bobby4germany
06-10-2010, 08:47 AM
Championship expectations were set for the San Antonio Spurs after a very productive offseason in 2009. There ended up being more frustration than success though as the Spurs finished 7th in the Western Conference before getting swept in the second round by the Phoenix Suns. Their roster is significantly improved, but they go into this summer just as far from contention as the last.
The Spurs are one of many teams who feel they can be back in the championship mix with the right set of moves in the next few months. They'll have a number of different avenues to explore and with that in mind we try to lay out the most promising blueprint for them to follow:
Draft the Best Wing Available
With the 20th overall pick in the draft the Spurs are in a prime position to add a quality wing player that could potentially replace Richard Jefferson. Ideally the Spurs would love for Luke Babbit or Paul George to fall into their laps as they could both contribute immediately. In the very likely scenario that they are gone though the Spurs will still be able to choose from Devin Ebanks, Stanley Robinson, Damion James and Quincy Pondexter – players capable of giving them some much needed defensive help on the perimeter.
Power forward is another viable option for the Spurs and Larry Sanders, Daniel Orton, and Craig Brackins should be on the board. However, if Jefferson doesn't opt out his days are still numbered. They're going to need a wing sometime in the near future and with so many great fits they might as well get their guy now.
Wait for Jefferson's Decision
As questionable as it may seem, Richard Jefferson is contemplating opting out of his contract that would pay him $15 million next season. When the Spurs first acquired Jefferson they thought they were getting the missing piece to their puzzle. Instead he put forth the most disappointing season of his career, becoming the scapegoat for the Spurs' early exit.
The Spurs aren't losing much sleep over whether or not Jefferson decides to stay. They would like to have him since traditionally most new Spurs play better in year two. If he leaves though they'll gladly save the $15 million and find some way to replace his 12 points and four rebounds a night.
Let the Free Agency Dust Settle
Once July 1st hits there are going to be a lot of teams working feverishly to get the top guys on their wish list. With so many max players on the market it's going to be a circus, which the Spurs would be wise to just sit back and watch as they typically do when there's a lot of activity.
Without any cap space the Spurs will have to rely on their Mid-Level Exception to attract free agents. They're rumored to be very interested in bringing over 2008 1st round pick Tiaggo Splitter, who has improved enough to be a starter in San Antonio.
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The success of Luis Scola, whose right the Spurs originally owned, is fresh in the mind of the Spurs' front office. They don't want to make the same mistake again with Splitter, but his desire to come to the NBA is questionable at best. He'll have several financially lucrative offers in Europe that could exceed what the Spurs can offer. At 25-years-old Splitter's window to play in the NBA isn't closing anytime soon, so he doesn't feel any urgency to prove himself right now.
Udonis Haslem, Tyrus Thomas, Al Harrington, Drew Gooden, Kenyon Martin, Brandan Haywood, Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller and Channing Frye would all definitely be willing to consider what the Spurs have to offer. They also could split it on two players with a lower price tag, like Kurt Thomas and Etan Thomas. Bringing back underachieving but young big man Ian Mahinmi warrants strong consideration as well.
Shop Smartly
The Spurs have been mentioned as one of several teams interested in moving up in the draft and they spoke to a couple different lottery picks at the combine in Chicago. Any major movement would require letting go of Tony Parker though. Parker did not have the year everyone was expecting this season, but that was largely due to injuries. He remains one of the most dynamic point guards in the league that is unstoppable when 100%. Parker is the lone Spur ready to take on the lead role as Tim Duncan gets closer to retirement. Offseason
There's no telling what kind of trade opportunities are going to be out there for the Spurs once everything sorts itself out in free agency. If a great deal for Parker comes along they should strongly consider it, but not if it means embracing rebuilding like trading for a higher pick would. The Spurs would be better off rebuilding around Parker rather than trading him.
George Hill and DeJun Blair proved themselves this year and have value around the league. If Jefferson picks up his option and stays with the Spurs they could get packaged up with him for an impact player. Jefferson's contract becomes much more tradable if he picks up his option as he becomes an expiring deal.
It's important to note that San Antonio has always exhibited far more patience than any other organization in the league. It's out of their character to make a blockbuster trade in back-to-back seasons. They already have an immensely talented roster that never seemed to jell. Another year together could give them the chemistry needed to get what is becoming an elusive fifth championship.
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16442#ixzz0qSQTTYSS
The Spurs are one of many teams who feel they can be back in the championship mix with the right set of moves in the next few months. They'll have a number of different avenues to explore and with that in mind we try to lay out the most promising blueprint for them to follow:
Draft the Best Wing Available
With the 20th overall pick in the draft the Spurs are in a prime position to add a quality wing player that could potentially replace Richard Jefferson. Ideally the Spurs would love for Luke Babbit or Paul George to fall into their laps as they could both contribute immediately. In the very likely scenario that they are gone though the Spurs will still be able to choose from Devin Ebanks, Stanley Robinson, Damion James and Quincy Pondexter – players capable of giving them some much needed defensive help on the perimeter.
Power forward is another viable option for the Spurs and Larry Sanders, Daniel Orton, and Craig Brackins should be on the board. However, if Jefferson doesn't opt out his days are still numbered. They're going to need a wing sometime in the near future and with so many great fits they might as well get their guy now.
Wait for Jefferson's Decision
As questionable as it may seem, Richard Jefferson is contemplating opting out of his contract that would pay him $15 million next season. When the Spurs first acquired Jefferson they thought they were getting the missing piece to their puzzle. Instead he put forth the most disappointing season of his career, becoming the scapegoat for the Spurs' early exit.
The Spurs aren't losing much sleep over whether or not Jefferson decides to stay. They would like to have him since traditionally most new Spurs play better in year two. If he leaves though they'll gladly save the $15 million and find some way to replace his 12 points and four rebounds a night.
Let the Free Agency Dust Settle
Once July 1st hits there are going to be a lot of teams working feverishly to get the top guys on their wish list. With so many max players on the market it's going to be a circus, which the Spurs would be wise to just sit back and watch as they typically do when there's a lot of activity.
Without any cap space the Spurs will have to rely on their Mid-Level Exception to attract free agents. They're rumored to be very interested in bringing over 2008 1st round pick Tiaggo Splitter, who has improved enough to be a starter in San Antonio.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/images/spacer.gif
The success of Luis Scola, whose right the Spurs originally owned, is fresh in the mind of the Spurs' front office. They don't want to make the same mistake again with Splitter, but his desire to come to the NBA is questionable at best. He'll have several financially lucrative offers in Europe that could exceed what the Spurs can offer. At 25-years-old Splitter's window to play in the NBA isn't closing anytime soon, so he doesn't feel any urgency to prove himself right now.
Udonis Haslem, Tyrus Thomas, Al Harrington, Drew Gooden, Kenyon Martin, Brandan Haywood, Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller and Channing Frye would all definitely be willing to consider what the Spurs have to offer. They also could split it on two players with a lower price tag, like Kurt Thomas and Etan Thomas. Bringing back underachieving but young big man Ian Mahinmi warrants strong consideration as well.
Shop Smartly
The Spurs have been mentioned as one of several teams interested in moving up in the draft and they spoke to a couple different lottery picks at the combine in Chicago. Any major movement would require letting go of Tony Parker though. Parker did not have the year everyone was expecting this season, but that was largely due to injuries. He remains one of the most dynamic point guards in the league that is unstoppable when 100%. Parker is the lone Spur ready to take on the lead role as Tim Duncan gets closer to retirement. Offseason
There's no telling what kind of trade opportunities are going to be out there for the Spurs once everything sorts itself out in free agency. If a great deal for Parker comes along they should strongly consider it, but not if it means embracing rebuilding like trading for a higher pick would. The Spurs would be better off rebuilding around Parker rather than trading him.
George Hill and DeJun Blair proved themselves this year and have value around the league. If Jefferson picks up his option and stays with the Spurs they could get packaged up with him for an impact player. Jefferson's contract becomes much more tradable if he picks up his option as he becomes an expiring deal.
It's important to note that San Antonio has always exhibited far more patience than any other organization in the league. It's out of their character to make a blockbuster trade in back-to-back seasons. They already have an immensely talented roster that never seemed to jell. Another year together could give them the chemistry needed to get what is becoming an elusive fifth championship.
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16442#ixzz0qSQTTYSS