Comments on: Roger Mason’s Comfort Zone

By: Ruffy

Ruffy — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:55:10 +0000

Spot on. A lot of people got down on Mason in the final 3 months of last season, but it wasn’t his fault – he was called on to do things he wasn’t good at, and Pop should’ve known better.

As for why Pop completely inexplicably lost faith in Hill, who was superb to start the year, i have only one word for you: BENOPHOBIA.

By: Grego

Grego — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:15:29 +0000

Mason might be in for some trouble if Hariston makes the team (he should) and plays the way he has been.

If Hairston can continue to shoot well and play the D he can play, he’s likely more valuable on the floor than Mason generally is.

A lot depends on how much Hill gets to come in as the #2 PG (regardless if Manu is in or out).

This will be an interesting season to watch with the strong influx of upgraded players.

By: Brandon

Brandon — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:45:04 +0000

Graydon, you’re right about Mason planting his foot on the arc just as he’s ready to release. He has “Willie Anderson syndrome”… I swear that guy shot the majority of his jumpers at 23′8″.

By: L-Man

L-Man — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:12:37 +0000

Exactly. he is a dead eye shooter and should spot up on the wing and let it fly. He is not a point guard. And yes, the three best games last year were the Christmas Day Mason Jar, Mason and one against Fisher and Lakers, and stop and pop to beat the Celtics off a Duncan pick.

By: mattmo28

mattmo28 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:30:46 +0000

Doggy,

Great observation. He may not be a slasher but his ability to take a couple dribbles and knock down cold hearted jumpers is key and a major upgrade over a purely catch and shoot player.

By: Spurs Courtside » Blog Archive » Daily Spurs News: Blair Takes Over

Spurs Courtside » Blog Archive » Daily Spurs News: Blair Takes Over — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:14:54 +0000

[...] Graydon Gordian of 48 MoH says if Roger Mason isn’t burdened with playing point guard this season, he will have a heck of a year. Gordian says there aren’t a lot of better catch-and-shoot players in the NBA. The numbers back him up. [...]

By: Graydon Gordian

Graydon Gordian — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:36:08 +0000

doggydogworld,

I think you are absolutely right. I haven’t run the numbers but my sense is that, after 2 or 3 dribbles, Mason shoots at a very high percentage.

My only problem is that he constantly dribbles an inch or two too far and plants his foot on the arc. I swear he led the league last season in shots with a foot on the arc.

By: Robby

Robby — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:34:48 +0000

Graydon,

I think Hill’s improvement will be evident this year. His performance in the 3 preseason games are very encouraging.

Regarding Mason, I liked his signing and I would like if the Spurs give him an extension at a reasonable price, but of course Manu should be given an extension offer too.

This year Mason’s role is clearly defined he’s our spot up shooter sharing minutes with Manu. And now he will be our 5th or 6th option on offense so there is ‘less’ pressure involved. I think he will be more effective that way.

Just my thoughts…

By: doggydogworld

doggydogworld — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:17:49 +0000

I think a big jump in minutes also contributed to RMJ’s late-season fade. He played 2500 minutes last year, up from 1700 the prior year and a max of 500 before that. (I also think a big jump in minutes vs. prior 2 years hurt Bonner in April & May).

One thing I like about Roger Mason Jr is he’s just as effective shooting the three off a dribble or two as in pure catch and shoot situations. Perhaps more effective. I wonder if anyone has run the numbers on that?

By: Andrew A McNeill

Andrew A McNeill — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:46:06 +0000

I’m getting more and more excited to see the second year of George Hill. I’m wondering if comparisons to a longer version of Leandro Barbosa are far off.