Tiago Splitter's future?

[Josepatches_]

The good news is that we are playing great basketball and we have the best bench of the league.Deep as hell.

But Splitter's minutes still being a big concern. There are a lot of threads about it. This is only one more.

Splitter is clearly the second best big of the team. He could have a big impact in the game but Pop only plays him as a backup for TD. So his minutes will be even shorter coming playoff time.

Has Splitter future in this team? He's not 20 years old and he had played pro-basketball a lot of seasons before. These are his prime years and we should play him because there aren't a lof of bigs like him out there.

[edgar]

fuk yo thread clown

[skin]

I'm concerned with Tim. So far he's played almost 18 minutes in the 1st half.

[Mel_13]

Tiago's future is in San Antonio.

[TheSkeptic]

Yeah, the big rotation is not very good in my opinion. And yes, Splitter's being mismanaged as is Diaw.


I'm concerned with Tim. So far he's played almost 18 minutes in the 1st half.

I won't get concerned unless he ends up playing the entire second half. :lol

[skin]

Yeah, the big rotation is not very good in my opinion. And yes, Splitter's being mismanaged as is Diaw.



I won't get concerned unless he ends up playing the entire second half. :lol

At this point I think everything's possible. Diaw hasn't played yet.

[Poolboy5623]

Pops refusal to bench boner and give his min to splitter/ diaw are what's going to prevent this team from winning it all..I see it already.. and I haven't even started on blair .. why doesn't pop see this but everyone else does?

[Mal]

ask Stephen A. Smith

[Mel_13]

Pops refusal to bench boner and give his min to splitter/ diaw are what's going to prevent this team from winning it all..I see it already.. and I haven't even started on blair .. why doesn't pop see this but everyone else does?


bad timing for a bench bonner post, tbh..

[TheSkeptic]

bad timing for a bench bonner post, tbh..

I'm not sure it gets to that point if the rotations are decent tbh.

[midnightpulp]

bad timing for a bench bonner post, tbh..

Don't be results oriented. Bonner shouldn't see more than 10-12 minutes a game with Diaw and Splitter on the roster.

[Mel_13]

I'm not sure it gets to that point if the rotations are decent tbh.

lighten up, Skep. I'm just having a little fun here.

[Texas_Ranger]

If he can't play more than Bonner then I wouldn't even be pissed if he would want to go to another team.

[Mel_13]

Don't be results oriented.

Rather odd thing to say about an endeavor in which they keep score, tbh...

[TheSkeptic]

lighten up, Skep. I'm just having a little fun here.

Gotcha. :toast

[spurspokesman]

If he can't play more than Bonner then I wouldn't even be pissed if he would want to go to another team.
this. send bonners sorry arse off ala steve novak so he can find his game on a bottom feeding team.

[Nathan89]

Splitter played nice defense on KG. He can guard pfs. I just don't understand why Blair is allowed to play with Tim and he's not. Doesn't make sense to me.

[jag]

Don't be results oriented.

So you're not advocating that Splitter get more minutes based on his results?

[spurspokesman]

So you're not advocating that Splitter get more minutes based on his results?

[TDMVPDPOY]

i seriously hope he leavves this shithole t eam for greener pastures and more minutes instead of playing behind horseshit who have no business playin in the nba....

[Obstructed_View]

bad timing for a bench bonner post, tbh..

:lol how do you figure again?

[acoelho1]

Splitter should be pissed. I can't understand Pop not playing him more minutes. What happen to defense wins championships?

[TheSkeptic]

i seriously hope he leavves this shithole t eam for greener pastures and more minutes instead of playing behind horseshit who have no business playin in the nba....

Ugh.

When's his contract up? I do sincerely believe that he'll have other options when all is said and done.

Pop has got to get it together. Talented bigmen don't just come from the sky and he needs to be considerate of Splitter's feelings since without him we're back to Duncan + Blair + Bonner as our frontline.

[Mel_13]

Ugh.

When's his contract up? I do sincerely believe that he'll have other options when all is said and done.

Pop has got to get it together. Talented bigmen don't just come from the sky and he needs to be considerate of Splitter's feelings since without him we're back to Duncan + Blair + Bonner as our frontline.

Under contract thru 2012-13. Spurs will be able to extend a qualifying offer and make him a restricted free agent in the summer of 2013. Spurs will have the option to match any offer he receives.

[TheSkeptic]

Under contract thru 2012-13. Spurs will be able to extend a qualifying offer and make him a restricted free agent in the summer of 2013. Spurs will have the option to match any offer he receives.

Thanks. He'll have to fight to get away in that case. :lol

Never mind then. The big rotation does still need to change however.

[Mugen]

lol Pop playing a top 10 center in the league < 20 mins.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Under contract thru 2012-13. Spurs will be able to extend a qualifying offer and make him a restricted free agent in the summer of 2013. Spurs will have the option to match any offer he receives.

his disposable since the FO will be looking at bringin in lorbek who will be on a cheaper deal compared to what splitter receives in FA market....

splitter deserves better then this shit

[pgardn]

It would help a bit if he could stay healthy.

And stop making turnovers.

It may be me, but he seems to get seriously winded. And when he does, he gets very sloppy. He is still a great addition and solves part of our problem of playing teams much bigger than we are.

Still amazed at his agility in the horizontal. Its bizarre that he cant jump a lick.

[TheSkeptic]

his disposable since the FO will be looking at bringin in lorbek who will be on a cheaper deal compared to what splitter receives in FA market....

splitter deserves better then this shit

Well, salary dump Blair and Bonner somewhere and pay them both. Duncan, Tiago, Lorbek. Find anyone who can round it out and that's a pretty solid frontcourt right there.

I have a terrible feeling that Pop will play Lorbek anyway though.

[TheSkeptic]

It would help a bit if he could stay healthy.

And stop making turnovers.

It may be me, but he seems to get seriously winded. And when he does, he gets very sloppy. He is still a great addition and solves part of our problem of playing teams much bigger than we are.

Still amazed at his agility in the horizontal. Its bizarre that he cant jump a lick.

Tiago = Bargnani to be honest.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Tiago = Bargnani to be honest.

stupidity post, come back to me when bananaman plays any sort of defense besides falling in love with the 3pt shooting...

splitter will destroy that italian draft busts

[TheSkeptic]

stupidity post, come back to me when bananaman plays any sort of defense besides falling in love with the 3pt shooting...

splitter will destroy that italian draft busts

I promise you that you haven't been watching nearly as many Raptor games as I have. Bargs has been pretty good this year and playing closer to the basket as well.

Even then, what I meant was in terms of the tendency to get winded, calf strains, age, body type, at his best when he's getting good minutes, fast but not high jumper, etc. Difference is his coach has put together a rotation that takes advantage of his strengths.

Obviously they're two completely different players and Tiago is, in my opinion, more well rounded but in terms of conditioning and the like they're actually very similar.

[Josepatches_]

his disposable since the FO will be looking at bringin in lorbek who will be on a cheaper deal compared to what splitter receives in FA market....

splitter deserves better then this shit



I'm not trust in Lorbek.Every year he's more a jump shooter with no defense. Dude has talent but he's pretty soft for the NBA.He's even soft in Spain so...

And he's not young either.It would be a surprise for me if he doesn't stay in Europe.If Pop is coaching then I'm pretty sure San Antonio is not the best place for him..... but Pop could fall in love with him like he did with Bonner.

[TheSkeptic]

I'm not trust in Lorbek.Every year he's more a jump shooter with no defense. Dude has talent but he's pretty soft for the NBA.He's even soft in Spain so...

And he's not young either.It would be a surprise for me if he doesn't stay in Europe.If Pop is coaching then I'm pretty sure San Antonio is not the best place for him..... but Pop could fall in love with him like he did with Bonner.

...And then play him ahead of Tiago?

:wow So basically the Spurs' big rotation is doomed no matter what happens. Great.

[Outlier]

I bet the Spurs wanted to nab D-Motie before the Rockets got him.

[Outlier]

It's a shame we almost got to draft this guy:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/stJLAzWddVs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[vander]

according to the espn box score, during the 14 minutes that Tiago was on the floor, the Spurs were outscored by 6 points.

however, during the 21 minutes that that scrub Matt Bonner was on the floor, the Spurs outscored the Celts by 8 points.

hmm

[Mel_13]

It's a shame we almost got to draft this guy:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/stJLAzWddVs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


7. YouTube - To embed a YouTube video just put [ youtube ] Video ID [ /youtube ]. The Video ID is the bolded part of the youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FInsapjeY_M

To where it'd look like [ youtube ] FInsapjeY_M [ /youtube ]

(You need to remove the spaces.)

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93855

From the FAQ stickied at the top of the forum.

[Outlier]

stJLAzWddVs

[DPG21920]

As long as Tim is playing, Tiago will not be very much. Is what it is.

[TheSkeptic]

according to the espn box score, during the 14 minutes that Tiago was on the floor, the Spurs were outscored by 6 points.

however, during the 21 minutes that that scrub Matt Bonner was on the floor, the Spurs outscored the Celts by 8 points.

hmm

All these threads where people are talking about stats, advanced stats, and how to interpret stats, and you're talking about +/-?

[vander]

All these threads where people are talking about stats, advanced stats, and how to interpret stats, and you're talking about +/-?

in order to win games, you have to be + :toast

and most of those "advanced" stats are bullshit tbh

[TheSkeptic]

in order to win games, you have to be + :toast

and most of those "advanced" stats are bullshit tbh

Oh I see. You're old school then. :lol

That's cool I guess.

[DPG21920]

If Tiago could defend as good as Blair and space the floor like Blair he would be a better fit next to Tim. Also, if Tiago starts that means Blair/Bonner since we don't have any other bigs.

[MaNu4Tres]

As long as Tim is playing, Tiago will not be very much. Is what it is.

What it is is bullshit and ignorance.

Unfortunately, ignorance is expensive and it will likely cost the Spurs once again.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

his disposable since the FO will be looking at bringin in lorbek who will be on a cheaper deal compared to what splitter receives in FA market....

splitter deserves better then this shit

Well, we all deserve better than the shit you keep posting, but alas..

[Mel_13]

Well, we all deserve better than the shit you keep posting, but alas..

:rollin

[Cow Eye]

At first I thought Pop was just easing Splitter into the team gradually.

But now I'm just pissed off and hate Pop.

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

Splitter's footwork is phenomenal man. On one play, he made KG look like he didn't know the meaning of the word defense. & on another play, he showed shades of young Duncan, getting blocked hard, but persisting until victorious without flinching.

Right now, he is primarily Duncan's back-up, but think about it, when Duncan finally retires, Splitter will be ready to start. & fill the Big Fundamentals shoes. He will never come close to prime Duncan or even '07 Duncan, but with 35 minutes a game, he can put up 21 ppg, 12 rpg, 3 apg, 2.5 bpg.

[GSH]

Hopefully his near future is a ring, and a picture of him holding up the LOB Trophy. I'll worry about the rest later.

[freetiago]

should just trade him
pop wont use him and we could get good value for a top 5 center
maybe a few lotto picks for the future

[skin]

Right now, he is primarily Duncan's back-up, but think about it, when Duncan finally retires, Splitter will be ready to start.

It depends. Are talking about Pop in few years time? I don't think so then unless Pop retires too.

[jjktkk]

Don't be results oriented. Bonner shouldn't see more than 10-12 minutes a game with Diaw and Splitter on the roster.

Mid, results are the bottom line. Most of us know Bonner chokes in the playoffs, but when hes on, you gotta ride em. The real reality is when the Spurs have to matchup with Memphis and the Lakers, as to what will Pop do to counter their size.

[Mugen]

If Tiago could defend as good as Blair and space the floor like Blair he would be a better fit next to Tim. Also, if Tiago starts that means Blair/Bonner since we don't have any other bigs.

I see what did you there, D. And I like it.

[Josepatches_]

I was hoping LA's game would be the key.

But now I'm sure Splitter has no future here while Pop is the coach. I don't know why but Pop don't trust on him.

Dude should demand a trade.He's too good to play only 15 minutes against Lakers or to play off the bench when TD is out.

[MaNu4Tres]

It's pretty amazing how this guy can't get more than 11 minutes.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics/_/position/c

Just to name a few he's ranked higher than: Marc Gasol, Nene, McGee, Noah, Hibbert, Chandler, Kaman, Okafor, Bogut.

[Spurtacus]

I'll be disappointed but forgiving if he asks for a trade this summer. Splitter didn't come over for the money; he came to play in the NBA. Against an elite frontcourt tonight he only logs 13 productive minutes.

[Russ]

I like Splitter. And I like the Spurs (duh).

Having said that, I wouldn't blame Splitter if he wanted out.

[Josepatches_]

Today 13 min and 15 min yesterday.....

Everybody want more minutes for Splitter and Pop plays him less minutes than ever.....

At least we won the game

[TheSkeptic]

If he's a restricted free agent though, does that mean he has to stay with the Spurs should they offer to match?

[TheSkeptic]

Today 13 min and 15 min yesterday.....

Everybody want more minutes for Splitter and Pop plays him less minutes than ever.....

At least we won the game

We've won the game but we're throwing away one of our last chances at a championship.

[ElNono]

He should seek greener pastures when his contract is up

[MaNu4Tres]

He should seek greener pastures when his contract is up

I find it funny how everyone (fans, management, ect.) have been dying for a legit big to pair next to Duncan ever since Nazr left. Now when they get him, Pop doesn't play him.

He has a 20 PER. 8th highest among centers-- ahead of Noah, Hibbert, McGee, M. Gasol, Nene, Bogut, DeAndre Jordan to name a few. It's a joke really.

:shootme

:pctoss

[skin]

He should seek greener pastures when his contract is up
That's the problem! We should either get rid of Pop or trade Splitter before he wants out.

Since we aren't getting rid of Pop, best scenario IMO is trading him in the offseason. We may get someone in which Pop trusts.

Tonight was awful. There's no one taller than him, not named Duncan, and he played a bit less than 13 minutes. Diaw hasn't been with us for long a played more minutes. Pop's lover, Bonner with his terrible D, 3-8 got 22+ minutes.

[angelbelow]

Even if Tiago is an innocent and loyal fool, his agent will broach the subject of requesting a trade.


I find it funny how everyone (fans, management, ect.) have been dying for a legit big to pair next to Duncan ever since Nazr left. Now when they get him, Pop doesn't play him.

He has a 21 PER. 8th highest among centers-- ahead of Noah, Hibbert, McGee, M. Gasol, Nene, Bogut to name a few. It's a joke really.

:shootme

:pctoss

Mind boggling indeed. In my mind, there is no justifying this dumbass decision from Pop.

[TheSkeptic]

Even if Tiago is an innocent and loyal fool, his agent will broach the subject of requesting a trade.



Mind boggling indeed. In my mind, there is no justifying this dumbass decision from Pop.

We might as well just call Houston and ask them when they want to pick him up. :depressed

I just don't get it. Surely Tim and Manu can both see where this is headed. Do they have no clout with this coach?

[ElNono]

Since we aren't getting rid of Pop, best scenario IMO is trading him in the offseason. We may get someone in which Pop trusts.

Tiago is on a cheap, cheap contract. $3m/season IIRC. He won't bring anything of much value. At least nothing with as much value as him.

[skin]

Tiago is on a cheap, cheap contract. $3m/season IIRC. He won't bring anything of much value. At least nothing with as much value as him.

Agreed. Don't wanna get rid of him. I'd rather trade Bonner and Blair but as angelbelow pointed out his agent may request a trade in the end of the season. If a player wants out our trading options will be even worse, don't you think?

[ElNono]

Agreed. Don't wanna get rid of him. I'd rather trade Bonner and Blair but as angelbelow pointed out his agent may request a trade in the end of the season. If a player wants out our trading options will be even worse, don't you think?

I don't think his agent will ask for anything, tbh... his agent wants this deal to end so he can negotiate a bigger deal

[TheSkeptic]

I don't think his agent will ask for anything, tbh... his agent wants this deal to end so he can negotiate a bigger deal

There's only 1 year left on his contract with the Spurs after this though right? If he thought he could get more minutes next year he could stay the rest of the season, tell the Spurs not to match, and then walk as a free agent too.

[angelbelow]

I don't think his agent will ask for anything, tbh... his agent wants this deal to end so he can negotiate a bigger deal

That's after Tiago makes the request because there is no downside to doing so.

Worse case, Splitter plays the same erratic minutes because the Spurs have no one else.

No doubt he gets a bigger deal when his contract is up, whether that means he remains in the NBA or not.

[skin]

I don't think his agent will ask for anything, tbh... his agent wants this deal to end so he can negotiate a bigger deal

I respect your opinion but IMO an agent is after money. Nothing else. And the best way for him to score a future bigger deal atm is playing minutes, being a starter, showing his skills. There aren't many franchises I can think of right now where Splitter wouldn't be a starter.

[Josepatches_]

Maybe. When is his contract ending? This summer?

If not then it would be better for him to play more minutes elsewhere so he could get more money.It would be the reason to demand a trade.

Anyway I can't think on Splitter asking for a trade...He's so quiet...

[Josepatches_]

Of course if Duncan retires it could change all.... Pop could have to play him

[skin]

No doubt he gets a bigger deal when his contract is up, whether that means he remains in the NBA or not.

Europe won't be able to offer a contract as good as the next one he'll be eligible.


Maybe. When is his contract ending? This summer?

If not then it would be better for him to play more minutes elsewhere so he could get more money.It would be the reason to demand a trade.

Anyway I can't think on Splitter asking for a trade...He's so quiet...

He's got one more year then 13/14 there's a qualifying offer.
http://hoopshype.com/salaries/san_antonio.htm

He may not ask for a trade, but his agent...



Of course if Duncan retires it could change all.... Pop could have to play him

Pop? I don't think so.

[DPG21920]

If the Spurs can flip him for a decent pick, they should consider it.

[TheSkeptic]

If the Spurs can flip him for a decent pick, they should consider it.

Or they could play him. They might never be able to find a big who produces like this at this price in time for next year's playoffs.

[Spurtacus]

If the Spurs can flip him for a decent pick, they should consider it.

Flip him for a first round big that plays on the Toros or overseas fora few years then joins the Mavs or Rockets? :depressed

[DPG21920]

Look, With Duncan here, Tiago isn't going to play. It's not like Tiago is some crazy young guy; He's 27. If people believe he's injury prone and he's not going to play for two more years (Tim signing new deal) where he'll be 30, if the Spurs can get a top 20 pick this year, they should strongly consider it.

[angelbelow]

Look, With Duncan here, Tiago isn't going to play. It's not like Tiago is some crazy young guy; He's 27. If people believe he's injury prone and he's not going to play for two more years (Tim signing new deal) where he'll be 30, if the Spurs can get a top 20 pick this year, they should strongly consider it.

If the Spurs want a 1st round pick, then trading Tiago would be the best option. No one else (outside of big 3 and Leonard) is going to command a 1st rounder out of a team.

[skin]

If the Spurs want a 1st round pick, then trading Tiago would be the best option. No one else (outside of big 3 and Leonard) is going to command a 1st rounder out of a team.

But I thought Red Rocket was our best big! :lmao

[TheSkeptic]

But I thought Red Rocket was our best big! :lmao

It'd actually be interesting to see what Bonner would fetch on the market.

[acoelho1]

I don't by this injury prone crap. He doesn't play in the playoffs either and I don't expect him to see heavy minutes this time around until it's probably too late. When Tiago is on the floor, we just look better.. period. Also, I think he is the best big on the team. Play him 30 mins a game and see how his production matches up with the top bigs in the league. He is a very skilled and smart player. Unfortunately, for whatever crazy reason, Pop refuses to play him many mins.

Its funny that Pop benched Blair the last 2 games. It's like he hasn't been watching the last 2 years. We can't win with Blair or Bonner playing more minutes than Splitter. I can't wait for the next Laker game, I hope they wipe the floor with us. I think we need some significant beatings especially in the rebounding department to hopefully change the mind of Pop before the real season starts.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Tiago will be a Laker soon, and back-up Baby Drew.

[TheSkeptic]

Tiago will be a Laker soon, and back-up Baby Drew.

Ugh. That would make me doubly mad at Pop. I hate the Lakers.

I'm thinking that he needs to play on a team with a decent point guard that would still allow him to play decent minutes. A place like Houston, Denver (is Lawson still there?), Philadelphia, or Phoenix would all be solid options.

[Seventyniner]

Here, I'll post on behalf of us gnsfs.

Splitter/SJax/Neal/Blair/2013 1st rd pick for Dwight Howard, who agrees to a full length extension. Done right after draft night so the Spurs can trade away that pick.

[BRs.Ganso]

should be traded

he don't have 12mpg basketball, he's better than this... waste of time to his career.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

If we can get some athletic young big in this deep draft Iwouldn't mind trading Tiago. What difference does it make, he never plays anyways

[Splits]

lol Pop playing a top 10 center in the league < 20 mins.

:nope He is not a "top 10 center". That's ridiculous.

In no particular order, these guys are all better:

Howard
Gasol
Gasol
Ibaka
Noah
Duncan
Cousins
Chandler
Hibbert
Nene
Monroe
Okafor

[rasho8]

Noah and Nene are not better than Splitter.

[Mugen]

:nope He is not a "top 10 center". That's ridiculous.

In no particular order, these guys are all better:

Howard
Gasol
Gasol
Ibaka
Noah
Duncan
Cousins
Chandler
Hibbert
Nene
Monroe
Okafor

Howard
Gasol
Gasol - Power Forward
Ibaka - Power Forward
Noah - Better than Noah
Duncan - "Power Forward"
Cousins
Chandler
Hibbert
Nene
Monroe
Okafor - Hurt most of the year

You forgot Bynum / Gortat / Horford (out for the year).

So IMO Tiago is a arguably a Top 10 C this year based on the limited amount of time he's gotten to play with. He's also a Top 10 center based on PER.

Either way, all those guys above have had a significant minutes to prove what they're capable of. Tiago hasn't.

I know that Tiago has been making a fool of you and Pop for almost two years now. It's okay, i understand your repeated butthurt over the Splitter/Bonner situation. I'd be butthurt too if my horrible basketball takes were proved wrong repeatedly.

[Splits]

Splitter is better than Gortat, not better than Noah imo, and definitely not better than Nene. If Duncan is considered a PF, and Splitter is his backup, how is one a center and not the other? Either way, saying "a top 10 center" implies he could be anywhere from 1-10 as opposed "the 10th best center" which is more accurate. And if there were a poll taken of "top 10 worst posters" on this forum, Mugen would be a top fiver. All he does is take every thread and complain about how many minutes Splitter played. That's his one-trick pony schtick. It's okay, I understand you're so frustrated that you mail your 18pt font, double-spaced resume into the Spurs office, hoping to replace Pop but just never get that phone call back. Keep trying, we all know you understand this team better than him and eventually they'll figure it out too.

[ElNono]

:nope He is not a "top 10 center". That's ridiculous.


http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics?position=c&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2fhollinger%2fstatistics%3fposition%3dc

[Splits]

Right, so I forgot about Jefferson, Kaman, Pekovic, Bogut, Hawes, Bargnani. And now that I know Marc Gasol is 15th in PER I would never trade Splitter for him.

[skin]

If we can get some athletic young big in this deep draft Iwouldn't mind trading Tiago. What difference does it make, he never plays anyways

Everyone's talking how deep this draft is. My question is: is it deep enough as far as big men?



Splitter is better than Gortat, not better than Noah imo, and definitely not better than Nene.

Let me think:
Nene: 13M
Noah: 10m
Splitter: 3.6M

I would rather have Splitter on my roster.



Right, so I forgot about Jefferson, Kaman, Pekovic, Bogut, Hawes, Bargnani. And now that I know Marc Gasol is 15th in PER I would never trade Splitter for him.

IMO Marc and Tiago are the same level. The only difference is that Marc plays a lot of minutes so he is able to show his skills.

[DrSteffo]

That Splitter troll is a complete fail and of course Mugen is right. I think all sane ppl agree. Splitter is better than his minutes but I do hope we keep him. Duncan is not getting younger and even if Splitter wd only be the backup we would not get a better C for his salary.

[Mugen]

Splitter is better than Gortat, not better than Noah imo, and definitely not better than Nene. If Duncan is considered a PF, and Splitter is his backup, how is one a center and not the other? Either way, saying "a top 10 center" implies he could be anywhere from 1-10 as opposed "the 10th best center" which is more accurate. And if there were a poll taken of "top 10 worst posters" on this forum, Mugen would be a top fiver. All he does is take every thread and complain about how many minutes Splitter played. That's his one-trick pony schtick. It's okay, I understand you're so frustrated that you mail your 18pt font, double-spaced resume into the Spurs office, hoping to replace Pop but just never get that phone call back. Keep trying, we all know you understand this team better than him and eventually they'll figure it out too.

:lol We should start that poll and see where you rank, tbh.

12 pt with wide margins. Second interview next week.

[wildbill2u]

The good news is that we are playing great basketball and we have the best bench of the league.Deep as hell.

But Splitter's minutes still being a big concern. There are a lot of threads about it. This is only one more.

Splitter is clearly the second best big of the team. He could have a big impact in the game but Pop only plays him as a backup for TD. So his minutes will be even shorter coming playoff time.

Has Splitter future in this team? He's not 20 years old and he had played pro-basketball a lot of seasons before. These are his prime years and we should play him because there aren't a lof of bigs like him out there.

It's clear that Splitter isn't going to get equal mintues with Tim this year or even play much, if any, minutes with Tim. The pattern of rotation that Pop has established doesn't seem flexible at all at this point, so whatever we think as fans is just useless bitching and moaning.

But what about the future. I'm afraid that we will lose Splitter as soon as his contract runs out. He's been very good about saying the right things, eg. "Pop is the coach and whatever he wants me to do, blah, blah blah."

However, If I were him, I wouldn't continue to play for Pop once the contract is up. This is an area where Pop seems to be insensitive to the feelings of a player who is the second best big on the team and is not getting his due. Or maybe Pop WILL retire when Duncan goes and doesn't care what happens to the team's good young big man when he retires.

I support Pop on most things since I'm not a coach. And maybe he's having chummy little chats with Splitter all the time to keep him happy--but I doubt it. This is one area where Pop may be tone deaf.

[Sportcamper]

Ron Artest & that player trade exemption thing for Tiago this summer…Don’t ask me to reveal my sources…

[Mel_13]

It's clear that Splitter isn't going to get equal mintues with Tim this year or even play much, if any, minutes with Tim. The pattern of rotation that Pop has established doesn't seem flexible at all at this point, so whatever we think as fans is just useless bitching and moaning.

But what about the future. I'm afraid that we will lose Splitter as soon as his contract runs out. He's been very good about saying the right things, eg. "Pop is the coach and whatever he wants me to do, blah, blah blah."

However, If I were him, I wouldn't continue to play for Pop once the contract is up. This is an area where Pop seems to be insensitive to the feelings of a player who is the second best big on the team and is not getting his due. Or maybe Pop WILL retire when Duncan goes and doesn't care what happens to the team's good young big man when he retires.

I support Pop on most things since I'm not a coach. And maybe he's having chummy little chats with Splitter all the time to keep him happy--but I doubt it. This is one area where Pop may be tone deaf.

He'll be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2013. The Spurs will be able to match any offer he receives.

Tiago's future is in San Antonio.

[Texas_Ranger]

Just go to another team Splitter, I won't be mad... LOL at can't play more than 20 minutes and can't play with Timmy.

[TheSkeptic]

He'll be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2013. The Spurs will be able to match any offer he receives.

Tiago's future is in San Antonio.

What's to stop him from telling the Spurs not to match though?

That and based on his production to date, he'll probably command significantly more on the market than he's currently making. If he's only playing 15 minutes (or less), then it doesn't make sense for the Spurs to pay him.

Also, the stuff I'm seeing in interviews reminds me a little bit about how last year he was able to swallow his feelings on sitting somewhat but this year he's made a few comments about how he wasn't really happy not playing.

I don't know. I mean he seems to like Manu and admire Tim a lot but I'm really not sure how he feels about the coach. Especially since he came over because he thought he'd get minutes. The few times I've seen any interaction, his body language has looked more professional around Pop than anything else to me.

Even if Tim and Manu could talk Tiago into re-signing, his agent would have to be fired if he didn't put up a fight in stopping him.

[angelbelow]

Here, I'll post on behalf of us gnsfs.

Splitter/SJax/Neal/Blair/2013 1st rd pick for Dwight Howard, who agrees to a full length extension. Done right after draft night so the Spurs can trade away that pick.

Let pretend for a second that this trade actually goes through. I would promise to never question Pop's coaching ever again (even though this is a management move.)

Until...

he closes the game with Duncan and Bonner and refuses to give the Duncan and Howard combination a try.

[z0sa]

If we got Dwight Pop would bench Tim and play him Splitter minutes.

[Mel_13]

What's to stop him from telling the Spurs not to match though?

He can ask, but the Spurs have the right to match. Unless someone offers to ridiculously overpay him, the Spurs will keep him.




That and based on his production to date, he'll probably command significantly more on the market than he's currently making. If he's only playing 15 minutes (or less), then it doesn't make sense for the Spurs to pay him.

Why assume that his role and playing time would be the same next year, and the following year, as it is this year? There has been a substantial change from last year to this one.




Also, the stuff I'm seeing in interviews reminds me a little bit about how last year he was able to swallow his feelings on sitting somewhat but this year he's made a few comments about how he wasn't really happy not playing.

I don't know. I mean he seems to like Manu and admire Tim a lot but I'm really not sure how he feels about the coach. Especially since he came over because he thought he'd get minutes. The few times I've seen any interaction, his body language has looked more professional around Pop than anything else to me.

Lots of folks around here made all sorts of predictions about whether or not Tiago would leave Spain. As now, people projected their own feelings and emotions onto the player.



Even if Tim and Manu could talk Tiago into re-signing, his agent would have to be fired if he didn't put up a fight in stopping him.

You're projecting.

[therealtruth]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics?position=c&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2fhollinger%2fstatistics%3fposition%3dc

Everyone in the top 10 in PER is a starter except Splitter.

[Budkin]

We must trade him for a backup point guard. That is the only thing that makes sense.

[Splits]

Everyone in the top 10 in PER is a starter except Splitter.

Manu is 9th in the league in PER, doesn't start, and averages only 4+ more minutes per game than Splitter.

[TheSkeptic]

He can ask, but the Spurs have the right to match. Unless someone offers to ridiculously overpay him, the Spurs will keep him.


Wouldn't be the first time a big was offered a large contract. It seems like GMs love to overpay any almost 7 footer they can find that has basketball skills.

Although I suppose another tactic would be to frontload the offer sheet...



Why assume that his role and playing time would be the same next year, and the following year, as it is this year? There has been a substantial change from last year to this one.

Because Duncan's still on the team next year and Pop seems convinced that they can't play together.



Lots of folks around here made all sorts of predictions about whether or not Tiago would leave Spain. As now, people projected their own feelings and emotions onto the player.


For the record, I never doubted he was coming over.

And I did say that I didn't know how he felt about the Coach. I was just commenting that his body language seems professional around Pop which basically means that he could be going either way since we've seen him say the right things and be professional even while being unhappy. Yet at the same time he could love playing for Pop.

If we did know his true feelings with respect to Pop and this whole situation, it'd be easier to predict his actions in the offseason.




You're projecting.

I don't think so. Agents are about making as much money as they can. When you have a player that produces the way Tiago does, the best way to get that money is to have him play more. Being Duncan's back-up under Pop is just not good business sense for a player with his abilities since he'll probably only be able to get 1 long-term contract.

Short of a minutes clause and a significant raise in the next contract if I were his agent I would fight tooth and nail to get him out of here. Since Tiago seems to care about minutes and feeling like part of a team that's winning, I'm not sure it'd be that hard to talk him out of signing with the Spurs and joining some other team that's on the up and up with a coach that's willing to play him...

[TheSkeptic]

We must trade him for a backup point guard. That is the only thing that makes sense.

Kirk Hinrich anyone? :stirpot:

[Mel_13]

Wouldn't be the first time a big was offered a large contract. It seems like GMs love to overpay any almost 7 footer they can find that has basketball skills.

Although I suppose another tactic would be to frontload the offer sheet...



He's definitely going to get a big increase over his current contract and the Spurs will match anything remotely resembling market value.




Because Duncan's still on the team next year and Pop seems convinced that they can't play together.

Duncan was on the team last year and Tiago's minutes and role changed substantially from last year to this one.




For the record, I never doubted he was coming over.

And I did say that I didn't know how he felt about the Coach. I was just commenting that his body language seems professional around Pop which basically means that he could be going either way since we've seen him say the right things and be professional even while being unhappy. Yet at the same time he could love playing for Pop.

If we did know his true feelings with respect to Pop and this whole situation, it'd be easier to predict his actions in the offseason.



A report about Tiago's actions from the De Colo thread in the Think Tank:


http://www.lasprovincias.es/v/20120228/deportes/valencia-bc/colo-suena-jugar-lado-20120228.html

This report is a bit older (1 month ago), and its headline is "De Colo dreams about playing alongside Parker in San Antonio". In addition, it looks like Splitter gave him great references about Spurs' organization. If you want me to translate both reports, I'll do it :toast






I don't think so. Agents are about making as much money as they can. When you have a player that produces the way Tiago does, the best way to get that money is to have him play more. Being Duncan's back-up under Pop is just not good business sense for a player with his abilities since he'll probably only be able to get 1 long-term contract.

Short of a minutes clause and a significant raise in the next contract if I were his agent I would fight tooth and nail to get him out here. Since Tiago seems to care about minutes and feeling like part of a team that's winning, I'm not sure it'd be that hard to talk him out of signing with the Spurs and joining some other team that's on the up and up with a coach that's willing to play him...

Are you suggesting that Tiago will direct his agent to demand a trade this summer? I believe that's extremely unlikely.

If you're not, then all that stuff about playing time beyond 2013 is irrelevant to how much he'll get in a contract next summer.

[acoelho1]

If his agent is not telling him that his role with the team could hurt his next contract then he should be fired.

[TheSkeptic]

He's definitely going to get a big increase over his current contract and the Spurs will match anything remotely resembling market value.

I'd hope so. I honestly don't want to see him go. (Blair on the other hand...)




Duncan was on the team last year and Tiago's minutes and role changed substantially from last year to this one.


Yeah. From end of the bench to Duncan's back-up (and at that playing less than Bonner). That's fine if his motivation is to learn and make money, but I'm pretty sure he came here for minutes. Short of a dramatic change next season Tiago shouldn't come back.




A report about Tiago's actions from the De Colo thread in the Think Tank:



See this also goes either way. It's possible to acknowledge that the Spurs are a first-rate organization while also understanding that it's not the right situation *for you*. As an example, I absolutely hated my high school but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other people if I thought they could benefit from going there. :D

If he doesn't hate the people in the Spurs and he can appreciate what they bring to the table as professionals why would he go out of his way to trash them to other players?



Are you suggesting that Tiago will direct his agent to demand a trade this summer? I believe that's extremely unlikely.

If you're not, then all that stuff about playing time beyond 2013 is irrelevant to how much he'll get in a contract next summer.

No. What I'm saying is that if I was his agent I wouldn't let him re-up. He could probably make more money and get more playing time somewhere else. At 27, he'll only get one long-term contract and likely a shorter deal after that point. He needs more playing time to establish his market value and he's not getting that here.

Besides there's at least one person here who's claiming sources:
http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194813

:lol Not sure about the quality of that poster's sources though.

[Mel_13]

No. What I'm saying is that if I was his agent I wouldn't let him re-up. He could probably make more money and get more playing time somewhere else. At 27, he'll only get one long-term contract and likely a shorter deal after that point. He needs more playing time to establish his market value.

As a restricted free agent, his agent will secure the best possible offer sheet if they can't come to an agreement with Spurs. Once he signs that offer sheet, the Spurs will have three days to decide whether or not to match. He'll get the same money in his next contract with either team.

I'm absolutely convinced his next contract will be with the Spurs.

We'll all know in July, 2013.

[Mel_13]

Besides there's at least one person here who's claiming sources:
http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194813

:lol Not sure about the quality of that poster's sources though.

:lol

Yeah, I'd take that one to the bank.

[therealtruth]

Duncan was on the team last year and Tiago's minutes and role changed substantially from last year to this one.


It's hard to be convinced that wasn't just because they lost Dice and were down one big.

[Ocotillo]

I am not advocating a trade to the Clippers because I want him here but can you imagine a Chris Paul/Splitter pick and roll option. Throw in Blake Griffin and holy sheet!

Pop's head is like the stonecutter's rock...............hard.

[Mel_13]

It's hard to be convinced that wasn't just because they lost Dice and were down one big.

And if his minutes increase next year after they trade Blair and Diaw signs elsewhere, we won't know the precise reason either.

Thing is, it doesn't matter one little iota what's convincing to us. It matters what is convincing to Tiago, and for all the endless speculation and amateur psychology put forth here, not a single one of has the slightest clue what understandings exist between Tiago and Pop.

[SenorSpur]

The mere fact that we're having a thread about this should make everyone question the head coach. We should, in fact, be having discussion about how the Spurs can get bigger, younger and more athletic on the frontline (sans Blair and Bonner). Instead, we're having to question the future of the only other productive bigman not named Duncan.

[TheSkeptic]

The mere fact that we're having a thread about this should make everyone question the head coach. We should, in fact, be having discussion about how the Spurs can get bigger, younger and more athletic on the frontline (sans Blair and Bonner). Instead, we're having to question the future of the only other productive bigman not named Duncan.

:clap

Thanks Mel. :lol


If I had to guess, I think that Pop thought Splitter could replace Dice and then locked in the rest of his rotation because he didn't realize that Tiago was this good. After already using terms like "unskilled" to describe him and not looking at the stats (or the game at times it seems), it's clear that he's reached his conclusion and that he's probably not going to evaluate it until the offseason if that because his rotations are still about the same as they were last year.

It's frightening to think about but I really think Pop has just been in the same position for too long and that he's started to decline a bit as a coach. He needs to stay in the office for a year or so and then come back. Sometimes a bird's eye view gives you a different perspective.

Ah well. At least the boys will have plenty of time to enjoy themselves in the offseason. :fishing

[Mel_13]

After already using terms like "unskilled"

Do you have a link to this?

I remember the "blue collar" interview, but don't recall Pop calling him "unskilled".

[Mel_13]

I cannot believe this site doesn't seem to have a golf clapping smiley.

:clap

[TheSkeptic]

As a restricted free agent, his agent will secure the best possible offer sheet if they can't come to an agreement with Spurs. Once he signs that offer sheet, the Spurs will have three days to decide whether or not to match. He'll get the same money in his next contract with either team.

I'm absolutely convinced his next contract will be with the Spurs.

We'll all know in July, 2013.

Well yeah, the money's the same but the minutes might not be. While it's obvious that Splitter likes being paid, he also clearly likes being on the court.

If both teams are offering the same amount of money but one is telling him he has a fair shot at getting 25+ minutes a game, then I suspect Tiago will go for the court time. Especially if the pieces are there for a playoff run imo. I think if his agent told the Spurs to back off or otherwise forced some kind of provisions into his contract, they'd respect that.


:lol

Yeah, I'd take that one to the bank.

:lol



:clap

Ah thanks. Close enough I guess. :lol

[angelbelow]

After apprehensively participating in this thread last night, I started thinking about the ideal return for trading Splitter.

Unfortunately, the conclusion I came up with is that ideally, we would want an athletic, young, long, legit 6'11+, who is defensive minded but is not a stiff on offense. Kind of like Splitter.. although hes not exactly young (probably in the meat of the curve) or super athletic.

What do you guys think? If Tiago requests a trade and the Spurs do their best to honor it, what would be your ideal return package?

[Mel_13]

Well yeah, the money's the same but the minutes might not be. While it's obvious that Splitter likes being paid, he also clearly likes being on the court.

If both teams are offering the same amount of money but one is telling him he has a fair shot at getting 25+ minutes a game, then I suspect Tiago will go for the court time. Especially if the pieces are there for a playoff run imo. I think if his agent told the Spurs to back off or otherwise forced some kind of provisions into his contract, they'd respect that.




If it was his choice, and another team could really offer much more PT for the same money, then I suspect that he would.

The choice, however, will belong to the Spurs.

[TheSkeptic]

If it was his choice, and another team could really offer much more PT for the same money, then I suspect that he would.

The choice, however, will belong to the Spurs.

But have the Spurs ever ignored a player's request to not bother matching though? His agent could probably insist on a few ridiculous clauses to force their hand on the matter as well. I'm not saying it'll be a piece of cake but if he doesn't want to come back after his current contract is up it's not like he won't have options.


After apprehensively participating in this thread last night, I started thinking about the ideal return for trading Splitter.

Unfortunately, the conclusion I came up with is that ideally, we would want an athletic, young, long, legit 6'11+, who is defensive minded but is not a stiff on offense. Kind of like Splitter.. although hes not exactly young (probably in the meat of the curve) or super athletic.

What do you guys think? If Tiago requests a trade and the Spurs do their best to honor it, what would be your ideal return package?

At his salary their best bet is to go for draft picks imo because you won't really find too many teams willing to give up younger bigs who are still on rookie scale.

It's a no-win situation for the Spurs since they probably won't be able to get back/draft anybody as good as Splitter though I suppose it's better than letting him walk to Houston for nothing. If anything, I think they try to get a back-up point guard for him.

[Josepatches_]

Last year Splitter played 12min per game.

Last 2 games he played 15 min and 13 min. With Diaw in the team we'll see Splitter's minutes

The bad news for him is that he played less than ever against Lakers and Memphis..... 2 playoffs teams....it could be a sign.

He's in his prime.If Pop doesn't trust in him now I can't see the point to match offers for him.

[Mel_13]

But have the Spurs ever ignored a player's request to not bother matching though? His agent could probably insist on a few ridiculous clauses to force their hand on the matter as well. I'm not saying it'll be a piece of cake but if he doesn't want to come back after his current contract is up it's not like he won't have options.

I don't recall such a situation in the past.

The CBA doesn't allow the sort of "poison pills" you suggest.

The only option he has to guarantee getting out of San Antonio would be to accept the qualifying offer. That would make him an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2014. Of course, it would also mean playing for substantially below market value that year and leave him without the security of a long term contract. An injury that year could leave him out tens of millions of dollars. A most unlikely scenario.

[Mugen]

After apprehensively participating in this thread last night, I started thinking about the ideal return for trading Splitter.

Unfortunately, the conclusion I came up with is that ideally, we would want an athletic, young, long, legit 6'11+, who is defensive minded but is not a stiff on offense. Kind of like Splitter.. although hes not exactly young (probably in the meat of the curve) or super athletic.

What do you guys think? If Tiago requests a trade and the Spurs do their best to honor it, what would be your ideal return package?

TPark thinks we can get Taj Gibson and a box of Mallomars for him.

It'd be a hard sell but i think RC could convince Thibbs to pull the trigger.

[wildbill2u]

After apprehensively participating in this thread last night, I started thinking about the ideal return for trading Splitter.

Unfortunately, the conclusion I came up with is that ideally, we would want an athletic, young, long, legit 6'11+, who is defensive minded but is not a stiff on offense. Kind of like Splitter.. although hes not exactly young (probably in the meat of the curve) or super athletic.

What do you guys think? If Tiago requests a trade and the Spurs do their best to honor it, what would be your ideal return package?

Ian Mahinmi? :bang

Younger than Splitter and getting minutes on last year's world champion team.
Hmmm.

[TheSkeptic]

I don't recall such a situation in the past.

The CBA doesn't allow the sort of "poison pills" you suggest.

The only option he has to guarantee getting out of San Antonio would be to accept the qualifying offer. That would make him an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2014. Of course, it would also mean playing for substantially below market value that year and leave him without the security of a long term contract. An injury that year could leave him out tens of millions of dollars. A most unlikely scenario.

I don't really remember who it was but I did read one story about a player who did something like that and the front office honored his request.

They don't have bonus clauses anymore? Something like if he averaged less than x amount of minutes then they'd have to compensate him for it would be a step in the right direction imo. Or if nothing else they could tell the other teams to front load and maybe try to inflate the price that way...


Ian Mahinmi? :bang

Younger than Splitter and getting minutes on last year's world champion team.
Hmmm.

Why'd we let Mahinmi go again? I just don't understand what happened there.

[therealtruth]

After apprehensively participating in this thread last night, I started thinking about the ideal return for trading Splitter.

Unfortunately, the conclusion I came up with is that ideally, we would want an athletic, young, long, legit 6'11+, who is defensive minded but is not a stiff on offense. Kind of like Splitter.. although hes not exactly young (probably in the meat of the curve) or super athletic.

What do you guys think? If Tiago requests a trade and the Spurs do their best to honor it, what would be your ideal return package?

Only if that 6'11 guy can space the floor.

[Mel_13]

I don't really remember who it was but I did read one story about a player who did something like that and the front office honored his request.

They don't have bonus clauses anymore? Something like if he averaged less than x amount of minutes then they'd have to compensate him for it would be a step in the right direction imo. Or if nothing else they could tell the other teams to front load and maybe try to inflate the price that way...


I don't recall any RFA matching situations where the Spurs didn't match based on the player's request. The Spurs didn't match a very small offer to Devin Brown in 2005 because they had signed Michael Finley to fill his spot on the roster. Then Finley asked to be waived in 2010 so that he could sign with the Celts after Pop stopped playing him, and the Spurs complied with his request.

Yes, there are bonuses, but the cap hit is spread over the life of the contract. If the contract is for something near market value, there's really nothing the offering team can do make it so unpalatable that the Spurs would refuse to match. The only way to get them not to match is to pay way more than market value.

[TheSkeptic]

I don't recall any RFA matching situations where the Spurs didn't match based on the player's request. The Spurs didn't match a very small offer to Devin Brown in 2005 because they had signed Michael Finley to fill his spot on the roster. Then Finley asked to be waived in 2010 so that he could sign with the Celts after Pop stopped playing him, and the Spurs complied with his request.

Yes, there are bonuses, but the cap hit is spread over the life of the contract. If the contract is for something near market value, there's really nothing the offering team can do make it so unpalatable that the Spurs would refuse to match. The only way to get them not to match is to pay way more than market value.

I see. Thanks.

Can players really just ask to be waived like that? If so then Tiago might be able to take the Finley route or ask to be amnestied or something. I'm sure his agent would know the ins and outs.

That said, I hope he stays and that Pop changes up the rotations.

[angelbelow]

TPark thinks we can get Taj Gibson and a box of Mallomars for him.

It'd be a hard sell but i think RC could convince Thibbs to pull the trigger.

Actually Gibson would be a perfect fit. He's capable of shooter the jump shot, although offensive really isn't his thing. But he wouldn't get in Duncan's way either.

Defensively is where he really shines though. Above average rebounder, good shot blocker for his size, mobile, smart, plays within the system. I would definitely do the Gibson for Splitter trade.

However, its extremely doubtful that the Bulls consider this trade, even though Tiago makes sense for them too. The reason is that Gibson is cheaper and they already have a fine back up center in Asik.

Asik, like Tiago will be restricted unless they accept their qualifying offers. So depending on what happens to Asik, the Bulls might be interested in Splitter.

[SenorSpur]

Rather than talking about Splitter's future, we should be talking ways to ship out Bonner and Blair.

[Mel_13]

I see. Thanks.

Can players really just ask to be waived like that? If so then Tiago might be able to take the Finley route or ask to be amnestied or something. I'm sure his agent would know the ins and outs.

That said, I hope he stays and that Pop changes up the rotations.

Finley was an old player in the last few weeks of his contract. He had been relegated to the end of the bench. He had no value to the Spurs and they lost nothing by granting his request.

Splitter, obviously, is a very valuable asset. The possibility that they would grant a release request approaches zero. The most likely outcome by far, IMO, is that he signs his next contract with the Spurs.

[TheSkeptic]

Rather than talking about Splitter's future, we should be talking ways to ship out Bonner and Blair.

The problem is our coach.

If he wasn't so hung up on small-ball, his rotations, and his system we could amnesty one and trade the other for draft picks.

[TheSkeptic]

Finley was an old player in the last few weeks of his contract. He had been relegated to the end of the bench. He had no value to the Spurs and they lost nothing by granting his request.

Splitter, obviously, is a very valuable asset. The possibility that they would grant a release request approaches zero. The most likely outcome by far, IMO, is that he signs his next contract with the Spurs.

Fair enough. I'm just not sure what they could get in exchange for him if they were to trade him though. He's playing significantly below his market value.

[angelbelow]

Why'd we let Mahinmi go again? I just don't understand what happened there.

From a fan perspective, yeah, letting him go was kind of a bummer. I wish we could have kept him too. BUT..

Letting Mahinmi go made a lot of sense for the front office and I don't hold it against them. In fact, if I were in their shoes, I would do the same thing without hesitation.

Ian Mahimni was slotted to be the 6th big and a 4th string center (behind Duncan, Dice, Splitter.) Because of the players in front of him, there was 0 opportunity for him to play. So he left for two main reasons:

1. Re-signing a 6th big 1.7 million a year because of luxury tax is a bad move. And the keyword is re-signing because...
2. Our other bigs had long term contracts (Splitter just signed a fresh deal, Bonner and Blair also had long term contracts already.)

Therefore, it was both a business and personnel decision to let him go. Too bad it didn't work out because his size would be beneficial this year.

[Mel_13]

Fair enough. I'm just not sure what they could get in exchange for him if they were to trade him though. He's playing significantly below his market value.

Fortunately, there's no reason to trade him.

[Obstructed_View]

I don't really remember who it was but I did read one story about a player who did something like that and the front office honored his request.

They don't have bonus clauses anymore? Something like if he averaged less than x amount of minutes then they'd have to compensate him for it would be a step in the right direction imo. Or if nothing else they could tell the other teams to front load and maybe try to inflate the price that way...



Why'd we let Mahinmi go again? I just don't understand what happened there.

Actually, before letting him go, the Spurs picked up his option. THAT is the head-scratcher.

[skin]

As a restricted free agent, his agent will secure the best possible offer sheet if they can't come to an agreement with Spurs. Once he signs that offer sheet, the Spurs will have three days to decide whether or not to match. He'll get the same money in his next contract with either team.


As an agent point of view, don't you think it is better a trade in the end of this season, new franchise, lots of minutes and hopefuly for the agent and Splitter a bigger contract in 2013? Or spending around 13 minutes on court will give them the same contract? I don't think so.

[Mel_13]

As an agent point of view, don't you think it is better a trade in the end of this season, new franchise, lots of minutes and hopefuly for the agent and Splitter a bigger contract in 2013? Or spending around 13 minutes on court will give them the same contract? I don't think so.

An agent could very well have that view. The team has no obligation to change team goals and plans to satisfy the agent.

There is a process to get to free agency and have the freedom to make that choice. It involves fulfilling the current contract.

[skin]

An agent could very well have that view. The team has no obligation to change team goals and plans to satisfy the agent.

There is a process to get to free agency and have the freedom to make that choice. It involves fulfilling the current contract.

Totally agree with you. However if the agent somehow convinces Tiago about his views (let say he thinks like that), we may end up the season with Tiago asking for a trade and then our options would be terrible. Either trading him for almost nothing or having him in this organization against his will.

[Mel_13]

Totally agree with you. However if the agent somehow convinces Tiago about his views (let say he thinks like that), we may end up the season with Tiago asking for a trade and then our options would be terrible. Either trading him for almost nothing or having him in this organization against his will.

Anything is possible, but that seems extremely unlikely. Dangerous game for an agent to play before the second contract is secured. Even if Tiago plays another year at 20 mpg at his current level, he will be in line for a huge increase in salary in the summer of 2013.

[skin]

Anything is possible, but that seems extremely unlikely. Dangerous game for an agent to play before the second contract is secured. Even if Tiago plays another year at 20 mpg at his current level, he will be in line for a huge increase in salary in the summer of 2013.

let's hope for the best

[TheSkeptic]

Anything is possible, but that seems extremely unlikely. Dangerous game for an agent to play before the second contract is secured. Even if Tiago plays another year at 20 mpg at his current level, he will be in line for a huge increase in salary in the summer of 2013.

I understand what you're saying but would requesting a trade with a year left on his contract really be that much of a problem if he does it in a clean manner? I mean it's one thing to have stats showing that you can produce at an elite level and something else entirely to actually do so.

Playing 20 mpg when he doesn't have that kind of time career-wise could be an expensive mistake in terms of money he isn't able to command as a free agent right? Opportunity cost and all that.

[skin]

Playing 20 mpg when he doesn't have that kind of time career-wise could be an expensive mistake in terms of money he isn't able to command as a free agent right? Opportunity cost and all that.

I think it depends how confident he is about his game, skills and lack of opportunities.

If he really thinks "I'm the man" then asking for trade seems the best option for him cause playing 30MPG will increase his chances to get a nice contract.

On the other hand if he isn't really confident, he might think "better be here cause I have an excuse for the fact I don't play a lot of minutes. Tim Duncan. If I move on to another franchise and fail my big contract's gone."

[angelbelow]

I don't see that much harm in a trade request from Tiago's camp. It puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on the Spurs if hes foolish enough to be demanding about it.

For example:
-The Spurs are going to have to decide whether or not to bench him and tell him to stay home during the process. That kind of situation is always a distraction and what worse is that we'd be left without a center (ofcourse this is going to depend on how our offseason goes.)
-It's difficult to replace Splitter's skill set when we're searching for value around his contract's price range. We'll likely have to downgrade and get someone like Ed Davis in return.
-Trading him for a top 10 first round pick might be the best case scenario. But anything after pick 15 or so and it becomes more and more risky.
-Duncan is going be another year older, we actually need to count on Tiago to spell him some minutes next year.

Mel has a great point too, its risky from Tiago's perspective as well. But I think it would hurt the Spurs more for him to act out.

[Mel_13]

I understand what you're saying but would requesting a trade with a year left on his contract really be that much of a problem if he does it in a clean manner? I mean it's one thing to have stats showing that you can produce at an elite level and something else entirely to actually do so.

Playing 20 mpg when he doesn't have that kind of time career-wise could be an expensive mistake in terms of money he isn't able to command as a free agent right? Opportunity cost and all that.

My response was based on the scenario in the post I quoted. They could quietly ask the Spurs, but I doubt the Spurs would act on it.

Also, I used 20 mpg as a worst case scenario. I believe that he'll play more next year, but he'll be richly rewarded even if he doesn't. See DeAndre Jordan.

One last thing. It seems like you're assuming that his stock would automatically rise if he played 28-30 mpg on another team. That's quite an assumption without knowing the system, playmakers, shooters, etc. the other team might have. If he pressures the Spurs for a trade, he could end up in a place that hurts his market value just as easily as one that helps it.

There's no evidence to suggest that Tiago wants to play anywhere other than San Antonio next season. I'm still convinced that he'll be here next year and that he'll sign his next contract with the Spurs.

[Mel_13]

Higher market value?

One more year in San Antonio at 20 mpg?

Next year as the starting center, playing 30 mpg for Charlotte?

Your trade request may be honored and your situation may get worse.

[TheSkeptic]

Ha ha. I see what you mean now Mel. Thanks for the information. :toast

[Mel_13]

Ha ha. I see what you mean now Mel. Thanks for the information. :toast

:toast

[T Park]

TPark thinks we can get Taj Gibson and a box of Mallomars for him.

It'd be a hard sell but i think RC could convince Thibbs to pull the trigger.



Wanna show me the link to where I said that?

[Josepatches_]

First of all he should play those 20 mpg here.Since the signing of Diaw his minutes decrease when none of the bigs have a day off.

And if we take a look to the last 2 games against playoff teams he averaged 14mpg.

But he's 27/28 ..He can't be happy if next year still being the 4th big of the team. He was MVP in Spain like Marc Gasol who is starter,all-star and has a good contract.

He was as good,sometimes even more determinant than Marc here so he can't be happy with his minutes and his actual role.

One more year? You can pretend the actual situation is a dream come true. When he came to the NBA he would expect a role similar to Scola or Marc Gasol who were players of his level in Spain. At worse he would expect to play the same role Oberto played for us and Fabrizio never was as good as him.

One year it's ok. The second year it will be hard to accept. A third year playing the same..... He's quiet but he can't be really happy.

Let's see what happens coming playoff time.

[TheSkeptic]

First of all he should play those 20 mpg here.Since the signing of Diaw his minutes decrease when none of the bigs have a day off.

And if we take a look to the last 2 games against playoff teams he averaged 14mpg.

But he's 27/28 ..He can't be happy if next year still being the 4th big of the team. He was MVP in Spain like Marc Gasol who is starter,all-star and has a good contract.

He was as good,sometimes even more determinant than Marc here so he can't be happy with his minutes and his actual role.

One more year? You can pretend the actual situation is a dream come true. When he came to the NBA he would expect a role similar to Scola or Marc Gasol who were players of his level in Spain. At worse he would expect to play the same role Oberto played for us and Fabrizio never was as good as him.

One year it's ok. The second year it will be hard to accept. A third year playing the same..... He's quiet but he can't be really happy.

Let's see what happens coming playoff time.

That was kind of my impression of the situation as well. Do you think he (or his agent) tries to get him out next season before the deadline?

[SplitterHook]

and definitely not better than Nene.
guess who starts for Brazil NT...