Top 30 Spurs Small Forward Free Agent Targets

[mountainballer]

it's not that Spurs can choose from a big pool of options.
IF Barnes is willing to sign for LLE money AND he is willing to go to SA,(which is neither West nor East coast), Spurs almost have no other choice. face it, the alternative is Keith Bogans.
I would definitely prefer to find out if Barnes is in fact the incorrigible and not integrable head case most think he is, than to find out if Bogans shows the (anyhow overrated) "2nd year in the Spurs system" effect.

[ElNono]

What "attitude" do you speak of? He's no different than Bruce Bowen, except Bowen was more subtle in the way he went about his business, where Barnes is in your face.

I don't recall Bowen arguing with Pop in the middle of a game and being sent to the locker room, do you? I also don't recall Bowen trying to get into other players's head through twitter either.

There's nasty and professional (Bowen) and then there's flat out stupid (Barnes). Plus it's not like Barnes has ever locked anybody down. You're comparing apples and oranges here.

[Obstructed_View]

Sure he's a journeyman player that's been bouncing around, but so was Bogans last year.

:vomit:

You've convinced me that he's an upgrade over RJ, but shame on you for comparing him to Bowen in any way.

[admiralsnackbar]

Someone in another thread mentioned (can't vouch for the veracity of it) that Nelly hated Barnes and blamed their bad season after embarrassing Dallas almost entirely on him. So if you buy that, there's your answer on why we wouldn't want him along with the rest of the NBA GMs.

Now I agree with MB that beggars can't be choosers at this point, but if he's bad enough to piss off laid-back Nelly, one can only imagine what kinds of gaskets Pop would be blowing. If he comes to SA for a workout, the FO will most likely spend the majority of his visit feeling his character out and explaining their expectations and demands.

[TJastal]

I don't recall Bowen arguing with Pop in the middle of a game and being sent to the locker room, do you? I also don't recall Bowen trying to get into other players's head through twitter either.

There's nasty and professional (Bowen) and then there's flat out stupid (Barnes). Plus it's not like Barnes has ever locked anybody down. You're comparing apples and oranges here.

I've seen him harass and lockdown plenty of players last year, as I watched many magic games.

And if you don't believe me, just do a quick search on google "Matt Barnes lockdown defender" and you'll see

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-news-and-rumors/articles/104099-rumor-matt-barnes-to-replace-tony-allen-in-boston

Matt Barnes is Allen's equal as a lockdown defender, but also stretches defense with his three-point range and intimidates. For instance, Barnes averaged 9 points per game last year with Orlando, mostly on a steady diet of outside shots.

However, the Mohawk's greatest asset is his intensity. In 2007, he was an integral part of the Golden State Warriors improbable upset of the Dallas Mavericks. And last season he declared viral jihad via twitter against the Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom.

And apparently I'm not the only spurs fan thinking Matt Barnes has some Bowen qualities....

http://projectspurs.com/2010-articles/july/what-about-the-defense.html

The Spurs tried to bring in others to be the next "Bowen." Ime Udoka was one of them but was too slow to be an effective wing defender and didn't pan out. Keith Bogans was brought in last season and again, he could not duplicate what Bowen brought to the Spurs. George Hill has promise but he is too short to consistently defend the perimeter effectively against bigger players.

The Spurs have to find a capable wing defender to help bring the Spurs defense to where it was --- among the best in the entire league.

Maybe the Spurs already have the answer in Malik Hairston or Alonzo Gee. Hairston has proved to be a capable perimeter defender in short stretches last year. While Gee has the athletic ability to body-up his opponents not to mention he can score.

Free-agent Matt Barnes is an intriguing prospect in this role and he could fit well with a veteran team like the Spurs but do the Spurs have the financial means to sign him?

[TJastal]

And quite honestly if having an argument and being sent to the locker room is enough to turn you off to a player, then you need to reduce your meds, lest you lose your pulse.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I don't think Barnes is the kind of player RC talks about when he says players for this team need to have certain character fiber. Sure, we have had some misfits before, like Glenn Robinson, but they were already on their way out of the league pretty much.

I just don't see Pop putting up with his attitude.

There is nothing different about the attitude of Barnes when you compare it to a guy like Stephen Jackson was here.

[mingus]

i don't think he'll come over (Barnes), but the thing that worries me about his 3 point shooting, is that he shot like 30% from behind the arc. his percentage last year is comparable to RJ's. we all know how great RJ stretched the defense for us. Barnes played ina system where he was allowed to have the liberty to shoot basically whenever he wanted. it was more quantity than quality of shots. it's a different system here and he wouldn't be nearly as effective from downtown.

[ElNono]

I've seen him harass and lockdown plenty of players last year, as I watched many magic games.

And if you don't believe me, just do a quick search on google "Matt Barnes lockdown defender" and you'll see

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-news-and-rumors/articles/104099-rumor-matt-barnes-to-replace-tony-allen-in-boston

Matt Barnes is Allen's equal as a lockdown defender, but also stretches defense with his three-point range and intimidates. For instance, Barnes averaged 9 points per game last year with Orlando, mostly on a steady diet of outside shots.

However, the Mohawk's greatest asset is his intensity. In 2007, he was an integral part of the Golden State Warriors improbable upset of the Dallas Mavericks. And last season he declared viral jihad via twitter against the Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom.


So he didn't lock down anybody. I mean, Allen was in the Finals, not Barnes.
And the time he made it to the finals, he didn't lock down anybody either.
That's not to say he's not an above average defender, but Bowen was in another level entirely.

And intensity can be good and bad. Bowen was all over people and worked his ass off, but when the game ended that's where it all that ended too. Barnes seem to have the problem that other guys get into his head as much as he gets into other people's head. That's winning half the battle while losing the other half.



And apparently I'm not the only spurs fan thinking Matt Barnes has some Bowen qualities....

http://projectspurs.com/2010-articles/july/what-about-the-defense.html

The Spurs tried to bring in others to be the next "Bowen." Ime Udoka was one of them but was too slow to be an effective wing defender and didn't pan out. Keith Bogans was brought in last season and again, he could not duplicate what Bowen brought to the Spurs. George Hill has promise but he is too short to consistently defend the perimeter effectively against bigger players.

The Spurs have to find a capable wing defender to help bring the Spurs defense to where it was --- among the best in the entire league.

Maybe the Spurs already have the answer in Malik Hairston or Alonzo Gee. Hairston has proved to be a capable perimeter defender in short stretches last year. While Gee has the athletic ability to body-up his opponents not to mention he can score.

Free-agent Matt Barnes is an intriguing prospect in this role and he could fit well with a veteran team like the Spurs but do the Spurs have the financial means to sign him?

The only thing intriguing about Barnes is wether he can keep his cool for one entire season or if Pop is going to ship his big mouthed ass out of town by the trade deadline. He's definitely an above average defender, and he can shoot, but when you keep wearing out your welcome every season or two on every team you play for, you need to get yourself checked.

I'm not really concerned about Barnes affecting the locker room. I think we have very good vets there to keep stuff at bay. What concerns me is that he's more of a Rodman type of player where he's more interested in himself than the team. Sure, he wants to win, but just to show people wrong and to earn other people's respect and not necessarily because he's aligned with the team goals.

[ElNono]

There is nothing different about the attitude of Barnes when you compare it to a guy like Stephen Jackson was here.

True, but Jack didn't stick around too long either, did he?

[ElNono]

And quite honestly if having an argument and being sent to the locker room is enough to turn you off to a player, then you need to reduce your meds, lest you lose your pulse.

Meh, we're discussing the type of players this organization hires on a regular basis, not what I would do or not do.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

If Barnes wasn't such a retard, he would have made much more money with his talent and tools. However, he'll always be a journeyman-LLE type of player. He can't compensate what he lacks between his ears.

[TJastal]

i don't think he'll come over (Barnes), but the thing that worries me about his 3 point shooting, is that he shot like 30% from behind the arc. his percentage last year is comparable to RJ's. we all know how great RJ stretched the defense for us. Barnes played ina system where he was allowed to have the liberty to shoot basically whenever he wanted. it was more quantity than quality of shots. it's a different system here and he wouldn't be nearly as effective from downtown.

Barnes shot 40% after being inserted into the starting lineup. (50-124). That would be his role if signed by the spurs, a starter 25-27 min type player exactly how SVG used him over in Orlando.

[MaNu4Tres]

Wait, is Matt Barnes available at a fraction of the cost of Jefferson? And he's never been accused of being soft?

Who would have thunk it?

Fact is smartass is that Jefferson is the most realistic option and viable option go read post 41 and 48 so u can be reminded on the scenario that has played out.. All those sign and trade ideas were far-fetched and unrealistic but posters like you didn't see that and rubbed one out on a make believe scenario where Spurs could net Bruce Bowen in a sign and trade.

[TJastal]

If Barnes wasn't such a retard, he would have made much more money with his talent and tools. However, he'll always be a journeyman-LLE type of player. He can't compensate what he lacks between his ears.

Matt Barnes hasn't landed a long term contract. Neither have a lot of players, for various reasons. Doesn't mean he hasn't made millions of dollars playing a game where you throw an inflated leather ball threw a hoop. Does this necessarily indicate a lack of brainpower or perhaps it's just that Matt Barnes is already content with having made millions of dollars playing what amounts to a recreational sport.

Feeling a little fickle today are we?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

True, but Jack didn't stick around too long either, did he?

Long enough to be a cold blooded assassin from the wing and win a ring...

I think we'd all take that prior to the end of the Tim Duncan era one more time, no?

[MaNu4Tres]

Matt Barnes hasn't landed a long term contract. Neither have a lot of players, for various reasons. Doesn't mean he hasn't made millions of dollars playing a game where you throw an inflated leather ball threw a hoop. Does this necessarily indicate a lack of brainpower or perhaps it's just that Matt Barnes is already content with having already made millions of dollars playing a recreational sport.

Feeling a little fickle today are we?

You do realize you might as well be adament on the spurs adding Elliott or Bowen ..barnes ain't coming here

[yavozerb]

Matt Barnes hasn't landed a long term contract. Neither have a lot of players, for various reasons. Doesn't mean he hasn't made millions of dollars playing a game where you throw an inflated leather ball threw a hoop. Does this necessarily indicate a lack of brainpower or perhaps it's just that Matt Barnes is already content with having already made millions of dollars playing a recreational sport.
Feeling a little fickle today are we?

:lol, You act as if he has turned down big payouts from teams..The guy is a fringe NBA player and has been stop gap for a 1 or 2 seasons for every team he has played. If the spurs get him , great, if not, who cares bout him, but please dont act as if he plays basketball just for the fun of it and not the $. You did this same act about Tiago not coming this season and now are looking pretty stupid cause of it.

[ElNono]

Long enough to be a cold blooded assassin from the wing and win a ring...

He came to the Spurs after eating humble pie in Venezuela. He left after his pride took over his head. Matt Barnes is a different story. He already thinks he's the shit.


I think we'd all take that prior to the end of the Tim Duncan era one more time, no?

We had a chance to do so last season and we didn't. I think in some ways the FO thinks that ship has already sailed.

[Obstructed_View]

We had a chance to do so last season and we didn't. I think in some ways the FO thinks that ship has already sailed.

It's interesting how you just change your argument once one of them fizzles out.

[ElNono]

It's interesting how you just change your argument once one of them fizzles out.

What argument did I change? Honest question.

[TJastal]

:lol, You act as if he has turned down big payouts from teams..The guy is a fringe NBA player and has been stop gap for a 1 or 2 seasons for every team he has played. If the spurs get him , great, if not, who cares bout him, but please dont act as if he plays basketball just for the fun of it and not the $. You did this same act about Tiago not coming this season and now are looking pretty stupid cause of it.

I admit I was wrong about Splitter but not in the way you are implying. Splitter shocked everyone by signing for much less and proving that $$ wasn't his priority, rather playing in the nba and proving himself in a better league is more important than the money.

And for a guy who has been a starter virtually everywhere he's gone, "fringe" and "stopgap" aren't words I'd use to describe Barnes' typical roles. Barnes seems like he might be cut from the same cloth as Splitter, where $$$$ and the most lucrative long term contract just isn't a huge priority to him, and when its all said and done he'll still have millions of dollars.

[MaNu4Tres]

1. Barnes has turned down the Spurs in the past on more than one occasion; which was before his true character came to light(which is not Spur/pop-like)
2. Barnes has yet to mention the Spurs as potential targets via Twitter and all media outlits.
3. It's well documented Pop has not been high on Barnes in recent years (hence no interest has been linked on spurs side)...

It's basic math .. 1+2+3= Barnes coming to SA is a waste of a discussion. The guy ain't coming here.

[Obstructed_View]

What argument did I change? Honest question.

Go back and read your posts in this thread. When someone shoots down your argument you suddenly change your position. It's annoying having a discussion with someone who constantly sidesteps and makes up new shit just to try to keep arguing. It'd be nice if you had a position to just state it instead of throwing feces at others who state theirs.

[yavozerb]

1. Barnes has turned down the Spurs in the past on more than one occasion; which was before his true character came to light(which is not Spur/pop-like)
2. Barnes has yet to mention the Spurs as potential targets via Twitter and all media outlits.
3. It's well documented Pop has not been high on Barnes in recent years (hence no interest has been linked on spurs side)...

It's basic math .. 1+2+3= Barnes coming to SA is a waste of a discussion. The guy ain't coming here.

This is true...Sounds like Barnes will probably end up in cleveland and hopefully soon so we can see this thread dissappear.

[Mel_13]

David Aldridge:

As of late Sunday, according to a source, the Cavs were still in the running for Barnes -- though their opposition was formidable, with the Lakers, Celtics and Heat, along with Toronto, all making strong pitches.

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/david_aldridge/07/19/morning.tip/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

[ElNono]

Go back and read your posts in this thread. When someone shoots down your argument you suddenly change your position.

link please


It's annoying having a discussion with someone who constantly sidesteps and makes up new shit just to try to keep arguing. It'd be nice if you had a position to just state it instead of throwing feces at others who state theirs.

You're not trying to have a discussion with anybody either, but I don't come bitching at you, do I?

I stated my point quite clearly in the very first post I made in this thread about the current Barnes fellatio:


I don't think Barnes is the kind of player RC talks about when he says players for this team need to have certain character fiber. Sure, we have had some misfits before, like Glenn Robinson, but they were already on their way out of the league pretty much.

I just don't see Pop putting up with his attitude.

People responded to it and it turned into a conversation where I sustain my point and other people argue against it. You know, just like how forums work.

I couldn't care less if my posts annoy you at all. Feel free to skip right through them.

[RiverwalkParade]

Have faith in our front office. Regardless of who it is we bring in, someone will be brought in and it will make sense when it happens.

Although it was a failed experiment, the RJ trade made us all excited last offseason and it came out of nowhere.

Rasho being traded was out of the blue too. Ithink everyone could agree his time to go was then, and the FO pulled the trigger.

I expect a S&T of some sort that will light this place on fire.

Have faith, the FO is methodical, logical and wants to win one more for Tim will being mindful of the future of this franchise.

[TJastal]

1. Barnes has turned down the Spurs in the past on more than one occasion; which was before his true character came to light(which is not Spur/pop-like)
2. Barnes has yet to mention the Spurs as potential targets via Twitter and all media outlits.
3. It's well documented Pop has not been high on Barnes in recent years (hence no interest has been linked on spurs side)...

It's basic math .. 1+2+3= Barnes coming to SA is a waste of a discussion. The guy ain't coming here.

So according to you he's been on the radar already, but now that his true character has come to light (as an all around intense guy who likes to win) Pop's got cold feet. Typical fickle Pop/F.O. Options dryin' up though, pretty soon I'll bet you Pop is going to cast aside the superficial chagrin and get serious about signing this guy.

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-news-and-rumors/articles/104141-dan-gilbert-and-cavaliers-should-pass-on-matt-barnes-and-brad-miller

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: How exactly does Matt Barnes and Brad Miller fit owner Dan Gilbert’s caps-locked and bolded text declaration that his Cleveland Cavaliers would win a championship before the ‘self declared king’ LeBron James?

No offence to any of the parties involved. This won’t work.

Barnes and Miller are established veterans. They need to join a contender on the verge of a championship.

Wait, could that be.. the spurs?

[Obstructed_View]

link please
Ah, so it wasn't an honest question. Thanks for making that clear.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

David Aldridge:

As of late Sunday, according to a source, the Cavs were still in the running for Barnes -- though their opposition was formidable, with the Lakers, Celtics and Heat, along with Toronto, all making strong pitches.

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/david_aldridge/07/19/morning.tip/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

Hmmm, if the Cavs are making a push, they've got a bit more loose change floating around than us right now...

[ElNono]

Ah, so it wasn't an honest question. Thanks for making that clear.

I'm asking you to show where I changed my argument. I'm not claiming that I did not change it, because, frankly, I wrote about many players in this thread, from TMac to RMJ to Barnes.

However, since you're so adamant to point it out, I'm asking you to show me where I did that. It was an honest question that never received an answer, just some bitter comebacks and remarks.

[yavozerb]

Brian Windhorst: #Cavs had further talks with F Matt Barnes. Interest is mutual. Cavs like his toughness, Barnes looking for PT. Talks likely to continue Twitter

[ElNono]

Cavs should have put forth a good offer if he's listening. There's nothing for him there other than money.

At the same time, that might be why he hasn't committed with them yet.

[ceperez]

I'm asking you to show where I changed my argument. I'm not claiming that I did not change it, because, frankly, I wrote about many players in this thread, from TMac to RMJ to Barnes.

However, since you're so adamant to point it out, I'm asking you to show me where I did that. It was an honest question that never received an answer, just some bitter comebacks and remarks.

Agree... Obstructed_View should be banned from the forum.

[ElNono]

Agree... Obstructed_View should be banned from the forum.

I disagree.

[ElNono]

And FWIW, I reserve the right to change my mind if somebody presents better arguments. I don't pretend to know it all or be so obtuse as to never learn anything from an exchange with a fellow poster.

[timvp]

We've talked about how RJ's stock has fallen thanks to teams running out of money. But once Barnes gets off the market, doesn't RJ's stock have to start rising due to, at least, supply and demand? He'd basically be the last decent small forward available. That could help push up his value.

And it probably explains why his agent is in a holding pattern. He's probably hoping a team will get desperate once RJ is the last possible impact player on the market . . .

[Obstructed_View]

I'm asking you to show where I changed my argument. I'm not claiming that I did not change it, because, frankly, I wrote about many players in this thread, from TMac to RMJ to Barnes.

However, since you're so adamant to point it out, I'm asking you to show me where I did that. It was an honest question that never received an answer, just some bitter comebacks and remarks.

If you really want to know (though I don't think you do)
"Barnes is not a good character guy" turned to "well I don't think the Spurs would think he's a good character guy" to "well he probably wouldn't stick around" to "well the Spurs think their window is closed so they wouldn't get him".

There's your answer. I'm not going to go back and link quotes for you; it's not worth the effort. You're welcome to claim victory because I didn't do it the way you asked me to. I wouldn't have pointed it out if I didn't think your posts were valuable but sometimes your arguments grow tiresome and can easily get us off track, and I don't think it's intentional in any way.

[Obstructed_View]

Agree... Obstructed_View should be banned from the forum.

You're an idiot.

[Obstructed_View]

We've talked about how RJ's stock has fallen thanks to teams running out of money. But once Barnes gets off the market, doesn't RJ's stock have to start rising due to, at least, supply and demand. He'd basically be the last decent small forward available. That could help push up his value.

And it probably explains why his agent is in a holding pattern. He's probably hoping a team will get desperate once RJ is the last possible impact player on the market . . .

Agreed. There are still teams with money that are going to want a name for their dollars so they can justify to their boss/fanbase that they didn't strike out during such a historic FA period.

[MaNu4Tres]

So according to you he's been on the radar already, but now that his true character has come to light (as an all around intense guy who likes to win) Pop's got cold feet. Typical fickle Pop/F.O. Options dryin' up though, pretty soon I'll bet you Pop is going to cast aside the superficial chagrin and get serious about signing this guy.

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-news-and-rumors/articles/104141-dan-gilbert-and-cavaliers-should-pass-on-matt-barnes-and-brad-miller

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: How exactly does Matt Barnes and Brad Miller fit owner Dan Gilbert’s caps-locked and bolded text declaration that his Cleveland Cavaliers would win a championship before the ‘self declared king’ LeBron James?

No offence to any of the parties involved. This won’t work.

Barnes and Miller are established veterans. They need to join a contender on the verge of a championship.

:lol

You do realize even if Spurs were interested and wanted to sign Barnes(which is obviously not the case to begin with), Barnes would actually have to choose the Spurs over the other 6-8 teams interested in him. The fact that's he's turned the Spurs down on more than one occasion in their prime championship years makes your Barnes dream in silver in Black very unrealistic.

Wait, could that be.. the spurs?

[MaNu4Tres]

Apparently responding via phone has it's faults .. My response starts with :lol and ends with unrealistic in the quote.

[ElNono]

If you really want to know (though I don't think you do)
"Barnes is not a good character guy" turned to "well I don't think the Spurs would think he's a good character guy" to "well he probably wouldn't stick around" to "well the Spurs think their window is closed so they wouldn't get him".

There's your answer. I'm not going to go back and link quotes for you; it's not worth the effort. You're welcome to claim victory because I didn't do it the way you asked me to. I wouldn't have pointed it out if I didn't think your posts were valuable but sometimes your arguments grow tiresome and can easily get us off track, and I don't think it's intentional in any way.

Thanks for taking the time to point it out. I don't claim victories, unless it's trolling whottt. :lol

I just don't think you've followed the thread in it's entirety if that's what you got out of it. Either that, or I simply might have not expressed myself well enough. The only thing I can remit anybody to is my first post on the subject:


I don't think Barnes is the kind of player RC talks about when he says players for this team need to have certain character fiber. Sure, we have had some misfits before, like Glenn Robinson, but they were already on their way out of the league pretty much.

I just don't see Pop putting up with his attitude.

My whole 'ship has sailed' comment about Jack has nothing to do with thinking the window has closed, so I don't know why you would take it like that. What I was pointing out was that when Jack came to the Spurs he was a humble kid trying to make the NBA, and once his ego got the best of him, the Spurs just let him walk. Pop always has nice words for Jack (a player I personally love) but when the chance was there to get him, they passed.

So, you know, I'm analyzing the situation from that angle. I can be wrong. I'm all ears to hear another theory.

In all honesty, this subject really got offtrack when somebody, in their current and temporary jerking off to Matt Barnes, attempted to equal him to Bruce Bowen. Something that for me is not negotiable, and especially when it's a slow day at work over here, so I had to go at it.

[TJastal]

Barnes won't play for the minimum, guy still wants a reasonable contract which isn't what the celtics, lakers and heat are offering, and he's not interested. Only team talking to him right now is the cavs and they are going to be bottom feeders for the next century.

I would bet he would jump at the chance to play for the spurs now (so-called past rejections aside) at reasonable 2 yr 6-7m type contract.

[ElNono]

I would bet he would jump at the chance to play for the spurs now (so-called past rejections aside) at reasonable 2 yr 6-7m type contract.

I don't think we have that kind of money, do we? I think we have $2.5m left from the MLE and even with a 10% increase for next season that would be $2.75m. That's closer to a $5m deal for 2 seasons.

[MaNu4Tres]

Barnes won't play for the minimum, guy still wants a reasonable contract which isn't what the celtics, lakers and heat are offering, and he's not interested. Only team talking to him right now is the cavs and they are going to be bottom feeders for the next century.

I would bet he would jump at the chance to play for the spurs now (so-called past rejections aside) at reasonable 2 yr 6-7m type contract.

:lol

read Mel13's last post and google his Twitter and see what options are realistic or any other media outlit..

Before you do that .. Since you said you are willing to bet... How much? I'm sure we can get something set up via paypal.

[TJastal]

I don't think we have that kind of money, do we? I think we have $2.5m left from the MLE and even with a 10% increase for next season that would be $2.75m. That's closer to a $5m deal for 2 seasons.

I'm sure that would be enough for Barnes. It's not like he has a history of holding out for huge long term deals.


I think Matt Barnes is looking for two simple things in his next destination:

Championship contender? Check.
Reasonable salary? Check.

[TJastal]

Add this to Barnes wish list (that I forgot):

Playing time: Check (would get spurs SF starting role)

[TJastal]

:lol

read Mel13's last post and google his Twitter and see what options are realistic or any other media outlit..

Before you do that .. Since you said you are willing to bet... How much? I'm sure we can get something set up via paypal.

http://dimemag.com/2010/07/nba-rumor-matt-barnes-to-cleveland/

All I can find concerning rumours about Barnes is the cavs' are trying to lock him up in a long term contract. And I highly doubt Cleveland is high on his list of destinations. If he signed there, it would be for the $$$ & PT only.

So why aren't the spurs calling this guy? He could be easily persuaded to come to a title contender for a reasonable 2yr/5m type LLE contract. As a starter for the magic last year he shot 40% from long range and played excellent defense, as well as being very active on the boards (spurs can defenitely use that when Bonner hits the floor).

[ohmwrecker]

In about 7 less minutes a game Matt Barnes outrebounded Jefferson, shot a better % from the field (and from the 3pt line), almost out-assisted him, and this doesn't even mention defense (which is Barnes strong suit). And your saying it's not even debatable?

Wrong. Any statistical advantage Barnes had over Jefferson last year is marginal at best. Less minutes and less shots usually translates into better %. Barnes also didn't have the pressure of being a starter, playing behind Carter and Lewis. I think everybody can agree we didn't see the best Richard Jefferson has to offer last year, but he has proved in his career that he is starting level talent. Barnes is, at best, a role/bench player, "defensive" specialist and has a shit attitude on top of it all.

If Jefferson wasn't interested in coming back, why would he have personal workouts with Pop and why would RC say that they were working on getting him back?

[TJastal]

Simply put, the spurs can offer Matt Barnes the best combination of championship contending, playing time, and money of all teams currently courting him, which includes LA, Miami, CLE, & Boston.

But..but..but... Matt Barnes can't shoot 3's!!

Fact: Matt Barnes shot 40% after being promoted to a starting role last year for Orlando. 50-124 bitches.

[TJastal]

Wrong. Any statistical advantage Barnes had over Jefferson last year is marginal at best. Less minutes and less shots usually translates into better %. Barnes also didn't have the pressure of being a starter, playing behind Carter and Lewis. I think everybody can agree we didn't see the best Richard Jefferson has to offer last year, but he has proved in his career that he is starting level talent. Barnes is, at best, a role/bench player, "defensive" specialist and has a shit attitude on top of it all.

If Jefferson wasn't interested in coming back, why would he have personal workouts with Pop and why would RC say that they were working on getting him back?

Please check your facts at least. Matt Barnes was promoted into the starting magic lineup after the 3rd or 4th week of the season IIRC. He never relinquished that role.

[TJastal]

What's ironic here, is that Jefferson COULDN'T play in the the starting lineup because he didn't MESH with PARKER. His game was much more suited to the run and gun style of the Hill/Ginobili backcourt tandem.

Now people think that he's going to magically fit in with Tony and the gang this year. Going to be epic meltdowns and RJ hate threads, can't wait.

[ohmwrecker]

I didn't say he couldn't shoot threes, I said he was streaky. I'm also pretty sure he wants more money than the Spurs have to spend.

In fact, . . . yep.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2010/07/matt-barnes-would-be-disappointed-if-he-doesnt-return-to-the-magic.html

[ohmwrecker]

Please check your facts at least. Matt Barnes was promoted into the starting magic lineup after the 3rd or 4th week of the season IIRC. He never relinquished that role.

Don't be so obtuse. He started 58 games, you're right, but the Magic had a much stronger rotation at the 2 & 3 positions than the Spurs. And, He didn't play starter minutes even after he was "promoted". You can, at least, admit that.

[ohmwrecker]

What's ironic here, is that Jefferson COULDN'T play in the the starting lineup because he didn't MESH with PARKER. His game was much more suited to the run and gun style of the Hill/Ginobili backcourt tandem.

Now people think that he's going to magically fit in with Tony and the gang this year. Going to be epic meltdowns and RJ hate threads, can't wait.

Tony is the point guard. He is every bit as responsible for not "meshing" as RJ. The problem was that Pop moved him around so much that he didn't get comfortable in his role. RJ needs a defined role on the team. It's not that complicated. Bowen, Barry, Horry and all the former players whose absence is lamented constantly all had defined roles.

[TJastal]

I didn't say he couldn't shoot threes, I said he was streaky. I'm also pretty sure he wants more money than the Spurs have to spend.

In fact, . . . yep.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2010/07/matt-barnes-would-be-disappointed-if-he-doesnt-return-to-the-magic.html

If Barnes wants money he'll sign with the cavs, they quite obviously are ready to offer him some long term type contract/security. Only he hasn't signed there yet, so its a good bet he's exploring other options/looking for something other than $$$. That's what I believe if the spurs gave him a call and offered a reasonable contract (2yr/5m), steady playing time, and a chance to contend for a chip, he'd be all ears.


“But this is a business. From Day One, I think I’ve known that maybe a little better than anybody else in the NBA. So, if they choose not to bring me back, I always say a team’s got to do what’s best for their organization. That’s kind of the way I look at that.”

To his credit, Barnes didn’t express any bitterness toward the Magic when I spoke with him this afternoon

This guy is mature, humble, and realistic, and not at all what he's being made out to be by the spurs fans here.

[ElNono]

If Barnes wants money he'll sign with the cavs, they quite obviously are ready to offer him some long term type contract/security. Only he hasn't signed there yet, so its a good bet he's exploring other options/looking for something other than $$$. That's what I believe if the spurs gave him a call and offered a reasonable contract (2yr/5m), steady playing time, and a chance to contend for a chip, he'd be all ears.

What makes you think the Spurs would offer that? Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but that would be a first with Pop at the helm, right?

[Mel_13]

If Barnes were looking for something other than $$$, he would have exercised his player option and continued as the starting SF for a 59-win team.

[ElNono]

If Barnes were looking for something other than $$$, he would have exercised his player option and continued as the starting SF for a 59-win team.

And if he would be looking for a championship, he could just as easily have signed with the Lakers or Miami, if they're as interested as reported.

[TJastal]

If Barnes were looking for something other than $$$, he would have exercised his player option and continued as the starting SF for a 59-win team.

Barnes opted out figuring to get a better deal with the magic, but they instead signed Quentin Richardson. Kind of spurned at the altar.

[smrattler]

What's ironic here, is that Jefferson COULDN'T play in the the starting lineup because he didn't MESH with PARKER. His game was much more suited to the run and gun style of the Hill/Ginobili backcourt tandem.

Now people think that he's going to magically fit in with Tony and the gang this year. Going to be epic meltdowns and RJ hate threads, can't wait.

(assuming he comes back)

If he works with the coaches & Tony himself during the summer, watches his videos and has a year in the system to reference, I don't think he can fit in worse than he did last year. He can only get better.

It wasn't a physical thing with RJ, it was between the ears, he looked lost or over-thinking at times. He's never been called stupid or anything (ok, he walked away from $15M, I meant ability to learn), I'm sure he can improve at least a little bit in this area.

[ohmwrecker]

This guy is mature, humble, and realistic, and not at all what he's being made out to be by the spurs fans here.

Well, he's matured awfully quickly considering just last season he started a fight vs the Grizzlies and got ejected, got into a verbal altercation with a FAN, and fought with Stan Van Gundy, who called him "too emotional", for the better part of the season.

Here's the last thing I am going to say about it. Jefferson is a free agent. Meaning the Spurs are free to sever that relationship any time they wish. If Barnes was really a much better option than Jefferson why isn't he a Spur yet?


Barnes opted out figuring to get a better deal with the magic, but they instead signed Quentin Richardson. Kind of spurned at the altar.

OK, I lied. That isn't the last thing I am going to say. The Magic chose Quentin "Fucking" Richardson over Barnes . . . I think that says it all.

[TJastal]

And if he would be looking for a championship, he could just as easily have signed with the Lakers or Miami, if they're as interested as reported.

I don't think he has a fondness for Kobe (well neither did Raja Bell for that matter). The heat are cash strapped as hell, and I doubt Barnes will play for the minimum. For sure I bet he'd sign with the lowly cavs before signing for vet's minimum.

[TJastal]

Well, he's matured awfully quickly considering just last season he started a fight vs the Grizzlies and got ejected, got into a verbal altercation with a FAN, and fought with Stan Van Gundy, who called him "too emotional", for the better part of the season.

Here's the last thing I am going to say about it. Jefferson is a free agent. Meaning the Spurs are free to sever that relationship any time they wish. If Barnes was really a much better option than Jefferson why isn't he a Spur yet?

SVG also complimented him in the same interview..saying he's the only guy on the team that hustles. LOL @ you trying to make a big deal out of that.

BFD Barnes got ejected one fucking game, you make it sound like a tragedy. I'm sure SVG was MUCH more worried about Dwight Howard's running T count than Barnes' 1 game ejection.

Barnes isn't a spur yet because Pop is probably piss drunk out at his vineyard.

[Mel_13]

Barnes opted out figuring to get a better deal with the magic, but they instead signed Quentin Richardson. Kind of spurned at the altar.

This is a recurring story with Barnes. I'm not going to call him a douche or a cancer, but this is third consecutive summer that his most recent employer decided not to retain his services despite a reasonably productive tenure with each of those teams.

Summer of 2008: After his second season with the Warriors (the only team to ever retain him for a second season), they didn't offer him a contract and he eventually signed with Phoenix for the minimum.

Summer of 2009: After starting half the season, Phoenix was not interested in keeping him and he signed for 1.6M with Orlando.

Summer of 2010: After starting 58 games for Orlando, Barnes opts out in hopes of getting a better deal. Orlando never makes an offer and signs QRich instead. Swingmen like Morrow, Wright, Bell, and Brewer have signed deals for 3yrs/10M+ and Barnes is still on the market.

I won't pretend to know the exact reasons why Barnes has repeatedly been spurned by the teams that know him best, but clearly reasons exist.

[TJastal]

OK, I lied. That isn't the last thing I am going to say. The Magic chose Quentin "Fucking" Richardson over Barnes . . . I think that says it all.

It's really quite simple, the magic are over the cap and didn't want to give Barnes a big, long term contract that he was expecting to get. It was purely a financial decision IMO.

Barnes really should have realized how cash strapped the team was when he opted out of his last year.

[ohmwrecker]

Barnes really should have realized how cash strapped the team was when he opted out of his last year.

Indeed.

[benefactor]

Barnes...ugh. I'd rather have TMac.

[TJastal]

This is a recurring story with Barnes. I'm not going to call him a douche or a cancer, but this is third consecutive summer that his most recent employer decided not to retain his services despite a reasonably productive tenure with each of those teams.

Summer of 2008: After his second season with the Warriors (the only team to ever retain him for a second season), they didn't offer him a contract and he eventually signed with Phoenix for the minimum.

Summer of 2009: After starting half the season, Phoenix was not interested in keeping him and he signed for 1.6M with Orlando.

Summer of 2010: After starting 58 games for Orlando, Barnes opts out in hopes of getting a better deal. Orlando never makes an offer and signs QRich instead. Swingmen like Morrow, Wright, Bell, and Brewer have signed deals for 3yrs/10M+ and Barnes is still on the market.

I won't pretend to know the exact reasons why Barnes has repeatedly been spurned by the teams that know him best, but clearly reasons exist.

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/steve_aschburner/01/04/matt.barnes/index.html

Stan Van Gundy loves what Matt Barnes has brought to the Orlando Magic. Loves his energy. Loves his toughness. Loves his perpetual motion. And why not? If there's one thing the lean, 6-foot-7 forward knows about, it's moving.

Will Barnes find a permanent home with the Knicks? "I hope so,'' coach Larry Brown said. "He knows how to play. He's much more athletic than I think most people realize, and he's a good, just really sound, solid kid. He tries to guard; he tries to play the right way.''

"Matt will be a very good leader for our team," said coach Don Nelson on the day he named Barnes as one of the Warriors' captains for the 2007-08 season. "He is a guy who earned the respect of his teammates through hard work and dedication. Nothing was handed to this kid. He has overcome a lot of obstacles to be put in this position and that is the kind of player you want representing your team.''

"He's the perfect player for us -- an athletic guy who runs the floor, finishes at the basket, and can shoot the outside shot,'' Suns general manager Steve Kerr said. "He's also a guy who has had big games in the playoffs for Golden State and likes the big stage.''

"There are those guys who bounce around,'' Van Gundy shrugged. "Everybody's got different skills. Once you get past the 'max' guys, everybody's just looking for guys who fit their team. I'm just glad he was available.''

[ElNono]

Yet all of them let him get away, which was the point Mel was making...

Talk is cheap in this league.

[ceperez]

This is a recurring story with Barnes. I'm not going to call him a douche or a cancer, but this is third consecutive summer that his most recent employer decided not to retain his services despite a reasonably productive tenure with each of those teams.

Summer of 2008: After his second season with the Warriors (the only team to ever retain him for a second season), they didn't offer him a contract and he eventually signed with Phoenix for the minimum.

Summer of 2009: After starting half the season, Phoenix was not interested in keeping him and he signed for 1.6M with Orlando.

Summer of 2010: After starting 58 games for Orlando, Barnes opts out in hopes of getting a better deal. Orlando never makes an offer and signs QRich instead. Swingmen like Morrow, Wright, Bell, and Brewer have signed deals for 3yrs/10M+ and Barnes is still on the market.

I won't pretend to know the exact reasons why Barnes has repeatedly been spurned by the teams that know him best, but clearly reasons exist.

Best logic I've heard on why NOT to sign Barnes.

[TJastal]

Barnes...ugh. I'd rather have TMac.

I know... 40% 3pt shooting as a starter is just subpar these days.

Give me Tracy "my FG% has plummeted every year since the year 2000 and I barely play 20 games a year anymore" McGrady :rolleyes

Seriously, what the hell would McGrady give the spurs? Other than taking hoards of incredibly stupid shots and being a lazy piece of fucking shit on defense?

[TJastal]

Best logic I've heard on why NOT to sign Barnes.

Spurs fans want to instead sign McGrady. Best reason I've heard yet to disregard said spur fans.

[benefactor]

It's funny that you posted an article from January about how much SVG loves Barnes...yet refuse to acknowledge things like Barnes calling him out publicly for pulling him out of a game. I'm sure that would go over well with Pop.

http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/03/van-gundy-sticks-by-decision-about-barnes/



He obviously doesn’t trust me down the stretch.

[benefactor]

lol getting mad and shoving a rookie.

[TJastal]

It's funny that you posted an article from January about how much SVG loves Barnes...yet refuse to acknowledge things like Barnes calling him out publicly for pulling him out of a game. I'm sure that would go over well with Pop.

http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/03/van-gundy-sticks-by-decision-about-barnes/

Notice there's a link right below that to an article about Rashard Lewis refusing to re-enter the game.

I think it all depends on the coach, and what they will tolerate. Van Gundy obviously is the type to let those kind of remarks roll off the shoulders, unlike Pop. Different strokes for different folks.

If Barnes played for Pop I would bet the farm he would not be publically critiquing Pop's coaching decisions.

[TJastal]

http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/07/cavaliers-offering-most-money-to-barnes/

Right off that link I found this too.. which just confirms my suspicions.

Source says to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.com that the Cleveland Cavaliers are offering Matt Barnes the most money and playing time but he’s still considering taking less to join contender.

Other options fort Barnes are the Celtics and the Heat.

C'mon Pop get out of the fucking winery and give Barnes a call dammit

[benefactor]

Notice there's a link right below that to an article about Rashard Lewis refusing to re-enter the game.

I think it all depends on the coach, and what they will tolerate. Van Gundy obviously is the type to let those kind of remarks roll off the shoulders, unlike Pop. Different strokes for different folks.

If Barnes played for Pop I would bet the farm he would not be publically critiquing Pop's coaching decisions.
And I would be the farm that this is chance the Spurs aren't willing to take...which seems to be true as there are zero reports of the Spurs being interested.

[benefactor]

http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/07/cavaliers-offering-most-money-to-barnes/

Right off that link I found this too.. which just confirms my suspicions.

Source says to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.com that the Cleveland Cavaliers are offering Matt Barnes the most money and playing time but he’s still considering taking less to join contender.

Other options fort Barnes are the Celtics and the Heat.

C'mon Pop get out of the fucking winery and give Barnes a call dammit
Contender = Lakers, Celtics and Heat. A team who just got swept in the second round is probably not a contender in his mind.

[TJastal]

Contender = Lakers, Celtics and Heat. A team who just got swept in the second round is probably not a contender in his mind.

Not buying this.

Barnes must know the spurs are still going to be perennial contenders until Tim Duncan retires and they've added Splitter. With a solid SF (such as himself) the spurs would be right back in the thick of the hunt.

[TJastal]

And I would be the farm that this is chance the Spurs aren't willing to take...which seems to be true as there are zero reports of the Spurs being interested.

If this IS truly the reason the spurs aren't pursuing Barnes (because Barnes might say something innocuous), then all I gotta say is Pop needs to grow a pair and quit being such an scared little puss.

[Vic Petro]

Not buying this.

Barnes must know the spurs are still going to be perennial contenders until Tim Duncan retires and they've added Splitter. With a solid SF (such as himself) the spurs would be right back in the thick of the hunt.

Disagree. We all believe this as Spurs fans, but no way the rest of the league considers us legit contenders for a championship. Some coaches might, but no way the average NBA player does.

[TJastal]

Disagree. We all believe this as Spurs fans, but no way the rest of the league considers us legit contenders for a championship. Some coaches might, but no way the average NBA player does.

Funny, every interview I see of a player that talks about top contenders they almost invariably always mention the spurs.

[hater]

Welcome back KB10 a.k.a. The Centerpiece

[MaNu4Tres]

TJastal still on the wishful unrealistic scenario where Barnes comes to San Antonio...

:lol

[8FOR!3]

Damnnnnnnnn I want Barnes too!

[TJastal]

TJastal still on the wishful unrealistic scenario where Barnes comes to San Antonio...

:lol

Its not unrealistic at all, if you've been following what's going on. He wants a contender that can offer a reasonable contract and PT. The spurs fit all that criteria.

Barnes could be holding up his spurs uniform tomorrow if Pop would just pick up the goddamn phone and dial his number.

[MaNu4Tres]

Its not unrealistic at all.


:lol

Whatever you say.

[TJastal]

:lol

Whatever you say.

Says the guy who thinks a return of Richard Jefferson on a long term deal to the spurs' starting lineup featuring Tony Parker is the spurs' best available option right now.

:nope

[MaNu4Tres]

Barnes could be holding up his spurs uniform tomorrow if Pop would just pick up the goddamn phone and dial his number.

I wonder why Pop hasn't?








If he has, I wonder why Barnes has yet to mention the Spurs to any media outlet.

http://twitter.com/Matt_Barnes22/status/18131579195


http://hoopshype.com/rumors/tag/matt_barnes


http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2010/07/matt-barnes-says-hes-talked-to-miami.html

http://heathoops.net/2010/07/matt-barnes-to-decide-today/

http://dimemag.com/2010/07/nba-rumor-matt-barnes-to-cleveland/

Where are the Spurs?

[MaNu4Tres]

Says the guy who thinks a return of Richard Jefferson on a long term deal to the spurs' starting lineup featuring Tony Parker is the spurs' best available option right now.

:nope

:lol

A 3 year deal isn't exactly a long-term investment.

And yes R.J is the most realistic and most viable option.

Get a clue

[Mel_13]

Not buying this.

Barnes must know the spurs are still going to be perennial contenders until Tim Duncan retires and they've added Splitter. With a solid SF (such as himself) the spurs would be right back in the thick of the hunt.

So now you consider Splitter not only as a factor this season, but as a reason for Barnes to consider the Spurs to be a true contender. Your Gumby-like flexibility to change your positions is truly impressive.


If Splitter is signed, it will probably take a good 2-3 years just to get used to the nba, then maybe at that time he might start to make some solid contributions.

Isn't really gonna help Tim Duncan in the final few years much. And I don't think Splitter really cares about the financial aspect as much as people are making out. He is going to be much more interested in what type of situation he is going to be in, and with the spurs currently being in a 'win now at all costs mode' in the final window of Duncan's career he is NOT going to want to comei into a pressure cooker and rather he'll wait another two years until Duncan retires then reconsider at that point.

So all this Splitter hype is going to amount to is a pile of beans.


I really question why spurs fans are so adamant as to not want to at least get some value for Splitter in a deal this year. IMO the spurs need the help right now and hoping Splitter pans out in 5 years is not going to help now. Splitter is at best a long shot and FAR from the "sure thing" he is being hyped up to be by his supporters in this forum. He is at best (IMO) a decent and serviceable big man in the euroleauge, but that isn't going to translate to much in the nba.


Who's saying he's the best in Europe? From everything I've seen, Splitter has no post game and is softer than tissue paper. WTF is he going to bring to the team? Oh right, absolutely nothing. He's nothing but a wasted pick.

I'd rather have that Bourrosis guy any day, at least he's a legit 7 foot with muscle that would give the spurs an interior presence which is something they could use, not a softie like Splitter.


If Splitter does decide to come to San Antonio next year (which is doubtful really) I highly doubt he's going to be an impact player for the spurs. The guy has very little athleticism, and is basically stapled to the floor much like Tim Duncan, yet he's shorter and has no post game to speak of. He is not going to compliment Duncan well at all, unless he based his game around being a knockdown perimeter shooter like Nowitski, which he is clearly NOT.

In a league that's getting faster and more athletic by the minute do you guys really think Tiago Splitter is the answer? I'm betting he won't be. At all.


I'm in no way, shape or form counting on this guy even if he decides to make the jump to the pros. Like most European players, it's going to take a good year or two to adjust to the NBA, and I'm betting Splitter will be no different. Some of them never quite make the initial adjustment.

[MaNu4Tres]

:lmao /\

[Blackjack]

So now you consider Splitter not only as a factor this season, but as a reason for Barnes to consider the Spurs to be a true contender. Your Gumby-like flexibility to change your positions is truly impressive.

http://bunny999.up.seesaa.net/image/ouch.jpg

Ouch . . .

[AFBlue]

Barnes could be holding up his spurs uniform tomorrow if Pop would just pick up the goddamn phone and dial his number.

And given that hasn't happened with the lack of overall talent left, aren't you wondering the least bit if perhaps the Spurs don't want to bring in Barnes?

And why is there such insistence on this dude? Is he the difference between a late playoff run or a championship? Is he really THAT much better than anything else out there on the market?

[Anonymous Cowherd]

I'd say more like, we can't get Barnes as a back-up SF.
As a starting SF, our first choice is R-Jeff back. So it's a time management game to see if he's resigning. If not, perhaps we'll go after Barnes.

[ducks]

barnes should have made a decision maybe he is waiting for rj to make up his mind

he tweeted it would be a 2 days a few days ago

[Nathan89]

Mel_13 nice call out.:lmao First time for me to use one of these. If I were him I would be embarrassed to post on here for awhile.

[yavozerb]

So now you consider Splitter not only as a factor this season, but as a reason for Barnes to consider the Spurs to be a true contender. Your Gumby-like flexibility to change your positions is truly impressive.

:lol, :owned.....:lmao...tjastal, your ignorant comments are starting to catch up with you...

[Cane]

:lol, :owned.....:lmao...tjastal, your ignorant comments are starting to catch up with you...

:toast

[TJastal]

So now you consider Splitter not only as a factor this season, but as a reason for Barnes to consider the Spurs to be a true contender. Your Gumby-like flexibility to change your positions is truly impressive.

Splitter himself said most of the improvements in his game happened very recently, that he has started to develop a consistent post game, hook shots, etc etc, all of which has been confirmed by numerous fans and of course his MVP of the league. I had no knowledge of any of this at the time I made those comments.... but if you feel the need to give me the ol' "told ya so" speech go ahead and knock yourself out.

[Mr. Body]

I don't think you will ever, ever see Matt Barnes in a Spurs uniform.

[TJastal]

Mel_13 nice call out.:lmao First time for me to use one of these. If I were him I would be embarrassed to post on here for awhile.

Wasn't the 1st time nor will it be the last time I misjudged a player. Happens to everyone sooner or later. :king

[yavozerb]

Wasn't the 1st time nor will it be the last time I misjudged a player. Happens to everyone sooner or later. :king

This is true, but most of us dont show our ignorance by typing whatever comes to mind when you truly do not know the subject matter.

[AFBlue]

Simmons went the first 95% of this thread completely unmentioned, and now he suddenly has these interesting positive attributes... I think people are just trying to psyche themselves up and looking for a miracle. It's understandable, but I have serious doubts.

Simmons was mentioned in a post along with a group of FA SFs and I just said I liked him the best of the group. Simmons didn't get mentioned for almost 20 pages because there were viable options that were superior to him.

At this point, most of those options have been depleted. With what's left of the top 30, I'd say Bobby Simmons looks like a decent fit (nice size, good corner 3pt shooter, tough defender).

All the hype that Matt Barnes is getting has to be counteracted with some other FA talk...why not Simmons?

[yavozerb]

At this point, I would be content with a RJ signing and having hairston used as his primary back-up. See how hairston does and if need be make an in season trade to upgrade.

[ElNono]

So now you consider Splitter not only as a factor this season, but as a reason for Barnes to consider the Spurs to be a true contender. Your Gumby-like flexibility to change your positions is truly impressive.

We just have to hope Matt Barnes doesn't read TJastal's posts in the Spurs forum... :lol

[TJastal]

This is true, but most of us dont show our ignorance by typing whatever comes to mind when you truly do not know the subject matter.

Well to be fair, not many here really knew what the hell was going on with Splitter, he was more or less covert about his real intentions for a longest time, and probably didn't even know himself what he was going to do until the last second. I guess I'll take my lumps even though I was saying what probably half the board was thinking.

[AFBlue]

We've talked about how RJ's stock has fallen thanks to teams running out of money. But once Barnes gets off the market, doesn't RJ's stock have to start rising due to, at least, supply and demand? He'd basically be the last decent small forward available. That could help push up his value.

And it probably explains why his agent is in a holding pattern. He's probably hoping a team will get desperate once RJ is the last possible impact player on the market . . .

The fact that neither the Cavs or Clippers have jumped on RJ as a potential SF for them doesn't bode well for him already. Just speculation, but he is probably scaring teams away with unreasonable salary demands. I don't think Barnes being scooped up will change that much, if at all.

I could be wrong though...Cavs could get desperate.

[TJastal]

Simmons was mentioned in a post along with a group of FA SFs and I just said I liked him the best of the group. Simmons didn't get mentioned for almost 20 pages because there were viable options that were superior to him.

At this point, most of those options have been depleted. With what's left of the top 30, I'd say Bobby Simmons looks like a decent fit (nice size, good corner 3pt shooter, tough defender).

All the hype that Matt Barnes is getting has to be counteracted with some other FA talk...why not Simmons?

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bobby_simmons/index.html

Since 2007, Simmons history reads like a laundry list of reasons not to show up for work. Nagging injuries, numerous personal matters (5 at least I counted)

Thanks, but no thanks.

[TJastal]

Fixed. :D


At this point, I would be content with a Barnes signing and having hairston used as his primary back-up. See how hairston does and if need be make an in season trade to upgrade.

[ohmwrecker]

Four Hours Later . . .
http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/pierce/DearGodPlsMakeItStop.jpg

[AFBlue]

Four Hours Later . . .
http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/pierce/DearGodPlsMakeItStop.jpg

Seriously...the record is skipping and it's the most annoying part of the song.

I wasn't necessarily opposed to Barnes on the Spurs at first (not that I thought he was THE choice), but now I'm disgusted by the notion and it's TJs fault.

I'm now on the "Anybody But Barnes" train...this includes Bogans, Finley or Mason. Okay, not Mason or Finley...but yeah, Bogans!

[HarlemHeat37]

Looks like Barnes is close to going to Toronto, according to a Cleveland reporter that was close to the dealings between Barnes and the Cavs..

According to David Aldridge, the Spurs aren't in the mix for him..

[timtonymanu]

RJ just needs to hurry up and do what he's gonna do.

What options does he even have out there that's it's taking him so long to decide?

[Dex]

RJ just needs to hurry up and do what he's gonna do.

What options does he even have out there that's it's taking him so long to decide?

Probably waiting for the market to dry up so some desperate team will show him the money.

[benefactor]

Looks like Barnes is close to going to Toronto, according to a Cleveland reporter that was close to the dealings between Barnes and the Cavs..

According to David Aldridge, the Spurs aren't in the mix for him..
Thank God.

[Blackjack]

PDcavsinsider

Forward Matt Barnes is close to a deal with the Toronto Raptors. #Cavs are now out of the running, sources say.
1 minute ago via TweetDeck

[Shastafarian]

Barnes got $5 mil/year

[Blackjack]

STEIN_LINE_HQ

Just filed to ESPN.com: Matt Barnes and Raptors closing in on two-year deal in $10 million range. Will be completed TUES barring late snag

[mingus]

guess this leaves butler.

[mingus]

10 mil! wow...

[Blackjack]

Yeah, he was realistic. LOL

[DesignatedT]

Exactly. Knew Barnes wouldn't settle for LLE type money. Dude is getting 5 mil/year :lmao. Was never an option

[Nathan89]

Sad thing is a lot of you guys didn't want him for 2mil. I bet 10mil is the real reason the spurs did not knock down his door.

[MaNu4Tres]

Yeah, he was realistic. LOL

TJ still thinks so..

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[Blackjack]

WojYahooNBA

Matt Barnes is near agreement on a two-year, $9 million deal with Toronto, with a player option for year two, a league source tells Y!

[DesignatedT]

Sad thing is a lot of you guys didn't want him for 2mil. I bet 10mil is the real reason the spurs were not knocking down his door.

I'm sure the Spurs were knocking on his door. People seem to think that because the player doesn't sign here that the spurs were never interested. I'm sure the Spurs are looking at every possible option and have talked to every available player at that position. Barnes was never going to take LLE type money. He was never an option. People saying "Hurry up and sign Butler" just assume that we have not called him are being unreal also. Butler is holding out for a reason... trying to get a team to throw money at him like this. If the players don't want to come here than they won't come here, but the spurs are definitely looking at all these players.

[Dex]

I think best case scenario for Spurs now is Jefferson and Butler.

[ElNono]

Makes sense for Barnes... he's obviously leaving some money on the table to play for a contender like Toronto, but he'll still get decent money anyways and the PT...

[MaNu4Tres]

I think best case scenario for Spurs now is Jefferson and Butler.

Most realistic..

Jefferson and Nachbar or Simmons

Butler should get more than the 2.365 million the Spurs have available.

Especially considering Barnes new deal and Bell's deal.

[benefactor]

Makes sense for Barnes... he's obviously leaving some money on the table to play for a contender like Toronto, but he'll still get decent money anyways and the PT...
:tu

[Dex]

Most realistic..

Jefferson and Nachbar or Simmons

Butler should get more than the 2.365 million the Spurs have available.

Especially considering Barnes new deal and Bell's deal.

True story.

Which contenders (and semi-contenders) still have money to spend?

Lakers got Blake.
Houston got Miller.
Denver got Harrington.
Phoenix got Warrick.
Celtics got J. O'Neal?

Magic and Dallas still have all their exceptions to play with, iirc. Who am I forgetting?

Point being, he might be willing to take less money to play for a ring, but lord knows we all need a little more off-season speculation.

[Truth4sale$]

There has been too much talk of the importance of Richard Jefferson and the doom and gloom of the small forward position. There are still solid guys available that could bring the same level of play to the Spurs that Richard Jefferson delivered to the spurs. Sometimes guys just need the right situation and a chance. The Spurs Bruce Bowen is a prime example of a journeyman player finding his groove with the right situation. See the article below that mentions 3 names below. Also Jawad Williams probably could be signed for the LLE. Also, did we all forget about Marcus Williams already? It's time to do in another direction. Richard Jefferson is not the right fit. Point Blank!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/421926-nba-free-agency-2010-20-free-agents-still-on-the-market#page/7


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Rodney-Carney-76/

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Antoine-Wright-125/

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jawad-Williams-20/

[Blackjack]

Ya know, Jawad Williams did take the Centerpiece for a ride and we all know how the Spurs like the players that play well against them -- and they do have a tie with him back to his rookie TC.

Doubtful, but it's something.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Holy shit, Barnes got 4.5mil for 2 years!? WTF? He's barely worth the LLE.


Most realistic..

Jefferson and Nachbar or Simmons

Butler should get more than the 2.365 million the Spurs have available.

Especially considering Barnes new deal and Bell's deal.

You are right about Butler although I will continue to hope that he's the kind of guy who will come here for the quality of the organisation and team mates, and an outside chance to win something. That is not out of the realm of possibility given that he's coming from the Clippers! :lol

However, Simmons is looking increasingly likely. Utterly unexciting player, but playing him 24mins a game, and giving the rest to Hairston/Gee is okay I guess.

[HarlemHeat37]

Simmons playing over 20 MPG would be disgusting..

I'm fine with either Jefferson or Butler, not both..I'm not a fan of Jefferson, I don't think he's going to be any better and I hope he'll be a 6th man, but he's a better option than any of the available veterans..

1. Jefferson
2. Butler

None of the other players interest me at all..

I would still be really surprised if any other team shows an interest in Jefferson, so I'm still expecting him to be in San Antonio next season..go with him and Hairston as the backup, if it doesn't work it, there's plenty of time for trades, if needed..

[8FOR!3]

I'll take Nachbar or Morrison to play alongside Jefferson as the backup.

[HarlemHeat37]

I'll take Nachbar or Morrison to play alongside Jefferson as the backup.

Why?..

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I'll take Nachbar or Morrison to play alongside Jefferson as the backup.

Another person who'd rather ignore our youth than develop it. What is with that?

I think we need a vet SF to start (preferably Butler IMHO, but Simmons looking likely), but why not go with Hairston/Gee as the backup? Hairston/Gee can't shoot the 3 reliably yet (I'd suggest that's what they'll be doing all off-season though), but with Hill/Anderson/Bonner we don't need 2nd team 3pt shooters - we need athletes... but you'd rather have Adam Morrison? :lmao

[timvp]

Signing Morrison would be a sign the FO needs new blood.

[DesignatedT]

Morrison can shoot the ball and we need that desperately. If he would take the BAE than I would take him on the roster.

[HarlemHeat37]

Morrison hasn't shown that he can shoot at the NBA level, and that's pretty much all he had going for him..historically bad defender, not a good rebounder, he really doesn't do anything..

[Blackjack]

Spurs want shooting. Nachbar can shoot, and do it from the 3, so he makes sense if they're going to add someone. But as I've been saying, and Harlem and others have posted to as well, what's so terrible about going with the youth behind a re-signed Jefferson?

Look at it this way, the Spurs will have a year under their belt with the group they had last year essentially and the only change to their 3-point shooting would be the exchange of Anderson and Mason -- plus Temple could turn out to be an upgrade as well to the group that ended the years sans Finley.

So I don't see any reason why the team can't excel and thrive earlier on in the season this year with a much more cohesive group and some better personnel. I think they'll eventually have to make a pretty significant move if their goal is to win a title -- which it no doubt is -- but they should be able to put themselves in fine position to start the season and asses the trade market once they've found out what they've got -- I don't want to feel like we never gave the youth a chance to contribute again. No bullets left in the gun . . .

[ace3g]

the problem with all this talk is that there is no guarantee the Spurs want / will resign Jefferson. The Spurs can either wait till the market dries up and low ball him some how get something in return from a trade to a desperate team, either way every second a decision from RJ isn't made, another SF FA is taken

[TJastal]

Like some said, I doubt Pop had any interest in Barnes, which I don't understand given the available options left. He would have given up $$$ to come to a contender like the spurs, and even said so. Missed opportunity by the spurs IMO.

I guess the plan all along has been to resign Jefferson and hope he magically starts to play better alongside Parker (ya right lol).

And Barnes took the money ultimately.. 2yr/9m is pretty good...so much for the popular theory around here that there is somehow something "wrong" with him that nobody is willing to pay the man.

[The Truth #6]

I agree that we will probably get RJ back, and hopefully he's not a trainwreck after throwing away sixteen million. I'd like to see all of temple, gee, and Hairston on the team and hopefully getting a chance to show something. No more Bogans. Or any other wash-ups.

[TJastal]

Might as well que up the "Welcome back, RJ" threads, followed by the "Will RJ start or come off the bench" threads..

[TJastal]

Pop's been personally working with RJ this summer on his game, ya know.

[Blackjack]

WojYahooNBA

For Matt Barnes-to-Toronto, a league source says, "The sign and trade (scenario) is dead." Blamed on a "miscalculation" somewhere in talks.

[Truth4sale$]

The only time the small forward has been a spectacular player in the last twenty years was the Sean Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Lu ck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_ era. The spurs need someone focused on defense and a basic jump shop. Nothing spectacular. Spurs need to turn their sights on a hungry small forward with a chip on his shoulder, aka find a overlooked Stephen Jackson. It might sound complicated but the Dleague has guys that fit the SG/SF mold plus some have been in the system. More important though is to find a big/athletic who can block a shot. Duncan is even less athletic now and don't bet Splitter will be ready day 1.

[AFBlue]

Tell the truth Truth, you did that on purpose didn't you?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lol

[ace3g]

Marc Stein STEIN_LINE_HQ

Updated ESPN.com link to Matt Barnes latest and issues that have endangered his Toronto deal: http://es.pn/ac12Jw

[Whisky Dog]

That's the first time in a long time I've seen that macro work like it should. It usually just pops up randomly in long article posts.

[Whisky Dog]

Matt Barnes could be the last free agent available in the world and Pop wouldn't sign him. Why are y'all following him for?

[TJastal]

Matt Barnes could be the last free agent available in the world and Pop wouldn't sign him. Why are y'all following him for?

Uh, right, that's why rumor is Pop & the FO was trying to get him years ago on several different occasions.

[jiggy_55]

Whats up with you guys and Nachbar? Where is the guy? Who says he wants to be in the NBA now anyways?

[elemento]

We should try Rodney Carney. The guy is atletic, young, pretty good defender, good rebounder. He had a PER of 12.7 last season. Considering the guy played for the minimum, it is amazing. I mean, RJ salary was 15 times bigger and he managed to have a PER of 13.1.
The guy is totally underrated.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

The only time the small forward has been a spectacular player in the last twenty years was the Sean Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Lu ck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_ era. The spurs need someone focused on defense and a basic jump shop. Nothing spectacular. Spurs need to turn their sights on a hungry small forward with a chip on his shoulder, aka find a overlooked Stephen Jackson. It might sound complicated but the Dleague has guys that fit the SG/SF mold plus some have been in the system. More important though is to find a big/athletic who can block a shot. Duncan is even less athletic now and don't bet Splitter will be ready day 1.

1. It is spelled 'Elliott'.

2. Bruce Bowen, anyone?

3. Jax isn't overlooked at all, not around here, anyway. A significant number of posters have advocated to bring back Jax at various times over the last 5 years. Unfortunately, it never happened.

4. The big rotation is almost set: Duncan/Splitter/Dice/Grizzly/Bonner. Like it or not, the 6th big is unlikely to play very much and is likely to be another old vet like Ratliff for the min.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We should try Rodney Carney. The guy is atletic, young, pretty good defender, good rebounder. He had a PER of 12.7 last season. Considering the guy played for the minimum, it is amazing. I mean, RJ salary was 15 times bigger and he managed to have a PER of 13.1.
The guy is totally underrated.

12.7 is still a crappy PER. The average PER is 15. :lol

If only Carney could shoot he might fit, but he shoots 33% from 3 for his career so I doubt he's even on the radar. Also, he Gee and Hairston are pretty similar.

[Chieflion]

1. It is spelled 'Elliott'.

2. Bruce Bowen, anyone?

3. Jax isn't overlooked at all, not around here, anyway. A significant number of posters have advocated to bring back Jax at various times over the last 5 years. Unfortunately, it never happened.

4. The big rotation is almost set: Duncan/Splitter/Dice/Grizzly/Bonner. Like it or not, the 6th big is unlikely to play very much and is likely to be another old vet like Ratliff for the min.

Problem with point 4, I would like to mention that if the next season doesn't pan out well, the scapegoat may very well be Splitter. Like Richard Jefferson's situation, high expectations may lead to huge disappointments. I wouldn't be surpised to see Splitter not perform up to par in the 1st game of the season and everyone starts melting down.

[Interrohater]

F**k it, let's just roll with who we have on the roster now. Eff RJ, eff anybody else, let's drop that ish low and drive down Military Drive on Sunday night with Malik and Zo.

[Chieflion]

Well, I am sure there is a reason the Spurs still left 2.4 million of the MLE not used yet. I don't know if they are going to use it. The could also have done this to avoid the luxury tax. Hopefully, it is used to sign a SF.

[elemento]

12.7 is still a crappy PER. The average PER is 15. :lol

If only Carney could shoot he might fit, but he shoots 33% from 3 for his career so I doubt he's even on the radar. Also, he Gee and Hairston are pretty similar.

We don't have money to get a guy with 15+ PER. Do you know how many SFs in the league got 15+ PER last season ? Only 13. Most of them superstars.

check yourself

insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics

Considering the money and the options that we have, i don't think he is a bad option at all. The guy has a TS of 51.5% (decent shooter), good defender and good rebounder. Hairston and Gee can't shoot. IMO, we need a good perimeter defender b4 a good 3-point shooter. We have Bonner, Manu and James Anderson.

I don't think we could expect more from a guy that plays for the minimum.

Anyway !! i really don't see any better options for the money that we have, but i respect your opinion :toast

[Chieflion]

We don't have money to get a guy with 15+ PER. Do you know how many SFs in the league got 15+ PER last season ? Only 13. Most of them superstars.

check yourself

insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics

Considering the money and the options that we have, i don't think he is a bad option at all. The guy has a TS of 51.5% (decent shooter), good defender and good rebounder. Hairston and Gee can't shoot. IMO, we need a good perimeter defender b4 a good 3-point shooter. We have Bonner, Manu and James Anderson.

I don't think we could expect more from a guy that plays for the minimum.

Anyway !! i really don't see any better options for the money that we have, but i respect your opinion :toast

TS% of 51.5% is below average. It is not good.

[Obstructed_View]

Intersting that you say:


Hairston and Gee can't shoot.

Then follow it up with:


IMO, we need a good perimeter defender b4 a good 3-point shooter. We have Bonner, Manu and James Anderson.

Hairston is a good perimeter defender. Probably the best one the Spurs have on the roster.

And oh, btw, Hairston's TS last year was 55.5%.

[elemento]

Yeah guys, sold on the idea !! Malik had a worse PER but had a better TS.

I think we should stick with Malik as our backup option, even though i think Carney is not bad for the money he gets.

Anyway, it's just hard to find a good SF for the money that we have. In the end, i think we're gonna resign RJ and we can just expect him to step up next season

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We don't have money to get a guy with 15+ PER. Do you know how many SFs in the league got 15+ PER last season ? Only 13. Most of them superstars.

check yourself

insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics

Considering the money and the options that we have, i don't think he is a bad option at all. The guy has a TS of 51.5% (decent shooter), good defender and good rebounder. Hairston and Gee can't shoot. IMO, we need a good perimeter defender b4 a good 3-point shooter. We have Bonner, Manu and James Anderson.

I don't think we could expect more from a guy that plays for the minimum.

Anyway !! i really don't see any better options for the money that we have, but i respect your opinion :toast

Indeed.

I'd rather play Hairston/Gee - I think at this point they have a higher upside than Carney does, although maybe he's a late-bloomer. Generally you know what a player's ceiling is by year 3-4, and Carney's ceiling looks like 8-9th man to me.

Not a bad call to bring him up though. :toast

Would he fit the locker room is the other question?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We don't have money to get a guy with 15+ PER. Do you know how many SFs in the league got 15+ PER last season ? Only 13. Most of them superstars.

check yourself

insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics

Considering the money and the options that we have, i don't think he is a bad option at all. The guy has a TS of 51.5% (decent shooter), good defender and good rebounder. Hairston and Gee can't shoot. IMO, we need a good perimeter defender b4 a good 3-point shooter. We have Bonner, Manu and James Anderson.

I don't think we could expect more from a guy that plays for the minimum.

Anyway !! i really don't see any better options for the money that we have, but i respect your opinion :toast

Indeed.

I'd rather play Hairston/Gee - I think at this point they have a higher upside than Carney does, although maybe he's a late-bloomer. Generally you know what a player's ceiling is by year 3-4, and Carney's ceiling looks like 8-9th man to me.

Not a bad call to bring him up though. :toast

Would he fit the locker room is the other question?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We don't have money to get a guy with 15+ PER. Do you know how many SFs in the league got 15+ PER last season ? Only 13. Most of them superstars.

check yourself

insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics

Considering the money and the options that we have, i don't think he is a bad option at all. The guy has a TS of 51.5% (decent shooter), good defender and good rebounder. Hairston and Gee can't shoot. IMO, we need a good perimeter defender b4 a good 3-point shooter. We have Bonner, Manu and James Anderson.

I don't think we could expect more from a guy that plays for the minimum.

Anyway !! i really don't see any better options for the money that we have, but i respect your opinion :toast

Indeed.

I'd rather play Hairston/Gee - I think at this point they have a higher upside than Carney does, although maybe he's a late-bloomer. Generally you know what a player's ceiling is by year 3-4, and Carney's ceiling looks like 8-9th man to me.

Not a bad call to bring him up though. :toast

Would he fit the locker room is the other question?

[Blackjack]

Sweet ... the rare triple post. :tu

[TJastal]

Sweet ... the rare triple post. :tu

:lol

[Blackjack]

basketballtalk

PBT: Matt Barnes trade to Toronto is dead http://bit.ly/cYwuJ0

[TJastal]

Barnes would play for the spurs' LLE or what's left of the MLE. With SA he'd get steady burn (20+ minutes), and a chance to contend for a championship, as well as a reasonable salary, all the things he claims he's looking for.

[ElNono]

Barnes would play for the spurs' LLE or what's left of the MLE. With SA he'd get steady burn (20+ minutes), and a chance to contend for a championship, as well as a reasonable salary, all the things he claims he's looking for.

He'll probably end up with the Cavs. They have the money and can give him the playing time he wants without having to earn it on the floor...

[MaNu4Tres]

Barnes would play for the spurs' LLE or what's left of the MLE. With SA he'd get steady burn (20+ minutes), and a chance to contend for a championship, as well as a reasonable salary, all the things he claims he's looking for.



http://paragonitpros.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/matt_barnes1.jpg

http://www.schoolnursesupplyinc.com/images/products/51045.jpg

Just let it go already.

[Spurs Brazil]

By Marc Stein
This is the week, by all accounts, that San Antonio and Richard Jefferson will complete the restructured deal that we’ve all assumed had to be forthcoming since Jefferson stunningly opted out of a $15 million salary for next season on the eve of free agency. The specifics in terms of years and dollars remain unknown, but I’ve been assured that Jefferson will officially be back with the Spurs quite soon.
http://espn.go.com/blog/TrueHoop/post/_/id/18437/latest-buzz-rj-shaq-t-mac-more

[RiverwalkParade]

By Marc Stein
This is the week, by all accounts, that San Antonio and Richard Jefferson will complete the restructured deal that we’ve all assumed had to be forthcoming since Jefferson stunningly opted out of a $15 million salary for next season on the eve of free agency. The specifics in terms of years and dollars remain unknown, but I’ve been assured that Jefferson will officially be back with the Spurs quite soon.
http://espn.go.com/blog/TrueHoop/post/_/id/18437/latest-buzz-rj-shaq-t-mac-more

I think the FO has always wanted this. They have waited long enough to get the market value down on RJ and are now ready to sign him up for what he's worth on this team.

Is it possible that most FA SFs have been waiting for this shoe to drop before committing to SA? That way they could cleary see how their role would be defined.

The FO are going to get their guy, but have had to sacrifice other FA possibilities. Who do we sign as his back up? Morrison? Just give me a shooter with heart. That's all I ask for, a 6'7''+ shooter with heart.

[Blackjack]

I'm hoping for a Splitter-esque contract surprise . . .

[8FOR!3]

I think the FO has always wanted this. They have waited long enough to get the market value down on RJ and are now ready to sign him up for what he's worth on this team.

Is it possible that most FA SFs have been waiting for this shoe to drop before committing to SA? That way they could cleary see how their role would be defined.

The FO are going to get their guy, but have had to sacrifice other FA possibilities. Who do we sign as his back up? Morrison? Just give me a shooter with heart. That's all I ask for, a 6'7''+ shooter with heart.

Morrison is a pretty emotional player, can shoot the ball, and he's 6'8. Give him the chance to be a rotational player as the backup SF to RJ and I think he'll shine.

[Spurs Brazil]

RJ is back but we still need a backup; I hope we can sign Butler

[Spurs Brazil]

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2010/7/20/1579172/so-much-for-that-huge-small

So much for that huge small forward market
by Mike Prada

Remember how we said a couple weeks ago that the Wizards have tons of small forward options in free agency this summer? Yeah, about that...

Tony Allen got three years and $10 million to play for the Grizzlies.
Matt Barnes is maybe heading to Toronto, but it might not work with the salary cap. Either way, he's probably not an option.
Ronnie Brewer got three years and $12.5 million to play for the Bulls.
Josh Childress got the full mid-level exception from Phoenix.
Richard Jefferson is about to stay in San Antonio.
Kyle Korver signed for three years and $15 million with the Bulls.
Linas Kleiza got the full mid-level exception from the Raptors.
Wes Matthews got an insane full mid-level offer from the Blazers.
Mike Miller took his talents to South Beach.
Anthony Morrow got a three-year, $12 million offer from the Nets, and Travis Outlaw joined him for the full mid-level exception.
Quentin Richardson signed with the Magic.
Personal favorite Dorrell Wright signed with the Warriors for three years and $11 million.

Therefore, that leaves only Josh Howard, Rasual Butler, Devin Brown, Marquis Daniels, Antoine Wright and Keith Bogans remaining from that original list. There are other options of course, such as (deep breath) Rodney Carney, Joe Alexander, Michael Finley (shudder), Devean George (shudder), Joey Graham, Stephen Graham, Trenton Hassell, Jarvis Hayes, Dominic McGuire, Tracy McGrady (shudder), Adam Morrison (shudder), Sasha Pavlovic, Bobby Simmons, Jerry Stackhouse, Ime Udoka, Damien Wilkins, Quinton Ross and, of course, Cartier Martin, but ...


Okay, nevermind, let's just open this up. Who should the Wizards sign to fill the small forward hole? Should they sign anyone, considering that there are lots of small forwards on the market next year.

[20beastie45]

Morrison is a pretty emotional player, can shoot the ball, and he's 6'8. Give him the chance to be a rotational player as the backup SF to RJ and I think he'll shine.

Even tho he didn't see a lot of minutes, learning from Phil Jackson and competing with Kobe and Lamar everyday in practice has to improve any young player.

eehhh.....50/50 on him backing RJ up...

[Spurs Brazil]

76ers Are Open To Trading Kapono
Jul 20, 2010 5:19 PM EST

The 76ers are open to trading swingman Jason Kapono, reports ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

Stein writes that the Clippers and Kings could have interest in Kapono's three-point shooting ability.

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap/#ixzz0uGenMyyd

[DesignatedT]

76ers Are Open To Trading Kapono
Jul 20, 2010 5:19 PM EST

The 76ers are open to trading swingman Jason Kapono, reports ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

Stein writes that the Clippers and Kings could have interest in Kapono's three-point shooting ability.

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap/#ixzz0uGenMyyd

Kapono for Dice should work.... That's about the only thing possible on our side. They don't want RJ.

[DPG21920]

No way I trade Dice for Kapono. Spurs need Dice.

[MaNu4Tres]

Kapono for Dice should work.... That's about the only thing possible on our side. They don't want RJ.

Not willing to part with Dice this year. Not for Kapono.

Next off-season is when the Spurs will trade the remains of McDyess' partially guaranteed contract. IMO

[DesignatedT]

No way I trade Dice for Kapono. Spurs need Dice.

Was just stating what would work. Not sure what the possibilities are but Antonio already said he plans on retiring after this season. If a team could come to an agreement to buy him out to save money and then he signs right back here for 1 last run that would be awesome.

[DPG21920]

Oh yeah, that would be great. I like Kapono, but I would not give up anything of value for him.

[coyotes_geek]

No way I trade Dice for Kapono. Spurs need Dice.

Absolutely. Blair is coming along nicely, but his D isn't anything remotely close to the caliber Dyess plays. It's going to take someone a lot more special than Jason Kapono to make it worth our while to move Dyess.

[ElNono]

Dyess really stepped it up in the playoffs. In my daily recap of last season, I was re-watching game 6 of the first round and he did an amazing job on Dirk and his jumper was sweet money. He boarded pretty well too, and had that sick block on Terry.
He turned out to be the anti-Bonner... sleepwalked throughout the season but really went to another gear in the playoffs. We'll see if he has one more season left in the tank, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt right now.

[DPG21920]

Dice really turned it up in the playoffs. C_G is right about Dice. He is very valuable, even if he is on his last legs.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Problem with point 4, I would like to mention that if the next season doesn't pan out well, the scapegoat may very well be Splitter. Like Richard Jefferson's situation, high expectations may lead to huge disappointments. I wouldn't be surpised to see Splitter not perform up to par in the 1st game of the season and everyone starts melting down.

Fuck meltdowns. I expect Splitter's first year to be solid but unspectacular. Of course there will be bumps in the road as he adjusts to the NBA game, but he'll get there, and bandwagoner/cliff-jumper-incited meltdowns can go fuck themselves! :lol

The world in general needs to rediscover the virtue of patience. ;)


RJ is back but we still need a backup; I hope we can sign Butler

A lot of people keep saying we have to sign a backup... WTF? We have two ideal backups in Gee/Hairston. How do you think young players develop? By PLAYING. One of our youngsters has to be the backup, surely.

[MaNu4Tres]

Dice really turned it up in the playoffs. . He is very valuable, even if he is on his last legs.

Totally agree.

McDyess was right up there with Bowen with his defense on Dirk last year.

The guy brings it in the playoffs, Spurs will need him again this upcoming May and god-willing June.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Dice really turned it up in the playoffs. C_G is right about Dice. He is very valuable, even if he is on his last legs.


Totally agree.

McDyess was right up there with Bowen with his defense on Dirk last year.

The guy brings it in the playoffs, Spurs will need him again this upcoming May and god-willing June.

Agreed, Dice was awesome on Dirk - totally took him out of his game. Wasn't so great against the Suns, but that's because the pace of the game didn't favour him.

[mountainballer]

with RJ returning I'm pretty sure the Spurs won't use the left MLE money for a SF. they will keep it to either avoid lux tax (depending on the new number for RJ they will likely be about 3 million under) and keep some flexibility for mid season signings.
it would be nice to have another SF, but they don't really need a pure SF to cover the 15 minutes that are left. Manu, Hairston and Anderson are decent options for that Back up minutes.
Spurs will likely still look for a minimum veteran wing, either bring Bogans back, or sign whoever is willing to come in for the minimum. (Bogans? front runner because he is a known quantity. much like Vaughn was. or Hayes? Wright? Simmons? Wilkins?)

[EricB]

Fuck meltdowns. I expect Splitter's first year to be solid but unspectacular. Of course there will be bumps in the road as he adjusts to the NBA game, but he'll get there, and bandwagoner/cliff-jumper-incited meltdowns can go fuck themselves! :lol

The world in general needs to rediscover the virtue of patience. ;)



A lot of people keep saying we have to sign a backup... WTF? We have two ideal backups in Gee/Hairston. How do you think young players develop? By PLAYING. One of our youngsters has to be the backup, surely.


We need a backup who can shoot.

Hairston nor Gee can shoot.

No amount of games against Minnesota or Toronto changes that.

[lurker23]

We need a backup who can shoot.

Hairston nor Gee can shoot.

No amount of games against Minnesota or Toronto changes that.

While I think there's a fairly good chance that the FO signs a veteran shooter to add to the mix, I think there's a pretty decent chance that you could find at least one NBA caliber shooter among the Anderson/Hairston/Gee trio. Anderson shot 37.5% from three-point range in college (closer line, I know), Hairston shot 42.7% on three pointers in the D-League for his career, and Gee shot 39.3% from three in Austin last year.

[Obstructed_View]

While I think there's a fairly good chance that the FO signs a veteran shooter to add to the mix, I think there's a pretty decent chance that you could find at least one NBA caliber shooter among the Anderson/Hairston/Gee trio. Anderson shot 37.5% from three-point range in college (closer line, I know), Hairston shot 42.7% on three pointers in the D-League for his career, and Gee shot 39.3% from three in Austin last year.

Don't try to muck this up with facts.

[Texas_Ranger]

While I think there's a fairly good chance that the FO signs a veteran shooter to add to the mix, I think there's a pretty decent chance that you could find at least one NBA caliber shooter among the Anderson/Hairston/Gee trio. Anderson shot 37.5% from three-point range in college (closer line, I know), Hairston shot 42.7% on three pointers in the D-League for his career, and Gee shot 39.3% from three in Austin last year.

Well shooting in college and shooting in the NBA is a different thing. Just look at Jack McClinton. He had a 45% FG percentage for two and for the three pointer, and he couldn't make a jumper in fucking summer league.
And LOL at Hairston's D-League achievements. He played some games for the Spurs also, and he wasn't really that good. So no thanx for having Malik as our shooter from the bench.
Gee played really good in the summer league, but he is a bad shooter. He can score in the paint and is athletic, but not a shooter. And there will be much more tougher to get in the paint in the NBA than in the summer league.
So I would rather like to see another FA SF on this team.

[mountainballer]

btw: just read about Bobby Jones and that an Italian team is interested in signing him for the next season.(Pesaro)
any thoughts about bringing him back? last season he showed quite some improvement with his shooting. and on defense he would be better than any other of the discussed minimum contract options.
any thoughts?
(he will likely stay in Europe though. point will be guaranteed money)

[MaNu4Tres]

btw: just read about Bobby Jones and that an Italian team is interested in signing him for the next season.(Pesaro)
any thoughts about bringing him back? last season he showed quite some improvement with his shooting. and on defense he would be better than any other of the discussed minimum contract options.
any thoughts?
(he will likely stay in Europe though. point will be guaranteed money)

Anderson, Gee and Hairston are more viable options.

No need for Jones who would be below them on the depth chart.

If Spurs are going to add another wing they should be better than Anderson,Gee and Hairston. If not it would be a waste of money.

[lurker23]

Well shooting in college and shooting in the NBA is a different thing. Just look at Jack McClinton. He had a 45% FG percentage for two and for the three pointer, and he couldn't make a jumper in fucking summer league.
And LOL at Hairston's D-League achievements. He played some games for the Spurs also, and he wasn't really that good. So no thanx for having Malik as our shooter from the bench.
Gee played really good in the summer league, but he is a bad shooter. He can score in the paint and is athletic, but not a shooter. And there will be much more tougher to get in the paint in the NBA than in the summer league.
So I would rather like to see another FA SF on this team.

It never ceases to amaze me how people can shrug off larger data sets because they are contradicted by smaller data sets. Jack McClinton shot nearly 800 three pointers over 120+ games in college, but that's contradicted by a small handful of summer league games? Malik Hairston went 50 for 117 from three point range in the D-League (same three point line as the NBA), but he must suck as an NBA shooter because he went 2 for 12 in mostly garbage minutes for the Spurs?

Listen, I realize there's more to being an effective NBA shooter than being able to hit shots in an empty gym, or college, or even being able to hit them in a scrub league like the NBADL. There's a certain mental toughness you need as an NBA shooter. You need to be able to shrug off misses and take the next shot, even as 20,000 fans are screaming at you. You need to be able to execute your textbook stroke as 6'11", 250 pound men are running toward you. You need to be able to take good shots, pass up bad shots, and learn how to tell the difference. You need to know offensive spacing, where to be on the floor, when to be there, and how to get there around double screens. You need to have the work ethic to practice hundreds of shots, run some sprints, lift some weights, and come back to practice another few hundred shots, most days of the week.

Do any of the young guns the Spurs have meet these requirements? No one knows, including me. But larger data sets have said they have a chance, and I personally think it would be fun to find out.

[mountainballer]

I hear you.
this would pretty much mean we are finished with our roster building. (I'm fine with this). there are some minutes available coming from 3rd option SG (behind Manu and Hill) and 2nd option SF (behind RJ). overall it will be about 25 minutes (at best). Anderson, Hairston, Gee will fight for those minutes. (I get the feeling Hairston won't survive the camp, finally Anderson will play 15MPG and Gee about 10)

[lurker23]

Sorry for that mini-rant Texas_Ranger. Nothing personal, just getting some general stuff about this entire board sometimes off my chest. :toast

For the record, I'm generally not one of the people here who over-hype young talent; quite the opposite, actually. I also have no real problem with the idea of bringing in a veteran SF to back-up RJ, and won't be horribly upset if they do so (though the only available players that seem worth it at the moment are Rasual Butler and MAYBE Bobby Simmons). However, I do like the idea of throwing the young guys into the fire and seeing what happens. The Spurs certainly have some wiggle room to play with during the preseason and beginning of the regular season.

For what it's worth, here's my personal opinions on the three young guys, as far as they relate to being NBA-caliber shooters:

Alonzo Gee: Though he has shown some promise of hitting three-pointers, it still seems that his weakness is outside shooting. While he could surprise me, I think he projects more as a slasher than a shooter.

James Anderson: I think he could be ready in a year or two, with a slight chance that he could be ready this year. More likely, I think he'll have a few growing pains as a rookie, though he may be able to contribute in other ways (e.g.- via his athleticism). If he can develop his game yearly, he has a chance to be a good cog in the post-Duncan era.

Malik Hairston: I really think this guy is ready now. I haven't been on his bandwagon nearly as much as some around here, but his defense and three-point shooting is at a level that the Spurs need to throw him in there and see what happens. I think good things are on the horizon.

[MaNu4Tres]

Lurker FTW

[lurker23]

Oh, and bonus evaluation:

Jack McClinton: The kid really can shoot, but I don't know if he possesses a lot of the other skills and/or work ethic that I listed above. I really haven't seen enough of him to know one way or the other. However, when you're a 6'1" guard, you need to be more than a one-trick wonder to make it in the NBA, and so far McClinton hasn't really shown that he can do much else other than shoot.

[Texas_Ranger]

Sorry for that mini-rant Texas_Ranger. Nothing personal, just getting some general stuff about this entire board sometimes off my chest. :toast

For the record, I'm generally not one of the people here who over-hype young talent; quite the opposite, actually. I also have no real problem with the idea of bringing in a veteran SF to back-up RJ, and won't be horribly upset if they do so (though the only available players that seem worth it at the moment are Rasual Butler and MAYBE Bobby Simmons). However, I do like the idea of throwing the young guys into the fire and seeing what happens. The Spurs certainly have some wiggle room to play with during the preseason and beginning of the regular season.

For what it's worth, here's my personal opinions on the three young guys, as far as they relate to being NBA-caliber shooters:

Alonzo Gee: Though he has shown some promise of hitting three-pointers, it still seems that his weakness is outside shooting. While he could surprise me, I think he projects more as a slasher than a shooter.

James Anderson: I think he could be ready in a year or two, with a slight chance that he could be ready this year. More likely, I think he'll have a few growing pains as a rookie, though he may be able to contribute in other ways (e.g.- via his athleticism). If he can develop his game yearly, he has a chance to be a good cog in the post-Duncan era.

Malik Hairston: I really think this guy is ready now. I haven't been on his bandwagon nearly as much as some around here, but his defense and three-point shooting is at a level that the Spurs need to throw him in there and see what happens. I think good things are on the horizon.

Hey, it's OK.:toast

I hear what you're saying. I'd also really like to see that those 3 young guys can be pretty good. If just one of those turns to be like Hill or Dejuan that would be really something great.
I don't know why, but I just don't believe that they will be good, that's why I'd like to see a veteran guy. But then again young players will sooner or later need to play, so they deserve a chance.
And for me none of those players is a scrub, I just said Hairston didn't show that he is that good. I love to see when young players can step up. Gee is already one of my favourite guys on the team and I just watched him in summer league.
There are still some FA to sign, so we'll just have to wait and see what hapens. :hat

[TJastal]

Fuck meltdowns. I expect Splitter's first year to be solid but unspectacular. Of course there will be bumps in the road as he adjusts to the NBA game, but he'll get there, and bandwagoner/cliff-jumper-incited meltdowns can go fuck themselves! :lol

The world in general needs to rediscover the virtue of patience. ;)



A lot of people keep saying we have to sign a backup... WTF? We have two ideal backups in Gee/Hairston. How do you think young players develop? By PLAYING. One of our youngsters has to be the backup, surely.

Don't waste your bandwidth, Ruff. All these schmucks on this site all think like Pop, they'd rather be lazy shitheads and throw some money at some washed up scrub (like Bogans last year) rather than actually put in the time and effort to develop the new players they have on the roster.

[Obstructed_View]

Well shooting in college and shooting in the NBA is a different thing. Just look at Jack McClinton. He had a 45% FG percentage for two and for the three pointer, and he couldn't make a jumper in fucking summer league.
And LOL at Hairston's D-League achievements. He played some games for the Spurs also, and he wasn't really that good. So no thanx for having Malik as our shooter from the bench.
Gee played really good in the summer league, but he is a bad shooter. He can score in the paint and is athletic, but not a shooter. And there will be much more tougher to get in the paint in the NBA than in the summer league.
So I would rather like to see another FA SF on this team.

Way to go, don't let those statistics sway you. They're all scrubs.

[elemento]

But what options do we have? You guys keep saying we should get a backup SF. Can you guys give us some names? We can't even get Butler with the MLE left.

It's impossible to find a guy with the money we have.

[TJastal]

But what options do we have? You guys keep saying we should get a backup SF. Can you guys give us some names? We can't even get Butler with the MLE left.

It's impossible to find a guy with the money we have.

Hey in another few weeks McGrady's fat, out of shape washed up ass might be desperate enough to sign for the vet min....and then Pop would have an excellent excuse to not have to coach/develop Gee/Hairston

[MaNu4Tres]

Don't waste your bandwidth, Ruff. All these schmucks on this site all think like Pop, they'd rather be lazy shitheads and throw some money at some washed up scrub

:lol

Jefferson is not a washed up scrub by any means.


Giving him a deal 3 yr/24-27 mil or 4 yr/30-32 mil (4th year being partially guaranteed or having a team option) is a good and fair deal to make and it doesn't necessarily hinder the Spurs future by any means.

Explained here..


The only big signing the Spurs can afford the next two off-seasons is Parker because of his bird rights.

With Splitter, Bonner and Anderson signed, the Spurs will only have around 7-8 million in cap space next summer and the following, which is without Jefferson and without Parker signed (with the current CBA; which is most likely to reduce with the new CBA).

Jefferson's new contract won't be the reason why Spurs can't afford a big signing the next two seasons.

The only way they will be able to add players is via MLE.

If R.J gets a 3 year deal worth around 24-27 million with a team option for the fourth year, it won't be an " albatross" around the Spurs' neck and it won't prevent the Spurs from signing a significant free agent because even before his signing they wouldn't be able to afford a player of great ability anyway.

After the first two years is up, (whether if its a 3 year deal strictly or a 4 yr deal with a team option for the 4th yr.) a 7-9 million dollar expiring contract is nothing to gripe about and is relatively easy to move to a team trying to shave off cap space or to a team trying to add a piece for a potential title run (since it's expiring).

And if for some crazy reason no team is interested in his expiring contract, the Spurs will only have Manu, R.J, Splitter, Bonner, Hill, Anderson, Blair under contract (as of now) worth a total of 38-39 million. Add in the 2011 1st rounder and the MLE for 2011 (if they use it) the Spurs will be left with around 15-17 million in cap space to be a significant player in the free agent market in the summer of 2012.

And in the following summer in 2013, Manu and R.J's (if its a 3 year deal or 3 yr deal + team option for the 4th) will come off the books and Spurs will have even more money to splurge.

As you can see Jefferson's new contract doesn't exactly hand-cuff or become an albatross to the Spurs by any means.

[TJastal]

:lol

Jefferson is not a washed up scrub by any means.


Giving him a deal 3 yr/24-27 mil or 4 yr/30-32 mil (4th year being partially guaranteed or having a team option) is a good and fair deal to make and it doesn't necessarily hinder the Spurs future by any means.

Explained here..

Unless I'm mistaken, Ruff was only referring to the sf backup, which many Popologists here are clamoring for YET ANOTHER signing in addition to Jefferson which would probably completely shut out any chance of Gee or Hairston to crack the rotation. Totally unnecessary IMO.

But hey, now that you've brought up Jefferson, spurs should have just let him go his separate way, his value is limited because he wasn't productive at all until Pop paired him up with Ginobili and Hill. And unless Pop plans to bring Parker off the bench again his game will go back into the toilet.

[coyotes_geek]

Unless I'm mistaken, Ruff was only referring to the sf backup, which many Popologists here are clamoring for YET ANOTHER signing in addition to Jefferson which would probably completely shut out any chance of Gee or Hairston to crack the rotation. Totally unnecessary IMO.


Is the Spurs goal for this season to be the best basketball team possible, or is it to do whatever is best for the personal careers of Malik Hairston and Alonzo Gee? Personally, I think the Spurs should be trying to be the best team possible. If that means signing another veteran SF to improve the team's depth and Hairston's and Gee's chances of cracking the rotation suffer because of it, so be it. If they can't earn their spot in the rotation because better players are ahead of them, then tough shit for them.

[TJastal]

Is the Spurs goal for this season to be the best basketball team possible, or is it to do whatever is best for the personal careers of Malik Hairston and Alonzo Gee? Personally, I think the Spurs should be trying to be the best team possible. If that means signing another veteran SF to improve the team's depth and Hairston's and Gee's chances of cracking the rotation suffer because of it, so be it. If they can't earn their spot in the rotation because better players are ahead of them, then tough shit for them.

Problem is, this strategy of signing scrubs (Bogans) and/or holding onto washed up billygoats (Finley) who are well past their glory days hasn't been working out lately.

So your theory of "being the best team possible" isn't suceeding. Especially considering all the wasted minutes that could have been invested into young players and been paying dividends by now.

[coyotes_geek]

Problem is, this strategy of signing scrubs (Bogans) and/or holding onto washed up billygoats (Finley) who are well past their glory days hasn't been working out lately.

So your theory of "being the best team possible" isn't suceeding. Especially considering all the wasted minutes that could have been invested into young players and been paying dividends by now.

I hate to break this to you, but that d-league prospect strategy isn't paying too many dividends these days either. If James White and Marcus Williams,........err I mean Keith Langford and Melvin Sanders,.....err I mean Desmond Farmer and Jeremy Richardson,....errr I mean Malik Hairston and Alonzo Gee are really all that, then beating out some "washed up billygoat" shouldn't be a problem.

[HarlemHeat37]

Hairston did beat out Bogans last year, so while I understand your point, I don't think it's valid here..generally when 2 players are of similar talent levels(so a scrub like Bogans vs. an unproven player like Hairston), the guy that performed a lot better in preseason would probably get the nod..unless the vet is familiar with the system, which Bogans was not..it's fair to say that coaches like Pop are like that..

Either way, the backup SF/9th or 10th man in the rotation isn't going to win you or lose you an NBA title under any circumstance..I would rather get an unknown player with upside, as opposed to a vet that is already past his prime, which is pretty much the only other option the Spurs have..the Spurs have nothing to lose by giving these young players a chance at the 9th or 10th spot in the rotation IMO..



I also disagree with the point about not using Hairston and Gee because they aren't proven shooters..you have to have a mix of shooters and slashers, not just shooters..the Spurs lacked shooters last year, but if you recall the years prior, they had too many shooters and not enough slashers/athleticism..

Anderson is supposed to be a shooter, so having a defensive/athletic alternative in Hairston or Gee for situational purposes is the right move IMO..

[benefactor]

Rasual Butler has now been renounced.

[DesignatedT]

Im fine with signing RJ and calling it an off-season. Unless maybe Butler is interested. He is probably better than Hairston or Gee at the moment. Other than that I would rather RJ start and let Hairston/Gee/Anderson get some backup minutes rather than some scrub like nachbar or simmons

[tdunk21]

Im fine with signing RJ and calling it an off-season. Unless maybe Butler is interested. He is probably better than Hairston or Gee at the moment. Other than that I would rather RJ start and let Hairston/Gee/Anderson get some backup minutes rather than some scrub like nachbar or simmons

this....

[DesignatedT]

I honestly believe this team can contend as is. While we did get swept last season we weren't that far behind the competiton to be honest. We rarely had parker on the floor all season and he was pretty ineffective coming back since he was so out of sync and unfamiliar. I think if RJ improves and Blair and Hill continue to get better than we are right there in the hunt. Tony will be a beast next season during his contract year and if we can get some solid play out of Splitter/Anderson/Hairston rather than Mason and Bogans than were seeing a huge improvement right there. This team is good enough.

[DPG21920]

I completely disagree. This team is no where near a true contender as is.

[DesignatedT]

I completely disagree. This team is no where near a true contender as is.

So what do you propose we do? We did beat the #2 seed in the west last season before we ran out of gas and faced the worst matchup possible.

[DPG21920]

I don't think there is any thing they can do. The best option was a S&T for RJ, but that ship has sailed. The best they can hope for is some unexpected trade to happen that works out perfectly.

Other than that, we will just have to be content with being a very solid basketball team that has no shot at a title imo.

The difference between the number 2 seed last year and the number 1 seed was far greater than the difference between everyone else.

[coyotes_geek]

I honestly believe this team can contend as is. While we did get swept last season we weren't that far behind the competiton to be honest. We rarely had parker on the floor all season and he was pretty ineffective coming back since he was so out of sync and unfamiliar. I think if RJ improves and Blair and Hill continue to get better than we are right there in the hunt. Tony will be a beast next season during his contract year and if we can get some solid play out of Splitter/Anderson/Hairston rather than Mason and Bogans than were seeing a huge improvement right there. This team is good enough.

The Spurs should be better than last year, but if you want to use the word "contend" then that means going through the lakers. I just don't see the Spurs, as currently configured, having the offensive firepower, the depth or enough size up front to take them down.

[DesignatedT]

Yes contend for a title. Phoenix last year was contending for a title. they were 1 of 4 teams left in the whole NBA. Do I think we are better than LA? Of course not but there are many things that can change that throughout the season. Do I think when healthy we can and are still the 2nd best team in the west? I do.

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN
Yes. And Yes. RT @mikewu43 Do the Spurs look to sign a backup to RJ or will they let Hairston/Gee/Neal duke it out for backup spot?

[Spurs Brazil]

McGrady Had Physical With Clippers Tuesday
Jul 21, 2010 3:34 PM EST

Tracy McGrady underwent a physical with the Clippers on Tuesday and was scheduled to work out for the team on Wednesday.

It was reported last week that McGrady would work out for the Clippers on Tuesday.

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap/#ixzz0uLeVpDKj

[Spurs Brazil]

It looks like Anderson will be the backup SF.

Maybe the Spurs will sign Simmons or Hayes for a minimum contract

[tdunk21]

rasual butler gone

[Obstructed_View]

I certainly hope they're not talking about making Neal a backup 3.

[SenorSpur]

It looks like Anderson will be the backup SF.

Maybe the Spurs will sign Simmons or Hayes for a minimum contract

Even though the 2 & 3 positions are interchangeable in the Spurs system, I personally, don't think Anderson is suited for the 3 spot. He's too small and not nearly physical enough to guard the typical NBA 3 men. He'd be better off seeing his action at the 2 spot.

Gee, on the other hand, is more physical, rebounds well and defends a heckuva lot better. He and Hairston should get the lionshare of minutes behind RJ.

[tdunk21]

well it looks like out of the top 15 only josh howard and the euro player is all that's left. With the 2.4 or 2.08 the spurs can offer they should either take a gamble on howard or just play gee.

+1

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I guess it's Gee.

[Spurs Brazil]

The 2 players the Spurs may look are Hayes and Simmons but I think they'll go with Gee and Malik. I think we need one more vet at SF but I think it won't happen

[ace3g]

Pete Mickeal stays in Barcelona

Another year with Regal Barça for the American

Regal Barcelona announced that Pete Mickeal will stay with the team another season. Mickeal was one of the most dominant players in Euroleague last year averaging 12ppg.

http://www.sportando.net/eng/europe/spain/11679/pete_mickeal_stays_in_barcelona.html

[mountainballer]

The 2 players the Spurs may look are Hayes and Simmons but I think they'll go with Gee and Malik. I think we need one more vet at SF but I think it won't happen

vets like Hayes and Simmons don't change the whole picture. much like Bogans and Udoka didn't. Gee and Malik at least offer some upside. little upside, but still upside.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Unless I'm mistaken, Ruff was only referring to the sf backup, which many Popologists here are clamoring for YET ANOTHER signing in addition to Jefferson which would probably completely shut out any chance of Gee or Hairston to crack the rotation. Totally unnecessary IMO.

But hey, now that you've brought up Jefferson, spurs should have just let him go his separate way, his value is limited because he wasn't productive at all until Pop paired him up with Ginobili and Hill. And unless Pop plans to bring Parker off the bench again his game will go back into the toilet.

At this point in the discussion, yes, I was just referring to the backup SF. It's pretty clear to me that we don't need a scrub vet when we have two young-uns with potential who need some minutes to show us what they've got.

On other matters, this year is a real test for RJ... blurgh. I was going to write something about RJ, but you know what, I can't be bothered. Fuck the RJ signing. I hate it. Such a short-term bullshit move. I'm going to leave off talking about him for a few months and see if I can get over it because I really don't want to go into the season hating on a Spur. That's not my style. :depressed

[Obstructed_View]

At this point in the discussion, yes, I was just referring to the backup SF. It's pretty clear to me that we don't need a scrub vet when we have two young-uns with potential who need some minutes to show us what they've got.

On other matters, this year is a real test for RJ... blurgh. I was going to write something about RJ, but you know what, I can't be bothered. Fuck the RJ signing. I hate it. Such a short-term bullshit move. I'm going to leave off talking about him for a few months and see if I can get over it because I really don't want to go into the season hating on a Spur. That's not my style. :depressed

I don't mind hating on a Spurs player, but I'm always rooting for him to prove me wrong when gametime rolls around.

[yavozerb]

At this point in the discussion, yes, I was just referring to the backup SF. It's pretty clear to me that we don't need a scrub vet when we have two young-uns with potential who need some minutes to show us what they've got.

On other matters, this year is a real test for RJ... blurgh. I was going to write something about RJ, but you know what, I can't be bothered. Fuck the RJ signing. I hate it. Such a short-term bullshit move. I'm going to leave off talking about him for a few months and see if I can get over it because I really don't want to go into the season hating on a Spur. That's not my style. :depressed

When RJ was making 13-15 mil people hated him for making so much...
Now RJ will be making 8 mil and people still hate for making so much..
C'mon people, the spurs have next to nothing at SF without RJ. Some of you are dreaming if you really think Hairston and/or Gee will ever become legit NBA players. It is always funner to root for the young up and coming player but yall need a dose of reality. Good organizations do not put on the line the entire season on HOPING that one of these young guys will develop into a solid player, they pay for established pieces and feel in the gaps with these young guys so that if they do not develop (which majority do not) then the season is not a lost cause and if they do develop you have cheap players signed for years to come and have something for the following season to build on. Back to my original reason for posting, why hate the player when we all know the organization (esp. the spurs) runs things to a T and nothing is done by chance. Hate the spurs front office not the players for accepting contracts offered to them and if you cannot get over that then it may be time to root for another team..With that said I am looking forward to another winning season. :flag:

[mingus]

i would bet money on RJ becoming a better 3-point shooter next year. i can guarantee that Pop told him to focus on that. he's was pitifully bad last year in this area, but it was the first time in his career he was asked to be somewhat of a spot up shooter on offense. he doesn't have to be great shooting it from everwhere, just a spot on the floor to help this team out a lot. we saw Hill be able to hit the corner three with accuracy this year and we saw how much that helped the team. i expect the same from RJ. At least we can know that this is definitely an aspect of his game he worked on over the summer, now question about that. he shot 39% for a year with the Bucks so there's reason to believe he can still work out for this team. so I see Hill as someone who you can compare in terms of his 3-point shot after a year with the Spurs.

[ace3g]

Well with Butler going back to the Clips and Howard going back to the Wizards these SF are left:

18. Bobby Simmons
19. Tracy McGrady
20. Jarvis Hayes
21. Bostjan Nachbar
22. Rodney Carney
23. Stephen Graham
24. Alan Anderson
25. Devin Brown
27. Joey Graham
29. Keith Bogans
30. Damien Wilkins

So either the Spurs are going to stick with one of their young guys, Gee or Hairston as the back up SF or they have some secret SF player none of us have thought of

[cd98]

Given the remaining players, they are better off staying under the luxury cap and seeing what the young guys can do.

Some, if not all, of those guys will be available to pick up if things don't work out with Hairston or Gee.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I don't mind hating on a Spurs player, but I'm always rooting for him to prove me wrong when gametime rolls around.

Me too. I hope RJ proves me wrong, but I doubt he'll be much better than the patchy bullshit he submitted last year.


When RJ was making 13-15 mil people hated him for making so much...
Now RJ will be making 8 mil and people still hate for making so much..
C'mon people, the spurs have next to nothing at SF without RJ. Some of you are dreaming if you really think Hairston and/or Gee will ever become legit NBA players. It is always funner to root for the young up and coming player but yall need a dose of reality. Good organizations do not put on the line the entire season on HOPING that one of these young guys will develop into a solid player, they pay for established pieces and feel in the gaps with these young guys so that if they do not develop (which majority do not) then the season is not a lost cause and if they do develop you have cheap players signed for years to come and have something for the following season to build on. Back to my original reason for posting, why hate the player when we all know the organization (esp. the spurs) runs things to a T and nothing is done by chance. Hate the spurs front office not the players for accepting contracts offered to them and if you cannot get over that then it may be time to root for another team..With that said I am looking forward to another winning season. :flag:

Good organisations also do not commit themselves to immovable contracts for 30yo players who don't fit the team, which is effectively what they've done with RJ. That contract took away any hope we'll improve at SF for at least 2-3 years because they will have to play RJ on that contract, and I can't see any other team trading for it until it is expiring.

But okay, you do make a decent point, I'll hate on the FO for the contract. I'll still hate on RJ for being such an inconsistent sack of shit though - that is, unless he proves me wrong, which I really hope he does.

[8FOR!3]

If it's Morrison, Nachbar, or T-Mac, I'm gonna be a happy sumbitch.

[ohmwrecker]

Me too. I hope RJ proves me wrong, but I doubt he'll be much better than the patchy bullshit he submitted last year.



Good organisations also do not commit themselves to immovable contracts for 30yo players who don't fit the team, which is effectively what they've done with RJ. That contract took away any hope we'll improve at SF for at least 2-3 years because they will have to play RJ on that contract, and I can't see any other team trading for it until it is expiring.

But okay, you do make a decent point, I'll hate on the FO for the contract. I'll still hate on RJ for being such an inconsistent sack of shit though - that is, unless he proves me wrong, which I really hope he does.
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