During the offseason, the Spurs acquired two interesting college players. One is known for an illusive “slo-mo” game and is compared favorably to Boris Diaw; the other is known for fearless speed off the dribble, sharp three-point shooting, and the ability to hit big shots at the end of the game.

So what do you think?

RESULTS

For the first few days after we opened this week’s poll (Who is more NBA-ready? Kyle Anderson or Bryce Cotton), the two rookies were in a neck-and-neck tie.

Then midway through the week, more votes went for the Providence alum over the player from UCLA. At the closing of the poll Bryce Cotton won by two times the other’s vote count.

As we all know, this question was not, who will be playing for the Spurs during the regular season? Kyle will play this year because he was a first round draft pick. Bryce,being a free agent pick-up, doesn’t have that luxury but may prove himself valuable off the bench while Patty Mills recuperates during the first half of the season.

Although the question was posed in a world devoid of contracts, I hope that every fan voted with the understanding that being “NBA-ready” is to be Spurs-ready.

Based on their 2014 Summer League statistics, Cotton is more productive in more categories. Bryce wins three of the four major categories: PPG, APG & PIE (Points Per Game, Assists Per Game and Player Impact Estimate). Only in RPG (Rebounds Per Game) did Anderson win, but it was easily the slimmest margin of all four categories.

Who was better at the charity stripe? Bryce with a machine-like 93.3% free throws made. Cotton also committed fewer fouls and turnovers per game than did Anderson.

Even though Kyle played 2.3 minutes more per game on average, that is only a 10% difference; so the numbers are effectively calibrated. In other words, the data I compared is ‘apples to apples’.

Kyle’s numbers, though, were better for defensive rebounding, steals and blocks. Why does this matter? Because it explains why Anderson will make the cut and Bryce may not (again, in a world devoid of contracts).

Although Cotton has better numbers in more categories, if you are going to play in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs, you need to prove your value on the defensive end. No exceptions. So despite his efficient offensive performance, if he plans to dance with Coach Pop in a championship celebration, Cotton will need to improve his defensive numbers.

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