Summer League Game 2 - Game Thoughts

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.