San Antonio Spurs...will they ever contend again for a title?
 

i'm a Spurs fan, and my cousin's brother in-law is a Blazers fan, who loves the NBA, but he hates the Spurs lol

we got into a good debate recently and he said the Spurs will never win another NBA title, let alone make it to a conference finals in the next 10 years.

i beg to differ, partly because i'm a Spurs fan, but also because i think Pop is a great coach who is building a good team up with a new crop of young guns. i mentioned in our conversation that the Spurs had built their core around Murray, Keldon Johnson, and Derrick White, and then BOOM....White got dealt away hahahaha. Pop isn't the kind of coach and the Spurs aren't the kind of team to have guys blow up all of a sudden and tear up the league (Duncan the exception), but they are a slow burn of building over the years.

Kawhi didn't really take off until the 2014 NBA Finals for example. and now, their main guy, is Dejounte Murray. but you've also got Keldon Johnson, Devin Vessell, and even Lonnie Walker has been on a roll lately. it gets me excited to see what Joshua Primo can do a few years from now, once Pop really develops him.

i think the Spurs are a Karl Anthony-Town from being a contender again, but that remains to be seen if they can find another big man. in my fantasy world, we would trade our three 1st round picks to get that kid from Gonzaga, although he's not really a true 4-5 big man like Duncan was.

but anyway, back to the original question, are the Spurs in a good position over the next decade, to start contending again?

[IMG]https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/23/70/04/21987620/9/1200x0.jpg[/IMG]

This post reminds me just how spoiled of a Spurs fan I have been. We truly got 20 years of incredible basketball.

If you're on IG, check me out as that's where I post my Spurs cards!

Great post,
Chris

[QUOTE=doctorres112;18030265]This post reminds me just how spoiled of a Spurs fan I have been. We truly got 20 years of incredible basketball.

If you're on IG, check me out as that's where I post my Spurs cards!

Great post,
Chris[/QUOTE]

i grew up a Spurs fan when we had David Robinson, and then everybody else. be it Willie Anderson or Terry Cummings, and then later Sean Elliott.

we were never really expected win the finals because although we had a good team, a playoff team, we just weren't elite to beat the Houston's or Chicago's of the NBA at that time.

but once Duncan showed up, and then they added guys like Mario Ellie, Chuck Person, and Jaren Jackson, these vets helped put us over the top.

i think our team is built in reverse now, with the guards and fowards being solid, just now missing that true old-school center to complete the job. LaMarcus Aldridge didn't pan out with us because he wasn't the big man we really wanted/needed.

i read one article the other day that said the Spurs should trade for Zion, and package Keldon Johnson in the deal.....HELL NAW!!!

Ever? Yes they will contend again. Next 10 years? Put me at no. I don't see anything on the current roster that screams conference finals. Murray is a good start. Pop is going to retire soon I assume which means a dip during any transition time. Your best bet is too bad in the next few years and get some lottery luck to draft a transcendent player. So outside chance if you keep trending for higher draft picks and get your foundations in year 4-6 and have them gel and contend in year 9 or 10.

The Spurs will not make a Conference Finals in the next 10 years.

I agree with that wholeheartedly.

People try to talk about the Spurs "system" when saying Tim Duncan won because of that.

Tim Duncan was the system. It doesn't work without him. The Spurs should have completely tanked and had Becky take charge very similar to how Philly did it with Brett Brown. Knowing that the coach is learning the ropes also.

We have some nice pieces. But you need a top 10 player that's a difference maker.

The Spurs were lucky to find the genie in the bottle twice with Robinson and Duncan. They were generational talents that were no brainers drafting at number one. Well, they did purposely tank the year before they drafted Duncan. Those type of players don't come around too often.

You can build any team and/or system around players like Robinson or Duncan. It's all about talent. Right now, the Spurs aren't bad enough to draft a generational talent (and it doesn't seem like any generational talents will be available right now). The Spurs only chance is via trade, but no one is going to just give up that type of talent. Unfortunately, the Spurs are stuck in the middle of the pack right now.

In the next few years? Probably not.
But honestly 10 years is such a long time that I wouldn’t count any franchise out of making a Conference Finals within a decade. Things change quickly and it often takes just one player - probably no one expected the Suns to be Finals contenders today if you asked Suns fans just 3 years ago. Milwaukee wasn’t very relevant for a long time and then suddenly you get a player like Giannis.

They just need to find a generational talent who was born in TX that will screw any team just to get back home...

In all seriousness though, there is a path. So yes. And it's not as tough as a 10 year wait. Just look how easy it is to move players around. Westbrook and Harden count for like 7 jersey changes in the last few years. And stars can put you in contention quick. Currently they have pieces that compete. Games may end up in late collapses or some just look tragic but you see the potential. A lot like having a CP3 in OKC or Ja with Memphis. ie a veteran who can teach or a exceptional talent to complement.

What would also help accelerate it is a top pick. I swear they have the all-sports record of non top-10 picks. Last one was literally 1997...

[QUOTE=drobfan8;18030372]The Spurs will not make a Conference Finals in the next 10 years.

I agree with that wholeheartedly.

People try to talk about the Spurs "system" when saying Tim Duncan won because of that.

Tim Duncan was the system. It doesn't work without him. The Spurs should have completely tanked and had Becky take charge very similar to how Philly did it with Brett Brown. Knowing that the coach is learning the ropes also.

We have some nice pieces. But you need a top 10 player that's a difference maker.[/QUOTE]

i thought the Spurs with Kawhi were very good, until that whole mess with Kawhi and his uncle and the Spurs doctors started, then it went downhill very fast, which nobody anticipated.

the trade that brought DeMar DeRozan was probably the best move they could have made (outside of sending Kawhi to the Lakers and having to play against him).

but right now, i think the Spurs finally got over the shock of that trade, it did take some time, and they've built a solid rotation of guards/fowards with Murray, Keldon, and Vassell. Lonnie Walker is developing nicely right now, but they are lacking that true big man to bring it all together.

with 3 first round picks, i wonder if the Spurs package them up to move up, or if they use all three on three players they'd want to bring in.

i just see a diamond in the rough in San Antonio with their young core of players. no NBA Finals anytime soon, but you also see how quickly teams like Atlanta, Boston, Phoenix, and Milwaukee can build up too.

I look at the Spurs similar to the Pistons. Pistons got their talent and foundation through trades for "cast offs" and " throw aways". Spurs got theirs running via draft. Obviously tanking the right year and getting Duncan is the big differentiator. Wouldn't be as much, if Darko hit, but I digress. My point is the other two of the big three, Manu and Parker, weren't highly thought of either. Low draft picks that hit big. My opinion, in today's climate those type of hidden gems in the foreign market are much tougher now.

So just like the Pistons, they had a lot of things go their way to get the dynasty in place. Also, like the Pistons, I don't see that as repeatable. As stated, every franchise needs to get that foundational HOFer. Small market teams need to do that via draft. This means being bad enough for the ping pong balls are in your favor AND you need to hit the right guy in the right year. Not every year has a Duncan (also less repeatable since studs don't make it to senior year and are much less of a known quantity).

[QUOTE=Scottish Punk;18030594]I look at the Spurs similar to the Pistons. Pistons got their talent and foundation through trades for "cast offs" and " throw aways". Spurs got theirs running via draft. Obviously tanking the right year and getting Duncan is the big differentiator. Wouldn't be as much, if Darko hit, but I digress. My point is the other two of the big three, Manu and Parker, weren't highly thought of either. Low draft picks that hit big. [B]My opinion, in today's climate those type of hidden gems in the foreign market are much tougher now. [/B]
[/QUOTE]

it's funny because in a lot of ways, the Spurs constantly searching for those diamond in the roughs in the foreign market is a lot of their undoing as well, since everybody now searches for the next Ginobili or Parker.

at the same time, the Spurs seem to be intent that whoever they draft is on a 3 year developmental plan, and it seems to work with some of their guys.

but i also agree and see exactly what you're saying, they need that big man and finding him in FA is going to be very difficult and/or they'll need some luck to find another gem in the middle or late in the draft.

I'm Spurs fan since 1987. We don't have a generational talent top 10 talent in the league. We will never win into we get that Guy in the building.I don't care who the coach is and Pop has been getting exposed over the last few years.

The elephant in the room nobody wants to bring up.Only true honest Spurs fans that don't look at Pop as the reason the Spurs won. They know it was Tim Duncan with the mentor-ship of David Robinson and Avery Johnson.Pop messed up the Kawhi Leonard trade and set the organization back with his ego not wanting to trade to the Lakers or Boston.Go back and look what the Lakers and Boston offer for the Kawhi Leonard.

[QUOTE=biggieruth;18031131]The elephant in the room nobody wants to bring up.Only true honest Spurs fans that don't look at Pop as the reason the Spurs won. They know it was Tim Duncan with the mentor-ship of David Robinson and Avery Johnson.Pop messed up the Kawhi Leonard trade and set the organization back with his ego not wanting to trade to the Lakers or Boston.Go back and look what the Lakers and Boston offer for the Kawhi Leonard.[/QUOTE]

the Lakers would have brought back some nice pieces, but did you really want to see Kawhi and Lebron on the same team? you kidding me? that's like the Packers sending Rodgers to the 49ers...no way in hell they do that.

same with SA.

as for Boston, i heard Jaylen Brown was rumored to be part of a trade deal, but nothing that i ever heard transpired.

the Kawhi thing was an absolute mess, and it happened so fast, the Spurs i think were screwed into "we'll just take the best deal we can get", which was DeRozan as the centerpiece of the trade.

[QUOTE=biggieruth;18031131]The elephant in the room nobody wants to bring up.Only true honest Spurs fans that don't look at Pop as the reason the Spurs won. They know it was Tim Duncan with the mentor-ship of David Robinson and Avery Johnson.Pop messed up the Kawhi Leonard trade and set the organization back with his ego not wanting to trade to the Lakers or Boston.Go back and look what the Lakers and Boston offer for the Kawhi Leonard.[/QUOTE]

This is 100% correct.

Whilst Pop is a terrific coach, his ego and his own personal goals are reasons why he called out Kawhi through the media, and hasn't tanked (chasing coaching wins) and he's admitted the pay is really good.

The Spurs should have tanked out years ago. They have a nice middle of the road team.

What's their ceiling right now? 7th each season.

People mentioning Phoenix and Milwaukee. Lol. Chris Paul is what, a top 5 ish PG of all time. Where are the Spurs gonna get one of those? PHO also got a number 1 pick recently to add to Booker.

Mil did well grabbing Giannis. But like Tim Duncan, he is the system. You can't teach talented players to have the hunger and desire like Giannis. They don't grow on trees.

saw the Spurs-Grizzlies game last night, and we put up a good fight. we were within 1 several times, and then the Grizz would go on a 10-0 run and go up 11.

i like our young squad, but man, our defense is TERRIBLE....just flat out TERRIBLE.

The Grizz scored 42 in the 1st quarter. Against Miami on Sunday, the Heat scored 33, 38, and 34 in the final 3 quarters. Washington had 71 at halftime.

Pop's championship teams were built on defense, but not this young group of kids.

and other than Dejounte, Keldon is probably my favorite player, but he really disappears for long stretches in games.

this team really brings back memories of the Spurs teams i grew up on as a kid, except we won a lot more games than we lost. we really need a big man on this team, a legit game changing big man.

btw, speaking of Keldon Johnson....we've got a Keldon Johnson bobblehead night coming up! sweet!!!

[IMG]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FL-jsw3XsAgpKSP.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=oplum29;18034670]saw the Spurs-Grizzlies game last night, and we put up a good fight. we were within 1 several times, and then the Grizz would go on a 10-0 run and go up 11.

i like our young squad, but man, our defense is TERRIBLE....just flat out TERRIBLE.

The Grizz scored 42 in the 1st quarter. Against Miami on Sunday, the Heat scored 33, 38, and 34 in the final 3 quarters. Washington had 71 at halftime.

Pop's championship teams were built on defense, but not this young group of kids.

and other than Dejounte, Keldon is probably my favorite player, but he really disappears for long stretches in games.

this team really brings back memories of the Spurs teams i grew up on as a kid, except we won a lot more games than we lost. we really need a big man on this team, a legit game changing big man.[/QUOTE]

Well they got rid of their best perimeter defender in DW. Plus they don't seem too mature when it comes to assignments anyways... And we've seen that roller coaster of being right there in games and 2 minutes later..likely a trick shot...half court heave...or highlight...they are down double digits lol

But they never stop clawing... And they pull some of them out. Almost pulled it out in Chicago, in Miami down your best 3 and hung in there last night despite Ja. Sucks if you're team tank because the ball bounces their way sometimes but entertaining as a fan to see these guys develop and take the game seriously.

[QUOTE=drobfan8;18030372]The Spurs will not make a Conference Finals in the next 10 years.

I agree with that wholeheartedly.

People try to talk about the Spurs "system" when saying Tim Duncan won because of that.

Tim Duncan was the system. It doesn't work without him. The Spurs should have completely tanked and had Becky take charge very similar to how Philly did it with Brett Brown. Knowing that the coach is learning the ropes also.

We have some nice pieces. But you need a top 10 player that's a difference maker.[/QUOTE]

And this is why most sane Spur fans hate outsider takes like this.

I think they could contend in a couple of years. They run a good organization. I think they have an eye for undervalued talent. Murray seems like he could be at least 2nd best guy on a contender. I like a lot of the young role players they have now like Keldon, Walker and Vassell. Haven’t seen enough Primo but he may be a asset down the road. And I think they have enough legacy that they could convince a superstar or two to sign there for a few years to try to win a championship.

[QUOTE=spurs50fan;18035208]Well they got rid of their best perimeter defender in DW. Plus they don't seem too mature when it comes to assignments anyways... And we've seen that roller coaster of being right there in games and 2 minutes later..likely a trick shot...half court heave...or highlight...they are down double digits lol

But they never stop clawing... And they pull some of them out. Almost pulled it out in Chicago, in Miami down your best 3 and hung in there last night despite Ja. Sucks if you're team tank because the ball bounces their way sometimes but entertaining as a fan to see these guys develop and take the game seriously.[/QUOTE]

Spurs vs Kings the other day was another good game, down 19, we went up 4 i think in the 4th, then closed the game by going ice cold.

idk why Richardson is on the team. he came in, and right away, missed 3 shots. Spurs also shot 8 for 16 on free throws (50%), while the Kings shot 32 free throws...you can't have that.

but i'll give it to this team. Lonnie looks good. Dejounte needs to knock off the turnovers, and Keldon just flat out disappeared and didn't play the entire 4th quarter.

we've got the Hornets tonight, but it's not showing on tv. :(

[QUOTE=oplum29;18043343]Spurs vs Kings the other day was another good game, down 19, we went up 4 i think in the 4th, then closed the game by going ice cold.

idk why Richardson is on the team. he came in, and right away, missed 3 shots. Spurs also shot 8 for 16 on free throws (50%), while the Kings shot 32 free throws...you can't have that.

but i'll give it to this team. Lonnie looks good. Dejounte needs to knock off the turnovers, and Keldon just flat out disappeared and didn't play the entire 4th quarter.

we've got the Hornets tonight, but it's not showing on tv. :([/QUOTE]

Tank mode working. Just like the Kings...play hard enough for just long enough. :D

[QUOTE=rifleman69;18043668]Tank mode working. Just like the Kings...play hard enough for just long enough. :D[/QUOTE]

another tough loss tonight for the boys.

Keldon drops 28 in the first half...only 5 in the second. Dejounte with another double double, Vassell with 14, and Primo with 10. Lonnie who had been on a tear, finished with just 5.

Spurs drop to 24-40. i've been a Spurs fan my whole life, so i guess i was spoiled with David Robinson and then Duncan, we rarely if ever had losing seasons. now, it's a very common theme.

on the plus side, should be a ton of available tickets to the games i plan on attending! :)

This thread is pretty funny - "The Spurs have NBA players on their roster. Doesn't that mean they'll be in the NBA finals at some point in the next 10 years?" lol

[QUOTE=jameshues;18044914]This thread is pretty funny - "The Spurs have NBA players on their roster. Doesn't that mean they'll be in the NBA finals at some point in the next 10 years?" lol[/QUOTE]


Sure you could make the argument that any team could make the finals in the next 10 years. But do you really think the Kings will? The Spurs at least have an organizational history that says they won’t completely f things up

[QUOTE=oplum29;18043789]another tough loss tonight for the boys.

Keldon drops 28 in the first half...only 5 in the second. Dejounte with another double double, Vassell with 14, and Primo with 10. Lonnie who had been on a tear, finished with just 5.

Spurs drop to 24-40. i've been a Spurs fan my whole life, so i guess i was spoiled with David Robinson and then Duncan, we rarely if ever had losing seasons. now, it's a very common theme.

on the plus side, should be a ton of available tickets to the games i plan on attending! :)[/QUOTE]

Some of us remember the years before David showed up. The tank is good right now, it's much better than Portland who will have a whole new team next year. Spurs have plenty of pieces to plug and play (and some dead weight).

[QUOTE=jameshues;18044914]This thread is pretty funny - "The Spurs have NBA players on their roster. Doesn't that mean they'll be in the NBA finals at some point in the next 10 years?" lol[/QUOTE]

Ignore the lunatic Aussie on this thread...he has no idea what he's talking about.

Lakers have no Lebron or Anthony Davis...and just dropped 34 in the 2nd quarter. i know we are missing Lonnie and Vassell tonight, but come on.

up at the half, Dejounte creeping towards a triple double.

Spurs win!

Dejounte with a double-double, Richardson had some big shots, and Jakob Poeltl came up big with 18 points, including i believe 11 in the 4th.

but man oh man...free throws have been terrible. 16 of 30?

and the defense, man it's terrible. Lakers dropped 70 in the 2nd and 3rd quarter....can't have that.

but a win is a win!

Right now the Spurs are great at positions 1-3.

Realistically speaking, Poetl is not a championship centre. This pick and roll with him is too predictable. Dude cant go upstairs for a lob and dude cant surprise them with a pick n pop.

This is why im so mad Spurs didnt make a play for Porzingis. He would have been a major upgrade for the Spurs.

[QUOTE=noMercy1987;18047512]Right now the Spurs are great at positions 1-3.

Realistically speaking, Poetl is not a championship centre. This pick and roll with him is too predictable. Dude cant go upstairs for a lob and dude cant surprise them with a pick n pop.

This is why im so mad Spurs didnt make a play for Porzingis. He would have been a major upgrade for the Spurs.[/QUOTE]

Spurs need help down low, i agree, big time.

their defense is also flat out terrible. idk if there's anybody the Spurs can get in the draft, maybe pulling a massive trade for Chet Holmgren or getting that kid from Kentucky, Oscar Tshiebwe, idk.

[QUOTE=oplum29;18054636]Spurs need help down low, i agree, big time.

their defense is also flat out terrible. idk if there's anybody the Spurs can get in the draft, maybe pulling a massive trade for Chet Holmgren or getting that kid from Kentucky, Oscar Tshiebwe, idk.[/QUOTE]

Need a big to help with defense? Lakers feel you.

I would settle for a couple players with a motor. I swear they lose 10 possessions a game by forcing a miss and not securing the rebound or loose ball. Guys seem to ball watch or gamble needlessly and thus out of position.

Spurs win! and now Pop is the all-time winningest coach in regular season NBA history!

Go Spurs Go!

very cool moment to see the baby Spurs hoping around Coach Pop after getting the win, very cool moment.

[QUOTE=oplum29;18056671]Spurs win! and now Pop is the all-time winningest coach in regular season NBA history!

Go Spurs Go!

very cool moment to see the baby Spurs hoping around Coach Pop after getting the win, very cool moment.[/QUOTE]

Was at the game last night - first in a few years - very cool to see Pop get the win. The kids obviously love their Coach.

A few basketball thoughts - I like Murray-Johnson-Vassell. Their is heart and talent there. Lonny was spectacular at times...and then extra plain at others.

I looked up their payroll - 23/30 and it shows. I am not impressed at all with their bigs.

Nobody has a crystal ball but here are some things to consider:

[B][U]Reasons to say no[/U][/B]
* SA is not a destination for FA or stars demanding trades to them. Especially when you consider the recent trend of 2-3 guys forming "Super Teams". This is going to make it a bit difficult.

* Pop is going to be retiring at some point. Maybe as early as after this year. The biggest issue IMO is that he has a fantastic history of developing young talent (Parker, Manu, Kawhi, and now DJ and Keldon are on the upswing).

* They have yet to embrace the "tank" mode fully. This current year is as close as it comes and they are still battling for a play in game. If you are not a hot spot for FA, and don't have top 5 picks, you are relying on drafting exceptionally well and developing that talent. Two things that are not a given, especially if Pop leaves.

* Short term GS/Mem/Phx are going to be tough to supplant. GS's window is shorter, but if Phx resigns Ayton- even if Paul leaves, they are going to be a top level team. Memphis has a better team with about the same level of youth as SA so while its possible a move puts SA in a better position, its not something you would expect.

[B][U]Reasons for hope[/U][/B]

* DJ is developing into someone who minimally can be a top level 2nd best player on a good team. If his shot takes another step up in the off season (better 3s). That is key because you don't win in modern NBA w/o 1-3 legit stars.

* Think keldon still has upside. I don't think he's ever going to be a top 2 type player. But he has played quite a bit of his time out of position at the 4. He's undersized, and he's not great at creating his own shot or for others. He reminds me of a modern day Shawn Marion. A guy who is capable of going for like 18-20 and 8-10 just through hustle, IQ, FB points, a decent enough 3. But the lack of being able to create means hes likely best as a 3rd of 4th- really good supporting player, and not a top level player.

Vassell and Poeltl have shown ability to be very solid role players as well. I do think the foundation for players say 3-6 on a roster are there. Although I am frustrated (as I am sure Pop is) with Walker's psychotic play. He is so inconsistent and while he has all the ability in the world, he's a total beta player who is not aggressive in many games.

* There has been a shift in mentality with SA in recent years. While they have still never embraced the tank, they have embraced the trade. Normally trade deadline day (whether they are good or bad) was full of crickets for the Spurs. But this year they made many saavy trades and have acquired multiple extra 1sts and 2nds over the next year. On their own, its tough to use mid to late firsts and 2nds as a formula to build a top level team. But they are assetts that can be used to attract top players via trades in the future, and they have plenty of cap space. bottom line is the Spurs front office is being more active than normal in terms of trades, creating space, etc. and if they can parlay it into a top player or 2, they can make big strides.

[QUOTE=NYRE2PECT;18057030]Was at the game last night - first in a few years - very cool to see Pop get the win. The kids obviously love their Coach.

A few basketball thoughts - I like Murray-Johnson-Vassell. Their is heart and talent there. Lonny was spectacular at times...and then extra plain at others.

I looked up their payroll - 23/30 and it shows. I am not impressed at all with their bigs.[/QUOTE]

i like Poeltl, he is a better offensive version of Tiago Splitter, but man his defense is really a let down. Collins had a real nice game last night too, but overall, yes i agree, the Spurs bigs are very average, although again, i like Poeltl's offense.

[QUOTE=Longshot18;18057067]Nobody has a crystal ball but here are some things to consider:

[B][U]Reasons to say no[/U][/B]
* SA is not a destination for FA or stars demanding trades to them. Especially when you consider the recent trend of 2-3 guys forming "Super Teams". This is going to make it a bit difficult.

* Pop is going to be retiring at some point. Maybe as early as after this year. The biggest issue IMO is that he has a fantastic history of developing young talent (Parker, Manu, Kawhi, and now DJ and Keldon are on the upswing).

* They have yet to embrace the "tank" mode fully. This current year is as close as it comes and they are still battling for a play in game. If you are not a hot spot for FA, and don't have top 5 picks, you are relying on drafting exceptionally well and developing that talent. Two things that are not a given, especially if Pop leaves.

* Short term GS/Mem/Phx are going to be tough to supplant. GS's window is shorter, but if Phx resigns Ayton- even if Paul leaves, they are going to be a top level team. Memphis has a better team with about the same level of youth as SA so while its possible a move puts SA in a better position, its not something you would expect.

[B][U]Reasons for hope[/U][/B]

* DJ is developing into someone who minimally can be a top level 2nd best player on a good team. If his shot takes another step up in the off season (better 3s). That is key because you don't win in modern NBA w/o 1-3 legit stars.

* Think keldon still has upside. I don't think he's ever going to be a top 2 type player. But he has played quite a bit of his time out of position at the 4. He's undersized, and he's not great at creating his own shot or for others. He reminds me of a modern day Shawn Marion. A guy who is capable of going for like 18-20 and 8-10 just through hustle, IQ, FB points, a decent enough 3. But the lack of being able to create means hes likely best as a 3rd of 4th- really good supporting player, and not a top level player.

Vassell and Poeltl have shown ability to be very solid role players as well. I do think the foundation for players say 3-6 on a roster are there. Although I am frustrated (as I am sure Pop is) with Walker's psychotic play. He is so inconsistent and while he has all the ability in the world, he's a total beta player who is not aggressive in many games.

* There has been a shift in mentality with SA in recent years. While they have still never embraced the tank, they have embraced the trade. Normally trade deadline day (whether they are good or bad) was full of crickets for the Spurs. But this year they made many saavy trades and have acquired multiple extra 1sts and 2nds over the next year. On their own, its tough to use mid to late firsts and 2nds as a formula to build a top level team. But they are assetts that can be used to attract top players via trades in the future, and they have plenty of cap space. bottom line is the Spurs front office is being more active than normal in terms of trades, creating space, etc. and if they can parlay it into a top player or 2, they can make big strides.[/QUOTE]

SA has laid down their foundation for the first time in a very long time, in a completely reverse mode. it used to "build around he big man"- be it Duncan or Robinson. then it was build around Kawhi by getting Aldridge, and now it seems to be, let's build around Dejounte, Keldon, and Vassell, with Lonnie playing the Manu role off the bench (hold/cold but nowhere near as aggressive as Manu was).

but it's there. they've got the foundation, and Poeltl isn't a bad player either, but the Spurs need a big to really tie the whole thing together. Embid would be perfect, because then Poeltl would play the Tiago Splitter, Oberto role.

what's crazy is that the Spurs have 3 1st round picks in the upcoming draft, i'm excited to see what they'll do with those picks. can we trade up for a big like Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga, or the kid from Kentucky, or even the kid from Memphis- Duren.

Dejounte Murray looks more like a superstar than all star at this point. If he gets more help and Keldon and Devin take steps to get even better, Spurs could be back soon. But again, DJ…he’s ridiculous this year! 21/8/9 with 2.1 spg….that’s quite an elite stat line

[QUOTE=Longshot18;18057067]

Vassell and Poeltl have shown ability to be very solid role players as well. I do think the foundation for players say 3-6 on a roster are there. Although I am frustrated (as I am sure Pop is) with Walker's psychotic play. He is so inconsistent and while he has all the ability in the world, he's a total beta player who is not aggressive in many games.

[/QUOTE]

I see Vassell a little different. He reminds me of Batum which is not bad at all but long term just a solid piece. I know most think he's going to take a jump into all-star but I just don't see it. Defensively he's solid but gets beat a lot. Offensively, he's like most Spurs. On and off.

Poeltl, imo, has succeeded expectations. He's not going to blow you away but he does come to play and I still can't figure out his pop-a-shot lol.

Walker may just need a change of scenery. His flashes are dynamic but he does defer (justified or not) a lot. Last week it was real quiet in Spurs-land bc he was over 20ppg for like a 6-7 games. Including at 30pt effort that was wasted bc everyone else was off. Spurs fans get frustrated but he's a gunner. Shots fall or don't will determine how we see him. But there was a reason he was on the floor down the stretch despite starting slow last night ;)

[QUOTE=spurs50fan;18057577]I see Vassell a little different. He reminds me of Batum which is not bad at all but long term just a solid piece. I know most think he's going to take a jump into all-star but I just don't see it. Defensively he's solid but gets beat a lot. Offensively, he's like most Spurs. On and off.

Poeltl, imo, has succeeded expectations. He's not going to blow you away but he does come to play and I still can't figure out his pop-a-shot lol.

Walker may just need a change of scenery. His flashes are dynamic but he does defer (justified or not) a lot. Last week it was real quiet in Spurs-land bc he was over 20ppg for like a 6-7 games. Including at 30pt effort that was wasted bc everyone else was off. Spurs fans get frustrated but he's a gunner. Shots fall or don't will determine how we see him. But there was a reason he was on the floor down the stretch despite starting slow last night ;)[/QUOTE]

why did we pass on Haliburton for Vassell? i like Vassell, don't get me wrong, but man, Haliburton has really been good with Indiana.

[QUOTE=oplum29;18059300]why did we pass on Haliburton for Vassell? i like Vassell, don't get me wrong, but man, Haliburton has really been good with Indiana.[/QUOTE]

Well, one's a SG and the other is really a PG. Imagine if you were Detroit though, picked up Killian Hayes instead of Haliburton.

Spurs defense was amazing tonight

T-Wolves score 40 points in two different quarters, 75 at halftime, and 74 in the second half. KAT dropped 30 in the 3rd quarter alone, and 60 in total.

oh wait....my bad...yeah our defense still blows, big time.

we've got a solid offense, we're scoring a lot of points too (Keldon and Dejounte combined for 64), and we're feisty, but our defense is trash.

slow, out of place, can't recover fast enough, other teams are having field days from the 3 or driving in, there is nothing to slow them down.

[QUOTE=oplum29;18063067]Spurs defense was amazing tonight

T-Wolves score 40 points in two different quarters, 75 at halftime, and 74 in the second half. KAT dropped 30 in the 3rd quarter alone, and 60 in total.

oh wait....my bad...yeah our defense still blows, big time.

we've got a solid offense, we're scoring a lot of points too (Keldon and Dejounte combined for 64), and we're feisty, but our defense is trash.

slow, out of place, can't recover fast enough, other teams are having field days from the 3 or driving in, there is nothing to slow them down.[/QUOTE]

No one can guard big men...not even Jakob. Spurs need 2-3 "big men" by tip-off in 2022.

[QUOTE=oplum29;18063067]Spurs defense was amazing tonight

T-Wolves score 40 points in two different quarters, 75 at halftime, and 74 in the second half. KAT dropped 30 in the 3rd quarter alone, and 60 in total.

oh wait....my bad...yeah our defense still blows, big time.

we've got a solid offense, we're scoring a lot of points too (Keldon and Dejounte combined for 64), and we're feisty, but our defense is trash.

slow, out of place, can't recover fast enough, other teams are having field days from the 3 or driving in, there is nothing to slow them down.[/QUOTE]

I'm not saying SA's defense isn't bad (I don't know much about it) but the T-Wolves are the highest scoring team in the league and they've had 9 games over 130 points since Jan 1st and this is the second game over 140.

[QUOTE=mcgee2134;18063605]I'm not saying SA's defense isn't bad (I don't know much about it) [/QUOTE]

yes, they are that bad :(

as i'm typing this, as 1245 CST on a Tuesday...i think KAT just drove in easily for another layup. :D

Lonnie with his second game winner

20points+ off the bench in 8 of the last 12 games

Forget the tank, that was cold blooded

went to the game on Friday....my goodness...what a blood bat.

Spurs got absolutely wrecked.

their defense has been, and is still garbage. and their offense looks completely out of sync, no rhyme or rhythm or anything.

and way too many 3-point shots. on top of that, no Keldon Johnson bobblehead...wtf

[QUOTE=oplum29;18073706]went to the game on Friday....my goodness...what a blood bat.

Spurs got absolutely wrecked.

their defense has been, and is still garbage. and their offense looks completely out of sync, no rhyme or rhythm or anything.

and way too many 3-point shots. on top of that, no Keldon Johnson bobblehead...wtf[/QUOTE]



Yeah that was brutal... from the tip which doesn't happen that often :doh:

we get smoked by the Pelicans on Friday...then beat Golden State today, Curry no Curry, a w is a W

:)

but yeah, Friday was brutal. 35-10 after the 1st quarter, Jona Valanciunas was up 9-0 alone on the Spurs before we scored our 1st points. Lonnie got hurt, Pop got bored so kicked himself out of the game, and Collins is terrible. Also, way too many 3-point shots (44).

2.5 games out of 10th...this is their shot to show if this team can be serious or not.

I think they have enough to make this push. But, what does the organization want?

[QUOTE=indyguy;18075900]2.5 games out of 10th...this is their shot to show if this team can be serious or not.

I think they have enough to make this push. But, what does the organization want?[/QUOTE]

Possible to catch the Lakers who are in free-fall. We'll see what happens at Moda on Wednesday...that'll be the key.

Keldon with the game winner on Sunday...woo hoo!!!

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRZR8seXZXs[/url]

[QUOTE=indyguy;18075900]2.5 games out of 10th...this is their shot to show if this team can be serious or not.

I think they have enough to make this push. But, what does the organization want?[/QUOTE]

That's the question that splits the fan base. It a tough ask to a group of guys who have only known to play hard within an organization that is built on giving 100%. Tough to ask a coaching staff who's as competitive to not field the best lineup or try to pull out a W.

But it's just as tough to hold back a fan base who has been spoiled with years of playoffs not to make a play for the next shiny toy so the return to competitiveness is swift :confused:

[QUOTE=spurs50fan;18078793]That's the question that splits the fan base. It a tough ask to a group of guys who have only known to play hard within an organization that is built on giving 100%. Tough to ask a coaching staff who's as competitive to not field the best lineup or try to pull out a W.

But it's just as tough to hold back a fan base who has been spoiled with years of playoffs not to make a play for the next shiny toy so the return to competitiveness is swift :confused:[/QUOTE]

Play just good enough before "fading" in the middle to end of the fourth quarter. Everyone wins.

3 wins in a row!

[IMG]https://newyorkpuckdotcom1.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/that39s-called-a-winning-streak-meme-47031.jpg[/IMG]

big win tonight! we've now won 6 of the last 8 games, and tonight was without Dejounte.

Spurs with another dub tonight over the Blazers!! we've now won 7 of the last 9 games, and have pulled into the final play in playoff spot, or whatever the NBA does now, over the Lakers.

good win, and without Dejounte again. Keldon with 28 on the night, and he's now averaging a career high 16.7 points a game. good stuff.

Go Spurs Go!!!

a little late, but not only did the Spurs win, we've KO'd the Lakers from the "play in" playoffs or whatever!

yessssssssssssssssssssssssss

[IMG]https://media2.giphy.com/media/DeobURBiyoMRFO4GqD/200.gif[/IMG]

Spurs vs Pelicans for the play-in game Wednesday.

last time we played the Pelicans, they were up by 40 at one point in the game...so we'll see what happens.

hopefully Dejounte is back by then, he's been out the last couple of games with a respiratory illness.

[QUOTE=oplum29;18115458]Spurs vs Pelicans for the play-in game Wednesday.

last time we played the Pelicans, they were up by 40 at one point in the game...so we'll see what happens.

hopefully Dejounte is back by then, he's been out the last couple of games with a respiratory illness.[/QUOTE]

That was in the no one gave a crap game. Spurs won the other three. I like the Spurs chances, and if they can play the Slipps in the second play-in...it's likely the Spurs are playing the Suns.

Well that was anti-climatic but that loss is still a win for them. Having a better shot at a top pick is worth more than playing the Clips or the Suns. It's time...and losing to teams with multiple top picks producing at high levels kinda makes the want for one more urgent. I mean, no top 10 since 1997? c'mon. Looking at the Pelicans, they had BI (pick 2) CJ (10), Jonas (5) and freaking Zion on the bench. Yeah please share the wealth.

But a few things I noticed from the game

DJ is still recovering from being sick and throwing him into that atmosphere took a bit to adjust. The foul trouble sucked and created that hole they almost got out of. He said he dropped 10lbs during those days out?

Keldon... That's all

Vassell looked good. Had his "Battier" game but his role has been solid all year.

Tre looks more and more like he's solidified that backup role. There was questions about that 3 ball but he's been knocking it down lately

Lonnie looked great for that 16 minutes?? Him being out there more would have helped a ton but I guess the back is still bothering him. I'm sure it was the Pelicans that hurt it a few weeks ago :(

Love Josh and he'll probably be a fan favorite bc he just fits.

I like Primo but his college teammate took this round.

You can see where the Spurs need help...the 4 and the 5. And that comes this summer via the draft and a few trades/FA signings.

Good luck to Lonnie.

[QUOTE=rifleman69;18122472]You can see where the Spurs need help...the 4 and the 5. And that comes this summer via the draft and a few trades/FA signings.

Good luck to Lonnie.[/QUOTE]

yup!!! we've got 3 picks in the first round next draft, really hoping we can make a couple of nice "now picks", not 3-4 years down the road.

If they keep all three picks, two of them have to be top 8 players in the rotation, preferably one of them as a starting PF/C.

What's your time frame?

Just about every team will contend at some point...but generational talents are just that.....they don't come around very often.

we need a true big man, i like the kid from Kansas, Memphis, and Kentucky.

also, a #4 or even a solid #2 shooter would be awesome. move Keldon to the 3.

[QUOTE=oplum29;18127991]we need a true big man[/QUOTE]

hey hey hey......

i think this thread needs to be revived after we won the lottery baby!!!!

GO SPURS GO!!!!!! :D

Well I did say we needed a top 10 talent to get to the conference finals.

Let's hope we got one.

15 years of Victor would be nice.

Now fanatics, go and get us a D. Rob/TD/Victor triple auto

I just saw the video the Spurs put out about a local business that had their wall painted with Wemba in a Spurs jersey BEFORE the lottery. He talked about DRob, TD and bringing the community together in SA once gain. Crazy.

Great. Another potential generational talent headed to basketball Siberia. Woohoo!

[QUOTE=SaveMeTheGum;18861052]Great. Another potential generational talent headed to basketball Siberia. Woohoo![/QUOTE]


Maybe all teams should only located in LA and in NY. ;)


Happy to see small markets teams like Milwaukee, San Antonio or Denver all day.

[QUOTE=Archangel1775;18860989]I just saw the video the Spurs put out about a local business that had their wall painted with Wemba in a Spurs jersey BEFORE the lottery. He talked about DRob, TD and bringing the community together in SA once gain. Crazy.[/QUOTE]

oh yeah. SA is a small market team, and the Spurs bring everybody together.

winning the lottery was HUGE. the enter city is excited again. we believe we've got a contender again.

Duncan, Robinson, and now with Wemba.

we'll see what happens. i still can't believe we won the lottery. we always knew the Spurs intentions for the year, just can't believe it actually came through.

This story was years in the making....and so far it's followed the fairy tale story. Now give it another three years and see where the Spurs are at.

So excited. Also thinking about where Kawhi is now makes him leaving go from a pain to a blessing. Can't wait for 15 more years of title contention.