Thomas Gardner invited to training camp

[ChumpDumper]

Please continue to show us how you aren't making a big deal out of training camp invitees.

[TD 21]

You keep forgetting that these players suck and won't make the team.

I'm not arguing that Gardner or Penney will make the team. I'm saying this team lacks depth at SF and they've inexplicably chosen to not address it, which is why it makes more sense to bring a veteran SF to camp than to bring redundant players.

For now, yes. If they need to, someone as sucky as the training camp invites will be available.

I mean set as in enough options there to be a legitimate contender.

Wow, you have serious comprehension problems. The players in spots 11-13 are not in the rotation. That's why they are players 11-13.

One of them has a chance to be, because five of the top ten players are the team are bigs and one of the five perimeter players in the top ten is a rookie and it looks like he'll be playing a lot out of his natural position.

Again, by your own definition they aren't in the rotation. Either say you think one of these sucky players can be a rotation player or quit acting like it.

I think there's a chance, sure. Because of the lack of a true backup three and the fact that the options are either rookies or essentially rookies and would be playing out of position.

.317 is not a high percentage. You are definitely hoping at this point. He's so awesome nobody actually wants him.

.401 is and that's his career mark. You're going to base his three-point shooting ability off of .317 in a season in which he played 23 games and ignore his career percentage, when the sample size is so much more? Real intelligent.

Who cares about others teams? Other teams were smart enough to not have a gaping hole at SF. The ones that do, at least have excellent starters (Pierce and Anthony ... for the moment, at least). Had this team been that smart, there would be no reason at all to bring in a minimal type such as Simmons or someone of that ilk.

And you want them to rely on the .317 shooting of Bobby Simmons.

No, I want them to have a veteran option available, in case Jefferson suc bs to injury or the young players flop. Right now, there is no fallback.

Do you have any independent thoughts? Or does everything the front office does (particularly when it involves D-Leaguers) make sense to you?

[ChumpDumper]

I'm not arguing that Gardner or Penney will make the team. I'm saying this team lacks depth at SF and they've inexplicably chosen to not address it, which is why it makes more sense to bring a veteran SF to camp than to bring redundant players.

Sucky ones that won't make the team.

I mean set as in enough options there to be a legitimate contender.

Sure. Thinking the roster is set in stone on opening night is folly.

One of them has a chance to be, because five of the top ten players are the team are bigs and one of the five perimeter players in the top ten is a rookie and it looks like he'll be playing a lot of of his natural position.

One player.

Has a chance.

Wow.

I think there's a chance, sure. Because of the lack of a true backup three and the fact that the options are either rookies or essentially rookies and would be playing out of position.

And that can be addressed by picking up sucky players later if needed.

.401 is and that's his career mark. You're going to base his three-point shooting ability off of .317 in a season in which he played 23 games and ignore his career percentage, when the sample size is so much more? Real intelligent.

Gee, do you think anything might have contributed to Simmons' reduced 3pt% and playing time on one of the worst teams in NBA history?

Anything at all?

Who cares about others teams? Other teams were smart enough to not have a gaping hole at SF. The ones that do, at least have excellent starters (Pierce and Anthony ... for the moment, at least). Had this team been that smart, there would be no reason at all to bring in a minimal type such as Simmons or someone of that ilk.

There really is no reason now, since those players suck and wouldn't make the team.

No, I want them to have a veteran option available, in case Jefferson suc bs to injury or the young players flop. Right now, there is no fallback.

So you are upset that the Spurs invited a few 6'5" one dimensional players to training camp, but not a 6'6" one dimensional player.

I can see why you are making a big deal out of training camp invitees.

[ChumpDumper]

Do you have any independent thoughts? Or does everything the front office does (particularly when it involves D-Leaguers) make sense to you?

Not everything they do makes sense to me, but unlike you I'm not going to make a big deal about training camp invitees who aren't going to make the team.

[TD 21]

Sure. Thinking the roster is set in stone on opening night is folly.

So you're confident that one of Anderson, Ginobili or Gee can be the backup SF and this team can contend for or win the championship like that?

This roster probably will be, as far as the rotation goes. Unlike past seasons, when they had a fairly pricey veteran or two that they deemed expendable, this roster has no such player, which makes it all the more difficult to acquire a rotation player (particularly for a team with serious championship aspirations). And I'd be surprised if they were willing to part with a key, young asset for a quick fix.

One player.

Has a chance.

Wow.

One of Temple, Neal or Gee has a chance to earn at least relatively consistent playing time. Or do I have to dumb that down further for you?

And that can be addressed by picking up sucky players later if needed.

Like I said, the options will likely be lesser then and if given the choice, why would you not want a player to start the season with the team?

Gee, do you think anything might have contributed to Simmons' reduced 3pt% and playing time on one of the worst teams in NBA history?

Anything at all?

The Nets were going nowhere last season, so obviously it made more sense to give playing time to younger players like Douglas-Roberts and Williams and that's what they did.

I'm not saying Simmons is anything more than a fringe player at this point, what I'm saying is you'd be a fool to base his three-point shooting proficiency off of last season.

There really is no reason now, since those players suck and wouldn't make the team.

Why, because you said so? How can you be so sure that Neal, Temple, Gee and even Anderson, don't suck? I guess the middle two come with the D-League stamp of approval, so that must mean they're legit NBA players.

So you are upset that the Spurs invited a few 6'5" one dimensional players to training camp, but not a 6'6" one dimensional player.

I can see why you are making a big deal out of training camp invitees.

You still don't get it. I'm not upset, I'm just saying what they're doing is illogical.

When you have only 11 guaranteed contracts, wouldn't it make more sense for the camp invites (at least some of them) to be players who could potentially fill a need?

Not everything they do makes sense to me

Really? Because I've been here for a while now and I'll have seen out of you is you backing every single move the front office makes, ardently supporting every D-League player and doing so with the same old, tired, played out shtick.

[ChumpDumper]

So you're confident that one of Anderson, Ginobili or Gee can be the backup SF and this team can contend for or win the championship like that?

Sure.

This roster probably will be, as far as the rotation goes. Unlike past seasons, when they had a fairly pricey veteran or two that they deemed expendable, this roster has no such player, which makes it all the more difficult to acquire a rotation player (particularly for a team with serious championship aspirations). And I'd be surprised if they were willing to part with a key, young asset for a quick fix.

Then they won't win anything, because ty players aren't going to put them over the top.

One of Temple, Neal or Gee has a chance to earn at least relatively consistent playing time. Or do I have to dumb that down further for you?

One.

Has a chance.

Relatively.

Wow.

Like I said, the options will likely be lesser then and if given the choice, why would you not want a player to start the season with the team?

The options now suck, and at worst they will still suck later. and not cost the team millions of dollars.

The Nets were going nowhere last season, so obviously it made more sense to give playing time to younger players like Douglas-Roberts and Williams and that's what they did.

I'm not saying Simmons is anything more than a fringe player at this point, what I'm saying is you'd be a fool to base his three-point shooting proficiency off of last season.

So you don't know much about Simmons either.

This is a pattern with you.

Why, because you said so? How can you be so sure that Neal, Temple, Gee and even Anderson, don't suck? I guess the middle two come with the D-League stamp of approval, so that must mean they're legit NBA players.

Have you never seen any of them play?

Two of them were actually on the San Antonio Spurs last season.

Did you know that?

You still don't get it. I'm not upset, I'm just saying what they're doing is illogical.

You are making a big deal out of training camp invitees after saying you weren't making a big deal out of training camp invitees.

What you are doing is illogical.

When you have only 11 guaranteed contracts, wouldn't it make more sense for the camp invites (at least some of them) to be players who could potentially fill a need?

Some of them fill a need. You didn't know that?

Really? Because I've been here for a while now and I'll have seen out of you is you backing every single move the front office makes, ardently supporting every D-League player and doing so with the same old, tired, played out shtick.

I see you are making a big deal out of training camp invitees.

I see you don't really know much about the San Antonio Spurs or Bobby Simmons or the NBA.

So I can see how you wouldn't know much about me either.

Please continue to not make a big deal about training camp invitees by repeatedly posting about them.

[TD 21]

Then they won't win anything, because ty players aren't going to put them over the top.

I never said they would. Ideally, they'd have gotten someone at least a cut above Hayes, Simmons, etc.

The options now suck, and at worst they will still suck later. and not cost the team millions of dollars.

They'll likely suck worse. If they're going to resort to bringing a minimal veteran in, it makes more sense to do it now, rather than trying to integrate them mid-season.

So you don't know much about Simmons either.

This is a pattern with you.

Simmons has proven to be a quality three-point shooter and he's an SF. The former, the front office is obsessed with. The latter, they could use.

For the umpteenth time, I don't really want Simmons on the team, he's just an example.

Have you never seen any of them play?

Two of them were actually on the San Antonio Spurs last season.

Did you know that?

Oh, they were on the Spurs, so I guess that automatically makes them proven NBA players then. Great logic.

I've seen them play, particularly Temple and he played well, but I'm not going to get carried away with such a small sample size and proclaim them proven NBA players just because they're younger and more athletic than guys like Bogans and Mason.

Some of them fill a need. You didn't know that?

Only Gist could fill a possible need. Even if he were to make the cut, it's not like he's actually going to play.

I see you don't really know much about the San Antonio Spurs or Bobby Simmons or the NBA.

So I can see how you wouldn't know much about me either.

Please continue to not make a big deal about training camp invitees by repeatedly posting about them.

You know less than I, so if I don't know much, then what do you know?

I know enough about you (as it pertains to your shtick on this board).

You're repeatedly posting about them as well, genius.

[ChumpDumper]

The difference is I consistently say they suck and it doesn't matter who is invited.

You have Bobby Simmons penciled in as a rotation player.

Please continue not making a big deal out of your rotation players.

It's a great schtick.

[TD 21]

The difference is I consistently say they suck and it doesn't matter who is invited.

You have Bobby Simmons penciled in as a rotation player.

Please continue not making a big deal out of your potential rotation players.

Forget the difference. You acted like I was being ridiculous by repeatedly talking about camp invites...while doing the same thing yourself.

I do not. You obviously lack basic reading comprehension.

Please continue on with your old, tired, played out shtick.

[ChumpDumper]

Forget the difference. You acted like I was being ridiculous by repeatedly talking about camp invites...while doing the same thing yourself.

I talked about them. I do these things often.

You made a big deal out of them.

I do not. You obviously lack basic reading comprehension.

You do not what?

Pretend Bobby Simmons is rotation worthy for the San Antonio Spurs?

Yes you do.

Please continue on with your old, tired, played out shtick.

Being butthurt about it won't keep you from making a big deal out of training camp invitees. Continue to make it about me if you wish. That is a pretty played out schtick as well.

[EricB]

Bobby Simmons?


Someone a cut above them may be available? Uh yeah ok, if they are a cut above them they have multi year contracts on other teams....

[TD 21]

You do not what?

Pretend Bobby Simmons is rotation worthy for the San Antonio Spurs?

Yes you do.

No, I don't.

Few things are more pathetic than an old man acting childish.


EricB, don't jump to conclusions about what I said. I used Simmons as an example and I said they should have acquired someone a cut above. I'm aware that at this late date that's not possible, at least via free agency.

[ChumpDumper]

No, I don't.

Few things are more pathetic than an old man acting childish.

Aw, so you do want to make it about me now?

Glad you aren't making a big deal out of this or anything.

That would be pathetic.

[ChumpDumper]

EricB, don't jump to conclusions about what I said. I used Simmons as an example and I said they should have acquired someone a cut above. I'm aware that at this late date that's not possible, at least via free agency.

A cut above Bobby Simmons would cost a substantial amount of money above the actual salary of that player.

[EricB]

No, I don't.

Few things are more pathetic than an old man acting childish.


EricB, don't jump to conclusions about what I said. I used Simmons as an example and I said they should have acquired someone a cut above. I'm aware that at this late date that's not possible, at least via free agency.

It was never possible. Players a cut above Simmons at SF are coveted....

[EricB]

A cut above Bobby Simmons would cost a substantial amount of money above the actual salary of that player.

Its not my money!

[TD 21]

You're just upset because I'm not sold on a couple of D-Leaguers.

Get over it, Mr. D-League.

Unlike you, I'm not here to be a yes-man for the front office.

I forgot, EricB is the ultimate yes-man for the front office, slightly edging ChumpDumper for that honor. Can't expect any objectivity out of him.

Last I checked, they have their bi-annual exception available and part of the mid-level exception left and they're supposedly willing to exceed the tax. They should have found a way to acquire a competent backup SF, one who can play a modi of defense. No excuses.

[ChumpDumper]

You're just upset because I'm not sold on a couple of D-Leaguers.

I am not sold on them either. I just don't make a big deal out of it.

Get over it, Mr. D-League.

Wow! What an insult!

I may never recover!

Unlike you, I'm not here to be a yes-man for the front office.

Yeah, you're here to make a big deal out of training camp invitees and display a near-complete lack of NBA knowledge.

[ChumpDumper]

Last I checked, they have their bi-annual exception available and part of the mid-level exception left and they're supposedly willing to exceed the tax. They should have found a way to acquire a competent backup SF, one who can play a modi of defense. No excuses.

What makes you think they are willing to exceed the tax this season?

Please explain, you rebel, you.

[EricB]

You're just upset because I'm not sold on a couple of D-Leaguers.

Get over it, Mr. D-League.

Unlike you, I'm not here to be a yes-man for the front office.

I forgot, EricB is the ultimate yes-man for the front office, slightly edging ChumpDumper for that honor. Can't expect any objectivity out of him.

Last I checked, they have their bi-annual exception available and part of the mid-level exception left and they're supposedly willing to exceed the tax. They should have found a way to acquire a competent backup SF, one who can play a modi of defense. No excuses.

Well, with what little of the MLE was left and the Bi annual at a whopping 2 million, who is that small forward that was available at that money?


Waiting....

[TD 21]

I am not sold on them either. I just don't make a big deal out of it.

Yeah, you're here to display a near-complete lack of NBA knowledge.

I didn't make a big deal out of it. You just got offended because I disagreed with something the front office did, so naturally and predictably, you came rushing to their defense.

I'm highly knowledgeable about the NBA. I'm talking current, so don't go bringing up some irrelevant factoid from fifty years ago.

What makes you think they are willing to exceed the tax this season?

Please explain, you rebel, you.

Based on their actions, nothing.

But we were told last off season that, for the next two seasons, they were willing to exceed the tax. I get that they'll most likely only do that for a player who's appreciably better than what they have and that's fine, but the problem I have is this: Why did they not find a way to acquire said player? We're not talking about a star or even anything close, just a proven SF who can make three's and defend.

Well, with what little of the MLE was left and the Bi annual at a whopping 2 million, who is that small forward that was available at that money?


Waiting....

There is a thing called trades, you know. It's not my job to concoct trades, it's the front offices' and just because it may have been relatively difficult to fill this hole, there's no excuse. I'm not saying, why didn't they get James and Bosh, all I'm saying is that if they're supposedly seriously aspiring to win the championship this season, then why didn't they address this gaping hole?

The other contenders found a way to address their needs. The Lakers, who are already better than the Spurs, found a way to improve. The Celtics and Magic got what they wanted. The Spurs settled.

[EricB]

There is a thing called trades, you know. It's not my job to concoct trades, it's the front offices' and just because it may have been relatively difficult to fill this hole, there's no excuse. I'm not saying, why didn't they get James and Bosh, all I'm saying is that if they're supposedly seriously aspiring to win the championship this season, then why didn't they address this gaping hole?

The other contenders found a way to address their needs. The Lakers, who are already better than the Spurs, found a way to improve. The Celtics and Magic got what they wanted. The Spurs settled.

Trades?? wait you said they had exemptions to sign, you mention trades?


The Spurs settled? They signed the best bigman in europe, they signed a lottery talent they drafted.


Thats settling?? Settling is not changing your team 1 bit from one season to the next.

Also how do you KNOW they didn't attempt at addressing the gap? Again do you have links to the FO saying "We aren't gonna address it" If so I'll be right with you stringing the FO up by their feet.

But your basing it all on no news and hearsay and BS.

[TD 21]

Trades?? wait you said they had exemptions to sign, you mention trades?


The Spurs settled? They signed the best bigman in europe, they signed a lottery talent they drafted.


Thats settling?? Settling is not changing your team 1 bit from one season to the next.

Also how do you KNOW they didn't attempt at addressing the gap? Again do you have links to the FO saying "We aren't gonna address it" If so I'll be right with you stringing the FO up by their feet.

But your basing it all on no news and hearsay and BS.

Exceptions, trades, the point is there's different ways to fill that hole and they didn't.

They absolutely settled when it came to the backup SF/wing defender role.

I didn't say they didn't attempt to fill the hole, I said they didn't fill the hole. This is a results oriented business, you don't get points for trying. All they've done is take a flier on a bunch of fringe prospects.

You're the ultimate front office apologist.

[ChumpDumper]

I didn't make a big deal out of it. You just got offended because I disagreed with something the front office did, so naturally and predictably, you came rushing to their defense.

I'm highly knowledgeable about the NBA. I'm talking current, so don't go bringing up some irrelevant factoid from fifty years ago.

There were no San Antonio Spurs fifty years ago.

nothing.

Hey, you got one right.

That's why there are no "apparently better than Bobby Simmons backup SF free agent" signings.

You're learning. Stick around, I'll teach you more.

But we were told last off season that, for the next two seasons, they were willing to exceed the tax.

We were told?

Link.

I get that they'll most likely only do that for a player who's appreciably better than what they have and that's fine, but the problem I have is this: Why did they not find a way to acquire said player? We're not talking about a star or even anything close, just a proven SF who can make three's and defend.

Money.

You're welcome.

There is a thing called trades, you know

Wait, you are now saying there are other ways to complete a roster than signing ty players?

Wow.

You really are learning.

Stick around.

[dbestpro]

That was a lot of hub bub. Look, its obvious that the front office has what it believes will be its game time 12. They will probably place 2 players in Austin and go with 14 for the first few months. They want to see what this group can do. Whatever deficiencies the Spurs have will get dealt with come the mid season.