Spurs Waive Tolliver

[Bruno]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/tolliver_waived_090107.html

Jan. 7, 2009

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have waived forward Anthony Tolliver.

The 6-8, 240-pound Tolliver appeared in 19 games for the Spurs where he averaged 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes. He also spent time with the Austin Toros, the Spurs affiliate in the NBA Development League. In six games with the Toros, Tolliver averaged 17.8 points and 7.8 rebounds.

The Spurs roster stands at 14.

[urunobili]

a new big on its way?

[Hemotivo]

oberto is back

[Bruno]

a new big on its way?

Not really.
His contract became guaranteed for the rest of the season if he wasn't waived before today 6pm ET.

[HarlemHeat37]

Tolliver will have a place in the L in the future, if he can develop some kind of offense..he needs to get off the 3-point line and try something new offensively, because that's not working for him..

other than that, he does everything well..underrated passer, great hustle guy on the boards and D(not great for neither, but great at hustling and energy)..

[Brazil]

not really a surprise

[jrmp317]

he should be more like David West and make the 15 to 18 footer an automatic shot for himself. He needs to stay away from the 3.

[z0sa]

Not surprised. This was pretty much written in stone after doing zilch against Miami.

[Dex]

Bummer for the T-Man.

Old man Horry calling?

[wildbill2u]

Just not good enough to stick in the big league at this time, maybe ever.

That is the story of MOST players drafted out of the top 15.

[benefactor]

Bummer for the T-Man.

Old man Horry calling?
I sure hope not. I'd rather keep Tolliver. Hopefully he finds his offensive game. It would be a shame to see his other natural abilities go to waste. Good luck, AT.

Maybe we will use this spot for a few 10 day contracts. There are few prospects out there that would be worth a shot. I wouldn't even be against bringing Andre Brown up from the Toros and giving him a look.

[Bruno]

We will now see what Spurs will do with that roster spot.

What makes more sense is Spurs trying some D-League players with 10 days contracts. Trying some bigmen seems logical, especially if Ian isn't close to coming back.

If Spurs don't find a D-League player they like, they should wait until the trade deadline. Having a roster spot at that moment is quite interesting because you can do a trade where you get 1 more player than you give and because some vets are waived just after the trade deadline by lottery teams.

[Spurs Brazil]

I think it's a good move. I think he can be a NBA player but he's not ready. let's hope h can sign with the Toros.

Spurs may sign someone to a 10 day contract

[dougp]

Hopefully he can sign with the Toros and play in the D-League for a year or two and develop some confidence in himself and work on his shots. He has the energy and IQ for his rotations and reading plays, just never seemed sure that he could make his shots.

[2centsworth]

he needs a lot of work, but he didn't seem totally out of place. Summer League I thought he had zero chance and now I think he has a small chance.

[Bruno]

And congrats to Malik Hairston for surviving to the "cut" deadline. :tu

[tp2021]

And congrats to Malik Hairston for surviving to the "cut" deadline. :tu

:tu

[EricB]

Congrats to Malik for his contract being gauranteed.

Doubtfull anyone comes in and replaces Tolliver.

[lurker23]

Pretty much expected with the deadline, although if Ian and Oberto are still mostly out, then this leaves the Spurs with only 3 healthy bigmen. Nevertheless, I don't think we'll see the Spurs sign anybody in the near future, and will probably leave the spot open for at least a month so they have a little more flexibility.

Bruno (or anyone else), do you know how much money the Spurs have to play with under the luxury tax for the rest of the season, for 10-day contracts, pro-rated contracts, etc.?

[tav1]

We will now see what Spurs will do with that roster spot.

What makes more sense is Spurs trying some D-League players with 10 days contracts. Trying some bigmen seems logical, especially if Ian isn't close to coming back.

If Spurs don't find a D-League player they like, they should wait until the trade deadline. Having a roster spot at that moment is quite interesting because you can do a trade where you get 1 more player than you give and because some vets are waived just after the trade deadline by lottery teams.

I completely agree. I would also add that at worst the roster spot could be used on a player like DeMarcus Nelson or Walter Sharpe--i.e. someone that doesn't make any sense on the current roster, but could be worthwhile next training camp. Or, worst case scenario, Robert Horry. This is a good move.

[tav1]

There is also this: this might actually be an indicator that Ian is closer, rather than further, to returning than expected.

[Bruno]

Bruno (or anyone else), do you know how much money the Spurs have to play with under the luxury tax for the rest of the season, for 10-day contracts, pro-rated contracts, etc.?

Spurs are about $2.5M under the tax. It's way enough to do whatever they want with their 15th roster spot.

[Brazil]

Someone can explain me again the 10 day contracts ?

[lurker23]

Spurs are about $2.5M under the tax. It's way enough to do whatever they want with their 15th roster spot.

Thanks, I appreciate it. With this info, I agree that 10-day contracts (particularly to big men) would probably be a decent course of action.

Also, congrats to Malik. I'm not sure whether this really says much about what the Spurs think of him, except that they like him enough to give him a "wait and see" status through the rest of the year and probably into next summer's camp.

[Bruno]

Someone can explain me again the 10 day contracts ?

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q65

[Brazil]

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q65

Thanks Bruno. For once it's a simple one !! I took the opportunity of your link to try to refresh my knowledge about contracts / cap etc... OMG I almost forgot how complex it is.

More complex than that ? the american election may be. Seriously you need an harvard master degree to understand all.

[Baseline]

As far as Malik goes, we know that Udoka probably won't be re-signed. So it looks like the Spurs are grooming Malik to take that spot. Malik has more potential offensively than Udoka, although his defense isn't as good.

[dougp]

As far as Malik goes, we know that Udoka probably won't be re-signed. So it looks like the Spurs are grooming Malik to take that spot. Malik has more potential offensively than Udoka, although his defense isn't as good.

Udoka's defense hasn't been that great either. I still really like Udoka, but he's pull a reverse Bonner.

[mrspurs]

not really a surprise

Not really

[DPG21920]

Well if it is true the Spurs offered Deke a contract, that pretty much told you right there they were willing to let Tolliver go. I like Tolliver and hope he sticks some where.

[Fattmac78]

FUCK THAT FOOL. It's about winning, an with that fool on the court we cant do it. People trash Fin-Dawg an Bonner for missing but happy for this trash. at least they can say they was apart of a :lobt2: He aint did shit and aint gone b shit. He was a waste of time if you ask me. Gist should've came over instead of this dam fool. Tell me im wrong!?! Are we going to just wait and give him away like we did Scola? :bang

[Brazil]

FUCK THAT FOOL. It's about winning, an with that fool on the court we cant do it. People trash Fin-Dawg an Bonner for missing but happy for this trash. at least they can say they was apart of a :lobt2: He aint did shit and aint gone b shit. He was a waste of time if you ask me. Gist should've came over instead of this dam fool. Tell me im wrong!?! Are we going to just wait and give him away like we did Scola? :bang

peace man, relax, everything is going to be fine. take a pill. I don't know what Tolliver has done to deserve a fuck that fool it's not like we traded Manu to get him.

[diego]

great, now instead of needing one big we need two bigs.

i trust the FO but i feel we are way too thin in the frontcourt.

[xtremesteven33]

Well find a quality big people. Dont worry

This current team can beat anyone BUT the Lakers. It sucks but its true.

[Fattmac78]

In Texas when your number is called you show up to the big game and do your part. Or you get your ass dogged. He was a waste of time like I said. Gist couldve had his spot.

[duncan228]

Jeff McDonald: Spurs wave bye-bye to Tolliver (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/)

In a move geared to save both money and a roster spot, the Spurs waived rookie forward Anthony Tolliver on Wednesday.

By doing so, the Spurs insured they will not have to fully guarantee his $711, 517 salary for the rest of the season. Teams are required, under NBA rules, to guarantee all contracts still on the books Friday. In order for Tolliver to have time to clear waivers in time to beat the deadline, the Spurs had to pull the trigger on his dismissal by 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The move also frees up a roster spot, giving the Spurs some flexibility to use in future personnel moves.

Tolliver appeared in 19 games for the Spurs, averaging 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes. In what amounted to a two-month NBA audition, Tolliver never was able to conjure the lights-out shooting touch he displayed in the Developmental League.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he has no doubts the 6-foot-8 Tolliver will become a regular in the NBA someday. It just won't be with the Spurs right now.

"We've got to make decisions about who is going to be in our rotation as we get to the mid-point of the season, and beyond, come playoff time," Popovich said after Wednesday's practice. "We just decided the group we have right now is more ready to do that, for our purposes, than Anthony is right now."

[mexicanjunior]

great, now instead of needing one big we need two bigs.

i trust the FO but i feel we are way too thin in the frontcourt.

I think we will still only need one once Oberto comes back to full strength...

[Kori Ellis]

FUCK THAT FOOL. It's about winning, an with that fool on the court we cant do it. People trash Fin-Dawg an Bonner for missing but happy for this trash. at least they can say they was apart of a :lobt2: He aint did shit and aint gone b shit. He was a waste of time if you ask me. Gist should've came over instead of this dam fool. Tell me im wrong!?! Are we going to just wait and give him away like we did Scola? :bang

Since cussing seems to be your thing...

You are so fucking obnoxious. Get a fucking clue. This fucking kind of post isn't fucking necessary.

[SenorSpur]

Good luck to Tolliver. Hope to see him back next year.

Even with the bigs we have now, KT and Fab don't have the tools to defend quicker, taller bigs that the Spurs will see in the playoffs. Spurs need a reserve big who can routinely block shots, rebound, defend the paint, and provide some occasional points.

That duty was supposed to have belonged to Ian, but, we know the storyline there.

[SenorSpur]

Since cussing seems to be your thing...

You are so fucking obnoxious. Get a fucking clue. This fucking kind of post isn't fucking necessary.

:lol

[tp2021]

Does this mean Tolliver is a D-League free agent, or are his rights held by the Toros? He will most assuredly be a SL invite next offseason for the Spurs if he doesn't go elsewhere, and the way he has played, he probably won't. SO, we could very well see him on the Spurs team again.

[Fattmac78]

kori ellis, brazil and any other internet wangsta can suck a fat one. :lol:lol:lol

[Kori Ellis]

kori ellis, brazil and any other internet wangsta can suck a fat one. :lol:lol:lol

Good night.

[Steve-O-Matic]

It's about damn time.

[ChumpDumper]

Does this mean Tolliver is a D-League free agent, or are his rights held by the Toros?Iowa might have kept his rights, but I can't say for sure.

[galvatron3000]

It's a good move, he wasn't going to help out much especially in the playoffs so with this move there is some flexibility to sign someone or just leave the spot open. Look unless there is going to be a great small forward (who rebounds) or another big that can help Tim then I see no reason to do anything with the spot.

I do believe the Spurs are in the process to make some kind of move because this present team needs help on the glass big time. Look for them to try to address this issue before the deadline.

[angelbelow]

maybe ian is almost ready, and the spurs are confident enough that he'll have more of an impact then tolliver.

[Ice009]

Good luck to Tolliver. Hope to see him back next year.

Even with the bigs we have now, KT and Fab don't have the tools to defend quicker, taller bigs that the Spurs will see in the playoffs. Spurs need a reserve big who can routinely block shots, rebound, defend the paint, and provide some occasional points.

That duty was supposed to have belonged to Ian, but, we know the storyline there.

Weren't you one of the guys along with Obstructed View and myself that said we shouldn't sign Tolliver in the preseason?

I just thought Watkins or a Watkins type of player would have been a better option at that point. I was still wrong though as I wanted Farmer and Watkins with Hairston the 3rd option if Vaughn was cut. Looks like I was 0/2 on my picks, but I think I made a good call on Tolliver.

And for all the people saying this wasn't a surprise lol most people said the Spurs have put too much time into him to cut him now. Don't go saying it was a surprise when you said you doubt he's going to get waived.

[timvp]

Not too unexpected. Hopefully Mahinmi is somewhat close because having only four bigs on the roster is risky. Good luck to Tolliver but he can't be disappointed with the amount of chances Pop and the Spurs gave him. If he can one day find his NBA stroke, he has a chance to make it.

Hearing Pop talk about him, I think the Spurs may actually bring him back this season. They could try out other players with ten-day contracts and then if none of them pan out sign Tolliver for insurance later in the season. Or just letting him play in the D-League for a month or two is a sneaky way to save some money.

I hope that Holt doesn't just pocket the savings. The $2M+ the Spurs have open could very well help locate a useful player.

[Ice009]

Not too unexpected. Hopefully Mahinmi is somewhat close because having only four bigs on the roster is risky. Good luck to Tolliver but he can't be disappointed with the amount of chances Pop and the Spurs gave him. If he can one day find his NBA stroke, he has a chance to make it.

Hearing Pop talk about him, I think the Spurs may actually bring him back this season. They could try out other players with ten-day contracts and then if none of them pan out sign Tolliver for insurance later in the season. Or just letting him play in the D-League for a month or two is a sneaky way to save some money.

I hope that Holt doesn't just pocket the savings. The $2M+ the Spurs have open could very well help locate a useful player.

That's pretty interesting take. His shooting was so bad in the NBA that I doubt any other team will give him a call up.

If the Spurs are looking to do what you said it's a pretty smart move.

[timvp]

If Spurs don't find a D-League player they like, they should wait until the trade deadline. Having a roster spot at that moment is quite interesting because you can do a trade where you get 1 more player than you give and because some vets are waived just after the trade deadline by lottery teams.And don't forget the players who left the NBA for Euro ball who want back into the NBA. Krstic could just be the beginning.

For example, if the rumors are correct that Delfino wants to come back to the NBA, that roster spot and $2M+ could come in handy.

The pipe dream at this point is that Josh Childress gets fed up with Greece and comes crying back.

:smokin

[EricB]

Delfino?

Wouldn't that be a bit pointless bringing in another wing?

Its not like anyone is beating down the doors for Udoka and or Finley.

[Bruno]

The pipe dream at this point is that Josh Childress gets fed up with Greece and comes crying back.

:smokin

My pipe dream is about a certain Brazilian player who wouldn't be happy in Spain...

[SenorSpur]

Weren't you one of the guys along with Obstructed View and myself that said we shouldn't sign Tolliver in the preseason?

I just thought Watkins or a Watkins type of player would have been a better option at that point. I was still wrong though as I wanted Farmer and Watkins with Hairston the 3rd option if Vaughn was cut. Looks like I was 0/2 on my picks, but I think I made a good call on Tolliver.

And for all the people saying this wasn't a surprise lol most people said the Spurs have put too much time into him to cut him now. Don't go saying it was a surprise when you said you doubt he's going to get waived.

I was never anti-Tolliver because I liked what I saw of him during summer league. I also knew Pop likes to have 2 perimter-shooting bigs on the roster (Horry/Bonner & Bonner/Tolliver). I truly expected Tolliver to have shot the ball better at this level than he did.

As far the race for roster spots at the beginning of the season goes, Watkins WAS indeed my first choice. That was based off the opinions of those well-informed observers, who saw the guy in preseason. Hairston was my second choice. With Tolliver being the final choice.

I believe there's still a future for him with the Spurs and I fully expect Pop to bring him back to both SL and training camp, provided no other teams snatches him up.

In the meantime, we're both singing the second verse of the "Tim needs help on the frontline" song. That still remains a priority.

[FromWayDowntown]

My pipe dream is about a certain Brazilian player who wouldn't be happy in Spain...

True, true.

[SenorSpur]

Delfino?

Wouldn't that be a bit pointless bringing in another wing?

Its not like anyone is beating down the doors for Udoka and or Finley.

Agreed. Don't see the point of adding yet another wing player. Unless, of course, the Spurs move someone to make room for him.

[EricB]

My pipe dream is about a certain Brazilian player who wouldn't be happy in Spain...


That is a pipe dream, but a great one at that.

[timvp]

Delfino?

Wouldn't that be a bit pointless bringing in another wing?

Its not like anyone is beating down the doors for Udoka and or Finley.

Bargain hunting. $2.5M is less than he'd go for in an offseason.

[SenorSpur]

That is a pipe dream, but a great one at that.

Make that a "wet" pipe dream.

[Bruno]

True, true.

I even sometimes look at some TAU message board to see if he is unhappy or if Tau has some financial troubles. :lol


:depressed

[SenorSpur]

I even sometimes look at some TAU message board to see if he is unhappy or if Tau has some financial troubles. :lol


:depressed

Find anything?

[Bruno]

Find anything?

Nothign at all.
That's why I put the :depressed smiley.

[timvp]

My pipe dream is about a certain Brazilian player who wouldn't be happy in Spain...

Is the toilet industry taking a downturn in Spain?









Seriously though, has there been any talk of Tau losing money or going through the struggles other teams are going thru? That'd be the only way I could see what's his name come over at this point.

Oh and with his rookie deal, the Spurs could land he and Childress if they do it right.

:drunk

[timvp]

Typed too slow :depressed

Oh well, I'll take Childress.

[SequSpur]

Tolliver blew anyway

[Ice009]

My pipe dream is about a certain Brazilian player who wouldn't be happy in Spain...

Don't say stuff like that Bruno ;).

[EricB]

Bargain hunting. $2.5M is less than he'd go for in an offseason.


While true, again, where would he fit?

You'd have to almost force trade Udoka or Finley.

[Rockhound]

It's about time.

[galvatron3000]

Look if they aren't getting a big then it doesn't matter what they do with the 15th because we have plenty of wings to compensate for any injuries at that position. It something happens to another Big then we are in trouble, personally I think we are in trouble unless we grab some big man help from somewhere if possible. we are where we were with the trade for Nazr when he came mid season so let's hope someone can just come in a do some grunt work, just rebound and play good position defense and I love the chances at a title but without something like that, I don't like our chance unless some more injuries take out key players on several team when the Spurs play them.

[mountainballer]

I can see them give Andre Brown a 10 day contract.

[pad300]

Heh, dreaming about Euro centers, how about Javtokas. Roster finalization for the playoffs is 16 April, 2009. The last Dynamo Moscow Russian League game is 5 April 2009 (see here : http://www.dynamobasket.com/en/games.php?&cID=51 ), and the ULEB cup final last year (if Dynamo gets there) was 13 April 2008 (for last season), and I can't find when this one would be.

Javtokas coming over for the remainder of the season would be a spicy meatball... He'd be out of contract at that point (I believe he is an FA in Europe this coming summer), and $1,000,000 not pro-rated would easily bring him over for the last 15 games + the playoffs...It'd be a good way to get a good look at him in an NBA context, and he's very likely better than anyone we could possibly get from the D-league (or even by trading unless we pulled a real steal).

[mountainballer]

another thought: Croshere was waived yesterday. any chance that the Spurs sign him to a 10 day contract? he's pretty much Bonner, but Spurs are in love with 3pt shooting bigs, so maybe?

[superbigtime]

Tolliver was always lost out there. Never could find a rhythm. His absence leaves no deficiencies we don't already have (ie, interior presence, help for Tim). I hope he finds a home somewhere, but I think being cut by the Spurs is not good for a player's resume. Hell we fit all kinds of square pegs into round holes. This guy was just too square.

[superbigtime]

There is also this: this might actually be an indicator that Ian is closer, rather than further, to returning than expected.

Dream on dreamer. Not if he's got blood in this ankle joint according to recent posts.
:bang

[exstatic]

I doubt the Spur do a damn thing with this spot. Pop even said something about tightening the roster and figuring out where everyone fits. That doesn't sound like they're shopping for anything.

[Yorae]

I thought he would make a cameo experience at the 3 pt. shootout.

[diego]

another thought: Croshere was waived yesterday. any chance that the Spurs sign him to a 10 day contract? he's pretty much Bonner, but Spurs are in love with 3pt shooting bigs, so maybe?

he has to clear waivers first if i understand correctly; he would be an attractive option if on a smaller contract.

[AFBlue]

So they can't bring Tolliver back on a 10-day contract?

[timtonymanu]

on a personal side, I hate to see Tolliver go. He seems like a great person.
on a business side, i wasn't surprised with the cut and it was the right thing to do. hey at least tolli lasted long.

[MarHill]

Tolliver will have a place in the L in the future, if he can develop some kind of offense..he needs to get off the 3-point line and try something new offensively, because that's not working for him..

other than that, he does everything well..underrated passer, great hustle guy on the boards and D(not great for neither, but great at hustling and energy)..

I agree!!!

[Hemotivo]

For example, if the rumors are correct that Delfino wants to come back to the NBA, that roster spot and $2M+ could come in handy.

Delfino wants to comeback, the rumors are correct

[cool hand]

Ian is healthy and is going to get some PT.

[bigdog]

Eh, I smell some D-League tryouts coming up. They did it last season and I expect them to do it this season as well, unless they have someone in mind they want to sign (and I hope it's not Horry).

Speaking of bigmen, did you guys see the Nuggets traded a 1st rounder and Chucky Atkins for Johan Petro? I would never give up a 1st rounder for him. That's the kind of deal I hope the Spurs don't make.

[The Truth #6]

Delfino wants to comeback, the rumors are correct

Delfino seems atypical of the Argentinians. While in Detroit he seemed to be crying about going back to Europe to play. And now he's in Europe already pining to come back to the NBA?

I'm curious if he has attitude problems or just a string of bad luck situations.

[The Truth #6]

Eh, I smell some D-League tryouts coming up. They did it last season and I expect them to do it this season as well, unless they have someone in mind they want to sign (and I hope it's not Horry).

Speaking of bigmen, did you guys see the Nuggets traded a 1st rounder and Chucky Atkins for Johan Petro? I would never give up a 1st rounder for him. That's the kind of deal I hope the Spurs don't make.

In addition to D League players there also could be some post players like Tolliver who just recently got cut from their NBA teams. Those players might be the ones to first target, and hopefully our FO is already scouting that front.

[Vinnie_Johnson]

So they can't bring Tolliver back on a 10-day contract?

Pistons have a roster spot open pick him up Joe.

[Austin_Toros]

darn! if only he made some more shots!

anyway... Marcus Williams anyone???




.

[Manufan909]

Heh, dreaming about Euro centers, how about Javtokas. Roster finalization for the playoffs is 16 April, 2009. The last Dynamo Moscow Russian League game is 5 April 2009 (see here : http://www.dynamobasket.com/en/games.php?&cID=51 ), and the ULEB cup final last year (if Dynamo gets there) was 13 April 2008 (for last season), and I can't find when this one would be.

Javtokas coming over for the remainder of the season would be a spicy meatball... He'd be out of contract at that point (I believe he is an FA in Europe this coming summer), and $1,000,000 not pro-rated would easily bring him over for the last 15 games + the playoffs...It'd be a good way to get a good look at him in an NBA context, and he's very likely better than anyone we could possibly get from the D-league (or even by trading unless we pulled a real steal).

+1 I think the earliest we'd see him would be next seasons pre-season though.

[ChumpDumper]

Tolliver is back with the Iowa Energy.

Odd, he's got four blocks tonight while Courtney Sims has none.

[Behrooz24]

Javtokas please :wow

[scanry]

Tolliver is back with the Iowa Energy.

Odd, he's got four blocks tonight while Courtney Sims has none.


Good for Tolliver..

[benefactor]

I still feel like there is a good chance he could wind up back in a Spurs uniform if nothing else works out.

[ChumpDumper]

The Toros will be visiting Iowa Saturday at noon if you want to tune in.

[Spurs Brazil]

Good for Tolliver

If Croshere doesn't work he may be back to the Spur

[EricB]

Javtokas please :wow

Not after the summer of 06.....