Spurs Taking a Hard Look at James Jones

[Bruno]

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/07/13/spurs-taking-look-at-james-jones/

7/13/2010 5:09 PM ET By Chris Tomasson


Who's the latest Miami castoff who could be joining another contender?

Try James Jones.

A source told FanHouse on Tuesday that San Antonio is taking a hard look at signing Jones, a free-agent forward whose contract was bought out by Miami last month in order to help the Heat clear cap room. It worked out well since the Heat got LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join forces with Dwyane Wade.

Already, contenders Orlando and Boston have signed Quentin Richardson and Jermaine O'Neal, respectively. Both played last season with the Heat.

While Jones averaged just 4.1 points last season for the Heat, he has averaged as much as 9.3 in 2005-06 with Phoenix. He's a career 39.5 percent three-pointer shooter, and the Spurs have always liked players who can spread the floor.

The Spurs have about $2.4 million available from their mid-level exception after signing Tiago Splitter on Monday to a three-year, $11 million deal and their $2.08 million biannnual exception. The source said Jones would sign for more than the minimum if a deal can be finalized with San Antonio.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:elephant

[kbrury]

:toast

[dbestpro]

This is the best option for a player who is a vet and can play the Spurs way.

[coyotes_geek]

Good news. I hope they get him.

[Bruno]

I like it. :tu

[ChumpDumper]

Don't look at him.

Sign him.

[FkLA]

Is this the guy that used to play for the Pacers, and after having a big scoring night said...Im not surprised at all I score 40 points with myself on NBA Live all the time.

Or something stupid along those lines.

[smrattler]

Can he play SG? Or is he strcitly a SF?

How's his defense at either position?

Haven't really paid attention to him in the past.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

yes please. give him the rest of the MLE minus the money to give Richards a longer deal - should be about the same as the LLE, but this way we'll have that available for next season.

and we should still have enough left to sign RJ, without straying over the luxury tax! :)

[PDXSpursFan]

I'm OK only if he's our backup SF. We need to re-sign RJ.

[thekingrobert]

i'd take adam morrison first eck

[Blackjack]

Somewhere mountainballer smiles. :lol

[ElNono]

I'm sold. Wrap him up and call it an offseason.

[coyotes_geek]

Can he play SG? Or is he strcitly a SF?

How's his defense at either position?

Haven't really paid attention to him in the past.

Given the makeup of the Spurs roster I doubt Jones would get any minutes at SG at all. Which is fine, because there's certainly the opportunity for some at SF. Jones is a decent defender IMO. Decent, but nothing special. Still, given the lack of other viable options landing Jones would be a very nice pick up.

[EricB]

Bell >>>>>>>>>>>>>>jones

[xtremesteven33]

Well he fills that long 3 weve been wanting...

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I like it, just so long as Pop still gives the young players chances.

Which youngin' do you think has the best chance at cracking the rotation?

[coyotes_geek]

I also think he shoulsd take the min so the Spurs can use that LLE.

For vet min, Jones probably just stays in Miami. It's going to take the LLE or MLE remainder to get him.

[EricB]

I'm sold. Wrap him up and call it an offseason.

No way, sign him and you'll still have options with mle money left over or lle...

[RodNIc91]

Hey Bruno what do you think of this guy? Is he a proven 3pt shooter. IIRC the spurs were enamored by RJ's 3pt shooting in milwaukee which he nevere lived up to. What about his defense? Are those injuries a big deal. Or could they be more of the type that allows him to rest and be fresh to be a good defender

[yavozerb]

I like it, just so long as Pop still gives the young players chances.

If he signs along with RJ, you can forget any PT for Hairston or Gee ..Hairston will get mop up duty and Gee will go back to D-league.

[coyotes_geek]

Guy has injury problems and is slow as shit.......He needs to be way down on the list IMO. Butler, I cant believe we are not talking to this guy, hes long, athletic, shoots thee well and can defend 1,2,3s.

I would hope that the Spurs are talking to Butler too, but they may already have tried and found out that they're not able to afford him.

[DesignatedT]

Im cool with Jones.

[ducks]

Bell >>>>>>>>>>>>>>jones

lakers talking to kurt thomas so to me it makes me think they striked out on bell

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Our financial situation means we can probably afford the rest of the MLE, and $7m first-year-salary to resign RJ, without straying over the luxury tax.

Using the LLE after that would put us over.

Possibly we could get one vet minimum in and sneak under.

[ace3g]

hopefully Jones takes the LLE

[SenorSpur]

Even if the Spurs do move on Jones, they still need to resign RJ.

[Libri]

This is the best option for a player who is a vet and can play the Spurs way.

sign him http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/disdain10.gif

[ducks]

I like it, just so long as Pop still gives the young players chances.

spurs have a title to win this year
they can practice learn the system and next year

[Bruno]

Hey Bruno what do you think of this guy? Is he a proven 3pt shooter. IIRC the spurs were enamored by RJ's 3pt shooting in milwaukee which he nevere lived up to. What about his defense? Are those injuries a big deal. Or could they be more of the type that allows him to rest and be fresh to be a good defender

I like James Jones (not as much as mountainballer).

He is a solid player who fit very well in a role player mold for Spurs (good shooter and sounded defense). The only FAs that I woudl take ahead of him are Josh Howard and Rasual Butler.

IIRC, his injuries were more bad luck than him breaking down.

[yavozerb]

Hes not gonna get more than 2.5 per year most teams that have money want younger guys.......hell even RJ cant get a sniff in FA and hes 2 years younger.

:lol, there the same age (couple of months apart)...

[timvp]

James Jones would be a solid signing. For a cheap option, he has a rather high ceiling because injuries and erratic playing time destroyed his stock over the last two seasons. I like that he's long, has a high release point and usually gives good effort on defense.

I'd like Raja Bell better but James Jones and Rasual Butler were the next two obvious choices. Out of the three, Jones has the most potential ... in both directions.

[TD 21]

That last line in particular makes me think he's more than likely signing with the Spurs after Bell spurns them..."The source said Jones would sign for more than the minimum if a deal can be finalized with San Antonio."

From everything I know about him, he's a Spur through and through. Obviously, his appeal comes in his three-point shooting and length/versatility defensively. But, unlike Bell, he's not the type of guy you put on Bryant, Wade, etc.

The Spurs still don't have anyone to guard those types (maybe Hairston, but if you add Jones, in addition to Anderson, Hairston will be buried; probably inactive regularly), which is why I prefer Bell.

timvp, Butler makes no sense. Ideally, the Spurs need plus three-point shooting and defense for this role, but at minimum, at least one of the two has to be well above average. With Jones, you get excellent three-point shooting and at least average defense. With Bell, you get excellent three-point shooting and above average defense. With Butler, you get mediocre-fairly good three-point shooting and mediocre defense. Not good enough.

[yavozerb]

That last line in particular makes me think he's more than likely signing with the Spurs after Bell spurns them..."The source said Jones would sign for more than the minimum if a deal can be finalized with San Antonio."

From everything I know about him, he's a Spur through and through. Obviously, his appeal comes in his three-point shooting and length/versatility defensively. But, unlike Bell, he's not the type of guy you put on Bryant, Wade, etc.

The Spurs still don't have anyone to guard those types (maybe Hairston, but if you add Jones, in addition to Anderson, Hairston will be buried; probably inactive regularly), which is why I prefer Bell.

So you woul rather have bell so that Hairston will get more PT? Really, Hairston has shown that much that now you would plan your FA around him?

[HarlemHeat37]

-Very good shooter..
-Great length..
-Injury prone..
-Was a disappointment in Miami more so due to his contract, not his play..
-Below average 1 on 1 defender, good team defender though..
-Not noticeably quick or athletic..
-He has very little ability to create his own offense..
-Not exactly a standout player at anything other than shooting..

I don't mind him for the right price, but I'm not really a fan of any of the available FAs..

[yavozerb]

Butler turned 31 in may RJ just turned 30

dude, this is the james jones thread...

[timvp]

Damn, Jones measured out as 6-foot-8.75 with a wingspan of 7-foot-2.5. For those who wanted size at the wing, he fits the bill.

[MaNu4Tres]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-freeagentbuzz071310

Free-agent buzz: Lakers, Spurs chase Bell

By Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports 6 hours, 40 minutes ago

The Los Angeles Lakers have long targeted Raja Bell(notes) in free agency, and now one of his biggest boosters within the two-time defending champions – Kobe Bryant(notes) – will be working to close a deal with an old, fierce rival, league sources told Yahoo! Sports

Bell is traveling to Los Angeles later this week for a visit that sources said is expected to include an audience with Bryant. After helping to keep Derek Fisher(notes) with a three-year, $10.5 million contract on Monday, the Lakers have one available spot in their rotation that comes down to Bell and Shannon Brown(notes).

The Miami Heat are tying to recruit Bell, but it appears the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs could be the two top remaining suitors for Bell.

The Lakers have a little less than $1.8 million of their midlevel exception left to pay Bell after agreeing to a four-year, $16 million contract with point guard Steve Blake(notes).

After agreeing with 2007 first-round pick Tiago Splitter(notes) on a three-year, $10.9 million contract, the Spurs have nearly $2.4 million left in the midlevel exception to offer Bell.

The Spurs had Bell in training camp in 2001, and always regretted cutting him before the season. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich helped persuade Larry Brown to sign Bell later that season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Bell helped guard Kobe Bryant in the NBA Finals.

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

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

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

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

[jermaine]

Im cool with Jones.

Any nigga named "Sweet James Jones" is cool with me.(RIP Pimp C)

[Obstructed_View]

I like it, just so long as Pop still gives the young players chances.

He's shown no sign of doing it when there's a vet to play, no matter how crappy said vet is.

[EricB]

James jones raja bell call it an offseason....

[tmtcsc]

Well he fills that long 3 weve been wanting...

:lmao Spurs are taking a HARD look at a LONG three who could be a good SIX man.

Feeling very juvenile today.

[TD 21]

That last line in particular makes me think he's more than likely signing with the Spurs after Bell spurns them..."The source said Jones would sign for more than the minimum if a deal can be finalized with San Antonio."

From everything I know about him, he's a Spur through and through. Obviously, his appeal comes in his three-point shooting and length/versatility defensively. But, unlike Bell, he's not the type of guy you put on Bryant, Wade, etc.

The Spurs still don't have anyone to guard those types (maybe Hairston, but if you add Jones, in addition to Anderson, Hairston will be buried; probably inactive regularly), which is why I prefer Bell.

So you woul rather have bell so that Hairston will get more PT? Really, Hairston has shown that much that now you would plan your FA around him?

No, you misunderstood me. I meant that Hairston may be the only current Spur capable of adequately guarding Bryant, Wade, etc., but if the Spurs were to sign Jones in addition to Anderson, that would be irrelevant, because Hairston would be buried. Whereas if they were to sign Bell, they'd have someone in the rotation who could at least do an adequate job on Bryant, Wade, etc.

[The Truth #6]

If he can defend and shoot the 3 everyone should be happy.

Hopefully the Spurs used their interest in other SFs to drive down RJ's price. $7 million/year still seems too high IMO for RJ considering how he worked out for us last year.

[Brazil]

I still think that spurs priority should be to find an agreement with RJ

[Gooshie]

I wouldn't mind this signing. I wonder if they try and sign him with the LLE AND still try for Raja with the rest of the MLE. Now that woudl be sweet if they pulled that off.

Btw, if the Spurs sign Jones, I guess I will forgive him for almost giving me a heartattack in December of '07. Then, when he was with Portland, he got tangled up with Duncan and almost ended TD's career. I still remember Finley coming over and giving him a shove while Duncan was writhing in pain on the floor.

[tmtcsc]

Is Jones still relevant ? I remember him being very mediocre after he left the Pacers. He did nothing for the Suns or Blazers or Heat for that matter.

[SenorSpur]

James Jones

6'8"
220
6 yrs Pro

Career Season Avgs:
6.4 ppg
2.4 rebs
0.4 stl
0.4 blk
40% FG%
39% 3PG%
86% FT

Has only played in 134 out of a possible 246 regular season games over the past 3 seasons.

[ace3g]

Damn, Jones measured out as 6-foot-8.75 with a wingspan of 7-foot-2.5. For those who wanted size at the wing, he fits the bill.

yeah I just checked his draft express report as well, plus he his 220 pounds, I thought he was more around 202 but that might help against players like Odom, Dirk, etc

[MaNu4Tres]

Bell is evidently the Spurs first option, with Jones as the fallback.

[crc21209]

Fuck it sign him up. :tu

[tdunk21]

anything more than vet min is overpaying imo....

[ace3g]

one thing I've noticed, although he seems to be a little injury prone now, none of those are Knee related, that is always something I look at. I get worried when a player has knee issues when they sign with a team, especially the Spurs.

[Seventyniner]

If the Spurs could somehow get two of Jones/Butler/Bell with the MLE remainder and LLE, would they let RJ go completely?

[Ditty]

If the Spurs could somehow get two of Jones/Butler/Bell with the MLE remainder and LLE, would they let RJ go completely?

I hope not we would already add to our strong bench we would proably be the deepest team in the league

[ducks]

spurs are letting the price for rj keep going down

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Parker
Manu
Jefferson
Duncan
Splitter

Hill
Anderson
Jones
Blair
McDyess

Temple
Gee OR Hairston
Bonner


I like.
And it's under the luxury tax.

[ElNono]

No way, sign him and you'll still have options with mle money left over or lle...

Well, I meant after re-signing RJ (if indeed that's going to happen). Ultimately, I want to have some minutes for Hairston/Anderson/Temple...

[franceout]

Can spurs go over the cap to sign RJ now after signing splitter?
If so, why can not heat go over cap to sign their FAs?

[Texas_Ranger]

Parker
Manu
Jefferson
Duncan
Splitter

Hill
Anderson
Jones
Blair
McDyess

Temple
Gee OR Hairston
Bonner


I like.
And it's under the luxury tax.

That'd be great. I specially like the place where Bonner is on this list. :D

[ChumpDumper]

Can spurs go over the cap to sign RJ now after signing splitter?Yes.

If so, why can not heat go over cap to sign their FAs?They renounced their rights to do so in order to use the cap space on outside free agents.

[SpurCharger]

James Jones is slow as hell..... I have Seen Paint Dry Faster Then He moves..... Not A good sign..... I say Raja Bell, Or Rasual Butler.....

[lurker23]

Can spurs go over the cap to sign RJ now after signing splitter?
If so, why can not heat go over cap to sign their FAs?

Teams typically have rights to sign their own free agents (you'll often hear them referred to as Bird Rights or Early Bird Rights, which go into effect after 3 and 2 years, respectively, under the same team and/or same contract). However, these rights also come with "cap holds," which reduce your salary cap space. The Heat renounced these rights on their players to increase their salary cap space.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

we are already over the salary cap as it is, whether we re-sign RJ or not.
we are, however, under the luxury tax 'cap'

[franceout]

very clear, thanks for ur answers.

[timvp]

James Jones 2009-10 Shooting Chart
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/153/jamesjones.jpg

Wow. I knew he's become a really soft player and I knew he relies on three-pointers but that shooting chart is ridiculous. He didn't make one shot in the paint all season. 1-for-19 on two-pointers excluding long corner twos?

He should improve if he can stay healthy but to expect Jones to do anything other than shoot three-pointers would be foolish. His length could help some on defense but he won't be an above average defender and it'd be a mistake to play him as a stretch four.

Jones has great size for a small forward and can shoot threes. Luckily for him, the Spurs can use that.

[Magdalena M]

Sign up him and Jonathan Bender for the minimum and have the all-knee problem rotation at SF. I'd be fine with that.

[Solid D]

-Very good shooter..
-Great length..
-Injury prone..
-Was a disappointment in Miami more so due to his contract, not his play..
-Below average 1 on 1 defender, good team defender though..
-Not noticeably quick or athletic..
-He has very little ability to create his own offense..
-Not exactly a standout player at anything other than shooting..

I don't mind him for the right price, but I'm not really a fan of any of the available FAs..

Very good assessment. I will add that, IIRC, James has had a couple of questionable plays where a player was injured by his actions on the court.

The length and shooting can help but James is not a great defender. I would favor a healty Raja Bell, but James would provide 2 traits the Spurs need. Experienced shooting and length as a 3-4.

[siraulo23]

he's been injured for the past 3 seasons, i'd rather have bell, or butler

or if we gonna take a gamble on a player who has recent history of injuries, i'd rather have howard if we can get him cheap

[024]

rather roll the die with butler or bell. both bell and jones are injury prone but bell has the higher payoff.

[EricB]

You can forget Matt barnes as well. According to 760 pop is not a fan of mr barnes.

[SenorSpur]

You can forget Matt barnes as well. According to 760 pop is not a fan of mr barnes.

That's understandable. Did they say why?

[Shastafarian]

You can forget Matt barnes as well. According to 760 pop is not a fan of mr barnes.

According to 760 Barry Larkin plays for the Reds.

[rmt]

On the bright side, his 3s comes from the arc - not the corner 3 where Hill usually shoots from. I wonder where Anderson shoots his 3s from.

[Mr Bones]

Jones looks good on paper, but I'd rather have James Singleton. He rebounds and has endless energy. The idea that a slow guy with bad knees who can shoot 40% on extremely rare three point attempts can help is one of the greatest myths in modern basketball, in my opinion. There's a reason he didn't play much for a mediocre Miami team last year.

[Spurs Brazil]

If we can get Bell or Jones I'm happy

[ace3g]

all the injury reports I've seen are for his ankle or wrist, haven't seen anything knee related?

Are you sure you are not looking at James Jones the Packers WR?

[Agloco]

Damn, Jones measured out as 6-foot-8.75 with a wingspan of 7-foot-2.5. For those who wanted size at the wing, he fits the bill.

:tu

The only thing he doesn't bring is that stalwart defender we need at the 3. We'll take whatever we can get though. If his team defense is passable, then this works.

[Muser]

Jones and Bell would be great if we could sign both of them, but IMO Bell will go to L.A.

[Mr Bones]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/James-Jones-3077/


Knee problems may have scared off some teams

[EricB]

That's understandable. Did they say why?


Just that pop is not a fan.
Pretty much all that needs to be said.

[SenorSpur]

Just that pop is not a fan.
Pretty much all that needs to be said.

Apparently, Pop isn't the only one. Barnes and his agent "knocked" on the door of the Warriors and were rebuffed. He may have a problem finding work.

[Obstructed_View]

According to 760 Barry Larkin plays for the Reds.

You mean they think he still plays for them? He did play for the Reds.

[spursfan1000]

Lets get this deal done!

[lefty]

We badly need 3 pt shooters

So yes

[Shastafarian]

You mean they think he still plays for them? He did play for the Reds.

Plays. They were trying to kill time during the Tiago Presser delay. They started talking about baseball and the Reds. That's right about the time the words started coming out of their asses.

[Mr Bones]

I'm happy about Splitter, mainly because I worry that in, a subtle way, the Spurs have moved away from their "defense wins championships" philosophy-- and that is the main reason I'm a fan. I just think too many teams get caught up sacrificing rebounds, blocked shots, length, and defense while chasing the phony holy grail of three point percentage, especially from guys that might hit a total of 37 threes all year (that's how many Jones hit last season). One or two outstanding defensive stands are just as good and often better than one three pointer every other game.

[rmt]

I'm happy about Splitter, mainly because I worry that in, a subtle way, the Spurs have moved away from their "defense wins championships" philosophy-- and that is the main reason I'm a fan. I just think too many teams get caught up sacrificing rebounds, blocked shots, length, and defense while chasing the phony holy grail of three point percentage, especially from guys that might hit a total of 37 threes all year (that's how many Jones hit last season). One or two outstanding defensive stands are just as good and often better than one three pointer every other game.

This sounds like it belongs in a Bonner thread - not a James Jones thread :-) I totally agree - makes me appreciate Bowen even more.

[BackHome]

What about Ronnie Brewer?

[DAF86]

How old is he? I think I'm starting to like this signing more than the Raja Bell one.

[Mr. Body]

What about Ronnie Brewer?

[Blackjack]

Ronnie Brewer looks to be going back to Utah at the moment.

[TD 21]

Bell makes a lot more sense. Sure he's lost a step, but he's still someone you can put on the Bryant's and Wade's of the world and do an adequate job in the process; Jones isn't.

If Jones is signed, the Spurs won't have a single rotation wing capable of adequately guarding the aforementioned players, among others.

[Russ]

Let's see, who was the last forward that Miami/Riley ditched that the Spurs signed . . .:lobt2:

[Russ]

I wonder where Anderson shoots his 3s from.

Hopefully, not Austin

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Hopefully, not Austin

:lol good 1

[Trimble87]

We have 2.3mil left on the MLE and roughly another 2mil from the LLE correct? If thats the case is it within the realm of possibility to get both Bell and Jones? Two veterans who can shoot high 3pt% and can play decent defense. I'm not sure how much money either of these players can demand, but given that right now our backups at SG are Hill(also our backup PG) and Anderson(an unproven rookie) I would love both Bell and Jones on the roster.

[edgar]

Uh all of this is already being discussed here!

Can't yall just do a damn search!!! :lol

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158852

[Obstructed_View]

"Hard look" = Pop sitting in the stands squinting. If he can convince himself that it's Bruce Bowen, they'll sign him.

[mattyc]

Happy with either Jones or Bell. Both would be solid mature players to fill some minutes and complement some of the younger brigade.

[lurker23]

"Hard look" = Pop sitting in the stands squinting. If he can convince himself that it's Bruce Bowen, they'll sign him.

Ah, the Keith Bogans method.

[MI21]

Would prefer Bell and Butler over Jones.

[SenorSpur]

Hopefully, not Austin

:lol

[objective]

no thanks on James Jones, he's fallen off a cliff since the days he was a hot prospect with the Pacers and then the Suns.

Butler before Jones please.

[TDMVPDPOY]

james jones the same guy we targeted back then untill he bolted to the suns :(

[HarlemHeat37]

The thing that scares me about all these guys is that they're going to be guaranteed minutes to sign here..I don't mind signing anybody if it's guaranteed that they will be behind in the depth chart if they get outplayed by Hairston/Anderson/Temple in preseason..

As we saw with Bogans last October, this is very possible..I want to see a fair allocation of minutes, but this is never a guarantee when it comes to the Spurs..veterans are ALWAYS given the benefit of the doubt first here..

Even with Splitter on board, the Spurs frontcourt will still be slow defensively..Duncan can't get to the spots as fast as he could before..the perimeter D needs to be quick and athletic..

[Kindergarten Cop]

R5e2Qvsijcs

Imagine if he could keep that average up for a whole game. :lol

[SenorSpur]

The thing that scares me about all these guys is that they're going to be guaranteed minutes to sign here..I don't mind signing anybody if it's guaranteed that they will be behind in the depth chart if they get outplayed by Hairston/Anderson/Temple in preseason..

As we saw with Bogans last October, this is very possible..I want to see a fair allocation of minutes, but this is never a guarantee when it comes to the Spurs..veterans are ALWAYS given the benefit of the doubt first here..

Even with Splitter on board, the Spurs frontcourt will still be slow defensively..Duncan can't get to the spots as fast as he could before..the perimeter D needs to be quick and athletic..

Very true. The defense has gotten progressively worse each year, as has been accelerated with both the retirement of Bowen and the gradual decline of Duncan. We saw, firsthand in the playoffs, the negative impact of poor perimeter defense combined with the slippage of interior defense.

[FeZZy]

R5e2Qvsijcs

Imagine if he could keep that average up for a whole game. :lol

:lmao YES!

[MannyIsGod]

The thing that scares me about all these guys is that they're going to be guaranteed minutes to sign here..I don't mind signing anybody if it's guaranteed that they will be behind in the depth chart if they get outplayed by Hairston/Anderson/Temple in preseason..

As we saw with Bogans last October, this is very possible..I want to see a fair allocation of minutes, but this is never a guarantee when it comes to the Spurs..veterans are ALWAYS given the benefit of the doubt first here..

Even with Splitter on board, the Spurs frontcourt will still be slow defensively..Duncan can't get to the spots as fast as he could before..the perimeter D needs to be quick and athletic..

I'm fairly certain Pop never has - and never will - promise anyone minutes.

[DPG21920]

Then how did certain players, who did not play as well as others earn minutes other wise?

[ducks]

The thing that scares me about all these guys is that they're going to be guaranteed minutes to sign here..I don't mind signing anybody if it's guaranteed that they will be behind in the depth chart if they get outplayed by Hairston/Anderson/Temple in preseason..

As we saw with Bogans last October, this is very possible..I want to see a fair allocation of minutes, but this is never a guarantee when it comes to the Spurs..veterans are ALWAYS given the benefit of the doubt first here..

Even with Splitter on board, the Spurs frontcourt will still be slow defensively..Duncan can't get to the spots as fast as he could before..the perimeter D needs to be quick and athletic..
dude pop does not guarantee minutes

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I'd prefer Butler, but Jones is okay I guess. A long-shot to really contribute though. Maybe we get lucky and he stays injury free and is the shooter/defender we need... but I'd say Butler is a 50% chance to be that where Jones is a 10% chance.

[timvp]

I'm fairly certain Pop never has - and never will - promise anyone minutes.

Yeah, once upon a time Shandon Anderson wanted guaranteed minutes to sign with the Spurs and Pop said that not even Tim Duncan gets guaranteed minutes.

[HarlemHeat37]

I didn't mean it like that..

If they're going to pay a guy the LLE or the rest of the MLE, and he's an experienced vet, he won't have to earn his spot in preseason, he's pretty much guaranteed to have it, even if he gets outplayed by the young guys like Bogans did last year..the old vet will always have to lose his spot here, not earn it, at least IMO..

[tim_duncan_fan]

OMG no! He sucks. He shot 41% from 3 last year but that was just one year.

He's old. He sucks. And oh yeah, he's old.

He is definitely long, but is he a great defender of 3pt shooter? Not really. Just average.

[SpurCharger]

1) Rasual Butler
2) Raja Bell
3) Someone from Austin....

James Jones is A Defensive Liabilty, and All He can Do is shoot.... Otherwise his game is Awful... He has No Athletism, and Is Beyond slow.... Im Sure with the Knee problems he has had recently he is even slower

[Cant_Be_Faded]

R5e2Qvsijcs

Imagine if he could keep that average up for a whole game. :lol

me-e-e-e-e-e-e-h
nowhere close to McGrady's 2004 antics on us

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

me-e-e-e-e-e-e-h
nowhere close to McGrady's 2004 antics on us

If we had both, and they both did that.
We'd be twice the 2005 Phoenix Suns.

[Kindergarten Cop]

me-e-e-e-e-e-e-h
nowhere close to McGrady's 2004 antics on us

McGrady's display (to the dismay of the Spurs and their fans) was AMAZING - but I disagree that it was more impressive. Four point plays are extremely rare and this guy not only had two of them in one game - he had two of them in the matter of 11 seconds! Admittedly, McGrady's took more skill and meant more to his team - but the rarity of James' antics make it more impressive IMHO.

[Leetonidas]

Hmm...if the Spurs can offer Bell more money, than we might have a shot at landing him over LA. While he would be closer to a title, most likely, with the Lakers, his shot here ain't too bad. If Jones wants a little more than the minimum than the Spurs could theoretically sign him with the LLE and use the rest of the MLE on Bell.

Hell yes. They aren't huge players, but they are definitely solid role players to fill out the roster. A long 3 who can D up and hit threes and a solid defensive SG who can hit the three. Just what we've been missing (along with Splitter).

[tomtom]

Hope they get him. I'd like to see Bell, Howard, or Rasual given a chance in addition over RJ though

[TD 21]

Are all of the people who want Butler aware that he's a 36.3% career three point shooter, with 1 season over 40% (Bell is 41.1%, with 7 seasons over 40%; Jones is 39.5%, with 2 seasons over 40%) and at best an average defender?

I know he's 6-7, which is all the rage around here, but isn't the goal to, if not secure good three point shooting and good defense in one player, then to at least secure one or the other? Butler isn't good enough at either.

[Whisky Dog]

Yeah, once upon a time Shandon Anderson wanted guaranteed minutes to sign with the Spurs and Pop said that not even Tim Duncan gets guaranteed minutes.

That's bullshit out of Pop's mouth. Duncan has always had guaranteed PT. No way he would have ever been benched, there was never a reason to do so.

[EricB]

That's bullshit out of Pop's mouth. Duncan has always had guaranteed PT. No way he would have ever been benched, there was never a reason to do so.

I've seen Duncan benched for bad play before.. Lots of times.

[Obstructed_View]

That's bullshit out of Pop's mouth. Duncan has always had guaranteed PT. No way he would have ever been benched, there was never a reason to do so.

Duncan has always guaranteed playing time for himself by being prepared. No Spur has minutes written into his contract.

[coyotes_geek]

1) Rasual Butler
2) Raja Bell
3) Someone from Austin....

James Jones is A Defensive Liabilty, and All He can Do is shoot.... Otherwise his game is Awful... He has No Athletism, and Is Beyond slow.... Im Sure with the Knee problems he has had recently he is even slower

Sounds a lot like Rasual Butler...........

[kbrury]

Sounds a lot like Rasual Butler...........

Butler is a decent defender either way I don't think Jones is awful defensively maybe average.

[ElNono]

Word is Spurs, Lakers, Bulls after Raja Bell. James Jones considered fallback for #spurs only if Bell falls through.

Bell looks headed to Utah. $10m/3 years offer.

I guess James Jones is next. Thoughts?

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN

Word is Spurs, Lakers, Bulls after Raja Bell. James Jones considered fallback for #spurs only if Bell falls through.

James Jones, anyone? RT @spurinaustin Stein and ESPN say Raja Bell to Utah is a done deal

[PublicOption]

james jones 41.1% career ft%, 6'8". 7'4"wingspan.

[PublicOption]

41.1% 3pt % oops.....even though 41.1% ft% would fit in with the spurs.

[angelbelow]

At this point its down to:

Bulter - Better all around game. More experience and probably a higher b-ball IQ.
James - Better shooter. Might not be able to provide much else.

[Spurs Brazil]

McDonald_SAEN
Have independently confirmed Raja to Jazz. As if anyone thought Stein could be wrong. #spurs now expect to make run @ James Jones.

[siraulo23]

james jones has been injured the past 3 seasons, no thanks

[ElNono]

I'm even wondering if the Spurs are interested in Jones at all.

McDonald has been getting fed with silly info from the FO all week long.

Maybe we're targeting Butler behind the smoke and mirrors?

[timvp]

Are all of the people who want Butler aware that he's a 36.3% career three point shooter, with 1 season over 40% (Bell is 41.1%, with 7 seasons over 40%; Jones is 39.5%, with 2 seasons over 40%) and at best an average defender?

I know he's 6-7, which is all the rage around here, but isn't the goal to, if not secure good three point shooting and good defense in one player, then to at least secure one or the other? Butler isn't good enough at either.

What does Jones do better than Butler other than shoot 3% better on three-pointers? Butler would probably be the best perimeter defender on the Spurs, while Jones would be another average defender. I literally can't think of something Jones does better than Butler other than barely shoot threes better. On top of that, Butler has played 164 games of 164 games the last two season. Jones has played 76 of 164.

If Jones attempts 150 threes next year, he'd hit around 60 at his career percentage. Butler, on the other hand, would hit 55. Do those five three-pointers throughout the duration of the season make up for Butler being better at everything else?

Another red flag for me regarding Jones is that he was 2-for-19 on two-pointers last season and didn't hit a shot in the paint all year. He played 503 minutes and no layup or any other type of shot in the lane? That's pretty ridiculous. It makes Matt Bonner seem like Shaquille O'Neal.

That said, there isn't too huge of a difference between Butler and Jones. Bother are decidedly below average NBA players. Butler is easily the safer option while Jones has a higher ceiling.

[manu the best]

is he a good defense man?

[TD 21]

What does Jones do better than Butler other than shoot 3% better on three-pointers? Butler would probably be the best perimeter defender on the Spurs, while Jones would be another average defender. I literally can't think of something Jones does better than Butler other than barely shoot threes better. On top of that, Butler has played 164 games of 164 games the last two season. Jones has played 76 of 164.

If Jones attempts 150 threes next year, he'd hit around 60 at his career percentage. Butler, on the other hand, would hit 55. Do those five three-pointers throughout the duration of the season make up for Butler being better at everything else?

Another red flag for me regarding Jones is that he was 2-for-19 on two-pointers last season and didn't hit a shot in the paint all year. He played 503 minutes and no layup or any other type of shot in the lane? That's pretty ridiculous. It makes Matt Bonner seem like Shaquille O'Neal.

That said, there isn't too huge of a difference between Butler and Jones. Bother are decidedly below average NBA players. Butler is easily the safer option while Jones has a higher ceiling.

Barely? One is a 40% three point shooter (which is very good), the other is a 36% three point shooter (which is just okay). Butler is not a very good defender, either.

Durability isn't overly important for this role. Even if one went down, the Spurs would still have Anderson, Hairston and (if he sticks) Gee to turn to. I think the biggest concern is to either get very good defense or very good three point shooting out of this role and Butler provides neither; Jones at least provides one.

That's not at all a red flag. While it is an astounding stat, it's irrelevant for the role he'd be playing.

With the ridiculous money being thrown around this summer and the role Butler has played the past two years (generally starting and averaging double digit points), I'd be surprised if he's not outside of the Spurs price range. I agree that he's a better player than Jones, but the Spurs need specifics.

[ohmwrecker]

Jones - can shoot, can't defend, made of glass
Barnes- can't shoot, can defend, shithead
Butler - can shoot, defend, clutch

Butler is clearly the best choice.

[TD 21]

Jones - can shoot, can't defend, made of glass
Barnes- can't shoot, can defend, shithead
Butler - can shoot, defend, clutch

Butler is clearly the best choice.

You're entitled to your opinion, just know this: Butler is a vastly overrated shooter (career 36.3% from 3 with 1 season above 40%) and has never been known as a good defender.

[MaNu4Tres]

Just give Anderson and Hairston the playing time instead of acquiring Jones.

[celldweller]

Just give Anderson and Hairston the playing time instead of acquiring Jones.
Totally agree. Enough with these players nobody wants! Let's give Hairston & Anderson a chance.

[ohmwrecker]

You're entitled to your opinion, just know this: Butler is a vastly overrated shooter (career 36.3% from 3 with 1 season above 40%) and has never been known as a good defender.

He has had 3 or 4 seasons at just barely under 40% and he's not a bad defender and a pretty good shot blocker for a SF. I'm not saying he's perfect, but he has more all-around skill than Barnes or Jones.

[TD 21]

I'm not arguing whether Jones is a better player than Butler (he isn't), what I'm saying is that the Spurs need specifics. Either very good three point shooting, very good defense or a combination of both. Since they won't be able to get both in one via free agency, it's best to prioritize one or the other.

Barnes isn't a fit character wise, so if you take him out, it comes down to Jones and Butler. It's real simple, Jones does one thing very well, while Butler doesn't. Also, Jones will more than likely be in the Spurs price range, while Butler more than likely won't be.

[DesignatedT]

Butler and Jones are both garbage tbh.

[xtremesteven33]

Butler has been an underrated clutch shooter for awhile now....Spurs need to fill that 3 spot also....

[xmas1997]

There have been no reports that Butler is even on the Spurs radar.

[jesterbobman]

I think we have to look at Ronnie Brewer. Not the Shooter wanted, but could be a lockdown-ish SF who scores garbage buckets. Also, has the size to hassle the SF's that are a mismatch for us.

[xtremesteven33]

There have been no reports that Butler is even on the Spurs radar.



Sounds like a typical CIA Spurs signing....

[timvp]

As of right now, my stance is:

1) If the Spurs are bringing back RJ, I'd prefer James Jones. He's a better risk/reward candidate and could simply play the role of spot-up marksman.

2) If the Spurs aren't bringing back RJ, Rasual Butler has to be next target. He's durable, he's an above average defender and he's a somewhat proven starter. I wouldn't want Butler to start, but in an emergency, he's a much surer option than Jones. Without RJ on board, I'd look at Butler and then Matt Barnes. Jones would be down the list just because you can't count on him and he's too much of a specialist to start.

[mountainballer]

agree on both points. as much as I like Jones, he isn't a good option for the starting SF.

another thought: if the Spurs can't bring back RJ, wouldn't a trade Dice for a starter quality SF be the next plan. (something like Dice for Martell Webster?)
I highly doubt we can get Butler with the money that's left.
(I was thinking from the moment of the Bonner re signing and the Splitter signing, that Dice is the odd man out and is a decent trade asset)

[xmas1997]

I think Dice would be a good specialist off the bench. He did well against Dirk too.

[coyotes_geek]

agree on both points. as much as I like Jones, he isn't a good option for the starting SF.

another thought: if the Spurs can't bring back RJ, wouldn't a trade Dice for a starter quality SF be the next plan. (something like Dice for Martell Webster?)
I highly doubt we can get Butler with the money that's left.
(I was thinking from the moment of the Bonner re signing and the Splitter signing, that Dice is the odd man out and is a decent trade asset)

The problem with trying to trade Dyess is that he's likely to just retire if he gets sent to some crappy team. I really don't see him having much of trade value at all.

[Thomas82]

The problem with trying to trade Dyess is that he's likely to just retire if he gets sent to some crappy team. I really don't see him having much of trade value at all.

But couldn't that team buy him out though?

[coyotes_geek]

But couldn't that team buy him out though?

They could, but why on earth would they want to do that? What's the point in giving up a player to acquire a guy you're just going to buy out?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Barely? One is a 40% three point shooter (which is very good), the other is a 36% three point shooter (which is just okay). Butler is not a very good defender, either.

Durability isn't overly important for this role. Even if one went down, the Spurs would still have Anderson, Hairston and (if he sticks) Gee to turn to. I think the biggest concern is to either get very good defense or very good three point shooting out of this role and Butler provides neither; Jones at least provides one.

That's not at all a red flag. While it is an astounding stat, it's irrelevant for the role he'd be playing.

With the ridiculous money being thrown around this summer and the role Butler has played the past two years (generally starting and averaging double digit points), I'd be surprised if he's not outside of the Spurs price range. I agree that he's a better player than Jones, but the Spurs need specifics.

And players never shoot better here in SA with Tim, Tony, and Manu creating open looks for them...

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Just give Anderson and Hairston the playing time instead of acquiring Jones.

Anderson isn't a small forward.

[Seventyniner]

They could, but why on earth would they want to do that? What's the point in giving up a player to acquire a guy you're just going to buy out?

Salary dump, of course. That's why Charlotte traded Chandler for Dampier, right? And buyouts immediately after trades happen all the time, see Brent Barry, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Antonio McDyess (lol), etc.

Then again, McDyess's contract is fully guaranteed for this season and partially guaranteed for 2011-2012, so the team would have to be really desperate to dump salary to view him as an effective means of saving; his contract is worse than a run-of-the-mill expiring contract.

[coyotes_geek]

Salary dump, of course. That's why Charlotte traded Chandler for Dampier, right? And buyouts immediately after trades happen all the time, see Brent Barry, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Antonio McDyess (lol), etc.

Then again, McDyess's contract is fully guaranteed for this season and partially guaranteed for 2011-2012, so the team would have to be really desperate to dump salary to view him as an effective means of saving; his contract is worse than a run-of-the-mill expiring contract.

A team looking to give away a quality SF on a reasonable contract so that they can shed payroll can find a better contract than Dyess'.

[RiverwalkParade]

Jones + Barnes and resign RJ and the SF spot would be locked up with all kinds of goodness

RJ plays well off the bench with Manu and Hill (saw that last year), plus has a full year of experience in the systems and should have more confidence this time around

Barnes can start and will play the Bowen role of locking up the perimeter

Jones gives spot minutes to keep spacing honest and keep teams from doubling down low.

Barnes for the rest of the MLE
Jones for LLE
RJ forwhatever keeps them under the lux tax threshold.

[coyotes_geek]

Jones + Barnes and resign RJ and the SF spot would be locked up with all kinds of goodness

RJ plays well off the bench with Manu and Hill (saw that last year), plus has a full year of experience in the systems and should have more confidence this time around

Barnes can start and will play the Bowen role of locking up the perimeter

Jones gives spot minutes to keep spacing honest and keep teams from doubling down low.

Barnes for the rest of the MLE
Jones for LLE
RJ forwhatever keeps them under the lux tax threshold.

I don't think there's a need for the Spurs to bring back RJ and use both the LLE and MLE remainders on SF's. Having Hairston or Gee as 3rd string SF is fine.

And no thanks to Barnes. Dude is a cancer.

Bring back RJ, get Jones or Butler, go look for a vet big.

[Seventyniner]

A team looking to give away a quality SF on a reasonable contract so that they can shed payroll can find a better contract than Dyess'.

You're right about that. It's possible, just not realistic. I was just nitpicking. :nope

[coyotes_geek]

You're right about that. It's possible, just not realistic. I was just nitpicking. :nope

It's all good. :toast

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Jones + Barnes and resign RJ and the SF spot would be locked up with all kinds of goodness

RJ plays well off the bench with Manu and Hill (saw that last year), plus has a full year of experience in the systems and should have more confidence this time around

Barnes can start and will play the Bowen role of locking up the perimeter

Jones gives spot minutes to keep spacing honest and keep teams from doubling down low.

Barnes for the rest of the MLE
Jones for LLE
RJ forwhatever keeps them under the lux tax threshold.

like it

[Kermit]

Hasn't Barnes said on several occasions that he has no interest in playing for the Spurs?

[Ditty]

Jones + Barnes and resign RJ and the SF spot would be locked up with all kinds of goodness

RJ plays well off the bench with Manu and Hill (saw that last year), plus has a full year of experience in the systems and should have more confidence this time around

Barnes can start and will play the Bowen role of locking up the perimeter

Jones gives spot minutes to keep spacing honest and keep teams from doubling down low.

Barnes for the rest of the MLE
Jones for LLE
RJ forwhatever keeps them under the lux tax threshold.

get me barnes and butler and call it an offseason

[Kindergarten Cop]

Hasn't Barnes said on several occasions that he has no interest in playing for the Spurs?

I think this is just speculation. I have heard several people claim that the Spurs have little interest in signing him due to the fact that we have brought him in for a look on several occasions without offering a deal - but I think this is also merely speculation. Why would they continue to bring him in if they weren't interested in signing him and why would he visit if he had no interest in playing for the Spurs?

[callo1]

I'll take a 31 year old Tmac on the cheap, let RJ walk, and have enough $ to add another piece. Tmac is still only 31, and we know he has played far fewer games than most his age due to his past playoff exits:)

We don't need a 2005 Tmac, we need a guy with length that can stretch the floor and hit some threes, and Tmac has essentially become that guy, with the occasional ability to still go off at any given moment.

for the $ and the experience it makes sense. I bet the guy could resurrect his career under Pop.

[Mr Bones]

Seven pages and 178 posts about James Jones. Whoa.

[HarlemHeat37]

Meh, if you go downstairs, you'll find threads with 300 pages about calf tats:lol..this is nothing..

[Spurs Brazil]

IraHeatBeat
Spurs apparently showing interest in James Jones, who can get nothing more than the minimum for a Heat return at this point.

[Obstructed_View]

Anderson isn't a small forward.

It's a halfway decent bet that Anderson and Hairston can do more with the position than Finley or Bogans.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

It's a halfway decent bet that Anderson and Hairston can do more with the position than Finley or Bogans.

I don't disagree with you there, but that still doesn't make Anderson a starting quality SF...

[coyotes_geek]

Sounds like a broken down pc of shit. We are not playing to win this offseason. We needed to make a big move besides locking up splitter.

Such as?

[Obstructed_View]

I don't disagree with you there, but that still doesn't make Anderson a starting quality SF...

I'd rather take my chances with him over most of the guys that people are talking about. Anderson was ranked eighth in small forwards coming out of the draft. Between him and Blair with Hairston for defense, the Spurs can dictate mismatches at that position if they choose.

[coyotes_geek]

Coming off serious injury, cannot defend quick sfs at all, piss poor rebounder, is a small PF that can shot the 3, he is not a SF. Cannot handle the ball at all.

Last 3 years has done very little. Hes a 10-12 man to me,,,,good size for a SF but thats it.

When all you've got to go after players with is just a BAE and a little more than 1/3 of an MLE, a 10-12th man is all you're going to be able to get.

[Obstructed_View]

When all you've got to go after players with is just a BAE and a little more than 1/3 of an MLE, a 10-12th man is all you're going to be able to get.

Exactly. 10-12th men shouldn't be starting. See Bogans, Keith.

[coyotes_geek]

Exactly. 10-12th men shouldn't be starting. See Bogans, Keith.

And Hairston, Malik.

[Obstructed_View]

And Hairston, Malik.

And you base this pronouncement on what, exactly? It obviously has nothing to do with what he's done on a basketball court. Did you miss what the guy drafted at about the same spot as Hairston did to the Spurs in the playoffs?

I guess we'd rather have a re-tread vet who has proven that he can't start and shitcan yet another young player before we find out what he can do. Maybe the Spurs should just try to trade everyone under the age of 25.

[coyotes_geek]

And you base this pronouncement on what, exactly? It obviously has nothing to do with what he's done on a basketball court.

Hairston has shown that he's deserving of consideration to be on an NBA roster, but so far that's about it. There's a long way to go between that and proving that he deserves to be starting for a team with championship aspirations. I like Hairston. I really do. But he's got a ways to go before I want him as my starting SF.


Did you miss what the guy drafted at about the same spot as Hairston did to the Spurs in the playoffs?

Goran Dragic has nothing to do with Malik Hairston. To suggest that there's some cosmic link between Dragic and Hairston's draft positions is just silly. Besides, if you want to play that game you should go look up what spot Matt Bonner got drafted at.


I guess we'd rather have a re-tread vet who has proven that he can't start and shitcan yet another young player before we find out what he can do.

As fate would have it, there is enough space on the roster to carry both a guy who has proven he's good enough to stick in the nba for several years AND a young player. It's not an either/or decision.


Maybe the Spurs should just try to trade everyone under the age of 25.

Maybe the Spurs should just get rid of everyone over the age of 25 and carry a roster full of guys who have spent most of their professional careers playing for a d-league team?

[Obstructed_View]

Hairston has shown that he's deserving of consideration to be on an NBA roster, but so far that's about it. There's a long way to go between that and proving that he deserves to be starting for a team with championship aspirations. I like Hairston. I really do. But he's got a ways to go before I want him as my starting SF.
Hairston beat out Bogans for a spot last year, and Bogans started a whole bunch of games. Jones isn't a starter on a championship-caliber team, and he's proven that. Hell, Jones hasn't even been able to start on bad teams.


Goran Dragic has nothing to do with Malik Hairston. To suggest that there's some cosmic link between Dragic and Hairston's draft positions is just silly.
There's nothing cosmic about it. Both guys were drafted at about the same spot, both seem to have some talent, one was thrown into the rotation and allowed to make mistakes, the other was put into the D league where he kicked everyone's ass and didn't learn anything new for two years. It's not a coincidence which one of them fucked the other's team in the playoffs. Here's a hint: It could only have been the one who got an opportunity to play.


As fate would have it, there is enough space on the roster to carry both a guy who has proven he's good enough to stick in the nba for several years AND a young player. It's not an either/or decision.
The only way James Jones is an improvement is if your pronouncement of Hairston as the 12th man on the roster turns out to be accurate, even though there's no evidence to suggest that. On a normal basketball team I'd be inclined to agree with you, but Jones is Bogans redux, and with Pop's penchant for giving way too many minutes to sucky vets, I'd just as soon he didn't have that particular option in his bag of tricks.


Maybe the Spurs should just get rid of everyone over the age of 25 and carry a roster full of guys who have spent most of their professional careers playing for a d-league team?
No, it's much more sensible that they just let them play in Austin as long as they're eligible and then let them go somewhere else.

[barbacoataco]

Depending on whether Hairston is really going to play significant minutes, the Spurs might have more or less use for a guy like James Jones. Plus we don't even know if RJ is coming back. So the SF position is pretty much a mystery.

I always thought James Jones was pretty good at Phoenix. He hit his 3's in the playoffs even with pressure. He isn't a geat all around player, but he's been on winning teams, and just in 2009 he hit a lot of 3's for the Heat in the playoffs.

I would rather have a defensive specialist backup SF, but the Spurs need 3pt shooting too.

[TD 21]

On a normal basketball team I'd be inclined to agree with you, but Jones is Bogans redux, and with Pop's penchant for giving way too many minutes to sucky vets, I'd just as soon he didn't have that particular option in his bag of tricks.

That's precisely why I didn't want Bonner re-signed and why I'm not thrilled with the prospect of the Spurs signing Jones or someone of that ilk. Granted, there aren't better options available for what the Spurs have to offer than Barnes, Butler and Jones and depth/insurance wise, it would be ideal to have a veteran in case Anderson/Hairston struggle and/or injuries arise.

But like you said, if you give Pop the option of playing a veteran over a young player, it's a given that the veteran will get the nod over the young player and a guy like Jones isn't good enough to do that with.

The prudent thing to do would be to have no established roles between these three going into training camp. Allow their play to dictate which one should be in the rotation, which one should be on the fringe of it and which one should be out of it entirely.

Ultimately though, the Spurs appear to have the same problem they had last year on the wings: quantity, but not enough quality. MaNu4Tres talked about this and the lack of a clear cut, two-way third wing.

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN

In-house options would be Gee/Hairston. Suppose Bogans could be back for minimum. Mason, no way. @kevinajones7

Only outside guy I can confirm right now is James Jones. Maybe better off w/ in-house options RT @Amer_Mansour So who ARE they talking to?
about 3 hours ago via web

[mingus]

i think James Jones would work out better than Bogans or Mason. i can't remember how James Jones plays defense, but i assume it would be better than Mason's because of his 6-8 frame. plus, he's a proven knock down shooter for his career. with Splitter and Duncan in the middle, it's not going to make it as essential for the perimiter defenders to keep their man in front of them. we'll be seeing a lot more funneling the offense to either one of those guys.

i don't see how the Spurs could go into the season without a guy that can knock down threes, other than Manu and Hill (Anderson hasn't proven anything yet, so i'm not going to rely on him). having only two perimiter players being able to knock down threes when your whole offense is based on kickouts off of penetration and the post isn't smart. to have a guy play the 3 that can hit the three is going to be key.

[Marcus Bryant]

All the more reason that Jefferson will be back.

The remainder of the MLE and the LLE will go to finding a backup 2 and backup 3.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I sure wish we'd hurry up and sign someone this is getting pathetic.

[TIMMYD!]

I sure wish we'd hurry up and sign someone this is getting pathetic.

By the time we do something, everyone that is worth a damn is gonna be gone.

[analyzed]

It's interesting that in our need to fill in a "Bowen" role ( can defend and shoot open 3's) we have to extremes as prospects:
Players who can defend : Hariston and Gee ( athletic types)
and
Players who can shoot: Anderson and Jones .
In my opinion the latter fills up the role Brent Barry used to play and not bowen. Now back to filling bowens role. I think you have a more realistc chance of teaching a defender like Hariston to shoot ( calling Chip Engelend) rather than teaching a Jones to defend ( the guy's been in the NBA for ages and hasn't learned to play defense, how are you going to teach an old dog new tricks )

[Blackjack]

I really wish we had gotten the opportunity to see Anderson play SL . . .

[Obstructed_View]

By the time we do something, everyone that is worth a damn is gonna be gone.

The guys that the Spurs are going to target are not the ones we're talking about. There are still several guys available.

[AVman]

this dude would be nice if he can play strapped defense. & hits kick out 3s.

[ElNono]

Looks like they're taking a long, hard look... Been 3 days already...

[kaji157]

I would have hoped the Spurs to try to get Navarro from Spain, he had a nice stroke.

[AVman]

Looks like they're taking a long, hard look... Been 3 days already...

http://areacellphone.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/gsm_hacked_snooping.jpg

[coyotes_geek]

Looks like they're taking a long, hard look... Been 3 days already...

No telling if the Spurs are the ones mulling it over or if they have an offer on the table. But if they do have an offer on the table and I were Jones, I don't think I'd be in much of a hurry to commit to a $2mil/yr deal right now given the money that's flying around. Same goes for Butler.

[ElNono]

No telling if the Spurs are the ones mulling it over or if they have an offer on the table. But if they do have an offer on the table and I were Jones, I don't think I'd be in much of a hurry to commit to a $2mil/yr deal right now given the money that's flying around. Same goes for Butler.

Well, that's the thing with the Spurs. You never know anything really until either the guy signs with another team or the deal goes through.

So we wait...

[coyotes_geek]

Well, that's the thing with the Spurs. You never know anything really until either the guy signs with another team or the deal goes through.

So we wait...

Very true. It can really, really suck to be a Spurs fan during the offseason. For all we know the Spurs are going to pluck some SF out of europe that we've never heard of.

[Blackjack]

No telling if the Spurs are the ones mulling it over or if they have an offer on the table. But if they do have an offer on the table and I were Jones, I don't think I'd be in much of a hurry to commit to a $2mil/yr deal right now given the money that's flying around. Same goes for Butler.


The source said Jones would sign for more than the minimum if a deal can be finalized with San Antonio.

That's from the OP.

Seems Jones is a fallback option for the Spurs and someone they're not looking to sign as much as content to sign if he's what's left. I think that's the hold up -- Jones is apparently ready to sign if a deal is put on the table by the Spurs.

[lurker23]

Spurs are likely waiting to see what RJ's contract comes out at before committing to Jones. They wouldn't want to, for example, commit to the full LLE for Jones, then have RJ's final price come in $500,000 more than they expected and have it hurt them with regards to the luxury tax.

[coyotes_geek]

Spurs are likely waiting to see what RJ's contract comes out at before committing to Jones. They wouldn't want to, for example, commit to the full LLE for Jones, then have RJ's final price come in $500,000 more than they expected and have it hurt them with regards to the luxury tax.

That's certainly possible. That would also mean that this might drag out for a while longer because one would think RJ is going to wait and see if anyone with capspace wants to throw a bunch of money at him.

Regarding the luxury tax, Hairston, Gee, Temple and Jerrells collectively only have about $400k worth of guaranteed money in their contracts. There's some wiggle room in there for the Spurs to cut a couple, or all, of those guys and then bring back 1 or 2 of them as playoff time approaches.

[Marcus Bryant]

It's rebuilding time in two years or less. Give him the LLE and be done with it.

[barbacoataco]

It's rebuilding time in two years or less. Give him the LLE and be done with it.

Will the Spurs really have a "rebuilding" phase? With Hill, Splitter, Blair and Anderson on board they might be able to remain competitive. I think they are trying to avoid the usual period of suckness most dynasties endure after the key players retire. The strategy of being terrible to get a lottery pick is risky because you can easily have a top 5 pick and not get a quality player. Who knows how things will turn out, but I could see the Spurs being a 7-8 playoff seed in 2014.

[mattyc]

Play it sensible, Spurs. Sort out the issues with RJ first and then reevaluate the other options. Rushing in these scenarios is not in the Spurs nature, as it generally leads to paying over the odds.

Game of chess, folks.

[ElNono]

Will the Spurs really have a "rebuilding" phase? With Hill, Splitter, Blair and Anderson on board they might be able to remain competitive. I think they are trying to avoid the usual period of suckness most dynasties endure after the key players retire. The strategy of being terrible to get a lottery pick is risky because you can easily have a top 5 pick and not get a quality player. Who knows how things will turn out, but I could see the Spurs being a 7-8 playoff seed in 2014.

Uh? It might be difficult to make the playoffs if Tony walks next season. After Tim retires we probably won't make it. Once Manu is gone, we'll be all looking forward to the NBA lottery...

[barbacoataco]

Uh? It might be difficult to make the playoffs if Tony walks next season. After Tim retires we probably won't make it. Once Manu is gone, we'll be all looking forward to the NBA lottery...

I guess we'll see.

[Leonard Curse]

they need to take a "hard look" at his stats dammit! wuah wuah wuahhhhhhh