Based on need, the 2 players likely active on the bench would be Marjanovic and McCallum. I don't know what Pop has in store for Butler and Bonner. Simmons will likely do the same thing that KA did last year.
Which defensive wing is available out there that's better than Simmons? OKC starts an unplayable wing defender (Roberson) b/c there aren't too many NBA quality wing defenders. Tony Allen was forced out of the rotation despite being an All-NBA 1st team defender b/c he can't shoot, then you have shooters (Morrow) who don't get minutes b/c they can't play defense.
Just watching the Rockets game and seeing how Beverly was making those 3 point shots makes it obviously important to have defensive wing players with quickness and length.
On the other end, Simmons has to work on his shot. The only thing going for him vs Tony Allen in offense is that he's a better drive and kick player. I think though that Spurs will figure out how best to use Simmons even if he's not an elite shooter.
Thats the problem with Simmons though (and I like Simmons). With his shot not showing any sort of consistency at his age, his defense is no where near a Tony Allen. I really like Simmons but at his age with him not already being a polished defender and not already having a good shot, his value has to be in ball handling/driving/passing. Hope he can keep working and make some improvements in the other areas over the next year or two or I don't see him sticking.
Beverley was making those shots when Kawhi/Danny were also in the game. They gave him those shots b/c they had to collapse when Harden drove to prevent a layup. Their whole offense is designed on driving & kick out to 3 point shooters thus if Harden is getting into the paint & the 3 point shooter are making their shots then it's going to be a long night since it's either layups, dunks, 3s or 2 free throws. It's not like Beverley was making shots off the dribble ala Curry, Boban can guard him out on the 3 point line if they want to run him off the 3 points line & concede layups.
This is the real concern, Spurs can score with any 12 players they have on the team, but can they shut down an opponent like the Rockets? Those wings have to be defended. Leonard on Harden with Green and Simmons defending the wings.
Hardly a victory...he looks horrible.
Do you expect all 15 players on the roster to be all-stars? Butler is the 5th wing behind Green/Kawhi/Manu/KA...he's fine for that role. Besides, he looked far from horrible throughout the preseason.
Probably a better all-around player than the Centerpiece, and most importantly he's not being asked to take on that role. Solid pickup for the 12-15 man.
If someone could post his IG post
Absolutely better than the centerpiece.
He made 2 shots after the first game...correct. He was bricklaying. I'd only keep him if you had an expectation...I'd rather develop someone rather than keep him. BUT I guess they have no confidence that we can stay healthy. Just don't like so many old guys.
Kyle Anderson, Jonathon Simmons and Ray McCallum... the Spurs have enough project guys.
Butler has been solid so far. Plays within the Spurs' system not forcing anything, makes the right passes, doesn't make many mistakes on both sides of the ball, a proven NBA vet and he's extremely cheap. His shot is off but it should recover after some time, once that happens it'll basically be like having a better defensive, less talented 3pt shooting Belinelli in Butler.
Butler was solid for the Wiz the 1st half of last year, however I heard they relied too much on him and his legs eventually gave out causing his shooting to suffer badly. He was shooting 42% from 3 pre all star, and just 34% post all star as the season progressed. He was getting up in these clips from last year (that dunk on Ibaka), no reason why he can't revive his career again...
Good point. I agree, take the lesser evil
h. Plus
Those "old guys" help win championships. Spurs have a nice balance of youth and experience. Plus Pop is an master at managing older player's minutes. No worries.
Leonard was on Ariza, Danny on Harden, for most of the game if I remember correctly.
and you are forgetting Simmons. Butler was used mostly as a 4 in small ball.
I liked Reggie. Sometimes I didn't seem like he knew what he was doing, but he shot the 3 well, could attack close-outs and could stay in front of his man. A solid, if unspectacular, backup. That is just me relying on the eye test though; I haven't looked at any advanced stats.
Nope he doesn't.
dont know what this assertion is based on. he's been a terrible 3 point shooter for the past several seasons
Spurs have liked Butler for a number of years. They jumped on him when he was available this summer. He has looked up and down during the preseason, but I think yesterday was his best all-around game. He earned his roster spot.
what the random
no problem with a veteran wing who has played with LeBron. Give us some insight.
stop being a spurs fan.
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