Jared Johnson

Spurs fan and former NBA writer. Runner. Psalm 16:8

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@EricSal_7 Neither was consistent in 2020/21 if you look at the entire season. However, Patty was consistently decent offensively early on and then consistently poor in the last 20-25 games. Lonnie's production/confidence level seemed to jump around more.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Very confused right now...

[Shams Charania @ShamsCharania]

Free agent guard Bryn Forbes has agreed to a deal with the Spurs, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Forbes returns to San Antonio.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@TheHoopsReal Last year he averaged 13.9 ppg in 27.5 mpg in 11 games without DeMar. 40.3/33.3/83.3 shooting splits. Yes some very good games, but also some not so good ones.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Lots of thoughts on the Spurs' offseason. Losing DDR's self-sufficient offense will hurt, but they got more versatile defensively and the offense should be less predictable. I don't see enough top-end talent to make the playoffs, but we'll see if the young guys prove me wrong.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@juanmarcosv Young is a really solid player and can start. If it looks like the Spurs will be on the outside of the playoffs, though, I think he'll be a trade piece.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@juanmarcosv I don't see Aminu or Eubanks factoring much into the rotation this season unless there are injuries. Collins will need to be eased into a role. I see White/Walker both as 1/2s, if Walker builds on some good playmaking moments from last year.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@TheHoopsReal I actually somewhat agree with you on the ceiling thing. Lonnie is the ultimate wild card. His lack of consistency last year was pretty rough but he flashes star potential. Unless he takes a major leap I think his best role is as the main scorer off the bench.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@juanmarcosv I do see that. I guess my issue is do the Spurs want to start Young there when he's likely gone midseason/next offseason? Or is McDermott capable enough defensively/on the boards to start there? Is Luka ready? I'm honestly not sure.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@nikolchekolev Very fair. Without a true No. 1 option, I see the scoring being pretty close between the three of them (all between 16-20 ppg)

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Although I think Johnson starts at the big wing/4 spot, he may slide down depending on matchup.

Overall I see Murray, Johnson and White leading the team in scoring and usage, in that order.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

When fully healthy, I've got Murray/White/Vassell/Johnson/Poeltl starting with Walker/McDermott/Young/Landale playing bigger roles off the bench with some Samanic thrown in. Collins could take a role once he recovers if Young is traded.

[Pounding the Rock @poundingtherock]

Patty has nothing going on either end. Maybe a good time to give Vassell some burn if only for defensive purposes?

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Especially against a Trae Young-led offense...

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

The Spurs' best four defenders are Poeltl, White, Vassell and Murray. It's going to be tough for SA whenever a lineup includes none of them.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Hopefully White or Vassell.
Overall I'd like to see Vassell get more minutes with starters ahead of Lonnie. Lonnie has averaged just 9.9 pts, 1.6 ast on 49.1 TS% in 20 games starting with Demar. Vassell fits perfectly as the fifth option w/ starters w/ Lonnie as a bench spark.

[Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn]

Pop declined to say who will replace Lonnie Walker (out, stomach illness) in the starting lineup.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Minutes:

DW- 31
DM- 30
DDR- 30
KJ- 32
LMA- 24

PM- 16
LW/DV- 20-22 each
RG- 14
JP- 21

[Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN]

Rookie Devin Vassell has impressed Spurs teammates, coaches and opposing coaches alike with his defensive aptitude and acumen.

Is it enough to keep him in the nightly rotation now that Derrick White has returned to a crowded Spurs backcourt?
https://t.co/yk0RFtsfSQ

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Putting in Lyles instead of Vassell is just mind-boggling to me, especially on a night the Spurs are struggling to protect the ball and the Grizzlies are without Valanciunas/JJJ.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@SethJamesDeMoor Awesome race! Do I get credit for correctly predicting your Strava half marathon time to the second (1:04:48) even though it wasn't the chip time? :)

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

@EmilianoNaiar8 I’m definitely OK with him erring slightly on the safe side. With the lineups he’s playing in there isn’t much usage available for him to be aggressive, and if he’s taking bad shots/TOs his lineup mates are probably not stopping the opposition in transition D.

[Jared Johnson @jaredtjohnson21]

Random Devin Vassell stat:

In his last 132 minutes on the court, he has 13 steals (3.5 per 36 mins) and zero turnovers.

I realize his offensive role and production are still quite limited, but Vassell has been everything the Spurs could've hoped for and more thus far.