Shams: The timeline to winning starts now

[Dejounte]

https://x.com/josh810/status/1785354111669408240?s=46

[heyheymymy]

Wemby era of the NBA begins

[Mugen]

Just because the hamster is back up and running, doesn't mean that every Shams/Windy soundbite needs its own thread tbh :lol

[Joseph Kony]

we all know how NBA media works. this is basically Vic's camp putting it out there that Spurs need to be aggressive and not just sit around waiting for someone on the roster to magically turn into an all star level player

[LeBowen]

Noone told Shams that we like what we have. :pop:

Imo, a couple of good veterans is a must. Similar to what Rockets did, just without paying so much.
We're not getting close to top5 in the next draft with so many bad teams and teams that are on the verge of blowing it up.

Finally start playing some actual basketball, fight for the play in, see what happens in 2025 draft and playoffs because a lot of playoff teams will be done after the next season and then start making serious moves.
Top6 seed in 25/26 season should be the objective and becoming a serious contender from 26/27 season is a must.
If they fuck up with all the assets we have, heads need to roll.

[Ariel]

"there's a ton of interest in playing with Wemby"
"the Spurs are going to be in play, they're going to be rumored, they're going to be talked about with legitimately every top flight PG in the market place"
"there's at least some level of interest in seeing what kind of all star caliber point guard can they bring in there"
"we don't know yet will the Hawks be open for business on Trae Young, what is his future there"
"Victor Wembanyama... what he showed this year, he made it clear his timeline to winning starts now "

So Wemby is ready and wants to win, players would like to play with him, that will generate talk, he has no idea what the Hawks are going to do with Trae, and if an all star PG becomes available the Spurs will consider,

All quotes that show as much insight as I have into what the Spurs have in mind. Nothing to see here.

[Mr. Body]

Warriors and Lakers are dunzo. Suns are a joke. Clippers are soon behind. Dallas is good but shaky. Minnesota has big cap problems. Rockets may be good, but are jammed with weird fits. OKC looks tremendous. I can't remember anyone else of note in the West other than Denver. In the East, it's the Celtics and a bunch of mediocre headcases.

The league is wide open. Players see where things might start shifting.

[spurraider21]

Warriors and Lakers are dunzo. Suns are a joke. Clippers are soon behind. Dallas is good but shaky. Minnesota has big cap problems. Rockets may be good, but are jammed with weird fits. OKC looks tremendous. I can't remember anyone else of note in the West other than Denver. In the East, it's the Celtics and a bunch of mediocre headcases.

The league is wide open. Players see where things might start shifting.
so what you're saying is...

the western conference hasn't been this bad in a really long time

[Leetonidas]

Warriors and Lakers are dunzo. Suns are a joke. Clippers are soon behind. Dallas is good but shaky. Minnesota has big cap problems. Rockets may be good, but are jammed with weird fits. OKC looks tremendous. I can't remember anyone else of note in the West other than Denver. In the East, it's the Celtics and a bunch of mediocre headcases.

The league is wide open. Players see where things might start shifting.

You said basically the same thing last year while claiming 2024's West "hasn't been this bad in a long time," when the 10th seed won 46 games and would be the 8th seed in the East while the West 6th seed would have been the 3rd seed in the East and the West's 1-5th seeds would have all had the 2nd best record in the East. Do you ever get tired of being wrong? :lol

[objective]

"Winning right now? That's not who we are." - :pop:

[itzsoweezee]

Hold onto those Atlanta picks for dear life. That franchise is going nowhere but down. Probably the same for that Chicago pick.

[LeBowen]

You said basically the same thing last year while claiming 2024's West "hasn't been this bad in a long time," when the 10th seed won 46 games and would be the 8th seed in the East while the West 6th seed would have been the 3rd seed in the East and the West's 1-5th seeds would have all had the 2nd best record in the East. Do you ever get tired of being wrong? :lol

Yeah, the West is good, what does he expect, six teams that are legit title contenders?
We're a very long way off right now.

Denver and Minnesota look good for the foreseeable future.
OKC is already looking scary, really not good for us.
Dallas looks better than they ever did with Luka, luckily for us they've got no assets left.

It will take a lot to become better than these teams.

Don't forget about the Grizzlies. If Morant gets his shit together, they're in that top tier again next season.
I'm sure they'll get one of Sarr/Clingan/Edey in the draft.

NOLA and Kings aren't legit contenders, but still good teams and the first obstacle for the Spurs. Got to get better than them to make the playoffs.
Veteran teams will be done after the next season.
Rockets lack a franchise player, but I expect them to be in NOLA/Kings tier really soon.

That's 8 teams already.

[Degoat]

The spurs are far away but… it’s not unreasonable to think with the right moves they could be a playoff team. If the guy they draft surprises and contributes immediately, if they are able to find the right stop gap player, and the biggest not talked about enough is wemby in year 2…

[Knoxxx]

What’s being glossed over here is the colossal impact Wemby was starting to have on both ends which showed evidence of being to keep pace with any team in the West. The clubbing of OKC, the win over DEN and other playoff teams. NOBODY was really looking to lock horns with Wemby as the season wore down. That includes the Joker, Doncic, and SGA.

We are not as far off as people think. Yes the roster can improve a lot, but led by Wemby it will not take as much to tip the scales into a winning team as some seem to think.

[Trill Clinton]

"there's a ton of interest in playing with Wemby"
"the Spurs are going to be in play, they're going to be rumored, they're going to be talked about with legitimately every top flight PG in the market place"
"there's at least some level of interest in seeing what kind of all star caliber point guard can they bring in there"
"we don't know yet will the Hawks be open for business on Trae Young, what is his future there"
"Victor Wembanyama... what he showed this year, he made it clear his timeline to winning starts now "

So Wemby is ready and wants to win, players would like to play with him, that will generate talk, he has no idea what the Hawks are going to do with Trae, and if an all star PG becomes available the Spurs will consider,

All quotes that show as much insight as I have into what the Spurs have in mind. Nothing to see here.

Pretty much. It's amusing watching these guys struggle for content and trying to cover the most secretive front office in the league.

[spurs1990]

Wembanyama has 3 years before he can legitimately pull a Leonard. No need to allow him to dictate terms at least for next year. Secondarily what is his desire - winning team, high seed in the playoffs, or contending for a title.

He can be told by the FO that the last option is what they're building towards. You're 20 years old, pump the brakes. Now if he is truly unique in that he can anchor a contender at that young of an age... But history says that's not realistic

[Knoxxx]

The window is more like 9 years as nobody can pay Wemby more than us and there is no doubt nor will there be that this is his franchise. That said, we ain’t wasting any time. The end of this season had a different feel than last. We were playing many tanking teams down the stretch which gave us a more optimistic outlook on some of our young prospects. This time, we were beating playoff teams and Wemby was doing things like guarding Jokic all over the court and making him cough the ball up early in possessions. Sochan also was showing that he can potentially be an elite stopper on the ball dominant larger PGs such as Doncic and SGA.

We just need to keep infusing talent, watch the young players develop and benefit from continuity and knowing the system, as well as selectively add a few vets that don’t break the bank.

[LeBowen]

The thing is that Wemby isn't on a "let's hope we win one" timeline, he's on "I want to be the GOAT" timeline. And there's no time to lose on that one.
If Spurs aren't a legit playoff threat in 2026, that timeline is already jeopardized.

Chet being on Thunder is really unlucky for us. While he's obviously an inferior player, they're in prime position to dominate for many years.
And then Wemby could find himself in Wilt-Russell situation. Can't have his peer win more and faster, regardless of how much of an advantage OKC had and how much of a better player Wemby is. Those are just semantics in mainstream media's eyes.

Next season should be the final season where Spurs aren't a legit playoff team. Make all the moves necessary for Wemby's Robin to be on the roster in summer of 2025.
We already know this kid is ridiculously good and he'll most likely average 25/12/5/2/4 as soon as the next season. Can't tank with such monster on your roster.

[BacktoBasics]

We need players who play games. Half these “all stars” only play half a season. You can get shit done with those types of people.

[onechance87]

That collins contract ext really fucked us.

[Knoxxx]

That collins contract ext really fucked us.

Seems like we could easily trade him and a draft pick and get back a better player. If it made sense. He actually started to thrive a bit with the 2nd unit as the season went on. His 3 ball returned and his points per minute was high.

[SpursBills]

The thing is that Wemby isn't on a "let's hope we win one" timeline, he's on "I want to be the GOAT" timeline. And there's no time to lose on that one.
If Spurs aren't a legit playoff threat in 2026, that timeline is already jeopardized.

Chet being on Thunder is really unlucky for us. While he's obviously an inferior player, they're in prime position to dominate for many years.
And then Wemby could find himself in Wilt-Russell situation. Can't have his peer win more and faster, regardless of how much of an advantage OKC had and how much of a better player Wemby is. Those are just semantics in mainstream media's eyes.

Next season should be the final season where Spurs aren't a legit playoff team. Make all the moves necessary for Wemby's Robin to be on the roster in summer of 2025.
We already know this kid is ridiculously good and he'll most likely average 25/12/5/2/4 as soon as the next season. Can't tank with such monster on your roster.

All of this. Unfortunately, OKC is probably the team that stands in the way the most of Wemby winning for the next decade. With their war chest of picks, young talent, and big 3 that all synergizes, there are several moves open to them in the near future that could make them easy championship favorites for a least a couple years without having to sacrifice much

1. Durant asks out (again), gets traded for a truckload of picks. SGA-JDub-Durant-Chet. Championship
2. Markannen for a truckload of picks. SGA-JDub-Lauri-Chet. Championship
3. Giannis gets pissed and asks out, traded for JDub and a truckload of picks. SGA-Giannis-Chet. Championship.

Unfortunately, their new ownership group has fully indicated a willingness to spend so that eliminates OKC's prior biggest weakness, which was an unwillingness to pay the tax. They have a better front office, more talent, and are on the same timeline. If Wemby is championships or bust long term, any move that SA makes from here on out may have to keep OKC's lineup in mind which is why I am less and less in favor of a Trae Young trade. At least with multiple lottery picks you have a shot of picking guys who wouldn't get mercilessly hunted by SGA while simultaneously getting buttfucked by Dort and Cason Wallace on the other end.

[BackHome]

Players are not lining up to play for Wemby as we never had people lining up to play with Duncan and Timmy. The organization knows what it is doing and Pop pretty much all ready said they not going to rush things and I don’t want to be like Dallas who pretty much have no way to make there team better because of bad decisions. As I have said many times I think we are looking at getting our future Co Stars in the 2025 draft as it has legit Star level talent for SG & SF. And we are set up with draft picks from multiple teams that year.

I am also cool if they want to make trades but I am not giving up my first round draft picks. But if they want to trade any of our players feel free to include them and as many of our second rounds picks as needed

[tonight...you]

The thing is that Wemby isn't on a "let's hope we win one" timeline, he's on "I want to be the GOAT" timeline. And there's no time to lose on that one.
If Spurs aren't a legit playoff threat in 2026, that timeline is already jeopardized.

Chet being on Thunder is really unlucky for us. While he's obviously an inferior player, they're in prime position to dominate for many years.
And then Wemby could find himself in Wilt-Russell situation. Can't have his peer win more and faster, regardless of how much of an advantage OKC had and how much of a better player Wemby is. Those are just semantics in mainstream media's eyes.

Next season should be the final season where Spurs aren't a legit playoff team. Make all the moves necessary for Wemby's Robin to be on the roster in summer of 2025.
We already know this kid is ridiculously good and he'll most likely average 25/12/5/2/4 as soon as the next season. Can't tank with such monster on your roster.
You know what I love about this?
Our team has such drama and things to worry and care about now.
The past few years we were dealing with ennui and faint hope.

This is where life lives!

[TD 21]

Mostly agree about the Thunder, but they also might be part of the impetus that gives this overly conservative organization the kick in the ass it needs to do something outside of their comfort zone.


Hold onto those Atlanta picks for dear life. That franchise is going nowhere but down. Probably the same for that Chicago pick.

The goal of those picks is to yield a (co) star, either directly or via trade, not to hoard them.

No, this isn't an unabashed endorsement for Young or any particular individual, just the reality when you luck into a GOAT caliber prospect.

This organization is being welcomed to the real NBA, where you usually don't have the luxury of letting great be the enemy of good.

Either now or later, when Wembanyama's impatience mounts, this likely ends with the having to do what they don't want and trading for a flawed co-star.

[Dejounte]

https://x.com/magicjohnson/status/1785348014569341230?s=46

Don’t show this to BackHome

I’m kidding with you buddy

[Limguogolo]

There are three types of journalists.

- Those who share the facts.
- Those who endlessly comment on possible hypotheses based on evidence, rumors or confidences inflated like duck faces.
- And those who jabber narratives in order to hide the fact that they have no facts to share.

Shame Charabia likes narratives.

The sports insider has as much value as a conspiracy journalist. You have to love fairy tales to pay attention to these stories.

[timtonymanu]

Yes, I'm not even saying it's Trae young or bust at this point. But the Spurs need to be aggressive in improving this team and not just hoping Sochan and Branham break out in year 3 like dumb Mr Body says. This team desperately needs upgrade in talent.

I don't know if that's possible with "That's not who we are" Popovich thought. I'm expecting him to mostly run back the same team and just hope the player improve.

[Dejounte]

There are three types of journalists.

- Those who share the facts.
- Those who endlessly comment on possible hypotheses based on evidence, rumors or confidences inflated like duck faces.
- And those who jabber narratives in order to hide the fact that they have no facts to share.

Shame Charabia likes narratives.

The sports insider has as much value as a conspiracy journalist. You have to love fairy tales to pay attention to these stories.

Umm… what? :lmao Shams, along with Woj, is one of the most reputable journalists in all of sports. He typically posts breaking news before everyone else. I think you are confusing him with Stephen A Smith. I know they’re both brown but one of them has a receding hairline and the other one doesn’t.

[baseline bum]

LOL Magic throwing shade at Kawhi and Harden there

[poopbox]

Surprised at that Spurs calling about Dejounte line. At least somebody in the front office has their head on straight.

As an aside, when Dillingham declared he straight up said he would love to team up with Victor. I legit have never seen a draftee do that before. Usually they do the whole "i would love to go to any organization blah blah blah". Dude straight up said yeah I could really see myself playing with Victor.

From a basketball perspective it's a no brainer. Playing with a big who is already looking like an all timer defensively who draws tons of attention on offense is going to get somebody a shit ton of open shots. And the bar is so low in SA from years of losing that all you would have to do is just make the playoffs probably for 2 years with no real pressure to win anything. San Antonio is in get back on the map mode, which is a ways away from championship mode.

[PhantomDashCam]

With Philly likely eliminated tonight, I wonder if they start to legitimately consider trading Embiid.
If that’s the case, I do wonder whether a potential sign and trade for Maxey may be a possibility.

As good as Maxey is, I don’t think he’s a #1 option long term and Philly/Maxey may look to pivot from this teams construction completely.

[Degoat]

With Philly likely eliminated tonight, I wonder if they start to legitimately consider trading Embiid.
If that’s the case, I do wonder whether a potential sign and trade for Maxey may be a possibility.

As good as Maxey is, I don’t think he’s a #1 option long term and Philly/Maxey may look to pivot from this teams construction completely.

Very unlikely but Emiid has looked so defeated ever since this Knicks series started. These teams like 76ers, Clippers, Lakers, Suns all kinda have that same vibe. They invest every single dollar & asset they can but it never moves the needle enough

[itzsoweezee]

Mostly agree about the Thunder, but they also might be part of the impetus that gives this overly conservative organization the kick in the ass it needs to do something outside of their comfort zone.



The goal of those picks is to yield a (co) star, either directly or via trade, not to hoard them.

No, this isn't an unabashed endorsement for Young or any particular individual, just the reality when you luck into a GOAT caliber prospect.

This organization is being welcomed to the real NBA, where you usually don't have the luxury of letting great be the enemy of good.

Either now or later, when Wembanyama's impatience mounts, this likely ends with the having to do what they don't want and trading for a flawed co-star.

I’m not against the spurs trading draft picks, but they should trade their own (in a worthy trade) before those Atlanta/Chicago picks. They have all their picks. Those should be good enough to get a disgruntled star while not emptying the coffer of their best assets

[SpursBills]

I’m not against the spurs trading draft picks, but they should trade their own (in a worthy trade) before those Atlanta/Chicago picks. They have all their picks. Those should be good enough to get a disgruntled star while not emptying the coffer of their best assets

Normally I'd agree with you but the only other consideration here is that the Spurs' own picks are a hedge against a Wemby injury. While he hasn't shown himself to be injury prone and has taken unprecedented steps with flexibility training to prevent it, his height still works against him and we're in unknown territory regarding his health in the future, arguably more so than with most superstars.

[Ariel]

Normally I'd agree with you but the only other consideration here is that the Spurs' own picks are a hedge against a Wemby injury. While he hasn't shown himself to be injury prone and has taken unprecedented steps with flexibility training to prevent it, his height still works against him and we're in unknown territory regarding his health in the future, arguably more so than with most superstars.
True, but there's ways around that, such as trading picks far into the future (like Minnesota and Cleveland did) where you should have a good team around Wemby to the point where those picks won't be lottery, or use some OKC style creativity by sending "worst of" / "2nd worst of" whatever picks the Spurs have (Atlanta, Toronto, Chicago, Charlotte, own, etc).

[Ariel]

Surprised at that Spurs calling about Dejounte line. At least somebody in the front office has their head on straight
Judging by the amount of BS he said elsewhere, I think he's simply going by the rumors a few months ago when Atlanta was trying to build up Dejounte's trade value. I'd be willing to bet he knows nothing first hand from the Spurs, because they aren't in Klutch's sphere of influence and that's where he draws his power from.

[Degoat]

One thing I’ve been questioning for awhile, is Keldon done as a future piece on the spurs? I still like him as a player I just don’t know how he fits with the team anymore which bums me out because he brings some juice when he’s on. You would think we’d be set at wing with Dev/KJ/Sochan but it just doesn’t feel that way.

KJ is still only 24!!!

[scott]

All of this. Unfortunately, OKC is probably the team that stands in the way the most of Wemby winning for the next decade. With their war chest of picks, young talent, and big 3 that all synergizes, there are several moves open to them in the near future that could make them easy championship favorites for a least a couple years without having to sacrifice much

1. Durant asks out (again), gets traded for a truckload of picks. SGA-JDub-Durant-Chet. Championship
2. Markannen for a truckload of picks. SGA-JDub-Lauri-Chet. Championship
3. Giannis gets pissed and asks out, traded for JDub and a truckload of picks. SGA-Giannis-Chet. Championship.

Unfortunately, their new ownership group has fully indicated a willingness to spend so that eliminates OKC's prior biggest weakness, which was an unwillingness to pay the tax. They have a better front office, more talent, and are on the same timeline. If Wemby is championships or bust long term, any move that SA makes from here on out may have to keep OKC's lineup in mind which is why I am less and less in favor of a Trae Young trade. At least with multiple lottery picks you have a shot of picking guys who wouldn't get mercilessly hunted by SGA while simultaneously getting buttfucked by Dort and Cason Wallace on the other end.

The Spurs will counter this by giving Cedi 3/48

[PhantomDashCam]

Very unlikely but Emiid has looked so defeated ever since this Knicks series started. These teams like 76ers, Clippers, Lakers, Suns all kinda have that same vibe. They invest every single dollar & asset they can but it never moves the needle enough

Agreed on the improbability of it happening.
(And now even more so after Maxey has an all time performance to save their season too. :lol
Maybe he can be a legit #1).

[Degoat]

Agreed on the improbability of it happening.
(And now even more so after Maxey has an all time performance to save their season too. :lol
Maybe he can be a legit #1).

That game was wild! Both teams were throwing the ball all over the place lol

[MultiTroll]

With Philly likely eliminated tonight, I wonder if they start to legitimately consider trading Embiid.
If that’s the case, I do wonder whether a potential sign and trade for Maxey may be a possibility.

As good as Maxey is, I don’t think he’s a #1 option long term and Philly/Maxey may look to pivot from this teams construction completely.
Maxey gets the max regardless of Embiid imo.

Maxey with some distrubingly bad play in the last half of the 4th before NYK completely gave it away then Max hit some great shots.

Embiid is injured, period. I think he's on heavy sedation to boot. He'll never be more then 80% of prime Embiid imo.

[PhantomDashCam]

Maxey gets the max regardless of Embiid imo.

Maxey with some distrubingly bad play in the last half of the 4th before NYK completely gave it away then Max hit some great shots.

Embiid is injured, period. I think he's on heavy sedation to boot. He'll never be more than 80% of prime Embiid imo.

Without question. And Philly would likely match any RFA offer he signs too.
That is unless he wants out and makes it known as such.
Like you said, Embiid may never be healthy when it counts and I think that is a conversation Maxey and his camp
will have in the Off-season (if they haven’t already).
I would think the Spurs would be able to put together a pretty enticing package there then…

[Pauleta14]

There are three types of journalists.

- Those who share the facts.
- Those who endlessly comment on possible hypotheses based on evidence, rumors or confidences inflated like duck faces.
- And those who jabber narratives in order to hide the fact that they have no facts to share.

Shame Charabia likes narratives.

The sports insider has as much value as a conspiracy journalist. You have to love fairy tales to pay attention to these stories.

Shams is the least clickbait of the lot mate

[Ariel]

Umm… what? :lmao Shams, along with Woj, is one of the most reputable journalists in all of sports. He typically posts breaking news before everyone else. I think you are confusing him with Stephen A Smith. I know they’re both brown but one of them has a receding hairline and the other one doesn’t.
Shams (much like Woj) has ties to certain organizations / agents that give him information when it suits them or in return for certain favors. But they aren't all knowing, and have been made to look like fools more than once, such as Woj by LeBron. Also some organizations are more porous than others (Lakers, Nets vs Spurs, Miami, OKC). In this case there isn't really anything new or specific that would make it particularly credible.

[scott]

76ers go into the offseason with only two players, Embiid and Paul Reed, under contract. They'll max Maxey and then look to reshape that team.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i doubt anyone is looking to sign with the spurs, when league is going to sign big tv deals...everyone wants to be paid big bucks

[Limguogolo]

Umm… what? :lmao Shams, along with Woj, is one of the most reputable journalists in all of sports. He typically posts breaking news before everyone else. I think you are confusing him with Stephen A Smith. I know they’re both brown but one of them has a receding hairline and the other one doesn’t.
They have information because they work with big media, which assures those who whisper in their ear what they want to see spread that it is done widely.

Beyond the network, the work of a sports insider is a farce: when someone whispers information to you, it is not without reason, that is why, elsewhere than in sport, when a source “reveals” something to you, we ensure that the information in question is confirmed by other sources.

Now, it's also about agreeing on what information or fact is. Agents who let people know that a client has desires to move elsewhere is not information. Reporting amusing or meaningful anecdotes that reveal the underside of more important information is information. Revealing secret agreements contrary to CBA rules is information. Revealing once an agreement is reached between two parties before the others, the big deal. Revealing that an agreement is close without it actually happening is chatter or communication coming from one of the parties.

If you think that being an insider is an art that helps one or the other to obtain information before or better than others, you believe in fairy tales.

[JPB]

i doubt anyone is looking to sign with the spurs, when league is going to sign big tv deals...everyone wants to be paid big bucks

Yeah, I'm not disccusing the fact some stars would be interested in playing with wemby, but expect for older ring chasers I highly doubt any would let money in the the table to do it. You'll have to pay and drop some serious assets no matter. Getting a star for a "reasonable price" is not a thing in the NBA. It's an offer and demand thing and they'll always be other teams ready to pull the trigger for even borderline stars or elite role players.

[Chomag]

One thing I’ve been questioning for awhile, is Keldon done as a future piece on the spurs? I still like him as a player I just don’t know how he fits with the team anymore which bums me out because he brings some juice when he’s on. You would think we’d be set at wing with Dev/KJ/Sochan but it just doesn’t feel that way.

KJ is still only 24!!!

Keldon is great for a 6 man spark on the bench but I think they could get a better player by trading him.

If they do keep him though I wouldn't be totally against it if it's for that roll.

[J_Paco]

we all know how NBA media works. this is basically Vic's camp putting it out there that Spurs need to be aggressive and not just sit around waiting for someone on the roster to magically turn into an all star level player

Right, but the Spurs also shouldn't jump the gun just to appease him and his camp. We see how making moves that hurt your future draft/salary flexibility can kill your team years later with New Orleans.

They had two high-level/generational #1 picks in Davis and Williamson, but made boneheaded decisions attempting to compete quickly.

I want the Spurs to start winning just as bad as anyone else, but I don't want them to mortgage the future for a Trae Young - type (just to make Wemby happy).

[daslicer]

Right, but the Spurs also shouldn't jump the gun just to appease him and his camp. We see how making moves that hurt your future draft/salary flexibility can kill your team years later with New Orleans.

They had two high-level/generational #1 picks in Davis and Williamson, but made boneheaded decisions attempting to compete quickly.

I want the Spurs to start winning just as bad as anyone else, but I don't want them to mortgage the future for a Trae Young - type (just to make Wemby happy).

Agreed quick moves can destroy a team in the short term and in the future. I like how Denver, Boston, OKC, Minnesota has built their teams. Those models are a better model to follow than trying to build a winner through quick gains.

[spurraider21]

76ers go into the offseason with only two players, Embiid and Paul Reed, under contract. They'll max Maxey and then look to reshape that team.
they will do with maxey what we did with nephew

take advantage of his cap hold that is significantly lower than the contract he will end up signing. they can go after big free agents like paul george and then just sign maxey at the end

[J_Paco]

One thing I’ve been questioning for awhile, is Keldon done as a future piece on the spurs? I still like him as a player I just don’t know how he fits with the team anymore which bums me out because he brings some juice when he’s on. You would think we’d be set at wing with Dev/KJ/Sochan but it just doesn’t feel that way.

KJ is still only 24!!!

He's too small (height wise), a tweener, plays horrible defense and can't start alongside Vassell & Sochan.

If I'm the Spurs I move him for a 1st round pick and try to find a better fit at the starting SF (or 6th man).

[J_Paco]

they will do with maxey what we did with nephew

take advantage of his cap hold that is significantly lower than the contract he will end up signing. they can go after big free agents like paul george and then just sign maxey at the end

If this Knicks/76ers series shows us anything, it's that 'smallish' guards can still flourish in the modern NBA.

And that Dillingham could be a similar player for the Spurs (if he reaches his full potential).

[spurraider21]

If this Knicks/76ers series shows us anything, it's that 'smallish' guards can still flourish in the modern NBA.

And that Dillingham could be a similar player for the Spurs (if he reaches his full potential).
kemba walker measured sub 6 feet at his combine. he made the all star team 4 straight years between 2017 and 2020, firmly within the "modern era"

and he wasnt as good a shooter as dillingham in college

[rjv]

Right, but the Spurs also shouldn't jump the gun just to appease him and his camp. We see how making moves that hurt your future draft/salary flexibility can kill your team years later with New Orleans.

They had two high-level/generational #1 picks in Davis and Williamson, but made boneheaded decisions attempting to compete quickly.

I want the Spurs to start winning just as bad as anyone else, but I don't want them to mortgage the future for a Trae Young - type (just to make Wemby happy).

and i'm sure Wemby knows this. these "camp" narratives are just speculative posts anyway. no one knows what understanding actually exists between the Spurs and Wemby.

[daslicer]

If this Knicks/76ers series shows us anything, it's that 'smallish' guards can still flourish in the modern NBA.

And that Dillingham could be a similar player for the Spurs (if he reaches his full potential).

I would say if anything this era has been tailored made for small guards the last 10-14 years due to the rule changes for defense. If you are super athletic then you will be fine as a small guard or if you have out of this world shooting like Damien Lillard, then you will thrive.

[John B]

Don’t get your hopes too high. PATFO will make the Spurs’ “not-so-sexy” moves, draft the BPA, play Tre at starting PG until Topic/Dilly or whoever is ready. Make more moves by trade deadline, depends on where the team’s development is especially Vassell, Keldon, Sochan. Then, I think they splurge in 2025 for high caliber signings if ever, but not before.

[NASpurs]

I would say if anything this era has been tailored made for small guards the last 10-14 years due to the rule changes for defense. If you are super athletic then you will be fine as a small guard or if you have out of this world shooting like Damien Lillard, then you will thrive.

And they're all ringless too.

I'm still not convinced. Midget guards will get exposed in the playoffs one way or another especially if they're high volume players.

[Joseph Kony]

Right, but the Spurs also shouldn't jump the gun just to appease him and his camp. We see how making moves that hurt your future draft/salary flexibility can kill your team years later with New Orleans.

They had two high-level/generational #1 picks in Davis and Williamson, but made boneheaded decisions attempting to compete quickly.

I want the Spurs to start winning just as bad as anyone else, but I don't want them to mortgage the future for a Trae Young - type (just to make Wemby happy).

eh, i would argue the Pels did a pretty good job of surrounding Zion with capable players, health is really their biggest issue. if anything they could have been more aggressive imho

but there is a middle ground in bending over for your star and trading the farm for a win now guy and making smart moves to improve the roster. The spurs wouldnt need to mortgage their future for Young. Unlike most of teams the Spurs have all of their own picks plus a number of others. the Spurs can use some of their assets to nab quality players while not blowing their entire load. this isnt a Beal/KD in PHX situation

[Mr. Body]

And they're all ringless too.

I'm still not convinced. Midget guards will get exposed in the playoffs one way or another especially if they're high volume players.

This guy has never heard of Steph Curry.

[NASpurs]

This guy has never heard of Steph Curry.

Since when is Curry a midget?

[Mr. Body]

Since when is Curry a midget?

lol wut

[NASpurs]

lol wut

Answer the question dummy.

[baseline bum]

Normally I'd agree with you but the only other consideration here is that the Spurs' own picks are a hedge against a Wemby injury. While he hasn't shown himself to be injury prone and has taken unprecedented steps with flexibility training to prevent it, his height still works against him and we're in unknown territory regarding his health in the future, arguably more so than with most superstars.

Yeah I hate trading our own picks since if say Wemby has to miss the season it means you can tank like when David broke his foot in 96.

[baseline bum]

Right, but the Spurs also shouldn't jump the gun just to appease him and his camp. We see how making moves that hurt your future draft/salary flexibility can kill your team years later with New Orleans.

They had two high-level/generational #1 picks in Davis and Williamson, but made boneheaded decisions attempting to compete quickly.

I want the Spurs to start winning just as bad as anyone else, but I don't want them to mortgage the future for a Trae Young - type (just to make Wemby happy).


eh, i would argue the Pels did a pretty good job of surrounding Zion with capable players, health is really their biggest issue. if anything they could have been more aggressive imho

but there is a middle ground in bending over for your star and trading the farm for a win now guy and making smart moves to improve the roster. The spurs wouldnt need to mortgage their future for Young. Unlike most of teams the Spurs have all of their own picks plus a number of others. the Spurs can use some of their assets to nab quality players while not blowing their entire load. this isnt a Beal/KD in PHX situation

Gotta agree with Kony's black ass. David Griffin did a tremendous job putting a team around Zion but Zion couldn't give a shit and refused to lose any weight until this season. If Zion had Wemby's drive and work ethic they'd be a top 3 seed.

[poopbox]

I find it funny people are in here like "Shams and Woj don't know anything about the Spurs they are the most secretive front office in the nba" when Woj reported a rift between LMA and the Spurs and then it turned out he had asked for a trade and Woj was the first to report the rift between Kawhi and the Spurs and he ended up being traded.

The only reason you haven't heard much about the Spurs in the last few years is because they suck. They have the face of the league now, so going forward you can expect stuff like this. It's the Wemby effect.

They already got Dillingham on the corner with a "will work for spurs" sign around his neck and he aint even in the league yet

[spurraider21]

yeah, NOP roster construction isn't perfect, but its a good amount of talent around Zion. ideally they have a more mobile rim protector than JV. but Ingram can play. herb jones can play. mccollum has his flaws, but he can absorb some of the offensive load if zion is injured or having an off game.

off the bench, alvarado, murphy, daniels, nance are all reasonable rotation pieces.

they still control all of their future FRP, still are owed 1 by the lakers, and are owed multiple firsts from milwaukee in addition to swaps. its actually kind of wild that they've just sat on all that instead of being more aggressive. but i think this year they were also evaluating zion. there were a lot of rumblings last offseason about them maybe even moving him, and around the time of the in season tournament he was looking awful. but he came on strong 2nd half of the season. maybe they'll take some swings this offseason.

[baseline bum]

yeah, NOP roster construction isn't perfect, but its a good amount of talent around Zion. ideally they have a more mobile rim protector than JV. but Ingram can play. herb jones can play. mccollum has his flaws, but he can absorb some of the offensive load if zion is injured or having an off game.

off the bench, alvarado, murphy, daniels, nance are all reasonable rotation pieces.

they still control all of their future FRP, still are owed 1 by the lakers, and are owed multiple firsts from milwaukee in addition to swaps. its actually kind of wild that they've just sat on all that instead of being more aggressive. but i think this year they were also evaluating zion. there were a lot of rumblings last offseason about them maybe even moving him, and around the time of the in season tournament he was looking awful. but he came on strong 2nd half of the season. maybe they'll take some swings this offseason.

Best part of that is the Lakers really should trade Davis this summer at 32 since he'll likely never play 76 games again and his trade value has nowhere to go but sharply down. But then the Lakers would be tanking to get NOLA Flagg or Bailey.

[spurraider21]

Best part of that is the Lakers really should trade Davis this summer at 32 since he'll likely never play 76 games again and his trade value has nowhere to go but sharply down. But then the Lakers would be tanking to get NOLA Flagg or Bailey.
what they should do and what they will do will look very different

i expect them to run it back, try to make one splash trade where they use up the picks that just got freed up to add something to the team. depending on what happens they may have access to the full MLE as well

pelicans may not get a lotto pick out of this last one, but at least next year's draft is supposed to be better than this year's. either way the pick they get from the lakers will likely fall between 15 and 20.

you could theoretically say the same about the spurs not getting the raptors pick until next year, but no guarantee the raptors pick is top 10 again. and #7-8 this year should still be better than getting something like #19-20 next year, before factoring in how many picks we are already slated to have

[DPG21920]

One thing I’ve been questioning for awhile, is Keldon done as a future piece on the spurs? I still like him as a player I just don’t know how he fits with the team anymore which bums me out because he brings some juice when he’s on. You would think we’d be set at wing with Dev/KJ/Sochan but it just doesn’t feel that way.

KJ is still only 24!!!

I dont think hes done - think its more about that IF SA is going to make a bigger trade he seems like a likely piece since he has value, solid contract and Spurs likely wont want to part with Dev/Sochan. So Keldon is a natural fit for a trade like that if it were to occur.

I do think if Keldon embraces a 6th man role and keeps at it with his playmaking that he can be a very valuable piece still.

[DPG21920]

76ers go into the offseason with only two players, Embiid and Paul Reed, under contract. They'll max Maxey and then look to reshape that team.

Absolutely - theres no chance PHI doesnt take care of Maxey.

[timtonymanu]

Answer the question dummy.

Dude always makes a fool of himself lol

[JPB]

Agreed quick moves can destroy a team in the short term and in the future. I like how Denver, Boston, OKC, Minnesota has built their teams. Those models are a better model to follow than trying to build a winner through quick gains.


Right, but the Spurs also shouldn't jump the gun just to appease him and his camp. We see how making moves that hurt your future draft/salary flexibility can kill your team years later with New Orleans.

They had two high-level/generational #1 picks in Davis and Williamson, but made boneheaded decisions attempting to compete quickly.

I want the Spurs to start winning just as bad as anyone else, but I don't want them to mortgage the future for a Trae Young - type (just to make Wemby happy).

It's not about quick or slow, or "rushing" things, it's about pertinence, and Wemby. There's not point waiting when the guy is 3 years ahead of any normal superstar curve, on the contrary. And not just to make him happy, but to help him and keep improving... And yes anyway, his happiness matters too in the grand scheme of things.

When a 13 young kid playing piano shows he's clearly a prodige ahead of pro guys in their 20s, there's no point leaving him with his first piano teacher, not to "rush" things.. you switch to an a elite piano professor so he can keep his progression

Not only patience isn't necessarily THE one model with Wemby that guarantees success if you wait, but in that case that might actually be the wrong one. It's an ideology vs empirism thing. you don"t "rush" things if the time is right and you're not necessarily smarter if you wait...

None of the teams you guys named had an MPV caliber, DPOTY in his sophomore year. Davis spent 7 years in NO and played 13 POs games there, he's not an alpha. And Zion is always injured. Not only Victor IS ready to lead a competitive team, but he NEEDS it for his development and yes, happiness. The curve is massively higher and shorter than the those guys or any other potential franchise player... Spurs have to think as if Wemby was alreay a 4 year vet next year, and where it may indeed be wiser to wait 3 to 5 years before really moving wit any normal potential superstar, it may be smarter to do it now with Victor.

Do you want to keep that 13 y.o piano prodige in a class of young kids his age with a third of talent? Do we really want to see Vic spend next year, or the next 2-3 years having to deal with last year's mess again, playing with bench guys and new rookies? Is it really good for him, and the team? Is it the right move?

I say, it 's not. And you "mortgage" your future no matter what, anytime you make a big move, whether it's now or in several years. You never have any guarantees, nor know who will be available. Just like you have zero guarantees you'll be bale to sign a "quality PG vet" this summer, probabality is you won't, unless dropping 40M for a Van Vleet, like HOU did.

We'll see, but if spurs don't make any move, it will interesting to see people's reaction when this team will badly suck again next year, and how bad they'll feel for Victor, making all kind of hypothesises about his future in SA. Next year shouldn't be about the Branhams, Wesleys, Mamus, Sochans, Grahams or whatever rookie(s) in a weak draft spurs will add, and raving everytime they score 20 in a meaningless game, it should be a about Wemby playing meaningfull games and trying to lead this team in the POs. and he needs help for that, real help.

[Leetonidas]

Answer the question dummy.

6'2 Curry, who is the average height of a PG in today's NBA, is considered a midget now? :lol

[fafo]

We need a new era of short players. The league is more fun with Earl Boykinses and JJ Bareas out there.

[daslicer]

And they're all ringless too.

I'm still not convinced. Midget guards will get exposed in the playoffs one way or another especially if they're high volume players.

If a midget guard is your best player, you won't win a title because it's easier for defenses to counter, but they can still be effective as a supporting player on a title team.

[R. DeMurre]

If a midget guard is your best player, you won't win a title because it's easier for defenses to counter, but they can still be effective as a supporting player on a title team.


With Wemby around, I don't think the Spurs have to worry about a smallish PG being their best player.... I'm generally in favor of overall positional size, but then Toronto did get a ring starting 6' Kyle Lowry while also bringing 6' Fred VanVleet off the bench, though granted this is incredibly rare.

[scott]

It's not about quick or slow, or "rushing" things, it's about pertinence, and Wemby. There's not point waiting when the guy is 3 years ahead of any normal superstar curve, on the contrary. And not just to make him happy, but to help him and keep improving... And yes anyway, his happiness matters too in the grand scheme of things.

When a 13 young kid playing piano shows he's clearly a prodige ahead of pro guys in their 20s, there's no point leaving him with his first piano teacher, not to "rush" things.. you switch to an a elite piano professor so he can keep his progression

Not only patience isn't necessarily THE one model with Wemby that guarantees success if you wait, but in that case that might actually be the wrong one. It's an ideology vs empirism thing. you don"t "rush" things if the time is right and you're not necessarily smarter if you wait...

None of the teams you guys named had an MPV caliber, DPOTY in his sophomore year. Davis spent 7 years in NO and played 13 POs games there, he's not an alpha. And Zion is always injured. Not only Victor IS ready to lead a competitive team, but he NEEDS it for his development and yes, happiness. The curve is massively higher and shorter than the those guys or any other potential franchise player... Spurs have to think as if Wemby was alreay a 4 year vet next year, and where it may indeed be wiser to wait 3 to 5 years before really moving wit any normal potential superstar, it may be smarter to do it now with Victor.

Do you want to keep that 13 y.o piano prodige in a class of young kids his age with a third of talent? Do we really want to see Vic spend next year, or the next 2-3 years having to deal with last year's mess again, playing with bench guys and new rookies? Is it really good for him, and the team? Is it the right move?

I say, it 's not. And you "mortgage" your future no matter what, anytime you make a big move, whether it's now or in several years. You never have any guarantees, nor know who will be available. Just like you have zero guarantees you'll be bale to sign a "quality PG vet" this summer, probabality is you won't, unless dropping 40M for a Van Vleet, like HOU did.

We'll see, but if spurs don't make any move, it will interesting to see people's reaction when this team will badly suck again next year, and how bad they'll feel for Victor, making all kind of hypothesises about his future in SA. Next year shouldn't be about the Branhams, Wesleys, Mamus, Sochans, Grahams or whatever rookie(s) in a weak draft spurs will add, and raving everytime they score 20 in a meaningless game, it should be a about Wemby playing meaningfull games and trying to lead this team in the POs. and he needs help for that, real help.

Echoing your statements, another major consideration for the Spurs should be the financial flexibility they get by Wemby only being in his second year. We year a guy 3-4 years ahead of the normal superstar curve, which also means we get three bonus years of him at the cheapest he will ever be. We should be taking advantage of that - we have a max player only making the MLE for the next 3 years... what a gift! We NEED to be taking advantage of that by using that savings on high caliber players in the interim.

Leaving aside anyone opinions on FVV, Houston had the right idea by overspending on a short term deal while all their young core is still on their rookie deals. That deal expires right when they have to start paying those young guys, that's just smart business.

[daslicer]

With Wemby around, I don't think the Spurs have to worry about a smallish PG being their best player.... I'm generally in favor of overall positional size, but then Toronto did get a ring starting 6' Kyle Lowry while also bringing 6' Fred VanVleet off the bench, though granted this is incredibly rare.

Lakers also won titles with Fisher who always looked like he was 5'11 to me. Bulls got 1 title with BJ Armstrong as the starting PG, and he looked like at best he was 6 ft. Timberwolves if they get past the Nuggets could win a title with Conley who is 6ft. So, you can definitely win with small guards as long as they are not your best player like for example Sixers with AI.

[JPB]

Lakers also won titles with Fisher who always looked like he was 5'11 to me. Bulls got 1 title with BJ Armstrong as the starting PG, and he looked like at best he was 6 ft. Timberwolves if they get past the Nuggets could win a title with Conley who is 6ft. So, you can definitely win with small guards as long as they are not your best player like for example Sixers with AI.

well, that was 15 to 25 years ago and Fisher or Amstrong were not the real PGs of their teams. They' were just shooting guards, bringing up the ball up the court. And you couldn't win a title with them nowadays as a starter (imo).

but you're right, the problem is indeed when you expect those undersized guards to be your main guys, reason why I do'nt beleive the Sixers are winning anything with a high usage Maxey, and without aonther second star. I also don't belirve MIN is going past Denver, notably because of Conley. TOR title was kind of an aberration tbh. Weak year, caught lots of breaks.

That's also why I'm OK with Trae, so the team starts to compete now before the spurs ideally add a star swingman and Trae becomes more of a third option focusing on passing and shooting. But Wemby is so transcendental that he could make Trae's flaws less of a problem than any other star.

[LeBowen]

Echoing your statements, another major consideration for the Spurs should be the financial flexibility they get by Wemby only being in his second year. We year a guy 3-4 years ahead of the normal superstar curve, which also means we get three bonus years of him at the cheapest he will ever be. We should be taking advantage of that - we have a max player only making the MLE for the next 3 years... what a gift! We NEED to be taking advantage of that by using that savings on high caliber players in the interim.

Leaving aside anyone opinions on FVV, Houston had the right idea by overspending on a short term deal while all their young core is still on their rookie deals. That deal expires right when they have to start paying those young guys, that's just smart business.

Well said. The thing is that even if your roster building is perfect, salaries add up quickly and then you have to make hard decisions.
OKC is the best example. Next few years might aswell be their best chance to win it all while Chet and Williams are on rookie deals.
What are they going to do after that? Pay three players around 150 million because SGA will be up for his next extension?
There's only so much luxury tax you can pay.
Warriors situation was once in a lifetime thing where all the stars alligned perfectly. Won't see it ever again.

People are looking for these miracle trades that don't happen often.
How are we supposed to trade for a player that's a perfect fit, doesn't cost too many assets, has a team friendly deal and is young enough to be on Wemby's timeline?
Then when one or two of those players actually becomes available, they'll be like the best I can do is Chicago FRP, Keldon and a few second rounders.

Let's take Trae as an example. Not because I want him, but because he's the most mentioned all-star that Spurs could trade for.
Everyone keeps mentioning him because he ticks most boxes. He's young (pun intended), wouldn't cost too much (Spurs would still have all of their own picks and wouldn't lose any good players) and his contract is fair regardless of what anyone thinks.
He's a legit all-star and 40-45 million is the going rate for those these days. Look at the all-star rosters, everyone that's past their rookie contract is on more than 40 million per year.

The most important thing of it all is that his contract is perfect length. As in expiring the same summer Wemby's first big deal will kick in.
Then if the trade was successful and we want to keep Trae, we offer him a choice. Either accept a deal in similar range instead of ~60 million a year that he could probably get with his next contract or you're getting moved.
That's the sacrifice Wemby's Robin will have to take. Some paycut in exchange for being able to play with the best player in the league.
If we could get an all-star wing instead of Trae I'll be all for it, I just took Trae as an example why he's a realistic target.

New CBA is actually great for us because it pretty much put the last nail in the coffin of 3 max deal superteams. Those rosters will be awful outside of three stars and two max deal roster building will be the way to go forward, imo.
And that's way better for Wemby because it's going to be really hard to beat him with just two star players if his best teammate is a legit all-star.
New CBA is also the reason I don't like Devin's deal. If he doesn't get on that Middleton trajectory I don't think he's with us when Wemby's extension kicks in.
Even with cap projection that's at $170M for 2027.

Back to trade targets, there's almost no chance Spurs get an underpaid player with elite role potential or better.
You can get those when they're one year off their extension (Markkanen, Naz Reid), but you're not getting them when they have a long time left on their deal (Herb Jones). Unless you overpay by a lot, that is.
Spurs either need to get those players in the draft or find some reclamation projects other teams didn't utilize to their full potential and sign cheap extensions.
For example, some people are mentioning Pat Williams. I haven't really paid attention to the Bulls this season, but it might be worth a shot, he's just 23.

[R. DeMurre]

Lakers also won titles with Fisher who always looked like he was 5'11 to me. Bulls got 1 title with BJ Armstrong as the starting PG, and he looked like at best he was 6 ft. Timberwolves if they get past the Nuggets could win a title with Conley who is 6ft. So, you can definitely win with small guards as long as they are not your best player like for example Sixers with AI.


AI made it even worse because he wanted to be a SG, so there'd be a back court of AI plus a 6'3" Eric Snow or AI plus 6'3" Andre Miller... for me, having a doubly undersized back court like that is practically a guarantee against winning an NBA title.

[TD 21]

With Wemby around, I don't think the Spurs have to worry about a smallish PG being their best player.... I'm generally in favor of overall positional size, but then Toronto did get a ring starting 6' Kyle Lowry while also bringing 6' Fred VanVleet off the bench, though granted this is incredibly rare.

Yeah, thanks to a trade that only occurred due to Scumbag's antics, his resting 95 games over 2 years, James leaving the East and creating a void and the Warriors being decimated by injury.

Outside of that less than convincing run, the Craptors annually embarrassed themselves in the playoffs first with Lowry as their best player, then with Van Vleet as their co-best (Siakam) player.

Like a lot of things, "size" is being too generalized. You can be short, but stout and still range from neutral to plus (although limited ability to switch).

Of course, if you're good enough offensively you can make up for being a liability or limited defensively anyway, so long as you have specific surrounding personnel.

[daslicer]

AI made it even worse because he wanted to be a SG, so there'd be a back court of AI plus a 6'3" Eric Snow or AI plus 6'3" Andre Miller... for me, having a doubly undersized back court like that is practically a guarantee against winning an NBA title.

I agree with you 100 percent. That Sixers team with AI was really a gimmicky team. They were a great defensive team with a bunch of role players and on the offensive end it was just AI and his iso ball. They were undersized on the perimeter with AI and Snow in their backcourt.

Last time a team won a title with an undersized backcourt was the 80's Pistons with 6'1 Isiah Thomas and 6'3 Joe Dumars. It's definitely very rare to see a team win a title with an undersized backcourt.

[CGD]

With Wemby around, I don't think the Spurs have to worry about a smallish PG being their best player.... I'm generally in favor of overall positional size, but then Toronto did get a ring starting 6' Kyle Lowry while also bringing 6' Fred VanVleet off the bench, though granted this is incredibly rare.

It’s not just the height: Dilly is super slight and has, at best, a +0 wingspan.

Lowery and FVV are basically fire hydrants, and incredibly hard to move on D.

[LeBowen]

I agree with you 100 percent. That Sixers team with AI was really a gimmicky team. They were a great defensive team with a bunch of role players and on the offensive end it was just AI and his iso ball. They were undersized on the perimeter with AI and Snow in their backcourt.

Last time a team won a title with an undersized backcourt was the 80's Pistons with 6'1 Isiah Thomas and 6'3 Joe Dumars. It's definitely very rare to see a team win a title with an undersized backcourt.

These Knicks without Randle are really similar to Iverson Sixers, tbh.

Imo, the biggest issue with star guards over the past few decades is that they were advertised as first option superstars, but none of them except Curry were good enough for it.
Not being good enough to be the first option doesn't mean you can't win with those gaurds and a lot of them got unfairly criticized because of it.
All of us would take Nash, CP3, Lillard and some others as Wemby's second options, no questions asked. And Spurs would win championships.

On the other hand you have Kyrie who was (rightfully so) seen as good enough to be the first option on a championship winning team, even if we take his off the court antics aside.
And peak Kyrie is arguaby as good as those three in the playoffs, if not better.

It's just that all those guards got to superstar status and then there were no opportunities to get them on a roster with actual superstars who can carry teams to the title.

[poopbox]

Don’t get your hopes too high. PATFO will make the Spurs’ “not-so-sexy” moves, draft the BPA, play Tre at starting PG until Topic/Dilly or whoever is ready. Make more moves by trade deadline, depends on where the team’s development is especially Vassell, Keldon, Sochan. Then, I think they splurge in 2025 for high caliber signings if ever, but not before.

There's a small part of me that is still shocked we didn't play Wemby in the g league this year tbh:lol

[NASpurs]

Man I was looking over the 2025 free agent class and holy shit it's like a who's who of franchise changers unlike this years.

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba-free-agent-rankings/

[scott]

Man I was looking over the 2025 free agent class and holy shit it's like a who's who of franchise changers unlike this years.

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba-free-agent-rankings/

List will look a lot different after this summer when all these guys extend with their existing teams. Derrick White may end up being the headliner of the 2025 FA class.

[NASpurs]

List will look a lot different after this summer when all these guys extend with their existing teams. Derrick White may end up being the headliner of the 2025 FA class.

:lol that sucks

Then I guess it'll be more of the same for the next few years + draft picks. Sigh.

[tbdog]

Free agency is kinda not a thing anymore with the extension rules. Like for example, no rookie has rejected a max extension and then taking the QO before choosing their destination. There were whispers that Zion might be the first due to him signing a significant sponsorship. But even he didn't risk taking the QO.

There are some decent names that could hit the market this off season. PG, Lebron, Klay, Harden, Derozen. But they are all old looking to expand on their legacy rather than shopping the market. They probably already know where they are going.

[John B]

Man I was looking over the 2025 free agent class and holy shit it's like a who's who of franchise changers unlike this years.

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba-free-agent-rankings/

I think that’s when PATFO really makes its big signings and not before.

[The Truth #6]

If we want a short fire hydrant who can shoot, Jared McCain is interesting. Legs like oak tree trunks!

[JPB]

List will look a lot different after this summer when all these guys extend with their existing teams. Derrick White may end up being the headliner of the 2025 FA class.

Yup, and I'd be genuinely curious to know what better player on that list people who don't want to trade for Trae or Murray this year (which I respect) believe they could actually end up in SA in 2025. Or who in the 2026 FA? FA isn't en open table when you pick what you like when you like. That's a coveted table with 30 guys around ready to jump on the rare, nice sammich that will eventually pop up. So you shouldn't be too picky with a nice sammich because it's lacking salad or THAT sauce and you're waiting for the perfect sammich, specially with an hungry 7'5 kid who needs to be fed.

White is most certainly staying in boston too, btw. Some stars may line up to play with Wemby but only once the spurs will be an established PO team with a competitive roster, not now.

[Brazil]

so what you're saying is...

the western conference hasn't been this bad in a really long time

:lol

[baseline bum]

Man I was looking over the 2025 free agent class and holy shit it's like a who's who of franchise changers unlike this years.

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba-free-agent-rankings/

* Barnes, Sengun, Mobley, Cunningham, Wagner, Jalen Green, Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Trey Murphy all restricted
* PG13 and Anunoby will be signing long term deals this summer
Tatum and Brunson not going anywhere, Jamal Murray probably not either considering the amazing situations all three are in
* No thanks on China doll Ingram or Julian
* Jimmy Butler will be 36 for the 2025-26 season

So that pretty much leaves Markannen, Mitchell, and White as the interesting options.

[NASpurs]

* Barnes, Sengun, Mobley, Cunningham, Wagner, Jalen Green, Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Trey Murphy all restricted
* PG13 and Anunoby will be signing long term deals this summer
Tatum and Brunson not going anywhere, Jamal Murray probably not either considering the amazing situations all three are in
* No thanks on China doll Ingram or Julian
* Jimmy Butler will be 36 for the 2025-26 season

So that pretty much leaves Markannen, Mitchell, and White as the interesting options.

Seems like the only way to get good is going to be through the draft and trades... the former they've been lackluster at (as of late) which we've talked about ad nauseum and the latter they've historically never been active in. With all that draft capital, you think the latter is going to change soon.

[spurraider21]

Seems like the only way to get good is going to be through the draft and trades... the former they've been lackluster at (as of late) which we've talked about ad nauseum and the latter they've historically never been active in. With all that draft capital, you think the latter is going to change soon.
they've been fairly active trade wise in recent years, but only to the extent they were deconstructing the roster and selling cap space. as far as trades to actually improve the roster... its been a minute

[objective]

Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes a good target in 25, Wolves probably can't afford to keep him. He'll be an in his prime guard defender who can hit threes and had played backup point some.

Has made zero money in his career.

[spurraider21]

Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes a good target in 25, Wolves probably can't afford to keep him. He'll be an in his prime guard defender who can hit threes and had played backup point some.

Has made zero money in his career.
i mean sure but its hard to get excited about possibly signing some bench role player a year from now :lol

[Ariel]

* Barnes, Sengun, Mobley, Cunningham, Wagner, Jalen Green, Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Trey Murphy all restricted
* PG13 and Anunoby will be signing long term deals this summer
Tatum and Brunson not going anywhere, Jamal Murray probably not either considering the amazing situations all three are in
* No thanks on China doll Ingram or Julian
* Jimmy Butler will be 36 for the 2025-26 season

So that pretty much leaves Markannen, Mitchell, and White as the interesting options.
If he doesn't fall off a cliff next season I would give Jimmy a 2 year run, he's a pro and an overachiever and as a short term investment probably worth it and movable as a big expiring if it doesn't pan out. I would consider it. A couple players I would add to the list are Alex Caruso and Naz Reid, both elite role players that should be UFAs in '25.

[baseline bum]

If he doesn't fall off a cliff next season I would give Jimmy a 2 year run, he's a pro and an overachiever and as a short term investment probably worth it and movable as a big expiring if it doesn't pan out. I would consider it. A couple players I would add to the list are Alex Caruso and Naz Reid, both elite role players that should be UFAs in '25.

Jimmy can be a real locker room cancer too though, look how ugly his exits were from Minnesota and Philly.

[JPB]

* Barnes, Sengun, Mobley, Cunningham, Wagner, Jalen Green, Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Trey Murphy all restricted
* PG13 and Anunoby will be signing long term deals this summer
Tatum and Brunson not going anywhere, Jamal Murray probably not either considering the amazing situations all three are in
* No thanks on China doll Ingram or Julian
* Jimmy Butler will be 36 for the 2025-26 season

So that pretty much leaves Markannen, Mitchell, and White as the interesting options.

Mitchell probably extending wth CLE (Cavs owner is "confident" anyway) and White is shining in BOS, contending in his prime. That leaves us with Markannen who's probablly staying in UTA too (they need that white star).

[Ariel]

Jimmy can be a real locker room cancer too though, look how ugly his exits were from Minnesota and Philly.
The reason they had problems with him in Minnesota was that they weren't playing hard (KAT, Wiggins) and he wouldn't accept that which is precisely why you would want him if you're trying to learn to contend. Philadelphia was a likewise infested culture, and they decided to cater to Ben Simmons instead. Both those teams would have been better off if they had taken notice of what bothered Jimmy rather than trying to appease their losing "stars".

[LeBowen]

The reason they had problems with him in Minnesota was that they weren't playing hard (KAT, Wiggins) and he wouldn't accept that which is precisely why you would want him if you're trying to learn to contend. Philadelphia was a likewise infested culture, and they decided to cater to Ben Simmons instead. Both those teams would have been better off if they had taken notice of what bothered Jimmy rather than trying to appease their losing "stars".

Jimmy is everything Spurs advertise to be, except that he says is out loud.
Too bad he's got one more year left and Heat definitely won't let him go for cheap.

He'd become Wemby's favorite teammate in no time.
But I think he's on decline and not worth it anymore.