Spurs Sign Van Exel (official)

[Kori Ellis]

SPURS SIGN GUARD NICK VAN EXEL

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs today announced that the team has signed veteran guard Nick Van Exel. Per team policy the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are very happy to have Nick as a part of our team,” said Head Coach Gregg Popovich. “His leadership and skills will be assets at both ends of the floor.”

The 6-1 Van Exel has appeared in 815 regular season games averaging 15.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.9 assists. For his career Van Exel has shot .405 from the field and .357 from behind the arc. His 1,473 three-point field goals made ranks him fifth all-time in the NBA and first among active players. Van Exel has also appeared in 64 postseason contests averaging 15.7 points and 5.1 assists in 35.3 minutes per game.

Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 37th pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, the Kenosha, Wisconsin native has also suited up for the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers. The 1998 Western Conference All-Star averaged 11.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 53 contests for the Trail Blazers during the 2004-05 season.

Van Exel had a stellar college career at the University of Cincinnati where he averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game in leading the Bearcats to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament as a senior. The third team All-America selection was also a finalist for the John Wooden Award.

[BillsCarnage]

And the temper tantrum/tv tossing count down begins.

[spurschick]

:elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant

[Horry For 3!]

Wooooo. I wanted NVE and GiG told me it was a "Fantasy post. Wont happen" :lmao looks like he is the idiot. :elephant

[spurschick]

Wooooo. I wanted NVE and GiG told me it was a "fantasy post. Wont happen" :lmao looks like he is the idiot. :elephant

You're just realizing that now?

[Horry For 3!]

You're just realizing that now?
I just wanted to rub that in his face. :)

[timvp]

Awesome signing. Having a player unafraid to take and make big shots is huge for this team. Outside of Horry, I'm not sure the Spurs had that last season.

His stats don't look overly impressive, but coming off the bench will extend his career. Getting 10-15 minutes behind Parker will make him that much more deadly. He wasn't a quality starter in the league anymore but he'll be one of the league's best backups.

Nice.

[Ishta]

I think it's a great addition to our team...Welcome to SA Nick!!

[timvp]

And the temper tantrum/tv tossing count down begins.

Spurs can use some of that.

The Suns countdown to championship number one is on year 37 and counting.

[Brutalis]

Good signing, good good good.

No more of those turnovers after turnovers when TP isnt in the game cause we dont have a freaking good enough ball handler apparently.

Hopefully this pushes Finley far away and we get Devin back.

[SWC Bonfire]

Wow. NVE could be a great pickup if he is content with the role he is given.

[timvp]

The Shot World 'Round The World or whatever is now forgiven.

[jcrod]

:elephant :spin :elephant

Great pickup, awesome backup point guard.

[MiNuS]

"black tweety" signed!

that make me laugh!


Yesssssssss!!!!

[Brutalis]

Someone tell me how this affects the offer to Finley...

[MiNuS]

Wow. NVE could be a great pickup if he is content with the role he is given.
the Pop brain washing starts NOW!

[timvp]

Someone tell me how this affects the offer to Finley...

It doesn't.

[Kori Ellis]

Pop specifically said that NVE doesn't have anything to do with Finley either way. Pop thinks Finley will go to Phoenix, but if he comes to the Spurs, then the Spurs will not re-sign Devin.

[Brutalis]

It doesn't.
We used our MLE? Or what?

Plus, I havent seen any links or anything about this NVE thing now that I think about it.

[ObiwanGinobili]

whooo hooo!

Spurs pull a fast one again... who thought this was going down this past weekend???

[timvp]

We used our MLE? Or what?

Plus, I havent seen any links or anything about this NVE thing now that I think about it.

Dude, read the press release in the first post.

[timvp]

Oh and the Spurs probably signed him to the minimum or the LLE. The MLE wasn't used signing him.

[CubanMustGo]

Plus, I havent seen any links or anything about this NVE thing now that I think about it.

Here's yer link:

http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=929E494F-9AB1-4BA4-816E-95CCFA0E1AE7

[14dave]

Yessssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awsome signing! Our bench will be stronger!!!!!!!!!!
YEAHHHH

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Great pickup. Nothing further to say.

[Brutalis]

Here's yer link:

http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=929E494F-9AB1-4BA4-816E-95CCFA0E1AE7
Thanks.

[timvp]

I think NVE is a much better signing than MF would be. Especially with the Spurs giving up on Beno.

[ObiwanGinobili]

Especially with the Spurs giving up on Beno.

whoa.. .what am i missing? fill me in.

[itzsoweezee]

any info on the money involved?

[td4mvp3]

I think NVE is a much better signing than MF would be. Especially with the Spurs giving up on Beno.
that's what i was thinking. does this give a better chance of rasho-beno becoming a package to trade?

[Kori Ellis]

No money info has been released. I'm guessing they gave him the LLE.

[timvp]

whoa.. .what am i missing? fill me in.

Since the season has ended, the Spurs have done their best to dump Beno. They offered him to teams in the draft in order to move up. They've offered him in other trade packages.

Something happened near the end of the playoffs that has led the Spurs to lose confidence in Beno. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but whatever it was must have been pretty major.

[timvp]

that's what i was thinking. does this give a better chance of rasho-beno becoming a package to trade?

Even though Beno has some value, I don't think he has enough value to make a team take on Rasho.

[usckk]

Since the season has ended, the Spurs have done their best to dump Beno. They offered him to teams in the draft in order to move up. They've offered him in other trade packages.

Something happened near the end of the playoffs that has led the Spurs to lose confidence in Beno. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but whatever it was must have been pretty major.

Hmm... I don't remember hearing them wanting to trade Beno.

[SequSpur]

:fro

Told you mofos.

[timvp]

Hmm... I don't remember hearing them wanting to trade Beno.

A couple of the trade offers have been leaked. Beno for Jarrett Jack being one.

[TOP-CHERRY]

:elephant :elephant

Woot!!

[usckk]

A couple of the trade offers have been leaked. Beno for Jarrett Jack being one.

Wow.

[angel_luv]

Even though Beno has some value, I don't think he has enough value to make a team take on Rasho.



Lj!!!!!!!!!! How could you! Look what you started!


that's what i was thinking. does this give a better chance of rasho-beno becoming a package to trade?



Oh so many knives in my back and straight through my heart!

:cry :cry :pctoss :nope :nope :pctoss :cry :cry

[timvp]

Lj!!!!!!!!!! How could you! Oh so many knives in my back and straight through my heart!

:cry :cry :pctoss :nope :nope :pctoss :cry :cry

Hey, that's good news for you. That means Rasho isn't going to get traded.

:hat

[E20]

:wow
Good signing. :tu

Excellent jumper, FT shooter and somewhat a streaky 3PT shooter. We'll need him in tight spots.

NVE
Ginobili
Bowen
Horry
Duncan

^^^ That is an amazing lineup for close games.

[angel_luv]

Hey, that's good news for you. That means Rasho isn't going to get traded.

:hat


You promise?

It sound like the Spurs are planning to ship off Beno and Rasho away from the team and away from each other.

[timvp]

You promise?

It sound like the Spurs are planning to ship off Beno and Rasho away from the team and away from each other.

The Spurs can trade Beno if they want, as long as they don't trade him with Rasho. I seriously don't see Rasho getting traded, unless the Knicks come knocking of course.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Cue all the Parker lovers bitching when their boy isn't on the floor at the end of games.

[timvp]

Spurs sign Van Exel without cutting into Finley offer
ESPN.com news services

Tony Parker won't have to carry as much of the Spurs' load next season. San Antonio announced Monday that is has signed veteran guard Nick Van Exel.

"We are very happy to have Nick as a part of our team," coach Gregg Popovich said in a statement. "His leadership and skills will be assets at both ends of the floor."

The team did not disclose terms of the contract, but ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported that the Spurs were able to sign Van Exel without cutting into the estimated $2.5 million they have offered free-agent swingman Michael Finley for next season.

Selected by the Lakers with the 37th overall pick in the 1993 draft, Van Exel has averaged 15.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 815 career regular-season games with the Lakers, Nuggets, Mavericks, Warriors and Trail Blazers.

Finley is expected to decide early this week whether to sign with the Spurs, Suns, Heat or Timberwolves.

As expected.

[Sense]

I love this.... He was being wasted in Portland; I always saw him in a Spurs uniform.

[angel_luv]

And the temper tantrum/tv tossing count down begins.


Explain please!

[SilverSpur]

Great! Now when the first team builds up a lead the second team can hold off any come backs. Now on to Finley.

[Kori Ellis]

Explain please!

He's a Suns fan. So he's scared and mad.

[angel_luv]

The Spurs can trade Beno if they want, as long as they don't trade him with Rasho. I seriously don't see Rasho getting traded, unless the Knicks come knocking of course.


So you want to keep Rasho?

Answer carefully, I almost like you again! ;)

[angel_luv]

He's a Suns fan. So he's scared and mad.


LOL!

So there was no t.v. tossing?

[Sense]

LOL!

So there was no t.v. tossing?

I suspect there was...


But who cares, the idiot doesn't realize NVE is in San Antonio now...

[angel_luv]

I suspect there was...


But who cares, the idiot doesn't realize NVE is in San Antonio now...

Everyone the Spurs bring in alway seems to fit and flourish. I hope and believe Van E. will be no exception.

Welcome to the team Nick! = )

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

van exel reminds me of a mini-Sjax, and that makes me happy

[Medvedenko]

Interesting indeed....he was indeed my favourite Laker when he was here. He has major balls and will take the big shot when needed and often made clutch plays. Now his demeanor is some what questionable, will see how he blends in. Personally, he has the most balls on the spurs team next to Manu.

[angel_luv]

I am really trying not to worry about Nick's temperment but you guys sure are not helping.

[TOP-CHERRY]

van exel reminds me of a mini-Sjax, and that makes me happy
True that.

[maxpower]

Addition by subtraction....and then some

[Sense]

van exel reminds me of a mini-Sjax, and that makes me happy

Should be the other way around....



Van Exel has made history in the NBA....

[boutons]

"Nick's temperment"

He certainly has a history. I remember him as team, unofficial spokesmen (the press loved to stick a mic in his face and see what shit came out) for 02/03 Mavs, esp during the playoffs. And he was really unhappy about how the team, esp him, was re-arranged after the season.

He played a big role for those Mavs and got a big head to go with his mouth, but I don't think he have much of a role with the Spurs to inflate his head. And Pop controls the players more than Nelly.

[Instigator]

at this point of the offseason this has to be a great pickup. if we can also get fin that would great as well.

bench

nve
bb
fin
horry
oberto

talk about a lineup. def would stink but we sure would be able to score.

[Taladro]

How old is NVE?

[CharlieMac]

Great pick-up. I'm gonna giver Pop an imaginary high five right now.

[angel_luv]

"Nick's temperment"

He certainly has a history. I remember him as team, unofficial spokesmen (the press loved to stick a mic in his face and see what shit came out) for 02/03 Mavs, esp during the playoffs. And he was really unhappy about how the team, esp him, was re-arranged after the season.

He played a big role for those Mavs and got a big head to go with his mouth, but I don't think he have much of a role with the Spurs to inflate his head. And Pop controls the players more than Nelly.


I found some dirt on him online- fines he was charged, ejections etc. However none of it was recent.

This is a fresh start for Van Exel. He is bringing a lot of skills to the team. The least I can do is give him a fair chance.

[mrpach]

at this point of the offseason this has to be a great pickup. if we can also get fin that would great as well.

bench

nve
bb
fin
horry
oberto

talk about a lineup. def would stink but we sure would be able to score.
Isnt nve a good defender?

[Spurminator]

The worst you can say about Nick Van Exel's "temperment" is...

1. He was upset about being traded by the Mavs to the worst team in the NBA
2. He had a questionable attitude while playing on the worst team in the NBA
3. He didn't get along with Shaq

I think he'll be fine on a winning team without a selfish asshole calling all of the shots. He wants to be here, he came on his terms. That bodes well for the Spurs.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

Should be the other way around....



Van Exel has made history in the NBA....

But he is smaller

[smdanss]

Great pick! Now look forward to Finley/GRob/Brown/?? in this week I hope. The Spurs are improved. :)

[Instigator]

Isnt nve a good defender?


decent, i was really referring to bb, fin, and horry. horry is a great help defender but not one on one. oberto, to be determined at least in the nba.

[E20]

Spurs still need to give the SF postion another thought. The Spurs still don't have anybody for the frame as the SF.

[angel_luv]

The worst you can say about Nick Van Exel's "temperment" is...

1. He was upset about being traded by the Mavs to the worst team in the NBA
2. He had a questionable attitude while playing on the worst team in the NBA
3. He didn't get along with Shaq

I think he'll be fine on a winning team without a selfish asshole calling all of the shots. He wants to be here, he came on his terms. That bodes well for the Spurs.

Thank you! I am going to believe that and hope for the best. = )

Besides if Van E. doesn't know yet to not mess with Texas and Pop, he'll soon learn! :lol

[E20]

Thank you! I am going to believe that and hope for the best. = )

Besides if Van E. doesn't know yet to not mess with Texas and Pop, he'll soon learn! :lol

He already learned that.

See:
2003 NBA WCF

[beirmeistr]

Oh my God, I just crapped all over myself.
What fantastic news!
and later in the playoffs, it'll be opposing coaches crapping all over themselves when they see the double-headed monster of Horry and Van Exel.
Awesome.

[TOP-CHERRY]

Oh my God, I just crapped all over myself.
What fantastic news!
and later in the playoffs, it'll be opposing coaches crapping all over themselves when they see the double-headed monster of Horry and Van Exel.
Awesome.
:lol

[marcus]

As i predected some days ago, when Lakers signed McKie and Houston got Anderson, Van Exel was already a spur. And the best part of all this is that we still have the MLE.

About Beno, i don't see a reason to trade him. He is still very young and Van Exel is coming to provide leadership for the short term so Udrih could still be part of the spurs for the long term.

About Rasho, i say, "why the heck we still have that damn salary"
:lol

[Manu20]

Awesome signing. Having a player unafraid to take and make big shots is huge for this team. Outside of Horry, I'm not sure the Spurs had that last season.

His stats don't look overly impressive, but coming off the bench will extend his career. Getting 10-15 minutes behind Parker will make him that much more deadly. He wasn't a quality starter in the league anymore but he'll be one of the league's best backups.

Nice.

Manu took some big shots last season especially in the playoffs.

NVE is a Spur :elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant

[TwoHandJam]

Awesome signing. Having a player unafraid to take and make big shots is huge for this team. Outside of Horry, I'm not sure the Spurs had that last season.
I love the signing but I think that's a giant slap in the face to Manu. The play where Rasheed doubled, one of the biggest shots of last year, was actually drawn up for Manu. He hit some very big shots in the playoffs.

[Solid D]

Excellent signing. The Spurs can live with the 1 for 9 nights as long as the 1 is a game winner or nail in the coffin.

He is perfect for when the Spurs go "small" also.

Plus, Nick has a nice variable range FT (15, 16, or 17 feet). :lol

[angel_luv]

As i predected some days ago, when Lakers signed McKie and Houston got Anderson, Van Exel was already a spur. And the best part of all this is that we still have the MLE.

About Beno, i don't see a reason to trade him. He is still very young and Van Exel is coming to provide leadership for the short term so Udrih could still be part of the spurs for the long term.

About Rasho, i say, "why the heck we still have that damn salary"
:lol

Cause he is worth every penny! :makeout

Hey, if the Spurs "donate" Rasho to me could they write his salary off on their taxes?

And you're right about Beno. He is a keeper too! = )

[Shelly]

Will Nick wear the high socks?

[Solid D]

I wonder if Nick will request #31? I know of someone here who might be unhappy if that happens.

Numbers Nick has worn:
31 at U. of Cincinnati
9 with LA Lakers
31 with Denver and Dallas
37 with Golden State
19 with Portland

[timvp]

I love the signing but I think that's a giant slap in the face to Manu. The play where Rasheed doubled, one of the biggest shots of last year, was actually drawn up for Manu. He hit some very big shots in the playoffs.

Wasn't meant to be. Manu hit some huge shots, no doubt. Anyone who watched the playoffs knows that as a fact.

What I meant with what I said was taking a perimeter shot (think three-pointer) with time running down in the game. With Manu driving to the basket and Duncan in the paint, other teams could sag because they knew the three-point shooters were reluctant to fire. Barry, Parker, Bowen, etc. would rather pass or drive in with the game on the line.

Nick Van Exel, much like Robert Horry, will let it fly. He'll create that space. Teams won't be able to sag off of the perimeter players to get in the way of Manu and Tim.

For an end of the game situation, Parker, NVE, Manu, Horry and Duncan is deadly.

[Kori Ellis]

It's a one year deal. I wonder if it's for the vet min or LLE.

[Leetonidas]

Awesome. I'm loving this addition, and now I can't wait for November. :)

[TwoHandJam]

Wasn't meant to be. Manu hit some huge shots, no doubt. Anyone who watched the playoffs knows that as a fact.

What I meant with what I said was taking a perimeter (think three-point shot) with time running down in the game. With Manu driving to the basket and Duncan in the paint, other teams could sag because they knew the three-point shooters were reluctant to fire. Barry, Parker, Bowen, etc. would rather pass or drive in with the game on the line.

Nick Van Exel, much like Robert Horry, will let it fly. He'll create that space. Teams won't be able to sag off of the perimeter players to get in the way of Manu and Tim.

For an end of the game situation, Parker, NVE, Manu, Horry and Duncan is deadly.
:tu

[Solid D]

1 year deal, eh? The Spurs won't necessarily move Beno with that setup.

[Kori Ellis]

1 year deal, eh? The Spurs won't necessarily move Beno with that setup.

According to Express-News.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA082905.spurs.en.7adec9b.html

[timvp]

The worst you can say about Nick Van Exel's "temperment" is...

1. He was upset about being traded by the Mavs to the worst team in the NBA
2. He had a questionable attitude while playing on the worst team in the NBA
3. He didn't get along with Shaq

I think he'll be fine on a winning team without a selfish asshole calling all of the shots. He wants to be here, he came on his terms. That bodes well for the Spurs.

Exactly. NVE came here for a one-year deal for little money. He wants to be here. He wants to win. He knows he's playing behind one of the better point guards in the league, so he doesn't expect to be playing 30 minutes a night anymore.

Plus, he's never been on a team this talented. He played with Shaq and Kobe, but they weren't that good yet. He played with Dallas, but he was probably their best playoff performer. Now he's like a 7th or 8th option, so he'll be even more deadly.

[SequSpur]

So what number is he going to wear?

[timvp]

So what number is he going to wear?

911

:smokin

[angel_luv]

I love the signing but I think that's a giant slap in the face to Manu. The play where Rasheed doubled, one of the biggest shots of last year, was actually drawn up for Manu. He hit some very big shots in the playoffs.


Robert's game saver wouldn't have happened without Manu being aware and making a great pass.

I think both guys will tell you the win a team effort and they wouldn't have it any other way. = )

[SequSpur]

911

:smokin


:lol

[spurschick]

He wore 19 in Portland

[marcus]

According to Express-News.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA082905.spurs.en.7adec9b.html

Yeah, that is what i was saying. Beno is still for the long term but Van Exel will be a great addition for this year.

[beirmeistr]

I think Pop will use Van Exel very similar to the way he uses Horry. Not too many minutes during the regular season so that he will have legs for the playoffs. And now we won't have to worry about parker having his "moments" in big games cause we know that NVE will be ready to come off the bench.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

you guys realize that all good vet players we sign suck ass their first year right

[marcus]

So Van Exel signed for one year/ veteran minimum? If so we still have the MLE and LLE.

[Manu20]

911

:smokin

How about #6 timvp :smokin

[timvp]

you guys realize that all good vet players we sign suck ass their first year right

We disagree.

Sincerely,

Mario Elie and Kevin Willis

[5ToolMan]

whoa.. .what am i missing? fill me in.

Only that the dude that says it is great the Spurs are giving up on Beno is clueless.

The Spurs have Beno tied up with a rookie contract for peanuts. And he demonstrated he has plenty to stay with the squad.

What the Spurs are demonstrating is that they want to give Beno another year to adjust to the pressure that can be applied by the top defensive teams in the NBA, hence the signing of NVE.

What they are also saying is that they saw enough last year to know Beno has a solid future in the NBA, hence the signing of NVE for only one year.

NVE will help both Tony and Beno grow and develop into better players with his vast experience, balls of steel and recently developed maturity and leadership.

Great deal for many reasons! Go Spurs!

[marcus]

We disagree.

Sincerely,

Mario Elie and Kevin Willis

Ditto, Steve Kerr as well.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

We disagree.

Sincerely,

Mario Elie and Kevin Willis


chalk it up to the inevitable exceptions to every rule

People are going to expect so much from NVE and when he struggles at first, or whines about having to play so much D, gets in the doghouse, i garuntee you there will be some in here demanding for him to be traded..

[Sense]

According to Express-News.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA082905.spurs.en.7adec9b.html



The 6-foot-1, 33-year-old guard previously played for the Lakers, Nuggets, Mavericks and Warriors in his 12-season career.

No Trailblazers?

Was I dreaming all this time?

[timvp]

chalk it up to the inevitable exceptions to every rule

People are going to expect so much from NVE and when he struggles at first, or whines about having to play so much D, gets in the doghouse, i garuntee you there will be some in here demanding for him to be traded..

Perhaps, but Van Exel falls into the Mario Elie, Danny Ferry, Jerome Kersey, Kevin Willis and Terry Porter type rugged veteran group. Those are the type of players that don't really get effected by the added pressure of being on a championship team.

Sometimes though, players come to the Spurs can't adjust to the pressure. I don't think NVE falls into that category.

[Sense]

chalk it up to the inevitable exceptions to every rule

People are going to expect so much from NVE and when he struggles at first, or whines about having to play so much D, gets in the doghouse, i garuntee you there will be some in here demanding for him to be traded..


It's a one year deal.... demanding to be traded?

You are speaking too soon.

He's a veteran, most veterans know what to do...especially if they've been in alot of teams already.


I disagree with you.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Perhaps, but Van Exel falls into the Mario Elie, Danny Ferry, Jerome Kersey, Kevin Willis and Terry Porter type rugged veteran group. Those are the type of players that don't really get effected by the added pressure of being on a championship team.

Sometimes though, players come to the Spurs can't adjust to the pressure. I don't think NVE falls into that category.


Personally i agree, but it just seems sometimes like some people get their hopes up way too high and with expectations high, the usual performance doesn't satisify.



----

So its official that he was signed for the 1 year minimum?

[timvp]

It's either 1-year minimum or 1-year LLE.

[5ToolMan]

Since the season has ended, the Spurs have done their best to dump Beno. They offered him to teams in the draft in order to move up. They've offered him in other trade packages.

Something happened near the end of the playoffs that has led the Spurs to lose confidence in Beno. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but whatever it was must have been pretty major.

You are blowing smoke out of your @ss again, Timvp. Please provide sources, or do us a favor and put down the pipe.

The facts are: The Spurs realized that Barry and Manu were better bringing up the ball against the extreme pressure Detroit and few other teams in the NBA can provide. Because of this, Beno correctly sat on the pine.

Bringing in NVE is no more of an insult to Beno's status with the Spurs than the flirting with Kidd was to Tony. It is a business. And like Kidd was thought to be in 2003 over Tony, NVE is thought to be an upgrade for next year over Beno. However, the Spurs will signed Nick for only one year because the future always belongs to the young. I see the Spurs making the best move for the present ... and keeping youth and options for the future.

[Old School Chic]

"Welcome to San Antonio, Van Exel!" :elephant

[IcemanCometh]

countdown to "NVE should replace Tony in the startng lineup"

[SequSpur]

You are blowing smoke out of your @ss again, Timvp. Please provide sources, or do us a favor and put down the pipe.

The facts are: The Spurs realized that Barry and Manu were better bringing up the ball against the extreme pressure Detroit and few other teams in the NBA can provide. Because of this, Beno correctly sat on the pine.

Bringing in NVE is no more of an insult to Beno's status with the Spurs than the flirting with Kidd was to Tony. It is a business. And like Kidd was thought to be in 2003 over Tony, NVE is thought to be an upgrade for next year over Beno. However, the Spurs will signed Nick for only one year because the future always belongs to the young. I see the Spurs making the best move for the present ... and keeping youth and options for the future.


Do you work for NASA?

[Kori Ellis]

You are blowing smoke out of your @ss again, Timvp. Please provide sources, or do us a favor and put down the pipe.


What are you questioning? That that the Spurs have tried to trade Beno this summer? That has been well documented. On draft night they tried to trade him for Jarrett Jack. He was also named in a sign-and-trade for Antonio Daniels.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Stop starting sheyittt

[Sense]

countdown to "NVE should replace Tony in the startng lineup"



Whoever has this on their mind ever throughout the season should get off the bandwagon.

[Spurminator]

countdown to "NVE should replace Tony in the startng lineup"

I give it 5 games.

[timvp]

You are blowing smoke out of your @ss again, Timvp. Please provide sources, or do us a favor and put down the pipe.

The facts are: The Spurs realized that Barry and Manu were better bringing up the ball against the extreme pressure Detroit and few other teams in the NBA can provide. Because of this, Beno correctly sat on the pine.

Bringing in NVE is no more of an insult to Beno's status with the Spurs than the flirting with Kidd was to Tony. It is a business. And like Kidd was thought to be in 2003 over Tony, NVE is thought to be an upgrade for next year over Beno. However, the Spurs will signed Nick for only one year because the future always belongs to the young. I see the Spurs making the best move for the present ... and keeping youth and options for the future.

When Beno is traded, you can apologize.

[Kori Ellis]

I don't know if they'll end up trading Beno, since NVE is only one year. I wouldn't trade him unless I could package him. But I know that they've been trying.

[Solid D]

Countdown to NVE should replace Parker? You have got to be kidding me. :lol

Wait til Nick puts up 2 or 3 in a row with the shot clock at 19.

[5ToolMan]

What are you questioning? That that the Spurs have tried to trade Beno this summer? That has been well documented. On draft night they tried to trade him for Jarrett Jack. He was also named in a sign-and-trade for Antonio Daniels.

Kori, I have been around the NBA for long enough to know there is a great deal of smoke produced without much fire. Please don't try to act like everything you hear is true, pretending your sources always get it correct. We saw little clue to the signing of NVE, Spree was going to the Rockets, SAR to the Nets and Finley was a lock go to the Heat. If I bought into the BS spewed for weeks I would be as clueless as those who did. If Finley goes to the Heat, it is one our of four. If not, it is about as accurate as you and timvp are on Beno, in my humble view. Beno has great skills for the price the Spurs have him locked up at. That does not equate to the FO not talking if an offer is on the table. But they will not cut a solid player for nothing, and they will not give him away.

[timvp]

Kori, I have been around the NBA for long enough to know there is a great deal of smoke produced without much fire. Please don't try to act like everything you hear is true, pretending your sources always get it correct. We saw little clue to the signing of NVE, Spree was going to the Rockets, SAR to the Nets and Finley was a lock go to the Heat. If I bought into the BS spewed for weeks I would be as clueless as those who did. If Finley goes to the Heat, it is one our of four. If not, it is about as accurate as you and timvp are on Beno, in my humble view. Beno has great skills for the price the Spurs have him locked up at. That does not equate to the FO not talking if an offer is on the table. But they will not cut a solid player for nothing, and they will not give him away.

Who said they would?

[SequSpur]

I called NVE long ago.

[5ToolMan]

When Beno is traded, you can apologize.

Agreed!

Based upon how I veiw his skills, AND his contract I don't see it happening. But I will give you props if you get it correct.

[Kori Ellis]

Please don't try to act like everything you hear is true, pretending your sources always get it correct.

I'm not acting like anything. You are being an asshole and attacking people for stating an opinion. They aren't my sources anyway. They've been documented in several news outlets around the country.


We saw little clue to the signing of NVE

Except his agent saying last week it was between the Spurs and the Heat.


SAR to the Nets

The only thing that stopped that was scar tissue.


Finley was a lock go to the Heat

No one close to Finley has said that.

[timvp]

But if I were a betting man, I'd bet that Beno will not be the team's backup point guard going into next season. It'll shock Spurs fans but I sense something happening.


It'd certainly shock me.

There's a little background for you, Tool Man.

[5ToolMan]

Do you work for NASA?

No ... but I do enjoy going deep in to outerspace. :smokin

[angel_luv]

When Beno is traded, you can apologize.

I'll do it!
Tool is sorry! LOL!

Can Beno stay now? = )

[Chris]

Will Nick wear the high socks?

HE BETTER!
Oh joyous day, we have a proven backup PG. I'm a huge Udrih fan but NVE is the man!

[hussker]

Ahhhh...Kinda Like when we had Mario Elie...A NO BS guy who can hit the TRE!!!! Getting guys like this is why Timmy can play and remain focused. NVE will take and give heat! Thoughts?

[TheTruth]

I think Nick Should start at the point, and we should move Tony to the 2 so we can bring Manu off the bench....:fro




(just joking guys)

[5ToolMan]

I'm not acting like anything. You are being an asshole and attacking people for stating an opinion. They aren't my sources anyway. They've been documented in several news outlets around the country.

Except his agent saying last week it was between the Spurs and the Heat.

The only thing that stopped that was scar tissue.

No one close to Finley has said that.

How cute. You call me an asshole for questioning timvp's thoughts on Beno, and then in your recent post agree with my thoughts that Beno will stay given time to grow because of his youth and low priced contract. I guess you are a more elegent and refined ass hole, in stating your difference of oppinion with class. LOL!

Give it a break! In my view, Timvp is big enough to speak for himself if he feels attacked. My thoughts to him were not personal, it just strongly stating another view.

If you are going to answer my threads, please don't cut and paste to skew what is being said. My point was that rumors are mostly smoke screesn and often bunk. With your cut and paste you demonstrated nothing to dispute that.

[TheTruth]

I haven't decided if I should get NVE tatted across my belly, or on my upper right chest. What do you guys think.

[Kori Ellis]

No, I called you an asshole for saying your "step away from the pipe and give me sources or shutup" mantra.

I always say that I think Beno should stay unless he's dealt in a package; I've said that all summer. But that doesn't mean that the Spurs (or timvp) agree with me. The Spurs have been trying to deal Beno this offseason. Whether he actually gets traded or not remains to be seen.

And to say your attacks aren't personal against timvp is ridiculous. Look at your past posts when you went on a rampage because he said that Scola whined.

[5ToolMan]

I called NVE long ago.

With the amesty rule AND few teams with much money, it was clear that many vets who want a ring would look hard at teams with potential championship squads. And it was just as clear that the smart potential championship squads would welcome the right proven vet for peanuts.

Congrads! You figured out the Spurs fit into that group. :spin

[Sense]

With the amesty rule AND few teams with much money, it was clear that many vets who want a ring would look hard at teams with potential championship squads. And it was just as clear that the smart potential championship squads would welcome the right proven vet for peanuts.

Congrads! You figured out the Spurs fit into that group. :spin
:rolleyes

[5ToolMan]

I haven't decided if I should get NVE tatted across my belly, or on my upper right chest. What do you guys think.

If you are a guy, go for the Sac. NVE has balls! So do you, if you get it done.

[SequSpur]

SequSpur, hussker, Chris, exstatic, donkey2400, ABDENOUR POWER, YamaSama, JUUOT, beirmeistr, 5ToolMan, ceds, Athenea, Hook Dem, mchammer, Solid D, IceColdBrewski, ginobili_is_god, Dalamar_the_Dark, vsnba, danyel, xcoriate, Soulfood76, Rynospursfan, Freelancer, kolko, ManuTastic

Come on! Say something! Where u at? What you got boy? Bring it!

[ABDENOUR POWER]

This is a decent pick up. He can shoot, if nothing else. He could come in handy when you're having a scoring drought.

[Dalamar_the_Dark]

All those assholes who want NVE to start in place of Parker ought to be shot! Parker is the future. NVE is here to fufill one role and one role only. He is the energy guy off the bench who can score. He will do what Pop wanted Manu to do a couple years back. Devin Brown had energy but couldnt create his own shot. Barry is a spot shooter. So NVE will come in and help put points on the board when Manu or Parker is resting. Dont forget that the man can dish it out as well. The only thing Im worried about is his defense and whether Pop can reign in his tendency to take low percentage shots. But as someone mentioned, NVE is here to win so he will defer.

[Kori Ellis]

All those assholes who want NVE to start in place of Parker ought to be shot!

Has anyone said that? (and been serious)

[Hook Dem]

SequSpur, hussker, Chris, exstatic, donkey2400, ABDENOUR POWER, YamaSama, JUUOT, beirmeistr, 5ToolMan, ceds, Athenea, Hook Dem, mchammer, Solid D, IceColdBrewski, ginobili_is_god, Dalamar_the_Dark, vsnba, danyel, xcoriate, Soulfood76, Rynospursfan, Freelancer, kolko, ManuTastic

Come on! Say something! Where u at? What you got boy? Bring it!
You Da Man Sequ!!!!! You called it!!!! :elephant

[Spurminator]

I can think of only one person who has given it any thought...

I'll give you a hint... His name is IceColdBrewski.

[Vashner]

Anyone but Finley....

Note to Van HalenAxelF ... drink milk for your old bones... thx out.

[5ToolMan]

No, I called you an asshole for saying your "step away from the pipe and give me sources or shutup" mantra.

I always say that I think Beno should stay unless he's dealt in a package; I've said that all summer. But that doesn't mean that the Spurs (or timvp) agree with me. The Spurs have been trying to deal Beno this offseason. Whether he actually gets traded or not remains to be seen.

And to say your attacks aren't personal against timvp is ridiculous. Look at your past posts when you went on a rampage because he said that Scola whined.

I acknowledge, my views are strongly stated. But I assure, no harm is intended. After spending the last several years defending the skills of Euro's, perhaps I take justified comments more personal, especially considering the imports have proven they belong.

Comments and rumors aside, I see Beno as a young player with some mad skills, who I feel will be a solid player in this league. For that reason, and because I feel I know what makes Pop tick, and believe he likes what he sees in Beno, I dismiss the nasty rumors.

Sorry if my writing rubs you wrong. I will try to stay between the lines. :drunk

[timvp]

I can think of only one person who has given it any thought...

I'll give you a hint... His name is IceColdBrewski.

:rollin

[Kori Ellis]

I acknowledge, my views are strongly stated. But I assure, no harm is intended. After spending the last several years defending the skills of Euro's, perhaps I take justified comments more personal, especially considering the imports have proven they belong.

Comments and rumors aside, I see Beno as a young player with some mad skills, who I feel will be a solid player in this league. For that reason, and because I feel I know what makes Pop tick, and believe he likes what he sees in Beno, I dismiss the nasty rumors.

Sorry if my writing rubs you wrong. I will try to stay between the lines. :drunk

I hear ya.

:tu

[ChumpDumper]

With the amesty ruleNVE was not an amnesty case.

[SequSpur]

I'm not a Ghostwriter fan, but damn, I can't believe he isn't all over this, someone needs to send him the press release.

[bigzak25]

Van Exel? AWESOME.

backup point FIXED.

SF HELP NEXT.

HEALTH=REPEAT. :smokin :drunk

[Kori Ellis]

I'm not a Ghostwriter fan, but damn, I can't believe he isn't all over this, someone needs to send him the press release.

I'm sure he knows. Hopefully he's stop by. I hope his wife is well and he can start posting again.

[NZHayden]

hey thats a great signing.
the smell of another championship is even stronger.
what do you guys think

[SequSpur]

Cool... I hope she is well too.

I don't know how much Nick will contribute, but it's pretty cool to see Pop step outside the box or inside the border to find a solid player.

I hope nick has some gas left in the tank, dude should be able to go off with any Spurs lineup.

What about G. Rob? Could he still be needed?

[exstatic]

SequSpur, hussker, Chris, exstatic, donkey2400, ABDENOUR POWER, YamaSama, JUUOT, beirmeistr, 5ToolMan, ceds, Athenea, Hook Dem, mchammer, Solid D, IceColdBrewski, ginobili_is_god, Dalamar_the_Dark, vsnba, danyel, xcoriate, Soulfood76, Rynospursfan, Freelancer, kolko, ManuTastic

Come on! Say something! Where u at? What you got boy? Bring it!

I agree with the Steven Jackson comparisons...right down to all of the BAD shots he'll take. :lol NVE, however, can at least handle the rock. The price was right, because his knee won't allow him to play starter minutes anymore. That's why he came cheap.

Good signing. :)

[gameFACE]

I like the signing just for the fact that a veteran will be a backup PG. That it's Van Exel makes it sweeter. If they got him for the vet's minimum it's a damn steal. If I remember it right, minimumm contracts don't count against the cap. Correct?

The only way Big Dog has a chance is if neither Finley nor Brown pan out for some reason.

[xcoriate]

Sweet signing, I'm not the biggest NVE fan in the world, he can be hasty and take bad shots. However they do have a habit of going in when they matter. Hopefully hes still got some in the tank, if not then hes on a min/LLE contract that won't really affect us.

I think we should really be looking at Big dog as well. He has got absolutely no interest from anyone this season. He should be a cheap pickup. He needs a full year playing some proper minutes. He is the only legit SF this team has, other than Bowen who is arguably more of a 2 anyway.

Thus....


Offseason plan

Try Finley get Brown if not possible.
Sign G-Rob on the cheap. Around minimum to LLE money for 1 year.
Big Dog on a contract year should prove nice.

[mattyc]

Excellent pick-up for the Spurs. Will provide a huge spark off the bench and is a proven scorer from deep. Will be an excellent parter to Tony off the bench and I reckon his style will suit guys like Barry off the bench.

NVE, Horry, Barry all coming off the bench? Werd.

[boutons]

"what do you guys think"

Well, he's better than Jason Hart or Mike Wilks, so that's good. Remains to be seen if he can pull off the clutch playoff shooting (if he's even on the floor in crunch time) we saw him punish us with in 03 playoffs.

Without or without NVE or Finley, the returning-all-the-rotation Spurs are the team to beat, exactly as the Pistons were last season. I like our chances.

[DieMrBond]

Im all for re-signing Glenn Robinson - he seemed to do quite well in his few games here, and as has been noted did quite well in defence in the playoffs against Carmello, etc. I personally would like to see him further adjust to our style and see him stroke that 20ft jumper some more! With him we have all of the court covered from 3's, to dunks...

Plus, that would make an interesting potential second lineup.

NVE
Brent Barry
GRob
Horry
Oberto

[mattyc]

Well, he's better than Jason Hart or Mike Wilks,
Or Anthony Carter... Or Shane Heal...


NVE is a quality player. And if we can add Finley to that...We'll have a quality off-season on our hands.

[clubalien]

spurs Mavs WCF, man did he shot lights out on us he was almost pulling a kerr on us.
NVE good pickup, kind of on the old side seems only pickups we get are vets and journey men ;[

Oh BTW
NVE>TPark

[T Park]

NVE>TPark


better than Tony Parker??

Pass that doobie your smokin...

[samikeyp]

Somewhere, GrandeDavid is smiling! :)

[nkdlunch]

Interesting indeed....he was indeed my favourite Laker when he was here. He has major balls and will take the big shot when needed and often made clutch plays. Now his demeanor is some what questionable, will see how he blends in. Personally, he has the most balls on the spurs team next to Manu.


that comment coming from a guy called Medvedenko :lmao

[nkdlunch]

better than Tony Parker??

Pass that doobie your smokin...

Imagine a rejuvenated VanExel + a playoff game on the line. I can see Pop sitting Parker down to see what happens.

[Mr. Body]

Kori, I have been around the NBA for long enough to know there is a great deal of smoke produced without much fire. Please don't try to act like everything you hear is true, pretending your sources always get it correct. We saw little clue to the signing of NVE, Spree was going to the Rockets, SAR to the Nets and Finley was a lock go to the Heat. If I bought into the BS spewed for weeks I would be as clueless as those who did. If Finley goes to the Heat, it is one our of four. If not, it is about as accurate as you and timvp are on Beno, in my humble view. Beno has great skills for the price the Spurs have him locked up at. That does not equate to the FO not talking if an offer is on the table. But they will not cut a solid player for nothing, and they will not give him away.

5ToolMan, whoever he is, is absolutely brilliant and correct on Beno. This move is to bolster, help, cherish and protect Beno. The FO might have seen a more promising point like Jack they stabbed at, but that hardly means they've "given up" on their Slovenian point guard. Timvp hasn't sounded credible on this topic for quite a while.

[T Park]

I disagree.

Parker is the franchise, and after working with the shooting coach, his jump shot getting consistent,

[wildbill2u]

I thought it would be hard to upgrade the team from last year by adding to the bench. But it looks like the FO and Pop are getting the job done with the addition of Oberto and NVE.

Still need a long SF but I have faith in the FO and Pop.

[T Park]

Timvp hasn't sounded credible on this topic for quite a while

Nah, he wouldn't have any idea whats goin on on in the inside.....

YAWWWNNNN :rolleyes

[nkdlunch]

We saw little clue to the signing of NVE, Spree was going to the Rockets, SAR to the Nets and Finley was a lock go to the Heat. If I bought into the BS spewed for weeks I would be as clueless as those who did. If Finley goes to the Heat, it is one our of four. If not, it is about as accurate as you and timvp are on Beno, in my humble view. Beno has great skills for the price the Spurs have him locked up at. That does not equate to the FO not talking if an offer is on the table. But they will not cut a solid player for nothing, and they will not give him away.

well said. I don't see why Spurs would want to get rid of Beno. He's our 3d PG off the bench. He won't be anything more on any team yet.

[nkdlunch]

Parker is the franchise, and after working with the shooting coach, his jump shot getting consistent,

is that a fact??? or maybe ure psychic!

[T Park]

the guy improved Steve Kerr and Grant HIll's jumper.

Id say the guy knows what hes doin.

[timvp]

5ToolMan, whoever he is, is absolutely brilliant and correct on Beno. This move is to bolster, help, cherish and protect Beno. The FO might have seen a more promising point like Jack they stabbed at, but that hardly means they've "given up" on their Slovenian point guard. Timvp hasn't sounded credible on this topic for quite a while.

:lmao

Where have I been wrong? I said that Beno wouldn't be the backup point guard next season. I was right. I said Beno will most likely be traded, I'm pretty sure I'll be right. I said the Spurs wouldn't bend over backwards to bring Scola. I was right.

Don't be mad at me because I'm right and you are wrong.

Let's review some of your quotes:



I'm not convinced in any way the Spurs are interested in Van Exel.

:rollin



I'd bet that Beno will not be the team's backup point guard going into next season. It'll shock Spurs fans but I sense something happening.


It'd certainly shock me.

I'm right. You're shocked.

Yet, I'm not credible.

Riiiiiiight.

[clubalien]

i give you he is working with the shooting coach, and maybe his jumper has improved

But FRANCHISE PLAYER?
no way
it goes franchise DAvid side kick sean
Tim side kick MANU
Ian Side kick undarfted yet
your trying to say parker is the franchise win he cannot even get more votes than MANU for MVP and manu didn't even win mvp

[timvp]

well said. I don't see why Spurs would want to get rid of Beno. He's our 3d PG off the bench. He won't be anything more on any team yet.

Do you watch basketball? Beno would be a great backup for a lot of teams and even a starter on some teams. He's a very good young talent.

It's just that the Spurs had fallen out of favor with him as their backup point guard. Personally I like him and I bet a bunch of NBA teams do too.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

after working with the shooting coach, his jump shot getting consistent,

I'd say that's a bit premature, don't you?

[Mr. Body]

:lmao

Where have I been wrong? I said that Beno wouldn't be the backup point guard next season. I was right. I said Beno will most likely be traded, I'm pretty sure I'll be right. I said the Spurs wouldn't bend over backwards to bring Scola. I was right.

Don't be mad at me because I'm right and you are wrong.

Let's review some of your quotes:



:rollin



I'm right. You're shocked.

Yet, I'm not credible.

Riiiiiiight.


Dude, you're backpedalling faster than a scared kid on a big wheels. Beno won't be traded, it doesn't make sense. Your "fallen out of favor with the team" and "something major must have happened" rhetoric makes no sense. The guy was a rookie in the playoffs against one of the best defenses this league has seen. You interpret that as him going out on his keister. Give it a rest. Your hate is getting the better of you, man. :lol

[clubalien]

beno starting? the dude cannot even handle a press. I know the idea of a press is your spossed to force a bad move, but every time he scews it up. The guy can hit a three which is nice, but I would have fisher starting before I would have beno

[timvp]

I don't see Van Exel coming.


I'd be surprised to see Van Exel as a Spur.

Very nice.

[Mr. Body]

Very nice.

Hey, I didn't see it. And tonight I'm very surprised. Big Fucking Deal.

[timvp]

Dude, you're backpedalling faster than a scared kid on a big wheels. Beno won't be traded, it doesn't make sense. Your "fallen out of favor with the team" and "something major must have happened" rhetoric makes no sense. Your hate is getting the better of you, man. :lol

:rollin

Read the post two above yours. Check out the part where I say I like him. What is there to hate?

This is just like when Scola wasn't coming. You get all emotional and take it out on me.

Wipe away those tears.

[timvp]

Hey, I didn't see it. And tonight I'm very surprised. Big Fucking Deal.

Who told you that Beno wouldn't be the backup this season?

Apology Accepted.

[Mr. Body]

Read the post two above yours. Check out the part where I say I like him. What is there to hate?

This is so fucking worthless. Compare your backpedalling to what you were saying earlier in the thread, when 5ToolMan or whoever it was came in and laid down the law on you. You ran around scared after that trying to make amends. "Beno's good" here, "Beno's a starter in this league" there.

Give me a break.

[ChumpDumper]

So how do you guys see the minutes being split at the point next season?

Will Beno play the same minutes? More?

[T Park]

Mr Body = Owned.

[Dex]

Wowza.

Been out of the house all day. This is definitely a great piece of news to come home to.

Fo0kin sweeeeeeeet. :smokin

[timvp]

This is so fucking worthless. Compare your backpedalling to what you were saying earlier in the thread, when 5ToolMan or whoever it was came in and laid down the law on you. You ran around scared after that trying to make amends. "Beno's good" here, "Beno's a starter in this league" there.

Give me a break.

:lol

Are these issues too hard for you to understand? Let me break it down even further for you. I know you are emotional during the times the Spurs make transactions, so I'll keep it simple.

1. I am saying THE SPURS (not me) aren't huge Beno fans anymore. After the Finals, they went on a mission to find a new backup point guard. They have openly offered him in a couple trades. Thus, timvp theorizes that the Spurs no longer like him for unknown reasons.

2. timvp has repeatedly stated that he likes Beno Udrih. That if it were up to him, he'd be the backup point guard next season. However, he's always added the caveat that the Spurs feel differently.

It's two different subjects. I like Beno. The Spurs don't. That isn't back-pedalling, that's predicting (correctly) what the Spurs will do and giving my opinion on the matter.

[T Park]

talkin to a brick wall TIMVP.

[timvp]

talkin to a brick wall TIMVP.

It's all good. Mr. Body is one of my favorite posters. It's always good to have people who hate you.

Makes it interesting.

:hat

[ChumpDumper]

I have touted NVE as a third point, but is it realistic to think he's coming here with the expectation of playing much less than 15mpg or so given the other situations open to him?

I absolutely see how this could be a "nurturing" move to develop Beno without the acute pressure of performing at a championship level at all times -- but this signing makes it just as easy to trade Beno away and give someone like Andre Barrett the 5 or 6 mpg scraps that would be left over from a Parker/NVE rotation.

[T Park]

It's always good to have people who hate you.


I would know.....

[whottt]

I like it, I like it alot.

Excellent pick up by the Spurs on a variety of levels.

Positives

1. VanExel stopped being a punk and turned into a leader about 4 years ago IMO....Cuban was the ahole in the Mavs situation...not NVE. Yeah he was miserable in Portland...who wouldn't be?

2. NVE and Parker are the same type of players...I think he's going to have a great impact on Parker and Parker will learn a lot from him.

3. NVE instantly steps into the back up PG spot and possibly as a frequent player in the 2 guard rotation...

4. He also instantly becomes the #1 option off the bench when points are needed.

5. Can you say, "stretch the defense?"


Negatives

There aren't really any...he stopped being a punk a long time ago and his will to win is unquestioned...he was the reason that Dallas team was so tough a few years ago and I celebrated when they got rid of him.

Really the only negative I can see is if he doesn't give consistent effort on D...We all know how Pop gets on that...and Nick is an emotional player, I can see him having some let downs...

At the same time...Pop is going to love having an on the court leader that can pass, shoot and score like NVE...And Pop isn't as hell bent on D as he used to be..


Conclusion

Excellent pick up by the Spurs...just excellent.


Finley isn't in NVE's league by the way..I don't really care if we get Finley. I do like that Finley is a team player, but I've seen him shoot his team out of a lot of games...Finley is seriously over-rated...NVE isn't.


This is an excellent pick up...what everyone wanted Brent Barry to be...NVE is...and scorer/shooter off the bench...

I hope he doesn't get the first year jinx...but somehow I just don't see that happening to NVE...this guy knows offense and he has a history of having an impact quickly on teams. He fit in with Dallas right away...and he also took a subordinate role willingly and was happy to do it...he started coming in as the 4th quarter leader on that team because he earned it...not because he whined his way into it.

It's about time we won back to back titles...if this team stays healthy...it will punish the NBA.

[timvp]

:tu

I was waiting for the Whottt opinion.

[gospursgojas]

Im not knocking on Tony...I love the guy, but maybe Nick will pass along some of his toughness to him. Tony already has the confidence that NVE has, and granted he doesnt have the body that Nick does, but add toughness to that confidence and Tony would be hard to stop...

[whottt]

TY TimVP...yeah NicktheonceQuick is a definite :tu signing...

It's kind of stunning actually...in my dreams I never figured we'd come out of this offseason with Nick freaking Van Exel...he could still draw some serious bank from a lot of teams.

I love this offseason...the headlines haven't been frequent but the two players they have signed so far...Oberto and NVE...I love both of these players. I wanted Oberto over any of our potential NBA C's 3 years ago, I wanted him over Scola...and NVE was one of my crack dream players from the Drob era. They are all about winning and they are proven big game team players....


It's good to be a Spurfan....It'll be interesting to see if they go after Devin or Finely...personally I'd rather have Devin because Devin's got more upside and I think Finley has been ruined playing in the Nelson system, and I think he'll struggle to play any other style. To his credit...he played some nice D on Amare in the playoffs last year believe it or not, the best D of any Mav IMO(better than any D the Spurs played on him now that I think about it). I think Finley could handle picking up the D...but he just takes too many losing shots to fit on this team IMO. NVE is content to step up when it's needed and he takes high PCT shots(he's got a tear drop as good as Parker's) with the game on the line. I just don't think Finley has that same type of sense for the game..

[Mark in Austin]

Holy crap! Great news.

Having Van Exel and Horry on the floor at the end of games with Tim, Manu and Tony will be devastating to try to defend against. It forces the other team to not double off of either shooter. (Unless you're Rasheed Wallace. :lol) That means one of the big three left in single coverage will get a great look for the win, or if the double does come a pass out to Van Exel or Horry is as close to money as you can get.

once the Spurs re-signed Horry, Van Exel was the "clutchest" FA left. What a coup for the Spurs to pick up Nick too.

[gospursgojas]

Holy crap! Great news.

Having Van Exel and Horry on the floor at the end of games with Tim, Manu and Tony will be devastating to try to defend against. It forces the other team to not double off of either shooter. (Unless you're Rasheed Wallace. :lol) That means one of the big three left in single coverage will get a great look for the win, or if the double does come a pass out to Van Exel or Horry is as close to money as you can get.

once the Spurs re-signed Horry, Van Exel was the "clutchest" FA left. What a coup for the Spurs to pick up Nick too.


You know what I hadnt thought of that...damn who would you want to guard in a late game situation??? Tim, Tomy, Manu, Horry, or NVE. Thats what a whole bunch of teams are going to be faced with :hat

[velik_m]

3. NVE instantly steps into the back up PG spot and possibly as a frequent player in the 2 guard rotation...

unless you plan some games with parker playing 48 minutes i'm going to call bullshit on that

His agent:
"I think he's comfortable with however Pop wants to play him," Dutt said. "There will be nights when he plays a lot, and some nights he won't play at all. He's fine with that."

NVE will be 3rd pg, he'll steal more minutes from barry than beno.

ofcourse in playoffs things may change

[gospursgojas]

unless you plan some games with parker playing 48 minutes i'm going to call bullshit on that

His agent:
"I think he's comfortable with however Pop wants to play him," Dutt said. "There will be nights when he plays a lot, and some nights he won't play at all. He's fine with that."

NVE will be 3rd pg, he'll steal more minutes from barry than beno.

ofcourse in playoffs things may change

You actually think he play less than Beno???
I dont know about that one

[velik_m]

in regular season ... yes

[NZHayden]

ok time for one of my stupid questions that no one will take any notice of.
Do we get to call him little nicky?

[NZHayden]

So how do you guys see the minutes being split at the point next season?

Will Beno play the same minutes? More?

i hope beno doesnt turn into a mike wilks and spend most of the time on the IR cause he's pretty good

[xcoriate]

I noticed how selctive you were then when you said Mike Wilks as appose to Shaun Marks :p

[NZHayden]

yeah it kind of makes sense in this topic though cause i've never seen marks playing PG

[Solid D]

ok time for one of my stupid questions that no one will take any notice of.
Do we get to call him little nicky?

Sure. Especially on nights when "little nicky" goes 1-for-9 from the floor.

[NZHayden]

holy shit someone answered my question

[14dave]

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4274/nick3ms.jpg

[Solid D]

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4274/nick3ms.jpg

Nice work, 14dave!

P.S. - you might want to cut Steve Nash (?) in Mavs home white out of the pic on rt

[spurster]

Provided that Nick the Quick can make a transition to the backup veteran role , this is a great move. It allows reduced minutes for TP during the season and add some punch when Pop goes small. Think about seeing a TP, NVE, and Manu combo a few times.

[nkdlunch]

Do you watch basketball? Beno would be a great backup for a lot of teams and even a starter on some teams. He's a very good young talent.

It's just that the Spurs had fallen out of favor with him as their backup point guard. Personally I like him and I bet a bunch of NBA teams do too.


says you. I disagree. He's not quite there to start for any team yet. Why would the Spurs fall out of favor w/him? It seems strange to me if you don't know why, why are you still mentioning it on every post?

[xcoriate]

Perhaps because its because some posters are having trouble grasping that fact. The Spurs feel they can get a better piece/fill a need through trading him. They're not really looking to keep him around.

[nkdlunch]

that's fine, I agree w/that. But does that mean Spurs fell out of favor w/him? nope. For example, I'm sure the Spurs were also shopping Rasho around, just as much as Beno.

[waly.mg]

We have now, 100 games left to the Finals

Tony Parker can lost some games and Manu too, is Beno ready to play as starter level in 15 games?

With NVE we have an option if someone is injured in the 1-2 Spot

[waly.mg]

Provided that Nick the Quick can make a transition to the backup veteran role , this is a great move. It allows reduced minutes for TP during the season and add some punch when Pop goes small. Think about seeing a TP, NVE, and Manu combo a few times.

Specially in the clutch

[mcornelio]

im not too sure about this pick up... i think hes gonna be a prob if he doesnt get lots of minutes.... thankfully its only a one year deal though

[Spurminator]

http://proxy.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=spears_marc&id=2146710

Van Exel's yo-yo career finds him back at the top
By Marc J. Spears

By signing a rejuvenated Nick Van Exel, the San Antonio Spurs are dusting off a vintage pistol that is ready to start firing as in days of old.

Van Exel is at his worst when he is playing with a bad team. But when Nick the Quick has something to play for, he is one of the most feared shooters in the league while donning his trademark Cheshire grin. And it's Van Exel's appetite for winning combined with his ability to to fill a significant bench need for the Spurs that made this odd couple a perfect fit when Van Exel was signed Monday night.

"Winning a championship would be the happiest feeling," Van Exel said. "In high school, I went to two state championship games and didn't win. In college with Cincinnati, I went to the Final Four and didn't win it. Now I have another chance. This is what you play for."

And because of what Van Exel plays for, NBA fans usually love him or hate him. There might not be a player in the league who wants to win more than Van Exel does. But that strong attribute also has worked strongly to his detriment.

Case in point: his experience with the Denver Nuggets, when he gave up nearly $13 million for the chance to win.

After growing tired of losing during the 2001-02 season with the then-doormat Nuggets, Van Exel asked team management to trade him. The final season of his contract was guaranteed at $12.8 million in the 2005-06 season. But for the orchestration of a 2002 seven-player trade to Dallas to work, Van Exel had to agree to make the final season a team option. The 1998 NBA All-Star, who averaged 17.7 points and 8.3 assists with the Nuggets from 1998 to 2002, said yes to a trade that also made him forever a villain in Denver.

Van Exel was in heaven with the Mavericks. He regularly saw his young son, who lives in Dallas, and was close to his offseason Houston home. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder also played a key role in getting Dallas to the Western Conference finals. An argument could be made that no Mav played bigger than Van Exel during the 2003 NBA postseason, when he scored 19.5 points per game, including a team-best 25.3 points per game against Sacramento.

So what was Van Exel's reward? A trade to the lowly Golden State Warriors in 2003, soon to be followed by a trade to the equally lowly Portland Trail Blazers in 2004.

After initially fighting the idea of going back to a loser, Van Exel agreed to play with the Warriors, but neither the spirit nor the flesh was willing. He shot a career-low 39 percent and played in just 39 games during the 2003-04 season. And with Portland, he averaged a career-low 11.1 points and a career-low-tying 4.3 assists in 53 games last season and contemplated retirement because of knee woes.

Van Exel's decision to leave Denver for Dallas eventually cost him $12.8 million because the Blazers released him this summer at their option. But now that he is in a championship situation in San Antonio signing to a veteran one-year deal paying close to $1.2 million, Van Exel is more concerned about the lost chance to win than the lost millions.

"That's how it goes," Van Exel said. "I don't have any regrets. At the time, I knew that I could suffer down the line. I won't go cry about it. The thing that did hurt was the Dallas part. They traded me to a team that I didn't want to go to. That made me more upset than anything.

"I'm really excited about San Antonio," Van Exel added.

The Miami Heat liked Van Exel, but he said they didn't make an offer since they still have eyes on coveted free agent Michael Finley. As crazy as it might sound, he also was interested in coming back to Denver, and the Nuggets had mild interest, too. However, the Nuggets never showed strong interest back, and a phone call Van Exel was expecting from Denver coach George Karl never arrived. Instead, the Spurs locked up the 12-year veteran guard and still have hopes of signing Finley.

"Maybe that's the reason they win," Van Exel's agent, Tony Dutt, said of the Spurs. "They were willing to pull the trigger."

Expect Van Exel to compete for the 2005-06 NBA Sixth Man of the Year title. The Spurs have one of the NBA's best young point guards in Tony Parker. But Parker, still developing, desperately needed someone to spell him last season. Rookie Beno Udrih couldn't fill the need and was a turnover waiting to happen in the playoffs.

With Van Exel, Parker can drop his 37.3 minutes per game average to a more manageable, legs-saving number. The Spurs also can use Nick in Robert Horry fashion by resting him against the weaker team, thus giving Udrih a chance to develop.

Furthermore, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich can do some experimenting with Van Exel by bringing him in to play at times with Parker and All-Star Manu Ginobili. Put him on the same side of the court as forward Tim Duncan and the superstar's life in the post will get a little easier.

"We are very happy to have Nick as a part of our team," Popovich was quoted in a Spurs press release. "His leadership and skills will be assets at both ends of the floor."

But can Van Exel hold up under all these expectations? Maybe so. Although his 33-year-old knees (soon to be 34) aren't getting any younger, he says they are feeling the best they have in years and he has been working out since the season ended.

The Spurs already had the playoffs' all-time greatest clutch shooter on the bench in Horry. Adding Van Exel brings one of the NBA's most underrated clutch shooters to the team. And if he is healthy, the move also will fill a veteran hole that will solidify the efforts to bring another championship to San Antonio while also quenching Van Exel's longtime thirst to win the big one.

Marc J. Spears, who covers the NBA for The Denver Post, is a contributor to ESPN.com.

[Spurminator]

I hope Pop is willing to allow Van Exel to play his game from time to time. I have a little trouble seeing him as a spot up shooter in a 4-down scheme... He might even be at his best during the time that Duncan is off the floor.

[SPARKY]

I hope Pop is willing to allow Van Exel to play his game from time to time. I have a little trouble seeing him as a spot up shooter in a 4-down scheme... He might even be at his best during the time that Duncan is off the floor.

No doubt. The Spurs could throw some wicked 'changeups', if you will, during the course of a game. Granted, they have been able to turn into more of an uptempo team over the course of the last 2 seasons thanks to TP and Manu.

[WalterBenitez]

This adition will help TP and Beno development!!!