Spurs vs. Thunder Oct. 20-Game Blog

[Mel_13]

I'm starting to think Spurs don't pick up Ian's option. Here's why:

1) The glut of bigs and the Spurs' desire to win now make developing Ian less of a priority (no matter what his raw tools may be).

2) Since he is such an unknown quantity, Spurs are in the best position to value him next summer. If they want, the Spurs have the option to pick him up in free agency next summer cheaper than if they extend him.

3) Spurs won't be paying a deep bench player at the time (a) Splitter (hopefully) comes next summer, (b) Blair emerges as a beast, and (c) Spurs (possibly) re-up Theo.

4) In a pinch, the Spurs can include Ian in a package before the trade deadline to get another player. The trade partner gets an expiring contract.

Well reasoned post. It's a close call and we'll all find out the answer in the next 10 days.

[SouthTexasRancher]

We can not get rid of Ian, he is under contract.

I remember Larry Brown once said he loves Ian...:lol


One way or another the bum is history with the Spurs. Most likely he'll get traded for a low 2nd round draft pick for the year 2029. I think Pop & crew have seen enough of Ian. He is just not NBA quality...period!!!

[SouthTexasRancher]

We can decline to pick up his option next week though...
That would save 3 million if I'm not mistaken...


Sounds right.

[SouthTexasRancher]

The rotation is tightening up, and who do we see in the starting lineup. Bonner and Finley. Thats burning me up considering we have Mason Jr. / Hairston / Blair / Mcdyess on the team. They said thier still tinkering, but if the same lineup you seen tonight is what they have on thursday then i am very concerned, cause most likely thats what youll be seeing for the start of the season. All that athleticism that we needed so bad last year is going to waste this year.


Who starts does not matter. It is who contributes throughout the game that determines who finishes the game. Pop knows what he is doing. BTW, Fin did pretty damn good tonight as a starter. Chill out about who starts and just enjoy another Championship season! :toast

[SpurNation]

Regarding Mahinmi. The talent is there but maybe not for how this team operates. He might thrive in a different environment and be worth something to another team that could help the Spurs as far as trade picks for the future.

[SouthTexasRancher]

He's guaranteed for this year, the option is for 2010-11. The savings in salary+tax would be about 3.5M next year.


Then maybe Larry Brown will take him off our hands this season. There just isn't room for him in the top 12 nor in the overall 15 spots.

[Interrohater]

Just saw Blair on Sportscenter's Top Ten at number with a monster dunk.

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Just saw Blair on Sportscenter's Top Ten at number with a monster dunk.

Damn I wanna see that shit!

[ElNono]

Don't forget that the Spurs can also offer Splitter more money next season to come over.
Those 3.5 millions could be used to offer him a juicy contract...

[ducks]

One word: Intangibles.

other players

[phyzik]

If the Spurs can keep up this offensive pace and more importantly buckle down on defense we will be unstopable.

[SouthTexasRancher]

Regarding Mahinmi. The talent is there but maybe not for how this team operates. He might thrive in a different environment and be worth something to another team that could help the Spurs as far as trade picks for the future.


Ian has a low BBall IQ and is not a natural. Pop's system may be too dificult for him to really grasp. One thing that really hurts him is he gets called for a foul about every minute he is in the game. The Spurs have worked hard with him but, he just looks lost. Blair on the other hand looks like he's been in the NBA for a few years. Blair hustles like a man on a mission. A stocky Rodman or a thin Barkley but, he loves to play the game and the coaches see this.

[Manufan909]

Just saw Blair on Sportscenter's Top Ten at number with a monster dunk.

LINK!!! Fucking nba.com only has highlights of OKC plays, when Blair had two dunks. And which one was on the list?

[Blackjack]

otherplayers

FIFY

Now it's one word. :hat

[Interrohater]

LINK!!! Fucking nba.com only has highlights of OKC plays, when Blair had two dunks. And which one was on the list?
he was at number 10 and he picked up a stolen ball and had a slow "fast break" dunk. It'll probably be on espn.com soon

[Manufan909]

he was at number 10 and he picked up a stolen ball and had a slow "fast break" dunk. It'll probably be on espn.com soon

They have the Rockets-OKC recap, but not the OKC-Spurs one.:lol

:depressed

[Mel_13]

Don't forget that the Spurs can also offer Splitter more money next season to come over.
Those 3.5 millions could be used to offer him a juicy contract...

It's 1.78M salary plus an equal amount in tax.

Ian's contract situation will have zero impact on the amount that the Spurs will be allowed to offer Splitter. They can offer him any amount up to the full MLE.

The decision on Ian will simply be whether or not they think he can earn that paycheck and that roster spot. If they believe he's good enough to be even the 5th big in the rotation next year, I would think they would pick up his option.

Well see soon enough.

[ElNono]

other players

Spurs win. U mad?

[Mel_13]

Two key dates coming up:

Oct 26th- Roster must be down to 15 or less

Oct 31st- Deadline for Ian's extension decision

[ducks]

I smell a title

[Blackjack]

I smell a title

You know Manu's still on the team, right?

[ElNono]

It's 1.78M salary plus an equal amount in tax.

Ian's contract situation will have zero impact on the amount that the Spurs will be allowed to offer Splitter. They can offer him any amount up to the full MLE.

No question, but the Spurs are not the Lakers that simply can toss money left and right. If the Spurs resign Gino, then they'll try to save whatever they can since everything will basically cost them double, including whatever they offer to Splitter.

[ducks]

You know Manu's still on the team, right?

rj is here
pop is not going to be dumb enough to tell his players now without manu they are nothing
spurs lacked a scorer and a rebounder
blair and rj take care of that
if manu is healthy all playoffs I would be shocked along with the spurs front office

spurs want to win and know if manu is not healthy they will not win without paying the tax

[DPG21920]

Finley with 20 pts in 17 min...not to bad either.

[TDMVPDPOY]

trade his ass to charlotte for wallace or diaw, tell them to get in shape or expect to be traded again

[Mel_13]

No question, but the Spurs are not the Lakers that simply can toss money left and right. If the Spurs resign Gino, then they'll try to save whatever they can since everything will basically cost them double, including whatever they offer to Splitter.

Understood and agree, but the Spurs will carry 5 or 6 bigs next year. They only save money by declining Ian's extension to the extent that they replace him with a player making less than 1.78M.

[Parker2112]

if manu is healthy all playoffs I would be shocked along with the spurs front office


Your constant ragging on Ginobili makes you come off like a little bitch. I know that's your thing and all, but it gets old. And I mean that in a nice way!:downspin:

[Parker2112]

Understood and agree, but the Spurs will carry 5 or 6 bigs next year. They only save money by declining Ian's extension to the extent that they replace him with a player making less than 1.78M.

they save money because Ian's salary becomes an instant Tiago (his replacement) discount coupon.:downspin:

[Manufan909]

Hey timvp, what do you think of MW and Ian sitting out? Two of the Toros from 07-08, and Blair and Hairston will most likely mae a bigger impact, if Hairston even makes the team.

[alfahdlan]

rj is here
pop is not going to be dumb enough to tell his players now without manu they are nothing
spurs lacked a scorer and a rebounder
blair and rj take care of that
if manu is healthy all playoffs I would be shocked along with the spurs front office

spurs want to win and know if manu is not healthy they will not win without paying the tax

be patient. coach pop knows how to manage the guy. anyway he can still be a +28 player even when scoring just 7 pts

[ElNono]

Understood and agree, but the Spurs will carry 5 or 6 bigs next year. They only save money by declining Ian's extension to the extent that they replace him with a player making less than 1.78M.

I think it depends on what they're going to do with Bonner.
I could see them replacing Ian+Bonner for Splitter. In a way, I think it depends a lot on two factors: How well Bonner plays this season and if Blair is really the beast he seems to be.
To be honest, there's quite a bit of variables, because you would also have to see where Ratliff fits in.
So you're probably right in that we should wait and see. I can see the Spurs picking up the option even if just to use him as a trade filler down the road. He's a young kid with a NBA body and possible upside, and at less than 2 millions I'm sure you can find suitors to take a gamble on him.

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Sports Center is on Justin TV. Maybe we can catch the top 10 and see Dejuan's dunk.

http://www.justin.tv/espnhd2k9

[Mel_13]

I think it depends on what they're going to do with Bonner.
I could see them replacing Ian+Bonner for Splitter. In a way, I think it depends a lot on two factors: How well Bonner plays this season and if Blair is really the beast he seems to be.
To be honest, there's quite a bit of variables, because you would also have to see where Ratliff fits in.
So you're probably right in that we should wait and see. I can see the Spurs picking up the option even if just to use him as a trade filler down the road. He's a young kid with a NBA body and possible upside, and at less than 2 millions I'm sure you can find suitors to take a gamble on him.

I've had the same thought.

When I look at the decision the Spurs face, I suppose one question they consider is: what is the worst case scenario if we pick up his option? The ability to make him part of a trade this year, over the summer, or next year would seem to reduce the potential downside of keeping him.

[SKINNYPIMP210]

http://www.nba.com/video/games/thunder/2009/10/20/0010900096_sas_okc_recap.nba/index.html?ls=gt1hp0010900096

Highlights up

[Manufan909]

Crap skinnypimp, beat me too it. Anyone understand the logic up putting in the Blair slam off the Manu assist in the highlights but not the steal and fast break slam, and that is reversed for the top ten?

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Yeah I was looking for the damn steal and fast break dunk.....I'm watching SC now waiting for the Top 10.

[SKINNYPIMP210]

http://www.justin.tv/espnhd2k9

I think Top 10 is coming up after the break.

[siraulo23]

pretty good dunk

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Yeah that was nice!

[raspsa]

Need some game thoughts asap pls..

[angelbelow]

http://www.nba.com/video/games/thunder/2009/10/20/0010900096_sas_okc_recap.nba/index.html?ls=gt1hp0010900096

Highlights up

Thanks!

[Obstructed_View]

You know Manu's still on the team, right?

ducks is hoping he gets hurt.


Your constant ragging on Ginobili makes you come off like a little bitch. I know that's your thing and all, but it gets old. And I mean that in a nice way!:downspin:

Probably because ducks is actually a little bitch. Didn't catch that by now?

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Thanks!

Hey, no problem. :toast

[benefactor]

Wish I could've watched it....everything seems to be coming together nicely. Blair may see rotation minutes quicker than I thought he would.

[mountainballer]

Wish I could've watched it....everything seems to be coming together nicely. Blair may see rotation minutes quicker than I thought he would.

yeah, things look more than promising....
Pop will have to rethink the whole Manu parkplug strategy. with a healthy Manu, Hill and Blair the 2nd unit is in danger to superheat.:lol

[Blackjack]

ducks is hoping he gets hurt.

I can't help but envision Manu sitting in front of his computer with a shit-eating grin as he logs into ST under the username ducks.

[lurker23]

Here you go, guys and gals.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4582033

:toast

[Agloco]

17/10 15mins

[Agloco]

Here you go, guys and gals.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4582033

:toast

My O my.........
:worthy:

[Manufan909]

Here you go, guys and gals.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4582033

:toast

You are a god!!!!!!!:worthy:

[Muser]

Here you go, guys and gals.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4582033

:toast


Did you all notice that Dejuan Blair is so good he needs two spaces on the top 10 for one highlight?

[Manufan909]

Did you all notice that Dejuan Blair is so good he needs two spaces on the top 10 for one highlight?

Nice catch my man. Still prefer Manu's block on DWayde, so never change your sig.:toast

[007nites]

If Pop gives Blair only 10 minutes of PT then I guess Blair will just have to prove Pop wrong day in and day out of putting up double-doubles in under 10 minutes.

[#2!]

I went to the game and had a great time (didn't hurt that I went to a place with an open bar beforehand :drunk :lol). Here are some thoughts on the game:

-When I saw that Bonner and Finley were starting I told my dad "SpursTalk is going to have a meltdown." After Finley was our leading scorer, and Bonner had made three 3-pointers my dad said "tell the bloggers to shove it":lol

-While I'm on the subject I have to say that Bonner is a much more popular player among fans not on this website. Some friends I was talking to after the game argued with me that Bonner should be starting no matter what part of the season we're in. I said that McD has a much better overall game and should be starting come season's end. I guess we'll see...

-Tim Duncan's knee issues are even more concerning than I thought. Not to drum up too much chaos, but he appeared to be dragging his left leg along when he was moving up and down the court. Hopefully once his legs are in better condition he won't favor that knee quite so much.

-Richard Jefferson cannot at this point guard Kevin Durant, not even close. Of course, it is preseason, but everyone else is out of shape along with him. RJ is going to need to put serious effort in to become our 1st option for perimeter defense.

-Manu Ginobili is still Manu Ginobili, and the rest of the league had better take notice if they don't want to get burned.

-George Hill has improved so much that it is worth repeating here. He's knocking down open shots, and his defense is extremely impressive.

-Tony had an average game and all in all looked bored with the preseason.

-DeJuan Blair is as advertised. He sits so far underneath the basket that you don't think he is possibly in good position for a rebound but his wingspan/hands/timing(everything you've read about) allows him to snatch the ball as if it had come right to him. 2/3 if not all 3 of his offensive boards came off of his own missed shots, but he made up for it by making the 2nd attempt every time.

-Pop is definitely giving DeJuan the Tony Parker treatment, which makes me excited about what Pop must think of his potential. Pop refuses to give due credit to DeJuan for anything, making him earn every understated compliment the coach is willing to secede. DeJuan didn't even have a chair last night, but sat on the floor whenever he wasn't in the game.:lol

He has such a competitive streak about him (one that compelled him to take a couple of bad shots after being blocked by one of the Thunder players) that he hardly needs the extra motivation, but it will serve him well. Hopefully Blair responds positively to Pop's method over time and doesn't let up in exasperation.

Anyways, I'm so happy I got to go see all the new players in action and I hope this was helpful for anyone that did not.:toast:flag:

[TJastal]

I went to the game and had a great time (didn't hurt that I went to a place with an open bar beforehand :drunk :lol). Here are some thoughts on the game:

-When I saw that Bonner and Finley were starting I told my dad "SpursTalk is going to have a meltdown." After Finley was our leading scorer, and Bonner had made three 3-pointers my dad said "tell the bloggers to shove it":lol

-While I'm on the subject I have to say that Bonner is a much more popular player among fans not on this website. Some friends I was talking to after the game argued with me that Bonner should be starting no matter what part of the season we're in. I said that McD has a much better overall game and should be starting come season's end. I guess we'll see...

-Tim Duncan's knee issues are even more concerning than I thought. Not to drum up too much chaos, but he appeared to be dragging his left leg along when he was moving up and down the court. Hopefully once his legs are in better condition he won't favor that knee quite so much.

-Richard Jefferson cannot at this point guard Kevin Durant, not even close. Of course, it is preseason, but everyone else is out of shape along with him. RJ is going to need to put serious effort in to become our 1st option for perimeter defense.

-Manu Ginobili is still Manu Ginobili, and the rest of the league had better take notice if they don't want to get burned.

-George Hill has improved so much that it is worth repeating here. He's knocking down open shots, and his defense is extremely impressive.

-Tony had an average game and all in all looked bored with the preseason.

-DeJuan Blair is as advertised. He sits so far underneath the basket that you don't think he is possibly in good position for a rebound but his wingspan/hands/timing(everything you've read about) allows him to snatch the ball as if it had come right to him. 2/3 if not all 3 of his offensive boards came off of his own missed shots, but he made up for it by making the 2nd attempt every time.

-Pop is definitely giving DeJuan the Tony Parker treatment, which makes me excited about what Pop must think of his potential. Pop refuses to give due credit to DeJuan for anything, making him earn every understated compliment the coach is willing to secede. DeJuan didn't even have a chair last night, but sat on the floor whenever he wasn't in the game.:lol

He has such a competitive streak about him (one that compelled him to take a couple of bad shots after being blocked by one of the Thunder players) that he hardly needs the extra motivation, but it will serve him well. Hopefully Blair responds positively to Pop's method over time and doesn't let up in exasperation.

Anyways, I'm so happy I got to go see all the new players in action and I hope this was helpful for anyone that did not.:toast:flag:

EEK. I hope RJ can get it into gear and soon. If he's as slow as Finley we're going to have some issues here. Not good, especially when the spurs just flushed Hairston down the toilet.

[Manufan909]

-Richard Jefferson cannot at this point guard Kevin Durant, not even close. Of course, it is preseason, but everyone else is out of shape along with him. RJ is going to need to put serious effort in to become our 1st option for perimeter defense.

-DeJuan Blair is as advertised. He sits so far underneath the basket that you don't think he is possibly in good position for a rebound but his wingspan/hands/timing(everything you've read about) allows him to snatch the ball as if it had come right to him. 2/3 if not all 3 of his offensive boards came off of his own missed shots, but he made up for it by making the 2nd attempt every time.

-Pop is definitely giving DeJuan the Tony Parker treatment, which makes me excited about what Pop must think of his potential. Pop refuses to give due credit to DeJuan for anything, making him earn every understated compliment the coach is willing to secede. DeJuan didn't even have a chair last night, but sat on the floor whenever he wasn't in the game.:lol

He has such a competitive streak about him (one that compelled him to take a couple of bad shots after being blocked by one of the Thunder players) that he hardly needs the extra motivation, but it will serve him well. Hopefully Blair responds positively to Pop's method over time and doesn't let up in exasperation.

Anyways, I'm so happy I got to go see all the new players in action and I hope this was helpful for anyone that did not.:toast:flag:

But didn't he make all his shots after getting blocked? I guess they still could have been ill-advised though. And I think RJ already is the best perimeter defender, which is sad if he plays against Kobe or Wayde like he did on Durant.

Alo, Hairston isn't really flushed right? Like I said in another thread, I had a nightmare about that. I hope it wasn't true, MW has done nothing to look better than Hairston in any way. Hope Duncan points that out, and that the Spurs have Tony/Hill for PG, but only RJ/Fin for SF. Even if MW=MH, having a solid SF would be better at this point for the Spurs, than a jack of all trades.

[e20dylan]

man that game was amazing !!

I GOT TO SHAKE GEORGE HILLS HAND!!!!

it was so awesome is there anyway to get this game on tapee?? Kevin durant just went off the first half it was just such a agreat game I Would love to see it again

[Manufan909]

man that game was amazing !!

I GOT TO SHAKE GEORGE HILLS HAND!!!!

it was so awesome is there anyway to get this game on tapee?? Kevin durant just went off the first half it was just such a agreat game I Would love to see it again

Any thoughts on the Spurs players?

[e20dylan]

The main thing I remember from that night is ginobili running around 3 possessions in a row or so and feeding bonner for 3.

ginobili is going to be doing ALOT of facilitating this year. they were doublin him and trippled him at one point

our defense looked so so. blair went completely off. there was a dunk that was pretty damn sweet the crowd went nuts

for a preseason game I really hope the spurs players take note how much austin fans came out and rooted like it was a real game. It got crazy in there a couple points. It didnt feel like a preseason game to me. It was a special game with durant having the only jersey in the rafter like that and him going off at certain points were just amazing to watch. I really hope spurs will play here more for preseason. I was pretty drunk by the 4th quarter and george hill was the last player out i think and he was signing some stuff for people the dude is super nice man i cant say anymore about him he played amazing to. hes turning into one of my favorite players. I was talking to him about his wingspan and I got to shake his hand! amazing night makes me wish spurs always played here :/

[bigdog]

EEK. I hope RJ can get it into gear and soon. If he's as slow as Finley we're going to have some issues here. Not good, especially when the spurs just flushed Hairston down the toilet.

When the Hell did the Spurs flush Hairston down the toilet?

[#2!]

But didn't he make all his shots after getting blocked? I guess they still could have been ill-advised though. And I think RJ already is the best perimeter defender, which is sad if he plays against Kobe or Wayde like he did on Durant.




-DeJuan Blair is as advertised. He sits so far underneath the basket that you don't think he is possibly in good position for a rebound but his wingspan/hands/timing(everything you've read about) allows him to snatch the ball as if it had come right to him. 2/3 if not all 3 of his offensive boards came off of his own missed shots, but he made up for it by making the 2nd attempt every time.

[angelbelow]

Here you go, guys and gals.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4582033

:toast

Holy shit, I didn't expect that at all.. I thought the highlight on NBA.com covered the "dunk" that everyone was talking about. wow..