So maybe the Houston deal wasn't entirely a salary dump

[picnroll]

So maybe the Houston deal wasn't entirely a salary dump if you believe Pop

link (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA101407.04C.spursNOTES.en.39e9f7b.html)

Missing Vassilis: Popovich says he wishes Vassilis Spanoulis, now a guard for Panathinaikos, would have stayed in the States.

Spanoulis, traded to the Spurs in the offseason as part of the Luis Scola deal, was waived in early July after he made it clear he had no intention of remaining in the NBA.

"He had a great chance to be a backup on our team," Popovich said. "I was disappointed when he said he didn't want to play in the NBA anymore. I didn't even get to talk to him about it. Not one word."

Spanoulis did not play in Saturday's game. He opted to stay behind in Greece while nursing a sore calf.

[objective]

kill bill pana in 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . .

[whottt]

Would someone PM me when timvp gives me that apology?

Thanks.

[Slomo]

Link isn't working.


Sorry, the page you requested has moved or no longer exists.
Please fill out this form to notify us. Use the following links or
Site Map below to help find the page or section you were seeking.

[picnroll]

try this one (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA101407.04C.spursNOTES.en.39e9f7b.html)
Link isn't working.

[Slomo]

thanks!

[baseline bum]

What do expect Pop to say? "We hated Jackie Butler so much that we had to give away the world's best player not in the NBA while getting back a guy who we knew would never play in the league again just to get rid of Jackie's fat ass and shitty contract."

[sprrs]

The fact that he didn't even talk to V-Span shows how much Pop wished he stayed.

I figure it was a win-win for them. If V-SPan decides to stay they have a capable backup point, but if he decides to leave they save themselves some money.

[whottt]

What do expect Pop to say? "We hated Jackie Butler so much that we had to give away the world's best player not in the NBA while getting back a guy who we knew would never play in the league again just to get rid of Jackie's fat ass and shitty contract."


I expect him to say nothing...since it's basically over. He could have just said...we were interested in him but since he wanted to play in Greece we let him go...


Instead he says...I never got to talk to him, not a single time...


That's putting in extra effort to make it clear he was interested in him...not mere lipservice...


Besides base...

Have you seen Beno?

Is it really that hard to believe the Spurs wanted Vaginis over him?

Have you seen what Vaginis does in big games in Europe? He's played fantastic. Better than Scola has played....

[temujin]

Spanoulis is heck of a basketball player. He is the go-to guy. He just didn't like it in the US and certainly would not sit to watch Parker play.

It is as simple as that.

[whottt]

Spanoulis is heck of a basketball player. He is the go-to guy. He just didn't like it in the US and certainly would not sit to watch Parker play.

It is as simple as that.


Vaginis should have had more faith in his own abilities....

The Spurs have shown a willingness to run two PG's before...once upon a time they were considering a backcourt of Parker and Kidd...and they need a spark off the bench...


And the thing is...Vaginis can play D, he actually likes playing D....he'd have gotten minutes here. He has the speed to play guard in the NBA...

He plays exactly like Pop wants his guard to play...


I don't have doubt the Spurs had legitimate intererest in this guy...


He got in trouble with Van Gundy for bad ball handling...Van Gundy will not tolerate it...


Pop will tolerate it if the guy can play D...he's learned to put up with wacky guard play because of Manu.



Vaginis fucked up by not signing with the Spurs...

[exstatic]

Spanoulis is heck of a basketball player. He is the go-to guy. He just didn't like it in the US and certainly would not sit to watch Parker play.

It is as simple as that.
Doesn't he come off the bench in Greece?

[temujin]

It's actually a win-win for Pana.
having Spanoulis is better than NOT having Spanoulis

[temujin]

Doesn't he come off the bench in Greece?

Did you watch any Greece game at the Euro07?

The ego of this guy is way too big for Popovich.

[picnroll]

What do expect Pop to say? "We hated Jackie Butler so much that we had to give away the world's best player not in the NBA while getting back a guy who we knew would never play in the league again just to get rid of Jackie's fat ass and shitty contract."
Actually I expected him to say we hired a Rockets' front office guy but still had no clue Vagisil had no intention of considering playing in the US. :spin

[Holt's Cat]

That quote doesn't mean the trade was not first and foremost a salary dump.

[whottt]

Did you watch any Greece game at the Euro07?

The ego of this guy is way too big for Popovich.


Pop will put up with guys that have egos if they plays a style of ball he likes...


Pop's oldschool when it comes to defense and hustle...if the guys can do that, he's pretty openminded and accepting of everything else.


Pop is a Latrell Sprewell fan.

[Kori Ellis]

Just FYI, Pop was answering a Greek reporter, if that puts any different spin on it.

[whottt]

Come to think of it...he's really not even locked into his way or the highway on the hustle thing...

Horry's pretty happy here...and he doesn't hustle till thelast 5 mins of pivotal finals games.

I guess his d is really about the only thing he won't compromise on.

[whottt]

I guess you guys are right...

Beno is the fucking man in SA these days.

[Kori Ellis]

I guess you guys are right...

Beno is the fucking man in SA these days.

Hopefully he won't be in SA at all soon.

[whottt]

Well the Beno situation should shed a lot of light on the Vaginis situation...he's better than Beno. He plays in big games better, he's faster, he's a better defender....he's more aggressive.

How could they not have wanted to give him a shot over Beno?

Then they just trade Beno...or cut him.

Beno's been in the doghouse for a while now...really he was in it all of last season.

[Spurs Brazil]

Hopefully he won't be in SA at all soon.


Soon like a month? :)

[E20]

LMAO @ Whottt............Vaginis.........:lmao

[temujin]

Pop will put up with guys that have egos if they plays a style of ball he likes...


Pop's oldschool when it comes to defense and hustle...if the guys can do that, he's pretty openminded and accepting of everything else.


Pop is a Latrell Sprewell fan.

Yes Spanoulis can play D, and he is pretty damn cool in the last 3 minuts.

The simple fact is Spanoulis just don't like it there. How could it be more simple than that?

[temujin]

Just FYI, Pop was answering a Greek reporter, if that puts any different spin on it.

It probably does in Popovich's intentions.

If the idea is to show how cocky and arrogant Spanoulis is, it is totally misplaced.

I am sure the greek public will LOVE this Spanoulis attitude.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Ah yes, point taken because the Spurs always tell the media the truth about player personnel decisions. Do you really believe that?

[whottt]

Beno rules!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Hopefully he won't be in SA at all soon.

Is that a hint? I hope so...

I'm happy with BB as the third PG, although it would be nice to bring in a youngster to learn from TP and JV.

[Obstructed_View]

Hmm. Something tells me that if the guy who flew to Slovenia to sign Rasho thought a guy was going to be valuable to the team, he would at least have spoken to him on the phone.

I fed his answer into my CIA Pop Super Decoder Ring, and it came out "Salary Dump"

[anakha]

Hmm. Something tells me that if the guy who flew to Slovenia to sign Rasho thought a guy was going to be valuable to the team, he would at least have spoken to him on the phone.

I fed his answer into my CIA Pop Super Decoder Ring, and it came out "Salary Dump"

What he said.

[timvp]

Ah yes, point taken because the Spurs always tell the media the truth about player personnel decisions. Do you really believe that?


Hmm. Something tells me that if the guy who flew to Slovenia to sign Rasho thought a guy was going to be valuable to the team, he would at least have spoken to him on the phone.

I fed his answer into my CIA Pop Super Decoder Ring, and it came out "Salary Dump"

Exactly X 2.

If Pop really wanted the guy, he would have at least talked to him. Not talking to him tells me Pop had no interest in him. Hell, Pop called Jacque Vaughn personally last year the minute free agency opened. He flew him in and met with Vaughn the next day. And like OV said, Pop traversed the Slovenian mountains to get Rasho to sign. Pop would have at least picked up the phone if he wanted V-Span at all.

This actually tells me that there was no interest. I was unsure really but Pop not putting any effort into it at all pretty much puts to bed that the trade was anything other than a salary dump.

[T Park]

It also puts to bed the worries also of Scola being that great a player.

If he was "that great" wouldn't have Pop put in a huge effort to keep him?

[ChumpDumper]

I refuse to believe any of this until I get the scoop from Kill Bill Pana.

[objective]

It also puts to bed the worries also of Scola being that great a player.

If he was "that great" wouldn't have Pop put in a huge effort to keep him?

I guess that means Rasho is a hall of famer based on the 'Pop's efforts to sign compared to greatness of player' ratio

[Indazone]

Well the Beno situation should shed a lot of light on the Vaginis situation...he's better than Beno. He plays in big games better, he's faster, he's a better defender....he's more aggressive.

How could they not have wanted to give him a shot over Beno?

Then they just trade Beno...or cut him.

Beno's been in the doghouse for a while now...really he was in it all of last season.


I smell an Anti Spanoulis Rockets poster from Clutchfans. Really is there any reason to refer to the guy this way? You guys are the same ones who could easily refer to Avery Johnson as Avery Big Johnson for coaching the Spurs worst enemy and spouting off and trash talking ever chance we get. But nooo..

[ChumpDumper]

Wouldn't "Big Johnson" be a compliment?

[Indazone]

ok then little Johnson lol

[ChumpDumper]

We called him little when we liked him.

[T Park]

little general.

yeah..

[T Park]

I guess that means Rasho is a hall of famer based on the 'Pop's efforts to sign compared to greatness of player' ratio

Way to just pull that out of left field.

I must say "What is no alex."

[ChumpDumper]

As for Pop, I could believe that he was telling the truth in that interview or flat out lying to save himself the ass pain of describing any talks or negotiations he may have had with Vaselinas or his agent to some dickhead homer Greek reporter who would just end up exaggerating the living shit out of it.

[whottt]

How do we know Pop didn't try to talk to Vaginis...and couldn't get past the agent?


Vaginis didn't want to play here....are you guys doubting that?


Beno sucks....are ya'll also doubting that?


Vaginis is better than Beno(well he's more talented, but probably more of a pussy)...are you doubting that as well?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Remember it already be reportes that Parker ask Spanoulis please stay and have say he talks to Spurs. He tell Popovich that Spanoulis best point guard he plays in international. Remember Spanoulis even since youth days have always outscore Parker.

Lindsey main person of Rockets alongs with Dawson wants draft Spanoulis. Lindsey have says before Spanoulis can be as good as Parker if have right chance. Spurs did want Spanoulis to stay. Popovich have tell Billy this, even if he say he not talks to him he have tell Billy throughs Buford and Lindsey and Parker.

This why Parker have dinner with Billy. You guy need stop beliving thing said by Van Gundy or crazy Rocket fan. Most Rocket fan believe thing said only by Van Gundy and Rocket reporter only say what make Van Gundy looks good. All real Rocket fan know this. Van Gundy just complete insane coach and verry poor coach. Some fan here actual even believe crap he know how to coach just because he have says so much himself "I good coach" and some fan and stupid reporter reapets this.

Rocket Gm not and Lindsey not even talk to Van Gundy rhis reportes last year. Main reason because he not play Spanoulis.

And for person keep saying Spanoulis bench player in Greece, like it matter? Papaloukas come off bench to and he Euroleague MVP.

Giannakis the national team coach say Spanoulis is best Greek player and he is got to guy of team first option on the offense. Coach Obradovic say Spanouis is best player of Panathinaikos during team training and practice and is to be main scorer first option of team.

He willing to come off bench so some other player can get more minute but all some fan can say is "he not even start in Greece" :dizzy

I guess player he come off bench for like say Hatzivrettas should be consider superstar in Europe and main player of national team then?

[The Franchise]

Vaginis is a bum.

[hater]

Spanoulis is heck of a basketball player. He is the go-to guy. He just didn't like it in the US and certainly would not sit to watch Parker play.

It is as simple as that.

He might be the go-to-guy in Greece but not in the NBA. He would probably be a mediocre player at best in NBA. so he should be smart enough to know his role as a backup.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

He might be the go-to-guy in Greece but not in the NBA. He would probably be a mediocre player at best in NBA. so he should be smart enough to know his role as a backup.

He never complain about being backup he complain about 51 DNPCD for no reason after he promise 10 minute every game in contract. You explain why Lucas get his minute when Lucas midget two guard that is ball hog only and not even then able to shoot 3? Or why coach Van Gundy always say "player play for me base on defense" when everyone know Lucas one of worst defender in NBA and Spanoulis is good defender? Maybe you explain crazy action of Van Gundy?

[ChumpDumper]

Playing time is not guaranteed in NBA contracts.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Playing time is not guaranteed in NBA contracts.

Every of thing I say so far have later come true even report in US press even thoughs all people call me "liar" before they have to eat words of that they speak after sees it was true. But I am "liar" on he was promise play time :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes :rolleyes

[ChumpDumper]

Every of thing I say so far have later come true even report in US pressWhere is that NBA announcement and US report saying the deal for expansion into Europe is completed?

[ChumpDumper]

And I wasn't calling you a liar about the playing time contract; I simply believe you are mistaken.

I am calling you a liar when you say the US media has verified every one of your claims.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Where is that NBA announcement and US report saying the deal for expansion into Europe is completed?

See how stupid you acts? Looks at this even be promised play time by Dawson IS LAW how sad Greek know Amerikan law better than you?!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_contract

So TRUTH be even just promise him even if it NOT even in contract this break law by what Van Gundy do and Van Gundy = crooks just like example

Texaco vs. Penzoil case

It has been said, "An oral contract is as good as the paper it's written on," but this is not always the case. For example, In 1984 after Getty Oil was sold to Pennzoil in a handshake deal, Texaco made a higher offer, and the company was sold to Texaco, but a lawsuit by Pennzoil put them in a winning position, being awarded $11.1 billion, later reduced to $9.1 billion, but increased again by interest and penalties.




And you acts like Billy not have reason to be mad? Van Gundy is crazy idiot who can be sued and ruin Rocket team so much owner not even like mention his name but some "fan expert" like to make it look like Billy just liar.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

And I wasn't calling you a liar about the playing time contract; I simply believe you are mistaken.

I am calling you a liar when you say the US media has verified every one of your claims.

I calls liar when say Billy meet Parker, have dinner and Parker ask him and Spurs stay. Next 2 day it reported. I get 0 apology anyone here.

I have say it true Popovich want Spanoulis say but Billy have to go because mom so sick and Van Gundy make Billy hate Amerika experiences so much.

Now this story from Popovish STILL I get 0 apology and STILL be accuses of be liar. Amerikan must lie so much they not even able to understand in some other country can be people actual tell truth.

[hater]

so what if he was promised playing time? he did not impress the coach period. end of story.

[ChumpDumper]

See how stupid you acts? Looks at this even be promised play time by Dawson IS LAW how sad Greek know Amerikan law better than you?!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_contract

So TRUTH be even just promise him even if it NOT even in contract this break law by what Van Gundy do and Van Gundy = crooks just like example :lmao

If this is true, then Spatulis can sue the Rockets and Van Gundy in court for millions of dollars. That's how it works in Ameriga.

It is not true, however, so he can't.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

so what if he was promised playing time? he did not impress the coach period. end of story.

And like say this mean Van Gundy is liar not Billy. Why people so stupid on this? Even make up lies like no promise of play time in NBA?

Just like no promise sell Getty Oil to Penzoil to right? Amerika have law to just like Hellas have law. Billy and agent not stupid even if so many fan are.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

:lmao

If this is true, then Spatulis can sue the Rockets and Van Gundy in court for millions of dollars. That's how it works in Ameriga.

It is not true, however, so he can't.

Yes it is true. Amerika need get better schools for citizin!
:blah

[ChumpDumper]

I calls liar when say Billy meet Parker, have dinner and Parker ask him and Spurs stay. Next 2 day it reported. I get 0 apology anyone here.

I have say it true Popovich want Spanoulis say but Billy have to go because mom so sick and Van Gundy make Billy hate Amerika experiences so much.

Now this story from Popovish STILL I get 0 apology and STILL be accuses of be liar. Amerikan must lie so much they not even able to understand in some other country can be people actual tell truth.But you did lie about the US media verifying everything you have posted.

In Ameriga, one lie makes you a liar -- and lies are not easily forgotten on this board.

You just lied a few minutes ago, so you are a liar. I would sue you if I could.

[Indazone]

Well lots of Rockets and Ex- Rockets playing for JVG are not exactly singing his praises these days. Among those present and former Rockets are Francis, Mobely, Nachbar, Wells, Yao even dissed him indirectly in the press. For Yao to say something goes completely against the man's character. Pop wanted to give him a chance but he blew town before even giving it a try. That is Spanoulis's decision but I don't think it was a good one personally. I think he would have benefited much much more playing for a fair man like Popovich. That's all anyone wants when they go to work right? A fair shake.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

But you did lie about the US media verifying everything you have posted.

In Ameriga, one lie makes you a liar -- and lies are not easily forgotten on this board.

You just lied a few minutes ago, so you are a liar. I would sue you if I could.


You understand what I mean yes? I say what I say have been true then reportes by US press. You think they report every thing is what I mean?

Stop try to twist my word you do same as Van Gundy. Billy say "In Hellas I have ball in hands and allowed run pick and roll"

Van Gundy translate this as "he tell me he is T-mac of Athens"

STOP twists words of what Greek say.

[ChumpDumper]

Yes it is true. Amerika need get better schools for citizin!
:blahThen lawsuits regarding oral promises of playing time should have already taken place in the 60-year history of the NBA. Surely wikipedia has articles explaining the case law, rulings and awards. On behalf of all Amerigans, thanks in advance for posting all those on this board.

[ChumpDumper]

You understand what I mean yes? I say what I say have been true then reportes by US press. You think they report every thing is what I mean?You said the NBA expansion into Europe was a done deal.

That was not reported by the US press, in fact they reported quite the opposite.

You should have pointed out this very glaring error on your record in your claim to omnipotence.

[Indazone]

Ah Kill Bill, give it up, you won't change Chumpdumpers mind. Let it roll off your back. What can be done about it now? Spanoulis has gone back to Europe.

He's injured. What can we really know about his future? He might make it back to the NBA someday or he might not. Pana might someday be an NBA team but it's not a done deal today. All we can really do now is talk about what might or might not have been. Sorta like all that discussion about how great a Center Bill Walton might have been if his feet weren't so bad.

Let the reports come out in the Press. Over time, the truth generally has a way of coming out. So if the press reports what you have been saying, then you are vindicated, simple as that.

[Reggie Miller]

I, for one, tend to believe Kill Bill Pana and V-Span when it comes to Van Gundy. Nothing has been said about JVG that seems inconsistent with the man's character and behavior. Whether or not V-Span would have succeeded on another team is another matter. We will never know.

[ChumpDumper]

I believe most of it.

I just don't care all that much.

[Reggie Miller]

I believe most of it.

I just don't care all that much.

Fair enough. I wouldn't care, except that this "controversy" and my aluminium foil hat* help to block out the 24-7 Kobe Bryant coverage.

* I recommend Renoylds Wrap. Sometimes generic foil just isn't up to the job.

[Obstructed_View]

You understand what I mean yes? I say what I say have been true then reportes by US press. You think they report every thing is what I mean?

Stop try to twist my word you do same as Van Gundy. Billy say "In Hellas I have ball in hands and allowed run pick and roll"

Van Gundy translate this as "he tell me he is T-mac of Athens"

STOP twists words of what Greek say.
Somebody needs to go find a sheep. What time to the bars open? Why the fuck do you even bother hanging out on a website for an NBA team when Drill Bill washed out and had to run home to his mommy? Seriously. It's hard enough trying to get past your semi literate ramblings. At this point I hope that fucking lame little hobbit never comes back to the states and that you might stop fighting for his honor.

Stick to something you know, like pederasty...

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

You said the NBA expansion into Europe was a done deal.

That was not reported by the US press, in fact they reported quite the opposite.

You should have pointed out this very glaring error on your record in your claim to omnipotence.

NO! I say look what reportes in Athens media then give you links. You make up what I say. I give you link to Athens media reportes it. If you thinks this is such lie why not emails them and complain to them?

[ChumpDumper]

NO! I say look what reportes in Athens media then give you links. You make up what I say. I give you link to Athens media reportes it. If you thinks this is such lie why not emails them and complain to them?Don't back down now. You said this had to be true because some Greek guy said he heard it on the biggest sports radio station in the biggest city in the United States. You perpetuated the lie, defended the lie and repeated the lie; then proceeded to insult my country just like you did today when you were proven wrong.

[Indazone]

The only thing that was resolved today is that Popovich wished that Vspan would have stayed which agrees with what Kill Bill said earlier.

[ChumpDumper]

The only thing that was resolved today is that Popovich wished that Vspan would have stayed which agrees with what Kill Bill said earlier.I never cared enough to dispute that, and Pop has lied to the press in the past.

[Indazone]

Yeah, well like Pop, I wished he would have stayed too. I can understand the bad taste. You sort of get pissed off at them for awhile cause they didn't try when everyone else was busting a nut to make it. It's like someone who enrolls in the US Navy SEALS but then decides its too much, quits and goes home. What is everyone else on your SEAL team gonna think? I wish he had been tougher, told JVG to fuck off in public and stayed with the Spurs but he didn't. Maybe some day he'll be back and get a 2nd chance if he works hard. Until then, good luck in whatever team and league he's playing in.

[nfg3]

we ARE talking about JVG aren't we? So it doesn't surprise me what happened to V-span at all. Anyway the FO and head coach should at least be in agreement as to who they want to play for them. The situation that occurred was ridiculous and wouldn't have happened here. I thought he could have made a contribution to the Spurs but if he doesn't want to be here then adios amigo. If you don't want to play for the world champs then that tells me there are some pretty strong reasons involved.

[hater]

the only thing I don't understand is that if Pop really wanted him, why did he not speak to him directly? the only thing I can think of is vaginoulis never returned his calls

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

the only thing I don't understand is that if Pop really wanted him, why did he not speak to him directly? the only thing I can think of is vaginoulis never returned his calls

His agent take the calls I think.

[temujin]

His agent take the calls I think.

You know what? You are amazing.
You are trying desperately to demonstrate that there is some plot against Spanoulis.

There is NO plot whatsoever.

He likes his HOME country.

He will PLAY for the Euroleague champions. Not watching and catching flights every other day for more watching.

He will make WAY more money (in Euros, not dollars).

He will be the MAN.

That's HE. Then it's YOU.

YOU should just be happy that the 1200 Euros you are paying for Pana season tickets INCLUDES a great player.

Finally, ME.

I am happy he is back where Spanoulis belongs: EUROPE.
So, I will get to see him and show how good he is to my kids LIVE.

NO fucking TV between us.

I even wish there would be 50 Spanoulis and all BE BACK HERE.
Manu first of course. Won't happen but that's my wish.
Ane person with SELF-respect and common sense SHOULD feel that way.

Your anger is totally misplaced and absurd.

And this "lie here lie there" is kindergarden stuff.

[temujin]

He might be the go-to-guy in Greece but not in the NBA. He would probably be a mediocre player at best in NBA. so he should be smart enough to know his role as a backup.

One day Julius Cesar -with his army- passing through a region, stopped in a gallic town.
He received the local chief with all honors.
Listened to him. Offered him food and wine.
The chief was all happy about it.
Cesar's lieutenants were sort of making fun of the little chiefs.
Mighty people in front of the little guy.
The chief left and the lieutenants exploded.
Cesar cut it.

"I'd rather be chief in this village than second in Rome."

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Yes it is true. Amerika need get better schools for citizin!
:blah

The logistics of the NBA CBA prohibit verbal contracts. There is that whole need to submit contracts for league approval thing ya know.

If you are from Greece you have no place to talk about the US educational system. Athens makes Houston seem like St Croix in terms of pollution and despite all that 'development' the economy is still in the toilet. Herodotus, Aristotle and Plato are all pissed off.

[Indazone]

I think Yi Jian Lian got some kinda behind the scenes guaranty. Something happened or else Senator Kohl wouldn't have had to get involved.