nuposse87

If CP3 doesn't play tomorrow, I give us a legit shot to make it interesting. We struggle when teams have skilled low post men, while the clippers are athletic, I'd hardly called them skilled down low. Their 3 pt shooting will probably be our undoing.

^Al Horfords lil Bro, dude's got swag.

There's an interesting comparison to be observed with Harden's rookie season and Beals. Harden basically sucked between October and December as well. His shooting % overall began to pick it up in the 2nd half of the year and he finished pretty well in march and april. Except for december he was fairly good from 3pt land the whole season. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardeja01/splits/2010/ Beal has basically gotten better in every passing month and in 8 games this January putting up stupidly absurd stats for a rookie SG: http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bealbr01/splits/2013/ He has a TS of 58% currently in January, that's pretty damn good. Now I can't say he'll make the massive strides in playmaking that Harden has, but I don't see why he can't be the scorer Harden is. That and a better defender, I've always felt Harden was overrated as a defender, and have been pleasently surprised with Beal's defense so far. He will come down to Earth, but Ernie and company may get a pass from me on the whole Harden fiasco if Beal continues his impressive ways.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jason-Thompson-594/ 6'11 250...maybe...he's just more... compact?

Wall did choke at the end, but the game was lost once we stopped executing plays for beal IMO. Seraphin should not be allowed to shoot as much as he did, but he was also given the ball a lot with the shot clock running down, but even then, Nene should have been running PnR with John every play in the last 2 minutes. Great effort wasted away, oh well. Oh and Ariza completely stagnated the offense tonight.

most of the games have been entertaining...its just so many of them end in Ls. Can't knock the guys for the effort they exude at home, sans the Spurs game. But they always rape us.

David Lee is a bad defender (although a steady rebounder) I'm not sure he wants to draw that parallel (although he does get points in interesting ways). DX has Zeller at 6'11.5 with shoes...which is about as tall as you want your center to be, but his wing span is surprisingly bad. I'm not doubting his ability to score, but I just feel he'd end up being a center version of Jamison for us, gives us scoring, but will end up giving up just as much on the defensive end. If we were to draft him, it wouldn't be the end of the world, but I'd definitely be one of the first to say "I told you so." I'll also happily eat crow if does pan out to be a serviceable big down the line. The LMA comparisons are kind of funny, LMA might be the best 4 in the NBA right now, nobody can actually think he'll have THAT kind of potential. I could a see a future 15-8 player but not a whole lot more. He isn't quick enough to blow by 4s, and he isn't strong enough to bang with true 5s...He could be a great big off the bench for a contender but I see just as much liabilities in his game as there are pros. I have to say that my worries may also be moot though, as I said earlier, the game is getting "smaller" so maybe it won't matter as much...But the east will have true centers to be feared in the future. Drummond would eat Zeller alive in the future, and Valuciounes (However you spell it) looked pretty good for the raptors pre-injury. Not to mention if Andrew Bynum ever gets it going, and Brook Lopez isn't a slouch either. A lot of his success will depend on if the "bigman" makes a comeback in the NBA game. I'd rather we use w/e pick we have in either adding a quality player via a trade (and cap relief) or draft a player with unreal potential (Like Len, Gobert or Austin)...I'm going to just assume we won't have a shot at Noel and Shabazz.

I don't want to get into an argument regarding Zeller, again...but I fully believe in a "deep" draft he's a guy that ought to be drafted between 12-18. He has good finishing ability, but I doubt he'll be as efficient against NBA size. He isn't quicker then 4s in this league and his standing reach will probably make it difficult for him to be effective offensively in the post against 5s. Honestly I see a rich mans Tyler Hansborough. If we get any pick 3 or lower, our first priority ought to be to trade out and see what kind of talent we can get while offloading salary. If that doesn't happen, perhaps trade back while doing the same, but maybe not yielding the same amount of salary shedding as we may desire.

I think if we continue to win games, it is somewhat unreasonable to think we're going to be in the top 2. When you look at our needs its basically rebounding, and wing shooting. I think Bennet is probably the guy that could help us the most right now. He is short, for a PF, but has superior athleticism and a massive wingspan (his standing reach should let us know how high he'll go in the draft unless he miraculously grows an inch or two). The fact he can actually knock down a 3pt shot a game is very appealing. I kind of see a hybrid of Faried and any stretch 4. Trading back for a lower pick while trying to dump some salary ought to be brought into the equation as well. Guys like Poythress and Porter could be decent prospects by years end (I like poythress right now actually) but neither will go very high I imagine. There are a ton of project Centers that could pan out to be good players. Len, Noel, Gobert, Austin, hell maybe even Plumlee. Zeller too I guess, although I think his alligator arms and lack of athleticism will heavily cap his ceiling.

Durant and Dirk have elite beyond words size because of the style of their game. Melo and LBJ aren't terribly big as they are simply bulls when they drive to the basket. Again though, height doesn't matter IMO, standing reach is a better gauge. Blake Griffin has a 8'9 standing reach...Trevor Booker has an 8'10 standing reach...In no way is Booker the basketball talent Blake is (mostly cause he's always injured) but he's comparable in his ability to contest shots. I'm not saying don't go for size...but we've drafted some guys, who are athletically gifted...but not exactly gifted in playing basketball well. We need to focus on guys who can actually put the ball in the hole without leaving too much disparity in the size department. Guys like Booker with his standing reach are find for todays PFs, Seraphin with his strength and wingspan are fine play center. Their problems aren't physical as it is simply playing the game better. For the primary scoring argument, I'm not going to consider Miami and OKC, because honestly, we're a bit away from being in their league (unless you count our hysterical wins). Melo is a beast of a scorer so thats one right there, the Spur's leading scorer is Parker at 19.5 ppg, Pierce is at 19.6, and the clippers with Griffin at 17.7. I'd include Harden in this....but I don't think HOU is a threat yet...So there are people like Melo, Durant and LBJ who will lead their teams to contention on elite numbers...but either people are starting out slow...or most other contenders don't seem to NEED 20 ppg+ scorers. It doesn't hurt to have them...but I just think its more practical to build a team with balanced scoring. That being said....Beal is putting up 17ppg this January. I don't think its unreasonable to think he'll become a 20 ppg player by the end of next season. Wall puts up about 16, on average, to below average efficiency. If he finally turns the corner, I don't think it'd be unreasonable to see a bump up to 19-20 ppg from him. Couple with the fact Nene is good for about 15-17 and seraphin 13-15 we should get a fair amount of points efficiently. Also, low post scoring will count for a lot if this team can make a playoff push (most likely next season). *FWIW, if we somehow manage a pick between 3-5, I would draft Len. A future frontcourt of Len and Seraphin would probably solve many issues.

Truthfully it should be an option explored closer to the trade deadline. I'm giving seraphin a pass for his inconsistencies this season without proper PG play. If he shows noticeable improvement in efficiency and overall play, I'd rather keep and go for cousins instead. If seraphin continues to be, meh, and if the Spurs are in need a of a big, I think Leonard for Seraphin is pretty fair. Although I'd try to squeeze more out of them if possible. Okafor deals should be mostly used to clear cap space. One interesting thought: Okafor to Dallas for Kaman (expiring)+Crowder(I think he has Starter potential and the stats should back it up)+D. Jones (expiring)+a pic. We shed salary and get a guy we absolutely SHOULD have drafted in the first place. ---------- Post added January-15th-2013 at 08:23 PM ---------- Size is fine, but it isn't a necessity anymore, lets be honest, the games has gotten smaller. You don't need an all star 7 footer to win. Height also isn't a good gauge, standing reach matters way more. How much does it matter if you're 6'6 but 2-3 inches of that are lost in ur neck. Beal may be 6'4 but he's got like no neck, and a solid frame. "Primary scoring option" also needs to be redefined. The days of 24ppg players seems to be dwindling. It might be just me, but scoring is done a lot more by committee now. I think GMs realize there are only so many elite scoring options in the NBA at any given time and they have a better chance to compete with a team of balanced scoring proper team play.The spurs, 04 Pistons should be indicative of that, and while Timmy is a HOFer I don't see the need of having 2 20ppg guys as a must. I think 4 15ppg guys should stand just as good a shot so long you have one guy who can create (in our case, Wall).

There is no way I'd want Josh Smith to be our PF, I know he's gonna ask for a hilarious amount of money but his game never seems conducive to actually winning. Philly has too much invested in Bynum so I think he'd stay there assuming he comes back healthy. I imagine West is going to stay in Indiana barring a stupid offer from another team. If I had to guess, Milsap will probably look to signing with a contender, he's got skill, and some prime years left in him. I'm actually not as concerned about the PF spot for us. Okafor is proving to be a dilemma nowadays though. I'm not sure if this is the Okafor we should expect the rest of the way. I want to sell high on him if at possible. Leonard has true top 10 potential for the SF spot and is exactly the type of wing shooter to compliment down the line. It would probably take seraphin to get him, and I know the spurs wanted seraphin in the '10 draft...and if the spurs want a player...there is probably good reason why. The SF market is extremely weak which is probably why the FO is exploring Gay trades. What we really need is a stretch 4. I would have liked Singleton to be become that guy, but that dream has come and gone. I'd even entertain bringing in Al Harrington next season as a stretch 4 off the bench, I know he's recovering from a staph infection this season but maybe he can be had for cheap from ORL.

If the Spurs end up needing a big to make one last push we might be able to clear some cap space by unloading Okafor for Jackson. We could also entertain the idea of Seraphin for Leonard...but if Seraphin shows improved effectiveness with Wall back I'd rather hold onto him.

21-0 or we don't go! Hey if the skins can do it...

I think the good thing so far about Wall in his comeback is, that he's orchestrating our offense without utilizing much of his athleticism. I mean lets be honest, getting stuffed at the rim is a tell that he still has a way to go...but look at his numbers, very encouraging without his elite athleticism back yet. Obviously nights like this are unsustainable, but you have to figure that Nene will usually be more effective and the mere presence of Wall is going to open up things for everyone. Those Jumpers he knocked down in the 2nd half also are encouraging. He's a solid a FT shooter, as long as the confidence remains well for this team, we should make a good surge to end the season. Randy has to get em to take one game at a time. I'm not so sure I'd look to move Okafor yet either. We ought to evaluate how the talent plays with Wall closer to the deadline. Gay may not be needed, but I could see him flourishing here as well.

Gay isn't a bad player, he's just making 6 mil more than what he ought to. If we wanted to pay max money for a SF with potential we should have just planned to make a run for Batum, who is living up to his contract and then some. Gay has negative trade value right now, especially in this CBA era. Ideally it ought to be simply Okafor/Ariza for him and not a penny more. Even then, we're on the hook for bad production for an extra year, but large expirings can be used as good trade chips by competent GMs....and there lies the problem...

I'd rather do something like Ariza+Vesely+Singleton+top 7 protected 1st. Maybe I'd ask for Speights or Arthur back in such a deal if Booker can be swapped for Singleton. Ideally i'd still be pursuing cousins over Gay though.

Ok, first thing, these Gay reports are coming from Memphis sources...I want to say it is mostly them overinflating his value and simply lying that we'd entertain such a scenario but we do have EG leading the way....so I am currently, scared ****less. Gay is essentially a 6'8 Crawford. It isn't like he's going to catapult us into the playoffs, or that he has a large enough following where he'd fill the seats.

Apparently memphis wanted Beal...if Ernie gave them Beal...I probably would have an aneurysm. Trading for gay is essentially conceding that we won't be getting Cousins in 2014. I also think the crowd that thinks we're gonna get Shabazz might be ahead of themselves...While I love the notion of having Shabazz at SF...we actually look like a semi-competent team with Wall back in the lineup. He might push us to the 5-8th spot in the pecking order. I don't think Gay is the best fit for the lineup...but I could understand the notion of going after him, in that...he is an above average SF who is massively overpaid. There are ways to interpret a feasible way for him to come here. At most, I'd offer Crawford+Vesely+Ariza+filler+a top 7 protected 1st. Wall/Price Beal/Temple Gay/Webster Nene/Booker Emeka/Seraphin While resigning wall wouldn't be a problem, having a complimentary big man for Nene in '14 and beyond would be difficult. Okafor would be expiring which is fine as most of his money would be going to Wall but if Seraphin, or any other Big man we may want, begins to turn the corner we probably wouldn't be able to make a play for him unless we can Treat Gay's last year of his contract as an expiring for a mid tier team that is willing to off some talent for salary relief...like ourselves...and the cycle continues...****

I don't hate Gay as a player....but his contract is just awful. Unless the offer is built with something around Nene (cause we actually medically fear our investment) it doesn't make any sense on our part. Wall and Beal are untouchable in any potential Rudy Gay trade. Our best hope is that someone out-retards Ernie and outbids him.

If this team start turning the corner...I doubt we'll have any chance at a top 3 pick. So...while I want to see them win more...I can't help but think "well so much for the tank." Priority one ought to be someone like cousins. Playing with Wall and Nene ought to do well for his mental state. Okafor has actually been able to play himself into a serviceable player lately. With trade rumors picking up I imagine we may be able to dump him sooner than later. Not sure about Ariza though. We truely need a stretch 4 on this team though. Singleton could have been one but he's regressed pretty vulgarly. If cousins does end up wanting out, and he sees WAS playing better and helps dictate a trade here, I think Seraphin+C. Singleton+1st round pick (top 7 protected) for Cousins and filler ought to be enough. I'll also assume in such a scenario we probably wouldn't have a bottom 7th pick so we won't be picking in this upcoming draft. If Crawford can make himself into some sort of useful asset (he has been playing at least average as of late) I'd see if maybe we can flip Crawford+Booker+lotto protected '14 pick for D. Williams+Backup PG of their choice So potentially: Wall/Luke/Tomas Beal/Temple/FA 3pt shooter Webster/2nd rounder/Ariza Nene/D. Williams Cousins/Nene/Vesely Might have some money to sign a SF if I'm thinking this through right cause this is assuming we off load Okafor. I really wanted Brandon Rush this offseason...maybe GSW would sell low on him on draft day since he tore his ACL. *I'm basically trying to build the "washington Grizzlies" here, superior low post play, with excellent defensive effort.

The talent isn't comparable. They actually have pieces that can function minus their superstar. We have talent that rears its rare head every now and then, the major problem is consistency. Our veterans have been inconsistent as well...there have been nights when okariza seemed like functional players...then there most other nights.

With regards to porter and Poythress..I would only take them if I didn't have a top 3 pick. I'd trade back maybe 2/3 spots depending on their respective draft grade and teams behind us and their draft needs. Noel is mostly a hustle player, but I've seen him make moves you expect that highly touted a player make. Rebounding is a big problem on this team and at the very least he'd help in that. He doesn't seem to rotate well yet on D but I imagine that'd be amendable over time. His elite shot blocking ought to mask that some as well. Agreed on len, he isn't a number 1 over all pick barring an absurd show of growth in basketball skill. Now with regards to Zeller...I don't think his game warrants a top 5 pick. His best case scenario seems like a pick and pop forward. He's going to be a bad defender in the next level and isn't going to significantly upgrade anything for us. If Shabazz, Noel and Len are off the board, I'm trading back or out of the draft. Brook Lopez's wingspan is far more imposing then Zeller's 6'8 wingspan. He is absolutely skilled but he isn't going to be strong as z-bo and he won't be effective in low post. His niche is going to be like Sullinger's at the next level.

Shabazz will be good in the NBA regardless of Wall. Noel and Len have chances of impacting the game without wall too...Not sure about Porter or Poythress. Everyone else...eh...we might want to swap out after that.