Scrimmage Thoughts - Oct. 4, 2009

[Summers]

Thanks for the write-up! Can't wait for the season to start!

[TD 21]

I agree 100% on Ian. His lack of effort and the way he seems uninterested is alarming to me. I don't know what it will take to motivate the guy to play hard, but you would think having his first real chance to prove himself would be enough.

My hope is that Ratliff takes him under his wing this season and can hopefully get him to compete harder and play with at least a slight amount more aggression and tenacity. It's apparent at this point that he'll obviously never be like Blair in this regard, but he can somewhat improve in this area.

His position in the NBA will primarily be center, despite his lack of overwhelming girth. His job will be first and foremost to guard the basket, then rebound the ball and finally run the floor. It's a role Ratliff has played and generally played well, for years. There should be a logical connection there.

[Bruno]

Some of you are reading too much into a practice.

[TD 21]

Some of you are reading too much into a practice.

Unfortunately, I didn't see it (at least not yet), so all I have to go on is the opinion of those who did. Based on that, it sounds to me like little has changed in Mahinmi's game. He's now 22 (going on 23) and was drafted 4 years ago. I know he missed virtually all of last season, but he should be further along than he is.

For example, from summer league until now, all I've seen or heard with regards to Hill is how he "looks like a different player". Everyone can see it. While he had his moments in summer league, I don't recall anyone saying the same for Mahinmi.

[mazerrackham]

Anybody notice that RJ didn't get the memo that Timmy is a PF? He called him a center in his interview.

[DPG21920]

With Ian, this is not based off of one practice. His SL performance last year was the same way. He played very poorly and he seemed to not care or put forth a good effort.

He has said before he wants his shot with the Spurs, but his energy level does not reflect this in my opinion.

However, I have high hopes for Ian and I have always said I think he is a player that will play better against better compe ion. I just hope that is the truth and I hope the Spurs FO are ok with his work ethic.

[Libri]

timvp, you should start a website with your own articles

Spurs Talk

[My Fault]

Unfortunately, I didn't see it (at least not yet), so all I have to go on is the opinion of those who did. Based on that, it sounds to me like little has changed in Mahinmi's game. He's now 22 (going on 23) and was drafted 4 years ago. I know he missed virtually all of last season, but he should be further along than he is.

For example, from summer league until now, all I've seen or heard with regards to Hill is how he "looks like a different player". Everyone can see it. While he had his moments in summer league, I don't recall anyone saying the same for Mahinmi.

He has not had the NBA time Hill has...

[angelbelow]

Thanks for the recap!

[Buddy Holly]

When and how did you get those? I was there and didn't know anything about it. Was it for the first 500 people or something? Or was it after the game?

Staff were handing the paper certificates to people as they exited the main entrance. I got it and I thought it was just a flier with some ticket package reminder or something, I was about to throw it away when I just last second decided to read it.

I was in line for about 10 minutes, not moving anywhere when I was told I was in some "fake" line that someone started by accident and the end of the real lines were way over there....

I left. lol

[TD 21]

With Ian, this is not based off of one practice. His SL performance last year was the same way. He played very poorly and he seemed to not care or put forth a good effort.

He has said before he wants his shot with the Spurs, but his energy level does not reflect this in my opinion.

Surprising as it may seem, I actually agree with you.

My point exactly. It's not just "one practice", it's a continuation of bad habits/body language. That's what makes his development or lack thereof alarming.

He has not had the NBA time Hill has...

Maybe so, but Hill is clearly developing far more rapidly than is Mahinmi. They say "big men take longer" and that's fine, but how much longer should the Spurs wait on this guy? Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give up on him yet, but he has to show some type of progress this season if he's to ever become a consistent contributor, even though he's likely to see limited minutes.

[DPG21920]

I don't really have a problem with his game or development, just his energy level and work ethic. He has progressed decently with his game and has shown many flashes of talent, but I have seen him look uninterested too many times.

You can probably attribute that to the fact he wants to play with the Spurs and he has been frustrated by injuries. This is just one scrimmage, but everyone else seemed to be flying around. I certainly hope when the real preseason games start, that Ian will show his true passion.

[Kamnik]

Thanks timvp!

Love reading these summaries like 99% posters here

[bigdog]

It was good to see the scrimmage today. I got the 2 free tickets to the game on Tuesday, so we'll see how that turns out.

[Libri]

I don't really have a problem with his game or development, just his energy level and work ethic. He has progressed decently with his game and has shown many flashes of talent, but I have seen him look uninterested too many times.

You can probably attribute that to the fact he wants to play with the Spurs and he has been frustrated by injuries. This is just one scrimmage, but everyone else seemed to be flying around. I certainly hope when the real preseason games start, that Ian will show his true passion.

If he's lazy, then we can't expect him to improve much. Pop isn't going to tolerate this.

[callo1]

can't read into one scrim much, just glad the season is coming soon.

[timtonymanu]

i know it was just a scrimmage but could the starters of both teams possibly be the 1st and 2nd unit.

1st unit - Parker, Mason, Jefferson,Dice, Duncan
2nd unit - Hill, Manu, Finley, Haislip, Bonner

although I think Blair should be replacing Bonner.

[raspsa]

I too find it disturbing that Ian seems to have motivation issues at this point in his carreer. When interviewed he says the right things about wanting to compete and prove himself.. blah..blah.. but actions speak louder than words.

I don't know if he's been affected by all the injuries in the past and he's being cautious but if he's healthy, this training camp is his best opportunity to prove himself. He has a contract but he should not be complacent.. maybe at the back of his mind he knows he can always go back to Europe.. who knows whats going thru his head? Wake up Ian before its too late.

[Mr. Body]

Marcus Williams has more desire to play the game than Ian, it seems, but doesn't have the physical tools. I wouldn't expect either to be on the team at the end of the year.

[TD 21]

i know it was just a scrimmage but could the starters of both teams possibly be the 1st and 2nd unit.

1st unit - Parker, Mason, Jefferson,Dice, Duncan
2nd unit - Hill, Manu, Finley, Haislip, Bonner

although I think Blair should be replacing Bonner.

If you were to list the Spurs likely starters and the rotation players off the bench, 9 of the 10 players you listed would be in the places they are, but to see Haislip in with the 2nd unit, ahead of Blair or even Ratliff, is surprising. I realize that we shouldn't read too much into one scrimmage, but I had previously suspected that Haislip would primarily be the 5th-6th big man this season. This gives me (at least some) reason to re-think this.

[ooshmay]

Glad it wasn't just me who thought Blair looked great. I'm excited!

Yea im still wondering how he fell to the spurs in the draft.. he is a beast!

[SenorSpur]

Wow! A write-up from scirmmage? Totally unexpected, yet very much appreciated.

Seeing as how us out-of-towners, don't have access to scirmmages and preseason games, these summaries are indeed a god-send.

Can't wait to see how the rest of the month shakes out.

Thanks again!

[Kool Bob Love]

can't read into one scrim much, just glad the season is coming soon.

qft!

[duncan228]

Seeing as how us out-of-towners, don't have access to scirmmages and preseason games, these summaries are indeed a god-send.

If you didn't get to watch, Spurs.com will have today's scrimmage up later.


Thanks for the thoughts timvp. It feels good to have the team and SpursTalk in gear for the season.

[TIMMYD!]

Anybody notice that RJ didn't get the memo that Timmy is a PF? He called him a center in his interview.

He was probably just ing with him.