Here's The 2006-2007 Free Agents List

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

So now you dumbasses who should say we should sign Lebron can really see who we can get(probasketball.about.com):
The Supposed Top 25:
1.Ben Wallace, PF/C, Detroit
2.Jason Terry, PG, Dallas
3.Peja Stojakovic, SF, Indiana (Player option)
4.Al Harrington, PF, Atlanta
5.Mike James, Toronto (Player option)
6.Chris Wilcox, PF, Seattle (Restricted)
7.Nene, PF/C, Denver (Restricted)
8.Drew Gooden, PF, Cleveland (Restricted)
9.Bonzi Wells, SG/SF, Sacramento
10.Matt Harpring, SG/SF, Utah
11.Joel Przybilla, C, Portland
12.Ronald Murray, Cleveland
13.Speedy Claxton, PG, New Orleans
14.Vladimir Radmanovic, SF/PF, LA Clippers
15.Jared Jeffries, Washington (Restricted)
16.James Posey, SG/SF, Miami (Player option)
17.Nazr Mohammed, C, San Antonio
18.Reggie Evans, PF, Denver
19.Keith Van Horn, SF/PF, Dallas
20.Sam Cassell, PG, LA Clippers
21.Alonzo Mourning, Miami
22.Fred Jones, Indiana (Restricted)
23.Ruben Patterson, Denver (Player option)
24.Bobby Jackson, PG/SG, Memphis
25.Francisco Elson, Denver (Restricted)

The Rest Of The Point Guards:
David Wesley, Houston
Marcus Banks, Minnesota
Chucky Atkins, Memphis
Jason Hart, Sacramento (Player option)
Jannero Pargo, Chicago
Gary Payton, Miami
Tony Delk, Detroit
Nick Van Exel, San Antonio
Jacque Vaughn, New Jersey
Milt Palacio, Utah
Anthony Carter, Minnesota
Keith McLeod, Utah (Team option)
Rick Brunson, Seattle
Howard Eisley, LA Clippers
Lindsey Hunter, Detroit
Royal Ivey, Atlanta
Andre Emmett, Miami (Restricted)
Moochie Norris, Houston
Darrick Martin
Jeff McInnis, New Jersey (Player option)
Eddie Gill, Indiana
Darrell Armstrong, Dallas
Troy Bell
Mike Wilks, Cleveland
Mateen Cleaves, Seattle
Alvin Williams, Toronto (Player option)
Anthony Goldwire, LA Clippers
Antonio Burks, Memphis (Restricted)
Lionel Chalmers
Aaron Miles, Golden State
Anthony Roberson, Memphis (Team option)
Horace Jenkins

The Rest Of The Shooting Guards:
Keith Bogans, Houston (Restricted)
John Salmons, Philadelphia (Restricted)
Derek Anderson, Miami (Player option)
DerMarr Johnson, Denver
DeShawn Stevenson, Orlando (Player option)
Greg Buckner, Denver (Player option)
Anfernee Hardaway, Orlando
Jimmy Jackson, SG, Phoenix
Lamond Murray, New Jersey
Aaron McKie, LA Lakers (Player option)
Richie Frahm, Houston
Eric Piatkowski, Chicago
Linton Johnson, New Jersey
Matt Carroll, Charlotte (Team option)
Voshon Lenard, Portland
Shandon Anderson, Miami
Rawle Marshall, Dallas (Team option)
Awvee Storey, Washington (Restricted)
Stacey Augmon, Orlando
Andre Owens, Utah (Restricted)
Charles Smith, Portland
Bernard Robinson, Charlotte (Restricted)
Alex Acker, Detroit (Restricted)
Kevin Burleson, Charlotte (Restricted)
Reece Gaines, Milwaukee
Tony Bobbitt, LA Lakers (Restricted)
Jermaine Jackson
Von Wafer, LA Lakers (Team option)
Alan Anderson, Charlotte (Team option)
Devin Green, LA Lakers (Restricted)

The Rest Of The Small Forwards:
Jumaine Jones, Charlotte
Tim Thomas, Phoenix
Rasual Butler, New Orleans
Devean George, LA Lakers
Trevor Ariza, Orlando (Restricted)
Justin Reed, Minnesota (Restricted)
Devin Brown, Utah (Team option)
Walter McCarty, LA Clippers
Laron Profit, LA Lakers
Jiri Welsch, Milwaukee (Restricted)
Qyntel Woods, New York
Eric Williams, Toronto (Player option)
Toni Kukoc, Milwaukee
Lee Nailon, Philadelphia
Ronald Dupree, Minnesota (Restricted)
Ryan Bowen, Houston (Player option)
Maciej Lampe, Houston (Restricted)
George Lynch
Adrian Griffin, Dallas
Calbert Cheaney, Golden State
Shavlik Randolph, Philadelphia (Restricted)
Matt Barnes, Philadelphia
Bryon Russell, Denver
Ndudi Ebi
Donta Smith, Atlanta (Team option)
Sean Banks, New Orleans
Terrence Morris, Orlando

The Rest Of The Power Forwards:
Darius Songaila, Chicago (Player option)
Jackie Butler, New York (Restricted)
Alan Henderson, Cleveland
Jackson Vroman, New Orleans (Restricted)
Clifford Robinson, New Jersey (Team option)
Stanislav Medvedenko, LA Lakers
Lawrence Roberts, Memphis (Team option)
Samaki Walker, Indiana
Sean Marks, San Antonio
Aaron Williams, New Orleans
Brandon Bass, New Orleans (Team option)
Bo Outlaw, Orlando
Josh Powell, Dallas (Team option)
Jared Reiner, Phoenix
Lonny Baxter, Houston

The Rest Of The Centers:
Melvin Ely, Charlotte (Restricted)
Lorenzen Wright, PF/C, Memphis
Kelvin Cato, Detroit
Jarron Collins, Utah
DJ Mbenga, Dallas (Restricted)
Mario Kasun, Orlando (Restricted)
Scot Pollard, Indiana
Michael Olowokandi, C, Boston
Jake Voskuhl, Charlotte
Antonio Davis, Toronto
Brian Grant, Phoenix
Ervin Johnson, Milwaukee
Loren Woods, Toronto
Boniface N'Dong, LA Clippers (Restricted)
Michael Bradley, Philadelphia
Curtis Borchardt, Boston (Restricted)
Ha Seung-Jin, Portland (Restricted)
Jamal Sampson, Sacramento
Pat Burke, Phoenix
Zendon Hamilton, Cleveland
Earl Barron, Miami

[DuncanInYourFace]

Big Ben

[DuncanInYourFace]

And Speedy, of course to play backup PG

[El_Mago]

So now you dumbasses who should say we should sign Lebron can really see who we can get(probasketball.about.com):
The Supposed Top 25:
1.Ben Wallace, PF/C, Detroit
2.Jason Terry, PG, Dallas
3.Peja Stojakovic, SF, Indiana (Player option)
4.Al Harrington, PF, Atlanta
5.Mike James, Toronto (Player option)
6.Chris Wilcox, PF, Seattle (Restricted)
7.Nene, PF/C, Denver (Restricted)
8.Drew Gooden, PF, Cleveland (Restricted)
9.Bonzi Wells, SG/SF, Sacramento
10.Matt Harpring, SG/SF, Utah
11.Joel Przybilla, C, Portland
12.Ronald Murray, Cleveland
13.Speedy Claxton, PG, New Orleans
14.Vladimir Radmanovic, SF/PF, LA Clippers
15.Jared Jeffries, Washington (Restricted)
16.James Posey, SG/SF, Miami (Player option)
17.Nazr Mohammed, C, San Antonio
18.Reggie Evans, PF, Denver
19.Keith Van Horn, SF/PF, Dallas
20.Sam Cassell, PG, LA Clippers
21.Alonzo Mourning, Miami
22.Fred Jones, Indiana (Restricted)
23.Ruben Patterson, Denver (Player option)
24.Bobby Jackson, PG/SG, Memphis
25.Francisco Elson, Denver (Restricted)

The Rest Of The Point Guards:
David Wesley, Houston
Marcus Banks, Minnesota
Chucky Atkins, Memphis
Jason Hart, Sacramento (Player option)
Jannero Pargo, Chicago
Gary Payton, Miami
Tony Delk, Detroit
Nick Van Exel, San Antonio
Jacque Vaughn, New Jersey
Milt Palacio, Utah
Anthony Carter, Minnesota
Keith McLeod, Utah (Team option)
Rick Brunson, Seattle
Howard Eisley, LA Clippers
Lindsey Hunter, Detroit
Royal Ivey, Atlanta
Andre Emmett, Miami (Restricted)
Moochie Norris, Houston
Darrick Martin
Jeff McInnis, New Jersey (Player option)
Eddie Gill, Indiana
Darrell Armstrong, Dallas
Troy Bell
Mike Wilks, Cleveland
Mateen Cleaves, Seattle
Alvin Williams, Toronto (Player option)
Anthony Goldwire, LA Clippers
Antonio Burks, Memphis (Restricted)
Lionel Chalmers
Aaron Miles, Golden State
Anthony Roberson, Memphis (Team option)
Horace Jenkins

The Rest Of The Shooting Guards:
Keith Bogans, Houston (Restricted)
John Salmons, Philadelphia (Restricted)
Derek Anderson, Miami (Player option)
DerMarr Johnson, Denver
DeShawn Stevenson, Orlando (Player option)
Greg Buckner, Denver (Player option)
Anfernee Hardaway, Orlando
Jimmy Jackson, SG, Phoenix
Lamond Murray, New Jersey
Aaron McKie, LA Lakers (Player option)
Richie Frahm, Houston
Eric Piatkowski, Chicago
Linton Johnson, New Jersey
Matt Carroll, Charlotte (Team option)
Voshon Lenard, Portland
Shandon Anderson, Miami
Rawle Marshall, Dallas (Team option)
Awvee Storey, Washington (Restricted)
Stacey Augmon, Orlando
Andre Owens, Utah (Restricted)
Charles Smith, Portland
Bernard Robinson, Charlotte (Restricted)
Alex Acker, Detroit (Restricted)
Kevin Burleson, Charlotte (Restricted)
Reece Gaines, Milwaukee
Tony Bobbitt, LA Lakers (Restricted)
Jermaine Jackson
Von Wafer, LA Lakers (Team option)
Alan Anderson, Charlotte (Team option)
Devin Green, LA Lakers (Restricted)

The Rest Of The Small Forwards:
Jumaine Jones, Charlotte
Tim Thomas, Phoenix
Rasual Butler, New Orleans
Devean George, LA Lakers
Trevor Ariza, Orlando (Restricted)
Justin Reed, Minnesota (Restricted)
Devin Brown, Utah (Team option)
Walter McCarty, LA Clippers
Laron Profit, LA Lakers
Jiri Welsch, Milwaukee (Restricted)
Qyntel Woods, New York
Eric Williams, Toronto (Player option)
Toni Kukoc, Milwaukee
Lee Nailon, Philadelphia
Ronald Dupree, Minnesota (Restricted)
Ryan Bowen, Houston (Player option)
Maciej Lampe, Houston (Restricted)
George Lynch
Adrian Griffin, Dallas
Calbert Cheaney, Golden State
Shavlik Randolph, Philadelphia (Restricted)
Matt Barnes, Philadelphia
Bryon Russell, Denver
Ndudi Ebi
Donta Smith, Atlanta (Team option)
Sean Banks, New Orleans
Terrence Morris, Orlando

The Rest Of The Power Forwards:
Darius Songaila, Chicago (Player option)
Jackie Butler, New York (Restricted)
Alan Henderson, Cleveland
Jackson Vroman, New Orleans (Restricted)
Clifford Robinson, New Jersey (Team option)
Stanislav Medvedenko, LA Lakers
Lawrence Roberts, Memphis (Team option)
Samaki Walker, Indiana
Sean Marks, San Antonio
Aaron Williams, New Orleans
Brandon Bass, New Orleans (Team option)
Bo Outlaw, Orlando
Josh Powell, Dallas (Team option)
Jared Reiner, Phoenix
Lonny Baxter, Houston

The Rest Of The Centers:
Melvin Ely, Charlotte (Restricted)
Lorenzen Wright, PF/C, Memphis
Kelvin Cato, Detroit
Jarron Collins, Utah
DJ Mbenga, Dallas (Restricted)
Mario Kasun, Orlando (Restricted)
Scot Pollard, Indiana
Michael Olowokandi, C, Boston
Jake Voskuhl, Charlotte
Antonio Davis, Toronto
Brian Grant, Phoenix
Ervin Johnson, Milwaukee
Loren Woods, Toronto
Boniface N'Dong, LA Clippers (Restricted)
Michael Bradley, Philadelphia
Curtis Borchardt, Boston (Restricted)
Ha Seung-Jin, Portland (Restricted)
Jamal Sampson, Sacramento
Pat Burke, Phoenix
Zendon Hamilton, Cleveland
Earl Barron, Miami

[davi78239]

So, who's young and athletic that the spurs should go after?

[ALVAREZ6]

If we could someone get Jeffries, I'd be happy.

[exstatic]

Anyone in that top 25 is probably going to get more than the MCE, so write them off. Look for the possible bargains and projects.

Bernard Robinson, Charlotte (Restricted)
Jumaine Jones, Charlotte
Rasual Butler, New Orleans
Qyntel Woods, New York
Ndudi Ebi
Melvin Ely, Charlotte (Restricted)
Jamal Sampson, Sacramento

[El_Mago]

I would not fret on giving Jarred Jeffries some cash, and trading Scola's rights away along with Nazr. (That would have to land us someone decent)

However, he is restricted and Washington would want to sign him up IMO.

[Leetonidas]

I think Pop will be looking at Qyntel, Rasual, and Ndudi.

[Leetonidas]

Jumaine Jones is 27. That's up there. We should think younger.

[ALVAREZ6]

I would not fret on giving Jarred Jeffries some cash, and trading Scola's rights away along with Nazr. (That would have to land us someone decent)

However, he is restricted and Washington would want to sign him up IMO.
I can't imagine why Washington wouldn't want Jeffries back, but who knows, maybe they wouldn't mind a Nazr + Scola rights deal.

[ALVAREZ6]

Damn it Josh Howard is so good, I wish he were a Spur. I love his game.


When you think about it, the Mavs have such a well built team. They have outside shooting, slashing, and they play defense this year.

Harris, Howard, and Terry are all quick mofos that can slash to the rim.

Dirk, Stack, Terry, Howard can shoot the 3 ball.

And they all create their own shots. They have a great 1v1 team, they can isolate for a bunch of guys, and Howard and Daniels can do a lot of intangible shit.

I was surprised in Daniels' playing time this series.

[E20]

Bobby Jackson.

[Leetonidas]

Bobby Jackson.

Not a bad idea for a backup. Definetly a better idea than Nick the Brick.

[exstatic]

Jumaine Jones is 27. That's up there. We should think younger.
For our team, that is "younger". :lol Seriously, they signed Bowen at age 30. Jones shoots the 3ball, and rebounds well for a 3.

[Leetonidas]

I'm not sure if anyone has answered this, but when can we start trading players?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Not a bad idea for a backup. Definetly a better idea than Nick the Brick.
:lol

[ALVAREZ6]

Not a bad idea for a backup. Definetly a better idea than Nick the Brick.
I'd take anyone over NVE right now, thank god he is done in the NBA.

[El_Mago]

I think that would be a good enough encentive to land Jeffries.

However, we would have to attempt to split the MLE on a backup big and pg.

[jmard5]

Drew Gooden can handle the rebounds. He is also a terrific offensive rebounder.

[ALVAREZ6]

Drew Gooden can handle the rebounds. He is also a terrific offensive rebounder.
I doubt the Spurs can afford him though.

[E20]

Kelvin Kato would seem logical, he's big and aggresive, I'm not so surea about his health and I wouldn't mind seeing Devin Brown back here.

[SsKSpurs21]

the top 25 will all be too expensive for us. i really like deshawn stevenson or trevor ariza. i see devin brown is a FA. wonder if pop might want him back.

hopefully we can get some trades going to help us out.

[E20]

I also think Clifford Robinson should be attainable and useful, even though he is 40 years old, he has made 'Second All-Defensive Team' in 2001 and 2002.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

you guys need Dermarr Johnson, my favourite player on the Nuggets

GK never plays him and has pretty much stunted any growth he had going for him last season. He would a perfect guy to get and be mentored by Bowen and Pop.

He can shoot the 3, rebound, his D needs some work but his long arms can shut down the best when he is working hard. He shut down AI in the 4th qtr during the last game vs the Nuggets and they won coz of it

he just needs minutes and a decent coach to help him reach his potential. I love him as a player but i hope he gets out of Denver, he could do so much better under a better coach

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I also think Clifford Robinson should be attainable and useful.
We can't do that because he was on the juice and that will damper our reputation. How about DESAGANA DIOP?

[ALVAREZ6]

you guys need Dermarr Johnson, my favourite player on the Nuggets

GK never plays him and has pretty much stunted any growth he had going for him last season. He would a perfect guy to get and be mentored by Bowen and Pop.

He can shoot the 3, rebound, his D needs some work but his long arms can shut down the best when he is working hard. He shut down AI in the 4th qtr during the last game vs the Nuggets and they won coz of it

he just needs minutes and a decent coach to help him reach his potential. I love him as a player but i hope he gets out of Denver, he could do so much better under a better coach
From what I've seen of his game, I agree, Dermarr would fit in with what the Spurs could use right now.



But from what I remember, he didn't get along too well with the Spurs in recent games...

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

But from what I remember, he didn't get along too well with the Spurs in recent games...

its probably coz of the bearcat brotherhood on the Nuggets squad
:lol

Kmart, Ruben and DJ.......im sure the first two create a bad image of DJ coz he is mates with them

:smokin

[El_Mago]

No to Clifford Robinson.

No to DeSagana Diop because he is under contract.

Jarred Jeffries is the guy, but he is unrestricted and that makes extremely difficult, but not impossible.

[Son of Mavs Man]

I think Rasual Butler is a great player with lots of potential. I think he'll be the best bargain of the off season for whoever signs him. His stats went way up when given playing time with the Hornets last year.

[ALVAREZ6]

Why would the Spurs want Lasagna Diop????

[E20]

Robinson was on the juice? :wow
I never knew that.

[E20]

Calbert Cheney's career stats look good enough for what the Spurs need, 10 points and 3 rebounds.

He's 6'8" and weighs around 220(I think), I don't know much about his wingspan though. The downside he is like 29 years old. :lol

[E20]

Spurs should also consider looking at Jamal Sampson. He's only 23 years old. 7'0" and weighs 240. He's young and inexperienced and might be a good project.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/jamal_sampson/index.html

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Robinson was on the juice? :wow
I never knew that.
He missed I think the rest of the Heat series after Game 2 or 3.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

No to Clifford Robinson.

No to DeSagana Diop because he is under contract.

Jarred Jeffries is the guy, but he is unrestricted and that makes extremely difficult, but not impossible.
I could have sworn I saw Diop's name on there.

[exstatic]

'Gana Diop is what happens when you buy draft hype.

Sampson is a rebounder. Not sure what else he can do, but if he isn't as stupid and butterfingered as Nazr, he's an improvement.

[Ocotillo]

Stacey Augmon?? Isn't he like 63 years old?

[Leetonidas]

Joel Pryzbilla anyone...

[E20]

Is Jamal Sampson related to Ralph Sampson? They look exactly the same and carry they both carry the last name 'Sampson'.

[Nbadan]

Rasual Butler and Speedy Claxton would probably do the trick, but the Spurs would still need Scola or another big to replace Nazr.

[SPARKY]

If the team wants to "get younger", revisit the Barry for Smith deal. Sign Jumaine Jones and Devin Brown. Then see which Euro fits (probably Javtokas). There's also Sanikidze who might be ready to join the team and spend the first season on IR.

This wouldn't add a 1, but the Spurs do have some options, including a S&T for Mohammed.

[Nbadan]

If the team wants to "get younger", revisit the Barry for Smith deal.

I think the Spurs will be visiting many possible deals involving Barry.

[Slinkyman]

Rasual Butler and Speedy Claxton would probably do the trick, but the Spurs would still need Scola or another big to replace Nazr.

I like butler alot, he's long, athletic and can hit the 3. I wouldn't mind 3 former hornets on the spurs roster next season: JR, Speedy, Rasual

[exstatic]

Is Jamal Sampson related to Ralph Sampson? They look exactly the same and carry they both carry the last name 'Sampson'.
Nephew, I believe.

[Leetonidas]

Rasual Butler and Speedy Claxton would probably do the trick, but the Spurs would still need Scola or another big to replace Nazr.

I agree with that. A perfect off-season would entail...

Sign Rasual
Sign Speedy
Bring in Javtokas (I'd rather him over Scola right now)
Trade for JR Smith

And get rid of...

Nick Van Exel
Brent Barry
Nazr Mohammed

[Nbadan]

I like butler alot, he's long, athletic and can hit the 3. I wouldn't mind 3 former hornets on the spurs roster next season: JR, Speedy, Rasual

It would give a lot of what they lacked this year, youth and athleticism.

[Leetonidas]

I like butler alot, he's long, athletic and can hit the 3. I wouldn't mind 3 former hornets on the spurs roster next season: JR, Speedy, Rasual

They probably have chemistry with each other too.

[Nbadan]

I ran a Barry for Smith trade scenario on RealGM and got this:


Due to San Antonio and New Orleans being over the cap, the 25% trade rule is invoked. San Antonio and New Orleans had to be no more than 125% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did not happen here (only San Antonio met the condition). This trade does not satisfy the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

REALGM TRADECHECKER (http://www2.realgm.com/src_tradechecker/3/)

[Leetonidas]

I believe there was a third part involed and Srvydas Macijauskas was part of the deal too.

[T Park]

wow, this FA class sucks :lol

[Nbadan]

None-the-less, I believe there were some hard feelings with Speedy Claxton and POP because the Spurs did not pick up on his team-option year the first time around. so maybe Bobby Jackson is the way POP goes, although I think Speedy would come back in a heartbeat if they both just lowered their egos a bit.

[T Park]

Rasual Butler???!?!?


PLEASE SPURS GET HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Long 3, hits the 3 VERY well, very atheltic, and can defend.

You get him, youve got the long 3 of the future.


Bring in Javtokas, sign a Claxton or Bobby jackson with the rest of the money, and if Devin wants a vet min contract, bring him back too.


Swing a sign and trade with Mohammed for draft picks or whatever, and your set.

[FromWayDowntown]

I wouldn't touch Bobby Jackson with a ten foot pole. The dude can certainly play, but he can't stay on the court long enough to make a difference and I'm not sure you can count on him being available enough to be a consistent back-up.

I wonder about how willing Claxton would be to come back to SA -- he's taken a run at starting in a number of places without much success in holding a starting job. Maybe his resignation to being a back-up would entice him to step back up to the elite. But Speedy brings the same health concerns that Bobby Jackson brings -- can he stay healthy enough to make a difference over the course of a full season?

If we're going to visit former Spurs, I thought I read some rumblings about Larry Bird breaking up the Pacers and wonder about Stephen Jackson's availability. If Bird is going to blow that team up, he might be willing to take a bad contract now in the hope of gaining some cap relief later. A contract plus a prospect might get you something there, though I'd be surprised if the Spurs had more than a passing interest in Jackson or, if they do, if they have enough to get him out of Indy.

And there's always Devin Brown, right?

[ponky]

We can't do that because he was on the juice and that will damper our reputation. How about DESAGANA DIOP?


HAHAHA, get your own players.

[GoSpurs90899]

I actually wouldnt mind diop. All he needs to do is block shots.

[ducks]

j oneal would be great but would you trade manu or tp for him?

[ducks]

speedy has no jump shot
NO THANK YOU

[Nbadan]

I wonder about how willing Claxton would be to come back to SA -- he's taken a run at starting in a number of places without much success in holding a starting job. Maybe his resignation to being a back-up would entice him to step back up to the elite. But Speedy brings the same health concerns that Bobby Jackson brings -- can he stay healthy enough to make a difference over the course of a full season?

That's a luxuary that Beno affords you during the regular season. Plus, Speedy is a good floor leader, but can the Spurs afford both Claxton and Butler?

[E20]

If you take a look at Bobby Jackson's season splits:

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bobby_jackson/season_splits.html

He hasn't done that bad with the minutes thrown at him.

[Nbadan]

If we're going to visit former Spurs, I thought I read some rumblings about Larry Bird breaking up the Pacers and wonder about Stephen Jackson's availability. If Bird is going to blow that team up, he might be willing to take a bad contract now in the hope of gaining some cap relief later. A contract plus a prospect might get you something there, though I'd be surprised if the Spurs had more than a passing interest in Jackson or, if they do, if they have enough to get him out of Indy.

You'll find no bigger Jackson supporter than myself, but Bird just handing Jack to the Spurs and POP being smart enough to accept the offer seems like fantasy-land.

[jamezyjamez]

What about Mike James?

[Leetonidas]

What about Mike James?
Not gonna happen.

[Nbadan]

What about Mike James?

James has a $3.72 player option with Toronto which he will probably decline. That makes him available to sign for way, way more than the Spurs will likely have to offer unless we do some sort of sign and trade.

[Phenomanul]

What about Mike James?


I'm sure Pop loves his defense... plus the guy is amazingly clutch...

[Nbadan]

James is out of Spurs touch. We need to put that dog to sleep.

[KEDA]

why do you guys want Brown so bad?


we all know he has the work ethic of an old donkey

he was an ok defender, but Id rather have Finley taking all of his minutes every time!

[Kori Ellis]

A lot of people are talking about signing Rasual Butler AND Speedy. With what money? :wtf

[Nbadan]

A lot of people are talking about signing Rasual Butler AND Speedy. With what money? :wtf

That's just it, any deal for the two would have to involve a multi-player, possibly sign-and-trade deal, or multi-team deal which the Spurs don't usually do. Still, Barry and Rasho may be attractive to teams looking to dump future salaries.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

What happens to Oberto? Is he a complete write-off? Does he take Marks' 12th man role?

Bobby J shot .382 this year, was benched by his coach, and frequently injured. Loved his game 3 years ago, but now? Nup.

Do we go for Rasual and put some faith in Beno at backup PG?

If all we want in a big is rebounding and some beef, Kelvin Cato would fit the bill. He had a poor 05, but in 04 playing in Orl he was good for 10/10/2 per 40 minutes. Another project big - Melvin Ely? But what is his D like? We have so many bigs sitting in Europe that it seems we'll go that way though.

Some people suggested QWoods - yes, he's talented, but do you see a fvckwit like him fitting in on the Spurs? Too many character issues.

[infinite styles]

I like the D. Johnson idea and if we could get that deal with the Hornets that was in place in Feb. then that would be great. I doubt a sign and trade will happen with Nazr unless he goes to a cellar dwellar in the East.

[robb2676]

[QUOTE]Not a bad idea for a backup. Definetly a better idea than Nick the Brick.




whaaaaaaat

[johngateswhiteley]

we don't need projects, we need players that can play right now. the only thing more upsetting than not winning a championship this year is the fact that duncan will be another year older and we are never going to have a player like him again. i don't want to waste duncan's best years trying to develp projects, that makes zero sense. duncan only has about 4 years, imo, of great bball left in him; so lets get so good players.

...i vote for speedy claxton and jumaine jones. then trying to bring in javtokas and whatever veteran player w/legs that Pop wants.

[SA Gunslinger]

I wonder how much Devean George would cost? He is an excellent role player.

[JLH Fans]

No to Clifford Robinson.

No to DeSagana Diop because he is under contract.

Jarred Jeffries is the guy, but he is unrestricted and that makes extremely difficult, but not impossible.
As far as Washington concerned,they would probably accept Moha+Scola's right for Jeffries.

[Kori Ellis]

Rasual Butler might have the skill set (shoot 3's, defend, etc) but I think he's a little short for what they are looking for. Pop said they are looking for a 6'9/6'10 athlete. I think Rasual is 6'7 or shorter.

[JLH Fans]

Rasual Butler might have the skill set (shoot 3's, defend, etc) but I think he's a little short for what they are looking for. Pop said they are looking for a 6'9/6'10 athlete. I think Rasual is 6'7 or shorter.

Then Jeffries could be ideal could'n he?
Javtokas for LLE,and maybe I m wrong,but Udrich could play 10-15 as a backup PG.

[Kori Ellis]

Then Jeffries could be ideal could'n he?
Javtokas for LLE,and maybe I m wrong,but Udrich could play 10-15 as a backup PG.

Jeffries could be. But since he's restricted, it might be hard to get him.

[JLH Fans]

Jeffries could be. But since he's restricted, it might be hard to get him.
That's why I read Scola's right+Moha (s&t)for Jeffries.

[TDMVPDPOY]

thats abit too much for an unproven player

nazr cant be packeged with any trades unless he wants max in a sign n trade

scola>jared

[Bruno]

No to Jeffries. This guy is an average role player and will be paid the full MLE.
I take Jumaine Jones for $10M/3years over Jeffries for $30M/5years.

[dbestpro]

Rasual Butler, New Orleans is the sleeper of the group. Always capable of hitting a big three and athletic.

[T Park]

nazr cant be packeged with any trades unless he wants max in a sign n trade



eh?

[El_Mago]

thats abit too much for an unproven player

If anyone is unproven it's Scola.

Giving nearly the full MLE to a player like Scola is much more of a risk than giving it to someone like Jeffries.

[T Park]

Agreed.

But I don't get all the hype about Jared Jeffries.

The guy has been a bust, and is a DECENT player.


Rasual Butler, when given PT, is a 3pt shooting stud.

Good D also, comes from the house of Stan Van Gundy and Riley.

Also, Id research a trade for S Jax who like has been said is about 6'9 and VERY long armed, and is a big time clutch shooter slasher who draws fouls and draws the D.


Rasual Butler, or Stephen Jackson.


Get it done boys :tu

[El_Mago]

Jared Jeffries a Bust?

Possibly. He was taken 11th, which is a lottery pick.

However, thats why I don't believe he will get the full MLE....he was not outstanding in the playoffs, and he has not been dominant in his 4 years as a pro nor did he have a break out season like a Bobby Simmons last year.

Washington currently has a log jam with Caron and Hayes at the SF, and have a lot of money tied up in Jamison, Haywood, and Thomas.....so,they could let Jeffries walk eventhough restricted.....ala...Nazr.

The guy is 6-10, long arms, quick on his feet, can run the floor, and is capable of scoring, but his offense is inconsistent....mainly due to line-up changes, minutes, etc...

His defense is nothing special nor is it horrible. We have seen guys in here who have not been of the defensive demeanor and get the job done....SJax, G-Rob, and Finley.

With the Spurs defensive scheme's....Duncan's ability to make teammates better, and already offensive minded guards in Parker and Ginobili....there is not much pressure for Jeffries.


Call me an idiot if you'd like for believing in this kid, but not many believed in Boris Diaw, when some thought he was too passive, had zero offense, and practically could not even get off the bench in wretched Atlanta.....a change in team and leadership can go a long way for a player trying to find himself in a comfortable system....ala....Jeffries.

[SpursInvasion]

Speedy and Devean George for his tenacity on defense will help this ball club

[Slinkyman]

Rasual butler is a nice player but how does he improve our team? he's the same height and weight as bruce and he had a hard time with Bonzi and Dirk how do you see butler doing? Basicly we'd be in the same situation as we were this post season, not enough height to guard dirk and not enough weight to effectively box out big SFs like bonzi.

Butler just doesn't solve our problems and neither does Sjax, we need a guy like Jeffries. He can guard the 2, 3, 4 and 5 which means he's big enough to box out guys like Wells and quick enough to D up Dirk. Don't call him a bust just yet, he's only 24 years old and never was a big part of the wiz offense getting just 5 shots a game. He could pull a diaw and double his production on the right team.

[El_Mago]

He can guard the 2, 3, 4 and 5 which means he's big enough to box out guys like Wells and quick enough to D up Dirk. Don't call him a bust just yet, he's only 24 years old and never was a big part of the wiz offense getting just 5 shots a game. He could pull a diaw and double his production on the right team.

Thankyou

[El_Mago]

Some Wiz fans are saying that Jared Jeffries will be gone.

Either they are looking for a pick or a player in return....and a newly signed Jeffries will be yours.

So, I wonder if they would be interested in Nazr.....or possibly the rights to Luis Scola?

[Horry For 3!]

Actually Jeffries is listed at 6-11 240 lbs

I was lookin at his stats, he has improved pretty much in each category. Especially the block category goin from .3, .3, to .5 and then this year .7.

[Slinkyman]

Some Wiz fans are saying that Jared Jeffries will be gone.

Either they are looking for a pick or a player in return....and a newly signed Jeffries will be yours.

So, I wonder if they would be interested in Nazr.....or possibly the rights to Luis Scola?

Alot of reporters including M.Wilbon in washington think the wiz will let Jeffries walk, not because they don't like him but because the wiz already have 13 players under contract(the max is 15 i think) and they need bigs who can score inside. He's restricted so the spurs may just not wish to take a chance on the wiz matching or they might have someone completely different in mind.

[El_Mago]

I know his stats are not eye opening, but i'm backing Jeffries 100%

Diaw's stats in Atlanta were not staggering either, and the kid blew up to be a huge threat.

Jeffries is young at only 24....Popovich is a great coach at developing...and all the Star Power is here for Jeffries to blossom....and he would not take long to blossom like a Euro barely coming in.....he's already been in the league, so it might be a Diaw situation where he just blows up.

Exactly, the Wiz are not in a good situation to where they can sign him up....

The cards might be in our favor.....he would be a huge steal for us.....talent like him can not be found easily.....dude, is 6-10 or 6-11....and can guard big SG to PF's.....he's just a jem that needs some polishing....

Jeffries is my man this summer.....I'm rooting for him until he signs with the Wiz, Spurs, or another team....

[Nbadan]

Kurt Thomas (6'9) seems to be the odd-man out in Phoenix with Diaw exploding and Amare coming back this summer. I'm just not sure that Rasho, Nazr or even Scola would be enough to interest Phoenix.

[MoSpur]

The only one who sticks out to me is Ben Wallace. At least right now. How much longer can he go is what I am concerned about.

[Mavschick]

Rasual butler is a nice player but how does he improve our team? he's the same height and weight as bruce and he had a hard time with Bonzi and Dirk how do you see butler doing? Basicly we'd be in the same situation as we were this post season, not enough height to guard dirk and not enough weight to effectively box out big SFs like bonzi.

Butler just doesn't solve our problems and neither does Sjax, we need a guy like Jeffries. He can guard the 2, 3, 4 and 5 which means he's big enough to box out guys like Wells and quick enough to D up Dirk. Don't call him a bust just yet, he's only 24 years old and never was a big part of the wiz offense getting just 5 shots a game. He could pull a diaw and double his production on the right team.

Butler can't play a lick of D.

Jeffries is intriguing because he can play SG, SF and PF. I'm not saying he could become an Antoine Walker-like point forward, but he's a good ball-handler for a big man plus he might not be Dan Gadzuric but he can run the floor pretty well for someone his size.

[TDMVPDPOY]

ben want 70-80mill or sumthing that starts at 12mill a season

[Mavschick]

Kurt Thomas (6'9) seems to be the odd-man out in Phoenix with Diaw exploding and Amare coming back this summer. I'm just not sure that Rasho, Nazr or even Scola would be enough to interest Phoenix.

It's more of a case that Marion seems to be the odd-man out with Diaw's emergence and Amare coming back. PHO would want to keep Thomas around because of his rebounding, ability to defend big post players (despite his relatively small stature), and ability to drain the 15-foot jumper a la Charles Oakley. With Diaw, Stoudemire, and Thomas possibly being set next year at SF, PF, and C respectively, Marion might be redundant.

[TDMVPDPOY]

jared is not restrictive if i were him, instead of signin for 1-2mill on teams outside of texas, after tax is probaly half of it, why dont he just sign with us for the minimum or LLE tax free.

korii correct me on this one, meal payouts for game dayz are not counted towards there salary right? so he can spend half or nothin and save it to buy crack :D

[MoSpur]

Ben wanting a lot of money is the reason I know the Spurs won't get him. However, he is the one I would really like to see the Spurs get. As far as who they might get I think is someone like Speedy.

[strangeweather]

It's more of a case that Marion seems to be the odd-man out with Diaw's emergence and Amare coming back. PHO would want to keep Thomas around because of his rebounding, ability to defend big post players (despite his relatively small stature), and ability to drain the 15-foot jumper a la Charles Oakley. With Diaw, Stoudemire, and Thomas possibly being set next year at SF, PF, and C respectively, Marion might be redundant.

Even with all that, Marion would be a complete keeper over Diaw or Thomas were it not for his $15 million a year contract. With that contract, they need to try to move him while his stock is high.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i think we should give jay williams a try, and try strike a deal with the heat for dorell wright who is gettin no PT, his another gerald green type of played who dominates HS ball but in nba is scrub.

[1Parker1]

Ben wanting a lot of money is the reason I know the Spurs won't get him. However, he is the one I would really like to see the Spurs get. As far as who they might get I think is someone like Speedy.

:lol Who would you give up/trade to get room for him?

[MoSpur]

I would give them........drum roll......













Rasho!

[temujin]

Scola is the man to face Novitzki.

Plus DeRosa, Spooner and Crawford, as free agents, of course.

[1Parker1]

I would give them........drum roll......













Rasho!

:lol Perfect!! I'd say that's a pretty even trade :)

[picnroll]

http://www.insidehoops.com/free-agent-rankings.shtml

[objective]

Then Jeffries could be ideal could'n he?
Javtokas for LLE,and maybe I m wrong,but Udrich could play 10-15 as a backup PG.

Javtokas with the LLE is a big risk. If I remember right the contracts are limited to 2 years, and the Spurs won't have caproom to re-sign him like they did with Manu.

[MoSpur]

I thought so Parker. We're seeing eye to eye.

[picnroll]

If you want rebounding from the small forward postion on the cheap you go with Q Woods or Ariza. Both are 6'8" and athletic and rebound at about the same rate as Josh Howard. Woods also gives you good offense to go with a lot of baggage. If the price is right Spurs could role the dice and pick up both, particularly if they can shed Barry.

[ChumpDumper]

Javtokas with the LLE is a big risk. If I remember right the contracts are limited to 2 years, and the Spurs won't have caproom to re-sign him like they did with Manu.They could match any offer up to the MLE. LJ reminded me other teams can't offer more than the MLE now.

[Slinkyman]

If you want rebounding from the small forward postion on the cheap you go with Q Woods or Ariza. Both are 6'8" and athletic and rebound at about the same rate as Josh Howard. Woods also gives you good offense to go with a lot of baggage. If the price is right Spurs could role the dice and pick up both, particularly if they can shed Barry.

6'8 isn't tall enough, ariza is less the 200lbs and couldn't box out wells or dirk and Q woods is a complete loser forget him.

[TDMVPDPOY]

PG we need = anthony parker, i dunno why this guy is not in the nba, his killin the european games.

[TDMVPDPOY]

hey the grizzlies are lookin for a center in the draft, maybe they mite take a look at rasho for one of there scrub players. wright is a FA end of this season.

[loveforthegame]

hey the grizzlies are lookin for a center in the draft, maybe they mite take a look at rasho for one of there scrub players. wright is a FA end of this season.

I think they can get something more attractive than Rasho for Wright. I like Hakeem Warrick but not sure they'd give him up either. Rasho for Cardinal/Warrick works but it's probably a pipe dream.

[El_Mago]

Anthony Parker would not be bad choice, but I think he is more of a offensive minded PG.

Plus, at the most the Spurs would only give him about the LLE, and he's probably seeking a Sarunas type of deal, which is not happening with the Spurs.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Anthony Parker would not be bad choice, but I think he is more of a offensive minded PG.

Plus, at the most the Spurs would only give him about the LLE, and he's probably seeking a Sarunas type of deal, which is not happening with the Spurs.

if beno can survived on 800k a season, i dont see how a guy like him cannot survive on the LLE. WHAT would u rather do? earn LLE in texas income tax free, or get a huge contract in sum lame state that taxes income.

[El_Mago]

Um, I would rather go, where the most money and playing time is offered.

Here, the money probably won't be thrown around and for the minutes won't be given away....especially at PG, where there's an All-Star and a player still trying to crack the rotation after 2 years.

[TDMVPDPOY]

do u see sean marks cryin about pt?

[Slinkyman]

What does everyone think about Walter McCarty for the vet min? He's a 6'10 SF but he is 32 so he doesn't solve out need for a athletic long 3 but he would come cheap and provide depth and length at the 3 which we need. McCarty + a young SF would solidify that position for us.

[Axl Van Dam]

:fro In my opinion Pop and R.C. Buford should consider the following from the Free Agent Pool

Drew Gooden
Nene
Ben Wallace

[ducks]

how are the spurs suppose to sign ben wallace

[Supergirl]

Man if there was any way we could get Al Harrington...

He'd really fill that long 3 role...

[Extra Stout]

What about Leroy Jenkins?

[Mr. Body]

What about Leroy Jenkins?

Nah. He'd sit there dazed for about five minutes at a time. Then for some reason he'd rush madly into the stands. Instant suspension.

[Knoxville Spur]

Is Tayshaun Prince a restricted free agent? How much is he worth per year now?

He would be awesome as a Bowen replacement.

[ChumpDumper]

The Sixers worked out Marcus Haislip and were reportedly impressed.

Played pretty well in Euroleague this season.

STATS (http://www.euroleague.net/plantillas/jugador.jsp?id=KMV)

[himat]

Is Tayshaun Prince a restricted free agent? How much is he worth per year now?

He would be awesome as a Bowen replacement.

We signed him for 5 years.

[Spurologist]

Is Tayshaun Prince a restricted free agent? How much is he worth per year now?

He would be awesome as a Bowen replacement.

Is today wet dream special day. First Ben Wallace and now this

[Knoxville Spur]

We signed him for 5 years.

OK I see that now thanks to some googling. And I guess it just happened in October (LOL). How much is he making?

[Knoxville Spur]

Is today wet dream special day. First Ben Wallace and now this

Sorry dude, not everyone is as incredibly well informed as you are.

[Spurologist]

Sorry dude, not everyone is as incredibly well informed as you are.

It has nothing to do with being informed. Point is Prince will never dawn a spurs uni in his prime.

[SPARKY]

The Sixers worked out Marcus Haislip and were reportedly impressed.

Played pretty well in Euroleague this season.

STATS (http://www.euroleague.net/plantillas/jugador.jsp?id=KMV)

Worth a look.

[Taking it to the Hole]

I know this sounds mean, but is there any team in the league that would love to have Rasho? I mean this guy is so unwanted by everyone and we all know he isn't happy here, so I would just like to know is their anyone dying to take him?

[SPARKY]

I know this sounds mean, but is there any team in the league that would love to have Rasho? I mean this guy is so unwanted by everyone and we all know he isn't happy here, so I would just like to know is their anyone dying to take him?

In short, no.

[Nbadan]

In short, no.

Phhffff..For $7 million/per? There's teams that will take him.

[SPARKY]

They couldn't give him away last summer. And they were willing to do just that to avoid the lux tax.

[ChumpDumper]

My thinking is a good suitor for Rasho would be Toronto, depending on their draft. Colangelo is all about versatile lineups and Araujo doesn't look like he's ever going to be the traditional center they will need to compete in the Eastern Conference, and Rasho's deal will end just around the time the young guys will need to be paid.

Taking ballast like Araujo and Eric Williams off the Raptors hands may give us an advantage over some other teams like Milwaukee who will want something closer to equal value, and we might just be able to use Williams as a stopgap long 3 until someone else is found. Otherwisehe and Araujo could be waived or traded again since they are in the last year of their deals.

[Bruno]

Another guy that Toronto will likely trade is Bonner because they will sign Garbajosa who is a PF with an outside jumpshot like Bonner (but Garbajosa is agood defender).
However if Colangelo want to userun and gun offense a la Suns, I doubt he will want Rasho.

[TDMVPDPOY]

the blazers are also lookin out dealin there 30+31st picks

[Mavschick]

My thinking is a good suitor for Rasho would be Toronto, depending on their draft. Colangelo is all about versatile lineups and Araujo doesn't look like he's ever going to be the traditional center they will need to compete in the Eastern Conference, and Rasho's deal will end just around the time the young guys will need to be paid.

Taking ballast like Araujo and Eric Williams off the Raptors hands may give us an advantage over some other teams like Milwaukee who will want something closer to equal value, and we might just be able to use Williams as a stopgap long 3 until someone else is found. Otherwisehe and Araujo could be waived or traded again since they are in the last year of their deals.

I doubt TOR would go for a slow veteran C who wouldn't fit in the run-and-gun style the young Raptors will adopt with all the athleticism they have, ie. Peterson, Bosh, Villanueva, Graham, etc. Aldridge seems to be the consensus choice as to who their next C will be, if not Bosh with Bargnani added to play PF.

[MissAllThat]

I would give them........drum roll......












Rasho!

:lol Lets throw in Eva too. I mean according to the stalkerazzi her and Tony aren't getting along anyway.

[ChumpDumper]

I doubt TOR would go for a slow veteran C who wouldn't fit in the run-and-gun style the young Raptors will adopt with all the athleticism they have, ie. Peterson, Bosh, Villanueva, Graham, etc. Aldridge seems to be the consensus choice as to who their next C will be, if not Bosh with Bargnani added to play PF.If that was really the case, Brian Grant, Kurt Thomas and Pat Burke wouldn't be Suns. You gotta look at who's calling the shots now.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Anyone considered John Salmons for our bench? Solid player with an all-round game, maybe we can develop him?

[MI21]

Qyntel Woods, please.

[Old School Chic]

:lol Lets throw in Eva too. I mean according to the stalkerazzi her and Tony aren't getting along anyway.


:rolleyes


http://thebosh.com/archives/Tony-Parker%2C-Eva-Longoria.jpg

[Obstructed_View]

As long as they sign players that Pop will actually play when they are most needed, I'll be happy.

[Hoy]

As long as they sign players that Pop will actually play when they are most needed, I'll be happy.


Ditto.

All our bigs, except for Duncan, can't or won't play when it matters.
No, Horry can't produce any more.
I've read that Horry hit only one 3 pointer in the entire Mavs series: Is that true?

[Obstructed_View]

Ditto.

All our bigs, except for Duncan, can't or won't play when it matters.
No, Horry can't produce any more.
I've read that Horry hit only one 3 pointer in the entire Mavs series: Is that true?
Don't blame the players for the fact that they didn't even get a chance to fail. My point is that the roster doesn't mean shit if the coach refuses to play the players.

[phxspurfan]

(John Starks is a free agent)

[Bruno]

Don't blame the players for the fact that they didn't even get a chance to fail. My point is that the roster doesn't mean shit if the coach refuses to play the players.

cough... Start of the game 2 ... cough

[Obstructed_View]

cough... Start of the game 2 ... cough
Huh?

[Bruno]

Huh?

The two big men lineup has failled at the start of the second game when Howard has scored a lot of points on our bigs.
Pop has tried a lot to play with 2 bigs (don't forget that Oberto has even started) but the less worst solution was Finley at PF.
When you say that Pop hasn't tried to play our bigs, you're wrong. The truth is that none of our 5 bigs were able to defend Dirk/Howard and that Dirk was able to defend all of them except Duncan.
Either you're a Pop hater, either you haven't watched closely the Dallas serie.

[mardigan]

Chris Wilcox would be the best fit for us as a complimentary big man to Duncan, although I dont know if we could afford him, and I think that Chucky Atkins would be a much better backup to Tony than Beano. Also have you seen Ian Mahinni? I know hes skinny and raw but I bet he will help next year if we bring him over which they are supposed to.

[NBAFAN001]

What do you guys think about Joel Pryzylla? 26 year old, 7'1" and 2.32 BPG. Rumor is that he's frustrated in Portland and most likely will not re-sign with the Blazers. Anyway we can get him?

[Obstructed_View]

The two big men lineup has failled at the start of the second game when Howard has scored a lot of points on our bigs.
Pop has tried a lot to play with 2 bigs (don't forget that Oberto has even started) but the less worst solution was Finley at PF.
When you say that Pop hasn't tried to play our bigs, you're wrong. The truth is that none of our 5 bigs were able to defend Dirk/Howard and that Dirk was able to defend all of them except Duncan.
Either you're a Pop hater, either you haven't watched closely the Dallas serie.
I wasn't aware that Rasho and Nazr were responsible for the Spurs only making three field goals in the second quarter of that game. The Spurs were only down 4 at the end of the first quarter, when the centers were taken out of the game. Besides, if you don't think that game 2 was a failure of every single player on the floor not wearing number 21, then there's no point in continuing this conversation.

I don't know what fucking series you were watching, but I saw the Spurs unable to stop dribblers, get offensive or defensive rebounds, block shots, defned the pick and roll, defend the three point line, get open jumpers, stay out of foul trouble...

How far do we need to go here? I love Pop, which is why I haven't one single time called for a coaching change. I'm not going to agree with every decision he makes just because he's Pop. Abandoning your entire defensive scheme after a really gutless performance by your team is stupid. The Spurs nearly pulled the series out with heart and effort, but in the end there just wasn't enough help on defense, and there were zero open three pointers. All those intangibles that the centers gave the team through the season weren't there.

[Bruno]

I wasn't aware that Rasho and Nazr were responsible for the Spurs only making three field goals in the second quarter of that game.
I don't speak about the second quarter. Start of the game 2 was just an example.



The Spurs were only down 4 at the end of the first quarter, when the centers were taken out of the game.

False, Spurs were -12 when they start to play small bal and it was after 8 min in the first quarter.



Besides, if you don't think that game 2 was a failure of every single player on the floor not wearing number 21, then there's no point in continuing this conversation.

:wtf Did I say that ?



I don't know what fucking series you were watching, but I saw the Spurs unable to stop dribblers, get offensive or defensive rebounds, block shots, defned the pick and roll, defend the three point line, get open jumpers, stay out of foul trouble...

I don't know what fucking series you were watching, but I saw Pop try to play with 2 bigs a lot of time. He even tried Oberto.



How far do we need to go here? I love Pop, which is why I haven't one single time called for a coaching change. I'm not going to agree with every decision he makes just because he's Pop. Abandoning your entire defensive scheme after a really gutless performance by your team is stupid. The Spurs nearly pulled the series out with heart and effort, but in the end there just wasn't enough help on defense, and there were zero open three pointers. All those intangibles that the centers gave the team through the season weren't there.

Pop and his staff have faced a matchup nightmare. it was :
- either play with 2 bigs and let one Dallas swingmen scoring a lot of points.
- aither play with one big and be eaten on the boards and less effective for team defense.

Pop has chosen to play small ball. You can disagree with this choice but it was far from being stupid, none of both solutions were good. The small ball solution was the less worst for Pop. Maybe with 2 bigs we will have won this serie but we will never know.
Using the regular season record and lineup is BS, because we haven't played against Dallas 82 times and matchups are damn important in BB.
Using the finale to say that we should have played with 2 bigs is BS because none of our bigs was quick enough to defend on Dirk liek haslem Did.

To end this discution, I can understand people who disagree with the small ball choice but I find stupid when people say :
- that small ball was a stupid choice.
- that Pop hasn't tried to play with 2 bigs. he has tried a lot to do that the first three games.

[Obstructed_View]

One minute in game three and zero minutes in games 4-7 is not "trying". Pop put Oberto ahead of Rasho and Nazr even though the team needed shot blocking at the rim, team defense and rebounding. Oberto can get rebounds because he freelances. That's not what Spurs team defense needs consistently.

Pop and his staff faced a matchup problem. I don't have a problem with using smallball as an adjustment to a situation, but I find it stupid when people say that somehow not playing the centers at all under any circumstances for basically five games is an "adjustment". Words better suited to describe it would be "knee-jerk" or "Panic". The Spurs simply abandoned what had worked through the regular season. Matchups are not as important as doing what you know. Smallball hurt them just as much on the offensive end as on the defensive end. Basically Pop turned the Spurs into the 2005 Suns, and AJ used Pop's formula for the 2005 Spurs to beat it. Given the way the team played in game 2, they probably would have been blown out no matter what. Seems kind of stupid to abandon your game plan based upon what amounts to an anomaly.

Haslem's stellar defense had less to do with Dirk's production than the centers blocking him and bodying him when he tried to penetrate, which intimidated him and turned him back into a jump shooter. The inside defense also turned Howard into a jump shooter. Take ten layups from the Spurs Mavs series and turn them into jump shots. Does it make the difference in the series?

[leemajors]

shaq and zo > nazr and rasho. nazr and rasho aren't going to crack back at nowitzki or intimidate anyone.

[Bruno]

One minute in game three and zero minutes in games 4-7 is not "trying".

When something don't work, you don't do it again.
You can't say that for smallball because Pop has tried every other solution before.



Pop put Oberto ahead of Rasho and Nazr even though the team needed shot blocking at the rim, team defense and rebounding. Oberto can get rebounds because he freelances.

He has put Oberto because he was a little faster than Rasho/Nazr and he has tried to put him on Dirk.
Spurs' defense needed too not to let Howard or Dirk scoring a lot of points.
As I said it was a choice between two bad solutions.
If you don't see why Rasho/Nazr + Duncan was a bad solution against Dallas, I can't do nothing for you.



That's not what Spurs team defense needs consistently.
Man2man defense is important too especially against Dallas who plays 1vs1 offense (iso schemes).



Pop and his staff faced a matchup problem. I don't have a problem with using smallball as an adjustment to a situation, but I find it stupid when people say that somehow not playing the centers at all under any circumstances for basically five games is an "adjustment".

Maybe you haven't notice that we have played the same team these five game. It's a matchup adjustement. And as I said before, Pop has tried a lot of other solutions before.



The Spurs simply abandoned what had worked through the regular season.


Just look what we have done against Dallas during the regular season when Howard was in.



Matchups are not as important as doing what you know.

Matchup are the most important thing during playoffs.
If everybody speak of that, there is a reason.



Smallball hurt them just as much on the offensive end as on the defensive end.

No and No.
Man2man defense > team defense.
Finley > Rasho's screens

Smallball has weaknesses but Duncan at PF with Rasho/Nazr at C too : just make the defensive matchup and you will see it. :lol



Basically Pop turned the Spurs into the 2005 Suns, and AJ used Pop's formula for the 2005 Spurs to beat it.

It's a litle more complicate than that.



Given the way the team played in game 2, they probably would have been blown out no matter what. Seems kind of stupid to abandon your game plan based upon what amounts to an anomaly.

Pop's reaction was not only based on that.
If you think that coaching staf look only at the boxscore, i can't do nothing for you.
Re-watch games 1&2 when Spurs have played with Rasho or Nazr.



Haslem's stellar defense had less to do with Dirk's production than the centers blocking him and bodying him when he tried to penetrate, which intimidated him and turned him back into a jump shooter.

He faced Duncan against us, Shaq against Miami : I don't see a big difference.
Dirk was a jump shooter against Miami because Haslem was quick and strong enough.



The inside defense also turned Howard into a jump shooter. Take ten layups from the Spurs Mavs series and turn them into jump shots. Does it make the difference in the series?

Dallas has taken a lot of jumper even when O'Neal and Mounring were on the bench (like at the end of game 6). Couch... Chokers..cough

[Obstructed_View]

Dallas has taken a lot of jumper even when O'Neal and Mounring were on the bench (like at the end of game 6). Couch... Chokers..cough
Bottom line: Defense turns the Mavericks into a jump shooting team. Smallball turns the Mavericks into a layup and dunk team.

Thanks for playing, please drive forward.

[Bruno]

Bottom line: Defense turns the Mavericks into a jump shooting team. Smallball turns the Mavericks into a layup and dunk team.

Thanks for playing, please drive forward.

Bottom line : Walker at center is smallball.

Thanks for playing.

[Obstructed_View]

Bottom line : Walker at center is smallball.

Thanks for playing.
Walker at center for five straight games is Spurs smallball.

[Bruno]

Walker at center for five straight games is Spurs smallball.

We have played Duncan at center who is way more acenter than Walker.

If you can't understand something as simple as matchup, no need to continue this discussion.
Try to matchup a Harris/Terry/Howard/Dirk/Dampier lineup with a linueup with 2 big men. You will see it doesn't work, plain and simple.

[mardigan]

It wouldnt work because Dirk cant guard anyone, especially a big man with offensive skills

[Obstructed_View]

We have played Duncan at center who is way more acenter than Walker.

If you can't understand something as simple as matchup, no need to continue this discussion.
Try to matchup a Harris/Terry/Howard/Dirk/Dampier lineup with a linueup with 2 big men. You will see it doesn't work, plain and simple.
Okay. What time is the championship parade, since smallball worked so well?

[Bruno]

Okay. What time is the championship parade, since smallball worked so well?

I've never said that smallball has worked well. I've just said that playing with 2 bigs hasn't worked well too.

[loveforthegame]

Qualifying offers were made to Chris Wilcox and Melvin Ely, which allows those teams to match whatever offers they get from other teams.

I'm not sure but that means you can't sign/trade for them now, correct?

[Bruno]

I'm not sure but that means you can't sign/trade for them now, correct?

No, you can still sign and trade them.

[loveforthegame]

No, you can still sign and trade them.

Thanks. I'm not sure why I thought that but obviously I'm thinking of another rule.

I still like the idea of Wilcox and glad the window is still open.

[Obstructed_View]

I've never said that smallball has worked well. I've just said that playing with 2 bigs hasn't worked well too.
Agreed. I never meant to imply that smallball in stretches wouldn't have been effective. I am instead of the opinion that some combination of the two might have been a better idea than abandoning one completely in favor of the other.

[phxspurfan]

whats juan dixon up to in portland? u think we can offer something to them for him as backup pg?

[Bruno]

whats juan dixon up to in portland? u think we can offer something to them for him as backup pg?

He is more a SG than a PG. However, Steve Blake is a good target for the backup PG spot.

[Supergirl]

Spurs need is much greater for that elusive athletic, long SF/PF like Harrington. Someone who can match up well against the Josh Howards and Rip Hamiltons of the NBA.

Back up PG is not as big an urgency, even though we need a new one because Manu and Barry (if we keep him) have been as good as any back up PG out there.

[Knoxville Spur]

Agreed. I never meant to imply that smallball in stretches wouldn't have been effective. I am instead of the opinion that some combination of the two might have been a better idea than abandoning one completely in favor of the other.

Well said!

[TwoHandJam]

We have played Duncan at center who is way more acenter than Walker.

If you can't understand something as simple as matchup, no need to continue this discussion.
Try to matchup a Harris/Terry/Howard/Dirk/Dampier lineup with a linueup with 2 big men. You will see it doesn't work, plain and simple.
I don't understand why Pop didn't go with the lineup of Parker/Manu/Bowen/Horry/Tim to matchup with that lineup. Dirk was torching whomever was on him so it really mattered little whether he was guarded by a big or not. Pop could have used up all the fouls from Horry/Oberto/Nazr/Rasho - whoever but just be physical with Dirk and make him work for his points. Our rebounding wouldn't have suffered and we'd have another shotblocker to prevent the layup drills. We'd also have Manu and Bruce free to lock down Terry and Howard.

Let Dirk get his and guard everyone else. That's exactly what they did to us - they used Dampier and Diop as fodder on Tim, letting him get his but locked down everyone else. Those two piled up tons of fouls, often being in foul trouble in the first quarter - just as Horry/Oberto would have been but at least they'd be there for rebounding/shotblocking/setting screens and making Dirk pay for driving the lane.

[Bruno]

Let Dirk get his and guard everyone else.

Dirk is a natural scorer, he is able to scored 50 points each night. And even if they are guarded, Terry, Howard, Stackhouse and sometimes Harris are able to score big points. You can't let a guy scored 50 points like we did with Amare in 05 because Dallas play some D and suporting cast is better fro Dallas.



That's exactly what they did to us - they used Dampier and Diop as fodder on Tim, letting him get his but locked down everyone else.

They used their better defender for Duncan on him (Diop and Dampier) like we use our better defendere for Dirk on Dirk (Bruce).

[Obstructed_View]

The previously stated reason for smallball was fear of Josh Howard abusing Rasho or Nazr. It has nothing to do with letting Dirk get his. If you play normal Spurs defense and keep Bowen on Dirk for the whole game, Dirk doesn't score anything close to 50 points a game. Nobody here can say that Howard was going to score anything close to what Amare did the year before.

[Bruno]

The previously stated reason for smallball was fear of Josh Howard abusing Rasho or Nazr. It has nothing to do with letting Dirk get his. If you play normal Spurs defense and keep Bowen on Dirk for the whole game, Dirk doesn't score anything close to 50 points a game. Nobody here can say that Howard was going to score anything close to what Amare did the year before.

Puting Nazr or Rasho is a great idea. :lol
Mavs are something like 25-2 when Howard score more than 20 points this season.
On the same time, Bruce won't shut down Dirk, Dirk average 27 pts with a 53FG% against us.
The only SG/SF that one of our big can defend was Griffin and that's why Avery removed him from the starting lineup after game 1.

[Obstructed_View]

Puting Nazr or Rasho is a great idea. :lol
Mavs are something like 25-2 when Howard score more than 20 points this season.
On the same time, Bruce won't shut down Dirk, Dirk average 27 pts with a 53FG% against us.
The only SG/SF that one of our big can defend was Griffin and that's why Avery removed him from the starting lineup after game 1.
Hey, let's abandon our game plan for an arbitrary stat! While we're at it, let's gameplan to defend the second or third best player on the Mavericks at the expense of defending their best player. (by the way, that gameplan didn't work because Howard still scored)

Dirk averaged 27 PPG against smallball, not against Bruce, who had to switch to whoever was currently torching the Spurs' complete lack of interior defense (which is a far fucking cry from 50 ppg. WTF?). If Josh Howard is going to beat you taking 20 foot jumpers, you are going to lose. Unfortunately he beat the Spurs scoring in the paint and at the line, as did the rest of the Mavericks.

[spurschick]

Quick question... isn't Sean Marks a free agent this year?

[Obstructed_View]

Quick question... isn't Sean Marks a free agent this year?
According to insidehoops.com, yes.