George Hill
Ian Mahinmi
DeJuan Blair
Jack McClinton
James Gist
Malik Hairston
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George Hill
Ian Mahinmi
DeJuan Blair
Jack McClinton
James Gist
Malik Hairston
What happened to Tolliver?
I think the following is likely.
Ian will be the backup C, Blair the backup pf, 4th and 3rd "bigs." If either of them screws up, it is bonner time.
Hopefully hill splits time at the 1 and 2. As it is, mason and manu are splitting all of the 2 time, so Hill's main chance at significant minutes is at the 1.
Finally, one of the other rookies will fight for the backup minutes behind the 3...
I think it is likely in the following order:
James Gist
Malik Hairston
Jack McClinton
What I am not sure about, however, is if this is too much youth. Sure, Hill got time last year so he is not a rookie. But this includes Mahimi, Gist, and Blair as regular rotation players...and I just don't see Pop trusting rookies in the playoffs to have significant minutes unless they are exceptional.
Maybe he uses them to keep our guys fresh, and then shortens the rotation to parker/hill, mason/manu, rj/manu, duncan/bonner, dice/bonner? That would be sad but I could totally see that 8 man rotation.
I'd love to see it, but I have my doubts for Gist with Haislip on board..Quote:
Originally Posted by Solid D
I'm thinkin' they should go ahead and give Hairston the opportunity to be that defensive-wing behind R.J. and if it doesn't work out, look to bring back Bowen back mid-season or acquire someone capable.
I'm hoping Jack lights up the SL and Ian's healthy and confident in his body to actually see where he's at, and if there's a future for him on this team.
The guy gets bagged on a lot, but he's younger than McClinton, has all the tools, and it's not like this guy has had the injury obstacles of a guy like McDyess; someone who's seemed to put worse in the past.
Hill's a stud and I've seen no reason to think Blair won't be one either, assuming the knees aren't a problem. (and I don't believe they will)
Hill
McClinton
Hairston
Blair
Mahinmi
That would be my guess as to who makes it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
Same here.:flag:
I don't know, but he'd be very hard pressed to make the team even if he was here.Quote:
Originally Posted by bdictjames
Make this into a Poll.
Squeaky better be in, that's all I can say.
too early to guess, the rest of this week will clear some mucky waters
Spurs may want to sign Anthony Johnson to the back up point guard spot, so that Mason never, EVER, has to do that again!Quote:
Originally Posted by bishopospurs
The problem is, if the Spurs get Dice, they're broke.
Maybe Johnson will volunteer his time.
? AJ is under contract with the Magic for 09-10. (didn't opt out)Quote:
Originally Posted by poeticism707
Thanks for the update friend!Quote:
Originally Posted by mountainballer
no problem:toastQuote:
Originally Posted by poeticism707
also talked to james today and he said he was going to be on the spurs team next year
I truly hope Gist is up to the challenge.Quote:
Originally Posted by EmantheSpursFan
I think Manhinmi sucks.
Hill
Blair
McClinton
Hairston
New Orleans.Quote:
Originally Posted by bdictjames
I think there will be a long road from SL to training camp for many of the young player.
there will very likely happen some more moves from the FO after the SL that will change a lot.
the signing of Haislip definitely has reduced the chances for Gist, no matter what position he can cover. if he can't be a full time 3, his chances are almost non existing. if he somehow makes the transition, he still isn't a safe bet. (without Haislip the athleticism from Gist would have been his best asset and also the option to find minutes at both forward spots)
don't forget, he already is in Europe and has earned some reputation there. it's easier to find a good fit for him there (for decent money), than it would be for McClinton, Hairston (who's right Spurs don't own anyhow) or Williams. if the Spurs wanted to keep either Hairston and Gist, but don't have enough spots, it is smarter to chose Hairston this time. (ok, I was wrong about this last season either).
and finally: Gist's rights might have some value as a teaser in a trade, especially if he plays a good SL. some rebuilding teams might be interested in a cheap future option. (Clippers, Sixers and Pacers would have room for another athletic combo forward. also the Grizzlies, if they don't keep Warrick)
if McClinton impresses in the SL (and is as good a defender as Pop announced) and maybe even shows some playmaking ability, he should be a lock, considering what type of player Pop obviously was seeking in the last season. (Stoudemire, Pargo) this might even make Hill expendable, who also has some trade value).
I think McClinton might become the biggest story of the SL. (from a Spurs perspective)
it's always pointed out that he isn't a playmaker. but he is a pretty good ball handler and passing and decision making is something a player can learn to some degree. he is really tough and seems to stay cool in moments when Hill struggled. I'm sure he will put a lot of pressure on Hill.
and then there is Ian. right now he is in a position without many options. he can't be sent to D league next season, so if he doesn't at least play decent in this summer, I see him go the Beno route. Spurs will pay some or even all of his salary to get him out of town for a TE. (there are plenty of such TEs out there that would fit). that's still 1 million $ less expensive than have him rot on the bench without the option to play him in Austin. it would also clear a roster spot.
I have never been high on Ian (I'm not happy if I was right) and I truly think this is the most likely scenario. (again, I won't complain if it isn't).
btw. what if Rasho is willing to sign for the veteran minimum? do we rather have Rasho on the roster or Ian? (for more or less the same price). or Mihm, or Magloire, just to drop some names. if the Spurs are confident that Tiago will come in next summer, there is even less reason to keep him.
so I think from this SL roster Blair is a lock, McClinton has a very good chance and then it will be between Hairston and Williams (likely not decided before end of pre season). Gist will go back to Europe and Ian will be gone.
Great post! Very thorough, knowledgeable, and reasonable!:tuQuote:
Originally Posted by mountainballer
You're probably most correct, unless there are some unforseen surprises in the SL.
yeah i hope the bold ones make the team too! im counting on it!Quote:
Originally Posted by Biggems
Hill, Mahinmi, Blair, Gist, McClinton
Making any kind of a determination before SL is just not sensible. This is shaping up to be the most competetive offseason the Spurs have had, maybe ever. There are likely to be guys that don't make the team that end up being NBA contributors. That makes the decisions really tough. The only advantages certain players might have at this point are due to their position, or ability to play more than one. Hopefully Pop doesn't just pick the guys that shoot the most three pointers like he did last year.