48MoH: Should The Spurs Make Another Move Before Camp?

[Blackjack]

Should the Spurs Make Another Move Before Camp?
by Timothy Varner


Some version of that question keeps rearing its head in our comments section. It’s one those counter-intuitive things. You’d think Spurs fans would be satisfied after an offseason that saw a massive roster overhaul. But when post trade euphoria sets in, the market suddenly expands to all of our favorite players (that we imagine are available on the trade market), and Michael Finley’s expiring contract is treated like the Holy Grail of team assets. This happens every offseason, and after every trade.

I suppose the excitement surrounding the Spurs’ next roster move is different this year–the Spurs have, after all, committed themselves to a proper make over. Couple that commitment with the current market and the possibility of another move isn’t completely unthinkable. But I really think the Spurs will sit tight, and I hope they do. Here’s why:

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/08/24/should-the-spurs-make-another-move-before-camp/ (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/08/24/should-the-spurs-make-another-move-before-camp/)

[DPG21920]

Pretty sound takes. I have thought about Manu as the "expiring contract" concept if he is somewhat injured, but have never put the numbers together with Bonner+Fin. 16M is a damn good package and that could be useful. Especially if the other team is high on Manu Ginobili.

It will be interesting to see how things develop.

[ChumpDumper]

No other team is particularly desperate to make a move at this point, so returns won't be as good as they might in February. Until then, find out what works with the current roster.

[Muser]

Keep the expirings until the deadline, if Manu cannot play then he is tradeable.

[SpurNation]

I would have to agree 100% with the article. This "new" team needs time to work with each other before truely evaluating the changes that have been made. I wouldn't be in a rush until after January.

Unless a very good and proven PG for b/u happens to drop in the Spurs lap would I consider doing anything for now.

[ulosturedge]

I really think all the pieces we have now look good. It's a matter of how healthy the Spurs are next season and how well our youth can gel into the system with their current experience. I have alot of faith that things are going to be quite good this season.

And to make another move out of pure speculation would be quite foolish. Because thats what it would be if anything was done before training camp and preseason.

[HarlemHeat37]

As I've been saying for a while, a move right now would be stupid, unless it's a no-brainer..the team needs to gel..we have a good return in expiring contracts, so if the team isn't playing as well as expected in February, we can unload a package to fill in a need, possibly a defensive stopper or legit big man..if Manu isn't healthy, unload him in a huge package to get another all-star, as DPG said..

We have question marks with potential in Hairston, Mahinmi, Haislip, and Blair..we have to see how George performs..we have to see if RJ can play the stopper..we have to see if Manu returns to form..plenty of questions before moves can be made..

[loveforthegame]

No other team is particularly desperate to make a move at this point, so returns won't be as good as they might in February. Until then, find out what works with the current roster.

:tu

It's my hope the Spurs wait till then and see what needs to be addressed.

[pad300]

While I would not like to see a major move, I would not object to minor moves with either cost savings or re-balancing the team in mind. Currently we are carrying 7 Bigs - Duncan, Mahinmi, Blair, McDyess, Bonner, Haislip, Ratliff. A balanced roster is 6. Similarly we are short at either PG or Wing, depending on whom you count where; a balanced roster is 3 pgs and 6 wings. By my count, we currently have 2 (Parker, Hill) and 6 (Manu, RJ, Finley, Mason, Williams, Hairston). While I find the current PG situation acceptable, given that 3 of our wings might be able to fill in as 3ed PG (Manu, Mason, Williams), I am not as sure about our defensive chops on the perimeter. There are 2 players with the potential to be lead perimeter defenders on the roster - RJ and Hairston, but there are question marks about both of them... Also, M. Finley is still on the roster, and I worry about Pop's case of Man love screwing up the rotations.

I would welcome a 2 for 1 trade (Finley + X for Y) that would make room for Bowen; he was, IMO, a better player than Finley last year by a significant margin. Indeed, Bowen was our best wing against Dallas. I would be pleased with a move to simply dump Finley. With RJ, Mason, Manu and the young guys, we don't need him eating minutes anymore; and he has been consistently horrible whenever he didn't start...

[portnoy1]

When you look at all the positions PG-C, you have a few areas that are locks. However you have major question marks.
1 -from your PG position you want - Scorer and Passer/creator
the spurs have that in Parker/Hill
2 - from your SG position you want - Scorer / Shooter
the spurs have Mason Jr. / Manu
3 - from your SF position you want - a little bit of everything / SOLID defender
RJ is gonna get significantly less touches, question is can he shoot effeciently and Play lockdown D / Finley can only shoot.
4 - from your PF you want - scorer downlow+some perimeter action/ Rebounding
the spurs have Duncan / Blair
5 - from your C position you want - Rebounding /shot-blocking + some scoring
Mcdyess is 35 and is not much of a shotblkr / Bonner is scared of physical contact.

The spurs dont need another scorer in RJ, they need a Defensive specialist at the SF position+They dont need a Solid 35yr center/pf they need a younger Solid C/pf who can block shots and play 40mins when Tim is out.

[portnoy1]

Defense comes first. I would trade for 2 solid role player around the big 3. this might sound crazy but RJ+2bigs to Rockets for Battier/Scola or to a lesser extent to Pacers for Jones/Murphy. That way all positions are covered.

[benefactor]

This article echos a lot of what I have said in previous trade threads. I fully expect the FO to go with what we have until there becomes some sort of apparent need for another trade. I never really did the math on what Manu/Finley/Bonner might bring so that is good information and certainly an option if it looks like Manu cannot make it all the way back.

[SteelerNation]

I dont see how they could make a signifigant move even if they wanted to. With Duncan, Ginobili,Parker,McDyess,Jefferson on the team...where would they try and upgrade? They're not gonna try and upgrade over McDyess and Ratliff after chasing them this off season and they wont give up Hill and Mason to do so. Their definately gonna stand pat....I say even after the trade deadline. Because their record will be so good no way they mess with it.

[exstatic]

With the amount of tax they're paying this year, unless someone bowls them over with a non-bust former lottery pick player + a contract that runs past 2010 for ballast, I don't see them doing anything at all, even at the deadline. They'll just let the ending contracts roll off, none of which I see having much of a role this year, and go into next year with this year's rotation, minus the tax bill.

If Manu goes down, all that goes out the window. They'll have to be looking for another deal on a longer contract, and Manu will likely roll off, or be included in a trade.

[ohmwrecker]

Can we just somehow combine McDyess, Ratliff and Bonner into one player?

[Bruno]

Spurs FO knows way more things about the state of their roster than fans.

Ginobili's health is a question mark for fans but Spurs' staff have medical reports about him. Spurs have a good idea if his previous injuries have long term consequences.

Haislip is a question mark for fans but Spurs' staff has seen tons of games with him in Europe and has seen him practicing this summer. He isn't a sure thing but Spurs have surely a good idea on what he could provide or not to the team.

Even if this team has some question marks, Spurs should have a quite good idea about their needs. I think they are fine with their current roster but if the right trade is on the table, they will do it now.

[SpurNation]

The Spurs are definately a lot better off now with talent than they were last year at this same time.

It gives hope.

[benefactor]

In browsing through teams, there are not a lot of options out there if Manu goes down and the Spurs start looking to fill the void to remain in contention for a title. The only one that I can see having any kind of serious potential would be Manu for Rip Hamilton. The Pistons seem committed to the youth movement and the signing of Ben Gordon shows that Rip might not be part of the plan. Furthermore, they can shave another 12.5 million off the books for next year's free agent frenzy....dropping them under 44 million in salaries.

[silverblackfan]

In browsing through teams, there are not a lot of options out there if Manu goes down and the Spurs start looking to fill the void to remain in contention for a title. The only one that I can see having any kind of serious potential would be Manu for Rip Hamilton. The Pistons seem committed to the youth movement and the signing of Ben Gordon shows that Rip might not be part of the plan. Furthermore, they can shave another 12.5 million off the books for next year's free agent frenzy....dropping them under 44 million in salaries.

I am hoping Manu is a healthy beast this year and this is all idle speculation, but I always liked Rip. If it had to happen, this is one of the few guys that is clutch, lethal shooter, and works his ass off. At age 31, he still has some pretty good years left.
There is no substitution for a healthy Manu.

[JustinJDW]

As I've been saying for a while, a move right now would be stupid, unless it's a no-brainer..the team needs to gel..we have a good return in expiring contracts, so if the team isn't playing as well as expected in February, we can unload a package to fill in a need, possibly a defensive stopper or legit big man..if Manu isn't healthy, unload him in a huge package to get another all-star, as DPG said..

We have question marks with potential in Hairston, Mahinmi, Haislip, and Blair..we have to see how George performs..we have to see if RJ can play the stopper..we have to see if Manu returns to form..plenty of questions before moves can be made..Co-Signed.

We really shouldn't even think about trading Ginobili right now. Like you said, we need to wait until February, when questions are answered and Teams know what they need to do. It might be better to keep Finley and Bonner too. We need to somewhat keep our chemistry. It's not good if we only have around 5 guys from last year in this year's Team. In fact, now that I think about it, that's horrible.

We need to wait until February, when we know what everyone can do and what we need to do. We should keep Bonner and Finley for now.

[mountainballer]

agree that waiting for February makes more sense, than trying to get something done right now. I still wouldn't rule out some minor roster moves for this summer.
(trading Ian for a TE, singing another veteran FA, signing one of our draftees)

[portnoy1]

according to ESPN trade machine we can trade RJ to Rockets for Scola/Battier/Barry and then make another trade for cash to unload a vet or ian.

The Spurs are trying to get a big 4, but it just doesnt seem possible unless Pop tweaks the offense. If not, then RJ is basically getting $14 mill to TRY and be a stopper and to fill in incase Manu gets hurt. By making that deal with the Rockets both teams get what they need.

1 - the spurs have the big 3 of PG-Parker/SG-Manu/PF/C-Duncan and then at SF-battier a defensive stopper and C/PF-Scola a rebounder and lowpost scorer with and outside touch. Then the bench of Hill/Mason JR./Blair/Mcdyess. Now if Manu goes down you can go back to throwing the ball in the post more to Duncan/Scola and setting up a 3pt game with Mason Jr./Finley. If Tim goes down you can give his post touches to Scola and more shots to Mason Jr.

2 - the Rockets dont have a legit 20-25pts scorer. Ariza was a desperation move once they realized artest was gonna go. He cant give 20pts a night. With no Mcgrady / Yao the rockets wont be able to score. With brooks at the point you can expect more points say 13pts, Ariza as the defensive stopper and 12pts, Jefferson at 20pts, Lowry/Hayes at the PF position and then David Anderson at Center pointing up some solid numbers. With Mcgrady's contract at $22 mill the Rockets can now trade him to a sorry team in exchange for younger talent (i.e. Marc Gasol and a few other throw ins ). Bottom line is the Rockets are going to suck regardless, but al least they'll know where their points are gonna come from ( RJ ).


PG - Parker / Hill / Barry
SG - Mason Jr. / Manu / Hairston
SF - Battier / Finley / Haislip
PF - Duncan /Blair / Bonner
C - Scola / Mcdyess / Ratliff

leftovers are Ian/M. Willams or Hairston/Bonner for a trade to unload salaries. This trade also seals up the ? at PG. Barry can run the point if the spurs start to run thin. He was the PG for the sonics for 1 1/2 seasons. FYI - the numbers that scola and battier put up will stay the same or maybe increase since the big 3 of Duncan/Parker/Manu are much better passers then Yao/Tmac/Artest.

[hater]

Ginobili's health is a question mark for fans but Spurs' staff have medical reports about him. Spurs have a good idea if his previous injuries have long term consequences.

wrong. even Manu doesn't know for sure. He himself said it and he still has not really "tested" his ankles

[benefactor]

according to ESPN trade machine we can trade RJ to Rockets for Scola/Battier/Barry and then make another trade for cash to unload a vet or ian.

The Spurs are trying to get a big 4, but it just doesnt seem possible unless Pop tweaks the offense. If not, then RJ is basically getting $14 mill to TRY and be a stopper and to fill in incase Manu gets hurt. By making that deal with the Rockets both teams get what they need.

1 - the spurs have the big 3 of PG-Parker/SG-Manu/PF/C-Duncan and then at SF-battier a defensive stopper and C/PF-Scola a rebounder and lowpost scorer with and outside touch. Then the bench of Hill/Mason JR./Blair/Mcdyess. Now if Manu goes down you can go back to throwing the ball in the post more to Duncan/Scola and setting up a 3pt game with Mason Jr./Finley. If Tim goes down you can give his post touches to Scola and more shots to Mason Jr.

2 - the Rockets dont have a legit 20-25pts scorer. Ariza was a desperation move once they realized artest was gonna go. He cant give 20pts a night. With no Mcgrady / Yao the rockets wont be able to score. With brooks at the point you can expect more points say 13pts, Ariza as the defensive stopper and 12pts, Jefferson at 20pts, Lowry/Hayes at the PF position and then David Anderson at Center pointing up some solid numbers. With Mcgrady's contract at $22 mill the Rockets can now trade him to a sorry team in exchange for younger talent (i.e. Marc Gasol and a few other throw ins ). Bottom line is the Rockets are going to suck regardless, but al least they'll know where their points are gonna come from ( RJ ).


PG - Parker / Hill / Barry
SG - Mason Jr. / Manu / Hairston
SF - Battier / Finley / Haislip
PF - Duncan /Blair / Bonner
C - Scola / Mcdyess / Ratliff

leftovers are Ian/M. Willams or Hairston/Bonner for a trade to unload salaries. This trade also seals up the ? at PG. Barry can run the point if the spurs start to run thin. He was the PG for the sonics for 1 1/2 seasons. FYI - the numbers that scola and battier put up will stay the same or maybe increase since the big 3 of Duncan/Parker/Manu are much better passers then Yao/Tmac/Artest.
Can we at least make an attempt at being realistic?

[portnoy1]

Can we at least make an attempt at being realistic?
whats unrealistic about that? the trade or the roster or what?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

The only thing we're missing is a counter to West/Odom-type athletic forwards, and who knows, that could be what they brought Haislip in for.

We have about the best roster that could have been assembled, let's see how the first three months of the season pan out.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

whats unrealistic about that? the trade or the roster or what?

The fact that the FO just brought RJ into the team, and thus obviously want to play him. :rolleyes

[sananspursfan21]

Spurs FO knows way more things about the state of their roster than fans.

Ginobili's health is a question mark for fans but Spurs' staff have medical reports about him. Spurs have a good idea if his previous injuries have long term consequences.

Haislip is a question mark for fans but Spurs' staff has seen tons of games with him in Europe and has seen him practicing this summer. He isn't a sure thing but Spurs have surely a good idea on what he could provide or not to the team.

Even if this team has some question marks, Spurs should have a quite good idea about their needs. I think they are fine with their current roster but if the right trade is on the table, they will do it now.


good word. that's what i try to say on here to people who always say that gino or parker needs traded, spurs FO needs to do this, do that... i get so sick of it. spurs FO are the pros when it comes to player management, don't call any of them idiots when they've studied players, studied the game, and make hundreds of thousands of dollars to doing it everyday. they're the pros, not us

[portnoy1]

The fact that the FO just brought RJ into the team, and thus obviously want to play him. :rolleyesThe more I think about the trade, the more nervous I get. The spurs went out on a limb to pay $14 million to RJ. We know what he can do offensively, Drive/Post/Shoot/Dunk. However the only thing I'm hearing is him being the main defensive stopper. And all those offensive skills I mention above are meaningless when your the 4th option. Like Finley all those skills will be used to support the big 3, which means he will be taking alot of jumpers and 3's like win Finley came here. The only reason the spurs would pay that kinda money is if they knew something about Manu. Like, if he gets hurt and he's out for 1-2 months with the same issues then they trade him, and get a real big man (7'0)or 2-3 solid role players for him. Because making RJ a third option works perfectly, instead of him being a Defensive stopper and taking whatever shots come his way. Manu is my favorite player, he has been since coming to the league. I'm just wondering if the FO really feels that all 4 guys can work together and be offensively effective/balanced. Or are they not saying something ( Manu is on the trading block ) so that Spurs fans wont protest. If RJ comes out to be all that and more and the spurs trade Manu, it will go over much better instead of the spurs saying we might trade if he doesn't heal right of the bat. Kinda like they did with Malik Rose for Nazr Mohamhed. They did it all of a sudden and by the time everybody realized what Nazr did for the Spurs nobody gave a crap about Malik, all they thought about was winning another title, which they did with Nazr as the starting center.

[Mel_13]

The spurs went out on a limb to pay $14 million to RJ. We know what he can do offensively, Drive/Post/Shoot/Dunk. However the only thing I'm hearing is him being the main defensive stopper. And all those offensive skills I mention above are meaningless when your the 4th option.

Check out what Pop has to say on the subject. Begins at about the 4 minute mark.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/090825_pop.html

[portnoy1]

Check out what Pop has to say on the subject. Begins at about the 4 minute mark.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/090825_pop.html
The whole Post up thing!! i'm figuring thats what your talking about. If so I was right about the spurs tweaking their offense. I like him posting up, cause we some more scoring downlow besides Duncan.

[DPG21920]

Also, when/if Gino is not starting, RJ will be the 3rd option with TP and Duncan. So he won't be just spotting up. He will be able to create with the ball in his hands, post up and do other things.

[Mel_13]

The whole Post up thing!! i'm figuring thats what your talking about. If so I was right about the spurs tweaking their offense. I like him posting up, cause we some more scoring downlow besides Duncan.

Of course the offense will be tweaked. If you start RJ and McDyess in place of Finley and Bonner, there will be adjustments. Pop talked Holt into spending an extra 18-20M in payroll to buy some shiny new toys. He's going to use them. They're not paying RJ 14M to try to morph into a Bowen clone.

[portnoy1]

Let's trade RJ for LeBron!Team player and a 3/4th option. LJ does not fit that bill at all.

[portnoy1]

If we traded to get Outlaw/Prizbilla from the blazers which is worth 10mill would you do it? and how?

[Blackjack]

If we traded to get Outlaw/Prizbilla from the blazers which is worth 10mill would you do it? and how?

Would I be for acquiring those two?

Sure.

But, why would the Blazers look to unload those two to the Spurs?

Forgetting the fact that Pritchard has no intention of helping the Spurs, you know, for the sake of argument, what assets do the Spurs have to make an equitable trade?

I just don't see a scenario where both teams fill a need or get better.

[mountainballer]

If we traded to get Outlaw/Prizbilla from the blazers which is worth 10mill would you do it? and how?

offer them Tony. they might bite.
give 6'2" and get back 13'10". good deal!

[portnoy1]

offer them Tony. they might bite.
give 6'2" and get back 13'10". good deal!If were gonna give them Parker I want alot more than Prizbilla/Outlaw. If They trade Parker then Aldrige/Blake is the deal FOR STARTERS. They would probably have to throw in someone else to, to make that deal. Theirs no way I'd give up Parker for cheap. I'm not his biggest fan by any means, However he is an extremely valuable player so if he is trade you need a point guard and a few solid role players that can be stars if given the opportunity, Hence a point guard in Blake/Aldrige or Blake/Oden/Outlaw for Parker

[Blackjack]

If were gonna give them Parker I want alot more than Prizbilla/Outlaw. If They trade Parker then Aldrige/Blake is the deal FOR STARTERS. They would probably have to throw in someone else to, to make that deal. Theirs no way I'd give up Parker for cheap. I'm not his biggest fan by any means, However he is an extremely valuable player so if he is trade you need a point guard and a few solid role players that can be stars if given the opportunity, Hence a point guard in Blake/Aldrige or Blake/Oden/Outlaw for Parker

Wow..

Your eagerness to trade Parker has apparently caused your sarcasm detector to malfunction.

[exstatic]

Would I be for acquiring those two?

Sure.

But, why would the Blazers look to unload those two to the Spurs?

Forgetting the fact that Pritchard has no intention of helping the Spurs, you know, for the sake of argument, what assets do the Spurs have to make an equitable trade?

I just don't see a scenario where both teams fill a need or get better.

They definitely want to dump Pryz. He's the stopper from them being MAJOR players next summer. However, my price, if I'm making the deal, is no less than Rudy Fernandez to take Pryz off their hands.

[Blackjack]

They definitely want to dump Pryz. He's the stopper from them being MAJOR players next summer. However, my price, if I'm making the deal, is no less than Rudy Fernandez to take Pryz off their hands.

What's Pryzbilla's contract?

Whatever the case, if the Spurs could acquire him for nothing more than expirings that would be seeing minimal time when it comes to playoff time, I think I'd do it. Sure, I'd try to get as much value as possible -- i.e. Rudy -- but he wouldn't be a deal breaker.

I've said all along that if the Spurs are going to improve, it'd be best with a legit 7'-ish defender or with a Bowen-esque wing; one that could play significant minutes alongside both RJ and Manu.

Pryzbilla fits the defensive 5 and if the contract isn't too ridiculous, I'd be all for his acquisition.

But I still don't see Pritchard making a deal with the Spurs that he's not seen as raping or at least getting the better of..

[DPG21920]

7M with an ETO

[Blackjack]

Not bad.. When's the ETO?

[DPG21920]

2010/2011, but he has a 15% trade kicker as well.

[Blackjack]

What the hell..

It ain't my money.:lol

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

No more moves. It's been pretty much a perfect offseason

We have an excellent mix of youth and vets, and about 7mil in expirings to use before the deadline if something goes wrong. We really need to find out what the young guys are going to give us before shuffling the deck any more, and that means playing wait and see until January.

Lock and load, and make a stand HERE with what we've got.

:ihit

PS Anyone talking about trading Tony should be put up against a wall and SHOT. Trade one of the 3 best PGs in the world in his prime? GTFO here. Where's No Limit Army Commander when you need him?

[Va Spur]

No more moves. It's been pretty much a perfect offseason

We have an excellent mix of youth and vets, and about 7mil in expirings to use before the deadline if something goes wrong. We really need to find out what the young guys are going to give us before shuffling the deck any more, and that means playing wait and see until January.

Lock and load, and make a stand HERE with what we've got.

:ihit

PS Anyone talking about trading Tony should be put up against a wall and SHOT. Trade one of the 3 best PGs in the world in his prime? GTFO here. Where's No Limit Army Commander when you need him?

finally some sense in this thread-- how much better of an off season could anyone have predicted this year--
let's wait at least until oct 7 to start changing anything on this team

We have a chance to win a title -as is-- who could have thought that 4 months ago:flag:

[Biggems]

The Spurs need to sign Bruce Bowen ASAP.

He would be a huge upgrade over Dan Hughes. Hughes has a great basketball mind, but he is boring as hell. So when Elliott takes his games off, Bruce can step right in.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

finally some sense in this thread-- how much better of an off season could anyone have predicted this year--
let's wait at least until oct 7 to start changing anything on this team

We have a chance to win a title -as is-- who could have thought that 4 months ago:flag:


They definitely want to dump Pryz. He's the stopper from them being MAJOR players next summer. However, my price, if I'm making the deal, is no less than Rudy Fernandez to take Pryz off their hands.


Sense is not a strong point outside of comments by about 50 posters here, many of whom are seemingly on hiatus between seasons. But that's part of what makes this a fun and vibrant place! :lol :toast

PS There is one caveat to my comments - if Portland will give us Rudy Fernandez for anyone outside of the Big 3, I'm buying. But they aren't, so I'm only dreaming. Nice to dream though, Ex. :tu

[Chieflion]

Nah, Rudy Fernandez would be playing in the same role as Mason is, therefore, it would be the same situation.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Nah, Rudy Fernandez would be playing in the same role as Mason is, therefore, it would be the same situation.

Rudy Fernandez could be our starting shooting guard for the next 5-7 years, and (given opportunity to play enough) will end up an impact player in the NBA, so I think you missed my point.

The real question is would I trade Manu for Rudy, and I really can't answer that without seeing Manu play next season, and really I hate to even consider it... which I won't any further, because it's not realistic, so why torture oneself about it? ;)

[portnoy1]

I like the spurs moves. But admit it, the big man or Center problem has not been addressed. Mcdyess 6-9/10 - Blair 6-7 and ratliff and old 6-10 that cant give you 30minutes next to tim.

[ChumpDumper]

Eh, if Ian's healthy it could be addressed. He's definitely a question mark but I'm willing to wait and see. There is plenty of time for another trade if it comes to that.

[portnoy1]

Eh, if Ian's healthy it could be addressed. He's definitely a question mark but I'm willing to wait and see. There is plenty of time for another trade if it comes to that.Lakers - Bynum/Gasol 2 - Magic Howard 3 - Cavaliers Shaq/Ilgauskas 4 - Celtics Garnett/Wallace. If you really wanna compete with the good teams you need 2 big men. I'm sick of this small center garbage. We got away with it for 3-4 years. Thats why i was surprised that the spurs traded for and are willing to pay $14Million to RJ to join a perimeter attack thats above decent in Parker/Ginobili. Then Mcdyess is a nice addition to your bench or even a starter only if you have another LEGIT 7fter on the Roster. If the spurs could've have done the same deal with the Bucks and included portland in that trade ( who also wanted RJ ) then the spurs would've been set. You send all the same players from the spurs to the Bucks, and instead of us getting RJ the Blazers get him and send us Outlaw/Prizbilla. The spurs also save money ( $4million ). In Outlaw you have a 6-9 SF who can shoot/drive/post up and atlhetic enough to be a great wing defender in the spurs system. A solid 4th option or 3rd if Ginobili gets hurt, and he is 24. In Prizbilla you get Rebounding /Shot Blocking and someone who can Dunk who is 7ft tall. Now you have an anchor for your defense. - DOWNSIDE Pryzbilla can really shoot or post, offensively he is a liability. However with him in the paint there is a much higher chance for offensive rebounds and put-backs. Outlaw is kinda thin so he can be posted up by bigger SF, However he has the length to bother their shot and has Pryzbilla and Duncan guarding the paint. If Manu goes down you have a legit scorer, who can create his own shot, and gives you points inside on the block and outside with his pull up J. If Duncan goes down you have a big man who will grab you 15rbs/3blks an can play 40 minutes if nessecary along with mcdyess who would be the big man to score in duncan's absence.
Parker 20pts 8ast / Hill - defense
Mason Jr. 9pts / Manu 15pts
Outlaw 13pts blk stl / Random guy ( finley / Haislip / Hairston )
Duncan 18pts 10rbds / Blair - rebounding
Pryzbilla 6pts 8rbs 2blks / Mcdyess - jumpshot/rebounding

[Blackjack]

I share your concerns about not having another legit 7' on the team defensively, portnoy1. But, as fun as it is to speculate and find something to pass the time during the offseason, Pritchard isn't going to do a trade that is even equitable and the Spurs' front office aren't morons. They're not looking to get `had'.

The Spurs have had just about as fine a summer possible and another move, unless it's an absolute no-brainer, just isn't going to happen until the trade deadline; if even then.

They've got some decent expirings that could come in handy as teams begin to fall off the pace and look to make room for '10 and a possible reload. Waiting until that time, should leave a far better selection of talent to wade through than exists currently.

I love the moves the Spurs have made on the whole, even if I see the possibility of a defensive 5 or lock-down wing needing to be added, but it's still only a possibility at this point.

Yeah, the perfect scenario would be to know that you've got every basis covered, personnel-wise, going into camp. Your team would grow and gel together from day 1 and there'd be no rushed indoctrination into the Spurs way or system mid-season.

But there are no perfect scenarios.

So the Spurs will see what they've got; lets not forget that this team has a growth potential not seen since the '03 and '04 years. Thus, all that the Spurs and their fans want for now, could very well be filled by youth yet to prove itself.

I'm not going to hate on those who like to play GM during the offseason and look to fill the time until the season starts. It's entertaining if nothing else. I just don't see the players being mentioned as being no-brainers or a crop of talent that suggests that the best idea would be to make a trade now.

The Spurs still don't know completely what they've got and the options would seem to be more, and of a higher quality, around the trade deadline if they deemed a move necessary..

[portnoy1]

Defense before offense though. What killed us Josh Howard having a good series or Barea getting in the paint/ Dampier getting offensive rebounds?

[exstatic]

Nah, Rudy Fernandez would be playing in the same role as Mason is, therefore, it would be the same situation.

Fernandez is going to BE Ginobili some day, if given the chance. He's younger and has a MUCH higher ceiling than Roger Mason. He also attacks the rim, something Mason either can't or won't do.

Mason would likely go out in any prospective trade, anyway.

[Blackjack]

Do you (portnoy1) know what kind of impact RJ, Hairston and Hill are going to have defensively this year or how well 'Dyess, Mahinmi, Blair and Ratliff will be on that end?

The answer's, no.

It's a question and possibility of something that might need to be addressed, but like I said before, it's only a possibility at this point.

The Spurs still managed to stay among the top 5 in defense last year with some rather underwhelming personnel on that end, so it's not likely the players added won't improve in that area.

Just think back to the '08 loss to the Lakers.

Yeah, Manu's injury really cost the Spurs another trip to the finals, but the defense didn't fail them, their offense did.

If the Spurs can make some solid strides on the defensive-end from last year and add a more potent, efficient offense on top of that that, they should be in great position to challenge for the title yet again.

Of course, all of this is contingent on the health of Tim and Manu, which isn't something that can be scoffed at anymore. But what team's going to win a championship if their best, or two of their top three, players aren't healthy? -- That was rhetorical..--;)