Spurs meeting with Finley on Thursday

[Kori Ellis]

No quick decision expected from Finley
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2140564

Face-to-face negotiations are under way in the Michael Finley sweepstakes, but no signing commitment is expected from the in-demand former All-Star before next week at the earliest.

Sources close to the process have told ESPN.com that Finley and agent Henry Thomas have invited the leading suitors to Chicago for sitdowns in Finley's hometown as opposed to launching into a series of recruiting trips.

The Miami Heat's Pat Riley and Stan Van Gundy was the first to visit Finley on Monday, with delegations from the Phoenix Suns (Tuesday), San Antonio Spurs (Thursday) and Detroit Pistons (TBD) also scheduled for visits this week.

There is likewise a chance that the Minnesota Timberwolves will be the fifth team to get an up-close chance to woo Finley, with the most prominent casualty of the NBA's new amnesty clause apparently intent on a deliberate evaluation of his options. The 10-year veteran was waived by the Dallas Mavericks late last Monday and became an unrestricted free agent after clearing waivers Thursday.

Riley, Minnesota star Kevin Garnett, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and ex-Dallas teammate Steve Nash are among the luminaries who have personally reached out to Finley by phone since he was released.

Suns coach Mike D'Antoni, meanwhile, enjoyed an unexpected head start in the lobbying process late last week when he and Finley were guests at the Phoenix wedding of Mavericks athletic trainer Casey Smith, a former Suns employee.

Various league executives have maintained for weeks that Miami is the heavy favorite to land Finley, with the Heat able to offer a full mid-level exception of $5 million next season and the lure of playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, who's also represented by Thomas. Finley, furthermore, is quite familiar with Van Gundy, having played for him at Wisconsin.

Yet, sources insist that Finley has not yet established a favorite. Intensely private throughout his eight-plus seasons in Dallas, Finley has been typically tight-lipped about his future, telling reporters at Nash's July 29 charity game that he wasn't ready to discuss the prospect of free agency and declining interview requests since being waived by the Mavericks.

Thomas, though, did confirm last week that Finley is "most interested" in joining a team with championship potential.

Of the four teams that best fit that description, Miami and Detroit can both offer a starting salary of $5 million. The Pistons, however, are poised to cut into their mid-level exception to sign power forward Dale Davis this week -- and potentially take themselves out of the running -- if they sense that Finley's interest is waning.

San Antonio and Phoenix are the other two teams, but going to either of the Mavericks' Western Conference rivals will require Finley to make a financial sacrifice. The Spurs are limited to offering a starting salary of just over $2.5 million, and Phoenix can't pitch anything more than the veteran minimum of $1.1 million for the 2005-06 campaign.

Thomas, though, did confirm last week that Finley is "most interested" in joining a team with championship potential. Of the four teams that best fit that description, Miami and Detroit can both offer a starting salary of $5 million. Going to either of the Mavericks' Western Conference rivals in that category will require Finley to make a financial sacrifice, since San Antonio is limited to offering a starting salary of just over $2.5 million, and Phoenix can't offer more than the veteran minimum of $1.1 million for the 2005-06 campaign.

The Mavericks tried for weeks to trade Finley to an Eastern Conference team before waiving him in hopes of keeping the swingman away from the Spurs or Suns. Reports persist that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was prepared to offer Finley a restructured payment schedule on the nearly $52 million left on Finley's contract to help persuade him to go East, but NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that no such deal was struck.

The presence of San Antonio and Phoenix on Finley's list of finalists indeed suggests no such arrangement exists. A "spread provision" in Finley's Dallas contract stipulates that, upon being waived, his remaining salary will be paid in annual installments of less than $5 million.

[Kori Ellis]

I guess Miami isn't a done deal as most people thought, or else why would he waste his time meeting with the brass of three other teams.

Very interesting.

[Boo]

thanks for posting.

[Dex]

Although it's nice to still be holding a ticket in the Micheal Finley sweepstakes, I don't really like the idea of having to wait a week or two for the guy to make a decision if the Spurs are still considering pitching a position in the direction of Nick Van Exel.

[Mr. Body]

He might be doing it to ensure he gets the full MLE from Miami. They might try to lowball him slightly - but give more than anybody else - in order to finesse another player onto their squad.

P.S. Is there any indication at all the Spurs are willing to pitch an offer of any kind to NVE?

[exstatic]

NVE will have to take either vet min or the LLE (if he wants to play in TX), neither of which affect negotiations with Fin.

[exstatic]

He might be doing it to ensure he gets the full MLE from Miami. That might be the rationale for a trip to Detroit, but not here or Phoenix.

[ObiwanGinobili]

Thomas, though, did confirm last week that Finley is "most interested" in joining a team with championship potential.

San Antonio and Phoenix are the other two teams, but going to either of the Mavericks' Western Conference rivals will require Finley to make a financial sacrifice. The Spurs are limited to offering a starting salary of just over $2.5 million

so i guess it's a "how badly do i want a ring vs. how badly do I want the $$" thing.
personally I'm thinking there is a 20-30% chance of Finley coming to SA.....

BTW- how much do ya'll think he could get at the most id $$ were not such an issue for the teams that are wanting him?

[marcus]

I say Finley is making everyone waste their time.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

fuck finley, bring on van exel

if we sign van exel we will be putting an end to the reign he's had of owning us

if we sign finley we're signing a player that bowen owns :)

[milkyway21]

I guess Miami isn't a done deal as most people thought, or else why would he waste his time meeting with the brass of three other teams.

Very interesting.and i thought Miami is a lock already:rolleyes.

and I'm happy this one rumor isn't true after all. It's been circulating around:

Reports persist that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was prepared to offer Finley a restructured payment schedule on the nearly $52 million left on Finley's contract to help persuade him to go East, but NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that no such deal was struck.

i think Finley is not so keen on Miami, it took him this long to sign with them. He's got other team on his mind. Now that Davis is poised to sign with Detroit, Mckie with the Lakers, Evans might re-sign with his former team. the Spurs might as well pursue on the Ex-Mav even more...

[picnroll]

God this is a long off season.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

God this is a long off season.


no shit man, and yet we still won the championship

i remember the 2003 offseason going by extremely fast

[Marcus Bryant]

Finley's probably trying to get more years out of Miami or perhaps another suitor via a sign and trade.

[picnroll]

Personally I think it's just that players think highly of Pop and want to show him their respect by letting him make his pitch.

[Kori Ellis]

I think there's something specific that didn't seal the deal for Finley with Miami. They've been noted as the frontrunner all along and if their meeting went perfectly today, then I think he would have signed there today. There's no bargaining going on because everyone knows how much each team has to offer him.

He must really not be totally sold on them.

I'm not a big Finley fan. So I was hoping he'd just sign with Miami and it would be over. Now this is looks like it's going to stretch out for another couple weeks. :shootme

I wish the Spurs would sign Earl Watson and Matt Barnes and call it a summer.

[Knoxville Spur]

This is looking better and better. I thought all along that Finley to Miami was pure speculation. Phoenix makes a lot of sense for playing time, but he has to know that swapping himself for Joe Johnson is not going to be enough to overcome the Spurs.

Detroit seemed logical since we barely beat them and he could make a difference. But who the hell wants to live in Detroit?

Shaq's best days are behind him and Miami is looking like a team with chemistry issues before they even play a game.

Finley would fit right in on the Spurs and have a blast playing in SA. Let's get real on the money issue. This guy has $50 mill. coming to him, I don't care if it takes 10 years or 20 years, he is set for life. If he gets a clever tax accountant, having the money spread out may even help him! If I was that rich I would do what I thought would make me the most happy. Money can't buy happiness, or as Mark Cuban proved, championships!!

I think we have an excellent chance to land Finley and I am glad he is taking time to think this over carefully. I will be very surprised if it comes down to $.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

im not an earl fan

where has all the glenn robinson talk gone...did he already sign up somewhere?

[SenorSpur]

The pursuit of Finley really worries me. I'm concerned if Finley agrees to sign on with the Spurs, that will signal the end to Devin Brown. Devin's younger, cheaper, more versatile and has a tremendous upside.

Finley, on the other hand, is a prideful player who feels as though he's got plenty of juice left and can contribute to a team's championship aspirations. I'm also fairly certain he sees himself as a starter. I certainly don't fault him for that.

Let's face it. Finley will never start in S.A. IMO, he would never be happy as 6th, 7th or 8th man on a championship team. Anyway, why would he come here versus going to PHX or MIA, where he can start, get PAID and compete for a title?

To me this is Jason Kidd all over again (less the exhorbiant price tag). Is the price of bringing in this one-dimensional, no defense-playing, shooter to our team worth losing Devin Brown? Personally, I'd take him over Finley anyday.

[Kori Ellis]

im not an earl fan

I know he won't come here, but Earl is the perfect backup point guard for the Spurs. He's strong, a good defender, and knocks down clutch shots.

Okay, back to the Finley subject ...

[yavozerb]

Nobody is going to get signed until finley chooses a team because all the major teams have to save their $ for him..I think a signing of finley would be a great addition and worth the wait!!!

If we give finley 2.5 mil how much do we have left??

[3rdCoast]

If you think Finley wont be a Heat player by this time next week you are fooling yourself.

Miami is where he wants to be.

Miami is where he will be.

[Knoxville Spur]

To me this is Jason Kidd all over again (less the exhorbiant price tag). Is the price of bringing in this one-dimensional, no defense-playing, shooter to our team worth losing Devin Brown? Personally, I'd take him over Finley anyday.

Is he really incapable of playing defense? I am thinking that is a product of the system. Even Barry did OK on defense in Pop's system.

[Sii]

If you think Finley wont be a Heat player by this time next week you are fooling yourself.

Miami is where he wants to be.

Miami is where he will be.

then why the fuck hasnt he signed yet? if he is so dead set on them why even waste time with the Spurs? He KNOWS Miami's offer and he knows what SA can offer also

[picnroll]

If you think Finley wont be a Heat player by this time next week you are fooling yourself.

Miami is where he wants to be.

Miami is where he will be.
I don't know. He strikes me as too intelligent a guy to want to spend a lot of time around a clown like Shaq.

[exstatic]

Finley's probably trying to get more years out of Miami or perhaps another suitor via a sign and trade.

Um, no S&T for the amnesty players if they're waived. Five Mil is his ceiling, unless he wants to play for a shitty team with caproom.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Sorry, but I think this is nothing more than a ploy to get more money/years/both out of Miami.

I'll get excited when he shows up for the press conference in SA, until then I'm considering him the newest member of the Miami Heat.

[milkyway21]

If you think Finley wont be a Heat player by this time next week you are fooling yourself.

Miami is where he wants to be.

Miami is where he will be.
yeah, Pops is going to lose Finley because of this...


In anticipation of a possible deal, Miami placed 20 posters of Finley wearing a Heat uniform on light poles on the streets near the team's arena.

once and for all, I won't be disappointed if the Spurs can't sign Finley.

1999:bling 2003:bling 2005:bling

[SequSpur]

If the Spurs don't sign Nick Van Exel, I ain't going to any games this year.

How bout that?

[gameFACE]

If we give finley 2.5 mil how much do we have left??
The MLE would be used up but there would still be the LLE available.

Say Finley becomes a Spur - any remote chance to land Van Exel using the LLE or is the team becoming too geriatric?

[3rdCoast]

yeah, Pops is going to lose Finley because of this...



once and for all, I won't be disappointed if the Spurs can't sign Finley.

1999:bling 2003:bling 2005:bling

You are right.

The Spurs really didn't need to do anything this offseason in order to remain a contender, so all this talk about getting a key free agent is outlandish in my opinion.

The Spurs won without Van Exel and Finley and can easily do it again.

Miami and Detroit and the other teams that did NOT WIN a title in 2005 are the ones who need to improve their rosters.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

In anticipation of a possible deal, Miami placed 20 posters of Finley wearing a Heat uniform on light poles on the streets near the team's arena.

Orlando had a 50 foot banner of Tim Duncan in a Magic jersey hung at their arena when he went to visit them a few years back, guess we're screwed again.

[Spurs Biggest Fan]

If you think Finley wont be a Heat player by this time next week you are fooling yourself.

Miami is where he wants to be.

Miami is where he will be.

Then why all the hoopla of team reps going up to Chicago to visiit with him?

If he wanted to be courted he would go to each city.

This doesn't make any sense. :fro

[Solid D]

If the Spurs don't sign Nick Van Exel, I ain't going to any games this year.

How bout that?

Ah, yes. A T Park-type line in the sand. Bold move my man...although it's not as though going to the games provides any more insight for you. :smokin

[SilverSpur]

I knew that him signing with the Heat wasnt a sure thing. I think he will sign with us as well as NVE. I think Finley is having a tough time making a choice between money from Miami, playing time with the Suns and a ring with the Spurs. If Finley scores when he gets his playing time his minutes will increase. We all know this. When Duncan and Horry speak with him and explain that they themselves have had to play limited minutes to stay fresh for the playoffs he will see that it no big thing and in fact who do you think will get those minutes when Tim, Manu and Tony need a breather. If he wants a ring its SA for sure because Miami will have a hard time finding playing time for all their players and the Suns have lost Johnson and Hunter. Sign Finley and Van Exel already and we can call it a summer and I can pay more attention to my Dallas Cowboys.

[Trainwreck2100]

If the Spurs don't sign Nick Van Exel, I ain't going to any games this year.

How bout that?


Why don't you pull a TPark and not post for a year, that'll show 'em

[BadlyDrawnBoy]

What if:

Tony/NVE/Beno
Manu/Finley/Sanders
Bowen/Barnes
Tim/Horry
Nazr/Oberto

Rasho and Brent traded to a team under the cap. (Biggest pipe dream ever.)

[milkyway21]

Orlando had a 50 foot banner of Tim Duncan in a Magic jersey hung at their arena when he went to visit them a few years back, guess we're screwed again...:lol

the Admiral intervened, called Tim while vacationing in Hawaii.

Tim excused himself from interfering with SA's pursue of Finley unlike ShaQ. :rolleyes

[GhostofAlfrederickHughes]

Another thing nobody seems to mention in all this---how bad do you think Finley wants to get back at Cuban? I mean, the best way for him to torment the man who dumped both him and Nash would be to stay out West. Either rejoin Nash in Phoenix or join the defending champs.

Not that I'm sold on Finley joining the Spurs. Just wonder how much pride > $$ in this case...

[1Parker1]

I have a feeling he's going to sign with Miami. Hey, Kori, is there a Vbookie on where he'll sign?

[ducks]

August 23
Miami Herald (registration required): "The Heat, considered by many to be the front-runner in the Michael Finley sweepstakes, became the first team to meet with the free agent swingman Monday... Phoenix, Detroit and San Antonio have meetings with Finley scheduled in the next few days."

[spurster]

Michael Finley,

The Spurs love you. Our rotation is set, but you ought to come to San Antonio and sit on our nice bench anyway.

Love, Pop

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

All this damn hooplah for Finley?!?! Don't get me wrong, he's going to make just about any team better, but he's not going to be the amount of talk he's getting here is overkill for a guy who is not going to be the difference between a winning and losing a championship for whoever signs him.

I think that all of this indecision is good news for SA and Phoenix because I think the only real advantage that Miami has going for it is money and Finley probably starting to realize that he could be signing the last contract of his career. Why ride out his career on the bench for a team that is going to be working in so many new pieces while its window of opportunity is quickly closing?

[Kip Fanatic]

I like Finley's competiveness (spelled right?). He can shoot lights out when he is in that zone. I am sure he can pick up the defense if Barry and G-Rob can. I think he is serious about signing with the Spurs. Usually guys go visit the city that wants him so they can get that "royalty" feeling, but Finley isn't. I think he is really torn on where to sign. Only Miami can give him $5 mil. All the other teams he is considering can't offer that much. He would not set up meetings to waste people's time. He is too old for that. That is something a young player does. I would much rather have a solid backup PG like Watson or NVE and sign DeMarr Johnson or G-Rob. However, I think the Spurs have a good chance of signing Finley now. If Duncan, RC, Pop, and another Spurs player show up the Spurs have a better than 50% chance of landing him.

[CubanMustGo]

Another thing nobody seems to mention in all this---how bad do you think Finley wants to get back at Cuban?

What's to get back at? The dude gets a chance to play for a real championship contender, will get paid every penny owed by Cueball and will get anywhere from the LLE to $5M more this season, plus whatever other contract he signs after that.

[TwoHandJam]

I was just perusing another Spurs site for insight about this whole Finley situation and came across the following thought - it ties in with some of the rumours bandied about about the Spurs shopping Brent.


I thought all that Brent talk meant maybe they were setting up if NVE came but maybe they are looking at if Finley comes. If they really could pull off that GS/ Pietrus/trade exception for Barry, then for Brent's salary you could have Finley, Pietrus, and a cheap rookie-- say an undrafted guy. Now that would be impressive for the FO. They could still sign 2 vet minimums for a roster of 14 and be UNDER the luxury tax!

I don't know about you but this seems like the kind of thing the Spurs would go for to improve the team and the always-on-their mind lux tax situation. Brent played adequately for a first year Spur but he wasn't a stand-out by any means. I don't think the FO is above trading him if they feel they can get better.

Yes, he took less money to come but so did Rasho. Didn't stop them from tading Malik either....

Food for thought.

As much as I think Brent could improve with another year of corporate knowledge, Finley is younger, taller and is the better player. He shot a career best 40.7% last year from the arc and can't be worse on defense than Brent. He's been an all-star and is a better scorer.

As far as I understand with the amnesty rules concerning payouts, Miami can only offer Finley about 1M/year more than we can. Interesting.

[Spurminator]

One reason I'd love to see Finley in a Spurs uniform is that it might cause a few Dallas Maverick fans' heads to explode. They HATE Bruce Bowen here, mainly because of his conflicts with Finley.

If they're all of a sudden teammates and buddies? It's a mindfuck that I don't think most Mavs fans are prepared for.

:lol

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs couldn't possibly have Brent Barry on the block. Right?

:)

[MannyIsGod]

I'd do the above mentioned trade. I don't think anyone ever said Barry was untradeable, just that your wet dream of Spree for Barry was counterproductive and stupid.

[Marcus Bryant]

Let's see, a former all-star shooting guard with good scoring ability or a former all-star shooting guard with good scoring ability for the bench. Yeah, big difference.

But you'd lose Barry's almighty point guard skills, so replacing Barry with Finley makes such a prospective deal "counterproductive and stupid".

BTW, shut the fuck up.

[MannyIsGod]

Let's see, a former all-star shooting guard with good scoring ability or a former all-star shooting guard with good scoring ability for the bench. Yeah, big difference.

But you'd lose Barry's almighty point guard skills, so replacing Barry with Finley makes such a prospective deal "counterproductive and stupid".

BTW, shut the fuck up.
Yeah, did you miss the rest of the trade? Dude, you are losing it this season. You have about as much game left as Spree, which isn't very much.

[MannyIsGod]

First of all...

Finley > Spree

But what is more important...



If they really could pull off that GS/ Pietrus/trade exception for Barry, then for Brent's salary you could have Finley, Pietrus, and a cheap rookie-- say an undrafted guy. Now that would be impressive for the FO. They could still sign 2 vet minimums for a roster of 14 and be UNDER the luxury tax!

is much greater than...



Spree for Barry


And now, I'll STFU just for you Marcus.

[Marcus Bryant]

Spree is still worth more than Barry straight up. MB hasn't lost a thing.

[Mr. Body]

Spree is still worth more than Barry straight up. MB hasn't lost a thing.

Man, if you don't make at least a million dollars a year and still refer to yourself in the third person, you must be walking through subway cars talking loudly about how you need to get out of the rain.

[Marcus Bryant]

Uh oh, Mr. Body is here. Man, if you have a problem with me, well, tough.

[50 cent]

Yeah, did you miss the rest of the trade? Dude, you are losing it this season. You have about as much game left as Spree, which isn't very much.

Couldn't agree more. I think MB is only around to be the antagonist because his posts make no sense anymore.

[Marcus Bryant]

MB is here to speak his mind. Too bad most of you are either unable to come up with your own ideas or are too scared to post them in here.

Critics are a dime a dozen in this forum.

[MannyIsGod]

Once upon a time, MB would have chastised Ghost Writer for coming up with trades for the sake of trades.

[Kip Fanatic]

I'm sorry, but Spree seems to have lost his game. I doubt the Spurs would try to trade for him. Barry wasn't all that last season and it could be he was not comfortable for some reason. However, I think he will improve this next season. The trade prosped by the guy who speaks in the third is not going to happen. The Spurs will OK next season even if we don't acquire some big name.

[Big Pimp_21]

who is going to visit Finley in Chicago? Pop (of course) and I would assume RC, but who else do we send? TD, TP, Manu, Eva?

[spurster]

I agree that Finley would be a big upgrade over Brent. Having Finley and Brent would give the Spurs very solid depth at swingman.

[SenorSpur]

Let's see, a former all-star shooting guard with good scoring ability or a former all-star shooting guard with good scoring ability for the bench. Yeah, big difference.

But you'd lose Barry's almighty point guard skills, so replacing Barry with Finley makes such a prospective deal "counterproductive and stupid".


I'm totally against it too. Barry and Devin are both more valuable to the Spurs than Finley could ever be. MB makes a good point on Barry's value. Devin, of course, is an all-around fine player with tremendous upside.

If anyone thinks Finley is gonna "bear down" and start playing defense, consider this. Avery emphasizes defense as much as Pop. He basically executes the same defensive schemes as Pop. Last season, Finley drove Avery nuts for two reasons: First, he doesn't play defense. Nelson never stressed it, never required it and now it's part of who Finley is, as a player.

Secondly, he was and is simply a stand-still jump shooter who rarely goes to the rack. Translation: he rarely gets rebounds or gets to the FT line. Furthermore because he's a catch a shoot guy, the ball doesn't move around the perimeter after he gets his hands on it. This point was reinforced with the absence of Nash. I've watched this guy clang missed shots in the playoffs the past 3 seasons. Anyone remember his 1-17 performance against the Spurs in the 2002 playoffs?

Still want Finley on the team? I don't.

[Dingle Barry]

I'm totally against it too. Barry and Devin are both more valuable to the Spurs than Finley could ever be. MB makes a good point on Barry's value. Devin, of course, is an all-around fine player with tremendous upside.

If anyone thinks Finley is gonna "bear down" and start playing defense, consider this. Avery emphasizes defense as much as Pop. He basically executes the same defensive schemes as Pop. Last season, Finley drove Avery nuts for two reasons: First, he doesn't play defense. Nelson never stressed it, never required it and now it's part of who Finley is, as a player.

Secondly, he was and is simply a stand-still jump shooter who rarely goes to the rack. Translation: he rarely gets rebounds or gets to the FT line. Furthermore because he's a catch a shoot guy, the ball doesn't move around the perimeter after he gets his hands on it. This point was reinforced with the absence of Nash. I've watched this guy clang missed shots in the playoffs the past 3 seasons. Anyone remember his 1-17 performance against the Spurs in the 2002 playoffs?

Still want Finley on the team? I don't.


Pop got Glenn motherfucking Robinson to play solid D, or at least try to. I am of the opinion that he can get anyone to, save for street ballas/headcases like Ron Mercer. Finley has to really want to contribute to a championship if he comes here.

[CubanMustGo]

Catch what Ric Bucher had to say about Fin and Miami on an ESPN live chat:

Justin - Hackettstown, NJ: With the addittion on Mike Finley are the heat the automatic favorite for the naismith trophy? I say with because at this point in finley's career he would be crazy to go anywhere else. The spurs are great but this year belongs to Miami.

SportsNation Ric Bucher: (2:22 PM ET ) I couldn't disagree with you more and my column tomorrow will explain why.

[wildbill2u]

I guess Miami isn't a done deal as most people thought, or else why would he waste his time meeting with the brass of three other teams.

Very interesting.

I have to agree it's not a done deal--so the extra money must not be the only deciding factor. All four teams mentioned have championship aspirations and capabilities so I think it'll boil down to playing time and status.

My guess is that he's concerned about minutes on a team like SA. Knowing Pop's weird rotations at times, I doubt he'll get much reassurance on that score.

All things considered, my prediction is Miami 75% chance.

[Kori Ellis]

Just a note fro Ric Bucher's Chat on ESPN.com


Justin - Hackettstown, NJ: With the addittion on Mike Finley are the heat the automatic favorite for the naismith trophy? I say with because at this point in finley's career he would be crazy to go anywhere else. The spurs are great but this year belongs to Miami.

Ric Bucher: (2:22 PM ET ) I couldn't disagree with you more and my column tomorrow will explain why.

[Trainwreck2100]

naismith???

[TwoHandJam]

Just a note fro Ric Bucher's Chat on ESPN.com
You were beat to the punch by 10min Kori.

[TwoHandJam]

I have to agree it's not a done deal--so the extra money must not be the only deciding factor. All four teams mentioned have championship aspirations and capabilities so I think it'll boil down to playing time and status.

My guess is that he's concerned about minutes on a team like SA. Knowing Pop's weird rotations at times, I doubt he'll get much reassurance on that score.

That's why the trade scenario that puts Barry on the block to Golden State is intriguing. Finley would benefit from the extra minutes and possibly become our 6th man.

[waly.mg]

SA can´t Offer Finley a Starter Spot, that can be a problem

[Spurminator]

50 cent, I know there has been some backlash against animated GIFs recently, but I want you to know that your signature has my full support.

[Trainwreck2100]

50 cent, I know there has been some backlash against animated GIFs recently, but I want you to know that your signature has my full support.


I'd have to say that it lacks support

[Kori Ellis]

50 cent, I know there has been some backlash against animated GIFs recently, but I want you to know that your signature has my full support.

It only takes up like .1MB, so it's okay in my book too. :lol

[Solid D]

I keep waiting for some value to be added to this thread. Manny do you have any weather reports or Dopplers and stuff?

[Marcus Bryant]

Perhaps Bucher is just going to point out that Walker and Williams are unlikely to mesh well with Shaq's game and that they would also take away touches from Finley...

[50 cent]

I'm glad everybody "supports" my "non-supporting" signature.

:lol

[Solid D]

Perhaps Bucher is just going to point out that Walker and Williams are unlikely to mesh well with Shaq's game and that they would also take away touches from Finley...


MB, likely true...plus, he should try to remind that the Heat lost a very productive ingredient in Eddie Jones. He and Shaq were a good +/- duo, with Eddie's two-way abilities making a nice impact on the team's point differential when he was on the floor.

[Kori Ellis]

Perhaps Bucher is just going to point out that Walker and Williams are unlikely to mesh well with Shaq's game and that they would also take away touches from Finley...

Yes, it's probably playing time/touches related. When Finley was first speculated (at the beginning of free agency) as possibly going to Miami, a lot of people thought he might start. But they have Posey and Walker who play the 3 as well, so he might not be assured of a lot playing time in Miami. I guess he just has to weigh all the factors -- playing time, money, championships, beaches :), etc.

[SenorSpur]

Sounds like his decision is more difficult that first imagined. Given all the variables, PHX could virtually assure him a starting spot. I'm sure the financial aspects are important to Finley. Despite seemingly running low on cash, PHX could offer up the 6 mil exception from the JJ trade with ATL.

A side note, Real GM reports PHX could be going after IND's James Jones. Probably a contingency in case Finley turns them down.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/37103/20050823/suns_could_use_atlanta_trade_exception_to_land_jam es_jones/

The Suns also are considering a sign-and-trade deal for Indiana swingman James Jones, but Joe Johnson's physical must be completed in Atlanta before the Suns' $6 million trade exception can be used.

[picnroll]

I don't think the Suns can use that trade exception straight up on Finley since they aren't trading for him. Don't know if Finley could sign with some other team who has cap space and then the Suns do a S&T for him.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't think the Suns can use that trade exception straight up on Finley since they aren't trading for him.You're right.
Don't know if Finley could sign with some other team who has cap space and then the Suns do a S&T for him.That can't be done for a free agent whose rights are owned by no team.

Finley can only be signed outright as an unrestricted free agent.

[picnroll]

Finley can only be signed outright as an unrestricted free agent.
So you are saying if he signs with say NO he can't be traded by NO?

[ChumpDumper]

So you are saying if he signs with say NO he can't be traded by NO?Yes, not for 90 days or until December 15, whichever is later.

[Dre_7]

All SA needs to do is offer him Bowen's starting spot. He will get to start and make more than if he went to PHX. He also will get the satisfaction of "taking" Bowens spot. I love Bowen, but if it will make the team better, then Im all for having him come off the bench. Besides, he is getting up there. What, is he 34 now?

I know I will get a lot of slack for saying that, but I think it will make the Spurs better.

[ChumpDumper]

All SA needs to do is offer him Bowen's starting spot.This will never happen.

[Dre_7]

This will never happen.

They should though.

[ChumpDumper]

They should though.And if we weren't as good with Finley starting? What then?

[Kori Ellis]

Finley is 32 - not that much younger than Bowen who is 34 and probably in better shape than almost anyone in the league. Finley's slower. Has reoccuring hamstring problems. Is coming off ankle surgery. And can't defend.

He's a bench player who can come in a hit some shots for the Spurs, but he's not a starter for them.

[Spurminator]

I love Bowen, but if it will make the team better, then Im all for having him come off the bench.

It won't.

[Solid D]

All SA needs to do is offer him Bowen's starting spot.

I know I will get a lot of slack for saying that, but I think it will make the Spurs better.

You might get more flak than slack. :hat

[Dre_7]

It won't.

Why not?

[Dre_7]

And if we weren't as good with Finley starting? What then?

Then move him to the bench. Finley has proven he can get it done in his career. Even though he had an "off year" last year, if he can put up similar numbers in SA, that will be huge. And if it doesnt work you can move him to thr bench.

[Dre_7]

You might get more flak than slack. :hat

:lol Thank you. Thats what I meant! I was close! I knew it sounded like "ack" LOL.

[Spurminator]

Why not?

Because our perimeter defense will go from great to below average just like that. All of a sudden, Duncan will be in foul trouble more often.

Plus, given that his strength is guarding the opponent's best perimeter player, Bowen off the bench would be useless. You might as well put him on IR.

[Dre_7]

Because our perimeter defense will go from great to below average just like that. All of a sudden, Duncan will be in foul trouble more often.

Plus, given that his strength is guarding the opponent's best perimeter player, Bowen off the bench would be useless. You might as well put him on IR.

Wow! I dont think it would be that drastic. They can sub in Bowen whenever they want to. I think it would work. Manu can gaurd their top player until Bowen comes in the game. They could use a lot of different lineups on the floor to match the other team.

Besides, if Barry and Big Dogg can learn to play a lil D, then so can Fin.

If the Spurs D is so dependent on Bowen, what will they do in a few years when he is done???

[Spurminator]

If the Spurs D is so dependent on Bowen, what will they do in a few years when he is done???

That's why so much discussion here revolves around finding a defensive specialist to groom as Bowen's eventual replacement.

[Kori Ellis]

If the Spurs D is so dependent on Bowen, what will they do in a few years when he is done???

Hopefully get another perimeter defender who is good. That's why everyone thinks they need to get a young, defensive minded SF now to groom. The Spurs defense starts with Bowen. Bowen's job is to guard the best perimeter opponent. Those players start, thus Bowen starts. If Bowen's out of the starting lineup, things won't look pretty for the Spurs.

[Dre_7]

Bowen can still get his minutes. I am not saying he wont play. I am just saying that they should offer Fin his starting spot. You can still bring him off the bench and have him gaurd the other teams top player. SA D wont go from great to crappy just by moving Bowen to the bench.

[Kori Ellis]

Bowen can still get his minutes. I am not saying he wont play. I am just saying that they should offer Fin his starting spot. You can still bring him off the bench and have him gaurd the other teams top player.

What would be the point of playing Bowen against reserves? Bowen needs to play against starters -- those are the good players that you need to lock down.


SA D wont go from great to crappy just by moving Bowen to the bench.

Go check the Spurs record 3 1/2+ years ago when Bowen missed 23 games (the last time he missed any games). Or just ask Pop, Tim Duncan and David Robinson what it was like to not have Bowen during that timeframe. They all remember it.

[Spurminator]

Maybe not totally crappy, but think about it... Bowen and Duncan are at their defensive best when they are on the floor together. Bowen can overplay his man because he has Duncan behind him to block shots. And Duncan doesn't have to leave his man as often to protect the basket.

They'd still have minutes together, sure, but even 10 minutes less per game could make a big difference.

[Dre_7]

I disagree with you guys. I think it would work. Pop would just have to time his subs right. I think Pop is a good enough coach to know how to use his subs right. Bowen can still play against starters. He just wont start against starters.

[Spurminator]

Pop's also good enough to set his rotations in a manner that maximizes each player's strengths. See Brent Barry/Hedo Turkoglu starting over Manu.

Finley, overall, may be a better player than Bowen. But they're better for the team as bench sub and starting defensive stopper.

Finley can still get minutes off the bench. That's how the Spurs will likely sell it.

[Dre_7]

Okay.

But alls I am saying is I would rather have Finley come here then go to MIA. If MIA gets Finley, they are VERY scary!

If giving him a starting spot will make it more likely that he will sign with SA. Then I am all for it.

[ChumpDumper]

Leave the chicken little GMing to the Suns.

[genghisrex]

I disagree with you guys. I think it would work. Pop would just have to time his subs right. I think Pop is a good enough coach to know how to use his subs right. Bowen can still play against starters. He just wont start against starters.Starters start so if Bowen is on the bench at the beginning of a game then there are valuable defensive minutes (against the opposing team's top wing player) that we are losing. No creative substitution pattern can fix that.

[Dre_7]

Starters start so if Bowen is on the bench at the beginning of a game then there are valuable defensive minutes (against the opposing team's top wing player) that we are losing. No creative substitution pattern can fix that.

Manu is a great Defender. He can hold it down til Bowen comes in. But if yall would rather see Finley in MIA, then thats your opinion. I would rather have him play in SA.

We will see what happens.

[Dex]

It's not as black and white as you seem to suggest, though.

We would rather see Finley play here than in Miami, but not at the cost of Bruce Bowen's starting position.

It seems to have moved past the point of opinion. I think it's officially a consensus.

If Finley comes to San Antonio, he'll be coming off the bench. If he has a problem with that, then he can go somewhere else and get dominated by Bowen's 'dirty elbows' again.

[genghisrex]

But if yall would rather see Finley in MIA, then thats your opinion. I would rather have him play in SA.If all Finley cares about is a starting spot then he's not coming here because he's not getting promised one. Period.

[picnroll]

If Finley needs to be guaranteed a starting spot let him go to Phoenix or Miami. If he thinks he's good enough to convince Pop that he can earn big minutes or even start and to sit without complaining if he hasn't convinced Pop then let him come to the Spurs. Last prima donna that had to start was Jack. That's not Spurs style.

[Horry For 3!]

I doubt Finley signs with the Spurs but I guess a meeting with him couldn't hurt.

[ALVAREZ6]

If Finley goes to MIA, then that's bullshit...

SHAQ
Alonzo
Finley
Wade
J. Williams


Fuck them.

[marcus]

I doubt Finley signs with the Spurs but I guess a meeting with him couldn't hurt.

Unless Van Exel decides to sign with some other team by that time, lol.

[mrpach]

All SA needs to do is offer him Bowen's starting spot.
.

Bowen worked his ass to earn that starting spot, u know practicing the 3 pointers and how he prepares his defense etc
Wathcing this idea less coldly....well it seems unfair
thus this would disrupt the spurs defensive systm

[CaptainLate]

and i thought Miami is a lock already:rolleyes.

i think Finley is not so keen on Miami, it took him this long to sign with them....Now that Davis is poised to sign with Detroit...the Spurs might as well pursue on the Ex-Mav even more...

Because with Davis, Finley may realize that Miami isn't a lock to get out of the East. Sign with the Spurs and only an injury to TD will keep us out of the NBA Finals and a possible repeat.

[CaptainLate]

I doubt Finley signs with the Spurs but I guess a meeting with him couldn't hurt.

I think the Spurs would have already told Finley: "Listen, if you've already decided on the Heat, don't waste our time. We're not interested in playing head games here. Remember, we're the 'Get Over Yourself' team. Be up front and honest with us"

[CaptainLate]

It's not as black and white as you seem to suggest, though.

We would rather see Finley play here than in Miami, but not at the cost of Bruce Bowen's starting position.

Bowen "restructured" his contract. I think he'd agree at his age he doesn't need to be starting every game. Finley can prolong his career.

[Dex]

Bowen "restructured" his contract. I think he'd agree at his age he doesn't need to be starting every game. Finley can prolong his career.

Finley = 32.

Bowen = 34.

I'm not seeing such a big difference there. Especially since Bowen takes extremely good care of his body, and is probably one of the healthiest and most well prepared guys in the League (3 seasons as a starter without missing a game), whereas Finley has had a list of injuries plague him over the same time period and is still listed as somewhat of a question mark.

[Spurs06]

I`m not so sure the Spurs would trade B. Barry. I mean he did step up at times during the year. Brent is inconsistent but so is Spree. Like I said before I doubt they`ll trade him. As for Finley, I think he is toying with our emotion. More then likely he`ll sign with PHX. The spurs might as well resign D.Brown.

[jochhejaam]

We weren't able to sign him so now I hope he goes to the Spurs.

Anywhere but Miami!

[SequSpur]

Finley blows.

Spurs need a backup point guard..... Sign Nick Van Exel Damn it.

[Streakyshooter08]

Seems like the Pistons are not intersted anymore so maybe it will come down to phx, mia and SA...

From espn:

"But Finley made it clear he didn't want to join the Pistons, and they appear to have decided to not sign Sprewell."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2141235

This keeps the door open for the Spurs to get Spree if Finley chooses Mia.

[Obstructed_View]

Finley blows.

Spurs need a backup point guard..... Sign Nick Van Exel Damn it.
The Spurs have a backup point guard. Udrih would be starting for a lot of teams in this league. The only thing he's missing is experience and he doesn't get that by making him third string behind Mr. Powderknees.

I agree with you about Finley, though. I don't know if I'd have a harder time rooting for him or Spree as a Spur.

[Obstructed_View]

Finley = 32.

Bowen = 34.

I'm not seeing such a big difference there. Especially since Bowen takes extremely good care of his body, and is probably one of the healthiest and most well prepared guys in the League (3 seasons as a starter without missing a game), whereas Finley has had a list of injuries plague him over the same time period and is still listed as somewhat of a question mark.

You make a good point, but the strength of Bowen's game (defense) is all about quickness, and he's right at the age where that starts to go. Finley is supposed to get some of his athletecism back because of the cleanup surgery. It's something to consider.

Unless Finley has decided to give his ego a rest, he doesn't come to the Spurs. Watching him for the Mavs over the last six or seven years tells me he's a prima donna and he'd go to either the Suns or the Heat even if the Spurs had twice the money to offer him. He hasn't been about the team for a long, long time.