Ric Bucher's Plan to Fix the Spurs

[SenorSpur]

Now that the Spurs season is kaput, everyone from fans to analysts alike, all have suggestions on what the Spurs should do and what direction they should go from here (see the various threads that litter this forum). After all, isn't that what the offseason is for?

The short-term fate of two of the NBA's top playoff contenders, and early exit teams, in this case Orlando and San Antonio, were the subject of a good debate between ESPN analysts Chris Broussard and Ric Bucher. Broussard crafted a plan for the Magic, Bucher did the same for the Spurs. Below is the plan offered up by Bucher offered up to help solve some of the current ills of the Spurs. This taken from ESPN Insider, which features some interesting stuff.

Who needs to rebuild: Magic or Spurs?
Our Insiders debate which playoff team most needs to blow things up and start over

Question: Which playoff team most needs to blow things up and rebuild, the Orlando Magic or the San Antonio Spurs?

I'm not sure how many seasons there have been in which the second overall seed in the NBA has been in need of an immediate overhaul, but this is one of them. The San Antonio Spurs, if they want to get back to their championship-contending ways, have to face the harsh reality that their Big Three core -- Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker -- is not good enough and will not be good enough going forward to lift a fifth Larry O'Brien trophy. They posted their strong regular-season record because of the selflessness of their stars and the craftiness and flexibility of coach Gregg Popovich, who devised a penetrate-and-kick game with just enough post work by Duncan to thump every team not as good as them, almost without fail, and to beat a fair number of the teams better than them. In the regular season.

But they did it with a style -- playing fast and shooting 3s to hide a mediocre defense -- that they knew was not crafted to win a title. But what were they going to do? Play their old style, scratch into the playoffs and not be good enough anyway? I believe they did that the previous two seasons. They made the best of what they had this season and there's no shame in that. Still, it's clear that the time has come for them to rebuild.

What can the Spurs do now? Changing out pieces around the Big Three has been done, several seasons in a row now, without success. Somebody from the core has to go. If GM R.C. Buford and Popovich were the steely pragmatists that the late Bill Walsh was, one or more of them already would've been moved. Then again, San Francisco and the 49ers in their heyday were a little more of a free-agent magnet than San Antonio, so it's understandable if the Spurs stand by Duncan and Ginobili, who took less on one or more of their last deals to stay in silver and black.

Now, Tony Parker in a different jersey? Odd, but not inconceivable, and that's where they have to start. And this is in no way to discredit what TP has contributed to the Spurs. It's simply that he's not enough of a playmaker at point guard to raise the level of those around him. Nor does he have enough size to dominate his position at both ends of the court and create mismatches -- at least the kind of mismatches the Spurs now need from their third star with Duncan's star dimming. But as a quick, scoring point guard in an era that sees them flourishing, he has to have some value on the trade market -- and maybe just enough to ratchet the Spurs back up a few notches to put them back in the title conversation.

Little-known fact: Duncan can opt out of his contract this summer. If he were willing to opt out of next season's $21 million deal and re-sign for a longer-term contract at a per-year number more reflective of his current ability, San Antonio actually could pick up a midrange free agent, depending on cap parameters under the next CBA.

So, San Antonio's building blocks are cap room for a complementary or up-and-coming free agent, and Parker. The needs? Well, if George Hill can step into the starting point-guard role -- and I believe he can -- then the list starts with a backup point guard and Robert Horry-type power forward. Slight problem: No long, stretch 4s are readily available. The young lightning-in-a-bottle candidates are Shawne Williams of the New York Knicks and the Grizzlies' Darrell Arthur. It's hard to see how Memphis can re-sign Marc Gasol and keep Arthur. (Or, could San Antonio possibly convince Gasol to head south if the new CBA makes it prohibitive for the Grizzlies to keep him? In that case, Duncan becomes the stretch 4.) Williams is a free agent who made $884,000 this year.

Both Arthur and Williams, presumably, would jump at the chance to start and get prime minutes next to Duncan. Would the Knicks move Toney Douglas, Williams and Ronny Turiaf for Parker, even though they've already re-upped Billups for one more season? It's worth finding out. I've never been big on concocting fantasy trades, but I'm doing so here to illustrate the kind of dice roll and infusion of youth the Spurs desperately need. Don't look at the win-loss record. Look at how and where the Memphis Grizzlies are preying on their weaknesses -- weaknesses that will only increase, not lessen, if not addressed before next season.

[MaNu4Tres]

:vomit:

Just wow.. Parker for Tony Douglas, Shawne Williams and Ronny Turiaf?

I think it's quite obvious Bucher has many more important things to do and probably spent 10 minutes (at most) devising this "plan".

What a joke.

[lefty]

Makes sense


TP is overrated

Williams has potential

Turiaf is tougher than Bonita

[Chomag]

Do not want, If spurs must trade Parker, at least make the trade worth while. All 3 of those players together do not even come close to what Parker brings. Pass!

[024]

yes, the spurs need more stretch 4s.

[Doe]

Seeing the name Bucher in the title had me thinking, shit article before even reading.

After reading his premise of the Spurs needing to part with Parker for a great playmaking PG, I thought he would suggest a Chris Paul type player. His player: George Hill, huh?

Shit article. Another let's find a lopsided trade to get Knicks fans excited again.

[TD 21]

Bucher's usually more well thought out than this. This was clearly hastily assembled.

Hill and Douglas at the point? They're basically the same player. Combo guards, who can shoot three's, get to the rim and play above average on ball defense in certain match-ups, but can't run an offense.

Duncan as the stretch four? Because of his lack of lift, his range extends no further than 18 feet at this point and even that, we rarely see. Also, he lacks the mobility to defend four's on a consistent basis. He's caught between positions, which is why Splitter needs to start, so that Duncan can defend the four or five based on match-up.

Williams, I've thought about. He'd be a nice addition. Unfortunately, he sounds determined to stay with the Knicks and may even give them a home town discount, for allowing him to resurrect his career.

Arthur would be a nice fit, but I've got to believe the Grizzlies are smart enough to have planned ahead when doling out extensions to have enough left over to sign Gasol and him. They can let Battier walk, trade Mayo and fill out the roster with minimal types.

Even if the Spurs got one of these two, both are 6-9 and thin. That's not adding size. The Spurs would get destroyed inside and on the glass even more than they do now against bigger front lines.

Also, Williams and Turiaf are UFA's, so they can't be traded. Even if they could, obviously that's not nearly enough value for Parker.

[elemento]

if that's the plan to give Timmy one last shot, i think we should start thinking to rebuild.

We're not going anywhere without Parker, with Hill as our PG and that garbage from NY.

[tmtcsc]

Bucher again proving that: just because you can type doesn't mean that you should. Wow, how awful. I guess his intern didn't write for him this week.

[jjktkk]

I'd hate to see TP go, but if the Spurs want to attempt and contend, trading TP seems like the only alternative. But I would hope TP could fetch more than Bucher's proposed Knick's trade.

[Dex]

I think I've seen some smarter ideas from some of the GNSFs.

[Yorae]

:facepalm

[shraediggz]

I personally agree that if you expect any substantial additions to the roster, you'd first have to look at your biggest trade asset which is Tony Parker. I disagree with the NY bit.

A look back at our first title run proves you don't need a star running the point to compete for a title, I'd feel fairly optimistic about landing an "Avery Johnson" level of player on the cheap. Likewise, we need to press the issue and address our needs in the front-court.

Outside of Duncan, Ginobili, Neal and Splitter, I'd be hard pressed to NOT include anyone in trade talks. Essentially I'd try to fill out this roster:
Tim Duncan / Tiago Splitter /
________ / ________ / Ryan Richards
________ / Daniel Green / Da'Sean Butler
Manu Ginobili / Gary Neal / James Anderson
________ / ________ / Chris Quinn

That leads to some trade chips. Hill, Parker, and Blair would be your assets, Jefferson, McDyess and Bonner would be your throw-ins.

I figure these teams would be worthwhile to talk to:

Charlotte Bobcats.
DJ Augustine is an efficient pg who doesn't fill the spectacular mold, but would certainly be a steady starter for SA. You'd think trying to land a combination of Tyrus Thomas, DJ White and Stephen Jackson would make some sense for both squads (especially if it meant unloading Jefferson). The Cats would be able to market a former finals MVP as their Franchise player while the spurs could shore up their roster.

Chicago Bulls
You think it would make sense to offer GHill to the Bulls in hopes they feel he would shore up their back-court depth. Taj Gibson has had some big games in Chicago, he can block shots too. I'd consider that trade straight up.

Minnesota TWolves
They've got a logjam of bigmen, you'd almost wonder what they'd want in return for Anthony Randolph, Luke Ridnour and Nikola Pecovic. Would they throw in a Pick for Parker?

Sacto Kings.
The Kings have a need for a natural PG. With the cloud over their franchise, you'd almost think they'd be looking to fast forward the rebuilding process.
I'm sure this would make a guy like Jason Thompson available. You add prospects like Donte Greene, draft picks and enough cap to absorb RJ, one wonders if there's enough to get a deal done here.

LA Clips
I doubt the Clippers would bail on Mo Will so suddenly, but you wonder if Parker would be a better guy to have around your franchise. Would Kaman and Eric Bledsoe be expendable in such a scenario?

I'm liking the idea of trading Parker, I'm just not so sure that the Knicks could put together the most attractive offer.

[The Truth #6]

His main point that the window has closed is correct. And the Spurs should've realized this a few years ago. And trading Parker makes some sense. But his specific trade suggestions don't sound worthwhile.

[TDMVPDPOY]

trade doesnt make sense besides upping the knicks with carmelo, amare, parker

trade billups and trash for howard...i see what beucher did here...fck him

[crc21209]

That's a pretty shitty package come on now. The Pistons blew up their team too early and look what happened to them.....

[SenorSpur]

I agree with most of the comments. Bucher may be onto a concept here, in that Parker is probably the Spurs best trade asset. However, I'd have to think he could net a better return than the crappy packages that Bucher outlined in that article. If the Spurs ever decided to move Parker, and I don't think they would now, they certainly wouldn't give him away for trash. They're much too smart for that.

[TDMVPDPOY]

ship parker + rj together... going to do any trade, must get rid of that wanker first

[gospursgojas]

Wowzas

[Borosai]

No.

[NewcastleKEG]

Well if Dice retires, where do you expect the Spurs to add dependable size?

[ElNono]

TP is definitely the better trading chip, but that garbage for him??? Also, Hill is in no way, shape or form able to be a starting PG for any team at this point in time. He's a SG, plain and simple. An actual PG, at the very least serviceable, would need to come back from any TP trade.

[NewcastleKEG]

TP is definitely the better trading chip, but that garbage for him??? Also, Hill is in no way, shape or form able to be a starting PG for any team at this point in time. He's a SG, plain and simple. An actual PG, at the very least serviceable, would need to come back from any TP trade.
Then the only possibility is Billups with New York

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

LOL how do these guys get paid for this diarrhea they're spewing I'll never know.

[GhosTown]

If the Spurs trade TP they are fools. PERIOD

[objective]

BUCHER:

- then the list starts with a backup point guard and Robert Horry-type power forward. Slight problem: No long, stretch 4s are readily available. The young lightning-in-a-bottle candidates are Shawne Williams of the New York Knicks and the Grizzlies' Darrell Arthur. It's hard to see how Memphis can re-sign Marc Gasol and keep Arthur. (Or, could San Antonio possibly convince Gasol to head south if the new CBA makes it prohibitive for the Grizzlies to keep him? In that case, Duncan becomes the stretch 4.) Williams is a free agent who made $884,000 this year.


WTF?

Bucher is saying we need a Robert Horry-type? A stretch 4?

Hasn't he heard of Matt Bonner?!?!?! Matt Bonner is the Robert Horry floor stretching 4, the best in the league and he's awesome . . . at least SpursTalk posters have been vomiting that nonsense like indoctrinated cult members since summer 2007. The 48 Minutes of Hell site worships Bonner and has repeatedly leaped to his defense over the years and even had one of their members on the NBAToday podcast talking up Bonner as the reason the Spurs would beat the Lakers!

:lol

[Texas_Ranger]

lol @ the TP trade. That shit would make us 10X worse.

[will_spurs]

Well, if George Hill can step into the starting point-guard role -- and I believe he can

Just shows ESPN is done and should go into full rebuild mode, starting with trading Ric Bucher.

[Josepatches_]

I'd hate to see TP go, but if the Spurs want to attempt and contend, trading TP seems like the only alternative.

We aren't going to be a contender next year.

The only way could be to trade TP or Manu + Blair for Howard.But it's not goin to happen.

TP is a good player but he's not good enough to get players in return with the value to put us in the race again.

It could have worked 2 years ago.Now TD and Manu can't lead this team to the tittle.Same Parker.

I would trade Parker for young players thinking in the future.Same Manu.Not thinking in to be a tittle contender again next year because it will be a better team with Parker.

[++SaiNt TiAg0++]

i dont think its a great idea to trade t.p i used to be a insane advocate of the t.p trade however i dot think well be getting rid of who want to get rid of anytime soon (rj) i think we can get rid of bonner tbh someone like the warriors i think would bite. but if we really want to make sure were ok for the future all the while possibly getting a 5th ring would be tony parker getting traded.

if so i say we only need to get one good good quality big and a good draft pick number or someone like rudy fernandez but i say go for it .

i think we can trade/play with the following players (richard jefferson/matt bonner/dujuan blair/tony parker everyone else stays for sure. james anderson is going to be really good once pop stops ignoring him so is tiago splitter in the mean time we need to keep all of our draft picks and try and move up if they think they can snag the next manu/tony type of player its that time again and at least its something to be excited about in a way

[SenorSpur]

WTF?

Bucher is saying we need a Robert Horry-type? A stretch 4?

Hasn't he heard of Matt Bonner?!?!?! Matt Bonner is the Robert Horry floor stretching 4, the best in the league and he's awesome . . . at least SpursTalk posters have been vomiting that nonsense like indoctrinated cult members since summer 2007. The 48 Minutes of Hell site worships Bonner and has repeatedly leaped to his defense over the years and even had one of their members on the NBAToday podcast talking up Bonner as the reason the Spurs would beat the Lakers!

:lol
Lord only knows why.

It those type of opinions that makes one wonder whether some members ever watch a Spurs game in its entirety.

[Leetonidas]

His trade proposals are fucking ridiculous.

[Leetonidas]

Spurs can probably get decent talent in return if they package Parker with RJ and Blair. But losing Parker is going to be huge to this team because the offense is always better with him running it than Hill. And despite what people he say, he does have good court vision. You can tell that while Hill and Parker are somewhat similar players, Parker is definitely more of a point guard because he has the vision that Hill so sorely lacks.

[hater]

I'm down for trading TP. And great idea to include RJ in that deal. and Bonner too please. Somethings gotta give.

[Phenomanul]

Trading TP only makes sense if it allowed the Spurs to offload Jefferson's contract... but even then I doubt the FO would break up the "big-three" core, and boot its youngest member...

[kobyz]

you just fooling yourself, all of those plans to try to fix the situation, to try to improve the team by adding roles players. no metter how good they are, it's pointless, Spurs got to understand that Tim, Mano and Tony aren't good enough anymore to making the team even close to contender, for this the team need a real franchise player, so because of this Spurs need to start rebuild right now(especially when 2012 draft gonna be fantastic). and also to be loyal to Tim and Manu and to trade them to contender, it will be very sad to see them wasting their final years playing for nothing, just to make the playoff without real chance to win title, Spurs should start the process first of all by trading Tim and Manu for Clippers when they will play next to real franchise player in Blake Griffin, somthing it's much suitable and exactly what necessary for them with their current status as players if they wish for another ring, and they sure does.
two options for the trade will be: for Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan(sign and trade), or for Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu and Chris Kaman, those two nice options for Spurs who give them great talent and nice young pieces to build for the future.
and for all Spurs fans to see Tim and Manu playing for Clippers will be good for two reasons, also to see them playing for a championship, and also to see them trying to take the hegemony from the Lakers in LA and fuck them!

[Cessation]

One thing he's right about, is that spurs big three is done contending for a title. How many first round exits we need to realize that?

[Agloco]

:vomit:

Just wow.. Parker for Tony Douglas, Shawne Williams and Ronny Turiaf?

I think it's quite obvious Bucher has many more important things to do and probably spent 10 minutes (at most) devising this "plan".

What a joke.



lol @ the TP trade. That shit would make us 10X worse.

I think Bucher meant that those guys could be had if Timmy opts out and takes less money. Parker would be traded separately for an asset of similar value.

Bucher does get a :lol for suggesting that George Hill can run this team at the point, now or at any time in the future.

Personally, the only way I'd support a TP trade is obviously if it got us some similar value in return, at a similar age to boot. It would also be great if we could package RJ with him for whatever.

[K-State Spur]

You lost me literally 2 words into the thread's title.

[K-State Spur]

Bucher's usually more well thought out than this.

Que? This is pretty typical of him.

[Chomag]

One thing is for sure, if any trades happen they are going to have to all happen during the off-season, otherwise Pop wont play them as much as he should.

Training camp seems to be a huge factor on who Pop will give consistent playing time to.

[SenorSpur]

You lost me literally 2 words into the thread's title.

I understand - and after reading the content and his wild-ass scenarios, I get it even more. :lol

[kobyz]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3uz9l54

[ATXSPUR]

I'm going to go ahead and say this. The ONLY way the Spurs will be a title contender again in the Duncan era is if we manage to maintain Duncan while getting a player with the last name James, Durant, Howard, Griffin, or Bryant. Seeing as none of those are happening, we need to just brace ourselves for a couple more years of first/second round exits and a few lottery years after TD retires.

[SenorSpur]

I'm going to go ahead and say this. The ONLY way the Spurs will be a title contender again in the Duncan era is if we manage to maintain Duncan while getting a player with the last name James, Durant, Howard, Griffin, or Bryant. Seeing as none of those are happening, we need to just brace ourselves for a couple more years of first/second round exits and a few lottery years after TD retires.

There is no nobility or any kind of reward for first-round playoff exits. All that spells is mediocrity, which some teams never seem to get off that treadmill. Take me to the NBA Draft Lottery - the sooner the better.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

not sure memphis will let gasol go - they will try signing him again and get rid of someone else to create space

[PDXSpursFan]

"It's simply that he (Parker) is not enough of a playmaker at point guard to raise the level of those around him"
"if George Hill can step into the starting point-guard role -- and I believe he can..."

So Bucher says the we need a playmaker and then he says Hill can step into that role :bang :nope
Obviously he has not watch many Spurs game.

[DesignatedT]

Lol people wanting to trade the only part of the big 3 that's still in his prime.

[TJastal]

TP is definitely the better trading chip, but that garbage for him??? Also, Hill is in no way, shape or form able to be a starting PG for any team at this point in time. He's a SG, plain and simple. An actual PG, at the very least serviceable, would need to come back from any TP trade.

Derek Fisher is essentially a SG too.. how's that worked out for the lakers?

[spurs10]

This article would have been better if Bucher had actually watched the Spurs play. So much of what he says about Tony and George sounds like someone who doesn't know what he's talking about. Yeah, break up the core by trading it's youngest player. Tony and Manu played outstanding all year...until Tim went down, the team had a hell of a ride.
Intergating Tiago and Anderson will be a priority in camp for sure. Right now Blair will be our best big off the bench. You know we'll be looking for more size. As suggested by timvp, RJ probably needs to come off the bench. He seems to play his best when not out there with all of the Big 3 at the same time. I'll be surprised if any blockbuster trade goes down involving the Spurs...

[Spurtacus]

Little-known fact: Duncan can opt out of his contract this summer. If he were willing to opt out of next season's $21 million deal and re-sign for a longer-term contract at a per-year number more reflective of his current ability, San Antonio actually could pick up a midrange free agent, depending on cap parameters under the next CBA.

Timmy. DO IT.

[Budkin]

Gotta keep the big 3... what an idiot.

[Obstructed_View]

They must be crushed that Parker chose to re-sign with the Spurs rather than join the Knicks. Maybe they think they can convince the Spurs' FO to read it and go, "Hey, yeah! ESPN just wants the Spurs to be as good as possible."

OV's Plan to Fix the Spurs:
Play all your players at their correct positions and in their correct roles.
Focus on defense all season long.
Focus on scoring in the paint rather than from 24 feet away from the rim.
Develop young players and continue to allow them to play after they come back from injury.
Play your best players all the minutes required to win in the postseason.

[NewcastleKEG]

Few thoughts

- There is more to spreading the floor than sitting on the 3point line and chucking 3's. You have to be able to put the ball on the floor, Bonner can't do that

- Spur fan needs to realize Playoff success > Regular Season success. BUT maybe at this point of Duncan's career, SA fan accepts being a great regular season team and then flaming out in the 1st Round

Take the Grizzlies matchup for example. All of you aren't willing to deal Parker YET he was out played by Conley. And yet here's the kicker, Spurs biggest disadvantage in the series was SIZE in the post. So you give up Parker in exchange for more size

[Obstructed_View]

Take the Grizzlies matchup for example. All of you aren't willing to deal Parker YET he was out played by Conley. And yet here's the kicker, Spurs biggest disadvantage in the series was SIZE in the post. So you give up Parker in exchange for more size

Conley had 14 points, 6 assists per game. Parker had 19 points and 5 assists per game. The Spurs had size in the post and didn't bother to develop him until it was too late. Nothing like making that front-line problem a distant memory than returning the Spurs to the days when Vinnie Del Negro and Lloyd Daniels were the point guards.

[Nathan89]

One of the few teams that is desperate enough to make a big move for RJ and Parker is the Magic. Nelson,Turk, and Bass...I feel like I need something more. I just don't think there is many options out there to deal the combination of them both and make the Spurs better.

[NewcastleKEG]

One of the few teams that is desperate enough to make a big move for RJ and Parker is the Magic. Nelson,Turk, and Bass...I feel like I need something more. I just don't think there is many options out there to deal the combination of them both and make the Spurs better.
I think Magic would do that

[Obstructed_View]

Why would the Spurs give up their best player and a playoff choking bad contract for an even smaller point guard, an even worse playoff choker with an even worse contract and yet another undersized big? The Magic have said that their need is a power forward with some size to put next to Howard.

[Chomag]

Lol people wanting to trade the only part of the big 3 that's still in his prime.

Your right but this is why he is the only real tradable asset to get the things they need. Just adding a bunch of scrubs that no other team picks up just wont do it anymore at this stage in the big 3's careers.

Also unfortunately no team is going to take a serious look at taking on RJ's crappy contract just for Bonner, Blair , or Hill. Spurs shot themselves in the foot on that deal, and it will take some consequences to get rid of that mistake.

[Obstructed_View]

Your right but this is why he is the only real tradable asset to get the things they need. Just adding a bunch of scrubs that no other team picks up just wont do it anymore at this stage in the big 3's careers.

If the Spurs trade away an all-star point guard, their biggest need for the Spurs immediately becomes an all-star and a point guard. Not sure you guys are thinking this through.

[Chomag]

If the Spurs trade away an all-star point guard, their biggest need for the Spurs immediately becomes an all-star and a point guard. Not sure you guys are thinking this through.

Yes it's a gamble like any trade is. Question is can the Spurs still compete for at a championship level relying on the big 3 to get it done.

[Obstructed_View]

Yes it's a gamble like any trade is. Question is can the Spurs still compete for at a championship level relying on the big 3 to get it done.

No, the question is can the Spurs still compete for a championship with an aging big 2, no point guard, and whatever they get for Parker.

I understand it's a gamble, but again, are we expecting to get Orlando to give up Howard for Tony Parker? Unless you end up trading your big 3 for a HUGE 3 then there's simply not any way to give up your best player at your thinnest position and expect to improve.

If you're going to trade one of the big three, you trade Manu, because he's still got value, is at a position where the Spurs are deepest, and you aren't giving up defense or size. Manu has so many intangibles that you can get a team to give up more talent in exchange for it.

[NewcastleKEG]

No, the question is can the Spurs still compete for a championship with an aging big 2, no point guard, and whatever they get for Parker.

I understand it's a gamble, but again, are we expecting to get Orlando to give up Howard for Tony Parker? Unless you end up trading your big 3 for a HUGE 3 then there's simply not any way to give up your best player at your thinnest position and expect to improve.

If you're going to trade one of the big three, you trade Manu, because he's still got value, is at a position where the Spurs are deepest, and you aren't giving up defense or size. Manu has so many intangibles that you can get a team to give up more talent in exchange for it.
Fair points

From what I saw in the Memphis series, Manu is the only elite player left on the Spurs. (This before his miracle shot) He can carry SA offensively and is still unguardable at times. At this point if Parker isn't getting into the lane he's an average player

[Obstructed_View]

Derek Fisher is essentially a SG too.. how's that worked out for the lakers?

If the Spurs can trade Parker for Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom I'll put a down payment on my finals tickets tomorrow.

[Obstructed_View]

Fair points

From what I saw in the Memphis series, Manu is the only elite player left on the Spurs. (This before his miracle shot) He can carry SA offensively and is still unguardable at times. At this point if Parker isn't getting into the lane he's an average player

If you can say with a straight face that Parker is an average player, then there's simply no point in having a discussion because it will just end with me telling you how stupid you are. ;) He had a terrible playoffs and averaged 20, 5 and 3 and shot 46 percent. If Manu is the only elite player left, then it's interesting that he put up similar numbers, 21, 4 and 4 at 44 percent.

[K-State Spur]

if you move TP, it's to start the total rebuild a bit earlier than might be done otherwise.

there aren't going to be any players you can trade him for that would help to re-open the current window, and it's ridiculous to speculate otherwise. did you see the crap returns that were being thrown about for him last year?

[yavozerb]

if you move TP, it's to start the total rebuild a bit earlier than might be done otherwise.

there aren't going to be any players you can trade him for that would help to re-open the current window, and it's ridiculous to speculate otherwise. did you see the crap returns that were being thrown about for him last year?

So what your saying is the spurs window already have closed for a championship therefore keep the same roster, is that correct?

What your saying does not make much sense? You indicate that there are not any players out there who will re-open the championship window but yet you indicate the window has closed. So I guess you want this current team to complete there current contracts without any moves and simply try for regular season wins with no hope of a championship?

[Mark in Austin]

Bucher thinks Parker isn't enough of a playmaker to elevate those around him but in the next paragraph he believes Hill should be the starting PG?

GTFO. Bucher should stick to covering Kobe's nutsack.

[Man In Black]

In essence, he's trying to hoard all the good players to the 4Letter's Glam 6 Markets.

Outside of his Lone Stranger article about Ginobili's rookie year, I can't remember anything else that was memorable. They're more like DEPLORABLE.

[K-State Spur]

So what your saying is the spurs window already have closed for a championship therefore keep the same roster, is that correct?

What your saying does not make much sense? You indicate that there are not any players out there who will re-open the championship window but yet you indicate the window has closed. So I guess you want this current team to complete there current contracts without any moves and simply try for regular season wins with no hope of a championship?

Why doesn't it make sense? - it was perfectly logical. All I said is that it is highly unlikely that the Spurs can make a short term upgrade by moving TP. Given what the market for him appeared to be last year, moving TP (who is now a year older still and coming off a disappointing playoff series that he should have dominated) would open a giant hole without really even filling another. Most likely, TP could net a couple of young role guys and a late lottery-mid first round pick. That could set you up for a stronger 2014-2015 season than we might be looking at right now, but it really doesn't put you any closer to winning a title than we are currently looking at.

Moving TP doesn't re-open the window, it locks it closed and then nails boards over the top of it.

My personal belief is that the window for the foreseeable future is shut either way, but I'm not against watching the Big 3 go out with another couple of 50+ win season playoff appearances if they can manage it. If that's a defeatist attitude, so be it, but I don't think most of this fan base realizes how truly special and unique the past 13 years have been and how unlikely they are to ever occur again for this (or any small market) franchise.

[K-State Spur]

It is highly likely that the Spurs best chance to win a title over the next 10-15 years will be next year - riding the aging big 3 and hopefully upgrading elsewhere.

That's not to say that I think we have much of a chance at all next season - that is to say that gutting the team and rebuilding doesn't typically work either without a top lottery pick that occurs in a year where it is worth having a lottery pick (for example, i don't foresee anybody in this draft being the #1 option on a championship team).

[Harry Callahan]

KSS is right,
The window is shut already. This year was the last real opportunity to make noise in the playoffs with this core group and they got hurt again and fell short.

I'm OK with SA keeping Manu, Tony and Tim together for a couple of more years. There is NO WAY a small market team will be able to keep three Hall of Fame or All Star caliber players on the same roster for 10 or 11 years again like the Spurs have been able to do. Even the big market teams are not able to do that generally.

This big three is a special group and giving one of them away for a late lottery pick or an above average veteran won't fix anything or open a championship window.

[TJastal]

Why doesn't it make sense? - it was perfectly logical. All I said is that it is highly unlikely that the Spurs can make a short term upgrade by moving TP. Given what the market for him appeared to be last year, moving TP (who is now a year older still and coming off a disappointing playoff series that he should have dominated) would open a giant hole without really even filling another. Most likely, TP could net a couple of young role guys and a late lottery-mid first round pick. That could set you up for a stronger 2014-2015 season than we might be looking at right now, but it really doesn't put you any closer to winning a title than we are currently looking at.

Moving TP doesn't re-open the window, it locks it closed and then nails boards over the top of it.

My personal belief is that the window for the foreseeable future is shut either way, but I'm not against watching the Big 3 go out with another couple of 50+ win season playoff appearances if they can manage it. If that's a defeatist attitude, so be it, but I don't think most of this fan base realizes how truly special and unique the past 13 years have been and how unlikely they are to ever occur again for this (or any small market) franchise.

:violin

The mavs could have threw in the towel with their older core of Dirk, Kidd, and Marion. But they didn't sit and cry over spilled milk, they made moves (Tyson Chandler) and wham they are right back in contention for a title this year. Of course, this requires a management that actually has a clue about what pieces it best needs to surround an older core with, and Pop has yet to demonstrate any semblance of a clue regarding the spurs.

[TJastal]

KSS is right,
The window is shut already. This year was the last real opportunity to make noise in the playoffs with this core group and they got hurt again and fell short.

I'm OK with SA keeping Manu, Tony and Tim together for a couple of more years. There is NO WAY a small market team will be able to keep three Hall of Fame or All Star caliber players on the same roster for 10 or 11 years again like the Spurs have been able to do. Even the big market teams are not able to do that generally.

This big three is a special group and giving one of them away for a late lottery pick or an above average veteran won't fix anything or open a championship window.

:violin

[K-State Spur]

:violin

The mavs could have threw in the towel with their older core of Dirk, Kidd, and Marion. But they didn't sit and cry over spilled milk, they made moves (Tyson Chandler) and wham they are right back in contention for a title this year. Of course, this requires a management that actually has a clue about what pieces it best needs to surround an older core with, and Pop has yet to demonstrate any semblance of a clue regarding the spurs.

Isn't that what I'm saying? Whatever chance (small or non-existant depending on POV) the Spurs have at winning a title in the near future involves NOT blowing up the core and continuing to make moves around it.

And the insinuation that the Mavs FO has a better idea of how to build a team than San Antonio's is laughable. They've made countless mistakes over the years, but have the benefit of an owner with deep pockets who can continuously go DEEP into the tax and throw more shit up against the wall and see what sticks.

The reason they were able to trade for Chandler is because of the expiring deal set up by the ludicrous contract he gave Damp.

[dbestpro]

The window is never shut. Who thought the Pistons would win it all after Grant Hill was traded?

Get back to playing hard core defense and you can always be in the mix.

[wildbill2u]

I think Duncan and his assessment of FO moves is more of a key than you might think.

So much depends on what Tim wants to do about retirement or extension to giain cap space. And some of those decsions may be prompted by what moves the team makes to get better.

If he sees a Parker trade as negative for the immediate future of contending, he might retire.

If he sees a Parker trade for someone who can make an immediate contribution, then he might extend to gain cap space for another axquisition.

His presence on the court isn't what it used to be but his presence--or lack of it-- will loom heavily over any FO moves. He may not have a veto, but his opinion of any trade and how he reacts to it might as well be a veto.

[TJastal]

Isn't that what I'm saying? Whatever chance (small or non-existant depending on POV) the Spurs have at winning a title in the near future involves NOT blowing up the core and continuing to make moves around it.

And the insinuation that the Mavs FO has a better idea of how to build a team than San Antonio's is laughable. They've made countless mistakes over the years, but have the benefit of an owner with deep pockets who can continuously go DEEP into the tax and throw more shit up against the wall and see what sticks.

The reason they were able to trade for Chandler is because of the expiring deal set up by the ludicrous contract he gave Damp.

So how many #1 lottery picks have the mavericks lucked into the past dozen years? Oh right, none.

The spurs lucky ping pong balls cancels out Cuban's spendthrift ways.

Hell, look at Portland. Paul Allen has spent a fortune over there and what has he got to show for it? Just goes to show spending money to bring in random overpaid primadonnas often doesn't help a team get better.

[K-State Spur]

The spurs lucky ping pong balls cancels out Cuban's spendthrift ways.


Fair enough. ...Of course, there is that 4 championships vs. 0 thing that greatly tips the balance back in San Antonio's favor. Even if that gets to 1 in the next month, it's hardly equatable.



Hell, look at Portland. Paul Allen has spent a fortune over there and what has he got to show for it? Just goes to show spending money to bring in random overpaid primadonnas often doesn't help a team get better.

Outside of the initial Jailblazer era (which is a perfect example of what not to do to build a bball team), Portland really hasn't dumped that much money into FA. They've bought a lot of draft picks, but most of those were in the 20-30 range where they found some nice players, but nobody you can build a championship around (which goes back to my point of the unlikelihood of a rebuild turning into contender sooner than later).

[Harry Callahan]

:violin

The mavs could have threw in the towel with their older core of Dirk, Kidd, and Marion. But they didn't sit and cry over spilled milk, they made moves (Tyson Chandler) and wham they are right back in contention for a title this year. Of course, this requires a management that actually has a clue about what pieces it best needs to surround an older core with, and Pop has yet to demonstrate any semblance of a clue regarding the spurs.

Please don't hold up the Mavericks as "having a clue". They overpaid players all up and down their roster for years, and the Erica Dampier expiring deal allowed them to jump back in and rent Chandler for a year (at $12MM)after signing Haywood two weeks before at $8MM per year. They were lucky that the Bobcats were in their usual stupid mode with M Jordan running them. A pure salary dump that benefitted the Mavericks. That was an example of the $90MM payroll being an asset. SA doesn't have the same flexibility to inflate their salary well beyond the salary cap like Dallas can and then essentially trade contracts.

This same Spurs core took down the Mavericks (less Chandler and plus Butler) a year ago when they were healthy for a brief period of time in the POs.

BTW, the Spurs wouldn't trade places with Dallas would they? Even if they stumble into a trophy this year. I suspect Mr. Cuban's mouth will start running as soon as the Mavericks lose a couple of games to the Heat.

[TJastal]

Fair enough. ...Of course, there is that 4 championships vs. 0 thing that greatly tips the balance back in San Antonio's favor. Even if that gets to 1 in the next month, it's hardly equatable.



Outside of the initial Jailblazer era (which is a perfect example of what not to do to build a bball team), Portland really hasn't dumped that much money into FA. They've bought a lot of draft picks, but most of those were in the 20-30 range where they found some nice players, but nobody you can build a championship around (which goes back to my point of the unlikelihood of a rebuild turning into contender sooner than later).

So you agree Paul Allen would probably trade all the $$$ he spent on luxury tax in the past decade trying to buy a championship for the rights to go back in time and draft Tim Duncan? Lets just call that a safe bet shall we.....

Only question remains is how many banners would be hanging in the blazer rafters had Allen been allowed to draft Duncan in 1999.. I'm going to say easily 5+ by now maybe more. Add Duncan to the mix of Sabonis, Wallace, Augmon, Anthony, Smith, Grant, Schrempf, Pippen, O'neal and the blazers have had 4 titles by the time the spurs got #2.

[K-State Spur]

So you agree Paul Allen would probably trade all the $$$ he spent on luxury tax in the past decade trying to buy a championship for the rights to go back in time and draft Tim Duncan? Lets just call that a safe bet shall we.....

Only question remains is how many banners would be hanging in the blazer rafters had Allen been allowed to draft Duncan in 1999.. I'm going to say easily 5+ by now maybe more. Add Duncan to the mix of Sabonis, Wallace, Augmon, Anthony, Smith, Grant, Schrempf, Pippen, O'neal and the blazers have had 4 titles by the time the spurs got #2.

While a lot of that may be true, it's really just a long ramble that has little relevance to the topics that hand.

If you add 1997 Tim Duncan to a team further along than the 1997 Spurs, would they have won more titles faster than the Spurs? Well...yeah. But so what?

[Cane]

If Duncan was on the Blazers he'd get run into the ground and injured much earlier, its the Portland way. Its almost crazy that they haven't won a playoffs series in a decade and haven't been to the Finals in nearly two decades.

David Robinson's impact for a young Duncan was also huge.

[jjktkk]

While a lot of that may be true, it's really just a long ramble that has little relevance to the topics that hand.

Tjastal rambling? :wow

[TJastal]

While a lot of that may be true, it's really just a long ramble that has little relevance to the topics that hand.

If you add 1997 Tim Duncan to a team further along than the 1997 Spurs, would they have won more titles faster than the Spurs? Well...yeah. But so what?

I'm trying to show that just simply throwing $$$ around can't buy championships, luck plays a huge factor obviously. Popovich has ridden Tim Duncan into the dirt for 4 chips, and now that it isn't working anymore, he's absolutely clueless what to do. He still thinks Bonner is the answer. Meanwhile the mavericks have added the right pieces to help support an aging core, something the spurs have had ample opportunities to do since 2008 (Scola, Nazr, etc) yet continue to fail to do. If you want to credit Cuban's zest for throwing money around okay fine, but let's not pretend that's the only reason the mavs are sitting where they are and the spurs are fishing.

[jjktkk]

I'm trying to show that just simply throwing $$$ around can't buy championships, luck plays a huge factor obviously. Popovich has ridden Tim Duncan into the dirt for 4 chips, and now that it isn't working anymore, he's absolutely clueless what to do. He still thinks Bonner is the answer. Meanwhile the mavericks have added the right pieces to help support an aging core, something the spurs have had ample opportunities to do since 2008 (Scola, Nazr, etc) yet continue to fail to do. If you want to credit Cuban's zest for throwing money around okay fine, but let's not pretend that's the only reason the mavs are sitting where they are and the spurs are fishing.

Speaking of absolutely clueless, exactly how many championships have the Mavs won?

[TJastal]

Speaking of absolutely clueless, exactly how many championships have the Mavs won?

And how many #1 lottery picks have they won? And also in 1997 to be precise.

[TJastal]

jjktkk jumping into the tail end of a debate, clueless as usual.

[jjktkk]

jjktkk jumping into the tail end of a debate, clueless as usual.

And good ole Tjastal singing the praises of a team who lost to the Spurs in the 1st round last year and has never won a championship. Brilliant. Your truly one of a kind. :lol

[TJastal]

And good ole Tjastal singing the praises of a team who lost to the Spurs in the 1st round last year and has never won a championship. Brilliant. Your truly one of a kind. :lol

And had the spurs not totally lucked into the 1997 #1 pick how many LOB's would they have by now?

Think hard jjktkk.

[jjktkk]

And had the spurs not totally lucked into the 1997 #1 pick how many LOB's would they have by now?

Think hard jjktkk.

Wow!!! Breaking news!!! Luck played a part in landing Tim Duncan? Who knew?

[spectator]

the only way i see the spurs competitive for the next year is if duncan takes a huge pay cut. and i mean colossal - i.e. instead of $21 mil per season, he takes $6.5 mil for 3 yrs. that way, we can compete for a big guy like nene - which would be a stretch anyway.

btw, marc gasol is not leaving memphis. i don't understand why ppl keep bringing him into trade conversations. memphis will lock him up this season, especially since they can match any offer.

i guess the other position needed to be filled is the SF. spurs could trade parker for blazers' wallace, considering that their PG (andre miller) is old and has only 1 more yr on the contract; also, parker's contract is not too shabby for his value.

this is a forum, so this is my sci-fi starting 5:
PG - g hill
SG - manu
SF - g wallace
PF - tim duncan
C - nene

that's one defensive mother of a team. tiago can play some 4-5 and wallace could also buy 5-10 min at the 4. idk if a team that led the nba in offensive efficiency one year has ever changed so drastically to lead the nba in defensive efficiency the next. but if they pull this off, all credit to duncan.

[Bruno]

Some posters are trying hard to propose even shittiest Parker trades proposal than Bucher's one. Props to them, is wasn't easy to do. :tu

[pancakechef]

:vomit:

Just wow.. Parker for Tony Douglas, Shawne Williams and Ronny Turiaf?

I think it's quite obvious Bucher has many more important things to do and probably spent 10 minutes (at most) devising this "plan".

What a joke.

Look what happens to Tony in the playoffs. Assists go down, TOs go up. He's not a leader or a #1 offensive weapon. Take that into account with his zero defense and you have us playing 4 V 6.

We should have gotten rid of Parker a couple years ago.

[Pauleta14]

Put Parker instead of Westbrook and OKC beats the Mavs!

TP should ask for a trade, he deserves better fans...

[pancakechef]

Really... Last time I checked Barea single handedly whooped TPs, behind. Still interesting that Parker single handedly lost that series for us too..... Same issues: NO d, TOs, cant get team involved, failing during crucial momentum swings...

Great logic though. TP could never exist with Durant. He can only run the pick and roll and refuses to pass the ball to an hot shooting teammate, and cannot see the floor. Other than that he is the ultimate PG.

[spurtech09]

yes tony parker is the spurs best trade aspect but I don't think spurs should trade him....where are the spurs going to find a point guard like tony parker....unless the spurs trade parker for chris paul im all for it but I doubt thats going to happen

[Dex]

yes tony parker is the spurs best trade aspect but I don't think spurs should trade him....where are the spurs going to find a point guard like tony parker....unless the spurs trade parker for chris paul im all for it but I doubt thats going to happen

The problem with trading Parker is that it would likely open one can of worms to close another.

What the Spurs need are size and athleticism. If you trade Parker to obtain that, you aren't ALSO going to get a point guard in return who is nearly comparable. What you are left with is a shored-up front line and a hole at the point that Hill is not ready to fill.

This is why Hill may be the more likely trade target. His role is more expendable to the team, and easier to fill by finding another league journeyman, than trying to fill the starting point guard shoes of Parker.

[ALVAREZ6]

Put Parker instead of Westbrook and OKC beats the Mavs!

TP should ask for a trade, he deserves better fans...

I don't agree.

[Spurs da champs]

Some posters are trying hard to propose even shittiest Parker trades proposal than Bucher's one. Props to them, is wasn't easy to do. :tu

You're just in denial that Tony fucking sucks, he's our best asset to get some young/ promising talent. Stop trying to prevent the inevitable we're no longer a contender.
FACT!

[patos]

Now, Tony Parker in a different jersey? Odd, but not inconceivable, and that's where they have to start. And this is in no way to discredit what TP has contributed to the Spurs. It's simply that he's not enough of a playmaker at point guard to raise the level of those around him.

[portnoy1]

The problem with trading Parker is that it would likely open one can of worms to close another.

What the Spurs need are size and athleticism. If you trade Parker to obtain that, you aren't ALSO going to get a point guard in return who is nearly comparable. What you are left with is a shored-up front line and a hole at the point that Hill is not ready to fill.

This is why Hill may be the more likely trade target. His role is more expendable to the team, and easier to fill by finding another league journeyman, than trying to fill the starting point guard shoes of Parker.
Disagree, If the Spurs do get a big guy who is capable on both ends of the floor then all Hill would have to do is make sure the big guys (Duncan and Skilled Big?) get the ball in the post plenty of times and then work from there. Any decent Pg, can do that.

If you trade TP you dont go looking for a player like him, you change the system and players roles. If TP gives you 20pts 5ast a game, you dont trade for a big and then ask Hill to do something similar. If the Spurs get a ideal big guy next to Duncan you want him taking the majority of TP's shots not Hill. Thats already the problem with the Spurs now, Guards are running around without boundaries and Splitter(in particular) need to get more touches in the Post. Look at what happen to OKC when a scoring point guard is not given a leash (Such as feed the league leading scorer first before you take ANY shots).

[Da Spurs]

If Manu Ginobili didn't break his arm and if Tim Duncan didn't sprain his ankle, there is a good chance we'd be playing Miami for the championship right now. Does everybody forget that?

[Chomag]

If Manu Ginobili didn't break his arm and if Tim Duncan didn't sprain his ankle, there is a good chance we'd be playing Miami for the championship right now. Does everybody forget that?

If only Spurs would have made all of their shots they would be unbeatable!!!

Some of us Spurs fans are now sounding like the Phoenix suns fans, they had an excuse for everything. With all what is said and done it comes down to that the Spurs just got beat.

Well, Spurs now play more like the Suns so I guess it's only natural for the fans to act like their fans as well.

[xXx]

If Manu Ginobili didn't break his arm and if Tim Duncan didn't sprain his ankle, there is a good chance we'd be playing Miami for the championship right now. Does everybody forget that?


still got some of that 2007 herb huh man?

[Proxy]

We should trade TP. There's no need to keep him throughout the rebuilding process after TD, Manu, and Pop retire. Play chess with the pieces you have until the 2014 season when Bonner's and RJ's contracts expire (if they haven't been traded yet).

With all the freed up cap space, we can fully rebuild the team. Use the next three years to evaluate whether Splitter and Hill can carry the team like we all hope they can... the more realistic expectation would be that their progression these next 3 years should make them valuable trade assets or great role players.

Keeping TP would guarantee mediocrity. Never good enough to compete, but never bad enough to strike a lottery pick.

[joshdaboss]

I'm all for trading Parker, but this is just an awful trade idea. God awful.

[Man In Black]

The FO needs to find an International somewhere that no one has ever heard of like say, A Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili, that has athleticism and a willingness to run through a brick wall to win a basketball game. That athlete's name is most definitely not Richard Jefferson.
They can keep the Big 3 as long as they find an ATHLETIC one player with major hops and can play at least 25 minutes of low-mistake basketball.

[objective]

The FO needs to find an International somewhere that no one has ever heard of like say, A Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili, that has athleticism and a willingness to run through a brick wall to win a basketball game. That athlete's name is most definitely not Richard Jefferson.
They can keep the Big 3 as long as they find an ATHLETIC one player with major hops and can play at least 25 minutes of low-mistake basketball.

You've just described Viktor Sanikidze.

Unfortunately the Spurs would rather pay RJ and Bonner a combined 40+ million the next 3 years and play them unreasonably than ever give a chance to someone who plays with serious passion with the athleticism to go with it.

[yavozerb]

if you move TP, it's to start the total rebuild a bit earlier than might be done otherwise.

there aren't going to be any players you can trade him for that would help to re-open the current window, and it's ridiculous to speculate otherwise. did you see the crap returns that were being thrown about for him last year?


The FO needs to find an International somewhere that no one has ever heard of like say, A Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili, that has athleticism and a willingness to run through a brick wall to win a basketball game. That athlete's name is most definitely not Richard Jefferson.
They can keep the Big 3 as long as they find an ATHLETIC one player with major hops and can play at least 25 minutes of low-mistake basketball.


You've just described Viktor Sanikidze.

Unfortunately the Spurs would rather pay RJ and Bonner a combined 40+ million the next 3 years and play them unreasonably than ever give a chance to someone who plays with serious passion with the athleticism to go with it.

:lmao, this offseason is getting freaking hillarious and its only may...Now an average Euro player is the answer to all the spurs problems, wow..:rolleyes

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

lol @ Sanikidze. Who's next? Karaulov?

The problem the Spurs are facing ( regarding being a contender ) is that the big 3 are not good enough any more. No RJ or Bonner or Chris Quinn replacement will change this.

[DMC]

At this point there's no giving Timmy one last shot. It would be getting Timmy to the ring. Tim is not powerhouse Tim any longer. Building around him isn't a wise move. Instead, look beyond Tim and consider who you can acquire or develop to build a team around. Manu and Tony are still capable, so they need at least one good big, probably two, but Tiago will have a bigger role. Otherwise the team is fine and we are stuck with Bonner.

[TJastal]

oh look, the popsucker brigade has descended upon this thread to give us all their 2 cents

[objective]

:lmao, this offseason is getting freaking hillarious and its only may...Now an average Euro player is the answer to all the spurs problems, wow..:rolleyes


lol @ Sanikidze. Who's next? Karaulov?



You guys do know that Sanikidze was an Italian League all-star this year, right? Probably not, but ignorance is bliss for Spurs fans.

Sanikidze is a role player who does what he does very well: finish athletically, shoot a high percentage, hit threes, rebound at a higher level than he should, and play with intensity and passion.

RJ can't do any of those things well anymore, and neither can Bonner in the playoffs.

I'd rather watch a scrub who can do something and do it with passion than watch overpaid scrubs constantly fail their way to Spurs fan misery.

This isn't about Sanikidze putting the Spurs back into contention. The Spurs are finished as contenders. This is about being able to watch Spurs games without the joy being sapped by lazy, soft, overpaid chokers like Jefferson and Bonner.

[Cane]

Bucher's recent thoughts on Parker, nothing groundbreaking :



Andrew (Texas)

Do you see Parker in a Spurs uniform next season? It's getting difficult to see that after the comments he made last week and because he is the only real trade chip that the Spurs have.

Ric Bucher (3:58 PM)

I'd say he's the most likely to be moved. It isn't just his comments the other day. TP has gone off the reservation a bit in how the Spurs like their players to conduct themselves. A trust has been broken and that's very big in the SA culture.


http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/38551