James White Hall of Famer

[T Park]

push somebody.

get an offensive foul, turn it over, kill the posession.

Not the best ways of making an impression.

[ManuMagic]

He was pretty much what I thought he'd be, so I give him a C+.

Skinny.

Headband.

He got his dunk.

He tried to go playground on that one play and couldn't get free, so he just pretty much dribbled out the clock.

He was very energetic.

He didn't close out well on the perimeter.

The big plus for me was that he didn't look lost.

I still don't think he'll be on next year's roster unless he works his ass off, but we'll see.

I agree that he'll be a long shot to make the Spurs roster next year, but what about the league in general? I think there are a few teams who could benefit from his game, and maybe he could develop into a steady NBA player.

[Kori Ellis]

I disagree.

Theres too much talent there to give up on.

Especially with the way the Spurs cap situation is, and the availability of said athletic players.

So you think he doesn't have to work ass off and he's guaranteed a roster spot?

The Spurs don't work that way

[timvp]

If you think White is going to be a good rebounder you've got a lot of disappointment headed your way.

This is true. In the NBDL, he rebounded at a Bruce Bowen clip. Three rebounds in his quarter plus is a lot more than you can expect from him at this point.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

oh, I know that this thread le is just being facetious.

I was referring to that specific post where one of the posters was already saying White didn't show enough and was going to be like Devin Harris.

Yeah I know, I was just trying to add to what you were saying.

[T Park]

No no. I agree he will have to work.

I don't think hes NOT, according to PJ on the pregame it seems he has.

But not knowing if even make it through training camp next year, when they kept Melvin friggen Sanders through more, is a bit of a reach IMO.

[SilverPlayer]

Dude what the are you smoking? People are talking about his game TONIGHT! No one is making predictions about him. Your the only one who's sticking your neck out there by saying he wont be in the league that long, and some other nonsense. You can't put Whites stats up with any other 3 out there because this was his first game.

Like I said its a hunch, but I am racking my brain trying to think of someone that has succeeded with his frame, be a hot or not shooter, and can't rebound. I can't think of anyone that meets that description. Reggie Miller and Tayshaun Prince are closest body wise, but both bring talents that White doesn't have. Devin Harris is the closest I could come up with.

[Kori Ellis]

No no. I agree he will have to work.

I don't think hes NOT, according to PJ on the pregame it seems he has.

Then what were you in disagreement with. I just said that he won't be here if he doesn't work his ass off.

The Spurs won't have many roster spaces to work with and they'll need to get an athletic PF, a backup PG, etc. So he'll have to really standout in order to make this team. And by standing out, I mean he'll have to improve his all around game. Just being a leaper isn't going to cut it here. He'll need to become a good defender and knock down (at least) midrange shots.

[2centsworth]

Like I said its a hunch, but I am racking my brain trying to think of someone that has succeeded with his frame and be a hot or not shooter, that can't rebound. I can't think of anyone that meets that description. Reggie Miller and Tayshaun Prince are closest body wise, but both bring talents that White doesn't have. Devin Harris is the closest I could come up with.

Bruce Bowen.

[Solid D]

Could this thread go (Classic) Platinum?

[T Park]

What talent does Tayshaun Prince have that sets him apart from White drastically?

Hes just more seasoned and longer.

With the aging wings, if he works out in the offseason he will be here.

[SilverPlayer]

Bruce Bowen.

Thats a better comparison? seriously? You must be smoking crack. Bowen can shoot, hasn't ever been a great finisher. And is cringe worthy every time he puts it in gear to drive to the basket.

Bowen also has a certain defensive ability that makes up for all of the shortcomings.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

so will ely get the last spot over white at this point?

[ManuMagic]

Thats a better comparison? seriously? You must be smoking crack. Bowen can shoot, hasn't ever been a great finisher. And is cringe worthy every time he puts it in gear to drive to the basket.

Bowen also has a certain defensive ability that makes up for all of the shortcomings.

I wouldn't say Bowen can shoot - he's a one spot shooter with decent ability to hit a midrange every now and then. Your last statement is right on the money - he's one of the best at what he does on the other end of the court.

[SilverPlayer]

What talent does Tayshaun Prince have that sets him apart from White drastically?

Hes just more seasoned and longer.

With the aging wings, if he works out in the offseason he will be here.

I would love for that to happen...I hope he averages 5.4 rebounds a game, and then he would be a lock to make it in the NBA.

[Kori Ellis]

so will ely get the last spot over white at this point?

For the 13th man playoff spot?

I'm not sure, that would be a lot of bigs. They might carry White over Ely.

Bigs
TD
Elson
Fab
Bonner
RoHo

Wings
Bowen
Manu
MikeF
Barry

Points
TP
Jacque
Beno

[ShoogarBear]

Well, what the else are we supposed to talk about until the playoffs start?

[El_Mago]

The Spurs have a 40 point lead and nobody is really playing defense anymore.

The players just want to get off the court, no injuries, and go back to the hotel/home.

White played well, but for those who claim his defense needs to improve, needs work on his jumpshot, etc....

Your basing all this on 1 game, which was a blowout....

All it will take is for White to get some action in one of the next few games that is a little tighter....make a jumper, maybe 1 three, and play some perimeter D.....and everyone's thoughts will change quickly....

----------------------

White is laterally quick enough to play above average D on the perimeter...plus, he has that attractive wing span to play the passing lanes pretty well....

He has improved drastically on the defensive end in practice and does get some work in with Chip on the jump shots....

Popovich realizes he is atheltic, is young, and has promise....at the same time, White wants to make his defense the staple of his game not just for the sake of the Spurs, but for the sake of staying in the league...just in case the Spurs were to cut him, which more than likely will not occur.....

[Kori Ellis]

White played well, but for those who claim his defense needs to improve, needs work on his jumpshot, etc....

Your basing all this on 1 game, which was a blowout....

All it will take is for White to get some action in one of the next few games that is a little tighter....make a jumper, maybe 1 three, and play some perimeter D.....and everyone's thoughts will change quickly

No, most of us are basing it on his experience with the Toros and his basketball experience elsewhere to date. He doesn't have a jumpshot yet, he's not an amazing close out defender or anything, and he has always been a poor rebounder for his size and athleticism.

It's not bad to note those things. They are definitely things he needs to improve to be on the Spurs roster next year. No one (other than Silver Player) is saying he won't improve them. Just that he needs to improve them.

I have heard nothing but good things about his work ethic and his development. But he's not a regular rotation NBA player yet.

[T Park]

I would give him a summer league, a training camp, full preseason before Id make a hard decision on him honestly.

Defense can be taught and ingrained in this organization, and he seems to have his head screwed on right, so Im not too worried about him.

[FirebatMIV]

Name one who can't rebound. Seriously.

Ricky Davis?

White reminds quite a bit of Davis when he first came into the league, minus all the crazy, of course.

[Solid D]

As inspirational and wonderful as it was when autistic teen, Jason McElwain, made 20 points in 4 minutes...that didn't automatically send him into the 8-man rotation.

[SenorSpur]

I would give him a summer league, a training camp, full preseason before Id make a hard decision on him honestly.

Defense can be taught and ingrained in this organization, and he seems to have his head screwed on right, so Im not too worried about him.

Dude better get with that "3,000-jump-shot-a-day" routine over the summer.

[El_Mago]

No, most of us are basing it on his experience with the Toros and his basketball experience elsewhere to date. He doesn't have a jumpshot yet, he's not an amazing close out defender or anything, and he has always been a poor rebounder for his size and athleticism.

It's not bad to note those things. They are definitely things he needs to improve to be on the Spurs roster next year. No one (other than Silver Player) is saying he won't improve them. Just that he needs to improve them.

I have heard nothing but good things about his work ethic and his development. But he's not a regular rotation NBA player yet.

I've seen White play before...from the All-American, to Cincy, etc....

Correct, he did not have a consistent jumper, but he has been working on it, and has improved. When it comes to defense, he was not a superb defender...although he does have the abilites to become one. He has the wingspan to cover the passing lanes, disturb opposing players, and he has quick lateral movements to play above average on D.

He admitted before entering the league that Defense was going to be vital for his success and stay in the league. He landed in the perfect place to make that happen for himself. His work ethic in practice has been good, Bowen is taking him under his wing when it comes to defensive principles, and is learning a lot from the coaches....

Of course he's not a regular rotation player yet. He has to learn in the in's and out's of in game action. Still be able to effectively execute the offense and defensive schemes, etc....

However, White will be here next year....he just will not be a Summer League invite....

As a matter of fact, expect him to destroy compe ion in the Summer League....

At the same time, let's not count out more playing time in these next few games and possibly get the last playoff roster spot....

[SenorSpur]

I've seen White play before...from the All-American, to Cincy, etc....

Correct, he did not have a consistent jumper, but he has been working on it, and has improved. When it comes to defense, he was not a superb defender...although he does have the abilites to become one. He has the wingspan to cover the passing lanes, disturb opposing players, and he has quick lateral movements to play above average on D.

He admitted before entering the league that Defense was going to be vital for his success and stay in the league. He landed in the perfect place to make that happen for himself. His work ethic in practice has been good, Bowen is taking him under his wing when it comes to defensive principles, and is learning a lot from the coaches....

Of course he's not a regular rotation player yet. He has to learn in the in's and out's of in game action. Still be able to effectively execute the offense and defensive schemes, etc....

However, White will be here next year....he just will not be a Summer League invite....

As a matter of fact, expect him to destroy compe ion in the Summer League....

At the same time, let's not count out more playing time in these next few games and possibly get the last playoff roster spot....

Personally, I'd like to see the guy stick. Acquiring this guy was as good as having a late first round pick. I sure hope he continues down the road toward developing his game. He's got a load of talent and does seem more than willing to fit into the team culture.

While I admit the Spurs will likely still need to acquire a wingman that can contribute immediately, White does have some valuable skills that could benefit this team over the long haul.

It's high time the Spurs made an investment in a young, domestic player with a strong upside. This team absolutely must strengthen the veteran core of this team by infusing it with some youthful talent.