Today was the first day of training camp for the Spurs, and while several new players were trying to earn a roster spot, one veteran was beaming as if he had just been drafted.

"I'm definitely happy it's over, it was a good day," said Antonio McDyess, who is entering his second year with the Spurs. "I was very surprised at the talent we've picked up this summer, a lot of young guys that really can play and want to help this team."

While much of the preseason talk has centered around the Lakers and Heat as favorites this season, the 14-year NBA veteran says this year's Spurs squad may surprise some of the doubters.

"We've got something in store for a lot of teams, and we're going to be a big surprise to some people," McDyess said. "Coming off what we did last year was disappointing so we've got something to prove."

One of the players that may help the Spurs in surprising said doubters will be rookie big man Tiago Splitter, and McDyess had nothing but positive things to say about Splitter.

"He's really good, really strong, posts up strong, goes hard every play," McDyess said. "Hes a heck of a guy because he sits there and listens and catches on real quick. I was very surprised about how quick he catches on. It's a tough system to learn and he catches on really fast."

McDyess started the majority of games aside Tim Duncan in the post last season, but with the addition of Splitter, McDyess' role will be directly affected.

"I don't know what my role will be, but whatever it is I'm going to take it and I'm pretty sure it's going to be totally different than what it was last year," McDyess said. "A guy like him, he'll definitely have to be on the court so I'll take a backseat to him any day because he's a heck of a player."

The San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks are heated rivals. From Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban making remarks about the city of San Antonio, Spurs and Mavericks fans having heated exchanges during the course of the NBA season, to intense playoff matchups between the two teams, to say it's JUST a rivalry is an understatement.

However, if there is one player on the Mavericks who likes to toss fuel to the fire is Jason Terry. Well leave it to Terry to continue to add fuel.

During the 2010 NBA Summer League, Terry ran into Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich and had this to say when the two talked about the Spurs beating the Mavericks in the first round of the 2010 NBA playoffs:

It was the Spurs, our rival,'' Terry said of the playoff loss. "And then I see Pop in Vegas. We talked a little and that was definitely part of the conversation, them beating us after we got the them (the previous year).''

"It's eating at me now,'' he said. "And until we get to the playoffs next spring and win a series and get to the conference finals and Finals, it's still going to eat at me.'' (source mavsblog.dallasnews.com)

This isn't the first time Terry expressed his dislike for the Spurs. He once referred to the Spurs as "dirty," said he takes it personally when he faces the Spurs and punched former Spur Michael Finley in the groin during the 2006 NBA playoffs.

I'm sure Spurs fans are enjoying hearing the loss to the Spurs in the playoffs is still bothering him and his comments will just further cement Spurs fans dislike for him.

When the San Antonio Spurs released their 2010 training camp roster, New Zealand's Kirk Penney was noticeably left off.

However, Project Spurs' Michael De Leon is at the Spurs' training camp today and reports the Spurs have added him to the roster.

As expected, Kirk Penney has been added to #spurs training camp roster.

With the San Antonio Spurs' training camp fully underway, the Spurs will now have a closer look at the players they've invited hoping to find some answers in addressing the teams' immediate needs.

One of the more glaring needs for the team right now is a backup small forward. Enter Alonzo Gee.

He might have the inside track at backing up starting small-forward Richard Jefferson and should the team decide on giving him a fully guaranteed contract, I believe Gee has the physical tools and talent to make it to the next-level.

On offense, Gee is very athletic and is good at attacking the basket. His long strides and explosive first step are his main offensive assets.

He knows how use his athleticism to his advantage, is quick in changing directions and has very good body control. He is also capable of finishing over defenders at the rim, is extremely aggressive and will not shy away from contact which will earn him trips to the free-throw line.

On the defense, Gee could potentially be an effective perimeter defender because of his size and athletic ability. He is already good at moving without the ball but he still needs to have a better lateral quickness and be more consistent on the defensive side of the floor.

His journey to the NBA was not easy. He went undrafted during the 2009 NBA Draft but he was signed and played in the NBDL with the Austin Toros. He averaged 21 points and 6.6 rebounds on 51% shooting from the field per game. Those numbers earned him the NBDL Rookie of the Year honors for the 2009-2010 season.

He also has some NBA experience when he played for the Washington Wizards last season and he didn't disappoint. In 11 games with the Wizards, he managed to produce 7.4 points and 3 rebounds in just 16.5 minutes per ball game and shot an impressive 77.8% (7-9) from beyond the arc. Although he needs to work on his free throw shooting. With the Wizards he averaged 62% from the charity stripe. Not terrible but can be better.

In those eleven games, he recorded a double-double when he scored 13 points and grabbed 10 boards against the Denver Nuggets on March 16 and scored a career high 19 points in his first NBA start against the Charlotte Bobcats. Bottom line is this guy can play.

And with the Spurs' thin rotation at the small forward position, he has a good chance of making it to the final roster. He has a lot of areas to improve on but that's what training camp is all about. 

Given the proper knowledge, focus and training he will become a better player when the season starts and that might get him the edge to become the backup small forward.

Nevertheless, he will definitely have some competition with veteran Bobby Simmons and another camp hopeful James Gist to get earn that spot.

The San Antonio Spurs have kicked off their 2010-2011 training camp and aside from the usual Spurs such as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and the rest of the crew in camp, a few new faces will be trying their best to secure a roster spot.

There are so many things to watch for during this training camp. The slimmer-than-ever Duncan according to coach Pop (though Duncan said at media day he gained some weight), how a rested Parker and Ginobili will perform and the continuing progression of George Hill. But there are other notable aspects to watch for during the 2010 Spurs' training camp.

Here are four.

• Kirk Penney vs. Gary Neal

With the need for reliable shooting, the Spurs brought in a pair of sharp-shooters. They signed Gary Neal and added New Zealand's Kirk Penney to the training camp roster. Though Penney is not on the camp roster, he is in San Antonio and is expected to sign a training camp deal soon.

Penney displayed a fantastic performance at the 2010 FIBA World Championship for New Zealand. To sum it up -- he was New Zealand. He average 24.7 points while shooting 45.8% from the field and 36.7% from the three-point line. He also finished second in scoring at the World Championship and averaged more points than Team USA's Kevin Durant. Not to mention he scored 37 points against Lithuania.

Neal also displayed a great shooting performance at the 2010 NBA Summer League. He led the squad with 16 points per game and was 30 of 60 from the field and 17 of 34 from beyond the 3-point line in Las Vegas. Because of this, the Spurs signed him to a deal.

With both of these players fighting for a roster spot it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Penney showed his worth at a higher level of competition in Turkey but Neal is no stranger to playing internationally.

Both have a deadly outside shooting stroke and will address the need for shooters. Should be great to see these two players go head-to-head.

• The small-forward spot

Richard Jefferson is the only true small-forward on the Spurs' roster. This begs the question -- who backs him up?

On the training camp roster is rookie Anderson, Alonzo Gee, James Gist and Bobby Simmons. All could possibly back-up Jefferson at the small-forward position.

Some feel Anderson can play the small-forward position but his natural spot is the shooting-guard position. Though he might see some playing time at the position.

This leaves Gist, Gee and Simmons.

Gist has been in-and-out of Spurs' summer leagues and training camps since he was drafted in 2008 but continues to suffer injuries which derails any progress. Case in point this past NBA Summer League. After starting off hot for the Spurs, he suffered a wrist injury causing him to bow out early. He has the talent but can he stay healthy?

Gee might have the inside track. He had a stellar performance at the 2010 NBA Summer League not to mention he is young, athletic and shown he can play at the NBA level when he was signed by the Washington Wizards last season when he averaged 7.4 points, three rebounds and shot 47.5% from the field.

Simmons played in 23 games with the New Jersey Nets last season and averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. For his career, he has averaged 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds. The former 2005 NBA Most Improved Player suffered an ankle injury in 2006 which forced him to miss the entire 2006-2007 NBA season. Though he might be "old" for NBA standards, he might be a decent back-up for Jefferson.

• Rookie James Anderson

Anderson has been considered a steal for the Spurs when he was drafted at 20 in the 2010 NBA Draft. Everyone knows he is a scorer and showed it while at Oklahoma State.

For his career Anderson started in 99 of 101 games for Oklahoma State. He averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.11 steals while shooting 46% from the field, 37% from three-point range and 79% from the free-throw line.

However, he nursed a hamstring injury and did not participate with the Spurs at the 2010 NBA Summer League. This camp will be a measure of how he will perform against NBA level talent and to see if the hamstring is fully healed. His defense has been questioned but if any coach in the NBA who will instill the defense-first philosophy is coach Gregg Popovich.

ESPN's College Gameday analyst Rece Davis had this to say when I asked him about Anderson:

He's a mid-size, athletic guy, very strong and he has the physical ability to breakdown defenses at the pro level. He is also an explosive scorer.

CBS Sports' college basketball analyst Clark Kellogg had glowing comments about Anderson when I spoke with him about the Spurs' rookie:

A quality NBA prospect like Anderson with good size, terrific range, and I understand he is a hard working kid, a coach-able kid and for San Antonio to add a piece like that, that's a win-win.

I don't know many who come in ready to play defense at a high level in the NBA. This is something one can acquire and get better in. He will be fine. If he is willing to work and learn he will be fine.

Will Anderson live up to the "NBA Draft steal" hype will finally be answered during camp and in the preseason. This will definitely be something to watch for during training camp.

• Tiago Splitter

How spectacular is it going to be for Spurs fans to finally see Splitter in a Spurs' uniform after a three year wait. Not to mention teaming up with Duncan in the paint will also be something to put a smile on fans' faces.

But will he live up to the expectations of Spurs fans?

Fans and the rest of the NBA saw what he can do at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and he impressed. He displayed great foot-work, a nice jump-hook, a nice back-to-the-basket game and can run up the floor.

During the World Championship for Brazil he averaged 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Though he can stand to increase his rebounding numbers.

However, the biggest thing to watch for is seeing how quickly he can mesh with Duncan in the post. It will be a change for him since he was the main-guy with Caja Laboral so how soon he will adapt to taking a lessor role will be interesting.

Also, it is going to be fun to watch him run the pick-and-roll with Parker and Hill.

Spurs guard Tony Parker's name has been mentioned in trade rumors all summer.  Even throughout draft week, many warned that he may be wearing another team's colors by the end of the week.

Parker went on the record today from Spurs media day to set the record straight.

"I just want to focus on this season," Parker said. "I can't control you or anybody else in the media, can't control what their going to say, inventing stuff that my wife said. I had a great conversation with Pop and I'm ready to go."

With his impending free agency, rumors have been swirling about Parker possibly joining the New York Knicks, but according to him, he has no intention on changing area codes this summer.

"I've said that plenty of times but nobody listens, they just want to create stories, it sells better," Parker said. "I just hope Spurs fans know I want to stay here."

While he is clear about wanting to stay, the nine-year NBA veteran didn't answer either way when asked about his choice of either signing an extension or testing the free agent waters next summer.

"We'll see, we'll see. For now I just want to focus on the team," Parker said. "If the Spurs want to do something, I'd be willing to listen obviously, but well see, it's a long way."

Parker will be answering similar questions all season long. Just a year ago, it was Spurs guard Manu Ginobili who was answering those questions before he signed his multi-year extension in April.

Ginobili's example will be one that Parker hopes to follow during his contract year, not to mention heeding his advice.

"Basically just focus on the team and what Pop's saying and the next play and the next game," Parker said on Monday. "I had plenty of conversations with Manu."

While there's been a media circus this offseason from the LeBron James decision to the latest Carmelo Anthony trade scenarios, you're not bound to see that from Parker.

"Pop and R.C., they know I'm not going to do anything crazy. We always have great conversations," Parker said. "I'm happy to be here, they know that, and I'm not going to create something crazy. I'm focused for this year. I'm very motivated, I worked hard this summer and I'm ready to go."

Last season, Parker missed 26 games due to injury. While most Spurs fans were ready to hand him the keys to the organization after a 2008-09 campaign in which he averaged 22 points and 6.9 assists per game, now there is talk on whether or not he is on his decline after a decrease in his numbers across the board.

So does Parker have something to prove, both to himself and the naysayers?

"Yea definitely a little bit to a certain extent. I missed twenty games, the most games I've missed in my ten years in the NBA," Parker said. "I played great in 2009. I want to go back to my level in 2009."

"You miss five games and they think you retire," Parker said. "It was the same thing with Manu. Everyone wanted to get rid of Manu last year and that's crazy, you can't get rid of Manu. Manu is one of the best players in the NBA."

Parker was recently on record saying this season was the Spurs' last chance at a winning a title with the big three, and today, he seemed optimistic about the Spurs' chances.

"I think we're more hungry and everyone's rested. We have a better bench," Parker said. "Tiago Splitter is ready to play. He won everything in Europe and he's coming here a little bit like Manu when he came with a lot of experience."

"I like our chances, we just have to stay healthy and see what happens."

It all starts tomorrow with the first day of training camp. Project Spurs will be there, so be sure to check back for posts throughout the day.

With the 2010 San Antonio Spurs' season closing in fast, Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich fielded a few questions at the Spurs' 2010 Media Day.

Project Spurs' very own Michael De Leon was in attendance and was able to get some quotes from Popovich.

For Pop it was business as usual but one thing is for sure, he immediately squashed any starting point guard controversy between Tony Parker and George Hill.

"Tony is the starter," said Pop when asked about the rotation between Parker and Hill during last seasons' playoff run.

And speaking of Parker, with everyone knowing he is in his final contract year with the Spurs, Pop was asked about how he would like to see Parker approach this season.

"I don't have to think about it. I know how he is going to approach it. He's going to approach it professionally. His number one interest will be to make our team as good as he possibly can. There's no other approach that I don't think he'd even think about."

As for the newest member of the Spurs, rookie James Anderson, Pop gave Spurs fans a sigh of relief on his health and his hamstring.

"Well he's ready to go. He is cleared for 5-on-5 play and full practice. He is not in very good shape as you might imagine since he has been in rehab mode all summer. But he is healthy and he'll slowly have to get in shape then we will see what we have."

But will Anderson immediately contribute to the team, not even Pop is certain.

"But right now I don't know where he fits or if he's going to be able to help us quickly, or if it's going to take a while or not at all."

Hopefully the "not at all" option is off the table for Anderson come time for the team's regular season opener against the Indiana Pacers.

After a few weeks of Spurscast specials, Jeff and Mike finally get together to talk some Spurs news.

On the episode, we breathe a sigh of relief as the long NBA offseason is close to being over and look ahead to the opening of the San Antonio Spurs' training camp. We talk about camp invitees such as Marcus Cousin, Kirk Penney and more. We also discuss Jacque Vaughn joining the Spurs' coaching ranks, a slimmer Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and much more including a few big announcements for Project Spurs.

The Spurscast. The first and original Spurs podcast.

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Music: Suck My Kiss by Red Hot Chili Peppers

San Antonio Spurs' guard Manu Ginobili has a resume full of accolades, including winning an NBA championship and winning a gold medal. But none of his other accomplishments quite stack up to seeing his twins, Nicola and Dante, smile.

"Every time they smile at you it's a win," Ginobili said. "Every time you find a new word that makes them laugh, you keep going with it."

While his newborns aren't quite ready to wear Spurs jerseys, when they are, I'm sure we can all guess which number they'll have on their backs.

21.

"They'll receive the TD (jersey) before mine," Ginobili said.

With Ginobili coming off a full offseason of rest, even if it did include some 2 a.m. diaper changes, he says he is ready for the season.

"I'm great." Ginobili said. "Coming into the 07-08 season I felt great, I was healthy but then in '08 I had surgery and a fracture."

With several Western Conference teams improving and many major media markets all but giving the Miami Heat the Larry O'Brien trophy, Ginobili believes the Spurs still have a chance.

"I'm very optimistic," Ginobili said "We're not as good as the Lakers yet, but we're in a better situation than last year. I think we have a shot, I truly believe it."

San Antonio Spurs' guard George Hill knocked down quite a few corner threes last season, but he says Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wants him to extend his range even more.

"Pop wants me to start stepping out a little further," Hill said today at Spurs media day. "I told him I'd take maybe 10 shots more per year."

Don't be surprised if you see a little bit of "Tony Parker" in Hill this season, as he's been working on adding a floater to his arsenal this summer.

Hill, who has been working out at the practice facility with Gary Neal, James Gist and DeJuan Blair this summer, also talked about a lot of the rumors surrounding Tony Parker, many of which say Parker is expendable because of Hill's emergence.

But Hill will be the last to say that.

"I'm not at that level yet," Hill said. "I do all I can to get there some day but right now there's a lot of things to learn. As long as he's here, I'm going to soak up a lot of knowledge from him."

Whereas on other teams, two players of the caliber of Parker and Hill playing the same position might create a controversy, Hill said that is definitely not the case in San Antonio.

"Tony and I are both professionals, so you won't see that from either of us."

Be sure to check back throughout the day for more media day coverage, including interviews with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan.