Spurs sign David Lee per Woj

[Budkin]

758781903449251840

[dabom]

1st to announce.

[r0drig0lac]

meh

[dabom]

I like it. Also fucks with the Warriors head. :lol

[dabom]

What about bonner?...

[RD2191]

Official David Lee thread imo. ElNono:lol

[Mr. Body]

What. Eva.

[dabom]

Is this the last roster spot? If it is, I'm more excited about bonner being gone...

[SPURt]

They wanted a rebounder that is a good teammate. They got that. He can't be much worse than D West defensively.

[testies]

spurs and knicks competing to make the best 2011 team.. in 2017.

[ceperez]

Well that's 14 guaranteed players... Bonner still has a chance!

Lee should be good enough to be a sub at the PF spot. Good sign up.

[tbdog]

They wanted a rebounder that is a good teammate. They got that. He can't be much worse than D West defensively.

newsflash, he is.

[Ruler]

GREAT signing. Lee showed last season he has a lot left in the tank, and he's, what, only 33 years old? He doesnt play much D but will rebound a helluva lot better than West. Also has some good post moves, passing, and team first mentality

[Blake]

So does this mean Lee is finally cemented as > Diaw

[313]

So

Starters:
LMA
Pau(Deadman?)

Bench:
Deadman (Pau?)
David Lee

Jheez, seems like we have to start Pau now. Imagine our defense with Pau and David Lee on the floor at the same time :lol

[kobyz]

They wanted a rebounder that is a good teammate. They got that. He can't be much worse than D West defensively.
He is much worst, d west can at least give a hard foul, d lee is like a butter...

[gambit1990]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YC1vgp9H-Y

[SPURt]

newsflash, he is.
Wouldn't being a good defensive rebounder and elimaniting put backs automatically make Lee a better defender than West?

[TheGreatYacht]

Way fucking better than Jean-Charles and Bonner, holy shit. It's for the minimum too :tu

DWest is going to give Golden State our secrets and Lee is going to give us theirs

[kobyz]

They wanted a rebounder that is a good teammate. They got that. He can't be much worse than D West defensively.
He is much worse, d west can at least give a hard foul, d lee is like a butter...

[703 Spurz]

spurs and knicks competing to make the best 2011 team.. in 2017.

You're expecting them to sign HOF players at this point in the year or something?

[raybies]

Good signing imo. Patfo was hell-bent on getting someone with experience to compete with Dedmon. Well it was just the smart thing to do, and with Robinson making demands this was a good choice. He was pretty productive in a limited role with Dallas last year.

Note: signing him means he accepted whatever's given and he knows he's gonna compete for a spot in the rotation day one.

[RD2191]

Bench defense is overrated. As long as they can score we should be fine. Bench players are bench players for a reason. If Lee was a scorer and a defender he wouldn't be signing with the Spurs.:lol

[Marcus Bryant]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[timtonymanu]

Does this mean Bonner is finally gone? Unless Pop is going to guarantee 15 players again like last year.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

El no no is going to eat a dozen enchiladas after det one :lol

[TheGoldStandard]

It's really Ben Affleck researching a role

[Seventyniner]

Bleah. I just don't see him being anything more than a placeholder. At least given that the Spurs are over the cap, we should be able to assume that it's a minimum deal.

The player option on year 2 makes no sense though. Does Lee really think he might not get a minimum contract next year?


Maybe Lee has some dirt on some of the Warriors' players or coaching staff? Blackmail them into throwing the WCF?

[TimDunkem]

The guy is better than LJC and Bonner, signed for the minimum, and people are bitching about this? Lol This forum.

[elemento]

If this means that Bonner is gone, hell yeah ! Welcome Lee

[TheGreatYacht]

David Lee 2016 stats
16.4MPG
7.8PPG, 5.5RPG, 1.5APG, 0.4SPG, 0.5BPG
19.6PER, 3.0WS, .161WS/48, 1.4BPM, 0.8VORP

Wasnt a negative (-) player at all last year.

[TimDunkem]

Bench defense is overrated. As long as they can score we should be fine. Bench players are bench players for a reason. If Lee was a scorer and a defender he wouldn't be signing with the Spurs.:lol

Everyone acknowledges that most free agents won't sign here, yet this forum expects a star to fill every roster spot. It's ridiculous.

[Spurs9]

I love this tbh, I've always kinda been a fan of Lee

[koriwhat]

im happy with this signing. he wont be the "difference maker" but look at gs from 2015 finals and gs from 2016 finals; what was the difference?

[peacemaker885]

The guy is better than LJC and Bonner, signed for the minimum, and people are bitching about this? Lol This forum.

[TD 21]

So

Starters:
LMA
Pau(Deadman?)

Bench:
Deadman (Pau?)
David Lee

Jheez, seems like we have to start Pau now. Imagine our defense with Pau and David Lee on the floor at the same time :lol

Gasol was always going to start, but your point is well taken: He's a terrible fit with Gasol defensively and a below average fit with Dedmon offensively.

Still, despite his weaknesses, with what was left, it was difficult to argue he wasn't the best remaining power forward, but I don't like the fact that he was given a player option.

[Spur|n|Austin]

The guy is better than LJC and Bonner, signed for the minimum, and people are bitching about this? Lol This forum.

[LakerHater]

Didn't c that!

Guess that ends the chance of getn Thomas Robinson! :depressed

[gambit1990]

at the 29 second mark lee pulls rj closer to him... and then if you put the video's speed at .25 it almost looks like he nibbled rj's earlobe because you see it move... and then that's when rj gets mad.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxTQa5dALtU

[Spurs Brazil]

Jabari Young ‏@JabariJYoung
Told Gregg Popovich and R.C Buford really sold David Lee on a great role with #Spurs next season. Big reason why he picked SA.

Jabari Young ‏@JabariJYoung
Told David Lee's deal with #Spurs is 2-yr roughy $3.2M deal with 2nd year a player option

[TrainOfThought5]

So does this mean Lee is finally cemented as > Diaw

NEVEEEEER

[Ron Swanson]

:lobt::lobt::lobt::lobt::lobt::lobt2:

[Proxy]

The guy is better than LJC and Bonner, signed for the minimum, and people are bitching about this? Lol This forum.

[LakerHater]

758789085934809088

[Spurs9]

We got some size and toughness on our roster, I guess we are gonna play some bully ball. Had no idea we could get Lee for the minimum.
Dude used to average 20 and 10 and be pretty efficient. Even when his average minutes went in half he still averaged 8 and 5. He can definitely help us.

[From Downtown]

Good signing at this point

[Solid D]

This signing comes as a great relief to me personally. Considering what was available, the Spurs have done themselves a decent job in the off-season.

[TheGreatYacht]

758789085934809088
Gasol and Lee passed up on money to sign with the Spurs this offseason :toast

[lefty20]

Gasol and Lee passed up on money to sign with the Spurs this offseason :toast

And Manu as well :rollin

[TheGreatYacht]

And Manu as well :rollin
Delete this before they see it

[Emperor]

im happy with this signing. he wont be the "difference maker" but look at gs from 2015 finals and gs from 2016 finals; what was the difference?

Injuries on the other team.

[HI-FI]

Not too shabby. Could do much worse.

[spurraider21]

Lee>Diaw

[Spur-Addict]

Can't complain, could've been much worse. Good for offensive continuity and fluidity

[ElNono]

Official David Lee thread imo. ElNono:lol

:lol FkLA

[Hoops Czar]

Spurs loading up on cancers I see. PATFO :lol

[beirmeistr]

for the money, great signing

[beirmeistr]

It's really Ben Affleck researching a role

hilarious

[r0drig0lac]

im happy with this signing. he wont be the "difference maker" but look at gs from 2015 finals and gs from 2016 finals; what was the difference?
Cavs healthy

[SupremeGuy]

Sure, why not?

[Hoops Czar]

Jabari Young ‏@JabariJYoung
Told David Lee's deal with #Spurs is 2-yr roughy $3.2M deal with 2nd year a player option

Spurs handing out player options like their going out of style. Player has a bad year, Spurs are stuck. Player has a good year, Spurs get raped.

[DeRozan m8]

Im down with this and knew something like this would happen, we were lacking bigs.

Anderson was NOT playing PF behind LMA

[313]

im happy with this signing. he wont be the "difference maker" but look at gs from 2015 finals and gs from 2016 finals; what was the difference?
Not David Lee :lol

he got benched iirc. Difference was the health of GS and health of their opponents

[NameLess Scrub]

Injuries on the other team.

And Draymond's suspension...

And Bogut's injury...






And Iguodalas injury...

[itzsoweezee]

Great pick-up!

[HarlemHeat37]

He'll be able to replace West's offensive contributions during the RS, at least..he's primarily a pick&roll finisher, at this point, so him and Manu should be a really solid duo(he's also a very good passer)..defensively, he'll be a huge dropoff compared to the RS version of West..

I was looking forward to watching Anderson at the 4, though..

[SpurPadre]

The only reason I'm cool with getting another old fuck is because this finally means.....no more Bonner! Seriously, though, it isn't a bad move and maybe he can help plan out Dubs games.

[baseline bum]

Not too bad for the minimum. Hopefully with a full training camp he can contribute a lot more than Kevin Martin did last year.

[DPG21920]

He sucks. But, it's the 14th man so it is what it is. If he's relied upon too heavily (like West) it will be a disaster since he's worse than West.

Plus that likely means less Kyle which could be a net loss. We will see - all things considered, talent wise can't do any better than Lee for the money, but I'm not a fan.

Spurs needed another "big" though and they had to sign someone and Lee was likely BPA at this point. Would be nice if he shows that his jumper is not completely washed. If he can finish of PnR, hit some shots on PnP & keep the ball moving he should be ok.

[timtonymanu]

He'll be able to replace West's offensive contributions during the RS, at least..he's primarily a pick&roll finisher, at this point, so him and Manu should be a really solid duo(he's also a very good passer)..defensively, he'll be a huge dropoff compared to the RS version of West..

I was looking forward to watching Anderson at the 4, though..

This. The front office must still not be confident in him enough.

[DPG21920]

Also, him and Dedmon seem like a really bad pairing. Two non-shooting bigs whose best offensive attributes involve rolling to the rim to finish seems like spacing will suck badly.

[TheGreatYacht]

:lol RIP Fathead playing backup 4

Thank God.

[SpurPadre]

The guy is a better rebounder on both ends than West at least.

[timtonymanu]

The only reason I'm cool with getting another old fuck is because this finally means.....no more Bonner! Seriously, though, it isn't a bad move and maybe he can help plan out Dubs games.

Nah, Bonner is not gone until I actually see that he retired. :lol

[DPG21920]

This. The front office must still not be confident in him enough.

I don't think that is necessarily the case - SA needed another big for depth. Teams usually carry 5 bigs and SA had 3.5 with Kyle having to prove he was a big.

SA was always going to sign a big for depth chart purposes, but the talk of SA giving him a role is scary...hopefully he earns it and is not given it.

My hope is that LMA/Pau can handle more minutes that Tim did and it means less of other bigs.

[LittleCriminal]

Lee, Anderson, mills for Westbrook!

[SpurPadre]

Nah, Bonner is not gone until I actually see that he retired. :lol

If that fucker's ghost haunts the team, I'll call The Conjuring couple on his ass...or even them Ghostbuster bitches.

[timtonymanu]

I don't think that is necessarily the case - SA needed another big for depth. Teams usually carry 5 bigs and SA had 3.5 with Kyle having to prove he was a big.

SA was always going to sign a big for depth chart purposes, but the talk of SA giving him a role is scary...hopefully he earns it and is not given it.

My hope is that LMA/Pau can handle more minutes that Tim did and it means less of other bigs.

Yeah I was talking about what sold him to sign with us. The role that he'll play. I'm still hoping and think Anderson will have his shot this year.

[Hoops Czar]

Also, him and Dedmon seem like a really bad pairing. Two non-shooting bigs whose best offensive attributes involve rolling to the rim to finish seems like spacing will suck badly.

Lee is Dedmon insurance. Nothing more, nothing less. The only time these two will ever share a court is when Pop is punting games and even then, it seems unlikely.

[DPG21920]

The two things I do like about Lee though are:

1. While his lateral quickness is terrible, he is still showing to be much more mobile/athletic than West. In a straight line, Lee runs the floor better, is better in the post than West and even has a little dribble/drive game that should be nice.

2. He's aggressive - unlike Boris. Boris is clearly a better player, but Lee when he is actually in the post is looking to score. That is a great asset that the team needs - especially on the bench. Spacing will be an issue if he's with Dedmon because teams will sag, but Lee is very good passer who will make the right pass if scoring is not the best option. Boris wanted to pass when scoring was the right option.

Lee's athleticism is much, much better than West and he actually has some hop left which will result in strong % around the rim.

[DPG21920]

Lee is Dedmon insurance. Nothing more, nothing less. The only time these two will ever share a court is when Pop is punting games and even then, it seems unlikely.

Disagree. Spurs needed depth badly. Pau/LMA aren't super young. 2 other bigs between Dedmon/Lee/Kyle will have to play serious minutes.

[SpurPadre]

Yeah I was talking about what sold him to sign with us. The role that he'll play. I'm still hoping and think Anderson will have his shot this year.

His slow, unathletic ass has to prove himself at camp AND exhibition, tbh.

[Mikeanaro]

I think he is gonna be a good Spur player.

[TheGreatYacht]

Gasol/Dedmon/????
Aldridge/Lee/Jean-Charles
Leonard/Bertans/Fathead
Green/Ginobili/Simmons
Parker/Mills/Murray

[T Park]

Gasol was always going to start, but your point is well taken: He's a terrible fit with Gasol defensively and a below average fit with Dedmon offensively.

Still, despite his weaknesses, with what was left, it was difficult to argue he wasn't the best remaining power forward, but I don't like the fact that he was given a player option.

a player option for the minimum. If he does well he'll opt out, if he doesn't the Spurs waive him and costs them nothing.

[SAGirl]

A lot of funny things in this thread. Don't know what it means for Bonner, but I would take rookie Bryn Forbes over him at this point.
Though with Pops, who knows? I hope they leave that 15th spot open for the best player to show off in training camp.

[T Park]

Not too bad for the minimum. Hopefully with a full training camp he can contribute a lot more than Kevin Martin did last year.

Rasual Butler throwing back pizza rolls contributed more than Martin did.

[DPG21920]

a player option for the minimum. If he does well he'll opt out, if he doesn't the Spurs waive him and costs them nothing.

Ya the player option means nothing for SA here. It could matter with Pau/Dedmon but not for Lee.

[DPG21920]

A lot of funny things in this thread. Don't know what it means for Bonner, but I would take rookie Bryn Forbes over him at this point.
Though with Pops, who knows? I hope they leave that 15th spot open for the best player to show off in training camp.

I suspect they will with Lee signing. Now that the depth chart looks better, they can just go with the BPA after camp.

[Mikeanaro]

David Lee was one of the reasons why Duds rang.

[SPURt]

Gasol/Dedmon/????
Aldridge/Lee/Jean-Charles
Leonard/Bertans/Fathead
Green/Ginobili/Simmons
Parker/Mills/Murray
Duncan gets board?

[T Park]

Spurs handing out player options like their going out of style. Player has a bad year, Spurs are stuck. Player has a good year, Spurs get raped.

stuck with a minimum contract that they can waive like its nothing. OMG.

[SpurPadre]

A lot of funny things in this thread. Don't know what it means for Bonner, but I would take rookie Bryn Forbes over him at this point.
Though with Pops, who knows? I hope they leave that 15th spot open for the best player to show off in training camp.

We could use another player that can stretch the floor so I wouldn't put it past them to stick Bonner there once again.

[tholdren]

newsflash, he is.
hes not.

[T Park]

Ya the player option means nothing for SA here. It could matter with Pau/Dedmon but not for Lee.

Dedmon's is what 3 million? again not worried about that. Gasol could be swung for cap space for a team wanting to blow it up. Doesn't really concern me.

[SpurPadre]

David Lee was one of the reasons why Duds rang.

True but he could give us some insider information that would help a bit, despite their Superteam to end all Superteams status now.

[Kawhitstorm]

DWest is going to give Golden State our secrets and Lee is going to give us theirs


D-Worst is going to give 'em the secret to getting raped on the boards & setting up layup lines.:lol

[SPURt]

It's amazing the Warriors didn't sign him considering they need bigs, he knows the system, and he could've been had for the minimum.

[cjw]

stuck with a minimum contract that they can waive like its nothing. OMG.

Well, if the waive him I imagine his player option next year becomes dead money.

But that's exactly right for this year. Doesn't impact a thing if he sucks and they cut him. I think he's actually a solid fit. Can board much better than West/Diaw.

[SpurPadre]

Who knows, he might get flipped in a trade by the deadline, too, if he and Anderson are playing well.

[TheGreatYacht]

Duncan gets board?
#AllInForMcGeeOrKaman

[tholdren]

Who knows, he might get flipped in a trade by the deadline, too, if he and Anderson are playing well.
There you go

[dabom]

:lol RIP Fathead playing backup 4

Thank God.

:lol

[Kawhitstorm]

The only reason I'm cool with getting another old fuck is because this finally means.....no more Bonner! Seriously, though, it isn't a bad move and maybe he can help plan out Dubs games.

He cucked the Duds last season in his revenge game:

6YC1vgp9H-Y

[DPG21920]

Dedmon's is what 3 million? again not worried about that. Gasol could be swung for cap space for a team wanting to blow it up. Doesn't really concern me.

For Dedmon I was referring to him playing well and SA losing him because he gets a bigger pay day..

[Obi Juan Kenobi]

For Dedmon I was referring to him playing well and SA losing him because he gets a bigger pay day..

Boban all over again... :depressed

[TD 21]

He'll be able to replace West's offensive contributions during the RS, at least..he's primarily a pick&roll finisher, at this point, so him and Manu should be a really solid duo(he's also a very good passer)..defensively, he'll be a huge dropoff compared to the RS version of West..

I was looking forward to watching Anderson at the 4, though..

It depends on how he's primarily utilized. If it's as the backup power forward, Dedmon can only either roll or play in the "dunker" spot. Whichever of the two would be in the latter, with likely Anderson as one of the two spot up guys, teams would easily strangle the life out of the pick-and-roll.

This is why I think he might be more so insurance, for two reasons. 1) Aldridge/Gasol/Ginobili injury/rest games, 2) Dedmon/Anderson not being good enough for regular rotation minutes or Simmons/Bertans not being good enough for fringe rotation minutes.



But, it's the 14th man so it is what it is.

It's the 14th guaranteed player, but it's not the 14th man. They probably hope he doesn't have to be more than 10th-11th, but he has a chance to rise as high as 7th.



a player option for the minimum. If he does well he'll opt out, if he doesn't the Spurs waive him and costs them nothing.

He'll more than likely opt out so long as he doesn't suffer a significant injury. That's why most veterans on minimum deals have a player option: For insurance.

[Hoops Czar]

stuck with a minimum contract that they can waive like its nothing. OMG.

And do what though? Salary cap rises even more next year so it's going to be slim pickings x2. If Lee has a big year, it would be nice to have the assurance that he'd be back. Of course, if he has a bad season, the Spurs can waive him outright. However, the Spurs gave themselves no options with this contract. I wouldn't be shocked to see Pau and Dedmon opt out too giving the Spurs even less wiggle room.

[SpurPadre]

He cucked the Duds last season in his revenge game:

6YC1vgp9H-Y

I remember that. He had a double-double too.

[poeticism707]

758781903449251840

Fuck you David Lee.

You and Gasol times a thousand,

and you still couldn't replace TD.

[TheGreatYacht]

Fuck you David Lee.

You and Gasol times a thousand,

and you still couldn't replace TD.
Both > Manure

[BatManu20]

Better than re-signing Bonner, tbh.

[T Park]

For Dedmon I was referring to him playing well and SA losing him because he gets a bigger pay day..

If he plays that great then you make an effort to re sign him.

[T Park]

And do what though? Salary cap rises even more next year so it's going to be slim pickings x2. If Lee has a big year, it would be nice to have the assurance that he'd be back. Of course, if he has a bad season, the Spurs can waive him outright. However, the Spurs gave themselves no options with this contract. I wouldn't be shocked to see Pau and Dedmon opt out too giving the Spurs even less wiggle room.

I fail to see how a minimum contract gives the team "zero options" its minimum. Also if Dedmon and Gasol have good years theyll want to cash in. Not that hard to see.

[DPG21920]

If he plays that great then you make an effort to re sign him.

Well sure, but that might not be possible like with Boban. If SA has goals for a max type player next year, might be a casualty.

It's what it is and nothing to fret over, but something to watch for as the 2nd year option works both ways and can hurt the Spurs losing people (although, if it's what SA had to do, then so be it).

[Seventyniner]

Boban all over again... :depressed

Different scenario. Dedmon wouldn't have signed for that little without the player option.

[Robz4000]

Better than re-signing Bonner, tbh.

I'd rather have Bonner tbh...

[024]

Spurs really needed a backup PF. I mean, the bench bigs can't get any worse. At least David Lee is a proven NBA player.

[tbdog]

hes not.

Lee is worse of a defender than West. During his prime and now. It is not arguable.

[offset formation]

I like it. Also fucks with the Warriors head. :lol

Yeah. You nailed it.

[tbdog]

We got some size and toughness on our roster, I guess we are gonna play some bully ball. Had no idea we could get Lee for the minimum.
Dude used to average 20 and 10 and be pretty efficient. Even when his average minutes went in half he still averaged 8 and 5. He can definitely help us.

Lee's prime numbers came when he played center for the Knicks. His game revolved around speed. He could take any center off the dribble and get pass them for his nifty close game. He had an okay triple threat mid range as well which made defenders crowed him. Those years are loooong gone. Now he plays PF. Just too small to defend legit centers, not strong enough to keep them at bay, and isn't fast enough to get pass them on the other end. So he must play the 4 most times. It would be another West situation if he plays some 5.

[waisman]

good for minimum player .

[offset formation]

If this means that Bonner is gone, hell yeah ! Welcome Lee

This is the correct answer. Though we lose whatever three point threat that Bonner still represented.

And we need three-point shooters. Last year was proof of that.

[TrainOfThought5]

The two things I do like about Lee though are:

1. While his lateral quickness is terrible, he is still showing to be much more mobile/athletic than West. In a straight line, Lee runs the floor better, is better in the post than West and even has a little dribble/drive game that should be nice.

2. He's aggressive - unlike Boris. Boris is clearly a better player, but Lee when he is actually in the post is looking to score. That is a great asset that the team needs - especially on the bench. Spacing will be an issue if he's with Dedmon because teams will sag, but Lee is very good passer who will make the right pass if scoring is not the best option. Boris wanted to pass when scoring was the right option.

Lee's athleticism is much, much better than West and he actually has some hop left which will result in strong % around the rim.

Are you saying Lee > Diaw is a lie?!

[bic50]

Lee is Dedmon insurance. Nothing more, nothing less. The only time these two will ever share a court is when Pop is punting games and even then, it seems unlikely.

Your takes are garbage. Fook off clown.

[TheGreatYacht]

This is the correct answer. Though we lose whatever three point threat that Bonner still represented.

And we need three-point shooters. Last year was proof of that.
Bertans. 10x the player Bonner ever was

[tbdog]

This signing comes as a great relief to me personally. Considering what was available, the Spurs have done themselves a decent job in the off-season.

to lose a great in TD was always going to be hard. If Durant didn't become a beta pus, the Spurs would be up their as one of the favourites despite TD's decision.

Look at it this way.

We traded Diaw and West for Gasol and Lee. That is a huge upgrade right there.
Added Bertans and loss Boban.
Replaced TD with Dedmond.
Murray is a prospect for now.

On paper we got better. We still don't know about how chemistry will go. Leadership we lost a huge hole in the Spurs hearts though. That will be the real challenge.

[T Park]

Well sure, but that might not be possible like with Boban. If SA has goals for a max type player next year, might be a casualty.

It's what it is and nothing to fret over, but something to watch for as the 2nd year option works both ways and can hurt the Spurs losing people (although, if it's what SA had to do, then so be it).


Theres no MAX players available next offseason that they have a shot at getting. They would be dumb to try.

[loveforthegame]

I like it. :tu

Solid vet off the bench. Sure he has some warts but good deal considering who's left and for the money.

[midnightpulp]

:tu About as good as you're going to get.

[kxs783kms]

Jabari Young ‏@JabariJYoung
Told Gregg Popovich and R.C Buford really sold David Lee on a great role with #Spurs next season. Big reason why he picked SA.

Jabari Young ‏@JabariJYoung
Told David Lee's deal with #Spurs is 2-yr roughy $3.2M deal with 2nd year a player option

So which one of our bigs are they expecting to not pick up their player option, that would allow him to have a greater role next season? Looks like to me, he's not going to surpass any of our current bigs for more pt next season.

[T Park]

to lose a great in TD was always going to be hard. If Durant didn't become a beta pus, the Spurs would be up their as one of the favourites despite TD's decision.

Look at it this way.

We traded Diaw and West for Gasol and Lee. That is a huge upgrade right there.
Added Bertans and loss Boban.
Replaced TD with Dedmond.
Murray is a prospect for now.

On paper we got better. We still don't know about how chemistry will go. Leadership we lost a huge hole in the Spurs hearts though. That will be the real challenge.

added Bertans Murray LJC and got rid of Andre Miller Kevin Martin and Matt Bonner.


The bench got younger, more athletic also better offensively.


However the know it alls think "this offseason has been a disaster"

[TrainOfThought5]

If he plays that great then you make an effort to re sign him.

If he plays THAT great we probably win a 'ship. A hyper-valuable big off the bench is what this team needs to balance out the guards.

[tbdog]

This. The front office must still not be confident in him enough.

Or maybe he is getting traded for Westbrook :D

[waisman]

lastplayer is Forbes or Arcidiacono .

[tonight...you]

lastplayer is Forbes or Arcidiacono .
I really like Forbes. I hope he sticks.

[RD2191]

If it's for the minimum, why not?

(Can't believe this hasn't been posted yet)

[Horse]

Not bad need someone to do the dirty work

[BatManu20]

758793689858584576

[BatManu20]

758790605631729665

[Birn]

Great signing. Not only is he an excellent passer and scorer, he also gets to the free throw line at a high rate.

I'd like to see us get one more wing shooter. Either Forbes or keep an eye on Jarrell Eddie with the Wizards. They may not have room on their roster for him.

[Solid D]

Bertans may have to find a new number if Lee wants 42, FWIW.

[T Park]

lastplayer is Forbes or Arcidiacono .

I predict both go to Austin for the year and they keep the 14th spot open.

[SAGirl]

Yeah I was talking about what sold him to sign with us. The role that he'll play. I'm still hoping and think Anderson will have his shot this year.
I think he still will.
The spacing with Dedmon/Lee is not ideal and with the amount of perimeter lineups in the league right now, for many matches, Kyle will still be the best option, but we were also so thin in bigs that any injury or scheduled rest game to any big would have required playing LJC (who was struggling even in SL) or Bertans (who is ideally a wing). Add to that all the times Pop slides Kyle to other positions to cover for other injured guys like Kawhi and Pop would have needed someone to cover for Kyle in the bench instead. In reality, the fact that he can play so many positions means that whenever Pop needs Kyle for whatever spot, Lee would still play his PF minutes. I imagine they sold him on something like shared PF spot minutes with Kyle/matchup dependent as well as the possibility for more minutes if a big is injured or in foul trouble (Dedmon?). That is still a good role for a vet who is not Thomas Robinson demanding to play 20+ minutes a game.

[Seventyniner]

758793689858584576

So Lee doesn't respect any other organization that made him an offer?

[Arcadian]

So

Starters:
LMA
Pau(Deadman?)

Bench:
Deadman (Pau?)
David Lee

Jheez, seems like we have to start Pau now. Imagine our defense with Pau and David Lee on the floor at the same time :lol

Pau was always going to be a starter. That was never in question.

[Sean Cagney]

Is this the last roster spot? If it is, I'm more excited about bonner being gone...

^^^^^ THIS.

[r0drig0lac]

Gasol/Dedmon/????
Aldridge/Lee/Jean-Charles
Leonard/Bertans/Fathead
Green/Ginobili/Simmons
Parker/Mills/Murray
this
virtually confirms that Bertans will not play as pf, this is good for me

[SAGirl]

He cucked the Duds last season in his revenge game:

6YC1vgp9H-Y
Shows his game. He was playing as the undersized center with Dirk spacing the court out.

[NickiRasgo]

For those saying Lee didn't helped the Warriors last 2015, here's the video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIbD0Cm9pEs&feature=youtu.be

Warriors loses in Game 3 but shows some sign when Kerr decided to let Lee play. I think Lee started in Game 4.

Video shows he's a great screener, actually a decent defender and passer. He helps Warriors continues to play small ball and actually benefited from Lee. Warriors were up 3-1 this 2016 then yeah, choked. If they still have Lee, Warriors could have won. Even the Cavs won, the game was so close and clearly Warriors got outplayed in the paint.

[tbdog]

1 spot remaining.


Gasol/Dedmon/????
Aldridge/Lee/Jean-Charles HAS HE SIGNED?
Leonard/Bertans/Fathead
Green/Ginobili/Simmons
Parker/Mills/Murray

[elemento]

1 spot remaining.


Gasol/Dedmon/????
Aldridge/Lee/Jean-Charles HAS HE SIGNED?
Leonard/Bertans/Fathead
Green/Ginobili/Simmons
Parker/Mills/Murray

Yep

[NickiRasgo]

I liked the signing given with the circumstances, he's decent.
Most of here wants T-Rob but can't blame him if we wants atleast to play 20 minutes.
I don't know why with the hate of T-Rob but he's basically asking a 20 minutes to showcase himself to have a better contract.
He didn't asked for a starter position or something.
It's actually realistic and we know Spurs can't give him that for now.

[cutewizard]

we are stacked..............

[ElNono]

I guess if he's taking Bonner's spot, that's cool... otherwise, don't know what to think of this pickup... I guess it's bottom of the barrel...

[cutewizard]

Rudy Fernandez of Nocioni for the last spot, hahahahaha

or,,,,,the chinese forward

[gospursgojas]

Wish there was room for Forbes, but we pretty much have guard spots full.

[cutewizard]

mamamattttttttttttttooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxQkvPqpSRE

[InRareForm]

I like moreso he shuns the warriors with this

[cutewizard]

Not a bad pick-up for my beloved Spurs, ey.....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfwDEfdInqs

Paul and David head to head match up in this one:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WadRWsn6zlg

now, they are teammates.....we are stacked in the frontline fellas

Point Center Gasol, best player outside the US, at center!!!!

Super power forward Lamarcus, arguably the best four in the game!!!!!

Athletic Dedmon and High bb iq David Lee as back-ups!!!!

Kawhi Leonard, best defender in the solar system at the three!!!!!!!!

and sharpshooter, the Phoebus Apollo of the Spurs as his back-up!!!!!

wwwwwwwwwwwooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE SIXTH IS COMING!!

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

[myhc]

I like this move. We needed more offensive punch off the bench and with too many unknowns, David Lee is a much more reliable scoring option.

Pau/Dedmon
LMA/Lee
Kawhi/kyle
Green/Manu
TP/Patty

I'm good with this group and I'm excited as hell for the season to start. Huge leadership void left by Timmy obvously but we added proven vets and we still have TP and Manu. Let's fucking do this.

[MaNu4Tres]

Good insurance for the price.

Spurs are likely going to go 3 deep in the front-court when it matters ( playoffs, or close games) anyways -- if matchups stay equal and don't go small.

People forget, there's still only 96 minutes in the front-court in a game -- sometimes a lot less with todays NBA when teams go small. This year will be the first year since the 97-99' years where Spurs have two big men able to play 28-30+ minutes per game. The minutes per game may be less in the end if Spurs blow out a lot of teams , but in competitive games, Spurs will play Aldridge 35-38 minutes per game, Pau 28-32, Dedmon 18-22. That leaves only 10-12 mpg for Small ball PF ( Kawhi) or Anderson/Lee.

Its crazy to think that TD played w/ a bunch of small 18-22 mpg role playing bigs next to him for 15 straight years after Robinson hurt his back in 01'. That's why depth was pretty important during those years. This year, the depth in the front-court is nice in case of injury, but if everyone stays healthy, depth won't be needed as much as it has been.

It's going to be very interesting this year to see the Lee/Anderson competition at the back up PF, and the Bertans/Simmons competition for the wing minutes around Manu off the bench. Sure against the JV teams, everyone will get time during blow outs or during roadtrips w/ back to backs or 3 games in 5 nights, but what matters is the rotation come playoff time. Then, there will be little amount of minutes for the Lee, Anderson, Bertans, Simmons cluster. If teams is healthy, at most only two out of that cluster will carve out a type of role in the playoffs.

[cutewizard]

The bench can have many variations:

Experimental tall line-up: (without Manu)

Dedmon at center, Lee and Bertans at forward

Kyle and Simmons at guards!!!!!!

[cjw]

Worried a bit about the shooting from the bench. Hopefully Kyle improves to a mid-30's guy from three, or Simmons can remain a high-30's shooter from deep on a higher number of shots. Or Bertans can break into the rotation.

Lee was a much better rebounder than West last season and had similar usage rate (higher turnovers) and just a slightly lower eFG%. A lot less shots from midrange than West (who shot a very good 48% from 16+ feet two pointers last season) but not a total liability from midrange. Over 40% for his career, though tailed off in recent years. Hopefully he can re-find that touch or be an effective roll guy in the PNR.

[cutewizard]

We are stacked for the regular season right guys??

WE SHOULD GO FOR HOMECOURT, lead the NBA again.....

Not a bad idea, hey? Anyone agrees?

[cutewizard]

Worried a bit about the shooting from the bench. Hopefully Kyle improves to a mid-30's guy from three, or Simmons can remain a high-30's shooter from deep on a higher number of shots. Or Bertans can break into the rotation.

Lee was a much better rebounder than West last season and had similar usage rate (higher turnovers) and just a slightly lower eFG%. A lot less shots from midrange than West (who shot a very good 48% from 16+ feet two pointers last season) but not a total liability from midrange. Over 40% for his career, though tailed off in recent years. Hopefully he can re-find that touch or be an effective roll guy in the PNR.



_------------------------------------------------------

No worries:

Lee

Manu

Mills

Bertans!!!!! (have more confidence in Bertans guys, i think we have a fighter here!)

[cutewizard]

I like this move. We needed more offensive punch off the bench and with too many unknowns, David Lee is a much more reliable scoring option.

Pau/Dedmon
LMA/Lee
Kawhi/kyle
Green/Manu
TP/Patty

I'm good with this group and I'm excited as hell for the season to start. Huge leadership void left by Timmy obvously but we added proven vets and we still have TP and Manu. Let's fucking do this.


--------------------------------------------------------

An optimist like me!

Im on board with you man!!!!!

I actually like our line-up this season MORE than last season, yes!!

[tbdog]

Spurs can't go small. The goal is still a championship, not a, lets get to the Warriors series then just lose mindset. And even if we could steal Westbrook from the Thunder in a lopsided deal like Parker for Westbrook, we still wouldn't match Warriors small ball. So going big, staying big is a must.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

The black hole

[tmtcsc]

Theres no MAX players available next offseason that they have a shot at getting. They would be dumb to try.

Westbrook?

[ElNono]

The only thing I like about him is his hustle. He's a hard worker.

[td4mvp2k]

just a vet sign nothing more... wouldnt of been bad signing him or bonner for that spot tbh

[Chinook]

He's the signing they needed on paper. That should fill the front court. Now the final spot should go to a guard.

[cutewizard]

How much money do we have left gentlemen???

[tbdog]

They never had any money left. It is all min contracts now. Only dread pickings are left anyway.

[JFK]

_------------------------------------------------------

No worries:

Lee

Manu

Mills

Bertans!!!!! (have more confidence in Bertans guys, i think we have a fighter here!)

I agree on Bertrans. I think he will be the surprise player this season.

[ernest787]

I really don't think the Spurs will be going small very often. I know the thing fell apart in the playoffs, but the Spurs plan all last year was to play bully ball with the Warriors. Duncan showed he wasn't capable of it anymore though. Diaw was going to see a lot of time during the Warriors and likely a heavy dose of D West.

This year I like Gasol/LMA/Dedmon/Lee much better for that same strategy. It's not a perfect line up but it does seem to be a better front court that they had last year. Especially when they want to match up with a team like the Warriors. Easier to Gasol/Lee or LMA/Lee for stretches. I like that much better than the Diaw/West.

[cutewizard]

I agree on Bertrans. I think he will be the surprise player this season.


------------------------------------------

YES!!

[cutewizard]

They never had any money left. It is all min contracts now. Only dread pickings are left anyway.


-------------------------------------------------------

Ok...at least we have a fighting roster....for some reason, I feel we have something here, I dont know what it is....basta we have something in this line-up.....FIRE?

[cutewizard]

DESIRE? Bertans?

YOUTH? Murray?

SAVVY? Gasol?

DETERMINATION? Dedmon?

[Mr. Body]

David Lee, a Florida guy, replacing Matt Bonner, a Florida guy? This means something.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJYN-eG1zk

[apalisoc_9]

I wonder what my nigga FKLA thinks about this.

[Spurtacular]

This is a great signing.

Lee>West

[phxspurfan]

Championship

[SAGirl]

David Lee, a Florida guy, replacing Matt Bonner, a Florida guy? This means something.
And white too. :lol
Lee doesn't space the court at all though, very different player.

[Strategic]

Another vet with a fair chance to reprove himself. May need to have tape on these guys foreheads with their names written on it.

[DeRozan m8]

And white too. :lol
Lee doesn't space the court at all though, very different player.


Yeah but at least Lee's not a f*ckin c*nt

[Sean Cagney]

for the money, great signing

I don't see how anyone could argue otherwise....

[offset formation]

Bertans. 10x the player Bonner ever was

I hope you're right. We'll see.

[sexinthatsx]

Just gonna leave this here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxTQa5dALtU

[Nathan89]

Fathead's minutes just dropped.

[callo1]

Like this signing.

Lee is a hard worker and a team player. Pop will get more him than any other coach has.

I like players that have a grudge and something to prove.

The Spurs are shaping up to be a real threat.

[Hoops Czar]

Fathead's minutes just dropped.

That's what you think.

[Russo21]

Great signing. LMA, Gasol, Dedmon, Lee is a solid big man rotation. It is not without some flaws and weaknesses but it's pretty damn good. Is there a 5th big?

Departing Duncan/Diaw/West/Boban/Bonner? <<<< Additions Gasol/Dedmon/Lee

Big turnover for the font court this year! Assuming Bonner is gone, thank goodness, is LMA the only big on the roster left over or am I missing someone.

[Hoops Czar]

Yeah but at least Lee's not a f*ckin c*nt

That f*ckin c*nt sat on the bench all season and didn't play. Bonner wasn't the one who gifted himself an NBA career.

[Chillen]

Just gonna leave this here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxTQa5dALtU

To be fair RJ was being a douche.

[spurs10]

Great signing. LMA, Gasol, Dedmon, Lee is a solid big man rotation. It is not without some flaws and weaknesses but it's pretty damn good. Is there a 5th big?

Departing Duncan/Diaw/West/Boban/Bonner? <<<< Additions Gasol/Dedmon/Lee

Big turnover for the font court this year! Assuming Bonner is gone, thank goodness, is LMA the only big on the roster left over or am I missing someone. I guess you could call LJC the 5th big. Also there is a 15th slot Bonner could and might fill.

[Chillen]

Just found out about this, great signing. Spurs frontcourt is solid, they still need to look into acquiring Rubio.

[spurs10]

-------------------------------------------------------

Ok...at least we have a fighting roster....for some reason, I feel we have something here, I dont know what it is....basta we have something in this line-up.....FIRE? Yep! I think you have an interesting mix of fiery youth and some veteran smarts.
:ihit

[SAGirl]

Great signing. LMA, Gasol, Dedmon, Lee is a solid big man rotation. It is not without some flaws and weaknesses but it's pretty damn good. Is there a 5th big?

Departing Duncan/Diaw/West/Boban/Bonner? <<<< Additions Gasol/Dedmon/Lee

Big turnover for the font court this year! Assuming Bonner is gone, thank goodness, is LMA the only big on the roster left over or am I missing someone.
Anderson will probably play minutes as a 4 anyways IMO (and Pop may dabble with Bertans too) bc he was already playing the 4 outside of garbage time last season and played about 30% of his time there in what was already a deep big rotation (maybe deeper than the one this season, per basketball reference http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/anderky01.html)

I think Lee is insurance here. If you saw in all those other videos above he needs others to space the court for him and he doesn't fit with Dedmon who has a similar PnR (though more athletic and better) game and he's not the better defender from Dedmon or Kyle, so he's got an uphill battle IMO.

Still, Pau will get rested, there will be injuries, Pop may slide Kyle to other spots (if Kawhi is injured Kyle has started games for him), and things can change (like Simmons can actually not cut it as a bench 3, and they need to slide Kyle back to backup SF, though I hope Bertans breaks out this season, but one can never take these things for granted, and Bertans has had a complicated injury history too). So in my book, Lee actually provides depth for a lot of contingencies. Also worth noting, that Lee hasn't been that healthy the past couple of seasons either.

[gambit1990]

Just gonna leave this here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxTQa5dALtU

at the 29 second mark lee pulls rj closer to him... and then if you put the video's speed at .25 it almost looks like he nibbled rj's earlobe because you see it move... and then that's when rj gets mad.

[gambit1990]

lee says something before opening his mouth again, leans into rj, and then closes his mouth on his earlobe?

[Chinook]

According to Bertans, the Spurs told him he'd be playing the four exclusively (though that could just be something that got muddled in the translation). So if you combine that with Anderson playing almost exclusively at PF in the SL, I think Lee is more the third center than he is the full-blown second PF. As I said earlier, this was the type of guy I think the team needed to sign to shore up their front court, which I still expect to go small quite often. Now, they still need depth on the perimeter, and someone like Forbes or Arcidiacono being able to shoot from outside helps address that need as well.

[spurtech09]

Stacked!!!!!!!!:)

[Ditty]

Lee is one of my least favorite players in the league, but I rather have him at this point than Thomas Robinson :lol

I didn't even think of him as an option, but I have to admit he was pretty good with Dallas and helped them make that push to the playoffs.

Spurs love guys who can post, so I can see the interest.

Another player passing on the Warriors to try to beat them. I don't think he was to happy being traded in the first place.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Lee is one of the more talented players that were FAs but I don't like the fit at all. He'll be getting minutes over KA and Bertans and you know Pop is going to overplay him when he shouldn't. He also can't play with Dedmon because their best skills overlap and Pau because he'd be pushing him away from the basket. Meh.

If they try to play Bertans at the 3 it'll be a huge disservice to him. Dude's a PF and will get destroyed as a 3.

[szkorhetz]

We are stacked. It looks like this year's team will be better than last year's. Unfortunate that Durant happened. :D

[SAGirl]

According to Bertans, the Spurs told him he'd be playing the four exclusively (though that could just be something that got muddled in the translation). So if you combine that with Anderson playing almost exclusively at PF in the SL, I think Lee is more the third center than he is the full-blown second PF. As I said earlier, this was the type of guy I think the team needed to sign to shore up their front court, which I still expect to go small quite often. Now, they still need depth on the perimeter, and someone like Forbes or Arcidiacono being able to shoot from outside helps address that need as well.

I see Lee same as you. Really doesn't fit in with Dedmon as a permanent bench PF. He was really playing an undersized center role for Mavs and that is how he put up his good scoring numbers.

[SAGirl]

Lee is one of the more talented players that were FAs but I don't like the fit at all. He'll be getting minutes over KA and Bertans and you know Pop is going to overplay him when he shouldn't. He also can't play with Dedmon because their best skills overlap and Pau because he'd be pushing him away from the basket. Meh.

If they try to play Bertans at the 3 it'll be a huge disservice to him. Dude's a PF and will get destroyed as a 3.
See Chinook (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=37557)s point. I think he will push them in practice, which should only help them get better, but I don't think he's a seamless fit with Dedmon as center same as you.

[Kawhitstorm]

Lee is one of the more talented players that were FAs but I don't like the fit at all. He'll be getting minutes over KA and Bertans and you know Pop is going to overplay him when he shouldn't.

Lee is going to be the new Boban & will be destroying 3rd stringers.:lol

[Mal]

And white too. :lol
Lee doesn't space the court at all though, very different player.

But Chip can coach him stretch the floor

[DeRozan m8]

Jefferson actually looks like the penis that he is

[Kawhitstorm]

Y'all remember when he busted Diaw's ass::lol

8FiVVRVWJfo

[dbestpro]

Quite a few complaints about Lee's defense, but it is easy to say the weakest part of the Spurs was Diaw and West playing on the floor together. Opposing centers were feasting. Dedmon and Lee will provide better post defense than West and Diaw.

[NickiRasgo]

Y'all remember when he busted Diaw's ass::lol

8FiVVRVWJfo

Those 'ol good days.
Spurs "Big Three" not playing in the road but still, the score is close.

[Blackjack]

Y'all remember when he busted Diaw's ass::lol

8FiVVRVWJfo

Yup. And his team still lost. :lol

[Raven]

that has to be the worst signing in spurs history. holy christ, two years..

[Chinook]

that has to be the worst signing in spurs history. holy christ, two years..

Kevin Martin

[Raven]

Kevin Martin

kevin martin is a lot better

[ceperez]

for a backup earning the vet min.... a good signing. He's a wide body that give a good pick and is pretty good at rolling to the basket.

I'm content.

[Chinook]

kevin martin is a lot better

No, he really, really isn't.

[DeRozan m8]

Kevin Martin is complete and utter garbage

[bklynspursfan]

If Pop and RC sold Lee on a "great role" I doubt this is just an insurance signing.

I don't know enough about Dedmon's game to know how Lee fits with him, but I'm sure he'll get a good amt of minutes. Another pick and pop option, not on the LMA level, but another threat

[Drom John]

538 Carmelo for David Lee (http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/carmelo/david-lee/)
Wins Above Replacement Projection
Category: ROTATION PLAYER
5-yr market value: $9.5m

10 most comparable players
1. Anderson Verajao 2016
Other similar former Spurs in non-Spurs years, Rasho Nesterovic, Nazr Mohammed, Antonio McDyess and Frank Brickowski

2017 Value $4.4M
936 MP

[Bearcaught]

Absolutely detest his game and not a fan of signing White American basketball players in 2016(no racist, but 100)

so you wouldn't be a fan of signing jj redick?? seems like a sweeping generalization

[lefty]

Better PG than Porker ......

[I. Hustle]

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQUBYF_SrMQ1FPKohz-mMdHXYt2K6pnfCnEi8rVZ4jDLQxcWn9wdw

[I. Hustle]

that has to be the worst signing in spurs history. holy christ, two years..

@ 3.2 mill


https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQOfUu2lQLUwtHR3TOhA-iiuCc4DI31VQl4i8loZUjqmasRIqTg4w

[21209]

im happy with this signing. he wont be the "difference maker" but look at gs from 2015 finals and gs from 2016 finals; what was the difference?

No Andrew Bogut in games 6 or 7 for the Warriors.

[TimDunkem]

Raven is a fucking idiot.

[SAGirl]

Those 'ol good days.
Spurs "Big Three" not playing in the road but still, the score is close.
We had games like that this season too... won them too (not kept them close)... but there was Boban. :depressed

[SAGirl]

538 Carmelo for David Lee (http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/carmelo/david-lee/)
Wins Above Replacement Projection
Category: ROTATION PLAYER
5-yr market value: $9.5m

10 most comparable players
1. Anderson Verajao 2016
Other similar former Spurs in non-Spurs years, Rasho Nesterovic, Nazr Mohammed, Antonio McDyess and Frank Brickowski

2017 Value $4.4M
936 MP
Note all these guys are centers, just FYI.

[SAGirl]

If Pop and RC sold Lee on a "great role" I doubt this is just an insurance signing.

I don't know enough about Dedmon's game to know how Lee fits with him, but I'm sure he'll get a good amt of minutes. Another pick and pop option, not on the LMA level, but another threat
He doesn't Pop. He's a roller and so is Dedmon. He's an undersized center.

[Spur|n|Austin]

kevin martin is a lot better

a lot? come on...

[Leetonidas]

If you're whining about the spurs signing a backup big on a min deal you are retarded tbh. solid addition. spurs needed some scoring from the bigs on the bench. Of the available options he's not a terrible one imo

[BillMc]

According to Bertans, the Spurs told him he'd be playing the four exclusively (though that could just be something that got muddled in the translation). So if you combine that with Anderson playing almost exclusively at PF in the SL, I think Lee is more the third center than he is the full-blown second PF. As I said earlier, this was the type of guy I think the team needed to sign to shore up their front court, which I still expect to go small quite often. Now, they still need depth on the perimeter, and someone like Forbes or Arcidiacono being able to shoot from outside helps address that need as well.

If that's true and Lee was really promised a big role by RC and Pop. Then is our most likely bench line up Mills, Manu, KA or Simmons, Bertans, Lee? Does Dedmon get sent to the deep bench? Or does Lee play the 4 and its Bertans or Kyle who is pushed to garbage time, DNPs?

[DAF86]

So we switched Boris for Diaw? :lol

[Dverde]

I noticed none of the highlights have him in a celtics or mavs uniform. It's an okay signing. Surprise of the offseason for the Spurs.

[SAGirl]

If that's true and Lee was really promised a big role by RC and Pop. Then is our most likely bench line up Mills, Manu, KA or Simmons, Bertans, Lee? Does Dedmon get sent to the deep bench? Or does Lee play the 4 and its Bertans or Kyle who is pushed to garbage time, DNPs?
It was described as a "great role" not a big role. There is a difference because a "great role" lends itself to subjective interpretation. I shudder to think of Bertans/Lee frontcourt. If we were thinking last season's turd towers were bad those two together are likely to be worse.

Bertans has stated that he's been told he will be a 4. http://www.tvnet.lv/sports/basketbols/618173-davis_bertans_skali_par_nba_nerunaju_un_negribeju_ runat There are some translations in the comments section of http://www.poundingtherock.com/2016/7/28/12318878/spurs-sign-david-lee-free-agency-contract#comments. This is what he said:


I don’t speak loudly about NBA and didn’t want to. But I was pretty certain. Basically we had an arrangement that the next step this summer will be SanAntonio. I just don’t like to speak about things like that until it’s 100 percent with the signatures on.
In SanAntonio i will play at power forward position. For now that’s all I’ve been told. I know that defense and rebounds will be priority. Offense will come by itself. I’ve played for coaches who wanted me to play just at SF spot. For example Bagatskis (NT coach) wanted me to play at PF position. I’ve played both forward spots and don’t have problem to adjust.

Basically, I still see Lee as a depth signing. He's a great signing in context. We needed a veteran because our collective bench forwards are too unproven at this point, but they will get their chances, and there wasn't anybody else behind Dedmon in reality. Bertans still needs to earn his playing time on the defensive end... shooting is great and all but if he's not doing what coaches are asking on defense he will get benched on occasion, Pop style. I know Dedmon less, but he's not that experienced either, and although he's older than Bertans and Kyle, he might need even more coaching bc he started playing late in his life. So its a young frontcourt in the bench. Lee is likely to be the 11th man in the roster if others play well, but he needs to be ready to play more if others don't step up, there are injuries, rest, Dedmon is in foul trouble, etc. That can be a great role for a veteran viewed in context, and Pop always finds his veterans playing time. My $0.02 I kind of see him like Rasual Butler. If you remember Rasual had to step in late in the season when Simmons' mistakes got him benched. (then he got cut for Kevin Martin but that had nothing to do with Simmons and more with the shooting slumps of others in the team, and Rasual wasn't shooting well himself either).

[ViceCity86]

We signed the lead singer from Oingo Boingo. Woot!

[sasaint]

kevin martin is a lot better

Are you confusing Kevin Martin as a player with Kevin Martin's contract? IMHO, neither Lee nor Martin is a player the Spurs should have signed, however, Lee's 2-year deal makes him a worse signing.

[sasaint]

If that's true and Lee was really promised a big role by RC and Pop. Then is our most likely bench line up Mills, Manu, KA or Simmons, Bertans, Lee? Does Dedmon get sent to the deep bench? Or does Lee play the 4 and its Bertans or Kyle who is pushed to garbage time, DNPs?

Imo Dedmon must come through for the Spurs next season for us to be serious contenders. I believe he is the true X-factor. Consequently, I would rather have kept Bonner than signed Lee. Bonner would work much better WITH Dedmon.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Are you confusing Kevin Martin as a player with Kevin Martin's contract? IMHO, neither Lee nor Martin is a player the Spurs should have signed, however, Lee's 2-year deal makes him a worse signing.

Many here have mentioned the "2-year deal" when trying to degrade the signing, but it is a veteran minimum deal so the length of the deal is negligible and has virtually no impact on any other transaction that the Spurs will make (especially in the second year of the deal).

When comparing the deal to Kevin Martin's, I believe that you not only have to look at the money and length of the deal - but the expectations as well. Martin was signed to inject instant offense with our second unit and Lee is the 14th or 15th player on our roster with little to no expectations.

[Chinook]

I don't know why people are trying to push this idea that minimum contracts don't affect the cap, but it's coming from a place of ignorance. They do affect the cap, and for a guy like Lee, they affect if more than normal. Lee has the ninth-highest salary on the team, and if he is horrible or gets hurt of whatever, he'll likely have the 10th- or 11th-highest next year. For a team considering using cap space, it's a big deal. It's a REALLY big deal. Between that and Tim, the Spurs have $3 Million in cap space committed next summer to guys who might give the Spurs nothing (might not even be on the team depending on how things go). That's enough to fit in Anderson, Bertans, Simmons AND whichever UDFA makes the team -- combined.

[sasaint]

Many here have mentioned the "2-year deal" when trying to degrade the signing, but it is a veteran minimum deal so the length of the deal is negligible and has virtually no impact on any other transaction that the Spurs will make (especially in the second year of the deal).

When comparing the deal to Kevin Martin's, I believe that you not only have to look at the money and length of the deal - but the expectations as well. Martin was signed to inject instant offense with our second unit and Lee is the 14th or 15th player on our roster with little to no expectations.

I am not certain that Lee or Pop expects him to be a 14th or 15th man. If so, frankly, I would prefer Bonner.

[Mr. Body]

I don't think this is a depth signing, at least an end-of-the-bench signing. I think Lee will get decent playing time.

[Chinook]

I don't think this is a depth signing, at least an end-of-the-bench signing. I think Lee will get decent playing time.

Yeah, while I don't believe Pop straight-up committed to give Lee guaranteed playing time, I think he's the favorite for the 10th spot now. Someone like Simmons or Bertans would have to really out play him. That said, I think he could easily end up just being at center as much as he is at PF. It's just not his game, anymore, and with Anderson and Dedmon as the other front-court players, that just isn't tenable.

[Keepin' it real]

Nice signing by the Spurs.