Francisco Elson Is Officially A Spur

[timvp]

Spurs find center in Elson after Nuggets fail to match
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday came and went, leaving behind another 7-foot center and ending the Spurs' tense-yet-successful venture into restricted free agency.

After trading Rasho Nesterovic, watching Nazr Mohammed take more money — and, presumably, more minutes — from Detroit and a thanks-but-no-thanks from Alonzo Mourning, the Spurs filled their remaining lineup hole when Denver declined to match a two-year, $6 million offer to Francisco Elson.

Elson, 30, is the second center in as many days to join the Spurs. New York said Wednesday it wasn't keeping Jackie Butler, who received a three-year, $7 million contract from the Spurs.

The Spurs hope Elson and Butler, 21, can give them production at center at less than half the combined $12.5 million Mohammed and Nesterovic will make next season.

The third year of Butler's contract also is at the Spurs' option, so the team could conceivably have only Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili under contract after the 2007-08 season, allowing them significant salary-cap room to reshape the roster.

The Nuggets informed Elson's agent, Calvin Andrews, late Thursday afternoon they didn't plan to match the Spurs' offer unless an unexpected trade allowed the team to move another of its frontcourt players. When one didn't materialize, Denver simply allowed the 11:59 p.m. deadline to lapse.

The Nuggets re-signed forward/center Nene to a $60million contract Thursday and have $72 million invested in forward Kenyon Martin and another $42million in center Marcus Camby. Keeping Elson would have moved their payroll close to the luxury-tax threshold and likely ended their efforts to re-sign forward Reggie Evans.

The Spurs also front-loaded each year of Elson's contract, making a substantial percentage of it payable in one lump sum before the start of the season. Carmelo Anthony's contract extension, which doesn't begin until the 2007-08 season, is structured similarly.

Though Spurs coach Gregg Popovich doesn't guarantee minutes or roles, Elson appears to be the leading candidate to start next to Duncan, given his experience and size. The Spurs think Elson's ability to run the floor could allow him to play with their small lineup while Duncan rests.

Nesterovic and Mohammed were plodders, a large reason why both spent much of the Spurs' second-round playoff loss to Dallas on the bench.

In a January victory over the Spurs last season, Elson often beat Duncan and the rest of the Spurs' big men down the floor while totaling 13 points, six rebounds and two steals.

"When we played them he got a lot of layups because he can run," Bruce Bowen said. "That's something David (Robinson) used to do real well. Not to say he is Dave now, but he does have that running quality."

The Spurs don't have plans to put Elson's jersey next to Robinson's in the AT&T Center rafters anytime soon. Elson is an adequate shot-blocker and has a decent mid-range shot, which should help him fit in the Spurs' system. Neither skill, however, is in Robinson's class. Scouts also don't like his hands and say he sometimes is slow to react.

Elson played in 72 games last season. The Nuggets went 32-22 in the 54 he started. He averaged 5.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 24.7 minutes as a starter.

Born in The Netherlands, Elson attended Kilgore Junior College in Texas before transferring to the University of California, where he was a teammate of former Spurs forward Sean Marks. (Marks, who spent three seasons with the Spurs, is expected to sign with Phoenix.)

The Nuggets drafted Elson in the second round in 1999, but he played four years in Spain before joining them.

"I think Francisco will fit well with us," Bowen said. "The thing about the Spurs is we don't ask a lot of our bigs other than to just go out and give their best effort. He will be able to do that."

The burden on the Spurs' centers will be lessened with Duncan expected to average 15-plus minutes at the position. Fabricio Oberto also will have a better opportunity next season to carve out minutes for himself.

The Spurs hope Butler progresses enough to provide some muscle at the position. But they also concede they might miss Nesterovic's defense, forcing them to double-team Houston's Yao Ming more often.

The addition of Elson gives the Spurs 14 players with guaranteed contracts. Guard Melvin Sanders and forwards Rich Melzer and Jamar Smith, each of whom has a non-guaranteed deal, could compete for the final roster spot in training camp.

Notebook: The Spurs suffered their third consecutive loss at the Rocky Mountain Revue on Thursday, falling 90-81 to Dallas. Ian Mahinmi, the team's first-round pick from a year ago, played better than he did Tuesday but still finished with seven fouls, five points and three rebounds in 27 minutes.

Rookie guard Maurice Ager looked like another late first-round steal for the Mavericks. He scored 24 points and had a vicious dunk over Mahinmi.

[Quadzilla99]

Shit.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

:D

Don't forget our bet, homeboy.

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs find center in Elson after Nuggets fail to match

Web Posted: 07/20/2006 11:55 PM CDT

Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday came and went, leaving behind another 7-foot center and ending the Spurs' tense-yet-successful venture into restricted free agency.

After trading Rasho Nesterovic, watching Nazr Mohammed take more money — and, presumably, more minutes — from Detroit and a thanks-but-no-thanks from Alonzo Mourning, the Spurs filled their remaining lineup hole when Denver declined to match a two-year, $6 million offer to Francisco Elson.

Elson, 30, is the second center in as many days to join the Spurs. New York said Wednesday it wasn't keeping Jackie Butler, who received a three-year, $7 million contract from the Spurs.

The Spurs hope Elson and Butler, 21, can give them production at center at less than half the combined $12.5 million Mohammed and Nesterovic will make next season.

The third year of Butler's contract also is at the Spurs' option, so the team could conceivably have only Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili under contract after the 2007-08 season, allowing them significant salary-cap room to reshape the roster.

The Nuggets informed Elson's agent, Calvin Andrews, late Thursday afternoon they didn't plan to match the Spurs' offer unless an unexpected trade allowed the team to move another of its frontcourt players. When one didn't materialize, Denver simply allowed the 11:59 p.m. deadline to lapse.

The Nuggets re-signed forward/center Nene to a $60million contract Thursday and have $72 million invested in forward Kenyon Martin and another $42million in center Marcus Camby. Keeping Elson would have moved their payroll close to the luxury-tax threshold and likely ended their efforts to re-sign forward Reggie Evans.

The Spurs also front-loaded each year of Elson's contract, making a substantial percentage of it payable in one lump sum before the start of the season. Carmelo Anthony's contract extension, which doesn't begin until the 2007-08 season, is structured similarly.

Though Spurs coach Gregg Popovich doesn't guarantee minutes or roles, Elson appears to be the leading candidate to start next to Duncan, given his experience and size. The Spurs think Elson's ability to run the floor could allow him to play with their small lineup while Duncan rests.

Nesterovic and Mohammed were plodders, a large reason why both spent much of the Spurs' second-round playoff loss to Dallas on the bench.

In a January victory over the Spurs last season, Elson often beat Duncan and the rest of the Spurs' big men down the floor while totaling 13 points, six rebounds and two steals.

"When we played them he got a lot of layups because he can run," Bruce Bowen said. "That's something David (Robinson) used to do real well. Not to say he is Dave now, but he does have that running quality."

The Spurs don't have plans to put Elson's jersey next to Robinson's in the AT&T Center rafters anytime soon. Elson is an adequate shot-blocker and has a decent mid-range shot, which should help him fit in the Spurs' system. Neither skill, however, is in Robinson's class. Scouts also don't like his hands and say he sometimes is slow to react.

Elson played in 72 games last season. The Nuggets went 32-22 in the 54 he started. He averaged 5.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 24.7 minutes as a starter.

Born in The Netherlands, Elson attended Kilgore Junior College in Texas before transferring to the University of California, where he was a teammate of former Spurs forward Sean Marks. (Marks, who spent three seasons with the Spurs, is expected to sign with Phoenix.)

The Nuggets drafted Elson in the second round in 1999, but he played four years in Spain before joining them.

"I think Francisco will fit well with us," Bowen said. "The thing about the Spurs is we don't ask a lot of our bigs other than to just go out and give their best effort. He will be able to do that."

The burden on the Spurs' centers will be lessened with Duncan expected to average 15-plus minutes at the position. Fabricio Oberto also will have a better opportunity next season to carve out minutes for himself.

The Spurs hope Butler progresses enough to provide some muscle at the position. But they also concede they might miss Nesterovic's defense, forcing them to double-team Houston's Yao Ming more often.

The addition of Elson gives the Spurs 14 players with guaranteed contracts. Guard Melvin Sanders and forwards Rich Melzer and Jamar Smith, each of whom has a non-guaranteed deal, could compete for the final roster spot in training camp.

Notebook: The Spurs suffered their third consecutive loss at the Rocky Mountain Revue on Thursday, falling 90-81 to Dallas. Ian Mahinmi, the team's first-round pick from a year ago, played better than he did Tuesday but still finished with seven fouls, five points and three rebounds in 27 minutes.

Rookie guard Maurice Ager looked like another late first-round steal for the Mavericks. He scored 24 points and had a vicious dunk over Mahinmi.

[email protected]

Staff Writer Mike Monroe contributed to this report.

Keyword:

[Buddy Holly]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000096RJB.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[RogerIsEatingASandwich]

damn...

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

:hang

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I can't figure out what's worse about this article. The fact that we're actually getting Elson or the fact that the Spurs are still considering Melvin Sanders for a roster spot.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

What was the bet?

$50

Elson gets 8 ppg and 6 bpg. Timvp took the under.

[SequSpur]

Elson and David Robinson in the same article? I will never read another Ludden article again.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Is Melzer the next Melvin? Whoopty doo...look at me. I'm excited.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Elson and David Robinson in the same article? I will never read another Ludden article again.

Be sure to never listen to or read a Bowen interview.

[Taking it to the Hole]

Oh well, one more deal for the Spurs FO. I just hope this is isn't the end of our "wheeling and dealing". I would have still preferred Javtokas over Elson, but I think the signing of Butler makes the signing of Elson bearable. I can't pass judgment on Elson until I have seen him play in a Spurs uniform. Can't wait for the season to start! :spin

[spurs=bling]

should i laugh or cry?

[dknights411]

You know, we shouldn't be hating on someone whose on our team that HASN'T PLAYED A FREAKING GAME WITH US YET!!! Let's wait until at least mid November before for the Elson bashing.

I for one am giving this guy a chance.

[Solid D]

Our new Kevin Willis.

[timvp]

Oh well.

Hopefully Elson proves timvp wrong. I sincerely wish him well and I hope he can play as well as the Spurs think he can.

:tu

[Budkin]

All we can do now is hope for the best...

:depressed

[DaSpurs#1]

ill give hime a chance... maybe... :spin

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Our new Kevin Willis.

Minus 10 years, and plus a few inches on the wing span. :D

[furry_spurry]

The quotes that stand out:


The third year of Butler's contract also is at the Spurs' option, so the team could conceivably have only Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili under contract after the 2007-08 season, allowing them significant salary-cap room to reshape the roster.
What did some of us try to tell you- they would sign guys to two year deals this summer, following the pattern set a couple of years ago for them all to expire at the same time.


"When we played them he got a lot of layups because he can run," Bruce Bowen said. "That's something David (Robinson) used to do real well. Not to say he is Dave now, but he does have that running quality."

"I think Francisco will fit well with us," Bowen said. "The thing about the Spurs is we don't ask a lot of our bigs other than to just go out and give their best effort. He will be able to do that."
For those who don't believe that Bruce has become a mouth piece for the front office. :lol


The burden on the Spurs' centers will be lessened with Duncan expected to average 15-plus minutes at the position.
He's already been doing this when he plays alongside Horry.

Like it or not- Elson is who the Spurs want to be their starting center. They got who they wanted for what they were willing to spend in $$ and length of contract.

Scouts also don't like his hands and say he sometimes is slow to react.

Nazr II

[strangeweather]

The Spurs think Elson's ability to run the floor could allow him to play with their small lineup while Duncan rests.
Right or wrong, this seems like the key to the Spurs thinking.

[timvp]

Two things that stand out in the article:

1) Look for more small ball. Elson is a good small ball center, according to the article.

2) Spurs ripped off Butler. 3-year/$7M with the last year as a team option? That's the free agent signing of the decade.

:smokin

[milkyway21]

i have mixed emotions...:cry or lol

let's see what this player can do. hope it's for the BETTER!

damn, they make that dunk of the a Mav rookie on Mahinmi a big deal...grrr!

[strangeweather]

2) Spurs ripped off Butler. 3-year/$7M with the last year as a team option? That's the free agent signing of the decade.
But the New York media called it "staggering." :smokin

[Buddy Holly]

Would Bonner play a role in the small ball?

[ace3g]

Atleast we are getting a former Dunk Contest winner

http://www.euroleague.net/fotos/noticias/jornada10/med_83_1.jpg
Francisco Elson, won the slam-dunk

spanish all-star game goes to...the Lithuanians

Three Euroleague stars with playoffs on their minds took time out to lead a team of non-Spaniards to a 91-78 victory over the national team in the Spanish ACB League all-star game on Sunday. Three members of the Lithuanian bronze-medal Olympic team – Sarunas Jasekivicius and Arturas Karnisovas of Barcelona, and Saulius Stombergas of Tau Vitoria – combined for 40 points for the team of foreigners who play in the Spanish League. None of the three were among the five players voted into the starting lineup by fans.

Meanwhile, the game's MVP was drawn from the national team, and he, too, is a Euroleague star. Alphonso Reyes of Adecco Estudiantes outdid himself with 21 points and 10 rebounds in just 27 minutes'work against a stream of big and talented opponents. Another Barcelona player, Francisco Elson, won the slam-dunk contest, while Paco Vazquez won the three-point shooting contest.

Link (http://www.euroleague.net/noticia.jsp?temporada=E00&jornada=10&id=83)

[G0D]

"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. "

-Romans 15:16

[Louis]

Horrible numbers!! hehehehe


REBOUNDS PER GAME
YEAR TEAM G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG
03-04 DEN 62 14 14.1 .472 .000 .667 1.0 2.2 3.3 .5 .56 .63 .56 2.30 3.5
04-05 DEN 67 11 14.0 .468 .333 .570 .9 2.1 3.0 .5 .51 .61 .60 1.90 3.7
05-06 DEN 72 54 21.9 .532 .200 .662 1.4 3.3 4.7 .7 .75 .63 .90 2.90 4.9
Career 201 79 16.9 .495 .222 .626 1.1 2.6 3.7 .6 .61 .60 .70 2.40 4.1
Playoff 10 2 14.1 .556 .000 .500 .6 1.7 2.3 .4 .60 .10 .60 2.70 2.1


CAREER TOTALS
REBOUNDS
YEAR TEAM G GS MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OFF DEF TOT AST STL BLK TO PF PTS
03-04 DEN 62 14 875 94-199 0-1 30-45 65 138 203 32 35 39 35 145 218
04-05 DEN 67 11 939 101-216 1-3 45-79 61 140 201 34 34 41 40 129 248
05-06 DEN 72 54 1,579 151-284 1-5 49-74 99 240 339 47 54 45 65 211 352
Career 201 79 3,393 346-699 2-9 124-198 225 518 743 113 123 125 140 485 818
Playoff 10 2 141 10-18 0-0 1-2 6 17 23 4 6 1 6 27 21


CAREER TRANSACTIONS
Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round (41st overall) of the 1999 NBA Draft...Signed with the Nuggets on 9/5/03.



Season Highs / Career Highs
2005-06 HIGHS CAREER HIGHS
Points 21 vs. L.A. Lakers 04/06/06 21 vs. L.A. Lakers 04/06/06
Field Goals Made 8 vs. L.A. Lakers 04/06/06 8 vs. L.A. Lakers 04/06/06
Field Goals Attempted 11 vs. Dallas 01/06/06 12 vs. Charlotte 03/16/05
Three Point Field Goals Made 1 vs. Portland 11/04/05 1 2 Times
Three Point Field Goals Attempted 2 @ Seattle 04/19/06 2 @ Seattle 04/19/06
Free Throws Made 5 vs. L.A. Lakers 04/06/06 5 3 Times
Free Throws Attempted 5 2 Times 8 @ New Jersey 02/13/05
Offensive Rebounds 7 @ Atlanta 12/18/05 7 @ Atlanta 12/18/05
Defensive Rebounds 9 2 Times 9 2 Times
Total Rebounds 15 @ Atlanta 12/18/05 15 @ Atlanta 12/18/05
Assists 4 @ Portland 04/10/06 4 2 Times
Steals 4 @ Seattle 04/19/06 4 2 Times
Blocks 5 @ New Jersey 12/16/05 5 @ New Jersey 12/16/05
Minutes Played 45 @ Atlanta 12/18/05 45 @ Atlanta 12/18/05

[navarat]

Elson is a spur, he'll do really well, don't forget he's playing for the spurs, not nuggets two teams on completely different levels, all you guys just shutup and watch!

[timvp]

http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/newsevents/newsimages/martin.jpg
I have a dream that Francisco Elson will one day live in a nation where he will not be judged by what he can do on the floor but by the number of championships he has won.

I have a dream today.

[furry_spurry]

Look for more small ball. Elson is a good small ball center, according to the article.



The Spurs hope Butler progresses enough to provide some muscle at the position. But they also concede they might miss Nesterovic's defense, forcing them to double-team Houston's Yao Ming more often.

I think they will end having to double team more than just Yao. When the Spurs need a defensive big man to guard a big body who poses an offensive threat, who will they go to now? Even when Nazr started, Pop was quick to pull him and send in Rasho if any big guy got going- be he Yao Ming or Dwight Howard or Chris Mihm. I am curious what it will be like for those perimeter guys who are used to having Tim and Rasho back there- one thing they knew for sure, Rasho would at least be in the right place, making the proper rotation.

I predict a slow start for the Spurs- especially with so many new big guys getting all those minutes and Manu, Tony, Beno and possibly Bruce coming off the WC. We'll see.

[J.T.]

Given the Spurs financial situation, I'd say we've had a successfull offseason now. Dumped Rasho's contract, got Bonner and Butler, both of whom I'm very exited to see in silver and black. Eric Williams will be good if he plays with us, but I haven't heard anything about him showing up to SA yet although that doesn't necessarily mean anything, just kind of odd. If he does suit up, I think he'll make the most of the minutes we give him. I would have liked to have done better than Jacque Vaughn for the third PG but he's been in the league a while and won't shit his pants bringing the ball up court. He got more of a jumpshit than a jumpshot but I hope he works out better than NVE did.

Like everyone I'm least excited about Elson, but I think with Butler, Elson, and Oberto playing the 5, along with Duncan playing some minutes at 5 too, we should be set. I guess we'll be signing a nobody from summer league to fill the 15th spot. Really would've liked Reggie Evans but I really like this roster for next year. By the time the playoffs start I think we'll be a real solid team.

[El_Mago]

or Chris Mihm

:lol

Come on, you could have at least mentioned Amare Stoudemire.

[Winnipeg_Spur]

WTF, they didn't even give Butler three guaranteed years? Insane that it actually worked ...

I guess the Spurs won't be trading for anyone with more than two years left. I'm glad they got Butler, but this 2008 strategy is ridiculous.

[timvp]

Elson officially a Spur
By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News
July 20, 2006
For three seasons, backup center Francisco Elson dutifully served as an affordable insurance policy.

On Thursday, the Nuggets decided his updated premiums were just a tad too high.

The Nuggets once again are sans Francisco after declining to match the two-year, $6 million offer sheet Elson signed last week with the San Antonio Spurs.

Because Elson was a restricted free agent, the Nuggets had seven days to match the Spurs’ offer or wave goodbye.

"He moved up the ladder and deserves a bigger contract," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "I’m happy for that. I’m happy that he went to a good team, but there’s disappointment."

Not on Elson’s part.

After playing for the league’s minimum salary the past two seasons, the 7-foot, 235-pound Elson looked forward to a hefty raise and an opportunity for more playing time.

He started 54 games in place of injured big men Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin, but he averaged only 131/2 minutes in the 18 games he did not start. Elson never left the bench in eight other games.

Rarely did he complain, and he was productive when called upon, averaging 5.6 points and 5.4 rebounds as a starter. The Nuggets were 32-22 in those games.

"The guy did a (great) job for us," Nuggets player personnel director Mark Warkentien said. "We’ll miss him."

That being said, the Nuggets were not willing to pay $3 million a season for a 30-year-old spot starter who has averaged 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in three seasons.

With San Antonio, Elson will compete for a starting job alongside perennial All-Star forward Tim Duncan. The Spurs pursued a center after trading Rasho Nesterovic to the Toronto Raptors and losing free agent Nazr Mohammed to the Detroit Pistons.

"It’s going to be a great situation," Elson’s agent, Calvin Andrews, said.

Elson flew to Europe on Wednesday and was unavailable for comment. He said last week he looked forward to joining the Spurs.

"I’m just eager to play," he said. "I want to do good things in this league. San Antonio is giving me a chance to be part of a championship organization."

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_4860153,00.html

[El_Mago]

You think 2008 is ridiculous....just wait for 2010.

Don't expect the Spurs to dish out for any real players...even in 2008.....unless they are guaranteed playmakers or stars.

In 2010, Ginobili and Duncan come off the books for about 30 million dollars. I think thats when players like Wade, James, Anthony, Bosh, etc....are available.....not that they will become Spurs....but that free agency class already looks nice.

[G0D]

this is actually old news. i knew this signing was coming about 500000000000000000000 decades ago

[dbestpro]

Understand and look at the signing from a package stand point. Signing Elson or Butler by themselves doesn't work but together they allow Pop multiple options as for matchups. Also, if Butler started and did not do well it would put too much pressure on him and he might not be able to mature into the position. Elson, the veteran has a limited future in thr NBA and will be called upon to keep the heat off Butler. Elson actually becomes the perfect complement to Butler while his Butler continues to develop. The strategy is absolutely outstanding and might provide Butler with the ability to become a 20 and 10 guy in 2-3 years.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

I hope Butler turns into a stud.

Then you have a future with Butler/Parker...surrounded by good role players. At least we won't completely suck post Duncan/Manu.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Let's add some more perspective to what the FO did this offseason. We now have 2 new centres for 7mil less per year, one of whom is 20 with big potential, who will probably give us pretty much identical production to what we got out of Rasho and Nazr. I'm all for that.

Would have preferred Javtokas or Hunter over Elson, but now that he is a Spur, go out there, prove the doubters wrong, and kick some arse Francicsco! :smokin

[dbestpro]

Plus it looks like Elson will have the wheels to stay on the court when the other team goes to small ball.

[TxJudsonRocketTx]

Getting Elson kind of reminds me of the time I broke up with this mexican girl cus I was tired of her sloppy ass handjobs and at the same time I stopped talkin to this other bitch thinking I would be able to get this girl from my Chem class, long story short, it didnt happen and I almost got stuck with a distant cousin, Elson is that distant cousin.

[DDS4]

Getting Elson kind of reminds me of the time I broke up with this mexican girl cus I was tired of her sloppy ass handjobs and at the same time I stopped talkin to this other bitch thinking I would be able to get this girl from my Chem class, long story short, it didnt happen and I almost got stuck with a distant cousin, Elson is that distant cousin.

Bunny and the pancake. WTF?

[TxJudsonRocketTx]

Bunny and the pancake. WTF?

Handjob

[T Park]

bpg

Boards per game.

You dont blieve he can get 6 rebounds/

[ChumpDumper]

I take strong exception to this "Bruce Bowen is a mouthpiece for the Spurs front office" bullshit.

Bruce was the most readily available Spur for comment since he is trying out for the fucking national team. What the hell do you expect a guy like him to say?

Just accept your biases and be done with it.

[T Park]

Furry Spurry is a mouthpiece for the supposed "Fox Mulder" type fans I guess.

[my2sons]

The good thing about elson is that he is replacing rasho at half the cost, meaning his price per stat will be much more affordable.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

6 bpg!? Of course I would take the under

Meant to say rebounds, had "boards" in my head...like T Park said.

[T Park]

don't see him playing that much nor do I want him playing that much

:rolleyes

Alright son whatever.


Meant to say rebounds, had "boards" in my head...like T Park said.




I knew what you meant.

Don't sweat it.

I do believe he will do about 6 and 6 maybe 8 and 6.

Versatility.

[T Park]

Am I fan?

Im a fan of any player that puts on silver and black.


Unlike you clowns.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i love this 3 on 5 or 4 on 5 shit, elson n bowen is just makin the numbers on the court, but bowen brings alot of teh defensive end on teh court.

[T Park]

i love this 3 on 5 or 4 on 5 shit, elson n bowen is just makin the numbers on the court, but bowen brings alot of teh defensive end on teh court.

I love that you can't spell THE.

[T Park]

Why is Jermaine in your sig?

i pirated the sig from a fan on a Nugget's board.

Don't know why he had Jermaine on there.


Think it has to do with Elson blocking him and hurting his shoulder or somethin.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Between a young/inexperienced Butler and a stiff in Oberto...

I don't see why Elson wouldn't play at LEAST 20-25 minutes a night.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm selling furry spurry my Rasho national team jersey.

For a profit.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

TPark

If you have a Nazr jersey I'll buy it off you. Yes, I'm serious.

[T Park]

I give them to Kori to give away.

I did this past year with Devin Brown, Glenn Robinson jerseys.

[T Park]

Iceman's still has my Rasho national team jersey.

[T Park]

and when they figure out what numbers Williams, Bonner, Butler, and Elson will be, yeah, im a sap, I will have their jerseys.

and maybe a Jacque Vaughn :smokin


Support the team baby.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

What size do you wear? XXL? Do you have a Barry jersey you are interested in selling?

:lol

[T Park]

if Barry gets traded Ill sell it.

But no, Im not interested in selling any of my jerseys.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Why is that funny? I was serious. I know that TPark isnt a small guy and I am pretty tall so we prolly wear the same size. If Barry gets traded, I would buy it.

You know damn well he has a Barry jersey, he wore it at one of the meets ... and you know damn well he wears XXL. I just thought it was funny, not sure why. =/

[Please_dont_ban_me]

The only jerseys available on the NBA Store are Duncans.

[ChumpDumper]

In the future, if you get Euro jerseys, they run true to size no matter what Slomo might say.

[Please_dont_ban_me]

Anybody know where I can get a Nazr jersey?

I checked ebay and the NBA Store, no luck.

[ChumpDumper]

I thought there was some kind of blowout Spurs store link I saw a week ago or something.

Do a search. I'm too drunk.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

good pickup fellas. Eason will be solid for you guys and im glad he is getting paid!

Predictions - 10ppg and 7rpg :smokin

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

by the way, we call him 'that Eason guy' after KG's historic interview :lol

[T Park]

Hey Nuggets-Fan

do you have a link to your message board, I cant find it anywhere.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Hey Nuggets-Fan

do you have a link to your message board, I cant find it anywhere.

check ur pm
:smokin

[Kori Ellis]

Congrats to the Elson for becoming a Spur.

If he just plays 15mpg and doesn't screw up, I'm happy.

As Bowen said, the Spurs don't expect much out of the center spot.

Just know your role.

[T Park]

If he just plays 15mpg and doesn't screw up, I'm happy.



Ill say 18 minutes.

6 points 6 boards a game, and .9 to 1 block a game.

Now reading his evaluation on a Nuggets board heres what they say.


Nice hook shot.
Tough.
Pushes guys around and takes no shit.



Kevin Willis, but with wooden shoes.... :)

[Kori Ellis]

As long as he doesn't put up his playoff numbers, it's probably enough.

I don't expect him to be any kind of tough enforcer. Just a guy who can run the floor and knock down a couple jump shots. And hopefully not miss his rotations on D. The biggest complaint I've seen around all the boards is that he's slow to the ball. Hopefully not defensively.

[sabar]

Anybody know where I can get a Nazr jersey?

I checked ebay and the NBA Store, no luck.

Ha, the two closest things:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nazr-Mohammed-Signed-Authentic-Jersey-Spurs-PSA-COA_W0QQitemZ8785442221QQihZ005QQcategoryZ27269QQs sPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-NAZR-MOMMED-JERSEY-POSTER_W0QQitemZ8780611820QQihZ005QQcategoryZ25180 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And enough panicing about Elson, we just need a guy to get the job done, remember. Just don't rely on him in crunch playoff moments.

[timvp]

Ill say 18 minutes.

6 points 6 boards a game, and .9 to 1 block a game.

:lol

I doubt Elson's per 40 minutes averages are going to go from 9, 9 and 1 to 14, 14 and 2.

If he played 18 minutes a game, he'd be doing good if he averages 4.5, 4.5 and .7.

[spursjustice]

I've only seen Elson in 1 or 2 games... is there a chance in hell that this guy can at least slow down Dirk???

[ShoogarBear]

I take strong exception to this "Bruce Bowen is a mouthpiece for the Spurs front office" bullshit.

As you should.

We all know that's your role.

:)

[ShoogarBear]

Oh, well. Future Twolves games just got more interesting.

[JGrice02]

nm

[Ice]

Nesterovic and Mohammed were plodders

:lol That's putting it mildly.

[IcemanCometh]

elson will average 1.2 pts 2.1 rbs .01 blks for the year and will play about 12 mpg

[spurster]

Just remember that you were a witness to the beginning of the Elson era in Spurs basketball.

[furry_spurry]

I take strong exception to this "Bruce Bowen is a mouthpiece for the Spurs front office" bullshit.

Bruce was the most readily available Spur for comment since he is trying out for the fucking national team. What the hell do you expect a guy like him to say?

Just accept your biases and be done with it.
He has been the one and only player to comment on every single move the Spurs have made this summer. It's not a coincidence.

[ducks]

The Spurs also front-loaded each year of Elson's contract, making a substantial percentage of it payable in one lump sum before the start of the season. Carmelo Anthony's contract extension, which doesn't begin until the 2007-08 season, is structured similarly.

[furry_spurry]

Anybody know where I can get a Nazr jersey?

I checked ebay and the NBA Store, no luck.
Plenty here that include Nazr or can be personalized- even on sale.

http://store.nba.com/gp/node/n/14206261/104-3698167-5693518?ie=UTF8&league=core

[Kori Ellis]

He has been the one and only player to comment on every single move the Spurs have made this summer. It's not a coincidence.

:lol



How about he's been the only Spur available to the media since he's training with Team USA?

Were they supposed to go to Duncan's house and ask him how he felt? Or find Tony and Manu out of the country?

[furry_spurry]

How about he's been the only Spur available to the media since he's training with Team USA?

Were they supposed to go to Duncan's house and ask him how he felt? Or find Tony and Manu out of the country?
He has been quoted long before he was training this week with team USA. After every single move the Spurs have trotted him out. Pretty funny, considering he doesn't even live in SA. The Spurs clearly have used him for this purpose. I don't see why that is viewed as such a scandalous claim.

[pache100]

He has been quoted long before he was training this week with team USA. After every single move the Spurs have trotted him out. Pretty funny, considering he doesn't even live in SA.


Conspiracy theory forum

Bruce Bowen is a nice, personable guy and he's the only one available right now, the only one accessible to the media. He's smart and has his own opinions. He's not going to say anything the FO would disapprove of, but he's certainly no mouthpiece for them. He would just say "no comment" if that's what he thought was happening.


The Spurs clearly have used him for this purpose. I don't see why that is viewed as such a scandalous claim.

It's not a scandalous suggestion. But it's wrong.

[Kori Ellis]

He has been quoted long before he was training this week with team USA. After every single move the Spurs have trotted him out. Pretty funny, considering he doesn't even live in SA. The Spurs clearly have used him for this purpose. I don't see why that is viewed as such a scandalous claim.

He has a home here as well as Miami. Everytime he's been quoted, he's been at the Spurs practice facility or at Team USA practice. (or I think once at a local SA school)

Did you see him quoted in Miami or in Fresno or something that I missed?

He's available to the media. That's why he gets asked the questions. He has a busy schedule this summer with doing stuff with HEB Buddy here in town, his camp in Fresno, now Team USA, etc. So he's at media sessions.

Tony, Manu, Tim aren't at media sessions.

[furry_spurry]

He's the only one MADE available to the media. I just don't see why it makes people so mad to point out the obvious. Bruce is part of the PR of the Spurs.

Kori- I am not questioning the media- obviously he is the one made available- but the fact that he is the ONE and ONLY ONE made available every time is for a reason. He is willing to be part of the public face of the franchise and with that comes the knowledge that he is going to be asked to comment on the team's movements and he is expected to "say the right thing." I know people are not that naive. Every movement the Spurs make is well-planned. And you know sure well- that Bruce will put a positive spin on whatever it is the Spurs are doing.

[ducks]

duncan spoke about booner

[Kori Ellis]

He's the only one MADE available to the media. I just don't see why it makes people so mad to point out the obvious. Bruce is part of the PR of the Spurs.

Kori- I am not questioning the media- obviously he is the one made available- but the fact that he is the ONE and ONLY ONE made available every time is for a reason. He is willing to be part of the public face of the franchise and with that comes the knowledge that he is going to be asked to comment on the team's movements and he is expected to "say the right thing." I know people are not that naive. Every movement the Spurs make is well-planned. And you know sure well- that Bruce will put a positive spin on whatever it is the Spurs are doing.

He's not being made available to the media. Bruce CHOOSES to do things in the community. He CHOOSES to be part of Team USA. So that's WHY he's at media sessions.

Tim isn't part of those things this summer. So he's not in media sessions. The Spurs aren't "trotting" Bruce out anywhere and I think your suggestion of that is offensive. Yes, Bruce puts a positive spin on everything in life -- he has a positive attitude. Rising up does that to some people. The Spurs aren't feeding Bruce what to say.

When Tim was around when Bonner got signed, he commented on that. I'm sure if Manu was here, he'd comment on Marks leaving.

[furry_spurry]

Bruce as an individual chooses to be involved but the Spurs as an organization- a business- use it for PR. How else does the media even know these events are going on? The Spurs make sure they know. They are the ones who schedule these events- publicize them- and therefore make the player available to the media. All teams "use" the players good intentions in the community for PR purposes. The players know that- why do you think they are required to do a certain number of events per year per their NBA contracts.

[Kori Ellis]

I guess we'll just disagree on this. I'm not into the conspiracy theory that Bowen is forced to go out and pump up the management's viewpoints.

I agree with the fact that Bowen usually agrees with management's side of things. But unlike you, I don't think he's forced to do so. I think he BELIEVES what he is saying. He very much believes in the Spurs system, the big picture, and management's ideas for the team. His train of thought is very similar to Pop's.

[ducks]

bruce loves the spurs
he is takes paycuts to play

[furry_spurry]

Like I said before- I bought that until he said what he said about Nazr. Since then, I look at his comments in a different light. We can agree to disagree.

[strangeweather]

I agree with the fact that Bowen usually agrees with management's side of things. But unlike you, I don't think he's forced to do so. I think he BELIEVES what he is saying. He very much believes in the Spurs system, the big picture, and management's ideas for the team. His train of thought is very similar to Pop's.
Random question: do you think there's any chance Bruce will go into coaching in a few years when he hangs 'em up?

A lot of the guys who had to work really hard to make it seem to have a knack for coaching.

[T Park]

Furry Spurry is with Fox Mulder chasing down Yetis in the woods of Washington as he/she types that.

Unreal how someone can be that freakin dense.

[T Park]

Like I said before- I bought that until he said what he said about Nazr. Since then, I look at his comments in a different light. We can agree to disagree.

Or maybe hes being honest?


Heaven forbid.


Agree to that your a moron is what everyone agrees.

[zero signal]

Coyotefan isn't a moron.

[pache100]

He's the only one MADE available to the media. I just don't see why it makes people so mad to point out the obvious. Bruce is part of the PR of the Spurs.

Once again...it doesn't make me mad. It just makes me think again and again (every time you say this) that you are wrong. That's all. Bruce is no more part of the PR of the Spurs than any other member of the team or coaching staff. That you cannot see that he is SOUGHT OUT, no matter where he is, by the media (not "trotted out", by the Spurs, as you suggested) is your own problem. And, I find that suggestion offensive, too, but it tells me more about you than about Bruce/Spurs.

[ChumpDumper]

Bruce also worked out with the Spurs summer league team before going to Vegas.

Really, name one other Spur that has been in closer proximity to basketball media since the end of the season for non-trotting reasons.

[spurster]

What was Bruce's major in college again?

[Please_dont_ban_me]

What was Bruce's major in college again?

:D

[Mr. Body]

Smiling?