Why are you whining, Keldon Johnson is going to be a true Small Forward

[DAF86]

Those posts dont really show excited more like indifference or just being okay...sound like this year

That's as much excitement as you will ever get for a non-lottery draft pick. There's a huge difference between "I really wanted Leonard" and "happy days, the Spurs got a defensive SF" and the "WTF " "are you kidding me?" And "PATFO " comments we saw this year.

[Kurgan]

Those posts dont really show excited more like indifference or just being okay...sound like this year

That's complete bull and revisionist history. In 2011, Spurs fans in general were happy to finally have a real defensive small forward. At that point, we had to deal with years of undersized/underqualified stop gap solutions after Bowen's departure and retirement. "Centerpiece" Keith Bogans, Ime Udoka, Malik Hairston, Richard Jefferson. We weren't celebrating like we just drafted the next Michael Jordan, just damn happy that we finally had a young athletic defender to play at SF and not another old journeyman.

[TD 21]

Why are people still relying on outdated positional designations? Debating whether Johnson is a "SG" or "SF" is foolish because he's both/neither; he's a wing. There's no difference between those positions.

What he's not, is a big wing. Of course 6'6'' is fine for an "SF", but 216 with a 6'9.25'' wingspan isn't going to cut it against the likes of James, Durant, S bag, Antetokounmpo, etc.

That's why he doesn't fill a need, because they already had Murray, White and Walker who already are or project as average or better defenders from 1-3.

[Pavlov]

Why are people still relying on outdated positional designations? Debating whether Johnson is a "SG" or "SF" is foolish because he's both/neither; he's a wing. There's no difference between those positions.

What he's not, is a big wing. Of course 6'6'' is fine for an "SF", but 216 with a 6'9.25'' wingspan isn't going to cut it against the likes of James, Durant, S bag, Antetokounmpo, etc.

That's why he doesn't fill a need, because they already had Murray, White and Walker who already are or project as average or better defenders from 1-3.

Uh, what available player can effectively guard every one of those you mentioned by himself?

[TD 21]

Uh, what available player can effectively guard every one of those you mentioned by himself?

Morris is the best theoretically attainable option (best combination of being able to adequately physically defend those 1-on-1 and spread the floor), but we all know they'd never sign him (and he'd probably never sign with them too).

Outside of him, there is no good option. Everyone else is either not a good enough 3-point shooter, not physically capable enough defensively or just flat out not good enough period.

[Degoat]

just having guys that can play defense is important, sure size would be nice but Dwhite guarded most teams best players and he’s only 6 foot 5 and did a fantastic job most of the time

[tonight...you]

just having guys that can play defense is important, sure size would be nice but Dwhite guarded most teams best players and he’s only 6 foot 5 and did a fantastic job most of the time

White did do an admirable job, for the positions he was placed into.

[Cane]

SF with tiny hands tbh

[Truth4sale$]

I was initially down on Keldon Johnson because I felt KZ Okapala was the better prospect still on the board with all the measurables, still upset with passing on Nassir Little. BUT!! After watching several highlights, I see he does have a lot of potential. He is not Kawhi and unfortunately because of that small forward void, he will be compared to him. He does not have the greatest wingspan, Okapala and Nassir Little were better. But Okapala does not use his measurables on defense and Nassir is a complete project that is 3 years away from contributing. As a wing player at #29 that some had him going #10-15, he was the smart selection. I think he deserves some run with the big club, I would love to see a rookie make all rookie team from the Spurs for once. He is a great selection for now and the future which was alot of these picks were for, when the Spurs may see a lot of roster turnover again.

[barakz21]

Honestly, if he can even become Verde on D, I’d be happy

[TimDunkem]

Yeah, Spurs have no good options these days. No cap room. No desire for most of the decent, cheaper FAs to want to sign here. That leaves the Spurs the Dante and Quincys of the world.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Honestly, if he can even become Verde on D, I’d be happy

You say that as if that is not a tall order.

[tonight...you]

You say that as if that is not a tall order.

For real.
Verde was a true asset, especially on the D end.
D Green is a player.

[barakz21]

You say that as if that is not a tall order.

It is. I’m just saying that as good as Verde was on D, he wasn’t on Bowen or nephew’s level imo

[EricB]

Yeah, Spurs have no good options these days. No cap room. No desire for most of the decent, cheaper FAs to want to sign here. That leaves the Spurs the Dante and Quincys of the world.

Got a link or a source that says they dont cause, it’s quite the opposite.

[Dex]

People said the same things about these draftees as they have about Joseph, Anderson, Murray, White, Walker, etc...and they have all become productive players in the NBA.

I’d let the cards fall as they may and stop caring about the opinion of SpursTalk “experts” tbh.