2013 General Free Agent Signings/News and Trades

[ace3g]

Ramona Shelburne @ramonashelburne
(http://twitter.com/ramonashelburne)Clippers closing in on a deal with forward Antawn Jamison.

[thunderup]

:lol Clippers

:lol fake team

[Sean Cagney]

Working out another guard. RC is just clowning himself now.
He lost it. He literally has lost it.

[xmas1997]

He's a competitor, too bad he's with the dreaded Mavs.

[Bruno]

372112485437820928

Clippers have had a very good offseason. They might be the favorites to win the west this season.

[TD 21]

The Clippers have had one of the most overrated off seasons in recent memory. Outside of hiring a competent coach, they didn't get what they needed, which was a solid two way big to close games next to Griffin and a third star. As much as I like the Dudley/Redick pickups and think they're upgrades, they already had above average three-point shooting on the wings and should have aimed higher.

They're better, but only marginally so. I still have them where I had them before the off season began: Third in the West.

[Robz4000]

The Clippers have had one of the most overrated off seasons in recent memory. Outside of hiring a competent coach, they didn't get what they needed, which was a solid two way big to close games next to Griffin and a third star. As much as I like the Dudley/Redick pickups and think they're upgrades, they already had above average three-point shooting on the wings and should have aimed higher.

They're better, but only marginally so. I still have them where I had them before the off season began: Third in the West.

Been saying this since for months. Though I have them second behind the Spurs; the Thunder are going to be third or fourth IMO depending on whether or not Houston gels together.

[chapnis]

Ivey, who is a 3 and D player, will be great fit with a second unit that should have Belinelli at SG and Ginobili at SF.

I really like Joseph but his inability to hit a perimeter shot might turn out a a so big issue that it would cost him the backup PG spot. In the NBA Joseph is 11/47 (23.4%) from 3 point land and 22/60 (36.7%) on 16ft+ 2 pointers. That's just bad and it's even more problematic with Joseph not being a great slasher.


He shot 48% on 3s last season in the DLeague and is 45% on 3s in his DLeague career. I'm not saying he's a prolific outside shooter (Mills is still clearly better). But there is strong evidence that Cory Joseph has the ability to hit outside jumpers at a decent clip.

[Bruno]

He shot 48% on 3s last season in the DLeague and is 45% on 3s in his DLeague career. I'm not saying he's a prolific outside shooter (Mills is still clearly better). But there is strong evidence that Cory Joseph has the ability to hit outside jumpers at a decent clip.

He needs to do it at the NBA level too. Some players like Tolliver or Hairston were shooting very well at a lower level and weren't able to do it with Spurs. Both were waived because of that.

Now, it's sure that his D-League shooting numbers gives some reasons to hope he will shoot also well in the NBA. I think it will happen with and that he just needs more playing time in the NBA to find his marks. Now, it's belief and Spurs might not share it or at least have some doubts about it and need an insurance like Ivey.

[szkorhetz]

Been saying this since for months. Though I have them second behind the Spurs; the Thunder are going to be third or fourth IMO depending on whether or not Houston gels together.
Mullens is a pretty decent big and Jamison is better than Odom. Clippers could be scary.

[loveforthegame]

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype about 50 minutes ago

Josh Childress will work out for the Cavaliers and Spurs over the next two weeks, agent Chris Emens told HoopsHype.

Read more: http://hoopshype.com/twitter/hoopshype.html#ixzz2dCCA99C5

[Robz4000]

Mullens is a pretty decent big and Jamison is better than Odom. Clippers could be scary.

Neither are putting them over the top, and they traded away the only player that truly gave the spurs fits in Bledsoe.

[cd021]

The Clippers have had one of the most overrated off seasons in recent memory. Outside of hiring a competent coach, they didn't get what they needed, which was a solid two way big to close games next to Griffin and a third star. As much as I like the Dudley/Redick pickups and think they're upgrades, they already had above average three-point shooting on the wings and should have aimed higher.

They're better, but only marginally so. I still have them where I had them before the off season began: Third in the West.

I agree. But they didn't really need a 3rd star. Big 3's aren't essential for a championship. You really only need a bona fide superstar (Paul) and an star (Griffin) along with a lot of nice complementary pieces.


Rivers is the second best coach in the league (IMO). They need Jordan to become that big you mentioned because they invested $10 million a season in him. Griffin needs to hit mid range jumper (of course, after tearing down and rebuilding his mechanics) Neither Griffin or Jordan can hit free throws another big issue.

3rd is where I peg them unless Houston or GSW are actually better than everyone expects.

[cd98]

I agree. But they didn't really need a 3rd star. Big 3's aren't essential for a championship. You really only need a bona fide superstar (Paul) and an star (Griffin) along with a lot of nice complementary pieces.


Rivers is the second best coach in the league (IMO). They need Jordan to become that big you mentioned because they invested $10 million a season in him. Griffin needs to hit mid range jumper (of course, after tearing down and rebuilding his mechanics) Neither Griffin or Jordan can hit free throws another big issue.

3rd is where I peg them unless Houston or GSW are actually better than everyone expects.

I don't disagree. I think Griffin and Jordan are highly flawed given their salaries and the reliance the Clippers have on them, but Chris Paul, if healthy is a beast and can make them very good. They desparately needed shooting, which they got in trades. Jordan has to be a better free throw shooter, though, if they want to compete. They can't survive the final five minutes of a close game with him (and his defense) on the bench because he can't hit a free throw.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

bummer!

[DrunkTXLabrat]

Free agent center Dexter Pittman has accepted an invitation to the Chicago Bulls’ training camp, a league source told RealGM.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/229497/Dexter-Pittman-Accepts-Training-Camp-Invite-With-Bulls

bummer!*

[DrunkTXLabrat]

I think Pop's answer will be way simpler: Manu will be the backup SF. Parker/Green/Leonard will start and Joseph/Belinelli/Ginobili will back them up.

Ginobili played a lot of SF with Spurs. In 08-09, 10-11 and 11-12, he played an average about 38% of his minutes at the SF spot. Pop played lineups with a combination of Parker, Hill, Mason then Neal at guards with Manu at SF.

nailed it bruno. manu is this years tmac. except he's the spurs very own home grown washed up star. it's the injuries.

[cd021]

nailed it bruno. manu is this years tmac. except he's the spurs very own home grown washed up star. it's the injuries.

Washed up? Thats way over the top. He will be fine at SF. Its arguable the weakest position in the NBA. The only player he'd probably struggle to check is Harrison Barnes and Diaw can simply cover him.

If Joseph can step into the backup PG role, it takes some of the play making responsibility away from Manu, also Beli and Diaw have shown they can create for others last season.

Joseph- Beli-Manu-Diaw-Baynes/Pendergraph

[Hoops Czar]

Washed up? Thats way over the top. He will be fine at SF. Its arguable the weakest position in the NBA. The only player he'd probably struggle to check is Harrison Barnes and Diaw can simply cover him.

If Joseph can step into the backup PG role, it takes some of the play making responsibility away from Manu, also Beli and Diaw have shown they can create for others last season.

Joseph- Beli-Manu-Diaw-Baynes/Pendergraph

What makes you think Baynes and Pendergraph will crack the rotation?

[cd021]

What makes you think Baynes and Pendergraph will crack the rotation?

Bonner and Diaw seldom play together. Baynes or Pendergraph seem to be obvious choices to play backup center as a reult

[DrunkTXLabrat]

What makes you think Baynes and Pendergraph will crack the rotation?

the same logic that you're both are using... in assuming beli will be in rotation.

pop isn't going to let in the newbs. unless they beast in preseason. and i'll confess i wouldn't be surprised if one or both of them does. but pops presumed bench is going to be the devil he knows. it's joseph, decolo, manu, diaw/bonner, baynes. beli is decolo/manu insurance, maybe joseph. but mills. pendergraph is baynes insurance. maybe bonner/diaw insurance. especially if all his 123 lineups tend to brick it up.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

Washed up? Thats way over the top. He will be fine at SF. Its arguable the weakest position in the NBA. The only player he'd probably struggle to check is Harrison Barnes and Diaw can simply cover him.

If Joseph can step into the backup PG role, it takes some of the play making responsibility away from Manu, also Beli and Diaw have shown they can create for others last season.

Joseph- Beli-Manu-Diaw-Baynes/Pendergraph

and yeah i'm being a little over the top. but seriously, manu may not play 20 games this year. even with reduced role and minutes.

[TD 21]

I agree. But they didn't really need a 3rd star. Big 3's aren't essential for a championship. You really only need a bona fide superstar (Paul) and an star (Griffin) along with a lot of nice complementary pieces.


Rivers is the second best coach in the league (IMO). They need Jordan to become that big you mentioned because they invested $10 million a season in him. Griffin needs to hit mid range jumper (of course, after tearing down and rebuilding his mechanics) Neither Griffin or Jordan can hit free throws another big issue.

3rd is where I peg them unless Houston or GSW are actually better than everyone expects.

They do. Paul and Griffin, as good as they are, aren't Durant and Westbrook. They can't handle a virtually unlimited workload, nor consistently score with the volume those two do.

I can't imagine Jordan becoming what they need, not in tandem with Griffin, at least. Even if Griffin takes another step forward offensively, they're probably always going to be a poor fit together offensively. This won't matter all that much in the regular season, but in the playoffs, especially late in games, it'll be costly.

It's not out of the question that, with some minor tweaking and luck, they still could win a championship, but not utilizing Bledsoe to fill one of those two major holes probably seals their ceiling being set at an outside chance.


As far as the rotation, it seems everyone assumes they'll play ten, probably in large part due to the success of the bench two seasons ago, but that was an anomaly. More likely, we'll probably see what we saw much of last season, which was nine and a half, with the half being situational/spot minutes going to either Bonner or Pendergraph.

[ace3g]

Gery Woelfel ‏@GeryWoelfel (https://twitter.com/GeryWoelfel) Told by sources Bucks in the market for established small forward. They made a run at Caron Butler last month. Will they again?

[Ice009]

Gery Woelfel ‏@GeryWoelfel (https://twitter.com/GeryWoelfel) Told by sources Bucks in the market for established small forward. They made a run at Caron Butler last month. Will they again?

Where is Caron Butler right now? Is he still with the Clippers?

[Chinook]

Where is Caron Butler right now? Is he still with the Clippers?

Suns. He was the ballast in that Bledsoe trade.

[Ice009]

Suns. He was the ballast in that Bledsoe trade.

I thought he was traded, just wasn't sure as I didn't care that much at the time, thanks.

Are the Suns looking to offload him?

[anakha]

I thought he was traded, just wasn't sure as I didn't care that much at the time, thanks.

Are the Suns looking to offload him?

Possibly. He's going into the last year of a 3-year contract. If the Suns are tanking, it might make sense to package him for picks, or even simply to hold on to him and let him walk if they don't get what they are looking for.

I doubt they'll be looking to add more salary or take on longer-term contracts given they've pretty much punted this upcoming season away.

[anakha]

Stein just tweeted that Butler to Milwaukee is all but confirmed.

[Bruno]

http://www.azcentral.com/insiders/paulcoro/2013/08/28/suns-agree-to-trade-butler-to-bucks-for-smith-kravtsov/


The Suns have agreed to trade Butler, a Racine, Wis., native, to the Milwaukee Bucks for point guard Ish Smith and center Slava Kravtsov about seven weeks after they acquired Butler and hailed him as a veteran influence for the youthful Suns and part of the future. The Suns gain $5.65 million of cap space for any potential in-season trades but also save that money to make an expected costly waiver of Michael Beasley more palatable.


What I find interesting is the timing of this trade and how it's linked with a Beasley waiving. The stretch provision repartition change on September 1st. Beasley will cost $6M this year and has $3M guaranteed next season. If he is waived and stretched before September 1st, his salary would have been split into $1.8M per year over 5 years. If he is waived and stretched after September 1st, his cap hit will be $6M for this year and after that $1M over 3 years. If Suns were waiting September 1st to use the stretch provision instead of just waiving him without stretching his contract, it means they are interested in getting 2014 cap space.

For Spurs, first there are the Beasley case. Should Spurs makes that crazy gamble? Second, and maybe more interesting is Marcin Gortat. Spurs could offer Suns to open them some 2014 cap space by taking a player like Gerald Green at the cost of Marcin Gortat. A trade like Bonner + De Colo + Baynes for Gortat + Green would make some sense for both teams. It might not be enough to entice Suns but Spurs can improve their offer with picks/rights to players.

Edit: forget that trade idea. Salaries doesn't match. I shouldn't have trusted realgm trade machine on that one.

[Spursfanfromafar]

http://www.azcentral.com/insiders/paulcoro/2013/08/28/suns-agree-to-trade-butler-to-bucks-for-smith-kravtsov/




What I find interesting is the timing of this trade and how it's linked with a Beasley waiving. The stretch provision repartition change on September 1st. Beasley will cost $6M this year and has $3M guaranteed next season. If he is waived and stretched before September 1st, his salary would have been split into $1.8M per year over 5 years. If he is waived and stretched after September 1st, his cap hit will be $6M for this year and after that $1M over 3 years. If Suns were waiting September 1st to use the stretch provision instead of just waiving him without stretching his contract, it means they are interested in getting 2014 cap space.

For Spurs, first there are the Beasley case. Should Spurs makes that crazy gamble? Second, and maybe more interesting is Marcin Gortat. Spurs could offer Suns to open them some 2014 cap space by taking a player like Gerald Green at the cost of Marcin Gortat. A trade like Bonner + De Colo + Baynes for Gortat + Green would make some sense for both teams. It might not be enough to entice Suns but Spurs can improve their offer with picks/rights to players.

Knowing the Spurs, they are not going to sign Beasley.. this is the kind of gamble that they never take. I mean, a drug abuser?

Gortat + Green makes sense but I guess the Spurs wouldn't want to disturb the center rotation between Duncan & Splitter and would be more keen to pick up a PF/SF backup if they are dumping Bonner.

[Chinook]

Butler going to Milwaukee makes it less likely (but definitely not impossible) that he gets bought out after the trade deadline. There are still other candidates like Ariza who could be let go mid-season for the Spurs to target, but this trade could be a signal to the team that waiting may not be the best option for the 15th spot. The Spurs may be inclined to take on another guaranteed contract. If they need to make a roster spot, at least one of Mills and De Colo would be moved. This may even be likely, since considering moving both of them would completely explain why the Spurs are interested in Ivey.

I don't think the Spurs would hesitate for a second to add Gortat if the deal is relatively good. He should be able to play with Diaw and even Splitter for stretches, and having three seven-footers with that much talent would definitely put the Spurs as the favorites to come out of the West. In the very least, he'll be about the best trade piece out there at the deadline.

I've said my piece about Beasley already in the Think Tank: When he's on, he's one of the biggest mis-matches in the league. If Pop could get his head right, he'd be the answer to almost all of the team's problems. But there's just no way that we can expect to see that from him. Good news is, since Beasley's salary off-sets once he's waived, whoever signs him might be able to get away with just giving him a training-camp invite. If Beasley's going to have a productive year, it will be because he has something to prove.

[Bruno]

Gortat + Green makes sense but I guess the Spurs wouldn't want to disturb the center rotation between Duncan & Splitter and would be more keen to pick up a PF/SF backup if they are dumping Bonner.

It really depend on how Spurs/Pop wants to mainly use Splitter. Either they can have him mainly paired with Duncan or they can have him as his backup. Both cases have edges and drawback.

The logic behind pairing Duncan with Splitter as much as possible is that they have been a terrific pair last season. Splitter was at his best alongside Tim. When he was playing without him, he wasn't the needed anchor defensively and on the boards. The logic behind having Splitter as Tim's backup is that the Splitter/Duncan combo can't really work when teams go small. When players like Lebron, Durant, Parsons or Barnes' (the Clippers one and the Warriors one) will play PF, Pop will likely have to put Splitter on the bench. Having Splitter as Tim's backup will ensure that he always get some minutes regardless of the matchup.

[chrhawk]

It really depend on how Spurs/Pop wants to mainly use Splitter. Either they can have him mainly paired with Duncan or they can have him as his backup. Both cases have edges and drawback.

The logic behind pairing Duncan with Splitter as much as possible is that they have been a terrific pair last season. Splitter was at his best alongside Tim. When he was playing without him, he wasn't the needed anchor defensively and on the boards. The logic behind having Splitter as Tim's backup is that the Splitter/Duncan combo can't really work when teams go small. When players like Lebron, Durant, Parsons or Barnes' (the Clippers one and the Warriors one) will play PF, Pop will likely have to put Splitter on the bench. Having Splitter as Tim's backup will ensure that he always get some minutes regardless of the matchup.

With Gortat where would Diaw fit the rotation? Would he play more back-up SF minutes? And it doesn't sound like either Splitter or Gortat would get any more than 30 min a game. I'm guess you envision Splitter subbed in for Gortat early in the game, then Gortat anchoring the second unit defensively.

[Bruno]

With Gortat where would Diaw fit the rotation? Would he play more back-up SF minutes?

Diaw at SF sucks.

I would go basically with Spurs playing with two frontcourt pairs: Duncan/Splitter for about 28mpg and Diaw/Gortat for the other 20 mpg.

[bklynspursfan]

373079689117859840

[ace3g]

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
(http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)RealGM source: Free agent forward Eric Dawson has accepted a training camp deal with the Atlanta Hawks. tinyurl.com/plkmaeo (http://t.co/IVkvy1dihh)

[ace3g]

Diante Garrett ‏@kingarrett10 (https://twitter.com/kingarrett10) 3h (https://twitter.com/kingarrett10/status/373070288482603010) Ill be wit Okc this year

[TD 21]

Butler going to Milwaukee makes it less likely (but definitely not impossible) that he gets bought out after the trade deadline. There are still other candidates like Ariza who could be let go mid-season for the Spurs to target, but this trade could be a signal to the team that waiting may not be the best option for the 15th spot. The Spurs may be inclined to take on another guaranteed contract. If they need to make a roster spot, at least one of Mills and De Colo would be moved. This may even be likely, since considering moving both of them would completely explain why the Spurs are interested in Ivey.

I don't think the Spurs would hesitate for a second to add Gortat if the deal is relatively good. He should be able to play with Diaw and even Splitter for stretches, and having three seven-footers with that much talent would definitely put the Spurs as the favorites to come out of the West. In the very least, he'll be about the best trade piece out there at the deadline.

I've said my piece about Beasley already in the Think Tank: When he's on, he's one of the biggest mis-matches in the league. If Pop could get his head right, he'd be the answer to almost all of the team's problems. But there's just no way that we can expect to see that from him. Good news is, since Beasley's salary off-sets once he's waived, whoever signs him might be able to get away with just giving him a training-camp invite. If Beasley's going to have a productive year, it will be because he has something to prove.

No, it seals the deal: He won't be getting bought out and there was never a chance Ariza would. Both teams are serious about making the playoffs, don't have much margin for error and neither has enough proven quality depth on the wings (in the Bucks' case, specifically at SF) to where they can afford to cut either lose.

I actually think this is good news though, because now they can't wait on Butler, who was always going to be a long shot anyway. Hopefully they smarten up and realize that there is no Diaw on the horizon and that they need to be proactive.

If they can get Gortat for relatively little and simultaneously keep him away from some other contender, then despite the fact that he'd limit their flexibility (they wouldn't play him next to Splitter), I could see it. He'd be excellent Splitter insurance in the playoffs and if they end up preferring him, then they could re-sign him and utilize Splitter as the centerpiece of a trade for another significant piece.

Not a chance the Spurs would touch Beasley and he'd be a poor fit anyway, since he's an awful defender.

[elemento]

No, it seals the deal: He won't be getting bought out and there was never a chance Ariza would. Both teams are serious about making the playoffs, don't have much margin for error and neither has enough proven quality depth on the wings (in the Bucks' case, specifically at SF) to where they can afford to cut either lose.

I actually think this is good news though, because now they can't wait on Butler, who was always going to be a long shot anyway. Hopefully they smarten up and realize that there is no Diaw on the horizon and that they need to be proactive.

If they can get Gortat for relatively little and simultaneously keep him away from some other contender, then despite the fact that he'd limit their flexibility (they wouldn't play him next to Splitter), I could see it. He'd be excellent Splitter insurance in the playoffs and if they end up preferring him, then they could re-sign him and utilize Splitter as the centerpiece of a trade for another significant piece.

Not a chance the Spurs would touch Beasley and he'd be a poor fit anyway, since he's an awful defender.

I agree with this entirely. And the Spurs are going to play a lot of small-ball next season, especially the 2nd unit. It should be more than clear right now. Manu will be the backup SF most of the time.

[Chinook]

No, it seals the deal: He won't be getting bought out and there was never a chance Ariza would. Both teams are serious about making the playoffs, don't have much margin for error and neither has enough proven quality depth on the wings (in the Bucks' case, specifically at SF) to where they can afford to cut either lose.

I actually think this is good news though, because now they can't wait on Butler, who was always going to be a long shot anyway. Hopefully they smarten up and realize that there is no Diaw on the horizon and that they need to be proactive.

If they can get Gortat for relatively little and simultaneously keep him away from some other contender, then despite the fact that he'd limit their flexibility (they wouldn't play him next to Splitter), I could see it. He'd be excellent Splitter insurance in the playoffs and if they end up preferring him, then they could re-sign him and utilize Splitter as the centerpiece of a trade for another significant piece.

Not a chance the Spurs would touch Beasley and he'd be a poor fit anyway, since he's an awful defender.

I don't think it seals the deal. Many buyouts are the result of teams not meeting their expectations and letting their good players go after failing to trade them. So if Washington or Milwaukee has a horrible year, they definitely could be inclined to buy their small-forwards out (especially Ariza, who could be traded or waived anyway). As you said, they have no margins of error, and it wouldn't take a lot for them to be in the lottery next June.

I agree that the Spurs should look for a permanent solution for their backup three if they aren't satisfied with Ginobili filling that role. They probably need one in case Leonard gets injured, anyway. I think getting a player like Childress would be the best move, because if he can get his Hawks form back, he'll not only compete with Belinelli and Ginobili for wing minutes, but he'll also give the Spurs another small-ball option at the four. He did pretty well there early in his career. If it takes giving him a little more guaranteed money than they were willing to give when they thought Butler was a reasonable future option, so be it.

Gortat is a streaky outside shooter. Two years ago (with Nash), he shot 44 percent from 16-23 feet. But besides that, he hasn't shot better than 43 percent from that range his whole career. If the team thinks good coaching and a stronger system can get his range to be reliable, then I think he can play next to Splitter. It's actually Duncan/Gortat which is more troubling to me, as neither one seems mobile enough to defend fours. Not that we need to rehash all this Gortat mania after than red-herring thread last month.

Beasley's team stats are just abysmal. That should be concerning to any team that wants to sign him. I don't think he's going to ever be a plus player in the league, but if Pop brought him in, then I would trust that he could make something work.

[Hoops Czar]

Gortat? Since when did the Spurs renew interest in him? He was off their radar once they inked Splitter and they don't have the pieces that would interest the Suns other than a possible 2014 1st round draft pick. That won't nearly be enough.

[Chinook]

Gortat? Since when did the Spurs renew interest in him? He was off their radar once they inked Splitter and they don't have the pieces that would interest the Suns other than a possible 2014 1st round draft pick. That won't nearly be enough.

I don't disagree at all. I was responding to someone earlier in the thread who questioned getting Gortat even if the Spurs could do it. I don't think they'd be willing to give up enough to get him, but if he were cheap, the team would be crazy to pass it up.

[xmas1997]

Gortat? Since when did the Spurs renew interest in him? He was off their radar once they inked Splitter and they don't have the pieces that would interest the Suns other than a possible 2014 1st round draft pick. That won't nearly be enough.


I don't disagree at all. I was responding to someone earlier in the thread who questioned getting Gortat even if the Spurs could do it. I don't think they'd be willing to give up enough to get him, but if he were cheap, the team would be crazy to pass it up.


Cheap is the key word here. Hopefully they don't trade away this coming draft pick because a really decent player could easily fall in the draft to them no matter what position the Spurs end up drafting at.

[TD 21]

I don't think it seals the deal. Many buyouts are the result of teams not meeting their expectations and letting their good players go after failing to trade them. So if Washington or Milwaukee has a horrible year, they definitely could be inclined to buy their small-forwards out (especially Ariza, who could be traded or waived anyway). As you said, they have no margins of error, and it wouldn't take a lot for them to be in the lottery next June.

I agree that the Spurs should look for a permanent solution for their backup three if they aren't satisfied with Ginobili filling that role. They probably need one in case Leonard gets injured, anyway. I think getting a player like Childress would be the best move, because if he can get his Hawks form back, he'll not only compete with Belinelli and Ginobili for wing minutes, but he'll also give the Spurs another small-ball option at the four. He did pretty well there early in his career. If it takes giving him a little more guaranteed money than they were willing to give when they thought Butler was a reasonable future option, so be it.

Gortat is a streaky outside shooter. Two years ago (with Nash), he shot 44 percent from 16-23 feet. But besides that, he hasn't shot better than 43 percent from that range his whole career. If the team thinks good coaching and a stronger system can get his range to be reliable, then I think he can play next to Splitter. It's actually Duncan/Gortat which is more troubling to me, as neither one seems mobile enough to defend fours. Not that we need to rehash all this Gortat mania after than red-herring thread last month.

Beasley's team stats are just abysmal. That should be concerning to any team that wants to sign him. I don't think he's going to ever be a plus player in the league, but if Pop brought him in, then I would trust that he could make something work.

Yeah, but from 6 or 7 through 11 in the East, those teams are so close that only injuries completely derailing their season probably separates them enough (especially before March 1st, the date by which players must be released to be eligible for the playoffs) for any one of them to really be out of the race.

I don't think they necessarily need a true backup SF for the rotation, as Ginobili and Green should be sufficient most of the time. The problem is more for depth purposes, in case Leonard is injured or in foul trouble. Basically, they need an SF version of Mills: Someone good enough to play if necessary, but willing to accept not being a rotation player.

In select match-ups, Gortat might be able to play next to Splitter, but I don't think Pop would utilize it. In terms of the asking price for Gortat, I don't think it would cost as much as many would think (adding a future 1st to the suggested package could be enough). The Jazz supposedly couldn't get quality assets at the deadline for Jefferson and Millsap, unless there was undesirable long term salary attached.

[kobyz]

Why we didn't go after Butler?

[anakha]

Why we didn't go after Butler?

Because Butler would not likely have agreed to becoming a backup SF.

[Seventyniner]

Basically, they need an SF version of Mills: Someone good enough to play if necessary, but willing to accept not being a rotation player.

So basically the opposite of Stephen Jackson, right?

[ace3g]

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
(http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)RealGM story: Former Wisconsin standout Kammron Taylor accepts an invitation to Boston Celtics training camp. tinyurl.com/pfljwss (http://t.co/IEARC0fgw5)

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i think beasley would be a good buy out pick up. if that goes down. but ill admit i dont expect the signing. based on blatche. the spurs arent interested in trouble.

[Bruno]

Raptors have waived Quentin Richardson. I don't know how much he has left in the tank but on the paper he would be a nice fit for Spurs as a 3 and D player.

Saying that James Johnson is my pick for that 15th spot right now. I take him over Childress and other potential vets like Q Rich, Pietrus or Josh Howard.

[ceperez]

Raptors have waived Quentin Richardson. I don't know how much he has left in the tank but on the paper he would be a nice fit for Spurs as a 3 and D player.

Saying that James Johnson is my pick for that 15th spot right now. I take him over Childress and other potential vets like Q Rich, Pietrus or Josh Howard.

I tend to agree.

However, I don't think James Johnson is a high IQ basketball player. Not sure about Childress, have never really seen him play. The other folks, well they are all too old.

[spurraider21]

Raptors have waived Quentin Richardson. I don't know how much he has left in the tank but on the paper he would be a nice fit for Spurs as a 3 and D player

there is a D in "3 and D"

[barakz21]

there is a D in "3 and D"

I never saw him as a 3 and D either. I think his best season that I remember was in 04-05 with the suns, and I think the best defender on that team was either Marion or Johnson. And even then he didn't play good D. I don't see any way how a washed up old dude can play good D when he couldn't do it when he was in his prime.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Fab Melo has cleared waivers, league source tells Y!

[mountainballer]

Saying that James Johnson is my pick for that 15th spot right now. I take him over Childress and other potential vets like Q Rich, Pietrus or Josh Howard.

agree. but I assume the JJ workout must have happened several days ago.....if he had impressed, shouldn't we have heard something? if he didn't, we won't hear anything at all. and we didn't. so, pretty low chance for that signing I guess.

btw. lot of talks today that Hedo will be bought out soon. any chance the Spurs are waiting for that decision? (rumors say that Hedo has a pretty nice offer from Fenerbace, worth about 3.5 M per). people will cry washed up and that he already failed with the Spurs etc.
But I would bet 20 hairroots that they at least give him a call.
last season was a nightmare, the broken hand, the steroids suspension, playing with a rebuilding team that definitely doesn't have a place for you etc. 2011/12 wasn't great either, but that year he at least still delivered a few pretty good games. if he can get back to that level, he is worth a thought.

[jyra]

374588059591147520
374588417193312256

This is the guy I want for the backup SF position. When healthy he is one of best two way wing players in Europe. The problem is that he is already 35 and pretty much retired last year due to health problems. But if he has recovered I would definitely give him a shot.
I don't really get how the Sixers are in the conversation though, they are clearly rebuilding right now.

[Bruno]

agree. but I assume the JJ workout must have happened several days ago.....if he had impressed, shouldn't we have heard something? if he didn't, we won't hear anything at all. and we didn't. so, pretty low chance for that signing I guess.

Spurs aren't working out these players that late in the summer with the intent of giving them guaranteed contracts. They are likely offering them training camp invites with not to very little guaranteed money. Players aren't jumping on that kind of offers and are taking their time to find the team with the best opportunity to stick for the season.

Johnson workout might have gone well and Spurs might have made him a training camp invite and he is waiting to see if another team is a better pick for him.



btw. lot of talks today that Hedo will be bought out soon. any chance the Spurs are waiting for that decision?

Spurs signing Hedo wouldn't surprised me at all. Form the little I've seen, he has looked relatively good with Turkey this summer even if he is a little out of shape after his awful year.

[lmbebo]

Hedo I don't think makes sense for the spurs.

I've always seen him as a player that needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Assuming our bench is Belli/Manu/Diaw, those are all people who handle the ball and can pass.

[chrhawk]

I'm not sure Turkoglu would be any better than Jackson was for the Spurs at this point. Pop and RC need to be committed to adding another athletic perimeter player before the start next year's postseason.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

hedo would be great! not a prospect 3/4. but would be a super solid role player. he wont d. but he 3s and dimes. and i think hes a decent rebounder.

[xmas1997]

If he won't D, he won't Spur.

[TD 21]

On the surface, Turkoglu may seem like a good fit, but he really wouldn't be. They need a 3D (emphasis on D) type; someone capable of defending Durant/James, if need be. He also thinks he's better than he is and would probably struggle to accept being a fringe - non rotation player.

Even if the report from early in the summer about Pietrus supposedly being healthy for the first time in two years and looking good in pickup games is exaggerated in order to drum up interest, if you look at his stats from the past few years, he's basically a slightly better three-point shooting version of Jackson. As awful as that sounds (and is), if Jackson were on a one year, non guaranteed, minimum contract and only utilized in a blowout or in case Leonard or Green were injured, he would have been acceptable.

[Dverde]

If he won't D, he won't Spur.
Neal and Bonner proves this wrong.

[Bruno]

Hedo isn't ideal but at that stage of the offseason there isn't much better available.

The "ideal" backup SF would be long/strong, be a good 3 point shooter and be a good defender. As far as I know, there isn't a single player who has these 3 characteristics. These players were available in July but are long gone.

[cd021]

Neal and Bonner proves this wrong.

Neal is a bad defender, Bonner isn't.

[Ice009]

Neal and Bonner proves this wrong.

Both are lights out shooters though. That is pretty much the only reason I assume Pop gives them a pass.

[mountainballer]

Hedo isn't ideal but at that stage of the offseason there isn't much better available.

The "ideal" backup SF would be long/strong, be a good 3 point shooter and be a good defender. As far as I know, there isn't a single player who has these 3 characteristics. These players were available in July but are long gone.

seems like trade is the only way to get that player at this point. as pointed before, Spurs are not in a bad position for a trade, especially if it is for a 2nd string player. they have a lot of room under the tax threshold, they have some expendable players at almost every position (except SF), they can combine several such contracts to a number that fits.
I no longer think they will use the 2014 pick as a teaser, especially not after they hired Telep. I even wouldn't be surprised, if they somehow try to aquire another 2014 pick. The Kawhi experience once more shows, that draft is the way (the only way) for the Spurs to secure the future after Tim.

so (this comes from some boredom, take it with a grain of salt) what about a totally different approach and a scenario like this: (chance to happen: 1%). Spurs are willing to swallow a bad contract, if it brings a pick as well. let's say Landry Fields. (ok, some might remember that I was a big fan before the 2010 draft). at this point totally overpayed, but overall the kind of player Spurs would need for the back up SF spot.
Raptors are in tax territory, a trade lowers the tax bill will be welcomed. Fields struggled to find his place in Toronto, his elbow injury at the beginning of last season didn't help his case and raptors quickly lost pacience and traded for Rudy Gay. he is better than what we saw last year. (and very likely a typical system player, someone who usually fits with the Spurs).
what's the deal?
Raptors trade Fields plus their 2014 1st rounder for Bonner plus Cory Joseph.

[Bruno]

Raptors are in tax territory, a trade lowers the tax bill will be welcomed.
(...)
Raptors trade Fields plus their 2014 1st rounder for Bonner plus Cory Joseph.

Raptors are in fact just below the tax. If they trade a first round pick, they will surely heavily protect it because they could be really bad next season.

More globally, I don't think Spurs are now really trying to make a deal. They must evaluate first what they have to determine what they really need. For example the need for a backup SF could be non-existent if Ginobili stay healthy, Belinelli adjust well to Spurs and De Colo does well at the SG spot.

[playbonner15]

LOL FO won't make anymore moves :(

[Seventyniner]

Now that Neal is gone, Hedo could have his old #14 back!

[jyra]

374909214868525056

... and the Spurs keep getting linked to point guards for whatever reason.

[Bruno]

Spurs/Pop could have some kind some kind of agreement with Brown/Sixers to give them Mills if they find a vet they like to take his 3rd string PG spot. It would explain why Spurs are looking at PGs that late in the summer.

[cd98]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9630821/michael-beasley-released-phoenix-suns-sources-say

I'm not a huge fan of Beasley, but he's always been on piss poor teams. Scouts will still tell you he is a highly skilled player. There's a take on Realgm.com that says just that. I've always heard it said you can have one head case on your team. And the Spurs don't have any right now. They have lots of veteran leadership. Again, I don't love the guy, but the minute he is released, he becomes the best small forward on the market. Yes, that's how bad the market is for small forwards.

[mountainballer]

Spurs/Pop could have some kind some kind of agreement with Brown/Sixers to give them Mills if they find a vet they like to take his 3rd string PG spot. It would explain why Spurs are looking at PGs that late in the summer.

if Brown wants Mills that bad, he would already got him. a 2nd rounder will do it.

[Bruno]

Beasley has been officially waived:
http://www.nba.com/suns/phoenix-suns-waive-michael-beasley

Pop should definitively call him to know what his goals are. If he is interested in making the sacrifices to put back his career on track, then Spurs should sign him. A motivated Beasley, willing to be coached and putting the necessary efforts on the court, would be a great player. It's unlikely he is in that mindset because he has earned $35M in the NBA without that dedication, but you never know. Worth a phone call.

[Bruno]

if Brown wants Mills that bad, he would already got him. a 2nd rounder will do it.

Sixers will have 5 draft pick in 2014. I don't see them trading their own second round pick for Mills but they have late second round picks coming from Houston and Brooklyn. One of them could be used on Mills.

Now, Mills traded away for a mid to late second round pick won't do much for Spurs and that's why they could wait to have a replacement for Mills before doing it.

[cd98]

Beasley has been officially waived:
http://www.nba.com/suns/phoenix-suns-waive-michael-beasley

Pop should definitively call him to know what his goals are. If he is interested in making the sacrifices to put back his career on track, then Spurs should sign him. A motivated Beasley, willing to be coached and putting the necessary efforts on the court, would be a great player. It's unlikely he is in that mindset because he has earned $35M in the NBA without that dedication, but you never know. Worth a phone call.

I'm on board. It can't hurt. I know this is speculating, but I can't see any team that isn't contending offering him any money given his reputation. Some contenders may give it a shot, but I'm guessing most don't have the money for more than a minimum contract. Moreover, not many have small forward needs. Miami doesn't really need him given they have Lebron and Battier. So there is a shot he'd take the minimum.

Realgm.com scout says he shouldn't be playing small forward; his skill set is a power forward. Maybe this works in a small ball situation with Kawhi playing the three (instead of the 4) and Beasley playing the 4. I think it could work. Of course, speculating is the easy part, getting the guy to sign is something entirely different.

[jyra]

374993542827212800
374996806016708608

I was wondering when Pietrus' name would come up.

[look_at_g_shred]

Pietrus? I'll take it...

[Bruno]

There were reports 3 weeks ago on some French website that Spurs, Lakers and Bulls were the 3 teams interested in Pietrus. I didn't posted it here because it sounded more like speculations but there might have finally been some inside news behind that.

I'm not interest in Pietrus. He is too small and too much injury prone.

[Bruno]

And some players like Ivey, Childress or James Johnson might also be at that mini-camp.

[Budkin]

I'm a big Pietrus fan. He was awesome for the Magic a few years ago.

[cd98]

Mike Bibby? Please tell me he is trying out for an assistant coach spot.

[cd98]

Pietrus has been pretty below average the last few years. This just speaks to the dearth of talent at the three spot. Boy was that Kawhi for Hill trade huge for us. Image how hard it would be to get a three in free agency.

[ace3g]

Shams Charania ‏@ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania) 47m (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/374999010517348352) RealGM story: Free agent forward Rasual Butler reaches agreement on a non-guaranteed deal with the Pacers. http://tinyurl.com/ktl7yph (http://t.co/aVViGhIMWu)

[mountainballer]

Mike Bibby? really? wow. what is Jason Williams doing theses days?

[Johnsyounger]

Beasley officially released. Prolly wont touch him with a ten foot pole.....

[r0drig0lac]

Michael Pietrus and Michael beasley, would be very happy if the Spurs hire them, would be a much better offseason than expected, I think beasley may still have a chance to live up to their potential or almost a coach like Pop

[Ice009]

I'm very interested in Beasley, Spurs should give him a call and have a serious chat with him about his future as a player.

[bklynspursfan]

Mike Bibby? really? wow. what is Jason Williams doing theses days?

Can't imagine Bibby is anything more than just a training camp invite

Re: Jason Williams lol


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM06UzJXbAo

[td4mvp2k]

Beasley a spur... :lol n pietrus iz sh*t... :td

[Bruno]

A positive signs regarding Beasley is that he reportedly agreed to a buyout of $7M while he had $9M guaranteed.

[ace3g]

David Pick @IAmDPick
(http://twitter.com/IAmDPick)Former NJ/DAL/BOS power forward Sean Williams has inked a one-year deal with Turkish-League newcomer Torku Selcuk.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i'm optimistic about beasley. i think he's worth a shot.

[monkeypunk]

i'm optimistic about beasley. i think he's worth a shot.

I think he is too but I suspect the Lakers will be all over him and his dumbass will be caught up in the bright lights of LA and will take a min with them.

[look_at_g_shred]

Well looks like we got some info to keep us busy for the next couple of weeks :lol ... Off-season blows!!

[ace3g]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Lakers have signed free agent forward Shawne Williams.

[Strategic]

Fiction, fiction, fiction. Beasley or Pietrus maybe though.

[ezau]

Quentin Richardson waived, could the Spurs use him? News here (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/story/2013/09/03/sp-nba-toronto-raptors-waive-quentin-richardson.html)

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Beasley is NOT a Spur. He's had plenty of opportunity to thrive and FAILED every time. On his way out of the NBA ATM... his next move is score 40 a game in Kazakhstan or something.

Seriously, anyone who thinks Beasley could make it with the Spurs should check their head.

Can Pendergraph play the 3? If not, we've sure made some weird roster moves this off-season. I really wish we'd thrown Manu's money at Kirilenko and offered Manu a vet min deal followed by a lucrative assistant coaching role...

Pacers grabbing Rasual Butler was smart - he'd have been a perfect backup SF for us (seems like he can still play since the Pacers signed him).

[Hoops Czar]

Beasley is NOT a Spur. He's had plenty of opportunity to thrive and FAILED every time. On his way out of the NBA ATM... his next move is score 40 a game in Kazakhstan or something.

Seriously, anyone who thinks Beasley could make it with the Spurs should check their head.

Can Pendergraph play the 3? If not, we've sure made some weird roster moves this off-season. I really wish we'd thrown Manu's money at Kirilenko and offered Manu a vet min deal followed by a lucrative assistant coaching role...

Pacers grabbing Rasual Butler was smart - he'd have been a perfect backup SF for us (seems like he can still play since the Pacers signed him).

Giving Manu the vet minimum would be a complete insult. He's also said on numerous occasions the interest to coach wasn't there and that once he retired, he would like to spend more time with his family. In addition, I would take Ginobili over Kirilenko 10 times out of 10 times.

[spurs10]

Giving Manu the vet minimum would be a complete insult. He's also said on numerous occasions the interest to coach wasn't there and that once he retired, he would like to spend more time with his family. In addition, I would take Ginobili over Kirilenko 10 times out of 10 times. :toast Ruff I agree on most of your post, but concur on the idea of them offering Manu 'a vet min deal' is preposterous. He is a Hall of Fame player that makes millions for the Spurs. He's been one their golden eggs, make no mistake. I still get what you mean, it's just not realistic.

[mountainballer]

Beasley.......wait, a guy who is picked at #2 (in a very deep draft, btw) and the team gives him away for virtually nothing (2nd rounder) after 2 years. the other team doesn't try to keep him and the team that picks him up and gives him a 3 years contract decides to burn a boatload of money to get rid of him after just one year. so, what's wrong with that picture.

[Ice009]

Quentin Richardson waived, could the Spurs use him? News here (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/story/2013/09/03/sp-nba-toronto-raptors-waive-quentin-richardson.html)

I didn't even think Quentin was that good 8 years ago, why would anyone want him now? Why are people bringing him up? He was always a mediocre defender from what I can recall. I DO NOT WANT ANYONE that has no potential on defense. I can take someone who has potential and is willing to work on his defense, but poor defenders like Q-Rich, no thanks.

DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE! That is a must.

[mountainballer]

only one game, but I would say the Sanikidze option just jumped top of the list.

[pad300]

only one game, but I would say the Sanikidze option just jumped top of the list.

I've said repeatedly that I would like to see him in training camp over the years. I love his fight - especially for rebounds. I am not sure however, that he can handle the speed of NBA SF's...

[rjv]

when does the Beasley countdown start? when does the heat express an interest ?

[ace3g]

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
(http://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA)The Knicks, Bucks and Heat are among the teams that have expressed interest in free agent Hassan Whiteside, according to a source.

Ramona Shelburne ‏@ramonashelburne (https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne) Lakers have a level of interest in Xavier Henry, from what I hear.

[ace3g]

Sam Amick @sam_amick
(http://twitter.com/sam_amick)The Warriors have agreed to a partially-guaranteed deal with USC product/forward Dewayne Dedmon, agent Mike Silverman tells USAT.

[ace3g]

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
(http://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA)The Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks have expressed interest in Devin Ebanks, according to a source.

[Strategic]

Channing Frye just got cleared by doctors to play. Phoenix is rebuilding. Be nice if Spurs could make a deal for him.

[mountainballer]

Frye was out for a whole season, so you don't know what he will be capable to deliver at this point.
and there is a good chace that Pendergraph will be able to provide more or less the same at 1/3 of the price.
from the Suns roster Marcus Morris might be somehow interesting, considering what the Spurs would need. but I doubt the Suns make him available. they will likely test this season what a young core of Bledsoe, Len and the Morris twins is able to do and then hope for the big price in the 2014 draft.

[NickiRasgo]

Sam Young?

[ace3g]

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine
(http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine)Hearing: Ron Howard, one of D-League's top point guards last season, signed non-guaranteed deal w/Pacers today to go to Indy training camp

[ace3g]

Richard Howell Signing With Blazershttp://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/229726/Richard-Howell-Signing-With-Blazers

[ace3g]

Chris Mannix @ChrisMannixSI
(http://twitter.com/ChrisMannixSI)Oklahoma City has waived DeAndre Liggins

Probably has to do with this:

DeAndre Liggins accused of dropping Xbox 360 on girlfriend (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/deandre-liggins-accused-dropping-xbox-360-girlfriend-article-1.1446313)

[Bruno]

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/The_Scoops_Derrick_Williams_future_with_Wolves_sti ll_up_to_debate090513


Even after spending $117 million in free agency in July and August, Minnesota Timberwolves president of operations Flip Saunders will have another sizable monetary decision to make.

Before his third year begins -- Oct. 31 is the deadline -- the Wolves need to figure out if they will pay forward Derrick Williams $6.3 million for the 2014-15 season.

In a phone conversation earlier this week spanning a few topics, Wolves owner Glen Taylor acknowledged the team isn't quite sure what to do.

"We'll evaluate his summer program, and how he looks coming into camp (which starts Oct. 1)," Taylor said. "I heard he is looking good."

Exercising Williams' fourth-year option is potentially enough to carry the Wolves over the luxury tax and not allow them to sign a free agent for the mid-level exception, according to Grantland.com's Zach Lowe.

Williams is still a player I think Spurs should go after.

[Chinook]

Chris Mannix @ChrisMannixSI
(http://twitter.com/ChrisMannixSI)Oklahoma City has waived DeAndre Liggins

Probably has to do with this:

DeAndre Liggins accused of dropping Xbox 360 on girlfriend (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/deandre-liggins-accused-dropping-xbox-360-girlfriend-article-1.1446313)


Like from the roof of a building, or did he beat her in 2K and thought that was the best analog to a mic-drop?

[Chinook]

I still like Williams, but I think bringing him in makes less sense after the Pendergraph signing. I don't really care to have him play the three. That's a lot of money to pay for a fringe rotation player in any event.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i wonder if the wolves are thinking trade or cut? bonner and/or a 2nd aint much. but it's better than nothin. williams beats young and beasley.

the spurs are so wise to stay so far under the tax threshold. salary dump players are literally a bargain bin they can always rummage around.

i really thought williams would be a great nba player. minny seems like they've just been content to jerk him around. they don't like him.

[Chinook]

i wonder if the wolves are thinking trade or cut?

If they don't want to pay him, they will try to trade him over the next month and a half before just not picking up his option. They'll still try to trade him until the deadline and then let him walk. They're not cutting him, as this next season is already guaranteed.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Y! Sources: The Miami Heat are considering the re-signing of free agent Michael Beasley. yhoo.it/1fJHReK (http://t.co/EWQIhqjzoi)

[Robz4000]

:lol fuck the Heat tbh.

[Bruno]

376436448674590720

376436346677907456

[td4mvp2k]

TY spurs not calln dat POS

[xmas1997]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Y! Sources: The Miami Heat are considering the re-signing of free agent Michael Beasley. yhoo.it/1fJHReK (http://t.co/EWQIhqjzoi)


Why am I not surprised?

[ace3g]

Darren Wolfson ‏@DarrenWolfson (https://twitter.com/DarrenWolfson) Sounds like Rodney W. will ink a multi-year deal w/ 76ers tomorrow. Prob. be structured like Lockett'

http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2013/09/sixers-to-sign-rodney-williams.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[DrunkTXLabrat]

derrick williams article - http://www.prosportsdaily.com/Headlines/ExternalArticle?articleId=265371

..."The downside of playing Williams at power forward: He’s too small, at 6-foot-8 with a 7-1 wingspan, to defend the rim. Williams isn’t really a bad defender; he understands team schemes and help responsibilities, and he’s shown good balance in being able to rush out a shooter, stop on a dime if that shooter pump-fakes, and stay shoulder-to-shoulder with that shooter on a drive to the rim. But he has no shot in the post against the league’s back-to-the-basket behemoths, and he provides zero deterrent as a help defender at the basket.
These problems aren’t as serious if Williams settles into a role as a heavy-minutes backup power forward, spotting up and defending less threatening backups. But that’s not the ideal outcome for a no. 2 pick, and it might not be worth $6.3 million to Minnesota. Saunders wouldn’t comment on Minnesota’s plans for Williams’s fourth year, but he knows teams are eyeing Williams as a potential buy-low trade candidate."

[Bruno]

The issue with Williams is that Minny keep trying to turn him into a SF while he should clearly play PF.

From yesterday's David Aldridge article:
http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/david_aldridge/09/09/morning-tip-hall-of-fame-2013-gary-payton-flip-saunders-future-with-wolves-edwin-b-henderson-discussion/index.html


The jury is still out on Williams, but it's getting close to telling the judge it's ready to come back into the courtroom. Minnesota hoped Williams could play the four; he couldn't, at least not consistently -- and it doesn't matter if he could, with Love around (although Williams could play some at the four if the Wolves go small, but he'd need to improve his 3-point shooting). Williams' best hope at sticking in Minnesota is to be able to be more productive at the three.

"He's made a big push this summer to lose weight and be quicker, and hopefully be able to play some three," Saunders said. "We'll see over the next three weeks, and into training camp, that month, what this offseason has done with him, and what losing weight and being a little quicker has done for him. His biggest thing is, can he guard threes? The way Coach Adelman plays, he'll be able to fit him in offensively."

[Chinook]

Yeah. Williams is plenty big to play the four. Articles that say he's not are stuck in an older time. With his range and athleticism, he'd be fine there in all match-ups that don't include the Grizzlies or Spurs. What he is is too slow to play the three in the new three-guard age. Sure, he can play there in spots, but that's not his game.

As I said, I'd love for the Spurs to trade for him. But there's not way that makes sense now. He'd be in line for no minutes most of the time, and he'd be the fifth-highest paid player on the team.

[SpurPadre]

Yeah. Williams is plenty big to play the four. Articles that say he's not are stuck in an older time. With his range and athleticism, he'd be fine there in all match-ups that don't include the Grizzlies or Spurs. What he is is too slow to play the three in the new three-guard age. Sure, he can play there in spots, but that's not his game.

As I said, I'd love for the Spurs to trade for him. But there's not way that makes sense now. He'd be in line for no minutes most of the time, and he'd be the fifth-highest paid player on the team.

How would he be in line for no minutes most of the time? He's more proven than Pendergraph and a better inside presence than Bonner and is actually quite adept at playing the pick and roll. He'd also be the most athletic player on the team outside of Kawhi.

[Chinook]

How would he be in line for no minutes most of the time? He's more proven than Pendergraph and a better inside presence than Bonner and is actually quite adept at playing the pick and roll. He'd also be the most athletic player on the team outside of Kawhi.

So? The Spurs didn't sign Pendergraph (who's just as "proven" as Williams even though he obviously has a lower ceiling) to make him the fifth or sixth big. Say what you want about Bonner, but Williams hasn't proven to be better than him yet. Even if what you say is true, Williams would be the fourth big on a team that runs a lot of small ball (as they have four good wings who all deserve playing time). I'd love to Williams to be able to come in and start next to Duncan and lock down the four position for the foreseeable future. But that's not going to happen. And if it doesn't, then the Spurs would be paying him a whole lot of money to do at best what Pendergraph is in line to do.

[SpurPadre]

So? The Spurs didn't sign Pendergraph (who's just as "proven" as Williams even though he obviously has a lower ceiling) to make him the fifth or sixth big. Say what you want about Bonner, but Williams hasn't proven to be better than him yet. Even if what you say is true, Williams would be the fourth big on a team that runs a lot of small ball (as they have four good wings who all deserve playing time). I'd love to Williams to be able to come in and start next to Duncan and lock down the four position for the foreseeable future. But that's not going to happen. And if it doesn't, then the Spurs would be paying him a whole lot of money to do at best what Pendergraph is in line to do.

Uh no, Pendergraph isn't as "proven" since he's only averaged 9.2 minutes in his career of 96 games while Williams has averaged 23.2 minutes in 144 career games where he also averages double-figures in points...all while being a younger player.

[Chinook]

Uh no, Pendergraph isn't as "proven" since he's only averaged 9.2 minutes in his career of 96 games while Williams has averaged 23.2 minutes in 144 career games where he also averages double-figures in points...all while being a younger player.

So that's the only issue you have? That Pendergraph wasn't on a team that was injury-riddled as the Wolves were last season? Don't get me wrong, I don't think Pendergraph has shown that he should be a starter or anything. But he and Williams have similar per 36 stats (16/6 for Williams and 12/10 for Pendergraph), and Jeff has better advanced stats (equal PERs and twice as many WS/48). He's also a vet who at least has some familiarity with the coaching staff.

If you want to argue that Williams is more established than Pendergraph, then I understand. But he's not proven to be better than Pendergraph, which is really what the issue is. On an even playing field, I can totally agree with taking Williams. But it doesn't make sense to push a recent free agent to the bench to pay three times as much to a player who we don't know would be better in such a small role.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i hate when people spout off stats, but i agree with padre. williams is a #2 overall who would be beasting right now if the spurs had been able to draft him. jeff is a #... uh... google search result overall. who seems to have taken well to coaching. the same coaching the spurs now have on staff. jeff sounds good. but williams is clearly more proven or better or whatever you wanna call it.

williams would have to earn his minutes from manu(@3)/diaw/bonner. and darn well would. especially after reading brunos little post about williams putting in the work to be a better 3. also, knowing manus bound to be hurt. plus diaw and bonner are... well, simply put... diaw and bonner. pendergraph is gonna be battling baynes(@5)/diaw/bonner. i wouldn't worry about a minor minute collide behind diaw/bonner. and i wouldn't worry about a 6 mill price tag either.

i don't know what you have against williams chinook?

[UnWantedTheory]

i hate when people spout off stats, but i agree with padre. williams is a #2 overall who would be beasting right now if the spurs had been able to draft him. jeff is a #... uh... google search result overall. who seems to have taken well to coaching. the same coaching the spurs now have on staff. jeff sounds good. but williams is clearly more proven or better or whatever you wanna call it.

williams would have to earn his minutes from manu(@3)/diaw/bonner. and darn well would. especially after reading brunos little post about williams putting in the work to be a better 3. also, knowing manus bound to be hurt. plus diaw and bonner are... well, simply put... diaw and bonner. pendergraph is gonna be battling baynes(@5)/diaw/bonner. i wouldn't worry about a minor minute collide behind diaw/bonner. and i wouldn't worry about a 6 mill price tag either.

i don't know what you have against williams chinook?

I think he clearly stated to the contrary but whatevs. Chinook doesn't appear to have anything against him, he just sees the big picture. Also, why would you want to spend that much $ on a player of his caliber at this point? Did you pay attention to this off-season?

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i'd gladly watch the spurs take williams and make jeff a baynes challenging bencher. afterall, he is the blair replacement.

[Chinook]

i hate when people spout off stats, but i agree with padre. williams is a #2 overall who would be beasting right now if the spurs had been able to draft him. jeff is a #... uh... google search result overall. who seems to have taken well to coaching. the same coaching the spurs now have on staff. jeff sounds good. but williams is clearly more proven or better or whatever you wanna call it.

williams would have to earn his minutes from manu(@3)/diaw/bonner. and darn well would. especially after reading brunos little post about williams putting in the work to be a better 3. also, knowing manus bound to be hurt. plus diaw and bonner are... well, simply put... diaw and bonner. pendergraph is gonna be battling baynes(@5)/diaw/bonner. i wouldn't worry about a minor minute collide behind diaw/bonner. and i wouldn't worry about a 6 mill price tag either.

i don't know what you have against williams chinook?

Man, I know you frequented the Think Tank last year (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208149&highlight=Derrick+Williams). Go back to the Williams thread there and then get back on me on my "Williams hate."

But the idea that he's instantly better than Pendergraph (three times better) is unfounded, especially if it's only based on draft status. I suppose Evan Turner is better than Green, too, and he'd be a world-beater on the Spurs if only Pop and Co. had managed to draft him back in 2010. It doesn't work that way. Coachability and work ethic are traits just like shooting and vertical. They're just incredibly devalued by teams who tend to consistently pick high in the draft. The fact that Pendergraph has taken to coaching and Williams has not is not a reason to handicap Jeff at all.

Williams could get minutes if the Spurs forced him into the rotation. They could have decided to throw $3.5 Million down the drain by benching Pendergraph and Baynes. They could force Williams to play out of position at take minutes from Green, Bellinelli, Ginobili and most importantly Leonard. But they could also just play Pendergraph as the fourth big with sprinklings of Baynes and Bonner while allowing Green and Leonard to grow and letting Belinelli, Splitter and Diaw to get sufficient minutes. There's no reason to give up picks now.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

Man, I know you frequented the Think Tank last year (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208149&highlight=Derrick+Williams). Go back to the Williams thread there and then get back on me on my "Williams hate."

But the idea that he's instantly better than Pendergraph (three times better) is unfounded, especially if it's only based on draft status. I suppose Evan Turner is better than Green, too, and he'd be a world-beater on the Spurs if only Pop and Co. had managed to draft him back in 2010. It doesn't work that way. Coachability and work ethic are traits just like shooting and vertical. They're just incredibly devalued by teams who tend to consistently pick high in the draft. The fact that Pendergraph has taken to coaching and Williams has not is not a reason to handicap Jeff at all.

Williams could get minutes if the Spurs forced him into the rotation. They could have decided to throw $3.5 Million down the drain by benching Pendergraph and Baynes. They could force Williams to play out of position at take minutes from Green, Bellinelli, Ginobili and most importantly Leonard. But they could also just play Pendergraph as the fourth big with sprinklings of Baynes and Bonner while allowing Green and Leonard to grow and letting Belinelli, Splitter and Diaw to get sufficient minutes. There's no reason to give up picks now.

okay... my bad, you're not a williams hater. i read that way wrong, it's true. but i think you're dead wrong about his ability to play 3. the guy is a perfect tweener. he's athletic as hell. i'm reading stuff about him being smart enough to close out, not buy fakes, and stay squared up. and dedicated enough to slim down and be that much more capable. that stuff is in this thread. i think you should drop the williams would be outta position mentality. it's alright to believe all in on the guy. he's perfect, that's the reason for the discussion. it's also the reason to just dismiss the spurs chances of acquiring him.

#2... (lol at the pun...) turner is better than green. williams is better than green. both are better than jeff. yeah coachability is under-rated. but come on man. the tragedy of the draft is turners and williams. these crappy, top 5 overall, teams draft studs that should start. then jerk them around. it botches development, confidence, and chemistry. it ends up wasting talent and forcing stars to bolt. look at iggy, and all the love rumours. furthermore, danny greens and pendergraphs end up overestimated. as much as it pains me to say.

despite having just claimed danny as over-rated. and having a history of calling danny green ray allen-esque. you're probably slightly right. the spurs are probably better to just stay put. williams would wreck a promising looking pendergraph/belli project...

but he wouldn't take anything away from bonner, bonner would be in minny. he darn sure wouldn't take anything from diaw and manu. due to injury and inconsistency, they're gonna give up minutes whether williams comes or not. baynes minutes would be unaffected too. williams wouldn't take anything away from center. and most importantly, kawhi would have a backup. williams wouldn't hinder his development at all. picks would be wasted anyway. how about the spurs use their picks for somebody with functioning knees for a change?

[ace3g]

The NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
(http://twitter.com/ESPNNBA)RT @MiamiHEAT (http://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT): OFFICIAL: The @MiamiHEAT (http://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT) have signed Michael Beasley.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

the spurs probably did miss their chance at williams. they shoulda cashed in on neal/blair with sjax and/or a 1st. while minny was injury plagued and under kahns control.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)The Miami Heat have reached agreement with free agent forward Michael Beasley to join training camp, source tells Yahoo Sports.

[Bruno]

After Oden, Miami keep making gambles on high upside players with a lot of red flags. Given their roster and their financial status, it's a smart move.

[cd98]

Beasley may just pan out for them. I hope we at least kicked that tire. He was the best small forward available, mostly because everything else is garbage.

[Bruno]

I really think Spurs will try between now and the trade deadline to trade for a big whose contract expire in 2015 (like Brandon Bass, Amir Johnson, Derrick Williams or Paul Millsap).

While improving the team this year will surely be a positive, the main reason of that will be for next season. If Spurs do nothing, they will have only Splitter, Duncan and Pendergraph as bigmen for next season. It wouldn't be normally an issue with the MLE + LLE available but there is the 2015 cap space to preserve. I don't see Spurs lowering it for the mediocre bigmen you can get with a MLE. Spurs will only have to offer players one year contract. Good luck attracting players with that.

Spurs might have a good team for this year but if they do nothing before the trade deadline , they will be in a tough spot for 2014-2015.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Yahoo Sports: The Miami Heat sign free agent Michael Beasley to a non-guaranteed one-year deal. yhoo.it/15kT84b (http://t.co/QHx7Yp0faX)

[TD 21]

Or they can just re-sign Diaw to a one year deal (with maybe a partially guaranteed second season). The Spurs hold virtually all of the leverage with him because they know that . . .

- Players of similar ilk, like Jamison, Lewis and Harrington, have all been forced to take veteran's minimum contracts the past two off seasons and Odom would have had to too

- Teams that would figure to have interest are mostly capped out contenders that are close to or over the tax anyway

- Like Splitter, he knows there's no better fit/place he'd rather be and the rest of the league knows he probably wouldn't be as good anywhere else

- While important, he's not vital. Brand, Humphries, J. O'Neal, Jamison, Kaman, Lewis, Cunningham, Smith, Martin, Harrington, Gooden and Thomas, are potential one year stop gaps in free agency

[Hoops Czar]

Beasley had a negative win share last year and gave up 109 points per 100 possession while on the floor., in 75 games for the Suns. He might be worth a look see but hardly worth the effort from a Spurs standpoint. Miami was smart to give him a non-guaranteed contract.

[cd98]

...

[cd98]

I really think Spurs will try between now and the trade deadline to trade for a big whose contract expire in 2015 (like Brandon Bass, Amir Johnson, Derrick Williams or Paul Millsap).

While improving the team this year will surely be a positive, the main reason of that will be for next season. If Spurs do nothing, they will have only Splitter, Duncan and Pendergraph as bigmen for next season. It wouldn't be normally an issue with the MLE + LLE available but there is the 2015 cap space to preserve. I don't see Spurs lowering it for the mediocre bigmen you can get with a MLE. Spurs will only have to offer players one year contract. Good luck attracting players with that.

Spurs might have a good team for this year but if they do nothing before the trade deadline , they will be in a tough spot for 2014-2015.

Don't forget Bonner.

[Bruno]

Don't forget Bonner.

Bonner will be a free agent next summer. Now, Spurs might re-sign him next summer to an one year contract be he is aging and won't be the answer.

[xmas1997]

Bonner will be a free agent next summer. Now, Spurs might re-sign him next summer to an one year contract be he is aging and won't be the answer.


Plus it has been rumored he is line to join the FO.

[mountainballer]

I really think Spurs will try between now and the trade deadline to trade for a big whose contract expire in 2015 (like Brandon Bass, Amir Johnson, Derrick Williams or Paul Millsap).

While improving the team this year will surely be a positive, the main reason of that will be for next season. If Spurs do nothing, they will have only Splitter, Duncan and Pendergraph as bigmen for next season. It wouldn't be normally an issue with the MLE + LLE available but there is the 2015 cap space to preserve. I don't see Spurs lowering it for the mediocre bigmen you can get with a MLE. Spurs will only have to offer players one year contract. Good luck attracting players with that.

Spurs might have a good team for this year but if they do nothing before the trade deadline , they will be in a tough spot for 2014-2015.

I can see this. a lot will depend on what Pendergraph can bring on the table and they won't know til maybe New Year. If he delivers a solid production, Spurs will only be looking for a 4th and 5th in the big man rotation and that can be found in the one year contracts pool.
best strategy would be, if they go for a tweener now. as we discussed, they already will have use for this player and likely for the next season as well. I mentioned Teletovic in the Eurobasket thread - not as a Spurs target, b/c we don't have a trade exception and that's what the Nets will want - but he of course might be interesteing in this regard. ok, he isn't the kind of tweener I was talking about before, but he would fit what the contract situation concerns.
btw. we should have an eye on Anthony Randolph. he might be the odd man out in Denver considering they acquired Hickson and Arthur and they have still Faried as starter. I still have hopes that he can find his niche. talent, size and athleticism would make him the perfect fit for the tweener role with the Spurs. head and heart is the problem though.
and Jonas Jerebko might become somehow available with Josh Smith arriving in Detroit.

[Baam]

I really think Spurs will try between now and the trade deadline to trade for a big whose contract expire in 2015 (like Brandon Bass, Amir Johnson, Derrick Williams or Paul Millsap).

While improving the team this year will surely be a positive, the main reason of that will be for next season. If Spurs do nothing, they will have only Splitter, Duncan and Pendergraph as bigmen for next season. It wouldn't be normally an issue with the MLE + LLE available but there is the 2015 cap space to preserve. I don't see Spurs lowering it for the mediocre bigmen you can get with a MLE. Spurs will only have to offer players one year contract. Good luck attracting players with that.

Spurs might have a good team for this year but if they do nothing before the trade deadline , they will be in a tough spot for 2014-2015.

Why wouldn't they trade for a SF tho since they only have one?

That said if they wanted a big, I'd love Vesely, the guy need to meet Chip already so that he can save his career... That said his good numbers at eurobasket make it extremely unlikely now.

[mountainballer]

just saw that Luigi Datome will also join the Pistons. gets pretty crowded on the forward spots. (Monroe, Smith, Singler, Jerebko, Villanoueva, Datome, Harrellson)
so Pistons might listen to offers. why Jerebko? his contract goes till 2015. a big extension for Monroe is waiting 2014. they will still have some cap room, but not enough for a significant FA offer. the 4.5 million for Jerebko off the pay roll might/will make the difference if they are a player in free agency or not. (and Pistons are, for whatever reason, likely it's Dumars, historically pretty successful in getting FAs signed.)

[szkorhetz]

I can see this. a lot will depend on what Pendergraph can bring on the table and they won't know til maybe New Year. If he delivers a solid production, Spurs will only be looking for a 4th and 5th in the big man rotation and that can be found in the one year contracts pool.
best strategy would be, if they go for a tweener now. as we discussed, they already will have use for this player and likely for the next season as well. I mentioned Teletovic in the Eurobasket thread - not as a Spurs target, b/c we don't have a trade exception and that's what the Nets will want - but he of course might be interesteing in this regard. ok, he isn't the kind of tweener I was talking about before, but he would fit what the contract situation concerns.
btw. we should have an eye on Anthony Randolph. he might be the odd man out in Denver considering they acquired Hickson and Arthur and they have still Faried as starter. I still have hopes that he can find his niche. talent, size and athleticism would make him the perfect fit for the tweener role with the Spurs. head and heart is the problem though.
and Jonas Jerebko might become somehow available with Josh Smith arriving in Detroit.
I love Anthony, TBH. I think he would be an ideal fit next to Timmy.

[Bruno]

Why wouldn't they trade for a SF tho since they only have one?


With 3 good proven SG (Green, Ginobili and Belinelli), Spurs will play a lot with either Ginobili or Green at the SF spot. Now, Spurs need an additional SF for depth purpose but he can be added through free agency or a very little trade (not the kind I mentioned for a bigman).

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Y! Sources: Los Angeles Lakers free agent guard Darius Morris finalizing a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. yhoo.it/15X5CLT (http://t.co/SnWnBuHtKC)

[ace3g]

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
(http://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA)The Dallas Mavericks have signed Devin Ebanks.

[ace3g]

Paul Coro @paulcoro
(http://twitter.com/paulcoro)The #Suns (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Suns) signed Dionte Christmas to a multi-year with a small guarantee on the first season. Suns have 17 players under contract for camp.

[cd021]

Beasley had a negative win share last year and gave up 109 points per 100 possession while on the floor., in 75 games for the Suns. He might be worth a look see but hardly worth the effort from a Spurs standpoint. Miami was smart to give him a non-guaranteed contract.

I'm actually surprised, he agreed to a non guaranteed deal. I would think he would have an inflated self worth.

[ace3g]

According to L'Equipe, both the Jazz and Thunder are interested in Alexis Ajinca.



Ajinca re-signed with his French team, SIG Stasburg, in August. A strong showing at the EuroBasket Championship is raising his profile. He was on fire on Friday with 25 points against Latvia and is averaging 10.7 points in the tournamenet. Ajinca is unlikely to be on an NBA team by the time November comes around.
Related: Jazz (http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/clubhouse/nba/uta/jazz), Thunder (http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/clubhouse/nba/okc/thunder)

Source: BasketUSA (http://www.basketusa.com/news/182277/alexis-ajinca-tres-observe-par-oklahoma-city-et-utah/)

[Bruno]

^
Ajinça has a $50K opt out clause in his contract to leave for the NBA before September 30th.

[ace3g]

Hoops Rumors @HoopsRumors
(http://twitter.com/HoopsRumors)Lakers Sign Marcus Landry dlvr.it/3zNhJj (http://t.co/bMgbszFKNp) #nba (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23nba)

[Bruno]

A player, that I'm surprised is still unsigned, is Tyrus Thomas. I wouldn't be surprised to see his name popping on Spurs roster during media day like with Eddy Curry last year.

[ace3g]

Alex KennedyVerified account ‏@AlexKennedyNBA (https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA) NBA veteran Patrick O'Bryant will be going to training camp with the Charlotte Bobcats, according to source close to the situation.

[SpurPadre]

Any word if Fab Melo has signed with anybody or is at least working out for any teams?

[timtonymanu]

Any word if Fab Melo has signed with anybody or is at least working out for any teams?

He's going to the Mavs training camp.

[td4mvp2k]

A player, that I'm surprised is still unsigned, is Tyrus Thomas. I wouldn't be surprised to see his name popping on Spurs roster during media day like with Eddy Curry last year.ya i'd like him then bonner but dont see him going for the spurs

[spurraider21]

so... is the kirilenko thing officially dead?

[elemento]

so... is the kirilenko thing officially dead?

Quite the opposite. The Nets were investigated and cleared.

Nothing can be proved against them. And if Prokhorov wants to give AK some extra money, he could do it in Russia quite easily and nobody in US would have a clue about it.

[mountainballer]

A player, that I'm surprised is still unsigned, is Tyrus Thomas. I wouldn't be surprised to see his name popping on Spurs roster during media day like with Eddy Curry last year.

TT is in the comfortable situation that he is payed 8,7 million this season and 9,4 million the season after. (the Bobcats signed him to a 5 years 40 million contract in 2010. yeah right. 40 millions for him). he just doesn't need to sign a minimum and/or ungaranteed contract at this point. and he was that bad the last 2 seasons, that teams won't offer more I guess.

[xmas1997]

Sure wish we would get some news as to who is coming to Spurs training camp, it starts Oct. 1st if I'm not mistaken.
Then maybe all the bashers would shut the hell up!

[Spursfanfromafar]

A player, that I'm surprised is still unsigned, is Tyrus Thomas. I wouldn't be surprised to see his name popping on Spurs roster during media day like with Eddy Curry last year.

Tyrus Thomas bottomed out as a player in his last two seasons. He not only deteriorated basketball-wise, but also lost a lot of his athleticism and a large amount of his weight -owing to some stomach infection. I think his career in the NBA is more or less done.

[ace3g]

Emiliano Carchia @SportandoBasket
(http://twitter.com/SportandoBasket)Donte Greene leaving Celtics, signing in China sportando.net/eng/world/asia… (http://t.co/4alcQvDgB8)

[xmas1997]

Emiliano Carchia @SportandoBasket
(http://twitter.com/SportandoBasket)Donte Greene leaving Celtics, signing in China sportando.net/eng/world/asia… (http://t.co/4alcQvDgB8)




I thought at one time that Greene would be a really good player at SF.
What happened?

[Bruno]

TT is in the comfortable situation that he is payed 8,7 million this season and 9,4 million the season after. (the Bobcats signed him to a 5 years 40 million contract in 2010. yeah right. 40 millions for him). he just doesn't need to sign a minimum and/or ungaranteed contract at this point. and he was that bad the last 2 seasons, that teams won't offer more I guess.

He worked out with John Lucas last month so I don't think Thomas is in "I will just enjoy my money" mode. There is also to factor that half his salary in excess of the one year min vet ($788,872) will be deducted to what Charlotte owed him which makes him not that interesting for him to try to get a big contract.

[DesignatedT]

Alex Kennedy ‏@AlexKennedyNBA 1m
I'm hearing that Gilbert Arenas has looked good in workouts this summer. The Clippers may invite him to training camp, according to sources.

[xmas1997]

Quite the opposite. The Nets were investigated and cleared.

Nothing can be proved against them. And if Prokhorov wants to give AK some extra money, he could do it in Russia quite easily and nobody in US would have a clue about it.

That doesn't surprise me, or probably anyone else either, including the other FOs in the league.
We all know that no one in their right mind gives up that kind of money.
And it doesn't take rocket science to know how and where to hide it.

[TD 21]

If the Spurs didn't bother signing Blatche, when they had a need for more size, then why would they sign or even invite Thomas to training camp, when that need no longer exists? I'm surprised we haven't heard more about him and I'd be shocked if someone doesn't take a flyer, but it won't be the Spurs.

As far as invites go, Young is probably the most likely. I say that because he's the only player they've been linked to the past few months that supposedly flew in to meet with them. All of the others were reported as workouts. They'll probably also invite a veteran, such as Pietrus or Childress, in addition to someone from the D-League.

[Hoops Czar]

If the Spurs didn't bother signing Blatche, when they had a need for more size, then why would they sign or even invite Thomas to training camp, when that need no longer exists? I'm surprised we haven't heard more about him and I'd be shocked if someone doesn't take a flyer, but it won't be the Spurs.

As far as invites go, Young is probably the most likely. I say that because he's the only player they've been linked to the past few months that supposedly flew in to meet with them. All of the others were reported as workouts. They'll probably also invite a veteran, such as Pietrus or Childress, in addition to someone from the D-League.

The Spurs don't need size? Interesting concept. I think the Spurs are putting a lot pressure on unproven commodities like Baynes and Pendergraph to perform. That's pretty risky. No, the Spurs won't sign a player like TT because he won't come here for the veteran's minimum, plain and simple.

[Chinook]

Eh, it's not about money for Thomas in the short term, since he'll get paid the same no matter where he goes. If he cares about money beyond the next two years, he'll go where he can market himself the best. That's probably not the Spurs unless he can work his way up to be the third big. Also, there's no way the Spurs have seven bigs on the roster, especially if that new big is not a mobile four.

[Hoops Czar]

Eh, it's not about money for Thomas in the short term, since he'll get paid the same no matter where he goes. If he cares about money beyond the next two years, he'll go where he can market himself the best. That's probably not the Spurs unless he can work his way up to be the third big. Also, there's no way the Spurs have seven bigs on the roster, especially if that new big is not a mobile four.

Assuming Baynes and Bonner aren't expendable, which I think they are. Pendergraph is still raw and Diaw can play multiple positions, including SF. It does leave the door ajar for a player like Thomas. But, it won't happen.

[ace3g]

Jared Zwerling ‏@JaredZwerling (https://twitter.com/JaredZwerling) Hearing former #Knicks (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Knicks&src=hash) player James "Flight" White has reached an agreement with Reggio Emila, an Italian basketball club.

[xmas1997]

I would be very very surprised to see TT come here, even for a camp invite.
More likely Young or Nunnally.
Pendergraph seems to have Boylens stamp of approval and with a full camp behind him should end up the 3rd or 4th big.

[Strategic]

Jared Zwerling ‏@JaredZwerling (https://twitter.com/JaredZwerling) Hearing former #Knicks (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Knicks&src=hash) player James "Flight" White has reached an agreement with Reggio Emila, an Italian basketball club.If he won't :flypig, then how is he supposed to get to Italy by start of the season?

[Bruno]

especially if that new big is not a mobile four.

IF Thomas is healthy and in shape, he is a damn mobile PF.

[TD 21]

The Spurs don't need size? Interesting concept. I think the Spurs are putting a lot pressure on unproven commodities like Baynes and Pendergraph to perform. That's pretty risky. No, the Spurs won't sign a player like TT because he won't come here for the veteran's minimum, plain and simple.

It's not a concept, it's a reality. They start two players that are between (in shoes) 6-11 - 7-0 and have four or five players total that are (again, in shoes) 6-10 - 7-0.

Pendergraph is not an unproven commodity. He's proven to be a capable fifth big and there's good reason to think he's capable of being a fourth. Either way, they're not paying him just under $3.6M over the next two seasons to be inactive. Primarily because of him, pursuing Thomas would be nonsensical.

At this point, Thomas will not only have to accept the veteran's minimum, but a partially or non guaranteed contract as well.

[ace3g]

Emiliano Carchia @SportandoBasket
(http://twitter.com/SportandoBasket)Polish forward @olekczyz (http://twitter.com/olekczyz) will participate in the Milwaukee Bucks Training Camp. Czyz has played with @VirtusRoma (http://twitter.com/VirtusRoma) his rookie season as pro

HoopsHype @hoopshype
(http://twitter.com/hoopshype)Former Miami Hurricane guard Trey McKinney Jones will be in camp with the Milwaukee Bucks, agent Michael Whitaker tells HoospHype.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i'd like to see tt in camp. i think he'd be a much more promising "eddy curry project"

[mountainballer]

As far as invites go, Young is probably the most likely. I say that because he's the only player they've been linked to the past few months that supposedly flew in to meet with them.

I agree about this. (we never heard anything about the James Johnson workout or further talks, so I guess that option is dead. would have been my preference though.)

about Young, there is this old report, that the Spurs have been interested in him in the 2009 draft and might have even picked him over Blair, if he wasn't picked before.
overall he would be a low risk signing, little upside, but in line with past signings like Udoka, Bogut etc. (low risk b/c of the familiarity with Jim Boylen, his reputation as a hard worker and willing defender, his overall rep as a no nonsense pro)

[ace3g]

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
(http://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee)Chris Singleton to miss 6-8 weeks after breaking left foot during workout: wapo.st/1dpofgL (http://t.co/PCOWdw7OT3) #wizards

(http://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards)Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
(http://twitter.com/ZachLowe_NBA)You ready, Kevin Seraphin? nba.com/wizards/okafor…

(http://t.co/zY4UYuSr0u)Looks like Vesely, Ariza and Seraphin have more minutes next season


Chris Vivlamore ‏@ajchawks (https://twitter.com/ajchawks)

Royal Ivey will be in training camp with Hawks. #ATLHawks (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ATLHawks&src=hash)

[Hoops Czar]

It's not a concept, it's a reality. They start two players that are between (in shoes) 6-11 - 7-0 and have four or five players total that are (again, in shoes) 6-10 - 7-0.

Pendergraph is not an unproven commodity. He's proven to be a capable fifth big and there's good reason to think he's capable of being a fourth. Either way, they're not paying him just under $3.6M over the next two seasons to be inactive. Primarily because of him, pursuing Thomas would be nonsensical.

At this point, Thomas will not only have to accept the veteran's minimum, but a partially or non guaranteed contract as well.


With TT, He makes up for the lack of height with a 7'3" wingspan. If healthy and in shape, just walking into the gym, he puts himself ahead of Baynes and Pendergraph on the depth chart.

As for Pendergraph, I still think he has a lot to prove at this level and it's far from a guarantee he cracks the Spurs rotation in 2014. The Spurs never should have signed him so early in free agency like they did. In doing so, they're overpaying a player who should be receiving the Vet's minimum. RC Buford got played by the Market this off season.

And right, he'll have to accept the Min. (from the Spurs) because they foolishly squandered this year's MLE, and overpaid Ginobili in the process.

[ace3g]

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
(http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)76ers free agent Damien Wilkins has reached agreement on a training camp deal with the Hawks, league source tells RealGM.


Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
(http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)Wilkins' new deal will be a straight camp invite. RealGM reported last week that the former Hawks guard has been working out in Atlanta.

[ace3g]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Ex-Spurs guard @OfficialDeeBee (http://twitter.com/OfficialDeeBee), a Memphis native & ex-Vandy star, working out for Grizzlies this week, a source said. Knicks also interested

[Bruno]

So Okafor AND Singleton, injured?

FUCK these meaningless summer FIBA games that injured NBA players during the offseason.

Oh, wait...

[ace3g]

So Okafor AND Singleton, injured?

FUCK these meaningless summer FIBA games that injured NBA players during the offseason.

Oh, wait...

There are actually more, just saw a tweet for Deron Williams

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/3690585998/5901b8aeab63f24f4c00f8510e5d6c38_normal.jpeg (http://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman)
Josh Newman (http://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman) @Joshua_Newman (http://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman) about 22 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman/statuses/380436533372661760)
#Nets (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nets) say Deron Williams has a sprained right ankle/bone bruise. He's in a boot a la Brook Lopez, but is expected to be ready for camp 10/1

[Bruno]

Sanikidze going to Zaragoza isn't still official but it seems close:
http://www.solobasket.com/liga-endesa/el-cai-cerca-de-cerrar-viktor-sanikidze-tadija-dragicevic-en-la-recamara

[Bruno]

So with Wilkins and Ivey signing with Atlanta, remaining available players that have been linked with Spurs are: Childress, Pietrus, James Johnson, Nunnally, Sam Young, Telfair and Bibby.

[xmas1997]

So with Wilkins and Ivey signing with Atlanta, remaining available players that have been linked with Spurs are: Childress, Pietrus, James Johnson, Nunnally, Sam Young, Telfair and Bibby.

I wonder which ones will be at Spurs camp.

[ace3g]

I wonder which ones will be at Spurs camp.

Hopefully Childress and Young

[xmas1997]

Hopefully Childress and Young

I would like to see Nunnally there too.

Bruno, what does "GNSF" mean, or refer to? I've a feeling I've been bashed again! :lol

[DesignatedT]

Seems like this is the "best available" list when it comes to possible Training Camp invites that the Spurs haven't been rumored with:


F Tyrus Thomas
F Josh Howard
F Shavlik Randolph
F Corey Maggette
F Marquis Daniels
G Gilbert Arenas
G Rip Hamilton
G Leandro Barbosa
G Rodrigue Beaubois
G Dahntay Jones
G A.J. Price
C Cole Aldrich

[ace3g]

Seems like this is the "best available" list when it comes to possible Training Camp invites that the Spurs haven't been rumored with:

Was thinking about RIP lately, still able to run around screens, but he had back injuries last year and those can be tricky at his age.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3sbq9KLDamk

[xmas1997]

Was thinking about RIP lately, still able to run around screens, but he had back injuries last year and those can be tricky at his age.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3sbq9KLDamk


Just ask DRob about back issues.

[ace3g]

Hoops Rumors @HoopsRumors
(http://twitter.com/HoopsRumors)Hawks Sign James Johnson dlvr.it/40NMMw (http://t.co/UA4YjpDRxt) #nba (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23nba)

So it looks like the players linked to both Spurs and Hawks during work outs signed training camp spots with the Hawks.

[Bruno]

Disappointing that Spurs didn't get James Johnson. They badly need a player with that kind of profile.

A lot of players can only be defended by Kawhi right now. These players are too strong/big for the biggest perimeter players (Ginobili, Green) and too quick for Spurs fastest big (Diaw). Spurs must add a 6'8"/6'9" and 220/230lbs player. The hole between a bunch of relatively small perimeter players of Mills, Parker, Joseph, De Colo, Belinelli, Ginobili, Green and a bunch a relatively slow bigmen of Diaw, Bonner, Splitter, Ayres, Duncan, Baynes can't just be covered by Kawhi.

[xmas1997]

What about Young and Nunnally?

[raybies]

Young was on my list at the beginning of free agency.

[td4mvp2k]

Young was on my list at the beginning of free agency.want to see him @ TC

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Vander Blue, an undrafted guard out of Marquette, has agreed to a partial guarantee on a camp deal with Philadelphia, league source tells Y!

[TD 21]

With TT, He makes up for the lack of height with a 7'3" wingspan. If healthy and in shape, just walking into the gym, he puts himself ahead of Baynes and Pendergraph on the depth chart.

As for Pendergraph, I still think he has a lot to prove at this level and it's far from a guarantee he cracks the Spurs rotation in 2014. The Spurs never should have signed him so early in free agency like they did. In doing so, they're overpaying a player who should be receiving the Vet's minimum. RC Buford got played by the Market this off season.

And right, he'll have to accept the Min. (from the Spurs) because they foolishly squandered this year's MLE, and overpaid Ginobili in the process.

That has nothing to do with your claim that the Spurs lack size. And the reality is, even if he could get back to where he was a few years ago, he's not enough of an upgrade on Ayres for them to regularly deactivate and cause friction with a player they're paying fringe rotation money to.

By all accounts, him not yet establishing himself as a rotation player has more to do with injury and lack of opportunity than anything else. There's reason to think he's capable of being a rotation player.

No, he'll have to accept the minimum, with no more than a partial guarantee, because that's the best any remaining free agent can do at this point.

[mountainballer]

Disappointing that Spurs didn't get James Johnson. They badly need a player with that kind of profile.

A lot of players can only be defended by Kawhi right now. These players are too strong/big for the biggest perimeter players (Ginobili, Green) and too quick for Spurs fastest big (Diaw). Spurs must add a 6'8"/6'9" and 220/230lbs player. The hole between a bunch of relatively small perimeter players of Mills, Parker, Joseph, De Colo, Belinelli, Ginobili, Green and a bunch a relatively slow bigmen of Diaw, Bonner, Splitter, Ayres, Duncan, Baynes can't just be covered by Kawhi.

so it should be Young. while he also lacks size, he would be the only one of the mentioned candidates, who has the bulk and streghts, to defend big SFs.

edit: @ JJohnson. not surprised he chose the Hawks. there he has the best chance to get minutes at the 3. they only have Korver and Carroll for the 3. Korver can't defend and Carroll can't score. Johnson did the math.

[Bruno]

so it should be Young. while he also lacks size, he would be the only one of the mentioned candidates, who has the bulk and streghts, to defend big SFs.

Yep, among the players linked with Spurs, Johnson and Young are clearly the two most interesting to me. Now, it could also be a surprise name. I'm sure way more players have worked out for Spurs than the ones reported in the medias.

[xmas1997]

Bruno, how do you feel about Nunnally, the quasi-Bowen, or did you answer this question already?

[ace3g]

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
(http://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA)Former Dallas Mavericks guard Dominique Jones has decided to sign with a team in China, according to sources close to the situation.

[Axegrinder]

Hollis Thompson

[Bruno]

Bruno, how do you feel about Nunnally, the quasi-Bowen, or did you answer this question already?

I Never saw him play but he is a relatively small player. What I think is Spurs really needed another player (a SF, SF/PF or mobile PF) in addition of Kawhi to fill the gap between their 7 relatively small guards and their 6 relatively slow bigmen.

[pad300]

I Never saw him play but he is a relatively small player. What I think is Spurs really needed another player (a SF, SF/PF or mobile PF) in addition of Kawhi to fill the gap between their 7 relatively small guards and their 6 relatively slow bigmen.

Do you think Childress is big enough to fit that role?

[TheCerebral1]

Childress has nothing to offer. At best he sees blow out minutes. PF please!

[Bruno]

Do you think Childress is big enough to fit that role?

I'm not sure about Childress. It isn't only a matter of height and weight, it's also how "big" he can play. For example, Manu might be a little smaller, thinner than Green but he is able to play bigger with his toughness. From what I remember from Childress with Hawks, he was mostly matched up against small player and even plays some SG. I don't know what he can do against big, strong players.

And of course, the biggest issue isn't to find a player with the right build to fit that hole, it's to find a player good enough. At that stage of the offseason, even the most interesting players will come with big "ifs" that will need to be checked to make these players useful. For Childress or Tyrus Thomas, it would be "if he can get back at his previous level". For Sam Young, it would be "if he can hit a corner 3".

[cd021]

Was thinking about RIP lately, still able to run around screens, but he had back injuries last year and those can be tricky at his age.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3sbq9KLDamk

I'd doubt he has much left. Plus he's has missed 148 games over the past 5 seasons despite seeing his minutes drop from as much as 34 per game to 22 last season. His 3pt shooting has also been erratic recently from 37% in 11-12 to 30% last season.

He would be a 14th or 15th man with absolutely no chance to eventually crack the rotation.I would think, then again, most anyone around this late would be a stretch to do that.

[DPG21920]

Spurs, despite what transpires results wise this season have really had a poor off season when you factor in the potential that was there.

[ace3g]

I'm not sure about Childress. It isn't only a matter of height and weight, it's also how "big" he can play. For example, Manu might be a little smaller, thinner than Green but he is able to play bigger with his toughness. From what I remember from Childress with Hawks, he was mostly matched up against small player and even plays some SG. I don't know what he can do against big, strong players.

And of course, the biggest issue isn't to find a player with the right build to fit that hole, it's to find a player good enough. At that stage of the offseason, even the most interesting players will come with big "ifs" that will need to be checked to make these players useful. For Childress or Tyrus Thomas, it would be "if he can get back at his previous level". For Sam Young, it would be "if he can hit a corner 3".

I think Chip can work with Sam Young on his jumper, the mechanics are fixable.

Sucks Hedo had such a terrible Eurobasket, even when he does get bought out, I don't think I would want him joining the the team now.

[Bruno]

I think Chip can work with Sam Young on his jumper, the mechanics are fixable.

Sucks Hedo had such a terrible Eurobasket, even when he does get bought out, I don't think I would want him joining the the team now.

Yep, after what Hedo did at the Eurobasket, it's hard to see him being able to produce again at the NBA level. He might just be done.

For Young, a reason to hope he can be a good 3 point shooter is that he was one in college. Aside of the help of Chip, a key would be to reduce what he had to do offensively and put him in a Bowen role, where he would just stay in the corner.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Why not Pietrus?

[Budkin]

Why not Pietrus?

Pietrus is my pick of the bunch. Watched him a lot with the Magic and if he can even give 75% of that it'll work out.

[jyra]

381472415458414592

[Bruno]

It's safe to say Spurs didn't make a training camp offer to Childress.

Wizards still have 15 players under guaranteed contracts. Chances of Childress making the final roster are very low. It would makes no sense for Childress to pick that situation over Spurs where he would have a legit shot at making the team.

[szkorhetz]

It's safe to say Spurs didn't make a training camp offer to Childress.

Wizards still have 15 players under guaranteed contracts. Chances of Childress making the final roster are very low. It would makes no sense for Childress to pick that situation over Spurs where he would have a legit shot at making the team.
Just trade for Vesely and we are fine:stirpot:

[TD 21]

Why not Pietrus?

He either still won't accept a non-guaranteed contract or they think he's too established and far gone to accept a role that, when they're fully healthy on the perimeter, will primarily be inactive.

Whichever the answer is, it's unfortunate, because as bad as he's been the past three seasons (for what it's worth, he's supposedly healthier now than he's been in that time), he's clearly the best combination of athleticism, three-point shooting, defense and experience, left and has been for some time. Also, unlike Young, who was so terrified in the last few games of the ECF, that the Pacers literally went down to one perimeter sub, confidence will never been an issue with him, because he's always had an irrational amount of it.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Y! Sources (w/ @SpearsNBAYahoo (http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)): Indiana finalizing a 5-year, $90 million-plus max extension with Paul George. yhoo.it/1dCdSX5 (http://t.co/YgS0XCoALv)

[benefactor]

Not surprising. Good core they have built there in Indy.

[anakha]

For better or for worse, that's the team they have to work with for the next few years.

[mountainballer]

It's safe to say Spurs didn't make a training camp offer to Childress.


yes. Childress wouldn't have added anything that Green and Manu couldn't do better. he is neither strong enough to defend big SFs, nor can he shoot the 3. his shot is even worse than Young's (who's shot is, as you mentioned, not that bad to be called a hopeless case).

[cd021]

Kind of makes you wonder about Kahwi's extension. Depending on how much he progresses next season, The Spurs could be stand to save a few million and lock him up into a 5 year deal. Plus the final year of his rookie deal and he would be a Spur for through 2019

Players like Steph Curry. He is only making $44 million over four seasons. Starting this season. He averaged 23 pts, 7 asts, and 45% 3pt in the final year of his rookie deal but signed his deal prior to that season.

Rondo had a similar situation. He signed a 5 year, 55 million dollar extension after his 3rd season,before he fully developed into an all-star. He averaged almost 14pts, and 10 asts. the following season.

[Ice009]

Wow, I really respect Stephen Curry for signing that kind of contract. Gives his team a little bit of room to get some decent players around him.

Was that all he could get at the time, or do you think he took less on purpose? Was it just a case of him signing that contract too early?

[tmtcsc]

Steph had a great season but lets face it, when he signed his contract he was an injury-prone player who showed tons of potential. He had by far his best season in 2012.

[Ice009]

Steph had a great season but lets face it, when he signed his contract he was an injury-prone player who showed tons of potential. He had by far his best season in 2012.

I never watched him much before last season. So he didn't really do the team any favors then. That was about all he could get at the time.

[mountainballer]

the Pacers have a history to overpay the players they see as their franchise players. (see Granger and Hibbert, Hill also got crazy money considering his likely market value.)
I don't see the Spurs give Kawhi a offer in that area. it will likely be similar to the Tony Parker situation in 2004, when Tony signed a 6 years / 66 million extension, that was significantely below the max.
assuming Kawhi shows further improvement and becomes at least a borderline all star this season, I see the Spurs be willing to hand him a 5 years and 60 million contract next fall. 90 million for George?? jeeezzz.

[xmas1997]

the Pacers have a history to overpay the players they see as their franchise players. (see Granger and Hibbert, Hill also got crazy money considering his likely market value.)
I don't see the Spurs give Kawhi a offer in that area. it will likely be similar to the Tony Parker situation in 2004, when Tony signed a 6 years / 66 million extension, that was significantely below the max.
assuming Kawhi shows further improvement and becomes at least a borderline all star this season, I see the Spurs be willing to hand him a 5 years and 60 million contract next fall. 90 million for George?? jeeezzz.


This is why the Spurs are the benchmark in all of sports.
There are a lot of FOs out there who have no business being GMs and continually raise salaries until it escalates out of control and thus filters down to the average fan who cannot afford to go to games anymore.

[cd021]

Steph had a great season but lets face it, when he signed his contract he was an injury-prone player who showed tons of potential. He had by far his best season in 2012.

True but he could played out his deal ,and probably stood to make more money. GSW did make a relatively minor gamble that has payed off so far, in terms of having their best player making $11 million a year.

[Chinook]

I thought that Leonard was going to get a deal in the range of $60M/5, but the Spurs may have to give him $70M/5 after George and Wall got their money. That would be overpaying in my book, but the market value is only going to increase after Irving gets his max extension next off-season.

[ace3g]

Hoops Rumors @HoopsRumors
(http://twitter.com/HoopsRumors)Gilbert Arenas Plans To Play In China dlvr.it/41rK8q (http://t.co/72dabg3H5Z) #nba (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23nba)

[cd98]

Have I missed something or have the Spurs not signed any training camp fodder?

[ace3g]

Have I missed something or have the Spurs not signed any training camp fodder?

Spurs don't usually announce that kind of news till around the day of training camp/media day. Last year we had no idea that Eddy Curry was on the roster till tweets came in that he was at media day.

Sometimes we find out from tweets, for example, a friend of a player might congratulate them for making the roster, etc. Haven't found any of those this year yet.

[Solid D]

Spurs don't usually announce that kind of news till around the day of training camp/media day. Last year we had no idea that Eddy Curry was on the roster till tweets came in that he was at media day.

Sometimes we find out from tweets, for example, a friend of a player might congratulate them for making the roster, etc. Haven't found any of those this year yet.

True, ace. They'll probably add a couple of SF/swingmen & one big.

[ace3g]

True, ace. They'll probably add a couple of SF/swingmen & one big.

Most likely, I'm sure a few names that were linked to workouts with the Spurs will be on the training camp roster like Sam Young. Plus they always have some "out of no where/didn't expect that" roster invites as well.

--

Speaking of Sam Young, if you wanted to know what type of shape he is in:

Sam Young ‏@SamYoung4 (https://twitter.com/SamYoung4) 21 Sep (https://twitter.com/SamYoung4/status/381458928741015552) #Herbalife (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Herbalife&src=hash) pic.twitter.com/uBOSssDZyK (http://t.co/uBOSssDZyK)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BUs239_CUAAhaQK.jpg:large

[I. Hustle]

http://youtu.be/1aM8Am2ISh8