Spurs "interested" in Jeremy Richardson

[ChumpDumper]

Mad Ants' Richardson visits with San Antonio
Staff, news reports

Had the Fort Wayne Mad Ants practiced Saturday, their leading scorer would have missed it.

Jeremy Richardson, who has led the Mad Ants in scoring in their last seven games and leads the NBA Development League with an average of 28.5 points per game, spent Saturday in the company of the San Antonio Spurs and was a guest at the Spurs’ home game against Denver.

Richardson did not work out for San Antonio, Mad Ants coach Kent Davison said.

“He just went down there to visit for a while, that’s all,” he said. “They do that.

“They’ve been interested in him and have been at a couple games, so they just brought him down there. He left (Saturday) morning, and he’ll be back (today).”

Richardson, who scored 32 points in the Mad Ants’ loss to Dakota on Friday night, was called up to the NBA three times last season – once by Portland and twice by Atlanta.

http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/SPORTS/712160338

Richardson is definitely one of the young swingmen to keep an eye on in the D-League. I'm glad the Spurs are at least looking.

Jeremy Richardson info. (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/index.jsp?player=jeremy_richardson)

[angel_luv]

I wish they had a picture of him. I think he was in the restaurant last night.

[FromWayDowntown]

Ownership of the Toros creates, I suppose, an interesting possibility -- can an NBA team recall a D-Leaguer, sign him to a deal, and then assign the D-Leaguer to their own D-League team? I have no idea why that couldn't happen, and I can't imagine that the competitive balance of the D-League is important enough to preclude that sort of transaction.

[ChumpDumper]

I wish they had a picture of him. I think he was in the restaurant last night.
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jeremy_richardson.jpg

[ChumpDumper]

Ownership of the Toros creates, I suppose, an interesting possibility -- can an NBA team recall a D-Leaguer, sign him to a deal, and then assign the D-Leaguer to their own D-League team? I have no idea why that couldn't happen, and I can't imagine that the competitive balance of the D-League is important enough to preclude that sort of transaction.Yes, in theory I don't see anything that would prevent that. It would be an interesting, if expensive, way of working out a player.

[timvp]

This is probably bad news for Darius Washington. To sign Richardson, Washington would have to be waived. Otherwise, signing Richardson would cost something like $3M.

[Steve-O-Matic]

Isn't this Jason Richardson's brother?

[Bruno]

So, Bonner hasn't even played garbage time yesterday, Mahinmi hasn't played with Austin because of an "injury", Spurs are interested in Richardson and Monday will be the first working day after December 15th (player who have signed a contract this summer can't be trade before December 15th). It's enough to start some trading rumor. :spin

Back to the reality, it's nice to see Spurs being interested in D-League players. D-League isn't the traditional way to get young prospect (it's the draft) but you find sometimes a diamond in the rough.

A little off topic but Nick Caner Medley has signed in Spain.

[ChumpDumper]

This is probably bad news for Darius Washington. To sign Richardson, Washington would have to be waived. Otherwise, signing Richardson would cost something like $3M.Since they didn't actually work him out, I can only see this as a very preliminary meeting and not a sign of an imminent contract offer. Since the Spurs would have to pick up another point guard anyway if they let Washington go, I have trouble connecting the two. Wouldn't Richardson get a 2nd year contract and blow the luxury tax anyway?

A couple of scenarios where the Spurs might sign him in the future:

- He's available for summer league and a contract next season.

- The Spurs trade away a swingman during the season.

- The Spurs don't mind going over the tax threshold for the right player (I know, I know).

- Injuries.

[exstatic]

Spurs have paid the tax before. I think that if they think he's going to be the d-league breakout player this year, and he's the future swing player they're looking for, they'll snatch him up early. He might not be available next summer.

[ChumpDumper]

He's always been a good scorer - I watched him light up the Toros for 30 in 39 minutes in Fort Worth last year. It will be a long time before I see him this season if at all, but I've noticed that in five of his eight games this season, he has equaled or exceeded his single-game high for rebounding from last season. Good news for such a skinny guy.

[angel_luv]

http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jeremy_richardson.jpg


Thanks. :)

I think that was him.

[Man of Steel]

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p179/clark101857/Buckwheat-Magnet-C11750430.jpg

[Darkwaters]

Can you give any other information on him as far as basketball ability? Hes a good scorer...thats good to hear. But is he mostly a ranged shooter? Driver/slasher? Does he draw fouls then and how does he do from the line? Defensive ability? Lateral quickness? How is his length? Athleticism?

All I really know is that hes a 6'7 swingman that can score at will in the D-League.

[ChumpDumper]

Here (http://www.draftexpress.com/article/D-League-Callup-7:-Jeremy-Richardson-to-the-Hawks-1793/) is a DX profile written when he was called up by the Hawks last season. There are some links in it to write-ups describing his performance in the MLK showcase.

[Darkwaters]

Here (http://www.draftexpress.com/article/D-League-Callup-7:-Jeremy-Richardson-to-the-Hawks-1793/) is a DX profile written when he was called up by the Hawks last season. There are some links in it to write-ups describing his performance in the MLK showcase.

Thanks. :toast

[Darkwaters]

Apparently he has been on our radar for at least a year or so. This might not be so preliminary as we initially thought?


He went from a completely anonymous Division II player last season to one of the most intriguing prospects in the D-League thanks to a terrific showing at the D-League Showcase in Sioux Falls last week, which was well chronicled here on DraftExpress. According to sources, he also received serious interest following the D-League Showcase from San Antonio, Miami, Dallas and Boston -- none of whom had an available roster spot immediately available, though.

Here is the actual scouting report from Chump's article:


Upside would be a good place to start his scouting report. Standing 6-7 with an extremely long wingspan, Richardson has great size for the swingman position. He is a very good athlete who can get to where he needs on the court thanks to his quickness, and he elevates off the floor smoothly for mid-range jumpers with nice separation. Richardson has a quick release on his shot, and he made a great living for himself in Sioux Falls by coming off screens and curls endlessly knocking down shots. He didn’t force a thing in either of his two games, which helped him hide his biggest weakness at the moment—his ball-handling skills. Richardson is much improved in this area compared with what we saw in college, but he still has a ways to go. He prefers to pull-up from mid-range rather than taking the ball all the way to the hoop, and therefore is averaging less than 3 free throws a game in the D-League so far. His frame is also on the lanky side, which doesn’t help him much in this area. Defensively, though, he does a good job due to his length and work ethic.

[ChumpDumper]

DX doesn't like our posting their articles, so just post the links.

[tav1]

I've never heard of Richardson, but his supposedly strong mid range game would be welcome. I've wondered if Udoka would not better be seen as Finley's replacement and the Spurs would look elsewhere to replace Barry and, eventually, Bowen. Udoka has decent handle and might be able to play the 2; He played point for his national team.

FWIW: after his 25 and 17, this might be the best time to trade Bonner. He's the only moveable piece of the roster, IMO. If it clears cap for Richardson, fine. So long as Horry stays healthy, we'll be fine without Bonner and can think of reloading in the offseason.

[phxspurfan]

He prefers to pull-up from mid-range rather than taking the ball all the way to the hoop, and therefore is averaging less than 3 free throws a game in the D-League so far. His frame is also on the lanky side, which doesn’t help him much in this area. Defensively, though, he does a good job due to his length and work ethic.

Does this remind you of someone? I like what I'm reading, especially if Udoka doesn't pan out.

[waly.mg]

Players who are in the last year:

Vaughn
Barry
Finley
Horry
Elson

Replacements

Vaughn - washington
Barry - ?
Finley - Udoka
Horry - Bonner
Elson - ?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Replacements

Vaughn - washington
Barry - ?
Finley - Udoka
Horry - Bonner
Elson - ?

Barry - Azubuike? Jones? Barnes? Bonzi? :smokin

Elson - Mahinmi/Splitter

[tav1]

Roughly how much cap space will the Spurs have next offseason if all, including Elson's, of the terminating contracts fall off (and assuming Splitter and Washington sign rookie/2nd year type deals)?

[Tippecanoe]

Barry - Azubuike?

Perkins - Dwight Howard?? :drunk

[exstatic]

Roughly how much cap space will the Spurs have next offseason if all, including Elson's, of the terminating contracts fall off (and assuming Splitter and Washington sign rookie/2nd year type deals)?
None. They're signed up tight to the cap, and in some years beyond, until 2010.

[waly.mg]

Barry - Azubuike? Jones? Barnes? Bonzi? :smokin

Elson - Mahinmi/Splitter

Barry - O J Mayo?

[wildbill2u]

As well as Barry's playing this year, I'd hate to see us let him go for nothing. I wonder if we couldn't sign and trade him to some team looking for a canny vet with a great shot.

[tomcat]

Richardson worked out with Kaniel Dickens, Marcus Williams, Demarr Johnson, Keith Langford at Spurs facility on Sunday.

Richardson takes crazy stupid shots and will shoot it 5 of 6 times he touches it. I read stats from a game or so ago where he was 12/30 from the field. I can see that.

[Darkwaters]

Richardson worked out with Kaniel Dickens, Marcus Williams, Demarr Johnson, Keith Langford at Spurs facility on Sunday.


Link? The original article said he left Saturday. If he left on Saturday then how did he workout in San Antonio on Sunday?

[ChumpDumper]

It's possible Davison was spreading a little disinformation for the Spurs, The Ants don't play again until Thursday, and Dickens could conceivably travel with the Toros for their game in Broomfield tomorrow. so anything is possible.

Interesting if true -- the Spurs worked out five swingmen from three different D-League teams. Or at least they hosted the workout.

[Darkwaters]

Richardson worked out with Kaniel Dickens, Marcus Williams, Demarr Johnson, Keith Langford at Spurs facility on Sunday.


If that really is the case then I wonder why Justin Bowen wan't included?

[ChumpDumper]

He is coming off an ankle injury and if his pt is any indication, the Spurs aren't as high on him as the others. He's definitely not a scorer like the players listed.

It's obvious I like him more than just about anyone, but I'm pretty confident he can do a lot to fill a void left by a Williams or Johnson call-up.

[AFBlue]

It's possible Davison was spreading a little disinformation for the Spurs, The Ants don't play again until Thursday, and Dickens could conceivably travel with the Toros for their game in Broomfield tomorrow. so anything is possible.

Interesting if true -- the Spurs worked out five swingmen from three different D-League teams. Or at least they hosted the workout.

What are your thoughts on the five players listed as far as NBA potential, or more importantly....Spurs potential?

[Darkwaters]

He is coming off an ankle injury and if his pt is any indication, the Spurs aren't as high on him as the others. He's definitely not a scorer like the players listed.


Thats a good point to make. The emphasis in these workouts (assuming they are legit) is on scorers and not necessarily the "long 3" or "Bowen-replacements". The guys they're looking at are more likely to be a Finley or Barry replacement. Shooters. Floor stretchers. Of course, if they could get another scorer AND a small ball PF in one package then I'm sure they wouldn't object. Versatility is the name of the game these days afterall.

[ChumpDumper]

What are your thoughts on the five players listed as far as NBA potential, or more importantly....Spurs potential?DerMarr - Known quantity, almost a three point specialist now. Decent defense, lots of deflections. Historically poor rebounder but showing a little improvement -- will have to see if it's a trend. Hardly any blocks this season.

Dickens - Kind of similar to DerMarr. Can be a streaky shooter from game to game, but leads the D-League in both 3pt attempts and makes with a percentage of .492 from the arc. Plays on a team with a strong post presence. Poor rebounder for his size and athleticism. Ok defender that actually blocks shots from time to time.

Richardson - Nice athlete with good midrange and 3pt shooting. Greatly improved rebounding so far this season. Still skinny as hell, but gives effort on D.

Williams - still a tough guy to figure out. Can play positions 2-4 in the D-League depending on matchups, but what is he going to do in the NBA? Bad at the arc, but not too bad 16ft and closer. Really good transition passing and finishing. Good inbounder. Not a super man defender, but plays the lanes well and starting to get the rotations.

Langford - Relentless scorer, gets more points attacking the basket than hitting the long ball, but his jumper must be respected by defenses. Strangely crappy from the free throw line. Lack of size hurts him as a swingman, but his decent handling and passing gives him combo guard potential unique in this group.

For the perceived needs of this team right now as well as potential upside, I like Richardson the best, but I can see why each player was worked out.

[AFBlue]

DerMarr - Known quantity, almost a three point specialist now. Decent defense, lots of deflections. Historically poor rebounder but showing a little improvement -- will have to see if it's a trend. Hardly any blocks this season.

Dickens - Kind of similar to DerMarr. Can be a streaky shooter from game to game, but leads the D-League in both 3pt attempts and makes with a percentage of .492 from the arc. Plays on a team with a strong post presence. Poor rebounder for his size and athleticism. Ok defender that actually blocks shots from time to time.

Richardson - Nice athlete with good midrange and 3pt shooting. Greatly improved rebounding so far this season. Still skinny as hell, but gives effort on D.

Williams - still a tough guy to figure out. Can play positions 2-4 in the D-League depending on matchups, but what is he going to do in the NBA? Bad at the arc, but not too bad 16ft and closer. Really good transition passing and finishing. Good inbounder. Not a super man defender, but plays the lanes well and starting to get the rotations.

Langford - Relentless scorer, gets more points attacking the basket than hitting the long ball, but his jumper must be respected by defenses. Strangely crappy from the free throw line. Lack of size hurts him as a swingman, but his decent handling and passing gives him combo guard potential unique in this group.

For the perceived needs of this team right now as well as potential upside, I like Richardson the best, but I can see why each player was worked out.

Thanks for the insight :tu

[timvp]

tomcat had good inside info in the past. Thanks for this current scoop :tu

The Spurs are always looking at players but this is a lot of players to be looking at in a short amount of time. Makes me think something is in the works . . .

[AFBlue]

tomcat had good inside info in the past. Thanks for this current scoop :tu

The Spurs are always looking at players but this is a lot of players to be looking at in a short amount of time. Makes me think something is in the works . . .

Who do you think is susceptible of getting moved?

Is it a small contract like Washington, or a bigger contract like Elson/Bonner?

[wildbill2u]

tomcat had good inside info in the past. Thanks for this current scoop :tu

The Spurs are always looking at players but this is a lot of players to be looking at in a short amount of time. Makes me think something is in the works . . .
If these guys are all shooters, then maybe something in the works to trade one of our shooters? Barry? Bonner?

(don't teams sometimes DNP players who they want to trade for fear they might get hurt. Bonner?)

[AFBlue]

If these guys are all shooters, then maybe something in the works to trade one of our shooters? Barry? Bonner?

(don't teams sometimes DNP players who they want to trade for fear they might get hurt. Bonner?)

Right after "showcasing" them....to the tune of 25pts and 17rebs.

RUMOR ALERT RUMOR ALERT RUMOR ALERT RUMOR ALERT

[AFBlue]

Of course it could be nothing....

[Darkwaters]

If any one player is going to get traded off the Spurs I have to think it's Elson. The guy is flat horrible. Bonner would probably be my second guess, however. If they could move Elson for another post player with a smaller contract then they might free up enough cash for a cheap contract to be worthwhile.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm not totally convinced this is for a trade, though a player would have to be pretty special to sell the owners on breaking the tax threshold again.

[AFBlue]

If any one player is going to get traded off the Spurs I have to think it's Elson. The guy is flat horrible. Bonner would probably be my second guess, however. If they could move Elson for another post player with a smaller contract then they might free up enough cash for a cheap contract to be worthwhile.

I'd have to go with Bonner. While I agree that Elson is a worse player, Bonner has a long-term contract that extends out two years beyond this one. There is always the hope that he "gets it" defensively, but the Spurs have seen minimal returns to that end up to this point.

Elson sucks, but he's only guaranteed to be on this team for one more year.

[AFBlue]

I'm not totally convinced this is for a trade, though a player would have to be pretty special to sell the owners on breaking the tax threshold again.

It could just be the Spurs evaluating their options should a trade opportunity present itself.

It's just fun to speculate....

[tav1]

TimVP is right about these circumstances...suspicious.

My guess is that Bonner may be in play. The question is this, would the Spurs be getting back a cheaper player and signing, say, Richardson for the remaining balance of Bonner's number or would they simply trade Bonner for cash and future considerations...

In his limited minutes, Horry's defense has moved me from luke warm to cold on Bonner. On balance, I don't think he is worth what we pay him, especially given Mahinmi and Splitter needing minutes next season.

I think the Spurs might finally be showing a sense of urgency in terms of finding Bowen's heir apparent. Udoka has looked shaky early, Williams is not going to work out, Finley is plain bad on some nights, Barry's defense is never reliable, etc...if they bring in some one like Richardson now, they can sign him, d-league him, teach him the system, and possible work him into the rotation by this time next year. If he doesn't work out, fine.

It's also very clear that Spurs are taking the Toros very seriously, obviosuly looking for deliberate ways to bolster the big league roster through their affiliate. Between this and Europe, the Spurs should be just fine.

All this makes me think that next year's team will be quite a bit younger and more athletic. Having a few low pay guys like Splitter, Mahinimi, Washington and Richardson on payroll could allow the Spurs to sign a more established free agent, as well.

[Bruno]

There are some troubling facts :
- Bonner didn't play against Denver. Even during the garbage time and when Elson was injured, Pop put Oberto back in the game instead of Bonner.
- Today is the first day where Bonner can be traded.
- This workout.

Something could be in the works.
Saying that, it's still 5pm ET and nothing has happened. The most likely case is that Bonner hasn't played for whatever reason (a minor injury, pop wanting to send him a message...) and that this workout is done with the only goal to know better some players who could sign with Spurs (either later this year or this summer).

[Mr. Body]

Who in the world would want Bonner, in all seriousness? Does he fill a role for a team in need?

[exstatic]

Who in the world would want Bonner, in all seriousness? Does he fill a role for a team in need?
Isn't Charlotte in dire need of players over 6'8"? Anyone over 6'8"?

[Darkwaters]

I'd have to go with Bonner. While I agree that Elson is a worse player, Bonner has a long-term contract that extends out two years beyond this one.

That is exactly why Elson is more likely to be traded: he has an expiring deal, which always has value. Unless a team is seriously in love with Bonner, they're likely to require us to either take another bad contract in return or deal draft picks or something otherwise valuable. Elson can be dealt to simply offer another team cap relief.


Isn't Charlotte in dire need of players over 6'8"? Anyone over 6'8"?

Well, they just traded for Nazr Mohammed...so that should "technically" bolster their frontline. But in the process they lost two guys over that 6'8 line in Hermann and Brezec. So, they might have interest in either Elson or Bonner.

After the Melvin Ely trade last year it would seem that we have at least an amicable relationship with the staff out there. And GM Michael Jordan is definitely the guy you want to deal with...hes a dumbass.

[Bruno]

Unless a team is seriously in love with Bonner, they're likely to require us to either take another bad contract in return or deal draft picks or something otherwise valuable.


I don't think Bonner has a negative trade value because of his contract. His salary is quite small and the fact that he is locked for more than 2 years at this salary is a edge. Lakers traded, Brian Cook, a worse player with a worse contract for Ariza and Evans. I'm quite sure a lot of teams will welcome Bonner and his contract.

[Bruno]

Bonner played against Suns. His DNP-CD against Denver wasn't because a trade was in the works.

The one whose job seems to be in jeopardize was Washington. He didn't play against Suns. So, Pop isn't really against having Barry/Ginobili playing PG and he is low on Washington.
If Pop think that Washington upside is limited and that he will never become a competent backup PG, you can imagine the scenario of Spurs cutting him before his contract become guaranteed and sign a swingman just after that. This workout was maybe to see if they were a swingman worth cutting Washington.

[Bruno]

Jeremy Richardson has signed with Memphis.
http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/D-League-Blog/

[ChumpDumper]

So maybe we were just hosting a workout after all.

Or somebody saw that article and pounced.

[loveforthegame]

Jeremy Richardson has signed with Memphis.
http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/D-League-Blog/

Whew. I was afraid when I read that Memphis waived Terance Kinsey today they might be interested in Darius Washington. With Bonner's DNP and some of us wondering if a trade was up had my mind racing.

[Mr. Body]

The Spurs have liked Tarence Kinsey in the past.

I wonder if Richardson could possibly push Hakim Warrick, who the Grizz have sought to trade. It sounds like Richardson, at least, plays more the up-style tempo they're looking for.

[SenorSpur]

All this makes me think that next year's team will be quite a bit younger and more athletic. Having a few low pay guys like Splitter, Mahinimi, Washington and Richardson on payroll could allow the Spurs to sign a more established free agent, as well.


Let's hope so. Personally, I'm tired of seeing the Spurs getting consistently exposed on the perimeter by younger, quicker, wing players - which almost every team has. Experience is a key component to our championship aspirations. However, the Spurs are seemingly the only team that has so much age in an area where quickness, athleticism and young legs are vital.

[SenorSpur]

So much for the Spurs interest in Jeremy Richardson. Perhaps they should have acted quicker.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/49839/20071220/grizzlies_sign_jeremy_richardson_from_d_league/

RealGM Staff Report -
The Memphis Grizzlies today signed free agent guard/forward Jeremy Richardson, the top scorer in the NBA Development League.

Richardson, a 6-7, 195-pound swingman, was averaging a league-high 28.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.63 steals in 41.5 minutes in eight games this season for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA D-League.

“We are pleased to call Jeremy Richardson up from the NBA Development League's Fort Wayne Mad Ants,” said Grizzlies' General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace. “He is an exciting young talent whose career is on a real upswing. Jeremy can shoot the three-pointer, is very good at coming off screens and is blessed with impressive length and size for a perimeter player."

“Jeremy has received excellent coaching and an opportunity to develop his game against strong competition in an NBA-like setting over his time in the D-League. The D-League is an invaluable training ground for talented young players such as Jeremy who need to transition into professional basketball.”