Top 30 Spurs Small Forward Free Agent Targets

[024]

since butler is now gone, i would just give the young wings some burn. at least one of them must be a legit nba player. tmac would be nice but i doubt he'll come to the spurs.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

http://trinitypastor.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/broken_record.jpg

No shit.

Butler signed for 1 year.

We could have had him for 7.5/3 yrs, saved 32mil, and had a player who both fits our team better and who we could cast off at any time in favour of a younger guy (like through the draft or whatever the exception will be).

You'll have to shatter that record now. :lmao

[benefactor]

With Hairston gone, it looks like all the Spurs have backing up the SF position are Gee and Anderson. Not signing a vet would be pretty foolish now.

[benefactor]

At the very least the Spurs should work out TMac to see what is there. Re-signing RJ to "keep the window open" becomes even more pointless if they have zero quality depth behind him.

[RiverwalkParade]

Any chance we do a S&T of RMJ with Chicago for James Johnson?

[Seventyniner]

Any chance we do a S&T of RMJ with Chicago for James Johnson?

Interesting thought. I doubt Chicago does this unless we include a pick or some cash, because they could just sign RMJ outright.

[RiverwalkParade]

RMJ + CHAs 2016 2nd round and a 2011 2nd for James Johnson

then sign Stephen Graham for the min

Waive Jerrells

Keep the best two of the following three at deadline: Gee, Graham, Johnson, in order to avoid lux tax

[ace3g]

missing out on players like Barnes and Butler are even worse now. The Spurs better have some "secret" plan for the back up SF spot. They must have known Hairston was going to sign with this team (probably the reason he didn't play in summer league). TMAC, Alan Anderson, and Nachbar are they only reasonable SF available.

[mountainballer]

Joey Graham to the Cavs!


Joey Graham agrees to a two-year deal with Cavaliers with terms undisclosed, his agent Byron Irvin tells Yahoo! Sports.
http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/19916276427

[Truth4sale$]

Spurs need to keep an eye on Cartier Martin. A young small forward that can dribble,shoot and play solid defense. He has bounced around a bit, so there are some flaws but he maybe able to till a need. Right now he was invited to the Wizards training camp but with the signing of Josh Howard, he will be a long shot. Plus, he is cheap.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Cartier-Martin-381/

[Truth4sale$]

Stephen Graham would be a nice pickup too
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Stephen-Graham-443/


I am still hoping to fill the end of the bench with a defensive player with a bit of size and enough offensive game to keep opposing defense honest.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Hairston to Europe was quite a surprise - I figured him for the backup SF spot.

If we could grab James Johnson for not much I'd be all over that - he'd give us a big, mobile SF/PF tweener for guarding big SFs and mobile PFs, something we lack. He's also good on the boards and likes to block shots.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Hairston to Europe was quite a surprise - I figured him for the backup SF spot.

If we could grab James Johnson for not much I'd be all over that - he'd give us a big, mobile SF/PF tweener for guarding big SFs and mobile PFs, something we lack. He's also good on the boards and likes to block shots.

:tu bingo

[kbrury]

Hairston to Europe was quite a surprise - I figured him for the backup SF spot.

If we could grab James Johnson for not much I'd be all over that - he'd give us a big, mobile SF/PF tweener for guarding big SFs and mobile PFs, something we lack. He's also good on the boards and likes to block shots.

Yeah I would like to get him as well for the backup spot, I was wondering couldn't we just S&T Mason for him? Since Chicago was looking at Mason I believe.

[timtonymanu]

I'd be all for James Johnson coming here.

Sign and trade Mason + one of Bonner's sandwiches for Johnson.

[DesignatedT]

Johnson would be a good pickup.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Do you reckon we might look at Marcus Williams?
We know him well - opinions? How did he do in the Summer League?

[ajballer4]

Both of the Grahams are trash. Seriously, we dont need them

[ohmwrecker]

Yeah I would like to get him as well for the backup spot, I was wondering couldn't we just S&T Mason for him? Since Chicago was looking at Mason I believe.

I don't know why Roger Mason would do the Spurs any favors, but It sure would be cool if he did. The Bulls were looking at Keith Bogans as well.

[benefactor]

If the Spurs are looking to go cheap and stay out of the tax, Qyntel Woods or the other Pietrus might be interesting on an unguaranteed deal/camp invite. There are problems with both, of course...as Pietrus has zero offensive ability to speak of and Woods has quite the history of a troublemaker.

[TD 21]

I've got a realistic trade that could fill the backup SF spot and potentially the stopper role: Gee and a 2nd round pick for Young.

With Gay, Mayo, Henry and Allen, Young is expendable. Allen in particular makes him expendable, because he's of the same ilk and will be taking on Young's role.

Plus, Hollins supposedly wants another PG (Conley is their only true PG; Mayo/Vasquez are set to handle the backup duties), but Heisley is supposedly too cheap to okay that. They could waive Gee, who's contract is not guaranteed, then take the open roster spot/savings from that to sign a backup PG.

For the Spurs, this would put them at least two deep at every position, give them another true SF and a potential answer to the stopper role. It would also allow them to continue to get younger and more athletic (granted, Gee is younger and more athletic than Young, but whereas I doubt Gee will be in the rotation, Young more than likely would be), while barely increasing payroll.

[benefactor]

Young and Blair...together again. :)

I'd trade Gee and a pick for Sam Young in a heartbeat.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I've got a realistic trade that could fill the backup SF spot and potentially the stopper role: Gee and a 2nd round pick for Young.

With Gay, Mayo, Henry and Allen, Young is expendable. Allen in particular makes him expendable, because he's of the same ilk and will be taking on Young's role.

Plus, Hollins supposedly wants another PG (Conley is their only true PG; Mayo/Vasquez are set to handle the backup duties), but Heisley is supposedly too cheap to okay that. They could waive Gee, who's contract is not guaranteed, then take the open roster spot/savings from that to sign a backup PG.

For the Spurs, this would put them at least two deep at every position, give them another true SF and a potential answer to the stopper role. It would also allow them to continue to get younger and more athletic (granted, Gee is younger and more athletic than Young, but whereas I doubt Gee will be in the rotation, Young more than likely would be), while barely increasing payroll.

I like the idea of Sam Young, but your trade scenario makes little sense in that they wouldn't want Gee, they'd want Temple. I think the franchise has to determine what they are going to do with Parker before they let Temple go, because he looks to be a backup PG at the very least, and has that rare mix of size, speed and shooting at the PG. If they'd take Gee, I'd do it, but until the Parker situation shakes out I wouldn't move Temple.

[benefactor]

I like Temple too...but it would be foolish to say no to Sam Young, especially with the SF situation the Spurs are facing.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I like Temple too...but it would be foolish to say no to Sam Young, especially with the SF situation the Spurs are facing.

So then Parker walks away and we have to totally rebuild at the PG?

I know what you're saying, but since they let Malik go I think the FO must have something up their sleeve for backup SF as it is not in their nature not to have a plan B.

Pay Parker, then trade Temple for Young I guess. I have to say though that I really liked what Temple showed late last season. I think he might end up a starter, or at the very least a good backup, and he creates all kinds of mismatches with his height. I really hate to give up on the guy.

James Johnson or Sam Young would be excellent trades/S&Ts to pull off at this point.

[benefactor]

If Parker walks the Spurs are in complete rebuild mode...not just at the PG.

Here and now is the priority and for this year Young would be the perfect fit for the back up SF spot both in price and ability. The Spurs seemed to think so too...as they had their eyes on him before Blair fell to them .

[MaNu4Tres]

I find it pretty amusing how everyone is so adamant on adding a small forward with length and that can shoot the three, yet Sam Young provides neither.

[Chieflion]

I find it pretty amusing how everyone is so adamant on adding a small forward with length and that can shoot the three, yet Sam Young provides neither.

So true.

[Darkwaters]

If you're going to trade them an unguaranteed contract that they will just waive why sacrifice Gee? Give them Jerrells and keep Gee with the Toros.

[mountainballer]

where does the Sam young talk come from? were there rumors he is on the block? if yes, he is an intriguing option, if the price is reasonable. right, he isn't long, but has a good wingspan and is really strong. he shot decent in his last college years, maybe last season was bad because of adjustment struggle.
however, but why should the Grizzlies want to trade him?
if they think they have to many wings and forwards, wouldn't they try to get rid of Carroll, who played much worse than Young, despite being drafted in the 1st round.

[mountainballer]

before this turns into a trade proposals thread:
from the remaining FAs, Hayes seems to be the best option. by far IMO.

[TD 21]

I like the idea of Sam Young, but your trade scenario makes little sense in that they wouldn't want Gee, they'd want Temple. I think the franchise has to determine what they are going to do with Parker before they let Temple go, because he looks to be a backup PG at the very least, and has that rare mix of size, speed and shooting at the PG. If they'd take Gee, I'd do it, but until the Parker situation shakes out I wouldn't move Temple.

Gee, Temple, it doesn't really matter. Obviously, I'd prefer to keep Temple in this scenario, because the Spurs would be set on the wings, making Gee expendable, but I don't see Temple as a deal breaker. At best, I see him as an adequate backup combo guard, but he's a replaceable piece.

Plus, the Grizzlies may prefer a true PG and a veteran one. They already have a rookie combo guard to play backup PG, so even if Temple had to go in the deal, there's a chance he would be waived too.


I find it pretty amusing how everyone is so adamant on adding a small forward with length and that can shoot the three, yet Sam Young provides neither.

But he is a true SF, inexpensive, young, athletic and could fill the wing defender off the bench role. He's also a guy who can fill in as a starting SF if Jefferson goes down, which is something the Spurs don't currently have.

My main issue with Young is he'd be another Spurs wing who could provide one of shooting or defense (in his case, defense), but not both. They need one player who can provide both.

But I still see this as worthwhile if the Grizzlies would do it. Not only would it improve the team next season, but it would give them another decent trade asset going forward. Young has more value than Gee and Temple.


where does the Sam young talk come from? were there rumors he is on the block? if yes, he is an intriguing option, if the price is reasonable. right, he isn't long, but has a good wingspan and is really strong. he shot decent in his last college years, maybe last season was bad because of adjustment struggle.
however, but why should the Grizzlies want to trade him?
if they think they have to many wings and forwards, wouldn't they try to get rid of Carroll, who played much worse than Young, despite being drafted in the 1st round.

This is why I think the Grizzlies would be open to trading him in the type of deal I suggested: With Gay, Mayo, Henry and Allen, Young is expendable. Allen in particular makes him expendable, because he's of the same ilk and will be taking on Young's role.

Plus, Hollins supposedly wants another PG (Conley is their only true PG; Mayo/Vasquez are set to handle the backup duties), but Heisley is supposedly too cheap to okay that. They could waive Gee, who's contract is not guaranteed, then take the open roster spot/savings from that to sign a backup PG.

Similar to the Brockman trade, the Kings traded him because they were well stocked with bigs and he was no longer needed. I realize he's a lesser prospect than Young, but the same logic applies here. Young isn't a blue chipper, to where I could see them not wanting to move him unless it's a no brainer type of deal.

When you're as cheap a franchise as the Grizzlies, you have to prioritize. They're well stocked on the wings and they have Young's role covered with Allen, so why not look to fill a more pressing need (backup PG)? This would give them the money/roster space to do so.

Carroll is irrelevant. He's not going to be in the rotation unless he plays exclusively at PF and beats out Arthur as the primary backup. Short of that, he's likely to be the 12th man. Trading Young makes sense because he's a wasted asset sitting on the bench.

[elemento]

No way the Grizz would trade Young for Temple or Gee. They would want Hill or DB.

[TD 21]

No way the Grizz would trade Young for Temple or Gee. They would want Hill or DB.

I'm not saying they for sure would, but this trade or a similar type of trade makes sense for them. Young has no role now or going forward, unless they're going to exclusively use Mayo as the backup PG or Gay as the backup PF. But even if they did do either of those things, that would probably just mean more minutes for Henry and Allen. Unless both of these scenarios occur simultaneously (which is unlikely), Young's probably not getting anything resembling consistent minutes.

This proposed trade, from their perspective, is not about getting equal value as much as it is it's about clearing a roster spot/salary to sign a backup PG. They claim they expect to make the playoffs next season. They're already going to be hard pressed, but if they think they can get by with Conley as their lone true PG, then they're only going to the task even more difficult.

If they take the savings from this, sign a decent backup PG, squeak into the playoffs and get a few home playoff games, that's more valuable for a franchise like that than having a so-so prospect, who has no role now or going forward, rotting on the bench. Plus, not that it's great value, but they'd get a 2nd round pick back as well.

When you're that cheap of a franchise, trades like this should be considered. Maybe this exact one isn't great for them, but something similar makes sense. Unless they can trade him straight up for a capable backup PG who makes less than $1 million.

[mountainballer]

When you're as cheap a franchise as the Grizzlies, you have to prioritize. They're well stocked on the wings and they have Young's role covered with Allen, so why not look to fill a more pressing need (backup PG)? This would give them the money/roster space to do so.


hm. wouldn't a franchise in need of a PG and with an abundance at the wing try to trade a wing player for a PG instead of sacrifice an asset and then seek replacement on an extremely dried out FA market?
and if they are that cheap, why do they want to give up the rotation player with the by far most inexpensive contract? and roster spots they still have enough available. (after signing Henry they are at 12)
all this doesn't make that much sense, doesn't it? however, I repeat it - if there is a chance to get Young without give up good assets, let's do it. I just can't see how.

[mountainballer]

Air Avellino, close to sign Reyshawn Terry http://bit.ly/b5mfyn

just read this and wondered if we ever mentioned him. however, hard to tell if he had become a legit NBA prospect at all. size and athleticism are there though.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Love to see us S&T Mason/Bogans/both/whatever for James johnson. He's a type of player we simply don't have. Doubt it will happen, but I'm intrigued by his energy off the bench and the matchups he could cover as an athletic tweener 3/4.

[TD 21]

hm. wouldn't a franchise in need of a PG and with an abundance at the wing try to trade a wing player for a PG instead of sacrifice an asset and then seek replacement on an extremely dried out FA market?
and if they are that cheap, why do they want to give up the rotation player with the by far most inexpensive contract? and roster spots they still have enough available. (after signing Henry they are at 12)
all this doesn't make that much sense, doesn't it? however, I repeat it - if there is a chance to get Young without give up good assets, let's do it. I just can't see how.

I already said something along the lines of "if they can trade him for a PG that matches certain parameters, then that obviously makes more sense". You find me an available, decent, inexpensive ($1 million or less) PG that can be had for Young.

Young is an asset, but he's not a great one and when you're this cheap a franchise, you should prioritize. Barring something unforeseen, they have four wings, who are all young and locked in, ahead of him on the depth chart.

If you're going to pick apart what I wrote, at least read it all before doing so. I've already gone over a lot of this. From why they'd trade him despite him being a decent asset and being inexpensive to they fact that Heisley supposedly won't allow them to add another player despite having two open roster spots, etc.

[ohmwrecker]

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2010/08/04/san-antonio-spurs-free-agency-small-forwards/

Slim pickins', friends.

[Bruno]

I'm not sure Spurs will sign another vet to a guaranteed contracts.

Spurs can carry only 13 players because of the luxury tax. They have 11 players under guaranteed contract and 3 (Gee, Temple and Jerrells) with non-guaranteed contracts. Gee and Temple have shown interesting things and Spurs seem to be high on them.

If Spurs sign a vet with a guaranteed contract, an almost sure consequence is that one of Gee and Temple will be waived. If Spurs want to keep both, they will have to do later in the season a salary dump thread which could be costly and complicate. Spurs will put themselves in a situation where young players they like won't get a fair shot to stick with the team. I'm not sure it's what they want.

I can see Spurs signing a vet with a partially guaranteed contract and letting him fight with Gee, Jerrels and Temple for the 12th and 13th roster spots.

[will_spurs]

I can see Spurs signing a vet with a partially guaranteed contract and letting him fight with Gee, Jerrels and Temple for the 12th and 13th roster spots.

That sounds right. Apparently the Spurs FO has decided that there was no vet FA to be had on the cheap that could put the team over the top (think Horry or Kerr), so they'd better stick to the young players for the rebuild phase which is coming soon.

But I can really see the Spurs signing a vet before camp to keep the young players on their toes - kind of a mini-playoffs, cut throat ambiance to see if they have the guts to step up.

[lurker23]

As long is RJ is healthy, the hole at SF minutes-wise isn't a huge one. If RJ gets the 31 mpg he got last year, then that leaves 17 minutes for the Spurs to play the 1/2/3 equivalent of small ball. That means a lot of lineups of Parker/Hill/Manu, or Hill/Neal/Manu, or Parker/Hill/Anderson, etc.. Against some teams, this may be a big deal defensively, but I think these 3-guard lineups will work just fine against a lot of the teams in the NBA.

If Anderson and/or Neal (or Gee, if he gets minutes) prove to be defensive liabilities, then Pop needs to find a way to manage the rotations such that the strongest defensive big men are behind these three-guard lineups. At this point that looks like Duncan/Splitter or Duncan/McDyess.

[yavozerb]

I do not believe the spurs will make any more moves this off season. I actually think the rotation at the 3 will be RJ,temple, and Anderson with Gee getting most of his PT in austin.

[Bruno]

Spurs have played significant minutes with a 3 guard lineup this past couple of years but there are some matchups where you need some "meat" at the SF spot.

The only player on the roster, besides RJ, with enough strength to be match up against strongest SF like Lebron or Carmelo is Alonzo Gee. If Gee fails, Spurs are in trouble and will need to get another strong/big wing.

[yavozerb]

Spurs have played significant minutes with a 3 guard lineup this past couple of years but there are some matchups where you need some "meat" at the SF spot.

The only player on the roster, besides RJ, with enough strength to be match up against strongest SF like Lebron or Carmelo is Alonzo Gee. If Gee fails, Spurs are in trouble and will need to get another strong/big wing.

Nobody can match up with those guys, lets be honest..Even when the spurs had the greatest NBA defender Bruce Bowen they could not match up with those 2, they are probably the 2 best in the world at that position. I would prefer the quickness of Temple at the 3 over some veteran scrub with "strength" who can not provide anything else on the court other than his lb's..

[Bruno]

Nobody can match up with those guys, lets be honest..Even when the spurs had the greatest NBA defender Bruce Bowen they could not match up with those 2, they are probably the 2 best in the world at that position. I would prefer the quickness of Temple at the 3 over some veteran scrub with "strength" who can not provide anything else on the court other than his lb's..

it sure that nobody will stop them but I think putting Temple on them would be a disaster.

[yavozerb]

it sure that nobody will stop them but I think putting Temple on them would be a disaster.

anybody on the SF FA market, Gee, Temple, RJ, and Manu against those 2 would probably equal disaster..Its not about stopping guys like LBJ or Melo, its about making them work as hard as possible in getting what they are going to get anyway, which is pts..

[Bruno]

anybody on the SF FA market, Gee, Temple, RJ, and Manu against those 2 would probably equal disaster..Its not about stopping guys like LBJ or Melo, its about making them work as hard as possible in getting what they are going to get anyway, which is pts..

Gee has the physical tools to do a way better job on them than Temple can. Even vets in the Udoka/Bogans mold will likely do a better job against them.

[TD 21]

Spurs have played significant minutes with a 3 guard lineup this past couple of years but there are some matchups where you need some "meat" at the SF spot.

The only player on the roster, besides RJ, with enough strength to be match up against strongest SF like Lebron or Carmelo is Alonzo Gee. If Gee fails, Spurs are in trouble and will need to get another strong/big wing.

Exactly. If Jefferson is healthy, the Spurs are still thin in that area. If he were to succumb to injury, then what? 48 minutes of 3 guards roaming the perimeter?

Based on what's available, Bobby Jones makes sense. He's an improved shooter, at 38.8% from three and has always been a good defender. Plus, at about 6-7 210, he's got legit size and strength for an SF. Just a hunch, but my guess is he'd accept a non-guaranteed contract. He's already done so about 37 times in his career.

Hayes is the other option they should consider. But while Hayes is an average defender, Jones is an above average one. Jones is also younger and, I'm not going to definitively call him a better shooter than Hayes, but if he's around as good a shooter at this point, then I'd give him the edge overall.

Gee has nice potential and an NBA body, but I just don't see a role for him on this team now or in the near future. They need three point shooting and plus defending at SF (I say SF because he's not going to get minutes at SG on this team) and he provides neither. Maybe sometime in the future, he carves out a niche for doing one of these things well, but if the Spurs are only going to carry 13 players, then they need an immediate contributor in at least one of those two areas at SF.

[TD 21]

Apparently Jones has already signed in Italy. Had the Spurs known they were going to lose Hairston, I think they they would have offered Jones a non guaranteed contract. Unfortunately for them (if they were going to do that), Jones signed the same day Hairston signed.

[Ditty]

jawad williams is a free agent? I like this kid he was a pretty good role player in clevland and a pretty decent defender with size I would throw the rest of MLE for him maybe for 2 years

[Spurs Brazil]

I think the options like Hayes or Simmons aren't a upgrade over Anderson and Gee so the Spurs will go with the 13 men lineup

[Duncan2177]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3577428757_75c30c429a.jpg?v=0

[timvp]

Yeah, he measured 6'7.5 with a wingspan of 7'0.25 wingspan. It pains me that it has even come to this but Bobby Simmons would be a good get right about now. Good three-point shooter, especially from the corners. Decent defender against slower players. Could be used as a stretch four, which would be helpful if Bonner falters.

I'd take Butler first but Simmons wouldn't be much of a drop off from Jones. Top ten active three-point percentage shooter who is only 30. Meh, not bad.


The best shooter on the market who is cheap and plays small forward is probably Bobby Simmons. He has the tenth best career three-point percentage among active players. He sucked last year but as recently as the 2008-09 season, he was a damn good shooter:

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/8819/bobbysimmons.jpg

And he gets bonus points for being so good on corner threes.

Good height, good length, good shooter and good contract. Not bad for a training camp invite.

[ElNono]

How's his defense?

[Ice009]

Another good call Timvp. How tall is Simmons?

[timvp]

How's his defense?

Hasn't been good for a while but he also has been out of shape and stuck on horrible teams. It's unlikely that he can regain the quickness to become a quality defender ... but not impossible.

[ElNono]

Hasn't been good for a while but he also has been out of shape and stuck on horrible teams. It's unlikely that he can regain the quickness to become a quality defender ... but not impossible.

thanks

[lurker23]

I'll just quote myself from two months ago, as my opinion hasn't really changed:



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.

If Bobby Simmons is a part of the mix, I want it to be an all-out competition. To the victors of the preseason (and maybe beginning of regular season) go the minutes.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

His '08-'09 shooting from the wings was awesome.

[benefactor]

Not a bad idea at all. Hopefully it is a camp contract and not a full guarantee. As others have said, there needs to be balance between the trusted veteran and plugging in the youngsters.

[dunkman]

Another good call Timvp. How tall is Simmons?
Predraft measures:
Height 6' 6.25"
w/shoes 6' 7.5"
Weight 235
Wingspan 7' 0.25"
Standing Reach 8' 9"
No Step Vert 27.5
Max Vert 34.0
Bench Press 12
Lane Agility 3/4 11.69
Court Sprint 3.41

Source: DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/)

[Spurs Brazil]

I think we'll need to look at this again

:(

[sasffl]

I think spurs should sign Stanley Robinson to have a try though he sucks

[ohmwrecker]

Stanley Robinson is a project. They need someone who can contribute now.

[benefactor]

I think trying to gauge interest in Sam Young is a good route to go. As SenorSpur mentioned, he is down on the depth chart now and has barely played. He could be had for Gee and a second round pick...which basically winds up being a trade for the pick as Gee would likely be waived and Memphis could pocket the savings.

[MmP]

Walter Fucking Herrmann

[sasffl]

Going after Corey Brewer. Too many SF in Wolves. But it's a very tough task

[lefty]

Neal barely played vd Clippers

On the trading block ?

Neal and Bonner for Chandler?

Lol I'm tired

[TD 21]

I think trying to gauge interest in Sam Young is a good route to go. As SenorSpur mentioned, he is down on the depth chart now and has barely played. He could be had for Gee and a second round pick...which basically winds up being a trade for the pick as Gee would likely be waived and Memphis could pocket the savings.

I brought this up in the summer in this thread (page 31). In retrospect, I can't see the incentive for the Grizzlies if the pick coming back isn't a 1st. If the Spurs could get the Grizzlies to throw in their 2nd, I could see a deal there...if Young wasn't such a terrible outside shooter.

[Blackjack]

If the Spurs are really going to target one of the aforementioned wings, one guy stands out above the rest when it comes to being a "fit":

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=107&pictureid=1442

[Blackjack]

I'm so bummed about Junction James. :depressed

[TD 21]

Rush is definitely the best on court fit. Too bad the same can't be said for off court.

[Blackjack]

Definitely somewhat of a gamble when it comes to having 2 or 3 strikes against him, but sometimes you've got to take the gamble -- and I'm sure him being a Jayhawk means something to RC.

But, honestly, I'm having a hard time believing the Spurs go the trade route. Losing Anderson just really, really blows . . .

[TD 21]

Definitely somewhat of a gamble when it comes to having 2 or 3 strikes against him, but sometimes you've got to take the gamble -- and I'm sure him being a Jayhawk means something to RC.

But, honestly, I'm having a hard time believing the Spurs go the trade route. Losing Anderson just really, really blows . . .

2 or 3 is alarming enough. If I'm not mistaken, he has 5 against him, to be exact. I'd be very surprised if Rush were up to the Spurs standards and I doubt him being a former Jayhawk means much, if anything. If being a Jayhawk mattered much, Chalmers might be a Spur today instead of Hill.

Same. I take it you're not excited for the Hayes era to commence?

[mountainballer]

I think trying to gauge interest in Sam Young is a good route to go. As SenorSpur mentioned, he is down on the depth chart now and has barely played. He could be had for Gee and a second round pick...which basically winds up being a trade for the pick as Gee would likely be waived and Memphis could pocket the savings.

Young is an option, especially considering how much the Spurs liked him in the 2009 draft. (reportedly they would have been in a dilemma if Young and Blair were still on the board)
however, a 2nd round pick won't be enough (Spurs pick will be in the high 50ies. not really intriguing). and the 1st rounder is to much. (other: the 1st rounder might be good enough to land a better player. like Blackjack mentioned Rush).
Spurs would need to get (buy?) a better 2nd rounder or trow in some more teaser. (De Colo?)

[mountainballer]

If the Spurs are really going to target one of the aforementioned wings, one guy stands out above the rest when it comes to being a "fit":

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=107&pictureid=1442

Rush would be perfect at this point.
unfortunately Rush just played his 1st game and it was one of the better he ever delivered for the Pacers.
(Pacers fans at Pacersdigest are raving about the "new" Brandon Rush)
add this to the fact how much Posey and Jones have struggled and how far George is away from being a reliable NBA player and Rush looks more or less indispensable for the Pacers.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't see any reason to trade to get someone now. It's not like Anderson's career is over.

Cheap vet seems the way to go if they are going to do anything. Hayes or Alan Anderson will do just fine as a placeholder.

[Bruno]

Anderson has been great. If Spurs do a trade for a SF, it should be a little trade and not a big one because it will create a logjam if Spurs add a too good players.

I think Spurs should follow three rules if they try to do a trade for a SF:
1) Don't trade a first round pick. Second rounds picks, De Colo's rights and cash are the only incentives that can be added.
2) Bonner, Neal and RJ can't be traded right now. I don't want Spurs to trade Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Dice, Blair, Hill, Splitter or Anderson for a SF. Gee or a TE is the only thing that can be used to match salaries.
3) Don't go over the tax.

1) implies that the player must be in the doghouse with his team.
2) implies that the player salary must be lower than $1,052,743 (125%+100k of Gee's salary).
3) implies quite nothing once 2) is respected.

I've suggested Donte Greene or Sam Young in an other thread because their salary is low enough to fit 2) and it's possible (I didn't say likely) that Spurs could get without giving a first round pick. I don't have look at all the teams but there are surely other names to throw in the conversation.
Rush isn't at all a realistic option to me since his salary is too high.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Anderson has been great. If Spurs do a trade for a SF, it should be a little trade and not a big one because it will create a logjam if Spurs add a too good players.

I think Spurs should follow three rules if they try to do a trade for a SF:
1) Don't trade a first round pick. Second rounds picks, De Colo's rights and cash are the only incentives that can be added.
2) Bonner, Neal and RJ can't be traded right now. I don't want Spurs to trade Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Dice, Blair, Hill, Splitter or Anderson for a SF. Gee or a TE is the only thing that can be used to match salaries.
3) Don't go over the tax.

1) implies that the player must be in the doghouse with his team.
2) implies that the player salary must be lower than $1,052,743 (125%+100k of Gee's salary).
3) implies quite nothing once 2) is respected.

I've suggested Donte Greene or Sam Young in an other thread because their salary is low enough to fit 2) and it's possible (I didn't say likely) that Spurs could get without giving a first round pick. I don't have look at all the teams but there are surely other names to throw in the conversation.
Rush isn't at all a realistic option to me since his salary is too high.

Thanks for the clarification.

I think Cartier Martin of the Washington Wizards is one to watch. If Josh Howard returns from injury as some say..he is expected to so in early December, he could be cut from the team.

[dbestpro]

I like the idea of Donte Green. At 6-10, 6-11 he can truly play SF or PF. If he works out as a 3 point shooter he eventually could give more merit in moving the contract of Bonner and definitely provides us more flexibility in height.

[Chieflion]

I am liking Gary Forbes, the 6 foot 7 rookie (listed), but somewhere near 6 foot 5 and a half, from the Nuggets, tbh. He is 25 years old, so it is not as if he is very old.

He has been playing really well at least offensively in his minutes. He plays about 13.7 minutes a game and averages 7.5 points a game shooting 51.4% from the field and 55.6% from 3. Clearly can score and shoot the ball with excellent efficiency.

The usual suspects are Brandon Rush, Wilson Chandler, Sam Young, Donte Greene and the likes, but I am really liking Gary Forbes in his limited showing as a rookie over some of these guys. It is not as if he is undersized either with his wingspan being a ridiculously large 6"11.25.

[ohmwrecker]

I just don't see a trade happening right now. Bonner and Neal are both restricted until Dec. 15th and nobody else is worth moving for what is most likely available out there. Unfortunately, the FA market is pretty slim too.

[SenorSpur]

I like the idea of Donte Green. At 6-10, 6-11 he can truly play SF or PF. If he works out as a 3 point shooter he eventually could give more merit in moving the contract of Bonner and definitely provides us more flexibility in height.

Agree completely. As I stated in another thread, I like Young a lot, but I have to admit that Greene would be the better choice.

Having an athletic, 6'10" SF/PF-type with 3-point range, who can also defend 3's and 4's, would be preferable than an unathletic, 6'10" SF/PF-type who can only shoot 3's. Such an acquistion could eventually make Bonner expendable.

[quentin_compson]

Donte Greene arrived at training camp overweight. He initially had the starting spot at the 3 for the Kings but quickly lost it to Casspi. So, on the one hand, his work ethic seems at least questionable at this point. On the other hand, the Kings could be looking to get rid of him.

[oligarchy]

I don't know if either team would do it.

Luc Mbah a Moute for Dejaun Blair.

[mountainballer]

well, the Bucks do it.

[dbestpro]

Luc Mbah a Moute is the closest thing there is to Bruce Bowen in the NBA. Once he settles with the right team it will be interesting to see who will have the better career.

[mountainballer]

even if Mbah becomes a defender as good as Bowen (which I highly doubt), he would still be Bowen without the 3pt shot. and Bowen without the shot wouldn't become the starter on a championship team. and that player wouldn't become Bowen.

[ohmwrecker]

I am not saying that these are necessarily bad ideas, but I don't think they make the Spurs a significantly better team. Blair's current struggles shouldn't be cause to make a new hole in the roster just to fill another.

[hater]

If we could somehow get M Pietrus. Dude isn't getting enough minutes in Orlando and would start on any other roster.

Bonner can be traded after Dec. So I would do Bonner + Hill or Blair for Pietrus. Yes I said it!

[mountainballer]

Donte Greene arrived at training camp overweight. He initially had the starting spot at the 3 for the Kings but quickly lost it to Casspi. So, on the one hand, his work ethic seems at least questionable at this point. On the other hand, the Kings could be looking to get rid of him.

getting Greene at this point would be a bit like getting Sjax in 2001. a young, talented but obviously troubled player who lacks discipline.
last years version of Greene would have been to expensive anyhow (at least a 1st rounder), but this years version of Greene is available for a fire sale price, he would be worth the risk.

[xmas1997]

I'm not sure what makes any of you think the Spurs are considering getting another player now.

[SenorSpur]

Luc Mbah a Moute is the closest thing there is to Bruce Bowen in the NBA. Once he settles with the right team it will be interesting to see who will have the better career.

Anybody know if Bhah a Moute is still in the Bucks rotation?

[Blackjack]

getting Greene at this point would be a bit like getting Sjax in 2001. a young, talented but obviously troubled player who lacks discipline.
last years version of Greene would have been to expensive anyhow (at least a 1st rounder), but this years version of Greene is available for a fire sale price, he would be worth the risk.

Agree, and throw Hedo in there as well. It took him putting on too much weight and falling out of favor in Sac for him to find his way to SA.

I'm a big fan of Anderson and I don't want the potential logjam that could preclude him from seeing as much time as I believe he and the Spurs need from him. But this injury really throws a monkey wrench into the whole thing: 6-8 weeks, unfortunate but not terrible; 8-April or May or longer, and the Spurs could be screwed if they don't find a suitable replacement.

I'm not sure Greene is the the right fit for short-term need, but he'd be a really nice get nonetheless -- though his Hotspot shot doesn't reveal the type of shooter most believe him to be and he's 6-9, not 6-11 (which is still more than fine).

This is why Anderson is and was so crucial to the Spurs' cause. They're extremely thin at a vital position/role and though it's dicey to put your faith in a rookie to get it done, it's still a better proposition than trying to find someone outside the program to come in and have the potential to fulfill the role as he potentially could.

Hopefully Malik's speech is able to light a fire under Gee and have him surprise us all. :smokin

[Mel_13]

Anybody know if Bhah a Moute is still in the Bucks rotation?

Yes. Averaging 25mpg and recently returned to the starting line-up.

[mountainballer]

But this injury really throws a monkey wrench into the whole thing: 6-8 weeks, unfortunate but not terrible; 8-April or May or longer, and the Spurs could be screwed if they don't find a suitable replacement.


Spurs are in a tough position. Anderson could be back at new year (very optimistic), end of January (realistic), or all star break/trade deadline (worst case). the problem is, we talk about a rookie, who has looked good, but has just played 6 games. conditioning was the major point of concern anyhow.
so, to the usualy questions about every rookie (how does he respond to a NBA season, how does he respond to play off pressure) you add the question when he will be available again and in what shape. and he will still just have 6 games of NBA experience instead of 40.
that's ok, if you've got an alternative to go with, if most questions turn out bad. Spurs don't have one.
sure, I also can see Manu play some games and minutes at SF. but do we want him do it for the next 30 or more games and then learn that he still is the only alternative at SF to finish the season and enter the PO?

IMO Spurs need to somehow get some security. a FA signings might help enough to cover the next weeks, but do we want a Simmons calibre player for 20-25 minutes for the whole season? Spurs can be patient till new year, but from then time will play against them. and they will be in a pretty bad negotiating position at deadline, if it becomes obvious that they are desperate for a somewhat proven wing player.

[ChumpDumper]

I'll take a Simmons caliber player if he doesn't need to use a walker to get around the court.