James Gist Makes the Leap

Ex-Terp Forward James Gist was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 57th overall pick of Thursday’s NBA Draft.

Gist’s career at Maryland was marred by the team’s inconsistencies, but he did manage to average 15.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game this past season while being named the team’s Most Valuable Player. 

Gist’s athleticism and defense give him a good chance at not only making the Spurs but developing into an energetic, disruptive bench player. 

An All-ACC Defensive Team selection in 2007-2008, his 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks per game speak to his potential as a valuable member of an NBA bench.  His lack of a consistent outside game will likely prevent him from ever starting, but he’s active enough down low to be a serviceable offensive option. 

It seems like Gist knows his future in the NBA depends on his hustle and defense. 

He told The Diamondback in a recent article, “I'm a defender; I look to defend the [small forward position]. Come in and guard the Tracy McGradys of the league, the Kobe Bryants."

DraftExpress.com reported that Gist “looked very active defensively in the passing lanes and did a great job getting out in transition, using his athleticism well around the rim,” during the NBA Pre-Draft Camp. 

While Gist might have been disappointed by being selected late, San Antonio provides a good opportunity for him to contribute.  The Spurs’ current defensive specialist, SG/SF Bruce Bowen, is 37.  He can still blanket opposing scorers fairly effectively but is not nearly the shutdown defender he once was.  SG/SF Michael Finley, who started 61 games last year, is 35 and now a free agent. 

Assuming he makes the team, Gist’s chances of being on a successful squad are fairly high.  The Spurs have won four NBA Championships in the last 10 years and still have Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.