Spurs interested in David Lee?

[Trueblood]

http://en.yibada.com/articles/142816/20160719/nba-rumors-spurs-sign-david-lee-team-loses-big-men.htm

Could be a good pickup if he comes cheap. Gives us some depth and rebounding.

[szkorhetz]

Count me in. Can't defend, but otherwise I would be fine with him.

[monkeypunk]

Could do worse for the min and options on decent bigs aare getting limited.

[elemento]

Gotta go with the typical : for the minimum, why not ?

[ceperez]

Is he any better than Bonner?

[RD2191]

ElNono

[Obstructed_View]

I wasn't completely opposed to trading Parker for Monroe. Parker and David Lee makes the Spurs much better than Greg Monroe + any available guard.

EDIT: Actually, I wasn't at all opposed to it in the thread. :lol

[Obstructed_View]

Is he any better than Bonner?

Yes.

[sasaint]

Is he any better than Bonner?

Lee is not a 3-point threat at all.

[jyra]

Ignoring any defensive issues, he actually put up really some good stats playing for Dallas last season:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leeda02.html

The high FG% (63.6%) and rebounding numbers (14.5 rebs/per 36 mins) stand out. It's obviously only a small sample size of 25 games but it looks like he still has a quite a bit left in the tank.

[Trueblood]

Lee is not a 3-point threat at all.

If Bertans can hit the 3 with any regularity we won't need Bonner to stretch the floor. Lee is a HUGE step up over Bonner with or without the 3. He was a double double machine that can hit an open shot and still has something left in the tank (only 33). If it's the vet minimum then it would be a mistake to take Bonner over Lee

[sasaint]

If Bertans can hit the 3 with any regularity we won't need Bonner to stretch the floor. Lee is a HUGE step up over Bonner with or without the 3. He was a double double machine that can hit an open shot and still has something left in the tank (only 33). If it's the vet minimum then it would be a mistake to take Bonner over Lee

Depends on what we want that far down the bench. I am not a Bonner hater nor a Lee lover. Either one would be "okay". All in all, I think I would prefer to wait and see what bigs might become available once training camps get under way.

[ElNono]

ElNono

Better than Boris?

[Trueblood]

QUOTE=sasaint;8680953]Depends on what we want that far down the bench. I am not a Bonner hater nor a Lee lover. Either one would be "okay". All in all, I think I would prefer to wait and see what bigs might become available once training camps get under way.[/QUOTE]

While I've always appreciated what Bonner has done for us in the past, it has to be noted that he did a lot of it with Timmy protecting the rim. Lee on the other hand has been a gritty 2 time all star that played with intensity and passion. That's something we could use coming off the bench. Especially since Timmy won't be there to crash the boards and bail us out anymore.

[Trueblood]

Better than Boris?

Probably not. But cheaper...

[ceperez]

Will Lee accept a diminished role playing backup?

Actually, I think Lee would be a decent pick up for the vet. minimum.

[keeferob25]

Been interested in Lee since free agency (given what I anticipated happening this summer). We've trotted out a useless corpse in Bonner, a useless lazy fatass in Boris (I love him tho), a David West that couldn't bang with a single Center and was a very limited rebounder which is to say that unless it fell in his hand he wasn't gonna go a get it and we still won 67 games. A healthy Lee is MUCH better than any of those 3 (as they were last year). Lee is NOT a great or elite player by any stretch. But he IS a worker with a motor when healthy, he can score pick and roll and he is an ACTIVE rebounder even if a bit undersized. If he's healthy he can add to the offense. Defense is another thing but we need a boost in O for the bench as it is. Lee helps.

[ttdog]

From July 20 ESPN.com insider: 10 best available NBA free agents


9. David Lee


Dallas Mavericks
Center
Age: 33
Unrestricted

After joining the Mavericks following a buyout from the Celtics, Lee averaged 17.7 points and 14.5 rebounds per 36 minutes down the stretch while shooting 63.6 percent from the field, so despite his defensive shortcomings I expected more interest in him this summer. Alas, Lee is probably looking at a deal for the veteran's minimum at best.

Market: With Dallas moving on, it's hard to see an obvious fit for Lee. Perhaps he could make sense in San Antonio after the Spurs suffered heavy losses in their frontcourt.

[timtonymanu]

So that means he isn't coming here.

[Obstructed_View]

Lee is not a 3-point threat at all.

Neither is Bonner unless it's garbage time.

[tholdren]

bonner replacement

[Keepin' it real]

Spurs interested in David Lee?

Roth? He's got hops, looks like a good rebounder, and clearly flails like Draymond. Sign him!

http://1201gn44n63n163vte27nbi9.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/David-Lee-Roth-Jump.jpg

[sasaint]

Neither is Bonner unless it's garbage time.

:lol I knew somebody wouldn't be able to resist the low-hanging fruit when I posted it. The truth is that Lee is not a threat AT ALL. But, like I said in a prior post, I am not a Bonner hater or a Lee lover. I would just rather wait and see...

[sasaint]

While I've always appreciated what Bonner has done for us in the past, it has to be noted that he did a lot of it with Timmy protecting the rim. Lee on the other hand has been a gritty 2 time all star that played with intensity and passion. That's something we could use coming off the bench. Especially since Timmy won't be there to crash the boards and bail us out anymore.

Good points. Imo, neither player moves the needle at all - which is fine for what they are. I don't have a horse in that two-horse race.

[Obstructed_View]

:lol I knew somebody wouldn't be able to resist the low-hanging fruit when I posted it. The truth is that Lee is not a threat AT ALL. But, like I said in a prior post, I am not a Bonner hater or a Lee lover. I would just rather wait and see...

The Spurs' problem isn't that they have too few people to shoot threes, it's that they have too few people to shoot layups and free throws. David Lee is a massive upgrade over Bonner in both those respects, plus he's a good rebounder.

[tholdren]

The Spurs' problem isn't that they have too few people to shoot threes, it's that they have too few people to shoot layups and free throws. David Lee is a massive upgrade over Bonner in both those respects, plus he's a good rebounder.
ding ding ding - glad to see you coming to the dark side. Always had faith in you.

[spurraider21]

Lee>Diaw tbh :lol

[sasaint]

The Spurs' problem isn't that they have too few people to shoot threes, it's that they have too few people to shoot layups and free throws. David Lee is a massive upgrade over Bonner in both those respects, plus he's a good rebounder.

I liked Lee until he signed that massive contract with the Dubs. I would rather wait, but if we signed him to a vet minimum contract, I'd be good with that. Now all you need to do is convince Pop to get rid of his orange chia pet.

[sasaint]

Lee>Diaw tbh :lol

He can't be any worse than the lackadaisical coaster that was Diaw 2015-2016.

[Obstructed_View]

ding ding ding - glad to see you coming to the dark side. Always had faith in you.

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure I've been saying this as long as anyone has. :bobo:

[Sean Cagney]

Neither is Bonner unless it's garbage time.

...

[Spur|n|Austin]

Is he any better than Bonner?

Surely you jest..

[TrainOfThought5]

If Bertans can hit the 3 with any regularity we won't need Bonner to stretch the floor. Lee is a HUGE step up over Bonner with or without the 3. He was a double double machine that can hit an open shot and still has something left in the tank (only 33). If it's the vet minimum then it would be a mistake to take Bonner over Lee

"Bonner knows the system. Corporate knowledge" - Pop

[montgod]

Better than Boris?

I would liken him more to replacing D West. Shorter rebounding PF type whose defense is average to not great at all. Only thing is he lacks the D West 'toughness' factor I guess. Still a nice vet to have for the minimum and is younger than West.

[SAGirl]

Ppl will hate Lee when Pop starts trotting him out there and we start losing. I don't think he's the +/- God that Bonner is. He's also not the locker room presence that Bonner is. He sounds like a Kevin Martin dude to me, puts up empty stats bc he's a net negative and the team is losing with him out there. I guess for an end of the bench big he'd be fine, but somehow I don't think he will be as upbeat as Bonner still is even when he's not playing.

[Leetonidas]

Ppl will hate Lee when Pop starts trotting him out there and we start losing. I don't think he's the +/- God that Bonner is. He's also not the locker room presence that Bonner is. He sounds like a Kevin Martin dude to me, puts up empty stats bc he's a net negative and the team is losing with him out there. I guess for an end of the bench big he'd be fine, but somehow I don't think he will be as upbeat as Bonner still is even when he's not playing.

lol GS won a championship with Lee playing a role against Cleveland in 2015, not sure what you're talking about tbh

[GSH]

Lee is one of the purest near-the-basket scorers ever. Another way of saying that is that he isn't a threat to score from anything outside of about 5-6 feet, but mostly inside 3 feet. That's not just me bashing the guy, it's totally obvious if you watch him, and the numbers say the same thing. Last time I looked, he shot something like 3/4 of his shots from inside 5 feet. That would be great, if he scored the way Shaq did. But something like 3/4 of those buckets were assisted.

He's an adequate rebounder, but not great. He gets part of he rebounding numbers from the offensive glass. But Pop is pretty rigid about getting back on defense, rather than chasing offensive boards. He's far from being a force on the defensive glass. Somewhere way back there, they used to list him at 6'10". Now they list him at 6'9". I don't want to get into another argument about what measurements to use, but he's about 6'7.5" barefoot.

I don't want to be too negative. The Spurs need one more big(ish) player, and the pickings are slim. But physically, he's a less-athletic Jarnell Stokes. He does have a better standing reach than Stokes, and he has NBA experience. Stokes is younger and has better springs, and he's hungry. Lee's experience might be better in the playoffs, just because he's been there and seen it. But my gut says that Lee's durability will be an issue. At this point in Lee's career, I think he's about a toss-up for Stokes. Personally, if I absolutely HAD to choose between the two, I'd rather see Stokes get his shot. At least Stokes has the possibility of being a Cinderella story.

[montgod]

Lee is one of the purest near-the-basket scorers ever. Another way of saying that is that he isn't a threat to score from anything outside of about 5-6 feet, but mostly inside 3 feet. That's not just me bashing the guy, it's totally obvious if you watch him, and the numbers say the same thing. Last time I looked, he shot something like 3/4 of his shots from inside 5 feet. That would be great, if he scored the way Shaq did. But something like 3/4 of those buckets were assisted.

He's an adequate rebounder, but not great. He gets part of he rebounding numbers from the offensive glass. But Pop is pretty rigid about getting back on defense, rather than chasing offensive boards. He's far from being a force on the defensive glass. Somewhere way back there, they used to list him at 6'10". Now they list him at 6'9". I don't want to get into another argument about what measurements to use, but he's about 6'7.5" barefoot.

I don't want to be too negative. The Spurs need one more big(ish) player, and the pickings are slim. But physically, he's a less-athletic Jarnell Stokes. He does have a better standing reach than Stokes, and he has NBA experience. Stokes is younger and has better springs, and he's hungry. Lee's experience might be better in the playoffs, just because he's been there and seen it. But my gut says that Lee's durability will be an issue. At this point in Lee's career, I think he's about a toss-up for Stokes. Personally, if I absolutely HAD to choose between the two, I'd rather see Stokes get his shot. At least Stokes has the possibility of being a Cinderella story.

My only issue, is if Spurs are going to do something this year, with Gasol's age in mind, I would rather go with the vet in Lee who is a known quantity vs. Stokes. Either way, we are talking about the bench, but Lee has shown a knack for coming off the bench and being a spark at times.

[keeferob25]

lol GS won a championship with Lee playing a role against Cleveland in 2015, not sure what you're talking about tbh

BINGO!!! Lee is worlds better than a fucking Matt Bonner. People need to cut the crap about that guy's "locker room presence" and "corporate knowledge". When you can list 5-10 things about a player's value and have NONE of them have anything to do with what's ON the court then you know what that sounds like to me, a person that belongs in a suit and tie on the sideline holding a clipboard and not in a jersey taking up player salary. Its time we at least TRY to get someone useful ON THE COURT for a change...you know, where the game is actually played.

[GSH]

lol GS won a championship with Lee playing a role against Cleveland in 2015, not sure what you're talking about tbh


In 14-15, Lee's minutes went from around 30 per game to around 16 per game. And his per-36 scoring went down, because he was attempting fewer shots. (In other words, his scoring went down by more than the reduction in minutes.) His scoring depends on other players. In a bench role, he's less effective than playing with starters, because he doesn't have someone like Steph getting him the easy chip-shots. A lot of post-up guys who get moved to a bench role will do as well, or even a little better, playing against bench players. Lee isn't a post-up player, and he suffers without the benefit of a good playmaker.

If I remember, he was injured at the beginning of the playoffs, so I'm not going to bother talking about his playoff performance. He did have two good games against the Cavs. But if you're going to talk about those, you almost have to include the fact that he shot .400 from the field, and .533 from the FT line. I'm just saying - whatever good he did in those playoffs was mostly the result of defenders leaving him to go double someone else, and he got the benefit.

I don't have anything concrete to back it up, but my impression over the years is that when David Lee is scoring a lot, his teams are not doing as well. GS got better when his role was diminished. Normally I'd say it doesn't matter for a bench role. But when he doesn't have someone to get him easy shots, he's much less effective. At least that's the way I've seen him.

[Hoops Czar]

lol GS won a championship with Lee playing a role against Cleveland in 2015, not sure what you're talking about tbh

GS won a championship with Lee on the team just like the Spurs won a championship with Bonner on the team in 2014. Let's not act like Lee actually played a role in the championship. He averaged 9.5 minutes against Cleveland, 3 minutes against Houston, 11 minutes against Memphis and didn't play against NO. He all but fell out of the rotation by the time the playoffs began and GS eventually traded him because they had no more use for him. He'd be fine for a 4/5th big off the bench and a RS minutes eater for the league minimum but he's not worth much more than that. And Yeah, his defense is as bad as advertised. He's also extremely fragile.

[SAGirl]

lol GS won a championship with Lee playing a role against Cleveland in 2015, not sure what you're talking about tbh
A few minutes, very few minutes in 2015 and he was then benched then traded out twice and none of those who got him wanted to keep him.
GSW improved significantly after benching him, even more when he was shipped out. He's washed up like KMartin is my point can still do some things out there, but in the course of doing those things his lack of defense will cost games.

He's fine for very end of the bench. I don't think he will be happy there either.

[TheGreatYacht]

lol GS won a championship with Lee playing a role against Cleveland in 2015, not sure what you're talking about tbh
:lol he'll take up the backup 4 spot bro. Fathead currently owns the backup 4 by default because there's no other bigs. Connect the dots

[ceperez]

A few minutes, very few minutes in 2015 and he was then benched then traded out twice and none of those who got him wanted to keep him.
GSW improved significantly after benching him, even more when he was shipped out. He's washed up like KMartin is my point can still do some things out there, but in the course of doing those things his lack of defense will cost games.

He's fine for very end of the bench. I don't think he will be happy there either.

Speaking about KMartin... are the Spurs going to get him for the minimum?

[SAGirl]

GSH good posts on Lee. :tu

[SAGirl]

Speaking about KMartin... are the Spurs going to get him for the minimum?
No news. But he was r enounced I believe. I'd rather get Forbes personally.

[MaNu4Tres]

Spurs are likely going to go heavy with Pau/Aldridge in the playoffs 33-38 minutes each. Dedmon, who matches up great w/ either Pau or Aldridge, will probably get the bulk of the rest & Kawhi will get some time at PF as well.

Hard to imagine the PF the Spurs end up signing will have a significant role in the playoffs. Whoever they sign, whether it be David Lee, Jason Thompson or whoever will likely only play in the playoffs when the games are lopsided or when one of the three bigs ahead on the depth chart is injured or in foul trouble. Spurs already have their playoff rotation on the roster. All this talk about David Lee and how he's experienced for the playoffs is kind of irrelevant. Whoever they sign will be decent depth to fill in the irrelevant minutes during the regular season. The addition likely won't change the ceiling of the Spurs in the playoffs.

[beirmeistr]

Roth? He's got hops, looks like a good rebounder, and clearly flails like Draymond. Sign him!

http://1201gn44n63n163vte27nbi9.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/David-Lee-Roth-Jump.jpg
hilarious

[beirmeistr]

has Lee slipped that much that he would take the minimum?

[MaNu4Tres]

has Lee slipped that much that he would take the minimum?

Thats where the market value is for the remaining PF's. Terrence Jones, Quincy Acy, Brandon Bass all signed for the minimum. It's inevitable that Lee will too.

[tholdren]

GS won a championship with Lee on the team just like the Spurs won a championship with Bonner on the team in 2014. Let's not act like Lee actually played a role in the championship. He averaged 9.5 minutes against Cleveland, 3 minutes against Houston, 11 minutes against Memphis and didn't play against NO. He all but fell out of the rotation by the time the playoffs began and GS eventually traded him because they had no more use for him. He'd be fine for a 4/5th big off the bench and a RS minutes eater for the league minimum but he's not worth much more than that. And Yeah, his defense is as bad as advertised. He's also extremely fragile.

So he would make less than Bonner and play more than bonner thus contributing more than bonner other than being a social media d-bag? Sounds like SA should wrap that deal up.

[Hoops Czar]

So he would make less than Bonner and play more than bonner thus contributing more than bonner other than being a social media d-bag? Sounds like SA should wrap that deal up.

Bonner is a bench consultant collecting pay checks. He doesn't actually play. I don't know why people are assuming David Lee, if signed, is replacing Bonner. I'm pretty sure Pop would see Lee as a rotation player eating up regular season minutes While Bonner hasn't been part of a rotation since 2011. A Lee signing doesn't mean the end of Bonner as the Spurs could still easily sign him as the 15th man.

[Steve-O-Matic]

This is not a report or even a rumor of the Spurs being interested in David Lee. This is an article which references an SI writer who spit-balled potential landing spots that he thought made sense for Lee, and one of the teams listed was the Spurs. There's no factual basis cited for any actual interest between the Spurs and Lee.

[tholdren]

Bonner is a bench consultant collecting pay checks. He doesn't actually play. I don't know why people are assuming David Lee, if signed, is replacing Bonner. I'm pretty sure Pop would see Lee as a rotation player eating up regular season minutes While Bonner hasn't been part of a rotation since 2011. A Lee signing doesn't mean the end of Bonner as the Spurs could still easily sign him as the 15th man.
Im only in for something where bonner goes away and somehow has to give away what he's stolen from the nba.

[Chucho]

How anyone can even defend Bonner against a guy who isn't too far removed from being an All-star that can actually rebound the fucking ball is beyond me. "Locker room guy" means jack shit. So long as a guy isn't a Boogie Cousins in the locker room, people are fine and that is no reason to keep this dude around. He can't rebound, score or defend or hit a major shot when it counts. What do we need him for? He will get burned in small ball and that outweighs any "stretching" he does.

And LOL at people thinking go-nowhere scrubs like Betrans will make a difference. I know some of you are die-hards with not a lot to talk about in real life, but this is just ridiculous. We go through this same shit every year with our end-of-rotation-Toros-caliber guys. Betrans SUCKS. SUCKS. While we're at it, let's revisit James White, Alonzo Gee and Curtis Jerrells...I mean they turned into these insanely awesome players you said they would be...Bertrans couldn't defend his mama from a 4th grader's insults.

[Jdspur20]

For a 4th big at the min this would be a great pick up.

[T Park]

according to a fansided writer.

Anyone can be a fansided writer.......

[Chillen]

Roth? He's got hops, looks like a good rebounder, and clearly flails like Draymond. Sign him!

http://1201gn44n63n163vte27nbi9.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/David-Lee-Roth-Jump.jpg

Start Roth, bring Cherone off the bench.

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/gc/483349618-gary-cherone-of-extreme-performs-on-day-1-of-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXiNiWZ7i8CbB2%2FxMAwO1wuHRhH 91cjg7iFSSdzbL6pmhM%2FsnFjWU9YKv%2Fa7kPQliVQ%3D%3D

[buttsR4rebounding]

This is not a report or even a rumor of the Spurs being interested in David Lee. This is an article which references an SI writer who spit-balled potential landing spots that he thought made sense for Lee, and one of the teams listed was the Spurs. There's no factual basis cited for any actual interest between the Spurs and Lee.

This actually improves the chances that it is true.

[TD 21]

Spurs are likely going to go heavy with Pau/Aldridge in the playoffs 33-38 minutes each. Dedmon, who matches up great w/ either Pau or Aldridge, will probably get the bulk of the rest & Kawhi will get some time at PF as well.

Hard to imagine the PF the Spurs end up signing will have a significant role in the playoffs. Whoever they sign, whether it be David Lee, Jason Thompson or whoever will likely only play in the playoffs when the games are lopsided or when one of the three bigs ahead on the depth chart is injured or in foul trouble. Spurs already have their playoff rotation on the roster. All this talk about David Lee and how he's experienced for the playoffs is kind of irrelevant. Whoever they sign will be decent depth to fill in the irrelevant minutes during the regular season. The addition likely won't change the ceiling of the Spurs in the playoffs.

Defensively, Gasol and Dedmon don't match up great at all. Also, Dedmon is still somewhat unproven in general and totally unproven as a potential third big, let alone on an elite team.

Even if him and Anderson play well, they'd still need one of Simmons or Bertans to, otherwise (insert name of whatever veteran power forward left) could end up being a rotation player. If not, they'd probably be one injury away from being one. Plus, they'll be the inevitable rest games for Gasol and to a lesser extent, Aldridge, so there's actually the potential for relatively significant minutes.


At this point, as long as they're not a complete and total non shooter, I don't really care who it is. If it's a former relatively big name, they've got to be willing to accept being a fringe rotation player though.

[Spurs9]

Sign him

[cutewizard]

we need another big................

[spurtech09]

Sure.....why not.....

[cutewizard]

Go! for the vet minimum....

[cutewizard]

But I would have wanted Thomas Robinson better.....

[cutewizard]

http://thenewkreport.sportsblog.com/posts/21927263/san-antonio-spurs-need-to-sign-thomas-robinson.html

[BillMc]

David's presence would force KA into the 3 or deep bench I think. Then you've got two of your young guys you want to develop in Davis and Kyle fighting for time at 1 slot behind Kawhi.

That said, its a good problem to have. As I recall, Lee was pretty good in spot duty when the Dubs won the title. I'd like him on board for the min without a doubt.

[GSH]

David's presence would force KA into the 3 or deep bench I think. Then you've got two of your young guys you want to develop in Davis and Kyle fighting for time at 1 slot behind Kawhi.

That said, its a good problem to have. As I recall, Lee was pretty good in spot duty when the Dubs won the title. I'd like him on board for the min without a doubt.


Way back when the Knicks were trying to get rid of him for cheap, I thought the Spurs should have picked him up. But I had only seen him play a few times. Then I really started watching him. Out of all the possibilities, he's the one I like the least.

Maybe some people should look at the article below, from this time last year. Even though he puts up decent numbers, teams seem to wind up wanting to give him away. That's sort of a red flag.

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/7/5/8893929/david-lee-trade-scenarios-warriors-nba

This is the first couple of paragraphs:

David Lee doesn't work in Golden State. He has career averages of 15 points and 10 rebounds, but his ball-dominating play in the post and lackluster defense won't fly in the Warriors' system that emphasizes movement and versatility, things that won them the 2015 NBA championship.

Last year, the solution was to bench him. After returning from an injury, Lee played 49 games after playing 69 the season before (and starting 67 of those). While he briefly contributed in the NBA Finals, Lee's $15.5 million expiring deal is a lot to pay a guy for spot minutes every now and then.

[BillMc]

Way back when the Knicks were trying to get rid of him for cheap, I thought the Spurs should have picked him up. But I had only seen him play a few times. Then I really started watching him. Out of all the possibilities, he's the one I like the least.

Maybe some people should look at the article below, from this time last year. Even though he puts up decent numbers, teams seem to wind up wanting to give him away. That's sort of a red flag.

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/7/5/8893929/david-lee-trade-scenarios-warriors-nba

This is the first couple of paragraphs:

David Lee doesn't work in Golden State. He has career averages of 15 points and 10 rebounds, but his ball-dominating play in the post and lackluster defense won't fly in the Warriors' system that emphasizes movement and versatility, things that won them the 2015 NBA championship.

Last year, the solution was to bench him. After returning from an injury, Lee played 49 games after playing 69 the season before (and starting 67 of those). While he briefly contributed in the NBA Finals, Lee's $15.5 million expiring deal is a lot to pay a guy for spot minutes every now and then.

Thanks for the link. Maybe there are some attitude issues with Lee? But at the min anyone we get will have flaws. Better than Amare or Boozer in my opinion.

[jbspurs]

Lee is not a 3-point threat at all.

He's still better than regular season 3-point threat..

[GSH]

Thanks for the link. Maybe there are some attitude issues with Lee? But at the min anyone we get will have flaws. Better than Amare or Boozer in my opinion.

I don't think it's attitude at all. I put it in an earlier post, but he's a mediocre rebounder, and a terrible defender. And on offense, he can't score from more than about 5 feet - and really, 5 feet is a stretch. He also doesn't score very often unless it's assisted. Somebody's got to do the work, and feed him.

I know we're talking the 4th big, but if he's going to be on the roster, I like to think that he could contribute or step up if someone is injured. I know it sounds odd, but even when he puts up numbers he doesn't seem to help his teams win. He looks good on paper, but teams always wind up figuring out that they're better off without him. The Knicks shopped him hard. The Warriors shopped him hard. Boston dumped his ass after one season, and didn't try to offer him a reduced rate. Dallas had him for $2M, and didn't invite him back.

Some guys don't impress me, but I think Lee is a net negative. He'd score some points, and some fans would just think he's great. But... remember Drew Gooden? His Per-36 numbers always looked pretty good. But there's a reason he's played for 10 different teams. At least Gooden was a legit 6'9" or so. I swear, Lee is 6'7.5" and doesn't have a fantastic wingspan.

Like I said, I was pretty positive about the guy until I started really watching him play. If the Spurs' FO calls to ask what I think, Ima definitely say to pass.

[SAGirl]

David's presence would force KA into the 3 or deep bench I think. Then you've got two of your young guys you want to develop in Davis and Kyle fighting for time at 1 slot behind Kawhi.

That said, its a good problem to have. As I recall, Lee was pretty good in spot duty when the Dubs won the title. I'd like him on board for the min without a doubt.
This is probably my fandom blinding me, but 33 yr old Lee should not feel entitled to that spot and I don't think anyone still in the market is getting guarantees from the Spurs at this time for their playing time, unless they are clearly superior and Lee is not. IMO Spurs really intend to give Kyle his shot at the spot, which doesn't mean they are not trying to get someone else, but it does make SA a very undesirable location for a washed up vet on the vet min. who still feels like he deserves to be playing.

Frankly, I don't mind the Spurs picking up a vet like this but I see Kyle's and Bertans' emergence as potential rotation players making it so that the incoming vet will have a Rasual Butler role, who played some minutes early in the season but was meant to be phased out as soon as the younger players stepped up. Any vet PF signed has to be apprised of this or there will be issues in the locker room when he's not playing and few vets are ready to put their egos aside. Rasual did, but he had tried out for teams 3 years in a row, like guys do in training camp contracts, he had already been humbled. (And nvm that Pop cutting Rasual was a dick move that will be on his mind too).

[SAGirl]

I don't think it's attitude at all. I put it in an earlier post, but he's a mediocre rebounder, and a terrible defender. And on offense, he can't score from more than about 5 feet - and really, 5 feet is a stretch. He also doesn't score very often unless it's assisted. Somebody's got to do the work, and feed him.

I know we're talking the 4th big, but if he's going to be on the roster, I like to think that he could contribute or step up if someone is injured. I know it sounds odd, but even when he puts up numbers he doesn't seem to help his teams win. He looks good on paper, but teams always wind up figuring out that they're better off without him. The Knicks shopped him hard. The Warriors shopped him hard. Boston dumped his ass after one season, and didn't try to offer him a reduced rate. Dallas had him for $2M, and didn't invite him back.

Some guys don't impress me, but I think Lee is a net negative. He'd score some points, and some fans would just think he's great. But... remember Drew Gooden? His Per-36 numbers always looked pretty good. But there's a reason he's played for 10 different teams. At least Gooden was a legit 6'9" or so. I swear, Lee is 6'7.5" and doesn't have a fantastic wingspan.

Like I said, I was pretty positive about the guy until I started really watching him play. If the Spurs' FO calls to ask what I think, Ima definitely say to pass.
He's going to turn out to be the Kevin Martin of PF. The only player with a net negative last season was Mr. Martin.

[DeRozan m8]

F*CK KMART

[Trueblood]

I don't think it's attitude at all. I put it in an earlier post, but he's a mediocre rebounder, and a terrible defender. And on offense, he can't score from more than about 5 feet - and really, 5 feet is a stretch. He also doesn't score very often unless it's assisted. Somebody's got to do the work, and feed him.

I know we're talking the 4th big, but if he's going to be on the roster, I like to think that he could contribute or step up if someone is injured. I know it sounds odd, but even when he puts up numbers he doesn't seem to help his teams win. He looks good on paper, but teams always wind up figuring out that they're better off without him. The Knicks shopped him hard. The Warriors shopped him hard. Boston dumped his ass after one season, and didn't try to offer him a reduced rate. Dallas had him for $2M, and didn't invite him back.

Some guys don't impress me, but I think Lee is a net negative. He'd score some points, and some fans would just think he's great. But... remember Drew Gooden? His Per-36 numbers always looked pretty good. But there's a reason he's played for 10 different teams. At least Gooden was a legit 6'9" or so. I swear, Lee is 6'7.5" and doesn't have a fantastic wingspan.

Like I said, I was pretty positive about the guy until I started really watching him play. If the Spurs' FO calls to ask what I think, Ima definitely say to pass.

Good take. I'm curious to know who your choice would be for a fourth big that's still available and would take the min?

[kaji157]

Count me in. Can't defend, but otherwise I would be fine with him.

I think in our team he could up his non-existant defense to "trying to play some" defense.

[GSH]

Good take. I'm curious to know who your choice would be for a fourth big that's still available and would take the min?


If we're eliminating trade, and just talking about someone who I think would sign for the min? I don't think there's anyone we will be excited about. We've got a lot of vets, and even the young guys have solid experience (except Murray, of course). So with all that in mind, I've reached the point where I'd pretty much like to see them go ahead and give Jarnell Stokes a shot to amaze us. At least he would be highly motivated, compared to some worn-out older guy who's just biding his time and collecting one more paycheck. If he just isn't up to it, the Spurs can always look around for a mid-season trade opportunity.

I wasn't crazy about Stokes' lack of height and experience. But you can't look at things in a vacuum. Compared to the other choices, I think he's about a coin-toss. But at least there is some chance for him to have some upside, however remote.

[GSH]

Good take. I'm curious to know who your choice would be for a fourth big that's still available and would take the min?

The only other possibility I have been able to think of is Joel Freeland. He has one year left on a two-year deal with CSKA, that doesn't have an early-out clause. But he had a calf injury last year, and CSKA had to bring in a replacement. They might... might... be interested in talking buyout. And if he's not going to get minutes with CSKA, he might like the thought of getting in on some of the salary insanity over here. That's a lot of ifs.

[dbestpro]

Seems about as good as West.

[SAGirl]

Seems about as good as West.
Probably not, Dwest can shoot from range. I would not be surprised if one of the reasons Lee doesn't work out for a lot of teams is that he clogs the lane for others since as far as GSH has enlightened us, he doesn't shoot anything outside of 5 ft... and even that is a stretch.

[TrainOfThought5]

If we're eliminating trade, and just talking about someone who I think would sign for the min? I don't think there's anyone we will be excited about. We've got a lot of vets, and even the young guys have solid experience (except Murray, of course). So with all that in mind, I've reached the point where I'd pretty much like to see them go ahead and give Jarnell Stokes a shot to amaze us. At least he would be highly motivated, compared to some worn-out older guy who's just biding his time and collecting one more paycheck. If he just isn't up to it, the Spurs can always look around for a mid-season trade opportunity.

I wasn't crazy about Stokes' lack of height and experience. But you can't look at things in a vacuum. Compared to the other choices, I think he's about a coin-toss. But at least there is some chance for him to have some upside, however remote.

Theres better coins to toss.

[GSH]

Theres better coins to toss.


LOL... well it may be a bad opinion, but it's MY opinion.

We always try to figure out what the hell the Spurs are going to do. It's one of those things you shouldn't think about too much, because it starts making less and less sense. There's always a few obvious moves that everybody knows. The rest we always get wrong anyway.

Guys like Stokes are always hard for me. He's too damned short for an NBA big man, and I know that. But I can't help the part of me that wants to pull for the underdog, and see some guy come out of nowhere and make good. If the plusses and minuses between two guys pretty much cancel out, I'd rather see a guy like Stokes get his shot. I guess that's why the Spurs' FO never take my suggestions, and why they got that restraining order.

[ElNono]

I suspect it would be for insurance, kinda like Kevin Martin last season? Wonder if they're just going to wait to mid-season again...

[John B]

I've always liked Lee since his days with the Knicks. He easily replaced D West veteran role with that minimum vet. Perfect fit to the small ball 2nd unit. Please sign him before FO starts thinking bringing Bonner back.

[SAGirl]

I've always liked Lee since his days with the Knicks. He easily replaced D West veteran role with that minimum vet. Perfect fit to the small ball 2nd unit. Please sign him before FO starts thinking bringing Bonner back.
I don't know what is going on, not just with Lee, they have yet to sign LJC, Cady or any summer league big that was available. They definitely have to still be looking for someone.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

He'd be a terrible fit with the second unit and on top of that can't play with Gasol either. I don't see a chance the Spurs are actually interested. They supposedly were interested in Bass, who's a different type of player and a better fit.

Second unit's offense would likely revolve around Manu/Dedmon PnR and Kyle/Simmons handling the ball some in which case Lee would only clog the lane for them. They'd also likely play at a faster pace, which makes Lee's fit even worse.

[spurtech09]

rather have lee than bass

[cd021]

Think I would rather have had Bass over Lee. I am fine with the Spurs rolling with
Mills-Manu-Simmons/Bertans-Anderson and Gasol/Dedmon off the bench.

Simmons and Anderson seem to be held in high regard by the Spurs, by playing KA at the four, it frees up minutes for Simmons to possibly play at the 3 and get consistent minutes and also makes it easier for Bertans to possibly get minutes at the backup 3.

[Obstructed_View]

The Spurs need a garbage man. It's going to be between David Lee and Jarnell Stokes. I guess you could throw Thomas Robinson in there but he's got as many red flags as David Lee after only three years in the league.

Also, I'm a bit unsure how Lee can be called a mediocre rebounder when he's averaged 9 boards in 30 minutes per game over his career.

[Obstructed_View]

He'd be a terrible fit with the second unit and on top of that can't play with Gasol either. I don't see a chance the Spurs are actually interested. They supposedly were interested in Bass, who's a different type of player and a better fit.

Second unit's offense would likely revolve around Manu/Dedmon PnR and Kyle/Simmons handling the ball some in which case Lee would only clog the lane for them. They'd also likely play at a faster pace, which makes Lee's fit even worse.

Your post leads to an interesting point: Any undersized frontline player signing with the Spurs presents the very-real danger of to Pop running them in disastrous lineups and trying to force the square peg all season long.

[GSH]

Also, I'm a bit unsure how Lee can be called a mediocre rebounder when he's averaged 9 boards in 30 minutes per game over his career.

Two years of stat padding on a bad team is part of it. Part of it is because almost 1/3 of his boards were on the offensive end, playing with bad shooters and a shitload of loose balls away from the basket. (The Knicks shot about .450 as a team those two years.) He's not a guy who can get in and root with the giants for offensive boards - he just isn't - but he still got them. And you know that Pop doesn't let guys hawk the offensive glass anyway. He wants them to release and get back to play defense. I know all that probably sounds fishy, but there's truth in it.

Those two years with the Knicks skew the numbers a bunch. Basically, he's just about the same height as Dejuan Blair, David West, and Malik Rose. Blair was a good rebounder, West in the middle, and Malik was not good. Basically, Lee rebounds just about like West. With the exception of those two seasons several years back, his RB numbers look a lot like West's. Here's what I think is more important: in '08-'09 he averaged 16 pts and 11.7 rebounds, and the Knicks were trying go give him away and couldn't find any takers. The next year he put up 20 pts and 11.7 rebounds and the Knicks were shopping the shit out of him at the deadline. The biggest thing - and I said it before - was that I kept seeing that when he was getting numbers, his teams weren't going so well. If he's stuck on the deep bench, and never comes off? Who gives a damn? But then again, they could hire me to do that.

For me, his numbers are like all those years that Bonner had the best +/- in a lot of games. It didn't mean what people wanted it to mean, and more Bonner time would not have meant more wins and bigger margins.

[Obstructed_View]

Two years of stat padding on a bad team is part of it. Part of it is because almost 1/3 of his boards were on the offensive end, playing with bad shooters and a shitload of loose balls away from the basket. (The Knicks shot about .450 as a team those two years.) He's not a guy who can get in and root with the giants for offensive boards - he just isn't - but he still got them. And you know that Pop doesn't let guys hawk the offensive glass anyway. He wants them to release and get back to play defense. I know all that probably sounds fishy, but there's truth in it.

Those two years with the Knicks skew the numbers a bunch. Basically, he's just about the same height as Dejuan Blair, David West, and Malik Rose. Blair was a good rebounder, West in the middle, and Malik was not good. Basically, Lee rebounds just about like West. With the exception of those two seasons several years back, his RB numbers look a lot like West's. Here's what I think is more important: in '08-'09 he averaged 16 pts and 11.7 rebounds, and the Knicks were trying go give him away and couldn't find any takers. The next year he put up 20 pts and 11.7 rebounds and the Knicks were shopping the shit out of him at the deadline. The biggest thing - and I said it before - was that I kept seeing that when he was getting numbers, his teams weren't going so well. If he's stuck on the deep bench, and never comes off? Who gives a damn? But then again, they could hire me to do that.

For me, his numbers are like all those years that Bonner had the best +/- in a lot of games. It didn't mean what people wanted it to mean, and more Bonner time would not have meant more wins and bigger margins.

If you look at his per-36 numbers, his rebounding (offensive and defensive) are pretty much consistent. I certainly don't see two years of stat-padding.

Also, I don't really see it as a major ding to his career that the worst-run franchise in team sports history wanted to get rid of him. They were paying 45 million dollars to Tmac, Al Harrington and Eddy Curry, and still owed 10 million dollars to Cuttino Mobley, who never actually played for them due to his heart condition. Lee was the only guy who had any actual value to anyone.