Grades: Spurs vs. Timberwolves - Nov. 2, 2024

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/grades-spurs-timberwolves-2025-game-6/

[Mr. Body]

Minnesota might have been tired, alright, but this is still a great win. A totally different team from the Utah game.

I liked the looks they were giving Wembanyama, moving him around, getting different picks for him. He still does the little kid "Imma just launch a 3 now" thing, which needs to go away.

Sochan has moved to the next level. He was jamming Edwards pretty well, not easy to do. Two games in a row with fantastic chase-down blocks.

Barnes and Paul are melting into the team now. They seem to now know where they're needed and to fit in and their presence is huge. Barnes had a couple big baskets on broken plays. With Paul, well, there's no one better at calming things down. He's so assured.

Looking forward to seeing how the season goes for Castle. Lot of good things here, plus solid defense, and room to grow.

[tbdog]

Sochan is playing as a powerful power forward who is also capable of defending superstars like Anthony Edwards out on the perimeter. That’s an impressive array skills on display.

In year 3 of his career.

[Fireball]

Good to see Wemby being more energetic again. Spurs defense looks really better this season ... good overall team effort against Minny.

Thanks for the grades!

[mystargtr34]

In year 3 of his career.

And not long 21 yo.

Biggest thing for Jeremy is consistency. His first 2 years he’d have these games where he puts up 15-8-3 with great defense and you think he could easily be a Diaw or Draymond-lite then he’ll string together a bunch of 2 point 1-7 FG games where it looks like he’s never played basketball before.

Hopefully that consistency comes with experience and development but it’s no guarantee.

[Dhbsr555]

And not long 21 yo.

Biggest thing for Jeremy is consistency. His first 2 years he’d have these games where he puts up 15-8-3 with great defense and you think he could easily be a Diaw or Draymond-lite then he’ll string together a bunch of 2 point 1-7 FG games where it looks like he’s never played basketball before.

I think a big part of it is cp3 hes a game changer
Hopefully that consistency comes with experience and development but it’s no guarantee.

[tbdog]

And not long 21 yo.

Biggest thing for Jeremy is consistency. His first 2 years he’d have these games where he puts up 15-8-3 with great defense and you think he could easily be a Diaw or Draymond-lite then he’ll string together a bunch of 2 point 1-7 FG games where it looks like he’s never played basketball before.

Hopefully that consistency comes with experience and development but it’s no guarantee.

It was worse than that. Some games he was a non factor. No defense stats or boards.

[RC_Drunkford]

Like I said in the game thread this was probably the best Spurs game execution wise of the past 3 years. We won every quarter except the 4th (which we lost by 2 cause the Wolves scored instead of letting the clock run out), played very composed, ran sets and got contributions from everybody. I liked that Mitch Johnson never played Sochan and Castle together and didn't play Wesley, which means we never had more than 1 non-shooter on the court at all times. Our defense seems legit and we are heavily outrebounding teams. The team should look even better once Devin is back, although I fear Pop going back to his "let's play 3 non-shooters at the same time" idiocy.

[Dex]

It was worse than that. Some games he was a non factor. No defense stats or boards.

It's still early in the season so I'm not counting any chickens yet, but maybe he is finally putting it together.

As I have said in other threads, Sochan has surprisingly been the most consistent Spur in terms of impact in this young season.

His game isn't pretty...but it's working.

[Raven]

thought keldon making the shots he's supposed to make, and paul's pick and roll bonanza were the key to this excellent game.

[exstatic]

thought keldon making the shots he's supposed to make, and paul's pick and roll bonanza were the key to this excellent game.

We FINALLY FUCKING DECIDED to attack the other side of the mismatch. Keldon has to be this aggressive every time they try to hide their big while guarding Wemby with a wing or big guard. Medium Body just pretty much ate Gobert’s lunch.

[LeBowen]

We FINALLY FUCKING DECIDED to attack the other side of the mismatch. Keldon has to be this aggressive every time they try to hide their big while guarding Wemby with a wing or big guard. Medium Body just pretty much ate Gobert’s lunch.

Agreed.
When we actually get to playoff team level, we should be able to run every non-elite big off the floor.
Last night Wolves sat Gobert and tried Randle/Reid duo.

Same goes for our lineups. If there's not a legit C on the floor when Wemby sits, we should be playing Mamu and not Collins.
I'd even try Barnes/Jeremy duo.

[Pauleta14]

And not long 21 yo.

Biggest thing for Jeremy is consistency. His first 2 years he’d have these games where he puts up 15-8-3 with great defense and you think he could easily be a Diaw or Draymond-lite then he’ll string together a bunch of 2 point 1-7 FG games where it looks like he’s never played basketball before.

Hopefully that consistency comes with experience and development but it’s no guarantee.

Thx

Good to see some are still capable of having nuanced pov.

[Davidicus]

Team defense showed out this game. Best I’ve seen in a while. Everyone was hustling, rotating, and fighting for it. Really enjoyable to watch.

Interested to see if CP3 and Keldon can continue their individual momentum here, or if that was just a “good game.”

Get well soon Pop!

[John B]

I enjoyed that game a lot. It’s watching CP3 dishing assists, directing people and just being a general, and our young squad took advantage especially Sochan. Slowly but surely the guys are playing smart basketball, moving with a purpose. Wemby with his face on the basket also allowed Sochan and Keldon to attack the rim. If Wemby can continue to become better effective at the perimeter, while people like Champ can drain the outside shots, we can see a better picture of their identity. It’s playing to the strength of the team as a whole. Pop is a genius at maximizing the composition of his personnel, and the roles are starting to be defined. It’s a matter of mastering those roles to the “T” . It’s 6 games into the season, and already it’s starting to click. CP3 and Barnes are big part of anchoring that. It’s just going to get better when Devin comes back. If they can continue to master that I think there’s a good chance this team gets to the play-in.

[Ice009]

The Spurs really need Chris Paul and to a lesser extend Harrison Barnes as they're both stabilizing the team. Not sure what they'd do without them. Hopefully CP3 stays for the rest of this season. I'd even want him back next season if he's to finish the season healthy and playing well. Not sure if he wants to go to a contender mid-season, though?

[Dejounte]

The Spurs really need Chris Paul and to a lesser extend Harrison Barnes as they're both stabilizing the team. Not sure what they'd do without them. Hopefully CP3 stays for the rest of this season. I'd even want him back next season if he's to finish the season healthy and playing well. Not sure if he wants to go to a contender mid-season, though?

People underestimate the value of relationships and at this stage of Paul’s career, I think he’d feel he’d make a lasting impact on guys he’s teaching right now than pursue selfish ambitions. Anyways, if you look around the league there aren’t really many contenders that would be suited for his services. Keep in mind he’d have to start from scratch anywhere and it also involves a team telling their backup PG, “hey, we have CP taking your spot” after working hard all season long. If a contender’s starting PG becomes injured indefinitely, then maybe? But even then I just don’t think CP’s desires are there anymore. Like the guy said… he just wants to play.

[Mr. Body]

I forgot to mention Keldon. This role is great for him, coming in like a bowling ball, and he was very aggressive attacking Gobert. If it works, nice change of pace.

The hidden story of the season so far is that the Spurs are really limiting teams on the scoreboard. Some graphic showed that for four games straight the Spurs have held opponents below 30 points in three out of four quarters. Even against OKC they were limiting them. Keeping this up and raising the offense will make a tough opponent for a lot of teams to face.

[jeebus]

Branham running the point was a mouth breather move, but luckily he saw that and put Castle in there to run the point. It wasn't like Tre Jones in there but Castle could still get the ball over the line and make the first pass without turning it over, unlike Gary Neal I mean Branham.

[RC_Drunkford]

I hope CP3 can teach Vassell to run pick & rolls like that. He would be a monster if he could.

[exstatic]

Branham running the point was a mouth breather move, but luckily he saw that and put Castle in there to run the point. It wasn't like Tre Jones in there but Castle could still get the ball over the line and make the first pass without turning it over, unlike Gary Neal I mean Branham.

People here tend to be way too hard on him this year. He’s a bucket off the bench. That being said, he should NEVER bring the ball up the court.

[Dejounte]

Branham’s problem is he doesn’t know how to stay engaged 100% of the time. He’d make the sloppiest play from time to time. It’s the kind of style that loses you games in the playoffs. What makes it worse is his body language after those plays.

[Mugen]

Been calling for some action that ends with Vic getting the ball in the paint, glad we finally saw some of that tbh. Sets are still taking too long to get into but I think that improves as time goes on.

That Point Branham BS probably caused us a 4-10 pt swing so hopefully we never, ever see that again.

Liking the defense thus far, I think improvement there is real. Love Steph getting a chance to D up Ant Man. If he can just throw the ball into the ocean, I can see his career taking off tbh.

[Mugen]

Hopefully BWrong is working the phones after that Keldon game tbh. We won't see another one like it for another month at least :lol

[baseline bum]

Haven't seen these pinpoint passes CP3 was throwing last night since Manu retired. Damn makes me hope Paul sticks around another 2-3 years.

[Spurs Homer]

Chump-penny has disappeared again...for how many games now?

Stop talking about trading keldon and sochan and instead get rid of chokers like chump-penny, vassell, zollins -
IF - you MUST mention trades...

[Mugen]

Chump-penny has disappeared again...for how many games now?

Stop talking about trading keldon and sochan and instead get rid of chokers like chump-penny, vassell, zollins -
IF - you MUST mention trades...

https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-114874265,width-400,resizemode-4/114874265.jpg

[Russ]

The Spurs really need Chris Paul and to a lesser extend Harrison Barnes as they're both stabilizing the team. Not sure what they'd do without them. Hopefully CP3 stays for the rest of this season. I'd even want him back next season if he's to finish the season healthy and playing well. Not sure if he wants to go to a contender mid-season, though?

Paul has a lot of agency with this team.

If he goes to a contender he would be a short-term expiring asset, subject to the whims of a coach under pressure.

He may want to stay if things look stable and he sees growth, especially if he's considering coaching at some point.

[Seventyniner]

People underestimate the value of relationships and at this stage of Paul’s career, I think he’d feel he’d make a lasting impact on guys he’s teaching right now than pursue selfish ambitions. Anyways, if you look around the league there aren’t really many contenders that would be suited for his services. Keep in mind he’d have to start from scratch anywhere and it also involves a team telling their backup PG, “hey, we have CP taking your spot” after working hard all season long. If a contender’s starting PG becomes injured indefinitely, then maybe? But even then I just don’t think CP’s desires are there anymore. Like the guy said… he just wants to play.

Paul might have the same mindset as end-of-career Vince Carter

[RC_Drunkford]

Chump-penny has disappeared again...for how many games now?

Stop talking about trading keldon and sochan and instead get rid of chokers like chump-penny, vassell, zollins -
IF - you MUST mention trades...

Stat wise he‘s a top 10 defender in the league right now. You should get your facts straight

[Rocalcio]

Chump-penny has disappeared again...for how many games now?

Stop talking about trading keldon and sochan and instead get rid of chokers like chump-penny, vassell, zollins -
IF - you MUST mention trades...

Vassell ? Really ?!

[R. DeMurre]

It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with CP3 at the trade deadline... one prevalent thought out there when he signed was that he'd mentor the young Spurs and then get traded to a contender for a final run at a ring, but this could change if the Spurs are in the race for the Play In. I suppose at this point it's a win-win situation, because he's not the PG of the future, so any positive assets coming back in a trade might be helpful too.

[LeBowen]

It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with CP3 at the trade deadline... one prevalent thought out there when he signed was that he'd mentor the young Spurs and then get traded to a contender for a final run at a ring, but this could change if the Spurs are in the race for the Play In. I suppose at this point it's a win-win situation, because he's not the PG of the future, so any positive assets coming back in a trade might be helpful too.

Said it before, but there aren't really any destinations for him.
At this point he probably doesn't care about just being in the playoffs, but actually having a chance to win a ring.

Celtics, Knicks, Cavs, OKC, Mavs don't need him, after that it's a crapshoot.
I'd say Nuggets would be the most logical destination if they get rid of Russ.

I don't think he plans to retire after this season if he's healthy.
It would be way better for him to stay with the Spurs if that's the case. can't find more playtime with better teams.
Also, who knows, but he could very well start his coaching career with the Spurs and get an assistant job. No better place.

[Dejounte]

His family is in LA… i doubt he’d want a coaching gig here where he’ll be away from his family a lot. Plus, his post-nba career will likely involve a lot of showbiz which is all in LA.

[The Truth #6]

Yeah, he probably wants to do a few more commercials and some ESPN type contract work. But if he does want to coach, who knows, he might really like this team. A lot of possibilities. Who knows at this point.

[ginobilized]

CP3 looks happy here and his teammates look happy with him. Check back in 3 months and see if he's wearing them out with his "leadership."
The Warriors got sick of him quickly and stopped listening to him. It looked tense to me.

This is a pretty awesome situation for all parties involved. He's been invaluable as a player and is like having an extra assistant coach. I bet he stays.
The Spurs lack of drama and bull.... seem like a good fit for Paul.

[CGD]

https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-114874265,width-400,resizemode-4/114874265.jpg

Holy crap is that real?!?

Has to be a fake. Probably some meme about his first state visit with Putin.

[Mr. Body]

Holy crap is that real?!?

Has to be a fake. Probably some meme about his first state visit with Putin.

His mic wasn't working well, a consequence of stiffing venues and not paying for decent techs, so instead of being a normal person he started jacking it off and play-acting fellatio.

[gambit1990]

definitely a fan of how physical sochan has been playing. also not scared to attack the rim.

[gambit1990]

i am still extremely interested in trading for BI. he would take so much pressure off of wemby & cp3.


https://youtu.be/d5Do4Q94_lo?si=uiXH1tAGJa1dcuOw

[Spurs Homer]

Vassell ? Really ?!

IF the talk/choice is between

keldon/sochan/vassell

absolutely vassell should be the one to go

but im sick of hearing people throwing out
“trade keldon”
”trade sochan”

”only untouchables are wemby and vassell”

fuck that noise

[Mugen]

His mic wasn't working well, a consequence of stiffing venues and not paying for decent techs, so instead of being a normal person he started jacking it off and play-acting fellatio.

:lol tbh

[Mugen]

i am still extremely interested in trading for BI. he would take so much pressure off of wemby & cp3.


https://youtu.be/d5Do4Q94_lo?si=uiXH1tAGJa1dcuOw

He's looking for 40+ mil a year next year and the Pelicans have literally been unable to find a market for him. No thanks to taller Derozan tbh.

[gambit1990]

He's looking for 40+ mil a year next year and the Pelicans have literally been unable to find a market for him. No thanks to taller Derozan tbh.
rental for the rest of the season.

pelicans can't find a market for him so it makes it easier for the spurs to not have to give up a lot.

[Biggems]

We need more Mamu and less Collins

[Chomag]

If only we could at get Jeremy to be proficient at least at a corner 3

[CGD]

His mic wasn't working well, a consequence of stiffing venues and not paying for decent techs, so instead of being a normal person he started jacking it off and play-acting fellatio.

Unbelievable, wow

[tbdog]

He's looking for 40+ mil a year next year and the Pelicans have literally been unable to find a market for him. No thanks to taller Derozan tbh.

Ingram is a good player. Really good. But he is playing for that contract.

[gambit1990]

Ingram is a good player. Really good. But he is playing for that contract.
even more reason to trade for him cause he’s gonna put effort in to try and prove he’s worth the money.

[benefactor]

His mic wasn't working well, a consequence of stiffing venues and not paying for decent techs, so instead of being a normal person he started jacking it off and play-acting fellatio.
:lol

[gambit1990]

spurs also need a second option so cp3 doesn’t get worn out & injured.

[tbdog]

even more reason to trade for him cause he’s gonna put effort in to try and prove he’s worth the money.

Johnson and Collins contract fits. But boy would you need to add draft capital to make it a worthwhile conversation for the Pelicans.

[exstatic]

Johnson and Collins contract fits. But boy would you need to add draft capital to make it a worthwhile conversation for the Pelicans.

Draft capital for a rental that N.O. has no chance to re-sign? They’re not paying him, and he’s going to walk. See: Thompson, Klay George, Paul.

[tbdog]

Just to add.

Just at the top of my head.

https://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=26doh96y

Oh well. Didn't work.

But in summary. Brook Lopez and Johnson to Pelicans. Zach to Bucks plus Julian. Ingram to Spurs.

[gambit1990]

Johnson and Collins contract fits. But boy would you need to add draft capital to make it a worthwhile conversation for the Pelicans.
i would've rather had the spurs include their #8 pick in a package for BI than for what they got for it.

[gambit1990]

Draft capital for a rental that N.O. has no chance to re-sign? They’re not paying him, and he’s going to walk. See: Thompson, Klay George, Paul.
it's fine if he walks. the pelicans can't ask the world for him anyways.

[Ice009]

Is there anyone that's likely to pay him a max contract next season? Is there many teams that are going to have cap space to be able to do that?

[tbdog]

Is there anyone that's likely to pay him a max contract next season? Is there many teams that are going to have cap space to be able to do that?

I don't know. I can't pick the market.

[exstatic]

Is there anyone that's likely to pay him a max contract next season? Is there many teams that are going to have cap space to be able to do that?

You’re expecting players to act logically once they figure out they’re not getting the bag they want. Klay Thompson took less money over three years to leave GS than GS offered him for two years. They just get butt hurt, and then you’re out whatever assets you expended to get them.

[SouthernFried]

It's nice having 2 adults on the team with Paul and Barnes. They are making the SPURS almost watchable again.

[Dex]

It's nice having 2 adults on the team with Paul and Barnes. They are making the SPURS almost watchable again.

Hopefully it's only up from here, especially once we get Devin and Tre back. Cutting minutes for Branham and Wesley should be addition by subtraction.

[CorrectCrusader]

Branham’s problem is he doesn’t know how to stay engaged 100% of the time. He’d make the sloppiest play from time to time. It’s the kind of style that loses you games in the playoffs. What makes it worse is his body language after those plays.

You're absolutely correct. When he's engaged he's pretty alright, when he isn't he's possibly the worst player in the NBA