International Prospect: Romain Sato

[Cane]

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?

Ah this is a pretty quality post and makes me more open to Sato as being a replacement for Mason Jr. than trying to be a baby Bowen. Even though I wasn't much of a fan of that Duncan topic but the season did have its lows; you definitely deserve the Spurstalk honors with posts like the ones here

Sato still is the wrong direction in terms of addressing height/size but if he can be had for cheap then the Spurs really should pick him up on the roster especially if his defense and 3 point shot comes with him.

[benefactor]

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?

Nothing right now. It's all speculation. However, the fact that he was picked by the Spurs and developed well in Europe makes one wonder if the Spurs might revisit him.

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?

Dudley and Artest are two different players. Artest is more of a PF and Dudley is a SF. That said, I think Sato could probably guard a player Dudley's size. Dudley is taller but length-wise they are basically the same. Those that have seen him play say he is very active on the boards.

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?

Sato has been under contract with Montepaschi Siena for the past four seasons and just became a free agent this year. I'm not sure if there was any kind of buyout stipulation.

4. Can Sato come over for cheap or does he make a decent amount of coin that the Spurs have to match?

I was thinking that it would take the LLE, but there have been others that have said that it would not take that much. If they can get somewhere between the vet minimum and the LLE, then it's a pretty good deal.

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.

I don't know if he could defend the bigger 3's...but I don't see him having much problem with most of the 2's in the league. Tony Allen and Sato and close to the same size and Allen did a pretty good job on Kobe in the finals.

Honestly, I think the Spurs answer defensively is centered more around the team defense improving more than any one player being brought in...but that is a discussion for another thread.

[Cane]

Thanks for taking the time, this place is awesome for discussion...shame the NBA board can't be the same

[Blackjack]

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).

That's the thing, though. The Spurs' best lineup when they were whole, the one that found the most cohesiveness and continuity, consisted of Bogans starting. That's a legitimate possibility for Romain should the Spurs look to get him back in the fold, and it could be a real win-win in that the Spurs could have a legitimate player in the rotation that allows them to find the continuity, cohesiveness and balance they found with Bogans, while being able to limit minutes for the likes of Ginobili.

I realize it's less than ideal to have a big, long 6-3 guy playing minutes at the 2/3. But when you weigh the pros and cons of all the individuals out there the Spurs are capable of acquiring (without a trade) or just ask yourself how the Spurs would have faired last year if Bogans had been Sato when they were all healthy, how would you view Romain in that context? Is it that inconceivable to believe the Spurs could've played as well and probably better with Sato than they did with Bogans -- let us not forget that while the top of Sato's head would preferably stand 2-inches higher ... this guy's length makes Blair and Hill's almost look normal; and let us not also forget that Sato would have offensive advantages most nights and bring more to the table as an overall player than any of the Spurs' role players at the position in recent memory.

I've heard Bruno, a guy that knows a thing or two about the financial side of things and the type of contracts one might garner, that Sato could be had for maybe no more than a veteran-minimum deal. Maybe a little more, maybe whatever's left from the MLE after Splitter's paid, but we're talking a real affordable player that has a legitimate opportunity to start. Legitimate in that, he's an actual NBA-type player that would actually warrant the minutes.

What a concept . . .

I guess I've got to come up with another movement, eh?

The Sato Locos?

[TimmehC]

Sato Locos

Count me in, even though I don't post here all that much.

[The Truth #6]

Blackjack,

What offensive advantages would Sato bring? I'm of the opinion that offense would be his vulnerability with rebounding and defense as his advantage.

Are you implying his offensives skills are inherently too much for the average NBA player? I'm not expecting that but would be happy if it came to be.

[The Truth #6]

After reading again I'm assuming you're saying his offensive advantages are in comparison to Bogan's anemic contributions?

[Blackjack]

Blackjack,

What offensive advantages would Sato bring? I'm of the opinion that offense would be his vulnerability with rebounding and defense as his advantage.

Are you implying his offensives skills are inherently too much for the average NBA player? I'm not expecting that but would be happy if it came to be.

Well, he's gonna have a quickness and speed advantage on most nights and give you a similar look to Hill alongside Tony, only he's a bigger more polished player. Actually, Hill's a pretty decent comparison, at least as it pertains to the type of game he brings and look you could expect to see. But I think his polish (comparatively speaking) allows him to be a more competent threat when he's forced to make a scoring decision that's not unabated -- if Hill was a running back, you'd say he exploits the hole more than creates one with his decisions or power. He'd see the lane, stick his foot in the ground and get downhill quick. IMO, this is due in large part to the fact that he's still developing his ball skills and finding his way at the position against a superior level of compe ion. It'll come ... but it takes more than a year-and-a-half to two-years to develop and adjust at this level coming from an IUPUI.

Sato reminded me a bit of Barbosa in his movements and in the way they both utilized their spot-up 3 and slashing games, but Romain's really come a long way in his stroke and filled out his in-between game -- one of these YouTube's on here showed moves that mirrored Mayo and Kobe in particular instances, which, if nothing else, just shows you that he's got actual game and had significant growth in his individual skills. Don't get it twisted, I'm not saying he's comparable to those guys as players, just that he's got a couple of drives and finishes around the rim and from 10-15 that do a decent impersonation. Everything I've seen and heard led me to believe he'd be a solid role player in the league. All that I've heard recently, from guys that I respect, has only strengthened that opinion and led me to believe he'd be as good or better than I thought as a role player.

He's a different player Anthony Parker, both in terms of size and game, but I wouldn't be shocked in the least if he didn't have some similar success. And if the Spurs were to pick him up ... he'd have to be one of the best and most skilled players they've had in a while that inhabited their supporting cast. At least when you look at the vets and low-cost options they've brought in perennially to surround the Big 3.

[manufan10]

I read through all 5 pages, and I'm sold. Bring him in. Make it happen!

Sato Locos 4ever!

[manufan10]

thanks for taking the time, this place is awesome for discussion...shame the nba board can't be the same

+1

[The Truth #6]

Well, he's gonna have a quickness and speed advantage on most nights and give you a similar look to Hill alongside Tony, only he's a bigger more polished player. Actually, Hill's a pretty decent comparison, at least as it pertains to the type of game he brings and look you could expect to see. But I think his polish (comparatively speaking) allows him to be a more competent threat when he's forced to make a scoring decision that's not unabated -- if Hill was a running back, you'd say he exploits the hole more than creates one with his decisions or power. He'd see the lane, stick his foot in the ground and get downhill quick. IMO, this is due in large part to the fact that he's still developing his ball skills and finding his way at the position against a superior level of compe ion. It'll come ... but it takes more than a year-and-a-half to two-years to develop and adjust at this level coming from an IUPUI.

Sato reminded me a bit of Barbosa in his movements and in the way they both utilized their spot-up 3 and slashing games, but Romain's really come a long way in his stroke and filled out his in-between game -- one of these YouTube's on here showed moves that mirrored Mayo and Kobe in particular instances, which, if nothing else, just shows you that he's got actual game and had significant growth in his individual skills. Don't get it twisted, I'm not saying he's comparable to those guys as players, just that he's got a couple of drives and finishes around the rim and from 10-15 that do a decent impersonation. Everything I've seen and heard led me to believe he'd be a solid role player in the league. All that I've heard recently, from guys that I respect, has only strengthened that opinion and led me to believe he'd be as good or better than I thought as a role player.

He's a different player Anthony Parker, both in terms of size and game, but I wouldn't be shocked in the least if he didn't have some similar success. And if the Spurs were to pick him up ... he'd have to be one of the best and most skilled players they've had in a while that inhabited their supporting cast. At least when you look at the vets and low-cost options they've brought in perennially to surround the Big 3.

I'm in favor of the Spurs considering Sato to see if he would successfully fit into the System. For me, I think it's too soon to say how he'll fair. I too trust Bruno and Mountainballer's opinions, but Youtube highlight tapes are usually one-sided in my opinion, and therefore potentially misleading.

From what I gather I think he can be a solid NBA role player. I agree with you there. And the level of Anthony Parker seems about right. I disagree that an NBA role player will have a speed and quickness advantage most nights. With the elite level of athleticism in the NBA I don't see how Sato should be considered to hold a distinct advantage. I'd love to be wrong. Are you referencing statistics from his draft combines?

[Blackjack]

I'm in favor of the Spurs considering Sato to see if he would successfully fit into the System. For me, I think it's too soon to say how he'll fair. I too trust Bruno and Mountainballer's opinions, but Youtube highlight tapes are usually one-sided in my opinion, and therefore potentially misleading.

YouTube's pretty much worthless if you're going to base your opinion on the type of player someone is. What it is decent for is to note individual skills, moves and techniques, whether it be shooting form, how compact someone moves with and without the ball and certain aspects that can't deceive the eye because of compe ion or the nature of the highlight package; and often times you can actually get a decent read on a player with a good amount of separate highlight films because you begin to see what's consistently highlighted and what strangely seems missing -- highlights are there to put one in the best light and displaying what a player doesn't do well or fails at always seems to find its way on the cutting room floor.

From what I gather I think he can be a solid NBA role player. I agree with you there. And the level of Anthony Parker seems about right. I disagree that an NBA role player will have a speed and quickness advantage most nights. With the elite level of athleticism in the NBA I don't see how Sato should be considered to hold a distinct advantage. I'd love to be wrong. Are you referencing statistics from his draft combines?

It's just the nature of his build and position. If you were to just generically look at all five positions on the floor, you'd note that the quickness and speed advantages are on a sliding scale -- you're point guard being the quickest and fastest, your center being the least quick and fast.

Given Sato is somewhat of a 1 playing the 2, athletically speaking, he's going to have a quickness and speed advantage against most conventional shooting guards.

[yavozerb]

Its all about the $ Sato is looking for..If I remember right I believe Haslip got around 1 mil and thats about all I would give Sato. LLE for a guy who is in his late 20's and yet to show anything in the NBA is too much in my opinion.

[Blackjack]

Salary: I think he wont' ask for the LLE. A smaller part of the MLE shall be enough; I also think that in the right situation, a place where he wants to be and where he feels he's really wanted, a minimum contract shall suffice.

My mistake. Bruno has said Sato would cost about $2M ($4M with luxury-tax) and I was referring to mojo's post -- still, another respected poster when it comes to those overseas.

[Seventyniner]

My mistake. Bruno has said Sato would cost about $2M ($4M with luxury-tax) and I was referring to mojo's post -- still, another respected poster when it comes to those overseas.

So getting Sato would require the full LLE, or even the remainder of the MLE if Splitter gets ~$4M? For the minimum, Sato sounds great. For either of those other two amounts, though...we'll have to see who's on the market first.

Remember that Sato is definitely not your average rookie. If you think that Splitter is polished and ready to go because he's 25 and has had a great career in Europe, Sato is even more so.

Just as a reference point, assuming Splitter does come over, what's the depth chart at the moment?

C: Splitter/McDyess
PF: Duncan/Blair
SF: Jefferson/Hairston
SG: Ginobili
PG: Parker/Hill

I assume that Mason is gone, Bogans might be back for the min, and Bonner is most likely gone (though I'd definitely take him for the min).

[Blackjack]

Sato in a lot of ways would be replacing Mason and Bogans. ... He be somewhat of an amalgamation.

[Seventyniner]

Sato in a lot of ways would be replacing Mason and Bogans. ... He be somewhat of an amalgamation.

It seems strange with Ginobili and Hill on the team, but the most glaring need (again, assuming Splitter comes over) is a backup SG or SF. SF is more pressing, but we're thin in the backcourt. Sato can have all the minutes Mason *and* Bogans had combined for all I care.

[benefactor]

That's the thing, though. The Spurs' best lineup when they were whole, the one that found the most cohesiveness and continuity, consisted of Bogans starting. That's a legitimate possibility for Romain should the Spurs look to get him back in the fold, and it could be a real win-win in that the Spurs could have a legitimate player in the rotation that allows them to find the continuity, cohesiveness and balance they found with Bogans, while being able to limit minutes for the likes of Ginobili.

I realize it's less than ideal to have a big, long 6-3 guy playing minutes at the 2/3. But when you weigh the pros and cons of all the individuals out there the Spurs are capable of acquiring (without a trade) or just ask yourself how the Spurs would have faired last year if Bogans had been Sato when they were all healthy, how would you view Romain in that context? Is it that inconceivable to believe the Spurs could've played as well and probably better with Sato than they did with Bogans -- let us not forget that while the top of Sato's head would preferably stand 2-inches higher ... this guy's length makes Blair and Hill's almost look normal; and let us not also forget that Sato would have offensive advantages most nights and bring more to the table as an overall player than any of the Spurs' role players at the position in recent memory.

It's hard to know what the Spurs will do lineup-wise to start the season. One would have to assume that RJ will at least start the season at SF. This is why I said I wanted Sato starting at SG. This puts a bigger player than Hill...with basically the same/better skills...in the lineup and allows Hill to come off the bench with Manu. Furthermore, this allows Sato to be guarded by a player that is similar in size. He would have a much easier time explioting the matchup on offense if he has a 6'5-6'6 SG guarding him as opposed to a 6'7-6'8 SF.

If we see the same song and dance out of RJ in that he cannot find his way with Parker and the starting crew, then I'm not sure what I would do. Perhaps Hairston can take that extra step and provide good minutes at SF. But whatever they do, I feel strongly that Sato is better set up to succeed if 80-90% of his minutes are spend at SG.

[Blackjack]

It's hard to know what the Spurs will do lineup-wise to start the season. One would have to assume that RJ will at least start the season at SF. This is why I said I wanted Sato starting at SG. This puts a bigger player than Hill...with basically the same/better skills...in the lineup and allows Hill to come off the bench with Manu. Furthermore, this allows Sato to be guarded by a player that is similar in size. He would have a much easier time explioting the matchup on offense if he has a 6'5-6'6 SG guarding him as opposed to a 6'7-6'8 SF.

If we see the same song and dance out of RJ in that he cannot find his way with Parker and the starting crew, then I'm not sure what I would do. Perhaps Hairston can take that extra step and provide good minutes at SF. But whatever they do, I feel strongly that Sato is better set up to succeed if 80-90% of his minutes are spend at SG.

I agree. I actually had a brainfart, in that I wasn't thinking about Hill and Sato starting together with Tony when I said it, even if that's exactly what I implied by saying RJ and Manu would be on the bench. Like I said, brainfart.

But I could see Manu starting, though. And the Spurs could very well get away with that against the teams that have more of a small forward in a shooting guards frame. Whatever the case, I come to the same conclusion every time I weigh the options: Sato Locos could make for some great T-shirts and merchandise.

[yavozerb]

No way this guy would be starter for the spurs, EVER.....I have no problem with the spurs signing Sato for the minimum but lets be realistic here, he will be a reserve player if signed and would play around 10-15 minutes a night.

[benefactor]

Why do you still think starting matters? Keith ing Bogans started for the Spurs.

[yavozerb]

Why do you still think starting matters? Keith ing Bogans started for the Spurs.

So then I guess you agree then on the 10-15 minutes portion of my stmt..

[yavozerb]

The scary part is that Bogans is the player that draftexpress compared Sato when the last article was written last season. Damn, your good, but do you really want another Bogans?

[benefactor]

The scary part is that Bogans is the player that draftexpress compared Sato when the last article was written last season. Damn, your good, but do you really want another Bogans?

You really need to stop. You make yourself look stupid when you continue to say things like this.

In no way did Givony compare Sato to Bogans skill-wise. He said one wonders if they could play a similar role...then went on to say that it's not out of the question that he is better than all three players he mentioned(Bogans, Q-Rich and Stevenson). We, in this thread, are leaning towards the latter end of that statement. Keep in mind that article was posted in December...only 15 games into the season...before Sato won MVP of the league and helped his team to an full sweep of the playoffs.

You did the same thing earlier in the thread when you said I shouldn't mention Kobe and Sato in the same breath...insinuating that I compared them skill-wise...when it was obvious I was comparing Sato to Tony Allen.

Why don't you try actually making a real point instead of throwing out bull and hoping it sticks to the wall.

[yavozerb]

You really need to stop. You make yourself look stupid when you continue to say things like this.

In no way did Givony compare Sato to Bogans skill-wise. He said one wonders if they could play a similar role...then went on to say that it's not out of the question that he is better than all three players he mentioned(Bogans, Q-Rich and Stevenson). We, in this thread, are leaning towards the latter end of that statement. Keep in mind that article was posted in December...only 15 games into the season...before Sato won MVP of the league and helped his team to an full sweep of the playoffs.

You did the same thing earlier in the thread when you said I shouldn't mention Kobe and Sato in the same breath...insinuating that I compared them skill-wise...when it was obvious I was comparing Sato to Tony Allen.

Why don't you try actually making a real point instead of throwing out bull and hoping it sticks to the wall.

, you seriously are in love with this guy..Thats ok I guess, I really thought Haslip was going to do very well on the spurs roster this season and I too defended him to the very end. There just isnt very good luck in the NBA of players breaking into the NBA in there late 20's out of Europe. Like I said before, bring him over for the minimum and nothing more.