2013 General Free Agent Signings/News and Trades

[SpurPadre]

As I stated in another thread, I would take TD's knees over Odens anyday of the week. This is pretty sad considering TD has played in many more games and is about 12 years older.

While looking 80 years younger, lol. Seriously, I don't care if we sign Oden or not but it cracks me up reading some people saying we're already loaded with bigs. That's like a bum saying he won't take $200 worth of a pair of shoes because he's loaded with shoes already despite the fact that they have holes in them and rotten as fuck. Yes, I'm talking about Bonner and Blair.

[rjv]

. He also reportedly needed injections in both knees last spring.

read that today about oden. suggests he was getting some work done on the court. also suggests his knees did not respond well. team that gets him will have to give him about 12- 15 minutes per game and multiple games off. maybe. maybe his knees hold up. unlikely though.

[Robz4000]

Blair is gone and Bonner is fine as a fifth big or fourth in special situations. I'm with the group who'd be up for taking a gamble on Oden, but big man depth is not a concern for the Spurs these days.

[ace3g]

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Bulls Won't Be Able To Retain Malcolm Thomas dlvr.it/3hXJ2P (http://t.co/6kzCfAT0OF)

[rjv]

Hoops Rumors@HoopsRumors (http://twitter.com/HoopsRumors)


Bulls Won't Be Able To Retain Malcolm Thomas dlvr.it/3hXJ2P (http://t.co/6kzCfAT0OF)



wasn't he with the toros for a while ?

[ace3g]

He played for the Spurs for a few games with a 10 day contract in Jan

[TD 21]

I don't want it. Despite what people keep saying, there's almost no upside in it for the Spurs. At his best, Oden's Duncan with no outside game. With Splitter making so much money, he'll be Tim's primary backup, and Diaw, Pendergraph and Baynes will all play minutes at the five. Oden's just a wasted roster spot.

This makes no sense. Even if there is only a 1% chance he can even become a 15-20 mpg backup for 60-70 games a season, it's still worth it, especially when you consider how little it'll cost them.

We're talking about an elite rim protector/rebounder. Once Duncan retires, this team won't have anything close to that and suffice it to say, they don't exactly grow on trees. However unlikely it is, I'll take that potential over a fringe player like Baynes.

[tesseractive]

No offense man, but I can't get past that first part. I mean, seriously, how likely do you think that is?

1% chance?
2% if he prays really hard?

I mean, I'm in total agreement that getting a healthy Oden would make this offseason amazing. But we're fooling ourselves if we think ANYONE is getting a healthy Oden. Hes done. Let someone else gamble. I'd rather sign someone else and let other teams gamble on Oden.
What you're betting on is that either (1) these are freak accidents that Oden isn't actually especially prone to despite their recurrence, (2) Portland really did cause his injuries to recur by pressuring him to return before he was 100%, or (3), he's prone to injury, but much less so if we keep a lid on his minutes and make him a monster sub off the bench.

(1) doesn't seem all that likely, but there are at least some rumors that credit (2) as the problem, which might mean we could strike gold. And if #3 is true, we potentially get a superior backup for Duncan who is a legit post scorer, defender, and rebounder, and we get him at a bargain rate. Worst case: he's hopelessly fragile or he's lost too much to be an impact NBA player, and we waste a spot on the IR for the season on him -- this is pretty likely, but if the worst thing that happens this year is that we waste a dirt-cheap contract on a guy who doesn't play, I don't exactly think it would ruin our season.

I don't hate the risk analysis involved, personally.

[DPG21920]

I don't agree with the wasted roster spot, because if Oden is healthy, he is far more dominant than any big other than Tim. You start Oden, move Tiago to the bench and just have more depth (which you can trade or use in the event of injury and managing minutes).

[Chinook]

This makes no sense. Even if there is only a 1% chance he can even become a 15-20 mpg backup for 60-70 games a season, it's still worth it, especially when you consider how little it'll cost them.

We're talking about an elite rim protector/rebounder. Once Duncan retires, this team won't have anything close to that and suffice it to say, they don't exactly grow on trees. I'll take that over Baynes, who's almost certainly never going to be more than a fringe player.

No. You don't waste a roster spot hoping that in a few years he becomes a player who'll never be able to start and who's almost certainly going to deal with injuries in some fashion for the rest of his career. Even if he's healthy, he still hasn't played in three years. Who knows how far his skills have declined since then? Plus, he's not getting 15-20 minutes on the Spurs, at least not when it matters. Duncan will get his, Splitter will take the rest, and the other three bigs who aren't Bonner will get whatever minutes are left next to small-ball.

Oden doesn't help the Spurs; he just doesn't. An "elite" rim-protecting big who can't defend the pick-and-roll is right above two-guard on the list of things the Spurs need.

It doesn't even make sense in the best-case scenario. If in two years Oden blows up and the Spurs want him, they can get him for the eight figures he'll command. There's no reason to be his rehab team.

[Chinook]

I don't agree with the wasted roster spot, because if Oden is healthy, he is far more dominant than any big other than Tim. You start Oden, move Tiago to the bench and just have more depth (which you can trade or use in the event of injury and managing minutes).

Oden and Duncan can't play together on defense. If Oden gets into the rotation, he'd be strictly Duncan's backup while Splitter plays the four exclusively and Diaw is strictly Splitter's backup.

[DPG21920]

Well, I disagree with that overall, but mainly because with the 15th roster spot you should mainly be concerned with getting someone who is an NBA level player. Oden if healthy is more talented than just about everyone on the roster outside of TP/Tim.

[TD 21]

No. You don't waste a roster spot hoping that in a few years he becomes a player who'll never be able to start and who's almost certainly going to deal with injuries in some fashion for the rest of his career. Even if he's healthy, he still hasn't played in three years. Who knows how far his skills have declined since then?

You act like a 15th roster spot has incredible value. We're talking about a spot reserved for fringe players. Why wouldn't you give it to someone who, if he can somehow stay healthy, is far superior to that? It doesn't even matter how little a chance that has at happening, considering how little it'll cost. It's common sense.


Plus, he's not getting 15-20 minutes on the Spurs, at least not when it matters. Duncan will get his, Splitter will take the rest, and the other three bigs who aren't Bonner will get whatever minutes are left next to small-ball.

Oden doesn't help the Spurs; he just doesn't. An "elite" rim-protecting big who can't defend the pick-and-roll is right above two-guard on the list of things the Spurs need.

I'm not talking about next season. Their interest in him is obviously primarily for the post Duncan era, when Duncan isn't around to singlehandedly protect the rim and clean the defensive glass.


It doesn't even make sense in the best-case scenario. If in two years Oden blows up and the Spurs want him, they can get him for the eight figures he'll command. There's no reason to be his rehab team.

Again, you're not making sense. Let's say, in 14-15, he stays mostly healthy, becomes the fourth big, plays well and is due to cash in . . . don't you think the odds of him signing with the Spurs are much better if he'd had two years in the organization already? This isn't a prime free agent destination; they need any leg up they can get on those that are.

[Bruno]

Camby's situation might have an impact on Oden. Bulls, Rockets and heat are said to be favorites to sign Camby. If Heat got him, they might be out of the picture for Oden like Cavs were once they signed Bynum.

Miami still have the $3.18M taxpayer MLE to offer at Oden but, because of the luxury tax, it will cost them $11M to do so. I'm skeptical they are willing to spend that much on him. Pelicans and Kings could offer him the room exception of $2.65M which will be more money that Spurs min salary offer.

[Chinook]

You act like a 15th roster spot has incredible value. We're talking about a spot reserved for fringe players. Why wouldn't you give it to someone who, if he can somehow stay healthy, is far superior to that? It doesn't even matter how little a chance that has at happening, considering how little it'll cost. It's common sense.



I'm not talking about next season. Their interest in him is obviously primarily for the post Duncan era, when they'll need someone besides him who can actually protect the rim and rebound.



Again, you're not making sense. Let's say, in 14-15, he stays mostly healthy, becomes the fourth big, plays well and is due to cash in . . . don't you think the odds of him signing with the Spurs are much better if he'd had two years in the organization already? This isn't a prime free agent destination; they need any leg up they can get on those that are.

Oden will go where the money is in two years. Whether that team was his rehab team is likely not going to make a difference. They'll only have his Early Bird Rights and wouldnt' be able to give him more than the MLE unless they have cap space. Therefore a team like the Spurs with all of their projected cap room has a leg up over most of his potential rehab teams.

If the Spurs had the money to give Oden a three- or four-year deal with the expectation that he could come in eventually and contribute, that'd be one thing. But that's not what's going to happen. They'd be giving him a contract hoping that he becomes good enough to re-sign him to a huge deal in a couple of years. And in the process, they'll be either cutting Baynes (whom I'm not that high on anyway) or taking away a roster spot that Neal or Leonard's backup would get. The 15th spot on the Spurs (as we're calling it; Mills is really the 15th man and De Colo is 14th) is more valuable than it is on most teams. It's not something you waste on a player like Oden just because he flashed potential four years ago.

[rjv]

^^ unless an oden signing is the catalyst for other moves

[Chinook]

Well, I disagree with that overall, but mainly because with the 15th roster spot you should mainly be concerned with getting someone who is an NBA level player. Oden if healthy is more talented than just about everyone on the roster outside of TP/Tim.

Oden, if healthy, in shape, mentally sound and up on the playbook with no lingering effects may be more talented than most of the Spurs' players, but that's too many ifs for a guy who's been functionally out of the league for four years.

[DPG21920]

Oden, if healthy, in shape, mentally sound and up on the playbook with no lingering effects may be more talented than most of the Spurs' players, but that's too many ifs for a guy who's been functionally out of the league for four years.

Sure, which is why he would be whatever the league min is for a guy with his experience.

[TD 21]

Oden will go where the money is in two years. Whether that team was his rehab team is likely not going to make a difference. They'll only have his Early Bird Rights and wouldnt' be able to give him more than the MLE unless they have cap space. Therefore a team like the Spurs with all of their projected cap room has a leg up over most of his potential rehab teams.

If the Spurs had the money to give Oden a three- or four-year deal with the expectation that he could come in eventually and contribute, that'd be one thing. But that's not what's going to happen. They'd be giving him a contract hoping that he becomes good enough to re-sign him to a huge deal in a couple of years. And in the process, they'll be either cutting Baynes (whom I'm not that high on anyway) or taking away a roster spot that Neal or Leonard's backup would get. The 15th spot on the Spurs (as we're calling it; Mills is really the 15th man and De Colo is 14th) is more valuable than it is on most teams. It's not something you waste on a player like Oden just because he flashed potential four years ago.

Yeah, but the Spurs will have plenty of money in two years and given how highly regarded they are as an organization, especially for taking care of players physically (which is obviously a big priority for him), I can't see him leaving.

I seriously doubt he ever works his way up to a "huge deal". He's not going to miraculously become physically capable of 30 mpg for 75 games a season. The absolute best that can probably be hoped for is what I described.

His roster spot wouldn't come at the expense of bringing in a depth SF (and that's all it's going to be; the Belinelli signing cliched them going without a true backup SF in the rotation), it would inevitably come at the expense of Baynes, who should be easily trade able. With Duncan, Splitter, Diaw, Bonner and Pendergraph, plus Leonard (and potentially whatever depth SF they bring in, depending on their size) for small ball, they wouldn't need to rely on him at all. His only opportunity for minutes would be if Duncan or Splitter were injured or if they were giving Duncan a game off.

[Chinook]

Yeah, but the Spurs will have plenty of money in two years and given how highly regarded they are as an organization, especially for taking care of players physically (which is obviously a big priority for him), I can't see him leaving.

I seriously doubt he ever works his way up to a "huge deal". He's not going to miraculously become physically capable of 30 mpg for 75 games a season. The absolute best that can probably be hoped for is what I described.

His roster spot wouldn't come at the expense of bringing in a depth SF (and that's all it's going to be; the Belinelli signing cliched them going without a true backup SF in the rotation), it would inevitably come at the expense of Baynes, who should be easily trade able. With Duncan, Splitter, Diaw, Bonner and Pendergraph, plus Leonard (and potentially whatever depth SF they bring in, depending on their size) for small ball, they wouldn't need to rely on him at all. His only opportunity for minutes would be if Duncan or Splitter were injured or if they were giving Duncan a game off.

As I said, as the third center, that's one thing. As the 15th man (meaning the last roster spot), I think it'd be a huge waste. Moving Baynes would mean the Spurs have enough confidence in Oden to believe he could handle at least a little playing time. I'd obviously much rather have Oden over Baynes.

But it wouldn't take much production from Oden to get more than the MLE. If he shows he's healthy (let alone productive) over the next two seasons, his market value will be in the $7-12 Million annual range.

[TD 21]

As I said, as the third center, that's one thing. As the 15th man (meaning the last roster spot), I think it'd be a huge waste. Moving Baynes would mean the Spurs have enough confidence in Oden to believe he could handle at least a little playing time. I'd obviously much rather have Oden over Baynes.

But it wouldn't take much production from Oden to get more than the MLE. If he shows he's healthy (let alone productive) over the next two seasons, his market value will be in the $7-12 Million annual range.

You're over thinking this.

He'd be the fourth center, behind Duncan, Splitter and Pendergraph. Again, if one of Duncan or Splitter are out, he'd have an opportunity to play. But even then, presuming Diaw, Bonner and Pendergraph aren't, he'd still probably be the fifth big. I'm sure they'd want to take a look at him in that scenario though, especially if they're matched up against a Howard, Bynum, Lopez, Hibbert, Pekovic, etc. That's enough to let him get his feet wet again, but it's far from "relying" on him.

[BackHome]

Oden is DONE.......

[Chinook]

You're over thinking this.

He'd be the fourth center, behind Duncan, Splitter and Pendergraph. Again, if one of Duncan or Splitter are out, he'd have an opportunity to play. But even then, presuming Diaw, Bonner and Pendergraph aren't, he'd still probably be the fifth big. I'm sure they'd want to take a look at him in that scenario though, especially if they're matched up against a Howard, Bynum, Lopez, Hibbert, Pekovic, etc. That's enough to let him get his feet wet again, but it's far from "relying" on him.

I'm not overthinking this at all. Pendergraph wasn't brought in to be the third center. I'm sure he'll get some minutes there, but I don't think he's there on the depth chart right now. Oden would be taking Baynes' spot from last season, while Pendergraph would be taking Blair's.

[DesignatedT]

Hoops Rumors@HoopsRumors (http://twitter.com/HoopsRumors)


Bulls Won't Be Able To Retain Malcolm Thomas dlvr.it/3hXJ2P (http://t.co/6kzCfAT0OF)




He was pretty damn good in the Summer League.

[Chinook]

I'd take Thomas on the team over Oden, and even Pendergraph. I like his game. I thought to Bulls had a real steal with his contract. He'll probably get claimed off waivers pretty soon.

[spurraider21]

can we realistically expect more from Oden than from Baynes? Oden was ridiculously foul prone even when he still had some athleticism left. He's been out of the game for years, and you can't trust him for more than 15 minutes per game anyway. I'd rather develop a guy with a future than a guy who's going to be playing on borrowed time

[TD 21]

I'm not overthinking this at all. Pendergraph wasn't brought in to be the third center. I'm sure he'll get some minutes there, but I don't think he's there on the depth chart right now. Oden would be taking Baynes' spot from last season, while Pendergraph would be taking Blair's.

You are, to the point now where you're arguing semantics, like the difference between the third center and 15th man.

Pendergraph was brought in to provide reliable depth at both big positions, since they obviously aren't sold on Baynes being able to provide it at one. But, if you look at the big rotation, they start two centers and bring two power forwards (who, for obvious reasons, can't play center) off the bench. Since he's obviously not going to start, if he's to crack the rotation, it'll be as the backup center, which would allow Splitter to play almost exclusively as the starting power forward. The value in this is obvious: In tandem with Duncan, they are the best defensive interior tandem in the league.

[DesignatedT]

Bonner + Blair for Ariza.

Pick up Thomas.

[Chinook]

You are, to the point now where you're arguing semantics, like the difference between the third center and 15th man.

Pendergraph was brought in to provide reliable depth at both big positions, since they obviously aren't sold on Baynes being able to provide it at one. But, if you look at the big rotation, they start two centers and bring two power forwards (who, for obvious reasons, can't play center) off the bench. Since he's obviously not going to start, if he's to crack the rotation, it'll be as the backup center, which would allow Splitter to play almost exclusively as the starting power forward. The value in this is obvious: In tandem with Duncan, they are the best defensive interior tandem in the league.


Oden and Duncan can't play together on defense. If Oden gets into the rotation, he'd be strictly Duncan's backup while Splitter plays the four exclusively and Diaw is strictly Splitter's backup.

I already understand how Oden would fit into the rotation. He and Splitter can't really play together, though. So that reduces the minutes for everyone else. Splitter plays well as the backup center. If anything, the Spurs need to make sure he gets all of those minutes in the post-season. But in the regular season, he'll probably only get most of them. Diaw will get some, and Pendergraph will get some. Oden/Baynes will only get whatever's left.

The 15th man is a spot which is open now. If the Spurs sign Oden and call it an off-season, I would not be happy. If they moved Baynes, signed Oden, brought in another player to back up Leonard and then called it an off-season, I'd be happier. That's not a semantic objection at all.

[TD 21]

I already understand how Oden would fit into the rotation. He and Splitter can't really play together, though. So that reduces the minutes for everyone else. Splitter plays well as the backup center. If anything, the Spurs need to make sure he gets all of those minutes in the post-season. But in the regular season, he'll probably only get most of them. Diaw will get some, and Pendergraph will get some. Oden/Baynes will only get whatever's left.

The 15th man is a spot which is open now. If the Spurs sign Oden and call it an off-season, I would not be happy. If they moved Baynes, signed Oden, brought in another player to back up Leonard and then called it an off-season, I'd be happier. That's not a semantic objection at all.

The part you put in bold was about Pendergraph, not Oden.

Disagree about utilizing Splitter as the backup center as much as possible. That would have been ideal had they signed or traded for a legitimate starting power forward. But because they didn't, the ideal scenario now is for Pendergraph to become the backup center, which, as I said, in turn, would allow Splitter to truly become the starting power forward. If that happens, this probably becomes the best defensive team in the league.

They wouldn't be stupid enough to carry 7 bigs and one small forward. If they sign Oden, Baynes is gone.

[Chinook]

The part you put in bold was about Pendergraph, not Oden.

Disagree about utilizing Splitter as the backup center as much as possible. That would have been ideal had they signed or traded for a legitimate starting power forward. But because they didn't, the ideal scenario now is for Pendergraph to become the backup center, which, as I said, in turn, would allow Splitter to truly become the starting power forward. If that happens, this probably becomes the best defensive team in the league.

They wouldn't be stupid enough to carry 7 bigs and one small forward. If they sign Oden, Baynes is gone.

Sorry. Totally misread that part. I agree that so long as Splitter starts, Pendergraph will probably play the five, although he and Diaw are the same height, and Boris has more girth.

And I hope the Spurs wouldn't carry seven bigs, but they're currently carrying seven guards, so you never know.

[TD 21]

Sorry. Totally misread that part. I agree that so long as Splitter starts, Pendergraph will probably play the five, although he and Diaw are the same height, and Boris has more girth.

And I hope the Spurs wouldn't carry seven bigs, but they're currently carrying seven guards, so you never know.

Actually, they're not. Pendergraph is the rare player who's listed height is less than his height in shoes. He's really 6-10 in shoes and he weighs 250. It's anyone's guess what Diaw's current weight is, but I remember seeing something early last season that had him at 255, which seems pretty accurate. It's not just that, though. Pendergraph is longer and a far superior rebounder and shot blocker. Make no mistake: When they play together, he'll be the center.

The difference is, despite that, they still had the roster flexibility to carry two true small forwards, plus two of their guards can slide up to small forward, whereas none of their bigs can slide down to small forward. People claim Diaw can, but when they were healthy, the only small forwards he guarded were James and Anthony and he only guarded them when they were playing power forward.

[Ice009]

I don't want it. Despite what people keep saying, there's almost no upside in it for the Spurs. At his best, Oden's Duncan with no outside game. With Splitter making so much money, he'll be Tim's primary backup, and Diaw, Pendergraph and Baynes will all play minutes at the five. Oden's just a wasted roster spot.

Oden is a number 1 draft pick who once had the potential to be one of the greatest defenders of all time. You don't just lose defensive instincts like that. He could still provide shot blocking and rim protection if his knee will allow him to play. I can't even say that his potential is gone (like other players who entered the NBA around the same time and haven't improved much), because he simply hasn't been on the court. He was really starting to play some great ball in around 25 minutes a game before he got hurt last time.

We don't need hardly any offense from him at all.

I don't think you know what you are talking about. Unless you have seen him in person yourself, recently, to say that he is completely done, then I think he is well worth the risk. There's other players that teams took a risk on, like McDyess for example, and the reward far outweighs the risk IMO. You're not going to be paying him Andrew Bynum money. If he wanted to come here and you were to turn him down, then that would be idiotic IMO.

[spurraider21]

His defensive instincts are overstated and never really transferred to the NBA. He was incredibly foul prone. Averaged 4 fouls per game on 22 minutes per

[Ice009]

His defensive instincts are overstated and never really transferred to the NBA. He was incredibly foul prone. Averaged 4 fouls per game on 22 minutes per

He was working on it and getting better. Every time he started looking good, he got hurt, so he never really had the time to adapt. Even though he was still adapting, he was still blocking shots and providing rim protection. He was also starting to rebound the ball too. His main flaw defensively, as you stated, was fouls. He was foul prone, but I think he would have adapted with consistent court time, something that he never got.

[spurraider21]

He was working on it and getting better. Every time he started looking good, he got hurt, so he never really had the time to adapt. Even though he was still adapting, he was still blocking shots and providing rim protection. He was also starting to rebound the ball too. His main flaw defensively, as you stated, was fouls. He was foul prone, but I think he would have adapted with consistent court time, something that he never got.
I doubt his 4 years off the court have helped his defensive instincts much, and his loss of athleticism would presumably have him fouling more to compensate. While I'd be OK with an Oden signing simply due to the risk/reward (imagine if he could actually stay healthy for a few seasons), I'm not exactly head over heels when it comes to this potential move. I'd be much more interesting in landing a guy like Ariza. I don't think Oden would be a significant upgrade to Baynes, for example

[Chinook]

Oden is a number 1 draft pick who once had the potential to be one of the greatest defenders of all time. You don't just lose defensive instincts like that. He could still provide shot blocking and rim protection if his knee will allow him to play. I can't even say that his potential is gone (like other players who entered the NBA around the same time and haven't improved much), because he simply hasn't been on the court. He was really starting to play some great ball in around 25 minutes a game before he got hurt last time.

We don't need hardly any offense from him at all.

I don't think you know what you are talking about. Unless you have seen him in person yourself, recently, to say that he is completely done, then I think he is well worth the risk. There's other players that teams took a risk on, like McDyess for example, and the reward far outweighs the risk IMO. You're not going to be paying him Andrew Bynum money. If he wanted to come here and you were to turn him down, then that would be idiotic IMO.

I disagree. The Spurs don't need a one-way player who hurts spacing, can't defend the pick-and-roll and can't even handle 25 minutes a game in his early 20s. It doesn't matter is there's a one-percent chance that he's not done. He's not worth the risk -- and that's really sad since I agree it's not really that high of a cost. Besides being hurt, he's out of basketball shape and is rusty. I don't think people really appreciate how done Oden seems to be. He's not Bynum or McDyess. He's not even Grant Hill. His comeback would be the single-most surprising return in NBA history. I just hope he'll be able to live a healthy life without being bound to a wheel chair in his forties.

Even his biggest supporters on here don't think he'll be much of a role-player over the next season or two. They think he'll be a good player to have when Duncan retires (which, as I explained, it a major catch-22). If you don't even think he can be more than a bench big in the post-Duncan era, then why should we want him to join the Spurs at all?

[TheGreatYacht]

I don't get all this arguing on whether Oden should join or not, signing him to a minimum deal should be a no-brainer. If Greg Oden decides to play in SA, then I have no doubt that the FO will sign him unless they're complete morons. He's a low risk, high reward player. We're talking about a 15th roster for a dude that was a former #1 draft pick and a legit Center that has the potential of being better than Tiago Splitter IF healthy.

Good big men are very spare in today's age. All this has probably already been covered in the arguments going on above me but whatever. I agree with the poster above, if the Spurs sign Oden then this most likely means that Baynes will be the odd man out.

[DesignatedT]

Yeah I don't see the big debate here. I'd rather bring Oden in, even if it isn't a need instead of giving the final roster spot to someone like DeShaun Thomas. If Oden could regain his form (I understand it's unlikely) it could be a huge addition. For a minimum contract that type of signing is a no-brainer.

Do I hope the Spurs have other plans in mind about their roster? Yeah, I do, like getting a reliable backup PG, and/or another athletic Forward but I don't see how signing Oden to a minimum deal hurts these efforts if the Spurs are seriously interested in doing them.

[Vic Petro]

Spurs worked out Ryan Gomes


Gomes last played in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011-12. He says he has worked out for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, but is still weighing his options for the upcoming season. He says he is using this summer to improve his off-the-dribble shooting.
"I was never a superstar kind of guy, I was more of fill-in guy, but I've always been consistent," he said. "My last year playing with Los Angeles wasn't my best year, it was probably my worst in the NBA. So if I go to a team like [the Thunder or Spurs] I know what my roll is already. I'll come in and try to fill any void they have there."

http://touch.courant.com/#story/hc-pro-am-basketball-0723-20130722/

[MR-Clutch]

Yeah I don't see the big debate here. I'd rather bring Oden in, even if it isn't a need instead of giving the final roster spot to someone like DeShaun Thomas. If Oden could regain his form (I understand it's unlikely) it could be a huge addition. For a minimum contract that type of signing is a no-brainer.

Do I hope the Spurs have other plans in mind about their roster? Yeah, I do, like getting a reliable backup PG, and/or another athletic Forward but I don't see how signing Oden to a minimum deal hurts these efforts if the Spurs are seriously interested in doing them.

[loveforthegame]

Spurs worked out Ryan Gomes

http://touch.courant.com/#story/hc-pro-am-basketball-0723-20130722/

Forgot about him. Used to like his game. Nothing special but solid. He'd fit the backup SF position.

[bklynspursfan]

I didn't know where it'd be fit to post this, but saw it on FB....

~Laker fans be like "We got cap space"

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/995436_565029543555740_1133693519_n.jpg

[fleggy2k2]

I didn't know where it'd be fit to post this, but saw it on FB....

~Laker fans be like "We got cap space"

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/995436_565029543555740_1133693519_n.jpg

lol tmac

[spurraider21]

lol why is tmac in that picture

[look_at_g_shred]

lol why is tmac in that picture

I believe I read somewhere and it said he's gonna sign a two year deal with LA

[bklynspursfan]

NBA Legion ‏@MySportsLegion (https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion)3m (https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/status/359711705003081730)
Greg Oden is deciding to sign with either the Heat or Spurs, Pelicans a long shot. (h/t ESPN)

[I. Hustle]

NBA Legion ‏@MySportsLegion (https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion)3m (https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/status/359711705003081730)
Greg Oden is deciding to sign with either the Heat or the Heat, Pelicans a long shot. (h/t ESPN)

translated and fify

[chrhawk]

I didn't know where it'd be fit to post this, but saw it on FB....

~Laker fans be like "We got cap space"

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/995436_565029543555740_1133693519_n.jpg

I'm going to borrow this as my sig.

[chrhawk]

NBA Legion ‏@MySportsLegion (https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion)3m (https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/status/359711705003081730)
Greg Oden is deciding to sign with either the Heat or Spurs, Pelicans a long shot. (h/t ESPN)

If the Spurs are really trying this hard to pursue Oden then they must be confident that he'll be able to help them down the road.

[bklynspursfan]

translated and fify

:lol that's probably what it'll come down to...

[bklynspursfan]

I'm going to borrow this as my sig.

It's definitely sig worthy

[TheGreatYacht]

If the Spurs are really trying this hard to pursue Oden then they must be confident that he'll be able to help them down the road.Damn it man, I don't know what to think anymore. One day he's leaning towards the Spurs & Heat, the next day he's showing interest in the Mavs and Pelicans. What's next? "The Clippers and Nets have joined the Greg Oden sweepstakes?"

[chrhawk]

Damn it man, I don't know what to think anymore. One day he's leaning towards the Spurs & Heat, the next day he's showing interest in the Mavs and Pelicans. What's next? "The Clippers and Nets have joined the Greg Oden sweepstakes?"

There was a rumor yesterday that saying that he was close to a decision. So it's likely that it's down to those two teams especially when you consider reports were saying that SA/MIA were the front-runners a few weeks ago.

[jon123spurs]

Then there's this.
http://www.sportsworldreport.com/articles/18520/20130723/denver-nuggets-rumors-timofey-mozgov-trade-san-antonio-spurs-gary.htm?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co

[benefactor]

Then there's this.
http://www.sportsworldreport.com/articles/18520/20130723/denver-nuggets-rumors-timofey-mozgov-trade-san-antonio-spurs-gary.htm?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co
This would be stupid.

[coyotes_geek]

Then there's this.
http://www.sportsworldreport.com/articles/18520/20130723/denver-nuggets-rumors-timofey-mozgov-trade-san-antonio-spurs-gary.htm?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co

Between Oden and this, the Spurs must be pretty desperate for some big oaf to bury at the end of the bench until Dwight Howard comes along.

[TheGreatYacht]

This would be stupid.Like we don't have plenty of big men. WTF? We already have Aaron Baynes.
Between Oden and this, the Spurs must be pretty desperate for some big oaf to bury at the end of the bench until Dwight Howard comes along.If the Spurs don't pick up Greg Oden, they should seriously send an invite to Dexter Pittman & Ryan Richards for summer camp. Or Kmart? Any news about that guy?

[bklynspursfan]

They know they have a hole @ the 3 spot, but are looking at big men still while only having 1 available spot. I wonder what move they have up their sleeves

[chrhawk]

They know they have a hole @ the 3 spot, but are looking at big men still only having 1 available spot. I wonder what move they have up their sleeves

The Spurs need a true back-up SF, but they don't need one right away. Leonard will be playing 35+ minutes. And Diaw, Ginobili and Green can get spot duty as a back-up SF. It's more likely that the Spurs utilize their financial flexibility at the trade deadline with tanking teams scrambling to create cap space.

[timtonymanu]

Tomorrow we will read another tweet that Oden is choosing between the Heat and the Spurs.

[bklynspursfan]

The Spurs need a true back-up SF, but they don't need one right away. Leonard will be playing 35+ minutes. And Diaw, Ginobili and Green can get spot duty as a back-up SF. It's more likely that the Spurs utilize their financial flexibility at the trade deadline with tanking teams scrambling to create cap space.

That makes sense.. I mean I just saw the Ryan Gomes thing and I was just wondering the hypothetical like what if Gomes & Oden (or anyone else they are interested in) wanted to come, then what would happen. But I agree the trade deadline scenario seems very reasonable & likely

[TE]

Remember when the Spurs were in desperation to get bigs. Times have changed

[coyotes_geek]

Like we don't have plenty of big men. WTF? We already have Aaron Baynes.

For now...

[Ditty]

I wouldn't mind Greg Oden if Spurs plan on getting back up small forward or small ball four. Seven big men wouldn't make any sense. But like many have said this is a low risk high reward signing but at his very best I could see Oden maybe averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds with one black shot per game. At the same time Oden and Duncan down low can cause Miami and OKC (biggest challengers from Spurs winning it all) to play big with all the Spurs shooters. I believe Spurs are the front runners by a mile imo

[playblair]

They know they have a hole @ the 3 spot, but are looking at big men still while only having 1 available spot. I wonder what move they have up their sleeves

diaw @ 3 ......................... big rotation of

duncan/baynes/pendi
spiltter/mozgof/oden

[TheGreatYacht]

I wouldn't mind Greg Oden if Spurs plan on getting back up small forward or small ball four. Seven big men wouldn't make any sense. But like many have said this is a low risk high reward signing but at his very best I could see Oden maybe averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds with one black shot per game. At the same time Oden and Duncan down low can cause Miami and OKC (biggest challengers from Spurs winning it all) to play big with all the Spurs shooters. I believe Spurs are the front runners by a mile imoI hope you're right.

[peacemaker885]

Lets get this done. Can't wait for training camp.

[look_at_g_shred]

Anyone know when the NBA schedule comes out?

[barakz21]

There was a rumor yesterday that saying that he was close to a decision. So it's likely that it's down to those two teams especially when you consider reports were saying that SA/MIA were the front-runners a few weeks ago.

Ugh, your meme. Seeing TD in purple and gold hurts my eyes. :nope

[Hoops Czar]

Anyone know when the NBA schedule comes out?

July 26th on NBAtv

[SpurPadre]

Like we don't have plenty of big men. WTF? We already have Aaron Baynes.If the Spurs don't pick up Greg Oden, they should seriously send an invite to Dexter Pittman & Ryan Richards for summer camp. Or Kmart? Any news about that guy?

Yeah, I got news about him: he's an OLD FUCK.

[Spurs Brazil]

@ESPNSteinLine
Hearing: San Antonio in process of withdrawing qualifying offer to Gary Neal, making Neal an unrestricted free agent and sure to speed exit

[TheGreatYacht]

Yeah, I got news about him: he's an OLD FUCK.So is Manu Ginobili.

[Baam]

@ESPNSteinLine
Hearing: San Antonio in process of withdrawing qualifying offer to Gary Neal, making Neal an unrestricted free agent and sure to speed exit

What a shitty off season, how do you overpay T-Vag and let the shooter who had been the most clutch the last 3 years walk... Idiotic stuff.

[SpurPadre]

What a shitty off season, how do you overpay T-Vag and let the shooter who had been the most clutch the last 3 years walk... Idiotic stuff.

Because Neal makes Nash's D look like Gary Payton's in his prime.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

So is Manu Ginobili.

Dude, you wonder why noone takes you serious. It's like you HAVE to post about either Pop or Manu in ALL of your posts. We get it... you don't like them. Three rings from Manu and for from Pop makes us like them. You're not going to change our opinion. They are still vital to our team. Go play with your fellow dyslexic, middle-school friends.

[Hoops Czar]

Because Neal makes Nash's D look like Gary Payton's in his prime.


Steve Nash was one, if not the worst defensive point guard in the league last year with a 111 defensive rating. Neal's was 106.

[BatManu20]

359781483679981571

[TheGreatYacht]

359781483679981571Great, now we're farther away from the previous tweet. Back to square one. I wonder if ESPN will announce "the decision."

[slick'81]

Lol the wait continues the summer of oden

[ace3g]

David Aldridge @daldridgetnt
(http://twitter.com/daldridgetnt)Dallas finalizes deal with F/C Brandan Wright for two years, $10M guaranteed, with an additional $1.1M in incentives, per agent Jim Tanner.

[xmas1997]

359781483679981571


Geez, I doubt he comes here now, too many suitors.

[SpurPadre]

Steve Nash was one, if not the worst defensive point guard in the league last year with a 111 defensive rating. Neal's was 106.

The main point being, Neal is a putrid defender.

[Ice009]

359781483679981571

Spurs are by far the best choice, and he is going to make us wait until next week? Come on Greg, make the right choice.

[timtonymanu]

FFS. Even Dwight and LeBron made a faster decision than Oden. I don't feel like Oden will end up here anyway.

[xmas1997]

And he probably won't decide until Friday of next week too.

[rjv]

And he probably won't decide until Friday of next week too.

at midnight

[Texas_Ranger]

Miami is the obvious choice. They can give him more money, more minutes and a better chance at championship.

[spurraider21]

Miami is the obvious choice. They can give him more money, more minutes and a better chance at championship.

he might be better off not playing big minutes tbh

[Hoops Czar]

he might be better off not playing big minutes tbh

Do you really have that much disrespect for Pat Riley?

[rjv]

who is the mentor for oden in miami ? anderson? bosh ? oden will learn far more from TD than anyone in miami. hell, he could even learn from splitter. it's to his advantage to develop a game that is not predicated on dunks.

[spurraider21]

Do you really have that much disrespect for Pat Riley?

huh?

[Spurs9]

Oden will be a spur, book it.

[SpursFanInAustin]

Oden will be a spur, book it.

If the Spurs can get Oden, then they will have had the #1 picks from 1987, 1997, and 2007 to play for the franchise.

[Hoops Czar]

huh?
Do you think Pat Riley is going to jeopardize Oden's career by overplaying him?

[Hoops Czar]

Oden will be a spur, book it.

The Spurs always do the bare minimum when going after free agents. Whether or not the Spurs were ever contenders for Oden's services is debatable. But Miami plans to work him out next week along with two other teams. The Spurs are not one of those teams... surprise!!! Miami will leave a lasting impression and the Spurs will be out of sight, out of mind.

[spurraider21]

Do you think Pat Riley is going to jeopardize Oden's career by overplaying him?

oh. of course not. somebody else commented saying miami can offer him more minutes, to which i replayed playing more minutes is probably not in his best interests this coming season. not sure what that has to do with respecting pat riley, it was more about oden making the right decision

[RD2191]

The Spurs always do the bare minimum when going after free agents. Whether or not the Spurs were ever contenders for Oden's services is debatable. But Miami plans to work him out next week along with two other teams. The Spurs are not one of those teams... surprise!!! Miami will leave a lasting impression and the Spurs will be out of sight, out of mind.

Hey remember how the cavs aren't a crap franchise? Oh wait. :lmao

[TheGreatYacht]

The Spurs always do the bare minimum when going after free agents. Whether or not the Spurs were ever contenders for Oden's services is debatable. But Miami plans to work him out next week along with two other teams. The Spurs are not one of those teams... surprise!!! Miami will leave a lasting impression and the Spurs will be out of sight, out of mind.Sounds to me like a lazy FO that sucks balls at recruiting free agents. Not surprised here tbh.

[xmas1997]

Is it true that he recently visited here twice or is that just rumor?

[Hoops Czar]

Is it true that he recently visited here twice or is that just rumor?

It's true, but not for a workout.

[xmas1997]

It's true, but not for a workout.

Then why?

[Hoops Czar]

Hey remember how the cavs aren't a crap franchise? Oh wait. :lmao

Is that your best Cleveland joke. Quite amateurish.

[Hoops Czar]

Then why?

Just to talk and keep tabs on his progression.

[RD2191]

:flag:

[tesseractive]

Do you think Pat Riley is going to jeopardize Oden's career by overplaying him?
Actually, I think Pat Riley would probably rip out Oden's heart and sacrifice it on a Satanic altar if it meant winning a title. :lol

[spurraider21]

Actually, I think Pat Riley would probably rip out Oden's heart and sacrifice it on a Satanic altar if it meant winning a title. :lol

:lmao

[barakz21]

Actually, I think Pat Riley would probably rip out Oden's heart and sacrifice it on a Satanic altar if it meant winning a title. :lol

Best thing I have EVER read on ST today. :toast

[cd98]

For Oden Miami is a big spotlight. If things don't start off well, he'll get more negative pub...Spurs are under the radar.

[Baam]

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/greg-oden-close-decision-nba-053218399.html

[look_at_g_shred]

So it seems Oden will make his decision this week instead of next...

[look_at_g_shred]

The more I think about it the more I believe he's not going to pick the Spurs. He's gonna pick the Heat. The thing is, I read something in a recent interview where he said he wants to win 15 championships (very unlikely I know). When he looks over at the heat roster, you have the best player in the NBA in his prime along with Wade and Bosh. Then you look over at our squad...you see a 37 year old Tim Duncan who is the team's best player as well as a declining Argentinian. Oh don't forget the French-men who seemed to shutdown when it mattered most. Now of course it's a no-brainer for him. This guy doesn't care about his health or any of that. He wants to go to a team where he can ride his way to a championship...have a few good games during the season, and call it a comeback for the ages. I really hope i'm wrong. I'd like to see Oden at 100% learning from the greatest ever. That would be something to witness for us Spurs fans. If he's smart, he'd pick the Spurs where he can slowly get his form back and not really have to contribute right away. Here there is no pressure of succeeding or failing. It's just pure Spurs basketball.

[Hoops Czar]

Oden worked out for three teams yesterday in Indy and Spurs didn't even send a representative to check him out Either the Spurs see the writing on the wall or they couldn't even be bothered.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Oden worked out for three teams yesterday in Indy and Spurs didn't even send a representative to check him out Either the Spurs see the writing on the wall or they couldn't even be bothered.

Or it's already a lock; most likely the former though.

[bklynspursfan]

Oden worked out for three teams yesterday in Indy and Spurs didn't even send a representative to check him out Either the Spurs see the writing on the wall or they couldn't even be bothered.

Maybe their representative was Deshaun Thomas? lol j/k


"Man, he looks unbelievable," Thomas said. "He's running, he's lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he is ready to go. He's running, getting in shape. I'll tell you one thing: For a big 7-footer, that's all he does -- running and getting in shape. He's looking right."

I don't think they necessarily needed to go see him, I think he knows there's already a mutual interest just from speaking with them. Who knows what their conversations were, but he knows they are interested.

[Universe]

Wish Spurs would give Damion James a chance. Ultimate team guy and fills in the need for a small forward. Doesn't force anything and has great rebounding skills.

[johnpaulwall21]

The more I think about it the more I believe he's not going to pick the Spurs. He's gonna pick the Heat. The thing is, I read something in a recent interview where he said he wants to win 15 championships (very unlikely I know). When he looks over at the heat roster, you have the best player in the NBA in his prime along with Wade and Bosh. Then you look over at our squad...you see a 37 year old Tim Duncan who is the team's best player as well as a declining Argentinian. Oh don't forget the French-men who seemed to shutdown when it mattered most. Now of course it's a no-brainer for him. This guy doesn't care about his health or any of that. He wants to go to a team where he can ride his way to a championship...have a few good games during the season, and call it a comeback for the ages. I really hope i'm wrong. I'd like to see Oden at 100% learning from the greatest ever. That would be something to witness for us Spurs fans. If he's smart, he'd pick the Spurs where he can slowly get his form back and not really have to contribute right away. Here there is no pressure of succeeding or failing. It's just pure Spurs basketball.

I agree, no way he comes to San Antonio. No way. Heat give him a guaranteed ticket to the finals and the chance to get a ring along side Lebron James, his son. On top of that, Miami>>>>>San Antonio for young rich ballers. Every player uses the spurs as leverage and complimenting them about their class organization is the norm. At the end of the day, this does not weigh heavily in their decision making process.

[bklynspursfan]

360124649167785985

[rjv]

^^ good, never had any interest in k-mart

[Budkin]

Oden worked out for three teams yesterday in Indy and Spurs didn't even send a representative to check him out Either the Spurs see the writing on the wall or they couldn't even be bothered.

The Spurs already met with him last week.

[Vic Petro]

The more I think about it the more I believe he's not going to pick the Spurs. He's gonna pick the Heat. The thing is, I read something in a recent interview where he said he wants to win 15 championships (very unlikely I know). When he looks over at the heat roster, you have the best player in the NBA in his prime along with Wade and Bosh. Then you look over at our squad...you see a 37 year old Tim Duncan who is the team's best player as well as a declining Argentinian. Oh don't forget the French-men who seemed to shutdown when it mattered most. Now of course it's a no-brainer for him. This guy doesn't care about his health or any of that. He wants to go to a team where he can ride his way to a championship...have a few good games during the season, and call it a comeback for the ages. I really hope i'm wrong. I'd like to see Oden at 100% learning from the greatest ever. That would be something to witness for us Spurs fans. If he's smart, he'd pick the Spurs where he can slowly get his form back and not really have to contribute right away. Here there is no pressure of succeeding or failing. It's just pure Spurs basketball.

I also think he'll pick the Heat but I disagree with this reasoning. The Heat are a complete unknown after this season. Lebron could be a Cav or Laker next season. Wade will undoubtedly return but he looks to be breaking down.

The Spurs, on the other hand, are set to be a championship level club for at least the next two seasons. After that it's an unknown but you figure they'll still have Parker and Kawhi Leonard which is a pretty good start.

I think he'll choose the Heat because they can pay him more and because any rich person in their right mind would rather live in Miami than San Antonio (no offense to the locals)

[raybies]

I also think he'll pick the Heat but I disagree with this reasoning. The Heat are a complete unknown after this season. Lebron could be a Cav or Laker next season. Wade will undoubtedly return but he looks to be breaking down.

The Spurs, on the other hand, are set to be a championship level club for at least the next two seasons. After that it's an unknown but you figure they'll still have Parker and Kawhi Leonard which is a pretty good start.

I think he'll choose the Heat because they can pay him more and because any rich person in their right mind would rather live in Miami than San Antonio (no offense to the locals)

Miami has the taxpayers MLE. If they pay more, it's not going to be by much because of the risk involved and the additional tax. I think Miami wants him at or around the minimum.

[ace3g]

Hoops Rumors ‏@HoopsRumors (https://twitter.com/HoopsRumors) 1m (https://twitter.com/HoopsRumors/status/360152670432018433) Jazz Sign Ian Clark http://dlvr.it/3j3WZg (http://t.co/9hJxJ1UKby) #nba (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nba&src=hash)

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 14m (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/360149625652514817)
Grizzlies put in waiver claim on Akognon while continuing to pursue Mike Miller. Moves completely unrelated; MEM still chasing @m33m (https://twitter.com/m33m) hard

[tmtcsc]

I think 2013 would be spent on Oden getting in to shape and acclimating to a new team. I have serious doubts that he could contribute in the immediate future. Still, he's worth a roster spot. Perhaps the Spurs know something and that's why they rescinded the QO to Neal.

[BackHome]

In the end it is about money he knows that his is his last deal cause no way will he be able to last with having micro fracture surgeries on both knees. So he will get as much as possible and call it a day.......he plays maybe 30 games..

[ace3g]

Ken Berger ‏@KBergCBS (https://twitter.com/KBergCBS) 2m (https://twitter.com/KBergCBS/status/360159521915682817) Derek Fisher is expected to finalize an agreement to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder today, league source tells @CBSSports (https://twitter.com/CBSSports)

[Hoops Czar]

I also think he'll pick the Heat but I disagree with this reasoning. The Heat are a complete unknown after this season. Lebron could be a Cav or Laker next season. Wade will undoubtedly return but he looks to be breaking down.

The Spurs, on the other hand, are set to be a championship level club for at least the next two seasons. After that it's an unknown but you figure they'll still have Parker and Kawhi Leonard which is a pretty good start.

I think he'll choose the Heat because they can pay him more and because any rich person in their right mind would rather live in Miami than San Antonio (no offense to the locals)

I doubt the Heat pay the room exception of 3.2M. Because the heat are against the luxury tax, an offer in that amount will wind up costing triple that figure when factoring in the luxury tax. That sort of defeats the purpose of low risk, high reward.

[ace3g]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 2m (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/360162745762582529) Hearing Mike Miller is leaning strongly toward accepting Grizzlies' offer. Signals are deal could be close

[Vic Petro]

I doubt the Heat pay the room exception of 3.2M. Because the heat are against the luxury tax, an offer in that amount will wind up costing triple that figure when factoring in the luxury tax. That sort of defeats the purpose of low risk, high reward.

We'll see I guess, but a.) if that money doesn't go to Oden who does it go to; and b.) I'm sure they'd go all-in salary-wise if they believe a player can really help them. If not now, when?

Now can Oden really help them? I have no idea. If I'm them I'd probably offer that money to Neal over Oden but certainly their options for players that would make their rotation are dwindling.

[ace3g]

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine
(http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine)Just confirmed: Mike Miller has indeed notified Grizzlies that he's Memphis-bound

[Robz4000]

Glad he didn't wind up on the Thunder tbh. Either way he's gonna get run into the ground tho.

[Chinook]

Memphis is a good fit, even though I think Miller's done.

[TheGoldStandard]

Miller has something in the tank.. not starter minutes, but something.

[Bruno]

Free agency has been fast this year, there are almost nothing good left to pick this year.

Best RFA left: Pekovic, Jennings, Gerald Henderson and Mozgov.
Best UFA left: Mo Williams, Neal, Blair, Udrih, Jamison and Rip Hamilton.

[rjv]

jamison as a backup SF ?

[Hoops Czar]

We'll see I guess, but a.) if that money doesn't go to Oden who does it go to; and b.) I'm sure they'd go all-in salary-wise if they believe a player can really help them. If not now, when?

Now can Oden really help them? I have no idea. If I'm them I'd probably offer that money to Neal over Oden but certainly their options for players that would make their rotation are dwindling.

If they miss out on Oden (unlikely), they'll probably sign Camby with the vet. min and it's quite possible they opt not to use the room exception. If they do use it, they might use a small chunk of it on perimeter shooter like Neal, as a replacement for Miller.

I just can't see Miami spending that kind of money on player who's only played in a handful of games in 4 years.

[TXstbobcat]

jamison as a backup SF ?

Jamison for the vet minimum might be the the spurs will find for the back up 3 at this point.

[coyotes_geek]

Miller has something in the tank.. not starter minutes, but something.

Especially for a team in dire need of 3pt shooting like Memphis. Solid pickup for them.

[eDizzle20]

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine
(http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine)Just confirmed: Mike Miller has indeed notified Grizzlies that he's Memphis-bound



Good pick up for Memphis. They are in desperate need of shooters. Memphis is one of the few teams that I have a lot of respect for with how they have built their team in a small market. The one move that was stupid was letting Lionel Hollins go. The guy is one of the best coaches in the business and has never gotten the respect he deserves.

[TD 21]

Despite the Lakers foolishly attempting to utilize Jamison as a backup SF early last season, he hasn't been able to play it in years.

With Miller going to the Grizzlies, that could spell the end of Greene's time with them. The Spurs were reportedly one of the many teams interested before he picked the Grizzlies last season.

[spurraider21]

Houston should have grabbed Miller to replace Delfino

[Bruno]

Spurs not being linked with a single SF since the Kirilenko try is puzzling.

While Spurs will obviously play some Ginobil and Green at the SF spot, they aren't fine with what they have at SF as RC confirmed in SL with "we have a hole behind Kawhi". You have to wonder what is their plan Thomas? Bertans? Waiting for an opportunity around the trade deadline?

We will see but it's weird to see Spurs letting basically all the free agents being signed without trying to fix what they are describing as a "hole".

[AFBlue]

Spurs not being linked with a single SF since the Kirilenko try is puzzling.

While Spurs will obviously play some Ginobil and Green at the SF spot, they aren't fine with what they have at SF as RC confirmed in SL with "we have a hole behind Kawhi". You have to wonder what is their plan Thomas? Bertans? Waiting for an opportunity around the trade deadline?

We will see but it's weird to see Spurs letting basically all the free agents being signed without trying to fix what they are describing as a "hole".

I have to think they're waiting on the Oden domino to fall before pursuing the next steps with available SFs. They can always sign Thomas if other FAs fall through.

[cd021]

Good pick up for Memphis. They are in desperate need of shooters. Memphis is one of the few teams that I have a lot of respect for with how they have built their team in a small market. The one move that was stupid was letting Lionel Hollins go. The guy is one of the best coaches in the business and has never gotten the respect he deserves.

Hollins clashed with Hollinger. He didn't like the analytical part of the Grizzlies (I.E trading an average player in Rudy Gay). The team opted to let him walk. As for Miller its a great move. 20 mpg as a backup to Prince allows them to space the floor better and keep The Conley Jr., Allen & Prince trio together.

[CGD]

Aside from the flirtations with oden, i Doubt the spurs are players in free agency anymore. If they acquire a back up sf it'll be in a s&t situation. That may mean the spurs would have to be ok with taking back more years of salary though.

I like something like a s&t of both Blair and Neal to Pistons for Jaberko.

[cd021]

Spurs not being linked with a single SF since the Kirilenko try is puzzling.

While Spurs will obviously play some Ginobil and Green at the SF spot, they aren't fine with what they have at SF as RC confirmed in SL with "we have a hole behind Kawhi". You have to wonder what is their plan Thomas? Bertans? Waiting for an opportunity around the trade deadline?

We will see but it's weird to see Spurs letting basically all the free agents being signed without trying to fix what they are describing as a "hole".

Is Bertans an option? I had the impression, he wasn't going to be over for at least a couple of seasons. I personally don't think its a problem, unless Kawhi gets hurt again. Diaw, Green and Manu all can play there for 10-12 mpg (I assume Kawhi will be nearly the 36 mpg mark). Most teams don't really have backup SFs that can pound hit the Spurs were it hurts.

[palangi]

Jamison for the vet minimum might be the the spurs will find for the back up 3 at this point.
no way just go with deshaun thomas at this point. someone young and hungry to learn from our pro's. why waste this spot on jamison?

[palangi]

Is Bertans an option? I had the impression, he wasn't going to be over for at least a couple of seasons. I personally don't think its a problem, unless Kawhi gets hurt again. Diaw, Green and Manu all can play there for 10-12 mpg (I assume Kawhi will be nearly the 36 mpg mark). Most teams don't really have backup SFs that can pound hit the Spurs were it hurts.
ummm......bertans tore his ACL.

[Bruno]

I have to think they're waiting on the Oden domino to fall before pursuing the next steps with available SFs. They can always sign Thomas if other FAs fall through.

Yeah but it's risky because free agents are being signed while they are waiting on Oden. Now, it's possible they are targeting a very low profile SF in the mold of a Babbitt, Kleiza or Gelabale which allow them to take their time before signing him.

[TXstbobcat]

no way just go with deshaun thomas at this point. someone young and hungry to learn from our pro's. why waste this spot on jamison?

I would like to see Thomas get a roster spot but I think he will play in Europe this season.

[Bruno]

Regarding Bertans, the plan would be to sign at about the mid season once he recovered from his ACL surgery. He might be Spurs target because he is a big time prospect.

[palangi]

I have to think they're waiting on the Oden domino to fall before pursuing the next steps with available SFs. They can always sign Thomas if other FAs fall through.
this would be my guess as well.

[coyotes_geek]

League min guys will always be there. I doubt the Spurs sign a league min SF before seeing if they can make something happen with a Neal/Blair S&T, possibly in combination with someone out of the backup PG trio.

[Ice009]

The more I think about it the more I believe he's not going to pick the Spurs. He's gonna pick the Heat. The thing is, I read something in a recent interview where he said he wants to win 15 championships (very unlikely I know). When he looks over at the heat roster, you have the best player in the NBA in his prime along with Wade and Bosh. Then you look over at our squad...you see a 37 year old Tim Duncan who is the team's best player as well as a declining Argentinian. Oh don't forget the French-men who seemed to shutdown when it mattered most. Now of course it's a no-brainer for him. This guy doesn't care about his health or any of that. He wants to go to a team where he can ride his way to a championship...have a few good games during the season, and call it a comeback for the ages. I really hope i'm wrong. I'd like to see Oden at 100% learning from the greatest ever. That would be something to witness for us Spurs fans. If he's smart, he'd pick the Spurs where he can slowly get his form back and not really have to contribute right away. Here there is no pressure of succeeding or failing. It's just pure Spurs basketball.

He wants to win 15 championships? Spurs are by far the best place for him, but if he is this delusional, then he'll pick another team and try to ride his way to a Championship, rather than play a big part in one.

[Seventyniner]

Spurs not being linked with a single SF since the Kirilenko try is puzzling.

While Spurs will obviously play some Ginobil and Green at the SF spot, they aren't fine with what they have at SF as RC confirmed in SL with "we have a hole behind Kawhi". You have to wonder what is their plan Thomas? Bertans? Waiting for an opportunity around the trade deadline?

We will see but it's weird to see Spurs letting basically all the free agents being signed without trying to fix what they are describing as a "hole".

What are the chances of a deal before the deadline? I'm talking about before the season specifically.

[Kindergarten Cop]

What are the chances of a deal before the deadline?

This is contingent on so many factors, it's nearly impossible to speculate.

Our team's health, expendability of players (both ours and potential trading partner's), record of our team, record of competition, and so on and so on.

[intlspurshk]

Delete if already posted

http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

Mosgov has been a regular at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas, going hard daily against the likes of Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka. The word around Summer League was that Mozgov was headed to the Sacramento Kings as a free agent, although the Denver Nuggets were trying to re-sign him.

There were reports this week that after signing guard Nate Robinson to a free agent deal, the Nuggets could be working on a sign-and-trade deal for Mozgov.

The Spurs have emerged as a team interested in Mozgov and they could be the team trying to construct a deal with Denver.

[Bruno]

What are the chances of a deal before the deadline? I'm talking about before the season specifically.

Odds are very remote.

The vast majority of the NBA trades are either made in late June/Early July or at the February trade deadline. So it's unlikely Spurs did a move before the start of the season. Your best hope would be some kind of S&T with Blair or Neal but it's more and more unlikely with each day passing.

[K-State Spur]

Spurs not being linked with a single SF since the Kirilenko try is puzzling.

While Spurs will obviously play some Ginobil and Green at the SF spot, they aren't fine with what they have at SF as RC confirmed in SL with "we have a hole behind Kawhi". You have to wonder what is their plan Thomas? Bertans? Waiting for an opportunity around the trade deadline?

We will see but it's weird to see Spurs letting basically all the free agents being signed without trying to fix what they are describing as a "hole".

The SF market outside of AK for this team was pretty underwhelming - I'm really not convinced anybody else who is listed as a SF would contribute more than Manu/Green/Belinelli (and we can play Diaw there vs. bigger wings who know how to use their size*). One strength of RC & Pop is that they have rarely panicked and just "done something" to fill a hole. If plan A doesn't work and plan B sucks, roll with what you've got and maintain flexibility going forward.

Even if this is what we have in Game 1, it's still plenty good enough to push 60 wins** and the team will have the trading deadline and March releases to look at covering any gaps that exist at that point.

* few and far between
** if semi-healthy

[bklynspursfan]

360347763021586432

[spurs10]

Odds are very remote.

The vast majority of the NBA trades are either made in late June/Early July or at the February trade deadline. So it's unlikely Spurs did a move before the start of the season. Your best hope would be some kind of S&T with Blair or Neal but it's more and more unlikely with each day passing. Thank you for your insight. Since we have taken away Neal's QO, how long do we have to do a S&T with him, or Blair for that matter?

[Bruno]

Thank you for your insight. Since we have taken away Neal's QO, how long do we have to do a S&T with him, or Blair for that matter?

S&T can be done until the last day of the preseason which is October 28th this year. Neal and Blair should have find a team way before that either by a classic signing or by a S&T.

Reasons why Neal and Blair still aren't signed are quite easy to guess.
For Neal, the RFA status has slow down the process and Milwaukee, that is said to be interested in him has its hands full with the Jennings situation.
For Blair, while I think a lot of teams would welcome him for a min salary, teams are way more wary of giving the $3M per year he deserves because of his knees. For whatever reason(s), it seems that a S&T to Washington hasn't worked out so Blair will likely to settle for a min salary unless a team like Dallas signs him with the room exception.

And, at the end, Neal and Blair being just signed by other teams is way more likely than & S&T. Spurs offseason has a good chance of being over which kinda sucks.

[spurs10]

S&T can be done until the last day of the preseason which is October 28th this year. Neal and Blair should have find a team way before that either by a classic signing or by a S&T.

Reasons why Neal and Blair still aren't signed are quite easy to guess.
For Neal, the RFA status has slow down the process and Milwaukee, that is said to be interested in him has its hands full with the Jennings situation.
For Blair, while I think a lot of teams would welcome him for a min salary, teams are way more wary of giving the $3M per year he deserves because of his knees. For whatever reason(s), it seems that a S&T to Washington hasn't worked out so Blair will likely to settle for a min salary unless a team like Dallas signs him with the room exception.

And, at the end, Neal and Blair being just signed by other teams is way more likely than & S&T. Spurs offseason has a good chance of being over which kinda sucks. Yes, as you mentioned earlier, it's just strange the Spurs have not been mentioned in any discussions with a Kawhi backup since AK47. Suppose Oden is still a possibility, but doesn't address our needs so much. You know the FO knows we need to win now. Is replacing Neal with Belinelli the endgame?

[BatManu20]

360492743715340289

[Johnny RIngo]

I'm really not convinced anybody else who is listed as a SF would contribute more than Manu

Considering the fact that he's going to miss 40 games next year, there's lots of players that can do better than 0 pt/0 reb/0 ast.

[Bruno]

360539871607140352

Spurs were said to be interested in him a couple of years ago. Saying that, Spurs don't really have a need for him with their current roster.

[Splitter25]

360539871607140352

Spurs were said to be interested in him a couple of years ago. Saying that, Spurs don't really have a need for him with their current roster.
If he clears waivers, he will go to FC Barcelona who buy his european rights a year ago.

[Spursfanfromafar]

360539871607140352

Spurs were said to be interested in him a couple of years ago. Saying that, Spurs don't really have a need for him with their current roster.

I would have liked if he was available last year itself. The Bucks were idiots who overloaded their team with too many PF/Cs and Ayon never got enough playing time. He is a very decent bench player as he showed while playing for the Hornets. And for a very cheap contract, he would have been a bargain. Unfortunately there is no space for him in the Spurs squad now with the hunt for Oden happening as well.

[exstatic]

Good pick up for Memphis. They are in desperate need of shooters. Memphis is one of the few teams that I have a lot of respect for with how they have built their team in a small market. The one move that was stupid was letting Lionel Hollins go. The guy is one of the best coaches in the business and has never gotten the respect he deserves.

They had to. Their whole new front office, like the Spurs, is basing decisions on advanced stats. Hollins was like Art Howe in Moneyball, a non believer in what he didn't understand. There was too much of a disconnect.

[barakz21]

They had to. Their whole new front office, like the Spurs, is basing decisions on advanced stats. Hollins was like Art Howe in Moneyball, a non believer in what he didn't understand. There was too much of a disconnect.

I agree, except that Memphis seems to be more extreme compared to the spurs. I imagine if the spurs' FO were running the grizzlies, they'd probably make some trades except their big 3.

[bklynspursfan]

If the sign-and-trade option falls through, Blair may have to take a one-year deal, play well this season and then try to secure the multi-year deal he desires next summer. The Chicago Bulls have been linked to Blair this offseason and seem like a realistic landing spot for him since they’re a top-tier team that has minutes to offer. The L.A. Clippers have expressed interest in Blair, but only have a minimum deal and limited role to offer the young big man.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/26/dejuan-blair-still-trying-to-find-landing-spot-in-free-agency/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[K-State Spur]

Considering the fact that he's going to miss 40 games next year, there's lots of players that can do better than 0 pt/0 reb/0 ast.

Hence the reason I listed 4 players, but for some reason you cut off my quote listing just 1.

[jon123spurs]

Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) tweeted at 10:25 AM on Fri, Jul 26, 2013:
Y! Sources: Denver has reached agreement on a three-year extension with restricted free agent Timofey Mozgov. http://t.co/ccg5inXaBc
(https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/360782894362402816

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Hence the reason I listed 4 players, but for some reason you cut off my quote listing just 1.
He's a trollolololol

[xmas1997]

Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) tweeted at 10:25 AM on Fri, Jul 26, 2013:
Y! Sources: Denver has reached agreement on a three-year extension with restricted free agent Timofey Mozgov. http://t.co/ccg5inXaBc
(https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/360782894362402816


Glad he is out of the running for the Spurs. Now maybe they will concentrate more on Oden.

[xmas1997]

Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) tweeted at 10:25 AM on Fri, Jul 26, 2013:
Y! Sources: Denver has reached agreement on a three-year extension with restricted free agent Timofey Mozgov. http://t.co/ccg5inXaBc
(https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/360782894362402816


Glad he is out of the running for the Spurs. Now maybe they will concentrate more on Oden.

[Chinook]

Hah, as if the Spurs really cared about Mozgov.

[bklynspursfan]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)6m (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/360802475529351168)
Free agent forward Alan Anderson is finalizing an agreement with the Brooklyn Nets, league source tells Y! Sports.

[TheCerebral1]

Glad he is out of the running for the Spurs. Now maybe they will concentrate more on Oden.

I honestly don't see why you'd be glad about that. Oden will blow out his knee sometime in August again. He's not ever going to have an NBA career.

[xmas1997]

I honestly don't see why you'd be glad about that. Oden will blow out his knee sometime in August again. He's not ever going to have an NBA career.


What are you psychic, how can you be so sure of this? I understand why you might feel this way in light of the past, but what if he remains virtually injury free?
A lot of very smart FOs seem to be willing to take that gamble. The upside must far outweigh the downside.

[Samr.]

I thought Oden was supposed to make a decision by Friday? Shouldn't we be hearing from him soon then?

[chrhawk]

I honestly don't see why you'd be glad about that. Oden will blow out his knee sometime in August again. He's not ever going to have an NBA career.

Don't forget that Portland's training staff has been a joke for long time here. So while Oden may never be a 30 mpg 82 game player, there's a good chance he can have a productive relatively healthy career with another organization under a better training staff.

[Poolboy5623]

Anytime I hear someone mention oden...and staying injury free, I tend to stop reading. They just shouldn't go together. Why would anyone think this guy could play a full season, is beyond me.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Charlotte is finalizing a three-year, $18 million extension with restricted free agent guard Gerald Henderson, league sources tell Y!

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA) 15s (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/360968912868876288) Phoenix and Indiana are engaged in serious talks about a trade that would send Luis Scola to the Pacers, league sources tell Y! Sports.

[bklynspursfan]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 2m
Reports from Argentina that Scola is headed to Pacers have been circulating for last hour, but latest word is Danny Granger is NOT in deal

[ace3g]

Kind of a weird trade for the Pacers, they need some shooters.

Granted helps if West, Hib get in foul trouble.

[bklynspursfan]

^Yea adding Copeland gives them a guy who can spread the floor, but I agree I thought another shooter would help a great deal, kind of like the Grizz.

[Vic Petro]

Pacers just need bodies off the bench. They were horrid last season.

[Andthentherewas21]

^
Bit off topic, but the Pacers were one of the two teams I thought Neal would actually do pretty well on. They have youth and speed on D along with rim protection to make up for Neal's limitations on D, and he is the type of instant offense/shooter they desperately need off the bench since they don't have anyone who can create their own shot consistently.

Not sure if the Spurs would be able to get involved given the hard cap the Pacers have this season, but here's hoping they at least looked into doing something.

[TheGreatYacht]

S&T can be done until the last day of the preseason which is October 28th this year. Neal and Blair should have find a team way before that either by a classic signing or by a S&T.
Reasons why Neal and Blair still aren't signed are quite easy to guess.
For Neal, the RFA status has slow down the process and Milwaukee, that is said to be interested in him has its hands full with the Jennings situation.
For Blair, while I think a lot of teams would welcome him for a min salary, teams are way more wary of giving the $3M per year he deserves because of his knees. For whatever reason(s), it seems that a S&T to Washington hasn't worked out so Blair will likely to settle for a min salary unless a team like Dallas signs him with the room exception.
And, at the end, Neal and Blair being just signed by other teams is way more likely than & S&T. Spurs offseason has a good chance of being over which kinda sucks.Bruno with the goods.
They had to. Their whole new front office, like the Spurs, is basing decisions on advanced stats. Hollins was like Art Howe in Moneyball, a non believer in what he didn't understand. There was too much of a disconnect.Good point. I honestly think that Memphis won't be that bad without Lionel Hollins . Their new head coach used to be the defensive coordinator I believe, so Memphis will still be the defensive juggernaut that they were all year.

If Mike Miller can stay healthy, then Memphis will have another huge weapon even though Miller's defense isn't as good as Tayshaun Prince. I think that Prince's defense is overrated tbh. The guy looks kind of slow and can easily get beaten off the dribble.
I honestly don't see why you'd be glad about that. Oden will blow out his knee sometime in August again. He's not ever going to have an NBA career.Ok Nostradamus whatever you say. If anyone is a master at dealing with banged up guys, it's Pop. I believe that Oden has the best chance of recovering and easing his way into the NBA if he plays for Pop alongside Tim Duncan. Whether his knees will hold on, nobody knows for sure.



^
Bit off topic, but the Pacers were one of the two teams I thought Neal would actually do pretty well on. They have youth and speed on D along with rim protection to make up for Neal's limitations on D, and he is the type of instant offense/shooter they desperately need off the bench since they don't have anyone who can create their own shot consistently.

Not sure if the Spurs would be able to get involved given the hard cap the Pacers have this season, but here's hoping they at least looked into doing something.I agree. A trade for Blair, Bonner, or Neal for Granger wouldn't be such a bad idea. A healthy Danny Granger would solve our SF hole off the bench.

[Hoops Czar]

They had to. Their whole new front office, like the Spurs, is basing decisions on advanced stats.

What advanced stat did the Spurs use when they signed De Crapo and Baynes?

[Baam]

Baynes wad the best rebounder in Europe. On the other I don't think the 3 backup PG were chosen according to any stat.

[Hoops Czar]

Miami will probably end up with Oden and Mo Williams because Pat Riley is a persuer while R.C. is a surveyor. By the time Buford gets involved, he's only got scraps and scrubs left on the market.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Miami will probably end up with Oden and Mo Williams because Pat Riley is a persuer while R.C. is a surveyor. By the time Buford gets involved, he's only got scraps and scrubs left on the market.

You're kind of a glass half empty kind of guy, huh? :)

[cd021]

Kind of a weird trade for the Pacers, they need some shooters.

Granted helps if West, Hib get in foul trouble.

i guess that is a need but they upgrade the bench with a better PG, PF and C (assuming they go with Scola at the 5). Granger will be great off the bench or you can flip him for someone like Jameer Nelson. Nelson can run the p&R. Hill can go back to being a combo guard.

[cd021]

Miami will probably end up with Oden and Mo Williams because Pat Riley is a persuer while R.C. is a surveyor. By the time Buford gets involved, he's only got scraps and scrubs left on the market.

I actually don't think Mo would go to Miami. The Chalmers/Cole duo is pretty good as is. He really can't play 2 guard with Wade & Allen eating up minutes there. With the Spurs he could actually backup Parker and would only have to fight off Joseph, Mills and De Colo.

As for Oden, I think that they would overuse him. Bosh, Birdman, Anthony, Haslem isn't exactly an imposing front line. They are good defensively but have problems with size (I.E Indiana and possibly Brooklyn)

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Pacers will trade Miles Plumlee, Gerald Green and 2014 protected 1st round pick to Suns for Luis Scola, sources tell Y! Sports.

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine
(http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine)Latest proposed trade construction in @LScola4 (http://twitter.com/LScola4) deal: Gerald Green, Miles Plumlee and Indiana's ... m.tmi.me/13lZeM (http://t.co/oQM3YQgpbe)

[Bruno]

That's quite a fair deal. Scrubla isn't worth a first round pick but Indiana also get ride of Green's contract. Indiana bench killed them in the playoffs and it should be way better next season with the additions of CJ Watson, Copeland, Granger, Solomon Hill and Scola.

[BatManu20]

Damn.

361204313848156161

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Scola talks had been ongoing for weeks but it was Indy's willingness to finally include Plumlee that compelled Suns to agree on deal.

[palangi]

boy the suns seem to be getting a pretty good deal out this whole thing. and athletic young big. an athletic SF with a bad contract (the only downer) and a 1st round pick. for a guy i think is a bit overrated. although scola could be pretty valuable as a back up to come in and get some rebounds and score some.

[elemento]

To me Indy got a great deal.

Plumlee is a career backup C (they have Ian looked up for the next 3 seasons), they got rid of Green's contract and that 1st will be a late one.

You guys can still bitch about Scola, but as a BIG off the bench he is a great addition for Indy. Not many players in the league have those post moves.

And he would be a great addition for SA as well.

[BatManu20]

361223822784991233

[Hoops Czar]

361223822784991233

Why couldn't the Spurs have traded Neal to the Bucks for a trade exception? Makes no sense.

[Vic Petro]

Don't know the validity of the source but if true it's one more low cost SF option gone (though not a great one admittedly)

361208763740471298

[benefactor]

Would be nice to have Hairston back in the backup SF role.

[LakerHater]

361234730697494528 (https://twitter.com/LScola4/status/361234730697494528)

[LakerHater]

Why couldn't the Spurs have traded Neal to the Bucks for a trade exception? Makes no sense.

Was jus thinkin that!

[Chinook]

Why couldn't the Spurs have traded Neal to the Bucks for a trade exception? Makes no sense.

They may yet. Agreeing to a deal is not the same as signing one.

Secondly, why would the Spurs want to give up assets to get a TE for Neal? They'd have to in order for it to make sense to Milwaukee.

[Bruno]

A Neal S&T would generate a $1.6M-$1.7M trade exception. A TE that small isn't that interesting even more with Spurs having some low salary players like Mills or De Colo, that they could trade away.

[look_at_g_shred]

Now it's Blair's turn

[LakerHater]

361261437265510401 (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/361261437265510401)

[CGD]

A Neal S&T would generate a $1.6M-$1.7M trade exception. A TE that small isn't that interesting even more with Spurs having some low salary players like Mills or De Colo, that they could trade away.
I thought Neal was sign for over 3m a year with te bucks.

[Bruno]

I thought Neal was sign for over 3m a year with te bucks.

Yes he is, but the TE generated will be half of his salary.

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q87

If a team is over the cap and re-signs its Larry Bird or Early Bird free agent with a raise greater than 20%, in order to trade the player in a sign-and-trade arrangement, then the player's outgoing salary for trade purposes is either his previous salary or 50% of his new salary, whichever is greater. The team receiving the player always uses his new salary.

If Neal 2013-2014 salary is $3.2M, a $1.6M trade exception will be generated.

[bklynspursfan]

The New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies are on the lookout for a backup point guard and according to a source close to the situation, both teams have inquired about the services of Delonte West.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/27/report-knicks-grizzlies-have-interest-in-delonte-west/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[CGD]

Yes he is, but the TE generated will be half of his salary.

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q87


If Neal 2013-2014 salary is $3.2M, a $1.6M trade exception will be generated.
i see. So really there isn't t much difference btw that and the vet min on terms of luring a player. No real incentive to do a st if the spurs I suppose. Here's hoping Blair fetches 4m a year and spurs do a st.

[Bruno]

i see. So really there isn't t much difference btw that and the vet min on terms of luring a player. No real incentive to do a st if the spurs I suppose. Here's hoping Blair fetches 4m a year and spurs do a st.

Well, my hope with Blair is Spurs getting Trevor Ariza. A TE, even at $2M, will be difficult to use.

[Clipper Nation]

361261437265510401 (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/361261437265510401)

Shouldn't really be unexpected that Mo is still available, he delusionally thinks he's still a starter....

[spurraider21]

Well, my hope with Blair is Spurs getting Trevor Ariza. A TE, even at $2M, will be difficult to use.

a trade exception that small is only worth claiming guys off waivers

[CGD]

a trade exception that small is only worth claiming guys off waivers
Agreed. It would be just enough more to out bid a team offering a vet min salary. For example, if spurs go the big man route, it'd be nice to offer a player like Ayon something more than than vet min.

That said, it would be nice to get Ariza in a st move involving Blair.

[Vic Petro]

I wonder if there is any connection to Oden possibly choosing Miami.

361531448206966786

[Hoops Czar]

I wonder if there is any connection to Oden possibly choosing Miami.

361531448206966786

Ya think?

[Texas_Ranger]

Camby is done

[ace3g]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Free agent center Greg Oden appears most intrigued by Pelicans & Heat, source told Y! Sports. Decision still expected this week.

[RD2191]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Free agent center Greg Oden appears most intrigued by Pelicans & Heat, source told Y! Sports. Decision still expected this week.



Hope that fagget blows both of his knee caps again.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Free agent center Greg Oden appears most intrigued by Pelicans & Heat, source told Y! Sports. Decision still expected this week.



Damn

[xmas1997]

You would think that Pop, or RC, or TD, or DRob would talk to him, convince him this is the best place to be, instead of just leaving things to chance.

[RD2191]

Oden is a scrub either way, this guy has played 82 games since 2007. FUCK THAT. I would rather resign Blair than that piece of shit.

[Hoops Czar]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Free agent center Greg Oden appears most intrigued by Pelicans & Heat, source told Y! Sports. Decision still expected this week.




If I was a free agent, I wouldn't be intrigued by the Spurs either. For a FO that half-asses free agency and signs scrubs as rotational players that couldn't be traded if you stuck a friggin gun to some GM's head and demanded a trade, I'd consider going elsewhere too.

[Hoops Czar]

Oden is a scrub either way, this guy has played 82 games since 2007. FUCK THAT. I would rather resign Blair than that piece of shit.
Bonner, De Crapo, Mills and Baynes are scrubs. It's yet to be determined if Pendergragh gets added t the list and you're calling Oden a scrub?

[Chinook]

Oden should go to the Pelicans. They don't need him, but they could really use him. That's more than can be said for the Spurs and Heat.

[palangi]

If I was a free agent, I wouldn't be intrigued by the Spurs either. For a FO that half-asses free agency and signs scrubs as rotational players that couldn't be traded if you stuck a friggin gun to some GM's head and demanded a trade, I'd consider going elsewhere too.
yet we win 50-60 games every year and just went to the championship last year.

YEAH REAL SCRUBBY!!!

[TheGreatYacht]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Free agent center Greg Oden appears most intrigued by Pelicans & Heat, source told Y! Sports. Decision still expected this week.


God damn it... that SOB is just like everyone else. They prefer pu$$y and $$$ over playing for a humble and winning organization such as the Spurs. If that fucker chooses the cHeat over us, I hope he breaks his ACL's and retires for good. I wish I can take these tweets with a grain of salt but I'm just not that type of person :(.

[Hoops Czar]

yet we win 50-60 games every year and just went to the championship last year.

YEAH REAL SCRUBBY!!!
They don't hand out second place trophies and 2007 was the last championship. Some of us just have loftier expectations and 50-60 regular season wins loses its luster after constant postseason failures. The Spurs are the only team I know that goes into the offseason and fails to address its weaknesses from seasons past.

[palangi]

They don't hand out second place trophies and 2007 was the last championship. Some of us just have loftier expectations and 50-60 regular season wins loses its luster after constant postseason failures. The Spurs are the only team I know that goes into the offseason and fails to address its weaknesses from seasons past.
how about the patriots in football? they haven't won since 2007. are they failures too?

being in the conversation as a favorite is a good thing. Nobody is a lock. the spurs do it a different way than others, but guess what, it has been successful for 15 years. why are we questioning it now? is it because they made moves you don't agree with? so now they are wrong and idiots?

[chapnis]

They don't hand out second place trophies and 2007 was the last championship. Some of us just have loftier expectations and 50-60 regular season wins loses its luster after constant postseason failures. The Spurs are the only team I know that goes into the offseason and fails to address its weaknesses from seasons past.

they do hand out 2nd place trophies. The western conference championship.

[palangi]

they do hand out 2nd place trophies. The western conference championship.
:toast

[RD2191]

Bonner, De Crapo, Mills and Baynes are scrubs. It's yet to be determined if Pendergragh gets added t the list and you're calling Oden a scrub?
Fuck you and your mother.

[johnpaulwall21]

That shit with oden was obvious. Heat or spurs, come on. Easy pick for the young guy. Most players don't give two shits about class organization and mentoring.

[dallasmaverickslose]

We don't need Oden; we are crowded already at pf/C

[cd021]

God damn it... that SOB is just like everyone else. They prefer pu$$y and $$$ over playing for a humble and winning organization such as the Spurs. If that fucker chooses the cHeat over us, I hope he breaks his ACL's and retires for good. I wish I can take these tweets with a grain of salt but I'm just not that type of person :(.

Tell us how you really feel...

But seriously, he seems like a really good guy with bad luck. What clown would actually hope he has a career ending injury that could even affect his life after basketball all because he didn't pick the Spurs? The Spurs will still be the best in the west either way.

[Hoops Czar]

how about the patriots in football? they haven't won since 2007. are they failures too?

being in the conversation as a favorite is a good thing. Nobody is a lock. the spurs do it a different way than others, but guess what, it has been successful for 15 years. why are we questioning it now? is it because they made moves you don't agree with? so now they are wrong and idiots?

I should have put this another way..... What does 2013's near miss have to do with 2014? Just because the team came close in 2013 doesn't guarantee a return trip in 2014. They haven't made too many favorable moves this offseason. Using part of the MLE on Pendergragh gave the Spurs very little wiggle room to attack the free agent market. The Belinelli signing was a negligible improvement over Neal, unless Ginobili was masking an injury last season, you can expect much more of the same in terms of production and leaving the backup PG role to a 21 year old developing prospect is a risky proposition.

The depth is shot. I have floored expectations for players like Baynes, De Crapo, Mills and Bonner. The Spurs would rather sign cheap garbage replacements and roster spot fillers rather than haggle over the available veteran free agents willing to concede less $$ to play for a contender.

Other teams improve, circumstances change, players get older. This isn't really a hard concept to understand. Miami is the two time defending champion and they're not satisfied with what they got. They're trying to shore up last year's vulnerabilities to give this year's team a chance to three peat.

Being in the conversation is a good thing? I thought flying under the radar was a good thing.

[Hoops Czar]

Fuck you and your mother.

I swear, you have mental capacity of a five year old.

[xmas1997]

God damn it... that SOB is just like everyone else. They prefer pu$$y and $$$ over playing for a humble and winning organization such as the Spurs. If that fucker chooses the cHeat over us, I hope he breaks his ACL's and retires for good. I wish I can take these tweets with a grain of salt but I'm just not that type of person :(.

This part of your quote that I made bold and underlined is about the only thing you have ever posted that I somewhat agree with!

The rest however is juvenile drivel and you should be ashamed of yourself for wishing harm. It is sports after all, or didn't you know that?



Tell us how you really feel...

But seriously, he seems like a really good guy with bad luck. What clown would actually hope he has a career ending injury that could even affect his life after basketball all because he didn't pick the Spurs? The Spurs will still be the best in the west either way.

Possibly, but if he doesn't choose the Spurs then I question his good sense because he is probably going after the money, or the fame, instead of a long productive career. I sincerely hope takes the smart choice.

[cd021]

They don't hand out second place trophies and 2007 was the last championship. Some of us just have loftier expectations and 50-60 regular season wins loses its luster after constant postseason failures. The Spurs are the only team I know that goes into the offseason and fails to address its weaknesses from seasons past.

Really? 3 Conference finals appearances in the years following that title. A Semi finals run as a 7 seed & A fluke out with our leading scorer having to play with a broken arm against a great defense. Thats not post season failure.

We really don't have any weaknesses. Our defense is actually likely to improve on from 4th in the NBA and our Offense was 7th despite our top 4 scores all missing at least 12 games. We were 1 and #2 the years prior. A healthier deeper bigger team should be more capable of handling injuries. Joseph is going to become a more competent backup to Parker. Manu will have another creator off the bench alongside him with Beli. Leonard also may play a lot with the second unit in hopes of giving him more opportunities to score.

[TheGreatYacht]

This part of your quote that I made bold and underlined is about the only thing you have ever posted that I somewhat agree with!

The rest however is juvenile drivel and you should be ashamed of yourself for wishing harm. It is sports after all, or didn't you know that?




Possibly, but if he doesn't choose the Spurs then I question his good sense because he is probably going after the money, or the fame, instead of a long productive career. I sincerely hope takes the smart choice.Could be but I think I'm just very passionate when it comes to sports. You do realize that IF Greg Oden is healthy and plays for the cHeat then it's pretty much over right? IF Greg Oden is healthy and he plays for the Spurs then he can be a huge upgrade to Baynes and Pendergraph.

[xmas1997]

Could be but I think I'm just very passionate when it comes to sports. You do realize that IF Greg Oden is healthy and plays for the cHeat then it's pretty much over right? IF Greg Oden is healthy and he plays for the Spurs then he can be a huge upgrade to Baynes and Pendergraph.

Yes, I can agree with you on both points concerning Oden. The big IF is the healthy part.

[Hoops Czar]

Really? 3 Conference finals appearances in the years following that title. A Semi finals run as a 7 seed & A fluke out with our leading scorer having to play with a broken arm against a great defense. Thats not post season failure.
But NO championships. Do you really think anyone is going to remember or care 10 years from now?


We really don't have any weaknesses. Our defense is actually likely to improve on from 4th in the NBA and our Offense was 7th despite our top 4 scores all missing at least 12 games. We were 1 and #2 the years prior. A healthier deeper bigger team should be more capable of handling injuries. Joseph is going to become a more competent backup to Parker. Manu will have another creator off the bench alongside him with Beli. Leonard also may play a lot with the second unit in hopes of giving him more opportunities to score.

The defense will improve? That's an interesting concept. Belinelli's defense was worse than Neal's and Pendergragh likely won't see much playing time. Other than that, the team is the same and a year older.

How do you know the Spurs will be healthier and how the hell can you say their deeper? They filled two vacancies from two departures. The rest of the team is exactly the same. They don't even have a backup for Leonard.

CoJo still has a lot of question marks and he doesn't look ready to be a steady backup. If the Spurs thought he was the answer, they wouldn't be looking into Mo Williams.