Nazr to the Pistons

[ShoogarBear]

Umm, pretty much the same as with SA except for his contract year.I know that this is a sure-fire one-way ticket to pointlessness, so my last comment will be that he consistenly got better numbers yearly under Flip as his minutes went up.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Man, no offense, but the more you post about basketball the more I wonder what you watch.

Difference of opinion, I guess.

He played a huge part in us winning that Nuggets series. He has helped bang against tough low post presences. He's not that bright, but he's a very physical/aggressive player.



Call it what it is, say he has bad hands and is out of place. You can a lot worse about other centers in the league. There has to be a reason the Spurs left the door open to bring him back (granted at the right price). There has to be a reason Joe Dumars brought him in for that much money (which may be too much, but you get the idea).

[Buddy Holly]

I know that this is a sure-fire one-way ticket to pointlessness, so my last comment will be that he consistenly got better numbers yearly under Flip as his minutes went up.


And Rasho > Nazr

So they should have.

Nazr's been in the league how long?

[ShoogarBear]

And with that, we have reached our destination.

[Buddy Holly]

I mean Rasho > Nazr in terms of offense.

[adonis827]

nazr only $6M when rasho is making around 7 or 8 M? that's cheap i think

[Kori Ellis]

nazr only $6M when rasho is making around 7 or 8 M? that's cheap i think

Nazr will be making the MLE this upcoming season (~$5.4M). Rasho is making around $7.3M (his contract started out around 5.6M I believe).

[SPARKY]

Hopefully now the Spurs will get someone Pop will actually play in a series against the Mavs.

[MannyIsGod]

Hopefully now the Spurs will get someone Pop will actually play in a series against the Mavs.

[Wu banga]

No centers, my how the mighty have fallen.

[SPARKY]

No centers, my how the mighty have fallen.

Yeah, Spurs have no centers now. Yeah.

[jochhejaam]

According to my son this signing rules the Pistons out of signing Bonzi, is that correct?

[ChumpDumper]

No centers, my how the mighty have fallen.What centers? We haven't had centers for a long time.

[Pistons < Spurs]

According to my son this signing rules the Pistons out of signing Bonzi, is that correct?


Yep he's spot on.

We used our full MLE on Nazr, and It doesn't sound like we have the LLE ... even if we did, it wouldn't be anywhere close to enough for Bonzi.

I suppose there is always a chance of a trade. But it's highly unlikely.

[Solid D]

Tonight on Ch. 11 Maximum Sports' Chuck Miketinac said that one source reported that Nazr was gone (from the Spurs) either way. He privately was that sour on the Spurs for his diminished role late in the season. That would explain a lot because the Spurs were offering Nazr roughly what he got today.

[Pistons < Spurs]

That would explain a lot because the Spurs were offering Nazr roughly what he got today.

I've been wondering about that. So they're saying that he left because of PT? I hadn't noticed anything about what if anything SA offered him. If it's the same money, I have to assume that he just wants to play more. Not like he can bitch about the orginization.

[spurschick]

No centers, my how the mighty have fallen.

How many championships do you guys have again?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

:lol Well what else is left? Evans? Pollard? Tsakalidis? HITA? :vomit:

Right now best I can tell we're operating under the guise of being cheap instead of working to make sure this team gets back to the Finals next year.

If you lived in Dallas, you'd understand how much the weeks following our series sucked.


:tu

[Kori Ellis]

Tonight on Ch. 11 Maximum Sports' Chuck Miketinac said that one source reported that Nazr was gone (from the Spurs) either way. He privately was that sour on the Spurs for his diminished role late in the season. That would explain a lot because the Spurs were offering Nazr roughly what he got today.

Did the Spurs even offer him anything this summer?

[loveforthegame]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA070406.spursnazr.en.265c9d48.html

UPDATED: Nazr Mohammed goes to Detroit

Web Posted: 07/04/2006 09:49 PM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

The Spurs crossed two more centers off their list Tuesday, including one of their own, secure they will eventually find someone to stand next to Tim Duncan.

Less than two weeks after trading Rasho Nesterovic, the Spurs bid farewell to the second half of their center tandem after Nazr Mohammed reached agreement with Detroit on a contract that guarantees him close to $24 million over the next four seasons. The Pistons also are believed to hold an option for a fifth season, which, if picked up, would add about another $7 million to the deal.

Mohammed can't sign the contract until July 12, when the NBA lifts its free-agent moratorium.

Acquired in a trade that sent Malik Rose to New York in February 2005, Mohammed started every game of the Spurs' championship run that season. He lost his starting job to Nesterovic at the start of last season, regained it after the All-Star break then lost it again during the playoffs.

"We're happy for Nazr; I think he got the contract he was looking for," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "We certainly appreciate the contributions he made to our program. He was an important part of our championship."

Mohammed's new contract is expected to start at slightly less than the $5.5 million he made last season. During training camp, the Spurs discussed a four-year extension that would have averaged about the same before Mohammed suspended those talks, saying he wanted to seek a five-year deal in free agency.

Though Mohammed's new contract is close to the league's average salary, the Spurs were hesitant about committing long-term money to him when Duncan's deal is scheduled to expire in four seasons. He totaled only 15 minutes during the team's second-round loss to Dallas – one more sign of the Spurs' willingness to play small in the up-tempo Western Conference.

Mohammed's agreement came after Joel Przybilla turned down an offer from the Pistons and returned to Portland for a five-year contract worth close to $32 million. Przybilla was expected to sign with Detroit, which offered comparable money to the Trail Blazers. His agent, Bill Duffy, even thought he was leaning toward joining the Pistons late Monday.

When it became clear Tuesday morning Przybilla had doubts about Detroit, Pistons officials quickly made an offer to Mohammed.

The Spurs also were among the teams Przybilla considered, but — unlike Portland and Detroit — were unwilling to offer a five-year contract.

The departure of Mohammed and Nesterovic leaves the Spurs without a true center on their roster, though Duncan will play some minutes at the position. The team also will sign 6-foot-10 Lithuanian Robertas Javtokas, a former second-round draft pick, but doesn't consider him a serious candidate for the starting job.

Though the Spurs have 11 players under contract, not including Javtokas, team officials view the roster as "a work in progress." They remain optimistic about finding a fifth starter and are hopeful it will be a center, which is one reason why, for now, they still seem unlikely to sign Argentine forward Luis Scola.

Utah's Jarron Collins and Memphis' Lorenzen Wright are probably the top remaining free-agent centers in a shallow pool that also includes Scot Pollard, Michael Olowokandi, Jake Voskuhl, Kelvin Cato and Melvin Ely and Jackie Butler, both of whom are restricted.

Collins earned only $1.7 million last season, making him an affordable option. But the Jazz also hope to re-sign him. The Spurs also will continue to explore trades. Milwaukee is trying to move Jamaal Magloire, but it's yet to be determined whether the Spurs have enough assets — namely Brent Barry and Scola's rights — to make any deal.

[Quadzilla99]

Nevermind.

[Slinkyman]

Though Mohammed's new contract is close to the league's average salary, the Spurs were hesitant about committing long-term money to him when Duncan's deal is scheduled to expire in four seasons. . . The Spurs also were among the teams Przybilla considered, but — unlike Portland and Detroit — were unwilling to offer a five-year contract.

Looks like the spurs are unwilling to give anyone more then 4 years so they have alot of cap room in 4 years.

[Kori Ellis]

Looks like the spurs are unwilling to give anyone more then 4 years so they have alot of cap room in 4 years.

They'll have a lot of caproom after 4 seasons no matter what. The only person signed after 2009-10 is Tony :)

[timvp]

Though Mohammed's new contract is close to the league's average salary, the Spurs were hesitant about committing long-term money to him when Duncan's deal is scheduled to expire in four seasons.

So the Spurs are looking to blow up the team in four seasons or what?

It sounds like the Spurs have set their next date that they want to have salary cap room again.

Sweet!

:sleep

[MannyIsGod]

It makes no sense to complain about NBA teams not locking up mediocre players for more than 3-4 years. When was the last time the Spurs kept someone who wasn't a key player that long anyhow? The Spurs don't have to rebuild nearly as often as other teams in the leauge because of they way they manage their payroll.

The Spurs FO isn't perfect and they might be better off spending a bit more money in a few places, but the fact is that they aren't done and I think they made a good call in this situation. 4 years from now this team may have to go in an entirely new direction and having your option opens is a damn good thing.

[timvp]

4 years from now this team may have to go in an entirely new direction and having your option opens is a damn good thing.

4 years from now we'll be wondering whether the Spurs can make the playoffs. I don't think two contracts on the books would make that big of a difference.

[SPARKY]

I'm trying to understand why Spurs fans want to excuse the front office for cutting corners when they have 5 years or so of a NBA legend's career left. What are they saving up for, the 2015-16 season?

[ChumpDumper]

Man we're jumping off cliffs that don't even exist yet.

Unprecedented.

[timvp]

Man we're jumping off cliffs that don't even exist yet.

Unprecedented.

I would reply to your post but I need to save some key strokes for 2014.

[timvp]

Maybe the Spurs can win the luxury tax ring in 2011.

Holt would be proud.

http://nomediakings.org/images/PicLuxuryTax.gif

[MannyIsGod]

I'm going to chalk it up to an extended offseason. We're supposed to be in post parade euphoria right now but since we've been out since the second round people are already in full summer meltdown mode.

[ShoogarBear]

50 wins and making it to at least the second round for the remainder of Duncan's career is a perfectly respectable, non cliff-jumping goal, isn't it?

[Kori Ellis]

I don't get the cliffjumping mode from my husband or anyone else here.

In 2005, the Spurs won a title with two low-tier centers in Rasho/Nazr.
In 2006, the Spurs were one foul away from moving to the NBA Finals and they were using MICHAEL FINLEY in the front court.

Don't you all think that no matter what Robertas Javtokas or even a low-tier bigman like Collins, Wright, whoever might bring to the table, the Spurs will be right in the mix again?

Don't you think that getting an adequate bigman and then adding some youth to bench is going to be just what they need?

For 2 years this forum has been begging to get rid of Nazr/Rasho combo and they did.

Y'all act like the Spurs need a frickin' overhaul. And if they do, then you can't get quality by trading scraps. If y'all want an overhaul, then prepare to lose Manu or Tony. That's the only way an overhaul happen.

Enjoy the summer and have sex.

It's just basketball.

[SPARKY]

True. Woman can please me. Spurs just tease me now.

[~Sweetmelody~]

My head hurts ....
How things change in 2 freaking days!



Enjoy the summer and have sex.


:lol
:lol

[AFE7FATMAN]

If I were an average center, being offered a starting job for good money? Why the hell not.


*edit - on a championship caliber team, too.

Knowing that I would not be expected to score and only required
to play defense, rebound, and pass the ball? yep I'd come to SA.

[timvp]

I don't get the cliffjumping mode from my husband or anyone else here.

I'm not jumping cliffs. I'm just not understanding what the front office is doing. If I could make sense out of it, I'd trust their judgements.

But right now it seems to me that they just want to sit on the money saved.

That'd suck.


In 2005, the Spurs won a title with two low-tier centers in Rasho/Nazr.
I attribute 2005 to Horry and Manu playing way, way over their heads.


In 2006, the Spurs were one foul away from moving to the NBA Finals and they were using MICHAEL FINLEY in the front court.
If the playoffs started tomorrow, Finley would still be the power forward and we haven't heard the Spurs linked to anyone who could fill that void.


Don't you all think that no matter what Robertas Javtokas or even a low-tier bigman like Collins, Wright, whoever might bring to the table, the Spurs will be right in the mix again?

Regular season wise, the Spurs are fine.

Versus the Mavs and Phoenix, the Spurs need to fill some holes. I haven't seen them linked to any move which would address those areas.


Don't you think that getting an adequate bigman and then adding some youth to bench is going to be just what they need?

If the adequate bigman can guard Dirk, then yes.

As far as youth on the bench, the Spurs have been needing that for like three years now. Last year there were dozens of options out there and the Spurs didn't land any ... even though some were begging to come to San Antonio.

I just want one report of the Spurs going after a young wing.

One.


For 2 years this forum has been begging to get rid of Nazr/Rasho combo and they did.

I was celebrating the Rasho for Bonner trade. I hyped up Bonner more than his mom would.

The summer started out well. But the Spurs need more than one move to get by the Mavs and the Suns.


Y'all act like the Spurs need a frickin' overhaul. And if they do, then you can't get quality by trading scraps. If y'all want an overhaul, then prepare to lose Manu or Tony. That's the only way an overhaul happen.

No overhaul needed but this free agency crop is drying up and the Spurs haven't made a move yet. It doesn't help that Ludden keeps insinuating that the Spus are ready to go to battle with what they have.

If that happens, Spurs don't make it far.


Enjoy the summer and have sex.

Is that an offer?

:smokin


It's just basketball.

True. Yet those fools a couple hours north of us are better at the moment.

The universe is out of order. Spurs fans need at least need to be teased so that they believe the Spurs are making a move necessary to reclaim their throne.

:fro :princess

[ChumpDumper]

Who is begging to come here?

[Kori Ellis]

To all your comments except the sex one, it's July 4th so calm down. I'm sorry that you don't know exactly what the Spurs are doing next and it's making you nervous. But it doesn't mean that they are going into the season with the 11 guys that are under contract and nothing else.

Damn Spurs fans are wussy.

[timvp]

Who is begging to come here?

Last year.

[Kori Ellis]

By the way, I remember the days fondly when you led the HOYA brigade and I was on the BAMA side.

My how things have changed.

[ChumpDumper]

Who then?

[whottt]

:corn:

[dknights411]

To all your comments except the sex one, it's July 4th so calm down. I'm sorry that you don't know exactly what the Spurs are doing next and it's making you nervous. But it doesn't mean that they are going into the season with the 11 guys that are under contract and nothing else.

Damn Spurs fans are wussy.

I was guessing impatient myself. Oh well...

[Kori Ellis]

:corn:

Here you go ... you might need a couple buckets before this is over.

:corn: :corn:


Speaking of Buckets ...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/29/mavs_spurs_ap/t1_jackson_all.jpg

:cry

:smokin

[timvp]

Who then?

Mo Evans was practically offering to service RC. Devin Brown wanted back. James Jones was interested.

Spurs got Melvin Sanders as their young swingman.

[ChumpDumper]

Wow, we really missed out there. All those guys are certainly > Finley and would've beaten him out of the rotation.

[timvp]

Did you miss the word "young"?

If you don't think Devin would have helped versus Dallas, you live in some warped reality.

[ChumpDumper]

:lol you're assuming he would play.

I can only go by his stats against Dallas this year. One good game out of four doesn't sway me.

[timvp]

Uh small ball was in full effect and Barry was playing poorly. Plus Brown had success in the past guarding Dirk.

And here we go using season splits in the regular season on a different team as indicator for performance in the playoffs again. :rolleyes :lol

[ChumpDumper]

I said all I have to go by is individual games this year (not splits - otherwise I simply would've said he sucked period), since it's the only post injury performances.

But if we're talking fantasy you can pretend it never happened.

[timvp]

Nick Van Exel played well in the regular season versus the Mavericks. Duncan sucked against the Mavericks in the regular season.

Those held up how well? And they actually PLAYED for the Spurs unlike every other time you do it.

[ChumpDumper]

As I said, they're the only evidence.

Your evidence is because you say so.

I'll just add because I say so to mine.

And Duncan's foot.

[E20]

Nazr Mohammed, who started at center during the Spurs’ 2005 championship run, left the team Tuesday after agreeing to a four-year, $25 million contract with Detroit.

So, Nazr took less money to play for Detroit? Didn't the Spurs offer him 4 years 28 million?

[polandprzem]

Okay - where is that sex meeting?


Devin can be young but he is injured, and that kind of injury will not let him be a player he might be.

We knew that Nazr will not be a spur this season so it happened

[Kori Ellis]

So, Nazr took less money to play for Detroit? Didn't the Spurs offer him 4 years 28 million?

They offered him something like that last summer; he turned it down. I don't think they offered it this summer.

[E20]

They offered him something like that last summer; he turned it down. I don't think they offered it this summer.
Nazr got bit in the ass by that one. Pop must have figured if you're not accepting our offer we're gonna lower your value so you get paid shit.

[timvp]

Nazr got bit in the ass by that one. Pop must have figured if you're not accepting our offer we're gonna lower your value so you get paid shit.

How dare you post that.

[polandprzem]

Damn Nazr is fast. No S&T and the spurs are fucked.
No center in the lineup :depressed

[DTP]

I wish we could of got Przybella but he wanted to go back to Portland or something I believe so this was the 2nd best center out there unless Wilcox would of signed with us for what we can offer him which isnt a lot. I wish we could of got some more offense but I think i'm happy with this move, I havent seen him play alot but i'm confident he can come in a make some sort of an positive impact. It's gonna be a fun interesting season next year and I cant wait.

[whottt]

Ahh Devin had one good performance against him...Bruce has had quite a few...Dirk figured Bowen out, he'd have figured Devin out too...

Let's be real clear on this once and for all...you cannot guard Dirk with a guy 5 inches shorter than he is...he shoots over them like Jordan and he rebounds like Bill Russell if you do.

Devin, not a solution to anything having to do with Dirk...and neither is Finley.

[whottt]

As for the C...Obviously the Spurs knew they weren't going to go hard after Nazr, and they still traded Rasho...perhaps they know what they are doing here?

I don't think anything that has happened this offseason has been a surprise to the Spurs.

I also doubt that Pop was trying to lower Nazr's value...I seriously hope that wasn't the case. I hope Pop would never put a vendetta ahead of winning a title. Then again...I thought it was pretty stupid that Pop never played Nazr late against the Mavs...it actually makes me feel better to think that Pop was doing that because he was pissed off at Nazr, than it does to think he just was being stupid.

Dunno where to go on that one...honestly, I don't think Pop was deliberately lowering his value.

[whottt]

Spurs will make a trade...either that or they are much higher on Javtokas than they are letting on.

[G-Money]

We Bulls fans are pleased with the total demise of our longtime rivals.


Demise of the Pistons my ass. Ben cant score and your team sucks at scoring, I dont see you getting to the ECFor the Finals anytime soon. even with Ben Wallace.

The Pistons didnt get as weak as a lot of people think. The deal was pretty overrated and the bulls paid way to much for Ben Wallace. Now watch bull fans when your team cant sign Ben Gordan or most of your good offensive players because Wallace has a 60mil contract. Im still a Ben Wallace fan and he will always be remembered as a Piston not a Bull but you guys shot yourself in the foot for paying a guy that much who cant score.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Mohammed might fill void

Pistons give center 4-year, $25 million deal; McDyess and Davis will contend for starting role.

AUBURN HILLS -- The Pistons have taken a step toward restructuring their lineup after Ben Wallace's departure.

Pistons president Joe Dumars confirmed Tuesday an agreement had been reached with eight-year veteran center Nazr Mohammed on a four-year deal worth approximately $25 million.

Also Tuesday, officials confirmed Lindsey Hunter had agreed to a two-year deal worth $4.5 million. Hunter is expected to take a job in the Pistons'front office at the end of that deal.

Those players can't sign their deals until July 12.

Mohammed, whom the Pistons nearly signed in 2001, is 6-foot-10 and will be 29 in September. He averaged 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Spurs last season, starting 30 games. He also started in three of the eight playoff games in which he appeared. He was the starting center for the Spurs when they beat the Pistons in the 2005 NBA Finals.

During his career -- with stops in Philadelphia, Atlanta, New York and San Antonio -- Mohammed has averaged 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds.

The Pistons earlier had been in contact with Portland free agent center Joel Przybilla, apparently offering him a five-year, $30 million contract. Przybilla, though, was torn between leaving Portland and responding to offers from Detroit, San Antonio, Cleveland and Sacramento.

Przybilla decided to stay with Portland, getting a five-year, approximately $35 million deal.

There obviously will be a falloff on the defensive end if Mohammed replaces Wallace in the starting lineup.

Wallace, who said Monday he will sign with Chicago, is a four-time defensive player of the year.

Mohammed isn't known as a great shot-blocker, but is a solid low-post defender and rebounder.

Mohammed, however, may be an improvement on the offensive end. He is a strong offensive rebounder and a capable low-post scorer with an adequate mid-range jump shot. He's averaged better than 10 points a game in two of his previous eight seasons.

He ran afoul of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich last season because he had trouble catching and passing the ball in the post.

It's not a lock, however, that Mohammed will be the starting center next season.

Either Antonio McDyess or Dale Davis could also play that role alongside Rasheed Wallace.

"Obviously, losing Ben, we're going to have to make up for certain things that he did for us," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "But, at the same time, there are some things we are going to be able to do better."

There is a good chance the Pistons will deploy more small lineups next season, using Rasheed Wallace or McDyess up front with Tayshaun Prince playing more of a hybrid forward role, and using three guards.

The Pistons still have the bi-annual exception ($1.75 million) at their disposal, which they plan to use to acquire a veteran perimeter player -- preferably one who can play multiple positions and break defenses down off the dribble.

Former Pistons guard Chucky Atkins is one candidate, as is Tony Delk, who finished the season with the Pistons last year.

Dumars could explore a trade, using Davis, whose $3.5 million contract expires after the season, and perhaps one or two of the team's first-round draft picks.

First round draft picks will be valuable because, unlike this year's, the 2007 draft is expected to be loaded with prospects.

[ducks]

Mohammed might fill void :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
Mohammed isn't known as a great shot-blocker, but is a is solid low-post defender and rebounder. :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

[SPARKY]

So the Spurs' excuse is that they didn't want to give Mohammed a 5th year...

[Crookshanks]

My question is - now that Big Ben is on a team not really known for defense, will he still be a frontrunner for DPOY?

[SPARKY]

My question is - now that Big Ben is on a team not really known for defense, will he still be a frontrunner for DPOY?

Without a doubt. Chicago media jocking him plus a significant improvement in the Bulls' D with a drop in the defensive prowess of the Pistons will make him a lock.

[leemajors]

Without a doubt. Chicago media jocking him plus a significant improvement in the Bulls' D with a drop in the defensive prowess of the Pistons will make him a lock.

how much can the bulls d improve? will adding wallace let them hold teams to under 80 points now?

[Pistons < Spurs]

So the Spurs' excuse is that they didn't want to give Mohammed a 5th year...


LOL ya I noticed that too. It looks like we basicaly offered (4yr/$25) him the same thing (I believe I read that SA offered 4yr/$24) ... and he's going to be a backup for us?





My big beef w/ the article is the thought of bringing in Atkins. I like Chucky, and would love to see him back w/ us.

But we already have Chanucey. We just resigned Hunter. We have Acker who we drafted 2 yrs ago. Blalock was drafted this year. And now Atkins?

5 PG's? Acker may turn out to be more of a small SG ... and Chucky could play some SG aswell. But this looks stupid to me. We shouldn't have signed Hunter, and have no need for Chucky. I say let the kids play and develop.

[strangeweather]

My question is - now that Big Ben is on a team not really known for defense, will he still be a frontrunner for DPOY?
Chicago isn't known for defense? WTF?

They had the lowest opp FG% in the league last year.

[leemajors]

Chicago isn't known for defense? WTF?

They had the lowest opp FG% in the league last year.

two years running i believe.

[Crookshanks]

They had the lowest opp FG% in the league last year.

Sorry, I didn't know that. Since they're in the EC, I didn't keep up with them as much. I know they're a relatively young team, and that usually doesn't equate with playing great defense.

[angel_luv]

Is Nazr really a Piston? :wow

[angel_luv]

Does anyone else think it is ironic how this happened on Independence day? :lol

[cheguevara]

:lol at replacing Big Ben w/Nazr :lmao

[Pistons < Spurs]

:lol at replacing Big Ben w/Nazr :lmao
:depressed :depressed

[angel_luv]

:depressed :depressed


Be a Spurs fan! Be a Spurs fan! :)

[pache100]

http://www.beefyness.com/images/ohnoescat.jpg

How did you get a pic of my cat? That looks exactly like him! :lol

[angel_luv]

I would reply to your post but I need to save some key strokes for 2014.





Maybe the Spurs can win the luxury tax ring in 2011.

Holt would be proud.

http://nomediakings.org/images/PicLuxuryTax.gif


This is late but oh well.....


:lmao

So far best posts of the thread.


hahahahaha

[angel_luv]

I'm not jumping cliffs. I'm just not understanding what the front office is doing. If I could make sense out of it, I'd trust their judgements.

That has been my frustration as well. I thought things were just unclear to me because of my limited basketball knowledge.

It makes me feel better to know that is not completely the case.

My 2006 Summer strategy continues to be close my eyes, hope for the best, and read the roster coming training camp.


It is the perfect plan seeing as I have no alternative. :lol Boosh!

:)

[Bruno]

How did you get a pic of my cat? That looks exactly like him! :lol

:lol it was my reaction too. Mine looks like that too.

[ShoogarBear]

It's kind of unfair. Detroit got to replace Ben with Nazr and we didn't get to reciprocate.

[ancestron]

it seems like everyone forgot how important Nazr was for the spurs 2005 championship. The man is a monster under the glass. The spurs had practically no offensive rebounding before they traded Malik for Naz. i seriously doubt the spurs would have made it past the Sonics in round 2 of last years playoffs if it hadnt been for Nazr. He gave the Spurs so many second chances with his offensive rebounds in so many games. it was clear to me he was the difference maker. and how many times did he block ben wallace in the finals? i can remember 3 occasions but im sure there were more. Nazr is a force in the paint and the pistons have done well by acquiring him. also, Nazr is an excellent free throw shooter, unlike ben wallace. im still puzzled as to why Mohammed did not play more against Dallas. Dallas killed San Antonio on the boards that whole series. Nazr absence was definitely felt. Pop was so convinced that the only way he could beat dallas was to play small ball which seemed like a total deviation form the Spurs philosophy, which is based on defense. I couldnt understand why the spurs were changing in order to match Dallas. They should have been the agressor and made the Mavs adjust to them. they set a franchise record for wins in the season after taking the title away from the defending champs the previous year, then along comes some tall goofy looking german dork who likes david hasselhoff and pop's feathers are suddenly ruffled. playing small is the reason the spurs lost. i guarantee that if Nazr had been waiting in the paint for Dirk's drive to the hole at the end of game 7 that ball would not have gone in, he may have been fouled, but he would not have made the shot and the Spurs would have won.
Now i know everyone gives Nazr crap because he has bad hands, but the mistakes he makes on the offensive end are usually made up for on the defensive end if he is given the chance, and is it really Nazr's fault if he isnt ready for a sudden pass? the coaches needed to get on him some more and make him be ready.
i know its easy to second guess now after the fact, but maybe what it comes down to is just that Nazr seemed to fill an important and much needed role for the Spurs at Center, especially since the departure of David Robinson. He was big, strong, aggressive, and could shoot free throws. and could also break out and have a 20 point game from time to time. thanks Nazr. you'll be missed in San Antonio

[mabber]

I'm sure the Spurs have something up their sleeves, and I doubt we'll find out before signing day.

SMALL BALL!!! Get ready for it Spurs fans.

[1Parker1]

I'm calling it right now:

Spurs will miss Nazr when they play the Pheonix Suns in the WCF next season.

Not that I advocated keeping him for that amount of money, I'm just saying...:lol

[Brutalis]

See ya Naz. Won't miss ya.

[jochhejaam]

it seems like everyone forgot how important Nazr was for the spurs 2005 championship. The man is a monster under the glass. The spurs had practically no offensive rebounding before they traded Malik for Naz. i seriously doubt the spurs would have made it past the Sonics in round 2 of last years playoffs if it hadnt been for Nazr. He gave the Spurs so many second chances with his offensive rebounds in so many games. it was clear to me he was the difference maker. and how many times did he block ben wallace in the finals? i can remember 3 occasions but im sure there were more. Nazr is a force in the paint and the pistons have done well by acquiring him. also, Nazr is an excellent free throw shooter, unlike ben wallace. im still puzzled as to why Mohammed did not play more against Dallas. Dallas killed San Antonio on the boards that whole series. Nazr absence was definitely felt. Pop was so convinced that the only way he could beat dallas was to play small ball which seemed like a total deviation form the Spurs philosophy, which is based on defense. I couldnt understand why the spurs were changing in order to match Dallas. They should have been the agressor and made the Mavs adjust to them. they set a franchise record for wins in the season after taking the title away from the defending champs the previous year, then along comes some tall goofy looking german dork who likes david hasselhoff and pop's feathers are suddenly ruffled. playing small is the reason the spurs lost. i guarantee that if Nazr had been waiting in the paint for Dirk's drive to the hole at the end of game 7 that ball would not have gone in, he may have been fouled, but he would not have made the shot and the Spurs would have won.
Now i know everyone gives Nazr crap because he has bad hands, but the mistakes he makes on the offensive end are usually made up for on the defensive end if he is given the chance, and is it really Nazr's fault if he isnt ready for a sudden pass? the coaches needed to get on him some more and make him be ready.
i know its easy to second guess now after the fact, but maybe what it comes down to is just that Nazr seemed to fill an important and much needed role for the Spurs at Center, especially since the departure of David Robinson. He was big, strong, aggressive, and could shoot free throws. and could also break out and have a 20 point game from time to time. thanks Nazr. you'll be missed in San Antonio
Good post ancestron
There does seem to be some irony in the fact that the Spurs won the championship with Nazr starting at center against the Pistons and lost out on the chance for another title when he didn't play against Dallas.

Nazr, 13/10 with Detroit.

[leemajors]

Good post ancestron
There does seem to be some irony in the fact that the Spurs won the championship with Nazr starting at center against the Pistons and lost out on the chance for another title when he didn't play against Dallas.

Nazr, 13/10 with Detroit.

it's amazing the disparity in his performance in the time frame between those two events. good luck getting nazr to be somewhere near consistent. maybe he'll do better without someone screaming at him to try and play something resembling defense.

[ChumpDumper]

Good post ancestron
There does seem to be some irony in the fact that the Spurs won the championship with Nazr starting at center against the Pistons and lost out on the chance for another title when he didn't play against Dallas.

Nazr, 13/10 with Detroit. Horry played worth a shit against Detroit.

Say goodbye to that top rated defense.

[jochhejaam]

it's amazing the disparity in his performance in the time frame between those two events. good luck getting nazr to be somewhere near consistent. maybe he'll do better without someone screaming at him to try and play something resembling defense.

I'm trying to be guardedly optimistic about Nazr. I admit I'm better at being a fan than an analyst. (I know some here are good at both)

We still have 3 all-stars on the team and Tayshaun who wasn't an all-star probablly played the best for us during the playoffs. Plenty of reasons to be optimistic. :)

[Tanya]

It's very not fair to compare Nazr with Ben.
Nazr is the one to fill DET's center position, not to replace a player called BEN WALLACE. NO ONE can do what big ben did for a team.

I wouldn't blame Joe for not offering Ben that much money. Ben doesn't deserve that much, and it's not fair for the other four starters too. If I must blame someone, that would be Ben Wallace. I was shock that he chose to leave. But what else we could do?

DET needs a centre. Do you think there are better centre out there beside Nazr? We don't have much choice. Goodbye big ben. Welcome Nazr. For those pistons fans who are blaming Joe and who will blame Nazr in the future, please move on.

[Pistons < Spurs]

New center: Mohammed to fill Big Ben's big shoes

Life after Ben Wallace began to take shape Tuesday as the Pistons got oral commitments from San Antonio center Nazr Mohammed and one of its own free agents, point guard Lindsey Hunter.

One day after Wallace picked a richer deal from the Chicago Bulls over another four years at a lower price in Detroit, a person with the team confirmed that the Pistons had replaced their longtime center with Mohammed, a 6-foot-10 NBA nomad. Mohammed agreed to a five-year deal that starts at the mid-level exception of $5.3 million. With an 8.5% pay increase each season, Mohammed, 28, will earn $30 million through the life of the deal, although the final year is expected to be a player option.

The person also confirmed that Hunter agreed to return to the Pistons for two more seasons, taking a contract worth $4.5 million, and at the end of those two seasons, the defensive specialist wants to join the front-office staff in some capacity.

Both moves will become official July 12, the first day free agents can sign new contracts. They leave the Pistons little means left to sign other free agents.

Detroit still has a bi-annual exception worth $1.75 million, and the team is still in the market for a backup point guard despite Hunter's return.

That means they'll have to find someone on the cheap -- or construct a trade. Without giving up a key player, the Pistons have few chips besides veteran forward Dale Davis and their two first-round draft picks (one from Orlando) for next season.

Davis has one season worth $3.5 million left, and he rarely played last season. Now with Mohammed penciled in the starting role and with second-year forward Jason Maxiell perhaps ready to play more minutes, Davis might be ripe to unload.

The Pistons placed calls late Monday to unrestricted free agent center Joel Przybilla to gauge his interest, but with only the mid-level to offer, they never got into serious negotiations. The 7-foot-1 shot blocker later signed a five-year deal worth $32 million to stay in Portland.

Instead, Detroit will be the fifth NBA stop for Mohammed, who averaged 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds last season. His agent, Michael Higgins, did not return a call for comment.

The Kentucky product rarely played during his first three seasons in Philadelphia before he was dealt to Atlanta after playing 30 games for the Sixers in the 2000-01 season. In 2003-04, his fourth season in Atlanta, the Hawks sent Mohammed to the Knicks at the trade deadline.

New York marketed Mohammed as the young, athletic center of the future. But his play didn't wow president Isiah Thomas, who tried to bring in Erick Dampier. The trade didn't happen, and a year later, Thomas shipped Mohammed to the Spurs at midseason.

Once in San Antonio, Mohammed started five games and started in all 23 of the Spurs' postseason contests, including the Finals against the Pistons.

But his role fluctuated last season. After losing his starting role to Rasho Nesterovic early on, he returned to start the final 30 games of the season. But he then played only 15 minutes throughout the second-round playoff series against Dallas as the Spurs went small.

Mohammed can be turnover-prone and get lost on defensive rotations. But at the free-throw line, Mohammed (78.5% last season) is a big upgrade from Wallace. And just last season, he tied his career-high with a 30-point performance against Phoenix.

As a devout Muslim, Mohammed sometimes struggles at the beginning of seasons as he observes Ramadan, a month-long period of sacrifice during which followers fast during the day and eat small meals at night. The exact dates of the holy month change each year, but they usually fall during training camp.

As for point guard candidates on the market, the choices are slim. Former Piston Mike James likely costs too much, as does former Piston Chucky Atkins and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marcus Banks.

Pistons guard Tony Delk opted out of his second season to get something more than the veteran's minimum of $1.1 million.


http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006607050389

[ducks]

Mohammed can be turnover-prone and get lost on defensive rotations.
THEY GOT THAT RIGHT

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Mohammed can be turnover-prone and get lost on defensive rotations.
THEY GOT THAT RIGHT


Yes I am so pumped up he sounds like just what we needed. :drunk

[spurs=bling]

:wow :wow :wow the pistons got nazr........ i'm speechless.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

So are we...

[Pistons < Spurs]

:wow :wow :wow the pistons got nazr........ i'm speechless.


Want him back? :lol

[SPARKY]

I think the 'Mohammed key to Spurs' 2005 championship' line is the greatest forum myth.

[spurs=bling]

when my cousin told me that nazr signed with them i thought i was dreaming.

[spurs=bling]

Want him back? :lol
http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/sign0135.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com)