Will Mills play the Neal roll next season

[Spur|n|Austin]

I wanted him to have a chance, but they'll put Belinelli in that spot. Mills is pretty much done on this team, unfortunately.

He'll continue his cheering and locker room comradery-giving, which people may underestimate but is actually quite beneficial.

[superbigtime]

Love Patty's enthusiasm but he won't be very meaningful to the Spurs. Will miss G Neal, he had ice water running through his veins but he had a C to C- year. Too much inside his own head, lousy defense, and alot of chucking. If he had a better % I would miss him more. Watching Neal was a frustration. He's going to have some good games left in him, no doubt. But his shortcomings overshadow the couple of hot shooting games he will have. Still a fan and loved cheering for him, but overall Neal wasn't getting it done unfortunately. I don't think Mills is going to step into his shoes, it will be Belinelli.

[benfti]

Mills opting in pretty much cost Neal his roster spot. not sure why Mills opted in. essentially burying his career

He is backing himself in to improve and crack the rotation, he did have a couple of offers to move to other teams and get a few more minutes, but he loves San Antonio and wants to stay. I dont know if people are following what he is doing this off-season, but he has been traveling all over getting extra strenght training, fitness, and he will be on national duty as well. I would go as far as to say he will probably be the best shape spur coming back to training camp.

[LarryDavid]

Or will he still be buried at 3rd/4th point guard/ garbage time duty and bel will go out there to jack up shots?


discuss.

I think Beli fills Neal's role.

[Russ]

How bout if Neal plays the Neal role next year.

[HI-FI]

He is backing himself in to improve and crack the rotation, he did have a couple of offers to move to other teams and get a few more minutes, but he loves San Antonio and wants to stay. I dont know if people are following what he is doing this off-season, but he has been traveling all over getting extra strenght training, fitness, and he will be on national duty as well. I would go as far as to say he will probably be the best shape spur coming back to training camp.

that's promising to hear. I love what Patty brings to the team and also love that he's happy here, but it would be great if he could contribute more on the court as well, so hopefully he can this year.

[Vash StampedE]

At this point of Duncan-Popovich era, we can't afford to rely on unproven/prospect players anymore and that's what we could possibly lose if Neal doesn't return. That's why I would rather him have the spot of Mills or Nando. Mills is just too small to play a position other than 1 and based on my observations, he is not strong enough to handle ball pressure from bigger, physical PG/backup PG of opposing teams e.g., Bledsoe, Reggie Jackson, etc. That's why I when I read others' post saying he can play the 2.

I still hope that Spurs bring him back, though just as a situational player and not as part of the rotation. Even if doing so requires waiving Mills or Nando. I would prefer the latter. I know the troll, PlayNando, will react after reading this.

As for the topic, I'm not sure who will play the "instant offense coming from the bench" and backup pg role that Neal once had. I'm thinking Manu but after what happened last season and the Finals, I'm giving that a second thought. Belinelli? Perhaps the scoring role but not sure if he can orchestrate our offense. CoJo has my confidence to play full backup to Tony Parker. I think he has gained the required experienced to perform such role and also, he knows the system for 2-3 years already.