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View Full Version : 2010 Free Agent: Raja Bell



Bruno
04-13-2010, 01:49 PM
http://www.nba.com/media/act_raja_bell.jpg
Born: Sep 19, 1976
Height: 6-5 / 1.96
Weight: 215 lbs. / 97.5 kg.
College: Florida International
Years Pro: 9

Info (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/raja_bell/career_stats.html)

Bruno
04-28-2010, 03:50 AM
Spurs first priority of the summer should be to get a bigman (Splitter or someone else). After that, if they can still spend some money, Raja Bell should be their priority. Bell for the LLE would be great.

Ice009
04-28-2010, 04:01 AM
I have no problem getting a guy like Bell if he's still got something left in the tank. I'd love Bell on the Spurs.

mountainballer
04-28-2010, 07:11 AM
Bell is a Herb Rudoy client and Rudoy traditionally has a good and close relationship with the Spurs. (Manu, Oberto, Splitter)
LLE sounds reasonable. he will turn 34 this summer, he should have 2 decent seasons left in the tank. if he takes Bogans role, that's a great upgrade.

taps
04-28-2010, 11:30 AM
if he takes Bogans role, that's a great upgrade.

I agree, the Mason for Bell trade sounded like a winner too bad about the injuries, but there could be a bright side if he signs with Spurs:

He injured his wrist at the beginning of the season and after surgery apparently focused on rehab. All that rest might give his 34 yr-old legs a little more spring than you'd expect, not to mention the possibility of being inspired playing under the bright lights of a contender after not having it for a few years now. Let's not forget he agreed to being released so GSW could fill his roster spot with someone who was healthy (class.)

His defense is proven and so is his clothesline, both of which could help in this dallas series. We know he won't shrink from wide open 3's in the playoffs. Overall, I'd say a definite upgrade from the trio of Bogner Jr.

Dice is the only player outside of the Big 3 to give that proven vet leadership/guidance to the young studs like blair and hill. Players like this are usually a staple on Pop's roster going back to Willis and Kersey. We only have 1 this year, fewer than I can remember on any Pop-era Spurs squad.

For spot minutes/ being the 8-12th guy in the rotation seems like a no-brainer to me, I'm just not sure he can be the primary 'Bruce'-type stopper 38 mpg guy.

Darkwaters
04-28-2010, 12:20 PM
I definitely think this team needs a veteran player like Bell on the team to sit on the end of the bench and fill in as needed. Especially when you consider all the youth that we could potentially have on the wing next year (Hill, Gee, Hairston, Temple, draft pick(s)). If Raja could come in and replace Bogans it would be phenomenal.

AFBlue
04-28-2010, 04:02 PM
He makes alot of sense as an upgrade to "the Centerpiece", Keith Bogans. He plays the same brand of hard-nosed defense and is a better 3pt shooter.

Hopefully he's willing to take a one-year deal at the LLE, but it wouldn't be horrible to add a partially guaranteed second year to bring him into the fold.

TDMVPDPOY
04-28-2010, 04:32 PM
you give him the 2nd year team option if we advance deep in the playoffs next season...if not partially or just keep him since LLE isnt that much anyway

BronxCowboy
04-28-2010, 05:02 PM
One can only hope. Not sure there's any free agent out there who would be a better fit, especially if Splitter comes over.

DesignatedT
04-28-2010, 06:05 PM
Bell for the LLE would be a nice pickup... It would instantly be a huge upgrade from mason.

Darkwaters
04-28-2010, 11:27 PM
Bell for the LLE would be a nice pickup... It would instantly be a huge upgrade from mason.

I would be a huge upgrade over Mason.

kobyz
04-30-2010, 12:47 AM
agree, he will be good addition for the LLE.

coyotes_geek
05-06-2010, 07:51 AM
I'm finding myself more and more determined that Raja needs to be a high priority target with each passing Spur playoff game.

mountainballer
05-06-2010, 10:49 AM
unfortunately, if he is willing to sign for something between vet. min to LLE, to get a spot on a good team with the chance to win a ring, we will have a lot of competition.
does he have a relation with Tim from Saint Croix? because this could be the biggest advantage the Spurs have over most other contenders.
(the point that he is a Herb Rudoy client should also be helpful though. but agents usually don't look for their clients to sign a cheap contract in the first place)

coyotes_geek
05-06-2010, 10:54 AM
I seem to remember reading back in the day that he and Bowen would spend offseasons working out together. There are certainly some connections between him and the Spurs. Hopefully they count for something in Bell's mind. But you're right that he's going to be pursued by multiple teams and it only takes one with a better situation or willing to throw more money his way to wreck the Spurs chances.

EIC
05-08-2010, 11:08 PM
I'm finding myself more and more determined that Raja needs to be a high priority target with each passing Spur playoff game.

100%. He brings so much that the Spurs desperately need right now. Perimeter defense? Check. Reliable spot-up, 3-point shooting? Check. Plus he is all too familiar with the Spurs' main rivals in the Suns, Lakers, and Mavericks.

He has to be a big priority for this team.

Duncan, Manu, Parker, Dice, Blair, Hill, Bell, and Splitter would be a solid foundation to build upon. That and ditching Mason, Bonner, and Jefferson, of course.

ElNono
05-08-2010, 11:14 PM
I liked him before the trade deadline... and still like him for the right price. He also brings a tough mentality. Would be a breath of fresh air compared to some of the sissies we have in the bench.

Darkwaters
05-09-2010, 12:03 AM
We could probably trade Jefferson for Maggette and do a S&T for Bell and toss him into the deal as well so we don't have to blow any of the MLE, LLE or whatever.

But thats assuming that
A) Jefferson really is done
B) The Spurs still have interest in Maggette

Bruno
05-09-2010, 03:19 AM
Bell has been waived by GSW. He can't be S&T.

Since he is without a NBA team, Spurs can talk to him before July 1st. It will allow them not to waste time with him in July when teams had to rush to talk with FA.

Spursfanfromafar
05-09-2010, 04:35 AM
Bell has been waived by GSW. He can't be S&T.

Since he is without a NBA team, Spurs can talk to him before July 1st. It will allow them not to waste time with him in July when teams had to rush to talk with FA.

Exactly. The Golden State Nincompoops also waived him beyond the playoff eligibility deadline (even though Bell's season was done as well). Apparently they did that to get playing time for D-leaguer Reggie Williams. Besides that, they had also waived Speedy Claxton who had an expiring contract to boot.

And yes, Raja Bell will be a very useful upgrade over Roger MoneyWaste. Will play useful spot minutes as a defender and 3 point shooter.

Darkwaters
05-09-2010, 05:15 AM
Bell has been waived by GSW. He can't be S&T.

Since he is without a NBA team, Spurs can talk to him before July 1st. It will allow them not to waste time with him in July when teams had to rush to talk with FA.

I didn't realize he'd been waived.

RuffnReadyOzStyle
05-09-2010, 07:39 AM
Bell is a Herb Rudoy client and Rudoy traditionally has a good and close relationship with the Spurs. (Manu, Oberto, Splitter)
LLE sounds reasonable. he will turn 34 this summer, he should have 2 decent seasons left in the tank. if he takes Bogans role, that's a great upgrade.

Yup, that would be ideal.

EIC
05-09-2010, 10:52 AM
Well, alright then. Really keeping my fingers crossed that this happens.

Ditty
05-09-2010, 02:11 PM
we should of kept him 10 years ago

GSH
05-09-2010, 03:18 PM
It's funny how many people were saying that Bell was washed up, even before last season's trade deadline. It's even funnier how many thought Mason's defense was good enough.

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114546

Now he's missed an entire season of ball. I'm sure he's worked out, but that's so different from playing. I would want to feel like he would be in game shape on Day 1. We've had more than our share of problems working in guys who weren't 100% when the season opened.

Guys like Bell or Bowen, who are defense stoppers, need to be 100%. We saw with Bruce that a guy like that, at 90% of his former self, is a totally different player. He'll still stop the average-to-good players, but the really good ones get loose too often. If Bell is the same player he was, he would be a good pickup.

Big P
05-09-2010, 03:37 PM
Mehhh...I would go after a younger player...Bell is pretty much done.

8FOR!3
05-09-2010, 04:23 PM
Raja Bell sucks. Ya'll would whine like hell next year if we got him...

HarlemHeat37
05-09-2010, 05:42 PM
I'm not a fan at all, never have been, but I wouldn't mind him, DEPENDING on the other players on the roster..

This team REALLY needs to keep focusing on acquiring young, athletic players..so if the other wings on the team fit that description, I wouldn't mind Bell playing the role of the veteran defender that spreads the floor..

So if the Spurs draft a SG or SF with some athleticism, or if Hairston/Gee shows enough promise to be in the rotation, then I wouldn't mind having a guy like Bell to play the "Bogans role"..obviously the team will need some experience, and to Bell's credit, he's a tough guy that plays hard and shoots a high % from outside..

Obviously you can't predict the future, so the FO doesn't know whether one of these young guys will pan out in Summer League or preseason, but I guess I wouldn't mind if they signed Bell to a cheap contract that allows some flexibility in regards to waiving him or trading him if necessary..

AFBlue
05-09-2010, 06:03 PM
This team needs their "edge" back...they need teams to fear their defense and Bell is a Bowen-type of intimidator. I do like Bogans in the same role, but Bell seems to be an upgrade as a shooter.

EricB
05-10-2010, 02:16 AM
Raja Bell right now would be the bad ass tough guy the Spurs really need. He can also space the floor quite well. If he's willing to come cheap, you do it in a heartbeat.

beachwood
05-10-2010, 01:41 PM
I would love love love this guy on our team. Please FO, somehow, someway, make it happen.

rayray2k8
05-10-2010, 10:28 PM
For the right price, I would take Bell.

It's either Bell or Bogans guys, so which one you want? :rolleyes

TD 21
05-10-2010, 11:17 PM
I'm not a fan at all, never have been, but I wouldn't mind him, DEPENDING on the other players on the roster..

This team REALLY needs to keep focusing on acquiring young, athletic players..so if the other wings on the team fit that description, I wouldn't mind Bell playing the role of the veteran defender that spreads the floor..

So if the Spurs draft a SG or SF with some athleticism, or if Hairston/Gee shows enough promise to be in the rotation, then I wouldn't mind having a guy like Bell to play the "Bogans role"..obviously the team will need some experience, and to Bell's credit, he's a tough guy that plays hard and shoots a high % from outside..

Obviously you can't predict the future, so the FO doesn't know whether one of these young guys will pan out in Summer League or preseason, but I guess I wouldn't mind if they signed Bell to a cheap contract that allows some flexibility in regards to waiving him or trading him if necessary..

I'd be somewhat concerned about him potentially falling off the map defensively, because he is older and coming off what essentially amounts to a lost season. Aside from that, he's the best realistic option I see available to upgrade Bogans. High character/IQ player, tough, excellent three point shooter and even if he has lost a step defensively, he can't be worse than Bogans in this regard.

Sure, I'd prefer someone longer, more athletic and younger, but Batum types don't grow on trees. The Spurs could take a chance on Wright, McGuire, etc., but the former is a mediocre shooter, the latter can't shoot at all and despite their considerable physical tools, neither has the reputation defensively that Bell has.

I think the ideal, realistic situation to improve the depth on the wings, is for the Spurs to draft George and sign Bell. Between those two, Jefferson, Ginobili, Hill and Hairston/Gee, the Spurs would have more than enough options and depth at SF/SG.

Bell said today that his first option is the Heat, if they're interested.

DesignatedT
05-10-2010, 11:59 PM
Bell would be a really good pickup for the LLE IMO. He brings intensity, hes a vet and he can hit the 3 ball.

I am all for bringing this guy in for cheap.

Ditty
05-11-2010, 01:11 AM
for the minimum yes

mountainballer
05-12-2010, 08:36 AM
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-raja-bell-s051010,0,4737128.story

FIU product Raja Bell would welcome Heat opportunity

If low-budget parts are needed to round out what is expected to be an overhauled Miami Heat roster, former Florida International University guard Raja Bell says he is up for the challenge.

Speaking Monday on The Jorge Sedano Show on 790 The Ticket, the 33-year-old journeyman guard said he would welcome the opportunity to revive his NBA career with what he considers his hometown team.

"I've talked a lot about it with my agent and my family," the 6-foot-5 defensive stopper and 3-point specialist said. "Miami is my first choice. If there would be any interest from the Heat I would give it a ponder. It's my home town"

A native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Bell was raised in Miami, attending three high schools there


so, at least it is a save bet to assume the Spurs are not on top of his wish list. depending on what FA the Heat can land and how much cap space the other signings leave available, but Bell will make a lot of sense for them, especially if they get rid of Cook.

TimmehC
05-12-2010, 09:42 AM
Wait, Raja's from the USVI? I think we have some guy named Tim that can persuade him to come to SA.

scottspurs
05-12-2010, 10:44 AM
Bell is done. If the spurs signed him he would spend the entire time in SA rehabbing because of injury.

rayray2k8
05-12-2010, 01:16 PM
Bell is done. If the spurs signed him he would spend the entire time in SA rehabbing because of injury.

It's funny that people say that Bell is done, but cry for Bowen...

Whatever. :rolleyes

beachwood
05-12-2010, 01:36 PM
I wonder too how much Bell has left in the tank, but after watching a season worth of Bogans, he can't be any worse.

EmantheSpursFan
05-12-2010, 01:53 PM
Seems like he wants to play for Miami

News: Bell, who is an unrestricted free agent, said Miami is his "first choice," the Miami Herald reports.
Spin: Bell openly lobbied Heat president Pat Riley while doing a radio interview in Florida. "Pat (Riley), if you can use my services, give me a call. I'm right around the corner, 36th and Biscayne, give me a call," Bell said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=49

EricB
05-12-2010, 02:04 PM
Yeah Raja will sign with Miami. Hes a Riley type guy too.

Darkwaters
05-12-2010, 03:42 PM
Thats too bad. I'd love to have him replace Bogans.

ChuckD
05-15-2010, 02:46 PM
Wait, Raja's from the USVI? I think we have some guy named Tim that can persuade him to come to SA.

They're not tight, from what I understand.

duncan228
06-22-2010, 07:39 PM
Lakers consider pursuing Bell (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-belllakers062210)
By Adrian Wojnarowski

The Los Angeles Lakers and guard Raja Bell will enter free agency with a strong mutual interest to reach agreement on a deal, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Kobe Bryant has become a strong advocate for Bell, a former nemesis. After missing most of the season with surgery to repair ligaments in his non-shooting wrist, Bell is still expected to be a coveted bench player among contending teams. He could give the Lakers another strong perimeter defender and a solid outside shooting threat.

Bell, 33, was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in November as part of the Stephen Jackson trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. Bell missed all but six games last season.

Bell famously dropped Bryant with a clothesline foul in the 2006 playoffs, but the two developed a mutual respect and bond. Bell was ejected and suspended a game for the foul, and complained about Bryant’s tactics in the postgame news conference.

“It’s a personal thing when someone continually hits you in the face,” Bell said at the time. “That’s the only way I can put it. I’ve been playing as hard as I can play. I’ve been trying to do a good job, I’ve been trying to be what my team needs me to be, and I continually get hit in my face. There doesn’t seem to be any boundaries or limitations for what he’s allowed to do to me, and at that point, I kind of lost my cool and I took it into my own hands.”

Bell made a league-high 205 3-pointers in the 2006-07 season for the Suns under coach Mike D’Antoni, but his role changed the next season under Terry Porter and he was eventually shipped to Charlotte. Bell averaged 13 points in 45 games for the Bobcats in the 2008-09 season.

DesignatedT
06-22-2010, 07:52 PM
Ill take Bell for sure for a vet min contract.

rayray2k8
06-22-2010, 08:59 PM
Lakers consider pursuing Bell (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-belllakers062210)
By Adrian Wojnarowski

The Los Angeles Lakers and guard Raja Bell will enter free agency with a strong mutual interest to reach agreement on a deal, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Kobe Bryant has become a strong advocate for Bell, a former nemesis. After missing most of the season with surgery to repair ligaments in his non-shooting wrist, Bell is still expected to be a coveted bench player among contending teams. He could give the Lakers another strong perimeter defender and a solid outside shooting threat.

Bell, 33, was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in November as part of the Stephen Jackson trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. Bell missed all but six games last season.

Bell famously dropped Bryant with a clothesline foul in the 2006 playoffs, but the two developed a mutual respect and bond. Bell was ejected and suspended a game for the foul, and complained about Bryant’s tactics in the postgame news conference.

“It’s a personal thing when someone continually hits you in the face,” Bell said at the time. “That’s the only way I can put it. I’ve been playing as hard as I can play. I’ve been trying to do a good job, I’ve been trying to be what my team needs me to be, and I continually get hit in my face. There doesn’t seem to be any boundaries or limitations for what he’s allowed to do to me, and at that point, I kind of lost my cool and I took it into my own hands.”

Bell made a league-high 205 3-pointers in the 2006-07 season for the Suns under coach Mike D’Antoni, but his role changed the next season under Terry Porter and he was eventually shipped to Charlotte. Bell averaged 13 points in 45 games for the Bobcats in the 2008-09 season.

Does he realize how much playing time he would actually get, or does he just wanna be Morrison?

bigfundamental21
06-28-2010, 11:00 PM
I think Bell should be on the Spurs radar. He is still a good defender and can shoot the ball.

DesignatedT
06-29-2010, 12:29 AM
James Anderson should solidify us not pursuing Bell IMO.

Bruno
07-07-2010, 06:50 AM
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4669913/raja-bell-mavs-have-mutual-interest


NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein that Bell has been contacted by several other contending teams, including Boston, San Antonio and Portland.

HarlemHeat37
07-07-2010, 01:41 PM
The nine-year NBA vet tells the site that he's particularly interested in three teams that have made contact: the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat. The Virgin Islands native has a bunch of family in Florida and went to Florida International University.

Blackjack
07-07-2010, 01:51 PM
He seems destined to Miami with their need to fill out the roster with minimum contracts.

I pretty sure the location and chance to win a ring would be worth it to him, and he's definitely exactly the type of role player Riley's looking for.

Marcus Bryant
07-07-2010, 07:43 PM
Would be a decent gamble for a vet minimum contract. The Spurs exited the postseason early because they couldn't shut down an opponent's offense. You want your 7-12 guys to be those who've been there before, know how to play a role and execute, and who won't back down. Yes to players like Bell and Shaq and good riddance to players like Mason and Bonner.

ace3g
07-07-2010, 08:46 PM
I also want my 7-12 guys to be 6'7 or taller not these 6'5 Udoka, Bogans types, we have too many SG on this team

Marcus Bryant
07-07-2010, 08:47 PM
How tall were Mario Elie and Jerome Kersey?

Blackjack
07-07-2010, 08:55 PM
How tall were Sean Elliott, David Robinson and Tim Duncan?

objective
07-07-2010, 10:00 PM
If we're talking about the 6'7" Jerome Kersey, then he was 6'7".

Marcus Bryant
07-07-2010, 10:34 PM
How tall were Sean Elliott, David Robinson and Tim Duncan?

When were any of those 7-12?

Marcus Bryant
07-07-2010, 10:35 PM
If we're talking about the 6'7" Jerome Kersey, then he was 6'7".

And that made a shitload of difference.

Blackjack
07-07-2010, 10:42 PM
When were any of those 7-12?

The Omnipotent Blackjack answered haphazardly without regards to context.

You're forgiven for My mistake.

mountainballer
07-09-2010, 01:03 PM
will be very interesting if he will become one of the guys to sign for the vet. min. to play with LBJDWCB.
he had announced that he wants to play in his hometown, long before the decision of the 3 was known.
the question is, was he aware that the heat will only be able to offer the min.

if he signs and if he is healthy, he would be a fantastic complementary player for LeBron and Wade.

Blackjack
07-09-2010, 02:00 PM
I wonder if they don't wind up getting he and Barnes . . .

will_spurs
07-13-2010, 09:33 AM
Bell talking to Kobe, Lakers...

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5375672

Marcus Bryant
07-13-2010, 10:24 AM
How long until Kobe tries to lure Bruce to LA?