48MOH: Interview with James Gist

[Mel_13]

Do you think Gist would rather play in Austin or overseas? What would be better for his basketball development and his pocketbook?

Some players Austin benefits, some it does not as much as playing overseas.

If he is under contract with the Spurs and on assignment in Austin, then he will make more money here. He can make much more in Europe than playing in Austin without an NBA contract.

He makes it pretty clear he would prefer to play in the US, but would go back to Europe if it would be best for his development.

As to whether he would make better progress in Austin or in Europe, I don't have the information or expertise to make that call. One thing is for sure, if he is on assignment in Austin and the Spurs suffer an injury, he will be able to join the team immediately. That will not be the case if he is under contract to a European team.

[DPG21920]

If he is under contract with the Spurs and on assignment in Austin, then he will make more money here. He can make much more in Europe than playing in Austin without an NBA contract.

He makes it pretty clear he would prefer to play in the US, but would go back to Europe if it would be best for his development.

As to whether he would make better progress in Austin or in Europe, I don't have the information or expertise to make that call. One thing is for sure, if he is on assignment in Austin and the Spurs suffer an injury, he will be able to join the team immediately. That will not be the case if he is under contract to a European team.

The overall level of play in Europe is much higher (at least in many leagues) than in the D-League. He would have to make the active roster in order to make league minimum and have guaranteed salary, but I believe that even if he does not make the roster, he can still sign in Europe with his team (but I am not positive about the timeline).

I think he meant that he would rather be in the NBA, not the D-League. We will see. I think it is time to invest in some cheap youth that way if the Spurs wanted to add salary via FA or trade, they can minimize the potential luxury tax hit.

[HarlemHeat37]

You're looking into it too much in regards to the Lakers matchup DPG..Gist is going to be a bench player for energy and production..if he's a starter, then we're obviously in trouble..so I wouldn't look for him to be our main big guy next to Duncan, because that would kill us..

[DPG21920]

You're looking into it too much in regards to the Lakers matchup DPG..Gist is going to be a bench player for energy and production..if he's a starter, then we're obviously in trouble..so I wouldn't look for him to be our main big guy next to Duncan, because that would kill us..

No, I understand that. That is why I said all things considered I would like to see him. I understand he will not be a starter, I was just refuting some of the claims that he can guard certain players and do something with regards to certain match ups for the Spurs.

Spurs do need rotational bigs to match up with the Lakers because that is the team to beat and I feel too many are expecting crazy things from Gist.

[lurker23]

I feel too many are expecting crazy things from Gist.

True. Let me be clear- if Gist comes to the Spurs next year, I do not expect him to average any more than 15 minutes per game. He would be the 2nd or 3rd big man off the bench, and would be brought in as an energy and rebounding guy.

At this point, the only thing about Gist's game that I would label as "exceptional" is his rebounding. I think he has the potential to develop into a guy we can rely upon for defense and perhaps slide into the 3 slot, but anything we get from him offensively or beyond 15 mpg this year would simply be icing on the cake.

[DPG21920]

True. Let me be clear- if Gist comes to the Spurs next year, I do not expect him to average any more than 15 minutes per game. He would be the 2nd or 3rd big man off the bench, and would be brought in as an energy and rebounding guy.

At this point, the only thing about Gist's game that I would label as "exceptional" is his rebounding. I think he has the potential to develop into a guy we can rely upon for defense and perhaps slide into the 3 slot, but anything we get from him offensively or beyond 15 mpg this year would simply be icing on the cake.

So you think it will go something like KT starts, Bonner is first sub, then Ian or Gist?

[lurker23]

So you think it will go something like KT starts, Bonner is first sub, then Ian or Gist?

I think it's very possible that the starting center is not yet on the roster. Drafting someone who would start at the 5 seems unlikely, but free agency and trades seem very likely.

Also, call me crazy, but I wouldn't be surprised if Oberto is released, resigned for somewhere around the minimum, and ends up starting some games throughout the year.

I also think every single one of the Spurs big men (minus Duncan) could be traded. Barring trades, however, I think you're on the right track with Bonner/Ian/Gist being the order of the big man rotation.

[Spurtacus]

Nice interview. I really want to see this guy get some playing time in a Spurs uniform. We need the youth, energy, athleticism in the lineup.

[DPG21920]

Ya, we have to assume, at least for now, who the Spurs have is who they are rolling with. I agree the biggest need is a starting caliber Center/PF to pair with Tim and unless we trade extraordinarily high in the draft (which would still be a gamble) a FA must be signed or a trade must be made.

That is if the Spurs want to legitimately compete this year. If they want to wait until next year, then they might not trade or sign a FA that adds on salary to any large degree.

That is why I hope Gist works out at the SF spot, I feel he could help the most there if he is able to play that position.

[HarlemHeat37]

I think it's very possible that the starting center is not yet on the roster. Drafting someone who would start at the 5 seems unlikely, but free agency and trades seem very likely.

Also, call me crazy, but I wouldn't be surprised if Oberto is released, resigned for somewhere around the minimum, and ends up starting some games throughout the year.

I also think every single one of the Spurs big men (minus Duncan) could be traded. Barring trades, however, I think you're on the right track with Bonner/Ian/Gist being the order of the big man rotation.

If that's the route we're going, then we're gonna NEED high expectations for Ian and Gist, even though it's unfair and probably unrealistic..

[HarlemHeat37]

I also don't see Gist as a permanent PF at all..it just doesn't make sense to me..yes, he's accustomed to playing the 4, but we can just use that to our advantage..have him post up other 3s..I want him playing at the 3 though, because he's long and quick..with some work, he could fill a big need..

potentially, Gist would help more at the 3 in the long run IMO..he'll never be a starter at the 4 at any point during his career, at least at the 3 he could have a shot in the future with some improvements in his game..he just looks too small to be starting at the 4, even if he puts on some weight..he doesn't look like a big gainer..

[biziofromdowntown]

I talked with his coach in Biella yesterday. I asked him about James and his future position.

Exactly words: " He'll be surely with Spurs next year, I can image him learning from Bowen. If he'll do thatn, and Bruce's mentality he will be one of bigger steals of the draft for Spurs, not as Manu but not far away. Image a younger Bowen who could attack the rim and catch cray dunks and block. But first of all he've to gain mind strength. He should be a factor during regular season next year and I'll bet he'll be a stone of Spurs youth line for years."

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Thanks a lot, bizio.

[ace3g]

I talked with his coach in Biella yesterday. I asked him about James and his future position.

Exactly words: " He'll be surely with Spurs next year, I can image him learning from Bowen. If he'll do thatn, and Bruce's mentality he will be one of bigger steals of the draft for Spurs, not as Manu but not far away. Image a younger Bowen who could attack the rim and catch cray dunks and block. But first of all he've to gain mind strength. He should be a factor during regular season next year and I'll bet he'll be a stone of Spurs youth line for years."

awesome

[DPG21920]

That is nice to hear, thanks for the info. If he is looking to be a 3, that would be so money. Keep working hard, hopefully we can get an Ariza out of him!

[45 bank shot]

bring in the gist

[temujin]

I talked with his coach in Biella yesterday. I asked him about James and his future position.

Exactly words: " He'll be surely with Spurs next year, I can image him learning from Bowen. If he'll do thatn, and Bruce's mentality he will be one of bigger steals of the draft for Spurs, not as Manu but not far away. Image a younger Bowen who could attack the rim and catch cray dunks and block. But first of all he've to gain mind strength. He should be a factor during regular season next year and I'll bet he'll be a stone of Spurs youth line for years."

I have talked to others and they see it differently.

Most importantly, I watched him myself and my opinion is that he needs another year in a Euroleague team.

He is way too inexperienced in defense and tends to run into foul trouble.

I agree with the Biella coach that he needs to improve his mind strength.

That's probably the reason why we went with other players in the clutch.

[DPG21920]

I have talked to others and they see it differently.

Most importantly, I watched him myself and my opinion is that he needs another year in a Euroleague team.

He is way too inexperienced in defense and tends to run into foul trouble.

I agree with the Biella coach that he needs to improve his mind strength.

That's probably the reason why we went with other players in the clutch.

I think biz's post agrees with yours. It says that if Gist is willing to learn from Bruce and others, in time he will develop into a solid player. I do not think they meant next year.

Getting some experience force feed to him in the NBA could be just as beneficial as playing another year overseas imo.

[Mr. Body]

Pop wants to get the youth movement started pronto.....

Yer funny, dude.

[temujin]

sorry, but this is a bit harsh.
he was the teams #2 scorer and #1 rebounder. Bizo (who saw many games with him) called him the best player on this Biella team.
he wasn't good against Milano, but also not a total disaster. he had one really bad game, the other were average. he was quite good in the surprising win over Roma in the first round and a big factor why Biella won the series.
if he's ready or not.....I don't know. it's not that he would come in and claim a starting spot. if he gets 10-15 MPG it's ok.
but I would disagree with all who say he should play with the Toros. this would be a regress. in this case he should better stay in Europe for another year.

Yes. Toros would be absolute nonsense.
All this guy needs is another good sound year in a top contending Euroleague team. Give him to Ivkovic or Messina.
If he keeps improving he could THEN be ready for some meaningful action in the NBA.

[temujin]

I think biz's post agrees with yours. It says that if Gist is willing to learn from Bruce and others, in time he will develop into a solid player. I do not think they meant next year.

Getting some experience force feed to him in the NBA could be just as beneficial as playing another year overseas imo.

Yes.
My point is if the Spurs feel they NEED him now.
In fact, with the oldies under contract at the moment, this might indeed be the case.
I am not sure Pop will be patient enough to stick with him, after the first set of very foreseeable mistakes.

[temujin]

Please don't bring the Gist-Mahinmi parallel.
As green as Gist might be, he is still a serious basketball player, not a semi-retired youngster that actually played 7 games over the last 3 years.

[benefactor]

Gist will likely start out as a situational big playing limited minutes. It's going to be a feeling out process as to where he can contribute the best this year...similar to the situation with George Hill last season. The biggest thing Gist will benefit from is a healthy Manu with him on the second unit. If Manu comes back in full form then Gist is going to get a lot of opportunities both from the outside and at the rim.

As far as guarding SF's go, he may not be quite ready but he most certianly won't get abused like some of our other players have. I doubt he will ever be a great post defender but if he works on his timing and footwork then he could develop into a better than average perimeter defender. Thankfully there are lots long forwards in the West for him to get experience against.

[biziofromdowntown]

Gist will likely start out as a situational big playing limited minutes. It's going to be a feeling out process as to where he can contribute the best this year...similar to the situation with George Hill last season. The biggest thing Gist will benefit from is a healthy Manu with him on the second unit. If Manu comes back in full form then Gist is going to get a lot of opportunities both from the outside and at the rim.

As far as guarding SF's go, he may not be quite ready but he most certianly won't get abused like some of our other players have. I doubt he will ever be a great post defender but if he works on his timing and footwork then he could develop into a better than average perimeter defender. Thankfully there are lots long forwards in the West for him to get experience against.

Exactly, heshowed great quality on perimeter and on the helps with block, not in 1on1 post position.

@Temujin: I saw him live something like 10 times this year, i talked with him and with Angelico Biella staff. And i'm agree with them...and half with u. Honestly i think a year more in an Euroleague team should be perfect for him but...Spurs r a sistem, he cannot learn it away, and i'm pretty sure Pop will be patient with him becuse his not coming to be a star or to be a important backup NOW, but he could show us his skills during regular season. Maybe he will be a great surprise for us, if will not...all is in the Spurs plan. he's not our bet to win a champ in 09 10, James will surely a SOLID player for '10 '11.

[poop]

So you think it will go something like KT starts, Bonner is first sub, then Ian or Gist?

god help us.