Give up the trading Aldridge talk tbh...

[raybies]

It really isn't fair if you think about it. Envision the Cavs without Lebron going against the Warriors and they'd get swept too. Kyrie and Love would struggle too against their defense. No way they'd consistently break down the defense and they are more stacked then the Spurs lol.

People always go back to his Portland days. They got smashed and dismantled in the second round by the Spurs. Aldridge had never been outside the second round until he played with the Spurs. He's good in his role as second or third option. He needs a PG that can get to the rim for the pick and pop and he needs a few shots throughout the game. I think this last game was great for him tbh and will only help. He did show some aggression.

I'm not trying to settle but it's not worth it to blow it up when you are this close from a financial standpoint and talent standpoint. He's not a number one guy tbh. Put him in the class as Love really. Look at Love's stats in the finals and he's a max guy too. Aldridge and Love have their uses but they are not number one guys. I don't know where these expectations come from. Aldridge showed in the Houston series what he can do to about 95% of the league as the number one but the Warriors are a doubled edged sword. Heck Aldridge might of had a big series against the Cavs if we got there. They are mediocre at best on D.

All I'm saying is we expect too much from him. He's not a superstar and has never been. Lucky for us we have one and he's just injured. Pippen couldn't do it without Jordan tbh. Good regular season but playoffs exposed.

[TheGreatYacht]

Me and knowledgeable posters like midnightpulp and others have been calling his struggles without HOTS for ages. Going from a floor general like TP, to a 4 down game manager like Pity Mills is a huge drop off.

Stats back this....

844169442984714245

[dabom]

Dude keeps getting injured teammates. Dude has been dealt a bad hand 2 years in a row. Hope he learns some post moves though.

[UZER]

Give up like Aldridge does on the court?

[SAGirl]

Good post.
The most frustrating thing for me is him being unable to make good reads and passes out of double teams and due to that TO or settle for bad shots. That just means he's a finisher and not someone Spurs should be running an offense through.

[raybies]

Word I think we are in like a Clippers situation with him. We got to see what we can do with a healthy team. Last year was unfortunate with those calls in OKC and this year's Parker and Kawhi injury, both of whom really impact his game...

[raybies]

Give up like Aldridge does on the court?
He in no way pulled a Harden on us. Without Parker and Leonard it's just a bad matchup for him. Draymond is a better defender than Splitter is and look what Splitter did to him.

[SAGirl]

Word I think we are in like a Clippers situation with him. We got to see what we can do with a healthy team. Last year was unfortunate with those calls in OKC and this year's Parker and Kawhi injury, both of whom really impact his game...
That's true about Kawhi and Tony...

[raybies]

Good post.
The most frustrating thing for me is him being unable to make good reads and passes out of double teams and due to that TO or settle for bad shots. That just means he's a finisher and not someone Spurs should be running an offense through.
I can not stress how frustrating that was. I kept telling my friend that, real talk. He makes the basic pass which allows them to set back up which really doesnt do anything for us. Maybe if he reposted with better position but usually they just swing the ball to the weakside. I'd like to see more Pick and rolls with him

[UZER]

He in no way pulled a Harden on us. Without Parker and Leonard it's just a bad matchup for him. Draymond is a better defender than Splitter is and look what Splitter did to him.

What about the little guards that keep him out of the paint and make him shoot 18ft fadeaways? What about the guards that out rebound him?

He's the highest paid player on the team signed as a max free agent. 17 & 8 from him is not good enough from him. We expect more. More importantly, Pop expects more.

[raybies]

What about the little guards that keep him out of the paint and make him shoot 18ft fadeaways? What about the guards that out rebound him?

He's the highest paid player on the team signed as a max free agent. 17 & 8 from him is not good enough from him. We expect more. More importantly, Pop expects more.

I guess that's the popular narrative but its really not fair tbh. An ostrich is an ostrich. It can't fly but it can run fast. You play with what you got. Kawhi can fly man. He's a superstar. But that's just not who he is and the match up is tough for him. Durant, Draymond, Thompson, Barnes are all really good defenders.

Consider this he's a shooter and a rhythm shooter or volume shooter at that. If your in his position and your not getting good looks it's gonna be hard to score. He's going up against draymond who is probably gonna be Defensive player of the year. That's a tough matchup.

Look at what Love produced in last years finals against this same dubs team. He's a max player. Superstars are like multi dimensional man. They can score no matter what. That's not Aldridge. He needs favorable matchups.

I hear your argument and im not gonna disagree with you on the aspect of work and effort but he is much improved from Portland and we all know that. Go back to the rhythm player thing. If he's knocking, he's just more engaged offensively and defensively. Alot of bigs are like that.

But go back to game 1 and he was fine. He was in his role and he was excelling. Fast forward to today without his man and he's out of position. If your a shooting guard with no handles and the team asks you to bring the ball up and play point your gonna struggle if they pressure you. It's not easy playing out of position or role man. Anyone who plays ball knows that. That's why the older you get you know where your spots are. His spots are different now in the sense of time and space tbh.. think about it.

[weebo]

I guess that's the popular narrative but its really not fair tbh. An ostrich is an ostrich. It can't fly but it can run fast. You play with what you got. Kawhi can fly man. He's a superstar. But that's just not who he is and the match up is tough for him. Durant, Draymond, Thompson, Barnes are all really good defenders.

Consider this he's a shooter and a rhythm shooter or volume shooter at that. If your in his position and your not getting good looks it's gonna be hard to score. He's going up against draymond who is probably gonna be Defensive player of the year. That's a tough matchup.

Look at what Love produced in last years finals against this same dubs team. He's a max player. Superstars are like multi dimensional man. They can score no matter what. That's not Aldridge. He needs favorable matchups.

I hear your argument and im not gonna disagree with you on the aspect of work and effort but he is much improved from Portland and we all know that. Go back to the rhythm player thing. If he's knocking, he's just more engaged offensively and defensively. Alot of bigs are like that.

But go back to game 1 and he was fine. He was in his role and he was excelling. Fast forward to today without his man and he's out of position. If your a shooting guard with no handles and the team asks you to bring the ball up and play point your gonna struggle if they pressure you. It's not easy playing out of position or role man. Anyone who plays ball knows that. That's why the older you get you know where your spots are. His spots are different now in the sense of time and space tbh.. think about it.

Being doubled team and having a hard time scoring is one thing...missing put backs, taking ill advised fade away jump shots, getting out rebounded by smaller men, fumbling rebounds, being careless with the ball, getting beat off the dribble by dumbshit Mcgee, etc...come on

[raybies]

everything you just said is result of pressure bro. No kawh and parker = more pressure. the only thing i really can't defend is getting outrebounded but even then he is not a great rebounder.

[raybies]

It all comes down to just knowing what you got. He's not Tim. He never will be and there will never be another like Tim but we got to move on. Here's my psycho analysis. Tim set the bar pretty high. He was the greatest power forward to ever play and had little weakness. Every big nowadays has some glaring flaw. Bigs just aren't what they use to be.

[weebo]

It all comes down to just knowing what you got. He's not Tim. He never will be and there will be another like him but we got to move on. Here's my psycho analysis. Tim set the bar pretty high. He was the greatest power forward to ever play and had little weakness. Every big nowadays has some glaring flaw. Bigs just aren't what they use to be.

No one is talking about him being the nextTim Duncan. All people are asking for is for him to play his worth. He's an all-star....show up and play like one because you're teammates are looking at him to lead the way.

[spursistan]

My prediction is either him or Pau won't be on the team by next season training camp..

LMA will be shopped first (mainly in a package involving Phoenix assets) but he won't be moved for peanuts, and then they will turn their sights to Pau and eventually salary-dump him on the Wolves or Nets..

[Spurtacular]

Me and knowledgeable posters like midnightpulp (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=5430) and others have been calling his struggles without HOTS for ages. Going from a floor general like TP, to a 4 down game manager like Pity Mills is a huge drop off.

Stats back this....

844169442984714245

"Knowledgeable"

You're the same asshole who compared Kawhi to Shaun Marion for years.

[Spurtacular]

My prediction is either him or Pau won't be on the team by next season training camp..

LMA will be shopped first (mainly in a package involving Phoenix assets) but he won't be moved for peanuts, and then they will turn their sights to Pau and eventually salary-dump him on the Wolves or Nets..

Pau or LMA won't be traded except for a supreme value. Neither are in Pop's doghouse.

[raybies]

No one is talking about him being the nextTim Duncan. All people are asking for is for him to play his worth. He's an all-star....show up and play like one because you're teammates are looking at him to lead the way.
And thats what I have been saying by comparing him to Love, saying that's not who he is, and saying its not fair. Love won a title last year not playing long stretches in the fourth. He is a max player too. He averaged like 8 points and 6 rebounds in the series with Lebron against these same dubs. He played about 11 minutes game 7. My point is that he has his uses. Flawed players get paid man. Just the way it is. He is not on a bad contract considering some others in this league. Sure you want more but realistically it's not bad. Dwight is making what 22 million a year and he's like unplayable in this game nowadays. Aldridge has a good skill set for this modern NBA. Not perfect but still.

[unleashbaynes]

This offense isn't designed for LMA as the first option. He's spent 2 years getting acclimated to his role and was playing it well. Injuries fuck everything up, tbh.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

He's not going anywhere. Pau, on the other hand....

[Big Empty]

this team we have right now is a top 3 team in the NBA. We need a decent guard and a decent 4 that can defend and shoot this offseason. They dont need to be super stars but we need a guard that can get to the rim and hit 3's and a stretch 4 that we could use for small or big ball. We have these peices in development with Bertans and Simmons but noone really knows how high that ceiling could go or not.

[LkrFan]

"Knowledgeable"

You're the same asshole who compared Kawhi to Shaun Marion for years.

Wut? :lol

[glen907]

excuses being made for LA...he's mentally weak, a front runner and can't be counted on when adversity hits...Jonathan Simmons has scored more than LA these last 2 games with the offense being called for LA, a disappointment is what he is. Love was never brought to the cavs to be the 2nd guy he was brought in as the #3 so your comparison is off, the only comparison is that they're both jump shooting bigs with no post game. The spurs need to move on from him if they can dude just lacks heart. Guys like patty and danny can be excused for having to do much more then they are capable of and playing outside their roles, LA can't even establish position in the paint against guards and not just the warriors guards either, i was screaming at this dude in the houston series for doing the same shit against a lesser defensive team, he finally started playing like a big in game six of that series and the first half of game 1 only to revert back to playing soft once his expectations was raised with kawhi going out. Bottom line is if LA don't want to be physical out there and plays scared in big moments then he deserves every bit of criticism coming his way and it's not only spurs fans calling him out either...dude is not playing to his talent level out there and his confidence appears to be gone

[MaNu4Tres]

Disagree w/ OP.

I can deal with him not being a number 1 option. That's fine.

What I can't deal with is how his skillset is inefficient and outdated. Not only that, but he has no counter moves at all. None. He used to have counters in Portland, but he was a lazy ass the past two summers and it finally caught up to him. Now he has a fraction of the confidence he once had 2-4 years ago. That's another reason I dislike him. He showed no heart and didn't have the mindset of a champion by the work he didn't put in two offseasons. We saw him regress before our eyes, he didn't sustain or develop from the player he was in Portland at 30 years young.

And you get fans who claim Spurs just need to get him going and go to him more. To get him going, he needs volume. He's not a player you want to force volume towards. If you do, you will lose the battle.

I cringe when fans on twitter or on here say the Spurs need to go through him more and get him going. He needs touches on the block okay... that's a 43% two point option. While being inefficient at 43%, he can't create looks for others, can't pass, cant dribble. Why force feed THIS?!

If he's not a go-to player, if he's not a player you can go to with volume, if he doesn't make others better when he has the ball, if he doesn't work hard in the summers. And if he gets paid the most on the team, I don't want him on the team. It's as simple as that.

Yes he got 17 and 7 this year, yay. The only games he got going was when others set him up for point blank looks or wide open 12 footers, or if he got garbage put backs from the rare contested rebounds he'd pull down. He was the worst big on the team when it came to contested rebound %. So yes, he got 17 and 7, but a lot of those rebounds were uncontested and a lot of those points weren't manufactured by himself. Empty calorie player, who has had zero work ethic in the offseason.

I hope the Spurs are ready to move on, don't want to see him in a Spurs jersey again. They'll be better off without him and giving his touches to Kawhi, Simmons and Murray.

[cd98]

I wish LMA played better, but bigs like him have bottomed out in this league. I mean, name a low post player in the game now who could handle GSW D. None. And we all wish Duncan were here, but part of why Duncan was great at 40, is that he had a smart big mans game that no one else in his position had. For that reason, he could be effective against other bigs and various defensive schemes thrown at him. The bigs of today shoot jumpers or are limited to dunks and defense. Guards and small forwards are the true difference makers now.

[Horse]

Ok can we just release him

[TD 21]

My prediction is either him or Pau won't be on the team by next season training camp..

LMA will be shopped first (mainly in a package involving Phoenix assets) but he won't be moved for peanuts, and then they will turn their sights to Pau and eventually salary-dump him on the Wolves or Nets..

Aldridge probably only gets traded if he tells them he wants out. Presuming he's kept, his utilization needs to change. I don't know why they insist on pretending he masquerade as prime Duncan. He needs to lose about 15 pounds, only post up when he has a distinct advantage and turn more of his mid rangers into three's. To be fair, it'd be nice to have a returning guard not named Parker who can execute a basic pick-and-pop.

Gasol they'd probably like to trade ideally, but unless it's part of a larger plan that would entail also salary dumping Parker to chase a Paul or Lowry, they'd likely be doing so just for the sake of it since probably wouldn't be able to carve out meaningful cap space. They'd likely be better served operating above the cap, which would allow them to utilize the MLE.

I brought up the Timberwolves a few weeks back and believe they'd be by far the most likely destination. They had interest last off season and unlike the others who did (Trail Blazers, Raptors), nothing's really changed: they still have cap space (could absorb his salary without sending any back), somewhat of a positional need and they're known to covet credible veterans.

[DMC]

Whatever his faults and weaknesses are, bitch about it when the team is at full strength. Doing so now reeks of needing a scapegoat. If Aldridge stinks it up with a full strength team, you'll have a point. There's only one Tim Duncan.

I wonder if Serge is thinking of bolting.

[bic50]

Not ready to give up :lma

[Down Under]

I really thought LMA would turn into more of a stretch 5 when he came here offensively and start shooting heaps of 3's. He's been a good defender all year, but has struggled with some leg problem in the playoffs. It's still hard to get rid of a big who can shoot, defend & when he feels like it, post smaller guys. That's why he's an elite role player now, not a star who you can't depend on his offense. When I compare his contract to ones like Kanter, Bazemore, Parsons, Crabbe, Noah, Evan Turner, Ryan Anderson & Oladipo who all get similar money, I still think his contracted is overpriced but not as bad as those just mentioned. Not to mention 32 year olds, Millsap, CP3 & Lowry are all about to get $35 million/year.

[Mikeanaro]

Damage control thread?

[raybies]

Aldridge probably only gets traded if he tells them he wants out. Presuming he's kept, his utilization needs to change. I don't know why they insist on pretending he masquerade as prime Duncan. He needs to lose about 15 pounds, only post up when he has a distinct advantage and turn more of his mid rangers into three's. To be fair, it'd be nice to have a returning guard not named Parker who can execute a basic pick-and-pop.

Gasol they'd probably like to trade ideally, but unless it's part of a larger plan that would entail also salary dumping Parker to chase a Paul or Lowry, they'd likely be doing so just for the sake of it since probably wouldn't be able to carve out meaningful cap space. They'd likely be better served operating above the cap, which would allow them to utilize the MLE.

I brought up the Timberwolves a few weeks back and believe they'd be by far the most likely destination. They had interest last off season and unlike the others who did (Trail Blazers, Raptors), nothing's really changed: they still have cap space (could absorb his salary without sending any back), somewhat of a positional need and they're known to covet credible veterans.

Cant emphasize enough the quality of this post. Agree completely with the adjustment of the role and had similar thoughts. He's not a lost cause. He can still abuse a mismatch and the pick and pop three is better at playing the odds as well as playing the corner three.

Really don't think Gasol would be too hard to move either. If your the Spurs you can give him an ultimatum. If you opt in we are going to trade you. And on his part he'd be wise to lock in more money over more years cause his paydays are only gonna shrink from here on out. Yeah trading Gasol would allow you to keep Mills and bring Murray along. Does make alot of sense. Would also almost confirm a big for the draft but more of a center like Bam Adebayo or Jordan Bell type. I wonder if you could keep Mills, Simmons and Dedmon if you trade Pau though. Any ideas?

[raybies]

Damage control thread?

someone has to LoL

it's getting bad out chea.

[glen907]

Whatever his faults and weaknesses are, bitch about it when the team is at full strength.
__________________________________________________ _______________________

it doesn't take the whole team being there to see this dude is pussy...he's getting volume touches and doing nothing with it...it doesn't take the team at full strength to give the maximum effort and to see who has heart...It doesn't take the whole team being there to see guards pushing him out of the paint... to grab rebounds...to show some fire... LA wants to just be a cog in the system, at 80+ million you can't just be another piece he should be expected to produce and he isn't...if it's just another cog in the system that's expected out of him why not try to get a cheaper option to just play a role. At this point it's just a bad signing

[BillMc]

He'd be a great third option. Remember the late 00's Lakers? Everyone was skewering Lamar Odom like they are LaMarcus now. Then Lakers got Pau, the real second option, and suddenly having a third option as good as Odom made them terrifying.

If we acquire or develop a second major player (no easy task) suddenly all the pressure is off LMA, he'll be open, and our team becomes a real wrecking ball (and we're already averaging 64 wins during Lma's time here). A passing point guard would be a real boon for LMA (not to mention Patty, Bertans and Green). I'm not one of the ST posters who has been fantasizing about Chris Paul but he'd be a win-win from an LMA point of view. Someone to bump him down to #3 and take the pressure off and someone to give him pinpoint passes in the right spots.

Paul ain't coming though. He may be sick of the Clips, and Timmy can pitch him hard for the Wake Forest connection, but he's not giving up the money.

A Paul-lite or any other worthy #2 would be great. Look how unbeatable this team is when Tony has a flashback and looks like a legit star again.

[TD 21]

Cant emphasize enough the quality of this post. Agree completely with the adjustment of the role and had similar thoughts. He's not a lost cause. He can still abuse a mismatch and the pick and pop three is better at playing the odds as well as playing the corner three.

Really don't think Gasol would be too hard to move either. If your the Spurs you can give him an ultimatum. If you opt in we are going to trade you. And on his part he'd be wise to lock in more money over more years cause his paydays are only gonna shrink from here on out. Yeah trading Gasol would allow you to keep Mills and bring Murray along. Does make alot of sense. Would also almost confirm a big for the draft but more of a center like Bam Adebayo or Jordan Bell type. I wonder if you could keep Mills, Simmons and Dedmon if you trade Pau though. Any ideas?

Yeah, at this point, he really should be a third option on an elite team, the same way Bosh was with the Heat and Love is with the Cavaliers. The problem is, the Spurs don't have a high end guard, who can turn him into that. Even so, they need to stop forcing him to be something he's not, because it makes both sides look bad.

They wouldn't necessarily have to draft a big if they trade Gasol, but it would probably make it more likely.

Mills, Simmons and Dedmon, could not only all be kept even if Gasol is, but it actually probably mean it's more likely, since they'd stay over the cap and could then utilize the MLE on Dedmon. Pop basically confirmed they're keeping Mills at damn near any cost a few days ago and I'd be surprised if they lost both Simmons and Dedmon.

If they're going to go all in on the present, as opposed to a) keeping Gasol and re-signing Mills, two players who can't really play against most of the best teams or b) losing Mills and then having to choose between spending the MLE on some type of guard or Dedmon, I'd rather: salary dump Gasol, do the same with Parker (probably have to attach a future protected 1st . . . and if he's hell bent on not playing elsewhere, then he can take his time, sit the entire season and come back the following one on an inexpensive one year deal), make whatever other minor moves necessary and come armed with max cap space to throw at Paul or failing that, something lesser to throw at Lowry and Hill. Obviously, diminishing returns will set in on the back half of those contracts, but at least then they might have a punchers chance (specifically with Paul).

[SAGirl]

Whatever his faults and weaknesses are, bitch about it when the team is at full strength.
__________________________________________________ _______________________

it doesn't take the whole team being there to see this dude is pussy...he's getting volume touches and doing nothing with it...it doesn't take the team at full strength to give the maximum effort and to see who has heart...It doesn't take the whole team being there to see guards pushing him out of the paint... to grab rebounds...to show some fire... LA wants to just be a cog in the system, at 80+ million you can't just be another piece he should be expected to produce and he isn't...if it's just another cog in the system that's expected out of him why not try to get a cheaper option to just play a role. At this point it's just a bad signing
He's been pretty mediocre no matter who is healthy.
The Spurs would not have gotten past the Grizzlies if not for Tony being Robin to Kawhi's Bat man. They don't get past Houston if Manu doesn't wake up and Simmons decides to make a stand for a huge contract figuratively speaking.... and Danny decided to flashback to LDN and come up with some huge baskets in game 5 against Houston.
Only once did one say yes Lamarcus was huge that game and it was game 6 against Houston.

Anyways he is just further exposed but he's been far from the Spurs second best player even when the team was healthy... it is what it is. We are under no delusion.

[Mikeanaro]

Memphis Grizzlies
Game 1 20 points on 18 shots 6 reb
Game 2 11 points on 8 shots 4 reb
Game 3 16 points on 8 shots 11 reb
Game 4 13 points on 11 shots 2 rebounds ON 42 MINUTES!
Game 5 12 points on 13 shots 9 reb
Game 6 17 points on 17 shots 12 reb

Houston Rockets
Game 1 4 points on 7 shots 6 reb
Game 2 15 points on 15 shots 9 reb
Game 3 26 points on 20 shots 6 reb
Game 4 16 points on 13 shots 5 reb
Game 5 18 points on 21 shots 14 reb
Game 6 34 points on 26 shots 12 reb

GSW
Game 1 28 points on 24 shots 7 reb
Game 2 8 points on 11 shots 4 reb
Game 3 18 points on 17 shots 5 reb

Do I see a pattern here?
IMPEACH THAT FUCKER!

[raybies]

Yeah, at this point, he really should be a third option on an elite team, the same way Bosh was with the Heat and Love is with the Cavaliers. The problem is, the Spurs don't have a high end guard, who can turn him into that. Even so, they need to stop forcing him to be something he's not, because it makes both sides look bad.

They wouldn't necessarily have to draft a big if they trade Gasol, but it would probably make it more likely.

Mills, Simmons and Dedmon, could not only all be kept even if Gasol is, but it actually probably mean it's more likely, since they'd stay over the cap and could then utilize the MLE on Dedmon. Pop basically confirmed they're keeping Mills at damn near any cost a few days ago and I'd be surprised if they lost both Simmons and Dedmon.

If they're going to go all in on the present, as opposed to a) keeping Gasol and re-signing Mills, two players who can't really play against most of the best teams or b) losing Mills and then having to choose between spending the MLE on some type of guard or Dedmon, I'd rather: salary dump Gasol, do the same with Parker (probably have to attach a future protected 1st . . . and if he's hell bent on not playing elsewhere, then he can take his time, sit the entire season and come back the following one on an inexpensive one year deal), make whatever other minor moves necessary and come armed with max cap space to throw at Paul or failing that, something lesser to throw at Lowry and Hill. Obviously, diminishing returns will set in on the back half of those contracts, but at least then they might have a punchers chance (specifically with Paul).

eye candy really. Paul would be perfect here as second option. Not sure Spurs are ready to dump Parker though. But it will take Parker a year to heal theoretically you dump him now and he can resign a year after he is waived from another team right. Sounds wrong so maybe not... Maybe I missed something. Anyways, I'm not sure Paul at like 35 mil or whatever would be worth it. We could probably keep Simmons since his cap hit is small but we'd lose Dedmon, Patty, Pau and Parker. Well I guess I talked myself into it lol. I just see it really small chance that Paul leaves. But man would we be tough to beat. You know what, he actually is worth the money. He has gotten alot more clutch the last couple years since he knocked us out. Also eliminating the Clippers who give us problems. Actually a smart move from alot of angles. Would probably stunt Murray's growth but it'd give us better odds in the short term and then who knows maybe Murray is ready when Paul concludes his contract.

[TD 21]

eye candy really. Paul would be perfect here as second option. Not sure Spurs are ready to dump Parker though. But it will take Parker a year to heal theoretically you dump him now and he can resign a year after he is waived from another team right. Sounds wrong so maybe not... Maybe I missed something. Anyways, I'm not sure Paul at like 35 mil or whatever would be worth it. We could probably keep Simmons since his cap hit is small but we'd lose Dedmon, Patty, Pau and Parker. Well I guess I talked myself into it lol. I just see it really small chance that Paul leaves. But man would we be tough to beat. You know what, he actually is worth the money. He has gotten alot more clutch the last couple years since he knocked us out. Also eliminating the Clippers who give us problems. Actually a smart move from alot of angles. Would probably stunt Murray's growth but it'd give us better odds in the short term and then who knows maybe Murray is ready when Paul concludes his contract.

No, the scenario I outlined is not happening, but in it Dedmon could probably be kept and possibly Simmons too.

That's the only scenario that might give Paul some pause about re-signing and give the Spurs a punchers chance.

In reality, Mills is more than likely getting re-signed and if he doesn't retire, they probably target Williams to be a stopgap option for the bi-annual (3.29M) exception, with a player option for the 2nd season.

[weebo]

Whatever his faults and weaknesses are, bitch about it when the team is at full strength. Doing so now reeks of needing a scapegoat. If Aldridge stinks it up with a full strength team, you'll have a point. There's only one Tim Duncan.

I wonder if Serge is thinking of bolting.

No one is scapegoating LA for being down 0-3. Everyone can pretty much agree that injuries are what did the Spurs in these POs. There's only so much talent any one player can have and that's fine--LA has his limitations. However, attitude and effort are things he can control; those are things he lacks. He failed to get himself in better shape, work on his game to compliment his role within the team, etc...now on the big stage without KL its all out there for everyone to see--he is overrated.

[sasaint]

He'd be a great third option. Remember the late 00's Lakers? Everyone was skewering Lamar Odom like they are LaMarcus now. Then Lakers got Pau, the real second option, and suddenly having a third option as good as Odom made them terrifying.

If we acquire or develop a second major player (no easy task) suddenly all the pressure is off LMA, he'll be open, and our team becomes a real wrecking ball (and we're already averaging 64 wins during Lma's time here). A passing point guard would be a real boon for LMA (not to mention Patty, Bertans and Green). I'm not one of the ST posters who has been fantasizing about Chris Paul but he'd be a win-win from an LMA point of view. Someone to bump him down to #3 and take the pressure off and someone to give him pinpoint passes in the right spots.

Paul ain't coming though. He may be sick of the Clips, and Timmy can pitch him hard for the Wake Forest connection, but he's not giving up the money.

A Paul-lite or any other worthy #2 would be great. Look how unbeatable this team is when Tony has a flashback and looks like a legit star again.

Okay, Bill, please humor me. Paul can only sign (or turn his back on) a super-max contract IF the Clips offer it. I know that there is plenty of buzz around the Clips about splitting up their big three. Is it inconceivable that the Clips are also doing some agonizing about whether a PG as old as Paul is worth that kind of salary for that many years? It's not like he has led them to the Promised Land even once.

I am just leading up to this: if Paul is on the open market, would you sign him to a max or even near max? Personally, I would not. I do not understand the ST posters who believe that Murray needs to be an apprentice for another year or two. I believe he is more ready to start now than Tony was as a rookie/second year man. He will make some mistakes, just as Tony did. And the Spurs will not win 60 games and have the second best record in the league next season, but they might be just as ready for the playoffs - especially if they can use money that Paul would eat up on a good big and a good wing.

You are right about desperately needing a real second banana to send LMA to a third banana role - unless we can move him and his top banana contract for decent value - which might happen if he is as unhappy as he seems.

I just think paying top banana money to an aging CP3 is really mortgaging the future - again.

[sasaint]

Yeah, at this point, he really should be a third option on an elite team, the same way Bosh was with the Heat and Love is with the Cavaliers. The problem is, the Spurs don't have a high end guard, who can turn him into that. Even so, they need to stop forcing him to be something he's not, because it makes both sides look bad.

They wouldn't necessarily have to draft a big if they trade Gasol, but it would probably make it more likely.

Mills, Simmons and Dedmon, could not only all be kept even if Gasol is, but it actually probably mean it's more likely, since they'd stay over the cap and could then utilize the MLE on Dedmon. Pop basically confirmed they're keeping Mills at damn near any cost a few days ago and I'd be surprised if they lost both Simmons and Dedmon.

If they're going to go all in on the present, as opposed to a) keeping Gasol and re-signing Mills, two players who can't really play against most of the best teams or b) losing Mills and then having to choose between spending the MLE on some type of guard or Dedmon, I'd rather: salary dump Gasol, do the same with Parker (probably have to attach a future protected 1st . . . and if he's hell bent on not playing elsewhere, then he can take his time, sit the entire season and come back the following one on an inexpensive one year deal), make whatever other minor moves necessary and come armed with max cap space to throw at Paul or failing that, something lesser to throw at Lowry and Hill. Obviously, diminishing returns will set in on the back half of those contracts, but at least then they might have a punchers chance (specifically with Paul).

I want to move LMA and Pau. I do now t want CP3. And Deadman might as well be dead. No way Pop brings him back. He is so deep in Pop's doghouse that Bonner is a more likely candidate to return.

[BackHome]

I agree.............Phil is still tanking New York anyway we can trade LMA for the Lat. Kid forgot his name but he is pissed with the organization.

[Mikeanaro]

I agree.............Phil is still tanking New York anyway we can trade LMA for the Lat. Kid forgot his name but he is pissed with the organization.
Not sure, it seems Porzingis likes the big cities.

[SAGirl]

No, the scenario I outlined is not happening, but in it Dedmon could probably be kept and possibly Simmons too.

That's the only scenario that might give Paul some pause about re-signing and give the Spurs a punchers chance.

In reality, Mills is more than likely getting re-signed and if he doesn't retire, they probably target Williams to be a stopgap option for the bi-annual (3.29M) exception, with a player option for the 2nd season.
I have to ask, why are you so convinced about Mills?

[DMC]

No one is scapegoating LA for being down 0-3. Everyone can pretty much agree that injuries are what did the Spurs in these POs. There's only so much talent any one player can have and that's fine--LA has his limitations. However, attitude and effort are things he can control; those are things he lacks. He failed to get himself in better shape, work on his game to compliment his role within the team, etc...now on the big stage without KL its all out there for everyone to see--he is overrated.

But he didn't fail to do that just recently.

[vander]

if not for the Leonard injury, this Spurs team actually had a chance against that joke of an overpowered cheating GS team, even though LMA (and almost everyone else) is dead weight. think about that.

I say just take another 50 win season. then if LMA opts in, trade his expiring contract, but hopefully he opts out. 2018 offseason has great potential

[baseline bum]

Whatever his faults and weaknesses are, bitch about it when the team is at full strength. Doing so now reeks of needing a scapegoat. If Aldridge stinks it up with a full strength team, you'll have a point. There's only one Tim Duncan.

I wonder if Serge is thinking of bolting.

I don't even care about this series, I never expected Aldridge to do well against Draymond Green. But him being unable to score on Harden and Ryan Anderson for most of the second round was proof enough that he's gotta go.

[TD 21]

I want to move LMA and Pau. I do now t want CP3. And Deadman might as well be dead. No way Pop brings him back. He is so deep in Pop's doghouse that Bonner is a more likely candidate to return.

My thoughts on the Dedmon situation . . .

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=268538&page=2&p=9016959#post9016959



I have to ask, why are you so convinced about Mills?

To paraphrase Pop, who recently said, we're going to have to him a gazillion dollars or something to that effect.

As you know, I never thought he was going anywhere anyway and the Parker injury only made it less likely.

It's simple: They'd want him back anyway, but barring significant roster upheaval, which I've delved into, they don't have the means to replace him. Lose him and they'd lose Dedmon and unless they got lucky, the ability to sign a decent replacement because the MLE would then have to go to a point guard.

[sasaint]

My thoughts on the Dedmon situation . . .

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=268538&page=2&p=9016959#post9016959

I hope your read is right about Deadman, but I am very skeptical. I think Pop stopped playing him long before you acknowledge, and that it was, therefore, not due to the exigencies of playoff matchups.

[sasaint]

if not for the Leonard injury, this Spurs team actually had a chance against that joke of an overpowered cheating GS team, even though LMA (and almost everyone else) is dead weight. think about that.

I say just take another 50 win season. then if LMA opts in, trade his expiring contract, but hopefully he opts out. 2018 offseason has great potential

I was stunned by the Spurs' performance in game 1 before Zaza mugged Kawhi, and I agree with Jalen Rose: the Spurs would probably be up 2-1 at this juncture (Rose), and the Dubs would be on the brink of imploding (me). I never saw that coming, and it makes me completely re-think my position on Pop. :wow


I don't even care about this series, I never expected Aldridge to do well against Draymond Green. But him being unable to score on Harden and Ryan Anderson for most of the second round was proof enough that he's gotta go.

I still believe this, though. I didn't want us to sign LMA, and I still don't like his game or want him one the team. :tu

[HarlemHeat37]

As much as I dislike him, I'd still keep him, tbh, unless they get an offer that blows them away..unfortunately, his stock is at rock bottom after this playoff run, especially since the media has been constantly bashing him, as well..

Spurs have to hope that Aldridge gets motivated by this poor playoff run..most importantly, he needs to take basketball seriously and work on his fucking body, stop coming into camp overweight..he's at an age where physical fitness is more important than it has ever been for him..

His style of play is already difficult to built around, but it's exacerbated by carrying excess weight..

[raybies]

My thoughts on the Dedmon situation . . .

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=268538&page=2&p=9016959#post9016959




To paraphrase Pop, who recently said, we're going to have to him a gazillion dollars or something to that effect.

As you know, I never thought he was going anywhere anyway and the Parker injury only made it less likely.

It's simple: They'd want him back anyway, but barring significant roster upheaval, which I've delved into, they don't have the means to replace him. Lose him and they'd lose Dedmon and unless they got lucky, the ability to sign a decent replacement because the MLE would then have to go to a point guard.

If he goes out on a bad note any hype he might have should be dead, so you figure that has to shave some off the asking price. Not to mention the hometown discount. Danny took 10 million per. With that being said do you think Patty is more valuable? Real talk here. How much do you pay a place holder point guard and for how long? You might have to draft another point guard, but i definitely think we need a veteran guard that will be a steady hand when Murray isn't playing well. Juwan Evans or Frank Jackson maybe.

[raybies]

As much as I dislike him, I'd still keep him, tbh, unless they get an offer that blows them away..unfortunately, his stock is at rock bottom after this playoff run, especially since the media has been constantly bashing him, as well..

Spurs have to hope that Aldridge gets motivated by this poor playoff run..most importantly, he needs to take basketball seriously and work on his fucking body, stop coming into camp overweight..he's at an age where physical fitness is more important than it has ever been for him..

His style of play is already difficult to built around, but it's exacerbated by carrying excess weight..
if he's smart he does next year. It's a contract year.

[sasaint]

To paraphrase Pop, who recently said, we're going to have to him a gazillion dollars or something to that effect.

As you know, I never thought he was going anywhere anyway and the Parker injury only made it less likely.

It's simple: They'd want him back anyway, but barring significant roster upheaval, which I've delved into, they don't have the means to replace him. Lose him and they'd lose Dedmon and unless they got lucky, the ability to sign a decent replacement because the MLE would then have to go to a point guard.

I think Pop was just talking about how well Patty had been playing when he made that comment - not sharing thoughts about actual offseason plans.

[TD 21]

If he goes out on a bad note any hype he might have should be dead, so you figure that has to shave some off the asking price. Not to mention the hometown discount. Danny took 10 million per. With that being said do you think Patty is more valuable? Real talk here. How much do you pay a place holder point guard and for how long? You might have to draft another point guard, but i definitely think we need a veteran guard that will be a steady hand when Murray isn't playing well. Juwan Evans or Frank Jackson maybe.

No, it won't. Mills is a proven player, who's had to play a role not representative of his abilities. Not only starting, but not really playing with a wing who can relieve him of creative duties and being treated as the top perimeter threat by the number two defense in the league.

Green is definitely more valuable than Mills, but it's irrelevant since he took a massive discount and the cap will have jumped twice since then by this summer. Mills probably gets $10-12M, but the former wouldn't surprise me. Spurs have been creative with structure before and could give him a Diaw like partially guaranteed 4th season, which gets his overall number up but lowers the average annual value and cap hit.

I don't see them drafting another point guard. Not with Murray in the fold, no point guard prospect projected to have his upside in that range and future holes all over the roster.

I think they'll target Williams to fill the veteran stop gap role.



I think Pop was just talking about how well Patty had Ben playing when he made that comment - not sharing thoughts about actual offseason plans.

He let it slip in the phrasing of it.

[sasaint]

I don't see them drafting another point guard. Not with Murray in the fold, no point guard prospect projected to have his upside in that range and future holes all over the roster.

I think they'll target Williams to fill the veteran stop gap role.

:tu I agree completely about not drafting a redundant, young PG. We have too many other needs.

You mean Deron Williams? Hmm... I don't think I like it, but I could sure see Pop going there.

[raybies]

Don't like Deron Williams here either.

[skulls138]

As much as I dislike him, I'd still keep him, tbh, unless they get an offer that blows them away..unfortunately, his stock is at rock bottom after this playoff run, especially since the media has been constantly bashing him, as well..

Spurs have to hope that Aldridge gets motivated by this poor playoff run..most importantly, he needs to take basketball seriously and work on his fucking body, stop coming into camp overweight..he's at an age where physical fitness is more important than it has ever been for him..

His style of play is already difficult to built around, but it's exacerbated by carrying excess weight..Agreed. Got to keep him and hope for the best. And yes he's got to more in the offseason, not only his body but low post play. This is what screwed him this year, lack of decisiveness in the post and chucking it with fadeaways where he's leaning back so far he's out of control. When he's doing that its obviously out of desperation. You could tell he was doing much of his learning during the season instead of ironing these things out in the offseason.

[SAGirl]

I still believe this, though. I didn't want us to sign LMA, and I still don't like his game or want him one the team. :tu
Spurs do have some unlikeable players.
I am not in favor of overpaying Mills truth be told. But I can definitely see TD 21 point, plus Pop loves him.
I just am very aware of his limitations and a guy like that, not even fully 6'0" tall who needs shots created for him and will always be a defensive liability due to his size... plus he's not a real PG... not even a backup PG in reality who can distribute. /sigh

[sasaint]

Spurs do have some unlikeable players.
I am not in favor of overpaying Mills truth be told. But I can definitely see TD 21 point, plus Pop loves him.
I just am very aware of his limitations and a guy like that, not even fully 6'0" tall who needs shots created for him and will always be a defensive liability due to his size... plus he's not a real PG... not even a backup PG in reality who can distribute. /sigh

When Patty heats up he is a lot of fun. I would really miss hearing Bill Land say, " G'day Mate!" when Patty nails a three... But I think our roster is pretty bare, and the pipeline is virtually empty. We need more players who can be effective at both ends of the floor. I can't see spending much at all on Patty.

[raybies]

When Patty heats up he is a lot of fun. I would really miss hearing Bill Land say, " G'day Mate!" when Patty nails a three... But I think our roster is pretty bare, and the pipeline is virtually empty. We need more players who can be effective at both ends of the floor. I can't see spending much at all on Patty.

Totally agree. Patty should want his payday now. I doubt he gets anything near what he can make now, later. Just don't want to be the team to give it to him.