2008 Woodie Awards
Gist heads to NBA Rookie League
Aaron Kraut
Issue date: 7/3/08 Section: Sports
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"It's going to take hard work and dedication," Gist said. "It's up in the air. You just got to be able to grind it out."
Gist is currently working out in Reno, Nev. On July 9, he'll report to San Antonio and join the rest of the Spurs' rookies and young players in preparation for the NBA's Las Vegas Rookie Summer League.
The Silver Spring native and 2007-08 Second Team All-ACC performer was drafted by the Spurs in the second round with the 57th overall pick.
Contracts are not guaranteed for players taken in the second round, and earning a roster spot on an established Western Conference power like San Antonio may prove to be challenging.
NBA teams are limited to 15 players on a roster, only 12 of which can be active. The Spurs have 9 players under contract with another, first-round draft selection George Hill, on the way.
Gist, who was second in the ACC last season with 77 blocked shots, said he knows in order to make what has been one of the NBA's premier defensive teams for the last decade, he's going to have to excel on the defensive end.
"I know the Spurs really like me," Gist said. "And I know if I do the intangibles - like rebounding and just playing my role on the defensive end - I feel like I can fit in."
The Spurs also traded for another second round pick, former Oregon guard Malik Hairston. But coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs front office will have to decide whether or not to re-sign a number of veteran free agents, including Michael Finley and Robert Horry, which might open up a spot for Gist.
For now, Gist is excited to be a part of the Spurs. He recalled a hectic draft night last Thursday, in which teams called him to gauge his interest in becoming an undrafted free agent before the second round was over.
He wasn't even in the room when he was picked by San Antonio- he heard his family scream when his name rolled across the bottom of the television screen.
"They've been through it all," Gist said of the Spurs. "A team with so many veterans like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker - I can learn a lot from those guys."
Depending on his play this summer, Gist could get that chance.
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Jerry
posted 7/03/08 @ 9:45 AM EST
The Wizards were foolish not to have drafted Gist in the 2nd round. Given their total lack of defensive effort beyond the play of Caron Butler, they could have used a stud like Gist on the defensive end. (Continued…)
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