Grading the Austin Toros

[Libri]

The Spurs acquired the Austin Toros in 2007. Since then we have seen a number of Spurs prospects sent to the Spurs' D-League team for development. Such names as Ian Mahinmi, Marcus Williams, and Malik Hairston come to mind. Apart from these, a whole myriad of players have been called up from the Toros to the Spurs. After the acquisition of the minor league team, RC Buford was quoted saying:

"The D-League has a proven track record of developing talent both on and off the court. By owning our own team, we are now in a great position to develop our young players within our system and with our input. It's a terrific opportunity for us and we can't wait to get started."

The emergence of Corey Joseph, who has recently had stints with the Toros, made me think about the success of the Austin team. During its five year period with the Spurs, have the Toros been a success or a failure in developing players? What grade would you give them?

[DJR210]

Other than Corey Joseph, I don't know what to think of the Toro's. I think it's a great luxury to be able to send your young players a short trip up 35 to work on their games, but what have they really provided us other than a place to get our regulars back into game shape?

Some notable players who have suited up for the Toro's:

Alonzo Gee - Granted Cleveland is one of the bottom tier teams in the league, he seems to be contributing there with his athletic ability, and is slightly above average at 10.6 PPG. IMO, the only one on this list who is actually doing something.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu - Out of the league

Curtis Jerrells - Out of the league

Gerald Green - Dunk contest "fame". Called every other first name but his own in this most recent dunk contest. Still in the league.

James White - Dunk contest "fame". Wasn't impressed with his performance in the dunk contest. Not sure how he has been for the Knicks this year.

[jesterbobman]

For Development: Owning the Toros gives the Spurs a chance to specifically develop there own talent. For Cory Joseph, it meant that they could give him reps in a spurs system, in game situations(at a lower level, obviously) with him being allowed to make mistakes, because the Spurs don't really care about the record of the Toros. It definitely seems to have helped his development, and they could trade players to put him in a situation to succeed. He played off the ball for the first year, then they traded Dentmon to get Corey minutes as a PG. (Chump can weigh in, but this seems to be the reason)

For Call ups/injury: They can call up temp players who have knowledge of the system, and have a slightly smaller drop off in quality. The won't play much, but it's a slightly smaller decrease which might make you a few points better off over 100 minutes due to slightly fewer mistakes. Not huge in absolute terms, but big enough to be worth a bit of extra spending.

Also, expecting the Spurs to gain many players from the Toros is a bit silly. Most of the talent in the D League is at/Below league wide replacement player level. The Spurs don't really have anyone at that level in the Big boys roster, so they won't be getting players often. The 11-15 spots are already filled by better players. Blair, Bonner, Neal are all better than likely call up options.

In addition to the players, they also have a chance to try out coaches, and give front office staff practice at being a GM.

Considering the absolute value of the investment will be relatively small(Initial purchase+ Yearly running Costs) is seems worthwhile.

[Pasta Batman]

Other than Corey Joseph, I don't know what to think of the Toro's. I think it's a great luxury to be able to send your young players a short trip up 35 to work on their games, but what have they really provided us other than a place to get our regulars back into game shape?

Some notable players who have suited up for the Toro's:

Alonzo Gee - Granted Cleveland is one of the bottom tier teams in the league, he seems to be contributing there with his athletic ability, and is slightly above average at 10.6 PPG. IMO, the only one on this list who is actually doing something.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu - Out of the league

Curtis Jerrells - Out of the league

Gerald Green - Dunk contest "fame". Called every other first name but his own in this most recent dunk contest. Still in the league.

James White - Dunk contest "fame". Wasn't impressed with his performance in the dunk contest. Not sure how he has been for the Knicks this year.

Also, Garret Temple, Malik Hariston

[Libri]

One issue is the length of time that players, who's rights are owned by a an NBA team, can remain with the D-League team, which I believe is three seasons. Some players may need more time to develop for various reasons, injury, limited roster spots with NBA team, etc. For example, some players that are stashed in Europe for development remain there for several years before making the jump to the states.

[ChumpDumper]

One issue is the length of time that players, who's rights are owned by a an NBA team, can remain with the D-League team, which I believe is three seasons. Some players may need more time to develop for various reasons, injury, limited roster spots with NBA team, etc. For example, some players that are stashed in Europe for development remain there for several years before making the jump to the states.

I don't believe there that limit exists anymore, as vets with well over three years have been assigned to D-League teams. Also, there is a way to get a player on a D-League affiliate without actually signing him to an NBA contract -- though it wouldn't be practical to expect a player to do that for more than one season.

[cd98]

D-League doesn't have to take minimally skilled players and turn them into all stars. If it can teach players of various positions the Spurs system, and then have them available to be called up for any temporary injuries. Even if they don't play in games, they go and help in practices. If it eventually turns out an all star, great. But if it just allows the Spurs to fill temporary holes when needed, then it is doing its job.

And now that you can do injury rehab or send a player not getting many minutes down there to get a few runs, even better.

[elemento]

I agree with cd98

To me the most important thing is teaching our system and allowing young players (such Cory) to make mistakes and learn from that. If SA can grab a decent role player from the Toros, it's a plus.

To only thing I don't like is the fact that SA cannot bring a a 2nd round prospect (like Richards for example) directly, without having to give him a contract with the main Spurs roster. He has to go through the D-league draft process and SA would have to make trades/arrangements in order to draft a prospect that they own. It doesn't make any sense to me. They should change it.

[superbigtime]

Good to get younger and new players acclimatized to Spurs system, and maybe to groom up and coming coaches. But as far as the nitty gritty, no gold has been mined from the Toros.

[Darkwaters]

Whats really nice about the Toros is that you have the flexibility to place a player down there and then build the team around that one player in a way that best supports his development. If other members of the Toros are hindering his development then they can simply be traded to make room, or surround him with the types of players he'll be with in SA.