Summer League Game 2 - Game Thoughts

While the Spurs summer league team struggled offensively for much of the night, they once again came up clutch to close out the game and win by a final count of 78-76. Even more importantly, San Antonio got a couple of promising individual performances.

For the Denver Nuggets, their best performers came off the bench. Coby Karl played an impressive all-around game and Ronald Dupree's veteran savvy was apparent against the younger players on San Antonio's roster.

To get the win, the D was key. The Spurs defense held the Nuggets to 34.3% shooting from the floor. Ty Lawson and Sonny Weems, arguably the two best players on the Nuggets summer league roster, shot a combined 2-for-23 from the field.

George Hill
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/...ayers/4488.jpg
34 minutes, 16 points, two assists, two rebounds, two steals, two turnovers
5-for-12 from the field, 0-for-2 on three-pointers, 6-for-7 at the line

George Hill had an interesting game. With the Nuggets throwing fullcourt traps, halfcourt traps and pick-and-roll traps at him, Hill spent a lot of his night trying to figure out how to deal with the various traps. While he had some success in that regard, the Nuggets' gameplan definitely rattled him -- which isn't great news for a point guard prospect.

The aspect of Hill's game I liked the most was his defense. Lawson missed all seven of his field goal attempts and finished with more turnovers (4) than assists (3). Hill's length and quickness took Lawson out of his game and didn't allow the 2009 first round pick get many open looks.

Scoring-wise, Hill continues to look solid. He finished well when attacking the rim. His outside shot looks much improved, although he's yet to hit a three-pointer in summer league. We didn't get a chance to see Hill's playmaking ability in this game due to the plethora of traps, so that's definitely something to keep an eye on going forward.

Overall, Hill looks like he's made a lot of strides -- especially compared to last year in summer league. He's confident and he plays like he knows exactly what he's doing. He needs to work on beating traps and he needs to show he can consistently make plays, but summer league has been a success for Hill so far.

DeJuan Blair
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnews...mall_BLAIR.jpg

DeJuan Blair didn't play against the Nuggets. After his big first game against the Hornets, word is that Blair's agent is working with the Spurs to finalize a contract and both sides agreed it would be best for Blair to sit. How much more we see of Blair in summer league could depend on how contract negotiations proceed.

Ian Mahinmi
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/ba...ayers/3954.jpg
28 minutes, 12 points, 16 rebounds, two blocked shots, ten fouls, three turnovers
4-for-9 from the field, 4-for-6 at the line

The star of the game for the Spurs was undoubtedly Ian Mahinmi. After a shaky debut in summer league, Mahinmi looked much better his second time out.

Running the court was where Mahinmi really shined. Despite being the biggest player on the court at all times, Mahinmi oftentimes beat guards up and down the floor. He blocked shots, he altered shots and he hit the glass with authority.

Mahinmi also did a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet. He rotated very well, he took charges and played a physical brand of basketball.

While there were bright spots, Mahinmi still has room to grow. Offensively, he still looks rusty and his overall clumsiness is still rather high (which played a part in his ten fouls) -- but the progression from Game 1 to Game 2 was great to see. Hopefully Mahinmi can get better and better as the summer league goes along.

Malik Hairston
http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pi...1211235940.jpg
31 minutes, 17 points, two rebounds, one assist, one blocked shot
7-for-11 from the field, 1-for-2 on three-pointers, 2-for-2 at the line

For the second straight game, Malik Hairston was 7-for-11 from the floor. His outside shot looks much better and his confidence is through the roof. Last year he hesitated a lot even when he was open. Right now, he's letting it fly.

When he drives in a straight line to the rim, he's a deceptively explosive athlete who can finish various ways at the rim. Not only can he use his bulky frame to create contact, he's also crafty enough to score with finesse.

On defense, Hairston had a really nice game. He spent a lot of time on Weems and helped limit him to 2-for-16 shooting from the field while helping force Weems into six turnovers.

A couple of areas still need work. In 60 minutes so far in summer league, Hairston only has three rebounds -- a stunningly low number for a guy who rebounded very well at all levels last year. Additionally, his perimeter skills are somewhat of a question mark. He's not good when dribbling in a crowd and his passing is sub par for a small forward.

That said, Hairston is doing a good job of giving himself a fighting chance to make the roster next season. If he can tie up the loose ends, he could make it next to impossible for the Spurs to let him go.

James Gist
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/rivals/full...james-gist.jpg
19 minutes, five points, four rebounds, three turnovers
2-for-4 from the field, 1-for-2 at the line

After getting off to a fast start that included two and-1s in the first four minutes of the contest, James Gist didn't do much else. It was an improvement on his first game of summer league but his production isn't anywhere near what we saw last year at this time.

The main problem is that Gist is attempting to play more of a face-up game and he's simply not ready for that yet. He may be on the road to transitioning from small forward to power forward but he has a long way to go. He doesn't look comfortable dribbling, passing or shooting out on the perimeter.

Gist has some glimpses of solid play when he goes back to his power game but we aren't seeing much of that. Unless he has some sort of drastic improvement, Gist appears destined for another year in Europe. Or, if the Spurs decide to bring him over this year, a year or two in Austin.

Jack McClinton
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/61/612038.jpg
11 minutes, four assists
0-for-2 from the field, 0-for-1 on three-pointers

In summer league, some guys look like NBA players. Some guys don't. Unfortunately, McClinton falls into that latter group. He's billed as a shooter and scorer but he hasn't been able to create space or make the adjustment of shooting over larger opponents so far.

Interestingly, McClinton actually looked best when in a playmaking role. To start the game, he had the ball in his hands a lot and dished out all four of his assists within the first four and a half minutes of the first quarter.

On defense, McClinton spent time on both point guards and shooting guards. He looked decent on defense but nothing to write home about.

McClinton still has time to turn it around but it appears as if he is to make the NBA, it will require a major readjustment to compete against the bigger and faster players he's now going against.

Romel Beck
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_l5ZsM8CSuY...s320/79497.jpg
27 minutes, 14 points, two rebounds, two turnovers
6-for-11 from the field, 1-for-3 on three-pointers, 1-for-2 at the line

Romel Beck once again showed off his good and his bad. On one hand, his jumper is picture perfect and he has a wicked crossover move that allows him to create space. He also had a key three-point play near the end of the contest to give the Spurs a lead of three.

However, Beck is an extremely poor ballhandler -- especially when using his left hand. His footspeed out on the perimeter, or lack thereof, really hurts him on the defensive end. As a shooting specialist, he's useful on the summer league level. But his overall package likely won't translate to the NBA.

Stephane Lasme
http://photo.adriaticbasket.net/albu...hane_lasme.jpg
21 minutes, seven points, eight rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots, two turnovers
3-for-7 from the field, 0-for-1 on three-pointers, 1-for-2 at the line

I thought Stephane Lasme was quietly very good -- much better than his first game. His perimeter game was the aspect of his performance that surprised me the most. Lasme had a couple of great passes and smart plays.

Defensively, he did a lot better job of not always going for blocks and instead he pulled down a healthy amount of boards. Lasme worked hard, played physical and overall just showed an interesting array of skills.

He's probably a couple of inches too short for the NBA but he has a chance if he can become a legit perimeter threat.

Donnell Taylor
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/ba...ayers/3998.jpg
21 minutes, six points, eight rebounds, three assists, three turnovers
3-for-8 from the floor

I'm not really sure why Donnell Taylor is playing the backup point guard role. He's not a very good ballhandler, he's a hesitant passer and he doesn't make up for it at the defensive end.

His best play of the game was when he converted a tip-in on an offensive rebound near the end of the ballgame. Other than that, he didn't look very good -- to say the least.

Carldell Johnson
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3040/squeaky.jpg
Four minutes, two turnovers

Perhaps the reason why Taylor is the backup point guard is due to Cardell "Squeaky" Johnson. In his time on the court, he was a disaster. His only dents on the scorecard were a pair of turnovers.

To his credit, he came into the game when the Nuggets were swarming and playing fullcourt pressure defense. But in his four minutes of action, Johnson proved that his ceiling is likely the NBA D-League level.

nice timvp! I love your articals...

you forgot to mention about IANS Foul Troubles tho....

What your opinion on that?

Thank you.

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Originally Posted by iilluzioN

nice timvp! I love your articals...

you forgot to mention about IANS Foul Troubles tho....

What your opinion on that?

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His fouls were a combination of clumsiness, bad calls and a fouls when being too aggressive. I don't think the foul trouble is too troubling. On the NBA level, a lot of those calls won't be made. Plus, his limited minutes will make foul trouble a non-factor.

And like Avery Johnson once said, it's easier to tame a lion than it is to pump up a kitten.

:smokin

Ian Mahinmi with the triple-double!!

always waiting for your stuff timvp...and always enjoying it! THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR GREAT WORK!

great write up, being an aussie and not being able to watch the matches, i'll just wait until you write these up as they tell a greater story than the box score or the recap

can't wait for the next one

I didn't saw the game but why Macus Vinicius only played a minute?

Coach decision, big mistake or injury?

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

I didn't saw the game but why Macus Vinicius only played a minute?

Coach decision, big mistake or injury?

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Spurs just have more interest in examening and overseeing the developement of their draft picks, Mahinmi, Gist, Hairston, Hill. That makes a lot of minutes. Unless he proves himself worthy of playing time in practice it'll be difficult for him to get significant minutes.

Thanks for the game notes. :toast

Sounds like there's hope for George, Ian and Malik. Having a farm system pays off, and over the next few years I think we'll really start to notice the benefits.

Pity McClinton is sucking it up though. Oh well, you can't hit a home run off every pick in the 50s... :lol

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Originally Posted by timvp

His fouls were a combination of clumsiness, bad calls and a fouls when being too aggressive. I don't think the foul trouble is too troubling. On the NBA level, a lot of those calls won't be made. Plus, his limited minutes will make foul trouble a non-factor.

And like Avery Johnson once said, it's easier to tame a lion than it is to pump up a kitten.

:smokin

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Good point. We need him to go out there for 10-20mins a night, run his arse off, rebound the ball and intimidate some with his shot changing and blocking. if he picks up fouls doing it, so be it. he;s going to be out there for shock value.

Great job TiMVP!!

It's great for us overseas to read about what happened. You should consider writing articles for a major sporting news outlet. Your writing is better thought out than most everything I read elsewhere.

It's nice to see that Ian's 10 FOUL can be looked upon positively.

You mentioned he struggled offensively. Does he have a go to move?

Nice write up.

:toast Good stuff, timvp. Hopefully Blair can play Thursday

A little bit too much sunshine on Mahinmi's write-up. If he can't figure out how to be effective on the floor without committing a foul every three minutes, then he can't expect to play much in the NBA. This has been a problem for years, and the fact that it's not getting any better starts to make me think his clumsiness is just part of who he is.

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Originally Posted by RuffnReadyOzStyle

Pity McClinton is sucking it up though. Oh well, you can't hit a home run off every pick in the 50s... :lol

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I'm a little disappointed too. Hopefully he gets his confidence and will be able to create his own shot. I want this guy to make the roster!

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Originally Posted by RuffnReadyOzStyle

Good point. We need him to go out there for 10-20mins a night, run his arse off, rebound the ball and intimidate some with his shot changing and blocking. if he picks up fouls doing it, so be it. he;s going to be out there for shock value.

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Right now Matt Bonner is still a vastly better option for the 10-20 minutes the fourth big will play. Ian Mahinmi looks like a good option to play 20-30 minutes in Austin again to see if maybe this time the leopard can change his spots.

Thank you timvp. I always enjoy your recaps!

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Originally Posted by Extra Stout

Right now Matt Bonner is still a vastly better option for the 10-20 minutes the fourth big will play. Ian Mahinmi looks like a good option to play 20-30 minutes in Austin again to see if maybe this time the leopard can change his spots.

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Well, I missed the first quarter, when Ian seemed to have played the best out there. The part I saw was a guy trying hard, but I'm still unconvinced his game can translate smoothly to the NBA. Even if he got 2 or 3 calls that were BS, the foul situation is a problem. I'd like to see him finish a summer league game with 5 fouls or less, just to prove he can be effective without fouling every other possession. And while he rebounded well, I've seen him having lapses boxing out opponents after free throws that cost us possessions. The alarming part is that it happened more than once, and I thought he had a clear height advantage against the Denver bigs.
All in all, I still think last night's game was a glass half full performance.
He has been on the program the longest, so it's obvious he's going to be scrutinized the toughest out there. What i'd like to see is a dominating performance out there to spell any doubts he can be effective on the next level. I don't think he has delivered that yet, but last night was an improvement from the first game, and there are 3 more games to go.

And timvp, thanks for your thoughts!

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Originally Posted by spursjustice

I'm a little disappointed too. Hopefully he gets his confidence and will be able to create his own shot. I want this guy to make the roster!

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Creating his shot isn't McClinton's game. He's going to have to depend on opportunities created by other players, and unfortuantely for him those opportunities rarely occur in summer league games. It's not like summer league teams are going to start doubling Mahinmi in the post. Summer league just isn't a venue that is going to allow McClinton to show off the skills he has.

Good stuff here. Hairston and Hill continue to impress as I thought they would. I want Gist to be more physical as mark stated. I'm still on the Ian Mahinmi is a bust side of things, but hopefully this is a step in the right direction to proving me wrong. We so badly need an inside presence to back up TD.

Good to see that Ian "the beast" has come alive. Let's all hope he keeps it up. The roster will be so much more deeper and the Spurs will be a better team if he can crack the rotation and provide consistent contribution on a nightly basis.

Really enjoy these recaps. Thanks for posting. :tu

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His outside shot looks much improved, although he's yet to hit a three-pointer in summer league.

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Hill could deliberately be avoiding shooting many 3-pointers because he is working with Chip. IIRC, Tony was prohibited from shooting 3-pointers while he reconstructed and worked on his mid-range jumper.

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Originally Posted by timvp

Ian Mahinmi
Running the court was where Mahinmi really shined. Despite being the biggest player on the court at all times, Mahinmi oftentimes beat guards up and down the floor. He blocked shots, he altered shots and he hit the glass with authority.

Mahinmi also did a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet. He rotated very well, he took charges and played a physical brand of basketball.

While there were bright spots, Mahinmi still has room to grow. Offensively, he still looks rusty and his overall clumsiness is still rather high (which played a part in his ten fouls) -- but the progression from Game 1 to Game 2 was great to see. Hopefully Mahinmi can get better and better as the summer league goes along.

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I think he has good positioning and spacing on the offense side, as well. I think he's been taking pointers from Fab, because it seems he has that knack to finding holes when the defense collapses, but it usually didn't come to fruition. I'm still puzzled on the super-high pick and rolls.

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Originally Posted by timvp

Jack McClinton
Interestingly, McClinton actually looked best when in a playmaking role. To start the game, he had the ball in his hands a lot and dished out all four of his assists within the first four and a half minutes of the first quarter.

On defense, McClinton spent time on both point guards and shooting guards. He looked decent on defense but nothing to write home about.

McClinton still has time to turn it around but it appears as if he is to make the NBA, it will require a major readjustment to compete against the bigger and faster players he's now going against.

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I think McClinton is in panic mode. The big problem is that it's apparent he can't create his own shot. They aren't running any plays his way and I'm not seeing many screens being set for him. I'm not sure what else he can do.

ian has always been fould prone so the fouls are not a surprise. he will have to work on this if he is to become a better defender.

I didn't see the game so I was anxious as always to read the game thoughts. Thanks timvp.
Happy to see Ian putting huge numbers on rebound side: 16 in 28 min is quite impressive.

Timvp, you wrote Ian was the biggest, it also means the tallest ? How these 16 rebounds have been built ? A lot have been constested or it was essentially easy ones on Defense ?

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Originally Posted by oligarchy

I think McClinton is in panic mode. The big problem is that it's apparent he can't create his own shot. They aren't running any plays his way and I'm not seeing many screens being set for him. I'm not sure what else he can do.

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Which could be a problem because Jack is not always going to be on the court with a dominant post guy, who commands double teams. He must develop the ability to create his own shot.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Which could be a problem because Jack is not always going to be on the court with a dominant post guy, who commands double teams. He must develop the ability to create his own shot.

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On the Spurs he would, in SL, not so much. I just don't know that he'll get a chance to prove it.

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Originally Posted by oligarchy

On the Spurs he would, in SL, not so much. I just don't know that he'll get a chance to prove it.

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That's debatable. Tim could barely draw a double team last playoffs. Granted, his knees weren't in the best shape, but if it's any indication of things to come, you can't rely on that.

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Originally Posted by timvp

Ian Mahinmi
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/ba...ayers/3954.jpg
28 minutes, 12 points, 16 rebounds, two blocked shots, ten fouls, three turnovers
4-for-9 from the field, 4-for-6 at the line

The star of the game for the Spurs was undoubtedly Ian Mahinmi. After a shaky debut in summer league, Mahinmi looked much better his second time out.

Running the court was where Mahinmi really shined. Despite being the biggest player on the court at all times, Mahinmi oftentimes beat guards up and down the floor. He blocked shots, he altered shots and he hit the glass with authority.

Mahinmi also did a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet. He rotated very well, he took charges and played a physical brand of basketball.

While there were bright spots, Mahinmi still has room to grow. Offensively, he still looks rusty and his overall clumsiness is still rather high (which played a part in his ten fouls) -- but the progression from Game 1 to Game 2 was great to see. Hopefully Mahinmi can get better and better as the summer league goes along.

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Is it possible that Ian's assertiveness and activity (especially on the glass) can be indirectly related to the absence of Blair? I was thinking that Ian could be finding it difficult to carve out his niche in the low post, when playing alongside the "space eater". Anybody think this could be a factor? If so, is it possible the two players would be better served not being on the court at the same time?

If things pan out, looks like Ian will showcase a faster pace next year with Tony and Richard. We can play slow and deliberate with Antonio or fast run and gun with Ian.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Is it possible that Ian's assertiveness and activity (especially on the glass) can be indirectly related to the absence of Blair? I was thinking that Ian could be finding it difficult to carve out his niche in the low post, when playing alongside the "space eater". Anybody think this could be a factor? If so, is it possible the two players would be better served not being on the court at the same time?

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That's a good observation. Blair certainly would have taken some boards away from Ian if he had been there. Ian probably also got some "encouragement" from the coaching staff about being more aggressive after effectively sleepwalking through game 1.

Also, it should be noted that Denver's SL front court was pretty lame. Richard Hendrix is the best they've got and he doesn't have the size to body up to Mahinmi. The guys playing on the Hornets SL team were bigger and stronger. Ian's effectiveness seems to really take a hit when he doesn't have a size/strength advantage.

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Originally Posted by ElNono

That's debatable. Tim could barely draw a double team last playoffs. Granted, his knees weren't in the best shape, but if it's any indication of things to come, you can't rely on that.

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Sorry. I guess I should have clarified it a bit. I understand about the double teams, but there would be more opportunity because of how Tony and Manu collapse defenses (depending how they had a lineup, not saying both on the floor at the same time because then Jack wouldn't there ;)). You don't see that in the SL.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Is it possible that Ian's assertiveness and activity (especially on the glass) can be indirectly related to the absence of Blair? I was thinking that Ian could be finding it difficult to carve out his niche in the low post, when playing alongside the "space eater". Anybody think this could be a factor? If so, is it possible the two players would be better served not being on the court at the same time?

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I want to see another game to observe how Blair impacts Ian's play. But it could certainly by the case, especially with rebounding. Since Blair seems to find the correct spots to grab rebounds, Ian could be left standing as a spectator. Nevertheless, its good to know that Ian is in position to get the rebound if the ball doesn't bounce Blair's way. As long as a Spur gets the rebound, its all good.

I'd like to see the Spurs put Ian on the same core-building workout they had DRob on after his back injury. timvp makes a good point about Ian being built similar to Robinson; I think even if Big Dave hadn't had the back injury, that core workout would have really helped him.

Combine that with doing what they can to strengthen his legs, and I think it will help with the clumsiness / fouls. It's almost like he's too athletic right now...

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Originally Posted by timvp

His fouls were a combination of clumsiness, bad calls and a fouls when being too aggressive. I don't think the foul trouble is too troubling. On the NBA level, a lot of those calls won't be made. Plus, his limited minutes will make foul trouble a non-factor.

And like Avery Johnson once said, it's easier to tame a lion than it is to pump up a kitten.

:smokin

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:tu

If healthy, with the rust shaken off, Ian will be absolutely fine. He probably won't be getting 20mpg in the regular season, plus with the bogus fouls the refs call in the SL, he won't foul THAT much. As long as he's healthy and in shape, he should be a solid contributor to the Spurs this season. Ian is absolutely loaded with talent, and this is his chance to finally add his talent to the team, and I believe he will. Go Ian!

I thought Ian could not play in the D-League any longer Stout?

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

I thought Ian could not play in the D-League any longer Stout?

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He can't, at least not to my knowledge. He will have to spend the year on an NBA roster (Spurs), because he's already had too many stints in the D-League.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Is it possible that Ian's assertiveness and activity (especially on the glass) can be indirectly related to the absence of Blair? I was thinking that Ian could be finding it difficult to carve out his niche in the low post, when playing alongside the "space eater". Anybody think this could be a factor? If so, is it possible the two players would be better served not being on the court at the same time?

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Ian doesn't played a lot of minutes paired with Blair in the first game.

The most logical reason why he wasn't good in his first game was that it was basically his first game in one year. Searching another reason is quite strange when there is so obvious one.

TIMVP.....
Would you mind if I used your recaps on games to post on a local poker forum?
We have a basketball section that would really perk up with your insights.
Yoda

Ian is redeeming himself. I could even see him starting over Dice in the season.

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Originally Posted by BronxCowboy

Ian Mahinmi with the triple-double!!

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:lol

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Originally Posted by Extra Stout

A little bit too much sunshine on Mahinmi's write-up. If he can't figure out how to be effective on the floor without committing a foul every three minutes, then he can't expect to play much in the NBA. This has been a problem for years, and the fact that it's not getting any better starts to make me think his clumsiness is just part of who he is.

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year.

Mahinmi averaged 4 fouls a game with the Toros in 2007-08.

Duncan averaged 3.1 a game as a rookie. DRob averaged 3.2 a game as a rookie. McDyess averaged 3.3 as a rookie and averaged 3.9 a night in his 5th year in the league.

Sure, the D league is not the NBA, but this 'clumsiness' meme is a bit much.

When Hairston actually played in an NBA game last year the one thing i remember is that he was crashing the boards pretty good so im not so sure about question his rebounding ability...it might have been due to the scheme they were playing because you can not always crash the boards with everybody especially when you are playing a team like the nuggest who fast break a lot

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Originally Posted by in2deep

Ian is redeeming himself. I could even see him starting over Dice in the season.

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nope

Anyone catch Buford's interview? I caught most of it...and the most interesting thing, from a team makeup perspective, was how he gushed over Marcus Williams. Lost in all this SL talk is how the team views Williams' future.

RC also gushed over Jack McClinton. Saying he was the best shooter and a top notch defender.

Sometimes opinions change when you see guys up against the real deal.

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Originally Posted by AFBlue

Anyone catch Buford's interview? I caught most of it...and the most interesting thing, from a team makeup perspective, was how he gushed over Marcus Williams. Lost in all this SL talk is how the team views Williams' future.

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Are you talking about an older interview or was there a new one during last night's game?

This blows not being able to see these games and having to rely on others to form an opinion.

On a positive, there's some solid individuals on this board that I find a lot of agreement with on their observations, so I don't feel quite as in the dark..:tu

I thought both RC Buford and George Karl gave good interviews during the game.

Good read, timvp.

http://media.mysanantonio.com/images...071509+001.jpg

Tom Reel/Express-NewsSpurs guard Malik Hairston blocks Coby Karl as the Spurs defeat the Denver Nuggets 78-76 at UNLV's Cox Pavilion on Tuesday, July 13, 2009.


Is this George Karl's son?

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Originally Posted by coyotes_geek

I thought both RC Buford and George Karl gave good interviews during the game.

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You want to give a recap?

timvp??

Somebody???:hungry:

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Originally Posted by Taco

Is this George Karl's son?

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Yes.

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

You want to give a recap?

timvp??

Somebody???:hungry:

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Most of the interview was going back over the same questions we've already heard RC answer. Props to ownership, excited about Jefferson, really like Blair, Hill progressing well, etc. But he did have some new thoughts on Marcus Williams that I hadn't heard yet. RC says the team is still high on him. He also admitted the Spurs really don't know what they've got in Mahinmi yet. RC dodged the question about Blair not playing last night.

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Originally Posted by AFBlue

Anyone catch Buford's interview? I caught most of it...and the most interesting thing, from a team makeup perspective, was how he gushed over Marcus Williams. Lost in all this SL talk is how the team views Williams' future.

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Yeah, from the way Buford talk it seemed that he's betting Williams will be on the team next year.

After hearing RC's comments on Williams, it's dissapointing to not see Williams in SL. Anyone know when he is expected to recover?

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Originally Posted by coyotes_geek

Most of the interview was going back over the same questions we've already heard RC answer. Props to ownership, excited about Jefferson, really like Blair, Hill progressing well, etc. But he did have some new thoughts on Marcus Williams that I hadn't heard yet. RC says the team is still high on him. He also admitted the Spurs really don't know what they've got in Mahinmi yet. RC dodged the question about Blair not playing last night.

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Thanks.:toast

I'm really intrigued as to the type of talent they view Williams. If they really view him as a legit NBA-level point-forward prospect, that would be an absolute godsend of an asset.

I'm skeptical to how Marcus' game would translate on the NBA level but a 6' 7'' point-guard (for all intents and purposes) would be more than ideal with guys like Parker, Hill, and maybe McClinton. You could allow them all to play off the ball, at times, offensively without sacrificing any size defensively. Plus, the one thing Williams does really well defensively (play the passing lanes) would only help to ignite a break that all parties mentioned would thrive upon.

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Originally Posted by AFBlue

Anyone catch Buford's interview? I caught most of it...and the most interesting thing, from a team makeup perspective, was how he gushed over Marcus Williams. Lost in all this SL talk is how the team views Williams' future.

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maybe they are trying to package him in a deal

RC could be saying good things about Williams to get his trade stock up.

I am watching Knicks v. Pistons. Morris Almond again looks really good at scoring. If McClinton continues to play badly. Maybe we can pick up Almond.

Thanks for the thoughts and who do you project as being at our center at the beginning of the season? Ian and bring in Mcdyess off the bench or the other way around?

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Originally Posted by bigdog

RC could be saying good things about Williams to get his trade stock up.

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Or maybe he's just saying good things about Williams because the Spurs like him.

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Originally Posted by tav1

Or maybe he's just saying good things about Williams because the Spurs like him.

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Yeah, not sure I buy the CIA talk on this. Williams isn't known around the league and it's not like a summer league interview is going to entice GMs to want this guy.

The only thing that would make Williams attractive is if his contract was not fully guaranteed and some team needed to shed salary. But, I'm honestly not sure what the status of his contract is...anyone know for sure?

Sorry to hijack the game thoughts, but the discussion happened in the game...so doesn't that count? :lol

About the actual game, completely agree that Mahinmi was the story. I'm not going to go overboard and say he'll be a starter or even a regular rotation guy based on that one performance...

But it definitely gives hope that he could be a rotation guy sooner rather than later...especially with his unique (to this team) skill set.

I don't think Ian's fouls should be looked at in any way, they can't really be judged..there are a lot of factors involved..TBH, at least 6 of them were bad calls or very ticky-tack calls, as I mentioned many times during the game blog..then there's also the rust factor, and the fact that SL guys obviously realize that having 10 fouls gives them many more chances to be aggressive defensively, which wouldn't be the same in the NBA..

He also put himself in MANY good positions all game, but couldn't get the pass from his teammates..the only guys with any sense of basketball on this team other than Mahinmi, are Hill/Hairston/Blair..any time Ian was on the floor with Beck, Gee, and anybody else, they seemed to ignore him, and would miss him when he would cut or find himself open near the basket..

either way, too early to judge..

The best way to judge Mahinmi is going to be his improvement from game-to-game, now until the end of the pre-season..if he keeps improving and working on the little things, he could be a significant player for the Spurs this season..

There were at least two times when Ian was called for fouls when he was no where near the play and the ref just didn't know what she was doing.

The most annoying part was that some of our guys were getting hit on offense with no calls, but they were being called for it on defense..

Denver's players were just running into the lane with no direction, and would get bailed out time after time..

the worst call of the game was at the end of the game, when I think it was Lawson that just jumped into Hairston, when Malik had both his hands straight up..even the announcers were saying it was a horrible call..

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

I don't think Ian's fouls should be looked at in any way, they can't really be judged..there are a lot of factors involved..TBH, at least 6 of them were bad calls or very ticky-tack calls, as I mentioned many times during the game blog..then there's also the rust factor, and the fact that SL guys obviously realize that having 10 fouls gives them many more chances to be aggressive defensively, which wouldn't be the same in the NBA..

He also put himself in MANY good positions all game, but couldn't get the pass from his teammates..the only guys with any sense of basketball on this team other than Mahinmi, are Hill/Hairston/Blair..any time Ian was on the floor with Beck, Gee, and anybody else, they seemed to ignore him, and would miss him when he would cut or find himself open near the basket..

either way, too early to judge..

The best way to judge Mahinmi is going to be his improvement from game-to-game, now until the end of the pre-season..if he keeps improving and working on the little things, he could be a significant player for the Spurs this season..

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:tu

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Originally Posted by RobinsontoDuncan

There were at least two times when Ian was called for fouls when he was no where near the play and the ref just didn't know what she was doing.

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There was one time that he had his back to the offensive player who jumped into him. The last foul called on him was actually committed by someone else.

If those refs were any worse they'd be working for FIBA.

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

There was one time that he had his back to the offensive player who jumped into him. The last foul called on him was actually committed by someone else.

If those refs were any worse they'd be working for FIBA.

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Actually two of them worked for FIBA back around 2004-ish



















kidding:blah

It's hard to analyze the significance of Ian's # of fouls when you can't foul out in Summer League. There's a clear lack of inherent motivation to keep your fouls low. More importantly, his fouls should be low on the priorities right now. How he is defending and rebounding should be way more important.

Due to a very annoying trojan horse...I have yet to see this game. :depressed

Hopefully I can get it cleaned out and watch it later this evening.

Summer League doesn't mean shit. It's a different kind of game. It doesn't even compare to an actual NBA game. It's probably more difficult.

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Originally Posted by sequspur

summer league doesn't mean shit. It's a different kind of game. It doesn't even compare to an actual nba game. It's probably more difficult.

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duh

The thing with Ian is that he is still skinny and do you realy see him being able to guard Shaq, Bynum, Nene, or Howard during the season?

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Originally Posted by Taco

http://media.mysanantonio.com/images...071509+001.jpg

Tom Reel/Express-NewsSpurs guard Malik Hairston blocks Coby Karl as the Spurs defeat the Denver Nuggets 78-76 at UNLV's Cox Pavilion on Tuesday, July 13, 2009.


Is this George Karl's son?

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Yeah. He's named for Coby Dietrich who was George's closest friend on the Spurs when they played here.

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Originally Posted by BackHome

The thing with Ian is that he is still skinny and do you realy see him being able to guard Shaq, Bynum, Nene, or Howard during the season?

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He'll dominate those guys. :downspin::downspin::downspin:

Ian is going to be a bench player..there's no way he's gonna have to guard any of those starting Cs on a consistent basis this year, especially not stars like Howard and Shaq..

we have Duncan to guard Cs, and 'Dice to guard 4s..

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

Ian is going to be a bench player..there's no way he's gonna have to guard any of those starting Cs on a consistent basis this year, especially not stars like Howard and Shaq..

we have Duncan to guard Cs, and 'Dice to guard 4s..

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its true, the only ONLY way i could see ian ever EVER guarding a big like that is if have duncan sitting out a game in a back to back and haislip is out for whatever reason

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

I didn't saw the game but why Macus Vinicius only played a minute?

Coach decision, big mistake or injury?

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IIRC, Vinicius came in at the end of first quarter because Mahinmi had two fouls. Newman went back to Mahinmi to start the second quarter. Vinicius didn't have time to show anything in his minute.

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Originally Posted by Extra Stout

A little bit too much sunshine on Mahinmi's write-up. If he can't figure out how to be effective on the floor without committing a foul every three minutes, then he can't expect to play much in the NBA. This has been a problem for years, and the fact that it's not getting any better starts to make me think his clumsiness is just part of who he is.

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I'm not saying Mahinmi is a lock to be better than the 6th big on the team. But it is extremely encouraging to see him get so much better from the first game to the second game.

Foul trouble is alarming but not nearly as alarming as he overall poor play in the first game. Now the hope is that he continues to progress in summer league to the point where he can have a good game that includes a reasonable number of fouls.

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Originally Posted by Brazil

Timvp, you wrote Ian was the biggest, it also means the tallest ? How these 16 rebounds have been built ? A lot have been constested or it was essentially easy ones on Defense ?

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Many of his rebounds were contested. I wouldn't say his height played a major role in securing those boards. Hendrix and Giles are both pretty damn good rebounders who take up space. Hendrix is basically like a poor man's version of Blair. Simmons can also grab rebounds in bunches thanks to his supreme athleticism. Mahinmi grabbing as many boards as Hendrix, Giles and Simmons combined is definitely a good sign.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Is it possible that Ian's assertiveness and activity (especially on the glass) can be indirectly related to the absence of Blair? I was thinking that Ian could be finding it difficult to carve out his niche in the low post, when playing alongside the "space eater". Anybody think this could be a factor? If so, is it possible the two players would be better served not being on the court at the same time?

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Ian doesn't played a lot of minutes paired with Blair in the first game.

The most logical reason why he wasn't good in his first game was that it was basically his first game in one year.

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I agree with that explanation. Mahinmi and Blair didn't get really get in each other's way much in the first game. Obviously it's easier to rebound when Blair isn't in the game but that doesn't account for all 16 boards.

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Originally Posted by YODA

TIMVP.....
Would you mind if I used your recaps on games to post on a local poker forum?
We have a basketball section that would really perk up with your insights.
Yoda

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That's fine.