on the 2025 draft is to maximize the value of the ATL pick. either trade for one of their guards, or be the third team facilitating such trade. make it in a way so the only good thing the hawks get back are future picks that dont help them at all for the 24-25 season

[MultiTroll]

Could focus on 2025 draft mean 3D chess pick-bundling for a good pick and not necessarily tanking? I don’t know anything about the ‘25 class.
Could we get a history of this?
I just don't recall any modern era and more pointedly recent era (2010 - onward) teams trading away 123 for later multiple picks.
For an absolute find (Flagg?), don't see any current NBA team trading down.

[Mugen]

I agree with everything you said except the bolded, which I'm not sure is true.

I *think* Graham's partially guaranteed contract is useful only insofar we can release him and recapture about $9.7MM of cap space. I am pretty sure that if we wanted to trade him to another team so that they could save the cap space by releasing him, that would have had to have been done by this past trade deadline. I'd love for someone to check me on this, but I don't believe Graham's contract has value in this way anymore.

Second, I wouldn't say the Spurs have a shit ton of cap space. I believe the Spurs max cap space (meaning they release Graham and renounce all their FAs) would be just a hair under $30MM. If the released Bassey and Champagnie, then they can add another $4-5MM. So it's a decent amount of space, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a "shit ton". (Definitely more than the Spurs ever typically use though!)

Not 100% sure either but I thought Graham's '25 contract wasn't guaranteed until free agency starts but I could be wrong.

Fair enough, but I meant "shit ton" as in more than enough to get an impactful, role player heading into next season. Anybody above the 25-30mil/year range and I'd classify that as a "big move"

[scott]

Not 100% sure either but I thought Graham's '25 contract wasn't guaranteed until free agency starts but I could be wrong.

Fair enough, but I meant "shit ton" as in more than enough to get an impactful, role player heading into next season. Anybody above the 25-30mil/year range and I'd classify that as a "big move"

Yeah, I'm not 100% sure on the Graham thing either but someone previously posted this and I remember them pointing specifically to some kind of language. Would love for that person to clarify if they are reading.

Yeah, definitely agree that $25-30MM would be more than enough for a big move terms of what the Spurs normally do.

[lefty]

There are other examples of teams rushing a rebuild only to end up trapped in mediocrity yet there’s a bunch of people acting like emotional bussies cause the Spurs won’t do the same thing. I think there’s some people on here that still suffer from Kawhi PTSD. It’s got to the point now where some people on here are paranoid that an international player going into his second year is going to want out because his isn’t rushing to be a play in team. It’s best to see how their plan actually unfolds before we have a meltdown.
agreed
Kiwi wanted to bolt to his hometown
Wemby is not going back to play in Europe lol

[Leetonidas]

So we're assuming Windy is plugged into the Spurs FO now? :lol

I mean we all knew they probably wouldn't do anything big because that's never been their MO. Windy isn't making any ground shattering predictions here

[Mugen]

So we're assuming Windy is plugged into the Spurs FO now? :lol

I mean we all knew they probably wouldn't do anything big because that's never been their MO. Windy isn't making any ground shattering predictions here

I don't think Windy is a FO mouthpiece but I wouldn't dismiss him either. I think he's definitely close-ish with Wemby's camp who should be pretty plugged into what the FO is thinking in the near-term tbh.

[Dex]

So we're assuming Windy is plugged into the Spurs FO now? :lol

I mean we all knew they probably wouldn't do anything big because that's never been their MO. Windy isn't making any ground shattering predictions here

Exactly. This is like saying "there may be some wind tomorrow" and knowing that there is a 98% chance you'll be right regardless of any "sources"

I know people want the Spurs to suddenly be relevant and successful now that we have Wemby, but I've been saying all along it was still gonna be a 2-3 year project even AFTER we got the #1 pick.

And for anyone who wants to complain about that, some teams spend 2-3 years tanking and NEVER get a first round pick or generational player, so imagine that.

[Joseph Kony]

spurs arent going to show their hand regardless. they probably wont do anything big because they have never been that kind of franchise, but even if they were planning on it, they're not going to tell Windhorst "we're looking to trade for an allstar this offseason." no reason to advertise their plans

[taps]

Could we get a history of this?
I just don't recall any modern era and more pointedly recent era (2010 - onward) teams trading away 123 for later multiple picks.
For an absolute find (Flagg?), don't see any current NBA team trading down.

Maybe if they can swing it in the 5-15 range. 3D chess is a Leonard ppl think is good but only SAS know is an actual Leonard.
I do agree though that this is typical spurs PR talk from last 30 years, they’ve never been that kind of franchise, ain’t telling Windbag anything anyway, etc. Feels like they’re stating the obvious and my expectations haven’t changed since this report came out (imho report means nothing.) Larger conversation is absolutely worth having though. Thanks

[MultiTroll]

Maybe if they can swing it in the 5-15 range. 3D chess is a Leonard ppl think is good but only SAS know is an actual Leonard.
I do agree though that this is typical spurs PR talk from last 30 years, they’ve never been that kind of franchise, ain’t telling Windbag anything anyway, etc. Feels like they’re stating the obvious and my expectations haven’t changed since this report came out (imho report means nothing.) Larger conversation is absolutely worth having though. Thanks
A Leonard - Haliburton find would be an absolute score. Without having to trade up? Huge icing on huge cake.
A Jokic Jr find would be heavenly. That would be Duncan / Wemby level luck required.

I think the board is in more or less consensus to not do a risky maybe - maybe not 1st Round pick. And I'm not a Primo hater, as badly as that turned out. I ascribe part of that to the phony *culture* bullshit fasad that Spurs claimed to possess, but in reality they really had it until...... it died with Timmy Duncans exit.

[Pauleta14]

I don't think Windy is a FO mouthpiece but I wouldn't dismiss him either. I think he's definitely close-ish with Wemby's camp who should be pretty plugged into what the FO is thinking in the near-term tbh.

Yep

+ He's spent a lot of time betweem Austin and SA recently and even seemed to have made one of his podcasts from the Spurs arena (iircc after the Knicks game). He was selling SA's developpment and potential etc

It's just an impression of course, but he clearly has been talking around the organisation recently

[RC_Drunkford]

exactly what I expect from this dumbass FO. They think some of Pop's team dinners and videos of penguins cuddling will improve the team somehow.

[kht]

Kinda disappointed in KJ and Vassell to be honest. Got the bag, Wemby is taking lots of attention off of them... didn't seem like they took the next step this season.

[The Truth #6]

Still weird to me they didn't just say focus on the draft in a general sense. Or other things they didn't say: find talent in 24 draft. Sounds like more long view general statement that is reasonable but not a smart answer if you give a shit about fans.

[exstatic]

Still weird to me they didn't just say focus on the draft in a general sense. Or other things they didn't say: find talent in 24 draft. Sounds like more long view general statement that is reasonable but not a smart answer if you give a shit about fans.

Keep in mind that this is Windy’s interpretation of what they’ll do, but the Spurs run a tight ship, so he’s probably just spitballing.

[weebo]

.

[weebo]

They'll find a couple of decent vets who can compliment Wemby and the system they're trying to implement, keep developing the guys that will be here longterm, and draft some guys they think will fit in the future.

[BacktoBasics]

Easy, Karen. Don’t go shooting at any school buses, ok? Just because I rape small toddlers doesn’t mean I can’t be a sports fan.

I recommend you turn yourself in. Fucking rapey pedo.

[ChumpDumper]

So we're assuming Windy is plugged into the Spurs FO now? :lol

I mean we all knew they probably wouldn't do anything big because that's never been their MO. Windy isn't making any ground shattering predictions here

I'd say it's a fair prediction just from a money standpoint. It will piss off a lot of people (again) but this could be another year of spending just enough to maximize profits for the owners before they enter a spending cycle.

[baseline bum]

Kinda disappointed in KJ and Vassell to be honest. Got the bag, Wemby is taking lots of attention off of them... didn't seem like they took the next step this season.

Gotta think the Spurs will try to move Keldon this summer while he still has some trade value given how terrible a fit he has looked with Victor.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Wemby will sign with the lakers at this rate

[tonight...you]

Wemby will sign with the lakers at this rate
Next week at the latest.

[jesterbobman]

I think that the big thing is that they're focused on building towards a title team, not just being good next year. Sure, if you can trade for Luka, you do it now, but there is a difference between A+ level creators who offer neutral D (Luka is slow, not good defending guards, but he's a huge Mofo so he helps with rebounding and is less susceptible to switching) and A level creators that are big negatives on D.

I think the other thing with a true creator partner is balancing on ball skill and off ball - you don't want to limit Wemby to just being a pick setting big - you want to let him be the dribbler, run inverter 5-1 screens, and space around him, as setting picks is one of his most significant weaknesses.

[deanoden]

Waiting another year makes no sense at all unless they are willing to throw away another season and hope for the best. The Spurs have always been chincy and maybe its just all about the $$$.

[spurraider21]

I think that the big thing is that they're focused on building towards a title team, not just being good next year. Sure, if you can trade for Luka, you do it now, but there is a difference between A+ level creators who offer neutral D (Luka is slow, not good defending guards, but he's a huge Mofo so he helps with rebounding and is less susceptible to switching) and A level creators that are big negatives on D.

I think the other thing with a true creator partner is balancing on ball skill and off ball - you don't want to limit Wemby to just being a pick setting big - you want to let him be the dribbler, run inverter 5-1 screens, and space around him, as setting picks is one of his most significant weaknesses.
being on a good team where the games have stakes and you regularly find yourself in games going down to the wire, playoff type atmospheres... is all very important for player and team development. you hear all the time how the good teams just know how to win, how they always separate at the ends of games. you're not going to get that experience by just being a very bad team over and over again and then suddenly flipping the switch to become a contender

[taps]

Woj Spurs talk I listen to. Same for any team from him
Windhorst Lebron talk I listen to. He is trying to branch out, but do the three ABA teams trust him? Dude does not have his finger on the pulse of the Central Time Zone. I think he’s trying, I wish him luck.
FOs trust Woj with sensitive information, doesn’t to divulge to rivals and and respectfully on time with the breaking news. Protects sources - a lot goes into it.

[TimmyBuckets]

They won't tank again. They'll improve to a play-in/close-to-play-in team at least, at the rate Wemby is growing. They won't really need to tank because Hawks are getting rid of either Trae or DJ or both, and they're gonna be bad so those picks will very likely convey.

[MannyIsGod]

The Spurs need a substantial overhaul this summer. Out of the current roster, I feel the following are players worthy of an NBA rotation slot

Wemby
Vassel
Sochan
Keldon
Tre

Cedi too, and i wouldn't be upset if we brought him back at something like the min but I suspect he'll command more.

Collins is unlikely to be traded and will likely be back, and I really doubt they are going to cut bait on Branhan or Wesley (although I think they should on both)

They should absolutely move on from Champagne, Bassey, and Barlow. All three have shown signs, but we don't have time for that. Cissoko too, honestly, but he's got some guaranteed money. Mamu I might bring back for the right amount but would not be opposed to moving on from him either.

So

Wemby/Collins
Sochan/
Vassel/Keldon
Branham
Tre/Wesley

1-2 FRP

So 9-10 players

We need to fill the remaining roster slots with actual NBA rotation level contributors. They also should not pick up options on Branham or Wesley so they can move on in the near future as well given the load of draft picks me have. This obviously changes in the event of a trade, but we cant' have a roster full of these fringe NBA guys that sometimes when given minutes in low pressure bad team situations show a glimer. Its gotta be over for that.

[Kawhi Duncan]

Spurs can do both, focus on draft and make a decent sized move. I honestly have a feeling of a DDR reunion.DDR would kill the spacing and he is only serviceable with the ball in his hands... He loses everywhere he goes because of that... This isn't 2k

[Kawhi Duncan]

Tanking for years sure helped the 6ers... How many of their drafted players do they still have?

[TekXX]

Cheap ownership, a coach with no accountability and Wright doing our drafting....we're golden.

[Fizziksman]

Trading for Trae in the middle of the season is cheaper than in the summer.

[taps]

I'd say it's a fair prediction just from a money standpoint. It will piss off a lot of people (again) but this could be another year of spending just enough to maximize profits for the owners before they enter a spending cycle.

Does this preclude them from improving to 30 wins (+8 or 9?)

[Sugus]

And POP is right in the thick of it. His influence over the league through all his assistants has helped homogenize the entire league. And POP has become the definition of Woke. "Some guys didn't want to hear the history of Africa, they just wanted to play basketball." - Lamarcus Aldridge.

It's so fucking funny and appropriate that the guy saying this is a career loser with no rings to show for his playing days.

Maybe he should've been more open-minded to get it. Just like you.

[scottspurs]

LOL Brian Windfart doesn’t know what the Spurs are going to do this off-season

[onechance87]

Cheap ownership, a coach with no accountability and Wright doing our drafting....we're golden.

lol

[SouthernFryd]

So

Wemby/Collins
Sochan/
Vassel/Keldon
Branham
Tre/Wesley

1-2 FRP

So 9-10 players

We need to fill the remaining roster slots with actual NBA rotation level contributors.


That's basically this years team. How'd that work out? You think they'll all of sudden get it together and be better? Or, you saying that's gonna be the team again, whether we like it or not?

Because that team...has flat out sucked. They, as a team, are horrible. :)

[TheChillFactor]

I’ve listened to that fatass since he started that podcast- he doesnt know shit.

the next shoe to drop will be the lottery on May 12, lets see what pick(s) they have and then they can put together a plan.

this is all mental masturbation until then

[itzsoweezee]

It's so fucking funny and appropriate that the guy saying this is a career loser with no rings to show for his playing days.


LA was talking about Kawhi in that quote

[bigfan]

Tell you what, its going to be hard this offseason figuring out who isnt worthy of coming back next year. Yeah, the record sucks but these guys are so young. I damn sure would bring Mamu back.

[dbestpro]

Addition by subtraction. Sochan, Johnson, Collins and Branham need to be gone.

[Degoat]

DDR would kill the spacing and he is only serviceable with the ball in his hands... He loses everywhere he goes because of that... This isn't 2k

I don’t think DDR will be brought back lol but you can’t kill spacing with a team that already has no spacing, this team has no spacing at least DDR is a threat to score

[MannyIsGod]

That's basically this years team. How'd that work out? You think they'll all of sudden get it together and be better? Or, you saying that's gonna be the team again, whether we like it or not?

Because that team...has flat out sucked. They, as a team, are horrible. :)

its literally replacing half the roster slots and the worst half at that. Anyone hoping for something more than that is just fooling themselves. If we replace the bottom of this team with 4-5 actual rotation level NBA players then this team will be substantially better next year.

[ChumpDumper]

Does this preclude them from improving to 30 wins (+8 or 9?)Not at all; I just don't think that kind of improvement will come from spending a lot of money next season.

[SouthernFryd]

its literally replacing half the roster slots and the worst half at that. Anyone hoping for something more than that is just fooling themselves. If we replace the bottom of this team with 4-5 actual rotation level NBA players then this team will be substantially better next year.

It's not replacing the worst of the team...which are the starters. The Starters, sans Wemby...are responsible for this horrible record. And you're not replacing them.

What is it that Einstein said? "Insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting different results."

Replacing the non-starters but keeping most of the starters...is basically doing the same thing but expecting different results. The Bench is not our worst problem. In fact, I've been more happy with them than the starters as of late.

[Kevin]

I really hope this is all a smoke screen. Spurs will quickly have more firsts than they can realistically need. Go get Trae Young and make a run at Lauri too.

[CGD]

I really hope this is all a smoke screen. Spurs will quickly have more firsts than they can realistically need. Go get Trae Young and make a run at Lauri too.

Nah, I’ll roll with the FRPs.

There is a possible scenario where they have two quality FRPs in each of the next 3 drafts, and then a lotto pick for each of the 3 after that.

2024: SAS & TOR picks
2025: SAS & ATL picks
2026: Best of SAS/ATL & CHI pick
2027: SAS & ATL pick (SAS will to be good tho)
2028: Best of SAS/BOS
2029: Best of SAS/DAL

As good as Wemby is now, he is not a final product, but after those 3 drafts? He’ll be entering the beginning of his true prime, as scary a thought that is for the rest of the league. I’ll take as many draft chances to find quality around him, while replenishing having enough to replenish the ranks (either with those picks or cycling through prospects to get most assets for later ala DJ, White, Keldon, etc.)

[exstatic]

Nah, I’ll roll with the FRPs.

There is a possible scenario where they have two quality FRPs in each of the next 3 drafts, and then a lotto pick for each of the 3 after that.

2024: SAS & TOR picks
2025: SAS & ATL picks
2026: Best of SAS/ATL & CHI pick
2027: SAS & ATL pick (SAS will to be good tho)
2028: Best of SAS/BOS
2030: Best of SAS/DAL

As good as Wemby is now, he is not a final product, but after those 3 drafts? He’ll be entering the beginning of his true prime, as scary a thought that is for the rest of the league. I’ll take as many draft chances to find quality around him, while replenishing having enough to replenish the ranks (either with those picks or cycling through prospects to get most assets for later ala DJ, White, Keldon, etc.)

One correction…

[Knoxxx]

You replace the bottom of your roster with as good or better players as the top. That’s the general principle. Everyone has been a good Spur and we should not be happy to see them go. Wemby will want most his teammates back and that is the most important thing nobody seems to focus on. I’m not worried about who stays or goes, just looking to enjoy the ride and pull for the carryovers and new additions to the supporting cast. We have been blessed and we know where this is headed. I want to win now but I’ll take it when it comes and know it’s inevitable either way. We already showed Wemby and my daughter’s 4th grade church team can beat the top teams in the West on a good night. We got this!

[HemisfairArena]

Winning franchises swing for the fences like the Yankees and Lakers,,,,you may not win it all the time but you take the chance. Spurs arent that type of franchise,,,,Wemby will be gone when his rookie contract is up. He has already said he wants to win now,,,,and his 1st season was wasted,,,,3 more to go on the contract and Spurs management on the clock. Kiss the phenom goodbye if they dont at least make the playoffs next year,,,,he'll just bide his time for the last two years of his contract. He wont be a Mike Trout and re-sign with a losing organization for a record contract,,,,no chance.

[Ignazzz]

Spurs Should stay calm till summer. Indication „no move” is foolish.
wait for end of RS/PI or PO and see who is going nuclear

pretty simple. Use assets for being first in the raid for two stars.
Who knows?
Golden? Hax? Cavs? Kings will be great partners. More deal with Raps? Bucks with Doc’s fiasco?

or make a deal with Hax Picks for Trae and forward and sending them in 3 way deal somewhere else.

Fox or Sabonis wants out. No problem. Shuffle with kings
other team? Great.

go for Trae anyway. As a pit stop or new co-leader.

[RC_Drunkford]

1773858729672249563

spurstalk: „He‘s just making things up“

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSS9HA5qgIA

Prayingdog.jpeg

[Degoat]

I don’t think we should sit on our hands and wait to get better but I was just just looking at west standings, just to be in Play-in contention you need 45 wins, that’s pretty wild lol that’s probably the reason spurs will be patient.

[MannyIsGod]

It's not replacing the worst of the team...which are the starters. The Starters, sans Wemby...are responsible for this horrible record. And you're not replacing them.

What is it that Einstein said? "Insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting different results."

Replacing the non-starters but keeping most of the starters...is basically doing the same thing but expecting different results. The Bench is not our worst problem. In fact, I've been more happy with them than the starters as of late.

There's so much abject stupidity in this post. Its a pretty stupid argument that NBA proven players like Vassel and Keldon are somehow worse than fringe NBA players. The idea that they are the worst part of the team is based on what exactly? Secondly, keeping those players on the team doesn't mean you keep the same lineups. The point of bringing in other players is to bring in more talent and the Spurs should be looking to bring in an actual starting PG at the very least.

Acting like replacing literally half of a 15 person roster is the same as running it back is fucking stupid. There are no good free agent 2nd level stars on the market, and I think they would be wise to look for one via trade, but by far the most likely outcome is that they replace the worst parts of this roster with much better players and raise the overall talent level of this team.

[scott]

There's so much abject stupidity in this post. Its a pretty stupid argument that NBA proven players like Vassel and Keldon are somehow worse than fringe NBA players. The idea that they are the worst part of the team is based on what exactly? Secondly, keeping those players on the team doesn't mean you keep the same lineups. The point of bringing in other players is to bring in more talent and the Spurs should be looking to bring in an actual starting PG at the very least.

Acting like replacing literally half of a 15 person roster is the same as running it back is fucking stupid. There are no good free agent 2nd level stars on the market, and I think they would be wise to look for one via trade, but by far the most likely outcome is that they replace the worst parts of this roster with much better players and raise the overall talent level of this team.

I think the point is that you appear to be suggesting that replacing the guys who don’t play with better guys who won’t play will somehow make an appreciable difference. But, I think what you are actually saying is replace the guys who don’t play with good players who will play and turn guys like Branham into an end of bench player.

But in the end, I see the point that the main reason we are bad is that our key players suck, and until they are replaced, then we’ll continue to suck. Improving the end of the bench isn’t going to do anything (I think you both agree with this point).

[itzsoweezee]

There's so much abject stupidity in this post. Its a pretty stupid argument that NBA proven players like Vassel and Keldon are somehow worse than fringe NBA players. The idea that they are the worst part of the team is based on what exactly? Secondly, keeping those players on the team doesn't mean you keep the same lineups. The point of bringing in other players is to bring in more talent and the Spurs should be looking to bring in an actual starting PG at the very least.

Acting like replacing literally half of a 15 person roster is the same as running it back is fucking stupid. There are no good free agent 2nd level stars on the market, and I think they would be wise to look for one via trade, but by far the most likely outcome is that they replace the worst parts of this roster with much better players and raise the overall talent level of this team.

The quality of player isn’t the whole story. Their fit with Wemby is more important. Donovan Mitchell is a better player than Garland, but the latter would be a better fit with Wemby. Keldon and Sochan might be better than a lot of NBA players out there, but this year they were not good fits with wemby.

[z0sa]

^ exactly. The goal of PATFO shouldn't be to simply draft highest, or attain the best possible players. It's to build a team that can be successful in a title hunt surrounding Wemby.

Vassell is a great scorer in his own right but he and Wemby's chemistry is less than expected after a whole season of suckitude tbh.

[BackHome]

The quality of player isn’t the whole story. Their fit with Wemby is more important. Donovan Mitchell is a better player than Garland, but the latter would be a better fit with Wemby. Keldon and Sochan might be better than a lot of NBA players out there, but this year they were not good fits with wemby.

Excellent point when looking at this draft I have to keep asking myself the question who really will fit with Wemby. I understand getting talent but especially in this draft I would probably look more for fit then potential

[onechance87]

^ exactly. The goal of PATFO shouldn't be to simply draft highest, or attain the best possible players. It's to build a team that can be successful in a title hunt surrounding Wemby.

Vassell is a great scorer in his own right but he and Wemby's chemistry is less than expected after a whole season of suckitude tbh.

yup felt wemby had more connection with branham at times then vassell.But we all know vassell is more talented.Thought collins would fit with
wemby,But didnt work out so well compared to mamu who seems to connect with wemby.

[TVI]

Exactly. This is like saying "there may be some wind tomorrow" and knowing that there is a 98% chance you'll be right regardless of any "sources"
​​
I know people want the Spurs to suddenly be relevant and successful now that we have Wemby, but I've been saying all along it was still gonna be a 2-3 year project even AFTER we got the #1 pick.

And for anyone who wants to complain about that, some teams spend 2-3 years tanking and NEVER get a first round pick or generational player, so imagine that.

Agreed.

It's fascinating to me how some people don't see the clear and obvious improvement in the Spurs since the All-Star break. It's like the last 30 games never happened to some. Their passing got better, their decision making got better, and they know what they have on the current roster.

This season was about figuring out what Wemby can and can't do (yet) and adjusting to playing with him and each other. That wasn't going to happen in a week or a month. They are so much better than their record, and that was never clearer than the Denver game.

The Spurs could do absolutely nothing in the off season and they will still be a likely play-in team next year. But since we know they're likely to get a top 5 pick, they're going to get better in the draft. On that topic, most mock drafts have them picking up Topic, but I think Risacher is a great fit with a higher ceiling. If they manage to strike lightning again and get the #1, then Sarr is a must-have.

[scott]

Excellent point when looking at this draft I have to keep asking myself the question who really will fit with Wemby. I understand getting talent but especially in this draft I would probably look more for fit then potential

I really like the Risacher/Buzelis archetype next to Wemby, the same way I'd like Lauri Markkenen or MPJ next to Wemby. Whether Risacher or Buzelis will be good NBA players is the next question...

[SouthernFryd]

There's so much abject stupidity in this post. Its a pretty stupid argument that NBA proven players like Vassel and Keldon are somehow worse than fringe NBA players. The idea that they are the worst part of the team is based on what exactly?

Based on the obvious. They started the games and we've been horrible. Our record pretty much speaks for itself...and the starters.

Sometimes the obvious...is just too obvious sometimes. "Nah, that ain't it. It's something else..."

And so it goes...

[MannyIsGod]

Based on the obvious. They started the games and we've been horrible. Our record pretty much speaks for itself...and the starters.

Sometimes the obvious...is just too obvious sometimes. "Nah, that ain't it. It's something else..."

And so it goes...

The starting lineup that finished the season before injuries was a positive lineup. Compare that to the bench. Just fucking stupid.

[MannyIsGod]

I think the point is that you appear to be suggesting that replacing the guys who don’t play with better guys who won’t play will somehow make an appreciable difference.

it takes almost willful ignorance to read my post that way. I never say anything about keeping the starters the same and I even talk about getting RID of one completely. Simply put, this team needs more talent. About a third of the roster are players who are capable of playing in an NBA level rotation and since its pretty fucking clear we're not going to replace 14 players in one off season around Wemby, we should replace the ones who are atrocious first. They also happen to be the ones we can move away from without a financial hit. I don't particularly want to see Zach Collins on this team but it's not financially feasible to cut him and just eat that dead salary for two years so it is what it is.

[MannyIsGod]

The quality of player isn’t the whole story. Their fit with Wemby is more important. Donovan Mitchell is a better player than Garland, but the latter would be a better fit with Wemby. Keldon and Sochan might be better than a lot of NBA players out there, but this year they were not good fits with wemby.

Ok, but are you going to replace all 14 players this year? I never said we shouldn't pick up players who are also good fits with Wemby. That's absolutely important. But we're going to have - AT THE VERY LEAST - 5-6 players from this year's roster on next years and if that's the case then it should be the ones who are capable of playing the best. Wemby also isn't going to be playing 48 minutes so there are important bench minutes to be had when he's not out there.

[The Truth #6]

The question then shifts to who are the worst players to replace. I'd say Branham and Wesley are two of the worst, but I don't see them leaving. So then it seems like upgrading Graham (who wasn't that bad actually) or Mamu (mostly same situation as Graham) or Osman. If they can get better players than Graham, Mamu, or Cedi, then that's great. But I don't see them making medium sized moves or getting rid of Wesley or Branham. So probably Graham and Cedi are gone...and replaced by two first round picks. There has to be internal development or the team could actually get slightly worse with two more rookies learning how to play NBA level basketball. Feeling pessimistic at the moment, I'm preparing for the possibility of regression to start the season. Lol.

[Pauleta14]

The question then shifts to who are the worst players to replace. I'd say Branham and Wesley are two of the worst, but I don't see them leaving. So then it seems like upgrading Graham (who wasn't that bad actually) or Mamu (mostly same situation as Graham) or Osman. If they can get better players than Graham, Mamu, or Cedi, then that's great. But I don't see them making medium sized moves or getting rid of Wesley or Branham. So probably Graham and Cedi are gone...and replaced by two first round picks. There has to be internal development or the team could actually get slightly worse with two more rookies learning how to play NBA level basketball. Feeling pessimistic at the moment, I'm preparing for the possibility of regression to start the season. Lol.

I agree (unfortunately) for Brahman, Pop seems to like him, but if we draft a PG I could see Wesley gone

[Mr. Body]

The idea of getting rid of players and then replacing them has things wrong. Even if you don't like a player like Vassell, it takes a lot of resources and attempts to replace him. This isn't a video game. It's actually really hard to find a Devin Vassell.

I figure these players are semi-'core' for the next 2-3 years: Wemby, Vassell, Sochan, Keldon, Branham, Collins, Jones

Those are players they won't want to move. Yes, I hear the snickers about Collins, but he's been very good in the past and isn't a player type easy to replace. Branham is more questionable but the signs are trending very positive.

These are the players who are in an uncertain category: Champagnie, Bassey, Wesley, Barlow, Mamukelashvili, Sissoko

It's not hard to see any of these players not here after next year, but it's too early to easily get rid of any of them now, as they are still developing. Can I imagine a better player than Barlow, Bassey, or Wesley coming along? Absolutely. But we don't know who these players are yet. I should probably put Cissoko in the first group, but have him here for now.

And then finally Graham and Osman. Graham is probably gone, Osman may go for other opportunities.

My guess is they'll go for two rookies in the draft, regardless of whether Toronto conveys. The rest of the players are a mix of guys with little value for trades but whose ceilings are unclear and then guys the team won't easily part from.

[TheChillFactor]

Most of us feel like Vassell is a lock to stay but I wonder. He has the most value of the team in a trade and I feel like at this point he looks like more of a #3 than a #2 on a title team.

[z0sa]

Most of us feel like Vassell is a lock to stay but I wonder. He has the most value of the team in a trade and I feel like at this point he looks like more of a #3 than a #2 on a title team.

I'd love him to stay -- with the clear expectation we're drafting or trading for a #2. He will still get his and then some, obviously. There's no reason he can't be a career 18-20PPG scorer and make hundreds of millions as a #3.

[LeBowen]

The idea of getting rid of players and then replacing them has things wrong. Even if you don't like a player like Vassell, it takes a lot of resources and attempts to replace him. This isn't a video game.

Agreed.


It's actually really hard to find a Devin Vassell.

Not really, shooting guards subpar in every aspect of the game other than scoring are the most common archetype in the league these days.


Yes, I hear the snickers about Collins, but he's been very good in the past and isn't a player type easy to replace.

Key word: past.
That's the issue with most sports fans. They can't accept that players can improve or decline.
Collins has been disgustingly bad in every aspect of the game this season. To make it even worse, he's been bad against bench bigs, not just starters.
He's actually really easy to replace. The entire presumption before this season was that Collins would be a good floor spacer next to Wemby.
During the season we've seen that Wemby is a center, not a power forward. Collins will never start or play next to Wemby again.
We don't need a stretch big for our bench, it actually has solid spacing. What we need is a ~15mpg backup who's a solid rim protector, can run the floor and gets some rebounds. That type of player definitely doesn't cost $16M a year.


Branham is more questionable but the signs are trending very positive.

Signs of what? He's a (lot) worse version of Vassell. You can find similar players everywhere.
I wouldn't cut him just for the sake of it, he should get another season, but I don't see the positive signs.
He's an atrocious defender and has no playmaking skills.
In today's league, the only guards that survive without those skills are the very best shooters.


These are the players who are in an uncertain category: Champagnie, Bassey, Wesley, Barlow, Mamukelashvili, Sissoko

Why would Champagnie be in uncertain category? He's on a bargain deal, doesn't affect the cap, has some size and is a decent shooter.
Keep until we find someone better.
Cissoko is also on a rookie deal, he's shown something, keep him as a third stringer, maybe he improves and earns minutes.
I don't think Wesley will ever be good enough, but Spurs tend to keep players like him until there's no hope left.
Bassey's knees are shot.
Barlow isn't good enough, maybe he stays as a third stringer, irrelevant in the bigger picture.



My guess is they'll go for two rookies in the draft, regardless of whether Toronto conveys. The rest of the players are a mix of guys with little value for trades but whose ceilings are unclear and then guys the team won't easily part from.

Don't forget two second rounders. Spurs own is almost a late first rounder since there's so much uncertainty in the draft.

[Spurs Homer]

Addition by subtraction. Vassell, Johnson, Collins and Branham need to be gone.



fify

[spurraider21]

Branham is more questionable but the signs are trending very positive.
:lmao

[Pauleta14]

Most of us feel like Vassell is a lock to stay but I wonder. He has the most value of the team in a trade and I feel like at this point he looks like more of a #3 than a #2 on a title team.

I used to think so to but I've changed my mind, it makes sense to wait at least one more year to see if he can build a chemistry with Wemby. He showed real improvements since the ASG and he just said in his post season interview that he intends to work with Victor this summer on their 2 man game.

There are other priorities and trade commodities imo

[Dejounte]

Vassell may not be a #2 and he may be a #3 but can someone provide a list of #3 options in the league that the team can realistically trade for?

[spurraider21]

i wouldnt see the point in moving vassell. there isnt an available trade target where it would make sense to make him part of the deal. unless you are getting a luka type player which i know is not in the cards, i wouldnt include him in anything

[MannyIsGod]

Not a single player on this team outside of Wemby should be untradeable but the amount of trades that it makes sense to include Vassel in are not going to be very high. Obviously, I would love to have a player who is better than Vassal in that position, but just moving him to move him is stupid. It's not wrong that its going to be hard to upgrade from him. The last two months of the year he average 21ppg, 4 rebounds, and ~5 assists. That's not nothing. That's a pretty damn good stat line honestly.

[scott]

The only way I could see Vassell moving would be if it is in a big, multi-player move (either two team or multiple team deal) that brings wholesale changes.

One example would be some package that includes Vassell and other assets to BKY for Bridges, Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson. Or some kind of multi-team deal that brings the Spurs multiple core pieces/starting caliber players.

I put the probability of that happening as extremely low, and thus the likelihood of Vassell not being on the team next year is also very low. I could see Vassell being asked for in a theoretical trade for a Trae Young or Darius Garland, but I also think that might be enough of an ask to turn the Spurs off from making such a move.

With that said, hopefully the FO is open minded to any move that doesn't involve Wemby. Vassell isn't good enough to be off-limits.

[TimmyBuckets]

Vassell and Sochan aren't going anywhere