2024 Training Camp/Preseason News Thread

[CGD]

Darn, I'll have to take a look at him, but sounds like Suns got a steal if his shooting improvement is real.

I wanted him if he fell to us at 34, but let’s be real: no one thought he was a shooter ahead of the draft.

Feel for him. There are millions of reasons he’d prefer to have had this shooting streak pop off during the Draft combine instead of now! he would have been a lotto pick in the is draft easy.

[Bruno]

Isaiah Miller is for Austin, he is just getting some exhibit 10 money. Austin Spurs did a trade to get his rights a month and a half ago.
https://x.com/austin_spurs/status/1829582731916788072

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I wanted him if he fell to us at 34, but let’s be real: no one thought he was a shooter ahead of the draft.

Feel for him. There are millions of reasons he’d prefer to have had this shooting streak pop off during the Draft combine instead of now! he would have been a lotto pick in the is draft easy.

I actually made the case that he should be in consideration for a top 10 pick because shooting is the easiest skill to learn. That said, he faded a lot down the stretch and I wasn't sure any GM would take the risk with a lottery pick.

[scott]

Before worrying too much if we missed out on a gem in Dunn, remind yourself that the Spurs haven't been able to develop a shooter in years.

[scott]

I'm officially proclaiming Yuki Kawamura the one who got away. He might actually be terrible, but his highlights are fun AF, and fun is fun. A Wemby/Yuki pairing would have been the Manute Bol/Muggsy Bogues pairing that Gen Z needs.

[scott]

Instead the kids get Edey/Yuki. A small consolation. Grizz are gonna be fun to watch.

[DAF86]

Before worrying too much if we missed out on a gem in Dunn, remind yourself that the Spurs haven't been able to develop a shooter in years.

Well, they better make sure that changes with Castle, tbh.

[Splits]

I'm officially proclaiming Yuki Kawamura the one who got away. He might actually be terrible, but his highlights are fun AF, and fun is fun. A Wemby/Yuki pairing would have been the Manute Bol/Muggsy Bogues pairing that Gen Z needs.

Edey is the one who got away. Dude is going to win RoY and he was ours at 8 instead of a 20131 pick swap

[scott]

Edey is the one who got away. Dude is going to win RoY and he was ours at 8 instead of a 20131 pick swap

I do like Edey as a ROTY bet, for sure. What are odds look like? My state has all the evil gambling on lock down to protect us from our own sins

[Splits]

I do like Edey as a ROTY bet, for sure. What are odds look like? My state has all the evil gambling on lock down to protect us from our own sins

https://i.ibb.co/zspVWL6/image.png

[scott]

I'm in Vegas in a few weeks, I might have to do a little something something

[baseline bum]

I'm officially proclaiming Yuki Kawamura the one who got away. He might actually be terrible, but his highlights are fun AF, and fun is fun. A Wemby/Yuki pairing would have been the Manute Bol/Muggsy Bogues pairing that Gen Z needs.

Was thinking WTF 雪 (Yuki) is a girl's name (Yuki like snow), but then saw his name is really 勇輝 (Yuuki like courage radiating)

[scott]

Was thinking WTF 雪 (Yuki) is a girl's name (Yuki like snow), but then saw his name is really 勇輝 (Yuuki like courage radiating)

Sorry bro, I don't speak Spanish.

What about Yuki Tsunoda (Japanese F1 Driver)?

[baseline bum]

Sorry bro, I don't speak Spanish.

What about Yuki Tsunoda (Japanese F1 Driver)?

It's Yuuki (written 裕毅, 裕 is like rich 毅 is strong)

[baseline bum]

Sorry bro, I don't speak Spanish.

What about Yuki Tsunoda (Japanese F1 Driver)?

Though anyone whose name is said ゆうき (Yuuki) really conjures up the word 勇気 (yuuki), which is bravery or courage.

[scott]

Though anyone whose name is said ゆうき (Yuuki) really conjures up the word 勇気 (yuuki), which is bravery or courage.

Any theory on why both Kawamura and Tsunoda spell it "Yuki"? Lost in translation? Just dgaf?

[venitian navigator]

Edey is the one who got away. Dude is going to win RoY and he was ours at 8 instead of a 20131 pick swap

Ive tried all draft period tò suggest that, if we had a chance tò take Edey at 8 (After our preferred choice at 4, was It Castle, Sheppard, Risacher or Sarr) he would have been fool not tò draft him...frankly I think some time out FO overthink and dont see the obvious...we not only had a problem at back up center (Collins And Bassey on paper but also in reality are out weak roster spots) but Er had the defensive personnel (expecially After the Castle pick, with Sochan, Vassell, Wemby) tò cover Edey defensive flaws...while on offense Er could have had a very strong post game and a duo Wemby/Edey quite impossible tò stop...looks tò me scaringly like another "Scola misunderstanding"...

[Ice009]

I don't get it either, that is why I was asking if it's issues on the defensive end that they didn't draft him. On offense, I thought he could play with Victor no problem as Victor can play on the perimeter and Edey on the inside if they were in together. I was surprised they passed up on him when he was still there. At the very worst, they could have traded him to a team like Memphis later on if the fit wasn't quite right.

[ambchang]

Still not a fan of edey. Love his story and how he worked hard to change his game into something more adaptable to the modern nba, but his use cases are limited. His lateral quickness will never be there. Boban is a good comp, looks great when he’s on the court but there are rarely scenarios where he is useful on the court. He’d be run out of the gym pretty quickly.

[objective]

I would think that Edey's agent would have done everything he could to keep him away from San Antonio even if the Spurs were smart enough to scout him accurately

After seeing the Spurs dedicate themselves to Wemby at the 5, no agent would want Edey spending his rookie contract as a backup when they could guide him to a team with no other centers.

On top of that, any agent worth a damn would see the intense danger of Edey not even getting minutes as a backup center with the Zollins extension and Pop making Edey "get over himself". You've already seen Castle have a huge game then get Popped the next game with 6 minutes in a first half without Vassell even playing.

Edey might be the best player in the draft, but it is what it is.

[baseline bum]

Any theory on why both Kawamura and Tsunoda spell it "Yuki"? Lost in translation? Just dgaf?

They don't. In Japanese the hiragana (which gives the pronunciation) is written ゆうき (eg Yuuki) while the girly name is written ゆき (Yuki). In romaji, the way you write Japanese in a western alphabet, Kawamura and Tsunoda spell their names Yūki where the ū is a long u while the girly name is just Yuki. In English syllables can have variable length but in Japanese you pronounce every mora (JP equivalent to syllables) for the same length of time. So ゆうき=Yūki = yu.u.ki (three mora) while ゆき=Yuki = yu.ki (two mora), so you get that u sound for twice as long in the boys name vs the girls.

[KingKev]

PG8 and Leonard both already injured. If the basketball gods really love us Trae might hold out for a trade or find god and step away from basketball to pursue a higher cause.

[spurraider21]

1846250978774802510

[scott]

1846250978774802510

NOW THE REAL FUN BEGINS!!!

BASSEY FAM, MOUNT UP

[Mugen]

Big Mouth Bassey back at it tbh, hopefully the guy can make it through a full season healthy.

[rjv]

nice to hear that Bassey made his way back to the floor.

[Limguogolo]

They don't. In Japanese the hiragana (which gives the pronunciation) is written ゆうき (eg Yuuki) while the girly name is written ゆき (Yuki). In romaji, the way you write Japanese in a western alphabet, Kawamura and Tsunoda spell their names Yūki where the ū is a long u while the girly name is just Yuki. In English syllables can have variable length but in Japanese you pronounce every mora (JP equivalent to syllables) for the same length of time. So ゆうき=Yūki = yu.u.ki (three mora) while ゆき=Yuki = yu.ki (two mora), so you get that u sound for twice as long in the boys name vs the girls.

You don't realy need me, but Yūki 'p Me Hangin' On.


Sure, Memphis is going to be fun to watch this season. The new M-Town. (Or J-Town.) Or, whatever. Just as nice to see (learn) Japanese here. (Big old Japanese movies fan here. Whatever.)

[Arcadian]

So is Amazon Prime going to show the games this year or not?

[exstatic]

So is Amazon Prime going to show the games this year or not?

Maybe

[Arcadian]

Maybe
Well they better figure it out soon, considering the season starts in 1 week.

[ChumpDumper]

I think it's going to be six of one/half dozen of the other whether you pay Diamond directly or through Amazon this season; there won't be some magic increase in app quality this late unless Amazon has been working on it all along. I doubt they have anything really ready to go before baseball season. If the game is blacked out on NBAtv tonight I'll restart my Bally+ subscription and see if the replays are as convenient as last season.

[Dejounte]

You don’t wait one full season for a guy you plan to let go after one year he’s healthy again. Assuming he’s healthy all season long, he’s going to be back next season tbh. I think the Spurs are high on him.

[spurraider21]

1846328275380867108

[Ice009]

I would think that Edey's agent would have done everything he could to keep him away from San Antonio even if the Spurs were smart enough to scout him accurately

After seeing the Spurs dedicate themselves to Wemby at the 5, no agent would want Edey spending his rookie contract as a backup when they could guide him to a team with no other centers.

On top of that, any agent worth a damn would see the intense danger of Edey not even getting minutes as a backup center with the Zollins extension and Pop making Edey "get over himself". You've already seen Castle have a huge game then get Popped the next game with 6 minutes in a first half without Vassell even playing.

Edey might be the best player in the draft, but it is what it is.

Pretty good points. He wouldn't have gotten a lot of playing time here most likely. Do you think the Spurs were even interested in drafting him?


They don't. In Japanese the hiragana (which gives the pronunciation) is written ゆうき (eg Yuuki) while the girly name is written ゆき (Yuki). In romaji, the way you write Japanese in a western alphabet, Kawamura and Tsunoda spell their names Yūki where the ū is a long u while the girly name is just Yuki. In English syllables can have variable length but in Japanese you pronounce every mora (JP equivalent to syllables) for the same length of time. So ゆうき=Yūki = yu.u.ki (three mora) while ゆき=Yuki = yu.ki (two mora), so you get that u sound for twice as long in the boys name vs the girls.

Darn, is Japanese hard to learn? Seems like you're pretty fluent?

[spurraider21]

1846993022518493373

final preseason game if you dont count the silver and black scrimmage

extended look for guys fighting for rotation/roster spots. wonder what they do with the starting lineup today...

Champ at the 2 as they've been doing? Or Branham at the 2 and slide champ up 3, Barnes to 4?

do they go with Barnes/Mamu at the forward spots, or possibly Castle/Barnes?

[CGD]

^ Maliki needs to ball out tonight!

[Mr. Body]

I guess they're not even going to bother getting the starters on the same page this preseason. Has Victor even played 30 minutes total?

[dn0774]

Odd Vic is a scratch considering Pop said in the Miami postgame presser that he not only expected Vic to play in Houston but to actually get a few more mins than he got in Miami. Also worth mentioning Spurs open their season on Thursday, actually an extra day or 2 off from what most teams get. Why keep Vic in bubble wrap?

[Fireball]

this is ridicolous ... usually Pop at least used the regular rotation in the first half of the last preseason game ... now he rests players who are 20 years old although they have a week off? he should be fined :lol

[NASpurs]

Eh more time to see Castle do his thing.

[timtonymanu]

^ Maliki needs to ball out tonight!

No he doesn’t. He’s been developing fine. You guys are just casuals. The Spurs wouldn’t invest time in someone who isn’t versatile in a strong defensive scheme. Dillingham isn’t that guy. Malaki is.

[spurraider21]

1846993022518493373

final preseason game if you dont count the silver and black scrimmage

extended look for guys fighting for rotation/roster spots. wonder what they do with the starting lineup today...

Champ at the 2 as they've been doing? Or Branham at the 2 and slide champ up 3, Barnes to 4?

do they go with Barnes/Mamu at the forward spots, or possibly Castle/Barnes?
definitely the least exciting of the possibilities tbh

[spurraider21]

1847053181009707092

https://compote.slate.com/images/0ecd79ca-713e-46f7-a997-ca3097f04a42.jpeg?crop=1560%2C1040%2Cx0%2Cy0

[spurraider21]

Turns out Dalton Knecht can shoot

[onechance87]

Turns out Dalton Knecht can shoot

we could of used his shooting this game,And probably the next few years.Oh well

[scott]

1847053181009707092



Real shame they don’t have an extra slew of games between this meaningless slew of exhibition games and the regular season for Wemby to get into rhythm of things. They could put these games in place and call it something like the “prefix season” or “before season”. These kind of games would be super helpful for teams to prepare for the games that count. Wonder why the NBA doesn’t do this.

[scott]

Turns out Dalton Knecht can shoot

But growth plates are wide open on the 12 year olds we’re scouting

[CGD]

Turns out Dalton Knecht can shoot

Doug McDermott can also shoot.

[cutewizard]

the Spurs were competitive in all these preseason games though

[Atl Spur]

But growth plates are wide open on the 12 year olds we’re scouting

Anything for a laugh culture.

[Atl Spur]

I bet that Dejounte Murray trade thread has a ton of comedic gold in it :) same ��’s different days. Thousands of post spewing the same foolishness for attention. Bravo, you have our attention….speak!

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5NCUkbjX70

[spurraider21]

Real shame they don’t have an extra slew of games between this meaningless slew of exhibition games and the regular season for Wemby to get into rhythm of things. They could put these games in place and call it something like the “prefix season” or “before season”. These kind of games would be super helpful for teams to prepare for the games that count. Wonder why the NBA doesn’t do this.
:lol

[spurraider21]

spurs 3pt shooting in 5 preseason games:

vs OKC - 17/43 (39.5%), buoyed by champagnie going 6-13, mamu going 3-4

vs ORL - 14/44 (31.8%), held afloat only by champ and mamu going 3-6 apiece

vs UTA - 13/35 (37.1%), paced by champagnie going 4-8, mamu 3-6

vs MIA - 9/30 (30%), Paul shooting 3/5 was only real standout

vs HOU - 9/34 (26.5%), Mamu 3-6 again


overall... we shot 62/186 (33.3%). obviously hurt some by Vassell's absence. this may be yet another ugly year where we might not even be playing horribly, but just cant make shots to keep up

[LeBowen]

overall... we shot 62/186 (33.3%). obviously hurt some by Vassell's absence. this may be yet another ugly year where we might not even be playing horribly, but just cant make shots to keep up

Elite shooters:
-

Good shooters:
CP3, Devin, Barnes, Champagnie

Questionable/strealy shooters:
Wemby, Tre, Keldon, Mamu, Branham

Bad shooters:
Wesley, Castle, Jeremy, Sidy, Collins

I'll give Champagnie benefit of the doubt that he can stay consistent, but we'll need those streaky guys to be more reliable.
Rotations will be really important because having two or more bad shooters in the lineup is where it usually goes downhill.
But we could really use an elite shooter who has gravity off the ball. Right now noone does. Maybe Devin when he gets hot.

[onechance87]

spurs 3pt shooting in 5 preseason games:

vs OKC - 17/43 (39.5%), buoyed by champagnie going 6-13, mamu going 3-4

vs ORL - 14/44 (31.8%), held afloat only by champ and mamu going 3-6 apiece

vs UTA - 13/35 (37.1%), paced by champagnie going 4-8, mamu 3-6

vs MIA - 9/30 (30%), Paul shooting 3/5 was only real standout

vs HOU - 9/34 (26.5%), Mamu 3-6 again


overall... we shot 62/186 (33.3%). obviously hurt some by Vassell's absence. this may be yet another ugly year where we might not even be playing horribly, but just cant make shots to keep up

We should of drafted knecht.Dude pretty much won the game by himself yesterday with his shooting.He did alot of that
in college as well.People didnt want to believe he could do that in the nba for sum reason.

[spurraider21]

Good shooters:
CP3, Devin, Barnes, Champagnie

Questionable/strealy shooters:
Wemby, Tre, Keldon, Mamu, Branham

Bad shooters:
Wesley, Castle, Jeremy, Sidy, Collins

I'll give Champagnie benefit of the doubt that he can stay consistent, but we'll need those streaky guys to be more reliable.
Rotations will be really important because having two or more bad shooters in the lineup is where it usually goes downhill.
for his career, vassell as actually at 36.9%, though his best shooting years have been his last 2 years (38.7% and 37.2%). hopefully that improvement, paired with the increased quality of his looks, will get him closer to the magic 40% number.

julian was our "specialist" last year other than mcdermott, and he only shot 36.5%, which is a good enough number for typical players, but not good enough for a specialist. he looked good for most of this preseason, but he is still clearly not a movement shooter (which Knecht already is, for instance). the best movement shooter we have right now is still vassell

the frustration with collins is that in the year leading up to his extension, he actually shot 37.4% from 3, and after the ASB and poodle trade, he was hitting over 39% of them on about 4.5 attempts per game. seems that was just a mirage though

[LeBowen]

for his career, vassell as actually at 36.9%, though his best shooting years have been his last 2 years (38.7% and 37.2%). hopefully that improvement, paired with the increased quality of his looks, will get him closer to the magic 40% number.

julian was our "specialist" last year other than mcdermott, and he only shot 36.5%, which is a good enough number for typical players, but not good enough for a specialist. he looked good for most of this preseason, but he is still clearly not a movement shooter (which Knecht already is, for instance). the best movement shooter we have right now is still vassell

That's why I edited my post and added that we don't have anyone in elite shooter category.
As I said, noone has off ball gravity that forces extra help and forces the defense to focus on them while they're moving around.

[spurraider21]

That's why I edited my post and added that we don't have anyone in elite shooter category.
As I said, noone has off ball gravity that forces extra help and forces the defense to focus on them while they're moving around.
yeah i think the best bet to emerge in that elite category is quite clearly devin. he's shown the ability to hit them off the dribble, side steps, step backs, leaning/falling, etc. hopefully more catch and shoot looks will be generated for him this year to bump his %. the ability to hit tough shots is great, but vassell was too dependent on making tough shots to get his production, which is why his overall efficiency has been fine but not quite good

[exstatic]

yeah i think the best bet to emerge in that elite category is quite clearly devin. he's shown the ability to hit them off the dribble, side steps, step backs, leaning/falling, etc. hopefully more catch and shoot looks will be generated for him this year to bump his %. the ability to hit tough shots is great, but vassell was too dependent on making tough shots to get his production, which is why his overall efficiency has been fine but not quite good

With a real PG, both Devin and Keldon could hit 40%. Keldons already done that one year.

[Pauleta14]

With a real PG, both Devin and Keldon could hit 40%. Keldons already done that one year.

Devin has a very decent % taking horrible shots :lol So yeah 40% isn't a crazy bet to me

[SpursFan86]

Spurs exercised 4th year options on all of Sochan/Branham/Wesley per Orsborn.

[spurraider21]

Spurs exercised 4th year options on all of Sochan/Branham/Wesley per Orsborn.
ugh. figured you'd make branham/wesley earn it. if they play like what we've seen in preseason are these guys really going to be fetching 5+ mil on the open market anyway?

[jjspur]

Spurs exercised 4th year options on all of Sochan/Branham/Wesley per Orsborn.

Hope that's just a bad rumor. Two of three, but not all three.

[spurraider21]

Hope that's just a bad rumor. Two of three, but not all three.
nah, its legit

1847418568977129930

1847416488237400263

[timtonymanu]

Gotta love that continuity/culture :cry.

One more year of Blake still not knowing how to score the basketball and Malaki sucking at everything while Body salivates over him.

[exstatic]

Spurs exercised 4th year options on all of Sochan/Branham/Wesley per Orsborn.

And the meltdown will now commence…

[timtonymanu]

It was gonna happen regardless. At least having Branham around guarantees we lose a shitload of games to get a high pick next year.

[scott]

Elite shooters:
-

Good shooters:
CP3, Devin, Barnes, Champagnie

Questionable/strealy shooters:
Wemby, Tre, Keldon, Mamu, Branham

Bad shooters:
Wesley, Castle, Jeremy, Sidy, Collins

I'll give Champagnie benefit of the doubt that he can stay consistent, but we'll need those streaky guys to be more reliable.
Rotations will be really important because having two or more bad shooters in the lineup is where it usually goes downhill.
But we could really use an elite shooter who has gravity off the ball. Right now noone does. Maybe Devin when he gets hot.

I don’t see what Branham has ever done to be considered anything but a bad shooter.

[BackHome]

That is cool but then again I am all in for Tanking so that kind of helps my cause

[scott]

nah, its legit

1847418568977129930

1847416488237400263

Brian Just keeps on Getting it Wright.

[BackHome]

The Tanking Crew Approves This Message

[John B]

nah, its legit

1847418568977129930

1847416488237400263

There’s really no surprise here

[dn0774]

Wait so what does exercising 4th year options on Blake/Branham have to do with tanking this year? Are we tanking next year too? oh god...

[dn0774]

There’s really no surprise here

Yea basically, you have do some repugnant off court stuff like flash randos your junk to not get your option picked up by this org...I kinda understand, just wondering how the numbers are going to work with multiple 1st rounders next year as well as a slew of 2nd rounders. Guessing more picks will be sold down the line.

[Spurs Brazil]

https://x.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1847389054943580600

[onechance87]

Wait so what does exercising 4th year options on Blake/Branham have to do with tanking this year? Are we tanking next year too? oh god...

Yea..This is not good news at all.This seems to show the spurs front office think highly of branham and wesley
and want them part of our future.Looks like we are committing to branham and wesley lol wtf

[spurraider21]

That is cool but then again I am all in for Tanking so that kind of helps my cause
This is guaranteeing their contracts for the 25-26 season

[exstatic]

Wait so what does exercising 4th year options on Blake/Branham have to do with tanking this year? Are we tanking next year too? oh god...

Exercising those options doesn’t even necessarily mean they’ll be here next year. If the Spurs want to make a big trade next summer, they’ll need contracts of various sizes, and the contract is often more important than the player, especially since Blake and Malaki will be ending contracts this time next year.

[exstatic]

Yea..This is not good news at all.This seems to show the spurs front office think highly of branham and wesley
and want them part of our future.Looks like we are committing to branham and wesley lol wtf

Corey Joseph wasn’t a part of future plans. Kyle Anderson wasn’t a part of future plans. Lonnie Walker wasn’t a part of future plans. Each of them had their year four options picked up.

[Rosewood]

Picking up Branhams option is heartbreaking. It makes me physically ill. What’s next a Collins extension?

[spursparker9]

Picking up Branhams option is heartbreaking. It makes me physically ill. What’s next a Collins extension?

This is not a surprise tbh. Family culture; avoid risking strained relationships (from Branhams) if only Sochan and Blake got the extension. Spurs would rather have a peaceful locker room than risking Branhams being alienated and being detrimental to the locker room.

[objective]

Branham's player type, even if he improves drastically, is not valued at all in the NBA anymore and picking up next year at 4.9 million is just silly.

Nobody is looking to pay Branham that much.

Modest sized, no defense shooters who are proven players and have accomplished much more than him are not sure bets for 4.9

Trent Jr is only making 2 million this year. And he had a rep in the past for some level of defense.

Beasley played on 2.7 last year, starting 77 games with 30mpg, 41% 3pt for a playoff team, and the best he could do in the summer was 1 year 6 million for Detroit.

And Trent Jr and Beasley are career 38.5% from 3. Branham's trash at 32.5% career

He's such a weak shooter and defender, Pop is going with Champagnie over him as a starter without Vassell. He just isn't credible as a future NBA player that demands an option picked up automatically.

[Ice009]

This is freaking ridiculous. If they really wanted Branham and/or Wesley back, they could have signed them for a cheaper contract next year (probably the minimum). Absolutely stupid moves.

[John B]

As if people don’t know yet that PATFO takes care of its players. They are not just going to drop Malaki so they can sign him cheaper. They go out their way to develop players, and even if they don’t get to play for the Spurs, that they can play somewhere else. I remember Boban wanted to stay but Pop advised him that he could get much more out there, that the Spurs would not be willing to offer. Or they found Demar, Aldridge, DWhite, DJ teams that either they want to go or they would be more useful. As mentioned, extending Malaki/Wesley is not a surprise

[rankingtear]

This is freaking ridiculous. If they really wanted Branham and/or Wesley back, they could have signed them for a cheaper contract next year (probably the minimum). Absolutely stupid moves.

I hate Wes, but this is the right way to do business as a small market team. These players have agent that would have players you need in the future. The guys they brought in like Flynn and Boston are good enough to beat them for their spot but did not.

[jjspur]

This so reminds me of trust the process. That was a big load of shit since the 76ers still haven't won even a conference championship since 2001. That's not a winning process.

[Ice009]

I hate Wes, but this is the right way to do business as a small market team. These players have agent that would have players you need in the future. The guys they brought in like Flynn and Boston are good enough to beat them for their spot but did not.

I disagree. Pop cut Monty Williams back in the day saying he can't shoot and doesn't fit the team (I think he also told him what areas of his game he had to improve on), and at the time, he was one of TD's best friends on the team. I understand what you're saying, but they didn't operate this way back in the day. Not sure why they're operating this way now.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Nvm.

[exstatic]

I disagree. Pop cut Monty Williams back in the day saying he can't shoot and doesn't fit the team, and at the time, he was one of TD's best friends on the team. I understand what you're saying, but they didn't operate this way back in the day. Not sure why they're operating this way now.

Monty Williams was never cut. The Spurs traded for him from the Knicks in the middle of his second season, and he was retained until the end of his 4th season. Does that sound vaguely familiar? It’s what the Spurs do, unless there is some sort of health (James Anderson), mental health (Primo), or shit attitude (Sammich) problem, even if they are not in the team’s future plans. CoJo, Kyle Anderson, and Lonnie all trod this path.

Spurs will very likely extend Sochan next summer, but not Blake or Malaki, either by not offering one, or a ridiculous lowball offer. They will be used as trade ballast, or allowed to walk in 2026.

[jjspur]

Corey Joseph wasn’t a part of future plans. Kyle Anderson wasn’t a part of future plans. Lonnie Walker wasn’t a part of future plans. Each of them had their year four options picked up.

Lets put a little context on this. Everything you've said is absolutely true, however all three players you've mentioned have had at least a 7 year career even as journeymen - congrats to the spurs for drafting guys with talent. Without the spurs help, I'm not sure that Branham or Wesley would last 5 years if that long.

Sorry, but with all the incoming draft picks and available low cost veteran talent, its time to move on from these two especially is we want to start a winning culture again. Wemby may not be that patient for much longer. Lets just say that we drafted these two guys, they didn't quite pan out and move in another direction.

[exstatic]

Lets put a little context on this. Everything you've said is absolutely true, however all three players you've mentioned have had at least a 7 year career even as journeymen - congrats to the spurs for drafting guys with talent. Without the spurs help, I'm not sure that Branham or Wesley would last 5 years if that long.

Sorry, but with all the incoming draft picks and available low cost veteran talent, its time to move on from these two especially is we want to start a winning culture again. Wemby may not be that patient for much longer. Lets just say that we drafted these two guys, they didn't quite pan out and move in another direction.

And they might just move on next summer if a trade or trades require salary. What better salary than someone who isn’t in your plans?

I’m going to keep saying it until people get it. If you’re not some kind of major problem child in one way or another, you get your year four option picked up in SA. I’m not saying anything about their futures here or anywhere in the league. That’s irrelevant to my point. It happens over and over and over, and people here are still surprised by it.

[heyheymymy]

Just wondering if the perspective may change next summer when you have at least two FRPs and possible FAs but Blake and Bran are still on the roster and in the way.

I will say with how fragile Devin Glassell is might not be the worst thing in the world to hang on to Branham a little longer until you know Dev is sturdy enough to hold things down. A known family guy like Bran who already learned the playbook might be better than scrambling to cover a Devin injury.

Was kinda hoping Bran would be gone at least. Nothing personal

[Ice009]

Monty Williams was never cut. The Spurs traded for him from the Knicks in the middle of his second season, and he was retained until the end of his 4th season. Does that sound vaguely familiar? It’s what the Spurs do, unless there is some sort of health (James Anderson), mental health (Primo), or shit attitude (Sammich) problem, even if they are not in the team’s future plans. CoJo, Kyle Anderson, and Lonnie all trod this path.

Spurs will very likely extend Sochan next summer, but not Blake or Malaki, either by not offering one, or a ridiculous lowball offer. They will be used as trade ballast, or allowed to walk in 2026.

I don't remember. I'm sure it was Monty as I remember reading an article where he said Pop called him into his office and was brutally honest with him that he wasn't bringing him back and told him the reasons why. Maybe it was at the end of that third season as he only played one year with TD. I remember him saying he was pretty devastated at the time, but in the end, appreciated Pop being honest with him. I don't know, it was a long, long time ago.

Well, hopefully they are let go (if they don't improve this season), but I didn't think another year on top of this one in warranted. What if they both suck this year? The Spurs are on the hook for all of next season with them too now. Are they going to be easy to move?

[Bruno]

I wouldn't have picked options on Branham and Wesley. It just seems highly unlikely that they turn into something good. Saying that, I won't trash Spurs FO about it because it isn't a lot of money and having tie this money to them likely won't hurt Spurs. It is just a low risk but even lower reward move.

[spurraider21]

Just wondering if the perspective may change next summer when you have at least two FRPs and possible FAs but Blake and Bran are still on the roster and in the way.

I will say with how fragile Devin Glassell is might not be the worst thing in the world to hang on to Branham a little longer until you know Dev is sturdy enough to hold things down. A known family guy like Bran who already learned the playbook might be better than scrambling to cover a Devin injury.

Was kinda hoping Bran would be gone at least. Nothing personal
There’s more depth behind Vassell now. Castle plays behind him. With Barnes getting forward minutes they’ve seemingly moved Champagnie to guard.

and people aren’t necessarily (though i am) saying Branham needed to be waived or traded way right now. Rather, guaranteeing his contract for NEXT season just seems absurd

[Bruno]

https://x.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1847389054943580600

Austin Spurs traded for his G-league rights just before that:
https://x.com/austin_spurs/status/1847280678716510320

Austin Spurs team will be quite different than last year. They did a lot of trades and even have a new coach.
The starting lineup should be Bouyea/Duke/Barnes/Minix/Mensah with Isiaah Miller and Jameer Nelson on the bench. That's a quite good team. We will see who they will add through the usual fake local tryouts because they need some depth inside.

[rankingtear]

I disagree. Pop cut Monty Williams back in the day saying he can't shoot and doesn't fit the team (I think he also told him what areas of his game he had to improve on), and at the time, he was one of TD's best friends on the team. I understand what you're saying, but they didn't operate this way back in the day. Not sure why they're operating this way now.

We never had capspace to spare. It is more doing favor for agents than players. Agents have 30-40 year careers. They bring more deals on the table than people realize, case in point Derozan and Dougie this year. It is more beneficial to do favors to agents than it is to other teams GM.

[dbestpro]

Yea..This is not good news at all.This seems to show the spurs front office think highly of branham and wesley
and want them part of our future.Looks like we are committing to branham and wesley lol wtf

They have trade value.

[heyheymymy]

There’s more depth behind Vassell now. Castle plays behind him. With Barnes getting forward minutes they’ve seemingly moved Champagnie to guard.

and people aren’t necessarily (though i am) saying Branham needed to be waived or traded way right now. Rather, guaranteeing his contract for NEXT season just seems absurd

Maybe it's preemptive positioning for CP3 and Jones' fate going forward. Big IF, but if you were not planning on returning either Paul or Jones or both, then in that case keeping Blake and Bran could be viewed as relatively cheap insurance at the 1 and 2 slots?

Because yeah otherwise I agree with you, the depth has been bolstered now to where picking up the options on Blake and Bran makes less sense.

[Seventyniner]

I have no problem with giving Wesley and Branham the Lonnie treatment. Keep the options open on the off chance one of them happens to make a leap, and let them walk otherwise.

[Spurs Brazil]

https://x.com/austin_spurs/status/1847670908837585050

[mo7888]

Boston waives Lonnie

[mo7888]

I have no problem with giving Wesley and Branham the Lonnie treatment. Keep the options open on the off chance one of them happens to make a leap, and let them walk otherwise.

Yep, picking up the options is a huge nothing-burger. If they need the contact ballast in a trade they have it, if they need the space they can easily move a contract attaching one of our endless supply of 2nd's, and if one of them happens to take a leap forward then we control their contracts....

There's no downside..

[jjspur]

I wouldn't have picked options on Branham and Wesley. It just seems highly unlikely that they turn into something good. Saying that, I won't trash Spurs FO about it because it isn't a lot of money and having tie this money to them likely won't hurt Spurs. It is just a low risk but even lower reward move.

Totally agree low risk low reward. However if you dumped the dynamic duo next year in favor of a minimum wage vet or two way player, that's a low risk and quite possibly more of a reward. Look, every team has a miss in drafting players. Spurs just have a hard time admitting that they messed up draft wise. Most teams just move on, but it seems we are stuck with them for another two years, unless they're traded (unlikely unless its with another better player) or just cut with pay (very likely).

[jeebus]

https://x.com/austin_spurs/status/1847670908837585050

Some good news to help wash the bitter taste of the Branham/Wesley options.

[heyheymymy]

thrilled to retain Minix

[Mr. Body]

I disagree on Branham. Keeping him and Wesley is a no-brainer. While neither may be in the long-term team future, their paths to NBA aren't that far away. And I believe Branham is closer than Wesley. I remind that many here insisted we cut Wesley last year in favor of Cam Payne and now people insist we keep him. Development isn't linear and each is only 21.

Too many are focusing on Branham's deep shot not falling, and that isn't a good thing. He wasn't more than a toe-the-line three point shooter in college, so it may take a while. If he never starts sinking them, that's one thing. But I don't think that's a big concern right now. (Playing time is.)

Branham has pretty good size for his position, nice handles, cuts really well, and has a good midrange and is a solid finisher. What I wanted from him last year - obviously the team will have other goals - is to become more neutral on defense and take threes whenever he should.

He now stays engaged on defense, makes his rotations, doesn't die on screens. He's improving. And he's now putting up threes without thinking about them. Those improvements were vital. Next, for me, is impacting the stat sheet other than shots, continuing to improve on defense, and becoming more aggressive. I figure they're working on the shot and getting that down.

Again, I don't think he's necessarily a long-term piece. But there's an NBA player here. He's still very young, has only played two years. If it doesn't work out, fine. If he starts hitting threes, continues to learn his spots, and improves on D, there's a nice player here.

[ChumpDumper]

Austin Spurs traded for his G-league rights just before that:
https://x.com/austin_spurs/status/1847280678716510320

Austin Spurs team will be quite different than last year. They did a lot of trades and even have a new coach.
The starting lineup should be Bouyea/Duke/Barnes/Minix/Mensah with Isiaah Miller and Jameer Nelson on the bench. That's a quite good team. We will see who they will add through the usual fake local tryouts because they need some depth inside.

Thank goodness Bouyea is back. I don't know if they could really run a play with the other guys.

[exstatic]

They have trade value.

Even if it’s just as a contract. NY had to struggle to sign three players not on their roster, one of whom was playing in Europe, to get the KAT deal done.

[Russ]

https://x.com/austin_spurs/status/1847670908837585050

Great signing.

The Spurs were "hiding" him at the end of the preseason.

[Chinook]

Did Mensah get waived to make room? I'm assuming so given Bassey and Collins looking relatively healthy. Pop did seem guarded about Ingram though.

[LeBowen]

I disagree on Branham. Keeping him and Wesley is a no-brainer. While neither may be in the long-term team future, their paths to NBA aren't that far away. And I believe Branham is closer than Wesley. I remind that many here insisted we cut Wesley last year in favor of Cam Payne and now people insist we keep him. Development isn't linear and each is only 21.

Agreed, picking up their options is a risk free move.
We have 20+ SRPs and it's easy enough to get rid of them if we need cap space.


Too many are focusing on Branham's deep shot not falling, and that isn't a good thing. He wasn't more than a toe-the-line three point shooter in college, so it may take a while. If he never starts sinking them, that's one thing. But I don't think that's a big concern right now. (Playing time is.)

Branham has pretty good size for his position, nice handles, cuts really well, and has a good midrange and is a solid finisher. What I wanted from him last year - obviously the team will have other goals - is to become more neutral on defense and take threes whenever he should.

He now stays engaged on defense, makes his rotations, doesn't die on screens. He's improving. And he's now putting up threes without thinking about them. Those improvements were vital. Next, for me, is impacting the stat sheet other than shots, continuing to improve on defense, and becoming more aggressive. I figure they're working on the shot and getting that down.

Again, I don't think he's necessarily a long-term piece. But there's an NBA player here. He's still very young, has only played two years. If it doesn't work out, fine. If he starts hitting threes, continues to learn his spots, and improves on D, there's a nice player here.

Branham's issue is that he's the most common archetype in basketball.
Off-ball guards that aren't elite at anything are the easiest players to find.

There are too many ifs around both him and Wesley. I don't expect either one to become a relevant rotation member, but giving them another season to have a go at it is an easy decision.

Branham is a better player than Wesley right now, Wesley still sucks at so many aspects of the game, but potentially elite POA defenders are difficult to find and that's why Wesley will probably have a better career if he develops something that resembles an offense.

[Leetonidas]

Sorry if it's been asked but anyone know where we can watch the scrimmage?

[spurraider21]

Maybe it's preemptive positioning for CP3 and Jones' fate going forward. Big IF, but if you were not planning on returning either Paul or Jones or both, then in that case keeping Blake and Bran could be viewed as relatively cheap insurance at the 1 and 2 slots?

Because yeah otherwise I agree with you, the depth has been bolstered now to where picking up the options on Blake and Bran makes less sense.
I’ve been pretty consistent saying that while branhams option shouldn’t be picked up that i wouldn’t have been upset with a decision to pick up Wesley because the point guard position has a lot of unknowns. Paul/Tre expiring and castles future might not even be at PG

[spurraider21]

I disagree on Branham. Keeping him and Wesley is a no-brainer. While neither may be in the long-term team future, their paths to NBA aren't that far away. And I believe Branham is closer than Wesley. I remind that many here insisted we cut Wesley last year in favor of Cam Payne and now people insist we keep him. Development isn't linear and each is only 21.

Too many are focusing on Branham's deep shot not falling, and that isn't a good thing. He wasn't more than a toe-the-line three point shooter in college, so it may take a while. If he never starts sinking them, that's one thing. But I don't think that's a big concern right now. (Playing time is.)

Branham has pretty good size for his position, nice handles, cuts really well, and has a good midrange and is a solid finisher. What I wanted from him last year - obviously the team will have other goals - is to become more neutral on defense and take threes whenever he should.

He now stays engaged on defense, makes his rotations, doesn't die on screens. He's improving. And he's now putting up threes without thinking about them. Those improvements were vital. Next, for me, is impacting the stat sheet other than shots, continuing to improve on defense, and becoming more aggressive. I figure they're working on the shot and getting that down.

Again, I don't think he's necessarily a long-term piece. But there's an NBA player here. He's still very young, has only played two years. If it doesn't work out, fine. If he starts hitting threes, continues to learn his spots, and improves on D, there's a nice player here.
you could do all that without guaranteeing his year 4 at a cost that is almost certainly above his market value

[Dex]

1847677523116572790

[exstatic]

1847677523116572790

Hello, Maine Redclaws!

[timtonymanu]

Poor Lonnie. Nice kid but just not an NBA level player.

[Dejounte]

Boston Jr and Malachi waived

[NASpurs]

Sorry if it's been asked but anyone know where we can watch the scrimmage?

Seems like it's not going to be streamed

[Spurs Brazil]

https://x.com/mikecwright/status/1847756253721751965

[Spurs Brazil]

https://x.com/mikecwright/status/1847759151696408766

[Ice009]

So you can't watch this?

[jeebus]

So you can't watch this?

They've had it on the Spurs app in the past, but I can't be bothered to redownload it and check

[RC_Drunkford]

This franchise is on its A-Game. No live stream for the scrimmage and no Spurs app anymore either. Like it‘s ran by an 80-year old grandpa…wait a minute :pop:

[dn0774]

https://x.com/mikecwright/status/1847756253721751965

Chris Paul like “nah no scrimmage for me thanks”

[CGD]

https://x.com/mikecwright/status/1847756253721751965

No Zollins?

[baseline bum]

Doug McDermott can also shoot.

Could prob use him too on this roster

[baseline bum]

Spurs exercised 4th year options on all of Sochan/Branham/Wesley per Orsborn.

Blech, only Sochan deserved it

[baseline bum]

ugh. figured you'd make branham/wesley earn it. if they play like what we've seen in preseason are these guys really going to be fetching 5+ mil on the open market anyway?

Wait are you telling me all those minutes Branham got as the first guard off the bench WEREN'T for seeing whether he should get that extra year guaranteed?

[ace3g]

DBUr0aaxsMR

[timtonymanu]

This franchise is on its A-Game. No live stream for the scrimmage and no Spurs app anymore either. Like it‘s ran by an 80-year old grandpa…wait a minute :pop:

The spurs YouTube channel is filled with complaints about their shitty sound system during player interviews. They need to get with the times. They have an all time great now. Get rid of the Mr Body boomers and hire people that know their technology.

[onechance87]

Could prob use him too on this roster

would of been a upgrade over branham thats for sure.

[spurraider21]

Wait are you telling me all those minutes Branham got as the first guard off the bench WEREN'T for seeing whether he should get that extra year guaranteed?
Maybe it was and Pop liked what he saw :lol

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJuO8A7kEwg

[CGD]

^ I remain irrationally high on Steph. Incredibly polished all around.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJHI_7G6Jc

[ace3g]

DBUvTIBxJsB

[exstatic]

This franchise is on its A-Game. No live stream for the scrimmage and no Spurs app anymore either. Like it‘s ran by an 80-year old grandpa…wait a minute :pop:

Apple App Store has it.

[ace3g]

DBU5nILvKee

[poopbox]

Oh so that's why we rested so many players in the preseason...had to make sure they were healthy for the open scrimmage :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

Apple App Store has it.

not available outside of the US anymore. Really smart marketing lol

[John B]

https://x.com/austin_spurs/status/1847670908837585050

Now this next generation of Spurs have their “Matt Bonner.” I like his shooting and just knows how to score multiple ways. I think he really gets along great with the guys. I remember that picture of him hanging out in an Austin game.

Who’s going to be the next “coffee gang?”

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1848066626073006493

[Bruno]

Ingram and Minix have been relatively good especially when you consider how little Spurs have invested in them (one is pick #48 and the other is undrafted).

Spurs' scouting staff deserves some props for these finds.

[LeBowen]

Ingram and Minix have been relatively good especially when you consider how little Spurs have invested in them (one is pick #48 and the other is undrafted).

Spurs' scouting staff deserves some props for these finds.

Agreed, they're still good at finding borderline NBA players and turning them into useful bench pieces.

But pretty soon we'll need different kind of scouting. Legit starters to actually improve the team without overpaying. That will be Wright's biggest test.
He's shown he's a great salesman, soon enough it will be time for him to show his buyer skills.

[Seventyniner]

Agreed, they're still good at finding borderline NBA players and turning them into useful bench pieces.

That's a very valuable skill once the team is operating well over the cap and contending. Right now, not as much.

[z0sa]

Minix definitely deserves it after that behind-the-back dribble into a 3.

[Dex]

This franchise is on its A-Game. No live stream for the scrimmage and no Spurs app anymore either. Like it‘s ran by an 80-year old grandpa…wait a minute :pop:

Yeah, I'm sure Pop is in charge of the social media and streaming coverage :wakeup

[Ice009]

So still no video of the scrimmage?

[Pauleta14]

So still no video of the scrimmage?

I saw that only...


https://youtu.be/QaLceRAevvY?si=Odg67ZZDmW0bdRHn

[dn0774]

So still no video of the scrimmage?

Nah the tech just ain’t there yet. Maybe in 20131.

[spurraider21]

Nah the tech just ain’t there yet. Maybe in 20131.
maybe they'll draft a video guy

[Russ]

maybe they'll draft a video guy

That's the way they got Sam Presti.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Mark my words, there will come a game in which Castle, Vassell, Minnix, Mamu, and Vic are on the floor together, and it's gonna go absolutely stupid.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://youtu.be/1fBjFqEfqWA?si=GA33qw93QO6t8yZ2