Splitter

[rwill784]

So what do you guys think of Tiago Splitter? I didn't really get to see many games, but I heard big things about him comming from Europe. Is he a future role player? Or do you guys see anything special that could become a dominant player? And if not, what kinda role do you see him playing in the retooling of the Spurs once Duncan retires and hands the keys over to him at the 4???

[co_laper]

I believe he's a future role player. I don't see anything that suggest he's a dominant or someone you can build around as a franchise player. He's not young anymore. He's entering his prime. He'll probably get better at some stuff, but I doubt he's gonna learn new things.

Meaning, he's not gonna start blocking shots.. That's not what he do. He's not gonna be a dominant low post scorer. He may develop into a decent one, but not as a very good/elite scorer. He may develop a decent jumper, but forget about him being a jumpshooting Center.

My only hope is that he gets stronger/bulkier, and with his physical play, he can be a better version of Varejao. He'll annoy people with his defense and has an adequate low post game where we'll be able to reward him with some postups when he's playing well.

But I think Splitter needs a scorer, rebounder, and shotblocker next to him just because he's not gonna provide a team much on that end. Basically, we need a star big man because he isn't one.

[Donald Kaufman]

No way the keys are being handed to this guy, not based off what I saw last year anyway. Who knows, he might improve, some do in their 2nd year as a Spur, but as co says above, he's probably nothing more than a future role player. He doesn't strike me as NBA star material, not a chance.

[Nolan]

I can't see him being anything more than role player, but I can see him becoming a very good role player. I kinda see him becoming an Anderson Varejao esque player. He's already amazing at taking charges, he hustles on both ends and he's a capable shot blocker.

Last year injuries kinda held him back. He missed most of training camp and never really got a chance to get into the rotation until late in the season. I'm expecting him to be much better this year if there is a this year.

[Donald Kaufman]

Varajao is a good comparison. Unfortunately for Splitter (and us as fans), I think that's his ceiling and a lot were expecting much more out of him.

[Black_Jack21]

I didnt't see alot of splitter but 1 game i did see that sticks out and it was the 2nd last game of the season vs the lakers. He looked so limited offensively, a heap of times he resorted to this one handed scoop shot which looked quite ordinary.
For him to progress at all he really needs a larger armory of shots to call on. Not asking for the one leg step back fade, or kareems hook, just some more variety

[gadiegolo]

I think he'll get better this year (if there's one like Nolan says). He normally had a more imposing presence when playing for TAU (which makes sense due to the more physicality of the NBA) and I also don't think that he'll be the centrepiece of the franchise but he should become a more well rounded player than Varejao. He might not be an defensive specialist but he can contribute in lots of different ways and I perfectly see him being a 15 p, 10rebs,2 blk,2ass type of player, being quite reliable and generating good movement of the ball.

[co_laper]

15-10-2-2 at Center is allstar caliber now in the NBA. That's like an Al Horford numbers.

From what I see last year, I see no way Splitter will turn into a shotblocker. He's not one at all. When guys get into the lane, he's there to take charges instead of trying to block the shots. I doubt he'll ever average more than 1.5 blocks a game. I can see him averaging 1 block per game if he's getting like 30-35 minutes, but he definitely hasn't shown any signs of being a shotblocker.

I think he's more of a 12 point, 8 rebound. Don't think he'll get assists much because the offense won't run through him enough for him to get those assists.

[gadiegolo]

Ok, maybe 12-8 could make a bit more sense since his position will probably be C and not PF but I think he'll be a very valuable type of player for the coach.
About the blocking ability you definitely have a point but from what I saw the past years in Europe, he needs confidence to go to the basket strong in offence for dunks and for blocks in defence. I don't know exactly why but sometimes he was the biggest and most athletically gifted guy on the floor but he didn't go as strong as he could, maybe not until his last 2-3 years. Maybe it's a matter of character but he's definitely an intelligent guy and he'll be a contributor despite not being spectacular (especially for NBA standards).

[marioe25]

12-8 are still high expectations. Splitter wont improve much, he will get better with experience, he will polish is offensive moves and may become a better low post presence at both ends of the floor. Right now it looks like he will become a decent role player, but dont bet on 12 and 8.

[gadiegolo]

12-8 are still high expectations. Splitter wont improve much, he will get better with experience, he will polish is offensive moves and may become a better low post presence at both ends of the floor. Right now it looks like he will become a decent role player, but dont bet on 12 and 8.

As some said before, there isn't that many quality centres in the NBA nowadays and I think Tiago can be that type of player if given the playing time.
If Scola can overcome his physical limitations and compete and produce at the level he did last year Splitter can perfectly do the same being more athletically gift than him.

[UDRIH14]

12-8 are still high expectations. Splitter wont improve much, he will get better with experience, he will polish is offensive moves and may become a better low post presence at both ends of the floor. Right now it looks like he will become a decent role player, but dont bet on 12 and 8.

As some said before, there isn't that many quality centres in the NBA nowadays and I think Tiago can be that type of player if given the playing time.
If Scola can overcome his physical limitations and compete and produce at the level he did last year Splitter can perfectly do the same being more athletically gift than him.

difference between the 2, scola actually has a post game and jumper to depend on, where else splitter is a bit soft on offence maybe due to not enough touches to get going, but his duty is offense rebs + put backs and defense. Not the same high amount of responsibilities, but his good at the limited role his been ask to do, same production output like rasho/nazr is fine enough...

Only mistake is fkn pop not playin him that much against the grizzlies, who imo he did a fine job.

[co_laper]

I thought last year when Splitter got the ball in the post, he was actually pretty physical. His problem was he didn't have the strength yet to back people down. I can vividly remember him pounding the ball down low but didn't move his opponent. That's why I kept saying he needs to bulk up. He doesn't have the necessary strength yet to play Center in the NBA.

Another thing is that he does sort of lack a post game. I recall him only going right for awkward looking hook shots. He does have an up fake on it but that's like his only move. Either he go straight up for a right hook shot, or he fakes it and goes under. No other moves. Given his limited offensive game, I really don't think we should ever think of Splitter as someone to rely on for postup scoring. His post up game should only be as a reward for hustle play, otherwise he needs to get his scoring off offensive boards or from his teammates.

Right now, I don't hope for Splitter to suddenly do something he hasn't shown us at all. No point in hoping him to suddenly gives us an offensive presence or block shots. What he can and should get better on is his individual defense. He now has experience with the NBA refs and how people plays. He needs to be consistent, provide us with size on the floor for more than 15 minutes, hustle, rebound the ball, be physical, and play defense. If he does that, I think it's safe to say he's improved from his first year. And that's all we can hope for when it comes to the younger players, that they improve every year. Cause TD, Manu, and Parker aren't getting any better.