Pop's ideal candidate for the "4" in FA

[bless1187]

We all heard it from Pop today, that we could focus our MLE this summer looking for a "4". I think the kind of player that Pop is looking for is a mobile, skilled big man rather than someone who clog the lane and block shots.

here's a few candidates that fits that role:

Z. Pachulia
G. Davis
A. Varejao
A. McDyess
R. Wallace
H. Warrick
C. Villanueva
C. Wilcox
M. Gortat
D. Gooden

These player pretty much fits what we are looking for in a "4" and seems to be around the MLE price.

My personal opinion is that M. Gortat and Z. Pachulia is overpaid if it means for the MLE. These two are more of the traditional big man in that they are more of a banger but not very skilled.

A. Varejao and C. Villanueva are probably going to be very difficult to grab away from their team since both are RFA and could command maybe even more than MLE.

I do feel that R. Wallace and A. McDyess fits everything we are looking for in a "4" but the problem is that we'd be taking a risk since they are both 34 and would turn 35 when playoff comes around. Both are mobile for big man, both can step out and hit the J, both could rebound, and both are good defender. But the thing that worries me is that both been looking like they been loosing a step or two the last several year.

If we want to sign a player that we could count on for both now and future, i think we should look into maybe a H. Warrick, C. Wilcox, or lastly G. Davis. I really like H. Warricks game in which is very mobile, athletic, and good shot blocker, but he might be a bit skinny to guard the bigger PF in this league. C. Wilcox is also a very talented big man with plenty of athleticism but low basketball IQ "more athletic but less skilled version of D. Gooden". G. Davis is a very big guy who shone in last year's playoff. He is a pretty good banger, and mid range shooter, but i do worry about his mobility and also there's some doubt in my mind that last year's playoff may be a fluke.

I do believe that whoever we sign for the MLE all have a gamble in there own ways. A. McDyess and R. Wallace are the perfect 4 for our team, but will turn 35 come playoff time. H. Warrick and C. Wilcox are talented and young players but with obvious flaws to there games. And our own D. Gooden, if he could only pop could talk some bball iq in him, he'd be the perfect big for this offseason.

[spursbird]

Leon Powe or Drew Gooden is the answer.

[crc21209]

Leon Powe or Drew Gooden is the answer.

Although good, Powe maybe a bit undersized. We need some 7 footers.

[VivaPopovich]

why cant we get a mobile skilled big man AND someone that can clog the lane and block shots?

i'd like to stick with gooden now, and give mahinmi and gist PT

[Mugen]

i like drew but you cant teach an old dog new tricks. hes a good post up player but honestly he cant pass for shit and his defense is average at best.

this team has enough offense which makes gooden's skillset expendable. my hope is that splitter comes over but looks like we are gonna target either mcdyess or sheed.

i think mcdyess is a spurs guy, character wise but sheeds length and overall better talent would suit us better against teams like the lakers.

so.....bring in the headcase and heres to hoping that we are wearing 2010 championship belts next year!

[TJastal]

i like drew but you cant teach an old dog new tricks. hes a good post up player but honestly he cant pass for shit and his defense is average at best.

this team has enough offense which makes gooden's skillset expendable. my hope is that splitter comes over but looks like we are gonna target either mcdyess or sheed.

i think mcdyess is a spurs guy, character wise but sheeds length and overall better talent would suit us better against teams like the lakers.

so.....bring in the headcase and heres to hoping that we are wearing 2010 championship belts next year!

I'm not that keen on bringing in a potential headcase like Wallace, who has fallen in love with the 3 point shot in recent years. We already got a 3pt shooting big man in Bonner and a whole slew of 3 pt specialists. The newest acquisition (Jefferson) also shoots well from downtown. Trust me, we absolutely do not need Wallace and his 3 pt shooting. Even if we didn't have Bonner I would say NO to Wallace.

Otoh, McDyess would be a MUCH better bet by far, this guy can really play some strong low post defense, even at 34. Wallace can play some defense too, but not as good as McDyess, and only when he feels like it.

Lets compare shooting, McDyess shot 51% last year compared to 41% for Rasheed. That's a big difference there. And McDyess will get ample opportunities to shoot mid range J's all game long in the spurs' system. The advantage of that is that still helps spread the floor some, but also keeps him closer to the basket to snag offensive rebounds. That's why McDyess averaged almost 3 offensive boards a game last year as opposed to 1 a game for Wallace.

Playoffs? Wallace was a complete no-show last year against the cavaliers, McDyess brought his A-game.

Looking at the total picture its a no-brainer IMO... McDyess wins hands down.

Drew Gooden if he's willing to play for 3 million would be a nice bench player, backing up McDyess.

[Rover82]

The Celtics are NOT going to let Big Baby and Powe walk! I like the idea of a guy like Brandon Bass...he is 6-8, but young can move around, etc. All of this hinges on how good and healthy Ian is though. Warrick would be solid, but he is restricted.

[bigfan]

McDyess is my pick, a quality player who is in the Kurt Thomas mold of no BS, no problems, team player.

[TimDunkem]

I don't see the point in Warrick when Gist may come over. Their game's are essentially the same. They're both hybrid forwards who have the ability to play multiple positions, shoot the ball, and grab boards with their athletic ability.

[Brazil]

IMHO the best available option is Gooden.

[MaNu4Tres]

I don't see the point in Warrick when Gist may come over. Their game's are essentially the same. They're both hybrid forwards who have the ability to play multiple positions, shoot the ball, and grab boards with their athletic ability.

Except Warrick is a proven 12 and 5 guy in the league.

[TimDunkem]

Except Warrick is a proven 12 and 5 guy in the league.

Gist is younger, just as athletic, can be aquired for less, and it's looking like Gist has more range on his jumpshot.

[FilSpursFan]

How about Chris Kaman?

[coyotes_geek]

Warrick, while a nice player, doesn't pass the pre-requisite test of "would I feel comfortable with him guarding Gasol"? We all know who we're trying to play catch-up with, so if he can't guard Gasol, he can't help us. Yes, I know Duncan can guard him, but the point of this exercise is to find someone else who can so that Tim doesn't have to.

[TJastal]

Nice list, just wondering though:

Why would McDyess still be committed to staying in Detroit, after they dumped Billups to Dice's old team (the Nuggz) for a team cancer like Iverson and then got prompty swept out of the 1st round?

McDyess from all accounts I've heard is interested in obtaining a ring before he retires. Detroit is heading nowhere in the forseeable future.

What better place to go to get a ring than San Antonio? I think McDyess would be the perfect compliment to Duncan, and still young enough at 34 to bring it when it matters.

[coyotes_geek]

Nice list, just wondering though:

Why would McDyess still be committed to staying in Detroit, after they dumped Billups to Dice's old team (the Nuggz) for a team cancer like Iverson and then got prompty swept out of the 1st round?

McDyess from all accounts I've heard is interested in obtaining a ring before he retires. Detroit is heading nowhere in the forseeable future.

What better place to go to get a ring than San Antonio? I think McDyess would be the perfect compliment to Duncan, and still young enough at 34 to bring it when it matters.

Agreed. There's no reason for McDyess to be feeling any obligation to Detroit, because now that Detroit is in a rebuilding mode the Pistons certainly aren't feeling any obligation to him.

[urunobili]

How about Chris Kaman?

He's not a free agent and his contract is kind of expensive...

[DBMethos]

I'm all aboard the McDyess bandwagon at this point.

[outmap]

Sign David Lee for the MLE. I don't think NY is going to match.
Pachulia, Ratliff, or Gortat for the LLE.

[MaNu4Tres]

Sign David Lee for the MLE. I don't think NY is going to match.
Pachulia, Ratliff, or Gortat for the LLE.

NY would match in a heartbeat.

Ratliff would be available for the LLE, not Pachulia or Gortat.

[silk]

I think it will be Rasheed, he will get his 10 millions, not per year, but in two year


If that's the case, i'd rather have a line-up with geroge hill and TP, and manu comin' off the bench, there's only one ball and i enjoyed watchin hill play with tp, now with td, rasheed, and jefferson backin them up

[nkdlunch]

comeo on. anything to see Rasheed and Duncan on the same team.

[mingus]

i don't like the idea of the Spurs having two starting big guys at 34+ by the time the playoffs start.

unless Ian turns out to be a viable option at the center postion, Rasheed would probably have to play a lot of minutes, which isn't good. UNLESS thomas comes back, or the Spurs can get Rasho for cheap to give the frontline more depth, the Spurs need someone who can give a lot them mins at the center position for a full season IMO. Birdman, Verajao, Pachulia all can play a lot of mins/ i say go for them.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I think Pachulia would be the best fit here.

[Russ]

The Spurs need a center who can run and rebound, not an elderly "4."

[coyotes_geek]

I think Pachulia would be the best fit here.

I seem to be changing my mind every 5 minutes, but right now that's kind of where I'm leaning as well. Get a big body who the elite PFs/Cs of the league can't just shoot over or just push out of the way, and one who won't get too upset at losing minutes when the Spurs go small.

[twilo73]

David Lee for the MLE? Don't think that would ever happen but that would be an absolute dream!!!!

My choices are Varejao o Wallace.

[Russ]

With the Clips glut of big men, the Spurs might still get Camby. He could be the final piece. :)

[mingus]

Pachulia, Verajao, and Birdman are at the top of the list right now for me. both bring energy; they're extremely active on both sides of the floor. the Spurs don't need Sheed's three point shooting now when they've got so many scorers, and they definitely don't need the baggage that comes along with him (age, motivation, sanity). Pachulia is young, hard worker, and he's not going to mess up the chemistry.

people forget, but Pachulia isn't exactly a dud on offense either. he averaged 12 ppg and 47% shooting and 7 rebounds per game three years ago when he averaged 28 mins per game. for whatever reason his minutes dipped last year though to 19 mins and his averages dropped.

Pachullia is the safest bet IMO; you know what you're getting with him.

[HarlemHeat37]

Wallace, Gortat, 'Dice, and Pachulia are my main 4..if we get any of those guys, I will be very happy..

if we get Wallace or 'Dice, we might have to pick up a younger big man for the LLE though..Ike Diogu would be nice..Ian might be the guy, but it's obviously a risk right now..

[mingus]

^ i just don't like the idea of having two starting big men 34+ by the time the playoffs start.

i say sign Zaza and bring back Thomas as insurance, a guy who knows the system and could provide Kevin Willis-type prodution.

[mingus]

TP
Manu
RJ
TD
Zaza

this would be a SICK line-up. Manu + Zaza would bug a lot of teams.

[Vic Petro]

Birdman!

[pjjrfan]

I like Baby Davis' game, especially since he seems to be getting pretty good at hitting that midrange jumper, my fear is that once out of Boston the refs won't allow him to use his body like he does in Boston. He has quick feet but he still physically tries to overpower the guys he is defending, and in Boston he got away with it but on another team that may change. Another reason I can't stand NBA refs.

[mingus]

Big Baby + Mexican food isn't a good combination.

[DaBears]

The Birdman from Denver would be a perfect fit. A complete Hustle player and energy guy, plays well in team concepts...... I say go for him he performs on big stag "PLAYOFFS". I would say we would be lucky to get him. If im correct he is a FA this offseason. NICK ANDERSON for those of you who not sure who the birdman is.

[DaBears]

Kind of like the white version of Dennis Rodman, with out the drag queen......

[Duncan2177]

My pick is Rasheed Wallace

[hater]

Birdman + Mexican Border isn't a good combination.

[vander]

The Birdman from Denver would be a perfect fit. A complete Hustle player and energy guy, plays well in team concepts...... I say go for him he performs on big stag "PLAYOFFS". I would say we would be lucky to get him. If im correct he is a FA this offseason. NICK ANDERSON for those of you who not sure who the birdman is.

????

I thought Chris Anderson was the Birdman

[coyotes_geek]

????

I thought Chris Anderson was the Birdman

No no no. You're both confused. Willie Anderson is the Birdman.

[DaBears]

Birdman would not need to fly the coupe, trust me mexican border would come to him...

[RiverwalkParade]

No no no. You're both confused. Willie Anderson is the Birdman.

no no, koko b. ware is the birdman

[mingus]

Birdman + Mexican Border isn't a good combination.

:lol can you imagine Birdman on coke? he's basically already on coke it seems.

[DaBears]

I say bring back the "Admiral" or Father Time himself "Robert Horry. i bet take a couple weeks to get david robinson in shape running wise, but i saw him not to long ago and he still looked in great shape... Sign him to vet min and lets get it on......

[coyotes_geek]

:lol can you imagine Birdman on coke? he's basically already on coke it seems.

He got kicked out of the league for being on coke so it's pretty easy to imagine.

[ajballer4]

ZAZA!
But anyone one of the ones mentioned could be the missing piece. It's gonna be luck of the draw

[Obstructed_View]

You guys are idiots.


Loni Anderson is the Birdman.

[coyotes_geek]

Birdman had a nice rack back in the day.

[tp2021]

You guys are idiots.


Loni Anderson is the Birdman.

I think she's actually the Blue Falcon.

[bless1187]

here are my list of most wanted big guys:

1.) R. Wallace- He's a big long guy. He has very good individual D and team D, always thought he guarded Duncan pretty well. He can run the floor. He could shoot from the 3pt line. He also has a post game. But the thing that worries me about him is that he's a bit of a head case, and he'll be 35 by the time the playoff starts, and he showed sign of slowing down last year.

2.) A. McDyess- At 6-9 he is not as long or big as some of your other PF or C. He's a strong guy and plays very hard. He is good individual and team defender but will not particularly block a lot of shots. He is a good rebounder. He is pretty mobile. He can also step out and shoot the mid range J. But like R. Wallace, he is going to be 35 by the time the playoff starts and you just don't know how much he has left in the tank.

3.) H. Warrick or D. Gooden - H. Warrick is your typical hybrid 3 / 4. He is 6-9 but extremely long and athletic, but he only weighs 219 lb. He runs the floor really well, and block a lot of shot due to his length and athletic abilities. He still hasn't developed much of a outside J. He is still very young at 26. H. Warrick still has a lot of upside, but the one thing that i worry about him is that whether he could guard some of the bigger 4 in this league.
D. Gooden is someone with good size at 6-10. He is pretty mobile for a big man. He rebound well. He can step out and hit the mid range J. His individual defense is decent but his team defense is really poor. He has a pretty low bball IQ and will take some bad shots. He is in his prime at 27 years old. D. Gooden supposedly could be our best option due to his age, size, and skill sets, but what worries me is his team defense and his bball iq.

[Spurs Brazil]

1 - McDyess
2 - Pachulia
3 - Diogu

[mudyez]

my top-options:
A. McDyess...he fits perfectly and is the typical spur
R. Wallace...fits also nicely but not the typical spur
Z. Pachulia...I like the idea of having one more big body out there
H. Warrick...I really like him, but don't see him contributing to a championship...cant guard Gasol
M. Gortat...see Z. Pachulia
C. Villanueva...see H. Warrick
C. Wilcox...dont want low BB-IQ guys
D. Gooden...see C. Wilcox
G. Davis...C's will keep him
A. Varejao...dont see cleelandletting him walk
L. Powe...see G. Davis

I think, the spurs should be able to get dice or sheed and combined with jefferson, thats a nice forward duo to complement TD,TP and manu

[biziofromdowntown]

McD for LLE
Gortat for MLE

[mountainballer]

look what the trade market already did and delivered the best possible to the Spurs. there will be even more dealing and so I truly believe the PF/C solution will come via trade. Spurs still have some assets in Matt and RM and as we learned, the expirings contracts can move mountains this summer.
I think getting players like Collison or Turiaf via such a trade is highly possible. depending on the direction the team decides to go, also players like Foster might be a possibility.
and in a lower quality category names like Kris Humphries and Hamed Haddadi should be on the market for an expiring contract. (this two might have some upside left)

[Spurs Brazil]

I don't like his game very much but it appears Okur will be a FA

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705313348/Utah-Jazz-Up-next-is-free-agent-frenzy.html?pg=1

Like Boozer and Korver, the big Turk has an early termination option that gives him until Tuesday to escape the last season of his existing deal.

Indications from both sides Friday, however, seemed to suggest that the gap between them is wide enough that Okur — due to make $9 million next season if he doesn't opt out — will enter the summer shopping market. "We're gonna wait right up until the end," Okur's agent, Marc Fleisher, said when asked if his client's plans had been finalized yet.

"I think he's, right now, leaning toward opting out," Fleisher added. "But we'll make that decision at the last possible minute."

Asked Friday if it's possible any of the three — Okur, Boozer or Korver — reach extension agreements before Tuesday's opt-out deadline, O'Connor said, "I wouldn't take anything out of the equation."

[holcs50]

Gotta say mcdyess, sheed, or stick with gooden. The rest I think will want too much like pachulia and obviously villanueva will want waaaay more than we have.

Dyess and sheed are somewhat gambles at their ages, but they both have a lot of PO experience, were at one time both very good players, are still serviceable and lengthy. I think either would help a ton in playing say a team like the fakers because of the mere size each would have and both can bang down low. Sheed tho slower than he was could still give pau/bynum some problems as he's always been a good defender. At this point Im more concerned with helping TD on D and both of them would do that nicely...and they both could still avg. around 10ppg no problem (depending on minutes)

[Obstructed_View]

It's pretty likely that the Spurs are going to end up with someone like Rasho because every other name, including Gooden, are going to demand more money than the Spurs can afford.

[holcs50]

It's pretty likely that the Spurs are going to end up with someone like Rasho because every other name, including Gooden, are going to demand more money than the Spurs can afford.

Please don't say that! :bang :bang

Im staying optimistic because this off-season has been so badass so far, why not stay in the badass category.

[Galileo]

I don't like his game very much but it appears Okur will be a FA

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705313348/Utah-Jazz-Up-next-is-free-agent-frenzy.html?pg=1

Like Boozer and Korver, the big Turk has an early termination option that gives him until Tuesday to escape the last season of his existing deal.

Indications from both sides Friday, however, seemed to suggest that the gap between them is wide enough that Okur — due to make $9 million next season if he doesn't opt out — will enter the summer shopping market. "We're gonna wait right up until the end," Okur's agent, Marc Fleisher, said when asked if his client's plans had been finalized yet.

"I think he's, right now, leaning toward opting out," Fleisher added. "But we'll make that decision at the last possible minute."

Asked Friday if it's possible any of the three — Okur, Boozer or Korver — reach extension agreements before Tuesday's opt-out deadline, O'Connor said, "I wouldn't take anything out of the equation."

This guy is a way better fit, and a way better player than Wallace. He's taller and younger and is an actual center.