Summer League Game 4: Spurs vs. Warriors

[AFBlue]

Bangura is not Hispanic. Thanks.

....and Matt Haryasz would like to clarify that he, in fact, does NOT have a hairy ass....

[AFBlue]

Despite the push off...Melzer is having a very good game.

He's mixing it up inside and out....

[timvp]

Put in Sanikidze.

[ace3g]

white with a nice fade away jumper in the lane

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Butler with his post moves and court vision from the low post is a fantastic combo. Hopefully the Spurs are the team that sees him reach his potential.

Actually, if he can keep hitting from farther out, I really like the idea of a Butler/Duncan hi/lo combo.

At any rate though, the front office needs to figure out a way to get Sanikidze on the Spurs now.

[timvp]

Nice midrange by White.

[bigdog]

soft touch on that jumper by Flight

[ace3g]

Put in Sanikidze.


I couldn't agree more

[timvp]

Someone send Watson home.

[mystargtr34]

hopefully next game a majority of the minutes go to Butler, White, Melzer, Gadson, and Sanikidze

That would be good too see what they can do with more minutes. But i dont care what the score is really, i mean its nice to win and all but i would like to see Williams keep playing and show what he can do.

How old is Melter, he plays in the Australian league over here, i actually saw him play one game live last season against my Wildcats. I didnt really rate him though but obviously he has something.

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Shot Cock!!!!!!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Watson blows :td

[AFBlue]

Now, when there is no low-post threat, is when White has to assert himself. The mid-range jumper was a good start, but it'd be nice to see more.

[timvp]

Whoever wants to trade away Butler for a second round pick should be forced to watch this game.

[AFBlue]

Snoop!

[PerforatedNeckline]

haha, how do they choose who they show on camera during the timeouts? does everyone in attendance eventually get their turn?

[TheWriter]

Fucking Newman, put Viktor in.

[timvp]

O'Bryant was picked 9th last year and Butler has dismantled him.

[GRANFAN]

Nick name for when he plays for the Spurs KAMAKAZI SANDAZKI (forgive spelling)

[mystargtr34]

Marcus doing anything, defense?

[bdictjames]

The commentator sucks balls.

[PerforatedNeckline]

i like that nba tv has realized that hip hop and nba basketball are pretty inextricably linked at this point.

[timvp]

Butler is by far the best passer on this team.

[AFBlue]

Marcus doing anything, defense?

Not even in right now...but he's done well on defense when in the game.

[usckk]

Butler is by far the best passer on this team.
Buler = Magic? Haha, I kidd.

[AFBlue]

Butler is by far the best passer on this team.

Which is partly sad...but mostly a testament to Butler's skill.

That is a welcomed suprise, considering it wasn't on any scouting report...

[objective]

Sanikidze is going to sit the entire 4th quarter, isn't he?

[mardigan]

If someone would teach Watson how to pass he could be pretty good

[bigdog]

I think our frontline could be very very deep if we can get Butler in there. he's impressed my ALOT this summer so far

[AFBlue]

Melzer with the J....nice ball movement.

[timvp]

Dumb foul by White.

[bdictjames]

Melzer for three!!! Sign him!

[AFBlue]

Stupid touch foul by White :madrun

[TheWriter]

White with one dumb ass foul.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Sanikidze>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Marcus

Sign him. Right now!

[timvp]

Right now, Melzer is probably the best wing on the team. Hopefully the Spurs can put him on the Toros. He doesn't have much upside but he's a guy who would be good to put on the team if something would happen to one of the wings under contract.

[AFBlue]

I wonder if the announcer asked Don not to put in Matt Haryasz and Viktor Sanikidze, so he could stop butchering their names?

[TheWriter]

I still want some A-D-Duhs.

[bdictjames]

wtf the commentator left Tim Duncan out of the adidas guys list.

[timvp]

I assume the Spurs are hiding Sanikidze from Euro scouts. Either that or Don Newman doesn't actually watch the games.

[AFBlue]

90 - 80 Spurs

[timvp]

Nice win :smokin

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Boxscore?

[Horry For 3!]

I assume the Spurs are hiding Sanikidze from Euro scouts. Either that or Don Newman doesn't actually watch the games.
For limited mins, he has been getting a lot of rebounds.

[bigdog]

good game. JB owned. Melzer played a good game, White played better, still needs work. Williams was playing decent when he was in. Watson sucks except he is a somewhat decent scorer, Charles Lee played horrible, Matt Hairy Ass (Lol) played alright. Viktor played good, despite rushing a jumper or two. overall good game. most impressed by Butler and Melzer

[CubanMustGo]

So I see the Mavs are treating the summer league like the regular season, 3-0 so far :lmao

[CubanMustGo]

Boxscore?

http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520700023

[CubanMustGo]

Spurs [2-2]
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a off def tot ast pf st to bs pts
J.White G 28:28 3-7 0-0 6-7 0 3 3 3 3 0 2 0 12
C.Watson G 22:16 3-5 0-1 5-6 0 5 5 2 3 1 1 0 11
D.Harvey F 10:51 1-3 0-0 0-0 2 2 4 0 3 1 1 0 2
M.Williams F 16:39 2-5 0-0 0-2 0 4 4 1 2 1 2 0 4
J.Butler C 28:11 8-15 0-0 0-0 5 2 7 2 5 0 2 1 16
R.Melzer 23:38 8-10 3-5 2-4 0 1 1 2 4 0 1 0 21
C.Lee 18:44 0-3 0-1 2-2 0 1 1 2 3 1 2 0 2
C.Gadson 17:44 4-9 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 2 0 2 0 8
V.Sanikidze 13:36 2-3 1-2 1-2 1 4 5 1 1 1 1 0 6
M.Haryasz 12:27 3-5 0-0 2-2 2 4 6 1 3 0 2 0 8
M.Sommerville 07:27 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
D.Hardy - - -
F.Adjiwanou - - -
R.Koundija - - -
K.Langford - - -
Total 200 34-66 4-9 18-25 10 29 39 15 31 5 16 1 90
51.5% 44.4% 72.0% Team Rebs: 12 Total TO: 17
Warriors (2-1)
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a off def tot ast pf st to bs pts
P.Pierce G 27:20 2-7 0-2 8-12 1 2 3 3 2 2 3 0 12
M.Belinelli G 34:16 5-13 2-3 3-5 0 0 0 3 3 2 1 0 15
T.Bailey F 31:31 5-12 2-3 2-2 2 4 6 0 6 1 1 0 14
J.Powell F 22:58 6-11 0-0 2-2 2 5 7 1 2 1 3 0 14
P.O'Bryant C 15:09 2-2 0-0 1-2 0 4 4 0 1 0 0 3 5
N.Funk 18:05 0-4 0-3 0-0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0
K.Mindaugas 16:44 3-7 1-2 3-6 2 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 10
A.Bangura 13:51 3-6 0-0 0-0 0 3 3 2 0 0 0 0 6
B.Cusworth 07:34 1-2 0-0 2-3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 4
C.Powell 05:53 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
J.Dupree 03:53 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0
C.Williams 02:46 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0
K.Azubuike - - -
B.Wright - - -
S.Lasme - - -
Total 200 27-65 5-13 21-32 7 19 26 14 20 6 13 3 80
41.5% 38.5% 65.6% Team Rebs: 11 Total TO: 13

[bdictjames]

So I see the Mavs are treating the summer league like the regular season, 3-0 so far :lmao
:lol

Im impressed by Barea though.

[FirebatMIV]

So I see the Mavs are treating the summer league like the regular season, 3-0 so far :lmao

Do they play Golden State at any time?

[Mr. Body]

Shot Cock!!!!!!

:spin

:lol

[Darkwaters]

My impressions from the game:

Butler continues to impress. The idea that a salary dump trade of Jackie is a good idea goes completely out the window. His offensive game, while still somewhat raw, shows a high degree of developing polish. His rebounding and mobility look incredibly improved and his vision is unreal.

White definitely has NBA talent and will find a place in the league. His defense has been solid but his offense hasn't been as prolific as expected. In a supplementary role I think White could thrive, but he won't ever be the type to take over a game. Hes a keeper for sure.

Williams is alive! For the first time this Summer League I saw a little of that player that was so highly touted out of Arizona. Hes definitely still on the fence to make the team (especially with Viktor on his tail) but could make the team if he builds on this performance.

Sanikidze is the future. Really, he is. Today's game was enough for me. While Viktor has some obvious holes in his game, hes just what we've been looking for. Plus, at 21 Viktor has tons of potential and could be the best player of this bunch in just a few seasons. Sign him up.

Melzer is very very solid. While hes probably not going to get much better from what he is now, I really like his game. Having him in Austin wouldn't be a bad idea at all. He could definitely be a good insurance plan for later but doesn't make any sense this season....and may never make sense at all.

Watson should be shot.

[timvp]

Postgame thoughts:

-Butler was the best player on the court. Great hands, nice post moves, very good court vision and impressive basketball IQ. He just knows how to play. Centers who know how to play don't grow on trees. He's getting better game by game in Vegas.

-White was a mixed bag. Missed some shots at the basket but also hit a couple nice buckets. His defense was nice. He managed to help Belinelli not look like a Hall of Famer for a night.

-Williams was better. Still has a long ways to go, though. One of his two baskets were because his guy fell down. But his defense was nice and he uses his length on that end to his advantage.

-Sanikidze is really, really impressive. He's tall, has long arms and has very quick feet. If he's really 6-foot-9 as it's listed some places, the Spurs have a nice prospect on their hands. He's also fast, doesn't seem to get tired and can handle the ball. Plays with some toughness and aggressiveness.

-Melzer is a good player. When he plays at power forward like he did in this game, he's too good for players at the summer league level. Problem is he has to play small forward in the NBA. As far as a Derrick McKey type player, Melzer is the closest thing the Spurs have to fit that role that Pop has talked about.

-Watson still suck. Gadson is a little better.

-For the Warriors, Belinelli has an amazingly quick release. He can get that shot off easily against anyone. He plays no defense, doesn't go for rebounds and doesn't do anything really other than shoot. That means he was the perfect pick for the Warriors.

Overall, this was by far the best performance by the Spurs. Butler controlled the game offensively for the Spurs. If you put the ball in his hands, he usually makes the right play. Butler and Williams played good perimeter defense and Sanikidze came in with some nice energy.

[mystargtr34]

Are the Spurs summer league game on youtube? I cant get onto youtube from work lol thats the one site of limits.

[Mr. Body]

Melzer is just a great pro. One of those guys who knows how to do everything, but may never make it in the NBA, though he'll carve out a professional career. Keep your eye on him; Bowen, after all, was in the same position at one time.

[bdictjames]

-For the Warriors, Belinelli has an amazingly quick release. He can get that shot off easily against anyone. He plays no defense, doesn't go for rebounds and doesn't do anything really other than shoot. That means he was the perfect pick for the Warriors.




:lol

[mystargtr34]

hmm Meltzer is 28 this year. Euro prospect

[Mr. Body]

Sanikidze rebounds at an excellent clip for his playing time.

[timvp]

Two things I don't understand:

1) Why Sanikidze isn't playing more.

2) How you keep Sanikidze off the regular season roster.

[Russ]

So I see the Mavs are treating the summer league like the regular season, 3-0 so far :lmao
Wait till the summer league playoffs start. They'll probably get swept by China. :)

[T Park]

) How you keep Sanikidze off the roster.

one spot left between him and Marcus williams.

Who do the spurs go with?

Im sure theyll want him to play in europe another year :rolleyes

[FirebatMIV]

Two things I don't understand:

1) Why Sanikidze isn't playing more.

2) How you keep Sanikidze off the regular season roster.

Think Charlotte will give us a 2nd round pick for the Veteran Leadership (TM) of Brent Barry?

[objective]

I wonder how much more Sanikidze could have shown because almost everytime in the halfcourt he didn't get a chance to touch it as he was relegated to standing in the Bowen spot.

Considering the behind the back move he pulled in transition, I'd like to see him get the chance to break someone down in the halfcourt, instead of all these point guards pulling their best Iverson impressions without the scoring.

[Russ]

Two things I don't understand:

1) Why Sanikidze isn't playing more.

2) How you keep Sanikidze off the regular season roster.
I tend to agree but, if I'm reading this correctly, his Euro stats are pretty mediocre.

http://www.acb.com/stsacum.php?cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=51&cod_equipo=EST&totales=0

Didn't he have a fairly serious injury (shoulder?) after the Spurs got his draft rights?

[Darkwaters]

Think Charlotte will give us a 2nd round pick for the Veteran Leadership (TM) of Brent Barry?

I was thinking that the other day. But he probably replicates Matt Carroll's skill set too closely to make much sense. Plus they just brought in a super high-dollar wing in Jason Richardson. Probably not the best timet to be adding more wings.

[objective]

if they re-sign Wallace, they'll have too big a crowd to want Barry, with Richardson, Morrisson, Carroll, Wallace and Hermann at the 2/3.

[AFBlue]

Barry + Udrih was being considered for Maggette around deadline time last year. It would be a shame to see Barry leave for a second round pick only a few months later...

Clearly, Barry is worth more than that.

[FirebatMIV]

I was thinking that the other day. But he probably replicates Matt Carroll's skill set too closely to make much sense. Plus they just brought in a super high-dollar wing in Jason Richardson. Probably not the best timet to be adding more wings.

What about Milwaukee, they're all but assured to lose Mo Williams (to the Heat, of all people), and they're still fairly well under the cap. Barry + Beno for a 2nd rounder?

[FirebatMIV]

Barry + Udrih was being considered for Maggette around deadline time last year. It would be a shame to see Barry leave for a second round pick only a few months later...

Clearly, Barry is worth more than that.

I'm not so sure, Barry at the time was extremely hot, and he really cooled off as the season progressed.

Is there a site where we can look up trade exceptions held by various teams? That might be helpful.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Two things I don't understand:

1) Why Sanikidze isn't playing more.

2) How you keep Sanikidze off the regular season roster.


:depressed :cry

[mystargtr34]

Two things I don't understand:

1) Why Sanikidze isn't playing more.

2) How you keep Sanikidze off the regular season roster.

He'd be better served with another year in Europe. I cant see him getting on the court in his first season with the guys we have. Overseas he can work on his jump shot and iron out the creases in his game and come back next season with Tiago. Although i dont really like the idea of 2 new comers with out system.

[FirebatMIV]

He'd be better served with another year in Europe. I cant see him getting on the court in his first season with the guys we have. Overseas he can work on his jump shot and iron out the creases in his game and come back next season with Tiago. Although i dont really like the idea of 2 new comers with out system.

The problem is, no one wants to develop/play a young player if you know he's going to go overseas soon. It's the same problem Ian had last year.

[timvp]

I tend to agree but, if I'm reading this correctly, his Euro stats are pretty mediocre.

http://www.acb.com/stsacum.php?cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=51&cod_equipo=EST&totales=0

Didn't he have a fairly serious injury (shoulder?) after the Spurs got his draft rights?I think he had shoulder and knee problems since being drafted. And he had to have his appendix taken out during the middle of the year and missed like six weeks I believe.

Plus in Europe, young players just don't play unless they are ungodly talented. It's a much different system than over here.

[Darkwaters]

Barry + Udrih was being considered for Maggette around deadline time last year. It would be a shame to see Barry leave for a second round pick only a few months later...

Clearly, Barry is worth more than that.

It would probably be 2 second rounders to be frank. But at this point in time I'd gladly dump Barry's contract if it meant that Sanikidze could come over this season.

Barry has no future with this franchise beyond this upcoming season. I think bringing in some obviously talented youth, freeing up PT for James White and picking up a couple 2nd rounders in the mix isn't a bad trade off.

[mystargtr34]

Barry and Udrih for Maggete. Talk about a steal.

[Russ]

Barry + Udrih was being considered for Maggette around deadline time last year.
A bit off topic but, I recently heard from a fairly reliable Clipper source that the Clips offerered Maggette to the Lakers in mid-season for Luke Walton straight up . . .

and the Lakers turned it down. :drunk

Sounds preposterous but that's what I heard.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

He'd be better served with another year in Europe. I cant see him getting on the court in his first season with the guys we have. Overseas he can work on his jump shot and iron out the creases in his game and come back next season with Tiago. Although i dont really like the idea of 2 new comers with out system.

Right, it makes no sense at all to

1) have him working with Engelland on his shot

2) start learning the Spurs system now

3) get some playing time during the regular season and give some of our ancient vets some rest

4) have someone around that you can throw out on the court in a bind and have bother someone like Dirk or another long SF with his length


That would be a horrible idea :rolleyes

[timvp]

He'd be better served with another year in Europe. I cant see him getting on the court in his first season with the guys we have. Overseas he can work on his jump shot and iron out the creases in his game and come back next season with Tiago. Although i dont really like the idea of 2 new comers with out system.Well, another thing to consider is that Sanikidze might be under contract another year. He signed a two-year contract last summer. There might not be an NBA buyout.

Even if the Spurs have to wait on him, at least it now looks like he'll be worth the wait. He's shown to be a 6-foot-9, 21-year-old wing who moves like a point guard with the wingspan of a power forward or center.

Granted, he's only played 22 minutes so far in summer league but it's hard not to be excited by his potential. Eight points, nine rebounds and some good defense.

Sanikidze looks like a keeper to me so far :smokin

[mystargtr34]

Wow.. there must be somethin not quite right with Maggette

[Mr. Body]

Sanikidze has an energy-effective game. He can get stuff done by hustling, which means if he simply hits his spots in sets, he has a place in the occasional rotation.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Watson should be shot.
:lol

[mystargtr34]

Right, it makes no sense at all to

1) have him working with Engelland on his shot

2) start learning the Spurs system now

3) get some playing time during the regular season and give some of our ancient vets some rest

4) have someone around that you can throw out on the court in a bind and have bother someone like Dirk or another long SF with his length


That would be a horrible idea :rolleyes

Why didnt they do that with Ian the last couple years.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Why didnt they do that with Ian the last couple years.
Because Sanikidze>Mahinmi.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

My 3,333rd post. :spin

[Solid D]

I was tied up tonight and missed viewing the game, so thanks to all for the analysis and comments. Good stuff...but over the tax threshold and one slot available to fill.

[SequSpur]

hey... so what time does the spurs play?

[timvp]

Is Sanikidze no laonger under contract with his Spnish team from last year? Amazing that he got hardly any playing time with them.Can't find any info on his contract. Seeing as the Spurs have made no mention of bringing him over this year, that means either they didn't expect him to be this good or he's scheduled for another year in Spain.

Last summer, Sanikidze led the Republic of Georgia to that U-20 division B championship. At the time, that looked like some bad competition. But Petteri Koponen and a few others who are now looking NBA quality were in that tournament.

It's pretty weird though that we haven't heard a peep from the Spurs about Sanikidze ever making the team. Perhaps they are as surprised as the rest of us.

[Darkwaters]

Why didnt they do that with Ian the last couple years.

They were talking about doing that THIS season if the roster spot could be freed up. But Mahinmi is nowhere near contributing this season...let alone 2 years ago. On the other hand, Sanikidze looks like he could fill in a bit right now if needed and maybe play a role within a year. I doubt Mahinmi can even crack the rotation NEXT year when Horry and Elson are off the team...and thats without adding Splitter.

[timvp]

For those who haven't watched Sanikidze play, he's basically Andrei Kirilenko meets Renaldo Balkman. Of course not anywhere as good just yet, but so far there's nothing I've seen that doesn't make it seem like he could be an NBA player one day.

[Darkwaters]

Sanikidze just inked a new contract recently for two seasons with Estudiantes. No word on buyout issues yet. It simply wasn't an issue until a couple of days ago. Nobody really thought Viktor was nearly ready.

[Darkwaters]

Perhaps they are as surprised as the rest of us.

I almost hope thats the truth. That would mean that they realize how much of a bright spot Sanikidze is and that he needs to be a focus of their international development. It would also mean that they have not simply been snubbing him...they just didn't know.

[picnroll]

Sanikidze barely got any floor time with Estudaintes last year so it would be hard to know how his game was. Maybe Estudiantes was hiding him.

[Mr. Body]

Well, we are going haywire over barely 20 minutes of playing time in the Summer League, most of it against the dubious defensive team known as the Golden State Warriors.

That said, there's a lot to like there, even if he's not on the radar and the Spurs refuse to recognize him. He sure as hell serves a need, though.

[ducks]

Sanikidze just inked a new contract recently for two seasons with Estudiantes. No word on buyout issues yet. It simply wasn't an issue until a couple of days ago. Nobody really thought Viktor was nearly ready.
a year ago right?

[Darkwaters]

a year ago right?

Umm, I believe it was THIS summer actually.

[ducks]

not good

[objective]

here's the estudiantes website. maybe there's a news release in there somewhere from when they signed/extended/etc Sanikidze.

http://www.clubestudiantes.com/

[Darkwaters]

Good news, it looks like I was wrong. He signed that contract about a year ago:

http://www.24sec.net/article.asp?index=3575

Dated 8/17/06

Estudiantes lands Viktor Sanikidze
By Robert Mayor

Future Georgian pearl Viktor Sanikidze (SF, 2'03, 19) has agreed terms with MMT Estudiantes for the next two seasons. Player (Selected with the number 42 in the 2004 Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, although his rights were traded the same day to the San Antonio Spurs for a 2005 second-round draft pick and cash considerations) comes from PRO A Dijon.

Sanikidze has also played for multiple national teams for the Republic of Georgia, including in the European Championship for Juniors in 2004 and the Ostchem U20 European Championship Division B in 2006.

[Darkwaters]

The guy is over 2 meters tall. Damn...nice.

[whottt]

I am surprised that everyone is surprised by Butler's O ability...that's why Isiah signed him. It wasn't because of his D. If Butler gets minutes he can put up numbers better than an average NBA C...he'd already shown that in NY IMO.

Yet another case of Spursfans judging a player by the minutes Pop allows them to play...in error.

Anyway...if Butler can't play D...he's not going to play for Pop....and that's just the way it is. I honestly think Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley would have not gotten off the bench for Pop...but anyway...

I am learning to appreciate Pop's stubborness though...seeing Butler stand there while everyone else runs down the court is an unusual sight for Spursfans...Spurs bigmen just don't do that sort of thing, Pop doesn't allow them on the court if they do. But you can tell Jackie is trying to do what the Spurs ask of him....that's the main thing...that's what usually equals success for a project.




As for the rest of it...I still like White better than Williams, it's not even close IMO...White is sucking because the PG is not making plays for him and doing it for himself is the weakest part of his game...he's not a creator type of player, he's very much a role player and it's when he's asked to be more than that he struggles IMO...he wasn't asked to do anything of the sort in his brief minutes with the Spurs this past season, when he played so well, he'd played off of his teamates. I still say he's a keeper...just don't ask him to be a SuperStar. It's not a crime to be a role player.


Sanikidze...well there is the long three. I wonder why Pau buried him....the secret is out now. He needs to be on the team this year. I dont' see why the Spurs can't do it.



I think I saw on a broadcast that this season was the first season the Spurs have finally turned a NetPRofit since moving into the AT&T...makes sense to me that since the Spurs had a spot for Mahinimi and he is injured...perhaps something can be done with Victor. We need him now and it'd be nice to have him mentored by the all the versatile and talented swings we have on this team. The Spurs had to have a good idea of what the cap would be when they considered brining Ian over....they always know the cap before it's set.

[timvp]

White is sucking because the PG is not making plays for him and doing it for himself is the weakest part of his game...he's not a creator type of player, he's very much a role player and it's when he's asked to be more than that he struggles IMO...he wasn't asked to do anything of the sort in his brief minutes with the Spurs this past season, when he played so well, he'd played off of his teamates. I still say he's a keeper...just don't ask him to be a SuperStar. It's not a crime to be a role player.Yeah, if you go with what White did as a member of the Spurs last year, he should be brought back. He hasn't shown much in summer league ... the again, neither would Bowen if put in the same situation. And White is the hopeful future Bowen.


Sanikidze...well there is the long three. I wonder why Pau buried him....the secret is out now. He needs to be on the team this year. I dont' see why the Spurs can't do it. We need him now and it'd be nice to have him mentored by the all the versatile and talented swings we have on this team.Good point. If you wait to bring Sanikidze in, he could miss playing with the likes of Bowen, Barry and Finley. That'd be a shame.

The Spurs really need to find a way to get Sanikidze on this team ASAP.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

hmmm, forum buzz about viktor reaches a crescendo....

what kind of player comparison can you make to someone who doesn't know who reynaldo balkman is?

[Darkwaters]

The Spurs really need to find a way to get Sanikidze on this team ASAP.

Looking at the roster I think a plethora of players could be moved. Obviously James White and/or Marcus Williams can simply be cut/not signed. If you dump one of those two then Sanikidze instantly has a shot at the roster. Obviously, Beno Udrih is clearly on the block, but I don't think you move him without simply replacing him with another PG. The only other solutions are to move a player like Elson or Barry. Forunately, they both have expiring deals and likely wouldn't be as hard to sell. But the real difficult issue will be finding a buyer that doesn't have to send something back to you. Personally I'd simply cut Marcus Williams or include his rights in as a way to sweeten another trade. Udrih would go to Cleveland for their exception and maybe an extra future 2nd rounder, Barry would be pawned off to another team (cross your fingers for Milwaukee) for garbage and Elson would stay on the team.

[Darkwaters]

what kind of player comparison can you make to someone who doesn't know who reynaldo balkman is?

Poor man's Andrei Kirilenko

[Mr. Body]

Losing Marcus Williams would fucking suck. What a waste of a good draft pick that would be and picking any random Euro big guy would have been a better idea (Fesenko, Gasol, Barac) instead of the fuck job that would be.

[timvp]

Losing Marcus Williams would fucking suck. What a waste of a good draft pick that would be and picking any random Euro big guy would have been a better idea (Fesenko, Gasol, Barac) instead of the fuck job that would be.If Williams doesn't make the team, I never want to see the Spurs draft another domestic player again. The Spurs just are horrible at picking domestic players.

[objective]

if he has to go back to europe, he will legally change his name to Viktor Scolakidze

[ace3g]

http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/summer_league/summer07_sasgsw_22.asx

here is a link to the entire game, nba.com has already posted it, just in case some of you guys missed it

[timvp]

http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/summer_league/summer07_sasgsw_22.asx

here is a link to the entire game, nba.com has already posted it, just in case some of you guys missed itDamn, Butler started off the game in fine fashion. That's 2006 9th overall pick Patrick O'Bryant that he's owning.

[remingtonbo2001]

Be sure to check out FINLEY Automotives....I love the enthusiasm during the commercials. How bout during the game?

[whottt]

I was just checking out the Summer League stats...

Butler leads the team in scoring, rebounding, blocks and assists. His PCT sucks but...that's because of all the blown dunks.

It's strange how he's struggling with them...maybe losing all that weight took some of his power away...some guys are just meant to be heavy.


Anyway...I don't see what more people(or the Spurs) could want from Butler, especially when he's not getting the ball a lot of the time. When he gets it he's producing. And he's done pretty good setting screens and defending picnrolls....he hasn't been spectacular at it...but you can tell it's something he's trying to do...even though it isn't instinctive.

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs must keep Butler and find minutes for him

[Russ]

If Williams doesn't make the team, I never want to see the Spurs draft another domestic player again. The Spurs just are horrible at picking domestic players.
Derrick Byars was available. This Williams pick came from way outta the blue.

[AFBlue]

Derrick Byars was available. This Williams pick came from way outta the blue.

Apparently not out of the blue for the Spurs FO. Seems like he was targeted at #33.

Remember, they also had brought in several PG prospects and chose none of them.

They clearly saw something in Williams, and I would think they'll give him a chance beyond one summer league to prove himself worthy of being a Spur.

[Mr. Body]

Apparently not out of the blue for the Spurs FO. Seems like he was targeted at #33.

Remember, they also had brought in several PG prospects and chose none of them.

They clearly saw something in Williams, and I would think they'll give him a chance beyond one summer league to prove himself worthy of being a Spur.

Well, obviously he was targeted by them at #33 since that's who they took. The question is whether that was the right pick. It was 'out of the blue' in terms that nobody here expected it, and it might have been 'out of the blue' in that they jumped over better candidates to get him.

At the time, I thought Josh McRoberts and Derrick Byars the best players still available. Granted, McRoberts didn't fill a need, but had the talent to fit the roster somewhere. Byars was a much better pick. And, granted again, they both could be busts. Byars has a health issue and other teams passed on him, as well. Then there was Dominic McGuire, who fit all sorts of criteria for a long, athletic SF type. Maybe not quite long enough, but not bad.

In the end, I think the Spurs decided to pass on a point guard, thinking Marcus Williams could play spot PG duty and grow into the role. Hence, they weren't looking for a solid SF type, they were looking for a PG/SG combo type. I hope the best for Marcus Williams and have warmed to the pick, but it was probably wrong to think he can do spot PG duty any time soon, or ever.