Spurs Training Camp: The Newcomers

[Kori Ellis]

Spurs Training Camp: The Newcomers

http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=5342EF37-0E2D-46AF-8A67-46545BF1833B

By Kori Ellis
SpursZONE.com

Nine players from the 2003-04 San Antonio Spurs remain on this season's roster. The projected starting five -- Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen and Rasho Nesterovic, as well as reserves Malik Rose, Robert Horry, Devin Brown and Sean Marks make up the returnees.

Draft picks Beno Udrih and Romain Sato join veterans Brent Barry and Tony Massenburg along with five other hopefuls on the Spurs' training camp roster.

Let's take a look at the newcomers, their strengths, and what it will take for some of them to make the final cut.

The Newcomers

Brent Barry
Barry is best known for being one of the purest shooters in the game. He can hit from any spot on the floor and has deadly range. His intangibles are almost as impressive as his shooting percentages. Barry is an excellent passer, adequate defender and is known as a great lockerroom presence.

Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje
Though he's never been much of a scorer, Boumtje-Boumtje has potential as a rebounder who can block shots. He has a sturdy frame, long arms and good instincts for the ball. Offensively, he's rather poor. He doesn't have a post game to speak of and is a below average passer. If he can improve his O, he could make it in the league.

Linton Johnson III
Johnson is a tenacious defender at the small forward position who also has a knack for hitting the glass. He has the footspeed and the strength to guard just about anybody on the court. Offensively, however, it's a different story. He will need to develop a three-point shot and use better shot selection around the basket to stick in the NBA.

Tony Massenburg
The definition of a journeyman, Massenburg has been on 12 different teams in his 14 year career. He's made his mark as a strong post defender who isn't afraid to mix it up. He'll throw his body around down low. On offense, he scores off power moves and offensive rebounds. Most likely, he'll fill the Kevin Willis role.

Valter Monteiro
Monteiro, who played on the Angolan Olympic team, is a hired gun. As a three-point specialist, he has nice form and quick release. Though he lacks the size of a shooting guard and the ballhandling ability of a point guard, he has a chance to make it based on his shooting prowess alone.

Marque Perry
Perry played for both of the Spurs' summer league teams. His play improved as he adjusted to how the Spurs wanted him to run their teams. As a point guard, he's a streaky scorer with an above average midrange jumper. His playmaking ability has improved since his college days but will need to continue to improve to make it.

Romain Sato
Even though he's only 6-foot-4 on a good day, Sato has a chance to make up for his vertical shortcomings. He has incredibly long arms (6-foot-11 wingspan) and an impressive vertical leap that allows him to grab rebounds at an impressive rate. His stock fell during his senior year at Xavier, allowing the Spurs to snag him in the second round.

James Thomas
Thomas is a little undersized but is an extremely strong and active interior force. He rebounds well and can block a few shots. He's still raw offensively but is relentless on the offensive glass. Thomas suffered through back problems as a senior at the University of Texas, though he has seemed to have regained his mobility.

Beno Udrih
While he's going into camp with a bruised knee, the Spurs have high hopes for their first round draft pick. Udrih is a crafty point guard with a deadly midrange jumper and the ability to find the open man. At times in summer league contests he forced it on offense and committed turnovers in bundles, however his talent level is unquestioned.

[Admiral]

Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that Marcus Bryant's strategy of saving caproom for the 2003 offseason is still paying dividends as our Spurs have accumulated yet another star-studded collection of talent in 2004.

Are we supposed to be excited about these players?

[TheWriter]

Who are you man?

The Spurs are probably the top pick to win the title this year. And you're still being a cynic?

Get out of here jerkoff.

[Admiral]

Who are you man?

The Spurs are probably the top pick to win the title this year. And you're still being a cynic?

Get out of here jerkoff. -The Writer

I've been posting on Spurs forums for over four years now, first on SpursReport.com, then on FullSportPress.com (and I don't seem to remember you being around nearly that long). You should not be so rude to people who share different opinions from your own. The real world, once you're old enough to enter it, will be a much easier place to live in once you realize that everyone doesn't see things exactly the way you do.

So yeah, I guess I am a cynic. I said last year that we wouldn't win the title, and all of the homers let me have it. But I was right. On the flip side, in 2003 I said that we would win it all (despite people saying that it wouldn't happen) and we did. I've been wrong a lot too, but the point is that I would rather state my opinion, whether other people like it or not, than be a blind cheerleader and never admit when my team isn't the best.

Think about that, "jerkoff," before you post again.

[TheWriter]

I posted at SpursReport.com since 2000, and FSP since it started so stfu jerkoff.

Dumb kids.

[LakerGod]

Well according to the article the Spurs will focus again on defense as their famous "trademark" while being a terrible offensive team.

Don't get me wrong but what the Spurs need is a little more offense to be a fan favorite, defense is good but is too boring.

[xcoriate]

Says who that defence is boring? It's part of the game basketball... you know what were talking about.

Anyone who has ever played the game understands this, I could go on and on about its importance and why its required, but its not that hard to work it out.

I mean sure dunks are spectacular but so are blocked shots, you need a balance one I think the spurs have.

Tim is as deadly offensively as anyone in the league.
Manu is as exciting as it comes on both D and offence.
Tony has been known to light it up, though his D could use some work.
Bowen.... you got me here :P
Nersterovic can score when required and not foccused solely on getting out of TD's way, look at his numbers while he was out.

Barry off the bench,shoyuld score at a high percentage.

The spurs have offence but they have D too.

Remember Defence wins championships.

[TheWriter]

Well according to the article the Spurs will focus again on defense as their famous "trademark" while being a terrible offensive team.

Don't get me wrong but what the Spurs need is a little more offense to be a fan favorite, defense is good but is too boring.

Yeah, Brent won't add any Offense.

And I'd rather "WIN" playing great D then "LOSE" being some fan favorite.

[LakerGod]

No wonder why the NBA Finals in 2003 had the worst ratings in NBA history, please don't feel bad but do you really think the NBA/ABC would allow the Spurs again in the NBA Finals?

Defense is good but add some offense and you will have the right formula for success.

[xcoriate]

I just explained our offence capabilities...

Read again.

[LakerGod]

I just explained our offence capabilities...

Read again.
Yeah! you've just said Brent Barry will be your saviour this coming season.

Bravo!

Let's hand the trophy to the San Antonio Spurs!

Their savoir has arrived!

[TheWriter]

Yeah! you've just said Brent Barry will be your saviour this coming season.

Bravo!

Let's hand the trophy to the San Antonio Spurs!

Their savoir has arrived!

You are a fucking moron. Bottomline.

Enjoy a upper teen pick next summer. :rollin

[TheWriter]

Also, isn't it against the rules to post under more than one name?

[xcoriate]

How did I say Barry will be the saviour... I asid he should shoot at a high percentage. Thats hardly a stretch. He has shot at high percentage over his career. Go fuck yourself.

[SpursFanInAustin]

Yeah! you've just said Brent Barry will be your saviour this coming season.

Bravo!

Let's hand the trophy to the San Antonio Spurs!

Their savoir has arrived!

This from a guy who thinks Karl Malone, a 42 yr old, coming off of major knee surgery is the missing ingredient for LA to win the title. I can't believe some Laker fans think they're still an upper echelon team.

[Marcus Bryant]

Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that Marcus Bryant's strategy of saving caproom for the 2003 offseason is still paying dividends as our Spurs have accumulated yet another star-studded collection of talent in 2004.

Apparently you missed the part where the Spurs were able to re-sign Ginobili this summer thanks to that cap flexibility. They also were able, for better or worse, to sign a center who can walk and chew gum at the same time the summer prior when David the Messiah retired. Are you suggesting the Spurs would have been better off with Derek Anderson? With a Gary Payton at the max for the next 3 seasons? That's dumb.

If the Spurs didn't have such cap flexibility this summer they wouldn't have been able to land even Barry.

I know you are mad because I've shredded your myth of David Robinson the big game player and hardass, but damn, at least come with a real complaint.

[spurster]

If no one else is going to, I'll vouch for Admiral as a respected old-timer on the pessimistic side. I don't recall him predicting the 2003 title, though. Seems out of character.

It's good to see some old arguments pop up though, NO LIMIT 2003 is a good start, but don't forget NO LIMIT 2001. We need GW back to argue about Payton and Sprewell to make it complete.

As for forum rules, I remember glancing at them when I signed up, but where do I find them now? I'll have to create a new handle just to read them again.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Dumb kids.

You don't appear to know Admiral very well, Writer.

[TwoHandJam]

Hey Admiral, I haven't seen you in a while. You've been mia so long that the newer posters don't even know you anymore.

Anyhow, I'll go on record as disagreeing with you about not being optimistic about this season. The continued development of Parker and Manu alone should prove formidable this season notwithstanding the addition of Barry which I think you're underestimating. Barry matched Parker's assist numbers last year if I'm not mistaken aside from his talents at spreading the floor. He's also the most capable backup to Parker since Speedy if need be.

I'm not enamored with our frontcourt aside from Tim but with the Lakers in the toilet for the forseeable future, Rasho should be more than serviceable in the west now.

The Lakers and Dallas have taken huge steps backwards and the Wolves are going to have age issues as well as chemistry problems it seems. Right now, only Detroit looks worthy and honestly, I think Pop is a better coach than Brown.

I think things are looking up right about now.

[SpursWoman]

I posted at SpursReport.com since 2000, and FSP since it started so stfu jerkoff.

Dumb kids.


And you're like 18 now, right? or 19?



I love ironic people. :lol

[Shelly]

:lol Admiral's been around here forever.

Not posting under more than one handle rule :lmao

Oh, that's a classic.

[bigzak25]

this admiral is the same as the other admiral?

no way.....GW just decided it was time for a change....

[thispego]

I honestly cannot see why Anyone would be complaining or skeptical about the offseason the Spurs had. Sure a few of the names mentioned above are questionable at best but there wasn't alot of improvement needed. We got exactly what we NEEDED, maybe not exactly who we WANTED, but that's the name of the off-season game.

I also can't wait to see what else the distraught laker fans will be throwing our way. "terrible offense"... "lack of excitement".... "defense is boring".. lol
Don't worry fellas, at least you have Brian Grant now. :lol

[spur219]

The Spurs had a way more successful offseason than last year. Re-Signing Ginobili was a success in itself. Not only that but they bring in proven multi-dimensional Brent Barry and some very good proven role players. The Championship is for the Spurs to take I believe. As long as they stay healthy and play good defense no one can knock them down. Not even the Lakers who their big man is VLADE DIVAC.

[Phenomanul]

I would be wise not to underestimate the Lakers... Kobe seems to be on a mission to prove to everyone that he is capable of leading a team to the promised land.

His logic is, "If Jordan won all of those titles without a dominant big man, why can't I; I'm just as good a player, and when he wants to play D, Lamar has the potential to be a Scottie-like player. Plus, I have a better center than Jordan ever had as a teammate in Vlade. And though we have no Rodman-like workhorse on the glass... we have the advantage of people thinking we aren't a good team... we have a perfect dark horse scenario to sneak up on those who underestimate us."

[spursfaninla]

These newcomers are interesting, if lacking in name recognition for the most part. Other than Brent Barry and Beno, most of these guys will not see more than a few minutes of garbage time a game, at most.

Even so, it will be intersting to see if some of them develop. There are some atheletes, so 1 or 2 could develop into a good backup. They are mostly specialsts; a 3 pt. shooter, a bruiser, a long defending 3, some shot blockers and an extra pg.

Scrubs? For the most part. But remember it was back players who helped us get our 2nd championship...

As for Kobe the next Jordan,

He is going to be a great scorer next year, but he is not selfless enough to replicate what Jordan did. He only was truely successful when he had a cast who could come through for him. When teams took Jordan out of the game, and it DID happen, other guys had to nut up and be the guy. Like Fisher cut our throats in the playoffs when we doubled Kobe... :cuss

[Marcus Bryant]

The offseason was ok. There are some question marks, namely Udrih and LJ3. If Udrih can't bring it at least you have Barry to back up TP. Without LJ3 then defensively at the 3 there is the potential for some problems. My guess is that Ginobili, Barry, and Horry would see spot duty there as matchups warrant.

That is the one spot where the loss of Turkoglu will definitely be felt.

[timvp]

TheWriter, you need show Admiral some respect. He's been posting long before Fastandfurious was giving inside scoops on the acquisition of Charles Oakley.

[Kori Ellis]

Admiral, I don't think you are supposed to be that excited about the newcomers. Nine players returned from last year's squad and they addressed their perimeter shooting problem with the acquisition of Brent Barry. They got a player they coveted in the draft in Beno Udrih, plus Barry can cover for Udrih if he's not ready.

Last season, the Spurs had only six players returning, so their summer acquisitions were much more important. With nine guys returning, there's not many roster spots to get excited about.

But I think that one guy who is in that group of "scrubs" that will eventually make a
difference is LJIII. Maybe not this year, but eventually he's a worthy pick up.

When you have a base of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili. It's all about finding the pieces to go around them. Barry was a great piece. If the Spurs don't play Malik, then I worry about our backup bigs. But other than that, the Spurs are in great shape.

[Walton Buys Off Me]

I posted at SpursReport.com since 2000, and FSP since it started so stfu jerkoff.

Dumb kids.

Whatever, you suck and so do your posts so who gives a Boumtje-Boumtje when you started posting small fry.

Walton will now "bottom line" it; of the new players either signed or invited to training camp, only two warrant discussion, Brent Barry and Beno Udrih, both will play important roles for the squad this year. The Spurs will carry 12 players and three IR dudes. The last roster spot will be a battle between Tony Massenburg and Sean Marks, hopefully Massenburg wins it because the Spurs front court could use the muscle. Nesterovic and Duncan wouldn't intimidate Joan Rivers. The IR fodder will be Romain Sato, James Thomas and either Marks or Massenburg. Marque Perry, 'Rouben' and Valter Monteiro are as good as gone and have almost no chance of winning a spot on this impressive roster. The Spurs look damn good but don't go the Bryant route and get fired up over some mechanic from Angola that can hit the occasional three. This place it at its most depressing when people like Marcus are doing their best impression of the average Laker fan pumped over the development of Brian Cook.

'Spus Talk' seems to gaining momentum after a lethargic summer, kudos to timvp and Kori for the new design, me likes........but I've got bones to pick with the Royal Family. How come I can't transfer my Walton picture from the previous board and use it as my avatar?

[spurster]

Another bone to pick.

How come Kori has two spurs and timvp only has one?

[timvp]

Hover over them to find out.

:)

[Kori Ellis]

How come I can't transfer my Walton picture from the previous board and use it as my avatar?

I'll go get it and make it your avatar. Be right back.

As for your assessment of the Newcomers, you are close to right.

Nine players returning, plus Beno, Massenburg and Barry makes 12. (Though Mass might go to IR). Then you have 3 spots left. Linton Johnson gets one of those spots (though he might not be on IR all year).

So you have five guys left ... Sato, Perry, Monteiro, Thomas and Boumtje-Boumtje with two spots (if they carry 15) remaining.

I think Sato gets a spot only because they were really high on him this summer.

So now you have 4 guys left fighting for that one spot. Out of Perry, Monteiro, Thomas and Boumtje, I'd like to keep Perry. But they'll probably keep Thomas.

[smeagol]

If no one else is going to, I'll vouch for Admiral as a respected old-timer on the pessimistic side.

Talking about pessimism, has anybody seen rascal? (talk about a pessimistic fuck!)

[TheWriter]

I'll go get it and make it your avatar. Be right back.

As for your assessment of the Newcomers, you are close to right.

Nine players returning, plus Beno, Massenburg and Barry makes 12. (Though Mass might go to IR). Then you have 3 spots left. Linton Johnson gets one of those spots (though he might not be on IR all year).

So you have five guys left ... Sato, Perry, Monteiro, Thomas and Boumtje-Boumtje with two spots (if they carry 15) remaining.

I think Sato gets a spot only because they were really high on him this summer.

So now you have 4 guys left fighting for that one spot. Out of Perry, Monteiro, Thomas and Boumtje, I'd like to keep Perry. But they'll probably keep Thomas.
I'd raher keep Thomas than Perry. I'd rater hae a 6'8 guy who could possibily be the next Rodman than Perry who would probably be out next Derrick Dial.

[SequSpur]

Why are people quoting and not answering the quotes?

Damn Flip Floppers.

[Admiral]

I'm not disappointed in the offseason, but it's just like any other for our Spurs in that it was relatively uneventful. Uneventful is fine, because we aren't far away from being where we want to be, but some around here prop every new player as a budding star who was not in the right place until now. Except for possibly Brent Barry on a really good day against the Warriors, I don't think the "future star" label applies to anyone we obtained. Besides, Brent doesn't have too many years left to continue improving, does he?

Re-signing Manu was nice, although I'm still curious to see if he can be consistent this year. I would also like to see us lock Parker up. I think the guy is a leader and probably has the most heart on our team. His playoff performances will improve as he reaches mid-20's. Considering his age and experience level, the performances he's had are pretty amazing.

I don't think we're "favorites" to win the title this year, but I certainly expect us to make a push. I said at the beginning of last season that I didn't think we were going to win it all in 2003-2004, but that 2004-2005 should be a year we can strive to win it all again. Hopefully that will be the case. My biggest concern is down low, where Tim is now starting to experience what David did for years - a lack of a tough big man alongside you that can be counted on every night. Fortunately for Tim, Rasho is better than anyone David had (with the possible exception of Rodman at times).

[SequSpur]

Sup Admiral.

We are going to win it. I know it. A Malik deal is coming this year and that deal will secure the backup big and point guard that we need.

2005 NBA Champions!

[timvp]

I'm not disappointed in the offseason, but it's just like any other for our Spurs in that it was relatively uneventful. Uneventful is fine, because we aren't far away from being where we want to be, but some around here prop every new player as a budding star who was not in the right place until now. Except for possibly Brent Barry on a really good day against the Warriors, I don't think the "future star" label applies to anyone we obtained. Besides, Brent doesn't have too many years left to continue improving, does he?

What are you talking about? I haven't read to many people singing the praises of the newcomers. Sure some are excited about Beno (as are the coaching staff), but show me a post were someone is saying that LJIII, Massenburg, Sato, Thomas, Monteiro, Perry or Boumtje-Boumtje is going to be a star.

I think you tried to take a common anti-"homer" theme and work it into this situation, but it doesn't apply.

[Marcus Bryant]

The offseason was about tweaking the roster more than anything else after they re-signed Ginobili. If Pop will put Rose back in the rotation then the deficiency in the starting center position will be mitigated. Otherwise they added a rookie point guard with some promise to back up Parker and if he doesn't pan out then Barry is flexible enough to cover that. It remains to be see how the backup 3 spot will be addressed. If LJ3 can handle that then the Spurs should be ok. If not, they can fake it with Ginobili, Barry or Horry as needed.

The Spurs didn't have a major change this offseason and they didn't need one. They clearly were not far away from the top last season, to say the least. Sometimes I can at least understand the bitching I read in the forum, but this time some of you need to get a clue.

It's about time for the season to start. I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I am personally looking forward to the first Walton rant after the first Spurs loss which of course will be followed by the second...

[Das Texan]

nice to see you back admiral...


there werent many changes this offseason so there isnt really much to analyze.


barry > hedo.


no other loss means anything really.


simply because of picking up brent barry and getting rid of hedo...we are a better team.


size is not everything in this league...especially if you are a fucking scared pussy when its time to play basketball (playoffs)


I'd rather have a guy at 6'4" or whatever Barry is...who can successfully play 3 positions, over a guy like Hedo who is what 6'10" and has to be coddled like a fucking baby and plays like a scared pussy in the god damn playoffs.


and Buddy Holly goto fucking hell.

[timvp]

It remains to be see how the backup 3 spot will be addressed. If LJ3 can handle that then the Spurs should be ok. If not, they can fake it with Ginobili, Barry or Horry as needed.

I agree that backup 3 might be a weakness for the Spurs. LJ3, Devin and Barry need to prove able of covering as a 3 for stretches. I'd feel more comfortable if they would have brought a sure 3 into camp (say Michael Curry), but I guess this will give the young guys more of a chance.

[smeagol]

I agree with MB and Das Texan.

"The offseason was about tweaking the roster more than anything else after they re-signed Ginobili", as MB well describes the offseason, and

"barry > hedo" as DT summarizes it.

The Spurs signing of Manu was a must.

Barry was the perfect addition to solve the Spurs biggest problem (and the reason why they lost to LA in last year´s playoffs).

And lastly, now they have options for backing up TP with Barry and Beno.

By the way, why do you guys, MB and DT, share the same avatar?. Its confussing.

[Das Texan]

By the way, why do you guys, MB and DT, share the same avatar?. Its confussing.



cause i havent converted my icon over....and there is no 12th man white boy icon up that i could use ;)

[SLOVENIAN 8]

I think Beno needs some time to used to NBA league , so not expect to much from him at start!
For Valter Monteiro , i think he will go home after camp! I think he is not good enough!
But Brent Barry is a very good player so i think, he would be very good strengthening for Spurs this season. Good scorer!

GO SPURS!