Phreak50 wrote:It's the lack of competitiveness and pride (since about the 20-30 game mark) that is embarrassing.
The record is fine for the roster and moves we made.
The last place on defense isn't.
It's also clear Johnson can't be anything more than a 3rd best player on a winning team (at best).
You can't just expect the same young guys to flip a switch and give a damn on defense if they add a top draft pick after you've allowed them to play scrimmage ball most of the season.
Whether or not teams like the Hornets, Jazz, Pacers etc are also tanking, their players turn up and try to win.
Now do your favourite son, Lonnie, who you continued to defend when presented with the fact that he had the worst net rating in his entire draft class.
It's fine to dislike or like a guy, but to do so for a similar stat is weird.
Keldon is not in a role that is either suited for him or one he will continue to have once we keep upgrading talent. Nobody's considered him a true #1 option so that's presenting and going against an argument that hasn't been made. Still, having defenses focus most on you while still being top scorer is a tall task.
Keldon was the 29th pick. Most fans would appreciate having their FO hit on a player like this late in the 1st, as we've done fairly consistently - Murray, White, SloMo, Tony...
Keldon's improved every season. And he's a poor defender which we can't hide because we are not a good defending team. That takes habits which take time and talent which we're going to address.
It also takes cohesion. Pre-deadline trade of Jakob, we've had our intended starting lineup for a whopping 18 games together: Tre, Devin, Keldon, Sochan, Jakob.
Our next most used 5-man line-up featured Jakob and JRich after Devin was out with knee surgery and recovery. That was 15 games' worth and before trading Jakob and JRich.
Along the way, guys have been in and out of the lineup with injuries and tweaks that come with bigger minutes and roles. Tre and Keldon missed some games because of that, for instance. Sochan, too. Devin. Romeo.
We don't have many good defenders but the ones we have haven't been as available as it would be necessary to have a better team impact.
Plus we readily play three rookies, all 19, and a couple of G-League call ups with Bassey and Barlow. We just picked up Mamu.
It's easy to say play harder and surely we'd win more. We do sometimes look defeated after being overwhelmed by an opponent run. It's not the same thing as not having the chops to hang with more experienced and talented rosters. Nobody plays to or tries to lose. Guys are playing for their jobs and roles. This season is also about who we continue with.
For those who say it's sad to see the Spurs 'like this', it's our first rebuild in over two decades. 'Like this' is what it looks like.
Also, we're expanding the fan base to Austin and Mexico.
Also, by the start of next season, our new $500M, multi-purpose practice complex will be ready.
If there's ever a season in which to go into a deep rebuild, get assets and cap space, *this* is it.
p.s. Edited to add, yes, of course, keep Pop and PATFO.
