Spurs to sign Malcolm Thomas

[AFBlue]

If Baynes isn't getting PT over Ayers, I can't see Thomas getting PT over him and Bonner tbqh.

[spurs108]

Pre-game interview with Toro's head coach today:

Interviewer:
"You've been around a lot of guys who have gone to the next level from LaMarcus Aldridge and PJ Tucker to Kevin Durant. You've seen these guys. How does Malcolm Thomas project? Because he's got inside game and he's got outside game. Do they struggle to find a place for him on the floor? Because he could really perform anywhere."


Toro's Head Coach:
"I don't think so (response to whether the spurs struggle to find a spot on the floor for him). You know he's very gifted athletically and it's one of those deals where he needs reps, he needs confidence. He's obviously played at a high level, but this is different. All the players in this league can play, you know the close-outs. What's exciting and intriguing about him is that he didn't necessarily shoot the three well in college and what he's shooting now and what he's able to translate at this level--he's been very impressive shooting the ball. Now if he can use his athleticism in the right way, defend, and learn how to play multiple positions defensively. If he can get that gritty blue collar mentality, he's got a very high ceiling."

Maybe in practices he's not shooting as well on hard close outs like he'll see in games? Still don't see why they don't at least give him some garbage time minutes from time to time.

[exstatic]

Pre-game interview with Toro's head coach today:

Interviewer:
"You've been around a lot of guys who have gone to the next level from LaMarcus Aldridge and PJ Tucker to Kevin Durant. You've seen these guys. How does Malcolm Thomas project? Because he's got inside game and he's got outside game. Do they struggle to find a place for him on the floor? Because he could really perform anywhere."


Toro's Head Coach:
"I don't think so (response to whether the spurs struggle to find a spot on the floor for him). You know he's very gifted athletically and it's one of those deals where he needs reps, he needs confidence. He's obviously played at a high level, but this is different. All the players in this league can play, you know the close-outs. What's exciting and intriguing about him is that he didn't necessarily shoot the three well in college and what he's shooting now and what he's able to translate at this level--he's been very impressive shooting the ball. Now if he can use his athleticism in the right way, defend, and learn how to play multiple positions defensively. If he can get that gritty blue collar mentality, he's got a very high ceiling."

Maybe in practices he's not shooting as well on hard close outs like he'll see in games? Still don't see why they don't at least give him some garbage time minutes from time to time.

Like I said higher up in the thread, I'm half convinced that they're trying to hide him. I think they'll cut him at the deadline, hoping that someone decent gets bought out after the trade deadline, but if that doesn't happen, I think they sign him again.

[Kyuui-Musikq]

Like I said higher up in the thread, I'm half convinced that they're trying to hide him. I think they'll cut him at the deadline, hoping that someone decent gets bought out after the trade deadline, but if that doesn't happen, I think they sign him again.

God if that scenario plays out I hope it doesn't backfire. You have to think teams around the league have wished up to any sort of tricks the Spurs have up their sleeve.

[Bruno]

Pre-game interview with Toro's head coach today:

Thanks for the transcription.

It looks like they aren't that sold on his defense which is surprising for a player that was presented as a defense first player out of college.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Suspect the Spurs are putting him through a crash course on all those various pages of the Spurs' extensive playbook.

[spurs108]

Suspect the Spurs are putting him through a crash course on all those various pages of the Spurs' extensive playbook.

The fact that he's already had experience with the team should have expedited that process enough that we would have seen him play a little by now. Since we haven't, it probably means there is something else going on here (such as them not being sold on his defense as Bruno pointed out).

[ajballer4]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA1m
Spurs informed forward Malcolm Thomas that he won't be waived today, guaranteeing his contract for season, league sources tell Yahoo.

[Captivus]

I wanna see this guy!! KMON!!

[TheGoldStandard]

So it's official Thomas has become the newest season ticket holder, courtside seats

[I. Hustle]

Damn, why couldn't they have picked me up? I would be just as much help.

[SpursFan86]

I really wish they'd give him some minutes. I'm not asking for him to be playing in ing crunch time...but why can't he get a few minutes at the end of games where the outcome is already decided? We've had numerous occasions where he could've gotten in, yet he literally hasn't stepped onto the floor.

Anyone have any theories? Did we sign this guy strictly as a last resort in case multiple people go down with injuries? I don't get it.

[eDizzle20]

The Spurs know he would be picked up by another team. Thomas has been consistent throughout his D League stint. Teams love length and athleticism, both of which Thomas has plenty of. I really hope the Spurs give this guy a chance.

[ajballer4]

I think they really like his potential, especially given his size and want to hold onto him for a while, with no intention to play him. They don't want other teams to scoop him up. Unless there are multiple injuries in the front court I don't think he sees the floor. I want him to see the floor, but it's doubtful. Bring him back next season and give him a training camp and he could see a spot next season in the rotation

[SpursFan86]

I think they really like his potential, especially given his size and want to hold onto him for a while, with no intention to play him. They don't want other teams to scoop him up. Unless there are multiple injuries in the front court I don't think he sees the floor. I want him to see the floor, but it's doubtful. Bring him back next season and give him a training camp and he could see a spot next season in the rotation

Looks like this is about right. Jeff McDonald tweeted something just now about how the Spurs view (and always have viewed) him as a long-term project.

I get it...it's just hard to be cool with it when you know Ayres is getting playing time in his place

[Bruno]

So Malcolm Thomas has never really contribute at a high level (NBA or best Euro leagues), is the 7th Spurs PF/C, hasn't played a single minute with Spurs and they guaranteed his contract. Spurs must surely be impressed by what he did in practice/D-League.

Spurs roster is quite unbalanced with 7 guards (Parker, Mills, Joseph, Ginobili, Green, De Colo and Belinelli), 7 bigs (Duncan, Splitter, Diaw, Ayres, Bonner, Baynes and Thomas) and only 1 SF with Leonard. While 7 guards could be understandable with Green, Ginobili or Belinelli playing also some SF, 7 bigmen is way too much especially since it's more 7 and a half with Kawhi playing smallball PF. Just a strange roster.

It's also noteworthy that even if Spurs have 15 players under contract, they still have the flexibility to go after a waived/D-League player they really like. Spurs are so far below the tax that they could waive an end of the bench expiring contract (De Colo, Bonner, Baynes or Thomas) and sign a new player without financial issues.

[monkeypunk]

Is the kid quick enough to guard SF's? Looks like he has the size and length...

[jeebus]

So Malcolm Thomas has never really contribute at a high level (NBA or best Euro leagues), is the 7th Spurs PF/C, hasn't played a single minute with Spurs and they guaranteed his contract. Spurs must surely be impressed by what he did in practice/D-League.

Spurs roster is quite unbalanced with 7 guards (Parker, Mills, Joseph, Ginobili, Green, De Colo and Belinelli), 7 bigs (Duncan, Splitter, Diaw, Ayres, Bonner, Baynes and Thomas) and only 1 SF with Leonard. While 7 guards could be understandable with Green, Ginobili or Belinelli playing also some SF, 7 bigmen is way too much especially since it's more 7 and a half with Kawhi playing smallball PF. Just a strange roster.

It's also noteworthy that even if Spurs have 15 players under contract, they still have the flexibility to go after a waived/D-League player they really like. Spurs are so far below the tax that they could waive an end of the bench expiring contract (De Colo, Bonner, Baynes or Thomas) and sign a new player without financial issues.

From what I heard, De Colo is at the D League Showcase to show him off to other teams for a trade. Probably won't get anything but a scrub/2nd round pick but hey...

[exstatic]

Is the kid quick enough to guard SF's? Looks like he has the size and length...

Yes. I think that him developing the three pointer this year sealed the deal on him for SA. He's 6'9" but only weighs 225, so he can't really bang and defend in the post. My guess is that he will be a combo forward, defending 3s and stretch 4s only.

He's also a weakside shotblocker. DX doesn't have a MAX vert listed for him, but his "no step" is 32.5. That's pretty damn good. Contrast that with Kawhi, who's MAX vert is 32.0 and "no step" is 25.5. That also makes him a pretty good rebounder.

Consider this his training camp. Be patient. Malcolm seems to be happy with the content and pace of his instruction by the development staff.

[exstatic]

From what I heard, De Colo is at the D League Showcase to show him off to other teams for a trade. Probably won't get anything but a scrub/2nd round pick but hey...

Since that's all they drafted him with, it's like getting your money back, and freeing a roster spot to boot, if you can get a team with cap room or a TE to take him.

[ChumpDumper]

Yes. I think that him developing the three pointer this year sealed the deal on him for SA. He's 6'9" but only weighs 225, so he can't really bang and defend in the post. My guess is that he will be a combo forward, defending 3s and stretch 4s only.

He's also a weakside shotblocker. DX doesn't have a MAX vert listed for him, but his "no step" is 32.5. That's pretty damn good. Contrast that with Kawhi, who's MAX vert is 32.0 and "no step" is 25.5. That also makes him a pretty good rebounder.

Consider this his training camp. Be patient. Malcolm seems to be happy with the content and pace of his instruction by the development staff.

FWIW he hasn't played SF at all on the Toros, but teams are generally smaller so who knows?

[monkeypunk]

Yes. I think that him developing the three pointer this year sealed the deal on him for SA. He's 6'9" but only weighs 225, so he can't really bang and defend in the post. My guess is that he will be a combo forward, defending 3s and stretch 4s only.

He's also a weakside shotblocker. DX doesn't have a MAX vert listed for him, but his "no step" is 32.5. That's pretty damn good. Contrast that with Kawhi, who's MAX vert is 32.0 and "no step" is 25.5. That also makes him a pretty good rebounder.

Consider this his training camp. Be patient. Malcolm seems to be happy with the content and pace of his instruction by the development staff.

Encouraging numbers, didn't realize he was so light or that he could jump out of the gym. As a SF and a smallball PF, he sounds like just what the doctor ordered as far as our needs go. I'm usually wary of weakside shotblockers as they are often out of position going for blocks and the good teams can just swing the ball around to get open shots but honestly I can't wait to see him thrown into the fire.

[jeebus]

Since that's all they drafted him with, it's like getting your money back, and freeing a roster spot to boot, if you can get a team with cap room or a TE to take him.

I'm down with getting money back plus an open roster spot. Just as long as they don't fill it with Josh Howard.

[Bruno]

Trajan Langdon (Spurs scout) talked about Thomas as a stretch 4. AFAIK, he has never played SF in college or as a pro.

[timtonymanu]

Shows the front office legitimately likes him.

Hopefully we get to see him play soon.