Article: Spurs may not be able to sign Splitter

[Chieflion]

One NBA executive doesn't believe that the Spurs will be able to sign former first-round pick Tiago Splitter away from Europe this summer.

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65396/20100317/spurs_may_not_be_able_to_sign_splitter/#ixzz0iS8gc7rX

[Mel_13]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4163439&postcount=168

[MaNu4Tres]

It's an opinion of an executive nothing more, nothing less.

[dbestpro]

This looks like a copy of an article written every year since Splitter was drafted. You know, its kind of like one of those "the world is going to end this year" articles.

[Tobias]

http://img.moronail.net/img/5/7/1257.jpg

[baseline bum]

Splitter has punked out too many times for me to ever believe he really wants to come to the NBA.

[TIMMYD!]

I won't believe shit until it comes from his mouth.

[WalterBenitez]

Are we planning to trade him to Mavs or so?

[baseline bum]

I won't believe shit until it comes from his mouth.

I wouldn't believe it then either, based on his lie to the Spurs when they drafted him. I won't believe Splitter's coming until he signs a contract.

[cd98]

I wouldn't trade him for the trash they got for Scola. Get a legitimate deal that makes your club better. If he doesn't want to play for the Spurs at the mid-level, make him spend his entire career in Europe and don't let him ever come to the NBA. Gotta play hardball.

Maybe he won't care, but he will never get to prove himself against the best combination of talent night in and out in the world. I.e. olympics, etc. are not the same as succeeding in the NBA.

[MoSpur]

I honestly don't care either way. If he comes, good. If not, no big deal. Spurs life will go on. Ever since that Scola crap I really don't care what happens. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Spurs Brazil]

Monroe article is full of BS

[yavozerb]

One NBA executive doesn't believe that the Spurs will be able to sign former first-round pick Tiago Splitter away from Europe this summer.

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65396/20100317/spurs_may_not_be_able_to_sign_splitter/#ixzz0iS8gc7rX

They forgot to mention this exec is from houston...:lol

[NZ Spurs]

Splitter has punked out too many times for me to ever believe he really wants to come to the NBA.

I do believe his sister dying of cancer was one reason for "punking out"

[TFloss32]

Splitter has punked out too many times for me to ever believe he really wants to come to the NBA.

He "punked out" just once.

A) Stay in Spain, make more money, be by the side of my terminally ill sister.

B) Play for the NBA's rookie pay scale half the world away, leave my terminally ill sister and possibly risk not seeing her before she dies.

Hmmmm, tough choice.....he's not the "backstabber" or "punk" many idiots on this forum make him out to be.


I do believe his sister dying of cancer was one reason for "punking out"

+1

[jjktkk]

You just have to hope the Spurs can bring Splitter over next year, or if not, be able to use his rights in a trade that would benefit the Spurs.

[GSH]

He "punked out" just once.

A) Stay in Spain, make more money, be by the side of my terminally ill sister.

B) Play for the NBA's rookie pay scale half the world away, leave my terminally ill sister and possibly risk not seeing her before she dies.

Hmmmm, tough choice.....he's not the "backstabber" or "punk" many idiots on this forum make him out to be.




If that was the only reason, they why did he (and his agent) even mention the subject of guaranteed playing time, or his concern that first-year players under Pop don't usually get consistent quality minutes?

At one point he made it sound like he was really leaning toward the NBA. Then came the comments about playing time. (And if I remember right, a comment by Buford that he would have a chance to compete for minutes like everyone else - i.e. no guarantees.) Next thing you know, he wasn't leaning toward the NBA anymore.

[phxspurfan]

biggest bust ever

[Allanon]

Tiago knows he'll get alot more pussy playing in the NBA...and he's already 25.

He's a comin'.

[DPG21920]

By that logic, nobody will play in the NBA next year and they will all go to Europe where the money is great, the season is short and the ladies are beautiful.

[Dex]

I love any article with a speculative word in the headline.

There's definitely two possibilities: they may or they may not.

[pjjrfan]

I ain't going to worry about it until the season ends.

[SenorSpur]

Better try to re-up Ian as the end of this season.

[yavozerb]

Better try to re-up Ian as the end of this season.

Ian the saviour of 2010-2011 :lol....If Im Ian I ask for the MLE as well, what the hell..

[TD 21]

How about this? Instead of locking himself into a long term deal without fully knowing what he's getting himself into and potentially ending up unhappy with his role, team, the league, the culture, etc. (like many international players), he signs a one year deal for the full mid-level exception. This gives him flexibility to go back to Europe on a one year deal if for whatever reason(s) he doesn't like the environment he's in or in case of a lockout. It also allows him to potentially make more money in the NBA if he has a strong rookie season, without being locked into a deal for the mid-level (or less) for multiple years.

In the event he doesn't come, the Spurs need to trade his rights for a 1st round pick or package his rights with their own 1st round pick and look to move up to get Monroe, Whiteside, etc.

[Shifty]

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/169630-spurs-pick-to-be-used-in-bosh-trade?eref=fromSI (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_situation_with_Splitter_reminds_of_Scola.htm l)

[EmptyMan]

It's the Spurs.


It's Splitter.



Chances are they won't.

[DPG21920]

Why would you play here when you can play in Europe and get a free house, chef, school for your kids and high net salary?

[mogrovejo]

Why would you play here when you can play in Europe and get a free house, chef, school for your kids and high net salary?

Because of the higher salary, even higher potential future earnings and the quality of competition.

[DPG21920]

Because of the higher salary, even higher potential future earnings and the quality of competition.

Yes, but that is before taxes and exchange rates.

[mogrovejo]

Yes, but that is before taxes and exchange rates.

BS. Splitter makes about the same money of Matt Bonner - net salary in given currency.

Plus, there's no "free house" (or free anything). It's a perk. It counts as part of his salary and is taxed as so.

[DPG21920]

I am joking. Just doing my KBP impression.

[jimo2305]

Meanwhile in Spain...

Tellem: hey tiago.. the offseason's almost here again and several spurs fans still think you're gonna play for the spurs
Tiago: LMAO!! it's been 3 years!!
Tellem: ROFL!! give them another verbal commit or something

[ShoogarBear]

I'm sure Dennis Lindsey will have a lot to say about what happens with Splitter.

[TJastal]

Meanwhile in Spain...

Tellem: hey tiago.. the offseason's almost here again and several spurs fans still think you're gonna play for the spurs
Tiago: LMAO!! it's been 3 years!!
Tellem: ROFL!! give them another verbal commit or something

lol and all the tards on this forum will be stirred into a new Splitter frenzy..

Yeeeaaayyyy!!! Splitter said he's coming in 3 years, we will be champions in 3 years!!! Wooooo!!!

Splitter is going to dominate when he gets here, CIA POP FTW BABY!!! WOOHOO

:lmao

[TFloss32]

If that was the only reason, they why did he (and his agent) even mention the subject of guaranteed playing time, or his concern that first-year players under Pop don't usually get consistent quality minutes?

At one point he made it sound like he was really leaning toward the NBA. Then came the comments about playing time. (And if I remember right, a comment by Buford that he would have a chance to compete for minutes like everyone else - i.e. no guarantees.) Next thing you know, he wasn't leaning toward the NBA anymore.

Do you honestly think Tiago Splitter had an abrupt change of heart over the course of a few weeks simply because of Pop's coaching philosophy and a potential lack of playing time? I'm pretty sure Splitter knew what the Spurs' roster looked like from the moment he was drafted and he, and his agent, were fully aware that the they were coming off a championship. I don't think he had a sudden revelation of some sort after his visit to San Antonio or after hearing R.C.'s comments. On that note, what do you expect R.C. to say to the media about Tiago? As the GM of the Spurs, he's always going to be politically correct with the press (especially when talking about his players). It would've been flat out disrespectful to Fabricio Oberto and our other bigs if R.C. had said that Tiago would come in and start immediately (even though it was true).

Bottom line...the only thing that changed was Tau Ceramica throwing that fat ass contract in front of him. They knew the Spurs were handcuffed by the rooke pay scale and gave him an offer he couldn't refuse. Combine that with the fact that his sister's condition could've have worsened quickly, it made his decision a no-brainer. He didn't "punk out" and he's not a "backstabber." He did what he had to do and I respect that.

[Allanon]

The good news is that Splitter will come; the bad news is he won't sign for more than 2 years.

The NBA is in dire need of quality Centers; they're all getting paid and Splitter knows this.

Pau Gasol just signed an extension for $20 million a year. Marc Gasol will get at least $10 million when he re-ups.

Splitter will sign for 1-2 years at the MLE with the Spurs, then he's free to make $10 million plus.

[TD 21]

The good news is that Splitter will come; the bad news is he won't sign for more than 2 years.

The NBA is in dire need of quality Centers; they're all getting paid and Splitter knows this.

Pau Gasol just signed an extension for $20 million a year. Marc Gasol will get at least $10 million when he re-ups.

Splitter will sign for 1-2 years at the MLE with the Spurs, then he's free to make $10 million plus.

You say that like you know it for a fact. Hopefully you're right, but honestly, this is like the James situation (only on a much smaller scale, obviously) in that I don't think anyone knows for certain what Splitter is going to do, mainly because he himself probably doesn't know yet. I'm sure he'll sit down with his agent(s) after the season, weigh the pros and cons of coming to the Spurs or staying in Europe and then make a decision from there, once he has all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

If he doesn't come to the Spurs this summer (and I don't care what the situation is, how much more money some European team offers him), then the Spurs should try to trade him either alone or in a package to land a significant piece and in the event they can't land the type of piece they're looking for, I'd tell him and his agent(s) straight if I were the Spurs: you can enjoy rotting in Europe for the remainder of your career because we're not trading your ass, so you'll never get to realize your supposed dream. You screw us short term, we're screwing you long term.

The Spurs need him now, not two-three years down the road when he'll be in his late twenties and the team in a full on rebuild. They're trying to win one last championship before the Duncan era is through and Splitter is probably the most significant piece the team can add in that time. It's not that he's a superstar, but his physical attributes and overall game fit with what the Spurs are lacking on the front line, so he'd be (in theory) a fairly significant piece.

1-2 years makes sense though and would be perfect for both sides, particularly Splitter's. If he turns out better than expected, then with the dearth of quality center's (though he's not a true center, he's really between a center and a power forward, like Duncan, P. Gasol, etc.) he can easily exceed a mid-level salary in two years. For the Spurs, it guards against overpaying him for too many years in the event he turns out worse than expected.

[TIMMYD!]

The good news is that Splitter will come; the bad news is he won't sign for more than 2 years.

The NBA is in dire need of quality Centers; they're all getting paid and Splitter knows this.

Pau Gasol just signed an extension for $20 million a year. Marc Gasol will get at least $10 million when he re-ups.

Splitter will sign for 1-2 years at the MLE with the Spurs, then he's free to make $10 million plus.

Wish this were true.

[Mel_13]

If he doesn't come to the Spurs this summer (and I don't care what the situation is, how much more money some European team offers him), then the Spurs should try to trade him either alone or in a package to land a significant piece and in the event they can't land the type of piece they're looking for, I'd tell him and his agent(s) straight if I were the Spurs: you can enjoy rotting in Europe for the remainder of your career because we're not trading your ass, so you'll never get to realize your supposed dream. You screw us short term, we're screwing you long term.

I like this.

It's not as if the Spurs have zero leverage in this situation. If the Spurs make a strong offer and Splitter still decides to stay in Europe, the value of his rights goes way down. I'd love for the Spurs to tell him not to expect a similar offer in the future and not to expect them to trade his rights. Tell him that for the rest of his basketball career he can expect a rookie scale offer every year and nothing more. Make a strong offer and tell him take it or forget about ever coming to the NBA.

[TD 21]

I like this.

It's not as if the Spurs have zero leverage in this situation. If the Spurs make a strong offer and Splitter still decides to stay in Europe, the value of his rights goes way down. I'd love for the Spurs to tell him not to expect a similar offer in the future and not to expect them to trade his rights. Tell him that for the rest of his basketball career he can expect a rookie scale offer every year and nothing more. Make a strong offer and tell him take it or forget about ever coming to the NBA.

Exactly.

Of course, threatening him would be a last resort option. First, they should try to sell him every imaginable reason why he should come over this summer,.

Such as: this could conceivably be the Spurs last chance at competing for a championship and his last chance to play with and learn from Duncan. The Spurs have had a need on the front line for a player with Splitter's physical attributes for a long time and because of this, Splitter could, if not start, for sure see upwards of 20 mpg immediately. With Splitter (and another move, as well as health amongst the big three, but there's no need to tell him that, just go along with making him sound as if he's the sole missing piece because players like to feel wanted) the Spurs could conceivably go from a second tier team to being back amongst the elite.

If this fails, then they need to threaten him and not just bluff, but legitimately follow through with it because like I was saying, big deal if he comes over in 2-3 years. The Spurs need him now and if they're not going to get him now, then he can rot in Europe for the remainder of his career. What do they care if in 2013 he helps them go from 12th to 10th in the conference? That's irrelevant.

I'm not under the illusion that he's a superstar, but I do think he'd be a very good fit on this team and help them fill one of the two glaring needs they have, so if he doesn't come over (barring something completely unforeseen) I'd go as far as to say that you can probably officially rule out the Spurs winning another championship during the Duncan era. Right now the window is open a crack, but this decision could conceivably slam it shut.

[Obstructed_View]

The good news is that Splitter will come; the bad news is he won't sign for more than 2 years.

The NBA is in dire need of quality Centers; they're all getting paid and Splitter knows this.

Pau Gasol just signed an extension for $20 million a year. Marc Gasol will get at least $10 million when he re-ups.

Splitter will sign for 1-2 years at the MLE with the Spurs, then he's free to make $10 million plus.

I agree. I think it's why thery're really going to regret not picking up Mahinmi's option and letting him go.

[21_Blessings]

We'll at least you guys still have Scol....ah nevermind!

[venitian navigator]

I wouldn't exclude the chance to trade Splitter's rights.
Two reasons :
1) he changed his agent, that's now Art Tellem, and I think he did so for obtaining the more money available, that could exceed (also not for a lot) the MLE;
2) Next year there will not be a lot of available players playing center worth his value...he's young, long, experienced in a good competition (euroleague and international championship), very good defensive player and not too expansive 'cause he still have not shown in nba ...he won't command the some money of, for example, an Haywood, but could well be better than him.
Lots of teams with cap space (there are some next year), inmho, exepecially teams with international knolwledge, will offer something very very good for him, expecially teams lacking an interior presence, well knowing that, after the Scola mistake, the spurs f.o. will trade his rights only for an incredibly good package.

The perfect partner could be Oklahoma City : they have good relationship with Spurs (Presti), they already have tons of young players to develop, they have international knowledge (look like Mahinmi has been the last Presti choice), they have the cap space (more than ten millions next year) and they have a lot of stuff to sell (just this year, for example, two first draft choices).
And, more than all, imho they are just a very good defensive big away from being championship contenders for years and years to come.
Signing Splitter for, say, 6/7 millions for three years could be an incredibly good, and rather cheap, solution for them...

[TJastal]

I wouldn't exclude the chance to trade Splitter's rights.
Two reasons :
1) he changed his agent, that's now Art Tellem, and I think he did so for obtaining the more money available, that could exceed (also not for a lot) the MLE;
2) Next year there will not be a lot of available players playing center worth his value...he's young, long, experienced in a good competition (euroleague and international championship), very good defensive player and not too expansive 'cause he still have not shown in nba ...he won't command the some money of, for example, an Haywood, but could well be better than him.
Lots of teams with cap space (there are some next year), inmho, exepecially teams with international knolwledge, will offer something very very good for him, expecially teams lacking an interior presence, well knowing that, after the Scola mistake, the spurs f.o. will trade his rights only for an incredibly good package.

The perfect partner could be Oklahoma City : they have good relationship with Spurs (Presti), they already have tons of young players to develop, they have international knowledge (look like Mahinmi has been the last Presti choice), they have the cap space (more than ten millions next year) and they have a lot of stuff to sell (just this year, for example, two first draft choices).
And, more than all, imho they are just a very good defensive big away from being championship contenders for years and years to come.
Signing Splitter for, say, 6/7 millions for three years could be an incredibly good, and rather cheap, solution for them...

OKC already has a Euro stiff (Krystic) signed through next season for 6m, why would they want another?

[wildbill2u]

Why could other teams offer more than the Spurs MLE. Are we legally bound to the MLE offer by league rules? If so, why wouldn't other teams be tied to an MLE offer?

Couldn't we either make more cap space or simply pay the luxury tax. (Simply must be a word that Holt would cringe at after this year's luxury tax debacle)

Someone put out a call for Bruno or one of our salary mavens who know all the ins and outs on salaries to explain this arcane subject.

[Allanon]

Why could other teams offer more than the Spurs MLE. Are we legally bound to the MLE offer by league rules? If so, why wouldn't other teams be tied to an MLE offer?

Couldn't we either make more cap space or simply pay the luxury tax. (Simply must be a word that Holt would cringe at after this year's luxury tax debacle)

Spurs own the rights to Splitter, they can pay him whatever they like...but it cannot exceed the MLE due to the Spurs being over cap.

Other teams cannot "outbid" the Spurs for Splitter in his first contract.

Spurs do have Splitter over a barrel of sorts...if he ever wants to play in the NBA, he has to go through San Antonio first (unless they trade or renounce his rights).

[rascal]

I wouldn't exclude the chance to trade Splitter's rights.
Two reasons :
1) he changed his agent, that's now Art Tellem, and I think he did so for obtaining the more money available, that could exceed (also not for a lot) the MLE;
2) Next year there will not be a lot of available players playing center worth his value...he's young, long, experienced in a good competition (euroleague and international championship), very good defensive player and not too expansive 'cause he still have not shown in nba ...he won't command the some money of, for example, an Haywood, but could well be better than him.
Lots of teams with cap space (there are some next year), inmho, exepecially teams with international knolwledge, will offer something very very good for him, expecially teams lacking an interior presence, well knowing that, after the Scola mistake, the spurs f.o. will trade his rights only for an incredibly good package.

The perfect partner could be Oklahoma City : they have good relationship with Spurs (Presti), they already have tons of young players to develop, they have international knowledge (look like Mahinmi has been the last Presti choice), they have the cap space (more than ten millions next year) and they have a lot of stuff to sell (just this year, for example, two first draft choices).
And, more than all, imho they are just a very good defensive big away from being championship contenders for years and years to come.
Signing Splitter for, say, 6/7 millions for three years could be an incredibly good, and rather cheap, solution for them...

You like many others here are likely overrating Splitter. I would not hold too much faith in Splitter being any type of franchise savior or championship difference maker.

[stéphane]

First of all I love the NBA and recognize that the physical dimension and pool of talent makes it the best league in the word.
That said, some of you think that playing for a top level euro team is some kind of punishment if you don't go to the NBA... Get serious, the guy is getting paid big bucks and will get even more if he goes to Madrid. He's a superstar in europe plays about 3 times less games than in the NBA and I don't even talk about the time NBA players spend on the road. Not even talking about the culture difference.
Quality life, major fame and big bucks that doesn't sound too harsh of a life.

[RiverwalkParade]

The article mentions a sign and trade as a possibility.

Who would be a potential partner in this scenario? I would think RJ would be a good chip to dangle out there for this.

[Big P]

The article mentions a sign and trade as a possibility.

Who would be a potential partner in this scenario? I would think RJ would be a good chip to dangle out there for this.

I would not read too much into the article..the source of the info is probably a jealous gm...Spurs have the ball in their court...I should write an article titled " The Spurs may be able to sign Splitter next season."

[Harry Callahan]

We'll at least you guys still have Scol....ah nevermind!

A grammatical error in just one sentence for 21 douchebags. I won't tell you what it is. You can figure it out.

Are you a product of the Texas or California public schools?

[TJastal]

A grammatical error in just one sentence for 21 douchebags. I won't tell you what it is. You can figure it out.

Are you a product of the Texas or California public schools?

:lmao

I love it.