Stein: Michael Finley released

[EricB]

WTF! I just saw the headline on ESPN.

So this whole season Pop plays this guy over other better/younger guys and then we decide to wave him!!!!


The whole season?

He's barely played. He's burn hurt about 80% of the season...

[Capt Bringdown]

Oh happy day. I had a feeling this season would be garbage once I heard the news that Finley would be returning.

One could say that he was just doing what anyone would do, i.e. taking advantage of what was offered to him, but I disagree.

I recall when Doctor J (among others) retired, he could have gone on a few more years, but there is such a thing as retiring with dignity.

[EricB]

Oh happy day. I had a feeling this season would be garbage once I heard the news that Finley would be returning.

One could say that he was just doing what anyone would do, i.e. taking advantage of what was offered to him, but I disagree.

I recall when Doctor J (among others) retired, he could have gone on a few more years, but there is such a thing as retiring with dignity.


:lol

Typical bullshit post.


Again, who the fuck are you to say the guy should retire. He should go out on his terms.

Fucking assholes.

[ShoogarBear]

Wow, didn't see that one coming at all.

Apparently, neither did Pop.

Echoing most of what has been said, Fin's always been class, and one of my favorite Spr memories was that photo of him dunking against the Mavs with Cuban watching him, mouth agape.

[ShoogarBear]

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http://theassociation.blogs.com/the_association/images/fullgetty71796446ng014_spurs_lakers_8_19.jpg

AR6cntbtINA

[The Truth #6]

The Finley Years have come to an end. Perhaps sanity will return.

He was rarely good for us but he seemed to be a cohesive force behind the scenes and the vets all seemed to love him. He carried himself with dignity. Also, he made a ridiculous amount of money from Dallas so I think he can take any lumps he receives from fans on the internet.

Leaving like this can't leave a good taste in his mouth, but hey, that was his choice.

[EricB]

The Finley Years have come to an end. Perhaps sanity will return.

He was rarely good for us but he seemed to be a cohesive force behind the scenes and the vets all seemed to love him. He carried himself with dignity. Also, he made a ridiculous amount of money from Dallas so I think he can take any lumps he receives from fans on the internet.

Leaving like this can't leave a good taste in his mouth, but hey, that was his choice.

Rewatch his first two years in SA.

Without Finley they dont get past Denver.

[ThePop]

I'll miss Fin :(

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I'm actually kind of sad to see him go. He's always been such a great spur, it was Pop's actions that made most on here despise Finley.

Wish him the best.

[ducks]

Rewatch his first two years in SA.

Without Finley they dont get past Denver.

bullshit

the big three would have got it down

we are talking abut denver

[Supergirl]

Good luck, Fin. You served the Spurs well for awhile, but your time has passed, for us anyway. Maybe you can get more playing time somewhere else.

[spursballer21]

awesome thanks finley u rock for doing this we will all remember u
thanks for the ring
good luck
with everything u do

[Spurtacus]

Thanks Michael. Glad you got a ring.

[Dex]

According to FSN Southwest report, Portland and Boston (surprise surprise) are interested in Finley.

[Sausage]

via twitter

ChrisMannixSI

The Spurs gracious treatment of Finley is further proof why Pop is the top coach/exec in the league. Could have kept Fin as insurance...
...but allowed him to finish his career as a contributor on a contending team. Classy.

[ElNono]

According to FSN Southwest report, Portland and Boston (surprise surprise) are interested in Finley.

The only thing I'll miss from this Fin is the standup citizen. As far as basketball is concerned, they can have him.

[ohmwrecker]

Ric "Racoon Head" Renner just said Portland and Boston were interested in Finley.

[ohmwrecker]

According to FSN Southwest report, Portland and Boston (surprise surprise) are interested in Finley.

I should read a little before I post.

[duncan228]

Spurs, veteran Finley part ways (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_veteran_Finley_part_ways.html)
Mike Monroe

NEW ORLEANS — Michael Finley’s decision to ask the Spurs to release him in time to be eligible for another team’s playoff roster was no spur-of-the-moment reaction to recent disappointment.

The 16-year veteran forward, waived by the Spurs on Monday afternoon, had discussed the request with teammates closest to him weeks before going to Spurs head coach and president of basketball operations Gregg Popovich before the team left Monday night’s game at New Orleans.

“He started talking about it about two weeks ago,” point guard Tony Parker said. “We had back-and-forth conversations about it after he told me. He wasn’t playing, and he wished he could be playing.”

When Finley finally presented his request to Popovich, the coach was caught unaware.

“I was very surprised,” Popovich said, “but we granted his request.”

Popovich stressed that the Spurs did not “cut” Finley. Rather, they reluctantly granted the request of a player Popovich often described as a consummate professional.

“We didn’t let him go,” Popovich said. “He requested a buyout so he could leave, and we granted that. That’s different from saying we let him go, or it could be to people that read the paper. I want to make sure that distinction is made.”

The Spurs have two weeks to add a player to the roster to reach the NBA’s mandated minimum of 13. General manager R.C. Buford said the team would see what other players might be released before Monday’s 11 p.m. deadline for players to remain eligible for playoff rosters.

Finley’s departure means only four players remain from the Spurs’ 2007 championship team: Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Matt Bonner.

“Losing Fin is hard,” Ginobili said. “He was such an unbelievable teammate. The bad thing is it hard to finish like that. It wasn’t like it was the summer and he got a better option and went somewhere else. But halfway through (the season), and getting close to the playoffs, it’s not what we all expected.

“We know how this works. He wasn’t playing, and a player wants to play. He still thinks he can contribute, and we all understand that, so no problems.”

Duncan, the Spurs’ captain, called Finley one of his all-time favorite teammates.

“He’ll be missed, but trying to be a player and be on the court and get out there, he just wasn’t getting the time here. I wish him well, and I hope that he finds what he wants and everything works out great for him, because he’s the best. He’s awesome.”

Suffering a Grade 2 sprain of the left ankle on Dec. 3, Finley played only 25 games this season, his fifth with the Spurs. He totaled only 395 minutes, averaging 3.7 points.

Ironically, he started his final game in silver and black, but played only nine minutes and 41 seconds and missed his only two shots in a Friday loss at Houston.

The 6-foot-7 swingman, who will turn 37 on Saturday, appeared in 347 games over his five seasons with the Spurs. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 41.7 percent — 38.2 from 3-point range.

In 55 postseason games with the Spurs, he averaged 9.4 points and 2.8 rebounds.

Ginobili recalled the joy the Spurs who had been part of the 2003 and 2005 title teams felt for Finley after he helped them secure the 2007 championship.

“That 2007 run was more for him than for us,” he said. “Of course, I will remember the kind of teammate he was, always under control and always having a good word to say.

“Great memories.”

[SenorSpur]

via twitter

ChrisMannixSI

The Spurs gracious treatment of Finley is further proof why Pop is the top coach/exec in the league. Could have kept Fin as insurance...
...but allowed him to finish his career as a contributor on a contending team. Classy.

That next to last sentence by Mannix is indicative as to how far the Spurs have fallen.

[LegendaryFan44]

There is still time to release Bogans before midnite....

[tp2021]

via twitter

ChrisMannixSI

The Spurs gracious treatment of Finley is further proof why Pop is the top coach/exec in the league. Could have kept Fin as insurance...
...but allowed him to finish his career as a contributor on a contending team. Classy.


That next to last sentence by Mannix is indicative as to how far the Spurs have fallen.

A contributor on a contending team, as opposed to being buried on the bench of one. Ye of little faith!

[Danny.Zhu]

So Spurs chose to save some money instead of making some trade with his expiring contract, which is consistent with the Ratliff trade.

I think Spurs FO has lost the faith in winnning the championship.

[DesignatedT]

So Spurs chose to save some money instead of making some trade with his expiring contract, which is consistent with the Ratliff trade.

I think Spurs FO has lost the faith in winnning the championship.

?? the spurs were planning on keeping finley... until he requested a buyout..

this was not a plan by the FO

[ElNono]

Popovich stressed that the Spurs did not “cut” Finley. Rather, they reluctantly granted the request of a player Popovich often described as a consummate professional.

“We didn’t let him go,” Popovich said. “He requested a buyout so he could leave, and we granted that. That’s different from saying we let him go, or it could be to people that read the paper. I want to make sure that distinction is made.”

This is why I'm glad he's gone. Pop and his man-love for Finley was flat out depressing.

And Finley thinks he's going to get minutes on a contender? Talk about being completely out of touch.

[Danny.Zhu]

?? the spurs were planning on keeping finley... until he requested a buyout..

this was not a plan by the FO

If that's the case, I was wrong.

[bostonguy]

According to FSN Southwest report, Portland and Boston (surprise surprise) are interested in Finley.

I don't want Finley but what the hell. We love old guys so keep signing them.

[SenorSpur]

A win-win for both parties.

Fin gets to go and ply his wares elsewhere; Spurs save a lil' bit of cash.

Good guy and good player in his prime and all, but this divorce should've took place about 2 years ago.

Good luck to him.

[J_Paco]

He was pretty damn clutch for us over the last 4 1/2 seasons he was here. He filled a solid role over that time, was a solid all-star caliber player in his prime, but his best seasons are past him. Obviously, Pop didn't completely see that when he continued to give Fin spot minutes after he returned from injury. Thankfully, Finley was able to realize his time in S.A. was over and that they should part ways.

You were a class act while here in San Antonio, Mike. Best of luck with whatever you do in the near and far off future......

[objective]

Mike Monroe:


Finley’s departure means only four players remain from the Spurs’ 2007 championship team: Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Matt Bonner.

:music One of these things is not like the others . . .

[bigfan]

He was pretty damn clutch for us over the last 4 1/2 seasons he was here. He filled a solid role over that time, was a solid all-star caliber player in his prime, but his best seasons are past him. Obviously, Pop didn't completely see that when he continued to give Fin spot minutes after he returned from injury. Thankfully, Finley was able to realize his time in S.A. was over and that they should part ways.

You were a class act while here in San Antonio, Mike. Best of luck with whatever you do in the near and far off future......

Well said, I agree 100%.

[TJastal]

There is still time to release Bogans before midnite....

:rollin :lol

Better get used to seeing more of Keith Bogans on the court, he's basically Fin's replacement "trusty vet that everybody loves but does nothing on the court but stink"

[BillMc]

Well, first thanks for the time Fin. You were a class act and leader and helped us win the championship in 2007. Many thanks.

My thoughts:

1. I hope Dallas takes him on, only because that would be a great place for him to retire. He meant a lot to that team. He was the key player in the pre-Dirk years.

2. This is a weird year. 2 players (Fin and Mason) in effective have asked to leave the Spurs. This has not happened (in my memory at least) before in the Pop/Duncan era.

[duncan228]

Rivers can 'definitely' see addition (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/03/finley_intrigue.html)
by Gary Washburn
Globe Staff

With news that the San Antonio Spurs were parting ways with veteran shooter Michael Finley, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he could “definitely” see the Celtics adding another player.

Not knowing whether it was safe to comment on Finley, who was waived Monday by the Spurs upon his request, Rivers was reluctant to elaborate, jokingly calling him “the second or third best player out of Proviso-East,” Rivers' alma mater.

The Celtics are considering bringing Finley in to fill one of their two remaining roster spots, according to NBA sources.

This is not the Finley from his vintage days or even a few years ago. He scored five points in 78 minutes in February on 2-for-16 shooting, losing his minutes to Keith Bogans and George Hill. Finley has played in 25 games this season, limited because of a sprained left ankle. Finley asked for his release after being relegated to a minor role. He did not play in Sunday's win over Phoenix and went scoreless in 21 minutes on Feb. 24 vs. Oklahoma City.

But Finley, who won a championship with the Spurs in 2007, would bring additional experience and shooting.

Rivers said:


"We’re looking around. I don’t even know if I can say anything about Michael. I don’t know what the rules are. He still hasn’t cleared waivers so he’s not officially free.

"I don’t think a veteran ever hurts. I think it always helps your team to have one, if it’s the right one. Every team has some holes. Shooting is one thing we can’t have enough of as far as I’m concerned. You look at some of these other teams, their shooting is ridiculous."

[SenorSpur]

Good luck catching some splinters with the C's.

[DJB]

I guarantee the latest ESPN buzz will be that the Celtics are interested in this old dog.