Rookie Thrust Into Starting Role

Rookie LaQuinton Ross will be getting his first CSL start tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. After Kawhi Leonard injured his thigh in the game against the Clippers, the Spurs attempted to have him play through the pain, but it became apparent that he couldn't.

"It didn't make sense to put him at risk of re-injury this early in the season," commented head coach Gregg Popovich. "This is a good test for our team, to see who can step up in his absence. Great opportunity for guys like Q [small forward Quincy Miller] and LaQuinton."

Ross was drafted 23rd overall in this year's draft, brought in to help take some of the scoring load and stretch the defense with his ability to shoot the ball. He's averaging 4.2 points per game and is shooting 40% from beyond the arc. He averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds last year for Ohio State, shooting 44%.

"I'm glad to have this opportunity. Obviously it sucks for Kawhi to go down because we all know how important to the team he is," said Ross. "This is my time to show everyone what I can do. Coach Pop and my teammates know what I'm capable of, but now it's time for me to go out there and do it."

You hate to see players get hurt but I love watching young players get a chance to play. Sort of like Troy Daniels getting bus shit in the NBA for the Rockets and playing well. For the Spurs, I hope this isn't a trend.

Troy Daniels has really stepped up out of nowhere to help the rockets in the PO's, but it seems they won't get past the Blazers anyway. But this kid looks like he's for real and will be a nice scoring guard for HOU bench next year.

Maybe Ross can turn out to be a contributor for your team, and then you can think about trading Kawhi

Didn't realize I was playing you so soon after this move so I'm glad Ross didn't show out as much as you would have liked lol.

Yeah if you could keep losing, that'd be great.

I see Ross getting a few DNPs recently - not working out ?

andrei (POR) wrote:I see Ross getting a few DNPs recently - not working out ?

With Kawhi Leonard back, playing him can't be too necessary I would imagine.

andrei (POR) wrote:I see Ross getting a few DNPs recently - not working out ?

Yeah, he was fairly awful, and with Leonard back, I decided to give Miller and Green the backup minutes at SF.