So that brings up another topic. Where does Kawhi rank as far as players in the NBA??Quote:
Originally Posted by UZER
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So that brings up another topic. Where does Kawhi rank as far as players in the NBA??Quote:
Originally Posted by UZER
Blair was a pretty successful pick.Quote:
Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred
True. He was serviceable.Quote:
Originally Posted by cd021
71% record as a starter in the NBA.Quote:
Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by dabom
There's a reason analysts "drooled" and opposition :bang with KA dropping into the Spurs' laps.
wow good swerve mate. This will make everyone forget about how you said the Spurs' reputation of finding "hidden" talent is overrated. Nice touchQuote:
Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by littlecoyotecoin
He was definitely an above average player, even though he was taken with the 37th pick.Quote:
Originally Posted by look_at_g_shred
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
That is the GOD TO HONEST truth, never knew that trade would open our window a few more years when it happened.Quote:
Originally Posted by UZER
Nando didn't work out too well for us.
It's either that or something to do with children's furniture.Quote:
Originally Posted by Perry Mason
/r/nba is a bigger spurs circle jerk than this forum.
He made the team and played over 100 NBA games in two seasons. Not exactly a bust from the 53rd pick.Quote:
Originally Posted by KaiRMD1
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by KaiRMD1
"Whatever", about those other players, I think the Spurs struck gold with Kyle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by xmas1997
Big time, as Dick Cheney would say.Quote:
Originally Posted by xmas1997
'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.Quote:
Originally Posted by xmas1997
The Spurs struck gold? Thought you said they were overrated? Which is it, really
I never said Anderson was overrated, or the Spurs.Quote:
Originally Posted by FireMicoHalili
You must have me mixed up with someone else.
Yeah mate that wasnt you, no worries. If ya noticed they didnt send a notif that that post wasnt meant for you. CheersQuote:
Originally Posted by xmas1997