Former Spur: Tiago Splitter

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

No, Baskonia never said anying about Mapfre. It was a lie.

Why did you lie?

:blah:rollin:lmao

You actually think I am dumb like most the others here? Piss off. Your antics have no way of tricking me. You only appear when you have been proven wrong anyway. No one here even likes you chump.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

lol @ trolls getting angry. Dude..you're going to be a fucking ST legend...everyone knows you're a fake Greek because of your obvious tell. Any time you get pissed off, you speak English just fine...otherwise, it's as broken down as your Greek players..

Your lies are pathetic as hell. My grammar is the same in every post. Who the fuck do you think is stupid enough to believe your pathetic shit?

[ChumpDumper]

:blah:rollin:lmao

You actually think I am dumb like most the others here? Piss off. Your antics have no way of tricking me. You only appear when you have been proven wrong anyway. No one here even likes you chump.I never said anything about Baskonia's situation.

I simply read your lie about Mapfre's being the new sponsor and now I am asking you why you lied about it?

Why did you lie about it?

[Spursfan092120]

At first Baskonia said they were but then the NEXT DAY Caja Laboral made the same money offer but for one more year so they switched at the last second. You fucking idiot. Learn to fucking read Spanish. And stop being a lazy bastard and check out Baskonia's website you tool.

Stupid fucks like you basing everything of European game from these stupid lying pricks Mountainballer and Bruno..............bunch of morons.
http://thebeautybrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/liar.jpg

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I never said anything about Baskonia's situation.

I simply read your lie about Mapfre's being the new sponsor and now I am asking you why you lied about it?

Why did you lie about it?

You are a fucking idiot. For the last time your stupid little antic does not work on me.

[Spursfan092120]

Your lies are pathetic as hell. My grammar is the same in every post. Who the fuck do you think is stupid enough to believe your pathetic shit?
LMAO...I guess everyone on the damn site is stupid enough to believe me...because they all say the same shit...lol @ the angry troll

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/myfask/258Troll_spray.jpg?t=1248648941

[ChumpDumper]

You are a fucking idiot. For the last time your stupid little antic does not work on me.I just want to know why you lied.

It's like the time you lied about the NBA's expansion into Europe being finalized. Why did you lie then?

[Spursfan092120]

You are a fucking idiot. For the last time your stupid little antic does not work on me.
Why did you lie that Bourousis was coming to the Spurs? You said it was almost a done deal, and he for SURE would not go back to Greece...why did you lie, KBP? Why?
http://www.birkoph.com/illusions/illusion-liar.gif

[benefactor]

I have to be honest...this site would be a lot less fun without KBP.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I have to be honest...this site would be a lot less fun without KBP.

I do not understand who so many here get so angry with me?

:flag:

[Shastafarian]

I do not understand who so many here get so angry with me?


Probably the smell.

[benefactor]

I do not understand who so many here get so angry with me?

:flag:
To watch you get angry back....hence the reason for your entertainment value.

[Bender]

I don't follow euroball, so I don't know what's going on and who's right and who's wrong, but the KBP vs everyone else threads are pretty entertaining.

[TheProfessor]

I do not understand who so many here get so angry with me?

:flag:
It's probably all the lying.

[Spursfan092120]

I don't follow euroball, so I don't know what's going on and who's right and who's wrong, but the KBP vs everyone else threads are pretty entertaining.
LOL...KBP has got to be the only troll where everyone else is actually the troll on him.

[D-ROB 50]

This thread has gotten very deceptive. Every time I log on I check the think tank and when the last comment is about Splitter I check it to see whats up with Tiago. Instead I get a whole bunch of people arguing with KBP cant we just cut this bullshit and stay on topic? Please.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

This thread has gotten very deceptive. Every time I log on I check the think tank and when the last comment is about Splitter I check it to see whats up with Tiago. Instead I get a whole bunch of people arguing with KBP cant we just cut this bullshit and stay on topic? Please.

Yes. The others here need to grow up.:rolleyes

[Spursfan092120]

Yes. The others here need to grow up.:rolleyes



You can fucking GTFO and go burn in hell with the other liars Bruno and Mountainballer. They are the real ones that deserve a pink. You fucking idiots are a joke.
:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Real Madrid paid 1 million euros net cash to Caja Laboral for Sergi Vidal.

"But, but, but where will they get money to offer Splitter anymore contracts?":blah

[Spursfan092120]

Blair > Splitter.

:D

[Libri]

They are showing right now, Brazil against Puerto Rico on ESPN Deportes. I don't know if it's live or not but Splitter has just scored with a hook shot and had a nice assist in the post.

[Libri]

Splitter with another hook shot. He has scored 7 more points.

He's showing some good post moves.

He now made a stupid decision by fouling a 3-pt shooter.

[Libri]

Splitter back in with 6 minutes in the second quarter.

Another assist by Splitter.

He again bites on a fake, commits the foul and goes to the bench.

[rayray2k8]

thanks.

[Libri]

Splitter with 11 pts at the half. He looks mobile. Also, he provided some good screens and scored all of his points in the paint. It seems that he likes to use the hook shot. The only problem was that he got into foul trouble and was biting on pump fakes.

[TimDunkem]

I think I have ESPN Deportes. Do you have any idea when Splitter and his club will make an appearance again?

[Libri]

I think I have ESPN Deportes. Do you have any idea when Splitter and his club will make an appearance again?

I don't know when they are going to show the games but I noticed that ESPN360 will show some online.

[tomtom]

FIBA Americas Qualifier: Day 8 (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-44-6/FIBA-Americas-Qualifier--Day-8.html)


Tiago Splitter will have his left knee examined by Brazil's team doctors to determine the severity of his injury, following a collision with a Canadian player in the first game of Group X of the second round.

"It was a shot to the knee," said Splitter after the game. "It hurts a little."

Splitter suffered the knee injury almost at the end of the first half. Monsalve decided to bench him in the fourth quarter.

"We will examine him and see what decision is made in terms of game time," said Monsalve, while watching the game between Panama and Uruguay.

No wonder his minutes have been very low to none in the past few days

[Libri]

Splitter scored 17 points in a preseason win against Lagun Aro GBC.

http://www.baskonia.com/es/noticias_general.asp?id_noticia=2356

[Libri]

Splitter begins the regular season on the 11th and the Euroleague on the 21st.

[Libri]

Splitter's stats for the first game of the season.

7-11 FG, 6 Reb, 16 points

[Thompson]

Thanks Libri. Are you actually able to watch the games, or are you reading the boxscores? How does Splitter look, is he pretty good defensively?

[Libri]

^I have been reading the boxscores and some articles.

I've been looking for live stream or video but I haven't been able to find one. If I do, I'll post it so that we can watch how he plays. :toast

[Bruno]

Spanish league has a live streaming feature this year. It's free until the end of the month, so enjoy it: http://acb360.orange.es/

I've watched Nando's game yesterday and the quality is good.

[Libri]

Spanish league has a live streaming feature this year. It's free until the end of the month, so enjoy it: http://acb360.orange.es/

I've watched Nando's game yesterday and the quality is good.

That's excellent! Thanks for posting.

[Obstructed_View]

Okay this thread is showing that it has 12 pages, but when I click on pages 11 or 12 it goes back to page 10. Is the bug in the forum software getting worse? There's no way there's two pages of posts by people that are being ignored, is there?

*remembers KBP*

Oh yeah.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Okay this thread is showing that it has 12 pages, but when I click on pages 11 or 12 it goes back to page 10. Is the bug in the forum software getting worse? There's no way there's two pages of posts by people that are being ignored, is there?

*remembers KBP*

Oh yeah.

maybe servers are buzy man, it happens in all the threads ive seen....

hey any updates on nando besides splitter?

looks like its only these 2 that are active atm in europe for the spurs, while every other rights we have stash in europe are just not living up to expectations....hey about sanikidz, how come he didnt get a invite for preseason?

[Solid D]

Here is the listing for Thursday's Euroleague game for Splitter with Caja Laboral.

Lottomatica Roma vs. Caja Laboral October 22, 2009 20:30 20:30
Italy: SPORTITALIA (20:30 CET) Israel: CHANNEL 5 (20:30 CET)
Spain: ETB 1 (20:30 CET) Greece: NOVASPORTS 3 (20:30 CET)
Russia: NTV+ (20:30 CET) Internet: EUROLEAGUE.TV (20:30 CET)

[Solid D]

http://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamenumber=1&gamecode=8&phasetypecode=RS

Splitter's stats were okay versus Lottomatica but Caja loses by 12.

Splitter 17 points, 9 Rebs, 4 Assists, 3 TO, 1 Blk in 33:50 minutes

[Bruno]

Caja Laboral also lost by 25 against Barcelona at the Copa del Rey. They only have won games against average Spanish teams.

For the moment, they are clearly one step behind their last year level.

[mountainballer]

http://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamenumber=1&gamecode=8&phasetypecode=RS

Splitter's stats were okay versus Lottomatica but Caja loses by 12.

Splitter 17 points, 9 Rebs, 4 Assists, 3 TO, 1 Blk in 33:50 minutes

Caja could have lost by 20 or more, if Roma didn't take it easy in the last quarter.
(to easy, they almost risked to allow Caja to come back). Caja doesn't look good, Roma isn't exactly a powerhouse, also not this season. Tiago is clearly the only top player left, after him they have a big quality gap. with Teletovic, who is a good player, he could form a decent front court, but they will starve with this weak back court.
they are in a pretty strong group and might even struggle to make the top16. I guess they will still make it, but they won't make the top 8 play offs. no reason for Tiago to stay with this team after 2010, if he wants to win something.

[ChumpDumper]

Splitter scored 26 points on 10-14 shooting in 31 minutes in his latest Euroleague game against Maccabi. Also got seven boards, a block and two steals. Caja Laboral won 86-81.

http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Euroleague/2009/1029_108_159.asp

[Bruno]

I've watched the game and Splitter destroyed them on a low block. He was Duncanesque.

He would definitively look great in silver and black. :depressed

[Mel_13]

I've watched the game and Splitter destroyed them on a low block. He was Duncanesque.

He would definitively look great in silver and black. :depressed

If we assume he's ready to leave Spain, is there anyone other than the top-2 Greek teams that could offer him enough to keep him away from the Spurs? Would they even be that interested given the bigs they already have under contract?

I want to believe that it will take a really big offer to keep him out of the NBA this time around.

[objective]

the near guarantee of a work stoppage might be enough to convince Splitter to stay in Europe.

[Bruno]

If we assume he's ready to leave Spain, is there anyone other than the top-2 Greek teams that could offer him enough to keep him away from the Spurs? Would they even be that interested given the bigs they already have under contract?

I want to believe that it will take a really big offer to keep him out of the NBA this time around.

The threat could come from inside Spain.

Something to know about Europe are quotas rules. In Spanish league, a team can only have 2 Americans players and 5 European players. The rest of the roster (4 or 5 players) must be filed with Spanish players. Besides the Brazilian nationality, Splitter has also the Spanish nationality and is considered as a Spanish player.

Apply to that the law of the market: there are few quality Spanish players available and teams need a lot of them. A Spanish player will get more money than an European player of the same level and the American player will get the less money (that's why Darius Washington is Macedonian and Melvin Sanders Georgian).

In Spain, there are two big teams with Barcelona and Real Madrid. They could make a big offer to Splitter (like €2.5M per year). He is also paid around €1.5M per year by Caja Laboral and could decide to stay with them.

Outside Madrid, Barcelona, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, I don't see a team right now able to offer him a lot of money. They were a lot of money in Russia a year ago but almost all the money is gone and isn't back for the moment.

I don't know how bad Splitter want to play in NBA. When asked about it this summer, the whole "NBA is my dream" talk was gone and it was something like "we will talk in 2010 and see what their offer is."

And we will see the dollar/Euro conversion rate will be newt summer but it doesn't look good on that side for the moment (€1 = $1.5)

[Mel_13]

The threat could come from inside Spain.

Something to know about Europe are quotas rules. In Spanish league, a team can only have 2 Americans players and 5 European players. The rest of the roster (4 or 5 players) must be filed with Spanish players. Besides the Brazilian nationality, Splitter has also the Spanish nationality and is considered as a Spanish player.

Apply to that the law of the market: there are few quality Spanish players available and teams need a lot of them. A Spanish player will get more money than an European player of the same level and the American player will get the less money (that's why Darius Washington is Macedonian and Melvin Sanders Georgian).

In Spain, there are two big teams with Barcelona and Real Madrid. They could make a big offer to Splitter (like €2.5M per year). He is also paid around €1.5M per year by Caja Laboral and could decide to stay with them.

Outside Madrid, Barcelona, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, I don't see a team right now able to offer him a lot of money. They were a lot of money in Russia a year ago but almost all the money is gone and isn't back for the moment.

I don't know how bad Splitter want to play in NBA. When asked about it this summer, the whole "NBA is my dream" talk was gone and it was something like "we will talk in 2010 and see what their offer is."

And we will see the dollar/Euro conversion rate will be newt summer but it doesn't look good on that side for the moment (€1 = $1.5)

Thanks.

One or two more questions. My understanding is that Splitter has an NBA buyout clause. In other words, he pays the specified price and he is free to sign with an NBA team.

Is the same true for a Spanish or Greek team? Is there a fixed number or must the price be negotiated? Is Caja Laboral obligated to release him if a certain price is offered? It seems as if the price would be very steep to let him go to another ACB team.

Thanks again:toast

[Bruno]

Thanks.

One or two more questions. My understanding is that Splitter has an NBA buyout clause. In other words, he pays the specified price and he is free to sign with an NBA team.

Is the same true for a Spanish or Greek team? Is there a fixed number or must the price be negotiated? Is Caja Laboral obligated to release him if a certain price is offered? It seems as if the price would be very steep to let him go to another ACB team.

Thanks again:toast

What was said when he signed his new contract is that he haw two buyouts: one for the NBA and one significantly bigger for another European team.

If Splitter buyout works like the other European buyouts, the buyout number is fixed and Caja Laboral can't keep him if the buyout is paid. There can always have some negotiations to lower the buyout.

Caja Laboral is a small team that made some of its money from selling its players. This summer they sold Prigioni and Vidal to Madrid. Getting the most money with Splitter is maybe more important than not seeing with a rival.

You can imagine a scenario like:
Splitter buyout for the NBA is €1M and is €5M for Europe.
Spurs made an offer to Splitter and so does a top team in Europe.
Splitter then said to Caja Laboral: "Either I go to the NBA and you get €1M or you accept to lower the buyout to another European team at €3M, I sign with them and you get €3M"
IMO, Caja Laboral will make the money choice.

Even if in his contract Splitter's buyout for Europe is ten times higher than for the NBA, it doesn't really matter.

[Mel_13]

What was said when he signed his new contract is that he haw two buyouts: one for the NBA and one significantly bigger for another European team.

If Splitter buyout works like the other European buyouts, the buyout number is fixed and Caja Laboral can't keep him if the buyout is paid. There can always have some negotiations to lower the buyout.

Caja Laboral is a small team that made some of its money from selling its players. This summer they sold Prigioni and Vidal to Madrid. Getting the most money with Splitter is maybe more important than not seeing with a rival.

You can imagine a scenario like:
Splitter buyout for the NBA is €1M and is €5M for Europe.
Spurs made an offer to Splitter and so does a top team in Europe.
Splitter then said to Caja Laboral: "Either I go to the NBA and you get €1M or you accept to lower the buyout to another European team at €3M, I sign with them and you get €3M"
IMO, Caja Laboral will make the money choice.

Even if in his contract Splitter's buyout for Europe is ten times higher than for the NBA, it doesn't really matter.

Interesting, thanks again.

[CGD]

What was said when he signed his new contract is that he haw two buyouts: one for the NBA and one significantly bigger for another European team.

If Splitter buyout works like the other European buyouts, the buyout number is fixed and Caja Laboral can't keep him if the buyout is paid. There can always have some negotiations to lower the buyout.

Caja Laboral is a small team that made some of its money from selling its players. This summer they sold Prigioni and Vidal to Madrid. Getting the most money with Splitter is maybe more important than not seeing with a rival.

You can imagine a scenario like:
Splitter buyout for the NBA is €1M and is €5M for Europe.
Spurs made an offer to Splitter and so does a top team in Europe.
Splitter then said to Caja Laboral: "Either I go to the NBA and you get €1M or you accept to lower the buyout to another European team at €3M, I sign with them and you get €3M"
IMO, Caja Laboral will make the money choice.

Even if in his contract Splitter's buyout for Europe is ten times higher than for the NBA, it doesn't really matter.

Awesome insight. Considering what you have explained, and assuming European clubs will also enter the bidding next summer, how much do you think the Spurs will have to offer Splitter to entice him to come to SA?

[Bruno]

Awesome insight. Considering what you have explained, and assuming European clubs will also enter the bidding next summer, how much do you think the Spurs will have to offer Splitter to entice him to come to SA?

If Spurs want to match offers from biggest team in Europe, I woudl say their offer should be around $4M per year.

I also don't see Spurs starting a bidding war with teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. IMO, they will make an offer and let Splitter decide between playing in the NBA and getting more money in Europe.

The main NBA edge is that he will play in a way better league than in Europe. There is also the attraction of the big contract. If Splitter signs a 3 years contract with a player option on the third year, he could get a big contract in 2012 (he will be 30 at that time).

[Mel_13]

If Spurs want to match offers from biggest team in Europe, I woudl say their offer should be around $4M per year.

I also don't see Spurs starting a bidding war with teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. IMO, they will make an offer and let Splitter decide between playing in the NBA and getting more money in Europe.

The main NBA edge is that he will play in a way better league than in Europe. There is also the attraction of the big contract. If Splitter signs a 3 years contract with a player option on the third year, he could get a big contract in 2012 (he will be 30 at that time).

He'll be 27 in 2012.

[Bruno]

He'll be 27 in 2012.

Oops, thanks. :toast

[CGD]

Playing the NBA is the big carrot, but I wonder how Splitter sees the additions we've made upfront affecting his desire to come next summer. Conceivably, he'd come the Spurs as the 5th big in the rotation (assuming we resign Bonner, and Blair continues to evolve). Has the player given any indication that he wants guaranteed minutes, etc.?

[dc_spursfan]

Playing the NBA is the big carrot, but I wonder how Splitter sees the additions we've made upfront affecting his desire to come next summer. Conceivably, he'd come the Spurs as the 5th big in the rotation (assuming we resign Bonner, and Blair continues to evolve). Has the player given any indication that he wants guaranteed minutes, etc.?

Tiago probably has been told he will get major minutes if he comes over. The Spurs have been looking for a center for awhile. Blair is really no threat to him seeing as undersized PF, limited offensively and really can't play Center.

[objective]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember an issue the last time he was up to come over that the lack of being promised a big role/starter was a concern. Because the Spurs don't promise minutes to any one, as they say.

If I'm wrong I apologize.

[dc_spursfan]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember an issue the last time he was up to come over that the lack of being promised a big role/starter was a concern. Because the Spurs don't promise minutes to any one, as they say.

If I'm wrong I apologize.

Yes it was a concern last time but the Spurs had more big body's at lower a cost and the team overseas gave him a great contract. At his age it made more sense sign the bigger deal. The Spurs by there own omission concede they really didn't do much improving the last couple of year cause they were such a solid team. Pau was Mem, Aldridge was average, Howard was extremely raw, KG was Stuck in Minny and Bynum just came into the League. Pop knows eventually he will need a young big who can become a decent low defender with some offensive skills.
His opitions of find those traits in the draft and FA will be difficult.
I can see Pop because of those reason making a promise to Tiago on a reasonable amount of playing time. Tiago can look at this team and see he will get playing time. Ian contract wasn't picked up, Blair is a undersized PF, Pop wants to minimize Duncan's minutes, Dice and Theo at there age are not 40 minute guys. Honestly the only person he has to worry about is Bonner cause Pop like Bonner ability to space the floor.

[tav1]

Oops, thanks. :toast

Being 27 actually puts him in a position to earn at least two good NBA contracts, if he extends his first until he's 30, he'll still be young enough to command a good price on the market.

[Bruno]

http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/mickeal/index.php


Tiago is a great player and the whole world needs to see him in the NBA. I hope in two years he go to the NBA and maybe he will replace Tim Duncan in a few years when he’s done playing.

Pete Mickael was Splitter's teammate between 2007 and 2009.

[Ice009]

http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/mickeal/index.php


Pete Mickael was Splitter's teammate between 2007 and 2009.

When was that blog written? Go to the NBA is two years??????

Does he mean next season? We need him here next season.

[mystargtr34]

Im sure it was just a throw away line... i dont think Mikael knows the exact situation with the Spurs and Tiago...

I remember him saying something about Splitter about a year ago... good praise.

[kobyz]

Splitter will be one of the best centers in the NBA, it was a great pick by R.C. - Splitter was a top 5 talent in that draft and we gut him late in the first round, it was bigger steal than the Blair pick!!

[objective]

Is he still thought to be better than Marc Gasol?

[Penya]

Is he still thought to be better than Marc Gasol?

Marc is a tougher player, but Tiago has unique skills in Europe, and he'll be such an especial player in NBA

[admiralsnackbar]

Can people who have seen Splitter play opine on how compatible a Blair/Splitter post tandem would work? I ask because Blair seems to be most effective under the basket, and I foresee spacing issues if Tiago thrives in the same location.

[mountainballer]

the two don't look like the most natural fit together, but this doesn't mean much at this point IMO. and it's always about two directions. on defense I can see them fit well. Blair as the space eater below the rim, he is stronger and the better rebounder than Tiago. Tiago as the much more mobile of the two will be a better fit for defending PFs, especially on those who constantly step out.
on offense it will be problematic, considering Tiago lacks any range. this will be a difficult thing, to find a role for both alongside on offense.
on the other hand, both seem to be pretty smart and understand what they need to do. a good option might be, that Tiago can put the ball on the floor and drive by his defender. and he is a very good passer and also sets good screens. so it should be possible to find a role for him, operating from the high post. more as a facilitator, than as the primary post scorer.

[Mel_13]

the two don't look like the most natural fit together, but this doesn't mean much at this point IMO. and it's always about two directions. on defense I can see them fit well. Blair as the space eater below the rim, he is stronger and the better rebounder than Tiago. Tiago as the much more mobile of the two will be a better fit for defending PFs, especially on those who constantly step out.
on offense it will be problematic, considering Tiago lacks any range. this will be a difficult thing, to find a role for both alongside on offense.
on the other hand, both seem to be pretty smart and understand what they need to do. a good option might be, that Tiago can put the ball on the floor and drive by his defender. and he is a very good passer and also sets good screens. so it should be possible to find a role for him, operating from the high post. more as a facilitator, than as the primary post scorer.

Plus having two young, talented, reasonably priced big men is a problem most teams would like to have. Even if their games do not perfectly compliment one another. Having made the RJ and Dice decisions, Splitter represents the best chance for a real talent infusion next summer.

[admiralsnackbar]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[mystargtr34]

Caja defeated Union Olimpija 82-76

Splitter had an average line

30 MIN
11 PTS
7 RBS
2 AST
1 BLK
3-7 FG
5-7 FT

Through three games in Euroleague, Caja is 2-1....

Tiago's numbers....

32 MPG
18 PPG
7.7 RPG
2.7 APG
60% FG
1 BPG

[mystargtr34]

I havent watched the game so i cant really say any more....

Few photos

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/c6/fullj.1607fee4deed9531589960f53ec7cef0/1607fee4deed9531589960f53ec7cef0-getty-basket-euroleague-olimpija-caja_laboral.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/2b/fullj.24e0063bc47448b2fd7dd7ca15327e09/24e0063bc47448b2fd7dd7ca15327e09-getty-basket-euroleague-olimpija-caja_laboral.jpg

[CGD]

Plus having two young, talented, reasonably priced big men is a problem most teams would like to have. Even if their games do not perfectly compliment one another. Having made the RJ and Dice decisions, Splitter represents the best chance for a real talent infusion next summer.

I agree. I'm concerned on the Splitter end though. If I'm him, I look at the Spurs depth chart and see 4 guys ahead of me at the 4/5 position (I definitely see the Spurs bringing back Bonner). Unlike in summers past, there is no obvious vacancy where Splitter would have "guaranteed" minutes. This may be the sole negative about landing Blair in the 2nd.

But I still have my fingers crossed...

[tp2021]

I agree. I'm concerned on the Splitter end though. If I'm him, I look at the Spurs depth chart and see 4 guys ahead of me at the 4/5 position (I definitely see the Spurs bringing back Bonner). Unlike in summers past, there is no obvious vacancy where Splitter would have "guaranteed" minutes. This may be the sole negative about landing Blair in the 2nd.

But I still have my fingers crossed...

The way I see it, this year Bonner will have his role reduced from starter to bench big for good. McDyess will take over the starting spot next to Tim, which is how next year will begin, until Splitter shows that he is capable of starting. Dice came off the bench at times in Detroit; if it helps the team, he will put his ego away, and that's part of why the Spurs got him.

I don't foresee Pop starting the Beast over Splitter, but we could very well see them start together on the 2nd night of B2Bs.

[yavozerb]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY9ZpAlVJNg

I think this guy will do just fine with TP...

[ChumpDumper]

I agree. I'm concerned on the Splitter end though. If I'm him, I look at the Spurs depth chart and see 4 guys ahead of me at the 4/5 position (I definitely see the Spurs bringing back Bonner). Unlike in summers past, there is no obvious vacancy where Splitter would have "guaranteed" minutes. This may be the sole negative about landing Blair in the 2nd.

But I still have my fingers crossed...If I'm Splitter, I look at the depth chart and see one guy ahead of me at the 4/5 position, maybe two but not for long.

[Blackjack]

I agree. If Splitter comes over next year, the rotation will most likely be: Duncan, 'Dyess, Blair, Splitter, Bonner, and a vet. min. or draft pick. -- Duncan and Splitter would be the only two legitimate 4/5's --

I don't see the Spurs starting Duncan and 'Dyess together from start-to-finish next season, so I could see 'Dyess going back to the bench role he became accustomed to in Detroit and either Blair or Splitter starting; once Splitter's acclimated.

Bonner then becomes a really nice option off the bench that compliments the inside play of Duncan, Splitter, and Blair quite well.

If Splitter doesn't believe he can get meaningful minutes on a team that only has one player legitimately 6-10 or taller, he's not worth the majority of the MLE that we expect him to command.

[BWS-1994]

I don't see the Spurs starting Duncan and 'Dyess together from start-to-finish next season, so I could see 'Dyess going back to the bench role he became accustomed to in Detroit and either Blair or Splitter starting; once Splitter's acclimated.



+1

It would motivate Splitter's more to work hard for that starting slot.

And a loaded frontline - great problem to have :tu

[mogrovejo]

Splitter and Blair is a decent combination defensively - Splitter's weakness is rebounding and Blair has plenty of it and his mobility, length and quickness can make up for some of Blair's deficiencies - but I don't like it from an offensive standpoint - none of them has any kind of range.

edit: meh... what mountainballer said some posts above.

[mountainballer]

hey, nice rebounding by Tiago.
15 reb. this weekend against Fuenlabrada.
as far as I can tell, this is his career high!

[venitian navigator]

If Splitter comes next year, I see him paired with Tim in the starting line up or with Mc Dyess in the reserve line up...(I prefer the first option; in the second option, the starting bigs would be Duncan-Bonner or Duncan-Blair...and Bonner already show that's better plaiyg in a reserve role, while Blair at the moment - also if I trust the player's potential to improve a lot in the comng months - doesn't look like starting material).
That's 'cause in offense Splitter needs at the some time an outside shooter and a good rebounder to compliment him (Timmy and Mac D, as for now, have an absolutely better outside shot than Blair, and Bonner is not a good enough rebounder).
I write Bonner too 'cause if Bonner go on playing like this he will be obviously re-signed...

[mountainballer]

after some quite games in the 2 weeks before, Tiago had some pretty decent games this week, either in the Spanish league (14-8-4) and last night in the Euroleague (15-8-3).

his numbers are similar to his last seasons, but there are still some interesting (positive) tendencies to notice.
rebounding numbers (also per minute) are improved, this is a result of a higher workload he has to shoulder on the boards, after the departure of McDonald and Mickael. (especially the offensive rebound was McDonald's job) he still isn't a monster on the boards, but what looked like a weakness in previous seasons in fact isn't a big issue.
he less help in the front court allows the defense to focus more on Tiago, result is lower FG% (still good at 52 and 56%), but he goes to the line more frequently and hit's his FTs on a much improved rate (75%). also his assist numbers improved significantly over the last two seasons.
overall Tiago is more or less the same player like last season, but with an improved overall game.

[angelbelow]

Nice to hear that his FT's are improving.

[Chieflion]

I have been seeing the numbers, guys, but what about those things numbers can't see? Like defense for example. Is his defense good, average, below average, excellent, great, elite in his league and the Euroleague? How does he usually play defense?

[Mal]

I have been seeing the numbers, guys, but what about those things numbers can't see? Like defense for example. Is his defense good, average, below average, excellent, great, elite in his league and the Euroleague? How does he usually play defense?


I would say that he is excellent defender. He plays physical defens, it isn`t easy to score on him. He has great footwork. He can block some shot. He is moving his opponets to mid range jump shots.

Fouls are still a problem for him, but he is still improving, so now he moreoften stays in match endings.

I`m sure he will be a great improvment to Spurs roster. He is a great fit to Duncan and McDyess.

[Gooshie]

Not sure if anyone saw this, but the other night on NBAtv before the Spus-Clips game, the studio hosts (one of them was Steve Smith) interviewed Sean Elliott.

They mentioned that Tim has been looking for a legit 7-foot sidekick ever since D-Rob retired, and they asked Sean who on this current roster is gonna try and fill that role this year.

Sean, without hesitation, said something along the lines of: "We already have that guy, but unfortunately he plays in Europe. Tiago Splitter is the guy who we hope to team with Duncan starting next year. He's the best big man in Europe right now...."

Anyways, I thought it was interesting to hear Sean talk about Tiago. Hopefully he comes over next year.

[Spurs da champs]

Give a Ian a fucking chance he's the only other player besides duncan over 6'10 on the roster.

[objective]

I think I already posted it on this thread, but I think it still holds . . .

I don't think Splitter would come as long as there's the threat of a work stoppage, which just about everyone is certain will happen.

Work stoppage = lost money. And Splitter has proven that despite how he feels about the NBA, and he once felt so good about it he travelled to SA for a press conference, that money is probably the biggest factor in his decisions.

He's not going to pay his own buyout only to risk sitting out without a paycheck for up to an entire season when he can make more money in Spain or Greece.

[angelbelow]

I'm hoping a 3 year 12 million dollar deal will be enough to bring him over. But may take up to the MLE but I hope he comes over next year.

[Libri]

Splitter is currently the leading scorer for Caja Laboral and the team is second in the standings.

After 16 games his stats look like this.

28.5 Min, 15.4 pts, 54% FGs, 82% FTs, 7.3 Rbs

[yavozerb]

I expect the spurs to bring splitter over next year and that he will be able start at center from day 1. The guy plays above average defense and has above average passing ability for a big man as well.

[scola4]

Splitter's last game 10/01/2010

http://acb360.orange.es/matches/LACB/54/151

[angelbelow]

Splitter's last game 10/01/2010

http://acb360.orange.es/matches/LACB/54/151

thx

[scola4]

highlights euroleague CSKA Moscow - Caja Laboral

http://acbtv.acb.com/video/2434

[Bukefal]

Thanks for Scola4!

Welcome btw :toast

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs will be offering Splitter the starting 5 spot and a good chunk, if not all, of the MLE.

Maybe I'm wrong, but the Spurs seem certain he'll be joining the team in the summer. You'd be so nonchalant with a Mahinmi if Splitter was a lock, IMO.

[angelbelow]

highlights euroleague CSKA Moscow - Caja Laboral

http://acbtv.acb.com/video/2434

Thanks. Didn't see many plays that involved Splitter - too bad.

[timvp]

The Spurs will be offering Splitter the starting 5 spot and a good chunk, if not all, of the MLE.

Maybe I'm wrong, but the Spurs seem certain he'll be joining the team in the summer. You'd be so nonchalant with a Mahinmi if Splitter was a lock, IMO.

Yeah, that would explain what the Spurs have done with Mahinmi. "If we can't re-sign him and he's more of a project player, why play him?" Makes sense, I guess .... as long as Splitter actually signs.

[Blackjack]

They're definitely planning on him coming here next year. At least, their actions and Lindsey's words during that season-ticket holders meeting earlier in the year would have you believe so.

Looking at the frontcourt rotation moving forward, it's fairly predictable what they're planning and what we should expect to see:

-Duncan

-'Dyess

-Blair

-Bonner

-Splitter

-Vet. free-agent/ draft pick with D-League eligibility

They obviously didn't think he'd warrant minutes above their two younger bigs (Blair and Splitter) and when you throw in Tim and 'Dyess, the minutes just aren't there; with no D-League eligibility or minutes available with the Spurs, Mahinmmi would be left to ride the bench.

A lose-lose for the Spurs and Mahinmi..

[objective]

they planned on him coming in 08, that didn't work out so well. RC was left stuttering and fumbling for an explanation and had to go to the "he'll be in a good program" card.

Banking on Splitter signing, when Splitter has bailed on the Spurs before and people around the league are swearing that there will be a lockout in summer 2011 is incredibly risky.

[Blackjack]

It is what it is. Can't say I'm in full agreement with it, but it clearly looks to be their plan moving forward..

[TD 21]

They're definitely planning on him coming here next year. At least, their actions and Lindsey's words during that season-ticket holders meeting earlier in the year would have you believe so.

Looking at the frontcourt rotation moving forward, it's fairly predictable what they're planning and what we should expect to see:

-Duncan

-'Dyess

-Blair

-Bonner

-Splitter

-Vet. free-agent/ draft pick with D-League eligibility

They obviously didn't think he'd warrant minutes above their two younger bigs (Blair and Splitter) and when you throw in Tim and 'Dyess, the minutes just aren't there; with no D-League eligibility or minutes available with the Spurs, Mahinmmi would be left to ride the bench.

A lose-lose for the Spurs and Mahinmi..

Someone is going to get squeezed for minutes if this is in fact how the front court shakes down next season. All of these guys figure to be 16-32 mpg players, but you can't have a five man big rotation, which is why I'm wondering if Splitter signs, if that then leaves Bonner on the outs.

Maybe this was the logic behind the Haislip signing? Looking ahead a year to when Splitter will likely come over (and despite Holt's willingness to pay the tax, you know he wouldn't be against slashing payroll, particularly for a player like Bonner, who's not vital and on talent alone would clearly be fifth on the depth chart).

Haislip, while not the shooter Bonner is, has (albeit this is an extremely small sample size) shown the proclivity to make the three, he's far more athletic and best of all, he's cheap.

[Blackjack]

The way I look at it, 'Dyess' minutes will be cut and monitored to keep him fresh and healthy for the long run, and the vet. min./draft pick will be manning the bench or Toros. Bonner will have much the same role he's had to start this year (which is to say, as their best floor-spacer and even situational) while Blair and Splitter will fight for their respective minutes; Duncan is Duncan, we can expect much the same as we're seeing this year (minutes-wise).

Haislip, imo, was nothing more than a flier; ironically enough for his defensive potential. He was their attempt at finding an answer to the 3/4 conundrum, as he had the tools and athleticism, and the hunger to find his way back to the league; taking a flier on a guy who seemingly had all the tools and want-to to be in the league made sense.

Haislip just seems to be one of those zebras whose stripes won't change; this doesn't seem to have the characteristics of S. Jackson-like trajectory (in terms of riding the bench one year and finding the rotation the following).

[TD 21]

The way I look at it, 'Dyess' minutes will be cut and monitored to keep him fresh and healthy for the long run, and the vet. min./draft pick will be manning the bench or Toros. Bonner will have much the same role he's had to start this year (which is to say, as their best floor-spacer and even situational) while Blair and Splitter will fight for their respective minutes; Duncan is Duncan, we can expect much the same as we're seeing this year (minutes-wise).

Haislip, imo, was nothing more than a flier; ironically enough for his defensive potential. He was their attempt at finding an answer to the 3/4 conundrum, as he had the tools and athleticism, and the hunger to find his way back to the league; taking a flier on a guy who seemingly had all the tools and want-to to be in the league made sense.

Haislip just seems to be one of those zebras whose stripes won't change; this doesn't seem to have the characteristics of S. Jackson-like trajectory (in terms of riding the bench one year and finding the rotation the following).

That would be my guess too, but how much more can they be cut? Are the Spurs going to pay McDyess the full mid-level exception next season to possibly sit out one game of each back to back set and only average, say, fifteen minutes per game?

Probably. Maybe, though, the Spurs were looking ahead and felt Haislip could be a cheaper, more athletic Bonner replacement. We can talk about limiting McDyess' minutes to keep him from and healthy for the long run, etc., but at the end of the day the Spurs will face this predicament: five rotation bigs all likely expecting to play at least around twenty minutes per game. If one is gone and Haislip is kept as a cheaper alternative (I'm not advocating this, though), then it clears the minutes breakdown up.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Bourousis just destroyed Splitter.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

http://www.euroleague.net/main/resul...asetypecode=TS

Splitter:

31 minutes

4/10 FG
0/0 3 PT FG
2/4 FT

10 points
6 rebounds
1 assist

1 steal
0 blocks

10 player ranking

Bourousis:

23 minutes

7/12 FG
2/5 3 PT FG
2/2 FT

18 points
11 rebounds
1 assist

1 steal
0 blocks

24 player ranking


Like I say here many times, Bourousis is much better center than Splitter no matter what Spurs managers say.

[will_spurs]

Splitter sidelined by ankle injury

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4047236#post4047236

[Bruno]

Splitter came back from his injury one week ago. Caja Laboral lost in Euroleague last Thursday and isn't in a good situation in this competition. They won their ACB game Sunday against Valencia. Tiago was great, Nando sucked.

Tursday is the start of the "Copa del Rey" tournament. Spurs will have Buford, Lindsey and Crippa in Spain to watch this tournament. :stirpot:

[8FOR!3]

So is there a chance this guy will be playing for the Spurs anytime soon? I don't know much about him, but there's a lot of hype around these boards surrounding him.

[Bruno]

Splitter doesn't play the "Copa del Rey" because he aggravate his ankle injury. He is out for 2-3 weeks. Without him, Caja laboral lost by 28 points against Real Madrid. Caja Laboral has also some troubles in Euroleague and could be eliminated this week.

The bad news about Splitter is that Real Madrid is said to be very interested in him and, unlike Caja Laboral, they have a lot of money:
http://www.noticiasdealava.com/2010/02/23/baskonia/el-madrid-abre-la-puja-por-splitter

[Brazil]

Splitter doesn't play the "Copa del Rey" because he aggravate his ankle injury. He is out for 2-3 weeks. Without him, Caja laboral lost by 28 points against Real Madrid. Caja Laboral has also some troubles in Euroleague and could be eliminated this week.

The bad news about Splitter is that Real Madrid is said to be very interested in him and, unlike Caja Laboral, they have a lot of money:
http://www.noticiasdealava.com/2010/02/23/baskonia/el-madrid-abre-la-puja-por-splitter

This splitter story is going to be very difficult, if Real Madrid wants him they will offer a bunch of money ! IMO the SA splitter landing isn't going to be an easy road at all. IMO the SA chances are below 50%

[mountainballer]

no surprise that some European top clubs want him.
no problem either if: Spurs in fact can offer more than the rookie scale (I guess this one has been confirmed) and in fact do it. yes, it might cost the whole MLE.
I really can't see Real match any offer. not because they didn't have the money. but at some point a coach will prefer to get 3 or 4 good players for the money they would trow at one.
however, if the Spurs try to lowball and just offer something in the 2 million region, he will go to Madrid.
the good news: if a coach like Messina wants him badly, it's the best commendation a player can get out of Europe and an indication that he might be in fact worth the money.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

no surprise that some European top clubs want him.
no problem either if: Spurs in fact can offer more than the rookie scale (I guess this one has been confirmed) and in fact do it. yes, it might cost the whole MLE.
I really can't see Real match any offer. not because they didn't have the money. but at some point a coach will prefer to get 3 or 4 good players for the money they would trow at one.
however, if the Spurs try to lowball and just offer something in the 2 million region, he will go to Madrid.
the good news: if a coach like Messina wants him badly, it's the best commendation a player can get out of Europe and an indication that he might be in fact worth the money.

You're spot on about Messina, it's a good indication of where Tiago sits as a player right now.IMO his game will translate easily to the NBA.

Doesn't Tiago have an outrageous buyout for European teams, much higher than his buyout if he's going to the NBA , though? Surely that'd swing the chances in the Spurs favor, unless they lowball him with a ridiculous offer. Besides, it'd be better for him to get an NBA contract before the 2011 new CBA, if he intends to have a long NBA career. Of course he might just be happy in Europe and wouldn't bother too much about the NBA, but this is something that's impossible for us to know, so I'll stick to the facts. And the facts are that his best chance to maximize his earnings is by sighning a 3 year up-to-the-MLE offer from the Spurs now in 2010, with the 3rd year as an option, so by 2012 he'd be in his prime and could sign a pretty hefty long term contract if he plays well.

Sounds logical to me, might be just my wishful thinking though.

[Mel_13]

You're spot on about Messina, it's a good indication of where Tiago sits as a player right now.IMO his game will translate easily to the NBA.

Doesn't Tiago have an outrageous buyout for European teams, much higher than his buyout if he's going to the NBA , though? Surely that'd swing the chances in the Spurs favor, unless they lowball him with a ridiculous offer. Besides, it'd be better for him to get an NBA contract before the 2011 new CBA, if he intends to have a long NBA career. Of course he might just be happy in Europe and wouldn't bother too much about the NBA, but this is something that's impossible for us to know, so I'll stick to the facts. And the facts are that his best chance to maximize his earnings is by sighning a 3 year up-to-the-MLE offer from the Spurs now in 2010, with the 3rd year as an option, so by 2012 he'd be in his prime and could sign a pretty hefty long term contract if he plays well.

Sounds logical to me, might be just my wishful thinking though.

I had the same thought back in October, but Bruno splashed a little cold water on it. From this thread:


One or two more questions. My understanding is that Splitter has an NBA buyout clause. In other words, he pays the specified price and he is free to sign with an NBA team.

Is the same true for a Spanish or Greek team? Is there a fixed number or must the price be negotiated? Is Caja Laboral obligated to release him if a certain price is offered? It seems as if the price would be very steep to let him go to another ACB team.


What was said when he signed his new contract is that he haw two buyouts: one for the NBA and one significantly bigger for another European team.

If Splitter buyout works like the other European buyouts, the buyout number is fixed and Caja Laboral can't keep him if the buyout is paid. There can always have some negotiations to lower the buyout.

Caja Laboral is a small team that made some of its money from selling its players. This summer they sold Prigioni and Vidal to Madrid. Getting the most money with Splitter is maybe more important than not seeing with a rival.

You can imagine a scenario like:
Splitter buyout for the NBA is €1M and is €5M for Europe.
Spurs made an offer to Splitter and so does a top team in Europe.
Splitter then said to Caja Laboral: "Either I go to the NBA and you get €1M or you accept to lower the buyout to another European team at €3M, I sign with them and you get €3M"
IMO, Caja Laboral will make the money choice.

Even if in his contract Splitter's buyout for Europe is ten times higher than for the NBA, it doesn't really matter.

[Bruno]

Caja Laboral has a big win in Russia against Khimki. Their odds to advance to the quarter final stage are now basically 50/50. Javtokas scored 17 points. Former Spur Keith Langford score 27 points for Khimki.

A little interview with Claudio Crippa about Splitter and De Colo:
q8pcy5sJrx0

[yavozerb]

Bruno, who is the guy being interviewed and is he tiago's coach?

[Bruno]

Bruno, who is the guy being interviewed and is he tiago's coach?

Crippa is Spurs' scout for the Europe.

[Ocotillo]

Javtokas scored 17 points.

Ah, message board fodder for the summer. :lol

[Bruno]

End of the Euroleague for Caja Laboral.
They strangely advance to the top 8 where they have been easily dominated by CSKA Moscow. They clearly lack of toughness and experience. Their guards were also really bad.

Splitter has had a difficult series against CSKA. It can be explained by the fact that he just came form an injury and that his teammates sucked.

What's next for Caja Laboral is the Spanish league. I expect them to lose in semi final against Real Madrid. The end of the season for Splitter should be between June 1st and June 4th. His choice for next year should come quickly after that. I'm cautionary optimistic he will choose SA and the NBA.

[benefactor]

Thanks for the update.

[mountainballer]

the good days of Vitoria seem to be over. they still got some nice talent (Teletovic, Eliyahu, Barac), but it doesn't look as if there is enough upside left to keep them in the top tire of Europe and reportedly they won't have the money for big new signings.
so Tiago will leave and it will be between Spurs and likely Real. (can't see Pana or Olympiacos pay the money considering they have young centers on expensive contracts). maybe also Barca.

I'm also pretty optimistic he chooses the Spurs. (in fact I'm more afraid about them lowballing him, than about Real to open a bidding war)

btw. Sasha Kaun played a big game for CSKA. he developed tremendously this season. could turn out that getting his rights from the Thunder for some bucks was a steal for the Cavs.
(he has a contract with CSKA till 2011, with a buyout 2010, worth 900K Euro per, that's something about 1.2 million $)

[Blackjack]

Tiago Splitter’s Adjusted Plus/Minus
by Timothy Varner

European basketball site In the Game (http://www.in-the-game.org/?p=6177) is running a long list of APM observations regarding some of Europe’s best players. Regarding San Antonio Spurs draftee Tiago Splitter, they write:

Keep reading → (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2010/04/05/tiago-splitters-adjusted-plusminus/#more-7339)

[Bruno]

26 points and 7 rebounds today for Splitter. :smokin

An interesting article about Splitter's future:
http://www.noticiasdealava.com/2010/04/17/baskonia/splitter-caja-laboral-o-nba

After all what has happened with Splitter, I'm still careful but it looked good.

[Blackjack]

So, from what I gather, they believe he'll either remain with the team or come to the Spurs; the probability he goes to another European team is very unlikely (ITO) and the ball is in the Spurs' court (although the $5M salary might be something they can match or it's not necessarily incentive enough to have him leave -- it gives them hope).

The chances he could be dealt to another team is something they believe to be against them, a la Scola, which does have them concerned.

The fact that I heard the ball's in the Spurs' court and that it will be one of two options (Spurs or Caja), that's at least a little promising; I'll be glad to know when this whole thing is resolved . . .

[angelbelow]

So, from what I gather, they believe he'll either remain with the team or come to the Spurs; the probability he goes to another European team is very unlikely (ITO) and the ball is in the Spurs' court (although the $5M salary might be something they can match or it's not necessarily incentive enough to have him leave -- it gives them hope).

The chances he could be dealt to another team is something they believe to be against them, a la Scola, which does have them concerned.

The fact that I heard the ball's in the Spurs' court and that it will be one of two options (Spurs or Caja), that's at least a little promising; I'll be glad to know when this whole thing is resolved . . .

thanks for the summary and i hope so too.

[Bruno]

The main point of this article is Querejeta (Caja Laboral's boss) saying that they aren't interesting in selling Splitter to another top team in Europe like Madrid.

Splitter is under contract with Caja Laboral until 2012. This summer he has a $1M opt out clause for the NBA and an opt out clause for other European teams that is crazy high (around $10M). What Querejeta is basically saying is that they won't let Splitter goes to another team in Europe for less than huge buyout even if it allowed them to make more money (like $3M).

Saying that, Querejeta is smart like a fox and it could be a trick to get more money from Real. It's also possible that Splitter still told them that he would go in the NBA and it's a PR move to tell that that BB is their first priority and that they will never sell their best player to their main rival for some money.

[Blackjack]

So, basically, it's a whole bunch of nothin' . . . :lol

Well, it might be somethin' but it could very well mean nothin'. :downspin:

Like I said before, I'll be glad when the whole Splitter situation is resolved.

[Bruno]

So, basically, it's a whole bunch of nothin' . . . :lol

Well, it might be somethin' but it could very well mean nothin'. :downspin:

Like I said before, I'll be glad when the whole Splitter situation is resolved.

Well, I'm just careful. Fool me once...

Saying that all signs point in the direction that Tiago will be a Spur next year:
- RC said that Tiago would be their summer's priority.
- Ludden said that Spurs are confident in getting him.
- This article that said there is a good chance Splitter left for the NBA this summer.

[Blackjack]

Oh, I definitely agree. I'm just taking a real wait-and-see approach; I'm a bit of a scorned lover. :lol

Everyone involved with the Spurs, who's gone on record (Buford, Lindsey, etc.), has given the impression that Splitter will be here next year; and they definitely need him to be.

Ludden's article was another encouraging sign, as was this piece, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

[mogrovejo]

I've been saying for awhile Splitter is signing this Summer, except if the Spurs have a sudden change of heart and decide to trade him. Querejeta is full of baloney though. But Splitter wants to go to the NBA; people focus too much on the next season salary and stuff but forget potential earnings. I mean, any decent starting center in the NBA makes more money than the most well-paid player in Europe.

I don't feel like looking for his thread, but I watched De Colo today in the Eurocup semis... another impressive exhibition. Scored 20 pts in the 1st half coming off the bench in a game he wasn't supposed to play due to injury. Deadly from behind the line. Valencia cruised through the rest of the game. He's playing with tremendous confidence and I think he's improved his handling, he doesn't pick it up so soon and keeps the hips lower. Looking forward to see him vs. Alba in the Final, the Germans have one of the best defenses in Europe. I think this guy's buyout is around $700 k, the Spurs should consider to bring him over already.

[taps]

Fool me once...


I remember that sig :lol

oh yeah noticed Splitt's jersey # is 21. Any chance he's a fan? :stirpot:

[Blackjack]

I think I remember him saying he was a pretty big fan of Tim (which could've just been the right thing to say, though).

But I do remember him stating he'd wear 25 with the Spurs.

[MaNu4Tres]

I think I remember him saying he was a pretty big fan of Tim (which could've just been the right thing to say, though).

But I do remember him stating he'd wear 25 with the Spurs.

Yeah he said that during his press conference in the Summer of 07' a few days after he was drafted.

[mountainballer]

since coming back from the injury Tiago really looks good.

last 4 games in the ACB: 19.8 PPG (64% FG), 8.2 RPG in just 29.5 MPG.

in the Euroleague his numbers regressed slightly this season, but if he finishes this ACB season on the pace of the last games, he will deliver career highs in either PPG and RPG.
(this would mean, that in each of his meanwhile 7 pro seasons in Spain he was able to improve his point average)

[Libri]

since coming back from the injury Tiago really looks good.

last 4 games in the ACB: 19.8 PPG (64% FG), 8.2 RPG in just 29.5 MPG.

in the Euroleague his numbers regressed slightly this season, but if he finishes this ACB season on the pace of the last games, he will deliver career highs in either PPG and RPG.
(this would mean, that in each of his meanwhile 7 pro seasons in Spain he was able to improve his point average)

That's an impressive comeback. In the last two games of the Liga, he has made 75% of his FGs. It's also nice to see that he is averaging close to 80% with his free throws.

Anybody know whether rebounding in the European leagues can translate well to the NBA?

[AFBlue]

Anybody know whether rebounding in the European leagues can translate well to the NBA?

I remember ESPNs resident stat geek, John Hollinger, saying that rebounding was the one statistic that was fairly predictable and transferrable to the NBA game.

IIRC, he said that the numbers are about the same or even play up just a bit (likely b/c zone-play in Europe takes bigs away from basket).

[Libri]

I remember ESPNs resident stat geek, John Hollinger, saying that rebounding was the one statistic that was fairly predictable and transferrable to the NBA game.

IIRC, he said that the numbers are about the same or even play up just a bit (likely b/c zone-play in Europe takes bigs away from basket).

I hope this is the case. If Splitter comes over, the Spurs will have a very good front line that can rebound.

[AFBlue]

I hope this is the case. If Splitter comes over, the Spurs will have a very good front line that can rebound.

Agreed.

Watching the Spurs get outworked on the boards during game 1 and seeing the kind of size that the Lakers put on the floor, the Spurs are absolutely in need of a mobile 7-footer. Anything Splitter provides on the offensive end would just be a bonus.

[scottspurs]

I'm not quite ready to talk about the off-season or next season, but I really hope Tiago comes over because I believe the spurs will be getting more than just a Rookie and he will be able to produce after an early adjustment to the NBA better than a younger player would. I'm one of the few who believes the spurs have two more seasons of championship caliber play after this season. Continuing to add talent and chemistry is key.

[Big P]

thanks for the update!

[TFloss32]

How will a possible 2011 NBA Lockout affect Splitter's decision to become a Spur or stay in Europe? Bruno? Sorry if this was already discussed.

[Mel_13]

How will a possible 2011 NBA Lockout affect Splitter's decision to become a Spur or stay in Europe? Bruno? Sorry if this was already discussed.

It has been discussed in some detail in this thread. Go back and look for posts by objective.

[yavozerb]

I believe this is saying Tiago is the leagues MVP for the month of April after averaging 20/9... Happy friday, this day keeps getting better and better :toast. http://acbtv.acb.com/video/2828

I think this has already been posted but oh well..http://acbtv.acb.com/video/2804

[ace3g]

Tiago Splitter, Hispano-Brazilian pivot Caja Laboral, has been named most valuable player in April after gaining an average rating of 27.7 and triumphs have led his team harvested during this period.

This is the first opportunity in which the player achieves this designation, although an untimely back pain prevented him from participating in the final round contested.

The means of pivot competition this month were as follows: along with the 27.7 rating and above, has scored 20.3 points, 9.7 rebounds captured, distributed two assists, recovered a ball and received 6.3 personal fouls.

Tiago Splitter is maintained, only three games left in the regular season, ranking as leader of the CBA, averaging 21.6 rating points, and more than three seconds ahead of the student Carlos Suarez (18 1).

http://www.as.com/baloncesto/articulo/tiago-splitter-mvp-mes-abril/dasbal/20100430dasdasbal_5/Tes

[ace3g]

Splitter will represent his country at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, with Brazil competing against Team USA, Slovenia, Croatia, Iran and Tunisia in Group B.

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/arti.asp?newsid=39767

not sure if this new or something already known that he is going to play at the 2010 WC?

[TimDunkem]

Check out Caja Laboral vs. Real Madrid right now: http://acb360.orange.es/partidos/LACB/54/287

[MaNu4Tres]

Check out Caja Laboral vs. Real Madrid right now: http://acb360.orange.es/partidos/LACB/54/287

Thanks :tu

[yavozerb]

Splitter vs. Tomic should be nice....

[kobyz]

Spurs representatives meet with Splitter
http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/05/splitter-to-play-with-spurs-next-season/

[Ocotillo]

http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/03/could-the-spurs-use-splitter-to-get-bosh/

??? This was another article linked to that one?


“It’s more likely they’ll try to do a sign-and-trade that includes his rights,” said the same NBA front-office figure. “Maybe he can end up in a deal involving Chris Bosh.”



I don't think so.

[Harry Callahan]

The way Chris Bosh is acting with his pending Free Agency, he seems to be a little immature.

I don't think a finesse big is what the Spurs need right now. Let's get Splitter.

[Bruno]

http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/03/could-the-spurs-use-splitter-to-get-bosh/

??? This was another article linked to that one?


It comes from an old article from E-N Buck Harvey. It was an article with some wild unreal theories.

[venitian navigator]

Hope Splitter cames, that's probably the last time he could effectively contribute to a contender SA team...
An intersting part of that article was Minnesota signing Pekovic...
Next year, if they have a good off season, they could be scary just like OKC : Pekovic is a beast

[Bruno]

Tiago is in the all Euroleague second team:
http://www.euroleague.net/final-four/paris-2010/main-page/i/71489/4218/all-euroleague-team-2009-10

He is the only one among the 10 players in an all Euroleague team whose team hasn't reached the final 4. Props to him. :tu

[yavozerb]

http://acbtv.acb.com/video/2869

Tiago: 32 minutes, 13 pts (6-11), 7 rbs, 4 assists

[EricB]

he has the strangest looking hook shot....

[Libri]

he has the strangest looking hook shot....

Yeah, it's not the typical hook shot. I'm not sure how to explain it but it looks like a half hook shot.

[EricB]

But it works :lol I love his post moves. Definately potentially looks like someone who could be good enough down low to carry the spurs against bad teams and let Duncan sit out.

[Manufan909]

So why did Tiago get 2nd place because of a rookie?

[J_Paco]

His length and mobility would make him a great option on Gasol and player of his ilk. He should be the no. 1 priority this off-season if the team really wants to continue being a contender.

[Uriel]

Would it be an overstatement to suggest Tiago Splitter would be Tim Duncan's best frontcourt mate since David Robinson? At only 25 years old, he's already regarded as the best big man in Europe, and bringing him over would seem to address a lot of the Spurs' weaknesses.

For one, he's 7 feet tall and his wingspan at 7"2 is just an inch shy of Tim Duncan's. His size and length contribute to his phenomenal shot blocking prowess which has him among the league leaders in the Euroleague and it would give us that "twin towers" combination we haven't had since 2003, consequently greatly improving how well we match-up with other potent frontcourts in the league like that of the Los Angeles Lakers'.

DraftExpress also seems at least somewhat impressed with his mobility, which would theoretically give us another option on the Dirk Nowitzkis of the world and would render Matt Bonner, currently our most mobile big, expendable in this department. This is especially worth noting when one considers that Bonner, though widely regarded as one of the worst individual defenders on the team, is usually placed on a lot of opposing teams' top scoring options (including the aforementioned Nowitzki) because of otherwise prevalent match-up issues.

Offensively, his size, strength, length, nimble feet, high basketball IQ, and effective, if unorthodox jump hook all assimilate to give the Spurs one incredible low post scorer, an aspect of the offense that the team has sorely lacked outside of our franchise big man. Oh, and he can also put the ball on the floor and finish strong at the rim. How many of our big men can do that?

Granted, as R.C. has reiterated time and again, he has yet to play a single minute against NBA competition so it remains to be seen if his game can translate into the NBA level. As such, it would be highly preposterous to view him as some franchise savior that'll eventually replace Tim Duncan.

All in all though, I'm pretty high on Splitter and I remain cautiously optimistic that by next season, we'll be seeing him donning the silver and black.

[J_Paco]

Granted, as R.C. has reiterated time and again, he has yet to play a single minute against NBA competition so it remains to be seen if his game can translate into the NBA level. As such, it would be highly preposterous to view him as some franchise savior that'll eventually replace Tim Duncan.

All in all though, I'm pretty high on Splitter and I remain cautiously optimistic that by next season, we'll be seeing him donning the silver and black.


Yet, something the Spurs front-office doesn't mention is how well Tiago plays with and against NBA-level competition in international tournaments. Splitter is arguably the best player on the Brazilian national team and has played extremely well against team U.S.A. I remember how well he battled Dwight and Amar'e in the tournament of Americas in '07 tournament three years ago.

[ace3g]

Yet, something the Spurs front-office doesn't mention is how well Tiago plays with and against NBA-level competition in international tournaments. Splitter is arguably the best player on the Brazilian national team and has played extremely well against team U.S.A. I remember how well he battled Dwight and Amar'e in the tournament of Americas in '07 tournament three years ago.

I haven't really seen much of Splitter against Team USA, but that is how I made my judgment on Scola during the World Championships 02. He was awesome in the post against Team USA with those up and under moves, and I was like "the Spurs have another great player from the draft"

[Manufan909]

Would it be an overstatement to suggest Tiago Splitter would be Tim Duncan's best frontcourt mate since David Robinson? At only 25 years old, he's already regarded as the best big man in Europe, and bringing him over would seem to address a lot of the Spurs' weaknesses.


I wasn't a big fan before 06, so I have no clue how great Rasho or Nazr really were. From what I've read in this forum, Nazr seemed to be the bees knees overall, besides having butter fingers. And Rasho seemed solid, only showing his true skills when Duncan was not on the court too.



For one, he's 7 feet tall and his wingspan at 7"2 is just an inch shy of Tim Duncan's. His size and length contribute to his phenomenal shot blocking prowess which has him among the league leaders in the Euroleague and it would give us that "twin towers" combination we haven't had since 2003, consequently greatly improving how well we match-up with other potent frontcourts in the league like that of the Los Angeles Lakers'.


Can others confirm he is great at blocks? I believe you Uriel, I'm just paranoid that he might be a "Camby stat padder" (meaning he goes for blocks even if he leaves his man alone at the rim)? Or if the guards on his team can't defend for shit, so he has an unusually high number of chances to reject shots? That 2nd one isn't so bad, after I typed it out. I have read here he is superb on D, I just never here anything about his blocks. Hope they’re supposed to be higher in the NBA like rebounds.



DraftExpress also seems at least somewhat impressed with his mobility, which would theoretically give us another option on the Dirk Nowitzkis of the world and would render Matt Bonner, currently our most mobile big, expendable in this department. This is especially worth noting when one considers that Bonner, though widely regarded as one of the worst individual defenders on the team, is usually placed on a lot of opposing teams' top scoring options (including the aforementioned Nowitzki) because of otherwise prevalent match-up issues.

Bonner being the most mobile big is a questionable asset, can drive (only drives and scores in the reg season), considering he can’t block, rebound, spread the floor when it counts, or anything else for that matter. I’d take Dice at 35 over Bonner at 28, because he has a feel for D. People who try to defend by sticking their hand up don’t have that “feel”.


Offensively, his size, strength, length, nimble feet, high basketball IQ, and effective, if unorthodox jump hook all assimilate to give the Spurs one incredible low post scorer, an aspect of the offense that the team has sorely lacked outside our franchise big man. Oh, and he can also put the ball on the floor and finish strong at the rim. How many of our big men can do that?

Mahinmi? Jk, he needs the French connection to get to the rim, or a fast break. Does he have variety in his O game? Besides half hooks and drives.


Granted, as R.C. has reiterated time and again, he has yet to play a single minute against NBA competition so it remains to be seen if his game can translate into the NBA level. As such, it would be preposterous to view him as some franchise savior that'll eventually replace Tim Duncan. All in all though, I'm pretty high on :Tiago: and I remain cautiously optimistic that by next season, we'll be seeing him donning the silver and black.

If he comes over and fails miserably to compensate for the different rules and his reduced role, then timvp will have to change :splitter to a smiley where someone fails horribly.


And can anyone answer why a rookie was considered a better center? I don’t get it, Tiago is supposedly the best non-NBA player on the planet, he shouldn’t be 2nd. Unless the fans voted.

[Manufan909]

Yet, something the Spurs front-office doesn't mention is how well Tiago plays with and against NBA-level competition in international tournaments. Splitter is arguably the best player on the Brazilian national team and has played extremely well against team U.S.A. I remember how well he battled Dwight and Amar'e in the tournament of Americas in '07 tournament three years ago.

Great to hear. Hope he is up to battling bigs of that quality 30-40x a year (prob closer to 50 if the Spurs go deep in the POs).

[Bruno]

And can anyone answer why a rookie was considered a better center? I don’t get it, Tiago is supposedly the best non-NBA player on the planet, he shouldn’t be 2nd. Unless the fans voted.

First, Tiago has had a difficult Euroleague season. He missed a lot of big games because of a foot injury and had few bad games either because he wasn't 100% healthy or because it was just bad games.

Second, team success is very important when they decide who will be in the all Euroleague team. This year, Splitter is the only player on an Euroleague team whose team hasn't reach the final 4. Caja Laboral not reaching the final 4 has hurt Splitter chances to make the first team.

It was logical that Maric was in the first Euroleague team ahead of Tiago but Splitter is a better player than him. I don't know if he is the best non-NBA player on the planet. Comparing a PF/C with a PG or a SG is almost impossible to do but I think Splitter is the best at his spot outside the NBA.

[EricB]

Bruno one of these days I'd love to see you do a complete breakdown of splitter his game weaknesses and strengths and what his cieling is and at best who he compares to and who realisticly he will or can be compared to.

[Manufan909]

Damn Ericb, who do you think you are giving out hw???:wow:downspin::nope

But that would be awesome if you could do all that though, Bruno. :worthy:

[EricB]

Damn Ericb, who do you think you are giving out hw???:wow:downspin::nope

But that would be awesome if you could do all that though, Bruno. :worthy:


:lol Bruno and moutainballer are the only ones I trust with euro player evaluations.

[Bruno]

Bruno one of these days I'd love to see you do a complete breakdown of splitter his game weaknesses and strengths and what his cieling is and at best who he compares to and who realisticly he will or can be compared to.

Here we go:

Offense:

The bulk of Tiago offense is in the post. He isn't some kind of physical beast or a player with awesome low post skills but he is very effective in that area. He is very aggressive but is still patient and plays under control. Add to that a good combination of length/quickness with some very solid post moves and you have one of the best low post scorer outside the NBA.

Another big part of his offense is the pick and roll. He is a very active at setting screens. He rolls well to the basket and has good hands to catch the ball. He is good finisher around the basket with a surprisingly good body control for a player that big. He isn't a that great finisher at the rim because he lacks of explosiveness and strength but he can compensate that with some hesitation moves.

Given his aggressive game, he often goes to the line. He has improved his FT shooting these past years to be a decent FT shooter. I can see him being a 70% FT shooter in the NBA. For a player of his size, there is nothing to complain about.

IMO, the key of his success in the NBA on the offensive end will be his mid range jump-shoot. In Europe, he rarely shoot them but is will be different in he NBA: scoring in the post won't be as easy and there will be there a certain Tim Duncan. He will need to work a lot on it but there are some hopes since he still has a good form. A reliable mid range jump shoot could be what separate Splitter from being good to being great.

The rest of his offensive game isn't really noteworthy. He is an adequate passer, he runs well the floor, facing up the basket is a very marginal and undeveloped part of his game.

Defense:

The biggest quality of Splitter in that end is his versatility. He can be matched up against a low post scorer or against a more perimeter oriented player. In the post he isn't afraid of the contact and isn't a soft player. He surely won't be able to defend behemoth because of his lack of weight but he should do a good job against a lot of players. On the perimeter, he has a good lateral quickness for a 7 footer. He also doesn't look like lost when he is away from the basket. I had no problems seeing him defending players like Nowiztki.

Splitter also plays smart defense. He plays a lot under control and doesn't bite a lot at fakes. With Caja Laboral, he is the anchor of both the defense and the offense. He does a great job at playing defense without grabbing fouls. He will surely need some times to adjust to NBA refs but he should be a quick adaptation.

Splitter is a solid rebounder. There isn't really more to say about him in that area. When I look him playing in Europe, I rarely said to myself "he should have grabbed that rebound" or "what an amazing rebound by Tiago". I don't think rebounding will a strength or a weakness for him. He will do his part of his job in that area.

Tiago's help defense shouldn't also be a problem. He isn't a player who will block tons of shoot but he should do the right rotations and be at the right spot on the defensive end.

I fully expect Tiago to be a very solid defensive player. He won't be a dominant player, who can be the anchor of a NBA paint defense, but he should be a very good complimentary player. A Duncan/Splitter frontcourt should works damn well on the defensive end.

Conclusion:

After 2008 and Splitter fucking Spurs, you had to be careful with him but it's hard not to be excited by what he could bring to Spurs. He is 25 years old, he is the best bigman outside the NBA, the NBA transition shouldn't be too complicate for him and he has played more than 400 games at a high level (Spanish league + Euroleague + Brazilian NT). If he doesn't sign with Spurs this summer, it will be a disaster and the end of the last ray of hope to see Spurs being relevant again in the near future.

It's always difficult to compare players to other. Every player is different. On the offensive end, I would say Nick Collison as worst case and Brook Lopez as best case. On the defensive end, maybe Jeff Foster (the young version).

[Bruno]

Splitter is on the Spanish league first team:
http://www.acb.com/redaccion.php?id=67348

He also deserves to be the MVP. We will see if Spanish guys go with him or make a homer pick with Navarro.

[benefactor]

Thanks for your insight, Bruno. :tu

[RobinsontoDuncan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1NM8vXWOdE

This video is a week old...and it has me drooling. Pay attention to the number Splitter wears, because in these clips Splitter reminds me of the prime years of another player who also wears that number...

[mountainballer]

thanks for the breakdown. very good work.
I like to add a point about his offense. his ballhandling and dribble should be far above the average NBA big man. he doesn't have good range, but he certainly can take his defender of the dribble when operating outside the paint. combine this with nice passing skills and he will cause problems to any defense, even if they don't have to fear his jumper.

[TheProfessor]

:lol Bruno and moutainballer are the only ones I trust with euro player evaluations.
What, no KBP? :lol

[silverblackfan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1NM8vXWOdE

This video is a week old...and it has me drooling. Pay attention to the number Splitter wears, because in these clips Splitter reminds me of the prime years of another player who also wears that number...

Nice video. He seems to be pretty comfortable in the post. That is a real good sign.

[Libri]

It's always difficult to compare players to other. Every player is different. On the offensive end, I would say Nick Collison as worst case and Brook Lopez as best case. On the defensive end, maybe Jeff Foster (the young version).

Someone compared him to David Andersen of the Rockets. I haven't seen a lot of Andersen but I don't see the comparison. Splitter spends most of his time in the paint and Andersen likes to step outside and shoot the 3.

[J_Paco]

He looks like a poor man's Pau Gasol or Brook Lopez (like Bruno said) physically and on offense. He would definitely bring aspects that the team has lacked outside of Timmy. I really like his fade-away jumper out of the post, that could be unstoppable once he adjusts to the better athleticism of NBA defenders.

[SenorSpur]

Great stuff. :tu

Thanks for the insight Bruno.

[angelbelow]

Here we go:

Offense:

The bulk of Tiago offense is in the post. He isn't some kind of physical beast or a player with awesome low post skills but he is very effective in that area. He is very aggressive but is still patient and plays under control. Add to that a good combination of length/quickness with some very solid post moves and you have one of the best low post scorer outside the NBA.

Another big part of his offense is the pick and roll. He is a very active at setting screens. He rolls well to the basket and has good hands to catch the ball. He is good finisher around the basket with a surprisingly good body control for a player that big. He isn't a that great finisher at the rim because he lacks of explosiveness and strength but he can compensate that with some hesitation moves.

Given his aggressive game, he often goes to the line. He has improved his FT shooting these past years to be a decent FT shooter. I can see him being a 70% FT shooter in the NBA. For a player of his size, there is nothing to complain about.

IMO, the key of his success in the NBA on the offensive end will be his mid range jump-shoot. In Europe, he rarely shoot them but is will be different in he NBA: scoring in the post won't be as easy and there will be there a certain Tim Duncan. He will need to work a lot on it but there are some hopes since he still has a good form. A reliable mid range jump shoot could be what separate Splitter from being good to being great.

The rest of his offensive game isn't really noteworthy. He is an adequate passer, he runs well the floor, facing up the basket is a very marginal and undeveloped part of his game.

Defense:

The biggest quality of Splitter in that end is his versatility. He can be matched up against a low post scorer or against a more perimeter oriented player. In the post he isn't afraid of the contact and isn't a soft player. He surely won't be able to defend behemoth because of his lack of weight but he should do a good job against a lot of players. On the perimeter, he has a good lateral quickness for a 7 footer. He also doesn't look like lost when he is away from the basket. I had no problems seeing him defending players like Nowiztki.

Splitter also plays smart defense. He plays a lot under control and doesn't bite a lot at fakes. With Caja Laboral, he is the anchor of both the defense and the offense. He does a great job at playing defense without grabbing fouls. He will surely need some times to adjust to NBA refs but he should be a quick adaptation.

Splitter is a solid rebounder. There isn't really more to say about him in that area. When I look him playing in Europe, I rarely said to myself "he should have grabbed that rebound" or "what an amazing rebound by Tiago". I don't think rebounding will a strength or a weakness for him. He will do his part of his job in that area.

Tiago's help defense shouldn't also be a problem. He isn't a player who will block tons of shoot but he should do the right rotations and be at the right spot on the defensive end.

I fully expect Tiago to be a very solid defensive player. He won't be a dominant player, who can be the anchor of a NBA paint defense, but he should be a very good complimentary player. A Duncan/Splitter frontcourt should works damn well on the defensive end.

Conclusion:

After 2008 and Splitter fucking Spurs, you had to be careful with him but it's hard not to be excited by what he could bring to Spurs. He is 25 years old, he is the best bigman outside the NBA, the NBA transition shouldn't be too complicate for him and he has played more than 400 games at a high level (Spanish league + Euroleague + Brazilian NT). If he doesn't sign with Spurs this summer, it will be a disaster and the end of the last ray of hope to see Spurs being relevant again in the near future.

It's always difficult to compare players to other. Every player is different. On the offensive end, I would say Nick Collison as worst case and Brook Lopez as best case. On the defensive end, maybe Jeff Foster (the young version).

Thanks Bruno, great read. :toast

[Cant_Be_Faded]

You can never judge a euro until he has like half a season of NBA ball under his belt.

So as of now, he's just another wasted draft pick.

[yavozerb]

You can never judge a euro until he has like half a season of NBA ball under his belt.

So as of now, he's just another wasted draft pick.

How long does it take to judge a college player in your opinion before you consider them a wasted pick?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

How long does it take to judge a college player in your opinion before you consider them a wasted pick?

shorter than a euro



but looking at my previous post, half a season is too short a time

i'd say a full 82 game season, plus the balls that they show in the postseason (since we're hte spurs we should expect more out of our picks for our team to perform at a high level)


So scratch the half a season.

But a college player needs slightly less than a euro to prove themself because they are more exposed to competing against elite athletes which is more indicative of nba talent.

[toki9]

His shot release looks really odd, especially the hook shot...

[yavozerb]

didnt see this video here, enjoy..
http://acbtv.acb.com/video/2888

[scottspurs]

If Tiago doesn't come over this year it is going to be a very long crappy summer.

[lurker23]

I assume that since signing Tiago is expected to require part or all of the MLE, then he cannot be signed until after the July moratorium, when all the salary cap figures are finalized?

[Blackjack]

I assume that since signing Tiago is expected to require part or all of the MLE, then he cannot be signed until after the July moratorium, when all the salary cap figures are finalized?

Players may be signed July 8, 2010 (http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q92).

Exceptions to the moratorium:


Teams may sign their first round draft picks (to a standard rookie "scale" contract -- see question number 41)
A second round draft pick can accept a required tender, which is a one-year contract offer teams must submit to retain their rights to the player.
A restricted free agent can accept a qualifying offer from his prior team (see question number 36).
A restricted free agent finishing the fourth season of his rookie "scale" contract can accept a maximum qualifying offer. The player will receive the maximum salary, but the actual amount is not determined until the end of the moratorium (see question number 36).
Teams may sign players to minimum salary contracts for one or two seasons.

[Spurs Brazil]

Thanks Bruno. I didn't see any games from Tiago this past season.

When he played for Brazil NT he had a decent mid range J, so I think he can work on it with Chip

[Blackjack]

Nice breakdown, Bruno, and I agree with most of it. :tu

I think he's a better than adequate passer and I don't see a Brook Lopez ceiling, but you've expressed much of the same view I have.

In short, he's a mobile big who should have success out on the floor in the screen-roll game -- setting screens and rolling to the basket -- and around the basket where he can use his good touch and footwork to get his points. He's also got a pretty nice straight-line drive (which mountainballer alluded to) when defenders show too much haste in their closeouts (which he might be able to take advantage of upon first entering the NBA but he'll need to develop a solid midrange jumper to make it a staple of his game -- the much-improved free-throw shooting does give one some hope).

Defensively, the word "position" comes to mind. He's got nice size and length, good mobility and he gets to his spots well. He makes people shoot over the top. He's not a dominant defender or a particularly irritating one (say, like, Varejao), but he should do well in the Spurs' system where it's all about playing the percentages: get to your spots, make your rotations, give a solid contest and live with the results. Not a dominate rebounder nor a poor rebounder, which means he's at least average for his size; and considering he's around 6-11, the Spurs would more than welcome that.

He's got plenty of the tools the Spurs need and a good, intelligent head on his shoulders, so I fully expect him to help the cause and be a real player. I hadn't really considered Collison as a comparison before but if you think Collison in a somewhat similar body to Biedrins, that sounds about right.

[Brazil]

Nice read Bruno ! thank you.

You guys (Bruno, moutainballer, lurker, blackjack and few others...) are gold for this board !

[lurker23]

Good read Bruno, I'm surprised I missed it. Now here is the question, even if Tiago plays well could you really see him getting minutes ahead of DeJuan if DB continues to improve?

Assuming he plays as well as planned, I think they'll start Tiago at the 5 next to Duncan, with Blair and McDyess as the 4 and 5 off the bench respectively. If Blair continues to improve, I think he could be the first big off the bench and his minutes should go up. Here are a few reasons I think this is the best idea:

-The defensive ramifications of starting Duncan/Splitter are too promising to pass up.
-Blair is undoubtedly a PF, and starting him next to Duncan could force Tim to guard the other team's best big man right off the bat.
-Blair is a high energy player. While I think he'll improve his conditioning over the offseason, allowing him to be more consistent and play more minutes, one still wonders if he can play more than 25-30 minutes a game and keep up that energy. Pop will be able to regulate his minutes more easily coming off the bench.
-McDyess's perimeter oriented game may match up well with Blair, especially if DeJuan can develop a more structured back-to-the-basket game.

[Brazil]

I think the spurs priority should be to protect as much as possible Tim. To do that the best option is to pair him with Dice or Tiago not Blair. Of the two Dice or Tiago, Tiago is the younger so I'd go with Tim+Tiago

[Blackjack]

Pretty much agree, Lurker. :tu

If Splitter does come over, I expect him to start alongside Tim. But I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't happen right off the bat -- Pop might want to let him earn it in the eyes of his teammates and/or allow him to acclimate before throwing him into the fire. Whatever the case, though, Tiago will be starting at some point.

Blair and 'Dyess both serve the Spurs better off the bench; DeJuan for his energy and 'Dyess to limit his minutes. Plus they should compliment each other well; and Blair being an undersized, work-in-progress -- defensively -- it's the best way to utilize him at this juncture -- he's a stat machine in short minutes and simply upping the minutes and role doesn't necessarily mean a better team result. Let him off the leash to wreak havoc off the bench, allow 'Dyess to provide the spacing and steady hand in compliment and your top-four Bigs should be set (in terms of roles and responsibilities).

[Blackjack]

I don't know if DuJuan has the size to play back to the basket in the NBA. However, I talked to some Spurs coaches and one of them believed that DeJuan can be a great ball handler due to his low center of gravity. throw that in with improved quickness and shhoting ability, along with his already good inside the pint instints, DB could be a hell of a player. I personally already think his ball handle is good enough to blow by other bigs.

When I first heard the Barkley comparisons I shrugged it off. People were mostly mentioning it because of their undersized nature and their great rebounding ability. But there is actually something to it and I do believe there's a bit of a possibility that DeJuan plays a bit of the 3 at some point.

Blair's got handles. You see it from time to time in the course of a game -- inside-out dribbles and some crossovers here and there -- and you could really see it at the Rookie Challenge, where he decided to display a little Rucker Park.

It makes sense when you realize his size and the fact that he probably grew up playing on the perimeter a bit more or using his quickness to beat bigger opponents, so there's actually something there. It isn't something out of the realm or an aspect he'd have to develop to the point of invention ... he's basically going to need to improve upon what he does own. He believes he can handle the ball, now he just needs to get the repetitions and be encouraged to do it by the coaching staff.

If Blair doesn't develop a jumper and improve the ballhandling, we're pretty much seeing all we're going to get. But if he adds a decent jumper, improves as a ballhandler (and, really, he just needs to slow himself down and take his time -- two of the biggest culprits for his loss of balance on his drives), he can truly be special. Like, potential, All-Star special.

[Libri]

Some have said that it takes a year for player to adjust. Would this be the case for Splitter? I'm hoping that the learning curve could be curtailed because Splitter has extensive experience, even though it's not under the Spurs system.

[Cane]

Yea its going to be interesting to see if Splitter turns out to be another Beno Udrih - a guy that seemingly can't take the Spurs style where everyone is held accountable for their mistakes.

Here's hoping for the best, Spurs need a mobile big and all the help they can get for next year. Great thread and info so far!

[Blackjack]

Some have said that it takes a year for player to adjust. Would this be the case for Splitter? I'm hoping that the learning curve could be curtailed because Splitter has extensive experience, even though it's not under the Spurs system.

There's always an adjustment, no matter the experience level.

He'll have to adjust to a much less physical but faster game, rules changes and officiating; Tiago won't be afforded any kind of star treatment he's probably grown accustomed to and will have to earn the respect of the whistle. And, of course, there's always the typical first-year indoctrination into the Spurs system that will take some time. I expect to see a bit of a watered down Tiago in the first year because of those factors, to say nothing of the adjustment off the court to his new surroundings and life.

Having said that, watered down doesn't mean ineffective or inept, just not full-capacity. He's intelligent, experienced against a high level of competition and the responsibilities/duties of his position aren't as complex and/or unfamiliar as they can be on the perimeter when joining the Spurs; his biggest adjustments should be the rotation principles defensively and the fact that he's not going to touch the ball quite as much. And, really, it's up to how quick and well he adjusts to know how often he'll see the ball, because it's not like the Spurs don't run a million screen-rolls throughout the game and have plenty of opportunities to get him involved.

To boil it down:

Style of play: The NBA's much more of a free-flowing game with superior athletes and a different whistle -- one he won't get the benefit from to start.

The system: As is always the case, The Spurs multi-layered and intricate sets, plays and rotations will take some time.

Individual adjustment: Offensively and defensively he wont have quite the windows or amount of time to execute the play (whether it be a shot or pass) or to make rotations and get to his spots. He'll have to throw in some junk and show patience at times to get his shot off or just do things a little quicker. I don't see any drastic changes needed in his repertoire, just some tweaks that, nevertheless, create an adjustment.

Across the pond: First year in the States, playing against the best competition there is and in more games than he's ever really played in, his head's going to be spinning at times. It's a different culture, way of life and there's just no getting around all that he's going to have to deal with away from the court. The good news is he's got some teammates that have been there done that, so he should be in better position than most that make the jump; and he's coming to a great, stable organization (should he come) that'll be sensitive to the whole process.

[AFBlue]

didnt see this video here, enjoy..
http://acbtv.acb.com/video/2888

Love the help-side defense that this video shows. It would be nice to see those blocks in a Spurs uni.

[Libri]

There's always an adjustment, no matter the experience level.

He'll have to adjust to a much less physical but faster game, rules changes and officiating; Tiago won't be afforded any kind of star treatment he's probably grown accustomed to and will have to earn the respect of the whistle. And, of course, there's always the typical first-year indoctrination into the Spurs system that will take some time. I expect to see a bit of a watered down Tiago in the first year because of those factors, to say nothing of the adjustment off the court to his new surroundings and life.

Having said that, watered down doesn't mean ineffective or inept, just not full-capacity. He's intelligent, experienced against a high level of competition and the responsibilities/duties of his position aren't as complex and/or unfamiliar as they can be on the perimeter when joining the Spurs; his biggest adjustments should be the rotation principles defensively and the fact that he's not going to touch the ball quite as much. And, really, it's up to how quick and well he adjusts to know how often he'll see the ball, because it's not like the Spurs don't run a million screen-rolls throughout the game and have plenty of opportunities to get him involved.

To boil it down:

Style of play: The NBA's much more of a free-flowing game with superior athletes and a different whistle -- one he won't get the benefit from to start.

The system: As is always the case, The Spurs multi-layered and intricate sets, plays and rotations will take some time.

Individual adjustment: Offensively and defensively he wont have quite the windows or amount of time to execute the play (whether it be a shot or pass) or to make rotations and get to his spots. He'll have to throw in some junk and show patience at times to get his shot off or just do things a little quicker. I don't see any drastic changes needed in his repertoire, just some tweaks that, nevertheless, create an adjustment.

Across the pond: First year in the States, playing against the best competition there is and in more games than he's ever really played in, his head's going to be spinning at times. It's a different culture, way of life and there's just no getting around all that he's going to have to deal with away from the court. The good news is he's got some teammates that have been there done that, so he should be in better position than most that make the jump; and he's coming to a great, stable organization (should he come) that'll be sensitive to the whole process.

Good points. :tu

[MateoNeygro]

Great points by everybody. I swear this is the place to come for good, smart, unbiased and informative points of view. Thanks guys. I don't get much time to monitor whats going on with my spurs because I'm deployed. So stopping in here and reading up really gets me in the know. Here's to hoping Tiago comes over and makes a splash! Cheers.

[Bruno]

Thanks for the thanks. :toast

On the court, the NBA transition should be relatively easy for Splitter. Between Spanish league, Euroleague and Brazilian NT, he has played 400 games at a high level. He will enter in the NBA with light more experiences than a college player.
What is more problematic for some "euro" is the off the court transition but I don't see at all that happening with Splitter. A lot of European players have been good as soon as their first year, Splitter will be one of them.

Something that I've forgot to say about Splitter is that he is a quite fragile player. He never has big injuries but every year he missed few weeks because of various injuries. I'm also a little worry about his back.

[Blackjack]

I had the chance to see DeJuan up close and personal several times throughout the season and the difference between his shooting form at the start of the season and at the end of the season was night and day. That being said, because of the change DeJuan did not feel comfortable shooting in a game until closer to the end of the season. Just my personal opinion from knowing Chip, DeJuan will have to work on getting his leg motion into his shot, but his arms are great.

Just to go a little more in depth on DeJuan's start of the season shooting form- He has a nice look to how it started, but when DeJuan actually went into his motion it was three different actions: the rise, the elbow, and then he would almost make all the other motions pointless and just throw it off his finger tips. He actually made a decent amount of these, probably because it was his natural form. Now it is a much more fluid motion, last time I saw him practice the shot was still inconstant from 12 feet out, but an off-season with 2 hours a day working on shooting will change that for sure.

I was actually encouraged with the progress he made on his jumper (when he decided to break it out on occasion -- he even had a nice banker in the playoffs). He's got a bit of a one-handed, flat-footed, almost set shot from the short corner that's pretty decent, but he just needs to get some more repetition and opportunities to hone and perfect it. But what was encouraging (at least in my eyes) was his willingness to stick with the process.

I'm sure you remember what he looked like to start the year with his shot and free-throw stroke, so you're aware of the tweak the staff made with him on his release and routine at the line. The fact that he stuck with it for the remainder of the year, regardless if the free-throw percentage didn't show it, shows me he's got what it takes to become a decent shooter from the floor and even at the line -- shooting's about consistency and confidence more than anything and if you can stay consistent with the mechanics and trust the process, you'll eventually find a decent level of success, which inevitably breeds confidence.

DeJuan's got all the tools -- mentally and physically -- needed to make him a pretty special player, he's just got to put it all together and (knock on wood) stay healthy.

[SenorSpur]

That's not good. Look at Andrew Bynum. The kid can't play an 82 game season because about 65 games in his body falls apart on him. That is something the Spurs will have to keep an eye on.

yet another endorsement for the Spurs resigning Ian - IMO.

[TD 21]

Something that I've forgot to say about Splitter is that he is a quite fragile player. He never has big injuries but every year he missed few weeks because of various injuries. I'm also a little worry about his back.

There's that, the fact that he's still playing for his club team and I presume he's playing in the World Championships, too. He's still young and it's not like he'll be expected to play 35 mpg and be expected to carry the offense for the Spurs, but at the same time he'll have gotten little rest coming into camp. Not good when you're on a team aspiring to play into next June.

Watch Pop, already hesitant to play new players extended minutes, really watch his minutes early. They'll probably be many a game where we're left wondering: Why didn't Splitter play more? Pop now has three reasons not to play him extended minutes. The aforementioned two, plus the fact that he's 6-11, athletic, mobile and young.

[Darkwaters]

yet another endorsement for the Spurs resigning Ian - IMO.

Why? Ian is one of the biggest china dolls in the league.

[lurker23]

Great points about DeJuan and Tiago, everyone. :toast Here's hoping the Spurs can seal the deal and all this talking won't be for naught.

I had a question to pose to you guys about Tiago's contract. We've talked a fair amount about what it will take money-wise to get Tiago here (with the absolute minimum seeming to be about $3.5 million, and the full MLE being a very probable scenario). However, what do you think about length of the deal? What is the right balance between locking him up for a while and being careful in case he can't effectively make the jump for one reason or another?

Should the Spurs make the contract similar in format to Blair's deal? (2 years fully guaranteed, one partially guaranteed, one fully non-guaranteed.) Will they have to give him three years fully guaranteed? (e.g.- 3 years guaranteed, 4th year team option) Without seeing him in a single game in the NBA, will they make him the first Spur to be under any sort of contract for the 2013/2014 season?

[Spurs Brazil]

If the Spurs pay Tiago more than Scola contract I think it's overpay. Scola never played a NBA game and got a fair deal. 3years - $9.5 million.

I think the Spurs can even pay a 3year - $10 million.

For those who know about Europe contracts. Do you think Tiago can get more than that in Europe?

[biziofromdowntown]

If the Spurs pay Tiago more than Scola contract I think it's overpay. Scola never played a NBA game and got a fair deal. 3years - $9.5 million.

I think the Spurs can even pay a 3year - $10 million.

For those who know about Europe contracts. Do you think Tiago can get more than that in Europe?

Absolutly, i don't see Tiago earning more then 2 - 2,5 million$ in Europe

[AFBlue]

really? I was under the impression he was making like 6 million a year with Tau (or whatever they call themselves now).

I think it's somewhere between $4M and $5M, and he's under contract at that rate for two more years.

[Bruno]

Splitter salary is €1.4M that is to say $1.73M.

[TimmehC]

Splitter salary is €1.4M that is to say $1.73M.

Wow. He'd be crazy not to leave Caja.

[yavozerb]

Splitter salary is €1.4M that is to say $1.73M.

:lol...I was among the those who believed this guy was at least getting paid double this already. Good news if this is all he is currently making

[lurker23]

Splitter salary is €1.4M that is to say $1.73M.

Thanks Bruno. How does that relate to taxes (pre-tax vs. post-tax) and other perks that are more common overseas, such as lodging, drivers, etc.?

[ChuckD]

Splitter salary is €1.4M that is to say $1.73M.

Shit, we might be able to get him for 1/2 MLE if he only makes that much. The rest might get us a veteran three point sniper.

[Bruno]

Thanks Bruno. How does that relate to taxes (pre-tax vs. post-tax) and other perks that are more common overseas, such as lodging, drivers, etc.?

The whole tax thing is complicate. Tax rules have changed in Spain. Even if Splitter doesn't pay at all taxes on his salary in Spain, it's the equivalent of a $2.8M salary with Spurs. The fall of the Euro will definitely help Spurs to get Splitter.

Drivers aren't something common in Europe. Only teams in countries like Russia or Ukraine pay drivers for their players and it's because these countries are unsafe. The only thing there could have in Splitter contract is the rent of a house but it doesn't represent a lot of money.

[lurker23]

The whole tax thing is complicate. Tax rules have changed in Spain. Even if Splitter doesn't pay at all taxes on his salary in Spain, it's the equivalent of a $2.8M salary with Spurs. The fall of the Euro will definitely help Spurs to get Splitter.

Drivers aren't something common in Europe. Only teams in countries like Russia or Ukraine pay drivers for their players and it's because these countries are unsafe. The only thing there could have in Splitter contract is the rent of a house but it doesn't represent a lot of money.

Thanks. :toast

[Darkwaters]

With Spain's financial woes I'm sure it is becoming less desirable anyways. Thanks to the PIIGS Europe is slightly less rosy.

[Blackjack]

Splitter salary is €1.4M that is to say $1.73M.

I had been thinking that Tiago wouldn't get the whole MLE, but it'd be close. Right about $4M or a little over.

Do you think the Spurs could get away with paying him less; maybe a little closer to Scola's contract?

[Bruno]

I had been thinking that Tiago wouldn't get the whole MLE, but it'd be close. Right about $4M or a little over.

Do you think the Spurs could get away with paying him less; maybe a little closer to Scola's contract?

A salary between $3M and $4M per year seems fair for Splitter when you see Scola and Marc Gasol contracts.
Splitter has recently changed his NBA agent for Arn Tellem, I doubt Spurs will be able to low ball him.

[Blackjack]

Sounds good to me; Spurs should be left with ~$1.5-2M of their MLE, depending on where the final rate's set. :tu

[Blackjack]

Not a bad option if the money's there, Phila_.

[TD 21]

Yeah, Butler wouldn't be a bad option, although he's another potential candidate for the off the bench wing shooter role coming off a dismal season from three. He shot just .336% and career he's only at .363%. But, he is long and a true SF, even though he's played more SG in recent seasons. I've got the Spurs trading for Cook at the moment, but I could see them signing Butler instead.

I'm guessing the Spurs pay Splitter 3 years/$12 million. lurker23, there's no chance they get him for a year non-guaranteed in case he's a flop. What we might see is a player option or a mutual option for the 3rd season, in case he's not all that comfortable or is a complete bust in the NBA and prefers to go back to Europe.

[Blackjack]

Just depends on whomever else they look to acquire; seems like Bell wants to be in Miami but you've got to believe Pop and the Spurs are at least going to kick the tires.

I've always liked Butler and thought he'd be someone that could thrive as a Spurs role player, so I've got no real qualms about him taking up a roster spot. I'd just like to see if the Spurs are looking to acquire another vet on the wing and what the ramifications are for the likes of Hairston, Temple, Gee or whomever else they might add in the Summer to take a look at.

The Spurs could definitely do worse than Butler, but I've got The Coalition to run. :smokin

[TD 21]

I'd be surprised if the Spurs don't acquire some type of veteran wing, even if it is a young player like Cook. The lack of quality options on the wings caught up to them last season and while I agree that Hairston, Gee, etc. shouldn't be buried behind minimal types like Bogans, it would be foolish to not have one more established player ahead of them, both for depth purposes and because neither is established. I understand you can't become established without opportunity, but for a team trying to win a championship they can't put all their eggs in one basket in this regard. The Spurs need someone better than Bogans and what Mason gave them this season.

I'd be surprised if Butler signed for the minimum. He just made almost $4 million this past season, is right in the prime of his career and averaged double figures points. Plus, even though he's not starting material, he did start the past two seasons for the most part. There's no reason he couldn't at least get the LLE.

[Blackjack]

No, I agree. But I was stating if they're going to add a veteran -- say Bell -- and add Butler, then I'd have some reservations.

If it's just Butler and you've still got the young guys, I wouldn't have much of a problem with it.

[Blackjack]

Actually, if they've addressed their needs and still have the money, adding Bell and Butler in place of Mason and Bogans wouldn't be a problem at all, if they decide on going with 15 again.

But I'm not sure that's the case . . .

[TD 21]

Can't see it being more than one. They're limited financially and you got to think that they won't want to completely bury Hairston, Gee and probably the 1st round pick, which I expect to be an SF, considering their glaring need going forward at that position and the fact that a bunch of SF's should be available right around their pick.

Whoever that veteran player is will replace one of Bogans or Mason. The other replacement will likely be either the 1st round pick (depending on if it's a senior like James, Pondexter, Robinson, etc.) or Hairston (depending on if it's a more raw player, such as George, Hayward, Babbit, Ebanks, etc.).

[Blackjack]

Unless there's just some no-brainer pick that falls to them at 20, you've got to believe that's a pick for a wing. And if they believe in that player enough to spend the money on the pick and select the kid, it'd be hard to see him not play.

So I agree with your take; I'm just trying to wrap my head around what they'll do at the moment. It doesn't seem like they'd carry 15 players and everything I've heard with my own ears and what I've been told by people I trust, is that Hairston is in the Spurs plans moving forward. So if that's true, and maybe it is or isn't, that's three wings: Jefferson, Hairston and their first-round pick right there.

I view Temple as a 1/2 that's a capable wing defender -- given certain matchups -- but he'll probably fill the vacated Mason role-- third-string point and bench scorer. So that's three players at the point: Parker, Hill and Temple.

The frontcourt will hopefully consist of Duncan, Splitter, 'Dyess, Blair, a vet-min. and/or a D-League eligible player. ('Tres believes Mahinmi will be back ... so maybe he fills the fifth or sixth big, depending on how many they keep.)

So that takes the roster to 11 or 12 and we've yet to address the shooting guard: Manu . . . Well, that would make it 12 or 13 and that probably means they'd have room for one or two more players without carrying 15. Maybe Bell and/or Gee? Something like that is what it looks to come down to; if I crunched the numbers I could be a little more accurate but I think that's pretty much the gist.

[TD 21]

Well I'm not saying not play at all, just not in the regular rotation. If they draft George and Hairston looks more ready to contribute than him, which is not inconceivable considering the experience gap between the two, then I could see Hairston being the fourth wing in the rotation.

I wouldn't describe Temple as a "bench scorer". Even though he did a nice job offensively, I got that sense that he was playing above his head. Hopefully I'm wrong though.

I'm predicting that they'll lure Tolliver back into the organization to be the fifth big and fill the stretch four role (even though he's not exactly an established knock down shooter), similar to how they did Gee, by offering a little more than his current team will, whether that's financially, or security wise (guaranteeing him a season, maybe even two).

1st round pick I'm assuming will be George, James or Pondexter.

Wing shooter, I originally thought Bell or Evans; now I'm thinking Cook or Butler.

If I had to guess at this moment with limited information, I'd go with...

Starters: PF- Duncan, SF- Jefferson, C- Splitter, SG- Hill, PG- Parker

Bench: SG- Ginobili, PF- McDyess, SG- Cook, PF- Blair, SG/SF- Hairston, SF- George or SF/PF- James, PF- Tolliver

Inactive: SG/PG- Temple

If they carry fourteen, I'd expect either Gee or the 2nd round pick to make the cut.

[Blackjack]

That's basically what I'm thinking; and I didn't mean Temple was going to be looked at as a scorer, only that he'd kind of take Mason's role (and that Mason's responsibilities -- 3-point shooting and third-string point -- will be divvied up between Temple and the 3-point shooter they acquire on the wing -- I should have been more clear on that).

[TD 21]

I see. Makes sense.

If they trade for Cook and draft George, then they really would be thin as far as defensive wings go. They'd have Hill, who's more guard than wing and Hairston, who even if he cracks the rotation I can't see playing a ton of minutes.

That's why I could see the draft pick being somewhat intertwined with the other wing player they bring in. So for example, maybe if their plan is to acquire Cook, they draft James instead of George, since he's the more noted defender of the two.

[MaNu4Tres]

I'd be surprised if the Spurs don't acquire some type of veteran wing, even if it is a young player like Cook. The lack of quality options on the wings caught up to them last season and while I agree that Hairston, Gee, etc. shouldn't be buried behind minimal types like Bogans, it would be foolish to not have one more established player ahead of them, both for depth purposes and because neither is established. I understand you can't become established without opportunity, but for a team trying to win a championship they can't put all their eggs in one basket in this regard. The Spurs need someone better than Bogans and what Mason gave them this season.

I'd be surprised if Butler signed for the minimum. He just made almost $4 million this past season, is right in the prime of his career and averaged double figures points. Plus, even though he's not starting material, he did start the past two seasons for the most part. There's no reason he couldn't at least get the LLE.



Agreed 100% with everything said.

I do believe Spurs will go after Bell or Butler with the remainder of their MLE after Splitter, but I don't think they will dig any deeper into the free agent SG/SF wing pool if those two choose to go different routes. I know they've liked Dorell Wright this past trade deadline and he could be a target for the remainder also. I just don't think they will carry two or more veteran wings next year like they did this year. Pop had a very hard time managing the situation between Mason, Finley and Bogans.

[Manufan909]

Agreed 100% with everything said.

I do believe Spurs will go after Bell or Butler with the remainder of their MLE after Splitter, but I don't think they will dig any deeper into the free agent SG/SF wing pool if those two choose to go different routes. I know they've liked Dorell Wright this past trade deadline and he could be a target for the remainder also. I just don't think they will carry two or more veteran wings next year like they did this year. Pop had a very hard time managing the situation between Mason, Finley and Bogans.

How was Bogans involved? I know the other two whined and moaned to be let go. I wish Mason had been waived/traded the same time Fin left. But Hairston would not see a huge increase in minutes even then, kinda like Ian with 3-deep frontline this past season. Or maybe he would Manu/Tony/RJ/Hill/Bogans for the smalls would have been disastrous.

[Manufan909]

vIxHb1c7WQU&feature=related

Hey Bruno, according to this video Tiago had a mid range jay in 07, did he go away from that as his post game became more advanced?

And many thanks for putting up the url for the site with a massive amount of Euro games. Fuck LP, costing too damn much. They could have a meh quality site for those who never watch four games at once or whatever.

I'm only halfway thru my first game (Caja vs. Lagun), but Splitter does indeed seem to be all that and a bag of chips. The Euro game is a bit slow for my tastes, but I want to watch all the free games involving Splitter or Colo that I possibly can, so fuck it.

After Tiago got a monster block, the commentator switched from Spanish to English, only to say "not in my house!!!!!".:rollin

[Bruno]

Hey Bruno, according to this video Tiago had a mid range jay in 07, did he go away from that as his post game became more advanced?


Tiago role has change a lot after Scola left the team but he still has a mid range jump shoot. For example, he is significantly better in that area than Blair. It's just that he isn't great or even good at hitting midrange jump shoot.

[mogrovejo]

It was announced today he won the MVP award:
http://www.acb.com/redaccion.php?id=67420
Expected and fair.

[Spurs Brazil]

It was announced today he won the MVP award:
http://www.acb.com/redaccion.php?id=67420
Expected and fair.

Brazil media is reporting this news a lot but nothing new about him coming to San Antonio. His only quite is he'll keep playing hard to win the Spanish League Tournament

[Maddog]

Anybody have any sense of a timeline as to when we might hear something yea or nay?

[TimmehC]

Anybody have any sense of a timeline as to when we might hear something yea or nay?

Pretty sure the Spurs have to wait until Caja's season is over to start talking to him. Also, the MLE won't be available until July 1st.

[Bruno]

Spurs don't have to wait the end of the season to talk with Splitter or his agent.

I wouldn't be surprised if they still haven't talk with them. It's even possible that Splitter still has made his choice but that he wait the end of hsi season to make his choice public.

We will know more about Splitter just after the end of his season. It will be in early or mid June depending on how far they go in playoffs.

[Mel_13]

Anybody have any sense of a timeline as to when we might hear something yea or nay?


Spurs don't have to wait the end of the season to talk with Splitter or his agent.

I wouldn't be surprised if they still haven't talk with them. It's even possible that Splitter still has made his choice but that he wait the end of hsi season to make his choice public.

We will know more about Splitter just after the end of his season. It will be in early or mid June depending on how far they go in playoffs.

FWIW, back in 2008 we started hearing rumors that Tau would make a big offer in mid-May. The announcement that Splitter had signed a new contract came out at the end of May, but before the end of the Spanish League playoffs.

If he has already decided to leave Spain or to stay with his current team, it seems likely that we'll know shortly after the playoffs are over. If he plans on looking at options with other European teams, we could have a much longer wait.

I would imagine that the Spurs will insist on a decision before July 1st so that they can pursue other MLE targets if Splitter stays in Europe.

[robot89]

His game is about to start
http://acb360.orange.es/partidos/LACB/54/312

[TIMMYD!]

Just from watching the first 5 minutes of this game, I can already tell Splitter is going to help Tim a lot if he comes over. He's always in a great position on defense and is pretty mobile for a big guy.

[EmantheSpursFan]

He doesnt dominate the ball for being an MVP thats a really good sign

[Cane]

That was a pretty nifty pass that Tiago made to the baseline for his teammate.

[PBEEZY]

His post defense is good when he doesn't gamble

[TimmehC]

Nah, some of us are at work and curious about how he's doing. De Colo's playing right now too.

[PBEEZY]

Yeah, just about 10 minutes in and he's already made about 3 or 4 really nice passes.

.

Yeah he is a willing passer from double teams doesn't try press the issue, although he probably won't be seeing many double teams in the NBA. One aspect of his game that i've been impressed with thats hard to notice with youtube videos is his movement, on offense and D, he seems to have a high enough basketball IQ to know what spots on the floor to roam to and he's much quicker than i expected. That said it's hard to measure he's level of talent from only watching a couple of minutes in 1 game.

[ffadicted]

It's time for Splitter to fucking stop this Popovic, he's raping lol

[taps]

Splitter passing out of double team looks solid.

I like what he does away from the ball, seems to screen well in a lot of different offensive situations

[scottspurs]

and 1 was sick