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allen has more upside
Man, I know you really like sato but now to mention kobe and sato in the same breath..
allen has more upside
Man, I know you really like sato but now to mention kobe and sato in the same breath..
In every article or interview I've ever read concerning Sato and the NBA, the issue of minutes is brought up by him or his agent. That seems to be the big stumbling block. And judging from how much he enjoys being a true star in the Italian league, I wonder if being told that he could play Tony Allen type minutes, or Raja Bell, or Keith Bogans type minutes would be a lure for him, or the final persuasive factor to make him stay in Europe. I'd love for him to give it a shot, but I could never begrudge a guy living the life of a star in Italy not wanting to move to San Antonio to be a bench warmer.
Yeah...that could wind up being the deal breaker. He has to understand that he will have to earn his minutes and that they will not be just handed to him.
That said, I think he could start at SG for the Spurs. I'm one of those that is not really in love with Hill starting. People that are enamored with Hill tend to forget how inconsistent he was last year. There were many times against better compe ion he was a no show. If these types of situations happen again, it means the Spurs have to go with a young player or have Manu play extra minutes. I'm far from in love with either of those options. I think Hill has a far better chance of succeeding if he plays with Manu on the second unit.
Sato's quite a bit bigger than Hill so if he is good as advertised defensively, then he could be a good fit on the perimeter in the starting linuep. Splitter coming over also changes the dynamic of the starting offense a bit. The Spurs will have three legit scoring options on the starting five...Parker, Duncan and Splitter. The rest of the starting unit should be expected to do two things well; shoot and defend. From what I've seen and heard from those whose opinions I respect, Sato has no problem doing either of these.
Yeah I agree with you on Hill. I don't like seeing him as a SG because it negates his length and turns him into an undersized defender, something the Spurs already have too much of. I'd rather see him with Manu so they can share bringing up the ball... also the reason I like Dominique Jones.
Montepaschi Siena just finished the sweep of AJ Milano...going a perfect 10-0 on the way to the championship. Sato's stats for the playoffs:
18.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0stl, 61% FG, 45% 3FG, 84% FT
Romain Sato!
Here's a little bit better highlight package from this season. He really does kinda play like a little bit bigger version of Hill.
ROMAIN SATO!!!
He's awesome possum.
Have I mentioned I really like this guy?
Impressive stats although I have no idea on the quality of that league.
Still from his "I will only come if there's minutes" qualifier...seems like the wrong kind of mindset for a guy that hasn't proved himself in the NBA.
Also says a lot that he has that at ude at the age of 29 --- seems like a weakness that he wouldn't be able to handle earning his role and he demands en lement. It really doesn't seem like he wants to truly compete and earn on the highest level of basketball compe ion which is understandable but not really Spurs material. And it whiffs of the Finley/Mason Jr. situation which isn't a good smell.
Would much rather have Hill though if its an either/or scenario since Hill has experience/chemistry in the system and in the playoffs. Hill's youth and significant improvements also lead me to believe that he has much more potential than Sato and Hill's been a great hard worker with none of that minutes bull .
Sato seems like another undersized player and the Spurs just don't need anyone, of any position, that's remotely undersized with guys like Parker, Hill, and Blair filling up the roster. Lakers have been dominating with their combination of size, talent, height, and length advantages and OKC, Portland, and Houston are also trying to match 'em.
Unless Parker or Hill gets traded out I don't see him coming over for the Spurs.
The bottom line is that the Spurs have to for it now. Tiaggo, Sato, Bourgouiss! I don't see the sense in drafting for the future. The future is now[2 years]. What top 5 pick has turned his team into a contender since Timmy? Gasol was a wimp until he got to play with Kobe. Bynum's deficiencies would be exposed if he were the go to guy on his team. We still have that go-to guy. Surround him with talent that can produce now. After-Timmy [AT] the Spurs will become mediocre until another miracle player falls into our laps. Sieze the day!!
Sato's a good guy. A REAL good guy. The Spurs absolutely loved him while he was with them. He's not asking to be given minutes, he's asking for the opportunity to prove himself. He doesn't want to come over and be stashed at the end of a bench, as well he shouldn't. He's a quality player that's perfectly capable of being a quality role player.
He's in a good position, playing in what's said to be the Italian's finest league and one of the better ones outside the NBA, so why would he want to take a pay cut (in all likelihood) and not get a chance to play? I don't have any problem with his reasoning.
It's not an either or. Sato would be playing the role Bogans was given the opportunity to. The "centerpiece" role isn't comical because it wasn't needed, the comedy was in the notion that any team vying for a championship would revolve around the success of a player that's lucky enough to see the floor. Hill's not built to play the "centerpiece" role. He's too talented and too small all at the same time. Sato's only about 2-inches taller but his length and strength has him capable of defending just as well as the 6-5 options the Spurs have or could acquire without a trade.Would much rather have Hill though if its an either/or scenario since Hill has experience/chemistry in the system and in the playoffs. Hill's youth and significant improvements also lead me to believe that he has much more potential than Sato and Hill's been a great hard worker with none of that minutes bull .
But you've got to ask yourself this: what's the alternative?Sato seems like another undersized player and the Spurs just don't need anyone, of any position, that's remotely undersized with guys like Parker, Hill, and Blair filling up the roster. Lakers have been dominating with their combination of size, talent, height, and length advantages and OKC, Portland, and Houston are also trying to match 'em.
Of course the Spurs would ideally add more length on the perimeter. But who's out there that they could get their hands on without a trade? I'd contend that while I'd much rather the Spurs have better length and size on the perimeter, there just isn't anyone out there available that's gonna bring the skill set to play that "centerpiece" role; James Jones is the closest they could get but he's not someone I trust to be there when they need a shot under pressure or maybe even be there period given his injury problems. It's not inconceivable that he could work out but what he possesses doesn't lead me to believe he's some no-brainer option, even with these limited pickings (which is saying something).
So then it comes down to the 6-5 crew and the ones that Sato can compare favorably to defensively. Bell's coming off a season-wrecking injury and is past his prime. There's a chance he could be helpful and just what they need; I'd argue there's a better chance he's not. Then you've got THG (Temple, Hairston and Gee). Temple's a 1-2 (not the "centerpiece" type), Hairston's a swing (3) and Gee's a 2-3. Hairston could definitely do a better job than Bogans, IMO. There isn't much, if any, doubt in my mind. But is he ready to be relied upon under championship pressure in what would be his first real season playing significant minutes? Maybe. I believe in the guy but, historically speaking, it usually takes a run or two before a player's ready for that. Is Gee capable of playing that role? I don't believe so. He's got the physical tools and athleticism to do it but I question whether he has the shot or mentality to do it. He's just a different player from what I know. He's a scorer that's definitely got the ability to play in the league, and he might actually be the better NBA player when compared to Hairston (in fact, I think most would say so judging solely on what they've shown at this level -- even if Malik didn't have the opportunity to showcase himself on a bad team like Washington) but I'm not sure he's the potential fit Hairston is. He might be, I won't pretend that I know the exact kind of strides he's made in his game as of late, but I don't tend to believe he is as of this moment.
So that's where Sato comes in. It's not about not wanting size and length, it's about wanting the best player available to them. Given that he'll come cheap, is in the prime of his career, possesses the skill set that could be a potential fit in the "centerpiece" role, and do it as well as any other player available to them out there ... he makes A LOT of sense.
When it all comes down to it, the problem with the Spurs is in their composition. Their 5 best players don't inhabit their very best lineup. They've got two players at the point position (Parker and Hill), one legit shooting guard (Manu), a rookie 4/5 in Splitter and a 5 in Duncan (which he no doubt is now). They need a "centerpiece" in that lineup. One of either Hill, Parker or Ginobili needs to be on the bench for end-game situations (depending on the cir stance) and playing Jefferson in whomever' stead he'd replace wouldn't give the Spurs enough spacing to execute offensively down the stretch; don't forget what it's like to have the Twin Tower-effect on the floor and how the offensive continuity needs a dead-eye or two to find efficiency.
So sans a trade ... I think Sato's pretty much the best they can hope for -- give me the talent and athletic prowess to get it done (i.e. Sato, Hairston, etc,), not the older specialist (i.e. Bell and alike) when the team's in need of youth to augment an older, less durable (in terms of stamina, recovery and injury) Big 3.
And you're welcome, benefactor!
From what posters including benefactor has led on, he does expect minutes. By deciding to stick around in a lesser league and having that "I want minutes or no deal" message - it says that he really doesn't want to truly compete in the NBA at this point in time. No need to run into another Finley or Mason Jr. situation, two guys who are otherwise also as classy as they come.
Yea a post earlier mentioned some kind of Hill or Sato scenario which is why I went on that tangent.It's not an either or. Sato would be playing the role Bogans was given the opportunity to. The "centerpiece" role isn't comical because it wasn't needed, the comedy was in the notion that any team vying for a championship would revolve around the success of a player that's lucky enough to see the floor. Hill's not built to play the "centerpiece" role. He's too talented and too small all at the same time. Sato's only about 2-inches taller but his length and strength has him capable of defending just as well as the 6-5 options the Spurs have or could acquire without a trade.
For Sato to play the Baby Bruce Bowen role he'd have to play SF and the Spurs are tiny enough as is imo. Lakers, Houston, Portland, OKC etc. all have players with a combination of height, size, and length that are already problems for the Spurs and they should look to getting bigger.
Hairston, other d-leaguers, draft pick, and possible trade scenario's especially since RJ will likely be traded. Spurs should realize that they need to get bigger since they get bullied by guys like Odom, Artest, and Jared Dudley. Those forwards seem to be able to secure easy boards and score easy points in the paint over the Spurs.But you've got to ask yourself this: what's the alternative?
Yea there's a ton of variables and to be honest none of who the Spurs have now, including Sato, seem like Baby Bowens. I expect the Spurs to be very active when it comes to trades and trying to move up in the draft so time will tell. Pretty much throwing a dart at this point.So then it comes down to the 6-5 crew and the ones that Sato can compare favorably to defensively. Bell's coming off a season-wrecking injury and is past his prime. There's a chance he could be helpful and just what they need; I'd argue there's a better chance he's not. Then you've got THG (Temple, Hairston and Gee). Temple's a 1-2 (not the "centerpiece" type), Hairston's a swing (3) and Gee's a 2-3. Hairston could definitely do a better job than Bogans, IMO. There isn't much, if any, doubt in my mind. But is he ready to be relied upon under championship pressure in what would be his first real season playing significant minutes? Maybe. I believe in the guy but, historically speaking, it usually takes a run or two before a player's ready for that. Is Gee capable of playing that role? I don't believe so. He's got the physical tools and athleticism to do it but I question whether he has the shot or mentality to do it. He's just a different player from what I know. He's a scorer that's definitely got the ability to play in the league, and he might actually be the better NBA player when compared to Hairston (in fact, I think most would say so judging solely on what they've shown at this level -- even if Malik didn't have the opportunity to showcase himself on a bad team like Washington) but I'm not sure he's the potential fit Hairston is. He might be, I won't pretend that I know the exact kind of strides he's made in his game as of late, but I don't tend to believe he is as of this moment.
Seems like a gamble to rely on a short player with limited NBA experience in Sato as the Spurs premier perimeter defender and I'm going to have to disagree about not wanting size and length since thats one of the main advantages that the Lakers exploited into grabbing a two-peat. Spurs got out-bullied by the Phoenix Suns since their starting five and bench were not only younger but was overall a bigger and longer playoffs squad.So that's where Sato comes in. It's not about not wanting size and length, it's about wanting the best player available to them. Given that he'll come cheap, is in the prime of his career, possesses the skill set that could be a potential fit in the "centerpiece" role, and do it as well as any other player available to them out there ... he makes A LOT of sense.
I do agree that the Spurs options are pretty slim at this point but I have a hard time believing that the Spurs will go smaller given how they're already undersized against the Suns, Lakers, Portland, etc.
I think its way too early to say that Sato's "pretty much the best they can hope for" given the likely trades that the Spurs will be making and likely will have another decent shot come Feb to make changes.When it all comes down to it, the problem with the Spurs is in their composition. Their 5 best players don't inhabit their very best lineup. They've got two players at the point position (Parker and Hill), one legit shooting guard (Manu), a rookie 4/5 in Splitter and a 5 in Duncan (which he no doubt is now). They need a "centerpiece" in that lineup. One of either Hill, Parker or Ginobili needs to be on the bench for end-game situations (depending on the cir stance) and playing Jefferson in whomever' stead he'd replace wouldn't give the Spurs enough spacing to execute offensively down the stretch; don't forget what it's like to have the Twin Tower-effect on the floor and how the offensive continuity needs a dead-eye or two to find efficiency.
So sans a trade ... I think Sato's pretty much the best they can hope for -- give me the talent and athletic prowess to get it done (i.e. Sato, Hairston, etc,), not the older specialist (i.e. Bell and alike) when the team's in need of youth to augment an older, less durable (in terms of stamina, recovery and injury) Big 3.
And you're welcome, benefactor!
You guys are also heavily assuming that he'll be able to defend premier wings like the centerpiece is supposed to which seems pretty questionable given his compe ion in Europe, height disadvantage, and limited NBA experience.
With Hairston no longer being eligible for Austin I think he'll have the opportunity to be the centerpiece. If he starts to disappoint, new trade acquisitions or drafted talent might start to take over.
Has anyone from the Spurs been in contact with Sato? Seems like the rumor mill is dry.
Still I really don't see the Spurs wanting to grab a 29 year old, undersized player with limited experience when they're already suffering on that end with Blair and Hill. They could try and grab a guy with some years in the league or prepare for the future with a draft pick and Toros players.
The Spurs need to upgrade talent-wise but imo they can't afford to do it by going with another undersized option especially one playing the coveted centerpiece role. They already get bullied by Jared Dudley, Odom, Artest, and it'd be a nightmare for the Spurs to try and defend against Melo, James, Durant, etc. The Spurs perimeter players lack the size and height to challenge easy points and grab key rebounds.
I am a Sato fan and would love to seem him on the team, but is there any indication that the Spurs are even remotely interested in signing him?
No, what you're implying is that his wanting a particular amount of playing time or role is a primadona act. It's not. It's common sense. He's got a good thing going and though his most ideal scenario would be to be playing in the NBA and being the next Anthony Parker, he's not looking to give it up to be a practice player or banished at the end of the bench. I can almost guarantee you if Pop told him the same thing he told Bogans prior to last year (which was obviously: You've got a real chance to be the "centerpiece" and we're looking for you to be it), Sato would take him up on it. I can almost guarantee it.
Again, we're talking an important role. If you would rather go Hairston, I'm not gonna hate on you. Malik's my guy and there's no one here that wants him to have a real shot or believes in him more. But you've got to look at this thing historically. Malik would be in his first real minutes as a significant piece to the puzzle. This role is vital and could prove to be essentially crucial. If the choice is between Hairston or Sato, for this kinda role, I've got to believe the majority goes with Sato. That's just being honest.For Sato to play the Baby Bruce Bowen role he'd have to play SF and the Spurs are tiny enough as is imo. Lakers, Houston, Portland, OKC etc. all have players with a combination of height, size, and length that are already problems for the Spurs and they should look to getting bigger.
Hairston, other d-leaguers, draft pick, and possible trade scenario's especially since RJ will likely be traded. Spurs should realize that they need to get bigger since they get bullied by guys like Odom, Artest, and Jared Dudley. Those forwards seem to be able to secure easy boards and score easy points in the paint over the Spurs.
They're going to have to go the trade route if they want a "centerpiece" with the requisite skill and size. I just don't see a way around it.Yea there's a ton of variables and to be honest none of who the Spurs have now, including Sato, seem like Baby Bowens. I expect the Spurs to be very active when it comes to trades and trying to move up in the draft so time will tell. Pretty much throwing a dart at this point.
Again, we're talking people available without trades. The only guy out there that could really be the defender we're looking for is McGuire. I love him as a role player and have wanted him on the team for a long time, but he lacks the shot the Spurs need. Unless the Spurs can can tweak the offense with a couple of shooters from the Big positions or otherwise, he's just not going to be able to play "centerpiece" minutes. He could do well situationally and in certain matchups, and God knows I'd want him before Bogans, but the shot just isn't there.Seems like a gamble to rely on a short player with limited NBA experience in Sato as the Spurs premier perimeter defender ...
I said it's not about not wanting size and length. Poorly worded sentence (most definitely) but never did I say I wouldn't prefer size and length. We're talking about making chicken salad here, not about having the ingredients to make whatever we want.and I'm going to have to disagree about not wanting size and length since thats one of the main advantages that the Lakers exploited into grabbing a two-peat. Spurs got out-bullied by the Phoenix Suns since their starting five and bench were not only younger but was overall a bigger and longer playoffs squad.
Sato, for all intents and purposes, is 6-5. He's not ideal, nor what they'd hope for, but you do the best with whatever the cir stance dictates. If they can make a trade for a Webster, Rush or someone of that ilk, by all means. That's a much better scenario and one I'll be openly rooting for. But if they can't and they're presented the pint-sized and or flawed options out there on the free-agent market? I can't see an overwhelming argument against Sato.I do agree that the Spurs options are pretty slim at this point but I have a hard time believing that the Spurs will go smaller given how they're already undersized against the Suns, Lakers, Portland, etc.
Let me know about all the free-agents or draft picks that are clearly better or as good as Sato to fulfill the "centerpiece" role . . .I think its way too early to say that Sato's "pretty much the best they can hope for" given the likely trades that the Spurs will be making and likely will have another decent shot come Feb to make changes.
Chicken salad.You guys are also heavily assuming that he'll be able to defend premier wings like the centerpiece is supposed to which seems pretty questionable given his compe ion in Europe, height disadvantage, and limited NBA experience.
We speculate here. It's what we do. We look at the holes and options available and assess how we'd go about masking or filling them. I'd say it's science but it's more like awesome.Has anyone from the Spurs been in contact with Sato? Seems like the rumor mill is dry.
28, IIRC, and it's about now. It's about finding the best available talent to fill the roles needed. Sato's in the prime of his career, one of the best overseas free-agents available and would cost the Spurs little more than a veteran minimum contract. And, again, let me know about these guys that are out there and I'll be glad to discuss. I just don't see any vets out there to come and fill this role adequately and sure as don't see a rookie that the Spurs could get that could come in here and do so. The player needs to both have the talent and seasoning to carry out the "centerpiece" role (I sure like quoting that today) and though Sato's seasoning has taken place overseas, it's still respectable and above or on par with anything available.Still I really don't see the Spurs wanting to grab a 29 year old, undersized player with limited experience when they're already suffering on that end with Blair and Hill. They could try and grab a guy with some years in the league or prepare for the future with a draft pick and Toros players.
Hope for size on the perimeter, pray for size on the perimeter, but just in case Jobu's out of Rum or God's in the can, pick up Sato and make some chicken salad . . .The Spurs need to upgrade talent-wise but imo they can't afford to do it by going with another undersized option especially one playing the coveted centerpiece role. They already get bullied by Jared Dudley, Odom, Artest, and it'd be a nightmare for the Spurs to try and defend against Melo, James, Durant, etc. The Spurs perimeter players lack the size and height to challenge easy points and grab key rebounds.
I remembered when they drafted him. He seemed like Spurs material at the time - foreign born, spoke something like 7 languages - but is even more so now that he's improved his game playing overseas.
I'm curious if his offensive skills will make any impact in the NBA. But, all we're hoping for is someone to hit an open jumper. Unless something has changed, he should be very coachable and play hard defense.
He sounds like a decent option. After the draft we'll have a better idea what pieces we have and what we need. He's no savior but not a bad option.
Babbitt!!!
So is it possible to get both Splitter and Sato this offseason?
I would say yes. But as dbestpro mentioned, would there be even any interest between the two parties?
Blackjack...
Just a couple of things for clarity.
First off, I do NOT want Sato coming in as the primary backup SF. I would rather use the draft to fill that role or see Hairston get minutes. I see him replacing Roger Mason Jr. at SG and playing a few minutes here and there at SF when the lineups allow it(a smaller opposing SF and three guard lineups). Manu should not be playing more than 25 mpg during the regular season from here on out and Hill should take all the backup point minutes and some minutes at SG. With Tony at 33 min, Hill at 25-28, and Manu around or a little less than 25 that will leave around 17-20 mpg for Sato(this includes 5-7 minutes at SF per the cir stances above).
Speaking of minutes, I do stand by what I said above...though Blackjack makes a good point in that Sato could have said it with the understanding that he will have to earn them. Whatever the case, I think if he really wanted to come and the Spurs really wanted him an understanding could be reached. Sato has said himself that San Antonio is one of his two favorite cities(Siena being the other) and that Tim Duncan is one of his favorite players, so that's a pretty good start.
The linchpin in all of this is that the Spurs need quality depth...and they need it as cheap as possible. If Sato will agree to come at less than the LLE I don't see where the issue lies. TBQH, I'd be surprised if the Spurs didn't at least gauge interest since they drafted him and he has developed into a really good player in Europe. This has been the Spurs MO for what, the past decade?
Yea with Sato there are some interesting questions since he does seem like a very intriguing prospect...
1. Any real news about Sato actually coming to the NBA in recent months or the Spurs renewing interest?
2. Do the Spurs feel like Sato, a player thats seemingly inexperienced and undersized (around 6-3 with shoes from draft express and ESPN's draft page), is worth guaranteeing minutes? Even though the Spurs already get bullied in the paint and the glass by guys like Jared Dudley and Ron Artest?
3. Why hasn't Sato gotten more attention from the Spurs especially given that Mason Jr., Bogans, and a year ago, Udoka, were able to log minutes?
4. Can Sato come over for cheap or does he make a decent amount of coin that the Spurs have to match?
Sato seems like a good player to try and call on if there's no other prospect. However it'd be plain stupid if the Spurs weren't active in trade talks since their weaknesses are too glaring to be fixed otherwise.
Imo the centerpiece position is still one that requires size and height in addition to length especially given the undersized players already on the roster. The Spurs already struggle against teams with height, size, and length advantages and that makes up most of the West's premier ballclubs including the two-peat champion. The Spurs also have no real answers defensively against the premier 2's and 3's of the league.
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