By Tyler Lindsey
The Spurs have needed to get younger at the wing position for several years, and they have finally added somebody in Roger Mason (and possibly Desmon Farmer) to help them fill this void. Mason is a young, athletic wing that brings energy and shooting of the bench. He is also a very good defenderthat should improve our already great perimeter defenders, (Bowen and Udoka). Roger has been well travelled as a player, seeing as he has made stops in Greece, Japan, and Israel after finishing his college career at The University of Virginia. Mason was 3rd team All-ACC his junior year, and he also holds the career free-throw percentage record at Virginia at 86% from the charity stripe. While in the NBA, Mason has made stops in Chicago, and Washington the last two years before signing with the Spurs this summer.
Now as for his effect on the Spurs this season. I believe Mason will have a great effect on the Spurs, especially early in the season without Ginobili. He is younger and a better defender than Finley, and a better offensive threat then Udoka. He should be able to spell both of these guys during the regular season, that way he can get game experience so we can see what he can do, but also to rest these older vets for the stretch run. Also, if Mason performs as I expect him to, Manu can take his time returning from the ankle injury that has hobbled him since the Western Conference Finas loss against the Lakers. Finally, and the most improtant thing to me about bringing Mason in is he creates a young option for the FUTURE at the wing position. And the future is closer than you think for this Spurs team.
Here is a link to a highlight video of Roger Mason and here is a clip of The Spurs announcing his signing.
Also, if you haven’t been to Spurs.com lately, Roger has been doing a new player preseason webisode everyday. So you guys make sure you stop by and check that out. Lets all hope Roger Mason is the missing piece for us to resume our odd year tradition and claim one for the thumb!!!
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