Scrimmage Thoughts - Oct. 4, 2009

[EricB]

No it is not. It is a legit complaint that many people notice. It is not just one practice; this has been a problem for a while now. Today just made it visible to the masses.

Ooo he didn't play "fired up" for a fan's show.

Dear me...

[DPG21920]

What don't you understand about the fact it was not about today? This has been a problem with Ian and many have said so. Today just reiterated the problem. If this is Tim taking it easy, no problem.

But this is a guy who has done this in SL before and other situations and he is a guy that is supposed to be fighting for his spot on this team.

You don't have to stick up for everyone (McDonald, Pop, Bonner, Mason, Ian....). Sometimes, people or players do negative things. No one is saying Ian should be dropped because of this, but it is a recurring problem that needs to be addressed. I really hope Ian shows his game off, because the Spurs can use him.

[HarlemHeat37]

I'll reserve me judgment until pre-season..I still wouldn't get rid of him though..he's clearly full of potential, and I guess that's why it's frustrating to so many people..it's nice to see Tony feeding him though, so I'm sure we'll see what Ian can bring in pre-season..

I do agree that he lacks energy at times..let's see how he performs in the important games..

Hairston has to make this team..I don't know what else he needs to do..he produced when he was given NBA time..he was our most consistent player in SL IMO..he's already better than Bogans IMO..

[EricB]

What don't you understand about the fact it was not about today? This has been a problem with Ian and many have said so. Today just reiterated the problem. If this is Tim taking it easy, no problem.

But this is a guy who has done this in SL before and other situations and he is a guy that is supposed to be fighting for his spot on this team.

You don't have to stick up for everyone (McDonald, Pop, Bonner, Mason, Ian....). Sometimes, people or players do negative things. No one is saying Ian should be dropped because of this, but it is a recurring problem that needs to be addressed. I really hope Ian shows his game off, because the Spurs can use him.

What do you not understand that I'm not gonna include today with some other BS observation.

The guy averages 20 something a game in the NBDL and is "uninterested" big bleeping deal, I'll take uninterested and averaging that every day of the week.

Whatever. You guys want to put any credence into a go through the motions blah fans show, go right ahead.

[EricB]

I'll reserve me judgment until pre-season..I still wouldn't get rid of him though..he's clearly full of potential, and I guess that's why it's frustrating to so many people..it's nice to see Tony feeding him though, so I'm sure we'll see what Ian can bring in pre-season..

I do agree that he lacks energy at times..let's see how he performs in the important games..

Hairston has to make this team..I don't know what else he needs to do..he produced when he was given NBA time..he was our most consistent player in SL IMO..he's already better than Bogans IMO..

Marcus Williams, Dwayne Jones, Jurrels adios.

That simple.

How Marcus williams is STILL THERE is BEYOND me.

[byrdman31]

i had a great time at the practice today. i got there late as well but it was alright. i was impressed by tony and manu, they seem like they are in mid season shape already. Timmy seemed slow but at least he won the 3 point contest and blair shows alot of potential and looked like a beast for a few plays, i cant wait for the season.

and i got 4 free tix to the houston game and 8 for the olympiakos. great time, great event.

[DPG21920]

I'll reserve me judgment until pre-season..I still wouldn't get rid of him though..he's clearly full of potential, and I guess that's why it's frustrating to so many people..it's nice to see Tony feeding him though, so I'm sure we'll see what Ian can bring in pre-season..

I do agree that he lacks energy at times..let's see how he performs in the important games..

Hairston has to make this team..I don't know what else he needs to do..he produced when he was given NBA time..he was our most consistent player in SL IMO..he's already better than Bogans IMO..

Exactly. No one is damning Ian to basketball purgatory. People are making a very obvious observation about his game and a problem area. I have said many times I feel Ian will play better against better compe ion. Lets see what happens when pre season rolls around and early regular season. He is going to get his chance, I just hope he is ready. It would mean so much to this team if he could produce.

Hairston is a NBA player. The only question is at what level. If he can hit 3's at a good clip and continue to defend like he has shown before, he can be a solid rotational player.

[Blackjack]

* BLACKJACK21 has taken artistic-license and or plagiarized the OP. timvp neither endorses nor is associated with the following post. *

For those of us who can't wait for the 2009-10 San Antonio Spurs season to begin, Sunday's intrasquad scrimmage was a much anticipated sneak peek of what's to come. With each member of the team in action and each side running regular season plays, it was really a fun event to behold, and one that would elicit the first offering from a scribe they call timvp.

- In the wake of an early-round loss to the Mavs, timvp clearly had plenty of time to mend the bumps and bruises. It was said that he was beginning to show the signs of a man being struck down in his prime by the plague that is carpal tunnel, but with the help of a Spurs -- Talk -- staff he seems to have been able to at least thwart it for the time being.

- His observations seem to be on point and he doesn't seem to be under the influence of any controlled or uncontrolled substance. The sentence structure and grammar was pretty much on point and his post was done in a very timely manner; another good indicator that he wasn't under the influence.

- The information was solid and thorough, even if not mid-season form; clearly the lack of images and creativity with the post, artistically, indicate he's not quite in game-shape. Hey, it's training camp and he's a vet so it's to be expected. It's a long season and I'd much rather he start a little slow and finish strong to prevent any flare-ups or burn-out.

- Finally, the long break, combined with the additions made by the Spurs, seem to be just what the Dr. ordered for what turned out to be one basketball-weary hoops junky. Had the Spurs returned with the same roster, I just don't think timvp could've got in front of the computer and done his thing without feeling a bit like he was just spinning the wheels. Pop and RC's vision, combined with Mr. Holt's wallet, have brought the needed enthusiasm and optimism to bring this member of the Message Board Hall of Fame the fuel to get the job done at least one more time.


All in all, the scrimmage highlighted the depth of this Spurs squad while giving us a glimpse as to what to expect from this year's Game Thoughts. A lot of work still needs to be done but the talent is at hand.

Next up, the start of preseason on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets.

[duncan228]

Well done BLACKJACK21.

[Manufan909]

* BLACKJACK21 has taken artistic-license and or plagiarized the OP. timvp neither endorses nor is associated with the following post. *

For those of us who can't wait for the 2009-10 San Antonio Spurs season to begin, Sunday's intrasquad scrimmage was a much anticipated sneak peek of what's to come. With each member of the team in action and each side running regular season plays, it was really a fun event to behold, and one that would elicit the first offering from a scribe they call timvp.

- In the wake of an early-round loss to the Mavs, timvp clearly had plenty of time to mend the bumps and bruises. It was said that he was beginning to show the signs of a man being struck down in his prime by the plague that is carpal tunnel, but with the help of a Spurs -- Talk -- staff he seems to have been able to at least thwart it for the time being.

- His observations seem to be on point and he doesn't seem to be under the influence of any controlled or uncontrolled substance. The sentence structure and grammar was pretty much on point and his post was done in a very timely manner; another good indicator that he wasn't under the influence.

- The information was solid and thorough, even if not mid-season form; clearly the lack of images and creativity with the post, artistically, indicate he's not quite in game-shape. Hey, it's training camp and he's a vet so it's to be expected. It's a long season and I'd much rather he start a little slow and finish strong to prevent any flare-ups or burn-out.

- Finally, the long break, combined with the additions made by the Spurs, seem to be just what the Dr. ordered for what turned out to be one basketball-weary hoops junky. Had the Spurs returned with the same roster, I just don't think timvp could've got in front of the computer and done his thing without feeling a bit like he was just spinning the wheels. Pop and RC's vision, combined with Mr. Holt's wallet, have brought the needed enthusiasm and optimism to bring this member of the Message Board Hall of Fame the fuel to get the job done at least one more time.


All in all, the scrimmage highlighted the depth of this Spurs squad while giving us a glimpse as to what to expect from this year's Game Thoughts. A lot of work still needs to be done but the talent is at hand.

Next up, the start of preseason on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets.

[Sdayi135]

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.

Bonner should be behind whoever gets the 15th spot on the roster.

[Manufan909]

Bonner should be behind whoever gets the 15th spot on the roster.

MW should be behind everyone. Especially after letting Pop and them get hyped up, and proceeding to blow NO ONE away, when Hairston continues to impress, and got cut last season to make room for Marcus.

[angelbelow]

Marcus Williams, Dwayne Jones, Jurrels adios.

That simple.

How Marcus williams is STILL THERE is BEYOND me.

What did Marcus average in the D-league? If you want to give Ian the benefit of the doubt at LEAST not jump to conclusion on Marcus.

[timvp]

I agree 100% on Ian. His lack of effort and the way he seems uninterested is alarming to me.

It's difficult for me to figure out what the issue is with Mahinmi. It looks like an effort issue but perhaps the fact that he's still so raw makes it appear as if he's not giving maximum effort. His slow and deliberate moves may be because he's not sure what he wants to do.

Or maybe he's still injured from the French NT play. Whatever the case may be, he didn't look right during the scrimmage. Hopefully whatever it is that is making him play slow motion at times is cleared up at some point before the regular season.

Bogans contract is guaranteed.

Yeah. Waiving him would cost the team about $1.65M I believe. Add in the salary for the replacement player and it'd be a pretty hefty sum to swallow. But the Spurs have eaten guaranteed contracts in somewhat similar situations.

I think Bogans will make the team because the Spurs need a defensive wing off the bench but I think they can maneuver if necessary.

- Finally, the long break, combined with the additions made by the Spurs, seem to be just what the Dr. ordered for what turned out to be one basketball-weary hoops junky.

Nicely done.

Yeah, it feels like five years since Game 5 against the Mavs. That was a long, loong, looooong summer.

What did Marcus average in the D-league? If you want to give Ian the benefit of the doubt at LEAST not jump to conclusion on Marcus.

That's what I was thinking. I don't get how he can point to Mahinmi's D-League stats in one post and then bash Williams in another post when Williams put up stats as good or better than Mahinmi.

[Muser]

As people have said, Hairston needs to make the team ahead of Williams. In Hairstons minutes of action in the NBA he's shown he can be a solid role player, Williams hasn't.

As for Ian, raw or not i'd like the Spurs to hang on to him. Athletic 7 footers don't come along very often.

[jalberto]

[spursfan1000]

Glad to see Manu is healthy and Blair is living to his expectations. I was not able to attend.

[Darkwaters]

As for Ian, raw or not i'd like the Spurs to hang on to him. Athletic 7 footers don't come along very often.

Just FYI, Ian is not a 7 footer either. He was 6'9 when the Spurs drafted him and is generally listed as 6'10 now. Generally if a team is going to "lie" about a player's height it's to make him sound taller, not shorter. I doubt hes really 7 foot and they just say hes 6'9/10.

Anyways, thats neither here nor there. At this point I think you waive Marcus Williams (I've never been a fan), Jerrels and Jones and roll with what you've got.

Thats a solid roster and even if Mahinmi is underachieving he still deserves a roster spot. I'm not sure where Ian fits into the rotation (if at all), but he should probably get some good minutes in preseason and early regular season to see how he reacts. Chances are looking more and more likely that he won't be on the roster next season though. If Haislip and Blair perform well and Splitter is inbound then I'm not sure how he fits in the long-term plans anyways. We'll just have to see.

Bogans might end up being a 15th man if we're lucky. And that wouldn't be such a bad thing. Having a guy like Bogans deep on the bench is nice insurance just in case.

[Gervin44Silas13]

Blair looked Good!!!!
Can't wait for Friday's game free Tix , yeah it's preseason but who cares!!!!!

[raspsa]

I disagree. Good players want to win and excel in every compe ive venue, even scrimagess. I bet Manu and the other stars were focused and involved because that is their nature and the reason they are stars.

It's even more disappointing at ude from a player who hasn't proven he belongs on an NBA roster yet.

My sentiments too. Ian should be exerting maximum effort in this training camp. We'll see if he can pick it up hopefully.

[Ditty]

I got there at 9:30 in the morning and there was only 2 groups of people there we ended up going to mcdonalds was the 5th person in line with my friends when we came back

I sat 4th row right in the middle behind the iceman

blair looked amazing he is going to be a player he is agressive and just used his strength to push guys out of the way

hairston was probably one of the best players out there IMO, he looked like he improved his dribbiling and is not afraid to attack the rim, his shot wasn't on target but it lookes alot better, and his defense is great he made jefferson take some tough shots but jefferson just made him cuz he that damn good

Parker looked like he wasn't playing that hard he was just trying to pass and get other guys in the game I almost caught his towel btw but the lady next to me ended up catching it

Ginobili 3 pointer is automatic he can shoot and still take it to the hole i hope we see the 2005 and 2008 Ginobili

Duncan had a bad game and looked frustrated but could still get any shot he wants

Bonner looked great and I'm not a big fan of his and probably heard me yell at telling him that he needs to play like this in the regular season. he was knocking down 3's playing good defense. him and haslip should fight for minutes.

Hill looked so confident out there and looked like a leader and played great defense on Tony, offensive game lookes like he can score at will now

jefferson had a bad 1st half but showed that he can played solid defense, but in the 2nd he looked like a all star shooting over hairston who was guarding him tough.

Mason looked great and more comfortable this year he was shooting lights out and looks in great shape and attacked the rim on the fast break and defense looks better also which will help

Theo was a grat leader yelling at everyone and altering shots and playing tough defense on Tim

Ian has so much pontential but might not have that true work ethic, he can knock down that outside shot but he needs a better post game, but he is playing better defense and him and theo should be fighting in preseason to see who backs up Tim

Finley looked great knocking down shots and his defense was solid i think he will be backing up jefferson this year if he continues to play like that

Bogan didn't play well offensively but defenseivly he played great but will be a good role player

[Kool Bob Love]

[Ginobilly]

It's difficult for me to figure out what the issue is with Mahinmi. It looks like an effort issue but perhaps the fact that he's still so raw makes it appear as if he's not giving maximum effort. His slow and deliberate moves may be because he's not sure what he wants to do.

Or maybe he's still injured from the French NT play. Whatever the case may be, he didn't look right during the scrimmage. Hopefully whatever it is that is making him play slow motion at times is cleared up at some point before the regular season.



Yeah. Waiving him would cost the team about $1.65M I believe. Add in the salary for the replacement player and it'd be a pretty hefty sum to swallow. But the Spurs have eaten guaranteed contracts in somewhat similar situations.

I think Bogans will make the team because the Spurs need a defensive wing off the bench but I think they can maneuver if necessary.



Nicely done.

Yeah, it feels like five years since Game 5 against the Mavs. That was a long, loong, looooong summer.



That's what I was thinking. I don't get how he can point to Mahinmi's D-League stats in one post and then bash Williams in another post when Williams put up stats as good or better than Mahinmi.

How long does it freakin take you to learn how play ball? If you could play you could play! No more excuses for ian. Did you Blair out there? He's 20 years old and he's hustling for loose balls/Skying high for rebounds/ using his body to box out/running the break with ginobili. How hard could that ing be if your a pro getting millions of dollars? I've seen people at the YMCA play with more energy and heart/bb IQ that I've seen Ian play. I'm hate doing this, but I'm going to paraphrase Stephen A Smith. "Ian is a bonafide scrub that simply cannot play the game of basketball". Sadly, it just seems too complicated for him.

I hope he proves me wrong though!

[Ginobilly]

Hairston is a NBA player. The only question is at what level. If he can hit 3's at a good clip and continue to defend like he has shown before, he can be a solid rotational player.[/QUOTE]


I agree. The only thing missing from his arsenal is a jumpshot, but he has all the physical tools needed to make it in the NBA.

[dbestpro]

I like Hairston but I do not see him making the team. There simply is no room for him to play. SF/SG slots are filled with Mason, Manu, Jefferson, Finley, Bogans, and Haislip (PF/SF). That's three deep.

The only spot open for the 15th spot is at PG. So, unless Malik can learn to play point he is gone. This is the only reason Williams has a better chance to make the team. If Marcus does not improve I look for both Malik and Marcus to be cut with the Spurs filling the 15th spot with a PG from the waiver wire.