Ludden: Oberto nears agreement to remain with Spurs

[timvp]

Oberto nears agreement to remain with Spurs
Johnny Ludden
Express-News

Fabricio Oberto's agent said Sunday he is nearing an agreement for the free-agent center to return to the Spurs.

"He's made it clear he doesn't want to play anywhere else, and everybody knows that," Herb Rudoy said. "We're going to get it done — probably early this week."

Free agents can reach verbal agreements with teams, but can't sign contracts until July 11.

Oberto, 32, opted out of the final season of his three-year contract, which would have paid him $2.5 million. When Oberto made the decision last week, Rudoy said it was his intention to re-sign with the Spurs.

The center from Argentina averaged 4.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 17.3 minutes in 79 games last season, 33 of which he started. After coach Gregg Popovich returned Oberto to the starting lineup midway through the Spurs' second-round series against Phoenix, he went on to average 10.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in the Western Conference finals against Utah.

Oberto is a good friend of fellow Argentine Manu Ginobili, but he also has become popular with the rest of his teammates. Tim Duncan has developed a comfort level playing alongside him.

Oberto's hustle and headiness was especially valuable during the playoffs when he hurt opposing defenses that paid too much attention to Duncan. He helped put away the Cleveland Cavaliers by scoring five consecutive points in the closing minutes of the Spurs' championship-clinching victory.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA070207.3D.spurs.35e8239.html

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:danceclub

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Oh boy COOORRRSOOO!! Corso!

[Slinkyman]

Anyone wanna guess what the deal is worth? i'd say 3 years/10 million

[intlspurshk]

OK so SPURS can focus on FA now. Sign Posey or Piertus quick! (min contract to JV and let mkt decide how much Bone worths).

[timvp]

Good news. :tu

3-years and between $8M and $12M would be a nice deal.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Agree with Slinkyman. 3years/10M

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Good deal. Now earn your paychecks, R.C. and Pop, and go get Nocioni.

[Darkwaters]

Whatever they decide, I wouldn't mind if they frontloaded the contract so that he makes more this season than next season when the infamous 08 plan is unveiled. But 3M or so per year for a big (of starting quality no less) is dirt cheap.

I didn't realize that Oberto was 32 though. I thought he was 29 (but I was probably thinking of Jorge Garbajosa). I think Oberto could easily have several years of quality play left in him, but I wouldn't mind seeing him start 2 more seasons before we move him back to the bench and reduce his minutes so as to increase his longevity. Splitter, Butler and Mahinmi will likely all have an opportunity to replace Oberto in the starting 5 if we don't bring anyone else in (my money is on Splitter).

[whottt]

You can tell Duncan likes Oberto playing alongside him, and they play well together...better than anyone other than DRob I think.

[BeerIsGood!]

Whatever they decide, I wouldn't mind if they frontloaded the contract so that he makes more this season than next season when the infamous 08 plan is unveiled. But 3M or so per year for a big (of starting quality no less) is dirt cheap.

I didn't realize that Oberto was 32 though. I thought he was 29 (but I was probably thinking of Jorge Garbajosa). I think Oberto could easily have several years of quality play left in him, but I wouldn't mind seeing him start 2 more seasons before we move him back to the bench and reduce his minutes so as to increase his longevity. Splitter, Butler and Mahinmi will likely all have an opportunity to replace Oberto in the starting 5 if we don't bring anyone else in (my money is on Splitter).

The thing Oberto has going for him is that he's a cerebral player that doesn't rely on superior athletic ability to get the job done. He's like TD in that way, and to big men like that 32 isn't very old. It's those players that have an impact into their late 30's due to their basketball IQ and fundamental strengths.

[greens]

Anyone wanna guess what the deal is worth? i'd say 3 years/10 million


The only reason Oberto wanted to become a free agent is simply because he wants a longer contract with the Spurs. He wants to stay here for as long as he can. So it's really not about money, it's more about longetivity.

I personally think he is a big asset to the Spurs. I love the way he plays with Duncan and Manu. And he fits in perfectly with all the guys, personality wise as well. Not to mention he has a high basketball IQ...and as everyone always says that he has an uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time. That's something that can't be taught, exactly.


It says here that all he is asking for is 8 million for 3 years...only that:
http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/06/27/01446076.html

So he is not asking for more money or anything...just longer contract.

[Borosai]

Yay.

[jaespur21]

good news

[Bruno]

:elephant Good news.

[CubanMustGo]

Good deal. Now earn your paychecks, R.C. and Pop, and go get Nocioni.

God knows with four titles in nine years they haven't done ANYTHING to earn their paychecks already. :rolleyes

[usckk]

Yes! Best re-signing for the Spurs this offseason. As much as Finley has contributed, I actually believe Oberto's signing is bigger for the Spurs. Finally, Coach Pop has a reliable defense player, beside Horry. And he plays very smart! But don't get me wrong, Fin was a very, very close second.

[Admidave50]

Good news, I hope it keeps coming

[AFBlue]

Not a bad signing at all for the right money.

I want to see if the third year is partially guaranteed or an option of some sorts before I cheer the deal....

[ArgSpursFan]

3 yrs. 10 M no team option,but player option.That´s my guess.
It´s still cheap anyways,without the team option.

[Fabbs]

Good. But we still need a center right? For certain matchups.
Elson and Butler both gonna improve enough?

[smeagol]

My Argie fellowmen called this one a long time ago, knowing what type of guy Oberto is.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Me too, smeagol. I was in the same thread:

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72552

And people were worried about this... :lol

[AFBlue]

Me too, smeagol. I was in the same thread:

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72552

And people we worried about this... :lol

And I was wrong.... :depressed

Actually I'm not unhappy about the signing. Oberto is a team guy that knows his function and plays within his means. He's limited offensively, but I think the Spurs can afford to keep him at that bargain rate for a couple/few more years.

Now the Spurs just need an offensive-oriented low post player to fill out the rotation....

<<cough>> Butler <<cough>>

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Wasn't stirring you up, Tony. Like your takes.

Like you, I want to see a lot more of Butler next year, and I think we will. The kid dropped a heap of weight, and as long as his brain doesn't let him down, he'll see the court next year. I quite like our 3-headed centre if he pans out because Oberto/Elson/Butler are 3 very different matchups.

[mbass]

The thing Oberto has going for him is that he's a cerebral player that doesn't rely on superior athletic ability to get the job done. He's like TD in that way, and to big men like that 32 isn't very old. It's those players that have an impact into their late 30's due to their basketball IQ and fundamental strengths.


I agree - he is smart and VERY compatable with Duncan. I guess 3 or 4 yr and 12 or 14. :reading :reading :reading

[AFBlue]

Wasn't stirring you up, Tony. Like your takes.

Like you, I want to see a lot more of Butler next year, and I think we will. The kid dropped a heap of weight, and as long as his brain doesn't let him down, he'll see the court next year. I quite like our 3-headed centre if he pans out because Oberto/Elson/Butler are 3 very different matchups.

I know you weren't stirring anything up. I was freely admitting that I was wrong. I figured some team in need of that veteran presence to put them over the top would come calling. Truthfully, I was thinking Toronto might take a stab at getting him...instead they opted for Kopono. :lol

Like the idea of a three-headed monster. Oberto plays best alongside Duncan, Butler probably plays best with Duncan off the court as the Spurs' second-best low post threat, and Elson....well Elson can run up and down the court and be a diversion or distraction away from the ball.

[AFBlue]

I agree - he is smart and VERY compatable with Duncan. I guess 3 or 4 yr and 12 or 14. :reading :reading :reading

Well he's reportedly only asking for 3yrs and $8M, so if the Spurs went 4yrs and $12-14M I'd be suprised.

Spurs usually get their guys on the cheap....so I'd say 3yrs, $9M with some sort of option in yr 3.

[Buddy Holly]

I'd say 3 year 9 million.

[Supergirl]

You can tell Duncan likes Oberto playing alongside him, and they play well together...better than anyone other than DRob I think.

I agree...I think Oberto has been our most effective center since David retired.

Rasho was our best defensive center, but never fit into the offensive scheme, and wasn't quick or athletic enough to keep up with a faster pace. Nazr had terrible hands, as we all know. Elson is good to put in when teams want to try and run and push the pace, but he's not as smart a player, defensively or offensively. Oberto is a lot like Duncan - understated, yet highly effective. And the Spurs offense and defense runs smoothly with him in there. Both Manu and TD really play well off of him.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

good



now BRING SCOLA, then Noc, then Delfino

[wildbill2u]

I'd rather see more money next year with team option on the third year. He'll be pushing 35-36 and may be on downside of physical ability.

We should have someone like Splitter or Mahini ready by then.

[Darkwaters]

Wasn't stirring you up, Tony. Like your takes.

Like you, I want to see a lot more of Butler next year, and I think we will. The kid dropped a heap of weight, and as long as his brain doesn't let him down, he'll see the court next year. I quite like our 3-headed centre if he pans out because Oberto/Elson/Butler are 3 very different matchups.

http://www.maps4heroes.com/heroes5/pictures/inferno/HOMM5_Inferno_Cerberus.jpg

We definitely have a decent player in Franjackicio Butbertson.

MPG - 45.7
FG% - .51
FT% - .774
PPG - 13.1
RPG - 11.5

Hes athletic and runs the court like a deer, has a high basketball IQ, can score in the low post, has the savvy of a veteran but is really young and has upside, is from the US, Netherlands and Argentina, has an Olympic Gold Medal, is an Isiah Thomas' Knicks surviver, and has a knack for making uncontested rebounds look absolutely epic.

Plus, unlike many centers in this league, Franjackicio Butbertson gets 18 fouls a game before he completely fouls out unlike the typical 6.


I think we have a winner.

[spursfan09]

Good I'm glad. I think he and Tim present one of the best frontcourts in the NBA.

[urunobili]

GET Rid of Butler... Bring SCOLA NOW!!!!

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

GET Rid of Butler... Bring SCOLA NOW!!!!
Butler with the same PT as Scola>Scola

[T Park]

agreed.

I think Butler will be better than scola in that hes a better rebounder, and maybe not AS good but close to good in the post scoring wise.



Think of Butler as a nice FA addition this year to the bench that could take Elson's minutes, and eventually start ahead of Oberto, and Oberto coming off the bench with manu, but finishing with Duncan.

Saving Oberto's legs for th end, ala Horry and Ginobili.

[AFBlue]

agreed.

I think Butler will be better than scola in that hes a better rebounder, and maybe not AS good but close to good in the post scoring wise.



Think of Butler as a nice FA addition this year to the bench that could take Elson's minutes, and eventually start ahead of Oberto, and Oberto coming off the bench with manu, but finishing with Duncan.

Saving Oberto's legs for th end, ala Horry and Ginobili.

...and Butler shot 90% from the free throw line last year!

In all seriousness though, Butler has the size and touch around the basket to be a prime candidate for breakout player of the year. I hope he supplants Elson in the rotation and gets primary frontline minutes....especially when Duncan is off the floor, so he can do his damage on the low block.

I do think, however, that Oberto should continue to start. It seems that he plays his best as a complimentary player to Duncan.

[Darkwaters]

The way I look at it right now is that if all of our players fulfill a reasonable amount of their potential then Splitter will be our future starting center with Butler backing him up. A starting lineup of Duncan/Splitter gives us a good defense starting unit with that can play smart basketball. I really feel that Splitter can probably redevelop his jump shot in a couple years if it is made a priority and he could stretch the defense somewhat. Plus, his mobility will give the Spurs the ability to matchup against a variety of post players.

Butler and (assuming again, that he fulfills his potential) Mahinmi could be as formidable of a backup frontcourt as one can find. Butler is an offensive-minded big with a low post touch and Mahinmi is a rebounding and defensive specialist that has a knack for getting to the free throw line (both are good FT shooters).

Of course, Splitter could underwhelm in the NBA and the lightbulb could never fully come on for Butler or at all for Mahinmi. But as of yet I'm optimistic that these guys can put it together.

[T Park]

Butler would be a good low post player to play off of Ginobili off the bench when Duncan is resting.

Oberto also doesn't need to be in the post to be effective.

Yeah Butler has hardly played in the NBA and in the final two games of the year vs Memphis and Denver he looked like twice the player that Elson is.

[whottt]

RE: Nice FA additions

The best addition the Spurs are getting this year is the Tony Parker that emerged in the playoffs last year. A SuperStar addition.

[T Park]

Well we will see how Parker comes out. We will see if hes not tired from the wedding, and working out with the national team and what not.

[whottt]

He still made the mental jump to SuperStar level IMO...he knows he belongs, and that was the hardest jump he had to make. And he knows that he can hold his own with any SuperStar PG in the NBA.....and that he can't really be stopped by any PG in the NBA.

[spursreport]

He still made the mental jump to SuperStar level IMO...he knows he belongs, and that was the hardest jump he had to make. And he knows that he can hold his own with any SuperStar PG in the NBA.....and that he can't really be stopped by any PG in the NBA.







ok. im not going to get into another arguement about Harris. IMO, when he wants to, Harris can own Parker on both ends of the court. but he still has a ways to go to develop the maturity and consistency we need out of him. Parker is a far more consistent player, but IMO, Harris is considerably more talented and explosive. but what about Howard? Stackhouse? they both can score 20-30 any given night. you cant say the same about anyone on the Spurs other than their big 3. but for the Mavs, we have Dirk, Terry, Harris, Howard, and Stack who are all capable of going off for 20+ any night.




http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61991&page=2&pp=26

[whottt]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61991&page=2&pp=26


He's a Mavfan...a stupid Mavfan is about rare as air.

[wildchild]

He's a Mavfan...a stupid Mavfan is about rare as air.

Mavfan said
yea, but Diop and Dampier don't have the honor of having to guard someone like Dirk. they can handle guys like Duncan, much like we saw Diop own Duncan in game 7 and OT last season. replace Oberto with Diop, and the Spurs win a title.
Now, they hope replace Diop with Oberto :lol :lol to win a title :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

[T Park]

no theyre saying Oberto is worse than Diop.

The "Spurs" win a title.

[wildchild]

no theyre saying Oberto is worse than Diop.

The "Spurs" win a title.

No kidding... :rolleyes
It´s was just a joke, man. Joke.

But, I read so many times Diop>Oberto in Mavfan's post and I laughs at this.

[T Park]

well uh, ok.