Dejonte Murray makes STATEMENT regarding his spurs future

[Chinook]

Bbb but everybody said spurs were willing to move up to 10 to get the star they coveted .He has to b special

We didn't hear anything about them trying to move up for Murray or White. If we're giving points for Pop believing in a guy, I think Walker takes the cake. Plus, Lonnie's offensive ceiling looks amazing. Dude might end up being the best scoring guard the team has had. It's not just the great shooting form, the pull-up game or the grown-man pull-up game. His athleticism allows him to finish at angles very few can in the league.

[slick'81]

Sorry chinook! love to troll with ya but you are also blocked

[Play Boban]

We didn't hear anything about them trying to move up for Murray or White. If we're giving points for Pop believing in a guy, I think Walker takes the cake. Plus, Lonnie's offensive ceiling looks amazing. Dude might end up being the best scoring guard the team has had. It's not just the great shooting form, the pull-up game or the grown-man pull-up game. His athleticism allows him to finish at angles very few can in the league.

Yeah, he looked great shooting 34% from the floor this season.

[Chinook]

Sorry chinook! love to troll with ya but you are also blocked

I'm going to block you, but I need to make sure you know about it.

[Chinook]

Yeah, he looked great shooting 34% from the floor this season.

He did.

[Pavlov]

what's with the old fart haters of everything related to this team?

[palangi]

what's with the old fart haters of everything related to this team?

They don't like change

[Hoops Czar]

Kid loves sa

What else is he gonna say? It's not like he has a choice anytime soon.

[RC_Drunkford]

I assume Pop will have the young guys compete with each other to earn minutes, so they work harder on their games. He always does that. That friendly compe ion should make everybody better

[RD2191]

Sorry chinook! love to troll with ya but you are also blocked

What kind of got blocks chinook? Go yourself, asshole.

[cutewizard]

I assume Pop will have the young guys compete with each other to earn minutes, so they work harder on their games. He always does that. That friendly compe ion should make everybody better

[acoelho1]

I trust PATFO's ability to bring in players who will work for them. And I'd love for Murray's play to match his at ude. But I don't think "Pop thinks Murray will be a star" is going to mean DJM will be force fed minutes. I think only a couple of people here would be upset by Murray getting put on a pedestal if he earns it. I think Pop will start off with the intention for Murray and White to play starring roles. But if one or the other doesn't back up his confidence, he will bench them. Remember, Pop benched Murray in 2017-2018 when he wasn't playing well enough to hold onto the spot. I don't think he'd be against doing it again, especially because the alternative might be a White who should be much better than 2017 Parker or a Walker who has the highest ceiling on the team.

I'd love for Murray to break out into s om. But coming off an injury and with the rest of the roster construction, I can't see that being a guarantee.

This perception that Murray has some sort of bad at ude or is overly y just because he puts himself out there in the social media space is a false narrative. In fact, I think you guys are too accustomed to the way Duncan led the team and Murray brings a different way of doing it, which is not good or bad but different. Also, Star players need to be confident in their abilities and yes, I fully expect Pop to hand over the keys to Murray. That's not to say he has free rein to go against the team's principles but it seems pretty clear from all indication from the Spurs that Murray will be the guy. This belief in Murray stems from his play on the court and his mental toughness. You can't discount the latter because it's a critical element to becoming a star player.

Derrick really didn't play that poorly in Games 4-6. He averaged 11 and 3 in those games. That's better than Murray's entire GS series in 2018. Game 7 was certainly awful, but I think the first six games showed a consistently good level of play affected mostly by the increased attention Denver paid to him after Game 3. I really don't think it's fair at all to praise Murray's "killer instinct" when White actually won a game for his club while the best DJM did was 12 points against GS. That's not to rag too hard on Murray. You shouldn't expect young players to come in and give star-level impacts their first real series out. Just think you should afford White the same understanding.

Are you really comparing playing against the Nuggets vs Warriors? They are completely different animals and what I saw was White shrink under the pressure. For some guys, either you got it or you don't. I knew early on with Murray, just like Leonard, they had this compe iveness that you knew they would become stars. You add the talent and determination, it will become inevitable that he reaches his full potential. Ask yourself this, why is the messaging out of the Spurs is that Murray can be star? They must see something special.. no?

Anyway, you know we have different views on the defense. I think it's up to whether the true mark of a defender is his one-on-one ability or his group ability. But it's just a fact that Murray did not follow the other team's best perimeter player up and down the floor each possession like White did. Pop didn't put DJM in a ton of obvious size mismatches for him to have to battle his way through. White was "tough" enough to guard Kawhi Leonard and get the best of him. I don't think Murray has a signature "grit" game to his name. Not saying that as an insult. Just honestly don't remember one.

I saw him give Kyrie Irving and Westbrook on that side of the ball. Nevertheless, look at his on/off numbers on defense in 2017, the Spurs were astronomically better with him on the floor. Also, 1on1 defense is great but the most important aspect to any defense is rebounding the ball, which Murray excels. Every defensive metric shows Murray as elite so you can deny the numbers if you want but the guy made all defensive team in his 2nd year and his younger and less developed than White.

Also, arguing between the 2 is fruitless exercise. My only point is that Murray will be starting next year and given the keys by Pop. That is 100% guaranteed and if you don't believe so, then you haven't been watching Murray's play.

[KobesAchilles]

I just want Murray to become as good a point guard as Avery was before I start saying all star team with him. I’m not knocking Murray who is obviously a superior athlete/defender/rebounder than AJ. But he needs to learn how to become a point guard, dictate the offense, make sure the big dogs eat, dribble penetrate and kick better, finish better in half court and his jumper needs work as well. These are the areas I want him at the AJ level this year. I will worry about All-Star and keys to the team afterwards.

[Collins21]

Personally I don't understand all the hate for DJ amongst Spurs fans. White had a good year but by all accounts Murray was destined for an even better season. I like both guys and I refuse to bash one to praise the other. In Pop's exit interview he raved and seemed genuinely excited about getting Murray back. You don't talk/feel that way about a bum. Even like "Instagram baller" is outrageous but when he has a breakout season this year the same dudes will try to hop on the train.

[JeffDuncan]

Personally I don't understand all the hate for DJ amongst Spurs fans. ...

That "all" is three dopes who are madly jealous because he gets more attention than they do.

[Chinook]

This perception that Murray has some sort of bad at ude or is overly y just because he puts himself out there in the social media space is a false narrative. In fact, I think you guys are too accustomed to the way Duncan led the team and Murray brings a different way of doing it, which is not good or bad but different. Also, Star players need to be confident in their abilities and yes, I fully expect Pop to hand over the keys to Murray. That's not to say he has free rein to go against the team's principles but it seems pretty clear from all indication from the Spurs that Murray will be the guy. This belief in Murray stems from his play on the court and his mental toughness. You can't discount the latter because it's a critical element to becoming a star player.

I said nothing about Murray having a "bad at ude". I've done nothing but praise Murray's behavior. The point I was making that if he acts like a star and also plays like a star, it will be amazing for the team.

Are you really comparing playing against the Nuggets vs Warriors? They are completely different animals and what I saw was White shrink under the pressure. For some guys, either you got it or you don't. I knew early on with Murray, just like Leonard, they had this compe iveness that you knew they would become stars. You add the talent and determination, it will become inevitable that he reaches his full potential.

Murray only scored in double-digits once against the Warriors in their five-game series last year. White scored did it five times in seven games against Denver. I also think White was much way more pressure than Murray, because everyone knew SA was going to lose to GS whereas the Denver series as legitimately up for grabs. DJM seriously had games where he scored four and six points in that series.

Ask yourself this, why is the messaging out of the Spurs is that Murray can be star? They must see something special.. no?

I feel like you're starting to rely on this point way too much. Again, Pop benched Murray last year despite whatever he said about star potential. The Spurs seem to really like all three of their young guards, and Pop and RC have gone out of their way to praise each at times. You're using a quote that Pop said when Walker was injured and White hadn't broken out. Does he feel the same way? Maybe, but my guess is he thinks it's way more complicated now

I saw him give Kyrie Irving and Westbrook on that side of the ball. Nevertheless, look at his on/off numbers on defense in 2017, the Spurs were astronomically better with him on the floor. Also, 1on1 defense is great but the most important aspect to any defense is rebounding the ball, which Murray excels. Every defensive metric shows Murray as elite so you can deny the numbers if you want but the guy made all defensive team in his 2nd year and his younger and less developed than White.

Not every metric shows Murray's elite. Only impact stats (on/offs, plus-minuses) do. His actual man-defense stats were poor. We've been over this. Murray wasn't actually that good at stopping guys when they went at him. He had a good game against Irving, but that was because DJM scored well on him. Kyrie actually had a fine offensive game. It wasn't like his game against White this year. I did end up looking up that season. Murray's best one-on-one defensive game was probably early against Toronto when he held Lowry down, though Lowry was actually awful for the whole first tenth of the season. He started having really awful defensive games like against Miami a few days later when Dragic ran DJM off the court. Later that month, Irving (with Boston) also had a really good game against Murray. In general, the Spurs weren't as successful of a team with Murray starting rather than Parker or even Mills. I would expect that to change with DeJounte having grown. But I also think it's misleading to act like the Spurs were non-controversially better with Murray on the court. They weren't.

Also, arguing between the 2 is fruitless exercise. My only point is that Murray will be starting next year and given the keys by Pop. That is 100% guaranteed and if you don't believe so, then you haven't been watching Murray's play.

I get your only point. That's what this whole conversation has been about. I don't believe it's guaranteed that Murray stays the starter once Pop starts making adjustments. I don't believe Pop's as married to Murray over White, Walker and DeRozan as you argue. I know Pop "gave the keys" to him last year, but that was in a pre-DeRozan era where the club had no perimeter focal point. Now that they have one, I'm not sure Pop will be as bullish. The club simply can't afford to let their offense slip too much from where it got this year, and it's very likely to if they start so many non-shooters.

[acoelho1]

I get your only point. That's what this whole conversation has been about. I don't believe it's guaranteed that Murray stays the starter once Pop starts making adjustments. I don't believe Pop's as married to Murray over White, Walker and DeRozan as you argue. I know Pop "gave the keys" to him last year, but that was in a pre-DeRozan era where the club had no perimeter focal point. Now that they have one, I'm not sure Pop will be as bullish. The club simply can't afford to let their offense slip too much from where it got this year, and it's very likely to if they start so many non-shooters.

I'll reiterate my earlier point. Murray won't except coming off the bench in favor of White and nor should he because he's the better player in my view. I feel almost certain that is the Spurs position today. I think the Spurs strategy will be to have White play the Manu role and have internal improvement from Murray & DeRozan in terms of their shooting. Expect LMA to jack up more 3's and I anticipate Walker to overtake Forbes for the starting 2 spot or at least get considerable more minutes at guard or foward. I'm very bullish on Walker. The guy has dynamic athleticism and a picture perfect jump shot.

Also, you keep bringing up the benching piece but as I notated, these are different times. We don't have a future HOF in the stables so a greater emphasis on the young players is required, which means a longer leash will be given.

[tbdog]

Yeah, he looked great shooting 34% from the floor this season.

In two seasons time, I expect Lonnie, unless he takes further injuries, to be at the level Donovan Mitc was in his rookie year. His game is very similar, and Lonnie is bigger.

[tbdog]

Personally I don't understand all the hate for DJ amongst Spurs fans. White had a good year but by all accounts Murray was destined for an even better season. I like both guys and I refuse to bash one to praise the other. In Pop's exit interview he raved and seemed genuinely excited about getting Murray back. You don't talk/feel that way about a bum. Even like "Instagram baller" is outrageous but when he has a breakout season this year the same dudes will try to hop on the train.

I think Spurs fans forgot. This place was buzzing before his injury. He was hitting those midrange shots. There are a lot of players that you put in 'if only he learns to shoot' pile. If Murray leaves that pile, he isn't just a playoff rotational player. He becomes a borderline all-star.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

1st and foremost I think it's kinda lame to bash the kid for posting a little bit of stuff on his social media accounts. Times have changed and this is one of the things (eventhough I don't really with it too much) young people do. He doesnt get into trouble and seems to really like the game and not just the things the game can get or do for him. I don't blame people for playing just because they are tall but it's always nice to get a player who truly loves what they do and wants to get better.

It's going to be funny/sad if Murray doesn't improve to at least the level White played this season because he hasn't even played to that level yet. If Murray doesn't at least get to Derrick's real 1st season level it's going to be a lot of folks on here copping pleas and lying about their predictions on his upcoming seasons progression. Lmao

Either way I really hope both guys continue to get better and at least become good role players on a winning team. I have no axe to grind with either of the players but in my honest assessment White is the better player as of now.

[Play Boban]

In two seasons time, I expect Lonnie, unless he takes further injuries, to be at the level Donovan Mitc was in his rookie year. His game is very similar, and Lonnie is bigger.

In two seasons time, I expect him to be on Alex Jones’ radio show peddling moon landing conspiracy theories and discussing how chemtrails caused him to fail to make it in the NBA tbh.

[tholdren]

Manu made some of the dumbest plays ever because he didn't think through the consequences of his actions. I can get behind the idea that he didn't have a traditional mind for the game like Tim did. But I don't think it helps to narrow the definition of "BBIQ" that much.

Lol

[cd98]

I'll reiterate my earlier point. Murray won't except coming off the bench in favor of White and nor should he because he's the better player in my view. I feel almost certain that is the Spurs position today. I think the Spurs strategy will be to have White play the Manu role and have internal improvement from Murray & DeRozan in terms of their shooting. Expect LMA to jack up more 3's and I anticipate Walker to overtake Forbes for the starting 2 spot or at least get considerable more minutes at guard or foward. I'm very bullish on Walker. The guy has dynamic athleticism and a picture perfect jump shot.

Also, you keep bringing up the benching piece but as I notated, these are different times. We don't have a future HOF in the stables so a greater emphasis on the young players is required, which means a longer leash will be given.

If Murray starts over White, it's because he earns it in training camp. Pop isn't going to just hand Murray a starting job because he thinks he can be a good player. If Murray gets outplayed in training camp, White could easily start. Don't forget, we are in a league where guards really have to score and Murray has not been a good shooter or really even a good scorer. White is definitely better than him at scoring. That said, both Murray and White have the size and athleticism that will allow them to play both guard positions, so it is plausible that both start and DeRozen goes to small forward. In fact, I bet that is the most likely scenario unless Walker advances to the point that he beats both of those guys out.

[Dverde]

Who thinks he gets extended before the regular season starts?

[Chinook]

Who thinks he gets extended before the regular season starts?

I don't believe he does, but if I were PATFO, I might see how low Paul is willing to go. I expect Murray to get the max in 2020 if he comes back and plays decently well. So if they could shave off $8-10 Million APY by getting him early, it's a good move. But I also think the team is going to go for cap space next summer, so having Murray at his cap hold would be more helpful than having him locked in would.