Reddit reacts to the Spurs picking SloMo at #30

http://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments...io_spurs_kyle/

Some interesting takes and praise from opposing fans...and a few meltdowns. :lol

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Spurs win the championship and still get a good pick. Classic San Antonio.

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I've watched all his games and I honestly can't think of a better place for him to go.

Happy for him, dude can really play despite how slow and deliberate he appears.

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The Spurs could draft a ROCK and I wouldn't question them. They must know something about that rock that I do not. It will be a home run pick too.

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THEY CAN'T KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH IT

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That's awesome

Our team is really stacked. I want him to play point, but he is a little too slow for opposing guards.
He is going to need to work hard. Real hard.

Jinxed, imo

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Originally Posted by lefty

Jinxed, imo

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Can we trade Love for the spurs front office?

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Wow. Spurs look like draft geniuses again.
Fuck, I'm very mad the Blazers didn't try to get Anderson especially since he fell so low.
This is how the rich keep staying rich and such.
EDIT: had to add the "very" to demonstrate how mad I am at the moment.

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This is why the Spurs rock. They take the guys with unique skill sets and then find them a role because they have talent.

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this is kinda wtf :lol

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I smoked a huge blunt with Kyle Anderson when we were trying to recruit him to Seton Hall...good guy...hope he becomes one of those Spurs super role players

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The Spurs also had bad picks before, but they certainly do better than most teams ... always fun to see how a rookie fits in because with the consistency of the Spurs there rarely are other surprises ...

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Spurs select skinny Boris Diaw. God dammit.

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the most spurs like player in the draft it was fate

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Originally Posted by Fireball

The Spurs also had bad picks before, but they certainly do better than most teams ... always fun to see how a rookie fits in because with the consistency of the Spurs there rarely are other surprises ...

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Hey it's not like this is going to be disaster. low risk high reward at #30.

http://i.imgur.com/rZypMz3.jpg

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

People said the same thing about James Anderson. Temper your expectations.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

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Kawhi?

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

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The 2014 Finals MVP would like a word with you......out back.


http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpres...4-a.gif?w=1000

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Originally Posted by Raven

Kawhi?

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Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

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Originally Posted by Agloco

http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpres...4-a.gif?w=1000

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see above

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Originally Posted by cd98

People said the same thing about James Anderson. Temper your expectations.

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JA looked great before he broke his foot in his first season. Really hampered his career imo, as he never looked the same after he came back.

He put up a decent 10/4/2 season last year in Philly including a couple of 30-point games. Will be interesting to see if he can still carve out a career.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

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Two future HoFers and a solid big is enough to build a reputation. And the only time the Spurs moved up in the draft they drafted a Finals MVP.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

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Six of one, half dozen of the other.

Pacers drafted then traded him to us. I don't see reason to split hairs here especially given the point you're trying to make.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

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They drafted George hill who was no slouch. That pick enabled them to turn it into Kawhi.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

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What's a peda stool? Is that like child poop?

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Originally Posted by Perry Mason

What's a peda stool? Is that like child poop?

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I think he's trying to make a joke

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Originally Posted by UZER

They drafted George hill who was no slouch. That pick enabled them to turn it into Kawhi.

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The above bears repeating.

And, The Spurs identified Kawhi, the fact that Indiana picked him was just a technicality.

And, while some may be unhappy with what they did with that talent, they have shown further expertise at drafting NBA quality talent very deep in the draft in:

Goran Dragic 45th
Luis Scola 56th
Leandro Barbosa 28th

Some teams can't even seem to find an NBA player in the lottery, yet The Spurs have been able to identify NBA players even late in the second round. Therefore, I think their draft reputation is fairly deserved.

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Originally Posted by littlecoyotecoin

The above bears repeating.

And, The Spurs identified Kawhi, the fact that Indiana picked him was just a technicality.

And, while some may be unhappy with what they did with that talent, they have shown further expertise at drafting NBA quality talent very deep in the draft in:

Goran Dragic 45th
Luis Scola 56th
Leandro Barbosa 28th

Some teams can't even seem to find an NBA player in the lottery, yet The Spurs have been able to identify NBA players even late in the second round. Therefore, I think their draft reputation is fairly deserved.

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There were also some guys that the Spurs either pulled out of obscurity or gambled on who put in some good years with the team and have gone on to make themselves decent players:

Beno Udrih
Ian Mahinmi
DeJuan Blair
Gary Neal (not a draft pick, but picked out of the Euroleagues so even more impressive IMO)

CoJo is also starting to establish himself in the league.

You can't logistically keep every draft pick you sign due to roster size and cap limitations, so you can't penalize these guys just because they haven't necessarily panned out for the Spurs alone. Sure, not everybody has been able to make the leap (Javtokas, Richards, Bertans, Sandizke), but their success rate for draft picks which are, with exception to Hill and Leonard, typically in the high 20s and 50s is exceptional.

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Originally Posted by Dex

JA looked great before he broke his foot in his first season. Really hampered his career imo, as he never looked the same after he came back.

He put up a decent 10/4/2 season last year in Philly including a couple of 30-point games. Will be interesting to see if he can still carve out a career.

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People use the foot as an excuse, but his "looking great" was over a short span of games. It was kind of like Daye hitting all those threes when he first got traded to the Spurs. But when you open up the sample size to various games, you see him regress to the mean. James Anderson is a fringe NBA player. On a woefully poor team, James Anderson can get some numbers, but I just don't see him as being a good enough athlete or a good enough shooter to even be a top role player on a playoff team. That said, I'm not writing Kyle Anderson off as a dud. He's got a unique set of skills, but jury is out on whether they will translate to the NBA.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

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Manu, Tony, flipping Paul George (eh...I mean George Hill) for Kawhi, Tiago...all, while typically selecting at or near the end of draft rounds. Not sure how you can overrate the Spurs success. Compare their history to anyone else, even teams that are seemingly always at the top of the draft board...I can't think of anyone that's done better overall.

i'm definitely not talking about our success from drafting Parker and Manu. I realize how great we have been at scouting overseas prospects. My point is how we've drafted recently 2007 until now. There's no question we deserve all the praise in the world for the ability to target guys. My point is recently....

DeJuan Blair was the starting center for more than one 50 win team, and they got him with the 37th pick.

I'm not trying to knock Spurs Org. definitely not lol But unlike everyone thinks (other teams fans) not everything we touch turns to gold.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

I'm not trying to knock Spurs Org. definitely not lol But unlike everyone thinks (other teams fans) not everything we touch turns to gold.

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Not everything, just way way more than other teams, particularly when you consider they haven't had a high draft pick in 17 years.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

I'm not trying to knock Spurs Org. definitely not lol But unlike everyone thinks (other teams fans) not everything we touch turns to gold.

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Everyone thinks the Spurs have a great front office. They do. Everyone thinks the Spurs draft well. They do.

Just admit you misspoke. Then, and only then..will the bleeding stop. :lol

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

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http://harvardsportsanalysis.org/?p=4516

Also, Kawhi pick was essentially a draft pick because the Spurs traded George Hill specifically to draft him.

I hope my eyes deceive me because his performance in the limited games I watched were just meh. It may take him a while to adjust to the speed of the NBA and the athleticism. He also needs quite a bit of help from Chip with his shooting form. Hopefully his smarts will allow him to stay on the floor because it won't be his defense.

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Originally Posted by Mnky

Everyone thinks the Spurs have a great front office. They do. Everyone thinks the Spurs draft well. They do.

Just admit you misspoke. Then, and only then..will the bleeding stop. :lol

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Originally Posted by tmtcsc

I hope my eyes deceive me because his performance in the limited games I watched were just meh. It may take him a while to adjust to the speed of the NBA and the athleticism. He also needs quite a bit of help from Chip with his shooting form. Hopefully his smarts will allow him to stay on the floor because it won't be his defense.

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He was out of position, and rarely touched the ball. As with most players, he's not going to be adding lots of value with his individual defense. Fortunately he was drafted by a team that doesn't rely on individuals shutting down their opponents.

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

He was out of position, and rarely touched the ball. As with most players, he's not going to be adding lots of value with his individual defense. Fortunately he was drafted by a team that doesn't rely on individuals shutting down their opponents.

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And that's why I'm hopeful. No way will Kyle be expected to start or get huge minutes against big scoring threats. But if you can hide him on a 3 point specialist or something, I think his upside on offense could be a huge boon. We don't need him to play at all, so even if he only gives us 12 "good" minutes per game, that's still a hell of a deal from the 30th pick overall.

It's very likely he's going to be a situational player. But we're the champions and we dominated the last three rounds of the playoffs. Getting ANYTHING from the draft that adds value to this team is absolutely gravy at this point.

I'd like to see a 2 or 3 make the team that can break down the defense and drive to the hoop. -- Much like Manu once did and Tony does.

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Originally Posted by cd98

People use the foot as an excuse, but his "looking great" was over a short span of games. It was kind of like Daye hitting all those threes when he first got traded to the Spurs. But when you open up the sample size to various games, you see him regress to the mean. James Anderson is a fringe NBA player. On a woefully poor team, James Anderson can get some numbers, but I just don't see him as being a good enough athlete or a good enough shooter to even be a top role player on a playoff team. That said, I'm not writing Kyle Anderson off as a dud. He's got a unique set of skills, but jury is out on whether they will translate to the NBA.

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You also can't really say he was a bad pick. The injury he suffered was no joke. The same injury happened to Beaubois and Travis Outlaw and both guys were decent players before their injuries. The truth is we will never know how good he could have been. Thankfully the Spurs were able to replace him with Green.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

i'm definitely not talking about our success from drafting Parker and Manu. I realize how great we have been at scouting overseas prospects. My point is how we've drafted recently 2007 until now. There's no question we deserve all the praise in the world for the ability to target guys. My point is recently....

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1) Keep in mind that Sam Presti was pivitol to our scouting department and he left in 2007 to be SEA-OKC's GM... since then, they've been drafting immediately before us almost every year.

2) Since Robinson retired, the Spurs have most needed a big man... but big men are twice as likely to be a draft bust as their guard equivalent... spurs have done great at drafting guards.
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/20...al-by-position

3) Spurs have done AMAZING at picking for their position: According to 82games, a player drafted around where the Spurs usually draft (30) has roughly a 35% chance of making it in the league. http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm

2007: Splitter
2008: George Hill - Traded away for Kawhi + Bertans
2009: (#37) Dejaun Blair - great pick for 2nd round
2010: (#20) James Anderson - our only legitimate bust
2011: Cory Joseph
2012: Traded away the pick to get rid of Jefferson (worth it)

So, in the 5 picks we had around #30 (I'm including #20 Anderson and #37 Blair) since 2007... we've had a 80% success rate (as opposed to the league 35%).

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Originally Posted by UZER

They drafted George hill who was no slouch. That pick enabled them to turn it into Kawhi.

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That has to be the best or one of the best trades in the history of the Spurs org, it got them back to two finals after that IMO. Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

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Originally Posted by Sean Cagney

Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

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With George Hill in place of Kawhi, the Spurs don't win the west either of the last two years.

The Spurs are kind of unique since their best players have been added through the draft. The only strange/bad pick to me was Ryan Richards who sucked then and sucks now. I guess he looked like a legit big even if he could not play.

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Originally Posted by Sean Cagney

That has to be the best or one of the best trades in the history of the Spurs org, it got them back to two finals after that IMO. Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

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God, could you imagine going against Miami with Richard Jefferson starting against Lebron? :vomit:

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Originally Posted by Dex

God, could you imagine going against Miami with Richard Jefferson starting against Lebron? :vomit:

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Spurs are 2nd round exits at best with Jefferson/Hill/Anderson. :lol

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

With George Hill in place of Kawhi, the Spurs don't win the west either of the last two years.

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That is a fact.

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Originally Posted by timtonymanu

Spurs are 2nd round exits at best with Jefferson/Hill/Anderson. :lol

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I would agree there too.

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Originally Posted by stnick2261

1) Keep in mind that Sam Presti was pivitol to our scouting department and he left in 2007 to be SEA-OKC's GM... since then, they've been drafting immediately before us almost every year.

2) Since Robinson retired, the Spurs have most needed a big man... but big men are twice as likely to be a draft bust as their guard equivalent... spurs have done great at drafting guards.
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/20...al-by-position

3) Spurs have done AMAZING at picking for their position: According to 82games, a player drafted around where the Spurs usually draft (30) has roughly a 35% chance of making it in the league. http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm

2007: Splitter
2008: George Hill - Traded away for Kawhi + Bertans
2009: (#37) Dejaun Blair - great pick for 2nd round
2010: (#20) James Anderson - our only legitimate bust
2011: Cory Joseph
2012: Traded away the pick to get rid of Jefferson (worth it)

So, in the 5 picks we had around #30 (I'm including #20 Anderson and #37 Blair) since 2007... we've had a 80% success rate (as opposed to the league 35%).

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Thanks man that's what I was looking for. Can't forget De Colo either wasn't that 2009?

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

Thanks man that's what I was looking for. Can't forget De Colo either wasn't that 2009?

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Yes, I was mostly keeping 1st round... but Nando was the 53rd pick in 2009.

82games basically says people picked at 53 have almost no shot to stick in the NBA.

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Originally Posted by Mnky

Everyone thinks the Spurs have a great front office. They do. Everyone thinks the Spurs draft well. They do.

Just admit you misspoke. Then, and only then..will the bleeding stop. :lol

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Originally Posted by tmtcsc

I'd like to see a 2 or 3 make the team that can break down the defense and drive to the hoop. -- Much like Manu once did and Tony does.

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That is the new current hole IMHO. We have a lot of 1/2 and 3/4/5...we don't have much of anything at 2/3 that can slash and dribble drive to the rim except Manu, being superb, but long in the tooth. Hanga is the only thing that looks a little intriguing that we have stashed that would fill that role, and I don't know if he'll amount to an NBA player or not.

Hopefully a gem falls to 30th place in the draft this year at 2/3. :)

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Originally Posted by Sean Cagney

That has to be the best or one of the best trades in the history of the Spurs org, it got them back to two finals after that IMO. Without him forget it! We don't beat Miami. That trade was exceptional.

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Without him, the run as TRUE title contenders is over.

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Originally Posted by UZER

Without him, the run as TRUE title contenders is over.

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So that brings up another topic. Where does Kawhi rank as far as players in the NBA??

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

While I am really ecstatic about drafting Anderson and him as a player, I think the reputation of us finding "hidden" talent is overrated. When is the last time we drafted a player that has really worked out for us? Splitter? Sure Livio and Bertans remain to be seen, yet I think people really overrate our drafting success. They're putting it on a peda stool. It's more about the team and how we play rather than certain players being hidden gems. Just my thought. Like I said I'm really excited for Anderson!!

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Blair was a pretty successful pick.

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Originally Posted by cd021

Blair was a pretty successful pick.

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True. He was serviceable.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

True. He was serviceable.

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71% record as a starter in the NBA.

Kyle Anderson Could Be San Antonio
Spurs’ Point Guard of the Future
August 12, 2014 9:00 am EDT by Dan Schultz

http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2014/0...of-the-future/

It is not often when one realistically asks the question whether or not a 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward could one day man the point guard position in the NBA, let alone the same spot Tony Parker currently occupies for the San Antonio Spurs.

It has already been noted countless times that the newest member of the Spurs, Kyle Anderson, has a very similar type of game to that of his teammate Boris Diaw. Diaw, you might recall, came into the league as a point guard when he was first drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2003, but over time he became more of a forward and back-to-the-basket option in the post. While Patty Mills and Cory Joseph are still great options to fill that void once Parker (who is currently 32) eventually retires, Anderson is really not that ridiculous of a suggestion to one day fill that void.

Mills is really a shooting guard in a point guard’s body. Joseph still has to prove that he can knock down a jump shot with consistency, although his defense is definitely already outstanding. Joseph is also only 22 years old and has already made great strides to improve his game since he came into the league.

Anderson averaged 14.6 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game and a startling 6.5 assists per game as a forward for the UCLA Bruins during his sophomore year. You read that right — a forward who averaged 6.5 assists per contest.

Anderson acquired the nickname “Slow-Mo” during his time at UCLA. This was because of how patient and deliberately he plays the game. He does not rush to make the home run pass or attempt to make a difficult shot if a defender has a hand in his face. He is calm, cool and collected, and this is why he is a fantastic addition to the Spurs.

He was taken with the 30th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Spurs. Because of the depth of the draft, Anderson fell farther than a lot of people thought he would. If you would have put him in any other draft over the last five years, he might have gone in the lottery.

Could he potentially be the starting point guard for the Spurs one day? Absolutely. Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd has already stated that he plans on using 6-foot-11 Giannis Antetokounmpo at the point guard position this season.

Just like “small-ball” was a huge thing in the NBA over the last few years (and still is), playing big guys with phenomenal handling ability at the point guard position might be the next trend in the NBA if the Spurs also decide to test Anderson at this position too.

The Spurs are sometimes wrongly pigeonholed as being too conservative and too obsessed with their “system”. But tell that to players like Danny Green and his aggressive shot selection, which might seem iffy at times. However, he has earned head coach Gregg Popovich‘s trust over time. Popovich gives Green the same advice he dishes out to Mills and Matt Bonner, which is “if you are open from three, take it”. The Spurs are more than happy to tinker with lineups and let their guys be creative as long as they do not stray too far away from the confines of that sacred system.

This makes Anderson an interesting piece to the puzzle. Do not be surprised if the Spurs try him at the point guard slot. After all, Mills is out until at least February, and what if Joseph has an off night once in a while?

Anderson has a unique game and incredible attitude that makes him a perfect for this team. He will need to work hard for Popovich’s trust just like every other player, but when he eventually does, Spurs fans could very well see him orchestrating the offense for large chunks of the season.

And perhaps this will be the case for years to come.

2014-15 NBA Rookies Who Are Already Showing Red Flags

Yes, Kyle Anderson is skilled and versatile offensively. And of course the San Antonio Spurs will find a way to utilize his shooting and passing skills despite his (severe) lack of athleticism.

On defense, though, things may be a bit dicier.

Stoppage was one of the big question marks surrounding the UCLA point-forward prior to the draft, and summer league didn't quell those concerns. There were some stretches where he was tremendously overmatched in the foot-speed department. In just 16 minutes of playing time against the Utah Jazz frontcourt, Anderson picked up five fouls.

Many scouts and media, including myself, have compared Anderson to Boris Diaw, which made his draft-landing spot all the more intriguing. But even Diaw, who is viewed as a lower-tier athlete, has decent foot speed and enough defensive agility to guard dynamic forwards. When it comes to athleticism shortage in forwards, Anderson seems to be in a class all by himself.

Anderson will undoubtedly have trouble guarding small forwards and power forwards in the NBA. Post players will bounce over him, wings will burst around him, and he'll have to rely too much on his long wingspan to make a significant impact.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...d-flags/page/6

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Originally Posted by dabom

Our team is really stacked. I want him to play point, but he is a little too slow for opposing guards.
He is going to need to work hard. Real hard.

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No doubt Pop will work him hard. And if KA doesn't respond, then he's Toros bound. As for defense, he doesn't have to necessarily be assigned to the opposing PG/SG. And maybe the Spurs use a zone if the guy is so dame slow as everyone thinks. And if a small PG/SG guards him, :nope then KA can play a pseudo-Magic Johnson with the Spurs using a post up offense.

There's a reason analysts "drooled" and opposition :bang with KA dropping into the Spurs' laps.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

So that brings up another topic. Where does Kawhi rank as far as players in the NBA??

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wow good swerve mate. This will make everyone forget about how you said the Spurs' reputation of finding "hidden" talent is overrated. Nice touch

saw a post re: Jordan Adams being picked before Anderson. Matt Moore clearly wanted Anderson at that spot. Wonder who else the Spurs had their eyes on aside from Early.

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Originally Posted by littlecoyotecoin

That is the new current hole IMHO. We have a lot of 1/2 and 3/4/5...we don't have much of anything at 2/3 that can slash and dribble drive to the rim except Manu, being superb, but long in the tooth. Hanga is the only thing that looks a little intriguing that we have stashed that would fill that role, and I don't know if he'll amount to an NBA player or not.

Hopefully a gem falls to 30th place in the draft this year at 2/3. :)

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The league is suffering a historical lack of good to very good shooting guards. The top of the line guys are aging out (Kobe, Wade) and few great SGs have stepped up. Curry and Westbrook are more PGs. Strange, since the position used to be a dime a dozen.

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

True. He was serviceable.

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He was definitely an above average player, even though he was taken with the 37th pick.

P.E.R-17.0

Win Share per 48 minutes -.138 (.100 is the league average)

Net Rtg- +6

It ended poorly and people tend to forget how productive he was, especially for a second round pick not to mention he only made $3.8 million in four seasons.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

The league is suffering a historical lack of good to very good shooting guards. The top of the line guys are aging out (Kobe, Wade) and few great SGs have stepped up. Curry and Westbrook are more PGs. Strange, since the position used to be a dime a dozen.

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I will trust you on the historical nature of the dearth, league-wide. I sure can't argue against it. And, it's manifesting locally. How do you feel about Hanga? I am wondering if he can make the jump when Manu retires. He's got some much needed athleticism. Defensive chops. Hard to get much news on him but it seems he is slowly coming back from his knee issues. He would be 26-27 if Manu hangs on for a year or two. Approaching NBA old age, but not quite there yet.

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Originally Posted by UZER

Without him, the run as TRUE title contenders is over.

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That is the GOD TO HONEST truth, never knew that trade would open our window a few more years when it happened.

Nando didn't work out too well for us.

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Originally Posted by Perry Mason

What's a peda stool? Is that like child poop?

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It's either that or something to do with children's furniture.

/r/nba is a bigger spurs circle jerk than this forum.

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Originally Posted by KaiRMD1

Nando didn't work out too well for us.

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He made the team and played over 100 NBA games in two seasons. Not exactly a bust from the 53rd pick.

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Originally Posted by KaiRMD1

Nando didn't work out too well for us.

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Nando played for almost two seasons for a team that made the Finals, and one that would ultimately win it, albeit with him gone (by choice), all as a #53 pick. Getting a player at 53 that can even make your roster is a home run, let alone one that can play. His issue was pride, not talent. Toronto wanted him back this year, but he'd rather be a big fish in a little pond, the French A league.

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.

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Originally Posted by xmas1997

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by xmas1997

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.

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Big time, as Dick Cheney would say.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xmas1997

"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.

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'Course they did, I dont think anyone here thinks otherwise (but wow, thanks for your novel insight, clearly we lack threads praising how much a steal he was), unless they prefer athletic defenders e.g. KJ McDaniels. It's a fair question which could provide insight into inner workings of PATFO's decision-making and scouting practices. It's a better question than asking which player among the Spurs was best in the playoffs. The Spurs striking gold with Anderson is, at this point, a matter of opinion to be substantiated when the season starts, as with every other pick.

The Spurs struck gold? Thought you said they were overrated? Which is it, really

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Originally Posted by FireMicoHalili

The Spurs struck gold? Thought you said they were overrated? Which is it, really

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I never said Anderson was overrated, or the Spurs.
You must have me mixed up with someone else.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xmas1997

I never said Anderson was overrated, or the Spurs.
You must have me mixed up with someone else.

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Yeah mate that wasnt you, no worries. If ya noticed they didnt send a notif that that post wasnt meant for you. Cheers

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Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred

Sure but VIA trade. I'm saying straight up draft. I'm sure if we had lottery picks every year we'd be banking.Then again, one lottery pick is all the spurs ever need :hat

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Uhhhhh....

This is even more impressive. KL had some question marks.
Dribbling.
3's

Leonard has turned into a genius move. This kid has become so much more of a complete player.

As long are we don't overrate him, he's going to be good. Can't wait to watch SlowMo tbh. Watched him (and the whole team) closely since they play all of UCLA's games out here. Even saw him play in person last season against Oakland at Pauley Pavilion. He's going to be a good role player, even with his lack of athleticism.

Get readyyy

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuzeSTyCAAEhjEN.jpg

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

Get readyyy

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuzeSTyCAAEhjEN.jpg

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Cool. :tu

I'm looking forward to Bill Schoening or Bill Land making the pbp call: "And Kyle drives the lane...wait for it...wait for it..."

The only reason I can see why you're overrating the Spurs drafting system is because you're probably still expecting a pick like Tony Parker or Ginobili to come waltzing in the door. Give credit where credit is due - TP and Gino are two players whose careers can never be replicated by any late first round / second round pick in the near future.

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

71% record as a starter in the NBA.

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Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

The only reason I can see why you're overrating the Spurs drafting system is because you're probably still expecting a pick like Tony Parker or Ginobili to come waltzing in the door. Give credit where credit is due - TP and Gino are two players whose careers can never be replicated by any late first round / second round pick in the near future.

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Spurs drafted Splitter at #27 in 2007. Spurs drafted Hill at #26 in 2008 and turned him into Kawhi (Finals MVP and NBA All D) and Bertans, who we haven't even seen yet. I think this #30 pick will be just as good.

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

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No one is trying to over-state Blair's worth. The very fact that he has played at all, same goes for all the others mentioned including even Nando, is that at the positions they were drafted at, players are not likely to make an NBA roster at all. The Spurs are running at a significantly higher probability. Shooting down some on the list as mediocre or poor players misses the point that their counterparts on other teams are often detailing cars, or managing a Burger King instead of playing in the NBA at all, even poorly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

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Blair had PERs over 17 for his first 3 years, and made less than $4M for four years, TOTAL. Hardly a lump of coal, and a bargain, to boot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

The only reason I can see why you're overrating the Spurs drafting system is because you're probably still expecting a pick like Tony Parker or Ginobili to come waltzing in the door. Give credit where credit is due - TP and Gino are two players whose careers can never be replicated by any late first round / second round pick in the near future.

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I may have missed something. There is a disconnect. I'm not sure where you're getting those impressions from, but the conversation really hasn't even included Tony and Manu much. It was much more focused on more recent draft years, since those two, and what a superb job the front office has done SINCE then, and continues to do, and relative to their draft position how much more likely the player has been to make an NBA roster than an average selection at those positions. There has literally been almost NO talk or NO talk about EXPECTING another Manu to be selected in the late fifties or another Parker near 30. Those are HOF players.

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Originally Posted by exstatic

Blair had PERs over 17 for his first 3 years, and made less than $4M for four years, TOTAL. Hardly a lump of coal, and a bargain, to boot.

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Yup. And he was quite the spark-plug and pain in the ass vs. Dallas this past year, to boot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

Blair was simply the better option as the starting center for the Spurs at the time. If a lump of coal was drafted in the second round, it'd probably end up beating Matt Bonner for the starting spot :lol But in all honesty, Blair was good, but he's nothing spectacular

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Bonner sucks, it's true. And Blair's no world beater, but the fact remains: He is a good rotation player in the NBA, which is simply very rare for someone picked at his spot. Probably puts him in the top 20 percent of guys picked there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by littlecoyotecoin

I may have missed something. There is a disconnect. I'm not sure where you're getting those impressions from, but the conversation really hasn't even included Tony and Manu much. It was much more focused on more recent draft years, since those two, and what a superb job the front office has done SINCE then, and continues to do, and relative to their draft position how much more likely the player has been to make an NBA roster than an average selection at those positions. There has literally been almost NO talk or NO talk about EXPECTING another Manu to be selected in the late fifties or another Parker near 30. Those are HOF players.

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It's not about the lack of mentioning them in this thread as much as it is subconscious thinking that Spurs are always going to miraculously turn draft picks into high quality players. My original message was intended for g_shred. I should've been more clear though

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

It's not about the lack of mentioning them in this thread as much as it is subconscious thinking that Spurs are always going to miraculously turn draft picks into high quality players. My original message was intended for g_shred. I should've been more clear though

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Ok, thanks. I was a participant, and I know that wasn't in my subconscious, and I don't think Exstatic or Obstructed View would agree it was in their subconscious, either. I'll admit I lost track of the conversation a bit over the last 24. Take care.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

Bonner sucks, it's true. And Blair's no world beater, but the fact remains: He is a good rotation player in the NBA, which is simply very rare for someone picked at his spot. Probably puts him in the top 20 percent of guys picked there.

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I agree, I just wanted to turn the thread into another Matt Bonner bash thread :lol

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

I agree, I just wanted to turn the thread into another Matt Bonner bash thread :lol

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

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It is what it is. The Spurs still had the confidence to draft him where others passed. It would be nice to see how many selected before him are no longer in the NBA or never were.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

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Not sure how that matters. Most every other team had a shot at him and passed, much like the other players we've been discussing. They got huge value for their pick, which is becoming the norm for them.

Really great value for Blair at 37, and the Spurs probably eked out the most from him than any other team will. Read somewhere that without ACLs his career doesn't project to be a long one. Spurs got him on the cheap for four years (probably the best stretch of his career). Everything else after would be diminishing returns lest he develop a jump shot, especially in an era where PFs without jump shots have little to no value.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FireMicoHalili

Really great value for Blair at 37, and the Spurs probably eked out the most from him than any other team will. Read somewhere that without ACLs his career doesn't project to be a long one. Spurs got him on the cheap for four years (probably the best stretch of his career). Everything else after would be diminishing returns lest he develop a jump shot, especially in an era where PFs without jump shots have little to no value.

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All excellent points wrt time-value. Exstatic quoted some dollar values earlier. The Spurs did well with him, value-wise, and you're right, it is err on the side of caution to let him go early. The muscles don't hold the joint together as well all by themselves. Over time, I imagine it like a worn out bushing, and that bone rattling around in there like an auger or pick with more mobility than normal within the space will probably chew stuff up at a faster pace.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sexinthatsx

But the spot Dejuan Blair was drafted at comes with a caveat: the guy was projected to be a top lottery draft pick until the red flags showed up about him having no ACLs. I think he would've gone no later than 15th without those red flags

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It doesn't change the fact that he was an steal at the 37th pick. Players slide all of the time medical related or not. Perry Jones slid to 29th do to his knees being red flagged (he was projected to be a late lottery pick).

Jared Sullinger was also red flagged due to the back injured he was considered to be a late lottery pick as well.

The Spurs still took a chance in taking Blair and it worked out very well. He produced like a first round pick and was payed as a second rounder ($3.7 million for 4 season)

DJB would probably still be serviceable on the Spurs if he wasn't a huge faggot, tbh.

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Originally Posted by Agloco

http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpres...4-a.gif?w=1000

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By far the Dunk of the year. The missed dunk on Birdman should've been the one tbh.

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Originally Posted by robdiaz2191

DJB would probably still be serviceable on the Spurs if he wasn't a huge faggot, tbh.

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Not really. He was an undersized, no defense/rebounding, shoot happy cancer of a player. In contrast, Banes is much much better. We've actually lacked a banger from 2007-2012 who would just body up teams like in our previous championship seasons.

1. 1999 - Ellie/J Jackson/Kersey/Rose/Purdue/David
2. 2003 - Rose/Willis/S Jackson/David
3. 2005 - Horry/T Mass/Nazr/Robinson
4. 2007 - Horry/Manu

We had a very soft team in 2007. Manu actually played very physical that post season. The Utah series got physical and Manu laid them out. The 1999 squad however was by far our scariest team. Not only were tough as nails, we were never able to replicate that defense after that. Much like this years offense.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scanry

Not really. He was an undersized, no defense/rebounding, shoot happy cancer of a player. In contrast, Banes is much much better. We've actually lacked a banger from 2007-2012 who would just body up teams like in our previous championship seasons.

1. 1999 - Ellie/J Jackson/Kersey/Rose/Purdue/David
2. 2003 - Rose/Willis/S Jackson/David
3. 2005 - Horry/T Mass/Nazr/Robinson
4. 2007 - Horry/Manu

We had a very soft team in 2007. Manu actually played very physical that post season. The Utah series got physical and Manu laid them out. The 1999 squad however was by far our scariest team. Not only were tough as nails, we were never able to replicate that defense after that. Much like this years offense.

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That 1999 team was a defensive lovers wet dream! Man that team would shut you down! They would win games 72-65 in that team, the OLD D Spurs! YES SO BORING! LOL. I love defense personally so that team was one of my faves.