Random Thoughts: Spurs vs. Suns - Dec. 11, 2018

[XDT76]

If anyone watched Derrick White in the summer - before getting injured

He was stroking the 3 ball consistently - I think a few more games and his confidence and his shot will come back.

In the summer he was just a man amongst boys and he was pulling up after screens were set from way past the 3 point line and just drilling threes - I was really impressed -

I am baffled why he cannot hit the side of a barn now - but that is something to look forward to.

Also, Timvp - a lot of haters heads just exploded with your Patty mills take!

Probably he was the go to guy in the Summer League and not now thus, he is not as decisive when it comes to shooting. Another reason is the strength of his leg is not back thus his shots are not falling.

[Keepin' it real]

Thanks for the grades!!!

[DAF86]

I love me some White but he needs to start putting the ball through the hoop a lot more often, tbh. He needs to stop being so hesitant and look to get his own more.

[SpursDynasty85]

I love me some White but he needs to start putting the ball through the hoop a lot more often, tbh. He needs to stop being so hesitant and look to get his own more.

I think he is doing a really good job considering its really early in his NBA career. He is surrounded by vets that can score and so his bball IQ has to be sharp or else the whole thing will topple. The fact he is making sound decisions and playing amazing defense is all you can ask. Definitely room for improvement on the offensive end but he is doing exactly what the team needs him to for now.

[SAGirl]

Thanks for the write-up Timvp!


I wasn't aware of the numbers on Mills either, although you can see the impact he's had when on the floor.

What's interesting to me, in those stats, is that, historically Patty hasn't been that great at running the offense and setting the tone. I remember always thinking how much more smoothly things ran, offensively at least, the last few years when Patty was off the floor and Tony was in the game.


So for me, the story in the numbers is that this team could desperately use a point guard that could steady the offense, and at least put some pressure on other teams defensively. As good as a fit as we think Forbes is next to DeRozan, I wonder how much better this team would be with a decent point guard starting every night. Is that guy Murray? I'm not sure. Offensively, last year at least, the steadying effect on Tony Parker was even more pronounced than my Mills example when Parker replaced Murray on the floor.

I have thought about your point and have stated b4 that even as well as Forbes allegedly fits he’s not really a PG or a guard you want to start and play so many minutes and when he’s been off shooting like he was of late b4 this game, Pop has kep him around 18 minutes or so.

The team would definitely be much better with a real PG and a real SF starting but that’s not in the cards this season. White is probably the better stand in for both roles this year (sliding Demar and Forbes a spot) but the fact his confidence in his shooting is shaky has meant he has been very inconsistent offensively and has not been able to hold on to the spot. Hopefully he gets his shot back.

[DAF86]

I think he is doing a really good job considering its really early in his NBA career. He is surrounded by vets that can score and so his bball IQ has to be sharp or else the whole thing will topple. The fact he is making sound decisions and playing amazing defense is all you can ask. Definitely room for improvement on the offensive end but he is doing exactly what the team needs him to for now.

I'm not saying he needs to chuck, but when he has an open look, shoot it. Don't pass up open shots.

[bklynspursfan]

Thanks for the write-up Timvp!


I wasn't aware of the numbers on Mills either, although you can see the impact he's had when on the floor.

What's interesting to me, in those stats, is that, historically Patty hasn't been that great at running the offense and setting the tone. I remember always thinking how much more smoothly things ran, offensively at least, the last few years when Patty was off the floor and Tony was in the game.


So for me, the story in the numbers is that this team could desperately use a point guard that could steady the offense, and at least put some pressure on other teams defensively. As good as a fit as we think Forbes is next to DeRozan, I wonder how much better this team would be with a decent point guard starting every night. Is that guy Murray? I'm not sure. Offensively, last year at least, the steadying effect on Tony Parker was even more pronounced than my Mills example when Parker replaced Murray on the floor.

Yea last year Patty struggled, but you can tell it was a learning experience for him. (he said as much) He's improved a ton in terms of running the offense this season, so as badly as he struggled last season, you can see it paid off thus far this for this year.

Parker had years of experience, he made it look easy and effortless at times. Patty hadn't really done it much, being a catch and shoot guy. I'm glad his game is still evolving, his passing has been really impressive. I like the chemistry he's showing with Poeltl too.

We'll see how Murray is with DeRozan, they could do well together. Was looking forward to seeing how Murray's shot looked coming into this season. Sigh

[Mr. Body]

If anyone watched Derrick White in the summer - before getting injured

He was stroking the 3 ball consistently - I think a few more games and his confidence and his shot will come back.

In the summer he was just a man amongst boys and he was pulling up after screens were set from way past the 3 point line and just drilling threes - I was really impressed -

I am baffled why he cannot hit the side of a barn now - but that is something to look forward to.

Also, Timvp - a lot of haters heads just exploded with your Patty mills take!

White is probably thinking about a ton of things right now and needs to settle in to get his shot confidence back.

[MoSpur02]

I have thought about your point and have stated b4 that even as well as Forbes allegedly fits he’s not really a PG or a guard you want to start and play so many minutes and when he’s been off shooting like he was of late b4 this game, Pop has kep him around 18 minutes or so.

The team would definitely be much better with a real PG and a real SF starting but that’s not in the cards this season. White is probably the better stand in for both roles this year (sliding Demar and Forbes a spot) but the fact his confidence in his shooting is shaky has meant he has been very inconsistent offensively and has not been able to hold on to the spot. Hopefully he gets his shot back.

Been saying this. They need a legit PG and small forward.

[rjv]

poeltl's recent play has me feeling better when he is closing the game than when LA is, considering how lackluster aldridge has been so far this season.

[phxspurfan]

White is faster than I realized. He was running like a gazelle out there. Let’s see if he can reacquire that shot he had in college, because if he gets that back, he will be much more useful.

[SpursDynasty85]

I'm not saying he needs to chuck, but when he has an open look, shoot it. Don't pass up open shots.

I agree but when he does pass up an open shot he usually makes an equal or even better play by driving or passing it. I think he is still trained more as a pg and that's the way Pop wants him to play since Forbes, Walker, and Murray all struggle in that area. His first priority is to set up his teammates and he is doing that at a really fast rate right now. His offense will come to him. Only a matter of time. In the meantime he is our only stopper on the team which tires him out and his jumpsuits will be flat. I think that's why he is passing up his shots but like Kawhi, it will come with experience.

[Kobe'sAchilles]

Once White gets his shot back (if?) We should be seeing less and less of Cunningham. I think Pop would have no problem with the 3 guard rotation as starters. If Davis could learn how to actually grab a rebound that would help our team so much in the long run as well. I have been impressed with Mills this year but not surprised bc like I stated earlier this year, he is playing for his livelihood this year. With the emergence of White and Pop's love of Forbes, Mills knows it is his playing time that is being pressured. Especially one we start playing Walker. Mills has to out perform Forbes this year and show his worth in order for him to stay

[DPG21920]

Sell high on Mills. Hats off he’s playing great but we have years of data to show it’s likely not worth it and if he can net you a positive asset vs costing something to dump now is the time.

[Fusternino]

Sell high on Mills. Hats off he’s playing great but we have years of data to show it’s likely not worth it and if he can net you a positive asset vs costing something to dump now is the time.

Sell high on both Mills and Forbes, tbh.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Sell high on Mills. Hats off he’s playing great but we have years of data to show it’s likely not worth it and if he can net you a positive asset vs costing something to dump now is the time.

I agree with selling high, but I doubt it will happen. The Spurs are looking to him as the bridge to the Spurs' culture. He's the liaison to the Spurs' past, and I think Pop's made it clear how much stock he puts in that. Mills might have the safest roster spot on the team unless Pop is pulling off his biggest CIA move yet.

[jehawk81]

Man that is some deep analysis. How did the OP miss including this?

Would you rather have Metu forlornly sit on the bench chewing his tongue?

Que the Kawhi gif

[Play Boban]

Tired of being around the .500 Mark. Let's build a solid win streak.

It might help if we moved DeRozan to shooting guard tbh.

[R. DeMurre]

Derrick White is reminding me a bit of those early George Hill performances: his shooting is off, but he's still contributing with defense, rebounds, assists, steals, etc.
I'm guessing the shooting will come around.

[Pavlov]

Yeah, I'm not worried about White. He just got thrown in the deep end coming off an injury and is a bit overwhelmed mentally and still recovering physically. He's the kind of guy who's going to be very effective once everything clicks.

[doublekorv]

This guy would prefer a deadbeat, boring-ass bench.

[Coach X]

This 3-0 mini-run should be confirming to PATFO that White is a key player. He's above the NBA average passing and playing defense vs guards. With him, the team is just a player shy of having a decently balanced roster. I'd sell high on Forbes (who's peaking this season thanks to the exceptional role he happens to have due to injuries) as his virtues don't help the Spurs as much as his limitations hurt the team. He has now a value in the league and PATFO should take advantage of it making a pack around him and exploring the market, looking for the best physical forward available that can play good defense at the 3/4 position.

Bertans seems to be confirming his shooting specialist role, Mills is having a good shooting season and White will improve his 3pt% making Forbes expendable. L Walker is also there getting ready to give a hand in the backcourt. PATFO is not trading Patty, so Forbes is the man if anybody has to be moved. I'd say the club is open to add a first round and a secondary piece (Marco, Dante...) if necessary. I don't think Pau exits the team, I still believe Pop wants to play with two bigs some minutes.

I hope Forbes keeps playing well until the date he can be traded. Ideally, Gasol should have returned for then and the next move in the roster should be more clear.


I'm also intrigued about Ben Moore, I believe he will have a chance. Probably switching roles with Metu, who's clearly not ready for the NBA yet.

[Fusternino]

So is anyone else on the Osman train, then? Swap Forbes for him and also swap picks? Salaries match nicely. I think he'd recover his form if he joined with us.

[Roscoe P. Coltrane]

What happens when Gasol comes back from his injury? Does he take Jakob's minutes? Does he get inserted into the starting lineup?

Gasol is done.

[r0drig0lac]

So is anyone else on the Osman train, then? Swap Forbes for him and also swap picks? Salaries match nicely. I think he'd recover his form if he joined with us.

what does that mean?

ps: anyway, it does not matter, spurs have nothing that would interest them, they are extremely optimistic in a forward with decent size who has no weaknesses (obviously he is also no elite in any skill for now), as all teams in the league should be.