Primo assigned to the g league

[Dejounte]

Sounds like we’re asking different questions, actually. I don’t see Lil Weezy getting minutes over White or Walker, especially before Primo. But I would love to see him do well.

All I was saying is the bar should be set higher than Forbes for Wieskamp because I, too, want to see him do well. I don’t think it’s a step in any direction for Wieskamp to take Forbes’ minutes since we’ve seen young players like Metu or Luka get those kind of minutes only to get cut. Primo is a given already in my eyes to take minutes from a regular rotational player.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

What a great comeback for the kid after a disastrous start. Shows great confidence, well done. Hopefully bodes well for the future.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Primo offense is NBA ready, but man it was a pain watching him in the PnR defense. He never establishes position or gets around it. He often left his help in a horrible position. It could be for not having experience with eachother, but he was really bad the whole night with it. His defense and swipes look Harden esque bad. I noted this on draft night, it worries me how dead and slow he looks on defense at times. He made some plays late in the game but he does not seem to have much of an idea of how to play defense tbh. He doesn't use his body well and usually let's his defender get him off balance very easily.

He has a completely different gear on offense when the ball is in his hands which is another worry. Why doesn't he turn that gear on defensively? There was one play he was jogging back on defense and his team got the ball back quickly and were running the other way, he was running against them without even realizing it. That was a huge red flag to me. How is he so out of it on defense the majority of the time ? We know he's smart enough and athletic enough. Just kind of worrisome for me and I can see why he needs time in the G league with that effort on Defense.

I'd take Primo over Forbes any day, but half the night, his body language and awareness made me wonder on defense.

Once again, on offense I wish he was on the main team. They could use it. That defense was just, inexcusable, pretty bad for most of the game. He got cooked several times by a legit g league player.

On offense, he definitely wanted to run the show and in the first, they weren't giving it to him. He did not seem to respond well to that and maybe that's why the lack of effort. I'd like to see him be a complete player in the g league. Really shouldn't be asking much.

Yeah, he does look like he needs to develop responsible habits on defense.

If he's gonna be immature and need some personality growth, it probably is a good idea to let him run loose in the G-League and bring him along slowly as a more complete player and teammate.

His defense needs a lot of work no question and there is no point in rewarding destructive habits.

He can take his time in G-League while the big club earns another high pick to grow with him. It is what it is.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Primo offense is NBA ready, but man it was a pain watching him in the PnR defense. He never establishes position or gets around it. He often left his help in a horrible position. It could be for not having experience with eachother, but he was really bad the whole night with it. His defense and swipes look Harden esque bad. I noted this on draft night, it worries me how dead and slow he looks on defense at times. He made some plays late in the game but he does not seem to have much of an idea of how to play defense tbh. He doesn't use his body well and usually let's his defender get him off balance very easily.

He has a completely different gear on offense when the ball is in his hands which is another worry. Why doesn't he turn that gear on defensively? There was one play he was jogging back on defense and his team got the ball back quickly and were running the other way, he was running against them without even realizing it. That was a huge red flag to me. How is he so out of it on defense the majority of the time ? We know he's smart enough and athletic enough. Just kind of worrisome for me and I can see why he needs time in the G league with that effort on Defense.

I'd take Primo over Forbes any day, but half the night, his body language and awareness made me wonder on defense.

Once again, on offense I wish he was on the main team. They could use it. That defense was just, inexcusable, pretty bad for most of the game. He got cooked several times by a legit g league player.

On offense, he definitely wanted to run the show and in the first, they weren't giving it to him. He did not seem to respond well to that and maybe that's why the lack of effort. I'd like to see him be a complete player in the g league. Really shouldn't be asking much.

I agree completely, I just finished the game. He looked pretty disengaged for the majority of the game imo. Maybe because he thinks he's much better than a lot of these guys and thinks he belongs in SA who knows but I definitely noticed his body language was really nonchalant.

However, as the game progressed I think his intensity got a lot better and his compe ive nature kicked in. He drew a huge charge at the end of the game and he showed emotion for the first time all game and then had a slick pass to Cacok for the game winning shot. The last couple of minutes of the game he definitely bought into defense but I agree he was extremely soft defensively and it seemed like he didn't really care if they scored or not. He did have two nice blocks, clearly has the tools to play defense and I don't see him playing that disengaged defensively in SA and I haven't yet actually, he's been solid defensively every game he's played with the Spurs.

But man this kid really is the youngest player in the entire NBA. I am excited to watch this kid progress, with his shooting alone he should be with the Spurs right now.

[Dejounte]

Interesting— Primo tried harder in this game to land on both feet when he shoots instead of just one like he usually does. This is likely due to him getting injured from the last game.

[slick'81]

This is kid is going to play his way outta that hole soon enough

[Maddog]

Interesting— Primo tried harder in this game to land on both feet when he shoots instead of just one like he usually does. This is likely due to him getting injured from the last game.

That and defense basics are one of many reasons for him to be in the G-League to start out.

[The Truth #6]

His body language is usually sort of nonchalant I guess, but I took that as him being sort of centered and mature, and not overwhelmed by the moment. But absolutely, better defense is needed, ideally.

[duncan2k5]

That and defense basics are one of many reasons for him to be in the G-League to start out.

Bull ... There are many players who are known to be bad defenders that still ended up in the hall of fame... Some players simply will never be good at defense... That's no reason to stick them in the g-league... Who did that ever help? Certainly didn't help Forbes

[R. DeMurre]

Yeah, the defense is a little scary-- ballhandlers get around Primo consistently with little effort. Also, one of the reasons Primo was -11 for the game, despite scoring 28 pts in a win. Definitely a trend to keep an eye on, as he was in the negative in the last G league game also, and overall for the Summer league. I'd say it's too early to call it a red flag, but it's worrying that he seems extremely motivated on the offensive end and completely nonchalant on defense.

[itzsoweezee]

That and defense basics are one of many reasons for him to be in the G-League to start out.

Lol

[KobesAchilles]

Primo will fit in sooo nicely with Murray and Vassell. The fit is perfect.

Starters should beb
Murray
Primo
Vassell
KJ
Poeltl

[KobesAchilles]

Bull ... There are many players who are known to be bad defenders that still ended up in the hall of fame... Some players simply will never be good at defense... That's no reason to stick them in the g-league... Who did that ever help? Certainly didn't help Forbes

Yeah Idgaf about my point guard defense. Like who really is a good defender as a point guard? DJ? Anyone else? He just needs to learn where to bee on the court for defense and that will help him a lot. I hope Pop does leave after this year though bc I don't want the kid coached like Lonnie was coached. The Spurs themselves did all this to Lonnie so any complaint about him should go to PATFO and not Lonnie

[TDomination]

Primo offense is NBA ready, but man it was a pain watching him in the PnR defense. He never establishes position or gets around it. He often left his help in a horrible position. It could be for not having experience with eachother, but he was really bad the whole night with it. His defense and swipes look Harden esque bad. I noted this on draft night, it worries me how dead and slow he looks on defense at times. He made some plays late in the game but he does not seem to have much of an idea of how to play defense tbh. He doesn't use his body well and usually let's his defender get him off balance very easily.

He has a completely different gear on offense when the ball is in his hands which is another worry. Why doesn't he turn that gear on defensively? There was one play he was jogging back on defense and his team got the ball back quickly and were running the other way, he was running against them without even realizing it. That was a huge red flag to me. How is he so out of it on defense the majority of the time ? We know he's smart enough and athletic enough. Just kind of worrisome for me and I can see why he needs time in the G league with that effort on Defense.

I'd take Primo over Forbes any day, but half the night, his body language and awareness made me wonder on defense.

Once again, on offense I wish he was on the main team. They could use it. That defense was just, inexcusable, pretty bad for most of the game. He got cooked several times by a legit g league player.

On offense, he definitely wanted to run the show and in the first, they weren't giving it to him. He did not seem to respond well to that and maybe that's why the lack of effort. I'd like to see him be a complete player in the g league. Really shouldn't be asking much.

Thanks for the insight. will be interesting to see if he becomes more engaged moving forward.

[exstatic]

Yeah, the defense is a little scary-- ballhandlers get around Primo consistently with little effort. Also, one of the reasons Primo was -11 for the game, despite scoring 28 pts in a win. Definitely a trend to keep an eye on, as he was in the negative in the last G league game also, and overall for the Summer league. I'd say it's too early to call it a red flag, but it's worrying that he seems extremely motivated on the offensive end and completely nonchalant on defense.

One of the reasons I like drafting players like DJ and Vassell. It’s easier to fire up a defensive stalwart about offense than the other way around.

[exstatic]

Yeah Idgaf about my point guard defense. Like who really is a good defender as a point guard? DJ? Anyone else? He just needs to learn where to bee on the court for defense and that will help him a lot. I hope Pop does leave after this year though bc I don't want the kid coached like Lonnie was coached. The Spurs themselves did all this to Lonnie so any complaint about him should go to PATFO and not Lonnie

DJ
Jrue Holiday
FVV
Westbrook
Simmons
Rozier
CP3

[KobesAchilles]

DJ
Jrue Holiday
FVV
Westbrook
Simmons
Rozier
CP3

Van Vleet? Cmon man
Westbrook might literally be the worst point guard defender. Seriously.
Simmons isn't playing. Can't count him bc his feelings are hurt
Don't watch Rozier so I have no idea
And CP3 was a good defender 5 years ago

[Sugus]

Van Vleet? Cmon man
Westbrook might literally be the worst point guard defender. Seriously.
Simmons isn't playing. Can't count him bc his feelings are hurt
Don't watch Rozier so I have no idea
And CP3 was a good defender 5 years ago

FVV has been a positive defender from what I know, I'd like to see some stats on it but it's been my perception watching the Raps.
Westbrook is an awful defender, always has been, has no place on this list, Ex took a nosedive there
You can absolutely count Simmons even if he's not playing, he doesn't stop being a good defender 'cause his feelings are hurt lol
Rozier I have never gotten the impression that he's a "good" defender, always been neutral at best but that's just IMO.
CP3 is still a good defender and last year was a positive contributor for the Suns on that end, I haven't watched him this year but he shouldn't be too far off...

You can add Lowry to this list, and Jrue too since you didn't mention him. Point being, there's a lot of defensive PGs in the league, though they're definitely outnumbered by offensive PGs who are liabilities on D. Lastly, it's perfectly fine to keep Primo in the G-L to develop his defense, especially given his age; there's no reason he can't be a good offensive player, and a good defensive player, if developed correctly. It's not like you have to choose one or the other, and I certainly want the coaching staff to key in on these things at an early stage so he doesn't pick up bad habits long-term.

And lastly, I share your concern about Primo getting coached by Pop and it's certainly another reason I want him on Austin as much as possible this season. The Lonnie saga was a disgrace, and I don't want yet another shoot-first SG having his career derailed by the antiquated mindset Pop focuses on.

[lefty20]

People seem to forget that TP was pretty poor defender as well and Spurs still made it work. Don't get me wrong, it's worth a shot to see if you can improve his defensive technique and awareness, but sometimes it just doesn't click for many players.

This is also true for some players on the offensive end. Some players just can't understand how/when to make a proper cut/roll/screen. I'm not even gonna mention shooting, since that's a different category altogether, imo.

[exstatic]

FVV has been a positive defender from what I know, I'd like to see some stats on it but it's been my perception watching the Raps.
Westbrook is an awful defender, always has been, has no place on this list, Ex took a nosedive there
You can absolutely count Simmons even if he's not playing, he doesn't stop being a good defender 'cause his feelings are hurt lol
Rozier I have never gotten the impression that he's a "good" defender, always been neutral at best but that's just IMO.
CP3 is still a good defender and last year was a positive contributor for the Suns on that end, I haven't watched him this year but he shouldn't be too far off...

You can add Lowry to this list, and Jrue too since you didn't mention him. Point being, there's a lot of defensive PGs in the league, though they're definitely outnumbered by offensive PGs who are liabilities on D. Lastly, it's perfectly fine to keep Primo in the G-L to develop his defense, especially given his age; there's no reason he can't be a good offensive player, and a good defensive player, if developed correctly. It's not like you have to choose one or the other, and I certainly want the coaching staff to key in on these things at an early stage so he doesn't pick up bad habits long-term.

And lastly, I share your concern about Primo getting coached by Pop and it's certainly another reason I want him on Austin as much as possible this season. The Lonnie saga was a disgrace, and I don't want yet another shoot-first SG having his career derailed by the antiquated mindset Pop focuses on.

Lonnie’s problem isn’t Pop, it’s Lonnie. Other players coached by Pop don’t freeze up or pass the ball away when they get a catch and shoot opportunity. He’s an almost completely passive player, which is a shame, because he has talent. I can’t see him on the roster next year, with Vassell basically beating him up and taking his lunch money/minutes as an unafraid 2-way player, and Primo looking like a better version.

[BackHome]

I like Lonnie as a person but as a player he has to many flaws I am hoping we can move him and Young for a good trade but Spurs are terrible when it comes to making complex moves.

I think with the right team he could blossom but not with our team and I would say that’s it’s not all on Walker just like it’s not all on Pop. I think is a little bit of both I will say one thing I hate is when a new player has a great game Pop will bench him for days or weeks which to me makes no ing sense? If anyone can explain why this is good development please let me know.

[KobesAchilles]

Lonnie’s problem isn’t Pop, it’s Lonnie. Other players coached by Pop don’t freeze up or pass the ball away when they get a catch and shoot opportunity. He’s an almost completely passive player, which is a shame, because he has talent. I can’t see him on the roster next year, with Vassell basically beating him up and taking his lunch money/minutes as an unafraid 2-way player, and Primo looking like a better version.

Nah it was Pop. He didn’t play him at all. Benched him for worse defenders. Played him one game then sat him the next three. Never have him a consistent role on the floor, he never had a play designed for him. And basically let LMA, DDR, and Gay dribble dribble shoot the whole offense.

Lonnie def has his own issues but our coaching of him was ty from the get go

[spurraider21]

westbrook as an example of a good defensive pg?

[exstatic]

Nah it was Pop. He didn’t play him at all. Benched him for worse defenders. Played him one game then sat him the next three. Never have him a consistent role on the floor, he never had a play designed for him. And basically let LMA, DDR, and Gay dribble dribble shoot the whole offense.

Lonnie def has his own issues but our coaching of him was ty from the get go

He got no different coaching than any of the other players. The cuffs were off this year. He was started. He deferred too much. Moved to the bench to get more touches. He STILL deferred. Players who are afraid to fail never amount to much, and that’s a personality trait that is imprinted in childhood.

[KobesAchilles]

He got no different coaching than any of the other players. The cuffs were off this year. He was started. He deferred too much. Moved to the bench to get more touches. He STILL deferred. Players who are afraid to fail never amount to much, and that’s a personality trait that is imprinted in childhood.

That’s a lie. He got completely different coaching from Murray or Forbes or Belli or DDR or Gay or literally every other player on the Spurs. It’s not the getting benched part it’s the not playing him for 3 games part. Pop did that to nobody else and it ed with him. That’s why he got scared. Dude wasn’t getting benched for a quarter but whole games. That’s bad coaching. I’m not even a Pop hater but you have to sniff pretty strongly in order to think Pop did right by Lonnie