Official 2018 Spurs Media Day and Training Camp Thread

It's been a long and crazy summer, but training camp begins in just 4 short days. :hungry:

Considering the changes that were made to the roster, this will probably be the most crucial camp in over 2 decades. It will definitely be interesting to see how the new guys gel and who rises to the top.

Notable dates:

September 25th: Spurs Media Day
September 26th: Training Camp Begins
September 30th: Preseason vs. Miami Heat
October 3rd: Silver & Black Open Scrimmage
October 5th: Preseason vs. Detroit Pistons
October 7th: Preseason vs. Houston Rockets
October 10th: Preseason @ Atlanta Hawks
October 12th: Preseason @ Orlando Magic
October 17th: Regular Season Begins

With the recent addition of Blossomgame, the Spurs roster is now set at...21? Wait, 22? Wait, no....20.

Training Camp Roster:
1 Murray
2 Belinelli
3 DeRozan
4 Gay
5 Aldridge
6 Mills
7 D. White
8 Cunningham
9 Bertans
10 Gasol
11 Walker IV
12 Forbes
13 Poeltl
14 Metu
15 Pondexter
16 Huestis
17 Eubanks
18 O. White
19 Hanlan
20 Blossomgame

Who do you think shines and sinks? Who do you think makes the cut? Are you going to any of the games?

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Originally Posted by Dex

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the last weekend without basketball was like a year ago

Huestis?

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Huestis?

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Hm...that's a good question. Unless they aren't counting Eubanks 2-way as training camp deals?

Now I'm really confused.

Already got tickets for the first preseason game :tu

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Originally Posted by jyra

Now I'm really confused.

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:lol Pop's handing out them contracts like they're going out of style

Thanks to Dex for starting the thread and all the good info. Man's doing the Lord's work. :flag:

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Originally Posted by jyra

Now I'm really confused.

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Why? It doesn't necessarily transition into a two way contract, but it can.

I like white a FUCK of a lot better than Huestis. He can actually shoot the 3 ball, .356 on 1.1 attempts in 41 career games over two seasons. Pretty consistent, too. .353 in 35 games his rookie year and .368 in 6 games last year.

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/s...waive-washburn

Washburn and Brimah were waived.

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Originally Posted by NASpurs

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/s...waive-washburn

Washburn and Brimah were waived.

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Weren't there some expectation for Brimah?

What the hell is an Exhibit 10 contract, and can I get one?

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Weren't there some expectation for Brimah?

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I think people in Austin expected to see him at the Cedar Park Center next year, playing for THEIR Spurs.

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Originally Posted by jyra

Now I'm really confused.

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I think I may prefer White over Huestis. We’ll see how this goes.

Finally!

Spurs signed three second-rounders this year and entertained signing a fourth. Easily a first at least in recent history for the club.

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Originally Posted by NASpurs

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/s...waive-washburn

Washburn and Brimah were waived.

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:lmao How do you get waived before camp even starts!?

At least that explains things. Updated the roster on the OP.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Thanks to Dex for starting the thread and all the good info. Man's doing the Lord's work. :flag:

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:bobo

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Originally Posted by jyra

Now I'm really confused.

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i like

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Originally Posted by NASpurs

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/s...waive-washburn

Washburn and Brimah were waived.

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So they don't go into training camp? I forget what rule the Spurs are using to sign and waive. Does this mean that they are locked up with the Austin Spurs?

ok... this answers my question... https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/artic...14822_27318146

Washburn and Brimah might have been given small guarantees to make it palatable to stay in Austin. Brimah if I'm not mistaken did play in Serbia after the g-league season was over so maybe this was just a way to keep him from going to Europe.

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Originally Posted by objective

Washburn and Brimah might have been given small guarantees to make it palatable to stay in Austin. Brimah if I'm not mistaken did play in Serbia after the g-league season was over so maybe this was just a way to keep him from going to Europe.

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It's interesting that Spurs care enough about the Austin Spurs to even bother to lockup these guys.

How many players has the Spurs ever signed from Austin?

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Originally Posted by ceperez

It's interesting that Spurs care enough about the Austin Spurs to even bother to lockup these guys.

How many players has the Spurs ever signed from Austin?

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Ian Mahinmi and Cory Joseph were both Spurs draft picks, but they still spent significant time in Austin before finding their way.

JaMychal Green also played in Austin for a long time and, though he didn't stick with the Spurs, has become an NBA talent.

Then you've got Anderson and Murray who spent time there just to get minutes and hone their game. I expect the same for Walker and Metu this season.

Not huge success stories, but it's always good to have a farm system out there.

Even with Manu gone where exactly are the minutes for Walker?

I see all six of these guards playing in front of him. And realistically even one of these six won't see many minutes.

Murray
Mills
Forbes
DeRozan
White
Belinelli

Barring injury Walker may not see 41 games if we believe Popovoch to favor his vets.
I'm not complaining it's good to be so deep but Walker's potential can be very high.

I can’t see Ace’s posts :(

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Originally Posted by hooperflash

I can’t see Ace’s posts :(

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This is the second one of his in a couple of days I haven't been able to see. For those that can see it, what is it?

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Originally Posted by spurs1990

Even with Manu gone where exactly are the minutes for Walker?

I see all six of these guards playing in front of him. And realistically even one of these six won't see many minutes.

Murray
Mills
Forbes
DeRozan
White
Belinelli

Barring injury Walker may not see 41 games if we believe Popovoch to favor his vets.
I'm not complaining it's good to be so deep but Walker's potential can be very high.

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Well the general makeup of the team, I would assume DD is playing SF the vast majority. I see Walker as 4th in PG behind Murray, Mills, and White. And 5th in SG rotation behind Mills, Beli, Forbes, and White. It's not all dim as Mills and White will split both guard positions. For example, losing Murray for a game would mean Mills and White are splitting the 48 mins, leaving Beli and Forbes to play the SG. By that alone, should grant Walker minutes.

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Originally Posted by Ice009

This is the second one of his in a couple of days I haven't been able to see. For those that can see it, what is it?

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Deleted tweet from Murray.

Time to get it on! :ihit

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Originally Posted by Maddog

What the hell is an Exhibit 10 contract, and can I get one?

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https://www.netsdaily.com/2017/9/28/...-an-exhibit-10

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Originally Posted by Pavlov

Deleted tweet from Murray.

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Thanks. Any idea what the tweet was about?

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Originally Posted by Ice009

Thanks. Any idea what the tweet was about?

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It was the pic of TD wearing #93 in practice setting a pick for Murray on Forbes and Murray asking in the tweet whether or not TD should suit up for another season.

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Originally Posted by NASpurs

It was the pic of TD wearing #93 in practice setting a pick for Murray on Forbes and Murray asking in the tweet whether or not TD should suit up for another season.

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Thanks. I would have liked to have seen that. I wonder if TD has been showing these young guys up a little bit in practice even at his current age?

Thankfully we might actually get to talk basketball again soon.

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Originally Posted by Ice009

Thanks. I would have liked to have seen that. I wonder if TD has been showing these young guys up a little bit in practice even at his current age?

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Last picture here

Thanks. TD still looks like he is in good shape. I wonder how his knees are feeling now that he's had a couple of years away from Basketball.

https://i.gyazo.com/21b6a5abaef40c96...d83ee0ac75.png

https://www.instagram.com/creativenlb5/

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Originally Posted by Ice009

Thanks. TD still looks like he is in good shape. I wonder how his knees are feeling now that he's had a couple of years away from Basketball.

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They probably feel fine, now that they’re not taking a daily beating. The condition, however, is degenerative, and would flare with increased usage.

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Originally Posted by Leetonidas

Already got tickets for the first preseason game :tu

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You should post some Game Grades or something, since its likely the first game won't be televised and/or will be hard to watch!

Makes sense to take a look at White, but he's like a younger, more athletic Cunningham: A big wing/PF more so than a SF.

Pondexter probably doesn't have the lateral quicks to hang anymore; Huestis is unplayable offensively and Blossomgame probably is too.

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Originally Posted by spurs1990

Even with Manu gone where exactly are the minutes for Walker?

I see all six of these guards playing in front of him. And realistically even one of these six won't see many minutes.

Murray
Mills
Forbes
DeRozan
White
Belinelli

Barring injury Walker may not see 41 games if we believe Popovoch to favor his vets.
I'm not complaining it's good to be so deep but Walker's potential can be very high.

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Those 6 aren't playing all 82 games and there's numerous, recent examples of fringe and non rotation players playing well over 1,000 minutes in a season on this team.

Considering Walker is probably their best prospect in 7 years, this is probably their worst team in a long time, their biggest need is a 3 and D wing and he's probably the closest thing they have to one, I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up playing a lot more than it may appear on the surface.

Have no idea what’s going on with the 2 way deals anymore. Is it possible they are up for grabs among several guy still or no? There’s been 3 guys reported to have the 2 way deals (or some bad reporting).

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Spurs signed three second-rounders this year and entertained signing a fourth. Easily a first at least in recent history for the club.

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I think they need bodies abd aren’t getting old ringchasers anymore... nor should they at this point.

Question, curious who is the 4th?

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Originally Posted by 007nites

https://i.gyazo.com/21b6a5abaef40c96...d83ee0ac75.png

https://www.instagram.com/creativenlb5/

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TD definitely in the house at 42. Legends are few and far between like Tim.

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

Have no idea what’s going on with the 2 way deals anymore. Is it possible they are up for grabs among several guy still or no? There’s been 3 guys reported to have the 2 way deals (or some bad reporting).

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As I’ve seen it, there is 1 two way deal signed, and a couple of exhibit 10deals, which CAN become two way contracts, but don’t have to. Since there is one two way signed, there are only two possibilities among the exhibit 10deals: either zero or one of them will convert. They can’t convert more, and they aren’t required to add a second one, although they probably will.

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Originally Posted by TD 21

Makes sense to take a look at White, but he's like a younger, more athletic Cunningham: A big wing/PF more so than a SF.

Pondexter probably doesn't have the lateral quicks to hang anymore; Huestis is unplayable offensively and Blossomgame probably is too.




Those 6 aren't playing all 82 games and there's numerous, recent examples of fringe and non rotation players playing well over 1,000 minutes in a season on this team.

Considering Walker is probably their best prospect in 7 years, this is probably their worst team in a long time, their biggest need is a 3 and D wing and he's probably the closest thing they have to one, I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up playing a lot more than it may appear on the surface.

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I dont think they want him interrupting his progress with 3 and D concepts. Rookies play less for a reason. He has to learn the playbook first. He will play in the D league. Cunningham, Gay, DeRozan, and others will play the 3 while Murray, White, Mills, and Belli fill out the 1 and 2.

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Originally Posted by exstatic

As I’ve seen it, there is 1 two way deal signed, and a couple of exhibit 10deals, which CAN become two way contracts, but don’t have to. Since there is one two way signed, there are only two possibilities among the exhibit 10deals: either zero or one of them will convert. They can’t convert more, and they aren’t required to add a second one, although they probably will.

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Thanks that answers the question.

I am excited about the upcoming season. If we learned anything from the last few years is that the healthiest team wins the West. And we have some durable players in our roster this year, like DeMar and Marco, and we lost players that missed one out every 4 games they played. Also, we have a team that is more athletic and can make the three. So, if healthy. I like our chances of making the second round of the playoffs. And if one of Bertans, DJ, and Lonnie plays like a bordeline all-star we will be contenders. Again, if health is on our side.

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Originally Posted by alpha_HaZE

I am excited about the upcoming season. If we learned anything from the last few years is that the healthiest team wins the West. And we have some durable players in our roster this year, like DeMar and Marco, and we lost players that missed one out every 4 games they played. Also, we have a team that is more athletic and can make the three. So, if healthy. I like our chances of making the second round of the playoffs. And if one of Bertans, DJ, and Lonnie plays like a bordeline all-star we will be contenders. Again, if health is on our side.

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Good point. Spurs have a bias for players that are durable.

The #15 slot is up for grabs for a SF, those in the running and ranked by most likey:

Heustis - Elite 6'7" defender, NBA experience, a poor man's Kawhi Leonard with good wingspan. Can't shoot. Stanford graduate.
Pondexter - Capable 6'6" all around player 3 years ago, injury plagued, jury still out if recovered to full form. Lots of NBA experience. Standout citizen.
Blossomgame - Bulky 6'7" player but with short arms. Improved shooting from 3 point range. No NBA experience.
Okaro White - Extremely thin 6'8" player, can shoot but with questionable form. Doesn't appear to have great vertical. Played lots of years in Europe. Some NBA experience.

The 15th man is that guy who is used only in emergencies and is a positive influence while warming the bench. My bet is on Heustis making that spot.

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

I think they need bodies abd aren’t getting old ringchasers anymore... nor should they at this point.

Question, curious who is the 4th?

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Dangubic

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Originally Posted by ceperez

Good point. Spurs have a bias for players that are durable.

The #15 slot is up for grabs for a SF, those in the running and ranked by most likey:

Heustis - Elite 6'7" defender, NBA experience, a poor man's Kawhi Leonard with good wingspan. Can't shoot. Stanford graduate.
Pondexter - Capable 6'6" all around player 3 years ago, injury plagued, jury still out if recovered to full form. Lots of NBA experience. Standout citizen.
Blossomgame - Bulky 6'7" player but with short arms. Improved shooting from 3 point range. No NBA experience.
Okaro White - Extremely thin 6'8" player, can shoot but with questionable form. Doesn't appear to have great vertical. Played lots of years in Europe. Some NBA experience.

The 15th man is that guy who is used only in emergencies and is a positive influence while warming the bench. My bet is on Heustis making that spot.

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agree...I also think his defense alone makes him a 15th man with a big chance to improve his "number"...Maybe I'm way too optimistic, but I won't be surprised if, after the first games, he'll end up playing sometimes in the starting five.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ceperez

Good point. Spurs have a bias for players that are durable.

The #15 slot is up for grabs for a SF, those in the running and ranked by most likey:

Heustis - Elite 6'7" defender, NBA experience, a poor man's Kawhi Leonard with good wingspan. Can't shoot. Stanford graduate.
Pondexter - Capable 6'6" all around player 3 years ago, injury plagued, jury still out if recovered to full form. Lots of NBA experience. Standout citizen.
Blossomgame - Bulky 6'7" player but with short arms. Improved shooting from 3 point range. No NBA experience.
Okaro White - Extremely thin 6'8" player, can shoot but with questionable form. Doesn't appear to have great vertical. Played lots of years in Europe. Some NBA experience.

The 15th man is that guy who is used only in emergencies and is a positive influence while warming the bench. My bet is on Heustis making that spot.

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Good post.

Huestis could be a very serviceable player...if he wasn't a terrible shooter. Tack on the fact that he is already 26 and played a lot of basketball, which is going to make fixing his shot that much more difficult.

That being said...the Spurs have the best shooting coach in the league. Chip has pulled off some miracle jobs before (Parker, Jefferson, Kawhi, etc.)

They don't need to turn Huestis into a 45% three-point shooter or anything. If they can improve his shot to where it at least has a chance of going in, I could see him being a useful piece.

I wish two of the three (Huestis,Okaro and Blossomgame) were in the team

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Originally Posted by r0drig0lac

I wish two of the three (Huestis,Okaro and Blossomgame) were in the team

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There's a chance that all three will make it, one beating out Pon for the 15th spot, one getting the 16th spot, and the third being good enough to force PATFO to cut Eubanks from his two-way deal to get the 17th spot. As it is, two of the three isn't all that unlikely. I'll wait until I see word of Blossomgame's deal. But if they gave him a real deal (multiple years and some guaranteed money), then it's possible he beats out Pondexter and leaves Huestis/White for that last two-way spot.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

There's a chance that all three will make it, one beating out Pon for the 15th spot, one getting the 16th spot, and the third being good enough to force PATFO to cut Eubanks from his two-way deal to get the 17th spot. As it is, two of the three isn't all that unlikely. I'll wait until I see word of Blossomgame's deal. But if they gave him a real deal (multiple years and some guaranteed money), then it's possible he beats out Pondexter and leaves Huestis/White for that last two-way spot.

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The reason I think Okaro or Blossomgame don't make the 15th spot is that the Spurs staff don't have the bandwidth to coach yet another rookie. Pondexter (if healthy) or Huetis are the candidates more likely to provide experience in the bench and may be good practice bodies.

Blossomgame may be a good fit for the two way.

I don't think Okaro will accept a two-way.

I predict thought that Heustis makes #15, Blossomgame two-way. Verdict is still out if Pondexter is healthy. Okaro's is something I cringe when I see, he also doesn't have any bulk. Spurs already have Metu and Bertans who have no bulk, why add a third?

White a two way spot?

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Dangubic

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If you think about it, they also have stashed 1st rounders less (only LJC and Milutinov in the past 6 years) and haven’t received production from them so perhaps stashing guys they believe can play is going to be discontinued. You take in the first round someone who can help with a minimum development of one year with heavy d’league and could play that first season if there are injuries. Don’t take in the first round long shots to stash bc you don’t want to develop them and have to take someone who agrees to stashing...

Anyways, they have been bringing guys over. They promised Hanga to bring him over last year but then reneged on their offer for whatever reason (topic discussed at length at the time).

I think it’s a good trend that they aren’t stashing as much and if they do, seem to bring guys over within a reasonable period. If some guy isn’t going to cut it within a couple of years of development perhaps he’s not ever going to make it. I have no hopes for Dangubic whatsoever if I am honest.

If the Spurs stash less then Id expect them to be constantly (as in yearly) refreshing their candidates and letting guys free that don’t make it.

Personally I really don’t like the Hangas and Milutinov’s of the world... guys perennially stashed that one starts to think won’t ever make it over. I was exasperated when LJC was in the stash too. After a while he either makes it or he doesn’t (and he didn’t) but he got his opportunity and I prefer to see that. I also wanted Blossomgame to get his chance to make the team as well.

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Originally Posted by tbdog

White a two way spot?

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Apparently a potential 2 way spot with a contract that can be converted (but doesn’t have to) a 2 way. At least that’s how I understand it.

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Originally Posted by Dex

Last picture here

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That high dribble though...

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Originally Posted by paperboy77

That high dribble though...

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Bad habits are hard to break!

Now look at this guy's handles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHV_qv2pJ5s

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Originally Posted by paperboy77

That high dribble though...

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True... hm.

No huestis on training camp roster?anyone

Nick Johnson is in the training camp roster.

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Originally Posted by Duncan87

No huestis on training camp roster?anyone

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Maybe Chip gave up...

No Oliver Hanlan either.

Nick Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnTUmSBvj0E

Nice pickup... was MVP of G-League championship. Could be the extra PG the team needs.

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Originally Posted by Duncan87

No huestis on training camp roster?anyone

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patfo probably read in the spurstalk that some people were hopeful with him, so decided to cut and include one more player below 6'3"

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Originally Posted by NASpurs

Nick Johnson is in the training camp roster.

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Is 260 heavy for LMA?

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Is 260 heavy for LMA?

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It looks like 260 was what he was reported as the last 2 training camps too. Maybe they're just lazy with changing that

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Originally Posted by bklynspursfan

It looks like 260 was what he was reported as the last 2 training camps too. Maybe they're just lazy with changing that

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Cheers. Thanks for looking that up bro.

Faggot OP said media day was tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Cheers. Thanks for looking that up bro.

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:bobo

lol... difference LMA's response to Manu being gone and TP being gone was funny

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Originally Posted by NASpurs

Nick Johnson is in the training camp roster.

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Weak team, tbh...Although this first season without any of the Big 3 will be interesting nonetheless.

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Originally Posted by TimDunkem

Faggot OP said media day was tomorrow.

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Must have pulled from an old article. Started on the 25th last year...

Oh well, with your keen intellect I'm sure you can figure it out.

Can't lie, I thought Mike C. Wright was Caron Butler for a sec...

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Originally Posted by bklynspursfan

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lol no, hasnt done shit to take the keys...

as for JY, he still has a job reporting spurs?

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Originally Posted by TDMVPDPOY

lol no, hasnt done shit to take the keys...

as for JY, he still has a job reporting spurs?

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He works for the Athletic covering the Spurs

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Originally Posted by bklynspursfan

He works for the Athletic covering the Spurs

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after what his done? fck that shit...

Interesting Spurs have shielded DeMar from the spotlight. Raptors just shoved nephew out there in a dark bingo hall for a ask him anything press conference.

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Originally Posted by Dverde

Interesting Spurs have shielded DeMar from the spotlight. Raptors just shoved nephew out there in a dark bingo hall for a ask him anything press conference.

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He won't be showing up?

RIP to DeRozan's hair

Pau walks in at 3:50 lol

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Originally Posted by bklynspursfan

RIP to DeRozan's hair

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Demar looked really positive about his new team, really feel that he likes where he’s at, ready for the challenge, confident. I mean after watching Kawhitter, looked rehearsed, forced laugh, smugness. Really I hope Demar beast it this season, all nba with mamba attitude to win it all, and Kawhitter falling out because he can’t deliver, because as much skills as he has, he’s still a system player, can’t guide younger guys to be better, not a leader. His stock will go down fast as hired gun but not really a franchise player caliber

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Originally Posted by ceperez

Bad habits are hard to break!

Now look at this guy's handles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHV_qv2pJ5s

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Lonnie clearly values to the ball. I hope Pop "see's" this trait and gives the guy a chance. (In the NBA not in Austin!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmey84d3h7s