Roger Mason, the former Wizards SG, has signed with the Spurs. San Antonio showed interest in him last year, but he opted to sign with Washington for one more year. After injuries plagued Washington this season, he took advantage, posting career highs of 9.1 pts, 1.6 boards, and 1.7 assists in 21.4 minutes per game. While not spectacular numbers, they are solid enough to come off the bench in San Antonio, and he’s a decent defender as well. He also brings some younger legs to the team, and will be 28 by the time the season starts.
The quality I’m looking for from somebody new to the Spurs perimeter this year, is the ability to create their own shot. Maggette would have provided that, albeit with numerous issues, from his many injuries to his me first reputation. Mason has not yet shown the ability to create, but he should slip into the Spurs culture just fine. A reliable 3 point shooter, he’ll be able to knock down kicks from Parker and Ginobili, while providing solid defense on the other end. He’ll primarily play shooting guard here, although he’ll find some occasional time at the small forward, and maybe a few minutes at the point as well. With his abilities, younger age, and positional versatility, it seems as though somebody won’t be coming back, and my money is on Barry. Always a great locker room influence, Barry just doesn’t seem to offer enough over Mason to have both of them on the roster. More likely to hang around is Finley, to tutor Mason, and to an extent, Hill, as they learn the Spurs system.
I look forward to seeing what Mason can bring to the table for us, and how fast he picks up our defensive system. He has managed to steadily improve every year he’s been in the league, and I hope to see that once again, wearing the silver and black! Welcome to the team!
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