Monroe: Gooden Hopes Spurs Are Long-Term Fit

[duncan228]

Gooden hopes Spurs are long-term fit (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Drew_Gooden_joins_Spurs_for_playoff_run.html)
Mike Monroe

As happy as the Spurs are to have Drew Gooden on their roster, they are equally thrilled about the team he didn’t join on Thursday afternoon.

“I got calls from (the Lakers) trying to get me,” said Gooden, the 6-foot-10 power forward who officially became a Spur when he signed a contract for a pro-rated portion of the $1.5 million that remained of the Spurs’ mid-level salary cap exception.

“It was a game of chess probably. (The Lakers) probably knew San Antonio was the team they had to get past in the West.”

Gooden, who has battled a groin strain and a lower abdominal strain this season, declared himself fit, and ready to play immediately. If Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wants him to suit up in Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards at AT&T Center, it will be his first game in silver and black.

Gooden was available to the Spurs, Lakers and several other teams with championship potential after the Sacramento Kings waived him late Sunday night, making him a free agent.

He chose the Spurs as the place to continue his career, he said, because he believes San Antonio could be the basketball home he has been trying to find since he was the fourth overall pick of the 2002 draft after a standout career at the University of Kansas. The Spurs will be the sixth team for which he has played in six-plus seasons, an odyssey he compared to being a player in a fantasy league.

“I’m ready to find a home,” he said.

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford was the first basketball executive to contact Gooden when the Kings negotiated a buyout of what remained of his contract, which was to pay him $7.151 million this season,

“R. C. kind of made this thing happen,” Gooden said. “When he learned about me having a possible buyout from Sacramento, he was the first one on it. That kind of lets you know there is a need for you, rather than having a luxury.

“A lot of teams were calling as soon as they found out I was bought out, but San Antonio was the best fit for me, and not only for the rest of the year. I think there might be a future here for me.”

Buford, too, believes Gooden could wind up being more than a short-term Spur if he fits as well with the team’s way of playing as he believes he can.

“He brings some youth and athleticism to the program,” Buford said. “We need to get him healthy and see how he fits. You never now until you get people how he fits.”

Having played four seasons in Cleveland, under former Spurs assistant coach Mike Brown, should ease Gooden’s transition to the Spurs way of playing, especially at the defensive end of the court.

Gooden heard plenty about Popovich during his time as a Cavalier.

“During my four years at Cleveland he raved about Pop,” Gooden said. “I think I heard enough about Pop from Mike Brown, but Pop’s reputation speaks for itself. In this league you hear only good things about Pop, and how he wants to win.”

Popovich spoke at length with Gooden during the courtship process that followed his release by the Kings.

“Pop and Drew had some great conversations through this whole process, from both perspectives,” Buford said. “The feedback I got is that they both felt really comfortable with each other.”

Popovich told Gooden the Spurs not only wanted him on their roster, they needed him to have their best shot at winning another championship.

“It was knowing there is want for me here,” Gooden said of his talks with his new head coach. “Not just ‘We’re glad you’re here.’ It was more like, ‘We need you here, and not just for this season.’

“Hearing that was something I was looking for. It wasn’t just ‘Help us try to win a championship this year and then we’ll see what happens in the summer.’.”

Gooden gave up roughly $1.8 million, plus this summer’s Larry Bird free-agent rights, to secure his freedom, but said making up that lost money won’t be as important as winning.

“Opportunity is worth that ($1.8 million),” he said. “The opportunity to make that up is not what it is. It’s more than the money right now for me. It’s about playing and winning and helping this team.”

[FromWayDowntown]

Certainly sounds as though the Spurs are thinking of the potential to make this a long-term relationship. Perhaps that's informing Gooden's interest in the same outcome to some extent.

Interesting, no matter what.

Gooden certainly is saying all of the right things.

[BlackSwordsMan]

2010 long term fit?

[timvp]

He's saying all the right things. Let's hope he can surpass expectations and be the bigman the Spurs have needed since Robinson's retirement. :tu

[MarHill]

Gooden hopes Spurs are long-term fit (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Drew_Gooden_joins_Spurs_for_playoff_run.html)
Mike Monroe

As happy as the Spurs are to have Drew Gooden on their roster, they are equally thrilled about the team he didn’t join on Thursday afternoon.

“I got calls from (the Lakers) trying to get me,” said Gooden, the 6-foot-10 power forward who officially became a Spur when he signed a contract for a pro-rated portion of the $1.5 million that remained of the Spurs’ mid-level salary cap exception.

“It was a game of chess probably. (The Lakers) probably knew San Antonio was the team they had to get past in the West.”

Gooden, who has battled a groin strain and a lower abdominal strain this season, declared himself fit, and ready to play immediately. If Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wants him to suit up in Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards at AT&T Center, it will be his first game in silver and black.

Gooden was available to the Spurs, Lakers and several other teams with championship potential after the Sacramento Kings waived him late Sunday night, making him a free agent.

He chose the Spurs as the place to continue his career, he said, because he believes San Antonio could be the basketball home he has been trying to find since he was the fourth overall pick of the 2002 draft after a standout career at the University of Kansas. The Spurs will be the sixth team for which he has played in six-plus seasons, an odyssey he compared to being a player in a fantasy league.

“I’m ready to find a home,” he said.

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford was the first basketball executive to contact Gooden when the Kings negotiated a buyout of what remained of his contract, which was to pay him $7.151 million this season,

“R. C. kind of made this thing happen,” Gooden said. “When he learned about me having a possible buyout from Sacramento, he was the first one on it. That kind of lets you know there is a need for you, rather than having a luxury.

“A lot of teams were calling as soon as they found out I was bought out, but San Antonio was the best fit for me, and not only for the rest of the year. I think there might be a future here for me.”

Buford, too, believes Gooden could wind up being more than a short-term Spur if he fits as well with the team’s way of playing as he believes he can.

“He brings some youth and athleticism to the program,” Buford said. “We need to get him healthy and see how he fits. You never now until you get people how he fits.”

Having played four seasons in Cleveland, under former Spurs assistant coach Mike Brown, should ease Gooden’s transition to the Spurs way of playing, especially at the defensive end of the court.

Gooden heard plenty about Popovich during his time as a Cavalier.

“During my four years at Cleveland he raved about Pop,” Gooden said. “I think I heard enough about Pop from Mike Brown, but Pop’s reputation speaks for itself. In this league you hear only good things about Pop, and how he wants to win.”

Popovich spoke at length with Gooden during the courtship process that followed his release by the Kings.

“Pop and Drew had some great conversations through this whole process, from both perspectives,” Buford said. “The feedback I got is that they both felt really comfortable with each other.”

Popovich told Gooden the Spurs not only wanted him on their roster, they needed him to have their best shot at winning another championship.

“It was knowing there is want for me here,” Gooden said of his talks with his new head coach. “Not just ‘We’re glad you’re here.’ It was more like, ‘We need you here, and not just for this season.’

“Hearing that was something I was looking for. It wasn’t just ‘Help us try to win a championship this year and then we’ll see what happens in the summer.’.”

Gooden gave up roughly $1.8 million, plus this summer’s Larry Bird free-agent rights, to secure his freedom, but said making up that lost money won’t be as important as winning.

“Opportunity is worth that ($1.8 million),” he said. “The opportunity to make that up is not what it is. It’s more than the money right now for me. It’s about playing and winning and helping this team.”

For all the criticism (and yes they have deserved some of it) the Spurs FO' gets from the ST posters...it's nice to read from an incoming player how RC was the first to reach out to him and Pop told him they needed his help to win a championship!

It looks like the FO knows what they are doing!

[Borosai]

Can you imagine a starting lineup of Bonner, Oberto, Thomas, Gooden and Duncan? A big matchup nightmare for the rest of the league.

[picnroll]

A guy that gave up money to win. Not many of those.

[Walton Buys Off Me]

Interesting how Gooden declares himself fit and ready to play as early as tomorrow yet Buford is quoting as saying "we need to get him healthy".

Groin injuries are the worst, let's hope he can contribute and soon.

[Flux451]

Insightful, gave me goosebumps.
Spurs can bring out the best in players as we have seen from our below the radar players. Gooden can only get better and right now he is already good.
Sounds like he is excited, best of luck to the chemistry.

[tomtom]

Good attitude. Hope he can help us

[tmtcsc]

I have nothing but respect for the guy. He put his money where his mouth was and said "It's not about the money with me, its about winning." His actions backed that up. I hope he really does turn out to be a long term solution.

[alexinstereo]

let him rest his groin and come in 100%.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

We need to trade parker for henrich, and ginobili for JR giddens, then sign Raef LaFrentz as a free agent next summer, and trade kurt thomas for nick collison.

[peskypesky]

I have nothing but respect for the guy. He put his money where his mouth was and said "It's not about the money with me, its about winning." His actions backed that up. I hope he really does turn out to be a long term solution.

:toast


from the interview, he seems like a great guy. smart, confident, respectful, eager to win, eager to learn.

[spursfan09]

Well I hope he and a healthy Manu can make the difference. My only concern in the West is the Lakers. We can get pass anyone else.

Gooden!:toast

[ChumpDumper]

If the salary cap shrinks by a substantial amount, Gooden might be as good as anything the Spurs could get in 2010.

[Mugen]

We need to trade parker for henrich, and ginobili for JR giddens, then sign Raef LaFrentz as a free agent next summer, and trade kurt thomas for nick collison.

didnt that team lose to maryland?

[mardigan]

:toast


from the interview, he seems like a great guy. smart, confident, respectful, eager to win, eager to learn.

Not to mention a clean-ass beard!
Can't wait to see him play, always liked his jump shooting ability.

Side question, will he be the first Spur to don number 90?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

didnt that team lose to maryland?

Those guys minus raef lost to the caramello orangemen in the champ. game.

[raspsa]

Looks like mutual respect and trust all around and it could be the start of a beautiful friendship. Gooden never had a rep as a troublemaker or malcontent and I'm pretty sure the guys will do everything to make him feel welcome and appreciated. Pop is the best coach in the NBA at explaining what he expects from his playersand its safe to say he and Gooden see eye-to-eye re the latter's role on the team.

[DespЏrado]

Um didn't the Spurs have more to offer in terms of playing time and money with a good portion of the mid level exception left than any other suitor? I want to think it's all about winning, but I do think the Spurs had the most green to offer.

That said Gooden has all of the tools the Spurs need to be an our best 2nd big since Robinson. If he can take his pointers from Robinson and Camby and just focus on the little things he will be instrumental to the Spurs future 'chip hopes, and he can stay as long as he wants.

[Spursmania]

He looked genuinely happy to be here and Pop likes guys who have something to prove. I'm looking forward to his first game. I really hope the reports about his defensive lack of rotations and knowledge is an exaggeration. Gooden has something to prove and needs the Spurs as much as we need him right now.

[KenGee21]

The guy hasn't played a single game in a spur uniform, but his future with the team will be solely based on his performance in the upcoming months.

That and the salary cap, of course.

[EricB]

Gotta love that attitude.

The way its building up, if he busts his ass, plays good D, he is definately a big man worth keeping. Whether he can do it is the big question.

Good luck DG.

[Spork KIller]

Can you imagine a starting lineup of Bonner, Oberto, Thomas, Gooden and Duncan? A big matchup nightmare for the rest of the league.

Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!

:lol :lmao :lol :lmao :rollin

[completely deck]

Replying to a troll is exactly why they continue to post here

Don't even acknowledge it

[urunobili]

I love how Monroe was right there head to head with him at the end of the interview... right there...

[TheDarkSide.]

Not Drew Gooden..the Big Drizzle

[remingtonbo2001]

What a great attitude.

I think Gooden's attitude will go a long way in helping him make the trasition.

Great job by the FO. :tu

[Borosai]

Obligatory: Fo' Shizzle My Drizzle!

[completely deck]

What a great attitude.

I think Gooden's attitude will go a long way in helping him make the trasition.

Great job by the FO. :tu

+1

You can always doubt the FO through the season but they always pull through in the end.

[Yorae]

Hope this Twin Tower Version 2.0.....

[TheDarkSide.]

Hope this Twin Tower Version 2.0.....

The Big Fundamental + The Big Drizzle.

[Yorae]

The Big Fundamental + The Big Drizzle.

That sounds great.....

[dbestpro]

Quite frankly I want to see how physical Thomas and Gooden can make it on the inside when they are on the court together. It actually brings back memories of the bruise brothers.

[johnnyblues]

The Big Fundamental + The Big Drizzle.


= The Big Fizzle?

[Yorae]

= The Big Fizzle?

Oooh hope not.

[Das Texan]

This is basically a no risk tryout for the spurs to see what Gooden is made of.


If he proves to be a good fit, we got most if not all of our mid level exemption taken care of for next year now. Not bad.

[Solid D]

Gooden Hopes Spurs Are Long-Term Fit

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/img/d/doubt/0517_R3ab_grd22_0757-34B48E.jpg

We Doubt it.

[SpursChampsIII]

Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!

:lol :lmao :lol :lmao :rollin

:stfu :troll

Your :monkey-ass team will be :fishing before the playoffs even begin.

Eat this :lobt2:

Say my name

[The Great Fantastic]

This is sounding too good to be true. If this guy can buy into the system (and be smart enough) he could become very effective. He definitely has the right attitude and he's playing for a contract.

Let's just all hope that this guy is not a total dumbshit.

[Marcus Bryant]

He's saying all the right things. Let's hope he can surpass expectations and be the bigman the Spurs have needed since Robinson's retirement. :tu


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z_01aVuw2d8/SWFQtoFThTI/AAAAAAAAADc/mS27Aovx6cE/s200/rasho+finished.jpg

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/IMG/nazr_mohammed-arton21099-240x240.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/sean_marks_dunk_220.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gwwcopfpS7qk/340x.jpg

http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/2/22/Act_jackie_butler.jpg

http://pascolo.images.infostradasports.com/images/lib/news/Medium/PRO_FranciscoElson_Oranje.jpg

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/01/sports/01hornets.2.190.jpg

http://www.pagina12.com.ar/fotos/no/20070621/notas_no/oberto.jpg

http://basketball247.co.uk/test/pops_ball.jpg

http://www.gatorzone.com/basketball/men/images/bioimg2002/bonner.jpg

[GSH]

Drew drank the Kool-Aid. They all sound like that afterward. It'll be regulation hair and beard from here on out.

[Spursfan092120]

Um didn't the Spurs have more to offer in terms of playing time and money with a good portion of the mid level exception left than any other suitor? I want to think it's all about winning, but I do think the Spurs had the most green to offer.

That said Gooden has all of the tools the Spurs need to be an our best 2nd big since Robinson. If he can take his pointers from Robinson and Camby and just focus on the little things he will be instrumental to the Spurs future 'chip hopes, and he can stay as long as he wants.

I think Dallas actually had more to offer. Not sure about LA, but I think Dallas had more than SA.

[Spursfan092120]

= The Big Fizzle?

I like The Big Fundamizzle.

[Solid D]

I added one. :smokin



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z_01aVuw2d8/SWFQtoFThTI/AAAAAAAAADc/mS27Aovx6cE/s200/rasho+finished.jpg

http://projectspurs.com/MengkeBateer.jpg

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/IMG/nazr_mohammed-arton21099-240x240.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/sean_marks_dunk_220.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gwwcopfpS7qk/340x.jpg

http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/2/22/Act_jackie_butler.jpg

http://pascolo.images.infostradasports.com/images/lib/news/Medium/PRO_FranciscoElson_Oranje.jpg

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/01/sports/01hornets.2.190.jpg

http://www.pagina12.com.ar/fotos/no/20070621/notas_no/oberto.jpg

http://basketball247.co.uk/test/pops_ball.jpg

http://www.gatorzone.com/basketball/men/images/bioimg2002/bonner.jpg

[Marcus Bryant]

I added one. :smokin

Dude.

[Texas_Ranger]

Here's another one

http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/kevin_willis_030923.jpg

[Solid D]

One more...interpreter included:)
Jimmy Chang!



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z_01aVuw2d8/SWFQtoFThTI/AAAAAAAAADc/mS27Aovx6cE/s200/rasho+finished.jpg

http://projectspurs.com/MengkeBateer.jpghttp://www.nba.com/media/finals2003/jimmychang_120_game3.jpg

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/IMG/nazr_mohammed-arton21099-240x240.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/sean_marks_dunk_220.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gwwcopfpS7qk/340x.jpg

http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/2/22/Act_jackie_butler.jpg

http://pascolo.images.infostradasports.com/images/lib/news/Medium/PRO_FranciscoElson_Oranje.jpg

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/01/sports/01hornets.2.190.jpg

http://www.pagina12.com.ar/fotos/no/20070621/notas_no/oberto.jpg

http://basketball247.co.uk/test/pops_ball.jpg

http://www.gatorzone.com/basketball/men/images/bioimg2002/bonner.jpg

[smrattler]

This list of big-men we've had makes TD even more clearly THE BEST PF OF ALL TIME. How he has managed to keep us as title contenders with that group of bigs next to him...

[Spursfan092120]

Here's another one

http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/kevin_willis_030923.jpg

Aww..don't bag on "What you talking bout" Willis.

[TheSpursFNRule]

yeah this could work out great he's saying all the right things. I feel that if he works out and proves to be the player a number 4 draft pick should be he could stick around. I guess a Spurs fan dream at this point is to have Gooden work out and than pick up a solid small foward this summer.

[bigdog]

You guys forgot someone.....even though he is still here waiting to breakout.


http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01ewbSh7N597p/610x.jpg

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/79810148.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1935FB17706AA75D201358427D075C55CB4 5A5397277B4DC33E

[tomtom]

If Gooden sticks do you think they'll keep Oberto and Kurt or try to make room for Ian? or to a lesser extent Pops haha

[Ditty]

Aww..don't bag on "What you talking bout" Willis.

aww i rember that game

i was there the best crowd ever

drew gooden long term wouldnt be bad

but the first big man off the bench

if our future starting bigs will be splitter and mihimmi i wouldnt mind gooden giving us that veterian experience off the bench

[bigdog]

If Gooden sticks do you think they'll keep Oberto and Kurt or try to make room for Ian? or to a lesser extent Pops haha

I still think Pop and RC will give Ian a chance to prove he will fit in here, when he is healthy. I think his surgery in January should have fixed his ankle problem. At least good enough to let us see him maybe late this season in garbage time, if not, then definitely in the Summer and preseason.

If anyone goes, it will be Oberto.

[Man In Black]

Gooden gave up roughly $1.8 million, plus this summer’s Larry Bird free-agent rights, to secure his freedom, but said making up that lost money won’t be as important as winning.

“Opportunity is worth that ($1.8 million),” he said. “The opportunity to make that up is not what it is. It’s more than the money right now for me. It’s about playing and winning and helping this team.”

When they say, it isn't about the money, that normally means the opposite.
But I'm hoping that he truly means it. If he's willing to play for the San Antonio discount, then he, like us, can start counting rings.
:lobt2:
And it would make me happy that LAL doesn't win a title again in the Duncan era.

[satown68]

I hope he can be the athletic big man that we have needed.

[TheSpursFNRule]

If they ended up starting him would he play PF or C?

[Mr Bones]

It's nice how good a free throw shooting team the Spurs have become with the additions of Gooden and Mason, and the steady improvement of Parker.

Mason, 89%
Ginobili, 88%
Gooden, 86.9%
Thomas, 84.4%
Finley, 81.4%
Parker, 81.2%
Hill, 78.3%
Duncan, 69.9%

[Manufan909]

If they ended up starting him would he play PF or C?

C, Tim Duncan never plays center.:hat

But seriously, Gooden better use the last 20 or so games and the POs to not only earn the starting job, but blow Matts contributions out of the water(I want him off the bench with about the same # of touches, but to defend the other teams 3rd best big), and make Fab a waste of space(BBIQ off the charts, but sadly he doesn't have the tools).

Gooden sounds like a smart dude, I just hope that can translate to the court. Hope he does fantastic if he plays tomo, but I won't be able to catch the game either way. He better play against the Suns and Lakers, I want to see him against Shaq/Gasol. He might be only slightly more effective than Bonner on D, but when he scores 3 pts, he wil also be getting opposing bigs in foul trouble. With the greatest PF of all time next to him, he should score more per 36/draw more fouls than ever before.

I believe in The Big Drizzle!!!:flag::flag::flag:

[GervinGirl]

Side question, will he be the first Spur to don number 90?

According to the basketball-reference.com site; yes, he will be the first Spur to don #90
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/numbers.html

[Mr Bones]

In his 1/6/09 game, Gooden was 10-12 from the free throw line. On 12/2/08, he was 9-10 from the line. For the season, he is 86-99. By comparison, Matt Bonner has taken 15 free throws this entire season, and has made 10.

[SenorSpur]

I think Dallas actually had more to offer. Not sure about LA, but I think Dallas had more than SA.

Dallas had nothing to offer, as they blew their wad and MLE on resigning backup center Desegana Diop.

[timtonymanu]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z_01aVuw2d8/SWFQtoFThTI/AAAAAAAAADc/mS27Aovx6cE/s200/rasho+finished.jpg

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/IMG/nazr_mohammed-arton21099-240x240.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/sean_marks_dunk_220.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gwwcopfpS7qk/340x.jpg

http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/2/22/Act_jackie_butler.jpg

http://pascolo.images.infostradasports.com/images/lib/news/Medium/PRO_FranciscoElson_Oranje.jpg

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/01/sports/01hornets.2.190.jpg

http://www.pagina12.com.ar/fotos/no/20070621/notas_no/oberto.jpg

http://basketball247.co.uk/test/pops_ball.jpg

http://www.gatorzone.com/basketball/men/images/bioimg2002/bonner.jpg

like someone mentioned, TD is the best PF of all time. He gave all of those guys excluding Pops a ring when most of them suck. Someone add Glenn Robinson there too.

[GSH]

It's nice how good a free throw shooting team the Spurs have become with the additions of Gooden and Mason, and the steady improvement of Parker.

Mason, 89%
Ginobili, 88%
Gooden, 86.9%
Thomas, 84.4%
Finley, 81.4%
Parker, 81.2%
Hill, 78.3%
Duncan, 69.9%


Gooden doesn't normally shoot FT's like that. I'm too tired to go look it up, but I think his normal FT% is in the mid-70's. I know it's way up this year, anyway. But that will change now that he is a Spur.

[SenorSpur]

He chose the Spurs as the place to continue his career, he said, because he believes San Antonio could be the basketball home he has been trying to find since he was the fourth overall pick of the 2002 draft after a standout career at the University of Kansas. The Spurs will be the sixth team for which he has played in six-plus seasons, an odyssey he compared to being a player in a fantasy league.

“I’m ready to find a home,” he said.

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford was the first basketball executive to contact Gooden when the Kings negotiated a buyout of what remained of his contract, which was to pay him $7.151 million this season.

“R. C. kind of made this thing happen,” Gooden said. “When he learned about me having a possible buyout from Sacramento, he was the first one on it. That kind of lets you know there is a need for you, rather than having a luxury.

“A lot of teams were calling as soon as they found out I was bought out, but San Antonio was the best fit for me, and not only for the rest of the year. I think there might be a future here for me.”

Buford, too, believes Gooden could wind up being more than a short-term Spur if he fits as well with the team’s way of playing as he believes he can.

“He brings some youth and athleticism to the program,” Buford said. “We need to get him healthy and see how he fits. You never now until you get people how he fits.”

“It was knowing there is want for me here,” Gooden said of his talks with his new head coach. “Not just ‘We’re glad you’re here.’ It was more like, ‘We need you here, and not just for this season.’

“Hearing that was something I was looking for. It wasn’t just ‘Help us try to win a championship this year and then we’ll see what happens in the summer.’”

All this speculation about a possible, future role for Gooden bodes well for both sides. As much as Gooden has traversed through the NBA landscape on his current journey, the Spurs have similarly ran through all manner of temporary, stop-gap solutions, and journeymen at the 4-5 spot, ever since Robinson retired. As much as Gooden wants to settle down and find an NBA home, the Spurs too, desparately need to settle into finding a permanent, long-term running mate for Tim Duncan. We'll soon find out if Gooden can be that player. The tools and skills that he has make for some intriguing possibilities.

[Brutalis]

I hope he contributes well because he seems to be about helping this squad and showing what he has to offer. My main concern is although Bonner is fun and all, he does open up the paint for Tim. And if Drew can't hit his shots or do that he is not a starter.

So show me what ya got Drew.

[bigdog]

like someone mentioned, TD is the best PF of all time. He gave all of those guys excluding Pops a ring when most of them suck. Someone add Glenn Robinson there too.

Ummm, Glenn Robinson is not a big. That list was for the bigs that tried to replace Robinson after he retired.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Ironically enough, if Gooden can be Kurt Thomas +, and Kurt Thomas can go back to that Kevin Willis + role, our frontcourt will be good to go.

[Manufan909]

Ironically enough, if Gooden can be Kurt Thomas +, and Kurt Thomas can go back to that Kevin Willis + role, our frontcourt will be good to go.

I hope so, I think Gooden can meet that reasonable expectation.:toast

Hope he doesn't make us look like fools for getting up hope, screwing up majorly in his first few games, then dissapears to the Negative Zone.:nope

[traitoravery]

How would we fit him in salary wise and still be under the cap next year?

[Manufan909]

How would we fit him in salary wise and still be under the cap next year?

Dunno, hope the salary whizzes can work something out. But I doubt anyone has a clue what his next contract might be.

[bdictjames]

Here's us hoping he's like Mason impact-wise to this team.

[bigdog]

Here's us hoping he's like Mason impact-wise to this team.

If you're talking about everything Mason does EXCEPT turn the ball over, then cheers:toast

[rayray2k8]

I think people are getting a little carried away with having acquired Gooden on
the team..
Yo, you can dog all those bigs that we've had in the past, but Nazr DID help us back in
2005....
I would say the same thing about Elson, but I refuse to acknowledge his
existence as a ball player..

[TheSpursFNRule]

If Gooden works out do you think the spurs will still try and improve there roster in the off season? I realize if he works out there would be no need for sheed, so theyd go for a wing player. A line up of Parker, Ginobili, *insert small foward here*, the big fundamental and the big drizzle would certainly keep this teams window open for 3-5 more years.

[exstatic]

If Gooden works out do you think the spurs will still try and improve there roster in the off season? I realize if he works out there would be no need for sheed, so theyd go for a wing player. A line up of Parker, Ginobili, *insert small foward here*, the big fundamental and the big drizzle would certainly keep this teams window open for 3-5 more years.

If he works out, he will be "the" pickup for next summer, eating most if not all of the MLE. Everything else will be draft picks, former draft picks or unknowns.

I just hope Pop falls blindly in love with him like he did Finley, and just plays his ass 30 minutes, warts and all. Never seems to happen with big men, though. Pop runs 'em off.

[TheSpursFNRule]

If he works out, he will be "the" pickup for next summer, eating most if not all of the MLE. Everything else will be draft picks, former draft picks or unknowns.

I just hope Pop falls blindly in love with him like he did Finley, and just plays his ass 30 minutes, warts and all. Never seems to happen with big men, though. Pop runs 'em off.

What if they lose to the Lakers and Gooden does well? You really don't think they would try to add one more piece?

[jermaine]

He's a good fit on 2k9 along side Duncan!!! :p:

[exstatic]

What if they lose to the Lakers and Gooden does well? You really don't think they would try to add one more piece?

With what? It'll cost most, if not all of the MLE to re-sign Gooden. They're also sitting at about $65M for 11 players already next year, minus Vaughn, Udoka, and Gooden, and the LuxTax is likely coming DOWN because of the economy. It'll be a scramble just to make Gooden fit.

[TheSpursFNRule]

With what? It'll cost most, if not all of the MLE to re-sign Gooden. They're also sitting at about $65M for 11 players already next year, minus Vaughn, Udoka, and Gooden, and the LuxTax is likely coming DOWN because of the economy. It'll be a scramble just to make Gooden fit.

Thanks for your response. I can't argue with what you said, its just hard to think how much longer we'll have Finley at SF...Oh well heres to Gooden!

[m33p0]

we shall see... we shall see... :clap:

[florige]

didnt that team lose to maryland?



Yeah we massacred the team that had Keith Lankford in the line-up.

[florige]

It seems like the Lakers have their nose into every free agent that comes along this time of year. I guess they couldn't pull another one of their famous backdoor shady deals and land him. Hahahahaha, F you Lakers on this one!!!

[Texas_Ranger]

He's just 28 years old.:rollin

[Das Texan]

Ironically enough, if Gooden can be Kurt Thomas +, and Kurt Thomas can go back to that Kevin Willis + role, our frontcourt will be good to go.



with elbow pads also?

[coyotes_geek]

With what? It'll cost most, if not all of the MLE to re-sign Gooden. They're also sitting at about $65M for 11 players already next year, minus Vaughn, Udoka, and Gooden, and the LuxTax is likely coming DOWN because of the economy. It'll be a scramble just to make Gooden fit.

Agreed. If the Spurs use the MLE, on Gooden or whomever, then paying luxury tax is pretty much a certainty.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Agreed. If the Spurs use the MLE, on Gooden or whomever, then paying luxury tax is pretty much a certainty.

at best the spurs will be payin luxury tax for 1 year only....

isnt manus contract expiring soon? maybe if he wants to stay has to accept a paycut....MLE sounds fair to me for a injury prone player.....

[spurspokesman]

The guy is finally in A position where he can maximize his potential. (You try playing alongside Lebrick James and the bulls (Cough) sacramento (Sneeze) and of course your gonna end up moving often. You just watch. I always liked his game and he is gonna exceed expectation. I'll be the first to eat my words if he doesn't. Lets get it spurs.

[FromWayDowntown]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z_01aVuw2d8/SWFQtoFThTI/AAAAAAAAADc/mS27Aovx6cE/s200/rasho+finished.jpg

http://projectspurs.com/MengkeBateer.jpg

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/IMG/nazr_mohammed-arton21099-240x240.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/sean_marks_dunk_220.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gwwcopfpS7qk/340x.jpg

http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/2/22/Act_jackie_butler.jpg

http://pascolo.images.infostradasports.com/images/lib/news/Medium/PRO_FranciscoElson_Oranje.jpg

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/01/sports/01hornets.2.190.jpg

http://www.pagina12.com.ar/fotos/no/20070621/notas_no/oberto.jpg

http://basketball247.co.uk/test/pops_ball.jpg

http://www.gatorzone.com/basketball/men/images/bioimg2002/bonner.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/kevin_willis_030923.jpg


I'm pleased to admit that there are only 3 or 4 of those guys I can't immediately name on sight.

[hater]

I just pray Gooden doesn't piss off Pop too quick. Gooden makes pretty damn bonehead plays. I know he can help I just not sure Pop's temper can take it

[florige]

I'm pleased to admit that there are only 3 or 4 of those guys I can't immediately name on sight.



That giant asian dude actually played for us? :lol I always thought he was just a equipment manager or something. So what that white kid who is the towel boy used to be a back-up pg to AJ or something?

[hater]

Mensa Bonsu has a badass look. Straight out of blood diamond

[dbestpro]

With what? It'll cost most, if not all of the MLE to re-sign Gooden. They're also sitting at about $65M for 11 players already next year, minus Vaughn, Udoka, and Gooden, and the LuxTax is likely coming DOWN because of the economy. It'll be a scramble just to make Gooden fit.

We will have a boat load of expiring contracts (over 20 mil, over 30 mil if you include Manu) that will be of value and can be traded. I would not surprised if the Vince Carter issue surfaces again over the summer.

[Old School 44]

Dallas had nothing to offer, as they blew their wad and MLE on resigning backup center Desegana Diop.

+1 ...and they didn't have any money either. :lol

[EricB]

A boatload? Vaughn udoka and golden aren't making squat.....

[DPG21920]

http://cdn.cagepotato.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/kimbo_slice_elite_xc.jpg

Is this Drew's stylist?

[dbestpro]

A boatload? Vaughn udoka and golden aren't making squat.....

Vaughn and Udoka's contracts expire this year. The trade assets over the summer are the expiring contracts of next year.

Oberto, Thomas, Bonner, Finley, Bowen, etc.

[Manufan909]

If Gooden works out do you think the spurs will still try and improve there roster in the off season? I realize if he works out there would be no need for sheed, so theyd go for a wing player. A line up of Parker, Ginobili, *The Gist*, the big fundamental and the big drizzle would certainly keep this teams window open for 3-5 more years.

You're welcome.:downspin::p::downspin:

[Manufan909]

http://cdn.cagepotato.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/kimbo_slice_elite_xc.jpg

Is this Drew's stylist?

Oh snaps, that the guy who... got beat by some random whitey with spiked pink hair.:rollin


FAIL.

[TDMVPDPOY]

isnt he earnin like 7m a season on his previous contract?

i say throw him MLE-6M see if he takes it.....then sign rasheed to minimum if he really bites it....pay luxury tax for a season to repeat, then see wtf manu wants....

[Dex]

:hungry:

[Agloco]

Can you imagine a starting lineup of Bonner, Oberto, Thomas, Gooden and Duncan? A big matchup nightmare for the rest of the league.

??

[VI_Massive]

Maybe Gooden really is ready for a change and to stay with one team for a while, but I'm not sure. I think he wants a chance to use the spotlight of a (hopefully) long playoff run to over-inflate his value for his next contract.

Which is fine by me. For our purposes, Gooden doing everything right and killing himself out there is great for our playoff run. I just hope we don't get duped into thinking his play down the stretch and in the playoffs is what we could expect from him on a regular basis.

Also, if Gooden wants to stay with one team for a while, he's probably going to want a longer contract than the Spurs are willing to give him. Other than the big 3, we don't really go longer than 2 year deals.

[Budkin]

Should fit into the Spurs system well. Let's just hope Pop can get him to play some D, otherwise he won't last long here.

[Dex]

Should fit into the Spurs system well. Let's just hope Pop can get him to play some D, otherwise he won't last long here.

It's amazing how much better 'bad' defensive players look if they are put in a good defensive system.

Granted, even under Mike Brown, Gooden didn't shine...but if the guy is gonna ever take an opportunity to step up and fly right, this is going to be it.

[FromWayDowntown]

Can you imagine a starting lineup of Bonner, Oberto, Thomas, Gooden and Duncan? A big matchup nightmare for the rest of the league.

I think the league would have to make it a 45 second shot clock just to help those guys have a chance to avoid shot clock violations.

About the only way to put together a more plodding lineup would be to play Georghe Muresan, Manute Bol, Chuck Nevitt, Oliver Miller, and Hot Plate Williams together. (or Dinner Bell Mel Turpin -- still my favorite nickname in sports history).

[Brazil]

I hope also that he can play solid minutes before the POs to rest Tim who played IMO too much minutes untill now.