Roster as is it Stands

[El_Mago]

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Ginobili, Barry
SF: Bowen, Udoka
PF: Duncan, Bonner,
C: Oberto, Ian,

Rookies: Hairston, Gist
Our Free Agents: Finley, Horry, Thomas, Stoudamire
Projected Free Agent: Swingman/Big

We have 11 players pretty much set on the roster, unless someone like Bonner get's traded, which I doubt.

Horry just mentioned he wants to return, even at the minimum. The Spurs want Kurt Thomas back. Finley could retire or could come back to the league. He has mentioned he would like to stay with San Antonio if he decides to come back.

Thus, if the Spurs sign all three that would give us 14 players, and one slot left. I assume that would be for a free agent swingman. Thus, Hairston and Gist are out of luck, which would upset me. I at least want one.

But, if the Spurs bring back only Thomas and Horry, then we have two slots open for a JR Smith and hopefully one our 2nd round picks.

Or, the Spurs could possibly just bring back Thomas, allow both 2nd rounders to stay, and bring aboard a free agent, which I think would be the best scenario.

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Smith, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Ian, Bonner
C: Oberto, Thomas, Ian

The Spurs keep their core of players. Add an athletic swingman who can drop buckets and stop those dull moments on offense. We get to develop our younger talent at the D-League and make sure nobody can snatch them from us. We get to develop Ian and get him rolling in the rotation. And, we address our issue with the back-up point guard in Hill.

Thoughts?

[Ocotillo]

I want to roll the dice and go young. The team would have had a great shot at making the finals if Manu had been healthy this post-season.

That being said, Bowen, Barry, Finley and Horry are all going to be a year older. I just want the team to cut losse of Horry and Finley and go with developing the young guys so they are ready to play like the young 'uns up in Boston were in the Finals.

[mystargtr34]

Having another Finley/Barry/Udoka combo for the 2/3 spots would be a disaster... we need to freshen up... and since we didnt take an atheltic wing with our first rounder, we need to fill that need whether it be JR Smith/Kellena Azubuike or heck id take Ricky Davis over Finley at this point.

[timvp]

Good thread. I was just figuring this out myself.

With the Spurs drafting three domestic picks, there is a bit of a roster crunch now. Out of your scenarios, I think the one to go with is the final one. Use the entire MLE on a starting caliber swingman. Then that'd be the extent of the offseason.

If the Spurs want to bring back Horry, it'd probably cost them Gist. While Gist isn't promised to even be halfway decent, he looks like at least a good player to have in the pipeline.

Basically this offseason the Spurs could do the following:

Michael Finley turns into MLE Scoring Guard Free Agent
Damon Stoudamire turns into George Hill
DerMarr Johnson turns into Malik Hairston
Robert Horry turns into James Gist

It's not a huge splash but I think it'd be good enough. It'd force Pop's hand to go with Hill and Mahinmi (at least in theory). It'd give the Toros two players to try to mold all year. It'd make Bonner worth having on the team. And it'd up the level of athleticism and youth on the roster without breaking too much of the chemistry and experience.







P.S.

Oh and if for some reason Kurt Thomas gets a better deal elsewhere, you can fall back to Horry.

[A.H 21-50]

Good thread. I was just figuring this out myself.

With the Spurs drafting three domestic picks, there is a bit of a roster crunch now. Out of your scenarios, I think the one to go with is the final one. Use the entire MLE on a starting caliber swingman. Then that'd be the extent of the offseason.

If the Spurs want to bring back Horry, it'd probably cost them Gist. While Gist isn't promised to even be halfway decent, he looks like at least a good player to have in the pipeline.

Basically this offseason the Spurs could do the following:

Michael Finley turns into MLE Scoring Guard Free Agent
Damon Stoudamire turns into George Hill
DerMarr Johnson turns into Malik Hairston
Robert Horry turns into James Gist

It's not a huge splash but I think it'd be good enough. It'd force Pop's hand to go with Hill and Mahinmi (at least in theory). It'd give the Toros two players to try to mold all year. It'd make Bonner worth having on the team. And it'd up the level of athleticism and youth on the roster without breaking too much of the chemistry and experience.







P.S.

Oh and if for some reason Kurt Thomas gets a better deal elsewhere, you can fall back to Horry.

not a bad solution
the spurs could also get rid of bonner if they think he'll not provide what they want
i"m not that high on bonner despite he isn't a bad player

a good scenario is to sign a wing player with the MLE , bring back horry , trading vaughn and bonner and see who can make a roster spot between gist , hairston and other summer's league players

after the summer league it will be easier to see next year roster

[Steve-O-Matic]

Would like too see Javtokas in there.

[oligarchy]

Anybody think it's a crazy idea to try to pull a sign-and-trade with Thomas? I haven't really thought about numbers or who all they could take (E.g., trade for someone like Artest and use the MLE for a big)

[Steve-O-Matic]

Anybody think it's a crazy idea to try to pull a sign-and-trade with Thomas?

Yes, I think that's crazy. Because nobody is going to pay Kurt Thomas the kind of dollars that sign-and-trades are designed to provide for the traded player, never mind give up something in trade on top of that.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Excellent thread.

Boy, those 15 spots fill up fast don't they. This kind of makes me reconsider my stance on bringing back Horry - especially if Gist proves that he has what it takes to make an NBA roster. I would be extremely ecstatic with the following line-up in '08/'09:

PG: Parker, Hill, Barry
SG: J.R. Smith, Ginobili, Barry
SF: Bowen, Udoka
PF: Duncan, Mahinmi, Horry
C: KT, Oberto, Mahinmi

IR: Hairston, Gist, Vaughn

[intlspurshk]

Has Udoka opted out?

[Solid D]

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Smith, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Ian, Bonner
C: Oberto, Thomas, Ian

The Spurs keep their core of players. Add an athletic swingman who can drop buckets and stop those dull moments on offense. We get to develop our younger talent at the D-League and make sure nobody can snatch them from us. We get to develop Ian and get him rolling in the rotation. And, we address our issue with the back-up point guard in Hill.

Thoughts?

You inadvertently listed Ian twice in your last scenario El_Mago.

I believe Brent Barry will be in the mix.

[Steve-O-Matic]

Has Udoka opted out?

He doesn't have an opt-out. He's under contract for one more season.

[200 miles]

is this realistic?

midseason roster:

C- Mahinmi, Oberto, Thomas
PF- Duncan, Gist, Bonner
SF- Bowen, Udoka, Sanikidze
SG- Ginobili, Hairston, Barry
PG- Parker, Hill, Vaughn


unlikely, isnt it?

[Mr. Body]

I can see Hairston not make the team and Finley coming back.

[Sway]

Or, the Spurs could possibly just bring back Thomas, allow both 2nd rounders to stay, and bring aboard a free agent, which I think would be the best scenario.

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Smith, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Ian, Bonner
C: Oberto, Thomas, Ian

The Spurs keep their core of players. Add an athletic swingman who can drop buckets and stop those dull moments on offense. We get to develop our younger talent at the D-League and make sure nobody can snatch them from us. We get to develop Ian and get him rolling in the rotation. And, we address our issue with the back-up point guard in Hill.

Thoughts?

I prefer this lineup to the other one you posted with the over the hill veterans.

[objective]

you never know what could happen if Sanikidze shows up big time in summer league

[Mr. Body]

you never know what could happen if Sanikidze shows up big time in summer league

How many rookies do you think is the limit? Or would he cut out Gist and/or Hairston?

[anakha]

While I'd like to see if the Spurs can make something out of Gist's physical gifts and potential, he's definitely on the bubble.

Hairston even more so, as it could be the case that he was the afterthought, asset-wise, in that Spurs-Suns trade.

[objective]

How many rookies do you think is the limit? Or would he cut out Gist and/or Hairston?

Well if Sanikidze played so well that it would be a risk to have him sign a long term deal in Europe as his summer league play would be his audition for euro scouts also . . . I guess either he would make Hairston or Gist look really bad (either one could pull a Marcus Williams) or maybe the Spurs talk one into going to France or somewhere else in Europe like they tried to convince Williams to do last year.

Some big ifs there, like Sanikidze first playing in SL without shattering his ankles stepping off the team bus, and then of course him shining . . . but hey, as KG yelps . . . "ANYTHING IS POOOSSSSIIIIIBBBBBLLLLLEEEE!!!!!"

[tav1]

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Ginobili, Barry
SF: Bowen, Udoka
PF: Duncan, Bonner,
C: Oberto, Ian,

Rookies: Hairston, Gist
Our Free Agents: Finley, Horry, Thomas, Stoudamire
Projected Free Agent: Swingman/Big

We have 11 players pretty much set on the roster, unless someone like Bonner get's traded, which I doubt.

Horry just mentioned he wants to return, even at the minimum. The Spurs want Kurt Thomas back. Finley could retire or could come back to the league. He has mentioned he would like to stay with San Antonio if he decides to come back.

Thus, if the Spurs sign all three that would give us 14 players, and one slot left. I assume that would be for a free agent swingman. Thus, Hairston and Gist are out of luck, which would upset me. I at least want one.

But, if the Spurs bring back only Thomas and Horry, then we have two slots open for a JR Smith and hopefully one our 2nd round picks.

Or, the Spurs could possibly just bring back Thomas, allow both 2nd rounders to stay, and bring aboard a free agent, which I think would be the best scenario.

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Smith, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Ian, Bonner
C: Oberto, Thomas, Ian

The Spurs keep their core of players. Add an athletic swingman who can drop buckets and stop those dull moments on offense. We get to develop our younger talent at the D-League and make sure nobody can snatch them from us. We get to develop Ian and get him rolling in the rotation. And, we address our issue with the back-up point guard in Hill.

Thoughts?

This is a good thread. Thanks for posting it. Everyone is basically posting the same roster, interchanging a name or two. And that's probably correct. But I'd like to see the Spurs aim a little higher, even though I think the staple roster that's being bandied about is good enough to win a title, provided everyone is healthy.

For me aiming higher would mean trying to use the trade exception and/or looking for a Bonner trade partner.

To my mind, trading Bonner is a real possibilty. Not only because he is a questionable fit, but because it makes sense to open up the roster spot he occupies. I'm not sure if we could get anything back, but I'd try. I wonder if Golden State would take him for part of their massive trade exception? he might work in that offense and he had a big game there last year. Maybe they were fooled. Anyway, I'm for this more radical roster:

Parker, Hill, Vaughn
Azubuike, Ginobli, Hairston (Austin)
Bowen, Udoka, Barry, Shawne Williams/Renaldo Balkman (TE)
Duncan, Mahinmi,
Thomas, Oberto, Javtokas/Foyle/Benson

Let Gist walk and play Udoka at the 4 in small ball sets--he's a solid rebounder and does as good or better a job as Bonner at spreading the floor.

The team above is long, fast and athletic, at least in comparison to last year's runner up squad.

Looking at the roster, we can officially put all Sanikidze threads to bed.

[angelbelow]

should be a fun summer, still hope we get that swing presence, even if that means hairston is not here.

[Mr. Body]

You don't have to go after Balkman with Gist on the roster.

[AFBlue]

Use the entire MLE on a starting caliber swingman. Then that'd be the extent of the offseason.



:tu

That about sums it up for me. Whether it's JR Smith, Ron Artest, Mickael Pietrus, Kelenna Azubuike, or someone I'm forgetting....pick them up and call it a day.

I also wouldn't mind if the Spurs flipped Bonner for one of the guards mentioned above in a sign-and-trade, then picked up a guy like Najera or Hermann to replace him using the MLE (i.e. Pietrus for Bonner, cash to cover, and future pick).

[Russ]

:tu
I also wouldn't mind if the Spurs flipped Bonner for one of the guards mentioned above in a sign-and-trade, then picked up a guy like Najera or Hermann to replace him using the MLE (i.e. Pietrus for Bonner, cash to cover, and future pick).

The Spurs need to get rid of Bonner however they can. Unfortunately, when the Spurs need to dump someone they end up paying dearly (ala Butler). When the Lakers need to get rid of an overpaid bum like Kwame Brown, they get someone to hand them Gasol. :smchode:

[spurscenter]

we need Artest

[TDMVPDPOY]

is this realistic?

midseason roster:

C- Mahinmi, Oberto, Thomas
PF- Duncan, Gist, Bonner
SF- Bowen, Udoka, Sanikidze
SG- Ginobili, Hairston, Barry
PG- Parker, Hill, Vaughn


Javtokas should be given another look imo...NBA MINIMUM OR LLE.

get rid of fudkn bonner/vaughn + TE and get 6th man in return or a calibre starter...

Even if we head for the youth dept plan, we will still be in the playoffs as long we still have the big 3.

[T Park]

get rid of fudkn bonner/vaughn + TE and get 6th man in return or a calibre starter...

Yeah thats realistic.

[whottt]

What the fuck is wrong with you people that don't want Barry back...


Did you guys, or did you not see the way Barry played against LA?


Do you know how fucking hard it is to find a guard who acutally plays better against LA than he does anyone else? It's next to impossible.


That just might have been the best performance by a Spurs guard against a Phil Jackson Laker Team ever...


Even non-chokers choke against LA...and Barry doesn't...you don't just toss that kind of playing away.

And Barry can be wheeled out there to hit 3's for another couple of years. Honestly, Barry moves good. He can't dunk like he used too...but he can still move.


You definitely bring him back in the Steve Kerr role.

I say Horry too...


WTF? Kurt Thomas? It wasn't like he didn't suck after the Phoenix series...and Shaq is freaking old now.

The Suns are done and you don't keep players on the roster just to match up with them at this stage.


This dude didn't play any better against LA than the Horry did...

[T Park]

Bring Thomas back

go sign a wing, a big with the LLE

call it a summer

[TDMVPDPOY]

Yeah thats realistic.

They combine for nearly the MLE anyway....if we could get someone than nice..

should try and pull a trade with GSW, since they need a big and a backup PG for monte elis..thats if baron davis test the market....

Spend the MLE on someone either


ps. it be cool if we can trade for JAX hahahahaha

[T Park]

They combine for nearly the MLE anyway....if we could get someone than nice..

should try and pull a trade with GSW, since they need a big and a backup PG for monte elis..thats if baron davis test the market....

Spend the MLE on someone either


ps. it be cool if we can trade for JAX hahahahaha

If Vaughn is so horrible why would the Warriors want him?


Not realistic one bit.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Bring Thomas back

go sign a wing, a big with the LLE

call it a summer

imo we should try and go back to the trade table with the bulls, like what we offered them last season.....

we can provide them cap relief imo....they were interested in barry and finley is from chicago anyway...package that with fukn bonner and TE + picks for duhorn + thabo + noah...gives them the flexibility to resign gordan and deng...nocioni will not be included his is expiring contract this season..dont think the bulls are going to resign him end of season....if they play there cards right they could also be in the 2010 sweepstakes

[Blackjack]

If Vaughn is so horrible why would the Warriors want him?


Not realistic one bit.

Screw you and your "logic."

Next thing you're going to tell me is the Clippers aren't going to trade Brand for Bonner, Thomas, and Vaughn. :lmao

[tav1]

You don't have to go after Balkman with Gist on the roster.

Gist is not on the roster, and probably wont be, they have different games, and Balkman is worlds better.

[tav1]

:tu

That about sums it up for me. Whether it's JR Smith, Ron Artest, Mickael Pietrus, Kelenna Azubuike, or someone I'm forgetting....pick them up and call it a day.

I also wouldn't mind if the Spurs flipped Bonner for one of the guards mentioned above in a sign-and-trade, then picked up a guy like Najera or Hermann to replace him using the MLE (i.e. Pietrus for Bonner, cash to cover, and future pick).

I mentioned Bonner to Golden State earlier...it makes some sense. A sign and trade would be sweet. Especially for someone like Azubuike, preserving the MLE for another player. If we could trade Bonner for Azubuike and spend the MLE on James Jones, to supply the spacing Bonner never could, I'd do back flips in the front yard.

[SPURSGOAT]

We have no chance on landing JR Smith.... Denver is going to match the MLE...

Artest would be good, but I imagine quite a few teams will be going after Artest.

I seriously see the Spurs getting Pietrus with part of the MLE. We have the French connection, he would fit in perfectly with the Spurs, and he should not take the full MLE to land.

[djohn14]

I feel with the rookies...you just bring back Thomas....sign Pietrus...and keep Barry for every reason WHOTT listed.

PG-Parker/Hill/Vaughn
SG-Pietrus/Ginobili/Harriston
SF-Bowen/Udoka/Gist
PF-Duncan/Mahinmi/Bonner
C-Thomas/Oberto

[timvp]

Just to clarify, this is the 15-man roster that I think should be considered going into next season.

Roster
PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: MLE FA, Ginobili, Barry, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Oberto, Bonner
C: Mahinmi, Thomas

Even though I like Vaughn as a third string point guard, does anyone else think the Spurs could let him go? In the playoffs, the combination of Manu and Barry proved capable to handle the point guard position. If you give Vaughn's job to Barry, then there is extra roster room for a big.

PG: Parker, Hill, Barry
SG: MLE FA, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Bonner, LLE FA
C: Mahinmi, Thomas, Oberto

I don't think Vaughn's contract would be too much to buy out -- in fact I think the NBA pays part of it since he signed for the vet minimum. Perhaps the Spurs could even convince him to walk away from his player option and tell him if he can't find a job anywhere else in the NBA, the Spurs agree to bring him back as an assistant coach.

Obviously the Spurs shouldn't bend over backwards to keep the two second rounders on their roster but having two young athletes who are eligible for D-League action is a good way to rejuvenate the pipeline.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

timvp, in an article yesterday, McDonald hinted that the Spurs will try to get Javtokas over here. What are your thoughts on that?

[timvp]

timvp, in an article yesterday, McDonald hinted that the Spurs will try to get Javtokas over here. What are your thoughts on that?Javtokas could be a candidate for the LLE big. Four rookies on the team would be a lot ... but I guess if the team wants to get younger, you gotta start somewhere.

I'm guessing McDonald didn't know anything specific regarding Javtokas. Just threw his name out there.

[Mr. Body]

One of Horry or Finley will be back, IMO.

Javtokas is not coming, IMO. My guess is there's bad blood there, or at least no interst from RJ.

[TheProfessor]

PG: Parker, Hill, Barry
SG: MLE FA, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Bonner, LLE FA
C: Mahinmi, Thomas, Oberto

I don't think Vaughn's contract would be too much to buy out -- in fact I think the NBA pays part of it since he signed for the vet minimum. Perhaps the Spurs could even convince him to walk away from his player option and tell him if he can't find a job anywhere else in the NBA, the Spurs agree to bring him back as an assistant coach.

Obviously the Spurs shouldn't bend over backwards to keep the two second rounders on their roster but having two young athletes who are eligible for D-League action is a good way to rejuvenate the pipeline.
Roger Mason might be someone to look at with this roster. Can back up and play off Parker. Isn't quite the fourth scorer we're looking for though.

[Stump]

Even though I like Vaughn as a third string point guard, does anyone else think the Spurs could let him go? In the playoffs, the combination of Manu and Barry proved capable to handle the point guard position. If you give Vaughn's job to Barry, then there is extra roster room for a big.
What if Hill sucks or somebody gets injured? Vaughn isn't amazing, but he's at least good insurance.

[tp2021]

PG: Parker, Hill, Barry
SG: MLE FA, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Bonner, LLE FA
C: Mahinmi, Thomas, Oberto

Obviously the Spurs shouldn't bend over backwards to keep the two second rounders on their roster but having two young athletes who are eligible for D-League action is a good way to rejuvenate the pipeline.


One of Horry or Finley will be back, IMO.


timvp, in another thread you talked about a choice having to be made between gist and horry. do you think they will go with gist, or is that what you want them to do?

[Streakyshooter08]

I also think that the Spurs should use their entire MLE to get a young wing player. I somehow doubt that they will be able to steal J.R. Smith but he would be ideal.

The only player who I can't really figure out is Mahinmi. I have seen him play a little in the summer league but I don't know if he will have an impact right away. Thats why I think it is important to resign Thomas as an insurance. With Oberto, Thomas, Duncan and Bonner you have a solid rotation up front. I really hope Mahinmi works out. I also would not mind bringing Horry back for the minimum. Here is what I hope will be the Spurs roster next season.

Parker/Hill/ Vaughn
J.R. Smith/ Ginobili/ Barry
Bowen/Udoka/ Gist
Duncan/ Bonner/ Horry
Oberto/ Mahinmi/ Thomas

The Spurs would not be old anymore. The only really "old" rotation player would be Bowen.

I hope it works out that way. That said, I would love to have Artest at the 3 but he probably won't opt out. Even if he does the Spurs chances of getting him are slim at best.

[tav1]

Just to clarify, this is the 15-man roster that I think should be considered going into next season.

Roster
PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: MLE FA, Ginobili, Barry, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Oberto, Bonner
C: Mahinmi, Thomas

Even though I like Vaughn as a third string point guard, does anyone else think the Spurs could let him go? In the playoffs, the combination of Manu and Barry proved capable to handle the point guard position. If you give Vaughn's job to Barry, then there is extra roster room for a big.

PG: Parker, Hill, Barry
SG: MLE FA, Ginobili, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Gist
PF: Duncan, Bonner, LLE FA
C: Mahinmi, Thomas, Oberto

I don't think Vaughn's contract would be too much to buy out -- in fact I think the NBA pays part of it since he signed for the vet minimum. Perhaps the Spurs could even convince him to walk away from his player option and tell him if he can't find a job anywhere else in the NBA, the Spurs agree to bring him back as an assistant coach.

Obviously the Spurs shouldn't bend over backwards to keep the two second rounders on their roster but having two young athletes who are eligible for D-League action is a good way to rejuvenate the pipeline.

timVP, yes I am one who thinks the extra roster spot is valuable enough to justify buying out Vaughn. In my estimation, it's also worth moving Bonner for distant 2nd round scraps or midlevel money, although that seems unlikely. I'd be in favor or losing either player or both for the added roster space.

My main reason for this is the need for a rejuvenated pipeline, as you mention. I just posted elsewhere, but assuming Hill and Hairston, the Spurs will not be able to do much next off season. I'd rather they add the young players now, give them a year in the system--for me this doesn't necessarily include Gist--so they can play next year. This also means I reluctently vote against Horry.

[tav1]

timvp, in another thread you talked about a choice having to be made between gist and horry. do you think they will go with gist, or is that what you want them to do?

gist and horry are not the only options.

benson just mini-camped with the Spurs, Foyle is available at the LLE and Javtokas' name was just dragged into the street by EN. There are probably others, including the outside possibility of someone elses summer leaguer. I think the Spurs should be patient thinking this through.

[tav1]

Roger Mason might be someone to look at with this roster. Can back up and play off Parker. Isn't quite the fourth scorer we're looking for though.

We just drafted George Hill. Mason is not in the plans.

[tav1]

What if Hill sucks or somebody gets injured? Vaughn isn't amazing, but he's at least good insurance.

Brent Barry is what.

[tav1]

:
Javtokas could be a candidate for the LLE big. Four rookies on the team would be a lot ... but I guess if the team wants to get younger, you gotta start somewhere.

I'm guessing McDonald didn't know anything specific regarding Javtokas. Just threw his name out there.

:lol

[timvp]

timvp, in another thread you talked about a choice having to be made between gist and horry. do you think they will go with gist, or is that what you want them to do?I don't know how highly the Spurs rate Gist. When Pop and RC talked about him, they didn't give any indication that he's a lock to make the team. He might just be someone they take to summer league to see if he's worth anything.

If the Spurs want to bring back Horry, they could find a way to fit him on the roster. Waiving Vaughn, not re-signing Thomas or letting go one of the rookies would open up room.

[TDMVPDPOY]

how about zaza pachulia?

[tav1]

how about zaza pachulia?

zaza is not available, and we don't have the chips to trade for him.

and beside, if we're resigning Thomas, why would we want Zaza?

[timvp]

I say Horry too...If it comes down to Horry or Gist, who do you bring back?

:stirpot:

[tav1]

If it comes down to Horry or Gist, who do you bring back?

:stirpot:

Gist, assuming he plays well in summer league. If not, Horry. But I really think it's a false dichotomy.

Who's summer league squad is Benson on?

[whottt]

If it comes down to Horry or Gist, who do you bring back?

:stirpot:

Horry...the goal is to win a championship this season after all.




My question for you...


Who is the most overpaid player on this roster given their annual salary VS their oncourt role?


That's the guy the Spurs will be trying to dump.



Hint: He sucks under any semblance of pressure.

[T Park]

Horry...the goal is to win a championship this season after all.




My question for you...


Who is the most overpaid player on this roster given their annual salary VS their oncourt role?


That's the guy the Spurs will be trying to dump.



Hint: He sucks under any semblance of pressure.


Malik Hairston?

[lotr1trekkie]

I really don't get this "athletic swingman" crap. We struggled against the Hornets and LA because we needed Manu in the game too much. What we need is a younger # 2 starter who will allow Pop to utilize Manu optimally as a 6th man. Finley can't come back in that role and he sucked as a sub. We probably should resign Horry for the minimum just so he doesn't go to the Rockets. That leaves us going for JR Smith or that Aziubika kid from GS. A #2 guard by committee didn't work last year & it will not next. We need a #2 who is not a shooting specialist. I don't think Finley will play for the minimum.

[brespursfan20]

We do need someone like JR, but to back up Manu not start in place of him. They need to start Manu, and just limit his minutes.

[El_Mago]

There's ton's of good posts going on here.

When it comes to the roster, I believe the Spurs will bring back Horry and Thomas, and let Finley and Stoudamire walk. I wish they would just bring back Thomas and go forward with all the Rookies.

Hill is definitely on the team. Pop talked highly about Hairston and pretty much hinted that if he worked hard, and brought it to the Summer League and Camp then there would be a good chance he could have a roster spot.

On the other hand, Pop complimented Gist's game, but did not mention anything about a roster spot possibility. Thus, Gist will have to work extra hard and show the Spurs that they made the right choice and that he is worth the Spurs letting go of a vet, which is highly unlikely. That is unfortunate because there is some talent with Gist, and I can see a potential SF in him, but he will have to prove his game.

So, with that said....the Roster would look something like this:
PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Ginobili, Barry, Hairston
SF: Bowen, Udoka,
PF: Duncan, Horry, Bonner
C: Oberto, Thomas, Ian

The above roster leaves one spot left. Obviously, that is for the impending free agent.

Now, some have mentioned JR Smith. Ideally, I would love Smith, but I believe Denver knows they have a potential Super Star on their hands and will indeed match any offer. Unless JR tells Denver that he has no desire to come back, then I would imagine it would be extremely difficult and risky to try and grab Smith from Denver.

As a result, the Spurs have a better shot at landing Kelenna or Pietrus.

Some have mentioned possibly buying-out Vaughn, but I believe Pop finds him too valuable. He runs the team well, and he does what Pop enjoys most out of his players....hustle and defense. He is a silent leader and a great team player. I believe he sticks.

I wish the Spurs could move Bonner, but that is unlikely.

Thus, I am going to go with this roster for the moment.

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Azubukie, Ginobili, Barry
SF: Bowen, Udoka, Hairston
PF: Duncan, Horry, Bonner
C: Oberto, Thomas, Mahinmi

I picked Kelenna because he plays defense, and is a dynamic offensive player. He can slash and shoot from the arc. He might be able to grabbed with the full MLE. He is still young and very coach able.

[kobyz]

Azubukie is unlikely cause he is restricted, Pietrus is more likely but he is not suit well cause he is not good shooter.

[kobyz]

Sign James Jones!!! he make sense the most, he is cheap, he is good defender and a good shooter. he suit well on the spurs.

the roster shoukd be:

PG: Parker, Hill, Vaughn
SG: Ginobili, Hairston, Barry
SF: Bowen, Jones, udoka
PF: Duncan, Mahinmi, Gist
C: Thomas, Oberto, Bonner

[mrspurs]

they come back with the same bigs as listed......and ladys and gentlemen, dont expect a ring...our biggest problem imo is still having noone to help duncan......

[SequSpur]

Vaughn is going to be an assistant coach.

[SequSpur]

The only thing Bonner is guaranteed is money and a chair on a different team.

[Spur-Addict]

Gist, assuming he plays well in summer league. If not, Horry. But I really think it's a false dichotomy.

Who's summer league squad is Benson on?

Indeed it is, or it better be.

[Spurtacus]

If it comes down to Horry or Gist, who do you bring back?

:stirpot:

Gist if he plays well. He's going to have to earn his spot...that's for sure. No disrespect to Horry, but he's old and not what we need right now.

[Spurtacus]

they come back with the same bigs as listed......and ladys and gentlemen, dont expect a ring...our biggest problem imo is still having noone to help duncan......

Mahinmi?

[El_Mago]

The Spurs have slowly been putting to use their own NBDL team.

Now, it is time to put it into full effect.

Last year, they used Mahinmi down there and let him grow. Hopefully, we will be able to see how far he has come this year with some solid minutes.

They also briefly used their 2nd rounder (Marcus Williams) down there, but eventually cut him loose, and he would eventually wind up on the Clippers.

I believe the Spurs should bite the bullet for next year. They should wave good-bye to the vets, with the exception of Kurt Thomas. I know it may cost them in the playoffs, but it is worth the future of the franchise.

If they decide to do so, they can send Hairston and Gist down to the Toros and let them learn the system and develop as players. Have the Spurs tell them what they both specifically need to work on and let them go crazy down there.

As a result, the Spurs would have insured themselves at least solid young bench players in Hill, Hairston, and Gist....with one at the very least becoming good enough to be a sixth man or day I say....All-Star...one day.

It is time for the Spurs to start putting their farm system to use, and start rebuilding this franchise the proper way....rebuild slowly and effectively.....rather than attempting to rebuild all at once and having to endure 3-4 years of pure hell....ala....New York Knicks.

[ChumpDumper]

Gist, assuming he plays well in summer league. If not, Horry. But I really think it's a false dichotomy.

Who's summer league squad is Benson on?Benson has been to three minicamps that I know of -- Miami, Toronto and SA. He could definitely be on more than one SL team.

I'm fine with if the Spurs drop one of the second rounders in favor of some free agent who beats him out in SL play. If Benson is typical of the talent level being brought in, this might actually happen.

[tav1]

Benson has been to three minicamps that I know of -- Miami, Toronto and SA. He could definitely be on more than one SL team.

I'm fine with if the Spurs drop one of the second rounders in favor of some free agent who beats him out in SL play. If Benson is typical of the talent level being brought in, this might actually happen.

Thanks, CD. I'd prefer Benson to Gist, unless Gist goes off in summer league, because he is more seasoned and probably more ready for an NBA gig. Plus, I like him. Fun blog.

From a basketball standpoint, it'd be good to have a guy like Benson who is an accomplished and dedicated board man. He might play in Austin the whole year, but were Pop to put him in a game, he'd know his role.

Udoka a year in, Mahinmi, and our MLE is probably enough added scoring.

[El_Mago]

I want to see how much fire power Ian can bring to the court.

Ideally, I would like for him to be a rebound machine who can clog the lane, but I won't get my hopes up.

I think he will struggle throughout the season, but he is so young and the game is so new to him that struggle is expected.

I know we will see dunks, put-backs, and possibly some short jumpers/hooks. I just hope he can bring more.

I don't know how the Spurs can package him or what we can get for him...but, I sure do hope the Spurs can trade Matt Bonner.

[tav1]

Ian is not a rebound machine. Although, he showed flashes of being a decent reboundin big last season. His problem, as you know, is foul trouble. He can't stay out of it. If he overcomes that, he'll have a good career. Otherwise, he won't be in the league more than a few years.

[barbacoataco]

Some thoughts-- Oberto, Thomas, Bonner and Horry all coming back would be a mistake to me. They need to lose one of those guys. I would think that Bonner could be traded under the right circumstances. He isn't that overpaid for a big guy.

I like James Jones to replace Finley, if they could sign him. He is a lot like Finley as a player, but a much better shooter. I saw him play last year quite a bit and he is good. That long win streak the Blazers had last year was all about him, and it ended when he went on the IR.

Pietrus is doable, but I don't think he is a good enough shooter.

Taking a step back to look at the "big picture"-- what the Spurs need most is another Big to play along Duncan. As long as the Spurs have Duncan, Bowen, Ginobili and Parker-- those are 4 players who will play big minutes. The missing piece is the other big. In 2003 it was DRob. Then the Spurs tried Rasho, Nazr, and then Oberto and finally Thomas. Oberto played well enough in 2007 to win, but I think he has lost a step. While I like Thomas for certain situations on defense, I don't think he is the player the spurs need next to Duncan.

Spurs need more shot-blocking.
Spurs need 3-pt shooters who can spread the floor.
Spurs need a replacement for Finley.
Spurs need to play Bonner a little or trade him.

Spurs can win another championship in 2009.

[Mavs<Spurs]

:tu

That about sums it up for me. Whether it's JR Smith, Ron Artest, Mickael Pietrus, Kelenna Azubuike, or someone I'm forgetting....pick them up and call it a day.

I also wouldn't mind if the Spurs flipped Bonner for one of the guards mentioned above in a sign-and-trade, then picked up a guy like Najera or Hermann to replace him using the MLE (i.e. Pietrus for Bonner, cash to cover, and future pick).


JR Smith or Pietrus and I would be thrilled. I would believe that we could win a title with them as a starting 2 guard.

Is Azibuke that good? Artest would never make the team because of character issues.

Ginobili clearly can't play more than 23 minutes a game or he contributes nothing in the post season.


Big questions:

1. Is Tim Duncan on the decline? Yeah, he's had some bad shooting games (by pct) in the past playoffs, but he had a lot more than ever before this post season. Has his game deteriorated to the extent that he is a 15 and 8 guy in the post season with 1 or 2 really good games in him?

2. Will Ginobili be able to contribute significantly to our post season runs if we limit his minutes and have him finish games?