Current Roster
PG: Tony Parker*/DeJounte Murray
SG: Danny Green/Derrick White/Bryn Forbes
SF: Kawhi Leonard/Kyle Anderson/Jaron Blossomgame
PF: LeMarcus Aldridge/Davis Bertans
C: -
*When Healthy
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
C Pau Gasol
G Manu Ginobili
G Patty Mills
C Dewayne Dedmon
C Joel Anthony
C David Lee (player option)
Restricted
G Jonathon Simmons
Who They Drafted
1-29 Derrick White PG/SG, Colorado
2-59 Jaron Blossomgame, SF/PF Clemson
At the end of the first round, the Spurs drafted Derrick White, a Division II transfer who played one season at Colorado before heading into the NBA. White is an all around contributor that has a chance to be a really quality rotation player, due to all he can do. Able to score from all over the floor, White isn't a transcendent athlete, but he uses his shiftiness and change of speed style to break down defenses and again, though not a huge leaper he finishes well because of his craft and toughness. His jumper is quick and he can score off the catch or dribble and is good at pulling up from the midrange. While more of a combo guard than pure point, White is a capable playmaker who is very patient when running the offense, taking his time to make the correct pass. Defensively, White doesn't have huge upside due to his good not great physical tools. However, he finds ways to make plays defensively (1.5 steals, 1.8 blocks per 40) and could definitely be above-average with time. White might not have a massive ceiling, but his style of play is so suited to the modern game and he is versatile enough to play both guard spots that he should stick around for a long time and perhaps reach the levels of another former Spurs guard, George Hill. White will probably play a similar role to what Hill did for the Spurs, playing both guard positions and provide energy, shooting, and defense off the bench. White also pairs well with Dejounte Murray, the Spurs presumed backcourt of the future, because Murray is all athleticism and attack while White is a more steady, well-rounded player.
The second to last pick in the draft is highly likely to turn into nothing at all, but the Spurs have that magic touch... and the player they picked, Jaron Blossomgame, is the type of player they just might do something with. Already 24, Blossomgame is very old for a prospect and probably doesn't have much left in the way of development, which is a problem because while he brings a lot to the table, he has one major flaw they might hold him back. A super explosive combo forward with more small forward's body, Blossomgame plays with a ton of energy, getting out in transition, attacking the glass, and slashing to the rim in a straight line. It is easy to see him becoming a very good defensive player and a plus on the glass and in transition, however his slashing game seems unlikely to translate due to the fact that he can't shoot consistently, which means defenders can play way off him, which not only makes drives more difficult but messes with the space for the other players on the floor. Blossomgame will likely spend a lot of time in the G-League, where he should focus on his shooting and handle, which is what he'd need to improve to be a contributor. Could he become an Andre Roberson or even fellow Spur Jonathon Simmons? Sure, but at 24 (a year and a half younger than fourth year NBA vet Roberson) the odds are slim.
What They Need Going Forward
With a ton of free agents, particularly at center, the Spurs will have a chance to add a big name free agent before bringing back Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobili, and Simmons. Point guard is the obvious area they could upgrade, as Murray and White are mostly unproven and Tony Parker is injured. They were reportedly in on Chris Paul, who ended up on their rival Rockets, but Kyle Lowry, Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, or George Hill are possible options that would really improve their outlook, even for a team that won 61 games last season.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Showing posts with label chris paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chris paul. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Monday, June 26, 2017
Los Angeles Clippers Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Jawun Evans
SG: Jamal Crawford/Austin Rivers/Sindarius Thornwell
SF: Wesley Johnson/Paul Pierce
PF: Brice Johnson
C: DeAndre Jordan/Diamond Stone
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Chris Paul
F Blake Griffin
G JJ Redick
F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (player option)
F Alan Anderson
F Brandon Bass
G Raymond Felton
F Marreese Speights
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
2-39 Jawun Evans, PG Oklahoma State
2-48 Sindarius Thornwell, SG Los Angeles
The Clippers came into draft night without a draft pick, but bought two picks from the 76ers and Bucks, taking two guard prospects. First, they drafted Jawun Evans, a player that I though should be a lottery pick but slipped, likely because of his size. Evans is, ironically, very similar to Chris Paul when it comes to size and style of play, though Paul is obviously much better. Evans plays with a dynamic speed and quickness while also utilizing change of pace and hesitation moves as well as pure quickness to get by players, he is also a capable shooter and excellent ballhandler. Defensively, he has tools (his wingspan is actually longer than the 6-5 Luke Kennard) but will likely always be at a disadvantage, hopefully in a reduced role he can ratchet up the intensity a little bit. Because the Clippers roster is in such flux, it is unclear who Evans will be playing with but ideally he'll have a big to play pick-and-roll with (I thought he was the best at this in the whole draft) and some shooters around to give him space to operate. The Clippers have cycled through a poo-poo platter of backup guards in the last couple of years, but hopefully in Evans they have finally found a young player that can give them quality minutes and help to alleviate some of the drop off when Paul (assuming he resigns) leaves the floor, something that has plagued them for years.
With their next purchased pick, the Clippers drafted another guard, this time of the off-ball variety. Sindarius Thornwell was one of the best players in college basketball, winning SEC Player of the Year and leading South Carolina to the Final Four. However, he might have been the best player in college basketball last season, at least statistically. Thornwell was the best in college basketball in both offensive and defensive Box Score Plus Minus, as well fifth in Win Shares and second in Win Shares Per 40 and top ten in Defensive Rating. These stats paint a super star picture, and Thornwell isn't that, but they are also representative of his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. Despite not being a great athlete, Thornwell is a switchable defender with long arms (6-10 wingspan) and strength; he plays with a lot of toughness and intensity, quick on the perimeter but willing to battle into the paint. Thornwell makes plays defensively as well, averaging 2.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per 40. His motor and intensity translates to the glass as well, where he grabbed 12% of available misses, an excellent number for a guard. Due to his lack of elite athletic ability, Thornwell projects as more of a role player overall, but one with a lot of nice little offensive skills. As a shooter he has been up and down in his career, but should end up as a solid 35%-ish shooter that can comfortably handle the ball, even if he lacks dynamism off the dribble, similarly his passing ability is solid, if unspectacular, good enough that he should be a ball mover, provided he is willing to accept a less role in the NBA, something not all college stars are willing to do. For the Clippers, Thornwell makes it easier for them to move on from the bad contracts of Jamal Crawford and Austin Rivers (as long as they realize the contracts actually are bad) while also giving them a solid bench option that can fit into their switching defense.
What They Need Going Forward
It seems as if JJ Redick is moving on but the futures of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are very much up in the air and what happens with them will very much dictate any future moves they make. If Paul stays and Griffin leaves, they will have a void at power forward (the only power forward on the roster right now is Brice Johnson, who might not even be and NBA player), a 4 that can shoot better than Griffin would fit with what the Clippers want to do, which isn't to say that they would be able to sign a better player, just a better fit. On the other hand, if Paul leaves and Griffin stays, they could look to acquire a cheaper, veteran point guard to span the gap until Evans is ready to start. If both stay, they won't have much flexibility but will need backup big men and perhaps another body on the wing that could challenge for a starting spot, even if they don't have much money to spend, vets will take less to play in LA. Another shooter to replace Redick is also something they need. If both leave... well then it should be all aboard to Tanksville and DeAndre Jordan should be dealt.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
PG: Jawun Evans
SG: Jamal Crawford/Austin Rivers/Sindarius Thornwell
SF: Wesley Johnson/Paul Pierce
PF: Brice Johnson
C: DeAndre Jordan/Diamond Stone
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Chris Paul
F Blake Griffin
G JJ Redick
F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (player option)
F Alan Anderson
F Brandon Bass
G Raymond Felton
F Marreese Speights
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
2-39 Jawun Evans, PG Oklahoma State
2-48 Sindarius Thornwell, SG Los Angeles
The Clippers came into draft night without a draft pick, but bought two picks from the 76ers and Bucks, taking two guard prospects. First, they drafted Jawun Evans, a player that I though should be a lottery pick but slipped, likely because of his size. Evans is, ironically, very similar to Chris Paul when it comes to size and style of play, though Paul is obviously much better. Evans plays with a dynamic speed and quickness while also utilizing change of pace and hesitation moves as well as pure quickness to get by players, he is also a capable shooter and excellent ballhandler. Defensively, he has tools (his wingspan is actually longer than the 6-5 Luke Kennard) but will likely always be at a disadvantage, hopefully in a reduced role he can ratchet up the intensity a little bit. Because the Clippers roster is in such flux, it is unclear who Evans will be playing with but ideally he'll have a big to play pick-and-roll with (I thought he was the best at this in the whole draft) and some shooters around to give him space to operate. The Clippers have cycled through a poo-poo platter of backup guards in the last couple of years, but hopefully in Evans they have finally found a young player that can give them quality minutes and help to alleviate some of the drop off when Paul (assuming he resigns) leaves the floor, something that has plagued them for years.
With their next purchased pick, the Clippers drafted another guard, this time of the off-ball variety. Sindarius Thornwell was one of the best players in college basketball, winning SEC Player of the Year and leading South Carolina to the Final Four. However, he might have been the best player in college basketball last season, at least statistically. Thornwell was the best in college basketball in both offensive and defensive Box Score Plus Minus, as well fifth in Win Shares and second in Win Shares Per 40 and top ten in Defensive Rating. These stats paint a super star picture, and Thornwell isn't that, but they are also representative of his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. Despite not being a great athlete, Thornwell is a switchable defender with long arms (6-10 wingspan) and strength; he plays with a lot of toughness and intensity, quick on the perimeter but willing to battle into the paint. Thornwell makes plays defensively as well, averaging 2.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per 40. His motor and intensity translates to the glass as well, where he grabbed 12% of available misses, an excellent number for a guard. Due to his lack of elite athletic ability, Thornwell projects as more of a role player overall, but one with a lot of nice little offensive skills. As a shooter he has been up and down in his career, but should end up as a solid 35%-ish shooter that can comfortably handle the ball, even if he lacks dynamism off the dribble, similarly his passing ability is solid, if unspectacular, good enough that he should be a ball mover, provided he is willing to accept a less role in the NBA, something not all college stars are willing to do. For the Clippers, Thornwell makes it easier for them to move on from the bad contracts of Jamal Crawford and Austin Rivers (as long as they realize the contracts actually are bad) while also giving them a solid bench option that can fit into their switching defense.
What They Need Going Forward
It seems as if JJ Redick is moving on but the futures of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are very much up in the air and what happens with them will very much dictate any future moves they make. If Paul stays and Griffin leaves, they will have a void at power forward (the only power forward on the roster right now is Brice Johnson, who might not even be and NBA player), a 4 that can shoot better than Griffin would fit with what the Clippers want to do, which isn't to say that they would be able to sign a better player, just a better fit. On the other hand, if Paul leaves and Griffin stays, they could look to acquire a cheaper, veteran point guard to span the gap until Evans is ready to start. If both stay, they won't have much flexibility but will need backup big men and perhaps another body on the wing that could challenge for a starting spot, even if they don't have much money to spend, vets will take less to play in LA. Another shooter to replace Redick is also something they need. If both leave... well then it should be all aboard to Tanksville and DeAndre Jordan should be dealt.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Preseason Award Predictions
It is a common opinion that Erik Spoelstra is an average (or worse) coach that the Big 3 made look good. However, in some ways it was the opposite, Spoelstra built an offense around their unique skills: a big who shoots, a guard who doesn't, and the worlds biggest point guard. He also organized a tremendous, swarming defense that was the backbone of 4 straight Finals teams. With LeBron gone and Wade hobbled, this will be the year that both Spoelstra and Chris Bosh get the credit they are due, possibly leading the Heat to 50 wins and a 3-seed. Obviously Gregg Popovich could easily win it again, as could newcomer David Blatt, or any number of coaches that exceed expectations. For example, if Frank Vogel gets the disasterous Pacers back the playoffs, he would have to get a lot of considerations.
Executive of the Year: LeBron James David Griffin, Cleveland Cavaliers
Most Improved Player: Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks
Sixth Man of the Year: Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
Rookie of the Year: Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks
Defensive Player of the Year: Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
Most Valueable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
They can't give him the award, can they?
This award usually goes to players in their third or fourth season who have a big jump in minutes, however their aren't a ton of candidates that meet that criteria, so instead the favorites may be players fully integrating into a system or that add something to their game that takes it to the next level. Jeff Teague was great last year in Mike Budenholzer's offense, and should only improve with experience. Also, the return of Al Horford and the arrival of rookie Adeian Payne is sure to raise his assist totals and take the focal point of defenses off of him. Speaking of assists, another possibility to win the award is Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio, who actually improved as a shooter last year, and surely can't be a dreadful of a finisher as he has in the past. (right?) The super-athletes he will play with this year (Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Thad Young) will lend to an uptempo style and a ton of assists (he should lead the league in this category, or be close) and even if he just shoots 40-42% and finishes better, it will be a huge improvement. Some advanced stats love Rubio (10.76 RPM) while others aren't as high (+2.6 Simple rating, 15.35 PER). Rubio is hurt by the fact that Minnesota likely isn't going to win a ton of games this year and won't get a ton of national attention as a result. While I hate to be a sucker for pre-season storylines, if Michael Kidd-Gilchirst really has developed a decent jumpshot, it could be the piece that brings all the other great things he does together into a premier package.
The usual suspects like Jamal Crawford and Manu Ginobili will be in the running, but this may finally be the year that Taj Gibson, who unlike most Sixth Man winners also adds tremendous value defensively, will finally get some recognition. Pau Gasol may have replaced Carlos Boozer, but I would be surprised if Gibson wasn't still finishing games at power forward like he was last year. A sleeper would be Dion Waiters, if he is used off the bench, because he has talent because LeBron (and winning) tends to bring the most out of players, despite their flaws. If he is fully healthy Ryan Anderson is another under-the-radar option because he is so efficient and should get plenty of playing time. If Utah wasn't going to be terrible, Alec Burks would be another strong candidate.
Rookie of the Year doesn't usually go to the best rookie, it goes to the one given the best oppurtunity to put up stats. Role is most important in this race. Jabari Parker will be the focal point of Milwaukee's offense right away and has the talent to excell in that position, scoring a lot of points with good percentages and grabbing a lot of rebounds. Nerlens Noel, Andrew Wiggins, Elfrid Payton, Marcus Smart will all get plenty of playing time, and could win the award if they adjust quickly to the NBA game. Dante Exum has a bright future but probably isn't ready to be a star right away while Julius Randle, Nikola Mirotic, and Doug McDermott have the ability to put up big numbers, but likely won't get the playing time. This is a tremendous crop of rookies and all will be worth watching closely this season, even though who just have limited roles right now.
This award almost always goes to a big man, though wing defenders like Andre Igoudala and Tony Allen are deserving of recognition, a rim protecting center is usually the favorite. Serge Ibaka transformed himself an average or worse defensive player who blocked a lot of shots to an elite defensive player who still blocks a lot of shots. Joakim Noah, Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan, Tyson Chandler, Roy Hibbert, and Dwight Howard also have a chance, as do young players like Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond. Of course, if LeBron James is able to focus more on the defensive end this season, he certainly has the chaps to win the award, but I doubt it ever happens.
Kevin Durant deservedly won the award last season, but I am not sure he'll be able to top that performance, which may be what it takes to beat out LeBron for the award, who will still score 25-30 points a game with awesome percentages as well having his rebounds and assists up playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love and in the Eastern Conference. It will also be interesting to see if he takes on a bigger role defensively now that some of the offensive pressure if off his back. LeBron is far from a lock and I could see Blake Griffin, Chris Bosh, Steph Curry, Derrick Rose, or even an epic season from Dirk Nowizki winning the award. Chris Paul will get a lot of love, but he has been the same (albeit awesome) guy the last couple of years and not come close to winning the award.
All-NBA First Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Steph Curry, Warriors
F: Kevin Durant, Thunder
F: LeBron James, Cavaliers
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-NBA Second Team
G: Tony Parker, Spurs
G: Russell Westbrook, Thunder
F: Blake Griffin, Clippers
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Chris Bosh, Heat
All-NBA Third Team
G: John Wall, Wizards
G: James Harden, Rockets
F: LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers
F: Kevin Love, Cavaliers
C: Joakim Noah, Chicago
All-Defensive First Team
G: Mike Conley Jr, Grizzlies
G: Andre Igoudala, Warriors
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-Defensive Second Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Tony Allen, Grizzlies
F; LeBron James, Cavaliers
F: Tim Duncan, Spurs
C: Joakim Noah, Bulls
All-Rookie First Team
G: Elfrid Payton, Magic
G: Marcus Smart, Celtics
F: Andrew Wiggins, Timberwolves
F: Jabari Parker, Bucks
C: Nerlens Noel, Sixers
All-Rookie Second Team
G: Dante Exum, Jazz
G: Nik Stauskas, Kings,
F: Doug McDermott, Bulls
F: Julius Randle, Lakers
C: Noah Vonleh, Hornets
What do you think? Who will take away the big awards this season?
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
All-NBA First Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Steph Curry, Warriors
F: Kevin Durant, Thunder
F: LeBron James, Cavaliers
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-NBA Second Team
G: Tony Parker, Spurs
G: Russell Westbrook, Thunder
F: Blake Griffin, Clippers
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Chris Bosh, Heat
All-NBA Third Team
G: John Wall, Wizards
G: James Harden, Rockets
F: LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers
F: Kevin Love, Cavaliers
C: Joakim Noah, Chicago
All-Defensive First Team
G: Mike Conley Jr, Grizzlies
G: Andre Igoudala, Warriors
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-Defensive Second Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Tony Allen, Grizzlies
F; LeBron James, Cavaliers
F: Tim Duncan, Spurs
C: Joakim Noah, Bulls
All-Rookie First Team
G: Elfrid Payton, Magic
G: Marcus Smart, Celtics
F: Andrew Wiggins, Timberwolves
F: Jabari Parker, Bucks
C: Nerlens Noel, Sixers
All-Rookie Second Team
G: Dante Exum, Jazz
G: Nik Stauskas, Kings,
F: Doug McDermott, Bulls
F: Julius Randle, Lakers
C: Noah Vonleh, Hornets
What do you think? Who will take away the big awards this season?
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
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