Stoked: D-League MVP Jarnell Stokes will play for the Spurs in the Summer League

[Mnky]

I knew it. I ing knew it. I was talking about this last night. He's a ing short Dejuan Blair. They used to list him as 6'6" or 6'7", and I don't think he's grown an inch. They just started listing him as 6'9". He's a good kid, and he has a lot going for him, but he's a ing tweener who will look exciting against third-tier compe ion, and get his ass kicked by the good ones. That's why he shines in the D-League, and can't get minutes in the NBA. He's just the kind of guy a lot of Spurs fans will love. They will remember the good plays, and not take into account that they come in garbage time.

A buddy texted me last night and said that Spurs' people were checking him out pretty closely. I didn't want to believe it, but he's not a guy who bull s. He was D-League MVP, and he's gonna be cheap... oh me, this season is shaping up very ugly.

Before any of you start having fits about how great he is, consider that he was the D-League MVP, and no other team had signed him. At least stop to consider that there might be a reason. Oh, and understand that he's 6'7 1/2" at best. He's a PF with 2-guard height. I hope he steps up and make me eat crow, but I don't see it happening.

Just a bad assessment. He's a d-league player, which is a gamble period but it has little to do with your claims. He is not undersized as many have mentioned. He's got a knack for rebounding and pretty good awareness. He had like 20 NBA teams at his free agent workout which many raved about, and the spurs weren't the only team wanting him on summer league. He is looking for the right situation, which is why he hasn't signed. Shows Intelligence. He is 23 and has shown he can carry scrubs and play good in big games. That's about all you can expect form a d-league player. He is widely considered the best d league player period.

[GSH]

Yep... runaway train here. I got nothing more to say about it. If I'm wrong, I'll be happy to admit it. I doubt I'll pop in for any I-told-you-sos, because a lot of fans won't see any flaws, no matter how he works out. Same as they did with Blair.

I would mention that even Combine measurements aren't always consistent or accurate. They aren't, but saying it would be sacrilege. I just think it's funny that he hasn't even suited up for the Spurs yet, and already there are people defending him like a hometown hero - he's EXACTLY like Draymond Green, and nobody noticed but the Spurs. His height is going to be a problem against NBA compe ion. I hope he's hungry and over-achieves, and all of you can tell me how wrong I was. Just make sure he does it in more than one or two games, and not in garbage time, before you try to retire his jersey.

[GSH]

He is looking for the right situation, which is why he hasn't signed. Shows Intelligence.

That's so cute.

[Mnky]

He's a d leaguer getting a shot at summer league play. Kid isn't even getting signed yet. you are the only one jumping the gun. Spurs are looking for end of Bench guys, not stars. They have like 2 mil cap space.

it's not like you're going out on a limb to say someone who hasn't kept on an NBA roster likely won't make it.

[Chinook]

Yep... runaway train here. I got nothing more to say about it. If I'm wrong, I'll be happy to admit it. I doubt I'll pop in for any I-told-you-sos, because a lot of fans won't see any flaws, no matter how he works out. Same as they did with Blair.

I would mention that even Combine measurements aren't always consistent or accurate. They aren't, but saying it would be sacrilege. I just think it's funny that he hasn't even suited up for the Spurs yet, and already there are people defending him like a hometown hero - he's EXACTLY like Draymond Green, and nobody noticed but the Spurs. His height is going to be a problem against NBA compe ion. I hope he's hungry and over-achieves, and all of you can tell me how wrong I was. Just make sure he does it in more than one or two games, and not in garbage time, before you try to retire his jersey.

Remember, we're talking about a fifth big here. At best, he's only going to see limited situational action. Do I think he'd be a great starter? No. He's like a poor man's Sullinger. But do I think he could come in and rebound against bench PFs? Yes. The biggest minutes I could possibly see him get would be against David West in a potential WCF. Do I think he can rebound against him? I do. For the six-big spot, I would be happy with Jeff Ayres had he not already been a Spur. So Stokes is fine.

[TheDoctor]

Spurs Organization about to lose their B2B virginity.

[montgod]

The biggest positive is the Spurs are still looking to improve the best way they can and have a direct avenue to a possible player. We will see how he does and if he gets a contract.

[Chinook]

Hey everybody, let's gang up on GSH. As Stokes commands, we shall obey!

[loveforthegame]

Interesting energy guy. Can't complain with the Spurs taking a look at certain guys.

[SnakeBoy]

Just watched highlights of this guy. Not too impressive tbh but he looks like he doesn't mind contact and is an energy player. Made me think more of Malik Rose than Dejuan Blair although a better shooter than either. I do like that he can dunk if he gets enough of a running start.

[GSH]

Remember, we're talking about a fifth big here. At best, he's only going to see limited situational action. Do I think he'd be a great starter? No. He's like a poor man's Sullinger. But do I think he could come in and rebound against bench PFs? Yes. The biggest minutes I could possibly see him get would be against David West in a potential WCF. Do I think he can rebound against him? I do. For the six-big spot, I would be happy with Jeff Ayres had he not already been a Spur. So Stokes is fine.

Yeah, it's just a personal thing. I got totally burned out on tweeners, after pulling for them for so long. I always dreamed of the 6'6" PG who could defend three positions. The problem is, they always turned out to be ty PG's. But when it came time to play defense, they were all too slow to keep in front of the small players, and too light to be physical with the bigger ones. But every time one showed up, I kept thinking this would be the one. That's just one example, but you must know what I'm talking about. I know, guys like Draymond are exceptions. Brandon Bass has done pretty well for an under-sized 4-5. But the fact that you have to go looking for those kinds of exceptions tells you that they aren't the norm.

If we're going to have an iffy guy on the bench, I'd much rather it be someone they are committed to developing. You just can't teach tall. The best they get out of Stokes this year is likely the best they ever get out of Stokes. And not because he won't try. I'm always thinking in terms of building championship teams. If you're just looking for a guy to be a fifth big, for blowout games? He's fine.

[spurraider21]

I would be happy with Jeff Ayres

Ban

[Obstructed_View]

Pop always needs to have undersized bigs on his roster to put out there when the actual big players are in danger of becoming too dominant.

[benefactor]

Pop always needs to have undersized bigs on his roster to put out there when the actual big players are in danger of becoming too dominant.

Yep...goes hand in hand with him needing a gunner on the roster.

[TD 21]

Given their financial limitations and the fact that he could fill a potential need, it makes sense to take a look at him and hopefully secure his rights for training camp.

But in the grand scheme, how many unproven, fringe young players, are they going to have? I know they're financially limited and need to get younger, but they're also trying to still contend (even if it is a lost cause) and 3 of the top 6 are old and will be coming off of playing in the Olympics.

[Obstructed_View]

Yep...goes hand in hand with him needing a gunner on the roster.

Gasol is going to lead this team in assists next season. You know that, right?

[r0drig0lac]

Dream Team Summer League

[tholdren]

Draymond Green is 6’8. in today's NBA he is not as undersized as he would be 10 years ago

exactly why "undersized" isn't a legit argument.

[tholdren]

in 32 mp last year his WS and PER were awesome! ST Arousal (looking at you chinook)

[Obstructed_View]

Draymond Green is 6’8. in today's NBA he is not as undersized as he would be 10 years ago

Strangely, Stokes is listed as an 1.75" taller than Green, with a 1.5" shorter standing reach, despite the same wingspan.

[ceperez]

Strangely, Stokes is listed as an 1.75" taller than Green, with a 1.5" shorter standing reach, despite the same wingspan.

Short neck perhaps?

[Obstructed_View]

Short neck perhaps?

Lower shoulders, taller head. Yeah. I'd really rather the Spurs have someone to dribble the ball up and pass to teammates, but since that's unrealistic, I guess a guy who can rebound a lot helps.

[Kawhitstorm]

Stokes measured 6-7 without shoes at the draft combine. Draymond Green measured 6-5 3/4 at the combine, at the same age. They both had identical 7-1 1/4 wingspans. Stokes weighed nearly 30 pounds more than Green, but with an even lower body fat %, and better vertical jumps. Stokes doesn't have great size for a PF, but he's not "undersized" either. Certainly not for a bench player.

The MAIN difference is that Draymond can move his feet laterally MUCH BETTER than Stokes who is Blair status when it come to moving his feet. He has to learn how to take charges like Fat Baby if he wants to stick in the Big Leagues.

[Kawhitstorm]

Remember, we're talking about a fifth big here. At best, he's only going to see limited situational action. Do I think he'd be a great starter? No. He's like a poor man's Sullinger. But do I think he could come in and rebound against bench PFs? Yes. The biggest minutes I could possibly see him get would be against David West in a potential WCF. Do I think he can rebound against him? I do. For the six-big spot, I would be happy with Jeff Ayres had he not already been a Spur. So Stokes is fine.

He doesn't have range like Scully & even Fat Baby is a MUCH better jump shooter. He has been able to knockdown 3s in workouts but then Ayres was supposedly a legit PRACTICE shooter.

[sasaint]

That's so cute.

You pretty consistently crack me up. Thanks.