Johnson & Langford both should be waived 2day

[tomcat]

Both should be waived 2day to clear waivers to return to Austin by Thursday game vs Alburquerque.

Be interesting to see who Toros waive. I say Eric Dawson since he is IR. They do have Justin Reed now.

DLeague Showcase is next week Jan 14-17 I believe so will there be enough ball to go around a team that has at least 4 hungry guys (Reed, Johnson, Langford, Williams) to make their return to an NBA roster?

Good that Johnson and Langford will get 2 games in with the new look Toros before the showcase.

[Bruno]

:tu Thanks for the info.

It is a logical move given that their contract will soon be guaranteed. Maybe Spurs could have waive Johnson tomorrow to have one extra swingman against warriors. Good luck to them.

[Bruno]

So Spurs have payed Washington during 62 days, Williams during 5 days, Langford during 13 days and Johnson during 12 days. They have paid a minimum player for 92 days. Their credit (if ESPN number was right) was 176 days, they still have 84 days left. Spurs can sign someone for the reminder of the season on January 24th (or after) and stay below the luxury tax.

[ChumpDumper]

Be interesting to see who Toros waive. I say Eric Dawson since he is IR. They do have Justin Reed now.That's a fair guess, though one has to wonder why they kept him this long. I'm almost inclined to say Pittsnogle could be on the bubble since he's played about as much as Dawson these past few games.

[ss1986v2]

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/50154/20080107/spurs_waive_johnson_and_langford/

realgm has the spurs releasing both williams and langford today. their source isnt a paper or other outlet as usual, just a "realgm staff report". but realgm usually doesnt post news in the wiretap unless its true. still waiting for another sources to spring up.

[smrattler]

It's official. They are waived. :(

[remingtonbo2001]

Why are they waiving Johnson? I thought he was fairly decent. What does the F.O. expect? Is there a plan to pick him back up?

[ChumpDumper]

Why are they waiving Johnson? I thought he was fairly decent. What does the F.O. expect? Is there a plan to pick him back up?

Spurs can sign someone for the reminder of the season on January 24th (or after) and stay below the luxury tax.If there's a plan to get a minimum salary player, Bruno just described it.

[remingtonbo2001]

I see. Sorry missed that point.

So essentially the F.O. is crunching numbers.

I guess that's what makes us one of the best in the business.

Thank you for the clarification Bruno...Too often I read the first post and respond w/o reading through.

[BeerIsGood!]

No reason to pay lux tax for a guy who won't get any burn in the playoffs and won't be an integral piece of the team. I think if Johnson clears until the 24th the Spurs might bring him back. I know he's been known as a decent defender, but his one on one defense was horrible during the time he played. The plus is the streaks that he can get on from 3, and his length at the SF position. I wish the Spurs could have had an opponent who has that kind of long SF to see how this kid would match up against them for a few minutes.

[T Park]

bad move IMO.

Demarr was just starting to get a feel, and if his defense is bad, so fing what, Brent Barry isn't exactly Bruce Bowen and he gets all kinds of damn run.

Demarr Johnson is someone that can help them tremendously vs the Mavericks.

GD!!!! :pctoss

[loveforthegame]

I'm bummed about Johnson. Maybe the Spurs will bring him back later but with Ginobli back and Barry probably not too far off he wasn't going to get any real playing time.

[ChumpDumper]

It's entirely possible DerMarr could be back in a couple of weeks. The Spurs could also be working on trades, though that seems kind of unlikely at this point. Bobby Jones got waived too.

[AFBlue]

It's entirely possible DerMarr could be back in a couple of weeks. The Spurs could also be working on trades, though that seems kind of unlikely at this point. Bobby Jones got waived too.

I think they might at least be opening themselves up for the possibility of a trade.

They need the roster space and as much cap room as possible if they're going to take on another contract.

[ChumpDumper]

I think they are always open to the possibility of a trade, they just usually don't actually do them.

[Mr. Body]

People need to do the equivalent of RTFA. It's entirely likely the Spurs resign Dermarr Johnson after the 24th for the rest of the season. His defense hasn't been strong, but with the team badly needing offense, they might as well grab him for the rest of the year if it's below the lux tax.

I don't envision a trade of any kind this year. Not Elson, who could conceivably be of use against Boston.

[Kori Ellis]

It's official:

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have waived guard/forward DerMarr Johnson and guard Keith Langford.

Johnson appeared in 3 games and averaged 4.0 points in 4.0 minutes. Langford averaged 1.0 point and 1.0 rebound in 2 games.

[remingtonbo2001]

People need to do the equivalent of RTFA. It's entirely likely the Spurs resign Dermarr Johnson after the 24th for the rest of the season. His defense hasn't been strong, but with the team badly needing offense, they might as well grab him for the rest of the year if it's below the lux tax.

I don't envision a trade of any kind this year. Not Elson, who could conceivably be of use against Boston.

I would hope this is the most likely senerio.

[AFBlue]

Have the 10-day contracts come into play yet?

Couldn't the Spurs theoretically keep both roster spots open and fill them with whatever need position arises based on injury or lack of production?

Just want to be straight on it....

[tomcat]

Thats exactly it Phat Tony.

Spurs want flexibility in case of injury and having only 2 pgs.

As a veteran club, the 14th and 15th man would likely stay inactive all season unless there is an injury so in light of that fact and not wanting to 'waste' money...why fill those positions permanently?

[ChumpDumper]

There is a risk of losing the players if they still feel they have potential as Spurs, but the luxury tax threshold is pretty much a hard cap this year since no one seems to be worth losing that much money over. The biggest potential problem for the Spurs is the lack of a third point guard, but there are a few vets out there who would do fine as stopgap solutions if needed.

[SenorSpur]

I would be concerned about them waiving Demarr, they could risk losing him to any of the other NBA teams.

[AFBlue]

There is a risk of losing the players if they still feel they have potential as Spurs, but the luxury tax threshold is pretty much a hard cap this year since no one seems to be worth losing that much money over. The biggest potential problem for the Spurs is the lack of a third point guard, but there are a few vets out there who would do fine as stopgap solutions if needed.

I had to check the bottom of your post for white font, because I have a decent idea of who you might have been alluding to as a third PG stopgap.

He who shall not be named has been pretty productive in the NBADL this season.

[AFBlue]

I would be concerned about them waiving Demarr, they could risk losing him to any of the other NBA teams.

Jeremy Richardson might not be retained by the Grizz and I think some other viable short-term options should be available if another wing player were to be injured.

For all the hype, I would say that DJ did just "ok" in his few short minutes.

I'd much rather the Spurs have financial flexibility than ensure that one specific player is protected.

[ChumpDumper]

I had to check the bottom of your post for white font, because I have a decent idea of who you might have been alluding to as a third PG stopgap.

He who shall not be named has been pretty productive in the NBADL this season.There are a couple there, some others aren't playing right now.

[AFBlue]

http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_waive_jeremy_richardson-080107.html?rss=true


Grizzlies waive swingman Jeremy Richardson
Memphis, January 7, 2007 – The Memphis Grizzlies waived guard/forward Jeremy Richardson, club General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

Richardson, a 6-7, 195-pound swingman, was signed on Dec. 20 and appeared in three games, totaling one rebound and one assist in 15 minutes played.

Prior to his GATORADE Call-up from the NBA Development League, Richardson was averaging a league-high 28.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.63 steals in 41.5 minutes in eight games this season for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

The current roster now stands at 13 players.

The Grizzlies, who have won two of their last three games, host Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers at 7 p.m. tomorrow night at the FedExForum.

Courtesy of NBA.com

I wonder if the Spurs liked him in his workout, but the Grizz just beat the Spurs to it. You have to figure he'd at least be in the mix if the Spurs were to pick up another swingman in the future....provided he's not picked up again by another team.

[FromWayDowntown]

http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_waive_jeremy_richardson-080107.html?rss=true



Courtesy of NBA.com

I wonder if the Spurs liked him in his workout, but the Grizz just beat the Spurs to it. You have to figure he'd at least be in the mix if the Spurs were to pick up another swingman in the future....provided he's not picked up again by another team.

I'd be shocked if the Spurs didn't pick up another wing player during the remainder of this season, but I'd also be shocked if they did anything about that between today and the January 24 date that Bruno calculated earlier in the thread.

[AFBlue]

I'd be shocked if the Spurs didn't pick up another wing player during the remainder of this season, but I'd also be shocked if they did anything about that between today and the January 24 date that Bruno calculated earlier in the thread.

The 24 Jan date has to do with keeping a player the remainder of the season.

If the Spurs wanted to, they could pick up someone on a 10-day contract (or two) after today and keep them on board until Barry gets back in the swing of things.

Then, when Barry is back, they can waive that player.

Point being, there doesn't HAVE to be someone on the Spurs roster filling those last two spots at all times.


....at least I think that's right, but I'm not the cap expert.

[FromWayDowntown]

The 24 Jan date has to do with keeping a player the remainder of the season.

If the Spurs wanted to, they could pick up someone on a 10-day contract (or two) after today and keep them on board until Barry gets back in the swing of things.

Then, when Barry is back, they can waive that player.

Point being, there doesn't HAVE to be someone on the Spurs roster filling those last two spots at all times.


....at least I think that's right, but I'm not the cap expert.

I'm sure that's correct, but I think the point is that there is only a finite number of days that the Spurs can pay a minimum contract without exceeding the tax threshold. If the Spurs sign a player today to a 10-day deal, as I understand Bruno's calculation, the date for acquiring a player to keep to season's end gets pushed back 10 days. That is, there is a period of about 17 days that the Spurs must be free of any additional salaries if they are to avoid the tax threshold. Whether that comes before they sign a player, between signings, or after they've signed a player, those days have to come and go. Unless there's some immediate need to fill that gap, I could see the wisdom in waiting for the next couple of weeks to let those necessary days pass and then pursuing a needed player.

[ChumpDumper]

True. They could turn around and sign DerMarr to a 10-day deal right after he clears waivers.

The timing isn't perfect, but it will be nice to have some roster spots open before the showcase. Works for the players too, though a couple just left this past week for Europe. I was hoping Brandon Bowman was going to stick around a couple more weeks.

[Bruno]

It will be interesting to see what Spurs will do because he will give a hint about their priority.

If Spurs are focused on being younger, they can sign some prospects to 10 days contract and maybe keep one for the rest of the season if he is good enough.

If Spurs are focused on this year and if they aren't ready to spend time on some marginal prospect, they can sign a vet for the rest of the season. Given the lack of 3rd PG, signing a PG like Mike Wilks will likely be Spurs priority in that case.

If Spurs still consider a trade as something possible or if they think an interesting vet could be waived just after the deadline , they can do nothing before the trade deadline. Not signing a 14th player will give Spurs more financial flexibility to do a trade.

[Stump]

Resign Linton Johnson III.

Height: 6'8
Position: SF/PF
Strengths: Good defender. Solid rebounder at either forward position. Highly athletic and strong. Has a developing offensive game with an already potent 3 point shot.

Done.

[Stump]

CJ Watson just signed with the Warriors. I'm glad to see that hes not on the Spurs wish list.

[remingtonbo2001]

I feel the F.O. is completely overanalyzing this situation. They've had a good look at 3 quality players, now they need to decide what direction to go in and stick with it. I feel Johnson has more short-term upside to offer this year. I don't feel as though someone will come and steal Langford away. Washington is safe in Europe right now.
And Marcus Williams....yeah...need I say more.

[ChumpDumper]

I feel the F.O. is completely overanalyzing this situation. They've had a good look at 3 quality players, now they need to decide what direction to go in and stick with it.They may have already decided -- but unless they think that player is worth ~$3 million, they aren't going to be signing him right now.

[duncan228]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2008/01/jeff_mcdonald_d_9.html

Jeff McDonald: DerMarr and Keith, we hardly knew ye

OAKLAND -- The concurrent DerMarr Johnson/Keith Langford eras in San Antonio are over. The Spurs waived the two swingmen, essentially on loan from the Austin Toros, on Monday.

The move didn't exactly come as a shock. Johnson and Langford were signed and called up out of the NBA's Developmental League a little more than a week ago, when Manu Ginobili and then Brent Barry went down.

With Ginobili back on the active roster, and Barry nearing a comeback, Johnson and Langford became expendable.

If they remained on the roster by Jan. 10 -- three days from now -- the Spurs would be required to guarantee their contracts. Waiving them now allows the Spurs to maintain some roster and salary cap flexibility, as well as remain below the luxury tax threshold.

Johnson, an 8-year NBA vet, played in three games for the Spurs and averaged four points and four minutes per. Langford, a rookie, played in two games and scored two points.

It was fun while it lasted.

[remingtonbo2001]

They may have already decided -- but unless they think that player is worth ~$3 million, they aren't going to be signing him right now.

I hope so. I would feel more comfortable knowing this.

However, their job security doesn't rely on whether I sleep well at night or not reguarding their decisions.

[wildbill2u]

Apparently most players who tear up the D league still can't make it in the NBA--or have enough talent to make the old luxury tax bugbear go away.

[SenorSpur]

This situation is getting a bit overcooked. Do we even know what the Spurs are looking for, in terms of up and coming, talent? At this point, it's hard to tell. For the past 2 seasons, they've auditioned a few guys, but nobody seems to be able to stick.

My concern is that due to the length of time it seemingly takes to learn the system, the Spurs should at least have 1-2 guys in their pipeline now. This is especially important given the assumption that there will be some roster changes after this season - especially at the 2-3 position. It's vital that these players can become immersed into the Spurs systems and their culture. If it means D-league apprenticeship, that's better than nothing.

It just seems the Spurs are spinning their wheels. I just can't figure out what they're doing.

[exstatic]

I hope so. I would feel more comfortable knowing this.

However, their job security doesn't rely on whether I sleep well at night or not reguarding their decisions.
You lose sleep over the 14th roster spot? Perhaps you should switch to decaf.

[ChumpDumper]

The way I see it, they are concentrating their efforts on finding a young point guard and at least one swingman. The reason they haven't kept any on the roster the entire season and don't have any now is the luxury tax, plain and simple. Until they can pick up another player without breaking the bank, they'll keep an eye on the Toros, the showcase and the waiver wire.

[m33p0]

You lose sleep over the 14th roster spot? Perhaps you should switch to decaf.
:lmao :lmao :lmao

[Darkwaters]

The way I see it, they are concentrating their efforts on finding a young point guard and at least one swingman. The reason they haven't kept any on the roster the entire season and don't have any now is the luxury tax, plain and simple. Until they can pick up another player without breaking the bank, they'll keep an eye on the Toros, the showcase and the waiver wire.

Agreed. They're keeping their eyes on PGs and swingmen. They obviously are interested in defenders but seem to be more intent on finding a shooting scorer first and foremost. To be fair, they want the next Matt Carroll.

[ChumpDumper]

Agreed. They're keeping their eyes on PGs and swingmen. They obviously are interested in defenders but seem to be more intent on finding a shooting scorer first and foremost. To be fair, they want the next Matt Carroll.I'm sure they would take a Carroll, but only one of the candidates had a really reliable outside touch. They'll seem to take their scoring any way they can get it if the player can do it as a Spur.

[SenorSpur]

I'm sure they would take a Carroll, but only one of the candidates had a really reliable outside touch. They'll seem to take their scoring any way they can get it if the player can do it as a Spur.

Perhaps that's why they had their eyes on Korver.

[timvp]

Langford and Johnson getting waived isn't a surprise. Those who saw the crunched numbers realized this was going to happen once they were signed.

I think the next thing you will see is a bunch of ten-day contracts. If I'm the Spurs, I want until giving someone a guaranteed contract for the rest of the season. The reason being that there is no obvious hole on this roster. Even without Barry, Udoka doesn't get playing time. To add yet another swingman behind Udoka doesn't really make much sense at this point.

The bigman rotation is also pretty packed. Elson might suck but you aren't going to find a DLeague bigman better than him at this point. Maybe someone like PJ Brown or Dale Davis will want to play for the Spurs but I'm not sure the Spurs would be interested.

To me, if the team stays healthy, the last roster spot might as well go to a third point guard. As Bruno said, someone like Mike Wilks makes a lot of sense. Wilks is basically a younger Vaughn who could step in and play a solid emergency role. Point guard is the only position on the roster that is only one injury away from a player being needed. While Ginobili and Barry can play some backup point, Pop has always shown that he's not a big fan of that alignment.

What makes sense to me is to hand out a couple ten-day contracts here and there and wait for about the beginning of April. At that point, if there are no significant injuries, I'd find a sound point guard in the Mike Wilks or Andre Barrett mold. If there is an injury or a trade that weakens the swingman or bigman rotation, then you might think about bringing back someone like DerMarr Johnson or a bigman to use in practice like Kris Lang.

I liked DerMarr but DerMarr post-accident just doesn't move too well laterally. Sad but true. However, if a swingman goes down or gets traded, he might be brought back just so the Spurs have another shooting threat stashed on the bench in case Udoka never finds his shooting stroke.