Anybody still interested in J.R. Smith?

[SenorSpur]

As many of us know by now, the Spurs missed out on the proposed trade that would have brought backup SG J.R. Smith (and another player whose name escapes me at the moment) from New Orleans/Ok City to the Spurs in exchange for Brent Barry.

As many of us thought, it looks as though Smith will indeed be available this offseason after all. I wonder if the Spurs would still be interested?

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/40164/20060423/smith_calls_trade_automatic/

Guard Smith awaits inevitable trade
Second-year player says he's just eager to get back on court
Sunday, April 23, 2006
By John Reid - Staff writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After going through the final team-related event of the season Thursday afternoon, Hornets guard J.R. Smith said he's all but certain his two-year stint with the team is over because of his strained relationship with Coach Byron Scott.

"I don't think I'll have to ask for a trade; it's going to be automatic," Smith said. "I would like to go anywhere; it doesn't matter if it's a losing team. I just want to be out there to help on the court."

In February, Smith and Scott publicly disclosed that a rift had developed, and they were not on speaking terms for nearly two months. At the time, Smith thought Scott had taken it personally for not playing him regularly. Scott said Smith's demotion was a result of his immaturity, poor work habits and lack of improvement since his rookie season in 2004-05.

During the final two months of the season, they appeared to co-exist without having much contact besides game-related matters. However, Scott spoke bluntly Thursday about Smith's deficiencies during the season.

"All the things we talked about (that he needed to improve on), he never really did those things," Scott said. "He might grow up one day, but from a coaching standpoint, I live in the present. I need guys who can help right now. When he grows up and starts playing, I might be in the stands somewhere with somebody else coaching the team."

Scott said he won't begin evaluating the season with General Manager Jeff Bower until Monday, so they cannot say what players they might consider trading later this summer.

In February, the Hornets had a trade deal worked out that would have sent Smith to the San Antonio Spurs for veteran guard Brent Barry. But the deal wasn't completed until five minutes after the trade deadline, and the league didn't approve it.

"I wasn't disappointed, because I wanted to finish out the season with my teammates," said Smith, who played in 55 games and averaged 7.7 points this season.

"But it's been a tough season. At one point, you're at the highest of highs and everybody's looking upon you to be the leader, and then the coach pretty much disowns you. It's hard to play like that."

At his season-ending meetings, Scott said he told Smith, Arvydas Macijauskas and Kirk Snyder that there are three shooting guards on the team, and two of them will not be back next season.

[genghisrex]

Yes, but not right now. It's Barry's time to earn another ring.

[timvp]

Hopefully Barry helps the Spurs win another ring and then helps the Spurs by being traded in the offseason for JR Smith.

[A-Train]

Yes, still interested. Barry's expendable. You make the trade if it's still available. Next season, you go with the same 2 starting swingmen and Finley as the 1st one off the bench. That gives you a season to introduce Smith to Spurs Basketball. Hopefully the Spurs can pick up an extra experienced swing to be the 5th, maybe an Eric Piatkowski or better yet, a Devin Brown (Utah has to cooperate on that one). I'd be inclined to see an experienced player as the 5th, though maybe they can pick up the proverbial young long 3 to groom.

[T Park]

JR smith would be great

[PM5K]

Of course not right now, there's nothing we can do right now, but as much as I like Brent I think it's time to make a move or two to make this team younger...

[exstatic]

I was reading that NOK is "looking for two shooters". We can supply one of them. Allegedly, they have some caproom, so maybe that $50K won't be a hinderance. :madrun

Buy low, sell high. Brent Barry's stock will NEVER be higher than it is right now. JR Smith's may never be lower.

[A-Train]

Sanikidze is also out there. I think he's going to at least see action in the summerleagues.

[A-Train]

I think I'll :lol if Byron Scott's arrogance gives the Spurs another young talented swingman.

[Bruno]

Yes, but not right now. It's Barry's time to earn another ring.

That's why I put this article two hours ago in NBA news central forum :
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39119

[SenorSpur]

I think I'll :lol if Byron Scott's arrogance gives the Spurs another young talented swingman.

..... I'm assuming you mean a al Stephen Jackson.

Gotta love Jack. Speaking of which, I hear rumors he may be dealt in the Pacers management decide to "blow up" their team this offseason.

[Samr]

How much do the Spurs have in cap room (assuming Nazr leaves, which I think we can easily afford-- hello Oberto!)?

I'd like to get JR Smith, maybe in a sign-and-trade, for Barry. NVE and Nazr, in all probability, will be gone, so we have two spots to fill. One will be taken on a veteran PG or a vet who can play the 1 and 2, but that second is up for grabs.

I think Marks has proven himself enough to be part of the rotation, so we don't really need another big.

[SenorSpur]

How much do the Spurs have in cap room (assuming Nazr leaves, which I think we can easily afford-- hello Oberto!)?

I'd like to get JR Smith, maybe in a sign-and-trade, for Barry. NVE and Nazr, in all probability, will be gone, so we have two spots to fill. One will be taken on a veteran PG or a vet who can play the 1 and 2, but that second is up for grabs.

I think Marks has proven himself enough to be part of the rotation, so we don't really need another big.

I believe Smith will still be under contract, as will Barry. Therefore a S&T won't be necessary to acquire Smith.

NVE is scheduled to retire. Who know what'll happen with Nazr.

[Kori Ellis]

How much do the Spurs have in cap room (assuming Nazr leaves, which I think we can easily afford-- hello Oberto!)?

I'd like to get JR Smith, maybe in a sign-and-trade, for Barry. NVE and Nazr, in all probability, will be gone, so we have two spots to fill. One will be taken on a veteran PG or a vet who can play the 1 and 2, but that second is up for grabs.

I think Marks has proven himself enough to be part of the rotation, so we don't really need another big.

No cap room. The Spurs have about $61M committed for next year without NVE, Nazr or Marks.

[A-Train]

Both Smith and Barry are under contract, so no problem.

[exstatic]

..... I'm assuming you mean a al Stephen Jackson.

Gotta love Jack. Speaking of which, I hear rumors he may be dealt in the Pacers management decide to "blow up" their team this offseason.

He makes too much. He was somewhat "controllable" on his minimum, non-guaranteed, but he's been under the influence of Artest. I just can't see Pop bringing back such a knucklehead when we have our clutch shooter for at least one more year, and two at his (Horry) option.

Steven Jackson is like Horry, but on a game by game basis, instead of a seasonal basis. He's fucking useless in quarters one thru three the way Horry is from November thru March. The difference is that Horry accepts his role, but Jack would never want to come off the bench again. He'd be useful in a Ben Gordon sort of role, but I doubt it would be one he could accept.

[Samr]

Ok, let me put it this way, is there actually any realistic hope of retaining Nazr?

First priority is always to retain YOUR players. Second is to sign others.

[A-Train]

Jack would be too expensive to acquire. You might as well grow another...

[SenorSpur]

Jack would be too expensive to acquire. You might as well grow another...

It was just a comment. I didn't want to turn this into a "bring back Jack" thread.

[Kori Ellis]

Ok, let me put it this way, is there actually any realistic hope of retaining Nazr?

First priority is always to retain YOUR players. Second is to sign others.

Well the Spurs can sign Nazr for any price but I'm sure they have an amount in their head that they are willing to pay him. If another team wants to overpay him, then he won't be here.

[exstatic]

Ok, let me put it this way, is there actually any realistic hope of retaining Nazr?

First priority is always to retain YOUR players. Second is to sign others.

When you have Rasho and Oberto contracted for two more years, and Ian and Javtokas in the pipe, you don't need 6'10" Malik clones.

[Samr]

Oh cool, I didn't know Nazr had bird rights. Fortunately, however, the Spurs are starting to hit the tip of their European iceberg, with Javatokas being the first, I hope, to make the trip. Javatokas, Ian, and maybe even Scola.

Although we could always trade Scola's rights....

I'd like to keep Nazr, but only at a reasonable price, and like Kori suggested, the Spurs won't make the mistake by overpaying.

[Kori Ellis]

I'm not sure if Javtokas will ever be a Spur, but if he is coming this should be the year. He's 26 (I think) and he isn't under contract next season.

I think we'll be able to tell in summer league if the Spurs are going to have Sanikidze on the roster next season. I still think Mahinmi is a year away from coming... we'll see.

[exstatic]

I'd like to keep Nazr, but only at a reasonable price, and like Kori suggested, the Spurs won't make the mistake by overpaying.
Pivots who can walk and chew gum usually start at $6-7M per year and go up from there.

[SenorSpur]

When you have Rasho and Oberto contracted for two more years, and Ian and Javtokas in the pipe, you don't need 6'10" Malik clones.

I disagree about Oberto. I love his energy and hustle. Maybe it's me, but it strikes that he's exactly what Malik was. He a bit undersized just like Malik was (not as much). He's not big enough to play most centers and power forwards, yet he's not quick enough to guard small forwards.

Again maybe it's just me, but as a 30 year-old rookie, I just don't see how he fits into the Spurs plans long term.

[spurs=bling]

At the moment no.

[SenorSpur]

I'm not sure if Javtokas will ever be a Spur, but if he is coming this should be the year. He's 26 (I think) and he isn't under contract next season.

I think we'll be able to tell in summer league if the Spurs are going to have Sanikidze on the roster next season. I still think Mahinmi is a year away from coming... we'll see.

Kori, can you enlighten me on who this kid Sanikidze is? What position does he play? Strengths, weaknesses and such?

[exstatic]

I disagree about Oberto. I love his energy and hustle. Maybe it's me, but it strikes that he's exactly what Malik was. He a bit undersized just like Malik was (not as much). He's not big enough to play most centers and power forwards, yet he's not quick enough to guard small forwards.

Again maybe it's just me, but as a 30 year-old rookie, I just don't see how he fits into the Spurs plans long term.

Long term? Who said long term? He's under contract for two more years. He's a transitional piece until Ian is ready. He makes about $2.5M a year, roughly 1/2 to 1/3 of what Nazr will command on the open market.

The Malik reference was regarding b-ball IQ, vis a vis Nazr. It's low and his hands are bad, neither of which can be said of Oberto.

[Kori Ellis]

Kori, can you enlighten me on who this kid Sanikidze is? What position does he play? Strengths, weaknesses and such?

He's a tall (6'9) small forward. He's very thin. He just turned 20 years old. He's supposed to be athletic, an energy guy, good rebounder and defender (I haven't seen him play, maybe some international posters can give more insight). He's from the Republic of Georgia.

He's been in San Antonio all season hanging out and rehabbing from a knee injury.

[A-Train]

Malik's bball knowledge was nowhere near that bad.

[SenorSpur]

He's a tall (6'9) small forward. He's very thin. He just turned 20 years old. He's supposed to be athletic, an energy guy, good rebounder and defender (I haven't seen him play, maybe some international posters can give more insight). He's from the Republic of Georgia.

He's been in San Antonio all season hanging out and rehabbing from a knee injury.


Thanks Kori. Sounds like the type of skills and youth that this team sorely needs going forward.

[genghisrex]

He's been in San Antonio all season hanging out and rehabbing from a knee injury.
Oh, really, it's his knee? I thought it was an ankle thing; knee sounds worse.

[Guru of Nothing]

JR is only 20 years old, has super athleticism, and I believe he can become a legitimate 3-point threat - an overall strong offensive player.

As a fan, I can easily overlook any perceived attitude problems he had with Byron Scott. Scott has a history of conflict with talented players. I'd like to see what could become of JR, playing for Pop.

It's not inconceivable that, 4-5 years down the road, Ian Mahinmi and JR could replace Duncan and Ginobili (as Manu approaches 33-34 years of age), with Tony Parker still playing the role of Energizer Bunny. Maybe bring in a Quinton Ross type player to replace Bowen.

[SenorSpur]

JR is only 20 years old, has super athleticism, and I believe he can become a legitimate 3-point threat - an overall strong offensive player.

As a fan, I can easily overlook any perceived attitude problems he had with Byron Scott. Scott has a history of conflict with talented players. I'd like to see what could become of JR, playing for Pop.

It's not inconceivable that, 4-5 years down the road, Ian Mahinmi and JR could replace Duncan and Ginobili (as Manu approaches 33-34 years of age), with Tony Parker still playing the role of Energizer Bunny. Maybe bring in a Quinton Ross type player to replace Bowen.

I like those prospects. I've long been a bit uncomfortable with the Spurs having so many older players on the roster at the expense of a few young guys sprinkled here and there. Of course, should we win another title this year, I have no right to complain.

Also, it's to forget about those international "diamonds in the rough" that the Spurs have chosen and that are developing over in Europe or other countries abroad.

Even still, I've wanted to see them invest or acquire at least one or two younger players that would develop under the tutelage of this coaching staff. Getting J.R would be a coup. He's still raw and I believe they can develop him at a pace where he's got no immediate pressure to perform.

[boutons_]

Besides Tony, what young guy on the Spurs has played out and been helpful?

A lot of people don't think Beno is worth his rookie contract. Say Beno does develop in contract years 3 and 4 into at least a Speedy type of PG. Then after his rookie contract is up, Spurs have to find the $$$ to pay him, or he walks, like Speedy, just when he was ready to really start helping.

The Spurs formula of picking up 30+ year old guys, some former All-stars and long-time starters elsewhere, works out pretty well.

[koopa]

hell yeah i'm still intrested in this, we ain't getting any younger so trading for him would be great, pop is probably the kinda coach he needs, he won't take that bullshit of not working hard, plus we'll finally have an american with potential and that isn't about to be put in a nursing home

[Guru of Nothing]

The Spurs formula of picking up 30+ year old guys, some former All-stars and long-time starters elsewhere, works out pretty well.

Especially when they already have Duncan, Ginobili and Parker.

[ploto]

The other player was Macijauskas.

JR is only set to make $1M next season.
Macijauskas $2.5 M.
Brent $4.7 M.

[ChumpDumper]

The Hornets will be under the cap this summer, so salaries wouldn't necessarily have to match.

[ploto]

The Hornets will be under the cap this summer, so salaries wouldn't necessarily have to match.
Oh, I know, but I am sure they plan to go after some free agents before they look at that trade again.

[ChumpDumper]

Yeah, they could have close to the max if they play their cards right - if anything it would mean the original trade could be made without a third team's being involved.

[Spaceman Spiff]

J.R. Smith would be a great long-term addition. Problem is, he wants out of NO because he fought with Byron Scott because he wanted to play NOW. That wouldn't happen in SA, and I don't think he'd want to sign there unless Barry or Finley suddenly disappeared.

[RON ARTEST]

JR smith would be great
what happened? did he fail a physical?

[Mr. Body]

J.R. Smith would be a great long-term addition. Problem is, he wants out of NO because he fought with Byron Scott because he wanted to play NOW. That wouldn't happen in SA, and I don't think he'd want to sign there unless Barry or Finley suddenly disappeared.

No matter the Hornets' success this season, the Spurs still have a much stronger team culture. True, there have been guys who haven't fit in (Ron Mercer types), but Smith might be able to accept a role off the bench understanding there will be definite time when he plays a definite role.

But yeah, there is a risk.

[genghisrex]

I don't think he'd want to sign there unless Barry or Finley suddenly disappeared.
Well, the original trade was Barry for J.R. so that takes care of one of them.

[picnroll]

what happened? did he fail a physical?

what happened? did he fail a physical?
Spurs thought they had a deal worked out in a trade for Barry but when NOK picked up Mac Jackson they no longer had enogh cap space to do the deal. Last minute Spurs tried to get a three way, believe with Atlanta, but time ran out.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Last minute Spurs tried to get a three way, believe with Atlanta, but time ran out.

My friday night.

:lol

[Despot]

Unfortunately, now the whole league has an idea for how little Smith can be had, So I expect some stiff competition from other teams who will be gunning for him.

[yavozerb]

Does anyone know if battier is going to be free agent or when?? I could totally see him in a spurs uniform!!

[exstatic]

Battier is Danny Ferry with a tan.

[aaronstampler]

How much do the Spurs have in cap room (assuming Nazr leaves, which I think we can easily afford-- hello Oberto!)?

I'd like to get JR Smith, maybe in a sign-and-trade, for Barry. NVE and Nazr, in all probability, will be gone, so we have two spots to fill. One will be taken on a veteran PG or a vet who can play the 1 and 2, but that second is up for grabs.

I think Marks has proven himself enough to be part of the rotation, so we don't really need another big.


I don't think they're gonna sign another pg. I think they're gonna give Beno the backup job next year, fully. If he's gonna have competition, it's gonna be some even younger unproven guy, like Wilks was.

[aaronstampler]

I get that people want to trade Bones (even though I don't) and I get that people want to get younger, but JR Smith of all people? C'mon. He shoots below 40%, he has an attitude problem (another Mercer?), and how can a 6'6 guy who was in the dunk contest and gets 18 mins a night average 0.07 blocks a game? That's unfathomable to me. Does he refuse to jump on the other end of the floor?

Sorry, I can't support this. If it was the other Smith, the one from Atlanta, I could see it. At least he does something on both ends of the floor.

I don't know why people rip on Barry when there are hundreds upon hundreds of wildly overpaid guys in the league. At least he's contributing to a contending club, and in the rotation. Even 82games.com, an objective site that doesn't root for any teams or players, thinks that his current play is worth his contract (unlike NVE).

If you want a young athletic wing player, I would suggest we bring over the French kid we drafted. We're grooming him to be the next Bruce, right? Well why not bring him over and let him learn from the master? And he can try guarding Tony and Manu and Fin in practice, too.

[OM_fever]

aaronstampler, you are wrong, Ian is a 7 footer and will take the position 5... he could learn a lof from Duncan but will likely spend one more year in France to go further.

[wildbill2u]

I think Marks has proven himself enough to be part of the rotation, so we don't really need another big.

I was pleasantly surprised by Marks in his limited time on the court during the regular season.

But I was even more surprised when he and Sanders didn't get a chance to play in a 34 point blowout in the fourth quarter. Pop had a perfect opportunity to protect his team from a freak injury late in the game and didn't do it.

[Kori Ellis]

I was pleasantly surprised by Marks in his limited time on the court during the regular season.

But I was even more surprised when he and Sanders didn't get a chance to play in a 34 point blowout in the fourth quarter. Pop had a perfect opportunity to protect his team from a freak injury late in the game and didn't do it.

Well Sanders wasn't on the playoff roster and Marks was inactive. Marks gets hurt pretty often - that's why I think he'll never be a rotation player.

[Kori Ellis]

If you want a young athletic wing player, I would suggest we bring over the French kid we drafted. We're grooming him to be the next Bruce, right? Well why not bring him over and let him learn from the master? And he can try guarding Tony and Manu and Fin in practice, too.

The young French kid (Mahinmi) is a center.
But the Spurs do have a young Georgian athletic, tall small forward in Sanikidze. I think he'll play in summer league and might be in training amp.

[SenorSpur]

Well Sanders wasn't on the playoff roster and Marks was inactive. Marks gets hurt pretty often - that's why I think he'll never be a rotation player.

I was actually under the impression that Marks had developed to a point that Pop could utilize him in some spots against Nowitzki. He's long and quick. This seemed like a good idea during the last game because nothing else Pop threw at Dirk seemed to work.

Any ideas or comments on Marks as a defender in this situation? Would Pop ever entertain this thought?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

The thing that worries me about J.R. Smith is his name. He might be the DNA-spliced love child of J.R. Reid and Charles Smith I.

[grjr]

Any ideas or comments on Marks as a defender in this situation? Would Pop ever entertain this thought?

"Marks" and "defender" don't often collide in the same sentence. :lol