Ludden: Pryzbilla receptive to Spurs

[Kori Ellis]

Pryzbilla receptive to Spurs

Web Posted: 07/02/2006 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA070206.7C.BKNspurs.pryzbilla.1609ede.html

Spurs officials won't speculate on their chances of signing Joel Pryzbilla. But they know this much: At least, they're in the hunt.

Przybilla's agent, Bill Duffy, said Saturday the Spurs are among the teams the free-agent center is considering.

"He's wide open," Duffy said. "Nothing has been looked at too closely yet, but he certainly has a lot of respect for the Spurs."

The Spurs are limited to offering Przybilla their midlevel exception, expected to be worth about $5 million. They can extend the contract to as many as five years for a total of around $29 million.

Przybilla has played for Portland the past two seasons, and the Trail Blazers have made keeping him their top priority. But they also are limited to giving Przybilla their midlevel exception.

Chicago and possibly New Orleans — two of the five teams with salary-cap room — will likely establish the market for centers. The Bulls reportedly are first targeting Detroit's Ben Wallace. If Chicago does not sign him, Przybilla could be among the Bulls' other options.

In addition to being able to offer Przybilla a substantially larger contract than either Portland or the Spurs, Chicago also is close to Przybilla's home in Milwaukee. Duffy said it's "too soon" to tell whether the Spurs' financial limitations would hurt them.

Przybilla has said he would like to play for a winning team, but he also hasn't ruled out returning to Portland.

[Nbadan]

leverage.

[timvp]

Eh.

5-year, $29M for Przybilla is decent. Not my first choice but at least the guy can rebound. But for Pop to make him worth it, he has to find a way to play him versus Dallas and Phoenix.

I guess the Przybilla-to-SA fans have to hope that Chicago lands Big Ben and no other team with salary cap room comes after him.

:sleep

[Buddy Holly]

leverage.

To whom?

Chicago? :lol

[MannyIsGod]

I'm not high on this. Not one bit. I understand it may be the best we can do, but I don't like it. This guy is Rasho wiht a bit more game.

[Buddy Holly]

I'm not high on this. Not one bit. I understand it may be the best we can do, but I don't like it. This guy is Rasho wiht a bit more game.

That's all we need.

He's like Rasho but Rasho jacked up on 'roids and meth.

[timvp]

I don't really get the Spurs' logic here. Do they think Przybilla can guard Dirk? Obviously not but then why blow your wad on a guy who isn't going to play against the two toughest teams next year?

Only way this makes sense is if Pop admits he was wrong to go to small ball and will use a center next year. If that is the case, Przybilla brings good rebounding and shotblocking to the table.

I'm not thrilled but it's a lot better than the Spurs going after a Vlad Radmanovic or a Tim Thomas.

[strangeweather]

I'm not high on this. Not one bit. I understand it may be the best we can do, but I don't like it. This guy is Rasho wiht a bit more game.
We need somebody, but this guy has Rasho Mark II written all over him.

[MannyIsGod]

We don't need Rasho with more game unless Pop has learned from his small ball mistakes. You can't pay money for these guys and then bench them when the time comes for them to show up.

[ducks]

Joel is good

Ian will be here next year
hopefully he can guard dirk

dirk was not the reason spurs lost
it was howard

[Winnipeg_Spur]

I don't know... this would be a nice upgrade at the C position (at a much more reasonable price) but if this happens it still leaves us with a lot of holes to fill, and not much money to do it.

If they can work out a trade or two to go along with this signing it could make for a very successful offseason, however.

[timvp]

Joel is good

Ian will be here next year
hopefully he can guard dirk

dirk was not the reason spurs lost
it was howard

It was Dirk. Dirk forced the Spurs to put a midget at power forward. The midget ball caused the Spurs to not be able to rebound. Not being able to rebound killed the Spurs' defense. The dead Spurs defense let the Mavs score more points than the Spurs.

Game over.

[Leetonidas]

Then I'm guessing Pop is going to say fuck small ball next season.

[Kori Ellis]

If the Spurs are offering Pryzbilla the whole MLE, then does that mean Javtokas agreed to the LLE? Or does it mean the reports of Javtokas to the Spurs were premature?

[baseline bum]

Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, New Orleans, Toronto, and Utah have at least $7 million to throw at him. Pryzbilla's a pipe dream.

[Leetonidas]

It was Dirk. Dirk forced the Spurs to put a midget at power forward. The midget ball caused the Spurs to not be able to rebound. Not being able to rebound killed the Spurs' defense. The dead Spurs defense let the Mavs score more points than the Spurs.

Game over.

They prefer to be called "little people."

[Buddy Holly]

I'd assume they gave him the LLE. I doubt they would WANT to give him more than that and I doubt he'd demand so much from the team that brought him back to life.

[Buddy Holly]

It was Dirk. Dirk forced the Spurs to put a midget at power forward. The midget ball caused the Spurs to not be able to rebound. Not being able to rebound killed the Spurs' defense. The dead Spurs defense let the Mavs score more points than the Spurs.

Game over.

So why did Miami win?

Last time I checked, Miami didn't have midgets out there trying to rebound.

The Spurs lost because Pop decided to change the game plan, the same game plan that won 63 games.

Hell, even the media picked up on it and every peached small ball as the new way in basketball. Then the Heat won and that was dropped faster than Star Jones.

[Leetonidas]

If the Spurs are offering Pryzbilla the whole MLE, then does that mean Javtokas agreed to the LLE? Or does it mean the reports of Javtokas to the Spurs were premature?

Probably the LLE because offering a non-proven player for the MLE is stupid.

[strangeweather]

So why did Miami win?
Because Haslem can guard Dirk.

[timvp]

So why did Miami win?

Because they could rebound.

[Kori Ellis]

I'd assume they gave him the LLE. I doubt they would WANT to give him more than that and I doubt he'd demand so much from the team that brought him back to life.

Well everyone here was saying Javtokas was getting a 3-year deal. LLE can only be a 2-year deal. That's why I'm asking.

[Kori Ellis]

Probably the LLE because offering a non-proven player for the MLE is stupid.

A lot of people here were saying Javtokas was getting part of the MLE, not the whole thing.

[Buddy Holly]

Because they could rebound.

Wait, so why weren't there any midgets out there?

Pop screwed up.

He knows it.

[Buddy Holly]

A lot of people here was saying Javtokas was getting part of the MLE, not the whole thing.

:spin

[Leetonidas]

A lot of people here was saying Javtokas was getting part of the MLE, not the whole thing.

How much?

[Buddy Holly]

Because Haslem can guard Dirk.

Bowen anyone?

[ducks]

joel brings rebounding if he plays
that is what is needed


spurs need to do a sign and trade him
there is no reason that can not happen


would you offer scola for him?

[strangeweather]

Bowen anyone?
It's not that we didn't have anyone who can guard Dirk. It was that we didn't have a big man who could guard Dirk and rebound at the same time. Which is what Haslem did.

[Buddy Holly]

It's not that we didn't have anyone who can guard Dirk. It was that we didn't have a big man who could guard Dirk and rebound at the same time. Which is what Haslem did.


No. We had someone who could guard him.

We didn't have a big man in the center getting rebounds or keeping the other players from the offensive board.

Why?

Pop had Rasho and Nazr on the bench.

[SA Gunslinger]

Pop must think Yao and T-Mac will be a factor next season. Or he thinks Shaq has one more good season left in him. Other than the those two reasons, I don't understand the signing Pryzbilla either.

It would be tough if the Dirk problem is not addressed but the Spurs are capable of beating them with just Bruce and TD. Bonner isn't the solution. Maybe one more addition of a long, defensive minded three with Pryzbilla will be enough to win another ring.

Pryzbilla is not Rasho. He has tenacity and love for the game, two things I don't think Rasho possessed. I would prefer to go small with a talented hybrid three/four with TD as our only true big. But adding Pryzbilla is a positive thing. He's a good player. He's Rasho on steroids.

[Kori Ellis]

spurs need to do a sign and trade him
there is no reason that can not happen




Nazr would have to agree to a sign-and-trade. If another team wants to sign him out right, why would he agree to go to Portland?

[strangeweather]

No. We had someone who could guard him.

We didn't have a big man in the center getting rebounds or keeping the other players from the offensive board.

Why?

Pop had Rasho and Nazr on the bench.
We had Tim playing center since he couldn't guard Dirk. Our backup options at PF were shitty. I don't remember Miami winning lining up 2 centers against Dallas, do you?

[Nbadan]

Przybilla will not put the Spurs any closer to matching up with Dallas, or Phoenix with a healthy Amare. Besides, the Spurs might have two foreign projects in the middle that need the minutes.

[baseline bum]

How good of a defensive player is Pryzbilla? I have seen very little of him, and I wonder if he's a good position defender or if he's just a guy who can swat a few shots and get shit on the other 95% of the possessions.

[Buddy Holly]

We had Tim playing center since he couldn't guard Dirk. Our backup options at PF were shitty. I don't remember Miami winning lining up 2 centers against Dallas, do you?

Tim is a PF.

He wasn't guarding the paint most of the time as Dallas would pull him away.

Jesus.

There would have been no problem with Naz and Tim in the game.

We fucking played that lineup against small in Phoenix.

Another reason we lost was Horry not showing up.

[Nbadan]

How good of a defensive player is Pryzbilla?

Think Artritis Sabonis with a little better lateral movement and less offensive game.

[ChumpDumper]

How good of a defensive player is Pryzbilla? I have seen very little of him, and I wonder if he's a good position defender or if he's just a guy who can swat a few shots and get shit on the other 95% of the possessions.He goes for every shot. We'd have to rein him in a little bit. I don't know if he has the smarts to do it, but he's never really been in our kind of D before.

[strangeweather]

Tim is a PF.

He wasn't guarding the paint most of the time as Dallas would pull him away.

Jesus.

There would have been no problem with Naz and Tim in the game.

We fucking played that lineup against small in Phoenix.

Another reason we lost was Horry not showing up.
I'm not really interested in burying this thread under this same discussion all over again.

Maybe you'll get lucky and we'll replace Pop and keep Nazr this offseason. :rolleyes

[timvp]

How good of a defensive player is Pryzbilla? I have seen very little of him, and I wonder if he's a good position defender or if he's just a guy who can swat a few shots and get shit on the other 95% of the possessions.

He's a good defender. Much better than Rasho was before he got to the Spurs but not as good as Rasho of the past few season. However, he's a much more physical player and would be the best shotblocker next to Tim since David retired. Give him a year or two and he'd be a top five defensive center in the Spurs system.

That said, I'm not sure if this is the right move.

[Slinkyman]

Because they could rebound.

Because Wade shot 20 FTs a game

[Nbadan]

Because Wade shot 20 FTs a game

Bingo. A healthy Tony and Manu were what the Spurs needed, but I'd take Speedy Claxton as insurance.

[FromWayDowntown]

It's not that we didn't have anyone who can guard Dirk. It was that we didn't have a big man who could guard Dirk and rebound at the same time. Which is what Haslem did.

I don't even think it's that -- the Spurs have a player who can be about as effective as anyone guarding Dirk. But when Bowen checks Dirk and the Mavericks go small (or the Suns), you have to start shuffling the deck to come up with defensive matchups. Parker and Manu are pretty easy to matchup on two of Terry, Harris, and Howard; and you can put Duncan on Diop or Dampier -- but that leaves the 5th guy to defend whoever is left.

Pop could have played Nazr or Rasho, but in order to play the Spurs' usual man schemes, he would have been forced to slide either one of those guys onto Josh Howard or Jerry Stackhouse -- making it a fairly easy matter for the Mavs to just lift those guys and take the Spurs bigs out of the lane anyway. Pop's other choice, had he wanted to play Nazr or Rasho, would have been to slide Duncan to Howard or Nowitzki, but I'd be curious to hear anyone argue that doing so would have been a good idea.

That's what puzzles me about an interest in Przybilla. He seems to put the Spurs right back where they were -- though perhaps a bit tougher in the middle and with a better shot blocker. Nevertheless, if they truly pursue Pryzbilla, I'd think the Spurs still have a need to find a long forward who can defend a wing player in situations like the one the Spurs faced against Dallas or Phoenix (and any number of other teams that will likely challenge the Spurs by going small).

[SA Gunslinger]

Przybilla will not put the Spurs any closer to matching up with Dallas, or Phoenix with a healthy Amare. Besides, the Spurs might have two foreign projects in the middle that need the minutes.

No but they would be prepared for Houston and Miami, especially if Snaq decides to get in shape.

If there are no Odoms or Kirilenkos out there, spend the money on a good big player. Javotkas and Pryzbilla would lock down the center position. TD just needs some help with guys like Dirk and maybe Amare. Find a quick, defensive minded 6'8 to 6'9 guy that Bruce can mentor and I think the Dirk problem is solved.

Offensively, the team is set. If TP becomes nominally better with his jumper and TD takes free throw seriously, the Spurs would be unstoppable.

[Buddy Holly]

I'm not really interested in burying this thread under this same discussion all over again.

Maybe you'll get lucky and we'll replace Pop and keep Nazr this offseason. :rolleyes

I don't wanna replace Pop nor keep Nazr.

I think you think I'm coming at this with a bias attitude. I'm not.

[Buddy Holly]

Bingo. A healthy Tony and Manu were what the Spurs needed, but I'd take Speedy Claxton as insurance.

Even with all that, again, we were a Mnau bonehead play away from the Finals.

[strangeweather]

That's what puzzles me about an interest in Przybilla. He seems to put the Spurs right back where they were -- though perhaps a bit tougher in the middle and with a better shot blocker. Nevertheless, if they truly pursue Pryzbilla, I'd think the Spurs still have a need to find a long forward who can defend a wing player in situations like the one the Spurs faced against Dallas or Phoenix (and any number of other teams that will likely challenge the Spurs by going small).
I think they still need someone big to save wear and tear on Tim and to match up with Miami and Houston -- that's why I think someone more affordable like Pollard is an attractive option.

But I agree -- that guy doesn't solve the Dallas/Phoenix problem. Is there any chance they think Javtokas is mobile enough to get the minutes against Dallas?

[Dre_7]

So why did Miami win?

Cuz Shaq and Zo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rasho and Nazr.

[strangeweather]

I don't wanna replace Pop nor keep Nazr.

I think you think I'm coming at this with a bias attitude. I'm not.
Fair enough. My reply was probably uncalled for.

[FromWayDowntown]

I think they still need someone big to save wear and tear on Tim and to match up with Miami and Houston -- that's why I think someone more affordable like Pollard is an attractive option.

But I agree -- that guy doesn't solve the Dallas/Phoenix problem. Is there any chance they think Javtokas is mobile enough to get the minutes against Dallas?

Oh I understand that there's a dilemma -- but it seems to me that if you have aspirations to win a title, you'd better win the West and to win the West, you're likely going to have to beat at least one of Dallas and a Suns team that gets Stoudemire back.

I can't imagine that Pop will enter the season with the thought that Javtokas will get big playoff minutes, which would seem to me to suggest that the answer to your question is no.

[furry_spurry]

...if he's a good position defender
...if he's just a guy who can swat a few shots and get shit on the other 95% of the possessions.
No and yes. I can't figure out why people are so high on spending the only real FA money they have on him-- and being committed for 5 years.

[timvp]

Reggie Evans makes so much more sense than Przybilla. At least Evans has a chance to play in the playoffs. Przybilla will play as many minutes next year against the Mavs and Suns as Rasho will.

I'm not banking on Pop suddenly having a change of heart or Duncan or JP suddenly becoming quick enough to guard Dirk.

Przybilla is decent but why the Spurs aren't going after Reggie Evans is beyond me.

[SA Gunslinger]

Parker and Manu are pretty easy to matchup on two of Terry, Harris, and Howard; and you can put Duncan on Diop or Dampier -- but that leaves the 5th guy to defend whoever is left.

Nice analysis. Harris was the weird matchup. He has a decent jumper but lacks a three point shot. He would have been a perfect person for one of our bigs to guard. But he was too quick. He would just drive right past the big to the basket.

I think TD can guard Dirk. It's the foul trouble that probably concerns Pop. If TD breaksdown the tape and really decides to shutdown Dirk, he can do it. But he will have to be extremely disciplined not to get into foul trouble.

[whottt]

Przybilla is decent but why the Spurs aren't going after Reggie Evans is beyond me.

Because he's a nut grabbing flake that can't do anything besides rebound?

[Nbadan]

One other thing, with Bonner on the roster, the Spurs don't need Horry so much.

Could the Spurs be offering Barry and Horry as a package?

[timvp]

Because he's a nut grabbing flake that can't do anything besides rebound?

Przybilla can block a few shots but doesn't rebound nearly as well as Evans. What else does JP do?

Whottt is fine with JP being the Spurs' one free agent catch?

[Nbadan]

Evans for ~$2 and Speedy at ~$3 would be 100x's better than just signing JP.

[Mr. Body]

timvp is the only guy in the universe championing Reggie Evans. He needs to stop selling here and get on the phone lines to Pop and R.C.

[Buddy Holly]

Przybilla can block a few shots but doesn't rebound nearly as well as Evans. What else does JP do?

Whottt is fine with JP being the Spurs' one free agent catch?

He played for Portland, give the guy a chance with the Spurs, then kill him.

[Trainwreck2100]

Because Haslem can guard Dirk.


:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol



more like cause Dirk got to the big show anD pussied out

[whottt]

Przybilla can block a few shots but doesn't rebound nearly as well as Evans. What else does JP do?

Whottt is fine with JP being the Spurs' one free agent catch?


Well to be honest no...and I'm not entirely sure I disagree with your stance on Mechapryzbilla...but I definitely don't see Evans as the solution to Dirk and the Mavs.

If this guy can't get playoff minutes with Karl and McMillian, he's definitely not going to get them with Pop....Pop has the lowest bonehead tolerance of any coach in the league...Karl and McMillan have among the highest.

[strangeweather]

Oh I understand that there's a dilemma -- but it seems to me that if you have aspirations to win a title, you'd better win the West and to win the West, you're likely going to have to beat at least one of Dallas and a Suns team that gets Stoudemire back.

I can't imagine that Pop will enter the season with the thought that Javtokas will get big playoff minutes, which would seem to me to suggest that the answer to your question is no.
All of that makes perfect sense to me.

But I can't imagine that the front office has forgotten about Dallas already. Unless this is some kind of smokescreen, they're targetting Przybilla anyway. That leads me to believe that they must have some kind of plan. Either they somehow think Przybilla can play against Dallas, or they must have someone else in mind -- even if we don't agree with their plan.

Surely it's not Horry or Oberto. I sure as hell hope it's not Finley again. So either it's Javtokas, Bonner, or Przybilla, or they're planning to acquire a different guy to fill that role -- presumably an SF or combo forward, since they will already be fully loaded at PF and C.

[Kori Ellis]

Evans for ~$2 and Speedy at ~$3 would be 100x's better than just signing JP.

Sure, if those numbers were feasible.

Evans turned down a 2-year/$10M contract offer last summer. Speedy doesn't seem like he wants to take a paycut with this quote yesterday:

"I'm going to give them (Hornets) the first crack at it," Claxton said.
"I guess if I don't like what I'm hearing from them, I'll have to move on. But I hope with the kind of season I had, they will reward me. I definitely want to be paid my value, and right now I think my value is pretty high, and I think they know that."

[SA Gunslinger]

Props to all of you who spelled Joel's last name correctly. I can't include myself on that list. It's P-R-Z-Y-B-I-L-L-A.

Now I know and knowing is half the battle.

[Kori Ellis]

Props to all of you who spelled Joel's last name correctly. I can't include myself on that list. It's P-R-Z-Y-B-I-L-L-A.

Now I know and knowing is half the battle.

True.

Ludden spelled it wrong in the article.

[Nbadan]

Evans turned down a 2-year/$10M contract offer last summer

That was before his brokeback moment. For now, he's damaged goods. The Spurs need to rehabilitate his career and he needs rehabilitating.

[Solid D]

True.

Ludden spelled it wrong in the article.


I noticed that too. :)

Przybilla actually has similar numbers to Nazr in rebounding per 48 minutes the past couple of years. Joel is only averaging 24 mpg the past 2 seasons. He's an awful FT shooter but Joel does have a better FG % than Nazr does.

[SA Gunslinger]

True.

Ludden spelled it wrong in the article.

I've lost all respect for him. J/K

He's an awesome writer. He gets a pass in my book.

[Quadzilla99]

The guy is a complete stiff he had more fouls than points his first four years in the league look it up. He couldn't get more than 25 minutes a game on the worst team in the league last year. How many do you think he'll get on a 63 win team? His coach liked him too so don't blame it on McMillan. I have a hard time believing a rookie free agent couldn't do what he does. Maybe we can sign Sabonis he's still playing overseas I see from his getting dunked on in the Javtokas video. Anyway that's my rant on that.

[whottt]

Actually...I'd still be willing to take Sabonis over 90% of the C's in the league. Guy makes other players better just by standing there with the ball.

[timvp]

Well to be honest no...and I'm not entirely sure I disagree with your stance on Mechapryzbilla...but I definitely don't see Evans as the solution to Dirk and the Mavs.

If this guy can't get playoff minutes with Karl and McMillian, he's definitely not going to get them with Pop....Pop has the lowest bonehead tolerance of any coach in the league...Karl and McMillan have among the highest.

At least you give Trevor Ariza as an answer to the Spurs' problems. Ariza is probably second on my list so we aren't in major disagreement.

ChumpDumper on the other hand won't say a name other than Ben Wallace :lol

[Solid D]

The guy is a complete stiff he had more fouls than points his first four years in the league look it up. He couldn't get more than 25 minutes a game on the worst team in the league last year. How many do you think he'll get on a 63 win team?

He was co-captain of the Blazers last year with those 25 mpg. I guess that's better than Nazr's 17-18 mpg for the Spurs the past 2 seasons. Sounds like an upgrade.

[Nbadan]

"I'm going to give them (Hornets) the first crack at it," Claxton said.
"I guess if I don't like what I'm hearing from them, I'll have to move on. But I hope with the kind of season I had, they will reward me. I definitely want to be paid my value, and right now I think my value is pretty high, and I think they know that."

That may be so, but Chris Paul and this years rookie crop is all the Hornets have going for them right now. They might be willing to spend more than $3/per for Claxton, but probably not much more.

[whottt]

ChumpDumper on the other hand won't say a name other than Ben Wallace :lol



The next time Chump gives a direct answer to a question will be the first...let me know when it happens.

[SA Gunslinger]

The guy is a complete stiff he had more fouls than points his first four years in the league look it up. He couldn't get more than 25 minutes a game on the worst team in the league last year. How many do you think he'll get on a 63 win team? His coach liked him too so don't blame it on McMillan. I have a hard time believing a rookie free agent couldn't do what he does. Maybe we can sign Sabonis he's still playing overseas I see from his getting dunked on in the Javtokas video. Anyway that's my rant on that.

Will a Portland fan corroborate your opinion? I've had the League Pass for a while now and I watched a few TrailBlazer games because of Fantasy Basketball. Przybilla is not a stiff.

[ChumpDumper]

At least you give Trevor Ariza as an answer to the Spurs' problems. Ariza is probably second on my list so we aren't in major disagreement.

ChumpDumper on the other hand won't say a name other than Ben Wallace :lolWhattt?

I'm in favor of Jeffries more than anyone, but all we're doing if finding new ways to lose to Dirk.

Hooray.

[Solid D]

I doubt JP will come, though, and I do like the prospects of Robertas the Swimwear and Fishing Dept. model.

[Gummi]

The love affair of Speedy is beyond me. Pop would never play Tony and Speedy together like the Mavs play Harris and Terry. Why would Speedy want to come to us and play 13-15 minutes a night? Also he's looking to get paid.

Why spend money on a backup PG when you a very solid backup under contract?

[whottt]

Whattt?

I'm in favor of Jeffries more than anyone, but all we're doing if finding new ways to lose to Dirk.

Hooray.


History has been made...I notice you still hedged on your answer though.

[furry_spurry]

I think that more and more it is looking like Nazr will be without a team and the Spurs without a center, and the Spurs will get Nazr relatively cheap and we will all kiss timvp's feet.

[ChumpDumper]

History has been made...I notice you still hedged on your answer though.Jeffries = dynasty.

Now go fuck yourself.

[whottt]

Nazr solves nothing since Pop won't play him.............................I think it's best for Nazr just to move on. I think I'd rather have Scola.

[Kori Ellis]

Jeffries = dynasty.

Now go fuck yourself.

:lmao

[whottt]

Jeffries = dynasty..


Geez...no wonder you don't like giving direct answers.


Anyway...you are on the record now, for once. Can we get a title bet going here?

[timvp]

Whattt?

I'm in favor of Jeffries more than anyone, but all we're doing if finding new ways to lose to Dirk.

Hooray.

Finally. I had to play ChumpDumper versus Whottt to get an answer. :lol

Okay so Jared Jeffries it is.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Even though I disagree because Jeffries does nothing well ... but that's a topic for a different thread.

[Quadzilla99]

Will a Portland fan corroborate your opinion? I've had the League Pass for a while now and I watched a few TrailBlazer games because of Fantasy Basketball. Przybilla is not a stiff.

I have League Pass too and watch as much if not more NBA than anybody. More fouls than points his first 4 years look it up (I never even heard of that shit, gotta be a first) and you didn't answer why he kept riding the pine for half of every game on the team with the worst record in the league.


He was co-captain of the Blazers last year with those 25 mpg. I guess that's better than Nazr's 17-18 mpg for the Spurs the past 2 seasons. Sounds like an upgrade.

See Above.

[Kori Ellis]

Regarding LJ's love for Reggie Evans:


The Nuggets would have to use part or all of their midlevel exception to retain Evans.

An individual close to Evans said he is considering signing with New York, Memphis, the Clippers and Minnesota.

[ChumpDumper]

McHale will give him the entire MLE.

[whottt]

Evans said he is considering signing with New York, Memphis, the Clippers and Minnesota


Translation: Looooooooooooooooooossssssssssssssssserrrrrrrrrrr.

[timvp]

Sweet.

Now the Spurs will get outbid on Przybilla and won't be able to steal any restriced free agents and they'll be stuck with Jake Voskhul.

Fantastic.

[Solid D]

The Joel Przybilla of his first 4 years...the guy that would jump center for the Bucks and then go sit down after 3 minutes...is a different Joel Przybilla than the one who blossomed into a pretty nice Western Conference Center. He opened some eyes the past 2 years.

[timvp]

I can't believe two of the better basketball minds on the forum are banking on the Spurs signing a restricted free agent -- something the Spurs have never successfully done.

Reggie Evans is a player who is obtainable. That's part of the reason why I've been pimping him. Ben Wallace, Przybilla, Jeffries and Ariza are all pipe dreams.

You'd think Spurs fans would learn to target players they have a chance of signing after all the misses the last decade.

[Mr. Body]

Why can't we just fucking give Scola the money at this point? Everyone else well and truly sucks, if we mean to piss away the MLE.

[timvp]

Why can't we just fucking give Scola the money at this point? Everyone else well and truly sucks, if we mean to piss away the MLE.

Yeah let's sign Lawrence Funderburke Jr. for $4M a year.

:rolleyes

[Kori Ellis]

Why can't we just fucking give Scola the money at this point? Everyone else well and truly sucks, if we mean to piss away the MLE.

I'm guessing the Spurs don't think Scola is worth $4M a year or the deal would already be done.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah let's sign Lawrence Funderburke Jr. for $4M a year.

:rolleyes

Yeah, because Reggie Evans isn't a demented fouling orc who'll give you a foul per game for every million you pay him?

:lol :lol :lol

[ChumpDumper]

I'm not banking on Jeffries.

Just my preference in this case.

If they are letting Haywood go for nothing a trade might be doable.

Be happy, I've already called one move this summer. I won't get another.

[Quadzilla99]

The Joel Przybilla of his first 4 years...the guy that would jump center for the Bucks and then go sit down after 3 minutes...is a different Joel Przybilla than the one who blossomed into a pretty nice Western Conference Center. He opened some eyes the past 2 years.
I know he lost weight and all but you trying to give him a free pass? Sorry don't work that way, that's part of his record. He sucked. Why isnt he playing more? somebody tell me. I hate when people say look at his per 40 minute averages-There's a reason these guys never play 40 minutes!! Evans too people say well if he played 40 minutes he'd lead the league in rebounding. Well every year he plays 20 or so there's a reason his coaches ain't playing him more. If he comes here I hope I'm wrong but from what I've seen he's a stiff.

[Quadzilla99]

Why can't we just fucking give Scola the money at this point? Everyone else well and truly sucks, if we mean to piss away the MLE.

We gave Oberto $2.5 million/year and Scola is first team all-Euroleague and by all accounts significantly better. So what's the big deal with $4 million?

[Solid D]

BTW, I'm not all up into JP. I'm just disproving the notion that he's junk. The guy was actually in consideration by some as most improved player of the year his first year with the Blazers (2004-05).

I would prefer Javtokas at a lower cost, considering Tony Ginoduncan will count $35M against the cap this year.

[Mr. Body]

Quad- they're both stiffs. We're fighting over stiffs. That's what we're reduced to, and unfortunately, we have a spot in the starting rotation that needs to be filled by one of these stiffs. Coming off the bench? Not a big deal. Starting on a championship aspirant? Bad news.

Each player has his champions on this board. Well, only one or two people like Reggie Evans. Przybilla looks a mess. Plenty of question marks.

Our big three look pretty tight. After that, our bench is decaying slowly. What fun.

Follows: "waa-waa-waa" music.

[Kori Ellis]

I know he lost weight and all but you trying to give him a free pass? Sorry don't work that way, that's part of his record. He sucked. Why isnt he playing more? somebody tell me. I hate when people say look at his per 40 minute averages-There's a reason these guys never play 40 minutes!! Evans too people say well if he played 40 minutes he'd lead the league in rebounding. Well every year he plays 20 or so there's a reason his coaches ain't playing him more. If he comes here I hope I'm wrong but from what I've seen he's a stiff.

As far as Evans go, he's a phenomenol rebounder. No one can really dispute that. But his so limited otherwise, that I do not think he's worth more than $2M.

I don't really get the Przybilla hate though. He averaged 7 rebounds and over 2 blocks in 20-something minutes a game. You act like those are bad stats. They dominate Rasho or Nazr's stats.

[Mr. Body]

We gave Oberto $2.5 million/year and Scola is first team all-Euroleague and by all accounts significantly better. So what's the big deal with $4 million?

I have no idea. I'm not a big Scola fan at this point, but so long as we're talking dogs and near-dogs, we might as well enter him in the conversation.

Except we overpaid Oberto. Bad signing. Too much money. So Scola's likely overpriced at 4M. Just that some of the lords of the boards who think a guy like Reggie Evans is worth 5M+ per year, then snipe at him. Doesn't make much sense.

[Kori Ellis]

We gave Oberto $2.5 million/year and Scola is first team all-Euroleague and by all accounts significantly better. So what's the big deal with $4 million?

He doesn't really fill a need. Spurs are looking for a center, an athletic forward and a backup point. $4M wasted on a player that doesn't fill one of those needs doesn't make sense.

[Kori Ellis]

Except we overpaid Oberto. Bad signing. Too much money. So Scola's likely overpriced at 4M. Just that some of the lords of the boards who think a guy like Reggie Evans is worth 5M+ per year, then snipe at him. Doesn't make much sense.

LJ never said to give Evans the whole MLE.

[timvp]

Yeah, because Reggie Evans isn't a demented fouling orc who'll give you a foul per game for every million you pay him?

:lol :lol :lol

Let me own you once and for all.

Fouls Per 48
Fabricio Oberto - 8.7
Nazr Mohammed - 7.7
Rasho Nesterovic - 6.6
Luis Scola - 6.3
Reggie Evans -5.8

Apology Accepted.

[Mr. Body]

Who's LJ?

[Kori Ellis]

Who's LJ?

Sorry, timvp.

[Mr. Body]

Let me own you once and for all.

Fouls Per 48
Fabricio Oberto - 8.7
Nazr Mohammed - 7.7
Rasho Nesterovic - 6.6
Luis Scola - 6.3
Reggie Evans -5.8

Apology Accepted.

What the hell? Because Reggie Evans does anything besides foul the crap out of people? Oh, I know he's a WONDERFUL rebounder. I APOLOGIZE OH GOD OF REGGIE EVANS LOVE.

I'm sold. Let's buy him. Whatever it takes.

I thought the idea was getting some talent on the team.

[timvp]

What the hell? Because Reggie Evans does anything besides foul the crap out of people? Oh, I know he's a WONDERFUL rebounder. I APOLOGIZE OH GOD OF REGGIE EVANS LOVE.

I'm sold. Let's buy him. Whatever it takes.

You're the Scola lover who keeps saying Evans fouls too much.

Wrong again, it seems.

[ChumpDumper]

He does lead the league in sacgrabs per 48.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, I was wrong that Scola isn't the pristine Prince of parquet perfection.

The overall point is, we're talking about barely adequate players, here. Reggie Evans is piss poor in most areas of playing basketball. Przybilla seems a better option on most accounts, but is terribly flawed as well.

But when we're talking about throwing money in the direction of a single one of these players, why are we marking someone the likes of Reggie Evans as highly better than Scola? It's senseless.

I understand the team has lost all interest in him. That's fine - I don't really care. It just feels like our options are pretty strangulated at this point.

[timvp]

He does lead the league in sacgrabs per 48.

As long as he rebounds all is forgiven.

:smokin

Przybilla recorded a 350 the first time he took the SAT.

nutsac grabber > illiterate

[Mr. Body]

I wonder why there's so much better a market for Przybilla than there is Evans. Are the pundits and the GMs out there missing something?

[Kori Ellis]

Przybilla recorded a 350 the first time he took the SAT.



:lmao :lmao :lmao

[timvp]

I wonder why there's so much better a market for Przybilla than there is Evans. Are the pundits and the GMs out there missing something?

Centers are always overpaid.

Always.

[ChumpDumper]

I did have questions about Joel's IQ.

Whattt was Jeffries SAT score?

[Mr. Body]

Because they're more effective, right?

[timvp]

I did have questions about Joel's IQ.

Whattt was Jeffries SAT score?

He went to the same college as Mark Cuban so it couldn't be that high . . .

[Kori Ellis]

I wonder why there's so much better a market for Przybilla than there is Evans. Are the pundits and the GMs out there missing something?

Przybilla is a 7' center. Evans is a 6'8 (that's giving it to him) rebounder.

So it depends on team needs and how much you want to pay.

Przybilla will probably get over the MLE. Evans should get around half of it, unless the Knicks throw money at him.

[timvp]

Because they're more effective, right?

I guess. I don't now why if you are seven-feet and can chew gum you get $40M in this league.

But it's always been that way. Power forwards and shooting guards are usually the two cheapest positions to find players.

[timvp]

I guess. I don't now why if you are seven-feet and can chew gum you get $40M in this league.

But it's always been that way. Power forwards and shooting guards are usually the two cheapest positions to find players.

True.

If Scola was a seven-footer and putting up the same exact stats, he'd be worth $6M a year.

Just the way it is.

[ChumpDumper]

Przybilla is a 7' center. Evans is a 6'8 (that's giving it to him) rebounder.

So it depends on team needs and how much you want to pay.

Przybilla will probably get over the MLE. Evans should get around half of it, unless the Knicks throw money at him.I have to add the Wolves to that, considering their recent contracts.

[Kori Ellis]

I have to add the Wolves to that, considering their recent contracts.

True.

[Quadzilla99]

He doesn't really fill a need. Spurs are looking for a center, an athletic forward and a backup point. $4M wasted on a player that doesn't fill one of those needs doesn't make sense.

He's talented. Tim plays all the time with Horry on the floor. I'd rather have talented players than "the best we can get" at a position of need. Look at Miami who's their 3rd best player? Alonzo Mourning. If you were building that team you wouldn't make it a point to go out and acquire Zo. You already have a center. Talent and depth wins imo. Zo made big contributions to help them win that title. They're a little weak at a couple of individual postiions but have a lot of overall talent. Their 5 best players are a sg, two pfs (Walker and Haslem), and two centers.

[Kori Ellis]

He's talented. Tim plays all the time with Horry on the floor. I'd rather have talented players than "the best we can get" at a position of need. Look at Miami who's their 3rd best player? Alonzo Mourning. If you were building that team you wouldn't make it a point to go out and acquire Zo. You already have a center. Talent and depth wins imo. Zo made big contributions to help them win that title. They're a little weak at a couple of individual postiions but have a lot of overall talent. Their 5 best players are a sg, two pfs (Walker and Haslem), and two centers.

He's talented but you don't know how he'll do in the NBA.

If the Spurs had a lot of money to spend, then I guess getting Scola would be a no brainer. But they have the ~$5M MLE and the $1.7M LLE. If the LLE is already promised to Javtokas and you give $4M to Scola, then you have only a little over $1M plus minimum contracts left. You still need an athletic swingman and a backup point and you are banking that Scola and/or Javtokas' games will translate well to the NBA. For all we know, they could both bust. Too risky to use up all the money on both.

[timvp]

Isn't Sunday the deadline for Scola to tell Tau whether or not he is returning to Spain?

[Nbadan]

I still don't see why the Spurs are inviting all these scrubs to summer camp and no Marcus Fizer. He could be the next poor-man's Malik Rose if he could stay healthy.

[Mr. Body]

Isn't Sunday the deadline for Scola to tell Tau whether or not he is returning to Spain?

That's what I've heard. Dummy is stuck serving for them another season.

[Quadzilla99]

He's talented but you don't know how he'll do in the NBA.

If the Spurs had a lot of money to spend, then I guess getting Scola would be a no brainer. But they have the ~$5M MLE and the $1.7M LLE. If the LLE is already promised to Javtokas and you give $4M to Scola, then you have only a little over $1M plus minimum contracts left. You still need an athletic swingman and a backup point and you are banking that Scola and/or Javtokas' games will translate well to the NBA. For all we know, they could both bust. Too risky to use up all the money on both.

My point is I'd rather we sign a talented player who doesn't fill a need than a weak or average player who fills a need that's all. If we needed an athletic swingman and all that was out there was Melvin Sanders I'd rather we sign Speedy Claxton or Vlad Ramanovic and just add to the overall talent of the team like Miami and many other teams did.

[ChumpDumper]

I still don't see why the Spurs are inviting all these scrubs to summer camp and no Marcus Fizer. He could be the next poor-man's Malik Rose if he could stay healthy.I actually like Eric Hicks to be the next, next Malik. Fizer's a worse rebounder but better shooter, and not quite as short as I thought when I looked back on his draft measurements.

[Kori Ellis]

My point is I'd rather we sign a talented player who doesn't fill a need than a weak or average player who fills a need that's all. If we needed an athletic swingman and all that was out there was Melvin Sanders I'd rather we sign Speedy Claxton or Vlad Ramanovic and just add to the overall talent of the team like Miami and many other teams did.

Yeah but we don't know if Scola is NBA talent. We know that Przybilla can get 7 rebounds and 2 blocks a game in the NBA.

[Mr. Body]

My point is I'd rather we sign a talented player who doesn't fill a need than a weak or average player who fills a need that's all. If we needed an athletic swingman and all that was out there was Melvin Sanders I'd rather we sign Speedy Claxton or Vlad Ramanovic and just add to the overall talent of the team like Miami and many other teams did.

This seems to be closer the model the way the league is going. Just get talent - more or less - and let the pieces fall as they may. One thing that kills us is the lack of game-changing talent on the bench. Michael Finley tried his damnedest to be that guy vs. Dallas - monster, pivotal dunks and so.

That's why Manu's so valuable off the bench in situations. We just don't have those guys there anymore. The rest of the guys seem to be decaying before our very eyes.

[ChumpDumper]

I'd be very interested to see if Fizer kept off the weight he lost in Seattle.

[timvp]

What's scary is Fizer could go to Europe and put up as good of numbers as Scola.

That's why you can't pay Scola $4M a year.

[Kori Ellis]

I'd be very interested to see if Fizer kept off the weight he lost in Seattle.

Well hopefully he did. And hopefully he can stay healthy. He'd been riddled with injuries until this past season.

[Quadzilla99]

What's scary is Fizer could go to Europe and put up as good of numbers as Scola.

That's why you can't pay Scola $4M a year.

But you can pay Oberto $2.5m a year?

[Kori Ellis]

But you can pay Oberto $2.5m a year?

Everyone knows paying Oberto 2.5M is overpaying.

It doesn't mean you have to repeat the mistake.

[Mr. Body]

Any information on Maceo Baston? Has this been covered before?

[ChumpDumper]

Well hopefully he did. And hopefully he can stay healthy. He'd been riddled with injuries until this past season.True. If it's just the lighter schedule that made his healthy year possible he should definitely go to Europe. Guess there's only one way to really find out though.

[Kori Ellis]

Any information on Maceo Baston? Has this been covered before?

I haven't read anything about him other than he worked out for the Spurs.

[ChumpDumper]

Any information on Maceo Baston? Has this been covered before?I think he went to FA camp, but we'll have to wait to see if he shows up at the RMR.

[Kori Ellis]

True. If it's just the lighter schedule that made his healthy year possible he should definitely go to Europe. Guess there's only one way to really find out though.

Yeah, his body might just not be able to take an NBA schedule. But there were even rumors of some problem with his physical in his short stint in Seattle.

[Nbadan]

Judging from this interview of Fizer from the Chicago sun Times (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20060212/ai_n16059162), Fizer may be taylor-made for the Spurs..


What's life like when you're not playing ball? "It's quiet and simple. My basketball career, Bible and my four babies are the three B's that are most precious in my life right now. I have a nice two- bedroom apartment in the Rialto apartment complex owned by Jerry Jones, who also owns the Dallas Cowboys. They say his apartments are like living in paradise. And they're close to right about that. I spend a lot of time reading my Bible in my private time, and I see my kids whenever I can. I'm dating the mother of my first child again, but we're not living together like before. We want to do it right this time, according to our faith."

[coopers pale]

Why do you say Scola doesn't fit a need?

With him starting at PF it frees up Tim to become the starting Centre (which is a HUGE NEED). Now it's possible Scola isn't good enough to be a starting PF, and signing him is a risk, but to a 3 year deal it would free up time for Mahinmi to develop nicely and allow us to build up Scola's worth for a trade in a year or two's time.

I'll be upset if we give any of these available players anything more than a 3 year deal, sowing up any ol' big - in a panic - to a long term deal is bad business, and we leave that to the other clubs. :fro

The long small forward need is one we'll have to either trade or draft for, because the free agent market for those is CRAZY right now, given the way the refs ruled during the playoffs. It's a sellers market for SF's - and we ain't got the cash to buy. :depressed

[Kori Ellis]

Almost off topic ...

http://www.eurobasket.com/ltu/ltu.asp

July 2, 2006


Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) won't Join Slanina in Sopot as he Decided to join the NBA side San Antonio Spurs.He rejected to join although he had very good offer from the club.

[timvp]

My basketball career, Bible and my four babies are the three B's that are most precious in my life right now.

Fizer obviously wasn't a math major.

[ChumpDumper]

What were his SATs?

[timvp]

What were his SATs?

Having four babies means he's probably good at multi-tasking, so I assume at least two times Przybilla.

[ChumpDumper]

Well, he got the name of the apartment complex wrong too, so....

[Nbadan]

All the Spurs problems would have been solved if they had just drafted Nate Robinson.

Never forget.

[timvp]

Well, he got the name of the apartment complex wrong too, so....

I'll give it to JP that the SAT was harder for him than most. The Y after the Z is just so unnatrual.

[Quadzilla99]

Everyone knows paying Oberto 2.5M is overpaying.

It doesn't mean you have to repeat the mistake.

They signed Nocioni for 2-3 million in Chicago. I wouldn't call that a mistake.

[timvp]

All the Spurs problems would have been solved if they had just drafted Nate Robinson.

Never forget.

I tried. I tried.

:depressed


All the Spurs problems would have been solved if they had just signed Reggie Evans.

Never forget.

[ChumpDumper]

I'll give it to JP that the SAT was harder for him than most. The Y after the Z is just so unnatrual.They may have just thrown out the test because they thought it was a fake name.

[Kori Ellis]

They signed Nocioni for 2-3 million in Chicago. I wouldn't call that a mistake.

What does the Bulls signing Nocioni have to do with the Spurs overpaying Oberto?

[Quadzilla99]

You said the Spurs shouldn't sign Scola for 4 million (overpaid) even though they signed Oberto for 2.5 because Oberto busted out. My point is Scola wouldn't be overpaid if he became as good as Nocioni would he?

[Please_dont_ban_me]

I don't really get the Spurs' logic here. Do they think Przybilla can guard Dirk? Obviously not but then why blow your wad on a guy who isn't going to play against the two toughest teams next year?

Only way this makes sense is if Pop admits he was wrong to go to small ball and will use a center next year. If that is the case, Przybilla brings good rebounding and shotblocking to the table.

I'm not thrilled but it's a lot better than the Spurs going after a Vlad Radmanovic or a Tim Thomas.

^ I hope that is the case.

Hopefully he's our Haslem.

[Kori Ellis]

You said the Spurs shouldn't sign Scola for 4 million (overpaid) even though signed Oberto for 2.5 because Oberto busted out. My point is Scola wouldn't be overpaid if he became as good as Nocioni would he?

But it's an IF that they can't afford.

They are obviously not that high on Scola or else they'd pay him the $4M. They know they have other needs and they are shopping his rights because they feel they have enough power forwards and he's not worth the money.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Because Haslem can guard Dirk.

I wouuldn't say that.

He just beat up on him, which is a good strategy. Not quite "guarding" though.

[Quadzilla99]

But it's an IF that they can't afford.

They are obviously not that high on Scola or else they'd pay him the $4M.

I agree with you that they don't like him that much and apparently won't sign him. All I'm saying is I would rather sign him or Speedy the most talented player available if no one who i think is good is around in a postion of need like Center or athletic sg/sf. That's all. Just my personal opinion.

[Kori Ellis]

I agree with you that they don't like him that much and apparently won't sign him. All I'm saying is I would rather sign him or Speedy the most talented player available if no one who i think is good is around in a postion of need like Center or athletic sg/sf. That's all. Just my personal opinion.

I can see saying to sign Speedy (if the Spurs could afford him). But I don't see the logic in wasting $4M on Scola when we don't even know if his game will translate well to the NBA. Just my opinion:)

[timvp]

The Nuggets have two other free-agent big men in Reggie Evans and Francisco Elson, who is restricted. Karl said the Nuggets will move slowly on those two.

"Nene is ahead of him," Karl said when asked about Evans. He put Elson in a similar category, but then added that both "could be in our plans."

Elson has a better chance of staying than Evans.

Got damn it Evans is there for the taking.

Spurs of course are messing around with FA's they'll never be able to sign.

:pctoss

[Mr. Body]

Out of curiosity, timvp, how much do you think Reggie is worth?

[Nbadan]

So far this summer, the Spurs have gotten even less athletic. You have to think there are still deals to be made and Beno, Barry and Horry gotta be the bait.

[ChumpDumper]

Got damn it Evans is there for the taking.

Spurs of course are messing around with FA's they'll never be able to sign.

:pctossI'm sure RC can use the phone more than once a day.

Unless he dropped it.

I do wonder if they are even considering Evans though.

[Kori Ellis]

So far this summer, the Spurs have gotten even less athletic. You have to think there are still deals to be made and Beno, Barry and Horry gotta be the bait.

How'd they get less athletic? They got rid of Rasho. That counts for a lot of non-athleticism.

[ChumpDumper]

You can't trade Rasho and get less athletic.

[Mr. Body]

The Spurs haven't necessarily gotten less athletic. So far, they've replaced Nesterovic with a highly athletic Javtokas.

But their old fogeys have gotten even fogier, with no help immediately obvious to anyone.

[timvp]

There's been talk of the Cavaliers having interest in Denver power forward Reggie Evans. The 6-8, 245-pounder may be had for around $3 million a season, which could be a bargain for the rebounding machine.

A contract starting at $2M a year can get the second best rebounder in the league.

But no, the Spurs are instead dreaming again. Spurs never learn to just pick a likely target and sign him instead of shooting for the stars and getting kicked in the teeth every year.

[Mr. Body]

A contract starting at $2M a year can get the second best rebounder in the league.


Oh. I take back everything I ever said, then. I thought you meant the full MLE. He could be very good off the bench at that price.

[Mijo]

But when Bowen checks Dirk and the Mavericks go small (or the Suns), you have to start shuffling the deck to come up with defensive matchups. Why can't we dominate instead with size? Yeah, we gt worked on the run but there isn't a real good reason why we didn't excel offensively with our size. I was at a Spurs/Mavs game late season where Nazi kicked ass. I have a problem with abandoning the game that got us to semi's and I'll never know cause Pop never tried it again.

[Nbadan]

You can't trade Rasho and get less athletic.

Well that all depends on who they sign to replace him. My point is, I'm with Tim in this fight. I think the Spurs should persue players that they have a chance of getting. The whole reason they are in this position in the first place was because of their fruit-less effort persuing Jason Kidd.

[ChumpDumper]

Again, I'm sure RC has made more than one phone call.

[timvp]

Again, I'm sure RC has made more than one phone call.

Hopefully.

Evans can take part of the MLE and then with the rest you can get your swingman or point guard.

[T Park]

people are saying all this stuff, when they don't even know who theyve called!!

All of this is just speculation and assuming....

[MannyIsGod]

Why the hell do you think July is the time of the year the forum gets the most posts? Thats what we do.

[ChumpDumper]

with the rest you can get your swingmanWho?

Anyone over 6'8"?

That's my only real problem.

As I said, I actually think Jeffries might be had in a trade. Guess we'll have to see the cap and tax numbers to really see how much more salary we can take on.

[T Park]

Evans can take part of the MLE and then with the rest you can get your swingman or point guard.

That aint even close enough to being enough to get either one.


Unless Bobby Jackson or Speedy feel the need to take paycuts and come here just for the balls of it.

[timvp]

people are saying all this stuff, when they don't even know who theyve called!!

All of this is just speculation and assuming....

Agents are talking. I haven't found one shred of anything that the Spurs have contacted Evans. I've seen everyone from the Lakers to the Mavs to the Heat but no Spurs.

[Kori Ellis]

That aint even close enough to being enough to get either one.


Unless Bobby Jackson or Speedy feel the need to take paycuts and come here just for the balls of it.

I don't think LJ is talking about getting Speedy as a backup point. Speedy made it pretty clear today that he's looking for a good raise.

[timvp]

Who?

Anyone over 6'8"?

Ariza seems doable.


The Magic also are hoping to retain guard/forward Trevor Ariza, although at a significantly reduced cost.

[ChumpDumper]

Reduced from the minimum?

[timvp]

A summer pull of Evans, Ariza and Pargo is all I ask.

That isn't exactly asking for the world.

[timvp]

Reduced from the minimum?

Exactly.

:smokin

[ChumpDumper]

A summer pull of Evans, Ariza and Pargo is all I ask.

That isn't exactly asking for the world.That's fine.

And pray Yao never makes the playoffs again.

[Mr. Body]

Agents are talking. I haven't found one shred of anything that the Spurs have contacted Evans. I've seen everyone from the Lakers to the Mavs to the Heat but no Spurs.

The one worm in the Evans apple may be his demeanor. The FO might not see him as a 'Spurs type' player, the kind who keeps his cool when things goes bad, doesn't whine to the press, and doesn't commit hard fouls. Glenn Robinson was getting decent time in last year's playoffs up until the moment he shoved - who? - Rashard Lewis against Seattle. He was doing it in the enforcer role, payback for some dirty stuff earlier. The Spurs prefer to let Manu get knocked around, Parker get knocked around, and don't rise to the emotional level.

Reggie Evans, while not apparently a whiner, is the guy who will play dirty, grab the balls, etc. Maybe that's why he's already crossed off the list.

[aaronstampler]

I don't really get the Spurs' logic here. Do they think Przybilla can guard Dirk? Obviously not but then why blow your wad on a guy who isn't going to play against the two toughest teams next year?


the "logic" is WE'RE NOT A DAMN SMALLBALL TEAM.

We should've let Dirk get 50 a night and shut down everyone else and just absolutely cut off their penetration with Tim and Rasho. Make them a complete jump shot team. Even if they're open, they'd still be jump shots. No lay ups, no free throws.

And with two bigs on the other end, it would've freed Rasho to set screens at the free throw line for Manu or Tony and still have Tim as a kick out option near the basket instead of Tim being the guy setting the screens and the only kickouts being the 3 point corners.

I'm sick and tired of Pop's nice guy chameleon team routine where we always play to the style of whoever we're facing. Why can't we dictate OUR style to other people?

Even the one month when Nazr was on fire, he destroyed the Suns with 30 points and it didn't seem to matter when we played them with two bigs that night. We simply crushed them inside and got all the rebounds.

The whole history of basketball college and pro has been built on the team with the best inside players win. Now all of a sudden some flash in the pan teams are making it sound like big players are a liability. Don't buy it.

[timvp]

The one worm in the Evans apple may be his demeanor. The FO might not see him as a 'Spurs type' player, the kind who keeps his cool when things goes bad, doesn't whine to the press, and doesn't commit hard fouls. Glenn Robinson was getting decent time in last year's playoffs up until the moment he shoved - who? - Rashard Lewis against Seattle. He was doing it in the enforcer role, payback for some dirty stuff earlier. The Spurs prefer to let Manu get knocked around, Parker get knocked around, and don't rise to the emotional level.

Reggie Evans, while not apparently a whiner, is the guy who will play dirty, grab the balls, etc. Maybe that's why he's already crossed off the list.

Well the Spurs at one time did sign Kevin Willis and Tony Massenburg ... two players who were around just to come in and lay the hammer down. Willis' elbow to Scott Williams' head was dirtier than the nutsac grab and the Spurs brought back Willis the next year.

[Nbadan]

Putting the ball in Rasho's hand is a recipe - for defeat.

[Nbadan]

Well the Spurs at one time did sign Kevin Willis and Tony Massenburg ... two players who were around just to come in and lay the hammer down. Willis' elbow to Scott Williams' head was dirtier than the nutsac grab and the Spurs brought back Willis the next year.

Yeah, but he was on double-secret probation. Let's face it, POP won't bring in a player with any type of past.

[whottt]

RE: Ariza

If nothing else I think the Magic would be willing to part with him if they got something in return...like say, a veteran 2 guard on a shortterm deal who can shoot, or another young project SF with upside.

Spurs have both...I am not sure how they could work the contract difference between Barry and what Ariza will get, under the current CBA...but I am sure something could be arranged.


And I'd be happy if all we got out of this offseason was Ariza and Javtokas...or Paul Pierce ;)

Spurs don't need miracles here.

[Mr. Body]

Well the Spurs at one time did sign Kevin Willis and Tony Massenburg ... two players who were around just to come in and lay the hammer down. Willis' elbow to Scott Williams' head was dirtier than the nutsac grab and the Spurs brought back Willis the next year.

Could be. I dunno. But that Glenn Robinson incident was so conspicuous. Maybe they countenanced Willis' elbow and similar stuff because he was an upstanding guy well-oriented with the team philosophy. It was easy (and advantageous) to look the other way. Evans just seems like he has a screw loose.

[timvp]

Yeah, but he was on double-secret probation. Let's face it, POP won't bring in a player with any type of past.

So the Spurs wouldn't have drafted Chris Paul?

For those who don't remember, Paul punched Julius Hodge in the nuts in his last season at Wake.


Wake Forest sophomore guard Chris Paul was suspended Monday for one game for throwing a punch at NC State's Julius Hodge that landed below the belt in the first half of Sunday night's game in Raleigh.

Paul wasn't issued a foul on the play, but television replays showed the punch later, prompting the school to suspend Paul. Paul will practice with the team all week and be on the bench for the Demon Deacons' quarterfinal game in the ACC tournament Friday against either NC State or Florida State, which play in a first-round game on Thursday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKx8lFkQbDA&search=chris%20paul%20hodges

Good thing Spurs didn't go after that guy.

:sleep

[T Park]

if Robinson was banned from the playoffs.

How come did he come out in game 1 vs Detroit and play semi significant minutes in that game?

[Nbadan]

So the Spurs wouldn't have drafted Chris Paul?

Assuming the Spurs had NO's 4th pick. No.

If they didn't trade the pick, they likely would have likely gone after a big like Villanueva or Channing Frye.

[jcrod]

Shit, I'm not going to read this whole damn thread. But I stay by remembering TD saying he does not want to start at Center. He might play half the game there, but he doesn't want to start.

With that said, you need a starting center. Ben is a pipe dream, so Priz is the next best center. He rebounds, blocks shots better than Nazr and Rasho. So why not, small ball sucks.

We don't need it with PHX, Dallas is our only problem and Pop never tried what got him there.

[Bruno]

Almost off topic ...

http://www.eurobasket.com/ltu/ltu.asp

July 2, 2006

Sopot has signed a turkish center (who was final MVP in france this year) : Huseyin Besok.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

The one worm in the Evans apple may be his demeanor. The FO might not see him as a 'Spurs type' player, the kind who keeps his cool when things goes bad, doesn't whine to the press, and doesn't commit hard fouls. Glenn Robinson was getting decent time in last year's playoffs up until the moment he shoved - who? - Rashard Lewis against Seattle. He was doing it in the enforcer role, payback for some dirty stuff earlier. The Spurs prefer to let Manu get knocked around, Parker get knocked around, and don't rise to the emotional level.

Reggie Evans, while not apparently a whiner, is the guy who will play dirty, grab the balls, etc. Maybe that's why he's already crossed off the list.

That didn't make any sense at the time.

Big Dog was not only playing well, but he showed some backbone by puthing Rashard in his place. Instead of supporting him, or benching him for a bit to let him cool down, Pop benched him for basically the next few games. Then stuck him in garbage time if I remember right. Eh.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

In response to the "why sign a guy who won't play against Dallas/Phoenix"...

I would hope we dont' go small ball again and learned our lesson, but even if we do go small again...that's only 8 games a year. What about the other 74 or whatever? We're not going to change the identity of our team just so we can matchup with the f'ing mavs/suns.

[Mr. Body]

That didn't make any sense at the time.

Big Dog was not only playing well, but he showed some backbone by puthing Rashard in his place. Instead of supporting him, or benching him for a bit to let him cool down, Pop benched him for basically the next few games. Then stuck him in garbage time if I remember right. Eh.

The Spurs like to be a very even-keeled team. They follow Duncan in this and, while it ticked a lot of us off that they didn't retaliate against some of the hard fouls, it helped them in the end. While both Denver and Seattle got highly emotional and lost focus at times, the Spurs never did and came out alive. The FO seems to avoid players who disturb this equalibrium.

[T Park]

Thats what youve got Bonner for.

People don't understand.

You bring over Javtokas, you see in the regular season how he does VS Dirk and what not, and see how Bonner does on him, and when the playoffs roll around, you go with what you think will work.


I like JP, hes a hardnosed guy, hes agressive, he plays good D, and as has been said he blocks shots like a mofo.

Hes better than Rasho in that, hes VERY agressive, and does NOT pass up his shot.


Is he as good as Rasho on clearing the lane for Manu and Parker, and helpside D?

I would think so.

IMO 5 million for him, and JP being bettter than Rasho and Nazr, but being cheaper than both?

How can you not go wrong?

[Please_dont_ban_me]

The Spurs like to be a very even-keeled team. They follow Duncan in this and, while it ticked a lot of us off that they didn't retaliate against some of the hard fouls, it helped them in the end. While both Denver and Seattle got highly emotional and lost focus at times, the Spurs never did and came out alive. The FO seems to avoid players who disturb this equalibrium.

Really?

I recall Pop sending Felton Spencer into the game in the past to put a hard foul on people, same with Kevin Willis. I don't know why we're so damn soft now. =/

Soft isn't the right word...we're tough, mentally...and hold our ground. But we need to take some shit a little more personal. We need a god damn bruiser as a 12th man.

[Mr. Body]

Giving a hard foul is one thing, playing dirty is another. The Spurs will not play dirty, and that's what hurts the Reggie Evans idea.

But yeah, the team as composed now is very finesse-oriented. That hurt against Dallas. Their normal playing style does not bruise anybody. Miami's style - Shaq and Mourning, especially - just naturally punishes people. Dallas wilts under that punishment.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

www.youtube.com

Search: Pryzbilla


Not much to go off of, but still rather disturbing. :D

[texbound]

I guess it's possible that Portland and SA could do a S&T of both Joel and Nazr. Portland would still need a C and they could still try to trade Zach Randolph (I read they were looking to do so). This way both teams are still able to use their MLE for someone else. However, the key would be to get Nazr to agree to it. I guess if you offered him a little more than the MLE he might take it. It's long shot, but if the Spurs could pull this off then they could still pursue Jared Jeffries or someone else (Speedy).

If the Spurs could pull this S&T then they could threaten to sign Speedy outright. The Hornets might blink and agree to take Barry in exchange. Then the Spurs could turn around and offer the full MLE to Jeffries. Hey, it's possible.

[texbound]

Everyting that I listed above is, imo, a perfect scenario. The Spurs get everything they want, a C, a backup PG, and long SF. Rarely do perfect scenarios work, so this is just a pipe dream.

[SPARKY]

I guess it's possible that Portland and SA could do a S&T of both Joel and Nazr. Portland would still need a C and they could still try to trade Zach Randolph (I read they were looking to do so). This way both teams are still able to use their MLE for someone else. However, the key would be to get Nazr to agree to it. I guess if you offered him a little more than the MLE he might take it. It's long shot, but if the Spurs could pull this off then they could still pursue Jared Jeffries or someone else (Speedy).

If the Spurs could pull this S&T then they could threaten to sign Speedy outright. The Hornets might blink and agree to take Barry in exchange. Then the Spurs could turn around and offer the full MLE to Jeffries. Hey, it's possible.

Yes. Spurs need to find a couple S&T's to be able to bring in talent. Relying on the MLE and LLE is going to make it tough to get the job done.

[SPARKY]

Going after a Scot Pollard with a 3 year, $11 mil deal makes a lot more sense than Pryzbilla at $30 to 35 mil over 5 years.

[duncan2k5]

no way...scott pollard? you seen him play since he came in the league? he is worse than olwakandi. joel is worth the money. sign him and you will see. dont, and there goes championship hopes. i'm glad some of you arent the GM. you would probably draft Van Horn instead of KVH because he is "a long, versateile three who can guard dirk." that last comment wasn't mean to you SPARKY

[strangeweather]

Przybilla recorded a 350 the first time he took the SAT.
Ouch. Is he a native English speaker?

[SPARKY]

The Spurs need someone who can be a placeholder in the starting lineup at the 5 for about 20 minutes a night while TD handles the rest. Also, with Javtokas coming in, the Spurs are looking for someone who is capable if he is not of doing that. I'd rather the Spurs be cheap in that regard than break the bank for a marginally better center. If the Spurs dole out a huge contract to that center then you can bet the rest of their personnel moves will be limited over the next 2 to 3 seasons, at least. They'll also bitch about that contract too as if they did nothing wrong. Best to avoid the problem up front and not throw a lot of money at the current crop of free agent centers.

[furry_spurry]

Again, I'm sure RC has made more than one phone call.
Yes, but the Spurs are notoriously slow-moving, and this summer is the summer of "get my deal done quick!"

[furry_spurry]

I still wonder how everyone assumes Javtokas is coming-- if we spend the whole MLE on Przybilla. First, it does not go along with the claims that Javtokas' deal would have a third year option, and second, maybe Robertas won't come if he thinks he isn't going to play much.

[SPARKY]

Yes, but the Spurs are notoriously slow-moving, and this summer is the summer of "get my deal done quick!"

eh, "slow moving"? They're usually fairly quick when they know what they want. And fairly decisive too. Pop was in freakin' Slovenia on Radoslav's doorstep on the 1st day of free agency 2003 with a 6 year, $42 mil offer.

The problem with this offseason is that any number of teams have major cap room and then you have every team with their MLE. Too many variables to wade through and make a definitive selection at the outset.

[SPARKY]

I still wonder how everyone assumes Javtokas is coming-- if we spend the whole MLE on Przybilla. First, it does not go along with the claims that Javtokas' deal would have a third year option, and second, maybe Robertas won't come if he thinks he isn't going to play much.

They've already reached an agreement with Javtokas. See the other thread on the 1st page.

[SPARKY]

The other major issue this summer is that so many free agents are restricted free agents. The Spurs realistically will not have a shot with a restricted free agent unless a sign and trade can be worked out.

I do not anticipate the Spurs being able to reach agreement with many free agents during the 1st two weeks of free agency. After some of the bigger unrestricted free agents agree to new deals will the picture become clearer for the Spurs.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i reckon we should just get a cheap center, i got a feelin our center will be comin in the next draft. or ian comin over.

[JUUOT]

i was busy for canada day, enjoying the fireworks of the NHL free agency (i am an ottawa senators fan) and i have to catch up with a 9 pages long thread...

We have 3 needs PG - atthletic wing - center

The way i look at it replacing both nazr and rasho by javtokas and JP for the LLE and MLE would feel just right to me.

Beno is the the back up PG

and now you have Scola's right - Brent and Oberto to trade for your athletic wing.

I do not see what is wrong in the scenario. We slightly upgrade our centers while paying a lot less.

[SPARKY]

i reckon we should just get a cheap center, i got a feelin our center will be comin in the next draft. or ian comin over.

Consider:

Javtokas - this summer starting salary under $2 mil
Mahinmi - next summer starting salary under $1 mil
Scola - next summer starting salary under $2 mil

I'd rather see that than the Spurs giving Pryzbilla $5 or 6 mil a year starting this summer.

[SPARKY]

i was busy for canada day, enjoying the fireworks of the NHL free agency (i am an ottawa senators fan) and i have to catch up with a 9 pages long thread...

We have 3 needs PG - atthletic wing - center

The way i look at it replacing both nazr and rasho by javtokas and JP for the LLE and MLE would feel just right to me.

Beno is the the back up PG

and now you have Scola's right - Brent and Oberto to trade for your athletic wing.

I do not see what is wrong in the scenario. We slightly upgrade our centers while paying a lot less.


The center need is a bit questionable. TD plays half the game at the 5. The real need is to find the best bigmen to play alongside him.

[SPARKY]

The Spurs can fill out a bigman rotation for what Pryzbilla is commanding this summer in the market. Spurs might be best served to pass on him, use their international farm team to fill out the bigman rotation and then make their major commitment(s) to perimeter players (ie future starting small forward and backup point).

[SenorSpur]

At this point, they do not have a productive center under contract. At this point, Spurs have a big hole in the middle of their lineup and it has to be filled.

They have no choice. They will have to either sign Pryzbilla or resign Nazr.

[SPARKY]

They had two legit centers and both were black holes in the Dallas series. It's not that big of an issue.

[SenorSpur]

With Rasho and Nazr, at least they had a two-headed combo center. With Rasho now out of the way (thank god), they need to sign Pryzbilla or resign Nazr - one or the other. After which, they need to bring Javtokas as a backup big.

[clubalien]

I am for przy and againts pollard or timvps evans. Remember tim wanted olwakandi. And we all know that rasho while soft was better than what olwakandi did for tpups.

[SPARKY]

With Rasho and Nazr, at least they had a two-headed combo center. With Rasho now out of the way (thank god), they need to sign Pryzbilla or resign Nazr - one or the other. After which, they need to bring Javtokas as a backup big.

eh, the two-headed center combo was whatever scrub and Duncan.

[SPARKY]

I am for przy and againts pollard or timvps evans. Remember tim wanted olwakandi. And we all know that rasho while soft was better than what olwakandi did for tpups.

Dusty, timvp didn't want Olowokandi. That was GW.

[clubalien]

oh sorry my bad

[AdmiralMVP]

I don't really get the Spurs' logic here. Do they think Przybilla can guard Dirk? Obviously not but then why blow your wad on a guy who isn't going to play against the two toughest teams next year?

Only way this makes sense is if Pop admits he was wrong to go to small ball and will use a center next year. If that is the case, Przybilla brings good rebounding and shotblocking to the table.

I'm not thrilled but it's a lot better than the Spurs going after a Vlad Radmanovic or a Tim Thomas.

I agree. We cannot go into the playoffs against Phoenix or Dallas essentially starting two centers (Duncan and Pryzbilla). The new rules have changed the way the game is played, and I worry that we would be a tad slow with Duncan starting at PF and the slow-footed Pryzbilla at C.

[itzsoweezee]

I agree. We cannot go into the playoffs against Phoenix or Dallas essentially starting two centers (Duncan and Pryzbilla). The new rules have changed the way the game is played, and I worry that we would be a tad slow with Duncan starting at PF and the slow-footed Pryzbilla at C.


who cares about guarding dirk. a freaking guard can guard dirk. what the spurs need to worry about is guarding josh howard. spurs get in trouble when the other mavs players are scoring, not when dirk is.

with the small ball lineup, the mavs basically had a layup drill. the heat didn't buy into that small ball bullshit and won four in a row against the mavs. the spurs need to stick w/ the two centers approach and not give up any layups. let the mavs shoot jumpshots and threes. they can't beat the spurs doing that.

[alamo50]

No way Pryzbilla is coming to San Antonio.

[strangeweather]

Statistical profile of Joel Przybilla, 2005-06:
with stats from Nazr and Rasho for comparison

Summary:
Height: 7'1"
Weight: 255
Age: 26
Games: 56
Minutes: 24.9

PER: 15.32 (Nazr: 15.02, Rasho: 10.97)
PPG: 6.1 (Nazr: 6.2, Rasho: 4.5)
P/40: 9.9 (Nazr: 14.2, Rasho: 9.5)
Usage rate: 11.8 (Nazr: 16.1, Rasho: 11.1)
Net offense/100 possessions: +2.2 (Nazr: +0.8, Rasho: -3.7)
Net defense/100 possessions: +0.0 (Nazr: +4.7, Rasho: -6.4)

Shooting:
FG%: 0.548 (Nazr: 0.504, Rasho: 0.515)
3P%: 0.000 -- 1 shot in career (Nazr: 0.000, Rasho: 0.00)
True Shooting %: 56.1 (Nazr: 56.0, Rasho: 52.1)
FT%: 53.2 (Nazr: 66.0, Rasho: 60.0)

Jump shooting:
% of shots: 21% (Nazr: 36%, Rasho: 46%)
Effective field goal %: 0.245 (Nazr: 0.380, Rasho: 0.374)

Inside shooting:
% of shots: 79% (Nazr: 64%, Rasho: 54%)
Breakdown: 46% close, 27% dunk, 7% tips (Nazr: 47/12/5, Rasho: 43/4/6)
Effective field goal %: 0.626 (Nazr: 0.575, Rasho: 0.637)

Rebounding:
RPG: 7.0 (Nazr: 5.2, Rasho: 3.9)
R/40: 11.2 (Nazr: 12.0, Rasho: 8.1)
DRB%: 18.8 (Nazr: 19.6, Rasho: 12.9)
ORB%: 11.2 (Nazr: 12.8, Rasho: 8.4)

Blocks:
BPG: 2.32 (Nazr: 0.61, Rasho: 1.10)
B/40: 3.73 (Nazr: 1.40, Rasho: 2.32)
B%: 5.7 (Nazr: 2.2, Rasho: 3.5)
B/Foul: 2.11 (Nazr: 0.38, Rasho: 0.69)

Passing:
APG: 0.8 (Nazr: 0.5, Rasho: 0.4)
A/40: 1.2 (Nazr: 1.2, Rasho: 0.9)
Assist/Bad Pass: 2.2 (Nazr: 2.2, Rasho: 1.5)

Turnovers:
TPG: 1.36 (Nazr: 1.16, Rasho: 0.66)
TO Ratio: 17.9 (Nazr: 15.9, Rasho: 12.2)
Hands rating (82games): 4.5 (Nazr: 5.5, Rasho: 5.3)

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Doesn't it blow supreme ass that Pop never once tried a center in an entire Dallas game, thereby making all arguments stand on semisolid ground?


None of us really know how any center we sign will fare against dallas as a whole.

[furry_spurry]

I just don't think it is prudent to tie up money for 5 years on Przybilla. Within a year or two, we will be back to trying to trade an overpaid, underutilized center.

[furry_spurry]

eh, "slow moving"? They're usually fairly quick when they know what they want. And fairly decisive too. Pop was in freakin' Slovenia on Radoslav's doorstep on the 1st day of free agency 2003 with a 6 year, $42 mil offer.

I should have been more clear- I don't mean that they are slow-moving in terms of their initial interest in players. What I mean is that they are slow-moving through the process of FA. They will focus on a specific player, waiting around while others get snagged up, and by the time they get around to the "lower" players on the list, many are gone. Two years ago Brent was about an hour away from signing a deal when the Spurs finally got back to him. Now, some people might wish they had missed him altogether, but it makes my point. The Spurs think players will wait around for them during this process, but they won't.

[SPARKY]

I should have been more clear- I don't mean that they are slow-moving in terms of their initial interest in players. What I mean is that they are slow-moving through the process of FA. They will focus on a specific player, waiting around while others get snagged up, and by the time they get around to the "lower" players on the list, many are gone. Two years ago Brent was about an hour away from signing a deal when the Spurs finally got back to him. Now, some people might wish they had missed him altogether, but it makes my point. The Spurs think players will wait around for them during this process, but they won't.

They have been proactive in their dealings with free agents as I've seen over the last decade. WRT Barry, that was simply getting back with the final offer to him. They had definitely been in touch with him during the process.

[AdmiralMVP]

who cares about guarding dirk. a freaking guard can guard dirk. what the spurs need to worry about is guarding josh howard. spurs get in trouble when the other mavs players are scoring, not when dirk is.

with the small ball lineup, the mavs basically had a layup drill. the heat didn't buy into that small ball bullshit and won four in a row against the mavs. the spurs need to stick w/ the two centers approach and not give up any layups. let the mavs shoot jumpshots and threes. they can't beat the spurs doing that.

Yeah, Bowen usually does a great job on Nowitzski. However, do we end up having our starting center guarding the Mav's SF/SG's? As much as I hate Dallas, their team is a heck of a lot quicker and can match our size as well. Duncan is also 30, and we can't expect him to play PF much longer.

[Beer is Good]

Joel is good

Ian will be here next year
hopefully he can guard dirk

dirk was not the reason spurs lost
it was howard
The Spurs beat themselves. Howard wasn't great. Dirk wasn't great. The Spurs definitely were not great. Nagging injuries to Manu and TP and small ball madness did us in. Nothing more, nothing less.

[TwoHandJam]

Horry not being able to give us meaningful minutes guarding Dirk was one of the single greatest reasons for our loss. Had Horry been able to give us what we expected maybe Pop wouldn't have lost his mind with the smallball madness.

[SA Gunslinger]

the "logic" is WE'RE NOT A DAMN SMALLBALL TEAM.

We should've let Dirk get 50 a night and shut down everyone else and just absolutely cut off their penetration with Tim and Rasho. Make them a complete jump shot team. Even if they're open, they'd still be jump shots. No lay ups, no free throws.

And with two bigs on the other end, it would've freed Rasho to set screens at the free throw line for Manu or Tony and still have Tim as a kick out option near the basket instead of Tim being the guy setting the screens and the only kickouts being the 3 point corners.

I'm sick and tired of Pop's nice guy chameleon team routine where we always play to the style of whoever we're facing. Why can't we dictate OUR style to other people?

Even the one month when Nazr was on fire, he destroyed the Suns with 30 points and it didn't seem to matter when we played them with two bigs that night. We simply crushed them inside and got all the rebounds.

The whole history of basketball college and pro has been built on the team with the best inside players win. Now all of a sudden some flash in the pan teams are making it sound like big players are a liability. Don't buy it.

The rules have changed. Unless your Bruce Bowen, you really can't guard the perimeter anymore. Even Bruce was getting called for fouls he would never draw two years ago and he moves his feet better than anyone in the league. If you watch the Finals again, the Mavs played off of Dwyane Wade yet he still got to the line 15-20 times a game.

If you let Dirk shoot open jumpers, he won't score 50. He would score 75-80. He's that good from the outside. For TD or the other big to guard Dirk without getting into foul trouble, they would basically have to wait for him to jump into his shooting motion before challenging the shot. If you give Dirk a game of horse the entire game, you will lose.

I don't think Pop is being "a nice guy" playing to the opponents style. To the contrary, I think he does what he does to attack the opponent's strength. He's being aggressive and dictating to the offense to do things they are not accustomed. I think he was the first coach to run the Suns off the three point line because he knew they relied on the three point shot to keep Nash fresh. Closing out on the three point shooters forced the Suns to make the extra pass and made them use clock and energy.

Against most teams, the Spurs can play big and play Spurs Basketball. But to get back to the Finals, we will have to get through Phoenix and Dallas which means small ball.

[spurster]

The Spurs need an old-fashioned center vs. Yao or Shaq, otherwise you need a PF or tweener with rebounding and quickness. If you can't find that, then I would agree with Sparky and timvp to go cheap with Pollard or Evans or some other halfway decent rebounder, but not much else. There's always the chance that Oberto will make enough of an improvement to fit in better and another chance that Horry will be able to come through one more time.

[MrChug]

RASHO+AGRESSIVENESS-EMOTIONAL SENSITIVITY+THE ABILITY/DESIRE TO DUNK= ALL WE FUCKING NEED!

It's not that difficult an equation. This guy was what Pop wanted all along, minus the little perk of being able to bitch at his white center in Slovenian.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

There was nothing aggressive or dictating about us trying to go small and match up with Dallas, give me a break Gunslinger.

To me, the news that the Spurs are after Pryz is a good sign, it means our coaches realized that small ball is not the future they thought it was in May.

And that's a good thing. Joel gives you a shot blocker and rebounder inside who can put up some great numbers for you.

As to the Dirk equation, 75-80 points? Give me a break. He had the game of his life in the WCF and got to 50. The key to taking down Dallas isn't stopping Dirk, it's stopping Terry and Harris from their layup fest that they had going on all series with us.

You do that with quickness on the perimeter (where a JR Smith signing would come handy) and better interior D. Pryz gives you the latter. Let Dirk get his, lock down the rest of the Mavs, and you win.

It worked two years ago against Phoenix (Amare with 40 PPG), and it will work against Dallas.

[Obstructed_View]

To me, the news that the Spurs are after Pryz is a good sign, it means our coaches realized that small ball is not the future they thought it was in May.
They went through an entire seven game series and didn't realize it. I wouldn't get my hopes up.

[furry_spurry]

They went through an entire seven game series and didn't realize it. I wouldn't get my hopes up.
Even if he came here, the Spurs would play him during the regular season- to take the primary defensive responsibility off Tim and keep Horry from playing too much- and then sit him in the play-offs. Sound familiar?

[rascal]

I just don't think it is prudent to tie up money for 5 years on Przybilla. Within a year or two, we will be back to trying to trade an overpaid, underutilized center.
Agree Do not lock up a marginal player long term.

[rascal]

There was nothing aggressive or dictating about us trying to go small and match up with Dallas, give me a break Gunslinger.

To me, the news that the Spurs are after Pryz is a good sign, it means our coaches realized that small ball is not the future they thought it was in May.

And that's a good thing. Joel gives you a shot blocker and rebounder inside who can put up some great numbers for you.

As to the Dirk equation, 75-80 points? Give me a break. He had the game of his life in the WCF and got to 50. The key to taking down Dallas isn't stopping Dirk, it's stopping Terry and Harris from their layup fest that they had going on all series with us.

You do that with quickness on the perimeter (where a JR Smith signing would come handy) and better interior D. Pryz gives you the latter. Let Dirk get his, lock down the rest of the Mavs, and you win.

It worked two years ago against Phoenix (Amare with 40 PPG), and it will work against Dallas.

Yes but the spurs need a big defensive stopper (Like Robinson)that warrants respect. Is Pryzbilla the answer? He does not have the quickness (footwork) or hops to be intimidating. I see players driving right past him. So his effectiveness will be nullified and he won't be an intimidator.

Robinson would rotate off his man and force the penetrator back outside. Robinson was an intimidator and defensive force.

Quickness is important for intimidation not only size.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

They went through an entire seven game series and didn't realize it. I wouldn't get my hopes up.

Pop has always had an inability to adjust during series, and has often adjusted to 'the problem' in the off-season.

He's actually pretty good about post-haste analysis and realizing the problems and what to do to fix them, just not adjusting on the fly during a series.

That, and it probably didn't hurt that Miami punked Dallas without going small. I'm sure he was watching that as well.

[furry_spurry]

Pop has always had an inability to adjust during series, and has often adjusted to 'the problem' in the off-season.

He's actually pretty good about post-haste analysis and realizing the problems and what to do to fix them, just not adjusting on the fly during a series.

That, and it probably didn't hurt that Miami punked Dallas without going small. I'm sure he was watching that as well.
I know it was about the contract, but we traded away a better defender than Przybilla. Just because he blocks some shots does not make him a good defender. He is one of those guys who goes for every block- leaving his man wide open for the dump off and the easy bucket. He also is not too bright-- I am not sure who has the lower basketball IQ- Przy or Nazr. The perimeter players grew accustomed to having a center who knew where to be-- those days are gone.