One year after drafting Sidy Cissoko, I'm curious about peoples' thoughts on how he compares with Rayan Rupert, the player drafted right before him. Did we get the better prospect or should we still regret that we weren't able to get Rupert instead?
The plan was always Sidy. They had agreed to draft him,and give him an NBA contract so that he could pay his buyout in Spain instead of a 2way.
All that being said, I don’t think either of these players have a real NBA future. Sidy’s shot looks irreparably broken, and on an absolute tanking team Rupert managed to play only a bit over half of the games.
I don't want to claim the Spurs will make the PO next season, but I don't agree the Spurs had no shot at all. the Rockets were close last season and they managed to improve from 22 to 41 wins. their steps and moves in the off season are in a range the Spurs might manage to achive as well.
I get the point, that the Spurs were benefiting from some tanking of other teams at the end of last season, but you can't ignore that especially Wemby took like 3 steps in his rookie season.
it's not naive to expect Wemby at at least this level from start of next season and it's as well not an exorbitant expectation to think he will be better. and I do expect to see more of the Vassell from February over the whole season.
if this two events occur, the Spurs will win 30-35 games. some improvement from the young players add another 5 wins, so you need trades, FAs and probably picks who deliver some help immediately to get another 7-10 wins and you are in the play in.
as I said, I don't claim that all this will happen that way, I just claim there is a chance and it's greater than 5%.
I have not been high on Salaun, and he's still not one of my favourite picks, but this Sam Vecenie podcast breaks down his game pretty thoroughly and makes an interesting case for him as a top ten pick in this weak draft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGyquTjAWg
I had ChatGPT summarize the key points from the conversation:
While I'd prefer the Spurs go in a different direction, Salaun really sounds like someone who will be high on their draft board and a very likely pick at 8. Drafting Salaun also helps the Spurs in their quest to get a better pick in 2025 as he seems unlikely to be a real contributor in his first season, so if the team is looking for a stealth semi-tank season, he'd make some sense.### Player Profile Summary
#### Strengths
1. **Energy and Effort**:
- Salaun consistently exhibits high energy and effort on both ends of the floor, which translates into significant contributions such as offensive rebounds, effective off-ball movement, and strong transition play.
- He shows a relentless motor, never giving up on plays and often making multiple efforts within a single possession.
2. **Defensive Awareness**:
- Demonstrates strong defensive awareness with excellent recognition and communication skills.
- Effective at helping and recovering on defense, making scram switches, and covering a lot of ground quickly.
- His ability to recognize defensive schemes and react accordingly is a standout feature, often making him a disruptive force on defense.
3. **Off-Ball Movement**:
- Exceptional cutter, with well-timed cuts that create opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
- Shows a keen understanding of spacing and positioning off the ball, making him a valuable asset in systems that emphasize ball movement.
- Effective in transition, drawing defenders and creating open shots for teammates, which adds another dimension to his game.
4. **Shooting Potential**:
- Exhibits confidence in his shooting with good mechanics, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations.
- Demonstrates the ability to hit important shots in critical moments, showcasing his clutch potential.
- His footwork and balance while shooting are solid, indicating significant room for development as a reliable perimeter shooter.
#### Areas for Improvement
1. **Ball Handling and Control**:
- Needs to improve his ball handling, as a loose handle often leads to turnovers or compromised offensive actions.
- Struggles with maintaining control under pressure, which can result in lost possessions.
- Developing a tighter dribble and better control will be crucial for him to enhance his effectiveness when driving to the basket.
2. **Skill Level**:
- Currently limited in advanced moves when attacking off the dribble.
- Needs to improve his touch on runners and floaters, as evidenced by poor shooting percentages in these areas.
- His overall skill level, particularly in on-ball situations and passing, needs to develop to match higher expectations.
3. **Body Positioning and Balance**:
- At times, his body positioning can be off, particularly when he is off the ball.
- Occasionally gets too high or turned around, affecting his ability to make quick, effective movements.
- Needs to work on maintaining better control and balance, especially in defensive situations to avoid getting caught out of position.
#### Potential and Fit
- **Defensive Potential**:
- The player has a high ceiling as a defender due to his effort, awareness, and physical tools.
- He has the potential to be a significant defensive asset, capable of guarding multiple positions and providing strong help defense.
- **Offensive Role**:
- He could excel as an off-ball player, utilizing his cutting, shooting, and high energy.
- Best suited for a system that values ball movement and off-ball activity, allowing him to leverage his strengths.
- Needs to be paired with strong ball handlers and creators to maximize his off-ball contributions effectively.
- **Comparison to Aaron Gordon**:
- While he lacks Aaron Gordon’s elite athleticism and on-ball skills, he offers a different set of strengths, particularly in shooting and off-ball movement.
- Could develop into a similar "garbage man" role, providing valuable contributions without needing the ball in his hands frequently.
- His shooting ability is more advanced than Gordon’s at a similar stage, which could be a critical aspect of his development and utilization.
#### Conclusion
The player exhibits significant potential due to his energy, defensive awareness, and off-ball movement. While there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in ball handling and overall skill level, his shooting mechanics and defensive instincts provide a solid foundation for growth. His optimal fit within a team will involve a system that leverages his strengths and minimizes his current limitations, allowing him to thrive as a high-energy, off-ball player with substantial defensive upside.
Last edited by drpill; 06-04-2024 at 10:43 AM.
Some will get better, like HOU and MEM, and the other not bad enough for this year's roster + 2 vets to pass them...Aging or not, spurs wouldn't be passing the PG12/Harden/Nephew Clippers, Curry's Warriors or Lebron-AD Lakers who will always find a way to reshape the roster. And we can forget MIN, OKC, DAL or DEN. NO with a healthy Zion (not a given) showed they could be dangerous team last year and trading Ingram could actually make them better.
sure, we agree on that, this roster + 2 vets won't get to 50 wins. Could only happen if spurs make major moves. Otherwise they don't even sniff the play in.
Last edited by JPB; 06-04-2024 at 10:07 AM.
Spurs have 2 good players on their current starting five. If they expect to be anything other than a bottom feeder next year they're delusional
How do you know the plan was always Sidy? If that were the case, wouldn’t we have drafted him at 33 instead of trading the pick away?
From what I remember, we were interested in Rupert at 33, but he asked other teams not to draft him because he had a promise from the Blazers. And we were thrilled when Cissoko was still there at 44 because he was one of our options at 33.
Oh I'm not worried about Wemby at all. He WILL be freaky but the rest of the roster has shown none of them were starters in a compe ive team; besides Vassel, and not as a 2nd option...
It's natural for us fans to hope for the best and our players will take the next step but that's exactly what we did last year when everyone here, including myself, predicted only fools wouldn't think this team will win 30+games and that they could make the play in... We were wayyyyyyyyy off, and many fellas lost some good money. So I would be prudent now.
And it's not just about us, other teasm are working too and when you look at the standings, I do'nt see path for this year's roster + 2 vets to crack the top 10 ... Houston had better prospects when they added and overpaid for Brooks and VV (and I really don't believe spurs would do that kind of moves for that knd of players), not to mention a young, inspiring coach if you know what I mean. I've always been a Pop guy, but at some point you have to ask yourself if he's still up to the task. Players are done at some point, coaches too.
Last edited by JPB; 06-04-2024 at 10:08 AM.
They have one good player, and a player who transcends labels or a ceiling.
Tidjane Salaun scouting report:
Yeah, Warriors always find a way. That's why they missed the playoffs three times in the last five years.
Lakers and reshaping the roster.Can't wait for another trade that makes them worse.
I'm not saying that Spurs will make the playoffs or even be close to it.
But we'll have a top10 player in the league and there at least 5 teams that will be blantantly tanking. It would be pointless to tank when we'll be in 6-10th best odds range, either way.
Tidjane Salaun in a nuts :
Dribbling a basketball
Stretching
is salum a better defender then rissacher,Or is he better then risachher in anything?Maybe better rebounder?
Cool use of ChatGPT!
Dear god, we ‘bout to get tiddy ed huh!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse dribbler that was above high school. He can’t ing dribble the ball without looking at it!
Last edited by sfernald; 06-04-2024 at 11:23 AM.
Risacher is the better defender no Q
Actually, the Spurs could have had both Rupert and GG Jackson. Both.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/2024/
Just updated.
KOC is losing his mind, tbh.
Risacher is a significantly better defender. Iso-Defense is one of Salaun’s biggest weaknesses.
KOC’s been for a while tbh. Feels like he either doesn’t cover the sport like he used to or just had a kid and has been really busy so just just throws at the wall not to see what will stick.
Not happening imo but posting anyways.
He’s a Spur I fear.
Oh God please no. He´d be a great fit on Detroit, Charlotte, Portland. Someone take him, for God sakes!!! Anyone???? Please???!!!!!
, this is just taking all of the fun of the draft for me. Now I'm just stressing in anticipation for bad news
Tbh, since Risacher will be gone, he might be the best wing prospect available, especially since he probably won't be picked before #8.
Buzelis is a player in theory.
Holland is just an athlete with very few basketball skills.
Williams is there just because of his brother, underwhelming in all aspects.
Knecht is a 23 year old with horrible defense.
I'd take Castle/Dillingham and Salaun, tbh.
Topic and Salaun would be bad because neither would contribute right away.
Using one of the picks in a trade should also be an option.
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