Charania: Bassey Re-Signs With Spurs

[J_Paco]

You don't need to replace all 6 guys at once, and I wasn't even suggesting we should. Those are just the 6 guys who are easily replaceable. We did replace two of our back-end roster guys though, Graham and Barlow.

Ok, well the simple answer is the team either still likes them, haven't found suitable replacements, or believe they still have room for growth/upside.

None of those guys is on an immovable, long-term deal, so they can be traded, waived or not retained soon.

[Seventyniner]

Why would we dump Barnes?
I don't understand why are people underestimating him so much, he just turned 32 and will probably be our most consistent wing this season.
Keldon is nothing special, but he's still a solid spark off the bench on a declining contract. He's not a negative asset.
Collins is the only contract that needs dumping, he's definitely going to be used in a trade as a salary filler.

To open up 2025 cap space like you said. Your scenario for opening up tons of 2025 cap space involved trading Barnes. I called it a "dump" but I didn't mean that it would necessarily require the Spurs to send an asset out. I will take the blame for misusing the word.

The thing with opening cap space is that it's useless these days if we talk acquiring star players and Spurs won't have cap issues getting rotation players in FA.
Look at upcoming free agents. It's either older players that ask for a 4 year max and Spurs should just stay away from those deals or flawed younger players who aren't worth the max.
Everyone who's worth a damn gets a max these days.
With the money blowing up, noone is rejecting extensions. Free agency for star players is a thing of the past and won't be a common occurrence from now on.

2025 free agency class is obviously really poor except Naz Reid and potentially Markkanen, 2026 is probably even worse with Fox being the only max player Spurs would even consider.

I'm saying that the Spurs probably will, and in my opinion should, pick up the options on Branham and Wesley even though neither has showed the ability to be an above replacement level player yet. It doesn't seem like you disagree here?

Cap space in 2026 can still be useful because it can be used to create a huge trade exception for a team whose star wants out and/or extract assets (picks and maybe even useful players) from second apron teams. Are there any early termination players like Paul George who could unexpectedly move? It's probably better to have no cap space in 2025 and a ton in 2026 rather than a moderate amount each summer.

[scott]

Ok, well the simple answer is the team either still likes them, haven't found suitable replacements, or believe they still have room for growth/upside.

None of those guys is on an immovable, long-term deal, so they can be traded, waived or not retained soon.

Well of course that's the answer... that doesn't mean we as fans can't criticize them for that. We continue to maintain a higher-than-league-average continuity rate (which I addressed in another thread) despite being one of the worst teams in the league. There could be contextual reasons for that... but on the surface that just seems... odd.

[exstatic]

The thing is, we have a bunch of guys on this roster who can be upgraded, but aren't: Branham, Wesley, Mamu, Bassey (my king), Champ, Sidy, That's 40% of the roster.

It's not about upgrading the 4th string PG spot... it's about turning over the roster with low-cost, high upside swings.

We're running back a team with back-to-back 22-win seasons with 12 of the same 15 players, and only one of them is part of the long-term future. It's just a little... passive.

With that said, Wemby is really ing good and I think we'll see some improvement and we did see one line-up in particular really show good results last year... so it's not like our existing roster should be completely discarded... but it's also not good enough to completely stick with (which we're going to a clip of 80% roster continuity... which reminds me to dig up my roster continuity post from last year).

Mamu, Champ, and Bassey are that. Low cost? Two of them are on one year minimum, and one is on a deal w/ 2 years $6M left.

Sidy, I see as a goner next year.

Sadly, for you, not only will Blake and Branham stay,they’ll have their year 4 options picked up this fall, and the meltdown here will be epic. Spurs generally do that unless the player presents some kind of problem, sexual deviancy or laziness. I saw that Lonnie was a bust after year two, and he went the whole 4 year rookie deal. Kyle Anderson went 4 years, but got a better offer.

I think one of the problems with last year’s roster was that players were asked to punch above their weight too often. Champ is a decent rotation player, but isn’t really starter quality. Blake and Branham were asked to play 6-8 man minutes as late FR draft picks in year two, when they would have been playing 9,10 man minutes. Yes, it was only a 20% turnover,but the three players coming aboard will be two starters and a rookie sixth man, bumping everyone else down to a more comfortable level.

[scott]

Mamu, Champ, and Bassey are that. Low cost? Two of them are on one year minimum, and one is on a deal w/ 2 years $6M left.

Sidy, I see as a goner next year.

Sadly, for you, not only will Blake and Branham stay,they’ll have their year 4 options picked up this fall, and the meltdown here will be epic. Spurs generally do that unless the player presents some kind of problem, sexual deviancy or laziness. I saw that Lonnie was a bust after year two, and he went the whole 4 year rookie deal. Kyle Anderson went 4 years, but got a better offer.

I think one of the problems with last year’s roster was that players were asked to punch above their weight too often. Champ is a decent rotation player, but isn’t really starter quality. Blake and Branham were asked to play 6-8 man minutes as late FR draft picks in year two, when they would have been playing 9,10 man minutes. Yes, it was only a 20% turnover,but the three players coming aboard will be two starters and a rookie sixth man, bumping everyone else down to a more comfortable level.

This will be year 3 of Mamu, Champ and Bassey. I agree Wesley and Bran will likely get their options picked up, which will mean 4 years of them. The complaint isn't on the micro-level on individual players, but more a macro-level that the Spurs need to be quicker at seeing what they have and moving on because otherwise we have what we have now: 40% of the roster tied up in low-ceiling players.

This will become a problem if we actually intend on using this draft picks when they come due... but, maybe we won't. 20131 isn't THAT far away, after all.

[RC_Drunkford]

This will be year 3 of Mamu, Champ and Bassey. I agree Wesley and Bran will likely get their options picked up, which will mean 4 years of them. The complaint isn't on the micro-level on individual players, but more a macro-level that the Spurs need to be quicker at seeing what they have and moving on because otherwise we have what we have now: 40% of the roster tied up in low-ceiling players.

This will become a problem if we actually intend on using this draft picks when they come due... but, maybe we won't. 20131 isn't THAT far away, after all.

year 3 is a crucial year where you usually see the biggest jump in production. We have 6 players entering their 3rd year, so I can understand the Spurs being patient. Somebody of those 6 will show major improvements and whoever doesn't needs to be cut.

[J_Paco]

This will be year 3 of Mamu, Champ and Bassey. I agree Wesley and Bran will likely get their options picked up, which will mean 4 years of them. The complaint isn't on the micro-level on individual players, but more a macro-level that the Spurs need to be quicker at seeing what they have and moving on because otherwise we have what we have now: 40% of the roster tied up in low-ceiling players.

This will become a problem if we actually intend on using this draft picks when they come due... but, maybe we won't. 20131 isn't THAT far away, after all.

I understand you wanting things to change at a faster rate, but aren't all back-end of the rosters made up of "low-ceiling" players? Otherwise, those type of players would be starting here, elsewhere or in the 10 - man rotation.

The days of being 8 to 10 - men deep with high-end players is likely dead with the new CBA.

Spurs need to find 4 to 6 high-quality players around Wemby, then fill out the roster with quality niché/role players.

A "low ceiling," undrafted specialist like Sam Hauser was a major contributor for the NBA champions.

[scott]

year 3 is a crucial year where you usually see the biggest jump in production. We have 6 players entering their 3rd year, so I can understand the Spurs being patient. Somebody of those 6 will show major improvements and whoever doesn't needs to be cut.

I count 4 guys entering their third year (Mamu and Bassey are going into their 4th year, just their 3rd with the Spurs), but fair point.

[exstatic]

This will be year 3 of Mamu, Champ and Bassey. I agree Wesley and Bran will likely get their options picked up, which will mean 4 years of them. The complaint isn't on the micro-level on individual players, but more a macro-level that the Spurs need to be quicker at seeing what they have and moving on because otherwise we have what we have now: 40% of the roster tied up in low-ceiling players.

This will become a problem if we actually intend on using this draft picks when they come due... but, maybe we won't. 20131 isn't THAT far away, after all.

We’ll have two roster spots open next summer from Sidy and CP, IMO, and can easily open third with Champ’s non guaranteed contract. That’s another 20%, but an aggregate 40% from last season.

[scott]

I understand you wanting things to change at a faster rate, but aren't all back-end of the roster made of "low-ceiling" players? Otherwise, those type of players would be starting here or elsewhere.

The days of being 8 to 10 - men deep with high-end players is likely dead with the new CBA.

Spurs need to find 4 to 6 high-quality players around Wemby, then fill out the roster with quality niché/role players.

No, not really. Not all end-of-rosters are filled with low-ceiling players. A lot of teams use that space as an opportunity for boom-or-bust prospects. I'd even argue that's what these guys were at one point... I hate to pick on Sidy as an example, but I think I've seen enough of that guy to know that his best role is one on the Shanghai Sharks, not the San Antonio Spurs.

It's not even a matter of patience, it's just a matter of resource management. I don't need to see two more years of Blake Wesley to know he's probably not going to be a rotation level player in the NBA, but we'll probably get two more years of Blake Wesley. I'd rather that go to a Johnny Furphy, who may have a shot at becoming something (or who may also end up needing to go back to Australia to have a pro career).

[J_Paco]

We’ll have two roster spots open next summer from Sidy and CP, IMO, and can easily open third with Champ’s non guaranteed contract. That’s another 20%, but an aggregate 40% from last season.

Plus, if they are willing they can easily move off of either or both Collins' or Johnson's contracts. Which could open up two more roster spots.

[exstatic]

Plus, if they are willing they can easily move off of either or both Collins' or Johnson's contracts. Which could open up two more roster spots.

I think cap space rental will be at a premium with the second apron no longer looming, but here, and moving off contracts will only be more difficult, not easier.

[scott]

Assuming we pick up Sochan, Bran and Blake, we'll have 4 open roster spots from just natural expirations (CP, Tre, Bassey, Mamu). Sidy and Champ 2025-26 are Non-GTD, so that is 6 spots that can be easily created without any changes.

[J_Paco]

I think cap space rental will be at a premium with the second apron no longer looming, but here, and moving off contracts will only be more difficult, not easier.

Fair point. The new CBA is sort of a cluster and will really change how teams are built.

No, not really. Not all end-of-rosters are filled with low-ceiling players. A lot of teams use that space as an opportunity for boom-or-bust prospects. I'd even argue that's what these guys were at one point... I hate to pick on Sidy as an example, but I think I've seen enough of that guy to know that his best role is one on the Shanghai Sharks, not the San Antonio Spurs.

It's not even a matter of patience, it's just a matter of resource management. I don't need to see two more years of Blake Wesley to know he's probably not going to be a rotation level player in the NBA, but we'll probably get two more years of Blake Wesley. I'd rather that go to a Johnny Furphy, who may have a shot at becoming something (or who may also end up needing to go back to Australia to have a pro career).

That's the thing though, Wesley showed the organization enough to keep him around and likely exercise his 4th - year option.

People are way too quick to cast off a guy even though he did show a lot of improvement last season. I know people on here don't want to believe it, but the kid's passing and individual defense were good (otherwise he wouldn't have played in 61 games).

I don't know enough about Furphy to compare, but I doubt his ceiling is any higher than Wesley or Brahnam's coming out of college. They both went in the first-round in a much stronger draft, while Furphy is a second-round pick in what is considered a historical bad draft class.

[TD 21]

People are way too quick to cast off a guy even though he did show a lot of improvement last season. I know people on here don't want to believe it, but the kid's passing and individual defense were good (otherwise he wouldn't have played in 61 games).

It's all relative. Wesley graduated from non NBA player to replacement player.

He remains a zero offensively (he was always erratic, but predictably quickly became neutered by the genius, who tries to turn every ball handler into Stockton) and received minutes not on merit, but because they weren't trying to win, blew the 25th pick on him and right now, he's what they have to show for White.

[scott]

Fair point. The new CBA is sort of a cluster and will really change how teams are built.



That's the thing though, Wesley showed the organization enough to keep him around and likely exercise his 4th - year option.

People are way too quick to cast off a guy even though he did show a lot of improvement last season. I know people on here don't want to believe it, but the kid's passing and individual defense were good (otherwise he wouldn't have played in 61 games).

I don't know enough about Furphy to compare, but I doubt his ceiling is any higher than Wesley or Brahnam's coming out of college. They both went in the first-round in a much stronger draft, while Furphy is a second-round pick in what is considered a historical bad draft class.

This is a fan message board. Criticizing front office decisions is kind of what we do.

Looks like you're missing the point on ceilings. Wesley and Bran and Furphy might all have had the same ceiling coming out of college, but we've seen enough to know that Wesley and Bran won't hit theirs. Furphy might. That's the point.

If Blake Wesley ends up being a rotation level NBA basketball player, I'll eat crow. Not going to lose sleep over that one.

[J_Paco]

It's all relative. Wesley graduated from non NBA player to replacement player.

He remains a zero offensively (he was always erratic, but predictably quickly became neutered by the genius, who tries to turn every ball handler into Stockton) and received minutes not on merit, but because they weren't trying to win, blew the 25th pick on him and right now, he's what they have to show for White.

True, he is still a porous offensive player (still can't self-create or hit spot-up shots) even if his decision making and passing improved. He is nowhere near being a primary ballhandler.

I think he's more suited for a SG role, but that is only conducive to his jumper improving a lot.

And going from an absolute trainwreck in limited minutes (as a rookie) to at least a 'replacement - level' player is still improving. I completely understand the context of his getting minutes and the team's lack of better options (completely self- inflicted).

That's exactly why signing Paul and drafting Castle should shift how they see Wesley, hopefully.

This is a fan message board. Criticizing front office decisions is kind of what we do.

Looks like you're missing the point on ceilings. Wesley and Bran and Furphy might all have had the same ceiling coming out of college, but we've seen enough to know that Wesley and Bran won't hit theirs. Furphy might. That's the point.

If Blake Wesley ends up being a rotation level NBA basketball player, I'll eat crow. Not going to lose sleep over that one.

I highly doubt Furphy will reach whatever ceiling you see for him, but that is a moot point.

My main point is that he isn't considered a 'high-ceiling' prospect that you covet, since he wasn't drafted in the first-round. A similar player - drafted out of Kansas - to him went in the first-round just last season.

And for me it isn't an either or situation since the Spurs could've drafted him and kept Wesley/Brahnam.

[scott]

True, he is still a porous offensive player (still can't self-create or hit spot-up shots) even if his decision making and passing improved. He is nowhere near being a primary ballhandler.

I think he's more suited for a SG role, but that is only conducive to his jumper improving a lot.

And going from an absolute trainwreck in limited minutes (as a rookie) to at least a 'replacement - level' player is still improving. I completely understand the context of his getting minutes and the team's lack of better options (completely self- inflicted).

That's exactly why signing Paul and drafting Castle should shift how they see Wesley, hopefully.



I highly doubt Furphy will reach whatever ceiling you see for him, but that is a moot point.

My main point is that he isn't considered a 'high-ceiling' prospect that you covet, since he wasn't drafted in the first-round. A similar player - drafted out of Kansas - to him went in the first-round just last season.

And for me it isn't an either or situation since the Spurs could've drafted him and kept Wesley/Brahnam.

Pick whatever play you want - it doesn't matter. The point is that pretty much any guy the Spurs could have taken at #35, except for maybe the guy they did take (lol) has a higher ceiling than Blake Wesley (or Sidy) does currently. What Blake's ceiling was out of college no longer matters, because he's not out of college. He's a known quan y... and that quan y is barely replacement level NBA player.

Maybe I shouldn't have said "high-ceiling" and instead said "higher-ceiling", as in higher than the players currently occupying those slots. Of those last 6 spots... Champ, Bassey and Mamu are at least useful replacement level players. The other 3 guys aren't even that.

[offset formation]

Woo-Hoo!!

Love me some Bassey.

[J_Paco]

Pick whatever play you want - it doesn't matter. The point is that pretty much any guy the Spurs could have taken at #35, except for maybe the guy they did take (lol) has a higher ceiling than Blake Wesley (or Sidy) does currently. What Blake's ceiling was out of college no longer matters, because he's not out of college. He's a known quan y... and that quan y is barely replacement level NBA player.

Maybe I shouldn't have said "high-ceiling" and instead said "higher-ceiling", as in higher than the players currently occupying those slots. Of those last 6 spots... Champ, Bassey and Mamu are at least useful replacement level players. The other 3 guys aren't even that.

Yes, they are 'known quan ies' but both still have room to grow (they are both only 21 years old).

You, like most of ST, are just down on both guys and would like the team to move on. Point blank.

I doubt whoever they could have drafted makes much of a difference and you just want those guys gone. Which is fine, but the organization invested a first round pick on them, so they are staying longer than you'd like.

And obviously, hopes and expectations are definitely affecting how people feel about both. I just think most players - not named Zach Edey - are projects in today's 'one-and-done' era, so patience is necessary (even if you don't like it).

[J_Paco]

I like Bassey and wish he'd stay healthy, so the team go ahead and get off of Zach Collins' contract.

Fingers crossed he stays healthy and hasn't lost too much athletically. I'd much rather go with a platoon of Charles and Sandro then having the 'fake goon' Zach Collins around.

[ChumpDumper]

who cares about eating 2.6 mil. i have zero rooting interest in the Holt Family Trust. often times eating guaranteed money is bad business. hurts your cap situation. this isnt one of them.

as a fan, i like it when the teams i like do things that make the team better. Fultz isnt that old, just turned 26, and has been a solid player who still has room to improve.

Just weird when we already have 5 point guards on the team, 4 of which seem pretty competent.

[spurraider21]

Just weird when we already have 5 point guards on the team, 4 of which seem pretty competent.

who are the 4 competent point guards? i can count Paul, Jones, Castle (i think we are all assuming he will be competent). is Wesley really competent?

but point taken. not another point guard. there are other FAs to be had that can take Wesley's spot on the roster. or Cissoko's if you want to hold onto the first round pedigree

[DPG21920]

For me it’s not even just about having higher upside guys in spots 10-15. It’s more about having guys even if similar upside that are at least for sure good at something especially shooting. So that we can actually, even if limited minutes, have some real options to use and help lineups out situationally vs being forced to play guys with such obvious flaws and fit concerns.

[Strategic]

I’m ok with the Bassey signing, but is he going to be back on the court before December? If not, who will be in the middle to protect the rim until it’s found out whether he’s still able to play? I think the team will need to win 10 of the first 25 games to start on a good enough trajectory to offer hope for a playoff run. Yes I’m one of the idiots that think they might sneak in. Without a backup rim protector I don’t know if that’s really doable.