The Spurs and the Toros

[IcemanCometh]

Ingles wasn’t enamored about the prospect of playing in the D-League. He told me plainly that he’d rather not. In some ways it would be a step down from his current situation, and given the choice between developing in the D-League and developing in Europe, he’d prefer Europe. He has his options. But then he paused. “That’s not the case with the Spurs. Their situation in Austin is different. It’s really not the same thing. The Toros are part of the Spurs’ program.”

This distinction exists in time and space, at least from Ingles’ perspective. Joe Ingles is impressive in conversation and comes across as a consummate professional. He was well-versed in all things San Antonio, in part because Spurs assistant Brett Brown is head coach of Australia’s men’s basketball team. Ingles has played professionally for 3 seasons, and he’s grown accustomed to the advantages this brings. Specifically, the attention of a full time coaching staff, trainers, and the ability to concentrate on his game without distraction. He’s a guy who enjoys being coached. San Antonio’s coach by proxy program in Austin was attractive to him in all the ways a typical assignment would not be. He’s a smart guy.

Tyler Smith reacted similarly. He knew that the draft process was an audition for professional basketball clubs everywhere. Much like Ingles, Smith wasn’t keen on playing in the D-League, but he quickly acknowledged a difference in what San Antonio did. And much like Ingles, he seemed to embrace the opportunity to play for a team so deeply committed to player development.

http://www.48minutesof .com/2009/...-road-forward/


How soon before the rest of the league copies the Spurs again.

[Russ]

Although the Toros-Spurs synergy sounds great in theory, what tangible results have we seen from this operational breakthrough?

This reminds me of Orlando's acclaimed brilliance circa 2000. The Magic freed a huge amount of cap space and earned the praise of NBA pundits everywhere. It led to absolutely nothing.

[Spursfan092120]

Whatever it takes to get decent players being put into our system to be groomed into great ones, we'll take it.