Finley Picks Spurs !!!!

[loveforthegame]

SWEET !!

I've been away all day and this news just made it all worth it.

Now I can read through all the threads.

[CubanMustGo]

According to DMN, RC Buford confirms that Finley will sign with SA. That's the most official confirmation yet :)

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/090105dnspomavslede.1278cd21.html

By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News

Michael Finley spent years trying to beat San Antonio.

Now, his job is to help keep the Mavericks in their place.

In a move that surprised the majority of personnel people around the league, Finley has decided to sign with the World Champion Spurs. His decision was confirmed Thursday night [sic] by Spurs general manager R.C. Buford.

Miami, Phoenix, Minnesota and San Antonio all traveled to Finley’s home in Chicago this past week to make a pitch for the top free agent on the market. Many regarded the Heat as the frontrunner, although the lure of returning to the Suns -- and the promise of a starting job -- was attractive.

The last place the Mavericks wanted to see Finley wind up was San Antonio. The move comes a little more than 24 hours after the club agreed to terms with another former Mavericks guard in Nick Van Exel.

"The West just got tougher," said Donnie Nelson, the Mavericks president of basketball operations.

"This is a product of free agency. We’re big boys. We understand that. We have nothing but respect and gratitude for what Mike has done for this organization."

The Mavericks released Finley in August under the amnesty clause, a one-time provision in the new collective bargaining agreement that allows clubs to get out from under prohibitive contracts. Owner Mark Cuban still owes Finley the $51.8 million remaining on his contract, but he will not be assessed a luxury tax -- a tax of $1 for every $1 the Mavericks are over the salary cap -- with is departure.

"I wish Mike all the best off the court,’’ Cuban said. "As always, I hope the Spurs lose 82 games."

As always, Mark, you're an idiot. Have you done this yet? --> :pctoss

[Manu20]

is it official yet i just visited spurs.com and nothings up about him coming here

http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=886666E8-7238-4A85-89DD-540722E59D43


Spurs Sign Michael Finley
LAST UPDATE: 8/31/2005 9:10:13 PM
Posted By: CyberBob
This story is available on your cell phone at mobile.woai.com.

By Don Harris, News 4 WOAI

WOAI learned that Michael Finley will be a Spur. Sources close to the negotiations tell WOAI that Finley informed the Suns and Heat that he was just more comfortable in San Antonio. The Spurs have confirmed this deal are are happy to have Finley.

"It's a real tribute to the program that Pop, Tim, Manu, and Tony have built. And it's exciting to have Michael joining our group. He brings things to our team that will help us in our quest for another championship." Said R.C. Buford Spurs general manager.

[slayermin]

And to think I was hoping for Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Luis Scola this summer.

I am in awe at the potential of this team.

Damn. Now how am I suppose to enjoy the NFL? The Spurs will be on my mind until the ring ceremony.

[wildbill2u]

These signings will lead to others in the future. Players who wanted to sign but chose not to for other reasons like money. Remember Jermaine O'Neal wanted to sign here. When his coach was let go he was mad and said if he had known this was going to happen he would of sign with the Spurs. Next time he will and so will others.

New slogan around the NBA:

San Antonio: Where vets go to get a ring.

[thispego]

unbelievable! do we even need to play a season now??? noone will beat us

[loveforthegame]

I can't figure out why Finley picked the Spurs. The Heat were offering more money, more spotlight, more endorsement opportunities and a good chance to make the Finals. With the Suns, he could play with two of his best friend (Nash and Bell), he could start and he'd be on an up-and-coming team that is coming off of a WCF's appearance.

The Spurs? Uhhhhh ... he won't start, he won't make too much money, he's going to a small market and won't be a top scoring option. The only thing the Spurs give him is the best chance to win a ring.

It's all about the championship. That's all Finley wants.

Amazing.

I've followed Finley since he was with Wisconsin. He's always been about winning and wanting a ring. He's had the spotlight, he's had the big pay day, he's had everything but a championship.

It comes as no surprise to me that he's passed up money in Miami, a starting job in Phoenix, to play with a class organization and a chance to win his first ring. He's a team player and will give everything he has to help win as a team.

He has his weaknesses and is getting older, but I know Pop along with Duncan and Ginobli and every other Spurs player, they'll bring out the best in him.

[Taking it to the Hole]

God damn. I must say I am impressed with this offseason. 29 other teams should be scared, because the best just got better. We officially have raised the standard. :tu

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I wish Mike all the best off the court,’’ Cuban said. "As always, I hope the Spurs lose 82 games."

:lmao

Sucks to be Mike (Cuban).

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

nm

[Spursdaone]

What a nightmare. The spurs throw in one of their best role players in Brent Barry in place of old fuck in Michael Finley. This will guarantee the Heat will win the championship. I guess Poppovich is stupid because I never thought he would do this. Van Exel should retire. He hasn't done crap for Portland. Last I remember Portland didn't make the playoffs. Congratulations in trying to give the heat the championship.

[Sense]

What a nightmare. The spurs throw in one of their best role players in Brent Barry in place of old fuck in Michael Finley. This will guarantee the Heat will win the championship. I guess Poppovich is stupid because I never thought he would do this. Van Exel should retire. He hasn't done crap for Portland. Last I remember Portland didn't make the playoffs. Congratulations in trying to give the heat the championship.


Am I the only one ignoring this fool?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

What a nightmare. The spurs throw in one of their best role players in Brent Barry in place of old fuck in Michael Finley. This will guarantee the Heat will win the championship. I guess Poppovich is stupid because I never thought he would do this. Van Exel should retire. He hasn't done crap for Portland. Last I remember Portland didn't make the playoffs. Congratulations in trying to give the heat the championship.

Aw, let's all give LakerGod (err, Spursdaone) a sympathy post.

[milkyway21]

What a nightmare. The spurs throw in one of their best role players in Brent Barry in place of old fuck in Michael Finley. This will guarantee the Heat will win the championship. I guess Poppovich is stupid because I never thought he would do this. Van Exel should retire. He hasn't done crap for Portland. Last I remember Portland didn't make the playoffs. Congratulations in trying to give the heat the championship.GET LOST, LakerGod!

http://www.smileys.ws/sm/action/00000035.gif

[TheTruth]

lakergod?

[milkyway21]

lakergod?he's a clone:lol

[Kori Ellis]

What a nightmare. The spurs throw in one of their best role players in Brent Barry in place of old fuck in Michael Finley. This will guarantee the Heat will win the championship. I guess Poppovich is stupid because I never thought he would do this. Van Exel should retire. He hasn't done crap for Portland. Last I remember Portland didn't make the playoffs. Congratulations in trying to give the heat the championship.

Barry is about a year and half older than Finley.

If you are going to bash the Finley acquisition, at least get your facts straight.

Good try though, asshole.

[Spursdaone]

Yeah but Finley just had surgery. Devin Brown is better now.

[Kori Ellis]

How do you know Devin is better? The doctors don't.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Yeah but Finley just had surgery. Devin Brown is better now.
right, so your first bullshit argument was completely wrong, and now you try to make up for it by stating shit that isn't even confirmed?? are you retarded?

[milkyway21]

Good try though, asshole

http://www.smileys.ws/sm/action/00000042.gif
:lmao

hey Spursdone, signing Finley is not just adding a scorer on the team it's also luring him away from signing on team's opponents such as Miami. He could give us headache in the next finals you know.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

something funny I thought about, people were joking yesterday saying that Cuban is paying Van Exel to play for the spurs..... He's litterally paying Finley to play for the spurs

[T Park]

what an absolute degenerate retard.....

[vincerodriguez23]

Im very excited picking up both Van Exel and Finley. The Spurs are the Bulls of the 2000's if you ask me.

[ChumpDumper]

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/5636/pic18yi.jpg

:drunk

Better than anything I could've done.

Many props, Spurminator.

[genghisrex]

Well, Spurm beat me to it, but I couldn't resist either...

http://www.bruhoha.org/webimages/finleyjoinsheat.jpg

[timvp]

Well, Spurm beat me to it, but I couldn't resist either...

http://www.bruhoha.org/webimages/finleyjoinsheat.jpg

:lol @ Hoopsworld

[ChumpDumper]

I'll take any of them -- you guys are great.

[flipcritic]

It's going to be damn fun playing NBA Live 06 with the new Spurs lineup!

[slayermin]

What a nightmare. The spurs throw in one of their best role players in Brent Barry in place of old fuck in Michael Finley. This will guarantee the Heat will win the championship. I guess Poppovich is stupid because I never thought he would do this. Van Exel should retire. He hasn't done crap for Portland. Last I remember Portland didn't make the playoffs. Congratulations in trying to give the heat the championship.


http://home.comcast.net/~calilife/ali.jpg

"SPURSDAONE IS THE WORST POSTER OF ALLLLLLLLL TIIIIIIIIME!!!"

[gospursgojas]

Dammit I just lost so much vBookie :depressed

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Great!!! :smokin :smokin :spin

[milkyway21]

Dammit I just lost so much vBookie

may I ask who's got the highest Vbookie cash in this forum? Pls? :angel

[baseline bum]

Someone should put the three rings on Pop's fingers.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

may I ask who's got the highest Vbookie cash in this forum? Pls? :angel
That would be Smeagol :)

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Am I the only one ignoring this fool?
no, wit and intelligence are also ignoring him

[Dre_7]

lakergod?

If that is Lakergod, then AWESOME!!!!

Him saying MIA will win it all basically guarentees (sp?? I been up working all night, I cant spell ish right now!) that SA wins it all!! :elephant

[jochhejaam]

Darn good pick-up and I'm thrilled that he didn't go to Miami! :elephant

[Solid D]

may I ask who's got the highest Vbookie cash in this forum? Pls? :angel

I looked this up on vBookie section:

smeagol is the overall leader but, nkdlunch won the Finley vBookie.

Spurs

Outcome information
Current odds 5/1 (5.00)
Number of bets placed 36
Total amount staked 10331
Top bets on this Outcome
Bet placed by Amount staked Odds Amount won
nkdlunch 5000 5/1 (5.00) -
Summers 700 5/1 (5.00) -
flash gordon 500 5/1 (5.00) -
kris 500 5/1 (5.00) -
TexasAggie2005 500 5/1 (5.00) -
Jimcs50 500 5/1 (5.00) -
DesiSpur_21 400 5/1 (5.00) -
sprrs 250 5/1 (5.00) -
Friscospur 225 5/1 (5.00) -
bpl 200 5/1 (5.00) -
mrpach 200 5/1 (5.00) -
ObiwanGinobili 150 5/1 (5.00) -
CubanMustGo 125 5/1 (5.00) -
mrose31 100 5/1 (5.00) -
Dos 100 5/1 (5.00) -
z0sa 100 5/1 (5.00) -
PM5K 75 5/1 (5.00) -
E20 75 5/1 (5.00) -

[ginobme]

I have to post my wow to this thread..here it goes........wow.

[Momma_monkey]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Can you say repeat. Back to Back Champions of the World. How cool is this we are locked and loaded and ready to kick some booty. Sharpen those SPURS men.

[1Parker1]

This has got to be the most shocking Spurs offseason in a while! I can't wait fot the season to start :elephant

I wonder how Pop is going to manage to divide all these minutes. He has a huge obstacle in front of him this next season. As the Lakers have shown in the past, it's one thing to have a shitload of talent on your team, it's another if it's not utilized properly.

Also, you think any of our starting 5 (Well, aside from Duncan) will lose their starting position this upcoming season?

[yavozerb]

Anybody know when the press conference well be on this?? It would be pretty cool to see NVE and Finley up there together recieving there jerseys!!

[CaptainLate]

[ (agent Henry) Thomas said that Finley is comfortable with the role Spurs coach Gregg Popovich offered him. Asked if that would mean playing 15 to 20 minutes per game, Thomas said it would be ''honestly more than that.'' ]

:elephant

--------------------------------------
Finley Decides to Sign With Spurs
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 31, 2005
Filed at 11:51 p.m. ET

DALLAS (AP) -- Michael Finley was being pursued by several rising powers in the NBA. Ultimately, he decided to join the team that's already on top, the San Antonio Spurs.

On Wednesday, Finley ended weeks of courting by San Antonio, Phoenix, Miami and Minnesota by letting them all know he'll be wearing the silver and black of the reigning champions.

''All the teams he was considering are great organizations with an opportunity to win a championship, which is very important at this stage in his career,'' agent Henry Thomas told The Associated Press late Wednesday. ''With San Antonio, he felt he could come in and play a key role in trying to defending their championship and hopefully win some more.''

Thomas said salary and length of contract wouldn't be settled for a few days. Although he has a ballpark idea of what they'll be, he declined to discuss numbers. He noted that the most important thing for the 32-year-old swingman was finally picking among his suitors.

''It was not as easy of a decision as some expected it to be,'' Thomas said.

The Spurs did not confirm Finley's plans. Spokesman Cliff Puchalski said the team had no comment.

Finley became a free agent earlier this month when the Dallas Mavericks waived him under the league's new one-time amnesty clause. He's still owed nearly $52 million in salary from the Mavs, but the team is no longer obligated to match it in luxury taxes.

Miami was considered the favorite to sign him because the Heat could offer the full $5 million midlevel exception and the opportunity to play with Shaquille O'Neal.

San Antonio, which has won three of the last seven NBA titles, could offer about $2.5 million. The Suns had only the veteran's minimum of $1.1 million to offer, but hoped to lure Finley back to the franchise that drafted him with the opportunity to play alongside friend Steve Nash, last season's MVP.

By remaining in the Western Conference, and even the Midwest Division, Finley will be a frequent foe of the Mavericks. He'll also be a potential thorn in their quest to make the NBA Finals for the first time -- sort of like Nash did last season, when he and the Suns eliminated Dallas in the second round of the playoffs.

''I don't think that factored into it,'' Thomas said.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban did not immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.

In San Antonio, Finley will have to share time with All-Star Manu Ginobili, Brent Barry and Bruce Bowen. San Antonio also recently added Nick Van Exel, who played with Finley in Dallas.

Thomas said that Finley is comfortable with the role Spurs coach Gregg Popovich offered him. Asked if that would mean playing 15 to 20 minutes per game, Thomas said it would be ''honestly more than that.''

''He probably will play the amount of minutes during the regular season that will allow him to be fresh and ready to go in the playoffs,'' the agent said. ''I think Pop sees him being a main contributor, one of the guys contributing significantly to them winning a championship.''

Finley, a former All-Star, used to be among the league's most durable players, routinely averaging 40-plus minutes and playing every game every season. It earned him a maximum contract in 2001, but it may have taken a toll. The former dunk contest participant has become almost strictly a jump shooter, often lingering around the 3-point line.

His scoring average has dropped five years in a row -- from a career-best 22.6 points per game in 1999-2000 to 15.7 last season -- and his rebounds and assists have diminished plenty over that span, too. Thomas noted that last year's stats were hurt by an ankle problem that needed surgery, but he delayed it until the offseason because he wanted to keep helping the Mavericks.

Signing with the Spurs wasn't only about winning a championship. It's also about being a reason why they win.

''It's the summer and he's got to go into training camp and play and learn the system,'' Thomas said. ''He's confident his play will take care of everything else.''

[Spurminator]

Well, Spurm beat me to it, but I couldn't resist either...

http://www.bruhoha.org/webimages/finleyjoinsheat.jpg

Damn I looked for a while for a Pop photo like that, but I had to settle for a sheepish grin and a buzzcut. Nice work.

[Dos]

dam wanted to see how much cash I won on the vbookie .. sometimes taking the long shot pays off... *S*

[CaptainLate]

I cant believe that this is happening. Our Spurs team has got to be the most stacked ever in the history of the NBA. I mean which team can beat us 1-12?

The Spurs declined the requests of Karl Malone and Reggie Miller, who wanted to fill out the roster so they could get those rings. A Spurs spokesman has said those spots have been filled by Iceman and Captain Late. :lol

[samikeyp]

http://www.sahoops.net/Sam/SAOWNEDheat.jpg

Sam...you freaking rock. Hooters wings, on me dude.

[CaptainLate]

I still think his smarts and ball handling ability at his height will pay off.

In order to remain on the team, Barry has agreed not to shoot when he, Finley and NVE are on the floor together. :smokin

[CaptainLate]

I've followed Finley since he was with Wisconsin. He's always been about winning and wanting a ring. He's had the spotlight, he's had the big pay day, he's had everything but a championship.

It comes as no surprise to me that he's passed up money in Miami...

What's a couple of mil when you've got Mark Cuban paying you to get a ring. :lmao

[johnny00]

I wonder how Pop is going to manage to divide all these minutes. He has a huge obstacle in front of him this next season. As the Lakers have shown in the past, it's one thing to have a shitload of talent on your team, it's another if it's not utilized properly.


After my initial excitment of getting Finley on the team, this was the same thought that ran thru my head.

No doubt,if Pop can massage and manage all these egos while winning a fourth championship he should be considered a canidate as coach of the year.....

Hey, I'm serious.

I know he probably won't but he still would deserve a nomination.

[CaptainLate]

Anybody know when the press conference well be on this??

I don't. But I heard a collective "Damn" coming out of NBA HQ. Stern is rumored to want to redo the sked and hand the Spurs 41 back2back games. That's okay. We'll just alternate starting lineups. :hat

[waly.mg]

Now we can offer in the Trade market:

Rasho, Beno and Barry for a really Big One
Or later Finley, NVE, Rasho, Beno and Barry together for a Player like Shaq, KG, Kobe or AI

The next SA team , is one of the greatest teams in the history

We have now a starter team of: TP-Manu-Bowen-Duncan and Nazr

The second team have players with all career as starters:
NVE-Barry-Finley-Horry-Rasho

I think then if the second team plays in the NBA, can be a Playoff team

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Or later Finley, NVE, Rasho, Beno and Barry together for a Player like Shaq, KG, Kobe or AI

One, no team would make that trade so come back to reality.

Two, no way they trade Finley after him taking about half of what other teams could offer to come here.

[dmac]

How about we alternate team 1 and team 2 throughout the season? then each player will only have played 42 games instead of 84 by playoff time

we may only win 70 games that way@@@@@

[SpursWoman]

Barry is about a year and half older than Finley.

If you are going to bash the Finley acquisition, at least get your facts straight.

Good try though, asshole.


I'm 3 days older than Barry, even. :depressed :cry :lol

[1Parker1]

:wow I've never heard Kori use the A word before on a poster...not even GIG!

[1Parker1]

I'm 3 days older than Barry, even. :depressed :cry :lol


Awww...but I bet you could still play for the WNBA SW :)

[CaptainLate]

"The Suns had only the veteran's minimum of $1.1 million to offer, but hoped to lure Finley back to the franchise that drafted him with the opportunity to play alongside friend Steve Nash, last season's MVP."

Why join Nash? Finley ain't stupid since everyone knows that NVE would have hit that running 3 pointer to win Game 2 of the WCF.

[ShoogarBear]

Damn I looked for a while for a Pop photo like that, but I had to settle for a sheepish grin and a buzzcut. Nice work.I like the face on genghisrex's photo better, but Spurm yours was sweet everywhere else. Nice job, both of you.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Well, I won't lie, I would have rather had Devin, but this is still a great pick-up, and it's rather gratifying to see the Heat left shaking their heads. They probably already had sent a car down to the airport to pick Mike up. Now there's some poor bastard walking around with a cardboard sign that says "Finley" looking like a dope.

This has got to make the Spurs front office and coaching staff the envy of every team in the league. The Spurs expended the least effort and couldn't offer the most money but they still got Finley. How many GM's would give an eye and an arm for the chance to have that kind of magic?

Better yet, can you picture the conversation at the first Lakers-Spurs game of the season. Phil and Pop meet at half court before the game.
"Hey Pop, how was the summer?"
"Well Phil it was kind of rough. I was kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place with the free agents. Should we sign the young guy who has great potential, knows the system, and is beloved by our fans, or should we go after the veteran swing man who is willing to take pay cut to come here? And now I have to try to spread the minutes around to all of these team oriented players who came here for less money. But enough about me. I hear you guys signed...um...oh yeah, Kwame Brown! How's that working out for you?"
"Fuck you, Pop."

And yet most of the buzz I've heard and seen isn't about the fact that Finley is coming to SA, making the defending champs look even tougher, but that he DIDN'T sign with Miami. Sadly, I think that there will be enough naysayers out there who will say that the Heat are still the favorites, and that the Spurs are going to have problems with chemistry and spreading minutes, even though the Spurs are loaded with pro's who know how to play team first basketball, and the Heat got a bunch of headcases.

[E20]

I looked this up on vBookie section:

smeagol is the overall leader but, nkdlunch won the Finley vBookie.

Spurs

Outcome information
Current odds 5/1 (5.00)
Number of bets placed 36
Total amount staked 10331
Top bets on this Outcome
Bet placed by Amount staked Odds Amount won
nkdlunch 5000 5/1 (5.00) -
Summers 700 5/1 (5.00) -
flash gordon 500 5/1 (5.00) -
kris 500 5/1 (5.00) -
TexasAggie2005 500 5/1 (5.00) -
Jimcs50 500 5/1 (5.00) -
DesiSpur_21 400 5/1 (5.00) -
sprrs 250 5/1 (5.00) -
Friscospur 225 5/1 (5.00) -
bpl 200 5/1 (5.00) -
mrpach 200 5/1 (5.00) -
ObiwanGinobili 150 5/1 (5.00) -
CubanMustGo 125 5/1 (5.00) -
mrose31 100 5/1 (5.00) -
Dos 100 5/1 (5.00) -
z0sa 100 5/1 (5.00) -
PM5K 75 5/1 (5.00) -
E20 75 5/1 (5.00) -

Damn man, I ONLY had 75, I never have any higher. Damn that shit.

[E20]

Oh yeah and Spursdaone is a fag1111111

[waly.mg]

http://www.probasketballnews.com/ARPage.html

The Amico Report

Spurs proof that NBA is good again

By Sam Amico

September 1, 2005

If basketball were played on paper, the San Antonio Spurs would be receiving a fax from the NBA that awarded them the 2005-06 championship.

That’s how scary the Spurs’ lineup is after signing Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel.

Think about it. The defending champions lose NO ONE -- and then sign two of the top veteran free agents on the market.

Then think about this: Finley and Van Exel will come off the bench!

I know, I’m stating the obvious here. But I’ve spent the majority of the past 24 hours wondering how this happened -- how the Spurs became the team that’s helped itself the most this off-season.

I’m wondering how I can be this excited about watching a team a play when it’s only the first week of September.

I’m thinking the NBA has suddenly become a league of superpowers again -- much like it was during the glory years of the 1980s and ’90s. There’s San Antonio, Miami, Phoenix, Detroit, and even Indiana.

Basically, after suffering through some of its darkest days following Michael Jordan’s second retirement from Chicago, the league no longer has to fudge its way through marketing schemes and try to promote what isn’t there.

That’s because the great storylines already exist. And none are better than the Spurs’ latest lineup.

There’s Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen, and Tim Duncan -- who has undoubtedly become the NBA’s best player.

Again, perhaps I’m stating the obvious here, but it seems like most of the discussions about league MVP always center around Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, or Kevin Garnett. But for all the talk of Shaq and Kobe, Duncan has won three titles without a real sidekick. And as much as I appreciate Garnett, we all know about Minnesota’s playoff history.

So now you have Duncan, the game’s best player … playing for Gregg Popovich, who could make a strong case as best coach … with a couple of all-pros-to-be in Ginobili and Parker … with one of the game’s best all-time defenders in Bowen … all on the same team.

And now the Spurs have Finley and Van Exel? You gotta be kidding!

Of course, you already knew all that. But have you really thought about it?

I have, and all I can say is thank goodness basketball is played on the court. After all, who would want to miss the chance to watch this team in action -- even if the outcome may already be known.

More Spurs Stuff

• The arrival of Finley and Van Exel most likely means the end of the Brent Barry era in San Antonio. While neither of those two can pass as well as Barry, each is more likely to become the type of lockdown defender coveted by Popovich.

• Sadly, it probably also means that Devin Brown will no longer be a Spur. I say sadly because Brown is one of the league’s best success stories, having played high school, college and pro ball in the same city (he attended the University of Texas-San Antonio). The good news? Brown has proved himself enough to warrant a spot somewhere else in the league. Milwaukee, Denver and Houston are all said to be interested.

• The only real issue in San Antonio is at center. Starter Nazr Mohammed is serviceable, but it doesn’t appear that Rasho Nesterovic will be back -- leaving the Spurs without a backup in the pivot. Then again, they can always put Duncan on the low block and bring in Robert Horry or newcomer Fabricio Oberto.

[waly.mg]

Sam Amico Forget some guy named Robert Horry, with "only" 6 rings

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

"• The only real issue in San Antonio is at center. Starter Nazr Mohammed is serviceable, but it doesn’t appear that Rasho Nesterovic will be back -- leaving the Spurs without a backup in the pivot. Then again, they can always put Duncan on the low block and bring in Robert Horry or newcomer Fabricio Oberto."

Why isn't Rasho coming back? Are the Spurs still shopping him around after this? What else do they need to do before the season starts.

[alamo50]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/burrito_nerd/oldspur.jpg


Getting rid of the fiesta only created one.


Nice one!

:king

[ginobme]

At the end of games:

NVE
Manu
Finley
Horry
Duncan

Go ahead, double Tim, I dare you :hat

Oh my god, how freaking awsome is that. :elephant

[ChumpDumper]

Why isn't Rasho coming back? Are the Spurs still shopping him around after this? What else do they need to do before the season starts.The only reason they would be shopping Rasho or Barry would be to dump their salaries. There is pretty much no trade of either of those players that will make the team better at this point, so yeah -- I'm not in any big hurry to get rid of anyone, but I don't write the checks.

[cecil collins]

Is this perhaps the best Spurs roster ever? If they can mold into a tight group, they have a chance to do some very special things.

[Solid D]

As it stands today, yes. Key word is roster.

[Marcus Bryant]

This could be the nastiest Spurs team ever if it gels. The Spurs have any number of guys who warrant significant defensive attention by themselves. They have an offensive scheme designed to probe the defense and find optimal scoring opportunities. They have clutch shooters and scorers. Rebounders and shot blockers. Great defenders. And plenty of championship experience.

Got damn. :smokin

[MaNuMaNiAc]

But for all the talk of Shaq and Kobe, Duncan has won three titles without a real sidekick.

??? What do you call TP and Manu??

[Marcus Bryant]

Um, neither of those are the 1st name that came to mind...

[Money316]

Ok, this is the end of the line for delusionalness.

Don't like it, post out. :fro :fro :fro

[Mavs<Spurs]

Um, neither of those are the 1st name that came to mind...
Agreed. I think Marcus has a top 50 of all time in mind! :fro :fro

[SpurYank]

WOW! The NBA may be truly looking at the formation of a dynasty. Yeah, there are a few players I hate to see go, Big Dog, Devin, others. But all of them have rings to show for their short stay. I'd like to see Devin stay, somehow. The Spurs can count on this Marylander being down there for a few games this year. I simply have to see this in person.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Um, neither of those are the 1st name that came to mind...
I agree, but I tend to look at The Admiral as more of a partner than a sidekick. Sentimental reasons I guess, but I suppose you could look at the Admiral as Duncan's best sidekick.

[Spurminator]

Here are the last 17 NBA Champions, followed by players on that team who were named to the All-NBA Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd Team). I started with 1989 because that was the first year that an All-NBA 3rd Team was awarded.

2005: Spurs (Duncan-1)
2004: Pistons (B.Wallace-2)
2003: Spurs (Duncan-1)
2002: Lakers (Shaq-1,Kobe-1)
2001: Lakers (Shaq-1,Kobe-2)
2000: Lakers (Shaq-1,Kobe-2)
1999: Spurs (Duncan-1)
1998: Bulls (Jordan-1,Pippen-3)
1997: Bulls (Jordan-1,Pippen-2)
1996: Bulls (Jordan-1,Pippen-1)
1995: Rockets (Hakeem-3,Drexler-3)
1994: Rockets (Hakeem-1)
1993: Bulls (Jordan-1,Pippen-3)
1992: Bulls (Jordan-1,Pippen-2)
1991: Bulls (Jordan-1)
1990: Pistons (Dumars-3)
1989: Pistons (None)

[Mavs<Spurs]

This could be the nastiest Spurs team ever if it gels. The Spurs have any number of guys who warrant significant defensive attention by themselves. They have an offensive scheme designed to probe the defense and find optimal scoring opportunities. They have clutch shooters and scorers. Rebounders and shot blockers. Great defenders. And plenty of championship experience.

Got damn. :smokin

Even after several days of reflection, I'm still pumped about this year's Spurs team. I just can't see any team beating this Spurs team to win the trophy next year. Sometimes, ya know, you get excited, but then you come back to earth and think its not all that. This is definitely not one of those times! Even in a month, this team is still going to look unbeatable. If we don't have any major injuries, it is difficult to see how we don't repeat.

[Streakyshooter08]

So, has Fin already signed a contract? Will there be a press conference? Don Harris mentioned that he will be in SA today. Is that true? Thanks...