...And we're back with Spurs Donk Talk here on 2150 AM. I'm PhDeac and this is my partner, Deac83.
Deac83, the Spurs are now 14-10 in the 5th spot in the crowded Western Conference. 7-time All-Star Lamarcus Aldridge has missed the last 3 games due to injury. The Spurs won all three vs the Timberwolves, Rockets, and Warriors. Jakob Poeltl has played well in his absence averaging 11.7 pts, 10 rebs, and 3 blks in 31 min. Poeltl played well in few minutes earlier in the season in three games against the league leading Lakers (2) and Jazz.
The Spurs have settled into small ball starting Poeltl with Murray, Walker/White, DeRozan, and second year man Keldon Johnson. Drew Eubanks plays a few minutes off the bench at C and the Spurs go small down the stretch with Rudy Gay and/or Patty Mills. Rookie Devin Vassell is playing good minutes as well.
Deac83, is it time to for the Spurs trade Aldridge to a contender for a backup C and a pick and see how far this team can go with Poeltl in the post?
Thanks PhDeac. Spurs are not just 5th in the west they are leading the Southwest by 2.5 games coming into tonight (hello Mavs in last), They are doing it with great team ball on both offense and defense. They've got 7 players in double figure scoring, not sure another team can say the same and White, is just under at 9.7 a game after being out much of the season.
Jakob Poeltl, has shown he has a pretty good ceiling at the C. He's pretty mobile for his size and converts when they get him the ball down low. He's got the best personal defensive shooting percentage against him in the league. He's certainly coming into his own, but I don't know if he can hold up for the entire season by himself. Starting the last 3 games he's gone 11.7/10/3.
LMA? Make me an offer then we can talk. LMA has been hurt a lot in the last couple of years, so his durability is a real question. When healthy he's a contributor on offense (14/gm). After Pop got LMA into the fold a couple of season's ago, it might be hard for them to let him go. I'm trying to think of a time the Spurs have added a player after the season started, of any significance. Pop likes to build his team and it's not really conducive to swapping players during the season.
That being said this might be the year to do it. The Magic seem to be looking for offense. One rumor that's floated around was LMA +picks for Fournier and Birch.
Either way, the Spurs look to have the young talent that get the Spurs back to the playoffs after this long playoff drought.
Back to you PhDeac.