Oberto to unretire and return to spurs?

[scottspurs]

An espn insider article says fabricio oberto is considering a comeback and could possibly return to the spurs. He is in San Antonio now and watched the spurs take on the rockets on saturday. Going through some medical tests and working on his conditioning. "I'll have some tests and we'll see," oberto said.

[xtremesteven33]

link?

[scottspurs]

I'm on my iPhone so just in a minute I will post a link it takes me a while on my phone

[wontstartdumbthreads]

An espn insider article says fabricio oberto is considering a comeback and could possibly return to the spurs. He is in San Antonio now and watched the spurs take on the rockets on saturday. Going through some medical tests and working on his conditioning. "I'll have some tests and we'll see," oberto said.

Well, that's enough to get a Spurs boner over.
As long as he isn't putting his health in jeopardy.

[boutons_deux]

I thought we already has too many bigs?

[wontstartdumbthreads]

Here's a link:
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/31/bonner-to-make-trip-but-doubtful-for-tuesday/

[NASpurs]

Is ESPN Insider just copying what the Express News said?

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/31/bonner-to-make-trip-but-doubtful-for-tuesday/



OBERTO HOPEFUL: Former Spurs starting center Fabricio Oberto sat in general manager R.C. Buford’s box to watch Saturday’s game against the Rockets, and he was at the team’s practice facility Sunday morning.


Oberto said he will have some medical tests done while in San Antonio before proceeding with conditioning work he hopes will lead to a continuation of his career.
The popular player from Argentina began the season with the Trail Blazers but announced his retirement because of problems with heart palpitations. He also experienced the condition while playing for the Spurs.


“I’ll have some tests, and we’ll see,” Oberto said.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

Here's a link:
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/31/bonner-to-make-trip-but-doubtful-for-tuesday/

OBERTO HOPEFUL: Former Spurs starting center Fabricio Oberto sat in general manager R.C. Buford’s box to watch Saturday’s game against the Rockets, and he was at the team’s practice facility Sunday morning.
Oberto said he will have some medical tests done while in San Antonio before proceeding with conditioning work he hopes will lead to a continuation of his career.
The popular player from Argentina began the season with the Trail Blazers but announced his retirement because of problems with heart palpitations. He also experienced the condition while playing for the Spurs.
“I’ll have some tests, and we’ll see,” Oberto said.

[Shifty]

What happened to the other post talking about this? I can't find it. Was it moved?

Ok, the title is not about him, it was about Bonner.

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171423&highlight=oberto

[xtremesteven33]

Oberto gonna come back and show Splitter how to play like a man..

[scottspurs]

http://insider.espn.go.com/NBA/features/rumors

[MannyIsGod]

Seems suspect. Do we really need six bigs? I love Oberto but really?

[wontstartdumbthreads]

So now deal Splitter for any decent perimeter defender or if that fails, for a 80th round draft pick.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

Seems suspect. Do we really need six bigs? I love Oberto but really?

We need 5 bigs but only have 4.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

We need 5 bigs but only have 4.

I mean we only have 3.

[Spursmania]

See the "Matt Bonner update" thread. This was discussed.

Some fans are assuming the Spurs want him or are interested in him only because the Spurs are allowing Fab to use the facilities.

It's quite a stretch imo to deduce anything further other than the Spurs being nice to a classy guy that fans and players always liked. Letting him use the facilities to get his professional career back is pretty nice of the Spurs. But that's all it is.

[scottspurs]

Is ESPN Insider just copying what the Express News said?

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/31/bonner-to-make-trip-but-doubtful-for-tuesday/

Yeah espn insider just copied this

[NASpurs]

I'm having problems reading apparently. Can someone point to me where in the article it states that he might return to the Spurs specifically?

[NASpurs]

Yeah espn insider just copied this

Is mysa.com going to send ESPN a cease and desist letter as well?

[scottspurs]

I'm having problems reading apparently. Can someone point to me where in the article it states that he might return to the Spurs specifically?

I think its just people connecting the dots and like someone said already it could just be the spurs allowing him to use the facilities so he could get his career Ba k on track. I wouldn't mind the spurs signing him they could use his toughness even if it is for only limited minutes. He also knows the system already so the transition would not be to hard though things have changed offensively.

[DesignatedT]

That doesn't say anything about playing for the Spurs lol. Teams let other players use their facilities all the time. For all we know he could be talking about returning to international play for Argentina once the worlds and stuff come around.

[Texas_Ranger]

Seems suspect. Do we really need six bigs? I love Oberto but really?

Well only Tim and Tiago, who sucks are really big, Bonner can't rebound and can't play in the paint, Dice is also not that big, but at least he can still play good basketball and Blair is not that good in defense. Oberto can play defense and I think he can help us in something like 5 minutes per game.

[Mr. Peabody]

Can he just "retire" for part of the season and then sign with whoever he likes? Why don't other players do that to play for teams they prefer?

[Cane]

I would welcome Oberto back even if its for injury insurance. Spurs can use all the depth they can get for their upcoming rodeo trip that has three freaking back to backs (Spurs look like shit on those nights and can lose to any team in the league like the Nets last season or Clippers in this one). Bonner may be out a while.

[Cry Havoc]

I can't imagine Oberto getting many meaningful minutes on this team. Either he's just trying to get back into the NBA, or he's trade bait.

[scottspurs]

Can he just "retire" for part of the season and then sign with whoever he likes? Why don't other players do that to play for teams they prefer?

Yeah I forgot he played for Portland earlier this year. I don't even no if it's possible for the spurs to sign him unless Portland releases him if he decides to return

[Muser]

Don't want or need tbh.

[Texas_Ranger]

Well he' s not on Portland's roster, so he was already released.

[xmas1997]

Wouldn't he have to go back to Portland if he plays again?

[lefty]

I like him, but....



... non merci

[Horse]

He does'nt have to do much physically it's his brain we want, very smart player know where to go to get easy baskets that take zero athletic ability. And he's tough not like that pussy Splitter.

[mazerrackham]

http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/1290578617734_265313.png

[TwelveGs210]

Oberto gonna come back and show Splitter how to play like a man..

Lol..They should cut that new forward they signed, and bring in Fab..send Splitter to the Toros to refine his feminine "jump" hook. (does he even jump?)

[mazerrackham]

There is absolutely no credible evidence to say Oberto's coming back for the Spurs. You guys are taking a giant step based on nothing.

[Mr. Peabody]

Well he' s not on Portland's roster, so he was already released.

If he retired, would they be obligated to still have him on their roster to keep his rights?

[dbreiden83080]

So basically the Spurs are 40-7 and he wants in on the potential ring..

[ElNono]

Here's a translation from an interview with Fabricio from 2 days ago (http://www.canchallena.com/1345595-me-quedan-ganas-de-jugar), which I think explains a lot and clears up what's going on:

"I still feel like playing"

Fabricio Oberto retired from basketball, but he's still hopeful that his heart will allow him to play the Olympic Qualifier
January 29, 2011

MAR DEL PLATA.- Fabricio Oberto debates between his feelings and his head. His head tells him that wearing the Argentina NT jersey again could be a risk to his heart, which halfway through 2010 suffered another arrhythmia and took him away from the court. The way he feels push him towards the NT jersey, being part of the Golden Generation that put him atop the Olympic podium. Just days away from receiving the results of medical exams he will be doing in Texas, Oberto doesn't hide his hopes that he'll be able to play in front of fans again in the Olympic qualifier to be hosted by Mar del Plata from Aug 30 to Sept 11. "If I knew the Turkey World Championship would have been my last tournament, it would have been different… Since I didn't close the door well there, I still feel like playing. But I really can't ask more from the game. And the other way around", he thinks.

- Is it a small gap or a big door that's opening for your return?

The possibilities are there. Depends what the exams say. I'll be with the doctor, and he'll tell me if I can play or not.

- What does this Olympic qualifier means for you?

It's a chance to play in Argentina. The last international tournament that was played here was in 2001, the World Qualifier in Neuquén. It was an incredible experience. Let's hope that it materializes, and if it can't, then I'll be right there, next to the team.

- As a player or as an assistant coach to Lamas?

I don't know. Depends on the results of the exams. If I have a shot to be 100%, I'll do it. We have to wait until the trip to USA.

- How do you feel?

Good. I have to start doing some physical activity. The problem is when you need to reach that high level, it's too high. At that point, you can't risk it. That's the least I want to do: risk something about my health and my life.

- What does it mean for the Golden Generation to say goodbye in the country?

It's huge. Besides the fact that there's nice pressure playing at home, the people hasn't seen an official tourney in such a long time, so I'm sure they'll be all over it.

- Are you going to feel the pressure or enjoy it?

This team enjoys pressure. It's when they play better.

- What do you think about Lamas as the new head coach?

It's a coach that knows the group well, who has been in previous processes. Right now he's a very good option to continue what started with Rubén Magnano and what was done with Sergio [Hernández].

- What balance you have from the Turkey Worlds?

I think it will be seen as positive in due time. Finishing in the fifth spot, beating Spain after many years, beating Russia and having the amount of problems we had… injuries, sickness, Chapu (Andrés Nocioni) goes and then he's not allowed to play… It was a special tournament for me. I never missed four games in my life! [He was affected by a stomach virus]. And yet the team shown some good character.

- If you're told you cannot play anymore, would you be a coach?

I don't know. You have to have some special qualities for that. But being close to the players, help, bring experience, add to the team… I think I can do that. We'll see.

- What are those special qualities?

You need to know how to handle players, make certain decisions. In my opinion, it's the most difficult job in basketball.

- Do you see good material amongst the youngsters to continue on the same path?

You have to give them everything so the local talent can explode. You have to take care of the local competition. You can't pressure the kids to fly as soon as possible to Europe. It's proven that the national league produces a lot of talent.

- Don't hurry up the kids to be Manu?

Some parents are out of their mind: "I'll have the next Manu, the next Messi", they think. You have to make kids play, not force them into anything.

[nkdlunch]

Argentine team trying to go 1 more last with their legends next olympics.

Prigioni, Manu, Oberto, Scola, Delfino, Nocioni.

Wonder if Pepe Sanchez will unretire?

[concken]

FWIW per Manu's twitter

http://twitpic.com/3uz7zq

[Dex]

Manu, Luis, and Fab have been friends since long before Manu was even a Spur, so that pic is inconsequential imo.

As for the Fab reports, it says that he is considering a return to the league, but never necessarily says to the Spurs. They just happened to be coupled into the same article since Fab was visiting with Luis/Manu recently.

As for the possibility...if Fab were able to come in healthy, he could probably be picked up for the vet min and wouldn't require big minutes. It's pretty known he enjoyed his time here, and I'd have to consider San Antonio pretty high on his list (if there is such a thing).

He'd probably be a better option and character to have around that Owens (no offense to Larry), but he would also become another easy option for Pop give Splitter's minutes to. The big-man rotation seems short now, but that won't the case once Bonner comes back. Injuries have a tendency to do that.

If we had to choose between a seasoned Fab without potential, and a raw Fab with potential...I still think we'd be better off developing Splitter and dealing with the growing pains.

[concken]

FWIW= For What It's Worth

[rasho8]

He signed my basketball at the Rockets game. That was an unexpected bonus for him to walk out of the locker room and we all started clapping and asking for autographs.

He seemed really happy to be there and was smiling and thanking people who asked for his signature. One guy even had the SI cover from the championship with him and he laughed and signed under his picture. All in all a very cool moment.

[Mel_13]

Can he just "retire" for part of the season and then sign with whoever he likes? Why don't other players do that to play for teams they prefer?

If the team lets the player out of his contract, as was the case with Fab and Portland (Fab, in fact, was fully entitled to a full year's salary, but refused to take it. The break up was very amicable), then the player is free to sign with any other team in the league.

Teams don't have to be so accommodating. If they do not agree to release the player, then the player must formally file for retirement with the league offices. In that case, the player cannot return to the NBA for one full year unless he gets a waiver that must be approved by all 30 teams. This happened a few years ago with Jason Williams. He signed with the Clippers, then changed his mind before the season began. The Clips didn't grant a release and he formally retired. When he wanted back in the league before the season ended, several teams, including the Spurs, voted against him.

[crc21209]

Misleading title thread tbh...But if Fab did somehow resume his career and wanted 1 more shot at it, I would take him over Larry Owens like someone in the thread already noted. You can never have enough bigs to go up against L.A. TD, Dice, Bonner, Blair, Splitter, Fab...hell why not?

[Mark in Austin]

I'd love for the Spurs to bring him in to work with Splitter, even if the docs say no to a return as a player.



FWIW per Manu's twitter

http://twitpic.com/3uz7zq

I don't care how often I see it, it kills me every time I see Scola in red.

[Spursmania]

I'd love for the Spurs to bring him in to work with Splitter, even if the docs say no to a return as a player.




I don't care how often I see it, it kills me every time I see Scola in red.

Knowing the Spurs' luck, we'll get him back someday when he's the ripe old age of 34.:lol

[Beaverfuzz]

Oh Boy Oberto is not on the Blazers roster, in fact I don't think he accepted any money he was due to the Blazers because of the flare-up of his heart condition. I think he should stay retired and turn to coaching if he wants to remain a part of the sport.

[DesignatedT]

He is talking about returning to international play not the NBA.

[Hemotivo]

Argentine team trying to go 1 more last with their legends next olympics.

Prigioni, Manu, Oberto, Scola, Delfino, Nocioni.

Wonder if Pepe Sanchez will unretire?

yep, and pepe is still playin'

[Supergirl]

I suspect you have to have pretty convincing medical evidence in order to "retire" and I would worry a lot about taking him back on. Heart conditions are not the kind of thing that go away and the NBA season is brutal. Maybe we sign him for vet min and cut him if it looks like he can't play, but we certainly don't give up Splitter or Dice or anyone else on hopes that he can play again. WHich means if he signs, he's most likely not playing more than garbage minutes.

[Hoops Czar]

Isn't he still property of the Blazers? I don't think you can announce retirement from one team and declare a comeback with another.

[Mel_13]

Isn't he still property of the Blazers? I don't think you can announce retirement from one team and declare a comeback with another.

See post #44.

[Fermixalot]

I'd love to have Oberto just to share some words of wisdom with Splitter and even Blair. Fab knows the game so well and always seemed to be in the right place for a pass and an easy bucket.

Even if he doesn't come back to the Spurs or the game I wish him the best, he's good people.

[Hoops Czar]

See post #44.

Thanks again. :toast I wasn't sure if Portland let Oberto out of his contract.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Fab is done. Let him enjoy his retirement.

[DesignatedT]

Fab is done. Let him enjoy his retirement.

Are people keeping him from enjoying his retirement? lol

[ElNono]

I guess I wasted my time translating that article. :lol
Oberto is not coming back to the Spurs, or the NBA for that matter.

[rascal]

A desperation move that won't help the frontline. The spurs don't need any more players who can't jump and can't rebound and can't defend.

[Mr. Body]

Didn't Derek Fisher 'retire' from the Utah Jazz, both sides walking away from the contract, and then he looped back and signed with the Lakers?

[Capt Bringdown]

Oberto was long past his expiration date when he left the Spurs. He has nothing the Spurs need.

[duncan228]

Perhaps some confusion surrounding Fab Oberto's recent visit. He's not about to re-join the Spurs.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Fabri wants to play for the Argentina NT once more really really, really badly. He wants to be there in the Olympics qualfier this next September (which is hosted in Argentina) and then say goodbye to the National Team in the 2012 Olympics along with Manu and many others.

I think he's in San Antonio to visit Manu and Scola, and also to ask the Spurs medical staff their opinions on his condition. If he returns to play, I don't think there are many chances it'll be with a Spurs Jersey. Maybe if (a big IF) the Spurs want to complete a 15 player roster for the playoffs to have options if there's an injury, they could sign him for the vet minimum. It'd be really nice for Blair and Tiago (and to a lesser extent Neal, Hill and Anderson) to have Dyess, Duncan and Fabri helping them develop.

But men, you gave your best for 15 years to the Arg jersey. Don't take any chances, retire, enjoy your wife, kids and the money earned. Remember Gabi Riofrio...

[Dex]

Perhaps some confusion surrounding Fab Oberto's recent visit. He's not about to re-join the Spurs.


JMac sco0pin' SpursTalk once again.

[8FOR!3]

Didn't Derek Fisher 'retire' from the Utah Jazz, both sides walking away from the contract, and then he looped back and signed with the Lakers?

Nah I thought he asked for a trade because of his daughter or something.

[007nites]

We need Fab to guard Bynum or Shaq in the playoffs.

[SpurAddict561]

If this was the Admiral I'd be busting a nut

He looks like he's still in great shape lol

[007nites]

If this was the Admiral I'd be busting a nut

He looks like he's still in great shape lol

I read some where that he still curls 75 pound dumbells and bench presses reps of 295.

[ploto]

I guess I wasted my time translating that article. :lol
Oberto is not coming back to the Spurs, or the NBA for that matter.
Thanks-- I read it.

[Knoxxx]

Oberto was long past his expiration date when he left the Spurs. He has nothing the Spurs need.

Amen what a ridiculous concept. We unloaded him with some other unwanted veterans who were same status for RJ in one of the best roster moves of all time. Why undo that?

[JsnSA]

Ha. Undo that? It's not like they would have to get rid of Jefferson to bring him back. I understand that the chances are slim that we would bring Fabricio back. But if we did, he would most likely be the last guy in the rotation...a savy big man vet that already knows the system and who could teach Tiago (And Blair) a thing or two about running the pick and roll with Manu. It would not be the worst thing in the world but it would not be a whole lot of help for the team either.

Also, if Oberto did want to return I doubt Portland would want him at this point. I bet they would have no problem releasing him so that he could finish the season with the Spurs and get in shape for a last shot at playing with Argentina.

[bigfan]

I like Fabbo but the last thing I want to see is him have a heart attack on the court. Stay retired dude.

[Spurs da champs]

Oberto gonna come back and show Splitter how to play like a man..

Maybe he'll teach him how to play volleyball.

[kaji157]

I don´t this move bad in any way.
Bonner is coming back from injury
Splitter has not been consistent and has had 2 injuries as of now.
Duncan and Dyess would welcome any minutes unloaded for both.
Blair still has some troubles defensively.

I think Oberto will not come expecting to play any minutes rather than be a mentor within this system for the likes of Splitter and maybe Blair. There is no Spur in position to help Splitter as of now, he´s a good friend of the brazilian and one of the best players executing our plays, i think having him around would help Tiago be effective more sooner than later.

[cutewizard]

I don´t this move bad in any way.
Bonner is coming back from injury
Splitter has not been consistent and has had 2 injuries as of now.
Duncan and Dyess would welcome any minutes unloaded for both.
Blair still has some troubles defensively.

I think Oberto will not come expecting to play any minutes rather than be a mentor within this system for the likes of Splitter and maybe Blair. There is no Spur in position to help Splitter as of now, he´s a good friend of the brazilian and one of the best players executing our plays, i think having him around would help Tiago be effective more sooner than later.



well said....

id like oberto to come back also if its ok with his health

mentorship, thats the idea......

[Stringer_Bell]

I worry about Oberto's health, I don't think he needs to be back on the court, but I'd love to see him with the organization itself...mentoring Tiago, showing him how to be "a bull in a china shop" is exactly what he needs because Tiago's got the heart but needs some grit. Oberto is the poster child for GRIT.