Three Spurs with Expiring Contracts worth Trading

[ceperez]

Okay folks, looks like we got 3 players with expiring contracts* that may be worth trading this season:

Roger Mason $3,780,000
Matt Bonner $3,256,500
Michael Finley $2,500,000



But if you took a good look at our depth chart, you'll notice that 2 of the 3 players are way down in this 'hypothetical' depth chart:

PG - Tony Parker - George Hill - Marcus E. Williams
SG - Roger Mason - Manu Ginobili - Malik Hairston
SF - Richard Jefferson - Marcus Haislip - Michael Finley -
PF - Antonio McDyess - DeJuan Blair - Matt Bonner -
C - Tim Duncan - Ian Mahinmi - Theo Ratliff

Here's my case against these 3:

Mason - Despite having a very quick release and accurate shot, he doesn't play big enough and simply doesn't have enough talent to take it to the next level in playoff basketball. Nothing he does in the regular season can indicate that he can deliver in the playoffs.

Bonner - Good character guy and hits a good percentage. Unfortunately, he's a liability in defense and can't hit the important shot in playoff time. He also unlike Mason can't hit the 3 when he's covered.

Finley - Likely the most reliable 3pt shooter for us last year during the playoffs. Unfortunately, when he catches the ball inside the 3, he doesn't have the capability to take it to the rim. Also, he's likely to be one of those near-retirement players that get signed, waived and resigned to their old team. Among the 3, he's the most valuable come playoff time.

The Spurs have yet to indicate that they are NOT done trading. So what plug do we need to fill and who's out there with an outrageous salary to fill it?

There are 2 big holes in our lineup:

(1) Big (I mean, at least 6'11") who can defend centers. (Which could mean we also trade Mahinmi)
(2) Backup point guard who can really handle the ball. (Which could mean we also trade Hill)

Ground rules, must be from a team that's not a contende.Must be a player with a non-expiring contract and outrageous salary.

For (1) potential targets are:

Troy Murphy - $11m - 6'11" deadly 3pt accuracy. PER 17.81
Andris Biedrins - $9m for 4 more years! 6'11" quick. PER 19.6
DeSagana Diop - $6.5m for 4 more years! 7'0" good shot blocker no offense. PER 9.75
Nenad Kristic - $5m for 2 more years. 7'0" Gutsy player and reliable mid range jumper. Wobbly knees. PER 13.6
Andrei Kirilenko - $16.5+ for 2 more years! 6'9" great defender. Multi-dimensional player.
Chris Kaman - $10-12m for 3 years. 7'0" PER 14.51


-- Really expensive territory here, but Murphy looks like the best deal.

For (2) potential targets are:

Kirk Hinrich - $9.5m for 3 years.
Monta Ellis - $11m for 5 years.


-- Pickings are slim. We could have picked up Watson or Sessions during the offseason.

In summary, if we want don't want to go into a big time financial hole then it's likley we can't fill our holes. Hill and Mahinmi have to deliver!

*There's always of course (gasp!) Manu Ginobili's $10,728,130 contract.

[Chieflion]

We got enough bigs. You can't just scrap the wings.

[honestfool84]

The Spurs have yet to indicate that they are NOT done trading.



do you want them to email you personally and let you know that they're done trading?


seriously. it's stupid when fans are complaining that the FO doesn't do enough...and then when they DO enough, they complain that it's still not enough.

[BronxCowboy]

I just can't take you seriously with Marcus Haislip in your depth chart at SF before Michael Finley.

[lotr1trekkie]

I think the Spur's FO has one more move in them.They know what they'll get frp, the Big 4 and Dice. They know Fins, Matt and Roger's limitations. They don't know what they can count on from Mahimni Haipslip, Blair, Williams, Hairston and Hill. If the last six can't take minutes from the middle three then I think the Spurs make a move after training camp.

[kobyz]

we just need another quality wing

[completely deck]

do you want them to email you personally and let you know that they're done trading?


seriously. it's stupid when fans are complaining that the FO doesn't do enough...and then when they DO enough, they complain that it's still not enough.

calm down, spaz.


we just need another quality wing

Who would you suggest?

[bigbendbruisebrother]

I just can't take you seriously with Marcus Haislip in your depth chart at SF before Michael Finley.

Or Mahinmi before Ratliff.

[Thompson]

Actually, that's the exact depth chart I'm hoping we have by the middle of the season; of course it will require that Haislip shows he can play small forward and Mahinmi and Blair are reliable enough for significant minutes.

And I think Mason will be better this year if he's not expected to play point guard, I would avoid trading him as much as possible. I think hitting half a dozen clutch shots during the season will translate to similar capabilities in the playoffs, assuming he's playing comfortably in his position (catch and shoot).

Hopefully if the Spurs discover a need sometime during the season they can fill it with a trade of Bonner and Finley (and possibly a 1st or 2nd round pick). I want to see everyone play for a month or so though to get an idea of their abilities.

[Bruno]

That's some damn weird thinking.

To sum up what you say:
1) Spurs have a hole at backup PG.
2) I pick some trade targets with bad contracts.
3) I conclude that Spurs have to stick with Hill.

I fail to get what you are trying to prove. Either you are fine or not with Hill as backup PG. If you aren't, they are reasonable trade options available that you could propose.

[spursfan1000]

lmao @ haslip in front of Finley in depth chart.

[mountainballer]

For (2) potential targets are:

Kirk Hinrich - $9.5m for 3 years.
Monta Ellis - $11m for 5 years.


jesus! what a nonsense. those guys with those contracts as our back up PGs. :lol
why didn't you even put Arenas on this list?

[Hooks]

We shouldn't trade RMJ, he's too good of a shooter. Remember he's just been with the team for 1 year, not only that but dude is clutch.


He's dangerous wide open, he's also a guy we don't have to worry about getting in trouble on or off the court. This guy even took a pay cut to sign back with the Wizards, he's a loyal player. He doesn't play for the money he plays to win. Keep him.

The only way I'd trade Finley is if we can get a better SF than him, no SG's we've got enough of those.

Bonner-Trade his ass lmao. I'm sure his trade value has gone up significantly last season. Not sure who we'd get for him though.

[eisfeld]

The only player the spurs would trade for is Krstic. He's the only one with a reasonable contract and paying 8+ Million for a backup center is just not worth the trouble. Thunder won't let Krstic go, so there's no room for speculations.

[itzsoweezee]

all three of those guys are dead weight. i'd be happy to see them go. someone needs to save popovich from himself: despite all the good moves the spurs have made this season, popovich would probably still start scrub ass michael finley and worthless scrub matt bonner.

[Sdayi135]

The only player the spurs would trade for is Krstic. He's the only one with a reasonable contract and paying 8+ Million for a backup center is just not worth the trouble. Thunder won't let Krstic go, so there's no room for speculations.

The only big likely available (if) from OKC is Nick Collison, but since we have enough bigs, even that's unlikely.

But I'd be surprised if a move is made before the start of training camp.

[Muser]

The Spurs shouldn't make any moves until we all see how the current squad plays.

[ginobilized]

No need to trade them yet. Unlike last season, I believe Roger Mason and Matt Bonner
will be able to be successful as role players. They could both be very effective in certain situations without having to carry as much as they did last season. The Spurs are in a very different position this year. With Manu, Tony, TD and RJ healthy everyone can just do their job. We asked too much of Bonner and Mason last season for their respective abilities. 09/10 is a whole new ballgame.

[coyotes_geek]

Mason's not going anywhere. If the Spurs do anything it will probably be nothing more than a cash dump move around the trade deadline involving Finley or Bonner so that they can save some luxury tax money.

[DPG21920]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Spurs make another move to bolster the roster if they see they are 1 more rotational piece from contending against the elites as the season plays out.

[Captain Oblivious]

All three are good role players giving Pop different dimensions to work with. Their knowledge of the system, and of the roles they are expected to play, will help improve our winning percentage in the first half of the season as the rest of the new guys are indoctrinated. No trades between now and January. They are not playing fantasy league basketball... role players matter! (see Bruce Bowen's body of work circa 2001-09).

[portnoy1]

I'd go sign Brevin knight as a 3rd string if hill has trouble. And a bigman is much in need. Troy Murphy is a great rebounder/3pt shooter. Thats what spurs wanted out of bonner. However he is not much of a defender or shotblocker. The spurs need a 7footer before anything else. A big man who grabs rebounds and block shots. Its kinda hard to get everything you want in a C without paying good money or them being injury prown ( kaman ). If a Defensive C is in the paint he can get dunks and layups, While Tim takes a few more Jumpshots than normal ( Which he did last year anyways ). Then you have Parker/Mason Jr./RJ/Duncan doing the scoring. Off the bench you have Mcdyess as your 4 who can stretch the floor so the C still wont be hurting you offensively cause you have 4 guys that can score.

[ceperez]

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away".

[ceperez]

Actually, that's the exact depth chart I'm hoping we have by the middle of the season; of course it will require that Haislip shows he can play small forward and Mahinmi and Blair are reliable enough for significant minutes.

And I think Mason will be better this year if he's not expected to play point guard, I would avoid trading him as much as possible. I think hitting half a dozen clutch shots during the season will translate to similar capabilities in the playoffs, assuming he's playing comfortably in his position (catch and shoot).

Hopefully if the Spurs discover a need sometime during the season they can fill it with a trade of Bonner and Finley (and possibly a 1st or 2nd round pick). I want to see everyone play for a month or so though to get an idea of their abilities.


Agree entirely that we want to see EVERYONE play.

But you got to all remember that the Spurs have ONLY ONE GOAL, and that is to WIN IT ALL. It does not matter how well we do in the regular season, what matters is what we do in the playoffs.

That's why Mason and Bonner are simply not going to cut it. Also, it's likely that Finley will not have the luxury of playing time with RJ in the lineup. I also would rather have Haislip at the SF rather than Finley. His size is much more disruptive. Finley on the other hand is content to wait in the 3pt line in offense furthermore he's a liability defensively.

Now we absolutely need someone who can run point when parker is on the bench. See, the key to winning is that our stars are well rested come playoff time and come 4th quarter time. Hill is terrific defensively and has good offensive potential, but to be real honest he can't handle the ball like a point!

[Mel_13]

That's why Mason and Bonner are simply not going to cut it. Also, it's likely that Finley will not have the luxury of playing time with RJ in the lineup. I also would rather have Haislip at the SF rather than Finley. His size is much more disruptive. Finley on the other hand is content to wait in the 3pt line in offense furthermore he's a liability defensively.

Unbelievable.

Mason and Bonner won't cut it, but Haislip will?

Haislip at SF? He is a PF who was a poor defender against slower players in Europe and you assume he can guard NBA SFs?

As a Spurs fan, I truly hope Haislip turns into some crazy hybrid clone of Bowen and Horry, but everything in his history suggests he is more likely to wind up playing the role once played by Sean Marks; practice big.

[ceperez]

Unbelievable.

Mason and Bonner won't cut it, but Haislip will?

Haislip at SF? He is a PF who was a poor defender against slower players in Europe and you assume he can guard NBA SFs?

As a Spurs fan, I truly hope Haislip turns into some crazy hybrid clone of Bowen and Horry, but everything in his history suggests he is more likely to wind up playing the role once played by Sean Marks; practice big.

I can't see why Haislip is so underrated in your book.

You got to trust the front office.

Finally, the only way the Spurs can win the title is to have some oversized defenders.

[Sense]

This thread fails..

It makes no sense whatsoever.

[Mel_13]

I can't see why Haislip is so underrated in your book.

You got to trust the front office.

Finally, the only way the Spurs can win the title is to have some oversized defenders.


I don't underrate him at all. I just don't vastly overrate him like you do. He is completely unproven at the NBA level. Criticize Mason and Bonner all you like, but they have demonstrated the ability to shoot 3's at the NBA level and they have experience in the Spurs system. Haislip has yet to prove that he has NBA level skills.

Trust the FO, indeed. You're the one saying Mason and Bonner won't cut it. Mason received a 2 yr/7.5M guaranteed contract from the FO last summer. Haislip received a 2yr minimum contract with only one year guaranteed. Trust the FO, indeed.

And thanks for that new bit of basketball insight that oversized defenders are the key to winning a title. Again, Haislip has a history of poor defense. I hope he dedicates himself to become an NBA level defender. But when you project him as the backup SF, that is pure wishful thinking.

It is one thing to project that a 20yr old Blair will go from being an exceptional college rebounder to becoming an above average NBA rebounder. He excelled at the lower level and is so young that it is reasonable to project improvement with better coaching and teammates.

It is quite another thing to project that a 28yr Haislip who had trouble guarding slower PFs in Europe will suddenly be able to effectively guard smaller, quicker NBA SFs.

Good luck to Haislip and may he beat the odds. I just can't project him ahead of proven NBA players until I see him actually demonstrate that he has NBA level skills.

[TIMMYD!]

I don't underrate him at all. I just don't vastly overrate him like you do. He is completely unproven at the NBA level. Criticize Mason and Bonner all you like, but they have demonstrated the ability to shoot 3's at the NBA level and they have experience in the Spurs system. Haislip has yet to prove that he has NBA level skills.

Trust the FO, indeed. You're the one saying Mason and Bonner won't cut it. Mason received a 2 yr/7.5M guaranteed contract from the FO last summer. Haislip received a 2yr minimum contract with only one year guaranteed. Trust the FO, indeed.

And thanks for that new bit of basketball insight that oversized defenders are the key to winning a title. Again, Haislip has a history of poor defense. I hope he dedicates himself to become an NBA level defender. But when you project him as the backup SF, that is pure wishful thinking.

It is one thing to project that a 20yr old Blair will go from being an exceptional college rebounder to becoming an above average NBA rebounder. He excelled at the lower level and is so young that it is reasonable to project improvement with better coaching and teammates.

It is quite another thing to project that a 28yr Haislip who had trouble guarding slower PFs in Europe will suddenly be able to effectively guard smaller, quicker NBA SFs.

Good luck to Haislip and may he beat the odds. I just can't project him ahead of proven NBA players until I see him actually demonstrate that he has NBA level skills.


Nicely Said.

[Spursfan 87]

the spurs don't have any weakness yet, they haven't play a single game.

[Big P]

Troy Murphy ain't happening...thank god

[mountainballer]

Finally, the only way the Spurs can win the title is to have some oversized defenders.

wow. brilliant conclusion. you mean oversized like Bruce 200 lbs Bowen?
and if an upgrade of the defensive department is in fact a key (I agree that a defensive specialist wouldn't hurt), why do you propose to trade for a player like Murphy? that's called a paradox.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I can't help but notice you've put Haislip as the back-up SF, yet you identify George Hill, being the back-up PG, as a position that needs strengthening. That surely doesn't make sense, does it?

As for your potential replacements ( contracts ) there's no need to comment.

[urunobili]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Andr%C3%A9s_Nocioni.jpg

[Killakobe81]

You guys have enough talent as is to be a top 3 team in the west and a top 5 fave to win the tiltle ...eASILY.The only thing that could change that if Manu is not himself. IF so then yes get another wing if he is at least80-90% of his best, you have enough to win a tilte especially if hill develops ...like i think he will. I like him (a lot) he would be a perfect triangle gaurd if he improves his 3pt shot ...

[callo1]

Mason - Despite having a very quick release and accurate shot, he doesn't play big enough and simply doesn't have enough talent to take it to the next level in playoff basketball. Nothing he does in the regular season can indicate that he can deliver in the playoffs.


Hard to make a judgement on that since Pop had Mason playing out of position during the playoffs.

[ceperez]

Hard to make a judgement on that since Pop had Mason playing out of position during the playoffs.

Hit the nail on the head, he's too small against Kobe Bryant at the SG position.

He has to play PG or not play at all! This is a problem because Mason is not quick enough to cover good PGs. I would rather have Hill on the defensive end.

So the reason is simple, if you can't play in the playoffs, you might as well be traded.... just ask Rasho, Nazr and all the other guys who didn't show up come playoff time.

[ceperez]

Trust the FO, indeed. You're the one saying Mason and Bonner won't cut it. Mason received a 2 yr/7.5M guaranteed contract from the FO last summer. Haislip received a 2yr minimum contract with only one year guaranteed. Trust the FO, indeed.


Just because a player signed a bigger contract, doesn't mean we should keep them. Case example: Jackie Butler. Elson got the smaller contract, but started. See the Spurs office sign players based on PERCEIVED value and potential and then cut them if they can't deliver.

Haislip has perceived value on par with our other signings, that is Blair, Mahinmi etc.




And thanks for that new bit of basketball insight that oversized defenders are the key to winning a title. Again, Haislip has a history of poor defense. I hope he dedicates himself to become an NBA level defender. But when you project him as the backup SF, that is pure wishful thinking.



Yes wishful thinking, even desperate thinking. But if you don't have a player like him (i.e. athletic and long SF), we aren't going far in the playoffs.

[Mel_13]

Just because a player signed a bigger contract, doesn't mean we should keep them. Case example: Jackie Butler. Elson got the smaller contract, but started. See the Spurs office sign players based on PERCEIVED value and potential and then cut them if they can't deliver.

Haislip has perceived value on par with our other signings, that is Blair, Mahinmi etc.




Yes wishful thinking, even desperate thinking. But if you don't have a player like him (i.e. athletic and long SF), we aren't going far in the playoffs.


FWIW Elson was paid more than Butler. Elson was a proven NBA player brought in to be part of the rotation. Butler was a 21yr old project that failed. If Mason is kept it won't be because of his contract it will be because he is a shooting guard who has demonstrated the ability to shoot in the NBA.

Haislip is long and athletic 28yr old PF. Haislip is not a SF.

[TD 21]

Hit the nail on the head, he's too small against Kobe Bryant at the SG position.

He has to play PG or not play at all! This is a problem because Mason is not quick enough to cover good PGs. I would rather have Hill on the defensive end.

So the reason is simple, if you can't play in the playoffs, you might as well be traded.... just ask Rasho, Nazr and all the other guys who didn't show up come playoff time.

The Spurs may go to a primarily three guard rotation against the Lakers. Mason will likely start, and even if, as expected, he struggles guarding Bryant or Artest in the post, he can still see significant minutes, so long as he's out there alongside Ginobili, while Fisher is in. Then, he can check the slow footed Fisher, and Ginobili can check either Bryant or Artest. You may see the Spurs do this in order to keep as much firepower on the floor as possible at all times against the Lakers. The way I see it, Hill's best chance of getting minutes against the Lakers is if the Spurs don't have anyone who can do an adequate job on Bryant, or just have, say, Jefferson who can, and need someone else to check him for stretches.

I wouldn't be so quick to write Mason off as a guy who can't perform in the playoffs. He had never played that many minutes or had that much responsibility thrust upon him for a team that has the expectation level that this one has. Maybe he wore down, maybe it was just a bad stretch at an inopportune time, maybe he was asked to do too much, who knows? But he's talented enough, and showed enough chutzpah in the regular season that I'm not ready to give up on him because of a small sample size of games.

[DPG21920]

You wouldn't have RJ out there? RJ is a much better offensive player and defensive player than Mason.

[TD 21]

You wouldn't have RJ out there? RJ is a much better offensive player and defensive player than Mason.

Who, me? If so, I was not suggesting that. Obviously, Jefferson will start, finish, and play significant minutes at SF, particularly against the Lakers. I meant strictly in the back court, I could see the Spurs going to primarily a three-guard rotation against the Laker, and explained how, and why they could or would want to do this.

[my2sons]

I can't see why Haislip is so underrated in your book.

You got to trust the front office.

Finally, the only way the Spurs can win the title is to have some oversized defenders.

the same front office that picked mason and finley as key role players on this team and sprinkle a little bonner on this team as well....it is a two way street. I agree, we should trust the front office...

[ceperez]

Folks!

Looks like with the signing of Keith Bogans that at least one of these 3 players (Bonner, Finley, Mason) will be packing his bags!

I'm not too thrilled with the Bogans signing but with his guaranteed contract we certainly will need to unload players!

My best guess is that Bonner and Mason are history simply because they didn't show up in the playoffs. The same way Rasho and Nazr were let go.

Finley actually did well last year.... he's also not as much a defensive liability as Bonner and Mason. So it's likely he stays.

The Spurs are ONLY interested in players who show up in the playoffs. Anyone who can't hack it gets traded.

[loveforthegame]

We don't even know if Bogans will fit in. It's the hope he can be that Bowen/Udoka/Pietrus/Bell kind of mold but no way the Spurs package Finley or Mason off before knowing what Bogans can do.

Come trade deadline the Spurs will know what to do. I think this is more about Hairston and Williams for now.

[coyotes_geek]

The Spurs are ONLY interested in players who show up in the playoffs. Anyone who can't hack it gets traded.

This is the most over-used and inaccurate perception regarding chatboard general managing that their is.

[exstatic]

Folks!

Looks like with the signing of Keith Bogans that at least one of these 3 players (Bonner, Finley, Mason) will be packing his bags!

I'm not too thrilled with the Bogans signing but with his guaranteed contract we certainly will need to unload players!

My best guess is that Bonner and Mason are history simply because they didn't show up in the playoffs. The same way Rasho and Nazr were let go.

Finley actually did well last year.... he's also not as much a defensive liability as Bonner and Mason. So it's likely he stays.

The Spurs are ONLY interested in players who show up in the playoffs. Anyone who can't hack it gets traded.

Finley sucks. He's only still here because HE exercised his option. He's the worst defender SA has had in a decade. Mason is a MUCH better option if they keep him away from the point. He was kicking ass until Pop dropped that turd in the punch bowl.

[coyotes_geek]

Finley sucks. He's only still here because HE exercised his option. He's the worst defender SA has had in a decade. Mason is a MUCH better option if they keep him away from the point. He was kicking ass until Pop dropped that turd in the punch bowl.

Well, I wouldn't go that far..........

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/1308

[ducks]

manu's contract is expiring also
10.5
ofcourse with manu you have to get someone good back to trade him

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Folks!

Looks like with the signing of Keith Bogans that at least one of these 3 players (Bonner, Finley, Mason) will be packing his bags!

I'm not too thrilled with the Bogans signing but with his guaranteed contract we certainly will need to unload players!

My best guess is that Bonner and Mason are history simply because they didn't show up in the playoffs. The same way Rasho and Nazr were let go.

Finley actually did well last year.... he's also not as much a defensive liability as Bonner and Mason. So it's likely he stays.

The Spurs are ONLY interested in players who show up in the playoffs. Anyone who can't hack it gets traded.

Mason is staying. He is the best shooter we have, and now that he will only be relied upon to do what he does well (ie. bomb it), he will have a great season. I think it's massively premature to say that he can't perform in the playoffs... let's face it, last year there was no SPAM, and pretty much the whole team bar Tony mailed it in for the playoffs because they had no chemistry and knew they were going nowhere. A number of people around here, including myself, tried to warn the fanbase about this a fortnight before the season ended, but we just got shouted down by the hopeful crew.


manu's contract is expiring also
10.5
ofcourse with manu you have to get someone good back to trade him

:lmao @ducks always trying to trade Manu.

I hope he signs a DRob contract - 2 years, 20mil (or maybe 14-16mil would be fairer), finish your NBA career here.

[wildbill2u]

Everyone fell in love with Mason last year after he hit some last second shots. Can you hang a whole career on those shots?

He's not very agile, can't defend, and can't drive the lane (so no fouls earned).

I don't think he's starter material. Gotta move Manu back in there.

[MaNu4Tres]

Everyone fell in love with Mason last year after he hit some last second shots. Can you hang a whole career on those shots?

He's not very agile, can't defend, and can't drive the lane (so no fouls earned).

I don't think he's starter material. Gotta move Manu back in there.

Many people on this board overvalue Mason. Yes he is our best shooter, but what else can he do? How much does his lacking overall game negate his 42 percent mark from downtown? It's not like he's going to see 30 minutes like he did last year either with Manu and RJ taking up 60 minutes at the wing position that were Finley and Mason's.

Having someone in the spot up shooting role for 20-24 minutes a game can be easily replaced on the offensive end. He may not be a 42 percent shooter from downtown, but someone who shoots a high 30 percent would be fine if that player can bring other things to the table like defend, create off the dribble (whenever opponents close hard on our shooters ( without turning it over), has a higher BBIQ, has more length to contest shots, being a better rebounder, is more disruptive and active off the ball offensively and off the ball in passing lanes defensively. All those things I just mentioned Mason is below average at. The only thing he does above average is shoot the ball. He can be replaced.

For the right price I'd ship Mason in a package for a better all around wing like Nocioni/ Stephen Jackson/ Shane Battier.


Give me a player that will defend effectively and shoots 35 percent from 3 and I'll take him over Mason's overvalued 42 percent mark from downtown.

[manufan10]

I don't think he's starter material. Gotta move Manu back in there.

Mason is better off as the starter. It was proven last year. I would keep Mason as the starter and let Manu continue to come off the bench. Manu excels from the bench, and doesn't have to start. He also brings energy and a punch from the bench that, with accompanied with others this off-season, can be a very potent group.

[dbestpro]

Okay, might as well throw out another thought. Washington is a little thin on the bench, so trade Bonner, Mason and Finley for Miller.

Miller provides size, shooting and ball skillls.
Bonner and Mason will be happy closer to home.
Finley can keep Oberto company.
All contracts expire at the end of the year.
Washington gets a strong bench with championship experience and Foye gets the starting gig.

[coyotes_geek]

Okay, might as well throw out another thought. Washington is a little thin on the bench, so trade Bonner, Mason and Finley for Miller.

Miller provides size, shooting and ball skillls.
Bonner and Mason will be happy closer to home.
Finley can keep Oberto company.
All contracts expire at the end of the year.
Washington gets a strong bench with championship experience and Foye gets the starting gig.

I'm guessing that when Washington looks at Mason, Bonner and Finley they don't see a strong bench with championship experience. They see three role players none of whom are nearly as good as the guy they'd be giving up.

[dbestpro]

I'm guessing that when Washington looks at Mason, Bonner and Finley they don't see a strong bench with championship experience. They see three role players none of whom are nearly as good as the guy they'd be giving up.

Usually you do not see a trade of 3 for 1, where 1 of the 3 is as good as the 1. That is why it is 3 for 1.:rolleyes

[coyotes_geek]

Usually you do not see a trade of 3 for 1, where 1 of the 3 is as good as the 1. That is why it is 3 for 1.:rolleyes

Got it. Yet you think that having the one guy is better than having the three. I'll bet the Wizards agree with you.

[ducks]

Mason is staying. He is the best shooter we have, and now that he will only be relied upon to do what he does well (ie. bomb it), he will have a great season. I think it's massively premature to say that he can't perform in the playoffs... let's face it, last year there was no SPAM, and pretty much the whole team bar Tony mailed it in for the playoffs because they had no chemistry and knew they were going nowhere. A number of people around here, including myself, tried to warn the fanbase about this a fortnight before the season ended, but we just got shouted down by the hopeful crew.



:lmao @ducks always trying to trade Manu.

I hope he signs a DRob contract - 2 years, 20mil (or maybe 14-16mil would be fairer), finish your NBA career here.


manu is not worth 20 million for 2 years
he makes 10.5 million this year
he should sign a mle contract or be shipped
with a mle contract he is a good deal

[manufan10]

Got it. Yet you think that having the one guy is better than having the three. I'll bet the Wizards agree with you.

We'll throw in ducks for free. That should sweeten the deal. :lol

[My Fault]

We shouldn't trade RMJ, he's too good of a shooter. Remember he's just been with the team for 1 year, not only that but dude is clutch.


He's dangerous wide open, he's also a guy we don't have to worry about getting in trouble on or off the court. This guy even took a pay cut to sign back with the Wizards, he's a loyal player. He doesn't play for the money he plays to win. Keep him.

The only way I'd trade Finley is if we can get a better SF than him, no SG's we've got enough of those.

Bonner-Trade his ass lmao. I'm sure his trade value has gone up significantly last season. Not sure who we'd get for him though.

+1
I really don't understand the whole trade Mason deal. He is a Spurs a guy and will thrive this year with taking on a lesser role.

[portnoy1]

No more Nocioni/SJax SF stuff. We are fine in that department. You need at least 1 solid player in every position, and 2-3 good role players after that. PG - Parker
SG- Manu ( coming off bench of course ) SF - Jefferson PF - Duncan C - is where we have the problem. If your one of those people that say Tim Duncan is the Center, then I'll just change it around for you. We Need a PF who is 6-11 or taller that can block shots get rebounds and move his Feet ( for Defensive reasons ). Camby/Kaman is good but will cost us Mason/Finley/Bonner. If your willing to part with mason jr. do this trade immediately. For the rest of you who love Mason Jr. and want to give him a second chance then trade Finley/Bonner to Bobcats for C Diop or to Blazers for C Pryzbilla. In all 3 instances the money situation works out. If you get Camby/Kaman the good thing is that his ( camby's ) contract comes off at the end of the year. If you get Diop or Pryzbilla there contract is cheaper but its for multiple years.

[coyotes_geek]

Diop sucks and there's no way Portland is going to trade away their insurance policy against Greg Oden's next injury.

[UnWantedTheory]

Why? Oh, WHY!!!? Uh, NVM. General Hospital is back on. This Doctor Dude is trying to take Maxie away from Spinelli. G2G!

[mountainballer]

Okay, might as well throw out another thought. Washington is a little thin on the bench, so trade Bonner, Mason and Finley for Miller.

Miller provides size, shooting and ball skillls.
Bonner and Mason will be happy closer to home.
Finley can keep Oberto company.
All contracts expire at the end of the year.
Washington gets a strong bench with championship experience and Foye gets the starting gig.

huh? Wizards back court is overloaded like a refugee boat, but they think of pulling a trade that brings 2 more average back court players for their most versatile player????
yes, the Wizards would do a 3 for 1 trade. 3 of their surplus back court players for 1 quality big man. not 1 quality wing for 2 medicore wings plus a 3rd stringer big. jesus.

[DPG21920]

Miller is not their most versatile player. That would be Butler. But I agree on the other points.

[mountainballer]

Miller is not their most versatile player. That would be Butler. But I agree on the other points.

hm. I'm pretty sure we could go into an endless discussion what counts more in terms of versatility. Butler's two way game versus Miller's point forward play and shooting. guess it will always be a tie.

[K-State Spur]

mason fills a role and is good to have so long as you keep him in the right role.

[Rob in Converse]

What we need is Camby or Travis Outlaw.

It would be nice if we can get a former DPOY like Camby to help take the defensive load off Tim. Imagine Camby and Duncan patrolling the paint on defense, both with reliable mid-range shots on offense.

Don't know if the Clips would do this, but wouldn't it be better to send Finley, Red Rocket and Mahinmi and keep RMJ? He's been fairly solid as a backup point, so he could fill in behind Hill as George develops into a threat, which it looks like he can.

I sure would like to see the Spurs return to the days of holding teams to 40% scoring!

[Agloco]

mason fills a role and is good to have so long as you keep him in the right role.

+1

Pretty much every "trade Mason" poster is basing their opinion on his play after he took over part time PG duties. The Spurs asked him to fill a role that he wasn't hired to do, and for that they paid the price. Mason is a spot up chucker, period. Let him do what he does and he will produce for you.

I don't expect Pop and RC to repeat those mistakes.

[Muser]

I wouldn't say Camby has a reliable mid-range game.

[Rob in Converse]

It would be nice if we can get a former DPOY like Camby to help take the defensive load off Tim. Imagine Camby and Duncan patrolling the paint on defense, both with reliable mid-range shots on offense.

Don't know if the Clips would do this, but wouldn't it be better to send Finley, Red Rocket and Mahinmi and keep RMJ? He's been fairly solid as a backup point, so he could fill in behind Hill as George develops into a threat, which it looks like he can.

I sure would like to see the Spurs return to the days of holding teams to 40% scoring!

How about these for lineups:

1st String
Tony
Mason
Jefferson
Tim
Camby

2nd String
Hill
Manu
Bogans (if he pans out, Haislip if not)
McDyess
Blair

[MaNu4Tres]

mason fills a role and is good to have so long as you keep him in the right role.


Many people on this board overvalue Mason. Yes he is our best shooter, but what else can he do? How much does his lacking overall game negate his 42 percent mark from downtown? It's not like he's going to see 30 minutes like he did last year either with Manu and RJ taking up 60 minutes at the wing position that were Finley and Mason's.

Having someone in the spot up shooting role for 20-24 minutes a game can be easily replaced on the offensive end. He may not be a 42 percent shooter from downtown, but someone who shoots a high 30 percent would be fine if that player can bring other things to the table like defend, create off the dribble (whenever opponents close hard on our shooters ( without turning it over), has a higher BBIQ, has more length to contest shots, being a better rebounder, is more disruptive and active off the ball offensively and off the ball in passing lanes defensively. All those things I just mentioned Mason is below average at. The only thing he does above average is shoot the ball. He can be replaced.

For the right price I'd ship Mason in a package for a better all around wing like Nocioni/ Stephen Jackson/ Shane Battier.


Give me a player that will defend effectively and shoots 35 percent from 3 and I'll take him over Mason's overvalued 42 percent mark from downtown.


Mason would be fine in the spot up shooters role, but if we can package him into a deal to get a better player at the position we can't turn that down.

[MaNu4Tres]

+1

Pretty much every "trade Mason" poster is basing their opinion on his play after he took over part time PG duties. The Spurs asked him to fill a role that he wasn't hired to do, and for that they paid the price. Mason is a spot up chucker, period. Let him do what he does and he will produce for you.

I don't expect Pop and RC to repeat those mistakes.

There's more aspects to the game than just spot up shooting. Mason's inability to do a lot of things ( mentioned above) negate's his 42 percent mark from downtown to some extent. Im not basing my opinion on trading him due to his play after his " PG" duties. I'm basing my opinion on his overall play. ( Defense, rebounding, ability to contest shots, rebounding, putting the ball on the ground, ect.).

[mountainballer]

+1

Pretty much every "trade Mason" poster is basing their opinion on his play after he took over part time PG duties. The Spurs asked him to fill a role that he wasn't hired to do, and for that they paid the price. Mason is a spot up chucker, period. Let him do what he does and he will produce for you.

I don't expect Pop and RC to repeat those mistakes.

Mason ran out of gas at mid season. end of story. it wasn't the whole "Pop broke his confidence and rhythm ba playing him wrong". Mason would also have struggled at SG. IMO when Pop tried to play him as back up PG, his first intention was to find a role to reduce the workload for Mason. defending some back up players is usually less exhausting than defending starter SGs. IMO Pop just tried to save Mason's season, he knew very well during February, that Mason is going to fall apart.
however, the secret for a successful season for Mason will be a special endurance programm over the summer and reduced minutes, not much more than 20MPG.
as we heard some weeks ago, Mason has lost weight and works hard every day. and point two will be easy to manage, with RJ, Manu back and also the addition of Bogans.

[mookie2001]

manu is not worth 20 million for 2 years
he makes 10.5 million this year
he should sign a mle contract or be shipped
with a mle contract he is a good deal
:corn:

once again ducks drops the motherfucking science on yall

[ducks]

:corn:

once again ducks drops the motherfucking science on yall

:hat:lol

[wildbill2u]

Mason ran out of gas at mid season. end of story. it wasn't the whole "Pop broke his confidence and rhythm ba playing him wrong". Mason would also have struggled at SG. IMO when Pop tried to play him as back up PG, his first intention was to find a role to reduce the workload for Mason. defending some back up players is usually less exhausting than defending starter SGs. IMO Pop just tried to save Mason's season, he knew very well during February, that Mason is going to fall apart.
however, the secret for a successful season for Mason will be a special endurance programm over the summer and reduced minutes, not much more than 20MPG.
as we heard some weeks ago, Mason has lost weight and works hard every day. and point two will be easy to manage, with RJ, Manu back and also the addition of Bogans.

How does a highly trained professional athlete of his age run out of gas, especially since he finished the season as a starter for Wash. last year?

Just playing all those minutes as a starter should produce a player in shape.

As far as playing out of position, he was and it wasn't pretty nor acceptable. If all he can do is perform the Kerr role--a role player whose skill is spot up shooting when brought in--he shouldn't be starting.

Manu will have to make it or break it as the starter because Mason simply isn't one.

[ceperez]

Going to say this about Mason. He's a specialist, he's only got one kind of move, that is a quick 3pt. jump shot. He is very good at this particularly with a pick-and-roll, its very difficult to stop. I think nobody in the Spurs is a good as he is when we need a 3pt shot.

Otherwise, he's average is all other aspects of his game.

He therefore likely will stay.

Finley was very accurate last year, in addition he has size that's useful against bigger players. I don't know how well he'll do this year, but if he's in great shape then he's also a keeper.

Bonner... well if he doesn't hit his open shots... then he's history.

[Spurs Brazil]

The Bobcats Raja Bell continues to be shopped around the league, GM's say. No doubt he'd love to get back to a contender.
about 6 hours ago from web

http://twitter.com/yahoosportsnba

[ducks]

now manu foot is swollen trading manu and finley for a good player is looking smarter all the time

[Brazil]

now manu foot is swollen trading manu and finley for a good player is looking smarter all the time

:lol ducks and his trade Manu obsession...

[Spursfan092120]

:lol ducks and his ignorant dumbass trade Manu obsession...
fify

[longtimelurker]

now manu foot is swollen trading manu and finley for a good player is looking smarter all the time

ducks identity revealed:

http://www.pocketmacblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/geico-caveman.jpg