New Zealand's Penney invited to training camp

[#2!]

I was hoping the spurs would give this guy a shot after watching him in the Worlds but like everyone has been saying, his height is a let down. Great 3 point shooter though so the spurs should have their pick of perimeter shooters during camp.

[analyzed]

I'm a fellow Kiwi, but let's be objective here. Yes Penny is not as one dimensional as Neal, however he also is not as good a shooter as Neal. (75 % fT avg) . Neal had one of the best shooting demonstrations in the Spurs gym ever. ( based on Chip Engeland's comments). The thing with Penny is although I absolutely agree that he is a talent that belongs in the NBA. I just don't think the Spurs current line-up situation is the right team for him. I don't need to explain why this is, it's well do ented that the Spurs are loaded at the 2 spot, which is the only position Penny can play in the NBA.

Although the jury is still out if Abercrobie's game is developed enough for the NBA. The one thing going for him is raw talent and youth ( 23 yrs old vs Penny's 30?) . I'm not saying Abercobrie is as prepared for the NBA as Penny is, however what he brings to the table in defense , length and athleticm simply makes more sense for the Spurs. ( in terms of need)

I don't think it should be a straight comparison with Neal. Penney is not just a spot up shooter. He is extremely good at getting shots using screens in set plays. He is more of a poor man's Richard Hamilton. He could provide the second unit a unique scoring option.

He might not have the quickest feet on the defensive end, but he is strong and is smart.


Abercrombie lacks the explosiveness needed to get by as a pure athlete, he can jump but it is a slow jump. He would also need to bulk up to be a 3 in the NBA. His jump shot is streaky as well.

[screaming_tree]

people have been saying he's 6'5, but draft express say he is 6'6 in shoes
http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-...=0&pos=0&sort=

which isn't bad for a shooting guard, he also somehow tested as the 4th best athlete in the combine.

he has proven in the d league against athletic players that he can score and get his shot off as he averaged about 24 a game there going against kyle weaver etc.

P.S whats the situation with ryan richards? will he be with the spurs this year or back overseas? i heard an interview with him a wee while ago and he seemed to indicate that he will be with the spurs but in the dleague - which i certainly hope is true. be nice to be able to see him and watch his progress rather than get lost in europe.

[analyzed]

Kirk actually is not a bad athlete, is well conditioned and is off decent size for SG- 6'5 give and take an inch, However this does not really translate in the basketball court. He plays small for his height, dosent't have the length or explosivness and lacks the mentallity to play consistent defense. He is a smart player, draws fouls well and can take advantage of the gaps to take in to the hoop. He definelty is more talented than a number of NBA players. The Spurs unfortunately is not a good fit. You can compare him to George Mason. Talent , age and style. So you have to ask why in the world would the Spurs resign Mason , with Anderson and Neal in the team already supporting Manu and Hill. Geez.. a 5th shooting guard