Boris Diaw Buyout Complete (Update: Spurs Frontrunners)

[slick'81]

diaw is an awesome passer

[therealtruth]

Another undersized F/C just what this team needs. I don't get it, and after this season if we get Diaw, we will be hearing the same chants of needing a true center all over again.

But I guess for the time being it's a no brainer and that's unfortunate.

Exactly. I agree you take Diaw over the status quo but it's really not what the team needs as far as defense, rebounding, and physical play. On the other hand I think the benefit will only be if Diaw cuts Bonner/Blair minutes.

[Stump]

Duncan
Diaw
Jackson
Ginobili
Parker

Splitter
Leonard
Neal


That'd be a rather nice eight man rotation for the playoffs :smokin

Due to the lack of a backup pg, I'd rather bring Manu off the bench.

[DAF86]

I take this year Parker over the 2007 version when it come to passing. Diaw is too a better passer than Oberto.

I dunno man.


RAstUZAlxao

[mathbzh]

He doesnt seem all the much better, or bring anything to the table that Bonner does.

Bonner:
- 32 playoffs games:
- Career highs 14 pts, 7 rbds, 1 ast, 2 blks
- 4 games with 10+ pts
Diaw:
- 39 playoffs games:
- Career highs 34 pts, 11 rbds, 9 ast, 4 blks (not all in the same game :p:)
- 15 games with 15+ pts
Diaw his probably one of the most inconsistent player ever. But he can win a playoffs game for you... same for Bonner?

[Bruno]

Something to consider about Diaw is that he is better when he is playing in a good structured team. Charlotte was an horrible team that was playing a bad basketball. Diaw wasn't a good fit with that team while he would be great with Spurs' way of playing. In that sense, he is kind of the anti RJ who is better on bad teams.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I think Splitter is a better passer than Oberto.

Parker
Gino
Buckets
Duncan
Splitter

Thats a tremendous passing lineup.

[timtonymanu]

Encouraging that Woj is reporting this yet it scares me because every front office that hates the Spurs will try to screw them over.

Add Diaw and we will be set. Damn good month the front office had after the very quiet lackluster offseason.

Jackson, Mills, and maybe Diaw? Wow.

[Bruno]

I dunno man.

Oberto was a very good passer for a center but he isn't in the same category as Diaw. Diaw is at the level of a Ginobili for passing the ball. He entered in the NBA as a PG.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

While I'd love to grab Diaw, I still worry about the team's defense come playoff time. But if Diaw can be serviceable on that end, we should be OK :tu

[DAF86]

I think Splitter is a better passer than Oberto.

Nah, I can give you Diaw (although I think that's because he handles the ball more than Oberto) but no way I give you Splitter. Fabricio was a great passer both in execution and inventive/vision.

[Interrohater]

Not much of an update, but yahoo! sports has this (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_boris_diaw_spurs_bobcats_waivers032112 )

Basically regurgitating Woj info

[spursince#99]

You guys are worried about the wrong thing. The one deciding factor of our success will lie in the hands of Danny Green. It all depends on how he perform down the stretch, and i believe he will lead us to the promise land. We can win without a big man. It has been done before.

[Interrohater]

I personally think Diaw will be alright. He's not the second coming of Splitter, but it's extremely understandable that he'd have zero motivation to play for a horrible team. I'm not sure how he started the year, but losing that often will sap anybody's spirits. Not everyone has the MJ or Kobe desire to win (see James, LeBron) and it makes sense that you lose your drive. His stats aren't that bad, really, considering. Not too many of us were concerned about Jack's abilities or desire even though he was languishing on the Bucks. Why can it not be the same with Diaw?

[lurker23]

A lot have been saying that the worst case is that Diaw doesn't work out and the Spurs go back to Blair/Bonner. While this is true to a point, the worst case is actually Drew Gooden. Getting 17 mpg and being a detriment to the team is worse than the status quo.

That said, as much as people have concerns about Diaw's conditioning, attitude, etc., one major thing he seems to have over Gooden is basketball IQ, which should make all the difference.

(Note: Not necessarily trying to compare Gooden/Diaw on skills, just on situations.)

[Cant_Be_Faded]

This has no chance

Spurs are always on top of other western conference FOs minds. Someone most assuredly will pick him up off waivers to cock block us

[Small Fundamental]

Just curious, how do you guys think Boris Diaw matches up against a guy like Zach Randolph who beasted on us last year in the playoffs?


You guys are worried about the wrong thing. The one deciding factor of our success will lie in the hands of Danny Green. It all depends on how he perform down the stretch, and i believe he will lead us to the promise land. We can win without a big man. It has been done before.Good point. I totally agree that people are underestimating the effect he's going to make one way or another on our playoff run. He's been fantastic all season long, and I found it strange how many people would have been OK with trading him a few days before the deadline.

[Maddog]

Bonner:
- 32 playoffs games:
- Career highs 14 pts, 7 rbds, 1 ast, 2 blks
- 4 games with 10+ pts
Diaw:
- 39 playoffs games:
- Career highs 34 pts, 11 rbds, 9 ast, 4 blks (not all in the same game :p:)
- 15 games with 15+ pts
Diaw his probably one of the most inconsistent player ever. But he can win a playoffs game for you... same for Bonner?

Well that is a substantial difference
Diaw 34.9 13.9 5.5 4.4 .520 .138 .730
BonBon 13.4 3.6 2.3 0.3 .392 .323 .875

Looking at those stats, You could make the argument that Matt just needs more PT in the playoffs.
I'm not saying you should...

[cheguevara]

You guys are worried about the wrong thing. The one deciding factor of our success will lie in the hands of Danny Green. It all depends on how he perform down the stretch, and i believe he will lead us to the promise land. We can win without a big man. It has been done before.

when??

[Spurs151]

Do you think think we can get him? It's cool if tony wants him here, but does pop? The Knicks and nets are also very interested in him as well. With the bobcats he didn't do much and his coach released a statement saying he often looks uninterested and not aggressive. That he is very passive and doesn't shoot like he should... Do we need that in a big man?

[Small Fundamental]

when??I assume he's referring to other teams. Not the Spurs.

[Small Fundamental]

Do you think think we can get him? It's cool if tony wants him here, but does pop? The Knicks and nets are also very interested in him as well. With the bobcats he didn't do much and his coach released a statement saying he often looks uninterested and not aggressive. That he is very passive and doesn't shoot like he should... Do we need that in a big man?Let's see, undersized? Check.
Soft? Check.

Passive? Check.

Yep, all features that 2012 Pop loves.

[MmP]

If no Diaw I'd pick Oberto for improving D, tbh

[timvp]

:tu :tu

I think spursfan hype a guy that is about to sign all the time. Same thing happened with Strickland, Finley, Dice, Van Exel, Jax, Diaw, etc, etc

Signing Strickland?


:lol not even close to
parker
manu
horry
duncan
oberto

Horry at small forward?


my bad. remove Oberto and insert barry/finley

Finley as one of the best passers?






:smchode:

[SenorSpur]

Another undersized F/C just what this team needs. I don't get it, and after this season if we get Diaw, we will be hearing the same chants of needing a true center all over again.

But I guess for the time being it's a no brainer and that's unfortunate.


Just what I was thinking. At this point, with Turiaf gone and Hickson unlikely, Diaw is probably the best and last option available. I wish he was an aggressive 7-footer, but he isn't.

[NASpurs]

Let's see, undersized? Check.
Soft? Check.

Passive? Check.

Yep, all features that 2012 Pop loves.

I would love to see another player be all of those things instead of the same two, Bonner and Blair. At least Diaw has done something in the playoffs.

[DisAsTerBot]

A lot have been saying that the worst case is that Diaw doesn't work out and the Spurs go back to Blair/Bonner. While this is true to a point, the worst case is actually Drew Gooden. Getting 17 mpg and being a detriment to the team is worse than the status quo.



my thoughts exactly.

[MmP]

It's a gamble people, we'll don't know until he plays for the Spurs (if he comes over, actually) but it's worth the risk, he's showed some good things, plus maybe in a good team he motives and plays better D

[crc21209]

Awesome news. :tu Now hopefully no one claims him off waivers. Time to play the waiting game...

[dbestpro]

For those who are worried that he will be claimed off of waivers, any team who grabs him will have to pay 109K per game for his services, if my math is right. I think he will have no problem clearing waivers.

[TDMVPDPOY]

we are so stacked, lets just hope they dont stand still on the court who decides to shoot etc, sometimes a stacked team is not good

[z0sa]

While I'd love to grab Diaw, I still worry about the team's defense come playoff time. But if Diaw can be serviceable on that end, we should be OK :tu

IMHO Diaw is a more than serviceable man defender on the block, something we desperately need at the PF spot, height and questionable help defense be damned.

[Chomag]

We can win without a big man. It has been done before.

Recent memory with a team winning it without a big man would be maybe the Bulls? Then again, Horace Grant was no push over.

[mathbzh]

I wish he was an aggressive 7-footer, but he isn't.
He would not be available

[cheguevara]

yup. going into the playoffs we'll be going with the same weakness as years before. an old timmy and undersized bigmen. :rolleyes

[angelbelow]

Like getting rid of Rj and adding Jackson, there will always be critics.

Diaw is the best we can do - if there was a better option its either gone or never existed.

Would be very excited if we were able to add someone like him to our roster this late into the season. Each day that passes my belief and confidence grows with this team. I just hope Pop doesn't hesitate to play Diaw and reduce the minutes of Bonner and Blair (depending on whose struggling that day.)

[crc21209]

Sam Amick‏@sam_amick

So long as JJ Hickson clears waivers at 6 pm EST, sources say he will sign w/ Warriors. @msteinmetzcsn reported it was likely 2 days ago.

Turiaf to Heat, Hickson to Warriors. We have no choice now, gotta go get Diaw....

[Small Fundamental]

I would love to see another player be all of those things instead of the same two, Bonner and Blair. At least Diaw has done something in the playoffs.Don't get me wrong, I'm all for signing Diaw for that very reason. There's no one else we could have gotten other than Hickson that I would have preferred over Diaw. I'm just saying, I don't think he's going to put us over the top or anything. It all comes down to how the big 3 play and if Green, Jackson and Neal step up(which I have no reason to believe that a certain two out of those three won't of course).

[angelbelow]

Recent memory with a team winning it without a big man would be maybe the Bulls? Then again, Horace Grant was no push over.

They also had Bill Cartwright and several serviceable big men off the bench from 91-93. Far from a team that was lacking size and versatility up front.

[will_spurs]

Not much of an update, but yahoo! sports has this (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_boris_diaw_spurs_bobcats_waivers032112 )

Basically regurgitating Woj info

Yahoo = Woj.

[cheguevara]

They also had Bill Cartwright and several serviceable big men off the bench from 91-93. Far from a team that was lacking size and versatility up front.

plus they had arguably the best players in the league at the 2 and 3 positions. not to mention All NBA defenders.

we hardly have any of that.

[Texas_Ranger]

Some of you that don't want Diaw please tell us who do you want??? Turiaf is not availible and Hickson will probably go to Golden State... Who else is there?? Don't tell me you'd rather have Ryan fucking Hollins or go with just 4 bigs, I'm sorry, I mean 2 bigs in the playoffs. Yea Diaw is not the new Hakeem but he's the best we can get.

[NASpurs]

Some of you that don't want Diaw please tell us who do you want??? Turiaf is not availible and Hickson will probably go to Golden State... Who else is there?? Don't tell me you'd rather have Ryan fucking Hollins or go with just 4 bigs, I'm sorry, I mean 2 bigs in the playoffs. Yea Diaw is not the new Hakeem but he's the best we can get.


Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Gani Lawal

[Interrohater]

Yahoo = Woj.

Hah! Thanks. Didn't even look at the author

[DPG21920]

There is no other choice. Not expecting much, but if I'm using simple logic: if you have to deal with players with limitations I at least want someone with a flash of talent who has the ability to go off some.

[Interrohater]

Some of you that don't want Diaw please tell us who do you want??? Turiaf is not availible and Hickson will probably go to Golden State... Who else is there?? Don't tell me you'd rather have Ryan fucking Hollins or go with just 4 bigs, I'm sorry, I mean 2 bigs in the playoffs. Yea Diaw is not the new Hakeem but he's the best we can get.

A DRob clone that is playing in a church gym undiscovered by every talent scout except the Spurs. Also, humble, he only wants about 35k a year because that's all he needs. Also, hates Dallas, l.a., Miami, okc.

[NASpurs]

I'm in the camp that says the playoffs are about matchups. I think Diaw's abilities would cause matchup problems for some teams. Having him and Jackson instead of RJ and less minutes for the Turd Towers gives me some hope that the Spurs will be better off this year than last.

[DisAsTerBot]

There is no other choice. Not expecting much, but if I'm using simple logic: if you have to deal with players with limitations I at least want someone with a flash of talent who has the ability to go off some.

blair?

[jag]

There is no other choice. Not expecting much, but if I'm using simple logic: if you have to deal with players with limitations I at least want someone with a flash of talent who has the ability to go off some.

[Chomag]

Oh I agree with you guys that Diaw has some great talent, it's just his lackluster attatude that has hidden it for his career. What a freaking shame... If only the dude had at least half a decent moter.

It's true that Spurs don't realy have much choice right now. Perhaps maybe he will be inspired with playing for an orginization like the Spurs and being able to play along side a future hall of famer, then again that could be just wishfull thinking.

I'm still higher on the idea of playing Splitter more minutes, but I understand that not happening with Pop.

[therealtruth]

Maybe he can be play center for the second unit and that will allow Splitter to start and play more minutes. Like Splitter you can run the offense through him on the block. Pop's claim was that he was giving Splitter as many minutes as possible was probably due to not wanting to play Blair and Bonner together. Diaw and Bonner/Blair might be passable.

On the other hand Pop could use him to squeeze Splitter out of the rotation like he did with Dice.

[jag]

Blair is always so focused and consistent, I can see how people would be worried about him losing minutes.

[Dex]

t4Oh7U_L6hs

[lurker23]

A lot have been saying that the worst case is that Diaw doesn't work out and the Spurs go back to Blair/Bonner. While this is true to a point, the worst case is actually Drew Gooden. Getting 17 mpg and being a detriment to the team is worse than the status quo.

That said, as much as people have concerns about Diaw's conditioning, attitude, etc., one major thing he seems to have over Gooden is basketball IQ, which should make all the difference.

(Note: Not necessarily trying to compare Gooden/Diaw on skills, just on situations.)

Just to clarify, I'm all for making this move. I think Diaw will be a good fit offensively, much better than Gooden. Will be interesting to see how he fits in defensively. I just feel like playing devil's advocate sometimes.

[TheSkeptic]

Maybe he can be play center for the second unit and that will allow Splitter to start and play more minutes. Like Splitter you can run the offense through him on the block. Pop's claim was that he was giving Splitter as many minutes as possible was probably due to not wanting to play Blair and Bonner together. Diaw and Bonner/Blair might be passable.

On the other hand Pop could use him to squeeze Splitter out of the rotation like he did with Dice.


If that guaranteed the Spurs a better shot at a championship then I'd be all for it.

Since that would severely handicap us in the playoffs, however, Pop would have to be fired if he did that.

If he's developed properly, I think Splitter has the potential to be a force for the Spurs and at the very least he's a better option than Blair and Bonner against tough frontlines (or anyone really).

The coach doesn't have to win the games but he shouldn't be putting the team in a position to fail either. Tim and Manu deserve better towards the end of their careers and frankly so do the fans.

That being said, I like Diaw as an addition. Versatility, experience, poise in the playoffs...Assuming he's not terrible on defense,he could be a nice pick up if it means squeezing one of Blair/Bonner out of the rotation.

[Maddog]

t4Oh7U_L6hs

Alright let's get someone staking out the airport...

[rascal]

This is the type of player the Spurs will get. Not a huge difference maker.

[slick'81]

This is the type of player the Spurs will get. Not a huge difference maker.


what else can u expect on late season buy outs?!?

[ace3g]

Again compared to JJ Hickson and Turiaf (yes they are taller, maybe better shotblockers); Diaw has the best chance to get minutes due to his experience (and reliable health wise).

[jag]

:lol The haters are cracking me up. It's completely illogical and perplexing considering the Spurs wouldn't be giving up anything.

[Texas_Ranger]

This is the type of player the Spurs will get. Not a huge difference maker.

It sucks we can't get Dwight huh? :rolleyes

[TDMVPDPOY]

you add diaw no doubt about it, then having him on some contender going against us....we can always burry him at the end of the bench if it doesnt work out in the playoffs

[ThaBigFundamental21]

Dear God, please let him come to San Antonio. He would help us so much!!!

[Brazil]

I really hope I'm wrong and I'm going to eat some crows but even if we are going to love his passing skills we will also hate almost everything else in no time tbh... Pop is going to become nuts with him :lol

Anyway I agree with DGPG, it's not like we have other choice.

[ace3g]

Sam Amick ‏ @sam_amick

Source says Portland has been awarded forward JJ Hickson from waivers. Golden State misses out.

[TimmehC]

edit: beat me to it ^

Portland just cockblocked the Warriors by picking up JJ Hickson. Makes it less likely they do the same with Diaw, tbh.

[slick'81]

Sam Amick ‏ @sam_amick

Source says Portland has been awarded forward JJ Hickson from waivers. Golden State misses out.


wow now i am nervous about diaw gst gets hosed nice pickup for por

[monkeypunk]

I'd worry about Boston picking up Diaw off of waivers as they are hurting for bigs...

[I. Hustle]

Is it possible that OKC waives Kevin Durant? I think he would be a decent fit with the San Antonio Spurs. What about Shaquille O'neal? Is he still playing?

[TVI]

So if Diaw means less Bonner and less Blair...

Is this addition by subtraction again?

[TimmehC]

I'd worry about Boston picking up Diaw off of waivers as they are hurting for bigs...

Pretty sure they can't do that, since they're over the cap.

[monkeypunk]

Pretty sure they can't do that, since they're over the cap.

Even better, merci!

[Spurtacus]

At first I was like :flag:

then I realized Spurs + frontrunners = :downspin:

and Diaw is claimed by another team :bang

[slick'81]

celtics apparently want hollins in the middle

[sehui]

At first I was like :flag:

then I realized Spurs + frontrunners = :downspin:

and Diaw is claimed by another team :bang

He got picked up by another team?

[therealtruth]

The Spurs look for bigs that are undersized while everyone else looks for bigs that are athletic and have size. Generally big and athletic bigs are good on defense but might have lower bbiq. Undersized bigs tend to have better bbiq but be worse on defense. There has to be some balance there.

[ace3g]

even more ouch!!!

Sam Amick ‏ @sam_amick

Close

JJ Hickson, I'm told, is in New Orleans with Golden State & will now be rerouted to Portland. Ouch.

[anonoftheinternets]

how did portland pull that off? they offered more money?

[Texas_Ranger]

even more ouch!!!

Sam Amick ‏ @sam_amick

Close

JJ Hickson, I'm told, is in New Orleans with Golden State & will now be rerouted to Portland. Ouch.

Well, lets hope GS won't get Diaw now...

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Gosh damn, they are such fuckin assholes.

[Drewlius]

If it actually becomes true, this instantly makes us a better team. Been wanting Diaw forever, have always thought his game translates perfect to what the Spurs try to do.

[Bruno]

Well, lets hope Portland won't get Diaw now...

They can't. Only five teams can claim Diaw form waivers (Raptors, Kings, Nuggets, Jazz and Lakers). For none of these teams claiming Diaw would make sense but you never know.

[Texas_Ranger]

They can't. Only five teams can claim Diaw form waivers (Raptors, Kings, Nuggets, Jazz and Lakers). For none of these teams claiming Diaw would make sense but you never know.

sorry, wanted to write Golden State... Oh, didn't know that. I think none of those teams need a big that bad.

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

A lot of good points have been raised so far as far as his advantages and unknowns.

One subtle advantage to Diaw I haven't seen mentioned: with Diaw's point guard skills and handles, could he not be a part of the platoon approach to backup point guard? Not so much as pure point guard, but more of a point forward of the Odom vein? To me Neal's biggest weakness as a PG is his ability to bring the ball up versus pressure. In the half-court set his PG game is ugly, but as has been mentioned, is successful however unlikely.

With Diaw and Sjax, you actually have two point forward types to help in the PG duties. Of course Patty Mills may be able to help in a limited role in the regular season but its very unlikely he sees the playoffs except for injury or blowouts. So it's going to be some combination of Neal and Manu as backup point guard...but with Diaw?...maybe he could help in that duty as well, which obviously would be a huge asset.

[Obstructed_View]

On the other hand Pop could use him to squeeze Splitter out of the rotation like he did with Dice.

I just threw up in my mouth a little at the reality of that.

[Obstructed_View]

And as good as Diaw handles the ball, I don't know that I want to see the Spurs go to a point-forward offense for the second team this late in a short season.

[ace3g]

Kawhi also has the skills to be used in the point forward spot, he has done it a few times this season where he gets the rebound and runs the break; has resulted in positive plays a majority of the time. Of course I wouldn't want the Spurs to try and implement that type of offense on a full time basis this late in the season.

[WildcardManu]

He's also "considering" Phoenix.
Take it with a big grain of salt considering the source is hoopshype

Rumors: Boris Diaw considering Phoenix? + Warriors to sign former Miami player.
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

[ace3g]

Probably getting their info from:

Paul Coro ‏ @paulcoro

The Suns are a consideration for Diaw but the Spurs seem to be the favorites. Diaw likely wonders about how large his role would be in PHX.

[Texas_Ranger]

Don't know why would the Suns need him... Gortat is playing great, Frye is also pretty good. Of the bench the rookie Morris is solid, only Lopez is kinda not really that good and Warrick is still there. They already have 5 bigs so why Diaw?

[slick'81]

exactly but he has ties to the suns so u never know

[therealtruth]

Every team has better bigs than the Spurs and still want to acquire more bigs. The Spurs have really good guards and want to acquire more guards.

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

And as good as Diaw handles the ball, I don't know that I want to see the Spurs go to a point-forward offense for the second team this late in a short season.

I think Neal should continue to get a chance to learn his new role, but if he's getting pressed and fails (a la Beno) then somebody has to pick up the slack. And really, all I was talking about was just getting the ball across halfcourt. Does Neal succeed as a backup PG? Yes and no. Diaw is a more likely 3rd string "point guard" in the playoffs then Patty Mills.

[ace3g]

A team he has played for in the past

[Kindergarten Cop]

And as good as Diaw handles the ball, I don't know that I want to see the Spurs go to a point-forward offense for the second team this late in a short season.

I know that I'm being optimistic, but I honestly envision Diaw stepping in and surprising a lot of people after being pardoned from the chasm known as Charlotte and having a chance to contend with San Antonio.

On a side note, OV - I dig the avatar. My daughter (who is 6) just saw the episode today of the Looney Tunes Show where Bugs Bunny's girlfriend pulls out the card of Ginobili and says "I looooove Manu Ginobili." She started yelling "Dad, Dad! You've got to see this!" She had paused the DVR for me to watch it. She was so excited - which of course made me proud that she caught the Spurs reference. :flag:

[rascal]

what else can u expect on late season buy outs?!?

That is just it. It is too late to add anyone significant now. The Spurs missed out by doing nothing last summer and at the trade deadline.

They will probably add Diaw and this place will erupt with excitement but it won't make any bit of difference because he just is not good enough to make enough of a difference on the frontline in the playoffs.

[benefactor]

That is just it. It is too late to add anyone significant now. The Spurs missed out by doing nothing last summer and at the trade deadline.

:lol

[Obstructed_View]

I think Neal should continue to get a chance to learn his new role, but if he's getting pressed and fails (a la Beno) then somebody has to pick up the slack. And really, all I was talking about was just getting the ball across halfcourt. Does Neal succeed as a backup PG? Yes and no. Diaw is a more likely 3rd string "point guard" in the playoffs then Patty Mills.

Fair enough. Might not be a big deal just having Diaw running the point anyway.

[SilverSpur]

Just heard on the radio Boris Diaw will sign with Spurs.:lobt2:

[timtonymanu]

Really? Don't live in SA. Maybe Woj will confirm soon.

[Big P]

:flag:

[Big P]

Just heard on the radio Boris Diaw will sign with Spurs.:lobt2:

What station?

[slick'81]

Just heard on the radio Boris Diaw will sign with Spurs.:lobt2:


:wow

[DPG21920]

He has to clear waivers

[Walton Buys Off Me]

Won't happen before Friday, if it happens.

[Seventyniner]

Won't happen before Friday, if it happens.

Right, but he can make his decision any time.

[100%duncan]

Spurs have to do this in order for a shot at the c'ship

[Walton Buys Off Me]

Right, but he can make his decision any time.

Not entirely true.

He needs to go unclaimed to technically become a free agent.

He is only expected to officially clear waivers Friday.

Look at J.J. Hickson today- was 'claimed' by Portland before officially becoming a free agent.

Loosely translated somebody can cockblock the Spurs here.

Diaw can choose not to report to said team but the caveat is in order to be eligible for the playoffs, players need to claimed or signed by Friday.

[Buddy Holly]

You're arguing semantics. Obviously he can be claimed but him decided where he will sign if/when he becomes a FA is an entirely different thing. If he chooses to sign with SA, he's going to sign with the Spurs. Yes, unless he's claimed off waivers which will not happen with his contract.

[MannyIsGod]

Was this radio report during Oprah?

[Small Fundamental]

Spurs have to do this in order for a shot at the c'shipYou really think Boris Diaw is what's going to put us over the top?

[dbestpro]

Not entirely true.

He needs to go unclaimed to technically become a free agent.

He is only expected to officially clear waivers Friday.

Look at J.J. Hickson today- was 'claimed' by Portland before officially becoming a free agent.

Loosely translated somebody can cockblock the Spurs here.

Diaw can choose not to report to said team but the caveat is in order to be eligible for the playoffs, players need to claimed or signed by Friday.

The big difference is Diaw will cost about 107K per game if he is claimed off of waivers with a 9 mil per year salary. No team can be that stupid.

[MannyIsGod]

I really think that replacing Bonner and Blair is what is capable of putting the Spurs over the top.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Not entirely true.

He needs to go unclaimed to technically become a free agent.

He is only expected to officially clear waivers Friday.

Look at J.J. Hickson today- was 'claimed' by Portland before officially becoming a free agent.

Loosely translated somebody can cockblock the Spurs here.

Diaw can choose not to report to said team but the caveat is in order to be eligible for the playoffs, players need to claimed or signed by Friday.


It was somewhat foreseeable that Hickson would get claimed because he was on the final year of his rookie contract and there were plenty of teams that had the room to bring him in. Diaw on the other hand is making around $9M this year and as Bruno pointed out, only five teams in the entire league would be able to claim him if they choose to do so. Of those five teams, none of them really make any sense - so it is far less likely that he gets claimed (even if only to "cockblock" the Spurs).

And as it has been pointed out, Diaw doesn't need to be claimed or signed by Friday to be eligible for the Playoffs. He only needed to be released by his previous team before that deadline - which obviously he has. He could technically wait a few weeks (or even several weeks) if he wanted to and still be eligible for his new team's Playoff roster.

[Buddy Holly]

Was this radio report during Oprah?

I didn't make the claim Manny. :toast

[urunobili]

Could Diaw's arrival mean the beginning of the end for Blair and Bonner?

[Kindergarten Cop]

Could Diaw's arrival mean the beginning of the end for Blair and Bonner?

Blair - yes.

Bonner - no.

[anonoftheinternets]

Blair - yes.

Bonner - no.

actually a bit of both .. since he plays PF .. not C...

[ViceCity84]

Diaw will have minumum impact.He stinks.We need Hornets to buy out Okafor.We need his interior defense.But Holt won't add that salary anyway.Another Buss.

[BackHome]

I think with the addition of Jackson that Bonner is on the out add that fact that Blair is cheap. But I don't see them signing Diaw to a long term deal probably just a one year deal.

[100%duncan]

If we can just get Diaw, then we are a legit contender

[T Park]

Like .... once


Diaw will have minumum impact.He stinks.We need Hornets to buy out Okafor.We need his interior defense.But Holt won't add that salary anyway.Another Buss.


So they'll add diaw but won't add okur because of money.


Very well thought out.

[L.I.T]

If the Spurs FO had switched RJ for Diaw the at the trade deadline Spurstalk would have been talking championship.

Now? We have the very real chance that the Spurs will swap out RJ and the contract-known-as-TJ Ford for Jack and Diaw. Seriously, it's not as if other teams have been knocking down the Spurs door offering talented big men at bargain basement prices.

[HeroSquad]

If the Spurs FO had switched RJ for Diaw the at the trade deadline Spurstalk would have been talking championship.

Now? We have the very real chance that the Spurs will swap out RJ and the contract-known-as-TJ Ford for Jack and Diaw. Seriously, it's not as if other teams have been knocking down the Spurs door offering talented big men at bargain basement prices.

Exactly! This isn't a fantasy draft. I for one think that if Diaw can recapture his Phoenix form (and I'm being optimistic), he will give this team a legitimate shot at the title. And while having a legitimate big would be ideal, I think the matchup problems Diaw poses in an already stacked offense will really take the Spurs far. Again, I'm being optimistic but I've always liked Diaw's game.

[therealtruth]

Exactly! This isn't a fantasy draft. I for one think that if Diaw can recapture his Phoenix form (and I'm being optimistic), he will give this team a legitimate shot at the title. And while having a legitimate big would be ideal, I think the matchup problems Diaw poses in an already stacked offense will really take the Spurs far. Again, I'm being optimistic but I've always liked Diaw's game.

The Spurs really haven't had a problem scoring the ball. Their problems have been on the defensive end. The only thing that could really benefit them on offense is less 3's and more low post scoring.

[HeroSquad]

The Spurs really haven't had a problem scoring the ball. Their problems have been on the defensive end. The only thing that could really benefit them on offense is less 3's and more low post scoring.

Definitely, but there's nobody out there that offers that.

[Leetonidas]

Exactly! This isn't a fantasy draft. I for one think that if Diaw can recapture his Phoenix form (and I'm being optimistic), he will give this team a legitimate shot at the title. And while having a legitimate big would be ideal, I think the matchup problems Diaw poses in an already stacked offense will really take the Spurs far. Again, I'm being optimistic but I've always liked Diaw's game.

A run and gun offense has to win one at some point. Phoenix was close in 2007 :lol

[T Park]

A run and gun offense has to win one at some point. Phoenix was close in 2007 :lol

The spurs in 2005 could run and gun.

[SequSpur]

I really think that replacing Bonner and Blair is what is capable of putting the Spurs over the top.

I like Blair, I just think Pop hasn't figured out his role yet but playing Center is Pop's fault. It's fucking stupid actually.

[GSH]

The spurs in 2005 could run and gun.

Sure they could. The difference is, they held their opponents to 88 points per game, and around 42% from the floor. And they could just shut the other team down for 5 or 6 or 7 minutes, down the stretch. They didn't have to run and gun to win games. This team does. Yeah, I know that there are some nights that are exceptions. But as a rule, they have to score a bunch of points.

[TheSkeptic]

The spurs in 2005 could run and gun.

Hmm... Yes and no. I'd say that a better word to describe the 2005 Spurs is"flexible". They could beat an up-tempo team by running with them and they could (and often did) destroy teams by executing in a half court game.

In contrast, many of those Phoenix teams were primarily known for their running and gunning and didn't always have the personnel to play quality defense/grind it out in the half court from what I recall.

Edit: what GSH said.

[TheSkeptic]

I like Blair, I just think Pop hasn't figured out his role yet but playing Center is Pop's fault. It's fucking stupid actually.

I'm beginning to think that this might not be the right team for him. To me he's a good piece of the puzzle but he's at his best if he can come off the bench as an energizing type big. Sort of like a rich man's Reggie Evans with better overall offensive skills and a similar overall impact as Faried (spelling...) from Denver.

Pop has not done a good job of maximizing most of his bigs this year and to a certain extent I feel like Blair has been almost as much of a victim as Splitter.

I won't be heartbroken if Diaw takes all his minutes and he's cut from the rotation though.

The playoffs are for people who know how to control themselves and execute.

[T Park]

I like Blair, I just think Pop hasn't figured out his role yet but playing Center is Pop's fault. It's fucking stupid actually.

Really. So playing next to Duncan is bad, ok, who should he play next to?

[T Park]

Dejuan Blair is not an energy player I don't get this being bandied about all the time.
His energy level is mediocre, his play is downright dumb and his decision making is atrocious. No team would make him look good.

[chazley]

Diaw is a shitty basketball player. Spurs fans are going to hate him. Hes Matt Bonner 2.0

[T Park]

Diaw is a shitty basketball player. Spurs fans are going to hate him. Hes Matt Bonner 2.0

Lol. Yeah no he's not.

[TheSkeptic]

Dejuan Blair is not an energy player I don't get this being bandied about all the time.
His energy level is mediocre, his play is downright dumb and his decision making is atrocious. No team would make him look good.


Not at the moment, no. But he's plenty capable of being that type of player off of some team's bench. Heck, he's played with an edge for the Spurs before even.

His great hands and his former rebounding abilities make him an asset if he can play within himself. The problem is he doesn't and Pop makes things worse by playing him as a starter and asking him to defend players that are much bigger/faster/better than he is.

I don't want to blame the coach or anything but I think that even if the frontcourt isn't the deepest or the best, the team isn't maximizing its collective capabilities. One way of getting more from the bigs is either having Blair come off the bench or giving him a quick hook during nights like, well, Dallas...

[L.I.T]

Not at the moment, no. But he's plenty capable of being that type of player off of some team's bench. Heck, he's played with an edge for the Spurs before even.

His great hands and his former rebounding abilities make him an asset if he can play within himself. The problem is he doesn't and Pop makes things worse by playing him as a starter and asking him to defend players that are much bigger/faster/better than he is.

I don't want to blame the coach or anything but I think that even if the frontcourt isn't the deepest or the best, the team isn't maximizing its collective capabilities. One way of getting more from the bigs is either having Blair come off the bench or giving him a quick hook during nights like, well, Dallas...

Blair may have the tools, but he is not an energy players. Doesn't matter what he could be, he is what he is right now.

Advanced stats by timvp show that Blair is only effective next to TD. Starting him is the only way to ensure he has a modicum of effectivity.

[T Park]

Malik rode was an energy player. Blair hasn't shown energy in two years.

[GSH]

Even if you count yourself among the fans who don't approve of the job the Spurs' FO has done, you can be grateful you aren't in Memphis.

Chris Vernon: Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said he first got idea of signing Arenas from a blog post that was given to him.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i sign diaw if thats a faster way of buryin bonner or blair end of the bench

tonight showed we dont need these 2 scrubs

[TheSkeptic]

Blair may have the tools, but he is not an energy players. Doesn't matter what he could be, he is what he is right now.

Advanced stats by timvp show that Blair is only effective next to TD. Starting him is the only way to ensure he has a modicum of effectivity.

Yeah I saw that thread. He's been doing some great work with those stats.

I would think there'd be a way to not start him but still keep him next to Duncan since he's usually playing less than 20 minutes a night for the most part. If not, then I guess it is what it is and the Spurs will have to upgrade in the offseason.

Also, now that I think about it I'm definitely wrong on the energy thing. You and TPark are right when you say that he isn't/hasn't been an energy big.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think he's capable of being like that off the bench and if he focuses he could be a good piece but I think he's in a no-win situation right now.

[TheSkeptic]

Even if you count yourself among the fans who don't approve of the job the Spurs' FO has done, you can be grateful you aren't in Memphis.

Chris Vernon: Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said he first got idea of signing Arenas from a blog post that was given to him.


Well they've been making decent moves since the Gasol fiasco. It depends on what kind of authority that blogger has...oh who am I kidding?

That's cliff jumping material right there. :lol

Hope it works out.

[mingus]

I think Diaw would be great. I think he would put us over the top. It is not even funny how thin this team is up front. And it will do us in if the fo does nothing.

[stéphane]

Qu'est ce qu'il mange Bobo dans le sujet. En même temps je l'avais vu pour CSP-Bordeaux, il était gironde. :hat

[therealtruth]

Even if you count yourself among the fans who don't approve of the job the Spurs' FO has done, you can be grateful you aren't in Memphis.

Chris Vernon: Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said he first got idea of signing Arenas from a blog post that was given to him.

What's wrong with that move? Arenas can provide some veteran leadership and scoring of the bench.

[TDMVPDPOY]

What's wrong with that move? Arenas can provide some veteran leadership and scoring of the bench.

i dunno man, he hasnt played all season, let alone no team was going after him in that duration speaks volumes what they think about him

[Redshadows]

Even if you count yourself among the fans who don't approve of the job the Spurs' FO has done, you can be grateful you aren't in Memphis.

Chris Vernon: Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said he first got idea of signing Arenas from a blog post that was given to him.

Let us suggest that trading for Bonner would be a great move, for Bonner could spread the floor.

[Darkwaters]

Let us suggest that trading for Bonner would be a great move, for Bonner could spread the floor.

I already started a new blog planting that very idea.

I'm calling it "GriZZlieZ fAn 4 EvZZzZ"

Is that a reputable enough sounding name for the Grizzlies front office to utilize it?

[chazley]

Lol. Yeah no he's not.

He's an undersized PF who has a worse PER than Richard Jefferson this season. He shoots 41% from the field as a big man. He was getting DNP-CD's on the most talent deprived team in the league. His effort is constantly questioned. He has a reputation as a timid player.

But hey, what's not to like?

[PublicOption]

I would rather see dawson get more minutes. And maybe find another point besides mills.

[AFBlue]

I would rather see dawson get more minutes. And maybe find another point besides mills.

You forgot to "blue" your text...or were you serious?

[Bruno]

If Spurs do like OKC with Fisher and sign Diaw just after he clear waivers Friday at 6 pm ET, he will be able to play the next game against Mavs. With little time remaining before the playoffs, it will be the right move to do providing it's doable.

And the primary reaction "Spurs are fine offensively, they don't really need a player with offensive skills" isn't as true as it seems. Diaw should take Blair minutes and Spurs aren't a good offensive team with Blair. Spurs are scoring 95.9 points per 48 minutes when Blair is on the court and 103.5 without Blair on the court. There is a big margin for improvement.

[100%duncan]

If Spurs do like OKC with Fisher and sign Diaw just after he clear waivers Friday at 6 pm ET, he will be able to play the next game against Mavs. With little time remaining before the playoffs, it will be the right move to do providing it's doable.

And the primary reaction "Spurs are fine offensively, they don't really need a player with offensive skills" isn't as true as it seems. Diaw should take Blair minutes and Spurs aren't a good offensive team with Blair. Spurs are scoring 95.9 points per 48 minutes when Blair is on the court and 103.5 without Blair on the court. There is a big margin for improvement.

Blair is doing good on his ala Gooden moves

[Seventyniner]

And the primary reaction "Spurs are fine offensively, they don't really need a player with offensive skills" isn't as true as it seems. Diaw should take Blair minutes and Spurs aren't a good offensive team with Blair. Spurs are scoring 95.9 points per 48 minutes when Blair is on the court and 103.5 without Blair on the court. There is a big margin for improvement.

That stat is especially damning when you consider Blair's below-average defense. Reducing his minutes could easily be addition by subtraction in the same vein as RJ.

[Darkwaters]

That stat is especially damning when you consider Blair's below-average defense. Reducing his minutes could easily be addition by subtraction in the same vein as RJ.

Agreed - Blair is the most frightening deficiency on this team by far. Jefferson had some serious flaws, PG has been banged up and suffered from some "ugly but effective" Gary Neal play, Danny Green has been up and down, and Bonner is pressure's bitch - but all of that pales to the ineptitude that is Dejuan Blair. Hes barely an NBA player right now.

His defense is atrocious
His offense is explosive about 1-10 games - and then just disappears
His rebounding (his strength) is well below average

We really need to move on. Diaw gives us another option at least.

[Bruno]

That stat is especially damning when you consider Blair's below-average defense. Reducing his minutes could easily be addition by subtraction in the same vein as RJ.

Yep, Spurs are too doing better defensively when Blair is on the bench. They allow 98.2 pts/48min with him and 94.1 pts/48min without him.

When it comes to +/- stat, Blair is horrible:
http://www.nba.com/statistics/plusminus/plusminus_sort.jsp?pcomb=1&season=22011&split=9&team=Spurs

[bklynspursfan]

Yep, Spurs are too doing better defensively when Blair is on the bench. They allow 98.2 pts/48min with him and 94.1 pts/48min without him.

When it comes to +/- stat, Blair is horrible:
http://www.nba.com/statistics/plusminus/plusminus_sort.jsp?pcomb=1&season=22011&split=9&team=Spurs

I know it's not fair considering the difference in minutes, but seeing Ike Diogu ahead of Blair is hilarious :lol

[Dex]

I'm not sure if Diaw will really be the answer we need or not, but I would love to see the Spurs sign him just so we can say they tried SOMETHING (and actually succeeded)....at least we know the effort appears to be there this time.

Personally, I think he will be better than people expect if he is playing with purpose, something he obviously was not doing in Charlotte. Playing for a contender and with TP to keep the fire lit under his ass, he may be able to re-kindle some of that spark that made him a force for the Suns years ago.

[Seventyniner]

Yep, Spurs are too doing better defensively when Blair is on the bench. They allow 98.2 pts/48min with him and 94.1 pts/48min without him.

When it comes to +/- stat, Blair is horrible:
http://www.nba.com/statistics/plusminus/plusminus_sort.jsp?pcomb=1&season=22011&split=9&team=Spurs

Thanks for looking that up! It's funny how the talk goes around here, though.

Blair's advanced stats are bad? It's because he sucks!
Bonner's advanced stats are good? ...He still sucks!

[DisAsTerBot]

Thanks for looking that up! It's funny how the talk goes around here, though.

Blair's advanced stats are bad? It's because he sucks!
Bonner's advanced stats are good? ...He still sucks!

diaw's advance stats suck....but the spurs might sign him so he's the savior!!!!

[cheguevara]

getting Diaw is a nobrainer

Blair looks pathetic and Bonner is hurt. Actually getting any mediocre big man is a nobrainer.

[monkeypunk]

diaw's advance stats suck....but the spurs might sign him so he's the savior!!!!

Actually, Diaw's advanced stats for the last two years stunk but he led the team in +/- the two years before that so I would say motivation and the loss of Larry Brown absolutely played a factor in his play at Charlotte.

Makes me more hopeful that he can be a positive factor under Pop and TP.

[rjv]

adding diaw makes sense for depth alone, especially in a season as brutal as this one. depth will be a great asset.

[cd98]

Does anyone know the teams that could get him on waivers? I assume it's anyone that is not currently over the cap.

[thispego]

Does anyone know the teams that could get him on waivers? I assume it's anyone that is not currently over the cap.


They can't. Only five teams can claim Diaw form waivers (Raptors, Kings, Nuggets, Jazz and Lakers). For none of these teams claiming Diaw would make sense but you never know.

[bklynspursfan]

Does anyone know the teams that could get him on waivers? I assume it's anyone that is not currently over the cap.

Only team i've seen so far are the Suns who might be of interest, but I don't know their financial situation. There were a list of like 5 teams who could tho

[FlAVaK]

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5715421&postcount=30

"There are 5 teams (Raptors, Kings, Jazz, Nuggets and Lakers) with enough cap space or a trade exception big enough to claim him:
- Raptors won't make the playoffs and they are fine at the PF spot.
- Kings won't make the playoffs.
- Jazz are fine at the PF spot.
- Nuggets are fine at the PF spot.
- It will cost about $9M to the Lakers for claiming Diaw form waivers because of the luxury tax."

[cd98]

Thanks. Of those five teams, Denver is the most dangerous given they recently lost Gallinari with a broken hand. But maybe they think Chandler (recently signed) can fill his role.

We can forget about the nonplayoff teams (Raptors/Kings) as they want to develop young talent and don't want to bring on a guy that has made it clear that he will give less of an effort for a losing team.

The Jazz and the Lakers are the only playoff calibur teams in the running. The Jazz have a lot of forwards already, so it's unlikely they'd make a play for Diaw. Also, they are very cap sensitive, so they aren't likely to make that move. (BTW Jazz, thanks for stopping us from signing Raja Bell).

Lakers just made a trade with Houston for a power forward/center, and given their investment in big men, I don't see them taking that chance. But they are in a championship window, so who knows.

[Hoops Czar]

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5715421&postcount=30

"There are 5 teams (Raptors, Kings, Jazz, Nuggets and Lakers) with enough cap space or a trade exception big enough to claim him:
- Raptors won't make the playoffs and they are fine at the PF spot.
- Kings won't make the playoffs.
- Jazz are fine at the PF spot.
- Nuggets are fine at the PF spot.
- It will cost about $9M to the Lakers for claiming Diaw form waivers because of the luxury tax."

Denver is only two-deep at PF with Faried and Harrington. Denver is another one of those teams ravaged by injuries and could certainly use depth. Nevermind if Diaw doesn't want to play third string for a team, that's basically what he's become and he really won't have much to say if Denver claims him off waivers
.
Denver might also consider playing the block game seeing as how this is a potential first round matchup.

[cd98]

Denver is only two-deep at PF with Faried and Harrington. Denver is another one of those teams ravaged by injuries and could certainly use depth. Nevermind if Diaw doesn't want to play third string for a team, that's basically what he's become and he really won't have much ay if Denver claims him off waivers.

I can see the Nugget email now to the Spurs front office...this is for 2005.

[dbestpro]

Denver is only two-deep at PF with Faried and Harrington. Denver is another one of those teams ravaged by injuries and could certainly use depth. Nevermind if Diaw doesn't want to play third string for a team, that's basically what he's become and he really won't have much to say if Denver claims him off waivers
.
Denver might also consider playing the block game seeing as how this is a potential first round matchup.

Faried, Harrington, and Anderson are there now and Gallinari will be back. It would really be dumb to take on that much salary from Diaw to block the Spurs and have him sit on the bench as the 5th string PF.

[smrattler]

Malik rode was an energy player. Blair hasn't shown energy in two years.


You haven't seen him at Whataburger, lots of energy on display there... intense.


And yes, I can talk tough like that, but if he was next to me and I realized he overheard me say that, I'd crap my pants.


Just kidding Bear!

[Hoops Czar]

Faried, Harrington, and Anderson are there now and Gallinari will be back. It would really be dumb to take on that much salary from Diaw to block the Spurs and have him sit on the bench as the 5th string PF.

Gallo is a small forward and Anderson is basically receiving garbage time minutes as the 4th string Center. Depth is a convenience not only for the Spurs.

[Spurs9]

Denver has a pretty good team IMO

[GSH]

Denver is only two-deep at PF with Faried and Harrington. Denver is another one of those teams ravaged by injuries and could certainly use depth. Nevermind if Diaw doesn't want to play third string for a team, that's basically what he's become and he really won't have much to say if Denver claims him off waivers
.
Denver might also consider playing the block game seeing as how this is a potential first round matchup.



Given what Diaw has done this season, I think teams would think twice about trying to make him play someplace he doesn't want to be. I don't know if he would try any harder on a team he liked, but we know damned well what he'll do if he isn't happy.

[dbestpro]

Gallo is a small forward and Anderson is basically receiving garbage time minutes as the 4th string Center. Depth is a convenience not only for the Spurs.

With Chandler back in the fold you can expect Gallo to get plenty of burn at PF when he comes back. Yes, Depth is nice, but you don't pay some guy 100K a game to sit in street clothes so you can keep him from another team.

[Texas_Ranger]

Denver's got a lot of bigs. Faried is playing great lately, Mozgov is good for his 20 minutes, then of the bench McGee and Harrington are also pretty good and Anderson will now probably be inactive most of the time. Don't see why would they need Diaw even if Danilo is injured. Chandler and Brewer are both better as a SF than Diaw.

[Hoops Czar]

With Chandler back in the fold you can expect Gallo to get plenty of burn at PF when he comes back. Yes, Depth is nice, but you don't pay some guy 100K a game to sit in street clothes so you can keep him from another team.

Nah, Gallo is a natural SF and he helps to strengthen the bench and won't be competing with Faried and Harrington unless he's pressed into duty because of an unforeseen injury. And I can assure you if the nuggets sign him, it won't be to sit him on the bench in street clothes.

[Old School 44]

So when does Diaw officially clear waivers?

[Hoops Czar]

And if the Spurs use the mini MLE on Diaw, thats close to the going rate for paying out the remainder of his contract.

[monkeypunk]

So when does Diaw officially clear waivers?

Tomorrow at 5 central, I think.

[Old School 44]

Tomorrow at 5 central, I think.

Great...thanks! I'd like to see the Spurs get him.
But either way, I just want all this stuff to end already so whatever team we do have, can move forward and concentrate on the task at hand.
:lobt2:

[VBM]

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the team is "close" to signing at least one player.

"It’s close," Rivers said before the team's shootaround at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee Thursday. "We clearly want to sign someone and we think we will. But until we do I’m just going to wait (on the announcement)."

The Celtics, who meet the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night, could finalize a deal this afternoon.

The Celtics, who lost Jermaine O'Neal (wrist) and Chris Wilcox (heart) recently, took two days off following a 77-73 win in Atlanta Monday.

"I think the rest will be good," Rivers said. "I hope the two days off didn’t throw us out of rhythm. But after watching the Atlanta game, both teams were out of rhythm in that game. That was a big win for us. It was a nasty game, somebody was going to win it, and it was nasty because both teams were defending hard. We’ll take that all day."

Rotoworld predicts Ryan Hollins is the guy, though.

[FkLA]

He's an undersized PF who has a worse PER than Richard Jefferson this season. He shoots 41% from the field as a big man. He was getting DNP-CD's on the most talent deprived team in the league. His effort is constantly questioned. He has a reputation as a timid player.

But hey, what's not to like?

Jack was shooting like 35% from the field and 25% from three before coming here. Kind of unprofessional on their part, but you can somewhat understand their lack of motivation on such terrible teams. Both of them clearly wanted out and werent playing their best as a result. The laziness and lack of effort wont fly here though, they both know the Spurs are as professional as they come.

Hes much more talented than either Blair or Bonner, so as long as he takes one of their minutes itll be a good move.

[NASpurs]

https://twitter.com/#!/SherrodbCSN

The #Celtics (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Celtics) working on contract to sign Ryan Hollins, who just cleared waivers at 2 p.m. Deal could be done as early as today

In order to make room for Hollins, #Celtics (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Celtics) expected to waive Chris Wilcox.

[timtonymanurich]

BOOM BAAABY..

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfFyT?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=san-antonio-spurs

[anonoftheinternets]

BOOM BAAABY..

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfFyT?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=san-antonio-spurs

hard luck with that username :)

[Leetonidas]

yNqw7Vc060g

If he can do half the things he did in the video still he will be much more useful than Bonner or Blair

[cd98]

Another question...If we sign Diaw, are we going to have to waive someone? Or are we going to have 14 players on the roster? Are the Spurs willing to pay the extra cap cost to sign him?

[Leetonidas]

I'm also certain with his passing ability he will get Tiago and Tim lots of easy points. He made Kwame Brown look decent there for awhile

[Mel_13]

FWIW:

Look for Ryan hollins to be in Philly tomorrow w the c's..celts had hoped to add diaw as well, but were not able to get him.

http://twitter.com/#!/gdickerson_csn

[Mel_13]

The Mavs have officially waived Sean Williams, trimming their roster down to 14.

Interesting move by the Mavs ... unless Williams requested the move, would seem to imply they want the roster spot for someone else.

Considering that Mavs were clear in their desire for a "big" - Hollins is gone, Turiaf is gone, Kaman probably not being bought out -- Diaw?

That's just me thinking out loud (on twitter). Let the Odom/Diaw jokes roll in.

http://twitter.com/#!/mdug

[NASpurs]

I sense a cockblocking move by the Mavs.

:depressed

[dougp]

The Mavs have officially waived Sean Williams, trimming their roster down to 14.

Interesting move by the Mavs ... unless Williams requested the move, would seem to imply they want the roster spot for someone else.

Considering that Mavs were clear in their desire for a "big" - Hollins is gone, Turiaf is gone, Kaman probably not being bought out -- Diaw?

That's just me thinking out loud (on twitter). Let the Odom/Diaw jokes roll in.

http://twitter.com/#!/mdug

Dallas isn't above us in the waiver order, right? So then it comes down to what can be offered, along with whom he'd feel more familiar playing with. Probably Parker & SJax over anyone in Dallas.

[NASpurs]

https://twitter.com/#!/TheRocketGuy

Can't help but wonder if Dallas like Diaw, since they just waived Williams, who they liked.

-----

Let the 24 hr torment begin.

[Mel_13]

Dallas used their mini MLE on VC. Can only offer vet min.

Spurs can offer part/all of mini-MLE.

[NASpurs]

Dallas isn't above us in the waiver order, right? So then it comes down to what can be offered, along with whom he'd feel more familiar playing with. Probably Parker & SJax over anyone in Dallas.

Hopefully he's not best friends with Mahinmi and Beaubois. :lol

[antgomez2009]

David Aldridge says that Diaw is really out of shape, and would need to get into some type of shape to even help anyone out. It kind of makes me wonder if he'll be able to do that plus catch onto the spurs system in time for the play off push...not sure if its worth it, but hey if there is no body else, then i guess it wouldnt hurt to put some work into him. He definetly can play, when in shape.

[cd98]

Dallas used their mini MLE on VC. Can only offer vet min.

Spurs can offer part/all of mini-MLE.

Good. We can get them back for taking Corey Brewer and then leaving him to rot on their bench.

[TimmehC]

I sense a cockblocking move by the Mavs.

:depressed

Ugh. So he's going to be in SA tomorrow night regardless.

[DPG21920]

Mavs pose no threat with regards to Diaw

[NASpurs]

What does this say?

https://twitter.com/#!/TomFelX (https://twitter.com/#%21/TomFelX)

Touché hier aux ischios, Tony Parker cède sa blessure à Boris Diaw qui ne joue pas c'est plutôt pratique ! Résultat TP jouera contre Dallas

With my limited French, it says in that last sentence that Tony is going to play against Dallas but I don't understand everything else.

[Bruno]

What does this say?

https://twitter.com/#!/TomFelX (https://twitter.com/#%21/TomFelX)

Touché hier aux ischios, Tony Parker cède sa blessure à Boris Diaw qui ne joue pas c'est plutôt pratique ! Résultat TP jouera contre Dallas


It's just an unfunny joke. Nothing relevant about Parker health status.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

What does this say?

https://twitter.com/#!/TomFelX (https://twitter.com/#%21/TomFelX)

Touché hier aux ischios, Tony Parker cède sa blessure à Boris Diaw qui ne joue pas c'est plutôt pratique ! Résultat TP jouera contre Dallas

With my limited French, it says in that last sentence that Tony is going to play against Dallas but I don't understand everything else.




Affected hamstring yesterday, Tony Parker gives his injured Boris Diaw who does not play it's more convenient! TP result will play against Dallas. Fuck Dallas

[timvp]

We're sure the Mavs can't claim Diaw on waivers, right? :lol

And Sean Williams is actually interesting. Dumb as a rock but a great athlete.

Then again, it's Diaw or bust right now for the Spurs.

[#41 Shoot Em Up]

Mavs pose no threat with regards to Diaw

Put your money where yo mouth is bitch nigga. I have a high ranking official in the Mavs FO who let me know this was going down. I don't want this fat azz nigga but i'll gladly take him if it means cockblocking SA lol.

[manufan10]

How soon will Diaw be able to suit up and play if he signs?

[#41 Shoot Em Up]

How soon will Diaw be able to suit up and play if he signs?

Well we play saturday night against Houston... so maybe then. Or Tuesday

[manufan10]

Well we play saturday night against Houston... so maybe then. Or Tuesday

:cry RIP Shoot 'Em Up

[Bruno]

How soon will Diaw be able to suit up and play if he signs?

In theory, he could play as soon as Friday against Mavs.

[#41 Shoot Em Up]

Welcome to the D Diaw.... now get yo fat azz in shape so we can roll on these raggedy ann's

[monkeypunk]

Welcome to the D Diaw.... now get yo fat azz in shape so we can roll on these raggedy ann's

:troll

[manufan10]

In theory, he could play as soon as Friday against Mavs.

So if he's out of shape, the Spurs could rest the big 3 on Saturday, and help speed the process up a little bit by giving Diaw some heavy minutes. :lol

[manufan10]

:troll

Shouldn't speak ill of the dead, tbh fwiw imo

[#41 Shoot Em Up]

So if he's out of shape, the Spurs could rest the big 3 on Saturday, and help speed the process up a little bit by giving Diaw some heavy minutes. :lol

:lol desperate for boris diaw:lol
Don't worry lil lady he's coming to Dallas so n o worries

[DPG21920]

Let's bet #41.. You PayPal $100 to Kori first though :lol I'm not getting burned again

[manufan10]

Let's bet #41.. You PayPal $100 to Kori first though :lol I'm not getting burned again

He'd have to borrow it from Kool or Luva first.

[benefactor]

:cry RIP Shoot 'Em Up
:cry

[Bruno]

So if he's out of shape, the Spurs could rest the big 3 on Saturday, and help speed the process up a little bit by giving Diaw some heavy minutes. :lol

Well, Diaw is in "shape". He may be a little rusty because he hasn't played a lot this past couple of weeks but, other than that, he is good to go.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Crofl Dpg, who burnt you on a bet

[Bruno]

Aside of screwing Spurs, Diaw doesn't make a lot of sense for Mavs. They should add a perimeter player because they are very deep at PF/C with Dirk, Haywood, Odom, Mahinmi, Brendan Wright, Cardinal and Yi. Given the success of Gerald Green in NJ, they can try a add a talented but troubled player.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

God, just reading that front court depth makes me want to puke when I compare it to ours


fucking get some size in here next season RC

[cd98]

Aside of screwing Spurs, Diaw doesn't make a lot of sense for Mavs. They should add a perimeter player because they are very deep at PF/C with Dirk, Haywood, Odom, Mahinmi, Brendan Wright, Cardinal and Yi. Given the success of Gerald Green in NJ, they can try a add a talented but troubled player.

And Shawn Marion who plays SF and PF for the Mavs.

[spursince#99]

as soon as he gets here, he should be put in a shot blocking drill where he tries to block shots while the whole team drives to the hole aggressively. Guards attack from the free throw line while the bigs attack from the post. He'd likely get dunked on by the likes of Kawhi though :lol

[Texas_Ranger]

if the mavs sign him a lot of Diaw ''fans'' here will say that he was not really that important and that's he's too fat for our team.

[BacktoBasics]

How much more will it cost the Spurs to claim him rather than wait for him to hit free agency? He had a pretty big contract didn't he?

[Mel_13]

How much more will it cost the Spurs to claim him rather than wait for him to hit free agency? He had a pretty big contract didn't he?

They can't claim him. See Bruno's post a page or two back for which five teams are allowed to claim Diaw.

[therealtruth]

God, just reading that front court depth makes me want to puke when I compare it to ours


Alot of those guys are not even playing that many minutes. They've got power forwards that are as big or bigger than our centers.

[Texas_Ranger]

from post before.....

There are 5 teams (Raptors, Kings, Jazz, Nuggets and Lakers) with enough cap space or a trade exception big enough to claim him

[SenorSpur]

If that's the case, the Spurs are screwed.

[cd98]

if the mavs sign him a lot of Diaw ''fans'' here will say that he was not really that important and that's he's too fat for our team.

The reality is that he will sign with the Spurs and become the new Richard Jefferson, except that we won't be paying him a fortune (by NBA standards).

[monkeypunk]

The reality is that he will sign with the Spurs and become the new Richard Jefferson, except that we won't be paying him a fortune (by NBA standards).

I disagree, RJ was passive but could shoot and defend (a little.)

Diaw may be passive, can shoot and defend but can pass like a pg. Even when he was passing up shots in Charlotte, he was creating offense with his passing skills. That alone is an upgrade over RJ. He also has some post moves...

[benefactor]

If that's the case, the Spurs are screwed.
Not really. None of those teams really need Diaw bad enough to claim him and pay the rest of his deal...especially since he is being bought out for being unmotivated.

[Zocalo]

Not really. None of those teams really need Diaw bad enough to claim him and pay the rest of his deal...especially since he is being bought out for being unmotivated.

He wasn't in shape and it is unlikely that he is a difference maker anytime soon. I mean... he couldn't even pad his stats in a horrible team. If we get him, it is better to have no expectations of him.

[siraulo23]

if the mavs sign him a lot of Diaw ''fans'' here will say that he was not really that important and that's he's too fat for our team.

:lol

[benefactor]

He wasn't in shape and it is unlikely that he is a difference maker anytime soon. I mean... he couldn't even pad his stats in a horrible team. If we get him, it is better to have no expectations of him.
Well...being with a good team and your best friend can do wonders.

We'll see what happens. If the Spurs are going to take a chance this is best available option on the market right now.

[DPG21920]

Crofl Dpg, who burnt you on a bet

Koolaid - Which is why he's pink I saidddd

[DBMethos]

It's a no-brainer that the Spurs pick him up if they can...even if he doesn't pan out like we hope he will, we're no worse off than we are right now with Blair/Bonner.

[angelbelow]

He wasn't in shape and it is unlikely that he is a difference maker anytime soon. I mean... he couldn't even pad his stats in a horrible team. If we get him, it is better to have no expectations of him.

Bruno has mentioned several times that Diaw is in shape (or better shape compared to the preseason.) In the recent pictures he looks good as well.

Adding Diaw doesn't guarantee that our team improves. However, its sure helluva a lot harder for him to make our team worse. I agree about the expectations though, I need to remind myself to keep it realistic.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

lol this is the exact same thing #41 did with Brewer last year.

[ChumpDumper]

Diaw looks thinner than he did in late January from the pictures I've seen. Can't say I'm super worried about his shape right now.

[#41 Shoot Em Up]

Diaw looks thinner than he did in late January from the pictures I've seen. Can't say I'm super worried about his shape right now.

lol "looks thinner"

[timvp]

Diaw began the season hugely fat to the point of embarrassment.

Now he's just fat.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

CD- what do you think his prospects for helping this season are

[ChumpDumper]

lol "looks thinner"Do you think he looks fatter?

The same?

[#41 Shoot Em Up]

lol this is the exact same thing #41 did with Brewer last year.

Yep. And look what happened... my source is solid lil nigga.

[gambit1990]

hopefully he doesn't get claimed... especially since hickson did by the trail blazers, turiaf's signing with the heat, and it doesn't look like kaman will be getting bought out.

we've been talking about who we want most, now diaw's all that's left.

oh, and ryan hollins... he'd be better than nothing. he's 7'0" at least.

[Shastafarian]

I know Chump is sensitive about nicknames but if Diaw signs with the Spurs I'm definitely calling him Tits McGee.

[ChumpDumper]

I know Chump is sensitive about nicknames but if Diaw signs with the Spurs I'm definitely calling him Tits McGee.lol sensitive