The Rookies

[SenorSpur]

Barry certainly is our biggest lost on the offensive end. Horry's contributions were negligible. I also expect Finley's numbers to be on the decline. I'm unsure if Mason by himself can pickup the slack of these 3 players. If Tolliver and Mahinmi can give us consistent numbers then we should be okay.

On the defensive side, the picture is much clearer. Mason, Hill and Gist are definitely going to be very disruptive.

Keep in mind, we didn't have Barry for most of last season anyway.

Agree on Horry.

Duplicating Finley's production will be the key for Mason.

[K-State Spur]

I agree-- if Roger Mason continues to improve, he will be an upgrade over an older Finley. His shooting percentages are better than Finley's, so if he can average 12 ppg and play good defense, the starting lineup will be quite a bit improved. The Spurs don't need a ton of scoring from the rookies--they mostly need good D, smart play, limited fouls & turnovers. If Mahinmi, Hill, Gist, and Tolliver (assuming they're all on the opening day roster) provide 12-15 ppg combined, that will replace what Horry & Barry scored. If I had to bet right now, I'd guess they're going to bring back Finley for one more year.

I really think the defense and rebounding will be improved next year, meaning any small improvement in scoring will have even greater than usual benefits.

If Mason just stays where he's at from last year, he's a big upgrade from Finley's play last season.

Not to mention that he's going to get better looks than he ever saw in DC. Butler/Jamison are nice players (especially Butler), but neither really commands frequent double teams.

[SenorSpur]

I agree with most who feel our overall team defense will be much improved with all the rooks. That advantage should be evident immediately.

I also agree that the biggest factor in shoring up the scoring droughts, aside from a healthy Manu ankle, will be the production of Mason. If he assumes the role of the starting 2-guard, and can at least duplicate or better the offensive output of Finley (9+ ppg or more), that will help considerably.

As the expected primary backup to TP, Hill will be an automatic offensive improvement from Vaughn, simply due to his ability to get to the rim and draw fouls. Even while he is finding his outside shot.

Whatever offense obtained from Gist and Tolliver will be a bonus.

[Bartleby]

I think the big question mark will be whether or not the rookies will play well enough during the regular season to get Pop's trust during the playoffs. I don't expect them to get big minutes in the playoffs, but they are going to have to show that they can produce in crunch time. I don't see the Spurs going very deep with just a seven or eight man rotation.

[SenorSpur]

I think the big question mark will be whether or not the rookies will play well enough during the regular season to get Pop's trust during the playoffs. I don't expect them to get big minutes in the playoffs, but they are going to have to show that they can produce in crunch time. I don't see the Spurs going very deep with just a seven or eight man rotation.

Bingo!

[nkdlunch]

yup, I also really doubt the rookies having much impact. I expect 2 of the 3 main rookies to be sent to the NBDL. I really hope 1 of them makes the roster though.

More importantly I think we should worry about 3 guys:
1. Ian, he needs to show what he's been working on last couple of years
2. Udoka, he needs to improve from last season, his BBIQ needs to be better with gained experience
3. Mason needs to come and have an impact, he has most chance of any new spur to get important minutes

these 3 need to become role players and right now this is pretty much an unknown.

IMO Spurs office is betting the farm on these 3 players(along w/KT). I dont' think they are expecting much from the rookies. neither should we.

[Bartleby]

I was thinking of Ian as a rookie, but of course, he isn't since he has already played in the NBA. Like a lot of posters here, I was more optimistic about what he will bring before his summer league play, but I think/hope that playing next to Tim and practicing with the Spurs may speed his development *fingers crossed*

[ceperez]

I think the big question mark will be whether or not the rookies will play well enough during the regular season to get Pop's trust during the playoffs. I don't expect them to get big minutes in the playoffs, but they are going to have to show that they can produce in crunch time. I don't see the Spurs going very deep with just a seven or eight man rotation.

That logic of sticking with a 7/8 man rotation in the playoffs is what's going to cause our demise. The western conference is extremely tough, and you need to have your stars fresh when you reach the conference championships. Anything less will mean you get booted out (see last season for reference)!

The Boston Celtics, despite having to play extended series for the entire playoffs where able to pull it off. Why? Well look at all the youth in their lineup: Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, Davis these guys play a lot of minutes, do a lot of physical stuff and are all under 23.

I would love to see Mahinmi, Gist, Tolliver and Hill force the other team work for everything while our starters cool off on the bench. I think Hill, Gist and Tolliver have the right at ude to work their butts of in defense. Mahinmi... well I think he's all finnese, I would trade him for a true banger!