Spurs in Serious Talks with Belinelli (Edit: signed to 2 year/$6M)

[T Park]

:lol Be prepared to be disappointed.

I'm still waiting for the Grizzlies to win.

[Baam]

Exactly. Plus dude put dagger after dagger into Miami, Chicago just didn't have enough.

Belli was pretty damn good vs Miami.

Well Neal still has a much better playoff resume with an incredible Finals game and a season saving shot...

[DesignatedT]

Neal was horrendous last year. Blame it on injuries but he was flat out embarrassingly bad. Belinelli is a better player and its not even debatable.

Neither are game changers or going to be the ultimate difference between a title but Belinelli is smarter, a better defender, and as good a shooter.

[Steve-O-Matic]

Belli is not Gary Neal level, as a player he is much closer to roger mason, a little more athletic.

That's not true at all. Neal and MB are comparable as shooters, but MB has a much more rounded game. He's the vastly superior ball-handler, can create better than Neal, and is a better defender with more length than Neal.

[HarlemHeat37]

:lol Belineli's defense was still horrible with the Bulls..statistically, the only other perimeter player on Chicago's roster that hurt them as much was Nate Robinson, which is expected..

Playing in a great defensive system can mask your flaws, but it doesn't eliminate them..if that's the case, Neal wouldn't have been such a horrid defender on this year's elite Spurs defense(which was superior to their offense)..

[objective]

34% from the field and 33% from 3 in a 5 game series where 3 losses were blowouts . . . ?

[HarlemHeat37]

And Beli is a better ball-handler and passer, but not a better creator of his own shot, not even close, tbh..

I disliked Neal as much as anybody on ST and I like Beli replacing him, but still, let's not be delusional about this, tbh..

[timvp]

Exactly. Plus dude put dagger after dagger into Miami, Chicago just didn't have enough.

Belli was pretty damn good vs Miami.

Belinelli vs. Heat
14.5 points per 48 minutes
4.5 rebounds per 48 minutes
3.7 assists per 48 minutes
4.6 fouls per 48 minutes
2.6 turnovers per 48 minutes
34% shooting from the field
33% shooting on three-pointers

Neal vs. Heat
18.5 points per 48 minutes
4.7 rebounds per 48 minutes
1.8 assists per 48 minutes
2.7 fouls per 48 minutes
2.2 turnovers per 48 minutes
42% shooting from the field
47% shooting on three-pointers

Neal was much better against the Heat. Tbh, Belinelli sucked against the Heat.

[DesignatedT]

Stupid comparison. Belinelli didn't get to play off guys like Parker, Duncan, etc.

[Samr.]

Wow, don't look now but the Spurs actually signed someone we know the name of.

SpursTalk servers crash in 5.... 4.... 3..... 2.....

[Vic Petro]

Well Neal still has a much better playoff resume with an incredible Finals game and a season saving shot...

We can't really blame Belli for playing on terrible teams. I'm sure this is why he chose SA ahead of Cleveland. And for those saying "I watched him in Toronto and his defense was bad" ... Most players' defense will take a step back on bad teams. It's demoralizing trying to stay within a team concept when you are surrounded by shit heads. Not saying he's a good defender, just saying its tough to compare a guy's defensive effort on a bad team vs on a good team.

Also in general role players tend to play better in San Antonio. Wouldn't surprise me if Belli has one of his best years in the NBA playing for Pop.

[Hoops Czar]

Addition by subraction. Spurs didn't get better. Personally, I'd rather have neal.

[TD 21]

Joseph's been a pretty good contributor outside of the Finals. He was scrappy and played hard. During the regular season, he was very good at getting his own shot and converting his attempts. And that was just with a couple of weeks with the big club. If he gets Pop's blessing, I think he'll be more consistent next season.

As I said before, I feel that the Spurs returned to contending status in large part because they stopped trying to prop the window open with stop-gaps. Getting Joseph to play the way it seems like he can consistently would pay a lot more dividends than bringing in a vet to replace him.

I actually like Joseph, but he's too minimal a prospect and his role is too important of one to chance it.

Again, he shouldn't be compared to players like Leonard, Green and Splitter, since it was immediately obvious in all three cases that they were rotation players. Stop gap or young, they need players that can help them win now.

[timvp]

And Beli is a better ball-handlerNeal is the better ballhandler, tbh.

[Steve-O-Matic]

Belinelli vs. Heat
14.5 points per 48 minutes
4.5 rebounds per 48 minutes
3.7 assists per 48 minutes
4.6 fouls per 48 minutes
2.6 turnovers per 48 minutes
34% shooting from the field
33% shooting on three-pointers

Neal vs. Heat
18.5 points per 48 minutes
4.7 rebounds per 48 minutes
1.8 assists per 48 minutes
2.7 fouls per 48 minutes
2.2 turnovers per 48 minutes
42% shooting from the field
47% shooting on three-pointers

Neal was much better against the Heat. Tbh, Belinelli sucked against the Heat.

So Neal converted a couple more of his shots per game whereas Belli got a couple more assists per game, so offensively it's a wash and in every other category they're ostensibly even except for fouls. That's hardly a "much better" performance by Neal, esp. considering that Belli was asked to do a lot more against the Heat than Neal was, and Neal couldn't defend you, me or my neighbor Tom.

[spursince#99]

Stupid comparison. Belinelli didn't get to play off guys like Parker, Duncan, etc.

[Steve-O-Matic]

Neal is the better ballhandler, tbh.

Oh no he isn't. Neal has absolutely no left hand and can't handle even the slightest pressure, where as Belli is virtually ambidextrous. What the hell are you watching, dude?

[coachmac87]

I've always liked Belo since he came into the league...he's just never had a good opportunity since he's been on bad/young teams. But when he got his shot with Chicago he made a name for himself..especially in the playoffs..

Glad Spurs took a chance on him and sacrificed less $$ good signing for us!

Overall he's a better player than Neal. I've been a fan of Neal and loved his confidence but he played his way out of the Spurs price range. Can't hate him for that!

[TheGreatYacht]

We can't really blame Belli for playing on terrible teams. I'm sure this is why he chose SA ahead of Cleveland. And for those saying "I watched him in Toronto and his defense was bad" ... Most players' defense will take a step back on bad teams. It's demoralizing trying to stay within a team concept when you are surrounded by shit heads. Not saying he's a good defender, just saying its tough to compare a guy's defensive effort on a bad team vs on a good team.

Also in general role players tend to play better in San Antonio. Wouldn't surprise me if Belli has one of his best years in the NBA playing for Pop.Very true. Marcin Gortat went from being one of Phoenix's beset defenders to being the worst last year because he wasn't happy with his team. Fact. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2012/11/30/3709922/marcin-gortat-phoenix-suns-best-defender-playing-like-one-of-its-worst

[8FOR!3]

lol Neal had one game where he and Green went off, subtract that and Belinelli's best game in the series and give me the stats

[Russ]

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Marco+Belinelli+Chicago+Bulls+v+Brooklyn+Nets+g6Nx hWgjn1Jx.jpg

THAT dude.

He looks like Giancarlo Giannini in Swept Away.

[spursince#99]

It's not even definitive that Neal will be gone. Besides, I trust Woj more than anybody.

[timvp]

FWIW, I don't really mean to come off as negative against Belinelli. Neal is apparently getting offers higher than the Spurs are willing to pay him so they were forced to move on. They needed to find a reasonably priced shooting guard to provide depth and be able to step in when Ginobili misses his games. Under those circumstances, getting Belinelli is fine. He has his flaws (thus why he only got $2M last offseason and less than $3M this offeseason) but he's in his prime and has some upside. He has a chance to be a bust but he also has a chance to do better than expected. All in all, as relatively cheap SG depth, Belinelli is a good get.

But it's pretty dumb to think of this as a big improvement over Neal ... especially since it appears as if the Spurs attempted to sign Neal first and only moved on to Belinelli when they got priced out of the Neal race. Let's hope it works out but everything we're hearing so far is that he was a consolation prize.

[spursince#99]

lol Neal had one game where he and Green went off, subtract that and Belinelli's best game in the series and give me the stats

:rollin

[timvp]

:lol By this rate, by page 25, Belinelli will have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

[spursince#99]

Belinelli and bust in the same sentence? That's very disrespectful. He has the same competitive drive as Manu.

[timvp]

He has the same competitive drive as Manu.

Here we go.......

[TheGreatYacht]

:lol By this rate, by page 25, Belinelli will have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame on Spurstalk.:lol

[DesignatedT]

The Spurs have always put a significant amount of stock into "corporate knowledge" when it comes to free agency and their players. If they wanted to keep Neal, this is the main reason why.

[Sa_Spursfan20]

Damn. Never expected Belinelli to be on the Spurs. Ill miss Neal, but this should definitely be interesting.

[spursince#99]

Here we go.......

Just because he has 3 rings doesn't escalate his competitive fire beyond 1 that didn't get the opportunity to play with Tim Duncan.

[ElNono]

THAT dude is a lock for the All Star next season, IMO

[dunkman]

What happened with Redick?!

[Blizzardwizard]

Everyone crying out for us to get someone in

Moans when player X comes in. :sleep


I like Belinelli, I personally think he's better than Neal, and would rather have him on the team. But, I wouldn't mind having both..

[manufan10]

Belinelli will be first all-defensive team. Book it.

[DesignatedT]

What happened with Redick?!

He got $7M a year.

[Russ]

So how much $$$$ do the Spurs have left?

[Captivus]

Lets him how much Neal gets...

[stephen jackson]

this wtf we get excited for, fuckin spurs organization, we fiend for anything.

[Hoops Czar]

It's pretty much A-typical being the backseat organization that the Spurs are, to only go after players nobody else is interested in. Neal was worth more than 1.1M dollars. Hickson is still availabe and the Spurs desperately need another inside scoring presence and a guy who can rebound but signing a guy like that is beneath them. This organization does everything ass-backwards. Shooting guards are a dime, a dozen.

[8FOR!3]

I'm not saying he's the great white hope (which he is,) I'm just saying he's better than Neal. If Neal was an inch taller and more athletic I'd almost rather have him, he's not

[Darius McCrary]

I don't like it. Gonna miss Neal With It.

[TheGreatYacht]

Just because he has 3 rings doesn't escalate his competitive fire beyond 1 that didn't get the opportunity to play with Tim Duncan.I know shi* gets so annoying. The only defense that these Manutards have is "oh he has 3 rings, he has 3 championships." So does Tim Duncan. So does TP. Rings are individual accomplishments. Plus, those rings are mostly thanks to Tim Duncan because he did most of the work. BTW I'm referring to all the Manutards and Popsuckers, not Timvp because I know the comment was a reply to timvp. Just throwing that out. timvp is the man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5SyMO_tR70

[Hoops Czar]

I'm not saying he's the great white hope (which he is,) I'm just saying he's better than Neal. If Neal was an inch taller and more athletic I'd almost rather have him, he's not

The Spurs already have Matt Bonner. How manygreat white hopes do the Spurs need?

[superbigtime]

This dude has game. Sad to see Neal likely go, it was fun but often frustrating cheering for him. Dude reminds me of Brent Barry.

[V-2]

Good luck to Gary Neal, he's been a good Spur, now he's got to get paid that's the nature of the business.
I think Belinelli is a good replacement, neither an upgrade, nor a downgrade and the 6M figure is more than fair.

[celldweller]

F*ckin Spurs fans will never be happy! "Trade Neal!", "Keep Neil!", "Neal Sucks!", "Start him!", "Damn Chucker!", "I can't wait till he's gone!", "Neil with it!", "Let him go!".............................now that we got rid of him its "I RATHER HAVE NEIL?" wtf?

Marco B. is an improvement over Neil and it's not even close!

[benefactor]

:rollinAll these Spurs fans breaking their heads and trying to figure out numbers on how the FO can acquire AK47 or some other impact FA when all that was necessary was for Manu to take less $$$. Splitter is younger and has never earned big $$$ so he is excused. But Manu? He was supposed to be the savior. He was the one who is supposed to willingly sacrifice $$$ to try to give back Timmy his 5th ring that Manu handed to the Heat. :lol


All you Spurs fans that were hating on my boy Gary Neal throughout the playoffs because of his defense and shot selection, well you got your wishes handled to you. "You don't know what you have until you lose it." I've seen people hate on Danny Green yet he's making half the $$$ that Redick, Kevin Martin, and Kyle Korver are. But you'll are ok with Manu getting over paid when he's way past his prime? Shame on you.


Or Manu could have just taken the veteran's minimum. No use in tormenting yourself anymore buddy. Manu fuc*ed the Spurs once again.


Very true. Marcin Gortat went from being one of Phoenix's beset defenders to being the worst last year because he wasn't happy with his team. Fact. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2012/11/30/3709922/marcin-gortat-phoenix-suns-best-defender-playing-like-one-of-its-worst


I know shi* gets so annoying. The only defense that these Manutards have is "oh he has 3 rings, he has 3 championships." So does Tim Duncan. So does TP. Rings are individual accomplishments. Plus, those rings are mostly thanks to Tim Duncan because he did most of the work. BTW I'm referring to all the Manutards and Popsuckers, not Timvp because I know the comment was a reply to timvp. Just throwing that out. timvp is the man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5SyMO_tR70
lol didn't read

[TheGreatYacht]

F*ckin Spurs fans will never be happy! "Trade Neal!", "Keep Neil!", "Neal Sucks!", "Start him!", "Damn Chucker!", "I can't wait till he's gone!", "Neil with it!", "Let him go!".............................now that we got rid of him its "I RATHER HAVE NEIL?" wtf?

Marco B. is an improvement over Neil and it's not even close!I like Marco B., I like what I saw from him in the playoffs but , timvp is correct, they both have very similar numbers. Neal's FG% numbers for the past three seasons are actually a little than Marco B's TBH. Whatever, what's done is done. I mean it's not like the Spurs had a better choice considering Manu's greedy act of not taking less $$$.

[Mal]

F*ckin Spurs fans will never be happy! "Trade Neal!", "Keep Neil!", "Neal Sucks!", "Start him!", "Damn Chucker!", "I can't wait till he's gone!", "Neil with it!", "Let him go!".............................now that we got rid of him its "I RATHER HAVE NEIL?" wtf?

Marco B. is an improvement over Neil and it's not even close!

There are couple thousends posters here. And probably same amount of thoughts about Neal, Beli etc

[TheGreatYacht]

lol didn't read:lmao at a Spurs homer that can't take criticism about his team. I bet this Benefactor guy wishes that ESPN would be all Spurs TV instead of Laker TV or Heat TV where they actually don't criticize the teams, they actually dic* ride Lebron and Kobe ignoring all their negatives. BTW thanks for taking the time to put together all of my thoughts in one paragraph.

[Mal]

Belinelli is upgrade over Neal, TMac. But he isnt that saviour.

[DPG21920]

T
What's strange is that Belinelli signed for $2M last year with the Bulls. Then his stats drop from the previous year ... yet he lands a contract almost triple as large.

Weird.

I don't think this contract for Belinelli is bad or good. It's not bad because you have to compare it to contracts players like Redick and Korver landed. But it's not good because coming into the offseason, the room exception is the absolute ceiling I would have projected him of getting.

Well, what gives me hope that its a Room Exception contract is what I said earlier and what you mentioned here. His contract with the Bulls was small and the room exception represents a decent pay upgrade despite not having a great year.

[Hoops Czar]

I like Marco B., I like what I saw from him in the playoffs but , timvp is correct, they both have very similar numbers. Neal's FG% numbers for the past three seasons are actually a little than Marco B's TBH. Whatever, what's done is done. I mean it's not like the Spurs had a better choice considering Manu's greedy act of not taking less $$$.

Manu's greedy act??? Why don't you try the Spurs selfish act... paying a player for past production. I don't recall Manu drawing a line in the sand and handing out ultimatums. The Spurs overpayed for a one-dimensional player in Splitter too. That's what this organization does.

[DPG21920]

Also, it's probably safe to assume we won't know details until at least July 10th, no? If the Spurs whiff on FA's then they will use MLE. If they get a FA they want, it means they used their cap space (and will make the appropriate moves to get that cap space)

[NickiRasgo]

Would this signing is comparable to Brent Barry? But cheaper. Dude looks playing smarter than Neal.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

just wish the spurs could have used this on a back up sf that can play D instead of another small guard. well at least he can create his offense.

[TheGreatYacht]

just wish the spurs could have used this on a back up sf that can play D instead of another small guard. well at least he can create his offense.I wish the Spurs would have used the $$$ on a backup PG to TP or a SF that can create his own shot and be a facilitator so that Manu can carry less of the load off the bench.

[Bill_Brasky]

Manu's greedy act??? Why don't you try the Spurs selfish act... paying a player for past production. I don't recall Manu drawing a line in the sand and handing out ultimatums. The Spurs overpayed for a one-dimensional player in Splitter too. That's what this organization does.
:lol Cavs
:lol "Cavs will easily sweep the '07 Finals" take
:lol Cavs offered the same player double what Spurs offered and got turned down
:lol never been right about anything

[SilverSpur]

I like this guy. He played really well against us. He's 26/27 yrs old and can shoot/drive. Big improvement over Neal.
This will pay off for us next year and beyond. Plus we took a player away from the team we will play in the finals.
Really good signing.
Show him love and welcome him to San Antonio.

[SilverSpur]

Your gonna really like this guy come next year.

[Hoops Czar]

:lol Cavs
:lol "Cavs will easily sweep the '07 Finals" take
:lol Cavs offered the same player double what Spurs offered and got turned down
:lol never been right about anything

The old fail safe response. Look me up when you learn how to spell. Solving that riddle will answer smiles 2 and 4. Btw, it's never a good idea to post pics of yo daddy in a public forum like this even after he's been fixed.

[therealtruth]

I should clarify on the Neal comparison: If you're comparing Belinelli to the plantar fasciitis+calf strain+achilles tendinitis Neal that we saw a majority of last season, then yeah Belinelli is better. But if you're comparing Belinelli to the Neal of his first two seasons and the Neal that began last year, Neal is probably better. Belinelli has room to improve (Neal doesn't) so maybe Belinelli can surpass what a healthy Neal could provide but it's far from a lock.

I am not sure I agree with that. In what ways is Neal better than shooting? Belineli has better PG skills and better defense. He also has a better free throw rate.

[therealtruth]

I wish the Spurs would have used the $$$ on a backup PG to TP or a SF that can create his own shot and be a facilitator so that Manu can carry less of the load off the bench.

I think the Spurs should give TMac a shot at backup PG/SF.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Well, at least we did something, I guess.

[PlayNando]

Belinelli should start over Green, tbh, Dude is a player..............

International Intelligence...................

[Marrow]

Great, just what we needed. A slightly small shooting guard, who prob can't handle the ball well or defend, but will hit regular season threes.


Does this front office not realize the gaping hole at SF we potentially have?

you should reserve those types of comments until after the spurs FO have completed all of their moves...these are not one and done moves...instead they are part of a bigger picture

[benefactor]

:rollinAll these Spurs fans breaking their heads and trying to figure out numbers on how the FO can acquire AK47 or some other impact FA when all that was necessary was for Manu to take less $$$. Splitter is younger and has never earned big $$$ so he is excused. But Manu? He was supposed to be the savior. He was the one who is supposed to willingly sacrifice $$$ to try to give back Timmy his 5th ring that Manu handed to the Heat. :lol


All you Spurs fans that were hating on my boy Gary Neal throughout the playoffs because of his defense and shot selection, well you got your wishes handled to you. "You don't know what you have until you lose it." I've seen people hate on Danny Green yet he's making half the $$$ that Redick, Kevin Martin, and Kyle Korver are. But you'll are ok with Manu getting over paid when he's way past his prime? Shame on you.


Or Manu could have just taken the veteran's minimum. No use in tormenting yourself anymore buddy. Manu fuc*ed the Spurs once again.


Very true. Marcin Gortat went from being one of Phoenix's beset defenders to being the worst last year because he wasn't happy with his team. Fact. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2012/11/30/3709922/marcin-gortat-phoenix-suns-best-defender-playing-like-one-of-its-worst


I know shi* gets so annoying. The only defense that these Manutards have is "oh he has 3 rings, he has 3 championships." So does Tim Duncan. So does TP. Rings are individual accomplishments. Plus, those rings are mostly thanks to Tim Duncan because he did most of the work. BTW I'm referring to all the Manutards and Popsuckers, not Timvp because I know the comment was a reply to timvp. Just throwing that out. timvp is the man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5SyMO_tR70

:lmao at a Spurs homer that can't take criticism about his team. I bet this Benefactor guy wishes that ESPN would be all Spurs TV instead of Laker TV or Heat TV where they actually don't criticize the teams, they actually dic* ride Lebron and Kobe ignoring all their negatives. BTW thanks for taking the time to put together all of my thoughts in one paragraph.


I wish the Spurs would have used the $$$ on a backup PG to TP or a SF that can create his own shot and be a facilitator so that Manu can carry less of the load off the bench.












































































lol didn't read

[ElNono]

:lol

[Joyrider]

Belinelli vs. Heat
14.5 points per 48 minutes
4.5 rebounds per 48 minutes
3.7 assists per 48 minutes
4.6 fouls per 48 minutes
2.6 turnovers per 48 minutes
34% shooting from the field
33% shooting on three-pointers

Neal vs. Heat
18.5 points per 48 minutes
4.7 rebounds per 48 minutes
1.8 assists per 48 minutes
2.7 fouls per 48 minutes
2.2 turnovers per 48 minutes
42% shooting from the field
47% shooting on three-pointers

Neal was much better against the Heat. Tbh, Belinelli sucked against the Heat.

This is completely random and not on subject at all and this may have came up before but do you post on Bloody Disgusting, timvp??

[manufan10]

http://img.pandawhale.com/22545-iTAmcGIF-D3Mb.gif

[manufan10]

Here's the one I was looking for:

http://img.pandawhale.com/37020-didnt-read-lol-eLU8.gif

[Sobe_Kucks]

I read it.. all of it... Now I have to go take a shower.:nutkick:

[baseline bum]

:lol By this rate, by page 25, Belinelli will have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Is that more or less than it took with Blair? :stirpot:

[ezau]

What's good about this kid is he can create his own shot off the dribble. His shooting percentage will increase next season because he fits the Spurs system perfectly.

[timmy2003]

Great news!! He is gonna be an upgrade over Neal.

[Twisted_Dawg]

What's good about this kid is he can create his own shot off the dribble. His shooting percentage will increase next season because he fits the Spurs system perfectly.

What's good about this kid is he can ACTUALLY dribble unlike Neal.

[ezau]

What's good about this kid is he can ACTUALLY dribble unlike Neal.

That is true, and his defense has improved immensely under Thibs. Once in a while, he can also make plays for his teammates. He'll be an excellent sixth man, or perhaps even a starter next season.

[SpurPadre]

Belinelli vs. Heat
14.5 points per 48 minutes
4.5 rebounds per 48 minutes
3.7 assists per 48 minutes
4.6 fouls per 48 minutes
2.6 turnovers per 48 minutes
34% shooting from the field
33% shooting on three-pointers

Neal vs. Heat
18.5 points per 48 minutes
4.7 rebounds per 48 minutes
1.8 assists per 48 minutes
2.7 fouls per 48 minutes
2.2 turnovers per 48 minutes
42% shooting from the field
47% shooting on three-pointers

Neal was much better against the Heat. Tbh, Belinelli sucked against the Heat.

This comparison is pretty pointless when you consider the fact that the Heat didn't have to double-team anybody on that Bulls team, so the team was easier to defend, unlike our Spurs, which gave Neal plenty of good looks when he wasn't chucking the shit out of possessions. You pair Marco with this Spurs roster, and you end up with an improved team because he's a better ball handler than Neal, better passer, not a ball-hogging chucker and thus a better BB I.Q. than Neal. We win in this deal.

[Rogue]

2yr/6m is a bargain but I don't think he's gonna be an upgrade over Neal by any means. Neal has a wide range of scoring options and he's twice the player Beli is in creating chances for his teammates. I'd rather pay Neal 5m/yr than pay Beli 3m/yr tbh

[Rogue]

This comparison is pretty pointless when you consider the fact that the Heat didn't have to double-team anybody on that Bulls team, so the team was easier to defend, unlike our Spurs, which gave Neal plenty of good looks when he wasn't chucking the shit out of possessions. You pair Marco with this Spurs roster, and you end up with an improved team because he's a better ball handler than Neal, better passer, not a ball-hogging chucker and thus a better BB I.Q. than Neal. We win in this deal.

better passer and handler and less a ball hogger? Neal is a well above Beli in almost everything it seems to me except for body height. Timvp shed some light on the comparison between these two players and you can't argue against facts imho. Spurs have a great system where everyone benefits from playing in it, not just Neal himself. I don't see how the Bulls being a shitty offensive team hampers Beli's performance as an individual, in fact it only worked the opposite way if anything because he was the only "3pt shooter" on that team. Say if you're the coach of the team that plays against the Bulls, how are you gonna make your defensive plan? You pay more attention to defending the 3pt line and the perimeter, or to the paint? Being a giant among midgets doesn't necessarily mean being tall imho

[Dverde]

I like the deal considering that we had little left after overpaying Manu on the second consecutive contract. He provides insurance if Green or when Manu gets hurt.

[GrandeDavid]

I'm still waiting for the Grizzlies to win.

Ouch! :lol

[timvp]

To everyone quoting those numbers of Neal and Belinelli vs. Heat ... obviously the small sample size invalidates those stats for the most part. However, I was responding to a poster who said that Belinelli was very good against the Heat. He wasn't.

[SA210]

As much as Neal sucked on D, I'll say this. I know he'd be the last one to shrivel up on taking a shot under pressure. Hopefully we don't lack that with what we have left on this roster. Not that I like Neals shot selections, bc they drove me crazy sometimes, but other times he was money too, and he just did not give a fuck. Sometimes, that comes in handy.

[coyotes_geek]

That is true, and his defense has improved immensely under Thibs. Once in a while, he can also make plays for his teammates. He'll be an excellent sixth man, or perhaps even a starter next season.

Belinelli's defensive improvement under Thibs isn't nearly as impressive as his defensive improvement over the last 9 hours.

[DPG21920]

Belinelli's defensive improvement under Thibs isn't nearly as impressive as his defensive improvement over the last 9 hours.

:lmao

[T Park]

Belinelli vs. Heat
14.5 points per 48 minutes
4.5 rebounds per 48 minutes
3.7 assists per 48 minutes
4.6 fouls per 48 minutes
2.6 turnovers per 48 minutes
34% shooting from the field
33% shooting on three-pointers

Neal vs. Heat
18.5 points per 48 minutes
4.7 rebounds per 48 minutes
1.8 assists per 48 minutes
2.7 fouls per 48 minutes
2.2 turnovers per 48 minutes
42% shooting from the field
47% shooting on three-pointers

Neal was much better against the Heat. Tbh, Belinelli sucked against the Heat.


Neal's one fluke game skewed the HELL out of those numbers. Come on.

[T Park]

To everyone quoting those numbers of Neal and Belinelli vs. Heat ... obviously the small sample size invalidates those stats for the most part. However, I was responding to a poster who said that Belinelli was very good against the Heat. He wasn't.


5 games against Miami vs 7 for Neal with one game that again, puts the stupid sabermetricks stats useless.

[T Park]

Belinelli's defensive improvement under Thibs isn't nearly as impressive as his defensive improvement over the last 9 hours.

No one said he was Bruce Bowen, but he's an improvement over Neal.

[Big Empty]

So we signed him?

[Rogue]

Neal can be a double edged sword sometimes but a good coach knows how to make him work the positive way, like how Carlisle used JJB in 2011. While Beli is nothing more than a d-league MVP type of thing like Matt Carroll. I guess some people might have confused him with Gallinari. If he was really that good he wouldn't have accepted a 2yr/6m contract to play for the spurs imho

[T Park]

Neal can be a double edged sword sometimes but a good coach knows how to make him work the positive way, like how Carlisle used JJB in 2011. While Beli is nothing more than a d-league MVP type of thing like Matt Carroll. I guess some people might have confused him with Gallinari. If he was really that good he wouldn't have accepted a 2yr/6m contract to play for the spurs imho

He took less money. He had bigger offers from Cleveland and most likely Brooklyn.

[T Park]

Neal can be a double edged sword sometimes but a good coach knows how to make him work the positive way, like how Carlisle used JJB in 2011. While Beli is nothing more than a d-league MVP type of thing like Matt Carroll. I guess some people might have confused him with Gallinari. If he was really that good he wouldn't have accepted a 2yr/6m contract to play for the spurs imho

He took less money. He had bigger offers from Cleveland and most likely Brooklyn.

[RD2191]

:lmao

[DAF86]

I'm a little confused, Did the Spurs sign Belinelli?

[pgardn]

We needed another ball handler more than anything. Belinelli was forced to do way, way too much against the Heat. He had very few people on the floor with him on Chicago who could do anything. So the comparison is not only a small sample, it's not fair.

This was a solid move.
He is so much better than Neal with the ball, it's not even close.
This guy can actually get his head up while dribbling and see more than the rim.

Interested to see how it works out.

[dallasmaverickslose]

We needed another ball handler more than anything. Belinelli was forced to do way, way too much against the Heat. He had very few people on the floor with him on Chicago who could do anything. So the comparison is not only a small sample, it's not fair.

This was a solid move.
He is so much better than Neal with the ball, it's not even close.
This guy can actually get his head up while dribbling and see more than the rim.

Interested to see how it works out.

How is he on defense? I mean will it be a noticeable upgrade from Neal at least?

[DesignatedT]

Nobody can officially sign anywhere until July 10. The Spurs and Belinelli have verbally agreed on a contract for 2 years worth approximately $5.4M-$6M.

[pgardn]

How is he on defense? I mean will it be a noticeable upgrade from Neal at least?

Physically he is less capable than Neal defensively imo.
but...

He will know how to get out in front of a screen before he gets cut off. He will know what he is supposed to do and not go wandering off like a bonehead. That has to be an improvement.

[gameFACE]

I'm indifferent to the signing. He could turn out to be pretty good for the Spurs. Especially in transition in small ball. But I'm wondering if Neal was getting offers the Spurs couldn't match?

[tuncaboylu]

Advantages:
He's obviously a better defender than Neal, it's hard to be worse than him anyway.
He's not undersized like Neal and can defend SGs much better.
He's a better ball handler which can help us in some cases.

Cons:
He's basically a Neal replacement, not what we exactly need.
He's not very athletic.

A question: Did we use MLE to sign him or not? If we used, that's terrible.

[ducks]

marc stein twitted such things

[gameFACE]

"Belinelli with it" doesn't have the same ring.

[DAF86]

Hope I'm wrong but I hate this signing.

-First, he's undersized for a wing, we needed someone that could play SF.
-Second, he shot 39% form the field and 35% from 3 last season and shooting is supossed to be his strength.
-He brings pretty much nothing in terms of rebounds, blks, stls and assists.
-He's not a good defender.
-He had a PER of 10.43 that's way below average.

Horrible, horrible signing.

I really hope he has a career year next season.

[DesignatedT]

Hope I'm wrong but I hate this signing.

-First, he's undersized for a wing, we needed someone that could play SF.
-Second, he shot 39% form the field and 35% from 3 last season and shooting is supossed to be his strength.
-He brings pretty much nothing in terms of rebounds, blks, stls and assists.
-He's not a good defender.
-He had a PER of 10.43 that's way below average.

Horrible, horrible signing.

I really hope he has a career year next season.

You're thinking too big. He's simply taking Neals role on the team. Free Agency isn't over yet. The Spurs will add a forward to the roster.

[PublicOption]

Neal and splitter for gortat

[DAF86]

You're thinking too big. He's simply taking Neals role on the team. Free Agency isn't over yet. The Spurs will add a forward to the roster.

We could have done better for a Neal replacement, both in terms of players and money.

[DesignatedT]

We could have done better for a Neal replacement, both in terms of players and money.

The room exception for Belinelli is hardly a ripoff? 2 years 5.4M? That's a great contract.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I'm a little confused, Did the Spurs sign Belinelli?

lolololol yes. And people are excited but I'm kinda meh on it.

[pgardn]

You're thinking too big. He's simply taking Neals role on the team. Free Agency isn't over yet. The Spurs will add a forward to the roster.

He played on a team, Chicago, that had huge problems scoring.

Solid move, we need a ball handler. Especially seeing that Miami wore Parker out.

[DesignatedT]

People are more excited about the thought of not having to watch Neal in a Spurs uniform anymore.

[TrainOfThought5]

"Belinelli with it" doesn't have the same ring.

Neal is gone.

Belinell with it.

[Marrow]

Neal's one fluke game skewed the HELL out of those numbers. Come on.

beware the small sample size

[DAF86]

The room exception for Belinelli is hardly a ripoff? 2 years 5.4M? That's a great contract.

Just realized that is 6 mil over 2 years, not 6 each. That's better but I think we could have got someone like Delfino for that kind of money, maybe even less.

[PublicOption]

uTmNm9cVBgI&feature=related

[CitizenDwayne]

Just realized that is 6 mil over 2 years, not 6 each. That's better but I think we could have got someone like Delfino for that kind of money, maybe even less.

Probably, but how is Delfino so much better than Belinelli?

[timvp]

Neal's one fluke game skewed the HELL out of those numbers. Come on.


Belli was pretty damn good vs Miami.

So, was he?

[spursince#99]

Ehhh wake me up when more news come. :deadhorse

[tuncaboylu]

Just realized that is 6 mil over 2 years, not 6 each. That's better but I think we could have got someone like Delfino for that kind of money.

Belinelli is not worse than Delfino for our team. He's a better ball-handler and a better three pointer.

[CitizenDwayne]

^I'm all for the Belinelli signing, but all this talk about his ball-handling ability needs to stop.

His ball handling is sketchy at best.

[Capt Bringdown]

An OK move that does not dissipate the stench of failure emanating from the Manu "Thank You!" contract.

[DAF86]

Probably, but how is Delfino so much better than Belinelli?


Belinelli is not worse than Delfino for our team. He's a better ball-handler and a better three pointer.

Last season:

Delfino 37% from 3 - Belinelli 35%

Delfino is bigger, can play the 3 (defend guys like Durant), he's a pretty good ball handler and an underrated pick and roll player, he's a very good rebounder for his position too.

[pgardn]

^I'm all for the Belinelli signing, but all this talk about his ball-handling ability needs to stop.

His ball handling is sketchy at best.

So compared to Green and Neal how would you describe his ball handling?

[tuncaboylu]

Last season:

Delfino 37% from 3 - Belinelli 35%

Delfino is bigger, can play the 3 (defend guys like Durant), he's a pretty good ball handler and an underrated pick and roll player, he's a very good rebounder for his position too.

I hope that we're going to get a Durant defender with our MLE. We're trying to replace Neal right now.

While Belinelli is %38.7 career three pointer, Delfino is %36.5. Marco's average was little dipped last year since he was playing in short-handed and defensive minded Bulls.

[DesignatedT]

Belinelli is a great shooter. Career 39% from three. He played in a horrible offensive system last year in Chicago and they were also dealing with major injuries all over the play including Rose.

Delfino is coming off a broken foot and he's 4 years older than Belinelli. He can shoot but that's about it at this stage of his career.

As for playing SF, the Spurs will add another forward to the roster. And I definitely don't want Delfino guarding Durant.

[DAF86]

I hope that we're going to get a Durant defender with our MLE. We're trying to replace Neal right now.

While Belinelli is %38.7 career three pointer, Delfino is %36.5. Marco's average was little dipped last year since he was playing in short-handed and defensive minded Bulls.

I would have rather got a big wing for this kind of money and a bigman with the MLE, tbh.

[DAF86]

Belinelli is a great shooter. Career 39% from three. He played in a horrible offensive system last year in Chicago and they were also dealing with major injuries all over the play including Rose.

Delfino is coming off a broken foot and he's 4 years older than Belinelli. He can shoot but that's about it at this stage of his career.

As for playing SF, the Spurs will add another forward to the roster.

Did you watch some Rockets' ball last season? He would regularly take it to the rim, play the pick and roll and make some nice assists to the bigman rolling. Not to mention what I have already said about the size and rebounding. Delfino has always been a well rounded player, just not talented enough to be anything more than a role player in the NBA.

[tuncaboylu]

I would have rather got a big wing for this kind of money and a bigman with the MLE, tbh.

I got your point but I'm not sure that Delfino can help as big wing.

And in this league MLE is not for the bigmen. Most of them are playing veteran minimum or much more than MLE.

[CitizenDwayne]

So compared to Green and Neal how would you describe his ball handling?

He's an improvement over those two, but they're both godawful. Some here seem to think Beli is gonna be crossing people up or something.

Either way, he's a catch-and-shoot guy. Heralding his ball handling ability is just misleading

[SpursDynasty21]

If it's for the room exception, it will be very interesting to see what moves are made to create cap space.

Was Belinelli signed for the room exception?

[DesignatedT]

Did you watch some Rockets' ball last season? He would regularly take it to the rim, play the pick and roll and make some nice assists to the bigman rolling. Not to mention what I have already said about the size and rebounding. Delfino has always been a well rounded player, just not talented enough to be anything more than a role player in the NBA.

I like Delfino. Just think this idea is 2-3 years too late.

[DesignatedT]

Was Belinelli signed for the room exception?

We don't know yet. Say a prayer tonight that he was.

[SpursDynasty21]

We don't know yet. Say a prayer tonight that he was.

Thanks.

[poeticism707]

Nice Pickup Spurs. Good shooter, decent defense, C+ to B- playmaker.

Pop, you must have just started AA after the Manu signing, or Spurs fans wouldn't be getting any moves that make sense.

[pgardn]

He's an improvement over those two, but they're both godawful. Some here seem to think Beli is gonna be crossing people up or something.

Either way, he's a catch-and-shoot guy. Heralding his ball handling ability is just misleading


Pop always wants a guy who can shoot the 3. That's a given.

Put him on the floor when a team sees all they have to do is pressure Green or Neal?
God we could have used him against Miami. I also think he will get better looks than he has ever seen in the NBA if we can move the ball around like we did last year.

He is a solid role player on a team that thrives with known capabilities.

[Stabula]

I am certainly ready to see Big Balls Belinelli step into silver and black! This guy was pure heart in the playoffs.

[DPG21920]

The room exception for Belinelli is hardly a ripoff? 2 years 5.4M? That's a great contract.

We don't know if it was the room exception quite yet though.

[CitizenDwayne]

Pop always wants a guy who can shoot the 3. That's a given.

Put him on the floor when a team sees all they have to do is pressure Green or Neal?
God we could have used him against Miami. I also think he will get better looks than he has ever seen in the NBA if we can move the ball around like we did last year.

He is a solid role player on a team that thrives with known capabilities.

I agree. Playing for the Spurs is any 3 shooter's dream.

People citing his %s from last year should remember: just how good at 3s were Kawhi and Green a few years back?

[angelbelow]

Don't know Belinelli's game too well. Can this guy create for himself/others on an average level at least?

[Redshadows]

Spurs have too many SG now and they still need a backup SF.

I am waiting to see the no-American second unit with Joseph, Ginobili, Belinelli, Diaw and Baynes.

[spursince#99]

I have a strange feeling that someone is getting traded tomorrow.

[tesseractive]

I have a strange feeling that someone is getting traded tomorrow.

I don't know about tomorrow, but soon. No way do we go into the season with 7 guards on the roster again.

I'm thinking the balance of the off-season is a combination of a trade and spending the other half of the MLE on someone like Oden, Casspi, or Aminu.

[AASATX]

This kind of came out of nowhere. Not complaining though, I think he will be a perfect fit on the Spurs. Nice to know he took a pay cut to be on the team.

[spurman123]

Did you watch some Rockets' ball last season? He would regularly take it to the rim, play the pick and roll and make some nice assists to the bigman rolling. Not to mention what I have already said about the size and rebounding. Delfino has always been a well rounded player, just not talented enough to be anything more than a role player in the NBA.

He was awful when I watched him play against the thunder in the playoffs this year

[dg7md]

This is a great signing. I think he's a better player than Neal, even if Neal did bail us out in some sticky situations.

[coachmac87]

Don't know Belinelli's game too well. Can this guy create for himself/others on an average level at least?

He's a better playmaker than Neal. Bulls ran pick n roll with him in the playoffs...but his strength is obviously shooting the 3 ball..

[milkyway21]

Ex-Spurs Nazr Mohammed, congratulates Marco :tu



Thursday, July 4 2013

Nazr Mohammed: Congrats to @Marco Belinelli on signing with the Spurs. U will be missed in Chicago but ur joining a great organization and team. Twitter @NazrMohammed

[benefactor]

That Dude gonna shit all over his haters next season.

[coyotes_geek]

No one said he was Bruce Bowen, but he's an improvement over Neal.

Debatable. Not that it matters though. Debating Neal's D vs Belinelli's D is like trying to decide whether it's better to fall off a tall building or a tall bridge. The end result isn't going to be pretty no matter what the answer is.

Spurs are basically swapping Neal for a clone of Neal who will play for less money than Neal. So long as he's brought on board with the room exception and not a chunk of the MLE, I'm just fine with the swap.

[Brazil]

FWIW, I don't really mean to come off as negative against Belinelli. Neal is apparently getting offers higher than the Spurs are willing to pay him so they were forced to move on. They needed to find a reasonably priced shooting guard to provide depth and be able to step in when Ginobili misses his games. Under those circumstances, getting Belinelli is fine. He has his flaws (thus why he only got $2M last offseason and less than $3M this offeseason) but he's in his prime and has some upside. He has a chance to be a bust but he also has a chance to do better than expected. All in all, as relatively cheap SG depth, Belinelli is a good get.

But it's pretty dumb to think of this as a big improvement over Neal ... especially since it appears as if the Spurs attempted to sign Neal first and only moved on to Belinelli when they got priced out of the Neal race. Let's hope it works out but everything we're hearing so far is that he was a consolation prize.

If spurs system can transform Green in an elite SG of today's NBA weak in SG, I see no reason to think Belli won't benefit with playing with the Spurs.
I also believe Belli was bad against the Heat cauz he did play without Rose, offensively Bulls were terrible, Heat had no choose your poison situation against the Bulls. Offensively I believe he will be much better in the Spurs system.
And compared to Manu, Korver and co... the contract they signed with Marco is a bargain. This signature is nothing else than a solid deal.

[therealtruth]

Debatable. Not that it matters though. Debating Neal's D vs Belinelli's D is like trying to decide whether it's better to fall off a tall building or a tall bridge. The end result isn't going to be pretty no matter what the answer is.

Spurs are basically swapping Neal for a clone of Neal who will play for less money than Neal. So long as he's brought on board with the room exception and not a chunk of the MLE, I'm just fine with the swap.

The one thing that killed me about Neal's D is him getting lost in no man's land. Is it too much to ask to stay on a shooter?

[ace3g]

One thing I have noticed in game tape, he knows how to use a pump fake effectively.

[Mugen]

Beli > Neal tbh.

Solid pickup for dem Spurs.

[rjv]

i think belinelli is more consistent than neal. neal had periods where he could just be shooting quite poorly and then hit a hot streak. belinelli seems to be more capable of hitting the 3 on a more regular basis

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Just hope Beli won't sag in the paint off a 3 point shooter the way Neal would. He can't be any worse defensivley than Neal though.

[racm]

Just hope Beli won't sag in the paint off a 3 point shooter the way Neal would. He can't be any worse defensivley than Neal though.

Thibs played him a lot, tbh... you don't earn PT on the Bulls playing Neal-level team defense

[Mugen]

Gary Neal is one of the worst perimeter defenders in the league who didn't play for the Lakers last season.

If Beli can fight through a screen without getting completely lost then he's an upgrade tbh.

[look_at_g_shred]

Great under the radar pick-up by the Spurs. Would they have it any other way?

[Baam]

Gary Neal is one of the worst perimeter defenders in the league who didn't play for the Lakers last season.

If Beli can fight through a screen without getting completely lost then he's an upgrade tbh.

He's not much better and Neal is a better shooter, so much wishful thinking in this thread...

[Baam]

Also Neal was making 800k, making season saving shots as a rookie and all...

[coyotes_geek]

Thibs played him a lot, tbh... you don't earn PT on the Bulls playing Neal-level team defense

You do when Rip Hamilton and Kirk Hinrich spend a good chunk of the season injured and the only other SG alternative on the roster is Daquan Cook.

[spurman123]

I'm tired of this soft euro trash tbh. Tbh, we just need some blackness tbh

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Belinelli is a great shooter. Career 39% from three. He played in a horrible offensive system last year in Chicago and they were also dealing with major injuries all over the play including Rose.

Delfino is coming off a broken foot and he's 4 years older than Belinelli. He can shoot but that's about it at this stage of his career.

As for playing SF, the Spurs will add another forward to the roster. And I definitely don't want Delfino guarding Durant.

He had a groin injury last year and he reaggravated against the Heat in Game 3 I believe. That is why his minutes and numbers went down in game 4 and 5 of that series. He continued playing b/c the Bulls were already without Rose, Deng, and Hinrich and Hamilton in and out of the lineup with injuries as well.

Belinelli plays better defense that Delfino IMO, judging from the games I watched both the Bulls and Rockets played. Delfino is a better ball handler but Belinelli is a better spot shooter IMO and that was the Spurs were looking for. Spot up shooter like and a better defensive version of Neal.

[Interrohater]

I'm tired of this soft euro trash tbh. Tbh, we just need some blackness tbh
That's just stupid as well as ignorant. And no, that's not being redundant.

[spurman123]

The two pretty much have the same exact same stat lines, considering beli average more minutes why is everyone hyped on this guy? Will pop even give him decent minutes?

[Floyd Pacquiao]

tbh we need an athletic black alpha male who's 6'9, can shoot, has quick feet and plays elite defense. anybody know where we can get one?

[Baam]

tbh we need an athletic black alpha male who's 6'9, can shoot, has quick feet and plays elite defense. anybody know where we can get one?

Livio Jean Charles in a few years... Maybe.

[TheGoldStandard]

I took a day to think about it and digest the signing before I formulated an opinion. I like the signing, he's Gary Neal but a little bigger and for about the same amount that Gary would demand or was probably wanting more. He's just another cog, he'll be there to catch and shoot and create off dribble slightly since he's a better ball handler than Neal. Does he get the Spurs over the top? No, but I'm pretty sure judging by the signings this offseason or lack there of and sticking with the same crew that they're content with what they have and expect monster years again from key players. He'll get Gary Neal's role and most of his minutes.

[Spur|n|Austin]

tbh we need an athletic black alpha male who's 6'9, can shoot, has quick feet and plays elite defense. anybody know where we can get one?

From the Heat.

[elec99]

Still looking for the backup 3 though....

[milkyway21]

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Marco+Belinelli+Chicago+Bulls+v+Brooklyn+Nets+g6Nx hWgjn1Jx.jpg

I wonder what BelliNEALit's Spurs jersey number might be ... :rolleyes

[Mel_13]

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Marco+Belinelli+Chicago+Bulls+v+Brooklyn+Nets+g6Nx hWgjn1Jx.jpg

I wonder what BelliNEALit's Spurs jersey number might be ... :rolleyes

He wore 18 with Warriors.

[spurman123]

He should wear 10, in respect to the same amount of minutes pop is going to play him per game

[milkyway21]

He wore 18 with Warriors. okay thanks.

[PlayNando]

I'm tired of this soft euro trash tbh. Tbh, we just need some blackness tbh
STFU, you clown. Idiotic 'Murican, per par.

[Poolboy5623]

Can he guard a 3 pt shooter, whom is only wearing one shoe? ...that is the real question, here?

[dbestpro]

Can he guard a 3 pt shooter, whom is only wearing one shoe? ...that is the real question, here?

:lol

[barakz21]

He's not much better and Neal is a better shooter, so much wishful thinking in this thread...

Yep, Neal is a much better shooter. Much better chucker too tbh

[emanueldavidginobili]

Love this signing he can create for himself which is huge, and also can play back up point guard and can take pressure off of Manu, good signing.

[therealtruth]

Can he guard a 3 pt shooter, whom is only wearing one shoe? ...that is the real question, here?

[CaptainLate]

So far, would it be safe to say that this would be the cheapest Spurs team in many years?

Going by total or by % over the cap, Holt has to be loving this. Finals run of full 7 games for all that revenue, but not having to spend any money on rings or a parade. Followed up by a cheap free agency and no amnesty. Sweet.

I'd love to see Holt sell the team to a Mark Cuban-type who'd spend what it takes to bring 1-2 more rings before TD, Manu and TP leave, while building for the future.

[spurman123]

Thibs played him a lot, tbh... you don't earn PT on the Bulls playing Neal-level team defense


That bulls team was also decimated with injuries, neal could put up similar/higher numbers with more PT/touches too. Beli isn't bad or anything, but I dont really see him as an upgrade to neal. Maybe he has more upside though, cant wait to see him play in a spurs uni!

[spurman123]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-07/30/xin_55207043009428752123731.jpg

[Keepin' it real]

Good God, the horror of reading posts from the dregs of humanity when I forget to log on.

[ace3g]

found this through FB

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600192_507679232639027_123608953_n.jpg

[MeloHype]

Patty wears doe

[SpurPadre]

To those that think Marco is a pussy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKM08mCad3Q

Of course, he won't be allowed to showboat like that as a Spur but he's got swag no doubt about it.

[Darkwaters]

tbh we need an athletic black alpha male who's 6'9, can shoot, has quick feet and plays elite defense. anybody know where we can get one?

Miami

[CaptainLate]

He took less money. He had bigger offers from Cleveland and most likely Brooklyn.

Smart move. He takes a 2-yr contract knowing he'll get better looks with the Spurs and two chances for a title. Then, when TD and Manu retire, b/c MB improves his shooting % with better looks, and at 29-30 yrs of age he takes makeup money from someone who will overpay on one last contract before returning overseas when he's past his prime.

[jag]

all fine and good but we need a huge black muscleman with primitive aggression personality or WE LOSE.

:lmao

[hater]

Marco is the best signing in Spurs history.

book it

[Agloco]

Marco is the best signing in Spurs history.

book it

Uh, no.

[CaptainLate]

He took less money. He had bigger offers from Cleveland and most likely Brooklyn.


He's a better playmaker than Neal. Bulls ran pick n roll with him in the playoffs...but his strength is obviously shooting the 3 ball..

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

The Spurs have secured the services of Italian sharpshooter Marco Belinelli and I for one, like it. We don't have the details of the contract fully pinned down yet (and won't until the 10th, an perhaps not even then) but reports are that it's a two year, $6 million dollar contract -- possibly, a little lower. That's a good deal for a proven player that fits the team as well as Belinelli does.

If Belinelli is expected to become the team's Manu, even though Ginobili isn't, at 35, exactly the best version of himself, Spurs fans will certainly be underwhelmed. Belinelli's scoring off pick and rolls last season was just fine, but he is not the best finisher, and he lacks creativity as a playmaker. He is not as disruptive defensively as latter-career Manu is, and his rebounding is inferior as well. So he's far from a complete player and nowhere near Manu's level.

But if he was brought in to replace Gary Neal, he's likely to be a fantastic get.
Marco vs. Neal

Belinelli is a career 39% shooter from the arc and 80% from the line. While Gary Neal has better career percentages, last season saw a dip in his three point production. Playing for the Bulls, Belinelli shot 41.5% on spot up threes, 36% coming off screens (in just a few attempts) and 35.3% as the pick and roll ball handler, according to MySynergySports.com. Those numbers were all better than Gary Neal's last season, which means it's possible to say the Spurs upgraded slightly in shooting. Even if Neal's ability to hit off-the-dribble three pointers at a higher rate makes them comparable marksmen, Belinelli was a significantly better defender by the numbers, and he got to the rim more while having a comparable conversion rate. Not to mention he got to the line twice as often as Neal.
What is up with the Spurs' salary cap situation?

It's been a busy week for the Spurs. They re-signed Tiago Splitter, and Manu Ginobili -- and now they've signed Marco Belinelli. So where does that leave them in terms of the salary cap?

Since the Spurs have four poing guards already under contract, losing the option of playing Neal at the point is not that big a deal, and Belinelli's potential to occasionally slide over to the three is significant. At 6-5, Belinelli is longer than Neal and he could be an option to guard back up small forwards when he shares the court with Ginobili. Overall, this seems like a just the kind of low-risk, medium-reward signing the Spurs are known for. I don't see a way Belinelli forgets how to shoot, especially with the open looks he'll get in the Spurs system. How well he can adapt to the different defensive style of the Spurs after having the more mobile Bulls bigs to help him out last season will be what determines how valuable a contributor he can be.

Compared to Neal, Marco is younger, considerably longer, a better defender and a comparable shooter. And I'm happy the Spurs went went with the Italian over the beloved Nail. It's hard to see Neal re-signing now, so I wish him the best and hope he gets a sizable deal. He deserves it considering the bargain-basement contract he had with the Spurs.
Green as a trade chip?

The other possibility to consider is signing Belinelli allows the Spurs to explore trade options that include Danny Green. Belinelli is not the shooter or defender Danny is, but if he proves reliable enough, the Spurs could use the great trade asset that the underpaid Green represents to shore up a deficiency elsewhere. Combining Green's and Bonner's expiring contract would give the Spurs around $7.5 million dollars. That's enough to trade for Anderson Varejao or Thadeus Young. Still, I'm getting ahead of myself. Until Belinelli proves he can contribute, the Spurs should not even entertain the notion of trading Green. And even if the Italian proves to be a good option, losing Green could be too tough a blow unless it's for the right player.

Final thoughts

For approximately $3M/year, Belinelli is a terrific signing for the Spurs. Compared to Neal, Marco can shoot as well, defend better, and play limited stints at the three, as well as his natural shooting guard position. Belinelli doesn't necessarily plug any holes like a long, mobile forward would have, but his shooting makes him a great fit. Plus, as I said earlier this morning, the Spurs still have options and can still sign someone else.

[CaptainLate]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1694193-why-marco-belinelli-is-a-perfect-fit-for-the-san-antonio-spurs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=san-antonio-spurs


Earlier today (July 4), it has been reported, courtesy of Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein of ESPN.com, that Marco Belinelli and the San Antonio Spurs reached an agreement. Belinelli was signed to a two-year contract worth approximately $5.6 million.

Not only was the market value of Belinelli probably a bit higher than what the Spurs put on the table, but his skills and assets would sync perfectly with the Spurs' system.

Belinelli, a career 38.7 percent three-point scorer, would allow the Spurs to have another offensive weapon off of the bench to support Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. Although Belinelli isn't the caliber of a defender as either of those two players, he improved his individual defense drastically last season under Tom Thibodeau and the Chicago Bulls.

According to 82games.com, Belinelli held opposing point guards to a PER of just 9.6, and opposing shooting guards to a PER of 12.3. He's no longer the one-dimensional shooter that he was always described as during his days with the New Orleans Hornets (now New Orleans Pelicans).

Hi-res-168684223_crop_exact Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

With a year under arguably the best defensive coach in the entire league, Belinelli's game has expanded beyond what people thought he was capable of.

Instead of being that "spark" off of the Spurs bench, Belinelli can provide much more. He can keep consistent pressure on the defensive end as Leonard and Green take a breather, while also grabbing the attention of the opposing defense on the other end of the floor.

Belinelli is a shooter, and that's his trademark. In the past few seasons, he has developed his playmaking and displayed a newfound aggressiveness during the Bulls' playoff run, which makes him a much bigger threat than others might think.

The Spurs, who ranked seventh in the league in three-point attempts during the 2012-13 campaign, are experts at finding the most efficient shots on the court. Although Belinelli shot only 39.5 percent from the field last season, he will have much more space to do his work when the defense is honing in on Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. On the Bulls, he was the first or second option on offense at times because of their lack of scorers, but his shooting efficiency should be much better on a superior offensive system with the Spurs.

[dylankerouac]

I love this signing.

[ace3g]

354313468528177153

[Darkwaters]

Marco is the best signing in Spurs history.

book it

I think you're selling some players short.







http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBkw2zDfCfA/Td8GDRd_-AI/AAAAAAAAAXA/affUE_TQcyo/s1600/rnesterovic.jpg

Great Spur or greatest Spur?

[T Park]

Bump

[timtonymanu]

:lol Raven

[dallasmaverickslose]

He's only 27 guys!!!


#3 will be hangin from the rafters along with #2 and #16 (yeah you heard me) some day in the future.

[benefactor]

:lol wanting Neal instead of Belli. Fucking kill yourself.

[ducks]

Marco is the best signing in Spurs history.

book it
david robinson says hello

[Spur|n|Austin]

david robinson says hello

I'll go out on a limb and say he was talking free agent.

[DPG21920]

Obviously, we gotta hope it was for the room exception. It would kinda suck to have to replace Neal with the bigger slice of the MLE.

Other random thoughts:

-This feels like the Spurs made an offer to Neal, he didn't take it so they moved quickly to find a replacement. They probably offered Neal the same amount.

-Swapping Belinelli for Neal puts more pressure on Cory Joseph. Unlike Neal, Belinelli can't even pretend to play backup point guard. I don't think a Belinelli/Ginobili backcourt would work.

-I want CJ as part of the rotation next year, so I see that added pressure as a good thing.

-Neal vs. Belinelli is very close talent-wise. I'd maybe say Neal is a slightly better player. That said, Belinelli has more upside, he's bigger and can't be a worse defender.

-On a scale of 1 to 10, Neal is probably a 2 defender. Belinelli last year was a 3 or 3.5 ..... but that was with Tom Thibodeau pushing him and he's even more strict about defense than Pop. So touting Belinelli as a upgrade defensively over Neal is dangerous because he could end up being the same level.

-Historically, Belinelli's shot selection is as bad or worse than Neal's.








After thinking about it some, I'm not excited or disappointed in this move. Swapping Neal for Belinelli probably doesn't move the needle at all. Going with Belinelli is a little bit more volatile because he's the type of player who could piss off Pop and end up in the doghouse ....... but he also has enough untapped potential to surprise and have his best season in San Antonio.


The bold has been one of the nice surprises. Beli, despite all the concerns has come up Aces so far and the bold is a big reason why. Both he and Gino are playing well with great chemsitry and Manu's ball handling has regained form which has allowed this to work. That and the fact Beli isn't lazy off the ball. Even Beli's ball handling has been ok (better than I remembered but not great or anything).

[look_at_g_shred]

:lol Raven

[DesignatedT]

-Neal vs. Belinelli is very close talent-wise. I'd maybe say Neal is a slightly better player.

:lol

[jeebus]

-Swapping Belinelli for Neal puts more pressure on Cory Joseph. Unlike Neal, Belinelli can't even pretend to play backup point guard. I don't think a Belinelli/Ginobili backcourt would work.

-I want CJ as part of the rotation next year, so I see that added pressure as a good thing.

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

[Brazil]

If spurs system can transform Green in an elite SG of today's NBA weak in SG, I see no reason to think Belli won't benefit with playing with the Spurs.


tbh

[MaNu4Tres]

Steal of the off-season. He's everything we had hoped Brent Barry would be when we signed him summer of 04' (Barry was productive but a bit underwhelming considering the expectations).

Beli' is a player!!

[Chinook]

Bump

Double bump. It's only fair that people get both the ebb and flow of Beli. Its obviously not wise to celebrate at the start of the race.

[DPG21920]

Not an apples-to-apples bump IMO. Beli has been asked to do way more than he should. If everyone were healthy and he was in his designated role I am sure he would be doing about what was expected. He's not great, but he seems like a guy that is a role player who has the courage to do something in the playoffs. Which is about all you can hope for with regards to lower end limited players.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Not an apples-to-apples bump IMO. Beli has been asked to do way more than he should. If everyone were healthy and he was in his designated role I am sure he would be doing about what was expected. He's not great, but he seems like a guy that is a role player who has the courage to do something in the playoffs. Which is about all you can hope for with regards to lower end limited players.

What has he been asked to do that is egregious? Has he even been asked to play the 3 or point? Oh noes they thought he might be able to start! Far too much!

Your takes are awful. just shit.

[Chinook]

Not an apples-to-apples bump IMO. Beli has been asked to do way more than he should. If everyone were healthy and he was in his designated role I am sure he would be doing about what was expected. He's not great, but he seems like a guy that is a role player who has the courage to do something in the playoffs. Which is about all you can hope for with regards to lower end limited players.

The bump is more about the Beli/Neal debate. Beli isn't so much better than Neal that it was worth the team's flexibility, and that's even truer with Mills playing Neal's role. When put in that context, it's hard to think Beli was a good acquisition.

But I imagine the pendulum will swing a few more times this year. It's a ST habit to declare victory arrogantly as soon as their side pulls ahead.

[spurraider21]

Belli and Manu display great chemistry offensively. Belli is a secondary playmaker. He's not going to initiate the offense, run the point, and be the primary creator, but if a guy like TP or Manu gets the defense on their heels and rotating, Belli can take advantage of the defense's positioning and is also a willing passer.

Basically, he's more of a catch-pump and drive kind of guy than a "take them off the dribble and suck in the defense" kind of guy. It's not a bad thing, its what he is, and he's going to struggle when he's asked to do more.

[cd021]

Belli and Manu display great chemistry offensively. Belli is a secondary playmaker. He's not going to initiate the offense, run the point, and be the primary creator, but if a guy like TP or Manu gets the defense on their heels and rotating, Belli can take advantage of the defense's positioning and is also a willing passer.

Basically, he's more of a catch-pump and drive kind of guy than a "take them off the dribble and suck in the defense" kind of guy. It's not a bad thing, its what he is, and he's going to struggle when he's asked to do more.

Yeah but how is Beli, Manu, and Mills going to share the same court in the playoffs? Their offensive rating was so good that it didn't matter that that trio wasn't great defensively. The only way all three could play together is if Splitter comes off the bench with Diaw ,or possibly, Leonard or playing at the 4.

[Raven]

while the debate about belinelli being better than neal is a matter of points of view, there are some things we know for sure at this point, that are different from what was advertised:
-belinelli is NOT a playmaker
-is NOT a high iq player
-is NOT a better defender than neal by any means and that's saying a lot
-is NOT a noticeably better ball handler than neal or a better passer
-acquiring him instead of a defensive player was the wrong move

[bklynspursfan]

Not an apples-to-apples bump IMO. Beli has been asked to do way more than he should. If everyone were healthy and he was in his designated role I am sure he would be doing about what was expected. He's not great, but he seems like a guy that is a role player who has the courage to do something in the playoffs. Which is about all you can hope for with regards to lower end limited players.

+1

[monkeypunk]

while the debate about belinelli being better than neal is a matter of points of view, there are some things we know for sure at this point, that are different from what was advertised:
-belinelli is NOT a playmaker
-is NOT a high iq player
-is NOT a better defender than neal by any means and that's saying a lot
-is NOT a noticeably better ball handler than neal or a better passer
-acquiring him instead of a defensive player was the wrong move

Disagree on all counts.

-beli can make plays at a higher level than Neal
-beli is a high iq player
-beli is a marginally better defender than Neal but that isn't saying a lot.
-beli is a better ball handler and much better passer
-AK would have been ideal but who else was available that is as versatile as beli?

As others have said, due to injuries, he is being way overutilized and playing out of position. Bring all the soldiers back and beli will play much better...

[Raven]

Disagree on all counts.

-beli can make plays at a higher level than Neal
-beli is a high iq player
-beli is a marginally better defender than Neal but that isn't saying a lot.
-beli is a better ball handler and much better passer
-AK would have been ideal but who else was available that is as versatile as beli?

As others have said, due to injuries, he is being way overutilized and playing out of position. Bring all the soldiers back and beli will play much better...

- like what plays? pass an open 3 to take a long 2? make cuts like that's going to work in the play offs?
- yeah no he is not, he is retarded, his positioning is retarded, his shot selection is retarded, he falls for pump fakes the little times he actually guards...
- still with this shit? our D was a landslide better last year, this year we're a joke on the perimeter and yes it's strictly belinelli's fault
- right, coz the ball movement improved this year.. he isn't even handling the ball..
- brewer, webster, whatever.. and beli is one of the least versatile players you can find..

[monkeypunk]

- like what plays? pass an open 3 to take a long 2? make cuts like that's going to work in the play offs?
- yeah no he is not, he is retarded, his positioning is retarded, his shot selection is retarded, he falls for pump fakes the little times he actually guards...
- still with this shit? our D was a landslide better last year, this year we're a joke on the perimeter and yes it's strictly belinelli's fault
- right, coz the ball movement improved this year.. he isn't even handling the ball..
- brewer, webster, whatever.. and beli is one of the least versatile players you can find..

The fact that this year, we have had a landslide of injuries to our best defenders has nothing to do with any of the above, huh? beli playing awesome on the second unit when everyone was healthy? Not so much when playing out of position? No? Bueller?

Must be beli's fault that half the team is broken! I see what you're saying..

:rolleyes

[Raven]

The fact that this year, we have had a landslide of injuries to our best defenders has nothing to do with any of the above, huh? beli playing awesome on the second unit when everyone was healthy? Not so much when playing out of position? No? Bueller?

Must be beli's fault that half the team is broken! I see what you're saying..

:rolleyes

honestly, i can't stress enough how stupid is the argument that x is struggling because he is playing too much.. For every player in the world this side of 40mpg you always hear that he is struggling because he plays too little, but with him no, it's the opposite :lol.. tbh the only time when he looks decent is when he plays against d-league type of talent, how is that supposed to happen in the play offs is beyond me. And don't give me the injury bs, that's an issue exactly because it forces us to play belinelli.

[Va Spur]

our whole rotation is are messed up. can we give judge them (and him) around feb 24th when 3 of our top 8 rotation guys are back. He's a ROLE player. He is one of 9 and towards the end of that 9. But he can do his job well when he is in his role. Injuries force him out of his role. Mills has played better forced out of his role yes-- but both are role players not the big 3 or Kawhi.

[monkeypunk]

honestly, i can't stress enough how stupid is the argument that x is struggling because he is playing too much.. For every player in the world this side of 40mpg you always hear that he is struggling because he plays too little, but with him no, it's the opposite :lol.. tbh the only time when he looks decent is when he plays against d-league type of talent, how is that supposed to happen in the play offs is beyond me. And don't give me the injury bs, that's an issue exactly because it forces us to play belinelli.

The issue with beli isn't that he plays too much, it's that he plays out of position. He is a great role player on a good team but we are forcing him to guard 3's and to be the primary ball handler situationally. He is much better off the ball, making cuts and moving to the open spot on the floor. He can't be expecting to guard Durant but if Leonard, Green and Manu are all out, he has to with horrendous results, as we've seen.

Once the team comes back in force, we'll see beli moving back in the rotation where he will shine, especially paired with Gino.

And not too belabor a point but we were awesome defensively last year with a healthy team, this year we are broken and our defense sucks because of it. That's not an excuse, just empirical evidence and the reality of the team we are fielding today...

[Raven]

The issue with beli isn't that he plays too much, it's that he plays out of position. He is a great role player on a good team but we are forcing him to guard 3's and to be the primary ball handler situationally. He is much better off the ball, making cuts and moving to the open spot on the floor. He can't be expecting to guard Durant but if Leonard, Green and Manu are all out, he has to with horrendous results, as we've seen.

Once the team comes back in force, we'll see beli moving back in the rotation where he will shine, especially paired with Gino.

And not too belabor a point but we were awesome defensively last year with a healthy team, this year we are broken and our defense sucks because of it. That's not an excuse, just empirical evidence and the reality of the team we are fielding today...

he doesn't play out of position on offence, he guards the worst player of the 1-3 on the opposing team no matter which one is it. If anything it's Joseph and Green that play out of position because of him. It's no coincidence that any strong team was able to buttfuck us from the perimeter no matter if we were healthy or not. The belinelli ballhandler argument to me is just weird, as if there is any value in putting the ball from one side of the court to the other when there is no pressure. our D sucks because of injuries that's true, but it just further shows how much is belinelli's worth. Even healthy we were bad whenever he was on the floor against a good opposition. We will be good when we'll play our top defenders 95% of the time, for the last spot in the rotation, the spot of "random shooter that goes nuts here and there" pop needs to choose between de colo, beli or mills.

[Chinook]

Beli is forced to play out of position because the Spurs signed him instead of a three. It's not Marco's fault, but it does make his signing questionable.

[T Park]

Double bump. It's only fair that people get both the ebb and flow of Beli. Its obviously not wise to celebrate at the start of the race.

Bump all you want. For the price he's a great player a huge improvement over Gary Neal.

[Chinook]

Bump all you want. For the price he's a great player a huge improvement over Gary Neal.

That's like saying Ayres is a huge improvement over Theo Ratliff. That doesn't make it money well spent. Beli is a good player in a vacuum, and he's even fine on the Spurs so long as everyone's healthy. But he wasn't a good get for the club.

[admiralsnackbar]

That's like saying Ayres is a huge improvement over Theo Ratliff. That doesn't make it money well spent. Beli is a good player in a vacuum, and he's even fine on the Spurs so long as everyone's healthy. But he wasn't a good get for the club.
If you can see the difference between a player "in a vacuum," as well as in the context of a team, surely you can also see that his presence on our club had to do with the context of viable FAs available and the projected progress of the Spurs already under contract. Gotta agree with T Park.

[Hoops Czar]

The fact that this year, we have had a landslide of injuries to our best defenders has nothing to do with any of the bove, huh? beli playing awesome on the second unit when everyone was healthy? Not so much when playing out of position? No? Bueller?

Must be beli's fault that half the team is broken! I see what you're saying..

:rolleyes

It's funny how posters use the old cliche "playing out of position" when referencing Belinelli yet, disregard that fact entirely when it comes to Neal. Belinelli doesn't need your protection. You can blame the latest woes on injuries but even a blind pig could see that he was playing the 1,2 and 3 when the team was healthy. No, it's not Beli's fault he's being asked to play out of position just like it wasn't Neal's fault he was asked to play PG instead of his natural SG position (sound familiar?), The Spurs operate under the false pretenses that they can just plug n go and the system will figure itself out somewhere along the way. You can see how it was a major flaw to stockpile SG's, neglecting the back up point and SF positions in the offseason. The Spurs have never been one to worry about team needs and necessities and THAT along with injuries is why the team is struggling to find solid ground.

[Chinook]

If you can see the difference between a player "in a vacuum," as well as in the context of a team, surely you can also see that his presence on our club had to do with the context of viable FAs available and the projected progress of the Spurs already under contract. Gotta agree with T Park.

No. The Spurs signed Beli because they didn't trust Mills and thought Leonard would be healthy all year. It turns out, they already had an instant-offense guard and didn't have a viable big-minutes backup for Leonard. That led inevitably to Green having to play the three full-time and being less effective and Beli playing at the three and being awful at it.

It's not enough to say Beli was a good signing since he's a good eighth or ninth man when everyone's healthy. The MLE is supposed to bring in more than that. The fact that the team felt upgrading from Neal was the best way to use their flexibility is mind-boggling. The Spurs should have trusted their guards and upgraded their forwards. Instead, they left their perimeter undersized and their front court underskilled. Beli being able to hold down 15 MPG in the playoffs moderately better than Neal could doesn't erase that.

[hater]

Bump all you want. For the price he's a great player a huge improvement over Gary Neal.

truth nuke tbh

plus, the Ferrari needs a state of the art race course to excel. Now he is forced to work with some of the biggest scrubs in the league :lol

the Ferrari is all about putting nails in coffins and making it look good. :tu

in other words, as I said for months, great signing, class A+ player, shitty situation he's had to work with

at least he saved manus career, too bad Manu broke down like usual

[admiralsnackbar]

No. The Spurs signed Beli because they didn't trust Mills and thought Leonard would be healthy all year. It turns out, they already had an instant-offense guard and didn't have a viable big-minutes backup for Leonard. That led inevitably to Green having to play the three full-time and being less effective and Beli playing at the three and being awful at it.

It's not enough to say Beli was a good signing since he's a good eighth or ninth man when everyone's healthy. The MLE is supposed to bring in more than that. The fact that the team felt upgrading from Neal was the best way to use their flexibility is mind-boggling. The Spurs should have trusted their guards and upgraded their forwards. Instead, they left their perimeter undersized and their front court underskilled. Beli being able to hold down 15 MPG in the playoffs moderately better than Neal could doesn't erase that.

I guess the thrust of my point was that there weren't too many players available that combined all the qualities you list at a sub-MLE price -- especially players willing to accept a subordinate role. That was the "context" of the offseason that determined why Belli was signed (for example: it isn't as though the FO didn't sniff at AK47), along with their projection of Neal's value on the open market. After Neal's performance in some of the Finals, I'm fairly certain the FO was as surprised as anyone that Neal wasn't instantly signed at a higher price than he was, and I'm sure Neal's projected price/performance informed their contract for Belli.

[Chinook]

I guess the thrust of my point was that there weren't too many players available that combined all the qualities you list at a sub-MLE price -- especially players willing to accept a subordinate role. That was the "context" of the offseason that determined why Belli was signed (for example: it isn't as though the FO didn't sniff at AK47), along with their projection of Neal's value on the open market. After Neal's performance in some of the Finals, I'm fairly certain the FO was as surprised as anyone that Neal wasn't instantly signed at a higher price than he was, and I'm sure Neal's projected price/performance informed their contract for Belli.

I'm not going to claim to know anything about how the Spurs operated during the off-season, but I consider the idea that Beli was the best they could do unsubstantiated speculation. I can't see why Webster would have picked D.C. over SA. Even if that's true for Webster, was it true for Brewer? For Mo Williams (who could have played the two and backed up Parker)? Dorrel Wright? What did hell were Korver and Aminu doing? The Lakers wing FA trio? No foresight on Beasley even though he's been superior to Beli his whole career?

I don't expect the FO to be perfect, but signing Ayres and Beli and bringing in Young and Maggette showed where their priorities lay. The team wasn't caught in a bad situation. They just made a decision that looks like it could be a mistake. Only time will tell if they were right, but if it shows them to be wrong, it is their faults.

[Chinook]

I'm surprised no one's bumper this. Beli had a hell of a game. Hats off to him, and I hope it continues. I'd love for the Spurs' FO to look like geniuses for their acquisition of him and for me to look like a fool for doubting him. Still think it was the wrong move, though.

[HI-FI]

I'm surprised no one's bumper this. Beli had a hell of a game. Hats off to him, and I hope it continues. I'd love for the Spurs' FO to look like geniuses for their acquisition of him and for me to look like a fool for doubting him. Still think it was the wrong move, though.
a lot of us were fans of getting Beli, i think at this point we just feel pity for the Neal > Belinelli crowd.

surprised you weren't a fan of getting him, he's the perfect insurance for the usual Manu injury/breakdown.

[Mugen]

Beli continues to show why he's a massive upgrade over Gary. Patty's emergence makes Marco's scoring a little redundant but he brings a lot more to the table as evidenced by his statline tonight. Can't have too many shot-makers when things slow down in the playoffs. It's not Beli's fault that the Spurs overpaid for Manu and handed out a lottery ticket to Jeff tbh

[Chinook]

a lot of us were fans of getting Beli, i think at this point we just feel pity for the Neal > Belinelli crowd.

surprised you weren't a fan of getting him, he's the perfect insurance for the usual Manu injury/breakdown.

He's good at that and playing off Manu. But the Spurs had no Leonard insurance, and that was more important. The team had a ton of guards, all of whom are playing well right now. It wasn't smart to not use the MLE on a backup three, considering how many were available.

It's nice to have Beli when everyone's healthy or when he has a night like tonight. But it would have been even nicer to have Webster for the past month. All can be fixed with a smart trade, though.

[TheGoldStandard]

He's good at that and playing off Manu. But the Spurs had no Leonard insurance, and that was more important. The team had a ton of guards, all of whom are playing well right now. It wasn't smart to not use the MLE on a backup three, considering how many were available.

It's nice to have Beli when everyone's healthy or when he has a night like tonight. But it would have been even nicer to have Webster for the past month. All can be fixed with a smart trade, though.

No trades happening.. Beli's deal was dirt cheap considering we didn't know Patty was going to get serious about the game of basketball, get into better shape etc.. Signing Ayres was a mistake, giving Manu that much money was a mistake... giving tiago that much money on the first 2 years was a mistake as well..

[Chinook]

No trades happening.. Beli's deal was dirt cheap considering we didn't know Patty was going to get serious about the game of basketball, get into better shape etc.. Signing Ayres was a mistake, giving Manu that much money was a mistake... giving tiago that much money on the first 2 years was a mistake as well..

None of those things prevented the Spurs from getting an MLE forward. Only signing Beli did. The fact that Beli was a bargain means nothing if the team fails to address its biggest need.

[ducks]

he by far is better then neal

[sexinthatsx]

Marco Belinelli saw Raven's post here and posted a monster stat line so we can all rag on him tonight. So... BUMP!!!

[xellos88330]

I am actually curious as to whether or not the Spurs anticipated bringing over Jean-Charles or Bertans this past off-season. Perhaps they signed Belli with that in mind?

That being said, I still like the signing even if he is being forced to play out of position. The Spurs really need someone who has a chance of creating their own shot outside of the big 3. Patty has stepped it up, but other than he Belli, and Diaw, I don't trust the ball to be dribbled by anyone else in the rotation outside of the big 3 and Diaw.