Reply With Quote
thanks for the link
A Conversation with Marcus Williams
Marcus Williams comes into the season as the forgotten Spur. The Spurs signed him from the Austin Toros on April 8. Marcus Williams was the D-League’s best player at that point. His numbers in March were good, averaging 25 points, 7 boards and 6 assists a game. But April was something else entirely: 27.5, 10.5, 11.5. After spending the better part of two years with the Austin Toros, Marcus Williams was looking like an NBA player. And strangely enough, the former Arizona small forward was doing his best work as the Toros’ point guard.
That’s where I began a recent conversation with Marcus...
http://www.48minutesof .com/2009/...ams/#more-4322
thanks for the link
Great interview.
I'm impressed at what he had to say about the passing game and the pick and roll.
If Marcus E. Williams delivers, then we would have a reliable PG. I still am a bit su ious about Hill running the point. I don't think he's got enough exposure to the system.
This is going to be a problem though, who is going to be in street clothes?
Parker - Williams - Hill
Mason - Ginobli - (Hairston)
Jefferson - Haislip - Finley
McDyess - (Blair) - Bonner
Duncan - Mahinmi - (Ratliff)
Those in parenthesis are my guesses.
No way Blair is going to be in street clothes. He's already an NBA quality rebounder.
Haislip will probably be on the IR before Blair.
It was indeed a good interview with a guy that has been dismissed by most everyone it seems but the Spurs.
What if he can make it as the third point, third SF and third SG. He'd be a damn valuable role player.
Damn nice interview.
Marcus Williams rules.
4 Spurs' second round picks (Williams, Hairston, Gist and McClinton) will fight for roster spot(s) during the training camp. It should be fun.
Williams already has a guaranteed contract. I think he's a keeper.
Hairston probably is heading back to the D-league.
Gist is still too raw (besides, we have Hairston who is more athletic and more skilled).
McClinton is too small and too slow.
It should be an easy choice for the Spurs. Considering how much time the Spurs have invested in Williams and Hairston. Gist and McClinton were not impressive in summer league. ( Then again George Hill wasn't either in SL 08').
All in all I'm willing to bet McClinton goes to Austin. Williams and Hairston make the team. And Gists either goes back to Europe or joins McClinton in Austin.
Ratliff, Haislip, and Mahinmi, will probably flip flop throughout the year. The rest of the rotation is probably mostly set.
Starters: PF- Duncan, SF- Jefferson, C- McDyess, SG- Mason, PG- Parker
Bench: SG- Ginobili, PF- Blair, PG/SG- Hill, PF- Bonner, SF/SG- Finley, C- Ratliff, PF- Haislip
Inactive/D-League: C/PF- Mahinmi, SF/SG- Williams, SG/SF- Hairston
Marcus Williams does not have a guaranteed contract, Ceperez.
I am very interested to see what Williams can bring. I have never been that high on him, especially as a PG, but the FO seems to really like him as of late.
I never watched him a lot, but the limited times I saw him earlier compared to recent, he seems to have improved a lot.
That was a great interview. I was surprised about how well spoken Williams is. I hope he can improve his defense well enough to get some honest minutes from Pop.
Just checked http://www.shamsports.com/content/pa...ries/spurs.jsp
Yes, you're right unguaranteed just like Malik.
I don't think it isn't that easy.
Williams isn't eligible to play in D-League and Hairston has likely learned enough there. The next development step would be to give them some NBA playing time. Giving both playing time to Hairston and Williams with Spurs will be damn hard.
Hairston and Williams are quite expensive with the luxury tax. Keeping Hairston will cost them $1.46M and keeping Williams will cost $1.65M. OTOH, Gist or McClinton will cost $915K.
I can definitively see Spurs only keeping the better between Hairston and Williams. For the 15th spot, I don't see Gist getting him so it could be McClinton (assigned to Toros) or Spurs only having a 14 players roster.
What little I saw of Williams after he rejoined the Spurs, he still hadn't impressed me.
I'd rather keep Hairston still and cut loose williams if they need to cut the 'roll down.
True if expenses are a major factor and Holt has the final say then yes you are right.
Could be pretty valuable if he really can play the point
That was actually a pretty good read. Best of luck to Marcus and I hope he shows up ready.
Great read.
Training camp will have great compe ion this year
I don't know. I think Williams and Hairston both make the team, and Hairston spends the year in Austin.
The only way that Gist and/or McClinton make it is if the Spurs make a trade in a 1 for nothing or 2 for 1. Otherwise, they'll both attend camp, get cut, and receive an offer to play for the Toros.
Thanks for sharing. I'm impressed with Marcus' responses to the questions
Great piece.
Agree.
I really think the drafting of Hill was an absolute godsend for Marcus. Hill is just too good a prospect and clearly not a point, at least not yet, that the prospect of a legit 6' 7'' point-forward who they could cross-match defensively, while allowing George to play within a comfort zone offensively, would be absolutely ideal.
Marcus' rebounding, potential as a team defender, knack for playing passing lanes -- with his Blair-like wingspan -- and his potential to play a point-forward have always intrigued me. So, I'm hoping the guy can come through and actually contribute to the program; hopefully sooner rather than later.
As for Hairston, just about everything he brings to the table is something the Spurs need or at least could use. Outside of Jefferson, who's not really a `stopper', there's no one else on the team to potentially help out on the wing defensively. Malik's shown enough flashes and spent enough time in the system, gaining that all important `corporate knowledge', that he just makes too much sense basketball-wise and financially.
How many other players are out there that possess the ability, knowledge and minimal contract of a Hairston?
Admittedly, I find myself making the case for Malik more than I feel sure about the Spurs' plans for him. I've just been a fan of his for too long and have a hard time being totally objective.
But the logic is definitely there; as is the mental make-up/character and talent of Malik.
That I am sure of.
If Marcus Williams proves his worth and versatility in the NBA, being able to play 3 positions, he would be a good player and get minutes from everyone.
Good post. Definitely lot's of upside potential for a 6'7" with 7' wingspan to defend guards. Will he cause as much trouble as Ariza and Marion on TP? Hill already can shut down guys like Iverson, but if Pop expects him to be a defensive stopper then maybe he is a keeper.Great piece.
Agree.
I really think the drafting of Hill was an absolute godsend for Marcus. Hill is just too good a prospect and clearly not a point, at least not yet, that the prospect of a legit 6' 7'' point-forward who they could cross-match defensively, while allowing George to play within a comfort zone offensively, would be absolutely ideal.
Marcus' rebounding, potential as a team defender, knack for playing passing lanes -- with his Blair-like wingspan -- and his potential to play a point-forward have always intrigued me. So, I'm hoping the guy can come through and actually contribute to the program; hopefully sooner rather than later.
As for Hairston, just about everything he brings to the table is something the Spurs need or at least could use. Outside of Jefferson, who's not really a `stopper', there's no one else on the team to potentially help out on the wing defensively. Malik's shown enough flashes and spent enough time in the system, gaining that all important `corporate knowledge', that he just makes too much sense basketball-wise and financially.
How many other players are out there that possess the ability, knowledge and minimal contract of a Hairston?
Admittedly, I find myself making the case for Malik more than I feel sure about the Spurs' plans for him. I've just been a fan of his for too long and have a hard time being totally objective.
But the logic is definitely there; as is the mental make-up/character and talent of Malik.
That I am sure of.
I'm not to keen on Malik. Yes, there are elements is his game that are promising (a reliable shot, driving ability etc.), but I worry about his weaknesses ( height, ball handling ability). He's definitely quicker and more athletic than Williams, but for me, he isn't unique enough a player.
Why is that? I thought rookie salaries were exempt from the luxury tax (just like vet. minimums). Are you saying that they're exempt only on the first year? Or are Hairston and Williams free agents since they weren't signed in their rookie season.
It seams that Williams more likely can be considered a free agent and therefore subject to luxury tax. Hairston, I really am not sure.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
