Davis Bertans nominated for best new player
Forward Davis Bertans (drafted by the Pacers in 2011 but his rights traded to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the George Hill-Kawhi Leonard deal) has been playing quite well for KK Partizan of the Serbian League.
He is averaging 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 19.6 minutes this season in the Euroleague and it is his continued growth that has caught the eyes of FIBA.
Bertans has been nominated (via Latvian site tvnet.lv) for FIBA's Best New Player and fans can cast their vote over at FIBA Europe's official site until the end of January.
Bertans, who signed a three-year deal with Partizan, has shown marked improvement in his overall game. He is displaying a high-quick release that will be tough to guard in the NBA, especially when taking his 6-10 frame into consideration, Bertans is looking less and less like a spot up shooter and is showing more mobility.
Relax guys, we don't even know if we'll get Bertans. Down the road, we may want to trade with a team during the NBA draft, and the rights to Bertans could go to another organization.
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If Bertan is signed by the Spurs now they can trade Jackson and gain a plus 2-inch height. He is 6'10" and similar to the body frame of Durant. He plays small forward now ands when he gains weight play power forward as well. They can also sign Adam Hanga now and trade Gary Neal.
These signings you are wanting and talking about won't come now. Bertans signed a 3 and a 1/2 year deal with KK Partizan. Adam Hanga still needs time to grow and groom his game. Both players may look nice but if both were on the squad today they would probably both be playing games in the D-League. Look at those numbers by Bertans not going to get it done. Forget body frame. Durant is averaging more points, steals, and rebounds than this dude. "Not Ready". Plus how is he defensively? "Come in and get his ankles broke all up". Why are you so in a hurry to make a trade anyway? It's not like were in last place. Stephen Jackson is a lot better than Richard Jefferson on this team. He's not one to back down, he know's the system, he's a pretty good defensive player and he can shoot the ball. He has been in a slump lately but he did hurt his hand so it's kind of understandable when really he's just trying to get his timing back. Gary Neal has done a lot for this team in just the few years he's been here. Dude plays like he want's to win and that's what we need. He can score more than 6 point's in 19 minutes than ya boy Bertans I can tell you that. Also you don't want to just a break up a team's chemistry that is jelling and having positive results in the process. You do that you get the Mavs of now. No diss to the Mavs fans, just telling the truth. Spurs really just need someone who can grab some rebounds. 2.3 rebounds from a dude that's almost 7 ft? Sounds like he needs some grooming in his game. We have enough of that already. With his stats I can wait.
