Preseason Game Thread: Spurs vs Suns: 10/3/16

[GSH]

BTW - the hero of the pre-season so far is NoNo, with his stream and VLC trick. I was already telling myself that it was just pre-season, so it didn't matter that I couldn't watch it. But this way was a lot better. I got my fix. Thanks, NoNo.

[BillMc]

BTW - the hero of the pre-season so far is NoNo, with his stream and VLC trick. I was already telling myself that it was just pre-season, so it didn't matter that I couldn't watch it. But this way was a lot better. I got my fix. Thanks, NoNo.

+1

[timtonymanu]

Bertans was decent, Graino is an NBA caliber defender, Dedmon the bed..

Really the only thats worth telling you.

Arci will get cut soon..Forbes or Pato will be next.

thanks

[spursistan]

looking forward to more of this from Kawhi ..

[ceperez]

I might change my tune and say the 67 win season and point differential was Boban!!!!!!!! It was amazing how the pull and gravity he had left guys like Anderson and Simmons open for shots against the Mavs, not this pathetic suns team. That was just last April against a Mavs team that was playing their starters all game and in the 4th Q, and that last game was for seeding in the playoffs. It was a throwaway for the Spurs, but not for the Mavs, they needed that game. This team doesn't win against that Mavs team. Anderson and Simmons had much better games, but they played with Boban who had over 20-10 that game, and played 37 minutes.

I don't know, but I am really sad to have lost Boban TBH.

Yeah... he was unstoppable against 2nd teams.

I did not see the game, but it appears that Dedmon looked like a bust! That $3m a year down the drain... for $4m more, we could have kept Boban.

[ceperez]

By position:

PG: I'm a bigger fan of Laprovittola than Arcidiacono, but they were pretty interchangeable. I think both could hang in the league. Lapro was better able to score, which will help him, but Arci's intangibles are very evident. Murray was a mess outside that run that I missed in the first quarter. Definitely think he needs time in the d-league. Dude washed out on too many screens.

SG: Garino looks like he can defend at the NBA level, which we figured from the Olympics. I wish I had seen more of him. While he'd probably be my pick to get the last spot, he wouldn't be a big loss if cut. Simmons looked good in comparison to everyone else, but I wasn't really in love with his game. Don't want to judge him or Anderson until they play with other legit bench players. Forbes can shoot, and he needs to make sure we all know it. He passed up too many shots. He's not going to make the Spurs unless he shoots lights-out. He just doesn't have the body or skill to be an all-around player at this time. So get that Neal mentality going, Bryn.

SF: Obviously, Kawhi was great. We were wondering if he's three-pointer would hold up, but it's looking like he might go straight-Curry. Pretty sure he's going to be shatter scouters if that happens. Kyle needed to be more aggressive, and that's on Pop. Dude was clearly the best scorer out there besides Kawhi for SA. He was fine defensively, as far as I saw. I don't think the Spurs have any reason to worry about this position except that both guys need to play to their potential.

PF: LJC has work to do, but I am more certain that he can be an NBA player than I was before. He's aggressive on the boards but not selfish enough to make a bad play once he grabs a rebound. His IQ seems fine on that end. But he has to figure out how to defend at an elite level. That's his path to the NBA, not grabbing a few boards before fouling out. Bertans was a fun player to watch. His ability to block shots is an asset for a potential second unit with him as the PF. But everything else on defense was lacking. He also needs a Neal mentality. He's not good enough as a big to be a stretch-four. He has to be so good on offense that he forces the other team to play small.

C: Anthony has a chance to make the team, and that won't be a good thing for the roster, but with Dedmon struggling, the team needs another solid big. Dewayne had a bad game, but you have to hope he'd be better with better supporting guys. He barely got a chance to be a rim-protector. Most of his and the team's fouls (many of which were bad calls) were not even on real shot-contests and especially not help situations, which is where you want Dedmon on that end. Lee didn't do much when I watched him. I guess I'll have to catch him next game.

As a general comment, I absolutely hate the reach-foul to stop a fastbreak. I think the NBA needs to eliminate that foul. Manu loves it, as do many Euros, but it takes away exciting plays and is a complete move. Honestly, I think all intentional fouls should be legislated out except in the last two minutes. That would cut down on FTs as well as add in more actual scores or defensive efforts.

Good take. Thanks!

Sad to here that Anthony is an option.

[tbdog]

Yeah... he was unstoppable against 2nd teams.

I did not see the game, but it appears that Dedmon looked like a bust! That $3m a year down the drain... for $4m more, we could have kept Boban.

We couldn't keep Bobon and get Gasol. Heck we couldn't keep Duncan

[BillMc]

looking forward to more of this from Kawhi ..

AWESOME! Thanks for posting!

[BillMc]

By position:

PG: I'm a bigger fan of Laprovittola than Arcidiacono, but they were pretty interchangeable. I think both could hang in the league. Lapro was better able to score, which will help him, but Arci's intangibles are very evident. Murray was a mess outside that run that I missed in the first quarter. Definitely think he needs time in the d-league. Dude washed out on too many screens.

SG: Garino looks like he can defend at the NBA level, which we figured from the Olympics. I wish I had seen more of him. While he'd probably be my pick to get the last spot, he wouldn't be a big loss if cut. Simmons looked good in comparison to everyone else, but I wasn't really in love with his game. Don't want to judge him or Anderson until they play with other legit bench players. Forbes can shoot, and he needs to make sure we all know it. He passed up too many shots. He's not going to make the Spurs unless he shoots lights-out. He just doesn't have the body or skill to be an all-around player at this time. So get that Neal mentality going, Bryn.

SF: Obviously, Kawhi was great. We were wondering if he's three-pointer would hold up, but it's looking like he might go straight-Curry. Pretty sure he's going to be shatter scouters if that happens. Kyle needed to be more aggressive, and that's on Pop. Dude was clearly the best scorer out there besides Kawhi for SA. He was fine defensively, as far as I saw. I don't think the Spurs have any reason to worry about this position except that both guys need to play to their potential.

PF: LJC has work to do, but I am more certain that he can be an NBA player than I was before. He's aggressive on the boards but not selfish enough to make a bad play once he grabs a rebound. His IQ seems fine on that end. But he has to figure out how to defend at an elite level. That's his path to the NBA, not grabbing a few boards before fouling out. Bertans was a fun player to watch. His ability to block shots is an asset for a potential second unit with him as the PF. But everything else on defense was lacking. He also needs a Neal mentality. He's not good enough as a big to be a stretch-four. He has to be so good on offense that he forces the other team to play small.

C: Anthony has a chance to make the team, and that won't be a good thing for the roster, but with Dedmon struggling, the team needs another solid big. Dewayne had a bad game, but you have to hope he'd be better with better supporting guys. He barely got a chance to be a rim-protector. Most of his and the team's fouls (many of which were bad calls) were not even on real shot-contests and especially not help situations, which is where you want Dedmon on that end. Lee didn't do much when I watched him. I guess I'll have to catch him next game.

As a general comment, I absolutely hate the reach-foul to stop a fastbreak. I think the NBA needs to eliminate that foul. Manu loves it, as do many Euros, but it takes away exciting plays and is a complete move. Honestly, I think all intentional fouls should be legislated out except in the last two minutes. That would cut down on FTs as well as add in more actual scores or defensive efforts.

Nice break down. Thanks.

Garino was the only new guy I liked what I saw from. Bertans and Murray were both slightly disappointing, none of the backup guards showed me much, and Dedmon left me depressed. It's one thing to be confused, but he didn't look nearly as athletic as I thought. Never saw a second of Lee. Of course, just the first preseason game...

[ceperez]

Bertans seems to have some really nice timing on his blocks

Bonner could never do what Bertans just did. So I guess Bertans is a long term Spur.

[ceperez]

Nice break down. Thanks.

Garino was the only new guy I liked what I saw from. Bertans and Murray were both slightly disappointing, none of the backup guards showed me much, and Dedmon left me depressed. It's one thing to be confused, but he didn't look nearly as athletic as I thought. Never saw a second of Lee. Of course, just the first preseason game...

If any new guy the Spurs will be counting on, it would be Dedmon. After all, he's being paid $3m/year. He's got to be more than some lost nonathletic center!!!

Let's hope that PATFO were right in picking him up!

[ceperez]

By position:

PG: I'm a bigger fan of Laprovittola than Arcidiacono, but they were pretty interchangeable. I think both could hang in the league. Lapro was better able to score, which will help him, but Arci's intangibles are very evident. Murray was a mess outside that run that I missed in the first quarter. Definitely think he needs time in the d-league. Dude washed out on too many screens.

SG: Garino looks like he can defend at the NBA level, which we figured from the Olympics. I wish I had seen more of him. While he'd probably be my pick to get the last spot, he wouldn't be a big loss if cut. Simmons looked good in comparison to everyone else, but I wasn't really in love with his game. Don't want to judge him or Anderson until they play with other legit bench players. Forbes can shoot, and he needs to make sure we all know it. He passed up too many shots. He's not going to make the Spurs unless he shoots lights-out. He just doesn't have the body or skill to be an all-around player at this time. So get that Neal mentality going, Bryn.

SF: Obviously, Kawhi was great. We were wondering if he's three-pointer would hold up, but it's looking like he might go straight-Curry. Pretty sure he's going to be shatter scouters if that happens. Kyle needed to be more aggressive, and that's on Pop. Dude was clearly the best scorer out there besides Kawhi for SA. He was fine defensively, as far as I saw. I don't think the Spurs have any reason to worry about this position except that both guys need to play to their potential.

PF: LJC has work to do, but I am more certain that he can be an NBA player than I was before. He's aggressive on the boards but not selfish enough to make a bad play once he grabs a rebound. His IQ seems fine on that end. But he has to figure out how to defend at an elite level. That's his path to the NBA, not grabbing a few boards before fouling out. Bertans was a fun player to watch. His ability to block shots is an asset for a potential second unit with him as the PF. But everything else on defense was lacking. He also needs a Neal mentality. He's not good enough as a big to be a stretch-four. He has to be so good on offense that he forces the other team to play small.

C: Anthony has a chance to make the team, and that won't be a good thing for the roster, but with Dedmon struggling, the team needs another solid big. Dewayne had a bad game, but you have to hope he'd be better with better supporting guys. He barely got a chance to be a rim-protector. Most of his and the team's fouls (many of which were bad calls) were not even on real shot-contests and especially not help situations, which is where you want Dedmon on that end. Lee didn't do much when I watched him. I guess I'll have to catch him next game.

As a general comment, I absolutely hate the reach-foul to stop a fastbreak. I think the NBA needs to eliminate that foul. Manu loves it, as do many Euros, but it takes away exciting plays and is a complete move. Honestly, I think all intentional fouls should be legislated out except in the last two minutes. That would cut down on FTs as well as add in more actual scores or defensive efforts.

There's only one open slot left and if Anthony gets to make the team, you can say good bye to the other guard prospects.

Anthony is a veteran that has played in several Heat championship runs, it is however sad that Dedmon paled in comparison with him! Dedmon has been in the league for only 3 years and for all intents and purpose may have the basketball IQ of rookies. So the fact that he's totally lost just validates his inexperience with playing basketball!! Unfortunately, IQ points can't instantly be conjured up with more training. :-(

Laprovittola has had years of experience and therefore should be more creative than Arcidiacono.. I seriously doubt the Spurs will open up a spot for Arci. Forbes shot 25% in this game on 12 attempts. At least he wasn't shy about making those attempts!

Did LJC play a better game than Dedmon?

[Chinook]

Did LJC play a better game than Dedmon?

I think he did. But neither was good enough for a rotation spot. Want to see him do more on D in future games. As far as guard prospects go, I'd want one to make the team for sure, but I don't think it's a given that Joel doesn't stay due to necessity. Wouldn't mind trying to get one of the lower-end bigs from Philly (Holmes or Grant).

[tmtcsc]

People, you do realize this was preseason game # 1 and the only Spur who will get regular rotation minutes went off....right? I know this is preseason for the Spurstalk forum too but the amount of ledge jumping and panicking is playoff form. Bravo!!

[Chinook]

People, you do realize this was preseason game # 1 and the only Spur who will get regular rotation minutes went off....right? I know this is preseason for the Spurstalk forum too but I the amount of ledge jumping and panicking is playoff form. Bravo!!

I don't think anyone was concerned with the Spurs' ability to win. But obviously at least three of four of the players who played will be in the rotation, so it kinda sucks that Kawhi's the only one of those who showed out and Anderson is the only other one who looked worth his salt. The biggest concern I have is the 15th man, not the 25th of this month.

[bklynspursfan]

People, you do realize this was preseason game # 1 and the only Spur who will get regular rotation minutes went off....right? I know this is preseason for the Spurstalk forum too but I the amount of ledge jumping and panicking is playoff form. Bravo!!

Exactly... Lots of new faces and guys need time to get familiar. Big guys in particular take a little longer to grasp our system, so this should not be surprising to anyone.

The guys who have been here, you expect to see a little more out of them

[tmtcsc]

I don't think anyone was concerned with the Spurs' ability to win. But obviously at least three of four of the players who played will be in the rotation, so it kinda sucks that Kawhi's the only one of those who showed out and Anderson is the only other one who looked worth his salt. The biggest concern I have is the 15th man, not the 25th of this month.

No, no one's complaining about the loss but the knee-jerk reactions and ridiculous judgments about players after the FIRST preseason game is comical. Coaches are watching for different things. Who is playing hard regardless of the score? Who is moving well without the ball? Whose mechanics need work, etc..? Who can run an offense and follow directions. All that stuff is being evaluated.

Everyone who played like tonight will no doubt benefit from being on the floor with more experienced players - players who already know the system or have been in the league for years.

[SAGirl]

Hey we watch games and have an opinion. Some guys were allegedly cliff jumping to be comical. It's allowed.

I am concerned about the bigs bc some of them in this game will be on the rotation and only Bertans and LJC were the rookies and I didn't expect minutes from Livio in the RS, so whatever good he shows is bonus. But I didn't expect Dedmon to be this raw. He looked like a guy trying to make the team. He's not a youngster and he's not a rookie so him is the only one I am really alarmed about.

[Chinook]

No, no one's complaining about the loss but the knee-jerk reactions and ridiculous judgments about players after the FIRST preseason game is comical. Coaches are watching for different things. Who is playing hard regardless of the score? Who is moving well without the ball? Whose mechanics need work, etc..? Who can run an offense and follow directions. All that stuff is being evaluated.

Everyone who played like tonight will no doubt benefit from being on the floor with more experienced players - players who already know the system or have been in the league for years.

I mean, I don't think anyone but a small handful of folks really think last night set any players' futures in stone. There is nothing wrong with talking about what we saw, both good and bad. Anthony outplayed Dedmon. Hopefully that changes. But it might now, and if it doesn't, it will determine a couple of important things. There are a couple of compe ions like Arci and Lapro and Simmons/Bertans/Lee which aren't near solved. But I don't think anyone expected Anthony/Dedmon to be one. Could be Butler/Freddette all over again.

[tmtcsc]

Hey we watch games and have an opinion. Some guys were allegedly cliff jumping to be comical. It's allowed.

I am concerned about the bigs bc some of them in this game will be on the rotation and only Bertans was the rookie. I didn't expect Dedmon to be this raw. He looked like a guy trying to make the team. He's not a youngster and he's not a rookie so him is the only one I am really alarmed about.

Of course everyone has opinions. But making judgments and having opinions can be done with a little more awareness of what you are watching.

[ceperez]

No, no one's complaining about the loss but the knee-jerk reactions and ridiculous judgments about players after the FIRST preseason game is comical. Coaches are watching for different things. Who is playing hard regardless of the score? Who is moving well without the ball? Whose mechanics need work, etc..? Who can run an offense and follow directions. All that stuff is being evaluated.

Everyone who played like tonight will no doubt benefit from being on the floor with more experienced players - players who already know the system or have been in the league for years.

Comical???? These reviews are the reason we visit ST.

[ceperez]

Of course everyone has opinions. But making judgments and having opinions can be done with a little more awareness of what you are watching.

Making judgments is much better than having zero opinions.. What I dislike are poster who do nothing but complain... make a contribution for once in your life!

[ceperez]

I mean, I don't think anyone but a small handful of folks really think last night set any players' futures in stone. There is nothing wrong with talking about what we saw, both good and bad. Anthony outplayed Dedmon. Hopefully that changes. But it might now, and if it doesn't, it will determine a couple of important things. There are a couple of compe ions like Arci and Lapro and Simmons/Bertans/Lee which aren't near solved. But I don't think anyone expected Anthony/Dedmon to be one. Could be Butler/Freddette all over again.

Anthony is a pro that has maximized his lack of talent. Unfortunately, he's on his last legs. Dedmon is a supposed to be a guy who is up and coming.

Honestly though, if Anthony makes the team then that means Dedmon and Lee are questionable! Not a good sign.

Here's the thing about Lapro... Spurs went out of their way to sign him despite already having Garino, Forbes and Arci. In short, there was enough of an unease with the PATFO to want to sign him (or the reverse, they were sufficiently impressed).

[ceperez]

Did these two Spurs pick on the same player? Blocked him and then scored on him! Brutal.

[SAGirl]

Of course everyone has opinions. But making judgments and having opinions can be done with a little more awareness of what you are watching.

I know what you mean all too well. Specially when guys are ready to slam and judge as no good guys who are rookies or very young. I have awareness of what I am watching but I still watch to appreciate or notice things. Disappointment is tied to expectations too, and I didn't expect much from this game, just to see interesting prospects and that I did. But I did expect Dedmon to be better. Hopefully he will be.