Spurs sign Marcus Haislip

[bishopospurs]

hmm that bourousis guy sounds like an interesting prospect...

I was pretty excited when the spurs were being linked to Yiannis Bouroussis too. I could see the pre game ritual, 6'11 greek dude, a spur shaved into his back hair, gliding in on a slip and slide covered in olive oil... so sexy :lol

Seriously, a friend of mine saw him play alot and said he was really dope, but the reassuring thing the FO hasn't done anything to make this off season look bad thus far. I trust is in PopaLAbitch.

[Sigz]

fuck bonner

[bigdog]

No he was not one of the best players in Europe. NBA fans are just impossible to deal with.

Then don't deal with us.

...and you say he isn't one of the best players, but he was one of the best PF's. That is a huge contradiction right there. If he's one of the best at a certain position, he should be considered one of the best players. You fail. Have fun jerking off to Bourousis and his MLE deal that was never going to happen with the Spurs.

[picnroll]

Trading Mahinmi? :bang

Presti has found his "Mahinmi" with Ibaka. Ibaka has had a damn good season in Spain and could turn into the real deal.

IMO, Collison is the most likely trade target for Spurs. I can see Thunder trading him to develop younger players and to have more cap space in 2010.

Seems like Ibabka is a better prospect than Mahinmi based on his accomplishments in Europe to date.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

No he was not one of the best players in Europe. NBA fans are just impossible to deal with.

Then piss off and find another forum to post on.

[Brazil]

Kace, I posted that sooner in the thread, I've seen him once in Barcelona.

Nice scoop Bruno !



This thread is another example of the strengh of this board ! The quality of the info provided by some of the posters here is just amazing.

Regarding Haislip, I saw him play once one year ago in Spain and I hope he improved his game a lot. I didn't look specificaly at him but I remember an athletic big with a just decent shooting, a litle bit lazy on Defense, he is not very quick on his feet and had hard time to defend the opposite frontcourt. He has the qualities to be a good rebounder but his lack of effort was obvious during that game. From what I've seen I'd prefer Gist but maybe he was quite bored to play in Europe and he will be motivated by the NBA challenge.

[completely deck]

Then piss off and find another forum to post on.

lmao

[Solid D]

Interesting news. Lots of conjecture here about the signing of Haislip. I would be surprised if this is anything beyond a make-good deal. One way to tell will be if RC calls a press conference later this week to introduce him....or NOT.

[loveforthegame]

IMO:

T. Parker / G. Hill
R. Mason / M. Ginobili / J. mcClinton
R. Jefferson / M. Finley / J. Gist
T. Duncan / D. Blair / M. Haslip
R.Wallace / I. Mahinmi / M. Bonner

I think Gist needs to be behind Haislip and if Williams is still on the team he'd go behind Finley.

Would the Spurs carry a full roster like that? For some reaon I thought they liked to keep 1 spot open.

Either way, that's a pretty good balanced roster right there. The starting lineup is insane. Even if you plug McDyess in place of Wallace. The 2nd unit is about as solid as we've had in a while.

[Bruno]

You think Haslip's main competition this summer would be Gist then? With the loser gone or sent to Austin?

I think Gist will be in Europe next year.

[Brazil]

we wanted big athletic and tall this year we are right on track even if I have some doubts about haislip but at the min it's a no brainer

[Libri]

we wanted big athletic and tall this year we are right on track even if I have some doubts about haislip but at the min it's a no brainer

I rather hear the words "athletic" and "tall" over "slow" and "short" any day.

[loveforthegame]

I was happy when we were thinking the signing might have been with the LLE but to think it's a minimum deal is even better.

[Bruno]

Nice scoop Bruno !

:toast

[FromWayDowntown]

I honestly can't see the downside to this transaction. If Haislip fails, he's a minimal risk that won't burn the Spurs for very long. If Haislip can come close to the talent that made him a lottery pick in 2002, the Spurs get a bargain. If Haislip can just give the Spurs some minutes here and there to spell what seems likely to be a couple of aging front-line stars, it's probably about as good as they could have found domestically at that price. More than that, it's clearly not exclusive of any other move the Spurs might try to make; even with a guaranteed deal, they could break from form enough to pit Haislip against another minimum deal player in camp and see who prevails.

I just don't see why anyone would quarrel with this decision.

[DPG21920]

I do not think anyone hates it, but in typical ST fashion (unleash the Gist!), people are projecting way to much.

[kbrury]

sounds like Haislip has all the tools to be successful he just needs motivation and put his own energy into the defensive side of the ball.

[HarlemHeat37]

There is no downside at all, it's for the minimum..if he doesn't work out, we aren't losing much..

I've read the opinions of a few Bucks fans that have been following him in Europe, and they think that he's improved his game dramatically from his time in Milwaukee, and that he could end up being a good bench player in the NBA right now..

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I honestly can't see the downside to this transaction. If Haislip fails, he's a minimal risk that won't burn the Spurs for very long. If Haislip can come close to the talent that made him a lottery pick in 2002, the Spurs get a bargain. If Haislip can just give the Spurs some minutes here and there to spell what seems likely to be a couple of aging front-line stars, it's probably about as good as they could have found domestically at that price. More than that, it's clearly not exclusive of any other move the Spurs might try to make; even with a guaranteed deal, they could break from form enough to pit Haislip against another minimum deal player in camp and see who prevails.

I just don't see why anyone would quarrel with this decision.

Agreed, solid take as usual man :tu

Only on Spurstalk could a signing of a potential sleeper big man for the minimum be met with any level of angst and trepidation.

[Blackjack]

Bruno, I seem to remember Haislip being on a SL roster or two in the last couple of years (pretty sure he was listed on last years at one point) but I don't think he actually played.

If I'm correct, Haislip has been in their sights for over a year now, and he would seem to be the type of player R.C. had in mind when talking about having some players overseas they were looking at.

Do you recall Haislip being listed on the Spurs' SL roster and if you do, are you aware of why he didn't end up playing?(Better contract offer, or maybe the Spurs could have encouraged him to go overseas?:stirpot:)

[Kori Ellis]

Bruno, I seem to remember Haislip being on a SL roster or two in the last couple of years (pretty sure he was listed on last years at one point) but I don't think he actually played.

If I'm correct, Haislip has been in their sights for over a year now, and he would seem to be the type of player R.C. had in mind when talking about having some players overseas they were looking at.

Do you recall Haislip being listed on the Spurs' SL roster and if you do, are you aware of why he didn't end up playing?(Better contract offer, or maybe the Spurs could have encouraged him to go overseas?:stirpot:)

It was in 2005. He was on the preliminary roster when it was announced, but then not on the final one.

[mogrovejo]

I've seen Haislip play dozens of times in the last few years, some of them in the arena. He's a good 4th big if you surround him with good rebounders and defenders, play some full-court offence to keep him going (he's amazingly quick changing ends, although notoriously slower running back) and know how to use him for spacing purposes in half-court sets. When he's playing with confidence, he's a very versatile and dynamic offensive player: he'll get shots in transition, he'll create off the bounce from the high post, he'll play the pick'n'pop perfectly, he'll cut through the lane from the weakside. Good signing for the minimum. As I said, think a poor man's David West or an athletic Glen Davis without the hustle or the focus.

Haislip was easily a top-10 PF in Europe if you analyze them from a NBA perspective. Very, very easily.

[benefactor]

I've seen Haislip play dozens of times in the last few years, some of them in the arena. He's a good 4th big if you surround him with good rebounders and defenders, play some full-court offence to keep him going (he's amazingly quick changing ends, although notoriously slower running back) and know how to use him for spacing purposes in half-court sets. When he's playing with confidence, he's a very versatile and dynamic offensive player: he'll get shots in transition, he'll create off the bounce from the high post, he'll play the pick'n'pop perfectly, he'll cut through the lane from the weakside. Good signing for the minimum. As I said, think a poor man's David West or an athletic Glen Davis without the hustle or the focus.

Haislip was easily a top-10 PF in Europe if you analyze them from a NBA perspective. Very, very easily.
:tu

Thanks for the info man. Hopefully he can come in and give us some good bench minutes next season.

[Brazil]

I've seen Haislip play dozens of times in the last few years, some of them in the arena. He's a good 4th big if you surround him with good rebounders and defenders, play some full-court offence to keep him going (he's amazingly quick changing ends, although notoriously slower running back) and know how to use him for spacing purposes in half-court sets. When he's playing with confidence, he's a very versatile and dynamic offensive player: he'll get shots in transition, he'll create off the bounce from the high post, he'll play the pick'n'pop perfectly, he'll cut through the lane from the weakside. Good signing for the minimum. As I said, think a poor man's David West or an athletic Glen Davis without the hustle or the focus.

Haislip was easily a top-10 PF in Europe if you analyze them from a NBA perspective. Very, very easily.

I wouldn't say very easily top 10 but about a top 10

[loveforthegame]

I've seen Haislip play dozens of times in the last few years, some of them in the arena. He's a good 4th big if you surround him with good rebounders and defenders, play some full-court offence to keep him going (he's amazingly quick changing ends, although notoriously slower running back) and know how to use him for spacing purposes in half-court sets. When he's playing with confidence, he's a very versatile and dynamic offensive player: he'll get shots in transition, he'll create off the bounce from the high post, he'll play the pick'n'pop perfectly, he'll cut through the lane from the weakside. Good signing for the minimum. As I said, think a poor man's David West or an athletic Glen Davis without the hustle or the focus.

Thanks for the info. :tu

He should be able to fit in with any unit they put out there I would think.

[timvp]

Haislip would be considered possibly a top 10 PF in Euroleague level.


So I would rate him about maybe 16th best PF in Euroleague.

Nice consistency. And considering that half of your list contains players that are either Greek or have some sort of Greek connection, I don't consider your opinion at all. If Haislip were Greek, you'd be claiming he's Wilt reincarnate.

And BTW, Batiste is a small forward on the NBA level. I know he plays center in Greece but that doesn't make him an NBA bigman.

[mogrovejo]

I wouldn't say very easily top 10 but about a top 10

Very easily. From KBP's list, half of the guys are basically slower, less athletic, Matt Bonners. And seriously, Teletovic? Or Printezis, a hustle guy who can't create his own shot?

I mean, in Europe I'd certainly prefer David Andersen or Filipe Reyes to Haislip. But for a NBA team? Meh, maybe Andersen, if I really needed the outside shooting, but Haislip, while inconsistent, isn't soft as pillows.

[Spurtacus]

Seems like a decent signing for the LLE. We lost two bigs and got one back. Hopefully Sheed will be the other. Sounds like Gist is out unless we trade Bonner.

[Kori Ellis]

Seems like a decent signing for the LLE. We lost two bigs and got one back. Hopefully Sheed will be the other. Sounds like Gist is out unless we trade Bonner.

I don't think they used the LLE... looks like they signed him at the minimum.

[benefactor]

I've seen Haislip play dozens of times in the last few years, some of them in the arena. He's a good 4th big if you surround him with good rebounders and defenders, play some full-court offence to keep him going (he's amazingly quick changing ends, although notoriously slower running back) and know how to use him for spacing purposes in half-court sets. When he's playing with confidence, he's a very versatile and dynamic offensive player: he'll get shots in transition, he'll create off the bounce from the high post, he'll play the pick'n'pop perfectly, he'll cut through the lane from the weakside. Good signing for the minimum. As I said, think a poor man's David West or an athletic Glen Davis without the hustle or the focus.

Haislip was easily a top-10 PF in Europe if you analyze them from a NBA perspective. Very, very easily.
I am pretty sure that these things are the big reason why the Spurs signed him. Bigs that can run the pick and pop and can space the floor effectively are right near the top of their wish list. The fact that he is actually athletic is nice too. :)

[Solid D]

It was in 2005. He was on the preliminary roster when it was announced, but then not on the final one.

Yeah, as I recall, he ended up on Denver's SL squad.

[Spurs Brazil]

I don't think they used the LLE... looks like they signed him at the minimum.

The article from spanish newspaper said he wanted to comeback to the NBA badly so I think he would accept a minimum contract

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lol

:lol

[timvp]

Speaking of summer league, I doubt Haislip is going to play in summer league for the Spurs ... but the timing of this information is interesting. The Spurs wouldn't confirm the signing unless it were 100% going to happen because it isn't official until the 8th. One way that it could be 100% is if Haislip is already working out in preparation of summer league.

If it were my decision, I'd say Haislip shouldn't play. The Spurs need to use summer league to evaluate Mahinmi, Blair and Gist.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Stop exaggerating. He was not one of the best players in Europe. Why do NBA fans always do this? They exaggerate every player from Europe as soon as he signs an NBA contract. He was one of the better power forwards in Spain. Not one of the best players in Europe.

So Spain is not in Europe?

[cherylsteele]

The fans in this forum are a joke on basketball knowledge. They are practically retarded most of them on basketball issues.
If that is the case and you think you're more knowledgable than Spurs fans why are you posting here then?
Gee, we just don't understand your "basketball intelligence".:rolleyes

[meestahmeestah]

So Spain is not in Europe?

:lol

:rollin

[cherylsteele]

I think this is more of an insurance type signing.
If Gist, or Ian isn't ready Haislip may be .

Could Haislip be added and the Spurs are going to use him as part of trade or something?

[kbrury]

No point in signing a guy playing in Europe just to trade him.

[Penya]

Actually, he is also debatable with Georgios Printezis, Andre Hutson, Dimos Dikoudis, Terrence Morris, Stephane Lasme

WHAT THE FUCK?:lol:lol

And Garbajosa isn't better than him. Three years ago he was that good. Now... Absolutely no.

In domestic league, Haislip and Reyes averaged the same quantity of points. Obviously Reyes is much better than Haislip, but that's a fact.

And yes, if his name was Haislipis and he was born in Greece, you'd say that he's a beast and bla bla bla. Don't fool people.


Great, great deal for the min. I'm wondering if Bonner will be shipped soon...

[symple19]

This forum is so sad. "Fans" here do not even know Haislip. There are no true basketball fans here. All you know is Spurs players.
please, enlighten us...

[mattyc]

Very interesting move. Very much a low risk, potentially medium reward type scenario. Very happy to see he is the type of guy that was so desperate to play in the NBA that he is willing to accept the minimum, whereas some guys are happy to plug away in Europe for the money.

I remember the big wraps on him before draft day. Simply though, some guys take longer to develop that others and I'm hoping this might be a case of that. Bring him in, let him work hard and see how he goes.

Could be an astute signing and if it fails, then it is not at a great expense.

[urunobili]

Yet another player with something to prove in this league... I'm loving this... the more i see it the more i like it...

[Brazil]

Very easily. From KBP's list, half of the guys are basically slower, less athletic, Matt Bonners. And seriously, Teletovic? Or Printezis, a hustle guy who can't create his own shot?

I mean, in Europe I'd certainly prefer David Andersen or Filipe Reyes to Haislip. But for a NBA team? Meh, maybe Andersen, if I really needed the outside shooting, but Haislip, while inconsistent, isn't soft as pillows.

Maybe I'm staying on a first bad impression but for me he is not that good (top 5) even at European level but it was one year ago I hope he is better now. The fact he is abandonning a lot of money in this story is maybe a good sign of his motivation.

[ducks]

I would rather have Gist.

because you have seen him play not haislip?

[yavozerb]

This guy is for all you Pops fans out there, same kind of player but a little more refined I think, but same kind of athlete..

[Obstructed_View]

Wow. League Pass my friend.

I'll PM you my Dish Network account number so you can buy it for me. But if you do, I'm still not going to watch the Wizards play basketball.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lol

[Knoxxx]

This guy is for all you Pops fans out there, same kind of player but a little more refined I think, but same kind of athlete..

Exactly. Check You Tube and you will see this guy plays way above the rim. He's the athletic big we have wanted at a bargain price it seems. Can definitely protect the rim. Should get plenty of easy looks when the fearsome foursome is on the court. Don't think he even knows how to lay it in off the glass, strictly looking to throw it down. Looks like the alley oop is back in our arsenal. Only question is whether he can improve on the boards. 36 inch vertical at his height is really something. I predict he will thrive under a defensive mentor like Pop. I like this signing.

[daslicer]

Well he can fight thats something the spurs haven't had in while.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sX2mpOsqeg

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I've seen Haislip play dozens of times in the last few years, some of them in the arena. He's a good 4th big if you surround him with good rebounders and defenders, play some full-court offence to keep him going (he's amazingly quick changing ends, although notoriously slower running back) and know how to use him for spacing purposes in half-court sets. When he's playing with confidence, he's a very versatile and dynamic offensive player: he'll get shots in transition, he'll create off the bounce from the high post, he'll play the pick'n'pop perfectly, he'll cut through the lane from the weakside. Good signing for the minimum. As I said, think a poor man's David West or an athletic Glen Davis without the hustle or the focus.

Haislip was easily a top-10 PF in Europe if you analyze them from a NBA perspective. Very, very easily.

You are a fucking dumb ass. I listed all the Euroleague PFs better than him. Now you explain to me how he can be better than ANY of those guys I named. WTF are you talking about?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Nice consistency. And considering that half of your list contains players that are either Greek or have some sort of Greek connection, I don't consider your opinion at all. If Haislip were Greek, you'd be claiming he's Wilt reincarnate.

And BTW, Batiste is a small forward on the NBA level. I know he plays center in Greece but that doesn't make him an NBA bigman.

Drew Gooden is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Tim Duncan.

Same exact thing as you have said here. Purely ridiculous. Haislip would not even get a contract from a top Euroleague club.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Very easily. From KBP's list, half of the guys are basically slower, less athletic, Matt Bonners. And seriously, Teletovic? Or Printezis, a hustle guy who can't create his own shot?

I mean, in Europe I'd certainly prefer David Andersen or Filipe Reyes to Haislip. But for a NBA team? Meh, maybe Andersen, if I really needed the outside shooting, but Haislip, while inconsistent, isn't soft as pillows.

Printezis who has an excellent one on one post game cannot create his own shot? Teletovic who is by far a better offensive players and shooter? You never fail to prove you make up all of your European basketball "knowledge".

And fool I did not say Printezis was better than him. You even lack reading ability. I ranked Haislip above him dumb ass.

[galvatron3000]

Drew Gooden is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Tim Duncan.

Same exact thing as you have said here. Purely ridiculous. Haislip would not even get a contract from a top Euroleague club.

:vomit:

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

So Spain is not in Europe?

Bonner is one of the best PFs in Texas. So according to you Bonner = one of best PFs in NBA. Nice logic and reasoning.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

WHAT THE FUCK?:lol:lol

And Garbajosa isn't better than him. Three years ago he was that good. Now... Absolutely no.

In domestic league, Haislip and Reyes averaged the same quantity of points. Obviously Reyes is much better than Haislip, but that's a fact.

And yes, if his name was Haislipis and he was born in Greece, you'd say that he's a beast and bla bla bla. Don't fool people.


Great, great deal for the min. I'm wondering if Bonner will be shipped soon...

I listed 15 players better than him and you can only name 1 Garbajosa that is not. And this is a proven NBA player. Oh I see Haislip is 15th best PF in Europe according to you. Yep, nothing at all wrong with calling him "one of the best players in Europe".

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Maybe I'm staying on a first bad impression but for me he is not that good (top 5) even at European level but it was one year ago I hope he is better now. The fact he is abandonning a lot of money in this story is maybe a good sign of his motivation.

IGNORE what he says. He has clearly NEVER in his life seen those players play before.

[anakha]

You are a fucking dumb ass. I listed all the Euroleague PFs better than him. Now you explain to me how he can be better than ANY of those guys I named. WTF are you talking about?

Defensive, much?

[ChumpDumper]

IGNORE what he says. He has clearly NEVER in his life seen those players play before.I ignore people who want to draft people who aren't in the draft.

[rayray2k8]

At least the spurs got something..
Maybe they knew Wallace was never gonna come and had different plans.
To be honest, I'm not THAT disappointed with him not coming, but if we get dice we'd be getting out 4.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

bonner is one of the best pfs in texas.


lolz.

[cherylsteele]

Bonner is one of the best PFs in Texas.
And you say Spurs' fans are unknowledgable and you say this?

[tp2021]

Bonner is one of the PFs in Texas.

That's more like it.

But not for long.

[tomtom]

At first I was a bit suprised but I guess it makes sense low risk possible reward. Spurs need more bigmen and he looks like a good prospect. I'm a bit disapointed this may affect Gist but maybe it'll show him that Euro play will help him in the long run. I just hope he plays D better than Bonner

[Marcus Bryant]

Bonner is one of the best PFs in Texas. So according to you Bonner = one of best PFs in NBA. Nice logic and reasoning.

Who's the best PF in Arkansas?

[polandprzem]

Haslip is rated by DraftExpress as the third best overseas free agent -- behind only Brontosaurus and Pargo. If he's that well regarded these days, perhaps this is a legit NBA contract he's receiving from the Spurs.

:lmao


thx

[ace3g]

article from 2007 when Unicaja (Marcus' team) beat the
Grizz, granted it was only a preseason game but Marcus did have to play Pau
Gasol downlow and fared pretty well

Unicaja Malaga 102, Grizzlies 99

Grizzlies fall in preseason opener vs. Malaga


Their front line -- led by Boniface Ndong and Marcus Haslip's double-doubles -- dominated the Grizzlies.

"They're just players like us," said Haslip, a former Tennessee Volunteer after collecting 18points and 11 rebounds. "The main focus was to just come out and try to be aggressive, and not get star-struck or intimidated. They're probably more athletic than us but we did a good job of attacking them."

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/oct/10/unicaja-malaga-102-grizzlies-99/

[GSH]

I listed 15 players better than him and you can only name 1 Garbajosa that is not. And this is a proven NBA player. Oh I see Haislip is 15th best PF in Europe according to you. Yep, nothing at all wrong with calling him "one of the best players in Europe".

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/RoboticStump/idiot.gif


.

[Blackjack]

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/07/05/spurs-sign-marcus-haislip/#more-3504

[ace3g]

NBA Europe Live report: Unicaja 102-99 Memphis

http://www.euroleague.net/resourceserver/8137/2e901457-cc65-4a5f-8d15-da9440dc8a03/77a/rglang/en-US/filename/2e9.jpg

A full house of almost 10,000 fans at Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga, Spain got what they came for on Tuesday, drama and entertainment in equal doses, as host Unicaja defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 102-99 in the third of four NBA Europe Live games involving Euroeague teams. It was a thriller full of shift changes from start to finish. Unicaja shook off an early double-digit deficit to take over with defense in the second quarter. Unicaja led by a high of 15 points, 69-54, midway through the third quarter, but Memphis erased all of that deficit before the start of the last one. By the time its 8-29 run was over, Memphis was up 73-82, but not even that lead was safe as Unicaja roared back thanks to back-to-back triples from Davor Kus and 6 points in crunch time by Boniface Ndong to hold on for the victory. Kus, who was a perfect 4-for-4 at the foulline in the last 13 seconds, led Unicaja with 20 points. Marcus Haislip had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Ndong had one of 16 and 12. Daniel Santiago followed with 14 points, while Berni Rodriguez and German Gabriel had 13 each. Players trained in the Euroleague led the way for Memphis, too, as Juan Carlos Navarro debuted with 21 points on 5-for-8 three-point shooting, while Pau Gasol had 18 points and 8 rebounds. Mark Miller followes with 17, while Rudy Gay added 14 and Hakeem Warrick 11. Unicaja's domination of the boards, where it took 59 rebounds to 37 for Memphis, proved crucial.

To start the game, Ndong was all of Unicaja's offense, hitting short jumpers over Gasol, until Haislip dropped a hook from the middle and gave the hosts an early 6-5 lead. Soon, however, Unicaja's shots stopped falling and Memphis allowed no offensive rebounds. At the other end, Miller scored 5 consecutive points in the middle of a 0-11 run that shot the visitors ahead 6-16 on the scoreboard. After a timeout, Haislip got loose inside to stop the Unicaja scoring drought, but Memphis kept hitting at the other end, Warrick dropping a tough jumper and Gay dunking on a fastbreak. Unicaja came alive as Carlos Cabezas put back the hosts' first offensive rebound, Haislip made a pair of free throws and Kus downed a short jumper. The shots dried up for Memphis, which also missed its free throws, while Haislip put on a show with a whirling drive to the hoop, followed by a steal and dunk that left an 18-21 score after 12 minutes.

Haislip gave Unicaja a 21-21 tie on the first play of the second quarter, then after Gay scored in close, Kus hit from outside to tie again. Gasol protected the Memphis lead at 23-25 on a nice feed from Damon Stoudamire, but Unicaja was feeling confident now. Santiago dropped a reverse hook and Rodriguez finished a give-and-go with a free throw for a new Unicaja lead, 28-25. Gasol and Gay, the latter with a rim-rocking fastbreak dunk, got the lead back for Memphis. Santiago tied it 29-29 at the line before he and Gasol traded hooks over each other. Then Santiago did him one better on a three-point play that put Unicaja back in front 34-31. That's when Gabriel came along to boost his team into a comfort zone on the scoreboard with 10 consecutive points. He got fouled on his first three-point attempt, hitting 2 of 3 free throws, then took a long pass on a break for a layup. Next, Gabriel stepped outside for back-to-back triples that brought down the house and left Unicaja up by 11 points, 44-33, with 4 minutes to go until the half. Memphis needed a timeout to talk about Unicaja's defense, and it worked, as Mike Conley found his second basket, Navarro his first and Stromile Swift free throws and a late dunk to cut the difference to 47-42 at the break.

Unicaja came out of the intermission and took charge again. Free throws by Rodriguez and a give-and-go three-point play from Ndong to Alfonso Sanchez gave the hosts their biggest lead yet, 54-42. Ndong soon rattled the rim with a put-back dunk, forcing a Memphis timeout at 56-44. Gay's jumper and a triple by Miller calmed Memphis momentarily, but Haislip beat the shot clock with a triple in response and Rodrgiuez banked from downtown to raise the roof and the lead, to 62-47. Gay and Gasol scored to help Memphis recover, but the Grizzlies only got free throws for awhile after that as Haislip connected with Ndong on a dunk and Popovic had a backdoor layup to keep Unicaja ahead by 69-54. Free throws by Kyle Lowry and his pass to a streaking Warrick for a three-point play sparked a Memphis comeback. Gasol was next, getting a basket-plus-free throw, then Navarro drilled from downtown, Casey Jacobsen hit a free throw and Darko Milicic a hook to cut the difference to 70-68. Navarro capped the comeback by beating the third-quarter buzzer with a triple from the top, finishing a 17-1 run with Memphis back in the lead, 70-71.

Gabriel struck from deep again to retake the lead for Unicaja on the first shot of the fourth quarter, but Navarro answered him in kind. Gasol blocked Gabriel's next three-point try and scored at the other end. Then Navarro drilled a two-point jumper, Warrick slammed and Miller finished a fastbreak as Memphis took over at 73-82. It was Unicaja's turn to counterpunch, and the triggerman was Kus. His firs three-pointer calmed the hosts, and on the next trip down, his second came with a free throw for a four-point play. Santiago stepped up and slammed a rebound, and suddenly it was tied 82-82 with 7 minutes left. Navarro was having none of it. He went to the corner and then back out to the top again to match Kus's back-to-back triples. Then he passed on the break to Gay for a dunk and drove for his patented "bomba" shot to make it 83-92 for Memphis. Less than 5 minutes remained, but Unicaja was far from finished. Rodriguez shot from outside, Hailsip and Kus got to the free throw line, and then Kus made it a whole new ballgame when his triple fell for a 91-92 score with 2:11 left to play. Gasol hooked in a shot to keep Memphis safe, but only until Ndong rammed in an alley-oop pass and, with 44 seconds left, tipped in a rebound to set the crowd on fire with a new Unicaja lead, 95-94. Ndong made sure that the hosts didn't give up after that, too, tipping in the next basket and then dunking again for a 97-94 scoreboard with 17.9 seconds to go. Memphis was hurt when Miller missed 2 free throws, but his triple with 4.5 seconds left and free throws after that made it 100-99 before Kus finished off the victory at the foul line.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007


http://www.euroleague.net/item/15948

[ace3g]

http://www.nba.com/games/20071009/MEMMAL/boxscore.html

link to the boxscore of that game

[PURO SAN ANTO 210!]

Man from what i've watched on youtube this fool got's some potential! What do you all think?

[Ditty]

gist is better *clap* clap* *clap,clap,clap*

[ace3g]

5aXqwUXy2cw

[raspsa]

If in fact only one of the two PFs (ie. Gist and Haislip) will be on the roster, then they will have the chance to prove who's the better player over the summer.. no holds barred if in the end there can only be one. Should be fun to watch. Right now perhaps haislip may have the more impressive credentials and have a more polished game.. we'll see.

[Mr. Body]

I wonder ---

How many other teams were wooing Haislip?

Article says the Spurs started on him long before this Sheed business... So what kind of negotiations did they have? He must know he has to improve his defense and toughen up his rebounding (R.C. probably already emailed him about that one).

[DPG21920]

I wonder ---

How many other teams were wooing Haislip?

Article says the Spurs started on him long before this Sheed business... So what kind of negotiations did they have? He must know he has to improve his defense and toughen up his rebounding (R.C. probably already emailed him about that one).

lol

[mingus]

meh, acquiring someone who's compared to Stromile Swift isn't that cool . Swift is a moron .... an athletic freak but a moron . anybody know if he's got a good basketball IQ?

[Interrohater]

meh, acquiring someone who's compared to Stromile Swift isn't that cool . Swift is a moron .... an athletic freak but a moron . anybody know if he's got a good basketball IQ?

yea, his myspace page says that his IQ is equal to Madonna and Spider-Man, so... yea

[Interrohater]

I ignore people who want to draft people who aren't in the draft.
:lol +1

[rayray2k8]

5aXqwUXy2cw

Nice video. :tu
I've yet to hear what timvp say about this signing.
Good insurance policy?

[poeticism707]

You are a fucking dumb ass. I listed all the Euroleague PFs better than him. Now you explain to me how he can be better than ANY of those guys I named. WTF are you talking about?

All your incessant whining and complaining about being "pinked," about how you were being treated "unfairly," and that you were being "victimized," and lo and behold, YOU STILL HAVEN'T LEARNED ANY MANNERS OR KINDERGARTEN DECENCY?

You are proving right now that you deserved to be pinked, and probably banned.

[poeticism707]

Printezis who has an excellent one on one post game cannot create his own shot? Teletovic who is by far a better offensive players and shooter? You never fail to prove you make up all of your European basketball "knowledge".

And fool I did not say Printezis was better than him. You even lack reading ability. I ranked Haislip above him dumb ass.

Case in point again.

[Spurtacus]

5aXqwUXy2cw

Suddenly, with him and RJ we've turned into a dunking team. :lol

Nice move at 1:10.

[poeticism707]

I've seen Haislip play dozens of times in the last few years, some of them in the arena. He's a good 4th big if you surround him with good rebounders and defenders, play some full-court offence to keep him going (he's amazingly quick changing ends, although notoriously slower running back) and know how to use him for spacing purposes in half-court sets. When he's playing with confidence, he's a very versatile and dynamic offensive player: he'll get shots in transition, he'll create off the bounce from the high post, he'll play the pick'n'pop perfectly, he'll cut through the lane from the weakside. Good signing for the minimum. As I said, think a poor man's David West or an athletic Glen Davis without the hustle or the focus.

Haislip was easily a top-10 PF in Europe if you analyze them from a NBA perspective. Very, very easily.

Great post!

[Texas_Ranger]

Our team now's got a lot of tattoos.:rollin

[Penya]

I listed 15 players better than him and you can only name 1 Garbajosa that is not. And this is a proven NBA player. Oh I see Haislip is 15th best PF in Europe according to you. Yep, nothing at all wrong with calling him "one of the best players in Europe".

I just laughed at that ranking. There are other players in that list which are in the same level than Haislip -even worse than him-

[ChumpDumper]

I just laughed at that ranking. There are other players in that list which are in the same level than Haislip -even worse than him-Spanish lies!

[Extra Stout]

Spanish lies!
mentiras

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Spanish lies!

The only worse homers than NBA fans are Spanish fans. According to them Rudy is better than Jordan. You can't be fucking serious to take anything a Spanish fans says for truth.

[peacemaker885]

From the clips, this guy reminds me of Rodman. If he plays like him without the attitude, maybe we have something here..

[Bukefal]

I dont know what to think about the signing of marcus. Im not so excited, but its not so bad either. We'll see how it works out with him...

[cherylsteele]

Nice video. :tu
I've yet to hear what timvp say about this signing.
Good insurance policy?I mentioned that it could be an insurance signing a couple of pages back.

[loveforthegame]

He won't get as many open looks to the baskets for those vicious dunks he has but he shows plenty of ablity to get by his man and drive to the basket anyway.

He also has a way of hanging around the basket where his man forgets about him. Then he gets the pass for a nice dunk. Reminds me a bit of Oberto in that way but he was only able to lay it up. But the point is he lurks around the basket like Oberto did.

[TimDunkem]

Just heard on the news that the deal was 2 years, 1.9 million guaranteed for the first season.

[timvp]

Just heard on the news that the deal was 2 years, 1.9 million guaranteed for the first season.

Seriously?

Damn, then Haislip got the LLE.

[timvp]

The Spurs must be really high on Haislip to give him the LLE over two seasons. They must think he can produce right away. This changes the expectations dramatically. It's not a make-good or even a minimum contract. Counting the luxury tax, the Spurs will be paying about $4 million this year for Haislip :wow

Let's just hope that Finley re-upping didn't force the Spurs to use only the LLE on a big rather than the MLE.

[rayray2k8]

Seriously?

Damn, then Haislip got the LLE.

Heard it too on KSAT.

[Marcus Bryant]

Seriously?

Damn, then Haislip got the LLE.

A small gamble, assuming the Spurs could have gotten a proven backup big using that. Then again, as much as Nesterovic looks good on paper, one can easy see Pop letting him ride the pine again in the postseason. Haislip can easy bust again during his second stint in the NBA. But if he has really improved, then this will have been a shrewd move.

[urunobili]

then Haislip got the LLE.

timvp what this means?

That the next big they'll bring and roster fillers will have to split the MLE in between them?

[timvp]

timvp what this means?

That the next big they'll bring and roster fillers will have to split the MLE in between them?

The Spurs can still sign someone with the MLE and then can fill out their roster with minimum contracts. But if they do all of that, Holt is going to have to pay a ton of luxury tax dollars.

Let's hope he's willing.

[Interrohater]

In Pop I trust, he's won championships with a couple of all-stars and spare parts before.

[peacemaker885]

The Spurs can still sign someone with the MLE and then can fill out their roster with minimum contracts. But if they do all of that, Holt is going to have to pay a ton of luxury tax dollars.

Let's hope he's willing.

I think they will save money, sign Gooden and call it a day.

[Bruno]

Let's just hope that Finley re-upping didn't force the Spurs to use only the LLE on a big rather than the MLE.

If Spurs FO was only allowed to spend $2M on a FA big, they would have used a part of the MLE.
If Haislip is a LLE contract, it means that Spurs plan to use at least $4M of their MLE.

[picnroll]

Haislip seems to be duplicating a lot of the skills Spurs might have expected to get out of Mahinmi. Wonder if they're not so high on Ian panning out.

[TimDunkem]

Haislip seems to be duplicating a lot of the skills Spurs might have expected to get out of Mahinmi. Wonder if they're not so high on Ian panning out.
Ian has a jumper?

[Blackjack]

If Spurs FO was only allowed to spend $2M on a FA big, they would have used a part of the MLE.
If Haislip is a LLE contract, it means that Spurs plan to use at least $4M of their MLE.

Which would be some damn good news, and what they've said all along, but not if it's meant for Baby..

[Spurs9]

I'll be soooo pissed if we get Davis.

[timvp]

If Spurs FO was only allowed to spend $2M on a FA big, they would have used a part of the MLE.
If Haislip is a LLE contract, it means that Spurs plan to use at least $4M of their MLE.

I don't follow your reasoning. Other than the LLE being available only every other year, what else are you factoring in?

[tav1]

If Spurs FO was only allowed to spend $2M on a FA big, they would have used a part of the MLE.
If Haislip is a LLE contract, it means that Spurs plan to use at least $4M of their MLE.


Huh? I'm lost.

[Shastafarian]

I don't follow your reasoning. Other than the LLE being available only every other year, what else are you factoring in?

He's saying if the Spurs weren't going to use the entire MLE, they would've used part of that to sign Haislip. Them using the LLE means they'll likely use some or all of the MLE to sign someone.

* I think *

[timvp]

Haislip seems to be duplicating a lot of the skills Spurs might have expected to get out of Mahinmi. Wonder if they're not so high on Ian panning out.

IMO, Haislip looks he duplicates Gist. He's a running, jumping fluid athlete with an expanding perimeter game. That's almost Gist to the letter.

Mahinmi is more of an awkward athlete who has offensive skills on the low block.

[Bruno]

I don't follow your reasoning. Other than the LLE being available only every other year, what else are you factoring in?

If you sign Haislip with the LLE, you "hurt" your future by not being able to spend the LLE in 2010.
If you sign Haislip with a part of the MLE, you don't "hurt" your future.

The only case Spurs have an interest to use the LLE over part of the MLE is if they want to keep their MLE for something else.

[tav1]

If you sign Haislip with the LLE, you "hurt" your future by not being able to spend the LLE in 2010.
If you sign Haislip with a part of the MLE, you don't "hurt" your future.

The only case Spurs have an interest to use the LLE over part of the MLE is if they want to keep their MLE for something else.

Oh. That makes sense.

Thnks.

[picnroll]

IMO, Haislip looks he duplicates Gist. He's a running, jumping fluid athlete with an expanding perimeter game. That's almost Gist to the letter.

Mahinmi is more of an awkward athlete who has offensive skills on the low block.
Yeah. I'm off on that one.

[timvp]

If you sign Haislip with the LLE, you "hurt" your future by not being able to spend the LLE in 2010.
If you sign Haislip with a part of the MLE, you don't "hurt" your future.

The only case Spurs have an interest to use the LLE over part of the MLE is if they want to keep their MLE for something else.
Oh okay, so you subtracted the LLE from the MLE. Now I see what you did there. :)

That is the optimistic way to look at it but the Spurs supposedly had been wooing Haislip for a long time. They could have dangled that LLE offer out there before knowing what Finley would do ... or what Wallace would do.

Plus, we are just assuming it's the LLE since it's the LLE size, but that doesn't mean the Spurs won't take it out of the MLE.

And finally, I'm not sure how much the Spurs value the LLE. They use it so rarely that the biannual aspect of it might not even factor into their thinking.

But -- the said -- I hope you are right.

[nkdlunch]

looks like Spurs are assembling a frontline of some tough hombres.

Gist, Blair, and now Haislip

although a little undersized. All we need is to resign Oberto and get that big FA to serve as anchor. (Splitter, Dice, Camby, Odom?)

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs are certainly increasing team speed and athleticism and are slowly moving from being built around Duncan to being built around Parker.

[tav1]

The Spurs are certainly increasing team speed and athleticism and are slowly moving from being built around Duncan to being built around Parker.

That's the best observation I've read in weeks. Obvious and smart. Good call MB.

[Bruno]

That is the optimistic way to look at it but the Spurs supposedly had been wooing Haislip for a long time. They could have dangled that LLE offer out there before knowing what Finley would do ... or what Wallace would do.

With the FA starting earlier in Europe, Spurs have surely contacted him before Finley pick his option.
Now, even if you have negotiated a LLE contract, you can still use the MLE to pay it.




Plus, we are just assuming it's the LLE since it's the LLE size, but that doesn't mean the Spurs won't take it out of the MLE.


I will be interesting to know it soon. MC Donald article said that Spurs still have their full MLE but it's McDonald...



And finally, I'm not sure how much the Spurs value the LLE. They use it so rarely that the biannual aspect of it might not even factor into their thinking.

I highly doubt it doesn't factor in their thinking. Every details is looked at by a FO.

[Marcus Bryant]

As the team morphs from Duncan's to Parker's, Duncan's eventual retirement might not result in as dramatic a decline in team success as expected.

[Blackjack]

The Spurs are certainly increasing team speed and athleticism and are slowly moving from being built around Duncan to being built around Parker.

I agree, and actually posted a thread a while back about them maybe looking to go more up-tempo with the type of players they acquire going forward; people able to run and take advantage of a player with Tony's abilities.

It's a fine balance to have the players to win now, while utilizing Duncan, and finding the right type of players moving forward for Tony, but it's a move I feel that's definitely started to take place.

[bigdog]

As the team morphs from Duncan's to Parker's, Duncan's eventual retirement might not result in as dramatic a decline in team success as expected.

I never thought of it like that....good point.

[spurspokesman]

Spurs signed somebody that can dunk.:wow

[HarlemHeat37]

We aren't going to be a title team when Duncan fully declines..it doesn't matter what Tony does..we need Duncan as the best player on the team, and hopefully he's good enough to remain as the best for the next 2 years..we're fine with Tony being the #1 option on offense, because he's good enough to do it, but Duncan has to remain as the best all-around player on the team(scoring, rebounding, passing, defense, leadership)..

Teams don't win titles with a scoring PG as the best player, but they can if he's the #1 scoring option instead..

[Buddy Holly]

Spurs signed somebody that can dunk.:wow

Also:

Gist
Jefferson
Blair

[Buddy Holly]

Teams don't win titles with a scoring PG as the best player, but they can if he's the #1 scoring option instead..

Yeah. :rolleyes

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/jack_mccallum/06/17/pistons.questions/tx_pistons470x310_si.jpg

[biziofromdowntown]

Let me say... i bet all my money that FO would make Haislip as our PF from the bench and Gist as a SF.ò As i wrote time ago..James could become a younger Bruce Bowen who can dunk.

[HarlemHeat37]

Yeah. :rolleyes

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/jack_mccallum/06/17/pistons.questions/tx_pistons470x310_si.jpg

LOL..Chauncey Billups?..no..

[cherylsteele]

Teams don't win titles with a scoring PG as the best player, but they can if he's the #1 scoring option instead..
Um.....Lakers' of the 1980's maybe.

[TheProfessor]

Let me say... i bet all my money that FO would make Haislip as our PF from the bench and Gist as a SF.ò As i wrote time ago..James could become a younger Bruce Bowen who can dunk.
I thought someone had said Pop saw Gist as a pure PF in the NBA. Might have been a hearsay report, not sure how much value to give it.

[HarlemHeat37]

Magic Johnson wasn't a scoring PG, are you guys being serious?..he's arguably the best passer of all-time..

Tony Parker is a shoot-first PG..

[MarHill]

Haislip seems to be duplicating a lot of the skills Spurs might have expected to get out of Mahinmi. Wonder if they're not so high on Ian panning out.

I heard Don Harris from WOAI TV on the Chris and Jason talkshow a few weeks ago talking about a source in the Spurs Organzation...that they were not too crazy about Ian.

He actually thinks he's better than he is. Chris Duel dismissed it....but Don Harris stood firm behind his source and felt this is Ian's year to prove himself to the Spurs.

We'll we see!!!

[Marcus Bryant]

I heard Don Harris from WOAI TV on the Chris and Jason talkshow a few weeks ago talking about a source in the Spurs Organzation...that they were not too crazy about Ian.

He actually thinks he's better than he is. Chris Duel dismissed it....but Don Harris stood firm behind his source and felt this is Ian's year to prove himself to the Spurs.

We'll we see!!!

It is.

[ducks]

spurs might be high on ian still but they worry about him being healthy

[Bukefal]

The only worse homers than NBA fans are Spanish fans. According to them Rudy is better than Jordan. You can't be fucking serious to take anything a Spanish fans says for truth.

Lol KBP pinked pinky again ay? :P haha why

[pad300]

:nope


Dunno. Have you guys made a halfway decent offer yet? I'm guessing the current offer is just slight more than the MLE ~ 6 million. [guess comes from A) Lamar's camp has publically suggested $10 million is about right, and B) the LA Times suggested 1 year, 7.5 million as a compromise ( http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60328/20090704/lakers_still_want_odom_back/ ). A compromise is probably in the middle between the Lakers offer and Odom's asking price].

The Lakers are really playing hardball with their own FA's. I haven't heard of even a token offer to Brown, they dumped Ariza for Artest (about even in terms of talent. Seriously, Ariza knows his role. Artest doesn't), despite the chemistry risks just to save an estimated 1/2 a million a year (plus the same in lux tax, I suppose).

In a completely open Market, Odom would probably get his $10,000,000 a year or more. You keep lowballing him, he may just say fuck it, and sign somewhere else for the MLE for one year. At that point he may just shoot for a championship and a starters role... which he'd get with the Spurs

I don't think he likes coming off the bench in LA - which he will resume doing next season with Bynum healthy again. I really don't think he like Buss trying to penny pinch his ass this hard, after being a very big player in this years championship as well as being a team glue guy ...

Give you the man the respect he's earned, or he might just say FTL and walk. It's not like he hasn't earned enough money already. (Career Earnings ~ 83 million so far).

[GSH]

I heard Don Harris from WOAI TV on the Chris and Jason talkshow a few weeks ago talking about a source in the Spurs Organzation...that they were not too crazy about Ian.

He actually thinks he's better than he is. Chris Duel dismissed it....but Don Harris stood firm behind his source and felt this is Ian's year to prove himself to the Spurs.

We'll we see!!!

Last season, Pop was asked his thought about Mahinmi, and his response was basically that he wasn't thinking about him at all. At the time, it sounded like he was refferring to more than just the current injury. It was more like he just didn't enter into Pop's thoughts at all.

It's easy to read too much into a single comment like that, but it really sounded like Pop had completely dismissed Mahinmi. I definitely don't think that they believe he has tremendous upside anymore.

[xtremesteven33]

I heard Don Harris from WOAI TV on the Chris and Jason talkshow a few weeks ago talking about a source in the Spurs Organzation...that they were not too crazy about Ian.

He actually thinks he's better than he is. Chris Duel dismissed it....but Don Harris stood firm behind his source and felt this is Ian's year to prove himself to the Spurs


I have heard the same thing. I know someone who works in the Spurs media and he told me that the FO have almost given up on Ian and are very dissapointed with him because of his work ethic. He has a reputation of being lazy.

[smrattler]

We couldn't even get Sheed to fly into SA. We're not getting near Odom who still thinks he's worth 10M. That 7.5M to stay with the Lakers is going to start looking pretty good to him right about now.

[Hype Man Manu]

Where is hype man manu?


Why?

[Buddy Holly]

LOL..Chauncey Billups?..no..

I know, he only won MVP and when the Pistons traded him for Iverson, that totally didn't back fire on the Pistons and Denver totally got screwed. :lol

Detroit has a history of winning titles with teams where their best player is a point guard.


http://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/2009/0602/com_090602nba_isiah_thomas.jpg

[Mr. Body]

I heard Don Harris from WOAI TV on the Chris and Jason talkshow a few weeks ago talking about a source in the Spurs Organzation...that they were not too crazy about Ian.

He actually thinks he's better than he is. Chris Duel dismissed it....but Don Harris stood firm behind his source and felt this is Ian's year to prove himself to the Spurs.

Getting on the court would be better than he is. Some twats laughed at me when I said he was injury prone. He's injury prone.

[poeticism707]

This probably doesn't need to be mentioned, but his signing with the Spurs could potentially be the STEAL OF FREE AGENCY, FOR THE ENTIRE NBA.

With his freakish Vince Carter-esque athleticism, 6'10 only 230, and can hit the 3, who can guard him? He'll be set up for so many 3s by Duncan in the post or Manu driving on the second unit, and if he hits them a 40%+ clip (a reasonable clip after his last season overseas, hitting over 40% 2/3s of the season until the gron sprain, and 37% over all I believe), he'll simply ball fake, go the basket, and reek havoc in the paint. And 1s, foul trouble for opposing big men, and free throws will be the order of the day. If defenders don't close out on the 3 aggressively, of course, he is able to hit 40% plus.

Also, we'll be seeing alleys again?!? Ginobili and Parker will have field day throwing them: and Slip will catch them. Particularly on the second unit, Slip and Ginobili can be HANDFUL AND THEN SOME for other teams. Going against lesser talents of backups, I can see the Spurs second unit with these guys putting up way more points than the first unit! That's saying something!

Not to mention this guy Haslip, if he can learn to NOT BITE on head fakes, he easily has the length and and athleticism to guard Dirk, Odom, and other perimiter big men. Again, with his athleticism, he'd only have to be a serviceable defender to be a good defender (with his height, mobility, legnth, and lift), and The Spurs have NO answers for these guys for years.

I'm NOT saying that he's going to do all of this from day 1. But if Pop just gives him the burn on the second unit, 25-30 minutes a night with Ginobili, and really gives him the green light to just play and make mistakes instead of yanking him every 30 seconds (not that he has any vets left to go to, lol), Haislip and Ginobili could absolutely REVOLUTIONIZE THAT SECOND UNIT.

Here to hoping that happens!!!

:flag::flag::flag:

[Dex]

The guy must have shown some improvement to have warranted using the LLE to bring him back. The Spurs aren't known for making moves without putting in their homework. Even as a raw talent, he's coming into one of the best places to learn from veterans and blossom, but only if he can manage to fit the system.

Could this be the Spurs patented sneaky move of the summer? Only time will tell.

[OleMissMike]

He will be as useful as Anthony Tolliver was

[poeticism707]

This probably doesn't need to be mentioned, but his signing with the Spurs could potentially be the STEAL OF FREE AGENCY, FOR THE ENTIRE NBA, and could completely morph the Spurs bench from the one hit wonder it was, Gino, into a HIGHLY potent and athletic offensive attack.

With his freakish Vince Carter-esque athleticism, 6'10 only 230, and can hit the 3, who can guard him? He'll be set up for so many 3s by Duncan in the post or Manu driving on the second unit, and if he hits them a 40%+ clip (a reasonable clip after his last season overseas, hitting over 40% 2/3s of the season until the groin sprain, and 37% over all I believe), he'll simply ball fake, go the basket, and reek havoc in the paint. And 1s, foul trouble for opposing big men, and free throws will be the order of the day. If defenders don't close out on the 3 aggressively, of course, he is able to hit 40% plus.

Also, we'll be seeing alleys again?!? Ginobili and Parker will have field day throwing them: and Slip will catch them. Particularly on the second unit, Slip and Ginobili can be HANDFUL AND THEN SOME for other teams. Going against lesser talents of backups, I can see the Spurs second unit with these guys putting up way more points than the first unit! That's saying something!

Not to mention this guy Haslip, if he can learn to NOT BITE on head fakes, he easily has the length and and athleticism to guard Dirk, Odom, and other perimiter big men. Again, with his athleticism, he'd only have to be a serviceable defender to be a good defender (with his height, mobility, legnth, and lift), and The Spurs have NO answers for these guys for years.

I'm NOT saying that he's going to do all of this from day 1. But if Pop just gives him the burn on the second unit, 25-30 minutes a night with Ginobili, and really gives him the green light to just play and make mistakes instead of yanking him every 30 seconds (not that he has any vets left to go to, lol), Haislip and Ginobili could absolutely REVOLUTIONIZE THAT SECOND UNIT.

Here to hoping that happens!!!

:flag::flag::flag:

[ElNono]

If Haislip plays, maybe.

[Spurs_9_20_21]

This probably doesn't need to be mentioned, but his signing with the Spurs could potentially be the STEAL OF FREE AGENCY, FOR THE ENTIRE NBA, and could completely morph the Spurs bench from the one hit wonder it was, Gino, into a HIGHLY potent and athletic offensive attack.

With his freakish Vince Carter-esque athleticism, 6'10 only 230, and can hit the 3, who can guard him? He'll be set up for so many 3s by Duncan in the post or Manu driving on the second unit, and if he hits them a 40%+ clip (a reasonable clip after his last season overseas, hitting over 40% 2/3s of the season until the groin sprain, and 37% over all I believe), he'll simply ball fake, go the basket, and reek havoc in the paint. And 1s, foul trouble for opposing big men, and free throws will be the order of the day. If defenders don't close out on the 3 aggressively, of course, he is able to hit 40% plus.

Also, we'll be seeing alleys again?!? Ginobili and Parker will have field day throwing them: and Slip will catch them. Particularly on the second unit, Slip and Ginobili can be HANDFUL AND THEN SOME for other teams. Going against lesser talents of backups, I can see the Spurs second unit with these guys putting up way more points than the first unit! That's saying something!

Not to mention this guy Haslip, if he can learn to NOT BITE on head fakes, he easily has the length and and athleticism to guard Dirk, Odom, and other perimiter big men. Again, with his athleticism, he'd only have to be a serviceable defender to be a good defender (with his height, mobility, legnth, and lift), and The Spurs have NO answers for these guys for years.

I'm NOT saying that he's going to do all of this from day 1. But if Pop just gives him the burn on the second unit, 25-30 minutes a night with Ginobili, and really gives him the green light to just play and make mistakes instead of yanking him every 30 seconds (not that he has any vets left to go to, lol), Haislip and Ginobili could absolutely REVOLUTIONIZE THAT SECOND UNIT.

Here to hoping that happens!!!

:flag::flag::flag:
Wow....I really hope this happens. I mean I know he won't be able to do that from day one.....but I hope he does. BTW what position does Haislip play?

[poeticism707]

Wow....I really hope this happens. I mean I know he won't be able to do that from day one.....but I hope he does. BTW what position does Haislip play?

He plays PF, but with is height, athleticism, length and lift, he could easily be a small forward, or at least match up with perimeter bigs.

[antimvp]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Marcus-Haislip-2681/

[Solid D]

All this Haislip hype is unbelievable. A new low has been reached.

[DPG21920]

Why?


All this Haislip hype is unbelievable. A new low has been reached.

Because I can see into the future.

[timvp]

All this Haislip hype is unbelievable. A new low has been reached.

Any recent Haislip scouting report from Solid D? Do you think he is worth the LLE? :)

I'm trying to find some game footage to give a non-YouTube scouting report.

[Solid D]

Any recent Haislip scouting report from Solid D? Do you think he is worth the LLE? :)

I'm trying to find some game footage to give a non-YouTube scouting report.

I saw him play once this year and he is better than he was 3-4 years ago but I don't know if he would be able to defend the Scolas, Nowitzkis or even the Brandon Bass' of the NBA world. I would sign him to a make-good and see how he plays in camp/pre-season if I were RC.

[timvp]

I saw him play once this year and he is better than he was 3-4 years ago but I don't know if he would be able to defend the Scolas, Nowitzkis or even the Brandon Bass' of the NBA world. I would sign him to a make-good and see how he plays in camp/pre-season if I were RC.

I'll assume you don't agree with his 2-year, $4M contract then :hat

[Solid D]

I'll assume you don't agree with his 2-year, $4M contract then :hat

Exactly.

[Bruno]

With the luxury tax, Haislip will cost $4M this year. Gist would have cost $900K.

Spurs FO should have really seen something to sign him for the LLE. I'm a little like Solid D and I'm quite perplexed. I didn't see him this year but two years ago, he was a great athlete and nothing more.

[timvp]

I'll reserve my final judgment until I watch a couple games in which he played. But knowing his history, looking at his stats and reading scouting reports -- the LLE for Haislip is extremely questionable. There seems to be development but not the massive amount of development needed to be worth that contract.

[HarlemHeat37]

What a strange off-season so far..

[bigdog]

I'll reserve my final judgment until I watch a couple games in which he played. But knowing his history, looking at his stats and reading scouting reports -- the LLE for Haislip is extremely questionable. There seems to be development but not the massive amount of development needed to be worth that contract.

I'm thinking the Spurs might have seen something from him this year that caused them to give him an LLE contract. I don't see any other reason to do that, unless they were drunk when they offered the contract.

[mogrovejo]

You people aren't giving Haislip's offensive prowess enough credit. He's a better player than Gist by far.

Game footage from him (Download with uTorrent):

vs. Roma
http://www.sport-scene.net/details.php?id=32850
Boxscore: http://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=158&pcode=kmv

vs. TAU
http://www.sport-scene.net/details.php?id=30695
http://www.acb.com/fichas/CREY73007.php

vs. Gran Canaria
http://www.sport-scene.net/details.php?id=27491
http://www.acb.com/fichas/LACB53053.php

vs. Pokrom (playing for Efes Pilsen)
http://www.sport-scene.net/details.php?id=33825&hit=1
http://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=1&pcode=acy&seasoncode=e2006

[yavozerb]

Thanks mogro..I esp. like those #'s against tau (24 pts and 5 rbs) cause its against a quality team. I think people are going to be suprised by this guy...

[holcs50]

Leave it to the FO to f up what was a great off-season. Unless they pull in dice this is a retarded move. WTF is going on , seriously, haislip? wow

[DPG21920]

I guess we will not know if he got the LLE for sure until he signs? I know it has been stated that he has, but is it exact?

[DynastyBuilder]

I think Haislip can fit in well with this team. He can be the energy guy that throws down with some power. If he's worked on his game like all the supporting material seems to suggest and he's not getting a boat load of cash then :tu

[Manufan909]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyiK5nf95Cs

All I know is Haislip mashed on Splitter at the end of this clip, and this thread is entirley too long.

[pad300]

As a comparison:

Haislip = Francisco Elson + Perimeter Jumper...

That's a player that could be useful. The question is, is Haislip's rebounding up to snuff for the NBA.

[Hooks]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyiK5nf95Cs

All I know is Haislip mashed on Splitter at the end of this clip, and this thread is entirley too long.


Splitter and that Bourousis dude he owned then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNlwBN8hsCU

[bishopospurs]

Elson was athletic?

[pad300]

Elson was athletic?

He could run end to end pretty quick...

[mogrovejo]

Elson+strong hands+perimeter jumper+the ability to drive+pull up jumper+turnaround jumper from the high post (his signature move, he's very hard to stop when taking that shot)

It's basically Elson with offensive talent and less rebounding. Not a good comparison.

[Walton Buys Off Me]

Why on Earth is there 17 pages on Marcus Haislip?!

Dude will be wearing street clothes all year and this forum is all over his nuts like a Pakistani at a garage sale.

Best case= Haislip serves as Duncan's practice bitch.

An athletic guy Duncan can call up at 3 a.m., meet at the practice facility and abuse for kicks.

These are the types of moves that make me scratch my head at our FO.

[bishopospurs]

He doesn't really remind me of Elson. He seems to be shades of Shawn Kemp.

[bishopospurs]

I should say young Kemp. I would say Big Baby is the old one on fatness alone, but that is mean and Big Baby is better than a Cavs Kemp.

[Mavs<Spurs]

Very surprising. I'm concerned when Solid D isn't overly impressed by him because Solid D is very reliable.

Great take by Marcus Bryant about the transition of the team to becoming a team revolving around Tony Parker rather than Tim Duncan. Clearly, this is a necessary transition if we are to maximize our team now.

And I have to agree with Harlem Heat about point guards not generally leading teams to titles now. As a general principle (perhaps with some individual exceptions), I could not possibly agree with it any more strongly. The spacing that a dominant low post player provides and the defensive presence that a dominant low post player provides in protecting the rim make it next to impossible for a great point guard to have the same impact as a great big man. Shaq -3 titles, Tim = 4 titles, and the Lakers couldn't do crap until they got Pau and Bynum, Boston had KG and Rondo who has his ups and downs as a point guard. The point stands and it stands unrefuted.
There it is.

I am encouraged by the athleticism of Haislip. But from what I have read here, it is still apparent we really need a quality big like McDyess if we are to contend for a title this coming year. Here's hoping that they pursue McDyess hard and sign him to a contract for the MLE.

:ihit

[jermaine]

You people has got to be kidding. Why are anybody dissing this dude. If he can come in and block two shots off the bench, get rebounds, putbacks, and god forbid if he gets a good dunk on most of these scrubs in the NBA that dont like to play D. All of you just like I would lose our fucking minds saying this was a dam good move by getting him. You trashy people was screamming Bonner when he was hitting all those #'s and Ding up Dirk but at the start of the very next season ya'll ready to throw him to the wolves. You people amazes me with your comments. Either one of those guys will beat the crap outta you haters. Give Mr. Marcus his due props. If he do half of what he's doing in the youtube clips then he fine with me. So back off haters, an this is from The Red Rocket :ihit

[NewJerSpur]

You people has got to be kidding. Why are anybody dissing this dude. If he can come in and block two shots off the bench, get rebounds, putbacks, and god forbid if he gets a good dunk on most of these scrubs in the NBA that dont like to play D. All of you just like I would lose our fucking minds saying this was a dam good move by getting him. You trashy people was screamming Bonner when he was hitting all those #'s and Ding up Dirk but at the start of the very next season ya'll ready to throw him to the wolves. You people amazes me with your comments. Either one of those guys will beat the crap outta you haters. Give Mr. Marcus his due props. If he do half of what he's doing in the youtube clips then he fine with me. So back off haters, an this is from The Red Rocket :ihit

Which movie we talking? Alright, I'll try to give the one-liners a rest. My apologies, it's been a long day, lol.

[Solid D]

Very surprising. I'm concerned when Solid D isn't overly impressed by him because Solid D is very reliable.

Great take by Marcus Bryant about the transition of the team to becoming a team revolving around Tony Parker rather than Tim Duncan. Clearly, this is a necessary transition if we are to maximize our team now.

And I have to agree with Harlem Heat about point guards not generally leading teams to titles now. As a general principle (perhaps with some individual exceptions), I could not possibly agree with it any more strongly. The spacing that a dominant low post player provides and the defensive presence that a dominant low post player provides in protecting the rim make it next to impossible for a great point guard to have the same impact as a great big man. Shaq -3 titles, Tim = 4 titles, and the Lakers couldn't do crap until they got Pau and Bynum, Boston had KG and Rondo who has his ups and downs as a point guard. The point stands and it stands unrefuted.
There it is.

I am encouraged by the athleticism of Haislip. But from what I have read here, it is still apparent we really need a quality big like McDyess if we are to contend for a title this coming year. Here's hoping that they pursue McDyess hard and sign him to a contract for the MLE.

:ihit

With Jefferson on the team and Ginobili available to play, the team becomes less Parker-dominant. Actually, RJ is capable of taking the ball at the top of the key as a dribble-drive and kick type of player. Much moreso than Mason and with greater physicality.

Now about Haislip...I'm not down on him. I think he has most definitely improved and matured as a player. He can jump out of the gym, but he could do that when he was in Milwaukee with the Bucks. My biggest concern is how he can defend opposing 4s and how much of a contract committment the Spurs make to him before seeing how he matches up over here. You take any of the Bigs currently playing in Euroleague and there can be questions. I really like Batiste. I really, really like Smodis. Morris has been good, as has Haislip. They each would have question-marks about them in the NBA (not as much concern with Smodis). I just think when the Spurs are over the Lux Tax line, they have to be careful about how much they commit to without trading players. This is especially true if the Spurs are targeting McDyess with their MLE.

[DBMethos]

Seeing as how we've now acquired 2 former Bucks this offseason, does that mean that the FO is trying to add some of that Milwaukee mojo to the Spurs? They're a very mediocre-to-bad team that has completely owned us for the past several years for no good reason whatsoever. RJ + Haislip is really just an attempt to reverse the curse.

[Marcus Bryant]

Seeing as how we've now acquired 2 former Bucks this offseason, does that mean that the FO is trying to add some of that Milwaukee mojo to the Spurs? They're a very mediocre-to-bad team that has completely owned us for the past several years for no good reason whatsoever. RJ + Haislip is really just an attempt to reverse the curse.

There were 3 reasons the Bucks owned the Spurs a few years back and neither Jefferson nor Haislip were any of those.

[howardcopy]

As a comparison:

Haislip = Francisco Elson + Perimeter Jumper...

That's a player that could be useful. The question is, is Haislip's rebounding up to snuff for the NBA.

Agree :lobt2:

[Big P]

You people has got to be kidding. Why are anybody dissing this dude. If he can come in and block two shots off the bench, get rebounds, putbacks, and god forbid if he gets a good dunk on most of these scrubs in the NBA that dont like to play D. All of you just like I would lose our fucking minds saying this was a dam good move by getting him. You trashy people was screamming Bonner when he was hitting all those #'s and Ding up Dirk but at the start of the very next season ya'll ready to throw him to the wolves. You people amazes me with your comments. Either one of those guys will beat the crap outta you haters. Give Mr. Marcus his due props. If he do half of what he's doing in the youtube clips then he fine with me. So back off haters, an this is from The Red Rocket :ihit

Because we can think of better ways to spend the LLE. For the minimum? Sure. I'm not sure why we are in such a rush to give this guy $2 mil guaranteed? Aren't we just bidding against ourselves?

[Mel_13]

Marcus Haislip: Allow Me To Reintroduce Yourself

http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/

[scottspurs]

Marcus Haislip: Allow Me To Reintroduce Yourself

http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/

Beat me to it. Nice Article.

[Spurs Brazil]

Haislip expected to sign today
By Jeff McDonald on Jul 8, 09 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) Save & Share Yahoo! BuzzYahoo! Newsvine del.icio.us Facebook Google Reddit Fark
While the Spurs wait for Antonio McDyess to weigh his free agency options, they have a bit of other big-man business to attend to this afternoon.

According to a source close to the negotiations, Marcus Haislip's deal with the Spurs is done, and he should sign a contract before the end of the day. The deal is believed to start at the lower-level exception of $1.99 million.
Haislip, a 6-foot-10 power forward, was the No. 13 overall pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2002. He has been playing overseas for the past four seasons, emerging this summer as one of the top available free agents in Europe.

He averaged 16.7 points for the Spanish team Unicaja last season.
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/07/haislip-expecte.html

[Muser]

LLE for someone who left the NBA, he must of done pretty damn well in Spain.

[timvp]

I really hope the Spurs give Haislip a press conference so we can learn about what cause the Spurs to like him to the tune of $4 million.

[Marcus Bryant]

It certainly doesn't hurt to have a fluild, athletic 6'10" tall bigman who can run the floor and has an offensive game. It'll be interesting to see if this small gamble pays off. Who would have thought the Spurs would be maxing out every available option this offseason?

Maybe Holt Cat is preparing to put the franchise on the block?

[coyotes_geek]

Welcome aboard Marcus. Here's to hoping that you end up proving to the rest of us that Pop & RC really are that much smarter than everyone else.

[BlackBellamy]

I really hope the Spurs give Haislip a press conference so we can learn about what cause the Spurs to like him to the tune of $4 million.
I'm thinking it might have been that preseason where he came over with Pilsen.

[DBMethos]

If this guy becomes anything other than an end-of-bench player, I'd say it was another coup.

[ducks]

It certainly doesn't hurt to have a fluild, athletic 6'10" tall bigman who can run the floor and has an offensive game. It'll be interesting to see if this small gamble pays off. Who would have thought the Spurs would be maxing out every available option this offseason?

Maybe Holt Cat is preparing to put the franchise on the block?
if he was they would cut the payroll
you fool

[Marcus Bryant]

if he was they would cut the payroll
you fool

Incorrect, Fowl.

Better to put a winner on the block, complete with the opportunity to cut payroll and the public paying for the upkeep on the at&t center.

[Mr Bones]

I guess those scouts in Spain who are supposed to keep an eye on Splitter kept calling in glowing reports about Haislip to the point where the Spurs just couldn't ignore them anymore. With Blair and a free agent PF likely coming aboard, I can't imagine the Spurs expect more than 12 minutes a game out of Marcus. If he can steadily provide 6 points, 3 rebounds, and the occasional intimidating block, he'll be a steal.

[duncan228]

Haislip expected to sign today
By Jeff McDonald on Jul 8, 09 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) Save & Share Yahoo! BuzzYahoo! Newsvine del.icio.us Facebook Google Reddit Fark
While the Spurs wait for Antonio McDyess to weigh his free agency options, they have a bit of other big-man business to attend to this afternoon.

According to a source close to the negotiations, Marcus Haislip's deal with the Spurs is done, and he should sign a contract before the end of the day. The deal is believed to start at the lower-level exception of $1.99 million.
Haislip, a 6-foot-10 power forward, was the No. 13 overall pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2002. He has been playing overseas for the past four seasons, emerging this summer as one of the top available free agents in Europe.

He averaged 16.7 points for the Spanish team Unicaja last season.
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/07/haislip-expecte.html

Haislip expected to sign today (UPDATE: It's done)


3:10 UPDATE: The Spurs just announced the signing via news release.

[spursdotcom]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/090708_haislip.html

:toast

[Spurs Brazil]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/090708_haislip.html

:toast

Do you know if a press conference will happen?

[duncan228]

San Antonio Spurs sign former Vol Marcus Haislip (http://www.wbir.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=92695&catid=5)
Kris Budden

Former Tennessee basketball standout Marcus Haislip (1999-2002) has signed a contract to play for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, the organization announced Wednesday. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Haislip, a 6-10, 230-pound forward, spent the past two seasons playing for Unicaja Malaga in the Spanish ACB League and in Euroleague competition. Last year he appeared in 35 games in Spanish League play, averaging a team-high 15.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in 28.0 minutes per game. He shot .555 (117-211) from the field and .394 (65-165) from three-point range. In 14 Euroleague games, he averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game. In 2007, Haislip helped lead Efes Pilsen Istanbul to the Turkish National Championship.

Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 13th overall pick in 2002 NBA Draft, Haislip spent three seasons in the NBA before making the move overseas. He played two seasons with the Bucks before signing with the Indiana Pacers for the 2004-05 season. For his NBA career Haislip has appeared in 79 games, averaging 3.6 points and 1.5 assists.

During his three seasons as a student-athlete at UT, the Lewisburg, Tenn., native averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. His best season came as a junior in 2001-02-after which he made the leap to the NBA-as he posted career-highs in scoring (16.7 ppg), rebounding (6.7 rpg) and minutes (33.5 mpg). He was honored by the Southeastern Conference coaches following that season, earning second-team All-SEC recognition.

Haislip is the third Vol ever to play for the Spurs, joining former Tennessee greats Dale Ellis (1992-94) and Reggie Johnson (1980-82).

[Marcus Bryant]

Another expiring contract next summer.

[spursdotcom]

Do you know if a press conference will happen?

So as we know we'll tweet it and/or I'll drop by and post it.

:toast

[skervy]

link

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shocking-Dialogue-Coach-Pop-works-for-Marcus-Ha;_ylt=AhBvkF6v83ubku_qx1XEdqm8vLYF?urn=nba,17533 9


Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:00 pm EDT
Shocking Dialogue: Coach Pop works for Marcus Haislip

By Kelly Dwyer


I couldn't believe the San Antonio Spurs actually wanted Marcus Haislip. Until I was handed a rather disturbing, because it was in mp3 format, recording of Spurs GM R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich discussing the deal. Here is what I was able to transcribe.

R.J. Buford: Hey Pop. I just had stop in to clarify something. I've gotten the two mixed up since 2002, as well, but you meant "Chris Wilcox," right?

Gregg Popovich: No, Haislip.

Buford: Marcus Haislip?

Popovich: Same guy.

Buford: Not really the same guy. He's much worse. Much, much worse. Pretty awful, actually. Are you sure that-

Popovich: You don't think I actually want to play the guy, do you? Or even sign him?

Buford: Why did you ask me to call around about him?

Popovich: You know what people think about us, right?

Buford: What "people?"

Popovich: The "people." They're always around. Working through my socks. I could have been a spy, you know. Right out of a le Carré novel. Instead, you gave me Jackie Butler(notes). You cut me at the hamstrings. You outed me. You hurted me. I want something back. I want to mess with people.

Buford: Why? And with Haislip?

Popovich: I can't tell you, and yes.

Buford: You can tell me. I saved you after your last Miles Raymond-moment, drinking that Chartar beurre blanc at a Burger King after we traded Luis Scola(notes) to the Rockets.

Popovich: First of all, it was a Cheval ...

Buford: Doesn't matter.

Popovich: And I was hardly at a burger joint, rather, a Ruby ...

Buford: Doesn't matter. What are you on about?

Popovich: I just want to [mess] with people.

Buford: That's admirable. In what way?

Popovich: Signing Marcus Haislip.

Buford: Not admirable. Why?

Popovich: I want to keep them on edge. They think we do everything right. We're so fundamentally-sound. So, how do you say, internationale? We got Richard Jefferson(notes) for expiring deals, we picked up DeJuan Blair(notes) in the second round, we made monsters out of Parker and ...

Buford: So, you're saying you want to make a low-risk, low-cost transaction, in order to purposely devalue our respect around the league, in order to lower expectations as we work with the possible $23 million in expiring contracts that we could offer to teams as trade bait while rest of the league approaches the vaunted 2010 offseason?

Popovich: No, I just want to [mess] with people.

Buford: Why?

Popovich: Nobody's supposed to be as good as us. We're, essentially, in Cincinnati with better food. I'm awesome, you're hidden, Duncan's underrated, Ginobili and Parker came out of nowhere, and we still scare the piss out of people. You think we're doing anything with Jefferson next year? Probably not. But the rest of the league still thinks of us as the mean computer that gets everything right.

Buford: We're not "mean." We're not even a computer. That's Houston.

Popovich: Doesn't matter. I just want to keep them wondering why we'd go after someone like Haislip.

Buford: Even if we don't take advantage of them underestimating us?

Popovich: Doesn't matter to me. I'm out of here as soon as Duncan splits. I've got an invisible plane to build in Papua New Guinea.

Buford: Hold on, you told me that your involvement with the U.S. Government was ...

Popovich: (Flashes what appears to be an LED light in Buford's eyes, rendering him unconscious, relegating the last 20 minutes of his life unmemorable. Slowly glides him to the concrete floor. Tosses an unlit cigarette onto his chest.

Drinks the dregs of a bottle of Chartar beurre blanc - it does exist, to him - that was placed behind the left rear wheel of his Aston Martin V12 Vantage, slowly drives out of the parking garage humming "Tea for the Tillerman.")

[Spurs Brazil]

At the practice facility going to talk to the Summer Leaguers and RC.

http://twitter.com/spurs/statuses/2552378048


Let's hope R.C can talk about Haislip and McDyess

[Solid D]

Haislip expected to sign today
By Jeff McDonald on Jul 8, 09 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) Save & Share Yahoo! BuzzYahoo! Newsvine del.icio.us Facebook Google Reddit Fark
While the Spurs wait for Antonio McDyess to weigh his free agency options, they have a bit of other big-man business to attend to this afternoon.

According to a source close to the negotiations, Marcus Haislip's deal with the Spurs is done, and he should sign a contract before the end of the day. The deal is believed to start at the lower-level exception of $1.99 million.

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/07/haislip-expecte.html




With Jefferson on the team and Ginobili available to play, the team becomes less Parker-dominant. Actually, RJ is capable of taking the ball at the top of the key as a dribble-drive and kick type of player. Much moreso than Mason and with greater physicality.

Now about Haislip...I'm not down on him. I think he has most definitely improved and matured as a player. He can jump out of the gym, but he could do that when he was in Milwaukee with the Bucks. My biggest concern is how he can defend opposing 4s and how much of a contract committment the Spurs make to him before seeing how he matches up over here. You take any of the Bigs currently playing in Euroleague and there can be questions. I really like Batiste. I really, really like Smodis. Morris has been good, as has Haislip. They each would have question-marks about them in the NBA (not as much concern with Smodis). I just think when the Spurs are over the Lux Tax line, they have to be careful about how much they commit to without trading players. This is especially true if the Spurs are targeting McDyess with their MLE.

Now we know the truth. The Vet minimum with a $50K make-good is much more like it!

[Dr Cox]

link

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shocking-Dialogue-Coach-Pop-works-for-Marcus-Ha;_ylt=AhBvkF6v83ubku_qx1XEdqm8vLYF?urn=nba,17533 9


Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:00 pm EDT
Shocking Dialogue: Coach Pop works for Marcus Haislip

By Kelly Dwyer


I couldn't believe the San Antonio Spurs actually wanted Marcus Haislip. Until I was handed a rather disturbing, because it was in mp3 format, recording of Spurs GM R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich discussing the deal. Here is what I was able to transcribe.

R.J. Buford: Hey Pop. I just had stop in to clarify something. I've gotten the two mixed up since 2002, as well, but you meant "Chris Wilcox," right?

Gregg Popovich: No, Haislip.

Buford: Marcus Haislip?

Popovich: Same guy.

Buford: Not really the same guy. He's much worse. Much, much worse. Pretty awful, actually. Are you sure that-

Popovich: You don't think I actually want to play the guy, do you? Or even sign him?

Buford: Why did you ask me to call around about him?

Popovich: You know what people think about us, right?

Buford: What "people?"

Popovich: The "people." They're always around. Working through my socks. I could have been a spy, you know. Right out of a le Carré novel. Instead, you gave me Jackie Butler(notes). You cut me at the hamstrings. You outed me. You hurted me. I want something back. I want to mess with people.

Buford: Why? And with Haislip?

Popovich: I can't tell you, and yes.

Buford: You can tell me. I saved you after your last Miles Raymond-moment, drinking that Chartar beurre blanc at a Burger King after we traded Luis Scola(notes) to the Rockets.

Popovich: First of all, it was a Cheval ...

Buford: Doesn't matter.

Popovich: And I was hardly at a burger joint, rather, a Ruby ...

Buford: Doesn't matter. What are you on about?

Popovich: I just want to [mess] with people.

Buford: That's admirable. In what way?

Popovich: Signing Marcus Haislip.

Buford: Not admirable. Why?

Popovich: I want to keep them on edge. They think we do everything right. We're so fundamentally-sound. So, how do you say, internationale? We got Richard Jefferson(notes) for expiring deals, we picked up DeJuan Blair(notes) in the second round, we made monsters out of Parker and ...

Buford: So, you're saying you want to make a low-risk, low-cost transaction, in order to purposely devalue our respect around the league, in order to lower expectations as we work with the possible $23 million in expiring contracts that we could offer to teams as trade bait while rest of the league approaches the vaunted 2010 offseason?

Popovich: No, I just want to [mess] with people.

Buford: Why?

Popovich: Nobody's supposed to be as good as us. We're, essentially, in Cincinnati with better food. I'm awesome, you're hidden, Duncan's underrated, Ginobili and Parker came out of nowhere, and we still scare the piss out of people. You think we're doing anything with Jefferson next year? Probably not. But the rest of the league still thinks of us as the mean computer that gets everything right.

Buford: We're not "mean." We're not even a computer. That's Houston.

Popovich: Doesn't matter. I just want to keep them wondering why we'd go after someone like Haislip.

Buford: Even if we don't take advantage of them underestimating us?

Popovich: Doesn't matter to me. I'm out of here as soon as Duncan splits. I've got an invisible plane to build in Papua New Guinea.

Buford: Hold on, you told me that your involvement with the U.S. Government was ...

Popovich: (Flashes what appears to be an LED light in Buford's eyes, rendering him unconscious, relegating the last 20 minutes of his life unmemorable. Slowly glides him to the concrete floor. Tosses an unlit cigarette onto his chest.

Drinks the dregs of a bottle of Chartar beurre blanc - it does exist, to him - that was placed behind the left rear wheel of his Aston Martin V12 Vantage, slowly drives out of the parking garage humming "Tea for the Tillerman.")


?? what? so lost, maby im still drunk:wakeup

[urunobili]

Shamports on my FB:

ShamSports.com:

Can someone please sign up to Spurstalk and tell them that Haislip isn't $50k guaranteed, and that I typo'd. It's actually Hairston with the $50k guarantee. Their names are too confusingly similar.

[lurker23]

Shamports on my FB:

ShamSports.com:

Can someone please sign up to Spurstalk and tell them that Haislip isn't $50k guaranteed, and that I typo'd. It's actually Hairston with the $50k guarantee. Their names are too confusingly similar.

That makes more sense. Guess we're back to 7 guaranteed bigs.

[Bruno]

Shamports on my FB:

ShamSports.com:

Can someone please sign up to Spurstalk and tell them that Haislip isn't $50k guaranteed, and that I typo'd. It's actually Hairston with the $50k guarantee. Their names are too confusingly similar.

I told that Sham fixed it and that it was Hairston two weeks ago:
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3616814#post3616814