What a disappointment this team and FO is now

[Sugus]

Nice some one makes up quotes when you cannot at all refute post that FO has underperformed over last three years yet this board in part ok with mediocrity at best.

Is this going to be your new shtick? Don't people in this forum ever find funnier shticks to cling on to? I can appreciate the Kawhi slurpers and TDS because at least they're a breath of fresh air from the normal doom-and-gloom, everything's bad as can be, usual suspects.

Straight out of the "made up quotes", you want the Spurs to blow it up and go with youth. What are they doing now? Do you understand there cannot be a team that is exclusively filled with young players, because of the leadership and experience vacuum it creates? Would you rather the Spurs ship out all 4 (!) remaining vets that they have, and just have the young core running around like headless chickens, no guide, no mentor, no passing-of-the-torch, nothing? How has that worked for Sacramento, or Phoenix? I'll have to pass.

It's funny, because for years, people have been clamoring for a youth movement, to drop the vets, to rebuild. Now, every sign is pointing in that direction, even the vets are saying they're happy to take a step back and just mentor the kids as they let them go to work - and people are still complaining about it. Well, you specifically, at least, before the season even starts. Yeah, we get it, Spurs FO hasn't been up to your wacky standards since the last time they created a championship caliber roster (oh! the horror!) - is that all your internet persona is going to distillate to?

Boring.


E: wait, I'll give you the old timer's benefit, since I wasn't around to see your previous shtick. Or has this always been your thing, bashing the FO since '04? Must get tiresome

[The Truth #6]

Is this going to be your new shtick? Don't people in this forum ever find funnier shticks to cling on to? I can appreciate the Kawhi slurpers and TDS because at least they're a breath of fresh air from the normal doom-and-gloom, everything's bad as can be, usual suspects.

Straight out of the "made up quotes", you want the Spurs to blow it up and go with youth. What are they doing now? Do you understand there cannot be a team that is exclusively filled with young players, because of the leadership and experience vacuum it creates? Would you rather the Spurs ship out all 4 (!) remaining vets that they have, and just have the young core running around like headless chickens, no guide, no mentor, no passing-of-the-torch, nothing? How has that worked for Sacramento, or Phoenix? I'll have to pass.

It's funny, because for years, people have been clamoring for a youth movement, to drop the vets, to rebuild. Now, every sign is pointing in that direction, even the vets are saying they're happy to take a step back and just mentor the kids as they let them go to work - and people are still complaining about it. Well, you specifically, at least, before the season even starts. Yeah, we get it, Spurs FO hasn't been up to your wacky standards since the last time they created a championship caliber roster (oh! the horror!) - is that all your internet persona is going to distillate to?

Boring.


E: wait, I'll give you the old timer's benefit, since I wasn't around to see your previous shtick. Or has this always been your thing, bashing the FO since '04? Must get tiresome

I agree with this. Pop is going to play young players at a fast pace this season. The skies have parted. I love our young players. Just enjoy the slow rebuild. Did I want one of LA or DD gone? Absolutely. But the way Pop has put the vets in line with the new approach is sort of amazing. I’ll take it. And honestly, I think Brian Wright may be a voice of reason compared to the usual approach if prioritizing vets at every moment, so to speak.

[SAGirl]

It is what it is. I definitely wanted the tankathon once Kawhi bailed on the team and the big 3 were no more. It was the perfect moment and there were a few promising potential franchise players coming up in the draft (Doncic among them, but very good players aside of him). They didn’t do it then and now it is what it is. If they suck despite trying to be compe ive they’ll get their chances at a high draft pick. I have accepted this is what they are post Timmy. They have the chance to luck into a franchise player or maybe one of their guys would develop into one. Either way they chose not to bottom out. It may happen to them regardless, players falling off a cliff, injuries, youth being overrated and unable to deliver. Or they may over perform expectations— which would be great to see.

It is what it is. They won’t change their approach without a change in management.

[Dex]

It is what it is. I definitely wanted the tankathon once Kawhi bailed on the team and the big 3 were no more. It was the perfect moment and there were a few promising potential franchise players coming up in the draft (Doncic among them, but very good players aside of him). They didn’t do it then and now it is what it is. If they suck despite trying to be compe ive they’ll get their chances at a high draft pick. I have accepted this is what they are post Timmy. They have the chance to luck into a franchise player or maybe one of their guys would develop into one. Either way they chose not to bottom out. It may happen to them regardless, players falling off a cliff, injuries, youth being overrated and unable to deliver. Or they may over perform expectations— which would be great to see.

It is what it is. They won’t change their approach without a change in management.

Winning is important to small franchises. The Lakers, Knicks, and Bulls of the NBA can sustain years of losing and being mediocre. The fans will still show up and the team will still have value, which means the owners still turn a profit. I'm not sure San Antonio fans would be as gracious. Fans not attending games, missing the playoffs, lacking merch sales, etc. all hits the bottom line.

Also, being compe ive is good for development. There is a reason some teams like the Suns or Timberwolves have been stuck in the gutter so long. It's hard to instill a losing mentality into players and then suddenly just expect them to flip a switch and change that culture because you got a few good draft picks.

We obviously aren't a premier destination for free agents. For a team like the Spurs which relies so heavily on the draft and player development, that's kind of a big deal. Guys like Murray, White, Walker, etc. wouldn't become the players we want them to be if we had them going out and trying to lose 65 games a year.

[The Truth #6]

It is what it is. I definitely wanted the tankathon once Kawhi bailed on the team and the big 3 were no more. It was the perfect moment and there were a few promising potential franchise players coming up in the draft (Doncic among them, but very good players aside of him). They didn’t do it then and now it is what it is. If they suck despite trying to be compe ive they’ll get their chances at a high draft pick. I have accepted this is what they are post Timmy. They have the chance to luck into a franchise player or maybe one of their guys would develop into one. Either way they chose not to bottom out. It may happen to them regardless, players falling off a cliff, injuries, youth being overrated and unable to deliver. Or they may over perform expectations— which would be great to see.

It is what it is. They won’t change their approach without a change in management.

Big picture, I agree with this too. They bungled not Kawhi but how to move forward after realizing they had to trade him. The last two seasons have been awful, but I’m actually excited they are finally accepting reality. The Bubble was awesome. More of that, please.

[John B]

By the end of the day, Spurs have arguably the best defensive back court in the league. We have athletic youth in each position, and a possible all-star in Keldon and Vassell, facing a huge salary cap space next season. I think PATFO has done it again, while folks in ST keeps on in'

[poopbox]

By the end of the day, Spurs have arguably the best defensive back court in the league. We have athletic youth in each position, and a possible all-star in Keldon and Vassell, facing a huge salary cap space next season. I think PATFO has done it again, while folks in ST keeps on in'

Possible all stars in two players where one has barely played and the other hasn't played at all

I'm optimistic but's let's let the kids swim in the deep end first before we start crowning them

[John B]

Possible all stars in two players where one has barely played and the other hasn't played at all

I'm optimistic but's let's let the kids swim in the deep end first before we start crowning them

At 6'7 with 6'10 wingspan and possibly the best 3 and D in the draft, Vassell will be an All-Star in that SG position
It's tougher for Keldon to get in in that SF/PF position with Kawhi, Lebron, Davis, PG, Zion, Porzingis, but he's a workhorse and the kid will get there eventually.

[Sugus]

I agree with this. Pop is going to play young players at a fast pace this season. The skies have parted. I love our young players. Just enjoy the slow rebuild. Did I want one of LA or DD gone? Absolutely. But the way Pop has put the vets in line with the new approach is sort of amazing. I’ll take it. And honestly, I think Brian Wright may be a voice of reason compared to the usual approach if prioritizing vets at every moment, so to speak.

Exactly. I'm not gonna say I didn't want either DD or LMA gone, but until we see the results, bashing the FO just because they aren't following your personal plan to get back to contention is just naive. I see the Dude falling prey to this as well sometimes. There's a lot of ways you can develop a championship contending core, and for better or worse (historically, for better...), the Spurs have their own way of doing things. Sometimes it's a lot slower than fans would want, but it also leads to situations like '14, where patience and grind allow for results that an instant blow-up wouldn't.

IF the vets all buy in, and it's a big IF, this is actually a very solid team. We are deep, we are young at every position, we've replaced all defensive liabilities (sans Mills) for plus defenders, and there's a good amount of vets that are on that good point of still being serviceable, but also acknowledging that they're not the focus anymore, and can shift to a mentorship position. I don't know if this plan by the Spurs will ever turn into a championship, but it's a damn better plan than what other teams are doing.

Also, let's not forget, if all fails, we'll have a great chance to draft Bronnie Jr in a year or two! Couldn't be better.

[Rummpd]

Is this going to be your new shtick? Don't people in this forum ever find funnier shticks to cling on to? I can appreciate the Kawhi slurpers and TDS because at least they're a breath of fresh air from the normal doom-and-gloom, everything's bad as can be, usual suspects.

Straight out of the "made up quotes", you want the Spurs to blow it up and go with youth. What are they doing now? Do you understand there cannot be a team that is exclusively filled with young players, because of the leadership and experience vacuum it creates? Would you rather the Spurs ship out all 4 (!) remaining vets that they have, and just have the young core running around like headless chickens, no guide, no mentor, no passing-of-the-torch, nothing? How has that worked for Sacramento, or Phoenix? I'll have to pass.

It's funny, because for years, people have been clamoring for a youth movement, to drop the vets, to rebuild. Now, every sign is pointing in that direction, even the vets are saying they're happy to take a step back and just mentor the kids as they let them go to work - and people are still complaining about it. Well, you specifically, at least, before the season even starts. Yeah, we get it, Spurs FO hasn't been up to your wacky standards since the last time they created a championship caliber roster (oh! the horror!) - is that all your internet persona is going to distillate to?

Boring.


E: wait, I'll give you the old timer's benefit, since I wasn't around to see your previous shtick. Or has this always been your thing, bashing the FO since '04? Must get tiresome

I have been a Spurs fan (and paid NBA writer in past) and very loyal for decades but the FO by any measure is a huge fail these days - read multiple analysts on the mismatch that is this team. I am not expecting a miracle but something better than has occurred with this HOF coach and FO. To defend the lack of any action by the FO with two aging and misaligned stars is truly sublime. Spurs have some young and old talent but it is unlikely to lead to anything except hovering around the last PO spot (and likely missing) which must be good enough for you?

[XDT76]

It is what it is. I definitely wanted the tankathon once Kawhi bailed on the team and the big 3 were no more. It was the perfect moment and there were a few promising potential franchise players coming up in the draft (Doncic among them, but very good players aside of him). They didn’t do it then and now it is what it is. If they suck despite trying to be compe ive they’ll get their chances at a high draft pick. I have accepted this is what they are post Timmy. They have the chance to luck into a franchise player or maybe one of their guys would develop into one. Either way they chose not to bottom out. It may happen to them regardless, players falling off a cliff, injuries, youth being overrated and unable to deliver. Or they may over perform expectations— which would be great to see.

It is what it is. They won’t change their approach without a change in management.

Tanking is not the solution for the past 20 years there is only 1 no. 1 pick who won the NBA champion within 5 years and that is Irving and he did it because Lebron James went back and Kevin Love joined them. As SA is not a premier FA destination it will not work for us. Tim is an exception and not a norm as DRob and Sean (both All stars) were injured the year before he was drafted and thus we could reach a championship quickly. We have no one on the roster to help any high lottery pick achieve the championship quickly the more likely scenario is he will bolt after his rookie contract as he will be hyped up so much that he either demand a trade or force the team to destroy their future.

[Rummpd]

I agree with this. Pop is going to play young players at a fast pace this season. The skies have parted. I love our young players. Just enjoy the slow rebuild. Did I want one of LA or DD gone? Absolutely. But the way Pop has put the vets in line with the new approach is sort of amazing. I’ll take it. And honestly, I think Brian Wright may be a voice of reason compared to the usual approach if prioritizing vets at every moment, so to speak.

I honestly hope I am wrong on FO and this team. Perhaps a miracle will occur and White and Murray will suddenly become stars, DDR and DA will revive and Pop will return to being a true HOF coach - if so great.

[jjktkk]

I honestly hope I am wrong on FO and this team. Perhaps a miracle will occur and White and Murray will suddenly become stars, DDR and DA will revive and Pop will return to being a true HOF coach - if so great.

Given that is impossible for S.A. to lure free agents and the fact that they have perennially drafted in the 1st round for several years now, what should PATFO do? You never seem to come up with any ideas.

[Rummpd]

Given that is impossible for S.A. to lure free agents and the fact that they have perennially drafted in the 1st round for several years now, what should PATFO do? You never seem to come up with any ideas.

You know what they should do is put both so called stars out to be traded - oh wait that should have happened months ago. They then to make matters worse signed their own limited players again. Farce to this point.

[Prime BEEF]

You know what they should do is put both so called stars out to be traded - oh wait that should have happened months ago. They then to make matters worse signed their own limited players again. Farce to this point.

Yes very disappointing but not unexpected. Think DDR and LMA both leave in offseason. The spurs will have lots of money with no all-star FAs wanting to sign here. If we get one we no doubt will have to overpay

[Rummpd]

Yes very disappointing but not unexpected. Think DDR and LMA both leave in offseason. The spurs will have lots of money with no all-star FAs wanting to sign here. If we get one we no doubt will have to overpay

Truth just like current Spurs FO to get nothing in return at end of contracts.

[exstatic]

Truth just like current Spurs FO to get nothing in return at end of contracts.

There’s no other way to clear cap room, either for FAs, or for the young players who are reaching second contract status. We’ve made 6 first round picks in the last 5 years, and only paid one of them. If we can get similar contracts for the others, the four big ending contracts should about cover that cost.

[lefty]

Our only hope is to draft a Tim Duncan type of player, not ncessarily a big man but a team oriented franchise player who is ok with living in Fat Antonio

And those type of players don't come around often

[Sugus]

I have been a Spurs fan (and paid NBA writer in past) and very loyal for decades but the FO by any measure is a huge fail these days - read multiple analysts on the mismatch that is this team. I am not expecting a miracle but something better than has occurred with this HOF coach and FO. To defend the lack of any action by the FO with two aging and misaligned stars is truly sublime. Spurs have some young and old talent but it is unlikely to lead to anything except hovering around the last PO spot (and likely missing) which must be good enough for you?

Re-reading my comment, it came across as unnecessarily hostile. I apologize.

I guess it boils down to what I consider "spoiled fan syndrome". If you told any fan of any of the other 29 teams that they'll be guaranteed to getting two decades of consistent, seemingly-never-ending success, championships, and as good a memories as you can get from sports, but then they have to suffer through a few years of mediocrity or outright bad-ness - I'm pretty certain that they'd be ecstatic, and would take the later sucky years as just a natural part of the process, something that reminds you to be grateful for what you have and had. The Spurs, though slowly, are on a clear rebuilding trajectory, and have made a lot of moves (whether you like them or think they were the best that could've been done, is another story) in order to continue that rebuilding trajectory and build on it, in the last two years especially. At some point, you just have to ask: what is enough? What are your expectations? Maybe define that, and we can go from there.

But to answer your question, yes, this is good enough for me. The team has jettisonned every player I disliked watching from last season, and has ac ulated a good number of young prospects, and now we just have to watch whether they mesh together, which ones take a step forward, or backwards, and so. Later on, Spurs FO will have to decide which ones are good enough to keep, and which ones to trade, and keep trying until they hit a diamond in the rough, which is more or less the natural rebuilding process when you don't have a Timmy D on the roster. I ask you, seriously - as an overarching plan, is this not good enough for you? What do you expect a small-market, middle-of-nowhere team like SanAn to be doing differently? The only complaint I've seen from you ITT that I can get behind is that they "haven't traded the vets", whom, by all accounts, were on the block repeatedly, and will be on the block again by the trade deadline. I've said already that I WOULDN'T trade LMA for a second round pick, aka, there's more value in a vet's presence than a bad return from them, and I'm sure the Spurs FO share this mindset and thus didn't "fire sale" DD/LMA/Patty/Rudy. Is there anything else?

I've told this to TD 21, and didn't mean it in a bad way then and I don't now - but you'd do good to go root for the Knicks or Sacramento for a year or two, then come back to the Spurs and see how it is. I feel like many Spurs fans are so accustomed to success, that they can't envision the "other side of the coin", where FOs are truly inept (not "giving a vet a bad contract" inept, more like "passing on a lottery generational talent for an injury prone, second-jumping big" inept - can you begin to imagine the meltdown here?), or repeatedly try strategies that are obviously not going to work and end up wasting entire seasons on end, and so on. The Spurs are a relatively quite easy team to follow, in my opinion and from watching not only Spurs games, but a lot of other teams' during the season.

Just my 2cents, my guy.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

i believe in pop

[duncan2k5]

Imagine having two supposed aging but potentially trade-able stars and a HOF coach and this motley poorly assembled lot of players is what going forward with? Got a decent draft choice and a few younger erratic pieces to build on but any one believing this FO has stepped up and trying to really improve over next few years is being deceived. Spurs FO and coach just wants to feel being even in contention to make playoffs is good enough. Should have blown it up and gone with youth and got draft choices ala OKC as teams like Suns NO and Portland making savvy moves while SAS FO is a joke. That is the bottom line - welcome to the 34 and 38 2020-21 nothing to write home about Spurs.

Exactly... finally someone on this forum gets it