General Free Agent Signings/Trades

[jjktkk]

They're supposed to be clearing out other players to make room for Okur in the rotation. I'm pretty sure I read that somewhere.

Heard rumors of that too. If the Spurs were gonna pickup a big, the Jazz would be the team to make a deal with. The question would be, would the Jazz be willing to make a trade with a conference rival?

[objective]

the jazz want Okur around to mentor Kanter and help his transition.

[benefactor]

The front line in Utah is jam packed. They almost have to make a trade if they want to usher in the Kanter/Favors era. If Pop could find some way to part with Bonner the Spurs could do a Dice/Bonner for Millsap. That would help Utah in a pretty big way financially and it would give the Spurs a rotation PF.

But there is the whole trading Bonner thing.......

[chazley]

The front line in Utah is jam packed. They almost have to make a trade if they want to usher in the Kanter/Favors era. If Pop could find some way to part with Bonner the Spurs could do a Dice/Bonner for Millsap. That would help Utah in a pretty big way financially and it would give the Spurs a rotation PF.

But there is the whole trading Bonner thing.......

LOL like the Jazz would accept that trade. WTF are you smoking?

[DPG21920]

The Kings have claimed Outlaw off of waivers. They have even more of a logjam at 2/3 than the Bucks.

[SenorSpur]

Nice to see the Lakers making big man additions.

In this game of free agent musical chairs, the music has stopped and the Spurs are still standing.

[montgod]

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
Troy Murphy has reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Lakers, league source tells Y! Sports.

Unbelieveable! And you know he probably signed for the minimum since I think that's all the Lakers had left.

[TD 21]

That's not happening. Blair and McDyess for Millsap is more realistic. But I wouldn't even do that. Would that significantly improve the Spurs fortunes this season or next? I doubt it. Blair is younger, significantly cheaper and has a high enough upside to eventually at least be in Millsap's class. So if it doesn't improve their fortunes significantly short term, he's not a significantly better building block long term and he makes significantly more, then what's the point?

Jefferson makes far more sense.

[yavozerb]

Boston is officially looking for a starting sf. RJ for Green's 1 year contract for 9 mil would work. Boston would get there starting SF and the spurs save there amnesty for Bonner..

[Giuseppe]

Sans TJ, have you turdhounds felt enough pain yet?

muhahahahahahahaha!!!

[objective]

Boston is officially looking for a starting sf. RJ for Green's 1 year contract for 9 mil would work. Boston would get there starting SF and the spurs save there amnesty for Bonner..

Green's contract has been voided.

Celtics retain his rights as an RFA for next summer.

[benefactor]

LOL like the Jazz would accept that trade. WTF are you smoking?
You should probably look at the amount of money Utah would save in that trade. With a couple of outstanding young front line players there is no reason for them to keep Millsap around.

That's not happening. Blair and McDyess for Millsap is more realistic. But I wouldn't even do that. Would that significantly improve the Spurs fortunes this season or next? I doubt it. Blair is younger, significantly cheaper and has a high enough upside to eventually at least be in Millsap's class. So if it doesn't improve their fortunes significantly short term, he's not a significantly better building block long term and he makes significantly more, then what's the point?

Jefferson makes far more sense.
Sure Jefferson makes more sense...but the Spurs can't trade for him apart from including RJ, which we both know is not going to happen. Your Blair/Dice idea doesn't work salary-wise either. It would have to be Bonner for the money to work.

[TD 21]

You should probably look at the amount of money Utah would save in that trade. With a couple of outstanding young front line players there is no reason for them to keep Millsap around.

Sure Jefferson makes more sense...but the Spurs can't trade for him apart from including RJ, which we both know is not going to happen. Your Blair/Dice idea doesn't work salary-wise either. It would have to be Bonner for the money to work.

Obviously not. Any chance of that happening was gone with the Howard signing.

I realize that, I was just talking as a base. Throw in Green and it works.

[benefactor]

Oh...and I'd trade Blair for Millsap in a heartbeat. Millsap actually has legit PF size and can shoot. I don't see Blair ever having either. Millsap also is a huge expiring for next season if it doesn't work out with him.

It's not earth shaking, but I don't see much else the Spurs can do with their current situation.

[tmtcsc]

Duncan can't get help partially because he's getting overpaid. He's not worth 18 million...he doesn't take his player option and resigns for what he's actually worth (9-10 million range) we have the ability to pick up some free agents.

(9-10 million range) for what Tim brings to the team in 2011-2012 is very generous. However, we all can agree that he was worth every penny we paid him on his last contract. So, if the last year is 18 or 20 million, we just have to deal with it. Bone on Bone.

We'll see what he wants after this year.

[Giuseppe]

Oh...and I'd trade Blair for Millsap in a heartbeat.

Anybody with a half a brain would.

& Bene has always had at least that much.

[tmtcsc]

Sans TJ, have you turdhounds felt enough pain yet?

muhahahahahahahaha!!!

This is embarrassing. Lakers and Spurs fans used to argue about who had the better team. Now, its who sucks more or who's more miserable.

LOL, Lakers trade Odom for nothing but a trade exception to the team that humiliated and swept them. -- The friggin Mavericks no less...Derek Fisher is STILL your pg...Matt Barnes was once considered a significant signing...:lol

Spurs sign TJ Ford.....crickets....Spurs keep RJ.....crickets....sadness....Bonner still on roster....Neal out a few weeks....Dice still a mystery..:lol

At least we get to see Leonard tonight. I think.

[ElNono]

At least we get to see Leonard tonight. I think.

If he got over himself... not a sure thing, apparently...

[mystargtr34]

Troy Murphy would have been an upgrade over Bonner.. he is pretty much Bonner with rebounding and real PF size.

[Obstructed_View]

Oh...and I'd trade Blair for Millsap in a heartbeat. Millsap actually has legit PF size and can shoot. I don't see Blair ever having either. Millsap also is a huge expiring for next season if it doesn't work out with him.

It's not earth shaking, but I don't see much else the Spurs can do with their current situation.

Hey, FO, do a secret deal and extend his ass if it doesn't work out. :bang

[TD 21]

Oh...and I'd trade Blair for Millsap in a heartbeat. Millsap actually has legit PF size and can shoot. I don't see Blair ever having either. Millsap also is a huge expiring for next season if it doesn't work out with him.

It's not earth shaking, but I don't see much else the Spurs can do with their current situation.

There's no question that Millsap is the better player right now. I'm just not convinced that he'd change the Spurs fortunes. So considering the fact that Blair makes roughly $6.7 million less this season, is 4 years younger and has an upside to where it's not difficult to imagine him at least being in Millsap's class in the not too distant future, it doesn't make much sense.

And as far as Millsap "actually having legit PF size", according to Draftexpress, Millsap is 6-7.25 in shoes and Blair is 6-6.5 in shoes.

[mystargtr34]

It would be nice to get rid of Blair just because he has the same mentally draining effect as RJ and Bonner on the team and fans..

[Tyrone Jenkins]

This is embarrassing. Lakers and Spurs fans used to argue about who had the better team. Now, its who sucks more or who's more miserable.

LOL, Lakers trade Odom for nothing but a trade exception to the team that humiliated and swept them. -- The friggin Mavericks no less...Derek Fisher is STILL your pg...Matt Barnes was once considered a significant signing...:lol

Spurs sign TJ Ford.....crickets....Spurs keep RJ.....crickets....sadness....Bonner still on roster....Neal out a few weeks....Dice still a mystery..:lol

At least we get to see Leonard tonight. I think.

I agree. However, I have a theory...

The Spurs are going w/ the status quo, as much as possible, THIS year for the hopes that next year they will make a HUGE splash. They will amnesty RJ at the end of this year and won't be paying TD or Ginobili most likely. They'll be probably 50+ million under the cap.

And, they'll trade TP for a higher draft pick (I would've done it this year to the Clippers or now, NO).

Then, they'll rebuild from the ground up like they did w/ TD.

[montgod]

Last center option?

@WojYahooNBA
Adrian Wojnarowski With center Sean Williams bailing on Maccabi Haifa contract for "personal reasons," expect NBA deal on horizon. Mavs wouldn't be a surprise.

[Bruno]

There is only one good center left on the market: Samuel Dalembert.

[Obstructed_View]

There are probably several better than the abortions that are in the current Spurs rotation.

[ace3g]

sam_amick Sam Amick
Source confirms @gswscribe report: GS has agreed to trade F Lou Amundson for Indiana SG Brandon Rush. Deal expected to be finalized Monday.

[loveforthegame]

Love that trade for the Warriors. I can't believe they're getting someone like Rush for Amundson. Makes me wonder if they don't have another trade planned.

[benefactor]

There's no question that Millsap is the better player right now. I'm just not convinced that he'd change the Spurs fortunes. So considering the fact that Blair makes roughly $6.7 million less this season, is 4 years younger and has an upside to where it's not difficult to imagine him at least being in Millsap's class in the not too distant future, it doesn't make much sense.

And as far as Millsap "actually having legit PF size", according to Draftexpress, Millsap is 6-7.25 in shoes and Blair is 6-6.5 in shoes.
From what we saw from Blair last night...I think most of are going to disagree with this. Millsap is much more skilled than Blair will ever be. It's not even close tbh.

[CGD]

sam_amick Sam Amick
Source confirms @gswscribe report: GS has agreed to trade F Lou Amundson for Indiana SG Brandon Rush. Deal expected to be finalized Monday.

This tells me that Pacers are either high on Paul George at SG or they'll start a Collison/Hill back court. The Indiana/Rush relationship has always struck me as less than smooth.

I really like what the Pacers are doing this off season. They certainly have an intriguing starting five:

Hill (If not now, I think he'll eventually take Collison's job)
George
Granger
West
Hibbert

[ace3g]

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
RT @sam_amick: Source says Baron Davis' deal with Knicks is - predictably - for one year w/$2.5 million exception Knicks were limited to

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
Even if Xinjiang goes through with release K-Mart WON'T be able to sign w/NBA team unless he gets FIBA letter of clearance from Chinese team
45 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Marc Stein
ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
Sources say only threat of severe punishments from Chinese league, including possible forfeitures, has prevented K-Mart's release to date
2 minutes ago

Marc Stein
ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
Just going up on ESPN's TrueHoop: Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China giving strong consideration to releasing Kenyon Martin in roster shakeup

[mystargtr34]

At this point.. i would really look hard at signing K-Mart.

[TD 21]

From what we saw from Blair last night...I think most of are going to disagree with this. Millsap is much more skilled than Blair will ever be. It's not even close tbh.

So you're going to base your opinion off of one game? Millsap is more polished, but he's also 4 years older. Skill isn't really the issue with Blair, decision making is. He may never be as good as Millsap, but it's not difficult to envision him at least not being significantly worse. The Spurs need a big who'd bring a different dynamic.

[benefactor]

So you're going to base your opinion off of one game? Millsap is more polished, but he's also 4 years older. Skill isn't really the issue with Blair, decision making is. He may never be as good as Millsap, but it's not difficult to envision him at least not being significantly worse. The Spurs need a big who'd bring a different dynamic.
What we saw last night was the same ADD, zero defense Blair we saw all last year. That's where the basis for my decision comes from. He's not just more polished...he's on a completely different level. At least Millsap is a passable defender. Blair is no better than Bonner. There is no time to wait around for Blair to become a decent defender or an even high school level shooter. Yes...the Spurs need a physical big that defends, but where is he and how can he be obtained? Millsap would fill the role Blair is supposed to be playing right now and even though he is slightly overpaid he would expire next season.

A PF that can give you 15/7 and shoot 53% field night in and night out isn't something that's just laying around.

[DPG21920]

There is no question in my mind that if you can land Milsap for Blair that you do it.

[benefactor]

Not even sure why I'm arguing about this. You'd have to be a fucking retard to not take Millsap for Blair/Dice/Green.

[DPG21920]

Either way, last night showed the Spurs are in serious trouble from a contention standpoint. If there are any injuries, they are in serious jeopardy from a playoff standpoint. They have to know that rolling with this front line means they have 0 shot to win anything and they appear somewhat short on assets as well.

[itzsoweezee]

benefactor gtfo son ... so ur just going to ignore the fact in blairs rookie season he put up a 30/20 game... if pop let him play his natural role & not trying to be scola he would be doing much better

Not sure if you're being sarcastic, but Blair is great rebounder/garbage points scorer. As far as defense goes, there are a lot worse defenders on this team than DB. People are just irrationally harse on him for some reason.

[itzsoweezee]

Not even sure why I'm arguing about this. You'dwhy w have to be a fucking retard to not take Millsap for Blair/Dice/Green.

Obviously the spurs would make that trade. But no way in hell that the jazz would.

[benefactor]

Obviously the spurs would make that trade. But no way in hell that the jazz would.
It would depend on how bad they wanted to get rid of him. The Jazz are in rebuild mode and they don't need him now with Favors and Kanter now in the fold. Shedding his contract opens up another 8.6 million worth of cap room next season. One only has to look as far as the Odom trade to see how important saving money is now.

[TD 21]

What we saw last night was the same ADD, zero defense Blair we saw all last year. That's where the basis for my decision comes from. He's not just more polished...he's on a completely different level. At least Millsap is a passable defender. Blair is no better than Bonner. There is no time to wait around for Blair to become a decent defender or an even high school level shooter. Yes...the Spurs need a physical big that defends, but where is he and how can he be obtained? Millsap would fill the role Blair is supposed to be playing right now and even though he is slightly overpaid he would expire next season.

A PF that can give you 15/7 and shoot 53% field night in and night out isn't something that's just laying around.

I didn't dispute Millsap being on a "completely different level". All I'm saying is, I don't think he'd greatly increase their chances at contending, because he wouldn't change the dynamic of the team. He's in the same mold of Blair, he's just better. But they don't need a better Blair, they need something else entirely.

I said yesterday "but I wouldn't even do it", but what I meant was, I don't think that would get it done. It would probably take a 1st as well and at that point, I'm not sure how much sense it would make. I'm not at all opposed to giving up Blair and the 1st, so long as it's for a power forward that would change the dynamic of the team. But as I said, this wouldn't.

I'm not convinced the Spurs would do it either, considering the financial investment they'd be making. If they're going to make that type of investment, it would more than likely have to be for a guy who they think can put them over the top and I doubt they think Millsap is that guy.

[lmbebo]

Blair isn't a bad player. Has talent. Just doesn't fit in with this team.

Team needs things that he can't provide.

[Interrohater]

I have him in my sig and i admit that Blair sucks. He's just too short.

[DesignatedT]

Blair is a 6'5 Center. Love the dude and he plays hard but that's what he is and no team really has a need for that. He constantly gets destroyed on Defense and Offense because of his height.

[DPG21920]

Blair is one of the worst defenders in the league.

[DesignatedT]

That video is retarded.

[DPG21920]

Blair is the worst defender on the team. Would you trade Bonner?

[DPG21920]

lol

[timtonymanu]

:lol

[Nathan89]

.

Still waiting for you to bring me good news regarding the Spurs.:depressed

[Frankie23]

stop underrating blairs defense he gets his hands on so many passes that lead to steals ...
Remember Allen Iverson? Leader in steals several years.
Put him defending a PF.. Is he a good defender? Well, for sure he will get his hands or make steals, but one on one he will be raped.

The same happens with Blair. Chuck Hayes, with the same height is a much better one on one defender.

Also, his defensive rebounds are Bargnani style..

[TD 21]

Mexican center Gustavo Ayon is close to signing with an NBA team. The Hornets are the front-runners for the services of Fuenlabrada's player (http://www.solobasket.com/contenidos/gustavo/ayon/pie/medio/nba/c-28507.html). Solobasket (http://www.solobasket.com/contenidos/gustavo/ayon/pie/medio/nba/c-28507.html)

I guess he was too big of a name to end up with the Spurs, who have apparently become the least desirable free agent destination in the league. This is beyond perplexing, beyond astonishing, it's flat out insane that they're not even rumored to be interested in any bigs (other than Kaman, which the vast majority of us knew wasn't happening). All this talk about improving defensively and this is how they respond? They thought if they pretended to be more serious about it this time (like they claim every season) and that it wasn't a personnel issue, they'd magically improve? That's the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

If they're seriously planning to go with what they have, then they deserve for Duncan or Splitter to go down for an extended period of time, just for being so ignorant. I place part of the blame on the big three, Duncan in particular. They shouldn't have allowed this to happen. They should have demanded that a starting PF be brought in. And yes, they have the assets to acquire it. Blair, McDyess and a 1st is a good enough package to acquire a starter.

[SenorSpur]

Mexican center Gustavo Ayon is close to signing with an NBA team. The Hornets are the front-runners for the services of Fuenlabrada's player (http://www.solobasket.com/contenidos/gustavo/ayon/pie/medio/nba/c-28507.html). Solobasket (http://www.solobasket.com/contenidos/gustavo/ayon/pie/medio/nba/c-28507.html)

I guess he was too big of a name to end up with the Spurs, who have apparently become the least desirable free agent destination in the league. This is beyond perplexing, beyond astonishing, it's flat out insane that they're not even rumored to be interested in any bigs (other than Kaman, which the vast majority of us knew wasn't happening). All this talk about improving defensively and this is how they respond? They thought if they pretended to be more serious about it this time (like they claim every season) and that it wasn't a personnel issue, they'd magically improve? That's the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

If they're seriously planning to go with what they have, then they deserve for Duncan or Splitter to go down for an extended period of time, just for being so ignorant. I place part of the blame on the big three, Duncan in particular. They shouldn't have allowed this to happen. They should have demanded that a starting PF be brought in. And yes, they have the assets to acquire it. Blair, McDyess and a 1st is a good enough package to acquire a starter.

Wow!

:tu :tu for this post.

[Ditty]

The Spurs are trying to clear alot of cap room for next summer I heard, so there not trying to offer any long term contracts, which seems to turn alot of players away from signing with them. So don't believe the whole no one wants to sign with us bs, but Holt sure has got a bad reputation now of being a douchbag. Spurs will probably make a strong run for Kenyon Martin when he is released from his contract, but don't expect getting anything big out of Mcdyess.

[Big P]

A strong run at KMart with what money? The mini mle?

[Ditty]

A strong run at KMart with what money? The mini mle?

Yeah. Spurs will defintley not go with this rotation into the postseason, if worse comes to worse, they will do all they can to let Dice play one more season. :depressed

[ace3g]

Spurs will be patient I guess when looking for a PF/C: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/12/18/spurs-don%E2%80%99t-want-just-anybody-at-center/

[Mr. Body]

Yeah. Spurs will defintley not go with this rotation into the postseason...

...because they are not going into the postseason.

[Ditty]

...because they are not going into the postseason.

yeah...I don't know if they're 8 teams that are better then us in the conference.

[ElNono]

Spurs will be patient I guess when looking for a PF/C: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/12/18/spurs-don%E2%80%99t-want-just-anybody-at-center/

:sleep

[DPG21920]

That type of apathy from the Spurs is shocking and they allowed themselves to dig this hole. Hopefully they can find someone sooner than later because this is a compressed season and there isn't a lot of time to integrate a new player.

[ace3g]

plus it would be nice to have another PF/C just for depth sake, with a shorten season, players will get tired, going to need bodies. Preferably a good PF/C though...

[Ditty]

Spurs will be patient I guess when looking for a PF/C: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/12/18/spurs-don%E2%80%99t-want-just-anybody-at-center/

I would take Fesenko over Ajincia, if Ajincia had a decent basketball IQ he probably could be starting somewhere.

[Duncan2177]

I can see the spurs going after Martin if he is let go.

[Mr. Body]

yeah...I don't know if they're 8 teams that are better then us in the conference.

Shitty conference, then.

[DesignatedT]

That's worlds better than Popovich not even addressing the issue. Making a trade is the only way this team is going to be able to contend for a championship. Signing some scrub bigman isn't going to do it, even though they should if they can't work a trade out.

[Nathan89]

Spurs will be patient I guess when looking for a PF/C: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/12/18/spurs-don%E2%80%99t-want-just-anybody-at-center/

So the deadline to do something with Dice is tonight? I thought it was in a couple of days.

[Dex]

So the deadline to do something with Dice is tonight? I thought it was in a couple of days.

Tomorrow, the 19th, IIRC. Not sure what time.

[timtonymanu]

I hope they make a decision instead of requesting a deadline extension again.

[underdawg]

I would take Fesenko over Ajincia, if Ajincia had a decent basketball IQ he probably could be starting somewhere.

I really don't think the Spurs have the luxury of being picky at this point. Besides, Bonner has decent basketball IQ, but his basketball IQ doesn't help him when he's getting dunked on.

The funny thing about that blog is the quote that the Spurs don't want just anybody - isn't that what they've basically been doing for the past few years in regards to their front line? That's like saying, "when it comes to driving cars, I don't want to drive just any car - take my Dodge Neon here for example."

[Ice009]

I don't like that article, it sounds like they got ABSOLUTELY nothing in the works. I thought they must have been working on something with McDyess' expiring contract for some sort of trade, but it sounds like they got nothing and have struck out.

[SenorSpur]

The low sense of urgency has always surprised me - and I don't necessarily mean this year. I'm talking an overall low sense of urgency on the part of Pop and RC to prepare for the inevitable.

It happened before when Bowen was on the decline. The Spurs delayed targeting a suitable defensive-minded SF for several seasons, while Pop became heavily invested in the over-the-hill Finley's of the world. Another SF-in-waiting should've been identified, targeted and serving an apprenticeship, so that he'd be ready to step in. It took about 3 seasons, but thank goodness the FO wised up and targeted Kawai Leonard.

Fast forward to today and it's happened again. It's his 15th season and Tim is now is major decline and there is absolutely no fallback plan for him. There's not even a good compliment of collective skills with the remaining bigs on this roster to help offset that decline.

Splitter may be a good start and an eventual good complimentary big, but at this point he is largely unproven. Bonner and Blair are nice players and each has a specialized function. However, it's not enough. The fact remains that both of them are so very physically flawed that they do not belong on the same team - much less on the same court. You can probably get by with one, but not both.

The bottom line is the Spurs again waited too long to address a position where a declining major player was involved. As I've said time and time again before, the time to buy car insurance is not when you've already had a traffic mishap. And looking at the collective deficiencies of this frontline, and one could say it resembles one big ol' car wreck.

[spurs10]

Pop sounds pretty nonchalant about a situation that is actually quite urgent at this point. Something needs to happen today......and everyone knows it. I keep thinking they have a plan, but I'm not so sure after that read. Regarding some comments, made out of frustration I'm sure, that we deserve for Tim or Tiago get injured to get the attention of our coaches and FO, I think their chances of being worn out at least are imminent. It is indeed "insane" thinking we can start the season with this frontline.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

The low sense of urgency has always surprised me - and I don't necessarily mean this year. I'm talking an overall low sense of urgency on the part of Pop and RC to prepare for the inevitable.

It happened before when Bowen was on the decline. The Spurs delayed targeting a suitable defensive-minded SF for several seasons, while Pop became heavily invested in the over-the-hill Finley's of the world. Another SF-in-waiting should've been identified, targeted and serving an apprenticeship, so that he'd be ready to step in. It took about 3 seasons, but thank goodness the FO wised up and targeted Kawai Leonard.

Fast forward to today and it's happened again. It's his 15th season and Tim is now is major decline and there is absolutely no fallback plan for him. There's not even a good compliment of collective skills with the remaining bigs on this roster to help offset that decline.

Splitter may be a good start and an eventual good complimentary big, but at this point he is largely unproven. Bonner and Blair are nice players and each has a specialized function. However, it's not enough. The fact remains that both of them are so very physically flawed that they do not belong on the same team - much less on the same court. You can probably get by with one, but not both.

The bottom line is the Spurs again waited too long to address a position where a declining major player was involved. As I've said time and time again before, the time to buy car insurance is not when you've already had a traffic mishap. And looking at the collective deficiencies of this frontline, and one could say it resembles one big ol' car wreck.

While agree with everything mentioned, the Spurs weren't really in a position to make any major moves due to salaries being paid to the current players.

The Spurs "model" has ALWAYS been to draft really, really well; find a way to keep the elite drafted players from leaving via free agency and surround that nuclues of drafted talent w/ inexpensive and defensive minded 3 pt scoring vets. Robinson, Parker, Ginobili, etc. The Spurs got away from that model w/ RJ.

San Antonio is a great city but it's not NY or LA or Miami. You don't here CPIII or Dwight Howard or even someone like Josh Howard citing the Spurs as their #1 desired franchise to play for. The Spurs often make a few FAs short lists, but rarely are they the exclusive pick.

I actually think it's wasteful thinking to expect som major FA signing. Anyone who is signed, if that actually does happen, will be of little consequence.

So, next year will be the 1st time the FO will have a real opportunity to try and find "ligtning in a bottle" once again. Not sure who they might be able to acquire in the draft w/ a later (non-lottery) pick so it actually may take 2-3 years before that elite player makes his way to the team. We've all been spoiled with having one of the best if not THE best PF to ever play the game on the roster for all these years and he was the #1 overall pick. I doubt seriously the Spurs will every be bad enough to have a majority of lottery balls in the hopper come draft order day...

So, regardless the Spurs are able to obtain between now and 2014, it will mean a complete OVERHAUL of the team. Next year (not to mention 2-3 years from now), RJ, MG and TD will all be gone and TP will be too old to be a major contributor.

The real question is, who on the team RIGHT NOW, can develop into a major contributor for the next 3-5 years. Anderson? Leonard? Splitter? I sure hope so.

[Ice009]

Pop sounds pretty nonchalant about a situation that is actually quite urgent at this point. Something needs to happen today......and everyone knows it. I keep thinking they have a plan, but I'm not so sure after that read. Regarding some comments, made out of frustration I'm sure, that we deserve for Tim or Tiago get injured to get the attention of our coaches and FO, I think their chances of being worn out at least are imminent. It is indeed "insane" thinking we can start the season with this frontline.

I guess what Bruno said in the other thread is the way they are playing it. The Spurs can't show anyone if they are desperate for a big man otherwise it weakens their chances on trading for one or signing one.

[LegendaryFan44]

SenorSpur..thanks for telling everyone TD is in major decline..maybe the blind loyalists on here will wake up..instead of thinking he is still viable..I thought the All Star game last year was sad..TD looked pathetic...just wait for this year..many single digit scoring games to come...

[Ice009]

SenorSpur..thanks for telling everyone TD is in major decline..maybe the blind loyalists on here will wake up..instead of thinking he is still viable..I thought the All Star game last year was sad..TD looked pathetic...just wait for this year..many single digit scoring games to come...

TD wasn't going to go all out in some crappy all-star game. Tim can still score if he wants to, the Spurs changed up the offense last season to make up for the lack of defense. Tim has declined, but not by the amount his numbers were at last season. He could have put up a lot better numbers if that was his only goal. And a Spurs fan calling Tim pathetic, is well, pathetic. Why don't you take your legendary ass someplace else.

[DesignatedT]

SenorSpur..thanks for telling everyone TD is in major decline..maybe the blind loyalists on here will wake up..instead of thinking he is still viable..I thought the All Star game last year was sad..TD looked pathetic...just wait for this year..many single digit scoring games to come...

Lol you act like he's fuckin Kwame Brown or something. Many single digit scoring games to come....? Ok? That means he isn't viable? He's still a great defender, good scorer and plenty of teams would line up at the chance to have a 35 year old Timmy right now.

Do you feel that Tyson Chandler is viable? He's averaged 7pts a game since he entered the league. Duncans stats we're virtually better across the board than Chandlers and he just signed a 15mil/yr contract.

Lol Duncan not viable.

[benefactor]

Dice's contract is the key to getting any player of worth. If the Spurs wait and just let him walk they are pretty much screwed and might as well just sign one of the camp fodder bigs...as there are basically no quality bigs out there that will sign for what the Spurs can offer.

Once again the Spurs handle the offseason foolishly. The whole RJ amnesty/SF search backfired on them and now they are stuck in the same situation we've seen so many times before...standing on the wall with no one to dance with. They may wind up with an ugly chick that will put out before the night is over, but that's what you get stuck with when you spend the whole night chasing women that don't want you.

[Ocotillo]

First off, recall all the CIA Pop comments? They are made for a reason. This front office has never been one to let their plans get out in the press.

Then look at the McDonald article, Pop is actually talking about he needs another big man. That is unusual but the hole is so obvious, that Pop is willing to discuss it in public.

Now regarding the urgency of finding the big man, what exactly are you folks expecting from the front office?

Are you looking for a spot on the evening news where Pop with a bunch of microphones in his face says something to the effect of: "We need a big man and we are going to get that big man!"

Or do you expect R.C. to say "We are in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes."?

That is not and has never been this front office's style.

They have a crappy hand right now and they have to figure out a way to play that hand and land something productive. It might not happen.

[SenorSpur]

Lol you act like he's fuckin Kwame Brown or something. Many single digit scoring games to come....? Ok? That means he isn't viable? He's still a great defender, good scorer and plenty of teams would line up at the chance to have a 35 year old Timmy right now.

Do you feel that Tyson Chandler is viable? He's averaged 7pts a game since he entered the league. Duncans stats we're virtually better across the board than Chandlers and he just signed a 15mil/yr contract.

Lol Duncan not viable.

Tim is very much still a viable player, but let's get real. He's always been the lynchpin of the Spurs interior offense and defense. While he can still score, his defensive decline, while expected because it happens to all players, has been nonetheless startling. If anyone needs evidence, go back and watch the 2010 playoff series versus the Suns, when they literally pick-n-rolled the Spurs, and particularly Duncan, to death. It was sad watching hiim repeatedly get caught on a switch and then labor to try and get back to the basket - albeit never in time. The quicker Suns guards ran circles around him. Watching the Spurs get swept, it was obvious that Duncan was no longer the dominant defender he once was.

The most recent playoff series versus the Grizzlies, back in April, served as only the latest reminder of how much Duncan has declined. Duncan, with some assistance from an overmatched and overwhelmed McDyess, tried gallantly tried to fend off the young Grizz tandem of Gasol and Randolph, but they were helpless. Both these guys were simply overmatched. Again, it was painful to watch.

This decline is not unusual. As a matter of fact, it's expected if any player plays long enough. No NBA player has ever outrun father time. I just feel bad for him because at 35 years old, he SHOULD NOT be the Spurs best interior defense and best low post player, but that's what he is. It's not fair to him and the FO has done him a great disservice by not providing him with a better frontline support to help offset his diminished play on both ends. For all he's done for the franchise, they owed him that much.

[ace3g]

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
Just going up on ESPN online: Sources say Mavs finalizing signing of Sean Williams after center secures release from Maccabi Haifa in Israel

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
With two roster spots open, Mavs bringing in shotblocker after Williams finished second in D-League DPOY voting last season w/Texas Legends

[tdunk21]

the chinese team that kenyon martin is playing with is getting ready to release him....is he worth a spot? and will he take 3mil pay?

[Giuseppe]

Tim is very much still a viable player, but let's get real. He's always been the lynchpin of the Spurs interior offense and defense. While he can still score, his defensive decline, while expected because it happens to all players, has been nonetheless startling. If anyone needs evidence, go back and watch the 2010 playoff series versus the Suns, when they literally pick-n-rolled the Spurs, and particularly Duncan, to death. It was sad watching hiim repeatedly get caught on a switch and then labor to try and get back to the basket - albeit never in time. The quicker Suns guards ran circles around him. Watching the Spurs get swept, it was obvious that Duncan was no longer the dominant defender he once was.

The most recent playoff series versus the Grizzlies, back in April, served as only the latest reminder of how much Duncan has declined. Duncan, with some assistance from an overmatched and overwhelmed McDyess, tried gallantly tried to fend off the young Grizz tandem of Gasol and Randolph, but they were helpless. Both these guys were simply overmatched. Again, it was painful to watch.

This decline is not unusual. As a matter of fact, it's expected if any player plays long enough. No NBA player has ever outrun father time. I just feel bad for him because at 35 years old, he SHOULD NOT be the Spurs best interior defense and best low post player, but that's what he is. It's not fair to him and the FO has done him a great disservice by not providing him with a better frontline support to help offset his diminished play on both ends. For all he's done for the franchise, they owed him that much.

It gets better than this.

I just can't cite it.

~The Senor~

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Tim is very much still a viable player, but let's get real. He's always been the lynchpin of the Spurs interior offense and defense. While he can still score, his defensive decline, while expected because it happens to all players, has been nonetheless startling. If anyone needs evidence, go back and watch the 2010 playoff series versus the Suns, when they literally pick-n-rolled the Spurs, and particularly Duncan, to death. It was sad watching hiim repeatedly get caught on a switch and then labor to try and get back to the basket - albeit never in time. The quicker Suns guards ran circles around him. Watching the Spurs get swept, it was obvious that Duncan was no longer the dominant defender he once was.

The most recent playoff series versus the Grizzlies, back in April, served as only the latest reminder of how much Duncan has declined. Duncan, with some assistance from an overmatched and overwhelmed McDyess, tried gallantly tried to fend off the young Grizz tandem of Gasol and Randolph, but they were helpless. Both these guys were simply overmatched. Again, it was painful to watch.

This decline is not unusual. As a matter of fact, it's expected if any player plays long enough. No NBA player has ever outrun father time. I just feel bad for him because at 35 years old, he SHOULD NOT be the Spurs best interior defense and best low post player, but that's what he is. It's not fair to him and the FO has done him a great disservice by not providing him with a better frontline support to help offset his diminished play on both ends. For all he's done for the franchise, they owed him that much.

Define "viable."

First off, even if Tim was the lousiest player in the league, the FO has enough class to allow him to go out on his own terms - playing hard, leading the team, providing sage advice, etc. He's earned that.

But Tim is no longer a player who has the ability to lead a team to a Championship. Not his fault - he's just not that guy anymore physically. What I'm sure Tim wishes he had was a young PF prototype that he could help mold/tutor who might just be good enough to do so.

The FO thought that was Splitter. But, given Pop's style, Tiago's injuries, etc., that hasn't proven to be true. Again, teams like SA have to take chances and get the draft right or they suffer.

So, we suffer with them until we can draft that guy.

[E-RockWill]

I recall poor outside shooting, absence of perimeter defense & Tony Parker turning the ball over as the main reasons we lost the 1st round.

[GSH]

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
Just going up on ESPN online: Sources say Mavs finalizing signing of Sean Williams after center secures release from Maccabi Haifa in Israel

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
With two roster spots open, Mavs bringing in shotblocker after Williams finished second in D-League DPOY voting last season w/Texas Legends

Williams has been a problem child at times. Not the first guy you would think of for the Spurs. That being said, he actually got the most first place votes for DPOY, but finished second on total points. He seems to have found some focus.

There are reportedly several teams trying to buy out and sign Gustavo Ayon (Aguirre). He's 6'9" or 6'10", depending on who you talk to. The Spurs have looked at him in the past - not sure why they passed. If there was a city ready-made for a Mexican center, it's SA.

[Dr. Gonzo]

If there was a city ready-made for a Mexican center, it's SA.

racist

[GSH]

Lol you act like he's fuckin Kwame Brown or something. Many single digit scoring games to come....? Ok? That means he isn't viable? He's still a great defender, good scorer and plenty of teams would line up at the chance to have a 35 year old Timmy right now.



Duncan is still a great player. He doesn't command the hard double teams like he used to, which means the other guys on the team get the attention they deserve. He needs a better supporting cast now.

Most of Duncan's output has fallen in proportion to his minutes. The one stat that really tells the story is his FTA's. His minutes dropped by about 20% from a couple of years ago, but his free throw attempts fell by almost half. He's finding ways to score - his [edit] FG% hasn't really suffered. But he isn't dominating around the rim.

When bigs start to age, they begin to score more of their points away from the basket. (The good ones do. The ones who can't don't stay around.) McDyess is a perfect example - he developed that mid-range jumper. Duncan always scored a fair amount of points away from the basket, with that deadly bank shot. The last couple of seasons, he can't hit that shot to save his ass. So he's stuck trying to score in the paint, and his knees are taking even more of a beating. Plus, it's really keeping the paint clogged on those trips when he can't get there.

I wish he could dial in that banker, they way it used to be. It would help him, and the rest of the team.

[GSH]

racist


I hope that was supposed to be funny. The city is more than 50% Mexican. The fans would go nuts. They would have loved Najera to come here. Selling tickets is part of the game.

Seriously, how much brain does it take to throw out the word "racist" every time someone acknowledges that we aren't all from the same place?

[therealtruth]

Tim is very much still a viable player, but let's get real. He's always been the lynchpin of the Spurs interior offense and defense. While he can still score, his defensive decline, while expected because it happens to all players, has been nonetheless startling. If anyone needs evidence, go back and watch the 2010 playoff series versus the Suns, when they literally pick-n-rolled the Spurs, and particularly Duncan, to death. It was sad watching hiim repeatedly get caught on a switch and then labor to try and get back to the basket - albeit never in time. The quicker Suns guards ran circles around him. Watching the Spurs get swept, it was obvious that Duncan was no longer the dominant defender he once was.

The most recent playoff series versus the Grizzlies, back in April, served as only the latest reminder of how much Duncan has declined. Duncan, with some assistance from an overmatched and overwhelmed McDyess, tried gallantly tried to fend off the young Grizz tandem of Gasol and Randolph, but they were helpless. Both these guys were simply overmatched. Again, it was painful to watch.

This decline is not unusual. As a matter of fact, it's expected if any player plays long enough. No NBA player has ever outrun father time. I just feel bad for him because at 35 years old, he SHOULD NOT be the Spurs best interior defense and best low post player, but that's what he is. It's not fair to him and the FO has done him a great disservice by not providing him with a better frontline support to help offset his diminished play on both ends. For all he's done for the franchise, they owed him that much.

I think Duncan's defense would have been fine against the Grizz if he didn't have to worry about defending two people. Which is why it would have made sense to start TD and Splitter against Gasol and Randolph. TD and Splitter could defend both Gasol/Splitter while the other PF's (Dice,Blair,Bonner) could barely defend Randolph.

[SenorSpur]

Duncan is still a great player. He doesn't command the hard double teams like he used to, which means the other guys on the team get the attention they deserve. He needs a better supporting cast now.

Aside from the other points made in my previous post regarding Duncan's decline, if there was ever another sure sign of how his skills have declined, this would be it. Opposing coaches and players know realize that they do not have to send the standard "extra" defender to slow him down.

Again, this is not a slam on our future HOFer, it's simply factual evidence that we've all witnessed. It's called the natural decline of all athletes.

[therealtruth]

Aside from the other points made in my previous post regarding Duncan's decline, if there was ever another sure sign of how his skills have declined, this would be it. Opposing coaches and players know realize that they do not have to send the standard "extra" defender to slow him down.

Again, this is not a slam on our future HOFer, it's simply factual evidence that we've all witnessed. It's called the natural decline of all athletes.

Part of the reason for this is he's always struggled with long and bigger players. Now he's playing center alot more teams use their center to defend him and he has to use his declining athleticism to try to beat their center. Put a smaller power forward on him and I think he can still use his length and footwork to get 18 and 10. But that will only happen if he's playing power forward.

[ace3g]

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
RT @SportandoBasket: Source confirms Andrei Kirilenko on his way to leave CSKA Moscow and join New Jersey Nets to sign multi-year deal

UPDATE
apparently not happening yet....according to his agent...

[benefactor]

Russian connection rules the day.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Perhaps there are some out there who are confused with the positions of center and power forward...

Power forwards are defined by the skill set of having several different scoring styles - one of playing with their back to the basket on the low post. That includes being able to spin, make the hook or scoop under, etc. These are typical center moves. But, the PF can also FACE THE BASKET and score. That includes the midrange jumper as well as driving to the basket from 15 feet and finishing. Some PFs actually have a good perimeter game as well to include knocking down threes.

Dirk Nowitzki is a PF. Tim Duncan used to be, but his face the basket skills (speed/quickness) isnt' there anymore. So now, he's a center.

Splitter is somewhat a PF and somewhat a C.
Blair is a PF but he's too small to play PF in the Spurs system due to his defense.
Bonner is a SG w/ PF size (he has almost no low post skills).
McDyess used to be a PF as well - now, he's a C much like TD but is too short to defend traditional Cs.

Now, the Spurs DON'T need a dominant PF to win games. They have in the past as that was who they drafted in TD. But a dominant C would essentially serve the same purpose given all the other complementary PFs they have on the roster. Dwight Howard and Tiago Splitter would be a great fit.

[Fireball]

McDyess used to be a PF as well - now, he's a C much like TD but is too short to defend traditional Cs.

When I look at your description of positions Dice still is a PF ... he never lost his midrange jumper.

[tdunk21]

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine Close
RT @Monroe_SA: #Spurs make it official: Antonio McDyess retiring and they won't guarantee other half of his $5.2M deal. bit.ly/stSrma

[jesterbobman]

Oh well, there goes that option(Either Dyess or via trade). Great career, shame about his injuries.

[benefactor]

Spurs best trade chip just walks away.

lol Spurs

[tmtcsc]

We've got nothing. Unless this team ante's up and moves Parker, its hard to see us improving in the front court. Blair has to be thrilled.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Barron Davis just sigend w/ the Knicks.

They will start him, Melo, Stoudamire, Chandler and (insert SG here). They should be nice...

[mexicanjunior]

Barron Davis just sigend w/ the Knicks.

They will start him, Melo, Stoudamire, Chandler and (insert SG here). They should be nice...

Landry Fields would be their SG and he is solid...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landry_Fields

[Tyrone Jenkins]

When I look at your description of positions Dice still is a PF ... he never lost his midrange jumper.

Ok, I'll give you that. But he doesn't really have the drive to the basket skills so he's part PF part C.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Landry Fields would be their SG and he is solid...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landry_Fields

that's even worse...

[GSH]

Barron Davis just sigend w/ the Knicks.

They will start him, Melo, Stoudamire, Chandler and (insert SG here). They should be nice...

Knicks get Baron Davis. Charlotte gets Biyombo and Mullens. Mavs get Sean Williams. The list goes on and on. I'm just feeling kinda left out here, and it reminded me of an old song. (Offensive content warning.)

dGGwVsvseGw

[Anonymous Cowherd]

*sighhhhhhhhhhhhh*

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Knicks get Baron Davis. Charlotte gets Biyombo and Mullens. Mavs get Sean Williams. The list goes on and on. I'm just feeling kinda left out here, and it reminded me of an old song.

Spurs fans, we need to quit whining!!!!

Do you really think the FO is doing NOTHING! They may not be willing to overpay mediocre players that we all think would work but I wouldn't blame them.

If you worked your way to becoming a multi-millionaire (by hard work and frugal business decisions) and you had a team that is paying TD what he's getting at his age, a SG who's old and comtemplating retirement, a group of young, untested guys who can't play defense due to size and/or mentality and don't look like they're gonna be anything near as good as what you've just experienced for the past 10 years and more importanly, no real way to entice any quality free agents to your city (other than the Riverwalk and Fiesta Texas and the same $ everyone else is offering) what would you do?

Let the year play out with the team being mediocre (6-8 seed) then lose in the 1st round, let TD and MG retire and send them off with class and style (and then perhaps trade your decent PG while he still has value), then be a lottery team for the next 3-4 years and work the draft once you get higher picks

OR

spend like crazy and offer guys like Josh Howard or Tyson Chandler moster contracts that will take you WELL into the luxury tax area only to be medicre team for the next 4-7 years without every really improving or every being lousy enough to draft elite players?

[Interrohater]

Do you really think the FO is doing NOTHING!
If that was a question, then yes, I do think that. They've given up.

[ace3g]

sam_amick Sam Amick
Hayes signed a 4-yr, $21 million deal, but an abnormality was revealed in heart test. Subsequent tests were taken but results were unknown.
18 minutes ago

Marc Stein
ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
RT @sam_amick: Shocker in Sacto: Kings GM Geoff Petrie releases statement saying contract of F Chuck Hayes voided after he failed physical


sam_amick Sam Amick
Dalembert's camp has been talking with Houston and exploring possible sign and trades elsewhere w/ Kings, but now there is a more dire need.
39 seconds ago

Sam Amick
sam_amick Sam Amick
There is a basketball ripple effect here, however, and it would appear free agent center Sam Dalembert is a possibility again in Sacto.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

If that was a question, then yes, I do think that. They've given up.

They're being smart.

They're waiting till the team is bad enough to draft high and are hoping to find another group of 3 young, talented players that will take them back to the Championship.

It happend before. Remember when TD was trying to get Jason Kidd to come to SA; and he ended up going elsewhere? What happened after that? the FO scouted the Euroleagues and took a chance on a 19 yr old PG nobody had ever heard of. And the gamble worked - that PG ended up being a Finals MVP.

That's the Spurs model. As a Spurs fan, that's YOUR model (mine too).

Let's quit complaining, get behind the FO, believe in their ability to do it all again, and support the team through what will probably be a miserable existence for the next 3 to 5.

[timvp]

The Spurs need to have their doctors take a look at Chuck Hayes. If he can pass a physical, I'm all for signing him. He's a midget but he's a great defender -- probably the best post defender in the league.

[Nathan89]

They're being smart.

They're waiting till the team is bad enough to draft high and are hoping to find another group of 3 young, talented players that will take them back to the Championship.

It happend before. Remember when TD was trying to get Jason Kidd to come to SA; and he ended up going elsewhere? What happened after that? the FO scouted the Euroleagues and took a chance on a 19 yr old PG nobody had ever heard of. And the gamble worked - that PG ended up being a Finals MVP.

That's the Spurs model. As a Spurs fan, that's YOUR model (mine too).

Let's quit complaining, get behind the FO, believe in their ability to do it all again, and support the team through what will probably be a miserable existence for the next 3 to 5.

Then they should make trades and get rid of the good players for draft picks and you prospects. Were not going to get a high pick even if we don't sign another big. At the very least offer a player like T. Murphy a contract for one year like the Lakers did(Murphy signed a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, worth $1,352,181). Meanwhile we do nothing...

[Interrohater]

They're not being smart, they're being forced, as they were in your example. Right now, they're being forced to bide their time. Even the most hardcore supporters have to admit how disappointing this abbreviated offseason has gone. We've made one lonely upgrade which has yet to be proven, although it won't take much to upgrade over RJ, and have not even remotely addressed the biggest need.

I've always watched as many games as possible and this season will be no different, but instead of steady and determined optimism, I now will watch only because I always have and to see how the new guys blossom.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

The Spurs need to have their doctors take a look at Chuck Hayes. If he can pass a physical, I'm all for signing him. He's a midget but he's a great defender -- probably the best post defender in the league.

Wow spurs are literally living on a prayer this free agency period. This is easily the worsted free agency that i can remember in like ten years

[ace3g]

Spurs have took chances on players with medical issues before (Blair most recently)

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Then they should make trades and get rid of the good players for draft picks and you prospects. Were not going to get a high pick even if we don't sign another big. At the very least offer a player like T. Murphy a contract for one year like the Lakers did(Murphy signed a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, worth $1,352,181). Meanwhile we do nothing...

They're not trading Parker yet as that would be "obvious" and disrespectful to TD and MG. One more year is what Tim wants, so that's what he'll get.

And the Lakers can sign a player like Murphy to the min. But for him to come to SA, he'd probably want more. Players come to SA after they have exhausted ways to get to more attractive locations.

[SenorSpur]

The Spurs need to have their doctors take a look at Chuck Hayes. If he can pass a physical, I'm all for signing him. He's a midget but he's a great defender -- probably the best post defender in the league.

Amen. He will not block many shots, but will rebound and play solid post defense.

I still don't see how he manned the post while filling in for Yao Ming during his injury-plagued absences.

Certainly worth a look. Is he healthy?

[objective]

even if they signed Hayes in this fever dream scenario . . . why would Pop even play him?

"Playing Chuck Hayes wouldn't be fair to the team or his aorta. Next time don't miss camp and I won't pretend like you were hurt all year long." - :pop:

[Nathan89]

They're not trading Parker yet as that would be "obvious" and disrespectful to TD and MG. One more year is what Tim wants, so that's what he'll get.

And the Lakers can sign a player like Murphy to the min. But for him to come to SA, he'd probably want more. Players come to SA after they have exhausted ways to get to more attractive locations.

What is disrespectful to TD is the fact that the FO surrounds him with the worst bigs in the league.

The Spurs could have got Murphy because they could have offered him more than LA. If not him though someone else. One thing for sure is you don't bring back the same team that got stomped in the 1st round by the eighth seed. Oh wait they're not because were losing Dice. Compound this all with giving the fans expectations of a renewed defense this year. You know when Pop set a goal of being a top 7 defense. Not chance in hell while bringing back a depleted front court.

[Interrohater]

I don't get why the Spurs aren't even taking fliers on guys with potential. Instead, they invite guys with scoliosis and whatnot to camp. I was looking at last years D-League all-stars and one center stood out to me, Sean Williams. He's a defensive ace that was averaging like 2.5 blocks per game at one point and over 12 RPG. He was a one time 1st round draft pick for the Nets who had some disciplinary issues and so played abroad and in the D League. Seems to be a low-risk high reward guy. So guess who picks him up? That's right, the fucking Mavericks. They just agreed to a deal with the guy about 5 hours ago.

[Lukor]

I don't get why the Spurs aren't even taking fliers on guys with potential. Instead, they invite guys with scoliosis and whatnot to camp. I was looking at last years D-League all-stars and one center stood out to me, Sean Williams. He's a defensive ace that was averaging like 2.5 blocks per game at one point and over 12 RPG. He was a one time 1st round draft pick for the Nets who had some disciplinary issues and so played abroad and in the D League. Seems to be a low-risk high reward guy. So guess who picks him up? That's right, the fucking Mavericks. They just agreed to a deal with the guy about 5 hours ago.

back2back:

:lobt2::lobt2:

[Interrohater]

back2back:

:lobt2::lobt2:
lol, gay.

[Lukor]

lol, gay.

Think you gonna win a ring with this guy?

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/1979.png&w=350&h=254

Lmao, didnt think so.

[jjktkk]

Then they should make trades and get rid of the good players for draft picks and you prospects. Were not going to get a high pick even if we don't sign another big. At the very least offer a player like T. Murphy a contract for one year like the Lakers did(Murphy signed a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, worth $1,352,181). Meanwhile we do nothing...

Instead of looking at it thru Spur fan's eyes, look at it thru Murphy's eyes: Hmmm, sign with the Lakers, or Spurs. Who has a better chance to win, Lakers or Spurs. Try being a little more realistic.

[DesignatedT]

Aside from the other points made in my previous post regarding Duncan's decline, if there was ever another sure sign of how his skills have declined, this would be it. Opposing coaches and players know realize that they do not have to send the standard "extra" defender to slow him down.

Again, this is not a slam on our future HOFer, it's simply factual evidence that we've all witnessed. It's called the natural decline of all athletes.

Nobody is calling Duncan the best player on the team. It's pretty clear that he has lost a step in every way as 35 year old bigmen do. But someone calling him "not viable" is plain retarded. Tim is still a very good player and still at 35 years old in the upper tier of Centers in this league.

He isn't the best player or even close to it anymore and that's fine. He is still a very good player.

Going on about how he doesn't get double teams, or he's lost a step defensively, or can't pull down as many rebounds, or can't score as many points is just retarded at this point. Everyone understands that he is a shell of his former self but that doesn't mean he can't play the game at a high level. He isn't the problem and has never been and nobody with half a brain is expecting Duncan to do anymore than 13 and 10 with the limited minutes he receives.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

I find it very hard to believe that the same FO that garnered 4 championships in 8 years can't find a way to scout talent.

If they're not doing anything, I doubt it is due to effort. It is most likely due to circumstance. Again, we don't know who the FO is talking to but right now, the Spurs are in DECLINE. That's the entire team.

Again, whether you're a star player or a role/bench player, would you rather play for the Lakers, Heat, Mavs, Clippers, Knicks, Thunder or Spurs? Spurs are the oldest team in the league in a city that is great for some but lacks big time glitz and attraction.

it is what it is...

[SenorSpur]

Nobody is calling Duncan the best player on the team. It's pretty clear that he has lost a step in every way as 35 year old bigmen do. But someone calling him "not viable" is plain retarded. Tim is still a very good player and still at 35 years old in the upper tier of Centers in this league.

He isn't the best player or even close to it anymore and that's fine. He is still a very good player.

Going on about how he doesn't get double teams, or he's lost a step defensively, or can't pull down as many rebounds, or can't score as many points is just retarded at this point. Everyone understands that he is a shell of his former self but that doesn't mean he can't play the game at a high level. He isn't the problem and has never been and nobody with half a brain is expecting Duncan to do anymore than 13 and 10 with the limited minutes he receives.

No one is debating whether or not Duncan is still a very good player. We all know that he still is. The point is he cannot do the heavy lifting for this franchise, on both ends of the court, anymore and he shouldn't have to. There should be enough additional frontline support on the roster to offset whatever diminished production and skills Duncan has left.

The fact is that is not the case. And the FO has to assume the blame for that. After all Duncan has done for this franchise, it's a shame that they've betrayed him in this fashion.

[jermaine]

On a serious tip. With Dice leaving, do we more money to go get Dalembert an Humpries?

[Hoops Czar]

On a serious tip. With Dice leaving, do we more money to go get Dalembert an Humpries?

No. You keep that offensive slug Jefferson and call it an offseason. For a franchise that supposedly makes all the right moves, I can't think of one in the last 2 years.

Another wasted offseason of oppurtunities passing the Spurs by.

[ace3g]

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
ESPN web link to Arron Afflalo reaching terms on five-year, $43 million deal to stay with Nuggets: es.pn/tJH8c7

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN Jeff McDonald
@
Yes. He's probably headed to Knicks. RT @rtking10 any truth to the rumor that Novak was released?

[Spurs Brazil]

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have requested waivers on center David Andersen.

The Hornets training camp roster now stands at 16.

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217676/Hornets_Waive_David_Andersen#ixzz1h2BzJWtX

[lmbebo]

Could we have gotten BJ mullens? it was for a 2nd rnd pick and cash.

[analyzed]

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have requested waivers on center David Andersen.

The Hornets training camp roster now stands at 16.

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217676/Hornets_Waive_David_Andersen#ixzz1h2BzJWtX

I know we won't just settle for any big man, but worse case scenarion Andersen could help. he has a decent a shot and size

[Anonymous Cowherd]

right, let's sign Ajinca and call it a day.

[loveforthegame]

The Spurs need to have their doctors take a look at Chuck Hayes. If he can pass a physical, I'm all for signing him. He's a midget but he's a great defender -- probably the best post defender in the league.

I would love it if SA could get Hayes. I've talked about him since his high school days.

I can't get a read on just how serious or not his health condition is. Sounds like he wants to play and is going to do whatever to get healthy again. Also wants to be around to play and watch his 4 year old son grow up. On one hand it sounds like it could be serious and on the other it's just something he can get fixed and be back on the court again. Very confusing comments from all in the know.

I would hope the Spurs have been on the phone to find out just what the case is though.

[mountainballer]

Darrell Arthur will miss the entire 2011-12 season with a torn right Achilles.

the Grizzlies already have been very thin in the front court, now they are reduced to only Zach and Gasol.
they will make some moves for bigs. they do have the trade assets to make this happen. (Mayo, Henry, Vasquez, pick)
send them Blair to reunite with his buddy Young.
get a 2012 1st rounder for him.
replace Blair with Lawal. (what he can't deliver on offense, he will compensate on defense)

[DesignatedT]

Nobody is going to sign Hayes until he can pass his physical and once he's able to clear that hurdle I doubt 3yrs 9mil (the max we can offer) will be enough to land a guy who just got 24 mil.

[underdawg]

Nobody is going to sign Hayes until he can pass his physical and once he's able to clear that hurdle I doubt 3yrs 9mil (the max we can offer) will be enough to land a guy who just got 24 mil.

The Rockets on Monday made inquiries about the prognosis of former Rockets forward Chuck Hayes to determine if his medical condition might allow him to be a free-agent option again, a person with knowledge of the talks said. Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-inquire-about-Chuck-Hayes-status-2413446.php)

[underdawg]

Darrell Arthur will miss the entire 2011-12 season with a torn right Achilles.

the Grizzlies already have been very thin in the front court, now they are reduced to only Zach and Gasol.
they will make some moves for bigs. they do have the trade assets to make this happen. (Mayo, Henry, Vasquez, pick)
send them Blair to reunite with his buddy Young.
get a 2012 1st rounder for him.
replace Blair with Lawal. (what he can't deliver on offense, he will compensate on defense)

The Grizzlies are preparing an offer sheet for Charlotte Bobcats restricted free agent Dante Cunningham, and team officials have held trade discussions with the Philadelphia 76ers as a response to forward Darrell Arthur’s season-ending Achilles injury. Memphis Commercial Appeal (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/dec/20/loss-of-arthur-a-blow-to-griz/)

[Libri]

Nobody is going to sign Hayes until he can pass his physical and once he's able to clear that hurdle I doubt 3yrs 9mil (the max we can offer) will be enough to land a guy who just got 24 mil.

The Spurs can bring him in for a private physical. If he passes, then offer him a contract on the spot. But I agree that if it becomes public knowledge that his condition is not serious then teams will be lining up to offer him sacks of money.

[spurs10]

I'm still in disbelief that the Spurs don't have a plan of some sort. Every$#%&body knows we are not ready to face this brutal schedule without some help in the front line. There is no way an organization with our success isn't trying everything they possibly can to get some help. Could we have let go of Dice because the person they are looking at isn't available in a trade? Could they have promised K-Mart the moon after Tim's 20 million comes off the books? Surely we know of the great chance we face of Tim and Tiago having some injury or getting worn down rapidly. Something has got to be brewing.

[Spurs Brazil]

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
The Nets are finalizing a one-year deal with Kris Humphries today and expect to have him for final preseason game Wednesday, sources tell Y!

[Mugen]

Darrell Arthur will miss the entire 2011-12 season with a torn right Achilles.


tbh, i thought Darrell Arthur was serving 10-15 years for raping Bonner in the playoffs last year.

[Seventyniner]

tbh, i thought Darrell Arthur was serving 10-15 years for raping Bonner in the playoffs last year.

tbh, Bonner probably thought it was consensual.

[spursince#99]

Humphries going back to the Nets? FML

[tuncaboylu]

Why didn't we try to get Brandon Rush in exchange of Dice? I don't think that Amundson-Rush trade is more attractive than that offer.

[DesignatedT]

Humphries going back to the Nets? FML

You realize that any small chance we could convince any decent FA to come here went out the window when we decided to keep RJ right? We officially had a .00% chance at landing this guy.

[flox]

Why didn't we try to get Brandon Rush in exchange of Dice? I don't think that Amundson-Rush trade is more attractive than that offer.

They actually needed a backup big that could play this year.

[montgod]

The Portland Trail Blazers have waived center Earl Barron, it was announced today by Acting General Manager Chad Buchanan.

Barron appeared in two games with Portland in 2010-11, averaging 3.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 18.5 minutes. He signed with the Trail Blazers on April 12, 2011.

Via RealGM Staff Report


Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217705/Earl_Barron_Waived_By_Blazers#ixzz1h7c7X5R5

[jermaine]

At this rate, where's Dampeir

[elemento]

For the MIN, i wouldn't mind Dampier at all.

[Em-City]

The Portland Trail Blazers have waived center Earl Barron, it was announced today by Acting General Manager Chad Buchanan.

Barron appeared in two games with Portland in 2010-11, averaging 3.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 18.5 minutes. He signed with the Trail Blazers on April 12, 2011.

Via RealGM Staff Report


Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217705/Earl_Barron_Waived_By_Blazers#ixzz1h7c7X5R5

we could do worse....

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Trade TP, DeJuan Blair and Gary Neal for Al Horford and Kirk Heinrich.

Hawks get a top 10 PG to go along w/ Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, a clutch 3 pt pg/sg hybrid and a run and gun PF who's undersized but is a perfect change of pace type PF behind Josh Smith.

Spurs get a PG w/ some defensive skills who can pass and hit the 3 and a PF who can learn footwork from TD for the next 3 years (provided TD becomes a coach after next year). What this ALSO does, is allows more slash scoring opportunities for RJ.

[Giuseppe]

Trade TP, DeJuan Blair and Gary Neal for Al Horford and Kirk Heinrich.

Hawks get a top 10 PG to go along w/ Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, a clutch 3 pt pg/sg hybrid and a run and gun PF who's undersized but is a perfect change of pace type PF behind Josh Smith.

Spurs get a PG w/ some defensive skills who can pass and hit the 3 and a PF who can learn footwork from TD for the next 3 years (provided TD becomes a coach after next year). What this ALSO does, is allows more slash scoring opportunities for RJ.

Al Horford is fool's gold. He's not the mistake that you've made with Blair, but, he's close.

You'd be a fool to cast off Neal. He's a winner. And what's more, he knows it.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Al Horford is fool's gold. He's not the mistake that you've made with Blair, but, he's close.

You'd be a fool to cast off Neal. He's a winner. And what's more, he knows it.

Fool's gold who scores 15 a game, gets 10 boards a game and hit FTs at 77%? Previous 2 time all star fool's gold. I'll take that gold.

Also, Neal was in there simply to sweeten the pot. And trust me, another 3 Pt specialist shooting guard will be available next year in the draft. There a dime a dozen.

[Giuseppe]

Fool's gold who scores 15 a game, gets 10 boards a game and hit FTs at 77%? Previous 2 time all star fool's gold. I'll take that gold.

Also, Neal was in there simply to sweeten the pot. And trust me, another 3 Pt specialist shooting guard will be available next year in the draft. There a dime a dozen.

Horford plays frightened.

Neal ain't.

[timvp]

The Clippers are close to signing veteran free agent forward/center Reggie Evans to a one-year deal for about $1.3 million

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/150599120_6a482af1e7_m.jpg

[jesterbobman]

Good for the Clippers, Given their depth behind Griffin and Jordan had been Brian Cook, Trey Thompkins and Ryan Gomes.

[Interrohater]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/150599120_6a482af1e7_m.jpg

:rollin it's so appropriate

[Interrohater]

Tyrone, don't be dumb. Neal should not be traded unless he mason's all over the court this season

[Obstructed_View]

...at which point he has zero trade value.

[AFBlue]

How did Horford even come up in this thread?

[benefactor]

Also, Neal was in there simply to sweeten the pot. And trust me, another 3 Pt specialist shooting guard will be available next year in the draft. There a dime a dozen.
Attempting to look like you know what you are talking about when you say shit like this isn't fooling anyone. Stop talking about basketball if you don't fucking watch it.

[Interrohater]

...at which point he has zero trade value.

True. I've never been a fan of the buy low sell high mentality when it comes to players so i guess we're rolling with Neal for a bit

[Obstructed_View]

True. I've never been a fan of the buy low sell high mentality when it comes to players so i guess we're rolling with Neal for a bit

Depends on the value, but the Spurs won't get equivalent value for Neal. He allowed the Spurs to part with George Hill, which is huge.

[GSH]

I thought Dallas was supposed to sign Sean Williams today. I haven't seen it go through. Honestly, I thought he was our best shot at picking up a capable, affordable big body. Anybody know if the Dallas deal has snagged, or if it's just formality at this point?

[GSH]

Trade TP, DeJuan Blair and Gary Neal for Al Horford and Kirk Heinrich.

Hawks get a top 10 PG to go along w/ Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, a clutch 3 pt pg/sg hybrid and a run and gun PF who's undersized but is a perfect change of pace type PF behind Josh Smith.

Spurs get a PG w/ some defensive skills who can pass and hit the 3 and a PF who can learn footwork from TD for the next 3 years (provided TD becomes a coach after next year). What this ALSO does, is allows more slash scoring opportunities for RJ.


Plugging random names into the trade machine? Basketball madlibs? A terrorist cell trading information via coded messages on ST? I can't think of any other ways for something like this to happen.

How about if we trade Spanoulis' rights to Boston, in exchange for a draft pick and Len Bias? (Now I'll just sit back and wait for Homeland Security.)

[slick'81]

I thought Dallas was supposed to sign Sean Williams today. I haven't seen it go through. Honestly, I thought he was our best shot at picking up a capable, affordable big body. Anybody know if the Dallas deal has snagged, or if it's just formality at this point?


The Mavericks are expected to sign big man Sean Williams on Monday.
He's been in Israel after failing to stay out of trouble, or catch on in the NBA, but what is memorable about him is his ability to block shots. We doubt he puts a very big dent in the Mavericks rotation if he makes the team, but he's worth keeping track of in case he's got his act together. Dec 19 - 3:24 PM
Source: Dallas Morning News (http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/12/mavericks-set-to-add-sean-williams.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

[GSH]

The Mavericks are expected to sign big man Sean Williams on Monday.
He's been in Israel after failing to stay out of trouble, or catch on in the NBA, but what is memorable about him is his ability to block shots. We doubt he puts a very big dent in the Mavericks rotation if he makes the team, but he's worth keeping track of in case he's got his act together. Dec 19 - 3:24 PM



Heh... I never said he was known to be a character guy. But hey, neither is Josh Howard. He would mean a lot more to us than to the Mavs, and he would have a much better shot at getting minutes - especially to help carry the regular season.

He's big. And inexpensive. And he can make some noise in the middle on D. We need all those things pretty damn badly. I'd like to think that the reason the Mavs didn't close the deal on Mon. or Tuesday is because we are still in the mix.

[flox]

I was hoping we could maybe take a look at Solomon Jones or Yi to be honest..

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Also, Neal was in there simply to sweeten the pot. And trust me, another 3 Pt specialist shooting guard will be available next year in the draft. There a dime a dozen.

Who was last year's draft dime a dozen 3 pt specialist?

[Bruno]

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have requested waivers on center David Andersen.

The Hornets training camp roster now stands at 16.

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217676/Hornets_Waive_David_Andersen#ixzz1h2BzJWtX

He would be a fine end of the bench player but I guess he will go back in Italy where he played during the lockout.

[underdawg]

When asked if his contract would be in the range of $7 milion per season, Dalembert said it would depend on whether the contract is for one or two years. Dalembert had been courted by Houston. But he's not sure why that fell apart. "It's frustrating," Dalembert said of the Rockets dropping out. FOXSports Florida (http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/12/20/11/Dalembert-set-to-re-sign-with-Sacramento/landing_heat.html?blockID=630806&feedID=3565)

In a press conference, Gustavo Ayon confirmed that he is leaving Baloncesto Fuenlabrada and will sign a contract in NBA with New Orleans Hornets. The buyout of the player is $1.5M. New Orleans Hornets will pay $525.000 while the Mexican big man will pay the difference by his own. Sportando (http://www.sportando.net/eng/usa/nba/33617/gustavo_ayon_confirms_he_is_signing_with_new_orlea ns_hornets.html)

Kris Humphries isn’t getting a divorce from the Nets just yet. League sources confirmed Humphries is expected to re-sign with the Nets today. He is expected to receive a one-year deal for roughly $7 million, as The Post’s Peter Vecsey reported in yesterday’s editions, and could be in uniform as soon as for tonight’s preseason game at the Garden against the Knicks. New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/nets/nets_re_up_humphries_for_year_DqEs7m0q31VLYFcI5XOC 9O)

[SenorSpur]

http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/12/20/11/Dalembert-set-to-re-sign-with-Sacramento/landing_heat.html?blockID=630806&feedID=3565

It looked as if Sacramento had moved on from center Samuel Dalembert. But Dalembert said Tuesday night he anticipates re-signing with the Kings.

"If things work out, everything structurally (with the contact), it will be Sacramento," Dalembert said in a phone interview with FOX Sports Florida from his Boca Raton, Fla., home. "It's close."

[timvp]

Kris Humphries and Kwame Brown ended up getting the same contract? Wow.

[underdawg]

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski (http://twitter.com/wojyahoonba)

Martin's buyout will set the precedent for JR Smith, Wilson Chandler, Aaron Brooks in China: None will play in NBA until CBA season is over.

[underdawg]

Reggie Evans Update
Marc J. Spears: Agent Byron Irvin confirms Reggie Evans deal with Clippers is 1-year at veteran's minimum. Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

from yesterday:
Alexis Ajinca
Scott Howard-Cooper: Clippers looking at Alexis Ajinca at backup center. Possibility of signing today. Gadzuric, Diogu also on the radar. Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

[Anonymous Cowherd]

can't even get Alexis Ajinca?! come ON!

Fesenko? please?

[Russ]

can't even get Alexis Ajinca?! come ON!

Fesenko? please?

Spurs don't want just anyone at center. :toast

[objective]

Fesenko tore his knee up in September. It was only supposed to be a two-month injury from initial reports, but given his reputation for not laziness, he might not be ready to play yet.

[underdawg]

Sam Amick Twitter: (http://twitter.com/#!/sam_amick/statuses/149604989646544897)Sam Amick Source says the Kings have pulled the offer for free agent center Samuel Dalembert.

[underdawg]

@ESPNSteinLine (http://twitter.com/#!/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/149606839418486785)
Marc Stein Just going up on http://ESPN.com: Rockets and Samuel Dalembert reach terms on two-year contract. Link on way momentarily

[SenorSpur]

I guess that takes care of the final scraps in the NBA free agent bigman bin.

Meanwhile, Spurs still sucking their thumbs.

[jjktkk]

I guess that takes care of the final scraps in the NBA free agent bigman bin.

Meanwhile, Spurs still sucking their thumbs.

So your pissed that the Spurs haven't picked up one of these scraps?

[SenorSpur]

So your pissed that the Spurs haven't picked up one of these scraps?

No. Only that they wanted until there were nothing but scraps left to be had.

[underdawg]

So your pissed that the Spurs haven't picked up one of these scraps?

they already have a couple on the front line - what's wrong with a couple more?

[jjktkk]

No. Only that they wanted until there were nothing but scraps left to be had.

Other than Chandler, and to a lesser degree Dalembert, scraps were all that were out there to begin with imo.

[SenorSpur]

Other than Chandler, and to a lesser degree Dalembert, scraps were all that were out there to begin with imo.

Well, they're now faced with not only the hole left by McDyess' retirement, but also having to live with the subpar deficiencies from both Bonner and Blair for yet another season.

[jjktkk]

Well, they're now faced with not only the hole left by McDyess' retirement, but also having to live with the subpar deficiencies from both Bonner and Blair for yet another season.

I know alot of us(me included) were hoping the Spurs were going to address the front line, but, for now, looks like Splitter will have to be the answer.

[jjktkk]

they already have a couple on the front line - what's wrong with a couple more?

Lol, I guess Holt doesn't want to add to his collection of bigman scrubs.

[SenorSpur]

I know alot of us(me included) were hoping the Spurs were going to address the front line, but, for now, looks like Splitter will have to be the answer.

For the sake of the Spurs success and us fans, Splitter had better be. Because at this point, Blair is not going to get any taller or move his feet any quicker. And Bonner isn't going to be anything else but his one-dimensional self - except in the playoffs, when he has absolutely no dimensions at all.

Speaking of which, the short-handed frontline situation because worse when the playoff start. That's when the Spurs go from 4 bigs down to 3 (with Bonner's on-court disappearance).

[Ocotillo]

I know alot of us(me included) were hoping the Spurs were going to address the front line, but, for now, looks like Splitter will have to be the answer.

It appears you are correct but it won't be enough. If Duncan makes it through the year injury-free, he still is going to be sitting a lot of nights so that he does not get worn out. Splitter has the youth to handle the impendiong grind that will be this year's schedule but the depth after him is what is concerning.

Bonner is Bonner and will drive most ST posters crazy with the amount of playing time he will be getting but after Blair, who is there?

We don't need a 5th big man, we need a 3rd big man. Blair is our 5th and Bonner is our 4th.

All we can do is hope for the best or hope someone is willing to take RJ and Blair in exchange for a big man by the trade deadline.

Any chance Pop will showcase RJ to try and tempt another team to trade for him? He might but Jeffereson likely doesn't cooperate.

[jjktkk]

It appears you are correct but it won't be enough. If Duncan makes it through the year injury-free, he still is going to be sitting a lot of nights so that he does not get worn out. Splitter has the youth to handle the impendiong grind that will be this year's schedule but the depth after him is what is concerning.

Bonner is Bonner and will drive most ST posters crazy with the amount of playing time he will be getting but after Blair, who is there?

We don't need a 5th big man, we need a 3rd big man. Blair is our 5th and Bonner is our 4th.

All we can do is hope for the best or hope someone is willing to take RJ and Blair in exchange for a big man by the trade deadline.

Any chance Pop will showcase RJ to try and tempt another team to trade for him? He might but Jeffereson likely doesn't cooperate.

I'm pretty sure the Spurs were hoping to use McDyess in a trade, but since that ship sailed already, it looks like their going to go status quo. I also will as Leonard to the big mix. I can see Leonard be used alot in small ball packages as a 4, once he gets himself acclimated,

[ChumpDumper]

We don't need a 5th big man, we need a 3rd big man.Unfortunately that's probably right. There are plenty of 5th big types out there -- although that number gets smaller every day. The Spurs are just really lacking the athleticism up front that every real contender has in one or more players.

[SenorSpur]

It's really a shame - especially for Duncan. He'll be forced to carry even MORE of the heavy burden in the frontcourt. At least last year, he could count on Dice as a running mate. As it stands now, he'll have to do even more with less - all in a killer 66-game season, which will be crammed into about 4 months time. It's really unfair to a player of Duncan's stature. A player who, by the way, is entering his 15th season.

[ChumpDumper]

It's really a shame - especially for Duncan. He'll be forced to carry even MORE of the heavy burden in the frontcourt. At least last year, he could count on Dice as a running mate. As it stands now, he'll have to do even more with less - all in a killer 66-game season, which will be crammed into about 4 months time. It's really unfair to a player of Duncan's stature. A player who, by the way, is entering his 15th season.Is Splitter not playing?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Why didn't we hear even a buzz about spurs going for Dalembert?? He would be better than nothing.

[SenorSpur]

Is Splitter not playing?

I didn't forget Splitter. I just meant the fact that since the Spurs roster is down to only two legit bigs, it means Duncan workload isn't going to be any easier.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Dalembert's is getting $15m over 2 seasons. Could we offer him that?

[SenorSpur]

Dalembert's is getting $15m over 2 seasons. Could we offer him that?

No way, because the Spurs are already over the cap. All they have available is the mini-MLE of $3mil.

[Mel_13]

Dalembert's is getting $15m over 2 seasons. Could we offer him that?

No, not even if they had used the amnesty on RJ.

[ElNono]

Sign & trade would've been an option though, right?

[ChumpDumper]

I didn't forget Splitter. I just meant the fact that since the Spurs roster is down to only two legit bigs, it means Duncan workload isn't going to be any easier.Eh, I think Splitter is pegged to play his minutes and Dice's minutes from last year -- so barring injuries it should be about the same really.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

argh, guys I'm not stupid!

It was a rhetorical question intended to point it out to the people asking why we weren't in for him!

[MI21]

There is no way to defend the lack of quality big man depth on this team as Duncan winds down is career. The guy should be playing 20MPG against shit teams, 25ish against the ok teams and 30 max against top flight teams.

But with this clusterfuck of a big man situation the team has gotten itself into, he will need to play more minutes for the team to be competitive.

[hoopdreams11]

Houston has a lot of depth at the PF/C position

P Patterson
J Hill
L Scola
M Morris
H Thabeet

with the addition of Dalembert they might let someone go

[SenorSpur]

argh, guys I'm not stupid!

It was a rhetorical question intended to point it out to the people asking why we weren't in for him!

It's tough to decipher sarcasm and sometimes even well-intended rhetorical questions in written form. No harm - no foul.

[E-RockWill]

It's tough to decipher sarcasm and sometimes even well-intended rhetorical questions in written form. No harm - no foul.

The power of blue....

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Who was last year's draft dime a dozen 3 pt specialist?

Jimmer Fredette
Nolan Smith
Andrew Goudelock
E'Twaun Moore

Just about every SG drafted in the 2nd round (that's why they're drafted there...mostly shooting specialists who weren't good enough to crack the 1st round)

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Tyrone, don't be dumb. Neal should not be traded unless he mason's all over the court this season

it's amazing how many want the Spurs to sign some "magical" center - like one's just gonna fall from the sky.

You've gotta give up pieces to get pieces. Who would you rather have - a 3 pt shooting backup PG/SG or a backup PF/C who can give the only 2 bigs we have some rest?

Isn't Anderson supposed to play a more prominent SG role?

If you're not gonna trade Neal, then who? Who else on the team is enticing enough to some other team to make a trade? Blair? RJ?

C'mon man...

[ace3g]

according to Twitter, Chuck Hayes has been cleared to play, sign him now Spurs!!!

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
Agent for Chuck Hayes issues statement saying doctors at the Cleveland Clinic examined Hayes and say, "..He does not have a heart problem."


WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
Hayes met with doctors at clinic, and "their recommendation is that the can continue to play professional basketball without any concerns."

[loveforthegame]

I hope the Spurs have been on the phone with him but I doubt it.

Now that the Rockets have signed Dalembert I doubt he returns to Houston. Can the Kings sign him again even though they voided the first contract?

Just happy to hear he's healthy and can resume playing basketball.

[Endi24]

Marc J. Spears: Agent Calvin Andrews tells Y! Sports Sac frontrunner to sign Chuck Hayes, but Hou, SA, Minny in mix too. Decision likely to come after Xmas.

[loveforthegame]

He'll probably sign with the Kings then. I know he was hoping to be near home again.

I don't see Houston as an option but I like that the Spurs are at least in the mix.

[bklynspursfan]

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
Houston would've had interest in revisiting a Chuck Hayes deal, but Sam Dalembert signing takes them out of running.

[underdawg]

DeShawn Stevenson
Adrian Wojnarowski: As reported by NY-NJ outlets, DeShawn Stevenson agrees to 1-year pact with Nets. The deal will pay him $2.5M for the season, source tells Y! Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

Kyrylo Fesenko
Brian T. Smith: Ex-#UtahJazz center Kyrylo Fesenko drawing interest from Heat, Warriors, Pistons, Clippers, source says. Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

Stephen Graham
The Nets announced this morning they have waived 6-6 swingman Stephen Graham, whose $1.1 million contract would have become fully guaranteed had he been on the team's roster on Christmas Day, when the NBA season opens. Graham, who signed with the Nets as a free agent prior to last season, averaged 3.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 59 games (28 starts) last season. The six-year veteran has averaged 4.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 239 NBA games. Newark Star-Ledger (http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2011/12/nets_waive_swingman_stephen_gr.html)

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Jimmer Fredette
Nolan Smith
Andrew Goudelock
E'Twaun Moore

Just about every SG drafted in the 2nd round (that's why they're drafted there...mostly shooting specialists who weren't good enough to crack the 1st round)

LOL you can't compare Neal to players who've never set foot on an NBA floor. Tell us the 3 point specialists from the 2010 draft, that was the question.

[SenorSpur]

I remember hearing that Joel Pryzbilla was going to make a decision about his future after Christmas. Has anyone heard anything more about him? Could the Spurs have possibly been in contact with his reps?

[TD 21]

Houston has a lot of depth at the PF/C position

P Patterson
J Hill
L Scola
M Morris
H Thabeet

with the addition of Dalembert they might let someone go

The Spurs should offer Blair, Green and a 1st for Patterson, Adrien and a 2nd. For a team obsessed with compiling as many trade assets as possible to land a big star, this would only add to their collection. Patterson is a better prospect than Blair, but not by a landslide. Throw in the Spurs 1st and it would be two assets for one. I know they like Patterson, but with Dalembert signing and Morris looking worthy of rotation minutes immediately, it's going to be difficult to find consistent minutes for him.

[Mel_13]

Just going up on ESPN online: Sources say Suns have waived Mickael Pietrus, who has guaranteed salary of $5.3 million this season

http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine

[ace3g]

ChrisMannixSI Chris Mannix
Utah trades center Mehmet Okur to New Jersey for a 2015 second round pick.

[timtonymanu]

WoW.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

edit: being an idiot

[elemento]

Nets got a steal here. Utah did it just to save 10m. They're tanking this year again

Man i just wish the Spurs had gotten him. He is perfect for our system. A high bbiq big with range

[Big P]

NJ has cap room to absorb his contract...the Spurs do not....what part of "the Spurs have no money to spend" don't people understand?

[timvp]

I doubt Okur is going to be worth $11 million. He was already slowing down and then he tore his achilles. Last year he looked horrible. And Okur doesn't exactly strike me as the type of player who is going to get in fantastic shape to make up for his declining mobility.

[ace3g]

johnhollinger John Hollinger
side note: AK-47 to Nets is now deader than fried chicken.

[timvp]

^That's a dangerous metaphor for a basketball analyst to use.

[Big P]

johnhollinger John Hollinger
side note: AK-47 to Nets is now deader than fried chicken.

Opens up money for him to return to Utah.

[Tuddy]

^That's a dangerous metaphor for a basketball analyst to use.

:lmao

[lowdown]

I was hoping that they would unload Al Jefferson for anybody - RJ, Bonner, draft pick? - at some point this season just to get rid of the contract and 'cause of the glut of front court players. I was dreaming but now with Okur gone, I can't even dream up that scenario.

[underdawg]

Chuck Hayes Update
Marc J. Spears: Free agent forward Chuck Hayes changing plans to head to Sacramento to sign with Kings, source tells Y! Sports with 4-year, $22.3 mill deal. Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)


Eric Pincus: Also Clippers waive Courtney Fortson and Marcus Hubbard Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

Jessica Camerato: #Celtics waived Michael Sweetney and Gilbert Brown Twitter (Jessica Camerato: #Celtics waived Michael Sweetney and Gilbert Brown Twitter)

Ronald Tillery: Griz have rescinded $2 million qualifying offer for center Hamed Haddadi, who is still in Dubai. Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

[underdawg]

I was hoping that they would unload Al Jefferson for anybody - RJ, Bonner, draft pick? - at some point this season just to get rid of the contract and 'cause of the glut of front court players. I was dreaming but now with Okur gone, I can't even dream up that scenario.

Jazz have the cap room now, but don't know any reason Utah would want RJ with Josh Howard and Gordon Hayward on their roster (and possibly AK47.) Bonner would be a cheaper replacement for Okur (if that's a type of player they need.)

I wouldn't be upset if they were able to pry Jeremy Evans away from the Jazz.

[acoelho1]

Memphis rescinded qualifying offer to Hamed Haddadi (7 footer). Anyone seen his game?

[timvp]

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/1221/nba_g_sweetney11_200.jpg

Sweetney looks like he ate Blair.

[spurs10]

^ Literally laughed out loud. Not a good look there...

[SenorSpur]

Memphis rescinded qualifying offer to Hamed Haddadi (7 footer). Anyone seen his game?

In spot moments against Blair and Bonner, he looked like an awkward beast.

[Buddy Holly]

Just going up on ESPN online: Sources say Suns have waived Mickael Pietrus, who has guaranteed salary of $5.3 million this season

http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine

His knee is jacked. No thanks.

[Buddy Holly]

Memphis rescinded qualifying offer to Hamed Haddadi (7 footer). Anyone seen his game?

I wouldn't mind taking a gamble on the guy. He was fairly decent in the Spurs-Grizz series.

[Seventyniner]

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/1221/nba_g_sweetney11_200.jpg

Sweetney looks like he ate Blair.

If there's anyone who ever needed a three-digit jersey number, here you go.

[Nathan89]

Chuck Hayes Update
Marc J. Spears: Free agent forward Chuck Hayes changing plans to head to Sacramento to sign with Kings, source tells Y! Sports with 4-year, $22.3 mill deal. Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)


Eric Pincus: Also Clippers waive Courtney Fortson and Marcus Hubbard Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

Jessica Camerato: #Celtics waived Michael Sweetney and Gilbert Brown Twitter (Jessica Camerato: #Celtics waived Michael Sweetney and Gilbert Brown Twitter)

Ronald Tillery: Griz have rescinded $2 million qualifying offer for center Hamed Haddadi, who is still in Dubai. Twitter (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

How the fuck did he get a larger contract?

[intlspurshk]

SPURS will become an average team with at least 2 starters away from being a contender. They resemble Jazz when Stockon and Malone were close to retirement. They better not to spend any MLE to sign an average FA. In this and next years, they should concentrate in increasing the value of their young players and trade them away when their values are high to accumulate higher picks for future rebuilding. Tanking may not be an option though as it's not good for ticket selling although I would like them to do so.

[GSH]

For anyone interested, here's a good article by David Locke on the logic behind the Okur trade. http://www.nba.com/jazz/features/locked_on_jazz.html

[Mel_13]

Virtus Roma and Vladimir Dasic reached an agreement to part ways. The forward was sidelined by the Italian team few days ago due to his poor performances since the beginning of the season. Dasic arrived in Roma last summer and in the current season was averaging 11ppg and 5.7rpg in 8 games played.

http://www.sportando.net/eng/italy/serie-a/33678/virtus_roma_and_vladimir_dasic_part_ways.html

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/vladimir-dasic

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124929&highlight=dasic

[monkeypunk]

Virtus Roma and Vladimir Dasic reached an agreement to part ways. The forward was sidelined by the Italian team few days ago due to his poor performances since the beginning of the season. Dasic arrived in Roma last summer and in the current season was averaging 11ppg and 5.7rpg in 8 games played.

http://www.sportando.net/eng/italy/serie-a/33678/virtus_roma_and_vladimir_dasic_part_ways.html

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/vladimir-dasic

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124929&highlight=dasic

:hungry:

[Bruno]

Greg Ostertag is coming back. Spurs should sign him.

[DPG21920]

Spurs need to go as hard as they can after Varejao

[Tyrone Jenkins]

The Spurs should sign NO ONE! Yep, that's right. Not a single other person (maybe bring Ryan Richards up for the league min but that's it).

Here's why:

The Spurs aren't going to win a championship this year. They know it. TD knows it. TP knows it. Manu knows it. This year is just a year of closeout - allowing the older players to play out the last parts of their contract and then ride off into the sunset. McDyess retired, Manu and TD are next (after this year's over).

Given that the FO knows this, they're hedging everything on the 2012 free agency class and draft. The draft is supposed to be fairly stout and there are still a few decent FAs that might be available.

When TD and Manu go, and they amnesty RJ, the Spurs will be something like $35 mil UNDER the cap.

They've got good young supporting cast players in Anderson, Blair and Splitter. TP will still be good. All the FO would need is that ONE ELITE frontcourt player - someone along the lines of a DeMarcus Aldridge. That player might be in the draft, it might require a trade.

But, either way, this year is already over. They might make the playoffs as a 4-6 seed and maybe even look fairly competitive after all is said and done, but the Lakers, Dallas, Ok and the Clippers are all still better teams.

So Spurs fans, you can whine/bitch/complain all you want - the smart play is to not spend another dime, write this year off and look toward the future!