Free Agents: 1st Look

[SPARKY]

Jumaine Jones (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/jumaine_jones/index.html), SF, Charlotte - Spurs were interested in him before. Athletic 3 with 3 point range. Definitely fits what the Spurs are looking for and his price should fit their budget and cap room.

Melvin Ely (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/melvin_ely/index.html), PF, Charlotte - Athletic big. Limited game. Could come cheap.

Eric Piatkowski (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/eric_piatkowski/index.html), SG/SF, Chicago - Shooter. If the Spurs move some Barry he wouldn't be bad as the 5th swingman. Not sure about his health though.

Greg Buckner (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/greg_buckner/index.html), SG/SF, Denver - Defensive oriented with an outside shot. Not the greatest, but depending on how the swing rotation fills out there could be a spot.

Francisco Elson (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/francisco_elson/index.html), PF/C, Denver - athletic big. Depending on how the big rotation fills out there could be a deep spot for him.

Reggie Evans (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/reggie_evans/index.html), PF, Denver - would be a great pickup. Willing to mix it up and great on the glass. Also willing, um, to do whatever it takes to win.

DerMarr Johnson (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/dermarr_johnson/index.html), SG/SF, Denver - talented swingman who really hasn't put it together in the league. Still, some potential.

Kelvin Cato (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kelvin_cato/index.html), PF/C, Detroit - athletic big who had a lot of potential coming into the league, but's been rather so-so. Might be worthwhile to fill out the big rotation.

Chuck Hayes (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/chuck_hayes/index.html), SF/PF, Houston - has some game. Some knack for rebounding in spots. Personal issues.

David Wesley (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/david_wesley/index.html), PG/SG, Houston - nice shooter, good athlete.

Scot Pollard (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/scot_pollard/index.html), PF/C, Indiana - good size, willing to assert himself in paint. Might be nice as a 4th or 5th big.

Predrag Stojakovic (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/predrag_stojakovic/index.html), SG/SF, Indiana - shooter extraordinare. Not much else. Would change the complexion of the Spurs if they brought him in. Will probably cost too much.

Vladimir Radmanovic (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/vladimir_radmanovic/index.html[/url), SF, LA Clippers - another shooter without much else. Well, he boards well for a 3. Good size. His price might be palatable this summer.

Chucky Atkins (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/chucky_atkins/index.html), PG, Memphis - good range. Rather small. Wouldn't crimp overall game plan.

Bobby Jackson (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bobby_jackson/index.html), PG/SG, Memphis - would be a nice fit as the backup 1. Good range on this shot. Will take it to the hole. Plays well in the open court.

Speedy Claxton (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/speedy_claxton/index.html), PG, New Orleans - would be a nice fit. China doll. Price might be a little high. Not sure he'd take a backup role.

Aaron Williams (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/aaron_williams/index.html), PF, New Orleans - not a bad role player. Would be ok as a 4th or 5th big.

Qyntel Woods (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/qyntel_woods/index.html), SG/SF, New York - another raw talent who's yet to find himself in this league...or maybe never knew who he was.

Matt Barnes (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/matt_barnes/index.html), SF, Philadelphia - Spurs have had some interest in him before. Project.

Tim Thomas (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tim_thomas/index.html), SF, Phoenix - Spurs have had interest in him before, but he seems to have found a home in the desert.

Joel Przybilla (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/joel_przybilla/index.html), C, Portland - Bigman parlays so-so year into $50 million contract. Sound familiar?

Bonzi Wells (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bonzi_wells/index.html), SG/SF, Sacramento - Let them overpay him.

Chris Wilcox (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/chris_wilcox/index.html), PF/C, Seattle - Young athletic big has good 30 game stretch in contract year. Feh.

Mike Wilks (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mike_wilks/index.html), PG, Seattle - That's NBA Champion Mike Wilks to you.

Mike James (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mike_james/index.html), PG, Toronto - journeyman guard breaks out in contract year. More news @11.

Devin Brown (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/devin_brown/index.html), SG/SF, Utah - come home young fella.

Jarron Collins (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/jarron_collins/index.html), C, Utah - well, he is 6'11".

Matt Harpring (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/matt_harpring/index.html), SF, Utah - well, no, wait, nah, he could be, no not really, worthy of a chance, bust...

Jared Jeffries (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/jared_jeffries/index.html), SF, Washington - vintage Tim Duncan from the line circa 2004. Not sure what to make of him. I suspect the Wiz don't either and will err on the side of fear.

[flame]

nice write up

Pickings are looking kinda slim tho.

[MannyIsGod]

The names that jump off at me on that list are Pollard, Claxton, B. Jackson, and Atkins.

I hadn't thought about Pollard untill now, but I like the idea of bringing him in because of the way he plays.

[atxrocker]

peja will probably resign with indy or go to chicago. bobby and speedy are solid. barnes would probably suit the spurs well with some playing time. bonzi isent moving, he is hopefully staying with sac.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Bobby Jackson would be pretty cool. He's a great sixth man. Claxton would be nice to have back.

[rayray2k8]

Same here.
Except I would exchange pollard for evens.
Having Jackson as a backup PG would be fucking sweet.
Dont get me wrong, I like Beno, but hes not worth a damn when the
playoffs roll around.
Same with claxton but i doubt he'll ever come back, but it would be nice to
get something off the bench from the 1.

[timvp]

I like Reggie Evans and Chuck Hayes. Spurs need rebounding and toughness.

[rayray2k8]

I like Reggie Evans and Chuck Hayes. Spurs need rebounding and toughness.
Man you REALLY pushing for Evan, huh LJ? :lol
Im sure him and Finley would get along just great!! :spin

[loveforthegame]

I love Chuck Hayes. He's undersized but has a nose for the ball. Good rebounder, hustles, and brings energy.

[Nbadan]

Probably over-priced for the MLE, but I think Matt Harpring would be a good fit.

[SsKSpurs21]

any truth to peja considering going to chicago? if this is true then luel deng will be the odd man out because they also have nocioni. then we can package rasho and barry or whoever chicago wants for chandler and deng! yay! RC MAKE IT HAPPEN!

[Nbadan]

Believe it or not, according to Hoopshype there is a rumor that Kevin Garnett reportedly is on the market, but the Bull's Paxson probably would have to package the pick and at least one of his team's core players - Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni or Kirk Hinrich - to make that happen.

[SsKSpurs21]

i wouldnt do that, they are giving up their core and youth for a middle aged superstar. in a few years KG will be past his prime and the core they let go will be blowing up....they should sign peja and give us deng!

[Kori Ellis]

I understand the Sonics will put together a package to try to go after Garnett and include Rashard Lewis amongst others.

[Nbadan]

I'm not sure what kind of package Seattle can put together. Would they give up Lewis and Allen? Lewis and scrubs isn't gonna be enough to top what Paxson could possibly offer.

[Kori Ellis]

I'm not sure what kind of package Seattle can put together. Would they give up Lewis and Allen? Lewis and scrubs isn't gonna be enough to top what Paxson could possibly offer.

My guess is something like Lewis, Ridnour, Danny Fortson's expiring contract and one of the young centers (plus picks?). Or maybe something that includes signandtrade of Wilcox.

I understood from someone that Chicago wasn't willing to give up Deng, so I didn't know if the idea of going after KG was still happening for them.

[Nbadan]

Deng's good, but If I'm Paxson, I would rather hold onto Nocioni and Chandler.

Hinrich
Gordon
Garnett
Nocioni
and Chandler would be an impressive line-up.

[Louie Vega]

Same with claxton but i doubt he'll ever come back, but it would be nice to get something off the bench from the 1.

Claxton stated earlier in the year that he missed San Antonio and the Spurs. He said he would love to be back. But as we all know, money talks.

[Nbadan]

Claxton stated earlier in the year that he missed San Antonio and the Spurs. He said he would love to be back. But as we all know, money talks.

Claxton has the china doll syndrome, but when he's healthy, he's goood. How much good? $2.5-3 million? Half the MLE.

[Kori Ellis]

Claxton has the china doll syndrome, but when he's healthy, he's goood. How much good? $2.5-3 million? Half the MLE.

He already made more than this season. I don't think he's taking a paycut. I think he will look for something like Earl Watson got -- $5M.

[Louie Vega]

Claxton has the china doll syndrome, but when he's healthy, he's goood. How much good? $2.5-3 million? Half the MLE.

He got his payday when he left the Spurs. Depending how much another run at a title means to him MLE might be good enough. Finley and Claxton coming off the bench would be nice. Atleast we know what Finley will give us come crunch time. And Speedy pretty much finished game 6 vs the Nets so he knows the system quite well.

[Kori Ellis]

He got his payday when he left the Spurs. Depending how much another run at a title means to him MLE might be good enough

Sorry but I'm confused by this statement. He got $3M a year when he left the Spurs. MLE is $5M+ a year.

[Nbadan]

Claxton made $3.6 million last year. The Spurs may be able to get him at $3.5 first year.

[JLH Fans]

My guess is something like Lewis, Ridnour, Danny Fortson's expiring contract and one of the young centers (plus picks?). Or maybe something that includes signandtrade of Wilcox.

I understood from someone that Chicago wasn't willing to give up Deng, so I didn't know if the idea of going after KG was still happening for them.


U must be joking.
How about Davis+Jaric+Blount+pick for TD?

[JLH Fans]

Claxton made $3.6 million last year. The Spurs may be able to get him at $3.5 first year.
As far as I know,he will get nearly the full MLE.
NOH has ton of cap space to give him.

[JLH Fans]

Deng's good, but If I'm Paxson, I would rather hold onto Nocioni and Chandler.

Hinrich
Gordon
Garnett
Nocioni
and Chandler would be an impressive line-up.
Deng for KG? :lol :depressed
If Chicago want KG,they should give at least Noci+Hiinrich+their picks.

[intlspurshk]

Claxton has the china doll syndrome, but when he's healthy, he's goood. How much good? $2.5-3 million? Half the MLE.
NY will pay full MLE, if LB is still the coach

[Streakyshooter08]

Well, I guess Barnes, Woods, DerMarr Johnson and Jones are affordable options. Woods had some really good performances for the Knicks but wasn't in the rotation for long. Jones seems to be a okay 3pt shooter.

Jeffries and Thomas are also players to look at but I doubt Thomas is interested in comming to SA. I haven't seen much of Jeffries so I don't know if he would fit. Has nice lengt though...I don't know much about Evans also but he is be the best rebounder out there and from what I have seen, the Spurs really NEED good rebounders cause they got killed on the glass often this year. He averages about 8 reb in ca 21 mpg! That is pretty impressive...

I think Evans, Thomas, Woods (even though I don't like him) and Jones might be the ones to make a push for.

If the Spurs are able to trade Barry+X for J.R. Smith it would be great as well.

How is Bobby Jacksons defense? Our backup PG should be abel to keep up with the fast guards in the league...if he is a good defender... get him.

[Wildcat Spur]

Chuck Hayes would be a perfect addition to the Spurs. He is all hustle, can rebound really well for his size, and is a solid fundamental player. Price would be affordable as well. Solid Player.

When he came out of Kentucky I thought he would be a good fit for the Spurs. Ignore the character issues, as the charges he had against him from a scorned lover are completely baseless and false.

[strangeweather]

The names that jump off at me on that list are Pollard, Claxton, B. Jackson, and Atkins.

I hadn't thought about Pollard untill now, but I like the idea of bringing him in because of the way he plays.

I hadn't thought about it, but Atkins might be a good cheap veteran to bring in.

Does he have anything left, or is he Chucky Van Exel at this point?

[Leetonidas]

These are the moves I'd like to see...

Spurs pickup either Bobby Jackson or Speedy Claxton
Spurs pickup Matt Barnes or Rasual Butler
Spurs trade for JR Smith
Spurs being in Robertas Javtokas

[FromWayDowntown]

Jackson is a china doll, too. And I'm not entirely sure that he makes great decisions for a PG. His energy is usually very good and he get be a witch when he's hot, but he can't seem to make it through a full NBA season without some serious injury.

[V-2]

R. Evans is a joke, I can't believe his name is mentioned here. Is that what the Spurs need? A nutcracker who can't shoot a FT to save his life?
A name that hasn't been mentioned here is the Boston kid, Ryan Gomes, a rebounding machine who, unlike Evans, can score the ball.
I'd love to see Josh Smith wearing a Spurs uniform with Jared Jeffries a close second candidate, but neither Atlanta, nor Washington will trade this kind of players.
Gomes makes sense.

[ducks]

why do you post more since you are so much more knowledgable then us bringing up evans


that way we have your great insight and we are not in the dark

[MannyIsGod]

Out of all those PGs, Atkins is the most consistent and manages to stay healthiest. He had a good season with Memphis.

[V-2]

Wiz let Atkins walk because he was complaining all the time about his lack of PT. TP doesn't play Arenas-like minutes, but he ain't BJax either. Mighty mouse was injured, so it'll be interesting to see where Chucky lands.

[Vingianx]

wilcox showed a good rebounding stretch and not to mention offensive... did i mention athletic? he would be good for spurs

[FromWayDowntown]

Why on Earth would the Celtics give up Gomes? As best I can tell, they have a team option on him this summer -- I can't imagine they won't exercise that.

[Slinkyman]

NO to PGs over 30!

NO to SFs under 6'7

NO to PFs under 6'9

HELL NO to 6'6 PFs

NO to unathletic white centers

Yes to Wilcox but he will get a fat contract from either seattle or chicago and washington like him alot too but only have the MLE and Wilcox will probably cost more then that. So unlikely we get him.

Yes to Jeffries but he's restricted. That said washington has 13 players under contract right now and are very close to the luxary tax threshold. Wash. needs a post player who's a 'banger' and can score inside so they may let Jeffries walk because he doesn't fill that need.

[strangeweather]

NO to PGs over 30!

NO to SFs under 6'7

NO to PFs under 6'9

HELL NO to 6'6 PFs

NO to unathletic white centers

I agree with this, except that I would be OK with PFs in the 6'7 or 6'8 range if they brought the right skill set -- and especially if they could play both forward positions.

[DarrinS]

NO to PGs over 30!



That was uncalled for.

http://www.interbasket.net/players/stevenash.jpg
http://gobasket.free.fr/Los_Angeles_Clippers_Sam_Cassell.jpg

[Slinkyman]

I'd say no to both those guys even the MVP because neither can play D, not now anyway and not on guys like devin harris

[Bruno]

I don't want an offense liability as a starter with Parker/Manu/Bowen/Duncan.
With a defensive player at PF or C, Spurs will never put the opposite team in matchup trouble. Every team has at least a good perimeter defender and a good paint defender. You can put the first on Manu and the second on Duncan.

If you look more closely, we are one of the few playoff team (maybe the only ?) to have 2 starters who scored less than 10 ppg. Defending against us is not too difficult because you can have one or two defensive liability at SG/SF/PF/C and played without having a matcup trouble. We should be the team against who the opposite team must do some adjustement.

[strangeweather]

I don't want an offense liability as a starter with Parker/Manu/Bowen/Duncan.
With a defensive player at PF or C, Spurs will never put the opposite team in matchup trouble. Every team has at least a good perimeter defender and a good paint defender. You can put the first on Manu and the second on Duncan.

If you look more closely, we are one of the few playoff team (maybe the only ?) to have 2 starters who scored less than 10 ppg. Defending against us is not too difficult because you can have one or two defensive liability at SG/SF/PF/C and played without having a matcup trouble. We should be the team against who the opposite team must do some adjustement.
Does that mean you like the idea of bringing in Scola? He's probably as good a scorer at PF or C as we could find.

[Bruno]

Does that mean you like the idea of bringing in Scola? He's probably as good a scorer at PF or C as we could find.

If we can't find a better solution, yes.
Maybe i'm a dreamer but I think too that we can get Harington.
If we can't get Harrington, Scola is maybe the best solution.

[strangeweather]

If we can't find a better solution, yes.
Maybe i'm a dreamer but I think too that we can get Harington.
If we can't get Harrington, Scola is maybe the best solution.
If there's some way we could land him, Harrington could be huge -- he has both size and mobility, he has some range, he can penetrate, he's a decent rebounder and OK passer.

If we could get him to really defend consistently, he would completely change what we could do on the court.

Is there any chance he's available for the midlevel, or do we have to find someone Atlanta wants in a sign and trade?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I'm warming to the idea of Jumaine Jones being here next year.

[Bruno]

Is there any chance he's available for the midlevel, or do have to find someone Atlanta wants in a sign and trade?

He will be more expensive than the MLE. I say around $50M/6 years.
He is an unrestricted free agent, his trade value is quite low. The problem is to find something with a salary big enough to match up Harrington salary that Atlanta like. Maybe Barry or trading Rasho + something to a third team under the cap and giving a trade exception to Atlanta.

[Bruno]

I'm warming to the idea of Jumaine Jones being here next year.

As a PF or a SF ?

[V-2]

Jumaine Jones addresses quite some weaknesses. He's long, athletic, good defender, can even hit the 3pter. He hasn't played many minutes the last couple of years. He's been on the Spurs radar before, and most importantly he can come at an affordable price.

[Kori Ellis]

As a PF or a SF ?

He's too small to play PF.

He's a good SF candidate though.

But I think Spurs are looking for a player around 6'9/6'10 that swing from both forward positions.

[Bruno]

I 'd like to get Jumaine Jones + Scola.
A lot of people on this board think that Scola will cost more than $4M/year. I don't think so because Scola want to play in nba and Spurs have his nba rights. If he wants more than what Spurs wants to give him, Spurs can keep his rights and he will be stuck in europe. It's not like with Jasikevicius, Scola isn't a free agent.

[Kori Ellis]

Well does anyone know if Scola's buyout is really down to ~$4M or whatever.

Last year there were rumors that it was reduced too .. and it ended up still being $14.5M IIRC.

[Kori Ellis]

I think the Spurs are looking for a bigger player than Scola/Jones. I'm not saying that it's not a good idea. But I get the impression the Spurs are looking for a player around 6'10, 240.

[Bruno]

He's too small to play PF.

He's a good SF candidate though.

But I think Spurs are looking for a player around 6'9/6'10 that swing from both forward positions.

Jumaine Jones is 6'8", 242lbs and is a good rebounder. I think he can play some PF too if the matchup is good. But you're right, he is more a PF.

[Kori Ellis]

Jumaine Jones is 6'8", 242lbs and is a good rebounder. I think he can play some PF too if the matchup is good. But you're right, he is more a PF.

I saw that 242 weight on espn.com. NBA.com has him at 218.

[Bruno]

I think the Spurs are looking for a bigger player than Scola/Jones. I'm not saying that it's not a good idea. But I get the impression the Spurs are looking for a player around 6'10, 240.

Drew Gooden ?
He can't play SF but Cleveland will likely not keep him with Varajao.

[V-2]

218 seems right, he's a Rashard Lewis kinda built, although Jones is a couple of inches shorter.

[Bruno]

218 seems right, he's a Rashard Lewis kinda built, although Jones is a couple of inches shorter.

I'l go with 242, look at some pictures : this guy is a bull.
218 is maybe his weight when he enters in the league.

[Bruno]

Well does anyone know if Scola's buyout is really down to ~$4M or whatever.

Last year there were rumors that it was reduced too .. and it ended up still being $14.5M IIRC.

I fear we will never know until Scola signs with an nba team.
Contracts in europe for sportsmen are very dark : lots of rumors, few informations.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

As a PF or a SF ?

Small Forward, way too small to be a power forward.

[strangeweather]

I'l go with 242, look at some pictures : this guy is a bull.
218 is maybe his weight when he enters in the league.

The marketing department could be working off old data, but the Bobcats listed him at 218 when he was acquired last fall.

http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_jones_051026.html

[Kori Ellis]

Well I think 218 lb might be his weight when he came in the league, but he doesn't look 242 to me. He's probably somewhere in between.

My point really was that I think you are talking about signing Scola, who is about 6'8, then I think that they'd bring in another forward who was taller.

[Bruno]

My point really was that I think you are talking about signing Scola, who is about 6'8, then I think that they'd bring in another forward who was taller.

Scola is listed at 6'9"1/2 in Spain but I doubt it's his true height. Maybe with a picture with Oberto or Manu, we could have a guess about his real height. Scola is undersized but his defense and his rebounding ability aren't as bad as some people think. However, even if I'd like to see him with a Spurs uni, he isn't my first choice.