I think they will both fight for a spot on the
active roster in training camp and preseason along with whoever the#20 pick in the draft may be.
I honestly believe both of the players and Temple will make the team for some of these reasons:
- They all have showed they are able to contribute on the NBA level.
- They all have improved their game significantly over the past year. (Not just Gee.) Meaning there's most likely still more untapped potential that will be tapped possibly this year or next.
- Gee and Temple are cheaper than signing veterans for the minimum to fill out this upcoming year's roster. Hairston would cost the same.- Credit to
Mel
- The drop-off between their talent level and veterans to be signed for the minimum is minuscule (if there is a drop-off; some may even think they are better than most of the veterans available for the minimum; including myself
.)
- Temple and Gee can still play in some games Austin next year, if they aren't one of the best 12 guys on the roster. (Still great, cheap insurance options with a lot of upside, if any injury(ies) occur.)
Also, let me make note that the Spurs only having 7 players under guaranteed contracts going into next year. After the assumed signing of Splitter and a 5th big (via draft or free agency
(Mahinmi)? ) the roster will be at 10, leaving 5 spots on the roster for the taking.
If Gee, Hairston and Temple keep building on their game through the summer and summer league, then the Spurs might not even add a veteran wing for the minimum. Meaning two of them would have a good chance on the active roster.
If the Spurs do add a veteran wing for the minimum, that will stretch the roster to 11. Leaving 4 spots open. I know most people seem to believe Spurs won't carry more than 13 guys due to financial reasons. But I have a hard time buying that for different reasons.
For one, teams have to prepare their roster in case of injuries because of how often they do happen ( I can't remember a year where Spurs had everyone healthy for 82 games). I would think the F.O would come to a consensus to which they'd rather have Gee, Temple and Hairston as options instead of having to sign players of less ability on the spot when the injuries do happen. ( Especially when these new players would be light years behind where Hairston, Gee or Temple would be, in regards to "corporate knowledge" and talent level.)
Secondly, it's vital for the Spurs to keep developing young talent, as Duncan and Manu are going to be gone soon. Having roster spots available and used for valuable developing young talent will help bridge this ending era and the post-Duncan/Ginobili era more smoothly. I think they will use the 11-15 spots on young players for the future. IMO
I see the Spurs holding on to all three, unless one player just regresses significantly ( which I don't see happening with them being in San Antonio working out already.)
I doubt that, I think they went after Gee because they saw a very talented player that has the ability to be a cheap option with a lot of upside to not only fill out the roster,
( Since they only have 7 players on guaranteed deals going into next year) but also to be a possible piece of the Spurs' future as well.
I don't think it had anything to do with them having doubts about Hairston.