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The Spurs are turning the page on their roster with the young guys from the last four drafts. Hoping for the best. I'm interested in seeing some the new guys in the Summer league. Two thirds of the Spurs key players going forward will be under 25 years old. That is a change.
I can't read the article. Wouldn't mind reading it. Is there a way to read it without registering?Quote:
Originally Posted by ace3g
SAN ANTONIO — The Vans were brand new, not fresh out the box new, but new in a way that they weren’t in Lonnie Walker’s possession for too long. But, despite the risk, Walker still decided to wear the sneakers while completing a messy project helping kids refurbish the playground area at SA Youth Center.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ice009
“It’s one of the few times I’ve ever painted,” said Walker, who assisted in painting a lunch table last month at the center and as a result got blue paint on his Vans. “Totally worth it.”
Considering the cost of the Vans, which usually run about $60-$65, and comparing that with the looks on the faces of the youth in attendance, Walker was correct, the blue paint on his sneakers was worth it.
And the thing is, Walker plans to keep the Vans, even though that paint partially ruined the texture.
“I’m going to rock them like this,” Walker said. “Next year, you’ll be like, ‘Are those them Vans?’”
But before next year arrives, Walker has some work to complete beginning July 1 in Salt Lake City to start the Summer League. From there, play will shift to Las Vegas for the NBA’s more significant event, which Walker will attempt to headline for the Spurs, too.
Last July was just the start for Walker. He had to overcome an early injury, but that summer really wasn’t about him anyway. Derrick White was the primary focus, as he was completing Year 2 of Summer League. Usually, in the second year, the Spurs would like to see some growth by the end of July.
White displayed his growth, and Dejounte Murray, Bryn Forbes and Davis Bertans paid their dues in the second year of Summer League action, too. The result was they all received more playing time in Gregg Popovich’s rotation. They all made an impact, and in Forbes and Bertans’ case, were awarded new contracts.
Walker isn’t at that point yet, but it would help the Spurs if he too could have a productive summer, as the Spurs could use his athleticism, playmaking and, most importantly in Popovich’s system, defense next season.
And Walker fully understands and accepts the challenge that awaits him over the next three weeks. He’s been preparing for these upcoming moments since May.
Getting his body right
Usually, for younger players who join the Spurs, when their first, or in some cases, second season concludes, they head right to the gym to get back to work the next day or two. It’s not uncommon to check a player’s Instagram story or Snapchat and find they are recording videos from a gym.
So, when Walker was asked what he did once the Spurs were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the postseason, he quickly responded how he got right back to work. After a few seconds to think about it, Walker provided another answer.
“I actually slept,” Walker said. “I’m not going to sit here and lie. I actually slept. I was knocked out.”
When you think about all that Walker experienced his first season in the NBA, he did need some rest. Count the 29 games he played in the G League, add that to his time spent with the parent squad, the back-and-forth traveling from San Antonio to Austin, sometimes right after a game, and just the day-to-day grind of staying in shape and continuing to work on his game.
Walker went on a brief vacation before returning to the gym, but even while he was away, he started the process of working on his body. Walker lifted weights and transformed fat into muscle. He went from around 200 pounds and will be entering Utah at 208.
“That was my point of emphasis,” Walker said. “To be stronger, more prepared.”
But, as Walker would say, “it’s more than just lifting.” He also had to change his diet and develop better recovery habits. Walker is a fan of the fast food restaurant Church’s Chicken, but he knew he had to eat less of that and more healthful items.
Photo by Jabari Young/The Athletic
(Jabari Young / The Athletic)
He spoke with the Spurs about hiring a personal chef, and the team did the rest. They connected Walker with local chef Beveylon Concha. Some of the items she prepared for Walker included avocado wraps, pasta and spaghetti.
“The good thing about the Spurs is once you’re part of the family, you’re part of the family,” Walker said when asked about the team’s help in finding him a chef. “So, whatever you ask for, if you need some help, they’re a phone call away.”
After his change in diet, Walker’s routine for rest was altered a bit, too. He now tries to be in bed by 11 p.m. and up by 7 a.m. to begin his day before heading to the practice facility.
“You have to make sure you sleep,” Walker said. “That plays a huge part. After lifting and working out, you got to give your body some time to recover. You can’t go to sleep at 3 in the morning and wake up at 7 and do the same thing again because that’s just not healthy. So, making sure I maintain a consistent sleep schedule and trying to stay healthy for when you go to Utah and that altitude changes. All that eating and sleeping plays a huge part.”
Being vocal
At the first media session for the Spurs’ Summer League squad, Walker’s revised body was noticeable. His increase in muscle mass stood out, and something else did as well.
In the middle of a drill, Austin Spurs coach Blake Ahearn, who will serve as the coach for the Utah squad, stopped the action to make a point but was interrupted by Walker, who made it for him from a player’s perspective. It showed Ahearn, who has probably seen Walker more than most in the organization, as he coached the University of Miami product in the G League, that Walker grew in the leadership department.
Ahearn was impressed by Walker being more vocal, and he knows that’s an area that Popovich likes to see young players develop, too.
“That’s great,” Ahearn said. “That’s what you want to see because at the end of the day your voice gets tired. I’m tired of hearing my voice, and it’s good when those guys step up, especially for Lonnie.”
Ahearn remembered a crucial game in which Walker gained the most experience, which probably assisted in his emergence when it comes to on-court leadership.
In the Feb. 6 contest against the then-defending champs Golden State Warriors, Popovich threw Walker to the wolves starting in the first quarter at the 3:16 mark. That was the game Walker had a real run to gain a better feel for what the NBA was about on the court.
One could make the case it was Walker’s worst game of the year, at least shooting the ball. He finished 0-of-10, four points, three rebounds and three assists in a season-high 25 minutes. Ahearn said Walker often spoke about that game as the contest in which he gained the most game experience.
“The development stage is all about guys learning and progressing,” Ahearn said.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
(Soobum Im / USA Today)
And speaking of the progressing aspect, Walker feels he’s prepared to showcase what he’s been working on behind the scenes. With the help of development coaches, Walker and other young players have been concentrating on finishing around the basket with layups above the square and floaters. When Walker has participated in shooting drills, it’s been working on corner 3-pointers.
“On defense,” Walker said, “just being a dog. Being able to guard whoever they want me to guard, knowing what I can and cannot do (depending on) who I’m guarding. How to get over screens; when to get under screens. Those are the main things.”
It’s here that Walker makes it known that this summer will not only be about his ability to score. He knows the one area that will keep him on the court, and it’s obeying Popovich’s mandatory effort on defense.
“It’s not about trying to score 35 points,” Walker said. “It’s about how does he look defensively? Is he running to the corner? Is he fighting over screens? Is he going under screens when he needs to, staying in front of his man?
“I know what they want me to do, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do coming into the Summer League. It’s not about all the (hoopla). It’s about playing the right way; playing the Spurs way and earning Pop’s trust.”
Back to the Vans
Though the game against the Warriors was the contest in which he gained tons of experience, most will recall the April 3 outing against the Denver Nuggets. That was no doubt Walker’s best game of the 17 he played with the Spurs.
Walker scored a season-high 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting and went 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. But there was a particular play that still stands out in that game when Walker was ready to posterize Trey Lyles. The attempt appeared so impactful, most of the Nuggets’ bench — Lyles’ teammates — were prepared to erupt had Walker finished the job.
The moment couldn’t be completed though, as Walker turned it into a finger-roll attempt. Standing feet away from that blue table he just helped paint, Walker acknowledged he still has flashbacks of that potential dunk.
“It slipped out my hands, and I had to finger roll it,” he said. “Hopefully I can get another one.”
That moment could come over the next few weeks. Maybe Monday, when the Spurs open play against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Walker will change his decision, midair, and convert a poster-like dunk.
But one thing he will never change is the decision to sport those new Vans to help kids paint. As a kid growing up in Reading, Pa., Walker understands how much his presence can make an impact, especially in his current role as a Spur.
“It goes a long way,” Walker said. “The fact that I could be here and participate and help out, it was fantastic.”
Before he took off for the day after the Spurs’ first practice Thursday, Walker was reminded of those Vans. It’s been a few weeks since he visited SA Youth Center, and it was assumed that Walker changed his mind and got rid of the shoes.
Holding true to his word, though, Walker noted those sneakers are still in his possession.
“C’mon man,” Walker said. “(The Vans) with the blue paint in the front? I wore them yesterday; I’m not throwing them away. Vans go with anything. They can look terrible, and you can still put them on.”
And he might wear them again in Utah and Las Vegas. But make no mistake, no matter his attire, Walker is ready to take the next step and earn his minutes next season.
“I’m ready to show my talent,” he said. “But not only that, I’m ready to play team ball.”
(Photo of Lonnie Walker: Brian Babineau / Getty Images)
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Jabari Young is a Staff Writer for The Athletic, covering the San Antonio Spurs. He has covered the Spurs since 2013 for the San Antonio Express-News and spent one season covering the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014-15. Follow Jabari on Twitter @JabariJYoung.
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No need to temper excitement after seeing him play last year. He’s going to make a serious jump this year and his talent is undeniable.
Dejounte was the guy i was most looking forward to seeing play last year.
Now with the rise of Derrick White and the addition of Lonnie Walker, I'm very excited to see all 3 of these guys.
Lonnie i think has the potential to be the best of the 3 if he develops properly. Can't wait
LW4 has the toolset but I think he needs the ball too much to be effective. I was expecting him to be more of a defender who can dunk but he's more comfortable scoring. I dont think he's the guy who's gonna breakout this season. Hope im wrong though
Murray, White, Walker the future. Nailed 3/3 consecutive draft picks, that doesn’t happen often
That's fine. It looks he loves spot one two dribble pull ups. White, Murray got the defenisve part. He can trail and block shots off the backboard. Lol. He is too green least give him 2 years of development specially with his two injuries the past 2 years. He had no big program experience until last year. Miami he lost half a season too.Quote:
Originally Posted by playbonner15
He's 20 years old.You can "teach" catch and shoot and offensive movement into space to a 20year old.Quote:
Originally Posted by playbonner15
(And that's coming from a fan that wasn't at all impressed with what he saw from Walker as a rookie)
Walker did not play enough meaningful minutes last year to judge but
After a poor early start of being lost on defense-lacking presence and easily getting picked and only engaging on offense when he had the ball otherwise standing around with his hand in the air
Later in the season there were improvements on D and off the ball movement
Maybe just maybe he gets it
He sure seems to have tools for success
The question is does he have the mental make up to be a difference and can he stay healthy
If he develops a consistent corner 3 and gets better on defense as far as knowing where to be then he's going to be a huge asset for the Spurs.
Anybody know what that blue thing he's standing on is for?Quote:
Originally Posted by ace3g
probably a balance aide, to toughen up the ankle, cuz you knowQuote:
Originally Posted by pad300
How do you know they nailed 3 out of 3 Walker hasn't shown anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis the Menace
Could be Prime Shumpert 2.0Quote:
Originally Posted by MoSpur02
Anyone who new what he had to go through surgery recovering from surgery missing valuable practice with the team. Then playing with G League and off course looking bad his first few games but he started to get better every game. Even when he got called up his first game he was lost but the last one they had him pretty much bringing the ball up playing PG and his awareness was just so much better it was like night and day.
i think he can be like Manu being the guy off the bench who can create that spark really looking forward to next season.
I've been saying from the jump that out of all the young players he has the best chance to be special. I hope he looks great in these Summer League games and makes it through them healthy.
I hope him and Samanic look really good.
Neither of them REALLY has. Just flashes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roscoe P. Coltrane
This next year is going to be interesting, potentially in a couple of different ways.
What if we did hit on all 3?
But what if we missed?
Interesting, interesting, interesting.
Ones already been all nba defense second team and has shown marked improvement offensively. Making n all nba anything I’d say is hitting on something but, spurs fans gonna spurs fan.
We ALL KNOW Jabari Young Lurks here. Could this reposting of The Atlantic Article be cause for some noise..............Quote:
Originally Posted by Dejounte
Thanks for reposting the article, Dejounte. I could read it before.
Wait really? How do you knowQuote:
Originally Posted by TheDrewShow
I am just hoping to watch him play and him not get injured. I will always remember Murray shitting himself in summer league and then becoming a rotation player so I’ll keep a better perspective. I just want to watch the guy stay healthy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chinook
Now just gotta find a clip of his postgame interview. Crediting Chip and work the organization is putting in with him, and talking about what he’s improving.Quote:
Originally Posted by spurraider21
Nice to have a guy who isn’t a mute and knows coaching staff by name.
Kawhi thought the head coach on the Raps was part of the medical staff because his name was Nurse.Quote:
Originally Posted by cjw
Seriously dude?Quote:
YGWHI IS JY.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gordy58
Quote:
Originally Posted by DPG21920
Count me in as well. :tu
I'm not feeling Walker's iso potential as much as some others here. I think he lacks some decision-making/creativity at the NBA level. I suppose he can develop that, but I think he is currently far more productive off screens and in transition. I also happen to think that's more desirable for what I'd like a Spurs offense to be.
Very athletic but needs to slow down his game. He reminds me of those MIB aliens ransacking the coffee bar. Slow down then explode
Walker cut his hair off???
I think people look at his athletic potential and just assume he's an elite scorer at the NBA level. Its obvious he is still a young fish looking to learn.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pavlov
He was trolling on Insta.. Probably just routine trimming of the pineappleQuote:
Originally Posted by LittleCriminal
Totally agree, the lack of decision making is obvious, he is not a passer/creator or a good shooter, he like to shoot out of balance most of the time, he score because of his physical abilities but is not an efficient player.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pavlov
I would like to see him playing in not garbage time to see if he can play in the system with experienced players around him.
I think it will be difficult for him to compete for minutes against Marco/Patty/Bryn who are trusted players of Pop.
If he ever develops into an all-star type player, he seems to be of the "empty calories" type. I want to but I can't really get too excited about this guy.
I am not hyped up about him precisely bc if the empty calories variety ^ but he’s still too young IMO. I am now a lot more careful making sweeping predictions on very young guys bc at the very beginning all one can see is just athletic and physical aptitude. If the player can put it all together it’s going to take hard work, effort and time.
I agree that he shows a lot of athleticism, but so do many other 2nd round picks and undrafted players. I just don't see yet that feel for the basketball game.Quote:
Originally Posted by SAGirl
I think his best role might be a Vinny Johnson-type scoring spark plug off the bench.Quote:
Originally Posted by DAF86
But he's going to have to dramatically improve his court awareness to do even that.
He seems to lack both self awareness and court awareness (he doesn't know what he doesn't know).
That said, he seems like a good guy and he has a puncher's chance of figuring it all out (once he realizes he needs to).
Yeah, I don't want to jump the gun or rule anything out, but that's my gut feel too. He basically seems like a LaVine type, only in true Spurs fashion, he's 3 adverse.Quote:
Originally Posted by DAF86
The hope is that, unlike LaVine, who came in on a re-building team and was handed a significant role relatively early, he'll have to earn his minutes and he'll have to do so at first by playing a 3 and D role.
Dude your picture had me rolling..I had to do a second look...:spinQuote:
Originally Posted by Chris
Excellent summary of what he needs to improve::the lack of both self and court awarenessQuote:
Originally Posted by Russ
Some his shots last game reminded me of DDR-terrible shots at the time when a good shot was needed.
Watched his SL makes and he seems to be an early clock iso player driving to the rim or step back jumpers.. That was 9/11 shots in the highlights with only two where he even used a pick. He can get his own shot , at least at SL level of play.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pavlov
Sure he's at his best driving when defenses aren't set but his traditional halfcourt isos just don't really get him to the rim in the NBA at this point. I'm going by everything I've seen from him this past year. He might have the tools to make it work in the future but that time isn't now IMO. Step backs like you said and developing a floater should be priorities if they're going to try to make him a regular iso player.Quote:
Originally Posted by picnroll
His jump shot looks pure af
Played well on both ends.
He’s a high flyer with some talent
Hope he can stay healthy
Lots of high stress jumps he has
Did Lonnie cause the earthquake? Wasn't watching but he dropped 28 in 23 mins?
:boboQuote:
Originally Posted by BackHome
He just needs consistent minutes off the bench this season. If he's in the rotation that will really accelarate his development. He can be the secondary scorer off the bench next to Rudy and then go from there
Quote:
Originally Posted by RC_Drunkford
Can you imagine Walker being an instant offense guy - a sixth man? I think Murray, White, and Walker will be fun to watch in the coming years.
We have the mid-range shot championship in the bag. :lobt:
I say LW4 come of the bench as well to give a spark but I would have Rudy start at the PF position if the Spurs don't sign another true vig. Carroll I believe is to small to start the game at the 4 most nights but can get minutes at the 4 during games. I see this lineup being the most beneficial:
1. DJM, Forbes, DDR, Gay, LMA
2. White, Mills, LW4, Carroll, Po
3. Beli, KJ, Luka, Bertans. Metu
That is a deep team but I don't believe that Bertans and Beli are not going to rot on the bench as 3rd stringers. With that being said I can see the Spurs including one of Bertans or Beli with Metu to for future picks to try and clear some more money to sign a quality true vig. Let's say we can get Boogie for a 2 year 30 mil like Danny just received from the Lakers. Spurs can do this with the savings that they will get by getting rid of Beli and the rest of the MLE. If something like this happens then we are in contention and DDR, LMA, Mills and Boogie would/could be off the books in 2 years and our young prospects will be ready to lead the way. With that being said I see this lineup:
1. DDR, Forbes, DDR, LMA, DC
2. White, Mills, LW4, Carroll, Po
3. KJ, Luka, Bertans, Old Vet
Bertans will be playing with the 2nd unit a lot, switching out with any one in that 2nd lineup that's not playing well because that unit can be moved around position wise. White can play the 1, 2 or 3. Mills can play the 1 or 2. Bertans can play the 3 or 4. KJ may even get some minutes in the 2nd unit can play the 2 or 3. Luka is still at least a year away from getting real minutes consistently is why you hold on to Bertans. We all know that White should be starting over Forbes but Forbes provides pure 3pt shooting that the starting unit will need for floor spacing and we all know that Bertans should be in that 2nd unit before Mills but we also are aware of the leader of the Coffee Gang will play regardless.
Lebronnie Walker :wow
They dont call him skywalker for nothing
^yup
Lonnie looking pretty damn good today tbh
Not just today. His last game was impressive too.Quote:
Originally Posted by BD24
Yep. He has looked like a man among boys so far this summerQuote:
Originally Posted by YGWHI
Only Lonnie can save us from the mills / forbes backup guard roles :cry
I'll say it again, Pop has no excuses to play those 2 together with the roster we have this season.Quote:
Originally Posted by poopbox
Pop needs his "leader" on the floor; Mills will get minutes. It just "wouldn't be fair" if he didn't...Also, you have to justify that absurd contract somehow.Quote:
Originally Posted by ace3g
I agree but I think he absolutely will...Quote:
Originally Posted by ace3g
I see a lot of talk about should White start or come off the bench...I think White starts and a big part of the reason is so it gives Pop an excuse to run Mills at backup point...cause if White comes off the bench he should be playing backup point and then you got Patty as the odd man out...
I feel if Lonnie plays well enough in summer league though it forces Pop to play him some at the backup 2...which means he playing with mills or forbes instead of those guys together...
But yeah I feel like Lonnie is going to be in for a long season because every chance pop gets to pull him he will to put coffee gang in the game
The only real odd man out - realistically speaking - would be Belinelli. Pop loves Forbes and Mills too much to sit them.
Also, as others have said, if White is getting SG minutes then Pop has his excuse to play Forbes and Mills heavy backup PG/ third string guard minutes.
:pop: Still hasn't gotten over himself, back to the G-League :pop:
mook gonna steal this guy in the face lol
Pop will play Walker as the back up 3. One of Forbes or Mills will be the back up SG
The improvement in his game year-over-year is incredible. He actually plays defense now. Quite a transformation! He must have taken the basketball red pill.
No reason not to get rid of 2 of Forbes/Mills/Belinelli
I would keep Forbes out of those three tbhQuote:
Originally Posted by 212094ever
seeing as Pop and Mills both agreed he’s to be an end of the bench guy for the youngsters.... that would be news to them. But hey, keep pulling bullshit out of your ass thinking you know how theybqoke andinsulting a guy you’ve never met.Quote:
Originally Posted by TimDunkem
Barring injuries or load management games, you ain't never lied!Quote:
Originally Posted by ace3g
Quote:
Originally Posted by DAF86
Lmfao Jesus H fucking Christ, god this fanbase sucks.
Right? It's ok to be just a shot-maker, if that is what he becomes.Quote:
Originally Posted by EricB
It isn't the fan base....... I'm starting to think it's just the mindset of people on this site. SmhQuote:
Originally Posted by EricB
Dude, just stop being a fucking faggot a shut the fuck up for a bit.Quote:
Originally Posted by EricB
:lol
Learn to fucking type and maybe I'll listen to what you have to say. Until then, shut the fuck up faggot.Quote:
Originally Posted by EricB
Impressed at his social consciousness.Quote:
Originally Posted by south side spur
It is ok but it also lowers his ceiling significantly and makes him less exciting of a prospect than an all-around beast like White. Or even IB if he learns to shoot. I can definitely see the Zach Levine/JR Smith empty calorie type comparisons. They never had the Spurs' guidance, development program, and system though so hopefully that is the difference.Quote:
Originally Posted by tim_duncan_fan
With that much blasphemy in one post you made yourself one of the worstQuote:
Originally Posted by EricB
I also see a lot of empty offensive stats, that OTOH, might fill the seats more than DeRozan's scoring.
I also see above average defense, both team and individual.
If true, then I see Walker taking the plurality of Belinelli, Forbes and Mills minutes in the second half of this season.
For the first half, I see Johnson getting the call ups when Gay rests. Walker comes up only in the rarer times that Belinelli, Forbes and Mills don't suit up.
Walker will be in SA full time. You can only farm two of your 15 man NBA roster out to Austin at a time. This year, that is KJ and Luka.Quote:
Originally Posted by Drom John
Let's not discount a player before he actually plays.Quote:
Originally Posted by Drom John
What is your expectations of him? Do you think he can make an all-star game? Walker is so young, the play-making part will come along over the next 4-5 years. Looks like his scoring can be pretty elite right away. White was both great and disappointing last year. He has to attack the basket more aggressively and shoot that 3 better. Can't wait to see our young core in action!Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
I’m betting Walker’s given significant minutes, with those minutes he’ll show significant, by the end of the year, if he stays healthy, Spurs will have themselves a very good player. Pop knows things ride on Murray, White, Walker’s improvement and they’ll all get a role. Forbes too.
I’m betting summer league doesn’t mean shit, and they told him to look for his shot.
The funny thing is that being a lights out scorer that isn't a traffic cone is exactly what we need from him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TimDunkem
Homophobic slurs. Very mature.
Quote:
Originally Posted by exstatic
Ding ding ding.
It's not easy to type when you have supersize fingers like EricQuote:
Originally Posted by TimDunkem
Points off the bench are not empty stats. Defense will come along as the season progresses. Walker will score in bunches
I don't know, doesn't seem like a lot of people are really high on Lonnie, but as for myself, I've been very excited about him since before that start of last season. I hope he does well. I also hope White and Dejounte do well too, and that's not solely because I/we need them to for the Spurs to do great, but because I actually really like all three of them. They seem like good/great young men. I think the Spurs picked some good quality people with those picks and I hope they do great on the court.
damn :lolQuote:
Originally Posted by timtonymanu
Automatic.
the next superstar