This morning we learned that the Spurs invited Rasual Butler to training camp. Adrian Wojnarowski explained why:
Hadn't been only Rasual Butler's shooting and play impressing Spurs in pre-camp open gym, but leadership w/ young players. He has a chance.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) September 28, 2015
Is this a big deal? Maybe. Here’s what we think and what Spurs fans should keep in mind.
Stephen Hale:
“Butler brings length and shooting to a bench that features a declining Manu Ginobili and a young Kyle Anderson. Butler is widely known for his ability to stretch the floor and respected around the league for his three point shooting. He’s not afraid of the big shot and he also rebounds well. He’ll add some defensive help to the second unit as well. Like Jimmer, he is an immediate threat when he walks on the court. But unlike Jimmer, he offers size and veteran experience that could lead him into the final spot of the Spurs roster.”
Jake Fargher:
“Butler brings leadership, evidently mentoring younger guys at Spurs camp so far. His outside shooting is very strong, and last season was one of his strongest yet. (Career 36%, hit 39% as a Wizard last season.) The last roster spot will be a scrap. Fredette and Williams are in a real battle there.
“With Marco gone and our new team being a ferocious, big, heavy squad, the need for depth at shooters is very real. Manu’s health and minutes are as critical as they are fragile. Historically the Spurs have benefited from icy nerved, veteran range shooters (Kerr vs Mavs = full of win), although the right young project player has panned out too (SJax).
“Casual Rasual won’t need to be a fierce defender a la Bowen or Leonard, and can’t possibly be worse than Marco, who gave away more points than he scored. With questions about SloMo and Fredette, and Pop’s excellent use of the Toros, the addition of Butler to the bench seems like an easy decision, if only for his use when other shooters get injured, miss defensive assignments, or go cold.”
Brantley Collins:
“I don’t know much about Butler or his game other than that he’s (I think) a “3 and D” guy who supposedly still has some game left.
“PRO:
– He’d be nice veteran insurance to have on the roster and could be helpful in the playoffs.
“CON:
– If he makes the team, he’ll be displacing a younger player whom the Spurs could develop.
– If he makes the regular wing rotation, that means that Anderson and/or Simmons have had a disappointing preseason. I’m counting on at least one of those guys to show he can be a regular contributor this season.”
Andrew Flores:
“We need as many 3pt shooters as possible to counter the Golden State Warriors offensive attack.”
What do you think? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook, or Twitter.
