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

[rifleman69]

Originally Posted by oplum29

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!

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).

[rifleman69]

Originally Posted by jameshues

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

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

[oplum29]

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.

[oplum29]

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!

[noMercy1987]

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.

[oplum29]

Originally Posted by noMercy1987

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.

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.

[pingbling23]

Originally Posted by oplum29

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.

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

[spurs50fan]

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.

[oplum29]

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.

[NYRE2PECT]

Originally Posted by oplum29

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.

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.

[Longshot18]

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

Reasons to say no
* 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.

Reasons for hope

* 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.

[oplum29]

Originally Posted by NYRE2PECT

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.

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.

[oplum29]

Originally Posted by Longshot18

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

Reasons to say no
* 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.

Reasons for hope

* 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.

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.

[ScooterT312]

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

[spurs50fan]

Originally Posted by Longshot18

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.

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

[oplum29]

Originally Posted by spurs50fan

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

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.

[rifleman69]

Originally Posted by oplum29

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.

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.

[oplum29]

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.

[rifleman69]

Originally Posted by oplum29

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.

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

[mcgee2134]

Originally Posted by oplum29

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.

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.

[oplum29]

Originally Posted by mcgee2134

I'm not saying SA's defense isn't bad (I don't know much about it)

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.

[spurs50fan]

Lonnie with his second game winner

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

Forget the tank, that was cold blooded

[oplum29]

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

[spurs50fan]

Originally Posted by oplum29

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

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

[oplum29]

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).