Jeff McDonald: Big news for Ime

[Bruno]

We all have a tendency to overrate newcomers. What is new is always more appealing than the old stuff you have.
Udoka could crack the rotation this year but he could too never be able to outplay Finley or Barry.

[ArgSpursFan.]

I reather play Ime tham Finley and Barry,He can play better D,tham both of them,while the Big 3 averages almost 80 PPg together.
With Bowen and Udoka Hiting a couple of 3s every now and them,and playing tough D,the team will benefit the most,reather tham playing Finley and Barry,who are good (when on fire)on the offensive end,but really poor on the Defensive end.

[AFBlue]

I reather play Ime tham Finley and Barry,He can play better D,tham both of them,while the Big 3 averages almost 80 PPg together.
With Bowen and Udoka Hiting a couple of 3s every now and them,and playing tough D,the team will benefit the most,reather tham playing Finley and Barry,who are good (when on fire)on the offensive end,but really poor on the Defensive end.

Finley is not poor on the defensive end and Barry has improved dramatically...but you are correct with your assumption that Ime is better than both. Still, both Finley and Barry have spent more time in the system and understand the defensive rotations/general principles run by Pop.

It would also be incorrect to assume that Barry's three-point shooting and Finley's ability to knock down contested shots are not valuable to the Spurs on offense. In fact, the Spurs rely heavily on the ability to make the three-point shot, and while Udoka is by no means a poor shooter he's not in the class of either Barry or Finley. Despite the Big 3 averaging over 60 PPG, not 80, the Spurs rely on others to provide offense.

Again, I think Ime is a solid option should either Barry or Finley suffer an injury or extended cold streak...but I'm just not sure he's ready to overtake them permanently until he has more time in the system.

[SenorSpur]

Barry and Udoka play totally different games. I think Udoka is a better replacement for Finley. Finley's offense hasn't been spectacular. If his shot isn't falling I think Udoka can do more things on the court. Though Barry is declining and can't rebound well, his presence creates a much more fluid offense than Finley.

Come to think of it, I don't think that much of Finley's declining abilities either, at this point.

[TheAuthority]

Finley is not poor on the defensive end and Barry has improved dramatically...but you are correct with your assumption that Ime is better than both.

And how do you equate this mediocre scrub being better than a former all-star and Barry... who obviously has a ton of offensive skill and versatility? What has he EVER done in his career? Average like 9 points a game on a ty squad not even worth mentioning?

[Darkwaters]

And how do you equate this mediocre scrub being better than a former all-star and Barry... who obviously has a ton of offensive skill and versatility? What has he EVER done in his career? Average like 9 points a game on a ty squad not even worth mentioning?

When Bowen was Ime's age he didn't even have as large of a resume as Udoka has already compiled. But he worked out ok.

[AFBlue]

And how do you equate this mediocre scrub being better than a former all-star and Barry... who obviously has a ton of offensive skill and versatility? What has he EVER done in his career? Average like 9 points a game on a ty squad not even worth mentioning?

If you would read the entire post maybe you wouldn't misunderstand me....

I was saying that Ime is better than both DEFENSIVELY!

He has better athleticism and effort than Finley at this point in his career and he has better fundamentals/awareness than Barry.

I don't think, however, that Ime has nearly as good an offensive game as those two....

And went on to say that both should be ahead of him in the rotation at this point....which you would have seen if you'd have read my entire posts on the subject.