Spurs acquire Thomas from Sonics for Barry, Elson

[timvp]

Thomas will be the Spurs best rebounder behind Duncan.Thomas actually grabs more rebounds per minute than Duncan. Thomas becomes perhaps the best rebounder on the team. Duncan and Thomas should be able to clean the glass.

To put in perspective how much of a monster Thomas has been on the glass this season, he's rebounding at a better clip than Duncan ever has and equal to David Robinson in his prime.

:drunk

[SA Gunslinger]

I don't think the SPURS got KT for any particular matchup problems...we just were weak at the C position. We needed to correct that weakness...regardless of what any other team was doing.

This pickup is about the respect Pop and RC have for Shaquille O'neal more than anything else, imo.

[T Park]

:elephant :elephant

As the person that championed a trade for this guy for weeks, this is the best news possible!!


I have to disagree that this is an iffy trade.

Late first round picks are crap shoots and Elson was pathetic.

:tu :tu :tu :tu

[ChumpDumper]

Thomas is a hoss. If Barry is Stackhoused this trade goes from good to awesome.

[picnroll]

Duncan, Thomas, Udoka, Manu. How's that for rebounding?

[Das Texan]

Thomas actually grabs more rebounds per minute than Duncan. Thomas becomes perhaps the best rebounder on the team. Duncan and Thomas should be able to clean the glass.

To put in perspective how much of a monster Thomas has been on the glass this season, he's rebounding at a better clip than Duncan ever has and equal to David Robinson in his prime.

:drunk


that alone makes me happy, very happy.


arguably our biggest weakness has now been addressed.

[Holt's Cat]

Thomas actually grabs more rebounds per minute than Duncan. Thomas becomes perhaps the best rebounder on the team. Duncan and Thomas should be able to clean the glass.

To put in perspective how much of a monster Thomas has been on the glass this season, he's rebounding at a better clip than Duncan ever has and equal to David Robinson in his prime.

:drunk

Rebounding big trumps the insane.

[Kori Ellis]

Thomas is a hoss. If Barry is Stackhoused this trade goes from good to awesome.

Ditto.

[jacobdrj]

Well Stackhouse has never actually been 'Stackhoused' like the Knicks never used the 'Allan Houston Rule' on Allan Houston...

However, this did happen to both Lindsy Hunter and Elden Campbell... so perhaps the Stackhouse concept should be in honor of one of these 2...

[SouthernFried]

I don't necessarily agree this has anything to with Shaq, or anyone else.

Elson just sucks, and Duncan has been the only consistent rebounder against any other team. Duncan needed help on the glass regardless if PHX got shaq, or the Lakers deal (which, imho...is still the best deal made this season.) And, actually...I think Oberto would be better playing against the Lakers than KT.

No, we needed another rebounder. Will this help against Shaq? Yeah, prolly...but I woulda done the deal whether any other team in the league made a move or not. It was a glaring hole that needed to be filled.

[ChumpDumper]

Well Stackhouse has never actually been 'Stackhoused' like the Knicks never used the 'Allan Houston Rule' on Allan Houston...

However, this did happen to both Lindsy Hunter and Elden Campbell... so perhaps the Stackhouse concept should be in honor of one of these 2...No. "Stackoused" has a better flow and serves as a reminder to mavfans about the debacle that was the Kidd trade.

[jacobdrj]

KT was good on PHX, and was VERY good along side Camby and Ewing back in NY... If I am not mistaken, he wasn't bad next to Zo either...

Guy has a good history next to guys inferior to Duncan.

[Admidave50]

I would have preferred to get Artest for all we have given but KT is clearly an update over Elson. When is KT's contract expiring?

Is there still a possibility that Barry is bought out and comes back at a Spur?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Another thing I didn't like about this trade is that it won't help Spurs in 08-09 and 09-10.
If Spurs are serious about the 2010 plan, they will have a hard time to have a good team after this summer. And it will be even harder than before the trade because Spurs won't have their 2009 first round pick.

It is the second trade in a row that I didn't like for Spurs. If you add the Marcus Williams failure, Spurs FO has been quite bad lately. The only bright spot was the Udoka signing.

Good lord. The hell with 2010. Tim Duncan isn't going to be great forever.

Just win. Now.

We just gave ourselves a solid big man to put next to TD when we really didn't have one and had to cross our fingers Oberto would step up in the post-season.

It gives us a great rebounding big man who can hit the jumper and space the floor for TD. Oh, and it gives us an enforcer in the paint too.

All for two expiring contracts and a late first round pick that the Spurs would have fucked up any way.

What's the big deal again?

[The_Game]

this is a bad trade

spurs supporting cast is already bad..losing barry is not a good move. this move makes spurs further away from repeating

[jacobdrj]

Well, I have little against the Mavs, if anything at all... And it sounds silly to name something after someone that never did what is attributed to him...

[Bruno]

Good lord. The hell with 2010. Tim Duncan isn't going to be great forever.

Just win. Now.

I'm not worried about 2010. I'm worried about next year and the year after.

[jacobdrj]

this is a bad trade

spurs supporting cast is already bad..losing barry is not a good move. this move makes spurs further away from repeating
I suppose this had to have a descending opinion somewhere.

IMHO, the Spurs didn't need Barry. They needed someone next to Timmay.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

:elephant :elephant

As the person that championed a trade for this guy for weeks, this is the best news possible!!


I have to disagree that this is an iffy trade.

Late first round picks are crap shoots and Elson was pathetic.

:tu :tu :tu :tu

I believe the Kurt Thomas talk started in my "change is in the air thread" (which I can't link to right now because the search function is down) back in late January - people didn't like my Pietrus for Elson idea, someone suggested KT, a bunch of people liked the idea, timvp didn't primarily due to KT's immobility (he suggested that a more mobile, weakside help shotblocking big would be better and I agreed with him)...

And now he's here. I think it will work, although Diop would've been better.

Welcome KT.

[BonnerDynasty]

Good lord. The hell with 2010. Tim Duncan isn't going to be great forever.

Just win. Now.

IMFO. PLAY TO REPEAT. PERIOD. I couldn't care less who gets our first round picks in the future..

Of course, you always have to think long-term but this is the year that the Spurs can use to solidify themselves in the history books.

[Holt's Cat]

something to consider, the 04 lakers had one of the most physical frontlines ever. Shaq plus amare is fairly stout. Thomas will help with that.

[dbestpro]

The reality is KT has the bb IQ to learn the Spurs and be helpful. While Artest is no doubt the better player KT is the better fit in regards to time and chemistry. Barry and Elson were not playing anyway. Nice catch.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I suppose this had to have a descending opinion somewhere.

IMHO, the Spurs didn't need Barry. They needed someone next to Timmay.

That's "dissenting".

And as for the take, he gives no reasoning so it adds nothing.

[jacobdrj]

That's "dissenting".

And as for the take, he gives no reasoning so it adds nothing.
Perdon` le Spelling. I am typing pretty fast and didn't have a chance to run it though MS Word (nor do I think it would have caught the error either).
Point is the same.

[Holt's Cat]

spurs will have MLE to use on swingmen. I think finley could be brought back for one more year. Plus they have their first rounder this year

[Borosai]

I go to sleep for a few hours and this happens. Overall, I'm happy with the trade (but I didn't know a first-rounder would even be needed).

[Bruno]

And I'm not sold at all about Thomas helping that much Spurs this year.

Thomas has been a monster to grab defensive rebounds this year but it's just useless give that Spurs are the best defensive rebounding team of the league.

On the offensive end, he will be fine but nothing jaw dropping.

On the defensive end, I'm not sold. Thomas is slow and short. Is he able to defend well players like Gasol, Stoudamire or Garnett ? I'm not sure of that.

[MannyIsGod]

The addition of Kurt Thomas helping rebounding is something I hadn't considered. That is pretty damn huge. The biggest problem these Spurs have had in the post season isn't defending certain players or scoring, its been rebounding. If this helps fix that issue then you get much more leeway in every other department.

Worse offense? Not as big of a deal if you hit the glass harder.
Worse defense? Not as big of a deal if you prevent fewer offensive possesions with good defensive rebounding.
Slower? You get more transition out of rebounds and good outlets.

I'm coming around but I really really loved Brent.

:(

[T Park]

Another thing, the BBQ IQ of the team with the switchout of Thomas for Elson just soared.

Thomas is a very good pick and roll player, a very very good defensive player, and an excellent rebounder.

The plusses outweigh the minuses in this trade by far and away.

[O.J. Mayonnaise]

Uhh, the year after next is 2010.

[spurster]

No. "Stackoused" has a better flow and serves as a reminder to mavfans about the debacle that was the Kidd trade.
"Stackhoused" does have a good flow. You're trying to stack the deck to build up your team (your house).

[T Park]

The addition of Kurt Thomas helping rebounding is something I hadn't considered. That is pretty damn huge. The biggest problem these Spurs have had in the post season isn't defending certain players or scoring, its been rebounding. If this helps fix that issue then you get much more leeway in every other department.

Worse offense? Not as big of a deal if you hit the glass harder.
Worse defense? Not as big of a deal if you prevent fewer offensive possesions with good defensive rebounding.
Slower? You get more transition out of rebounds and good outlets.

I'm coming around but I really really loved Brent.

:(


Kurt Thomas at worst is a fantastic pick and roll option with Parker and that free throw line jump shot.

The offense, defense, rebounding on the team improve with this trade.

[Sigz]

Yes!!!!!

[T Park]

On the defensive end, I'm not sold. Thomas is slow and short. Is he able to defend well players like Gasol, Stoudamire or Garnett ? I'm not sure of that.

He would guard Bynum, Shaq, and Perkins.

[Brutalis]

Well I am happy with the deal except for the pick. It sort of has me going both ways. Dunno what I think yet.

[dbestpro]

Also, the post offense virtually disappears when td is out of the lineup. I think this is actually where KT will help the most.

[Sigz]

I also wanted to add and say thanks to Brent Barry.

He is such a good team player, hard worker, and wonderful teammate.

He helped us win championships with his amazing shooting and hustle.

Thanks for everything Brent! A classic guy!

[Bruno]

He would guard Bynum, Shaq, and Perkins.

Great, let's put Duncan on the opposite best offensive bigman : Gasol, Stoudamire or Garnett.

[Sense]

I think he's gonna be a great fit

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I'm not worried about 2010. I'm worried about next year and the year after.

Yes, it's obvious we need some wings to run with Parker, Manu, and Udoka (let's face it, he looks like he's going to grow into the role of the perfect role player for us and Bowen's heir apparent).

The other overlooked fact is we now have Bird Rights for Thomas and can re-sign the guy in the off-season, and still have the full MLE to throw at the perimeter player of our choice (or offer a guy like Diop).

Parker
Manu
Udoka
Bowen
Duncan
Bonner
Thomas
Ian
Vaughn
Splitter
Finley?
MLE guard signing

fill out the roster with vets looking for a ring, rinse, repeat (threepeat)

[ChumpDumper]

Great, let's put Duncan on the opposite best offensive bigman : Gasol, Stoudamire or Garnett.
That's what Finley is for.

[T Park]

Great, let's put Duncan on the opposite best offensive bigman : Gasol, Stoudamire or Garnett.


Sounds good to me.

Duncan can shut down gasol totally hes done it before.

He can guard Garnett VERY VERY well.

Stoudamire? He would outsmart him so bad its not even funny.

[Sigz]

I guess they wanted that first rounder instead of Bonner....

(I actually don't know if the cap would have fit out as nicely) but it's just a guess.

[Borosai]

I forgot about Thomas' 10-15 ft. jumper - it looked pretty consistent last year.

[Russ]

This must mean one thing -- Barry is bad off, perhaps even done.

Although one problem may be solved, another presents itself -- who will hit the big 3's off the bench in the postseason? :depressed

[Rydia]

WAIT We got crazy eyes?!?!

[T Park]

The other overlooked fact is we now have Bird Rights for Thomas and can re-sign the guy in the off-season, and still have the full MLE to throw at the perimeter player of our choice (or offer a guy like Diop).


Jamario Moon please.

[jacobdrj]

This must mean one thing -- Barry is bad off, perhaps even done.

Although one problem may be solved, another presents itself -- who will hit the big 3's off the bench in the postseason? :depressed
KT can hit Jumpers. Timmay can hit clutch 3-pointers.
Bowen can still hit from the corner.
Horry still gets a paycheck from the Spurs.

[Bruno]

Sounds good to me.

Duncan can shut down gasol totally hes done it before.

He can guard Garnett VERY VERY well.

Stoudamire? He would outsmart him so bad its not even funny.

So against Celtics you put Thomas on Perkins and Duncan on Garnett ?

In this case, please explain me what Thomas will bring to Spurs.

[boutons_]

If Brent is done for the season, the physical will show that, but perhaps SEA doesn't care

[Holt's Cat]

spurs were not going to solve all problems with a trade. they added rebounding, muscle, frontcourt shooting, smarter frontcourt defense, pick and rolls, and vet savvy. all in all, a solid trade

[T Park]

So against Celtics you put Thomas on Perkins and Duncan on Garnett ?

In this case, please explain me what Thomas will bring to Spurs.


Great rebounding. Great defense.

An outside shooting option to clear the paint for Duncan on the offensive end.

[ChumpDumper]

So against Celtics you put Thomas on Perkins and Duncan on Garnett ?Would we put Barry on Perkins?

[Bruno]

still have the full MLE to throw at the perimeter player of our choice

If Spurs want to have tons of capspace in 2010, they will only be able to offer a 2 years contract. Getting a quality player who will agree to sign for only 2 years won't be easy.

If Spurs want to have a quality SG/SF rotation next year, they will have to make an exception to the 2010 plan. I hope they will make that exception but we will see.

[T Park]

Would Elson guard Garnett, Perkins, Stoudamire, and Gasol?

Hell no.

[E20]

:wow

I'm shocked. Sad to see Barry leave, but business is business. Hopefully Barry is Stackhousing it.

[ss1986v2]

Jamario Moon please.
not a free agent. has a limited salary protection, which is essentially a team option. toronto gets to decide whether they want to waive him and pay no/very little salary, or keep him at his contract value (770k next season). toronto picks up that option without hesitation.

[mavsfan1000]

Great move by the spurs. We are screwed. :pctoss

[timvp]

At worst, Pop has some nice options to put next to Duncan at any given point. Oberto, Horry and Thomas are all three high IQ bigmen. Udoka is proving to be a really nice option as a small ball power forward. Finley has shown some ability to play small ball power forward against certain teams. Bonner appears to be even further down in the rotation but he's good insurance.

We'll see if Barry is waived and comes back. If that happens, the Spurs basically traded a future first rounder for a top ten rebounder in the game. I'll take that trade everyday. If Barry doesn't come back, it's a bit harder to swallow but there's no guarantee that Barry would have gotten healthy enough to become a factor this season. 36-year-old guards don't just magically heal from multiple torn calf muscles.

[Bruno]

Great rebounding.

Spurs can't be a better rebounding team that what they are now on the defensive end.
On the offensive end , Oberto is a better rebounder than Thomas.
Thomas won't really help Spurs rebounding.



Great defense.

Thomas isn't a great help defender, his strength is his man to man defense. WGAF about defending well or not Perkins. He can't score.



An outside shooting option to clear the paint for Duncan on the offensive end.

I rather play Bonner or Horry for that.

[Agloco]

this is a bad trade

spurs supporting cast is already bad..losing barry is not a good move. this move makes spurs further away from repeating

How does this trade make the Spurs supporting cast any worse? You're essentially replacing Elson and Barry with Thomas. No way is this a bad trade.

[spurster]

If Spurs want to have tons of capspace in 2010, they will only be able to offer a 2 years contract. Getting a quality player who will agree to sign for only 2 years won't be easy.

If Spurs want to have a quality SG/SF rotation next year, they will have to make an exception to the 2010 plan. I hope they will make that exception but we will see.
I think an MLE contract has to be at least 3 years.

[Spurs Brazil]

"Kurt Thomas is a tough, physical player who can defend, score and rebound," Spurs general manager RC Buford said in a statement. "We feel he will be a great addition to our roster and will add depth to our frontcourt."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3255661

[Bruno]

I think an MLE contract has to be at least 3 years.

You think wrong. A MLE contract length is between 1 and 5 years.

[lefty]

:wow

I'm shocked. Sad to see Barry leave, but business is business. Hopefully Barry is Stackhousing it.

:lmao

After "dirking" from last year's playoffs, we have "stackhousing"

Man, the words we can get out of the Mavs :lol

[SenorSpur]

Great rebounding. Great defense.

An outside shooting option to clear the paint for Duncan on the offensive end.

All of which are great pluses. I don't know about the rest of you, but personally I grew weary of seeing the Spurs get killed on the boards when Duncan was on the bench or properly boxed out. With the addition of Thomas, that means Udoka no longer HAS to be the team's 2nd best rebounder - as he demonstrated last night versus the Bobtails. :lol

[greens]

I really do like Barry's personality on and off the court. He has an amazing sense of humor and the team really likes him. And he's a class act.

But I just feel like he hasn't been as clutch/productive in the playoffs/finals as the Spurs were expecting him to be. He offered really nice passes. He has an amazing court vision but his shooting hasn't been consistent. It's a known fact that the Spurs have basically tried to trade him every year...And I feel bad for him.

But, the good news is that he is going back to his team...it won't be too bad for him.

And I really like Kurt Thomas...he was really good last year during the playoffs...So I think this is a good trade. Plus, I got the sense that Timmy also really liked him...I'm sure he'd enjoy playing with him...

So I like this trade...

[Holt's Cat]

Bruno is ghostwriting this trade.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lmao

After "dirking" from last year's playoffs, we have "stackhousing"

Man, the words we can get out of the Mavs :lol
Well I can see where someone can use the phrase "Deveaning" it when talking about trades.

[whottt]

Eh....I'm underwhelmed. I think Kurt Thomas is severely over-rated.

I rather the Sonics just keep Barry than buy him out....I don't want Barry going to Phoenix. That'll be a real bitch.

[mVp]

Damn... I'll miss Brent... Are we really getting better with this trade?

[timvp]

I rather the Sonics just keep Barry than buy him outYou don't want him back in San Antonio? Do you believe in Udoka enough that he can fill Barry's minutes?

I agree that it'd suck for Barry to sign with a contender but I doubt he would. If the Spurs wanted him back, I'd think he'd come back.

[Agloco]

Damn... I'll miss Brent... Are we really getting better with this trade?

Brent wasn't playing.....

Neither was Elson.....

Um, yeah.

[Holt's Cat]

whottts fetish is gone

[Radiosparks]

I think it's a great move by the Spurs. I'm sure Barry will Stackhouse it and be back with the Spurs to help win another Championship.

[Officer Slater]

Sporks using players Phoenix hung out to dry! Classic! I guess one man's trash is another Sporks treasure! :smokin

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I wish I had three hands so I could give this trade three thumbs DOWN.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

this means we will not be getting artest. shit.

i have mixed feeling about this. artest would have given us more versatility, and we need it against teams like Detroit, Boston, and Dallas. Thomas is useful against teams that are strong with big guys, but that's it.

it's obviously wishfull thinking to think that barry will come back. the only thing that makes me believe otherwise is that we have connections with seattle, and maybe they're still on our side, at least for the time being, while their team sucks complete ass and they've got nothing going for them.

[ChumpDumper]

Let's not pretend we were frontrunners for Artest.

[mVp]

Brent wasn't playing.....

Neither was Elson.....

Um, yeah.

Well, I don't care about Elson lol... but I was hoping to see Brent coming back from his injury.

[T Park]

Eh....I'm underwhelmed. I think Kurt Thomas is severely over-rated.

I rather the Sonics just keep Barry than buy him out....I don't want Barry going to Phoenix. That'll be a real bitch.

What a shocking post.

Didn't see this one coming....

[Tigole Bitties]

Damn.... no more Bones Barry HEB commercials :(

[Bruno]

The trouble with Barry bought out is that some teams like Dallas can offer significantly more money than Spurs.
Dallas could offer something like a $9M contract for the reminder of the season and the next one to Barry.

[Holt's Cat]

Elson sucked, barrys hurt, maybe done. nice move

[Ronaldo McDonald]

i never thought we were serious frontrunners for him, but hell at least there was a slight possibility that it could have gone through. now there is none, and a little is better than none, always.

[T Park]

You don't want him back in San Antonio? Do you believe in Udoka enough that he can fill Barry's minutes?

I agree that it'd suck for Barry to sign with a contender but I doubt he would. If the Spurs wanted him back, I'd think he'd come back.


Agreed. If Seattle buys him out, he resigns with SA.

I'm sure his agent would talk to Phoenix and whoever else to make it sound legit.

[whottt]

You don't want him back in San Antonio?

Sure, if he'll come back.




Do you believe in Udoka enough that he can fill Barry's minutes?

Hmmm....I think he can do the spot up shooter's role, I don't know if he can get the ball moving like Barry does..then again, Pop doesn't use Barry that much in the post season anyway.




I agree that it'd suck for Barry to sign with a contender but I doubt he would. If the Spurs wanted him back, I'd think he'd come back.

Ehh...I'm not sure about that. Just because Barry kept his mouth shut doesn't mean he was thrilled with having a trade held over his head for 3 years.

I could easily see Barry wanting to take on the challenge of helping another team get to the finals, especially one that has never won a ring before. I'm not saying for sure he would...but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.



And I'm telling you...Steve Nash and Barry paired with Amare and Shaq is going to win an NBA title. They may end up setting a record for team FG%. Too much high PCT shooting...too much smart pasing.


Edit: Then again...Barry may be legit hurt and questionable to return this season, and that's the reason the Spurs traded him.

[ChumpDumper]

The trouble with Barry bought out is that some teams like Dallas can offer significantly more money than Spurs.
Dallas could offer something like a $9M contract for the reminder of the season and the next one to Barry.Since what they need is Kurt Thomas, that would be awesome.

[T Park]

The trouble with Barry bought out is that some teams like Dallas can offer significantly more money than Spurs.
Dallas could offer something like a $9M contract for the reminder of the season and the next one to Barry.


What makes you think Brent would want to sign with dallas when his family and house is in SA?

If hes bought out and the first team to contact him is RC Buford, hes coming back no quesiton.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

btw i'm just glad monkey brains elson is gone. he was a success only when it came to failure.

[ChumpDumper]

i never thought we were serious frontrunners for him, but hell at least there was a slight possibility that it could have gone through. now there is none, and a little is better than none, always.After that Bibby trade, there was no chance.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

what are you, the gm of the kings?

[whottt]

What a shocking post.

Didn't see this one coming....


That's because your head's permanently up your ass.

[Bruno]

What makes you think Brent would want to sign with dallas when his family and house is in SA?


Money.

[ChumpDumper]

what are you, the gm of the kings?No, but after he and Wallace got out from under the pressure from their owners to save some money in lopsided trades, it's pretty easy to see they wanted to be more selective in dealing Artest and Miller respectively -- almost to the point of sitting on them until the summer.

[T Park]

That's because your heads permanently up your ass.

Your heads up your ass.

I was being sarcastic.

Brent Barry is hurt to the point of being probobly not able to come back this year.

So your ok with rolling against Shaq with Elson and Oberto, the same guys you were shitting your pants on when the Suns got him?

Give me a break.

[T Park]

Money.


If he was about money he would've signed with Portland in 04 instead of SA.

nice try.

[bresilhac]

Kurt Thomas is a slow player. Having him will not avoid Spurs to play small ball in certain matchups.
And Spurs won't have Barry in these small ball matchups...

Spurs give up a first round pick for a trade that make them marginally better only in certain matchups. And Thomas is a short term solution.

I don't like this trade. :td

We lose a decent three point shooter and a big man that can run the court plus a first rounder in 2009. But look what we get in return. A solid big that we can bring off the bench who can reliably hit mid range shots and is a great low block defender. Thomas is a proven veteran who fits our system to a tee. And if the move helps us win yet another Title then it would have been worth it.

[timvp]

“We feel very good about the trade that brings us the Spurs 2009 first round draft pick, Francisco Elson and Brent Barry,” said Sonics General Manager Sam Presti. “In particular, looking at the first round pick, in combination with our other future picks, we have great flexibility to add to our core or acquire another impact player in the future. At the same time, Kurt is a tremendous person and player, and I appreciate his contributions this season and wish him success.”Presti already trying to hype up the first round pick aspect of the trade. If the team were keeping Barry, don't you think he'd be working the "we are bringing Barry back home" angle?

Interesting.

[whottt]

Your heads up your ass.

I was being sarcastic.

Nooooooooo! Seriously?




Brent Barry is hurt to the point of being probobly not able to come back this year.

Hopefully...





So your ok with rolling against Shaq with Elson and Oberto, the same guys you were shitting your pants on when the Suns got him?

Give me a break.


What makes you think Thomas can guard Shaq?

[td4mvp21]

Nooooooooo! Seriously?





Hopefully...






What makes you think Thomas can guard Shaq?

I'm curious to see whose dick you're going to e-suck now?

[Supergirl]

Nice pick up. Sorry to see Barry go, but I knew he'd have to go. Elson never really caught on to the Spurs system, and we didn't have to give up anything I thought was really crucial to our system.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

No, but after he and Wallace got out from under the pressure from their owners to save some money in lopsided trades, it's pretty easy to see they wanted to be more selective in dealing Artest and Miller respectively -- almost to the point of sitting on them until the summer.

you have to consider the fact that artest wants to be traded...are they really going to want to keep a guy ( a headcase) who wants to be traded around top give him a chance to be disruptive?

[T Park]

What makes you think Thomas can guard Shaq?

Seeing as hes done it well before when shaq was good and more mobile than now?


Hopefully...

So you hope hes done for the year and can't be brought back?

Pick your lower lip up kid.

[Russ]

If Brent is done for the season, the physical will show that, but perhaps SEA doesn't care

Bingo -- why would a young rebuilding team like Sea have any interest in reaquiring Brent? This is a straight money/draft pick deal.


36-year-old guards don't just magically heal from multiple torn calf muscles.

It could be chronic for Brent from here on in. Fortunately, surfing should not be affected too much. :)

[DannyT]

too many people are thinking with their hearts and not their basketball common sense....it only makes since...dude was injured...we found a willing taker and got something we NEEDED....

[T Park]

Presti already trying to hype up the first round pick aspect of the trade. If the team were keeping Barry, don't you think he'd be working the "we are bringing Barry back home" angle?

Interesting.


Very true. I hope thats a sign that hes getting waived and comes back.

Brent Barry filling out as the 15th man is probobly one of the best moves the team can make down the stretch.

[Bruno]

If he was about money he would've signed with Portland in 04 instead of SA.

nice try.

It's a little more complicate than that. Everything is relative.
There is no way to be sure that Barry will re-sign with Spurs if another team is throwing more money to him.
Barry got two rings with SA. He could easily try to cash the max money possible for his last contract.

And you can keep you arrogant "nice try" for yourself. :td

[ChumpDumper]

you have to consider the fact that artest wants to be traded...are they really going to want to keep a guy ( a headcase) who wants to be traded around top give him a chance to be disruptive?The Denver package is better than ours ever was.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

Presti already trying to hype up the first round pick aspect of the trade. If the team were keeping Barry, don't you think he'd be working the "we are bringing Barry back home" angle?

Interesting.

lol.

the barry back to seattle angle is nothing to get excited about. in fact, if ur a seattle fan there really isn't anything that can get you excited ... it would be an exercise in futility.

[ChumpDumper]

Presti already trying to hype up the first round pick aspect of the trade. If the team were keeping Barry, don't you think he'd be working the "we are bringing Barry back home" angle?

Interesting.Brent is from Oklahoma?

[whottt]

Seeing as hes done it well before when shaq was good and more mobile than now?

When was this?




So you hope hes done for the year and can't be brought back?

Pretty much...and if he's not injured I hope he doesn't get bought out.


I mean why would he come back here, to a town with a ton of asshole fans like yourself?




Pick your lower lip up kid.

GO suck Pop's dick...it's been 2 minutes.

[T Park]

Brent is from Oklahoma?

:lol

Well played.

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Congrats Spurs good trade. What's left on Thomas contract?

[T Park]

Barry got two rings with SA. He could easily try to cash the max money possible for his last contract.




He could. If Brent Barry was a selfish me first money money guy.

Hes not.

Keep the condescending attitude.

[whottt]

I don't see Thomas making much of a difference on Shaq, or Amare...and if he's on Shaq, that means Duncan's on Amare...and that means Amare's going to put up 37 PPG again....because Duncan hasn't gotten faster.



I'd have much preferred the Spurs get Artest....who actually could guard Amare pretty effectively...


I think Barry has more to offer the Spurs than Kurt Thomas....and I think they'll have about similar effectiveness against Shaq.

[picnroll]

I can't believe that it isn't obvious to everyone that Barry will be back. That this is a done deal.

[T Park]

Pretty much...and if he's not injured I hope he doesn't get bought out.


I mean why would he come back here, to a town with a ton of asshole fans like yourself?



So were assholes for liking a trade?

Give me a break


GO suck Pop's dick...it's been 2 minutes

Cute and mature.

stuff it.

[timvp]

lol.

the barry back to seattle angle is nothing to get excited about. in fact, if ur a seattle fan there really isn't anything that can get you excited ... it would be an exercise in futility.They still have a few more games in the Pacific Northwest. They could sell a few tickets by urging back the Brent Barry homers.

But that angle can't be taken if Barry is never actually going to suit up for them. I guess we'll find out.

[T Park]

I think Barry has more to offer the Spurs than Kurt Thomas....and I think they'll have about similar effectiveness against Shaq

Yeah because Barry has the reputation of being a good lowpost defender.

Great take :tu

[MrChug]

That's pretty good. Now we can hope that we're Stackhousing Barry and he'll use the 30 days to heal up.

Exact use of the new VERB.

"Stackhousing" (STAK-how-zeeng): To mask a formal business deal in the NBA by insinuating the trade of one player who's initial intention is to stay with the initiating team and facilitate the use of the one small loophole of said trade "rule" to rest for 30 days and rejoin the aforementioned initiating team with the cash included in the incentives within said trade.

[timvp]

Hopefully whottt doesn't go ploto on Thomas. All we need is the male version of ploto on this forum.

[whottt]

I can't believe that it isn't obvious to everyone that Barry will be back. That this is a done deal.


I'll be really surprised if Barry comes back...


I think he'd like to play a more uptempo style of ball...and with an offensive oriented team that suits his skill set...like the Suns.

If he becomes a FA he'll either go to the Lakers or the Suns IMO.


Plus...then he can actually contribute to a team winning for the first time.



Keep in mind...Barry is a smart player and knows everything the Spurs do...he's going to be an attractive pick up for teams just because of that...




I hope he stays in Seattle.

[T Park]

I think he'd like to play a more uptempo style of ball...and with an offensive oriented team that suits his skill set...like the Suns.

If he becomes a FA he'll either go to the Lakers or the Suns IMO.





God.

The team trades Barry and he acts like his world has ended.

Christ.

[SA Gunslinger]

All Pop had to say to Brent is when your time is up in Seattle, we would love to have you back.

[T Park]

Hopefully whottt doesn't go ploto on Thomas. All we need is the male version of ploto on this forum.


He already has

"When has he ever guarded Shaq well" :lol

[whottt]

Hopefully whottt doesn't go ploto on Thomas. All we need is the male version of ploto on this forum.


Thomas sucks...the only time I've noticed him is when the Spurs are owning his fucking teams out of the post season.


I went out and celebrated when the Suns signed him...because I knew he sucked and would not make a difference in their championship hopes.


And if you are going to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...you probably ought to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...and since there really isn't one...I'd have preferred we get someone who can do a better job on Amare.


Never have so many people been so jacked about a fucking scrub......ok well maybe when the Scola trade went down.

[picnroll]

Barry seems like an extremely grounded guy that values relationships. These are guys he's gone to war with and will go to war with again.

[whottt]

He already has

"When has he ever guarded Shaq well" :lol


I don't suppose you can give me a link to any playoff series where Kurt Thomas was effective against Shaq...


Thanks, in advance.




We don't even think Duncan can guard Shaq...you think fucking Kurt Thomas can do it?





It's like a semi truck being about to hit us and so we move out from behind the wooden telephone poll to get behind the aluminum one...

[ChumpDumper]

Plus...then he can actually contribute to a team winning for the first time.
So he never contributed to the Spurs' winning.

[T Park]

Thomas sucks...the only time I've noticed him is when the Spurs are owning his fucking teams out of the post season.


I went out and celebrated when the Suns signed him...because I knew he sucked and would not make a difference in their championship hopes.


And if you are going to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...you probably ought to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...and since there really isn't one...I'd have preferred we get someone who can do a better job on Amare.


Never have so many people been so jacked about a fucking scrub......ok well maybe when the Scola trade went down.

You were jacked about Brent haveing a 1 quadrillion in a game in the playoffs so whats your point?

[T Park]

Fine WHottt the season is over.

Why bother playing?

Christ get laid and STFU.

[td4mvp21]

Thomas sucks...the only time I've noticed him is when the Spurs are owning his fucking teams out of the post season.


I went out and celebrated when the Suns signed him...because I knew he sucked and would not make a difference in their championship hopes.


And if you are going to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...you probably ought to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...and since there really isn't one...I'd have preferred we get someone who can do a better job on Amare.


Never have so many people been so jacked about a fucking scrub......ok well maybe when the Scola trade went down.

You're just a fucking stupid hater, Thomas is the only reason that series went 6 games and not 4 or 5. He's automatically our second leading rebounder, and he averages just as many points as your boy Brent does. Not to mention he can play defense, that's something Barry couldn't do.

[timvp]

Thomas sucks...the only time I've noticed him is when the Spurs are owning his fucking teams out of the post season.


I went out and celebrated when the Suns signed him...because I knew he sucked and would not make a difference in their championship hopes.


And if you are going to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...you probably ought to trade for someone who can guard Shaq...and since there really isn't one...I'd have preferred we get someone who can do a better job on Amare.


Never have so many people been so jacked about a fucking scrub......ok well maybe when the Scola trade went down.Are you saying that the Spurs can make mistakes when they trade? Shocking.

Kurt Thomas Trade >>>>> Luis Scola Trade

And I don't even particularly like the Kurt Thomas trade.

[DudleyDawson]

Damn, just heard the news. Brent was a great guy and really seemed to love San Antonio. Elson..gtfo.

[Holt's Cat]

Thomas allowed his teams to at least play Duncan straight up for stretches (same principle as Bowen on Kobe). No surprise that the Suns played the Spurs close in that series.

[T Park]

Im shocked TIMVP.

You hated Elson, the Spurs get a great rebounder wich you said is the Spurs biggest weakness.


I don't get how this is bad. ESPECIALLY if Barry comes back...

[nicolejefferson29]

Im with you also. I dont think he was worth all of that!!! I think maybe Elson and a first rounder. Or Elson and Barry but not all 3 not for KURT THOMAS!!!!!! HE'S FREAKIN OLD!!!!!!! Im not saying he's terrible but he wasnt worth all of that!!!!!!


Hmmmmm ....

And a first rounder?

I'm not sure how much I love this move at the moment.

[Bruno]

I don't see Thomas making much of a difference on Shaq, or Amare...and if he's on Shaq, that means Duncan's on Amare...and that means Amare's going to put up 37 PPG again....because Duncan hasn't gotten faster.


I agree with that.

A Duncan/Thomas frontcourt will often be too slow.

[whottt]

Hopefully whottt doesn't go ploto on Thomas. All we need is the male version of ploto on this forum.



My bad...would you be happier if I join you on the fence?

[T Park]

Thomas allowed his teams to at least play Duncan straight up for stretches (same principle as Bowen on Kobe). No surprise that the Suns played the Spurs close in that series.

Exactly right.

he also had a huge game 5 and was played an obscene amount of minutes and still played great O and D at the end of game 5 and all of game 6.

[Emeyin]

I like Brent Barry on the team and he will be missed. Kurt Thomas is a decent pick up though to help TD out. The defense will be nice. Not too worried about the 1st round pick to get him since it's going to be really high anyway.

[whottt]

Are you saying that the Spurs can make mistakes when they trade? Shocking.

Kurt Thomas Trade >>>>> Luis Scola Trade



I rather have Scola than Kurt Thomas if it makes you feel better....at least he's young and plays well with Manu.






And I don't even particularly like the Kurt Thomas trade.

Yes still you call me out for giving my opinion on it.


I've never liked Kurt Thomas, I've never one time said I thought he was someone the Spurs should pursue...and I would much rather have had Artest.


Shit...I rather have Nazr back then Kurt Thomas. Nazr actually does do a pretty good job on Shaq.

[timvp]

You hated ElsonI hated Elson as a starter. As a backup, he wasn't horrible.


, the Spurs get a great rebounder wich you said is the Spurs biggest weakness.The Spurs are by far the best defensive rebounding team in the league. I haven't complained about rebounding all year. The Spurs are already the best defensive rebounding team in recent NBA history.

Maybe Kurt Thomas will even further than dominance ... but that'd be pretty hard to do.


I don't get how this is bad. ESPECIALLY if Barry comes back...If Barry comes back, it's not a bad trade. It's not a great trade either. Like I said, it's more of a strategic move. I'm fine with it but I'm not going to celebrate this transaction.

[DudleyDawson]

The H-E-B commercials are going to take a hit as well

[timvp]

I rather have Scola than Kurt Thomas

:smchode: :smchode: :smchode: :smchode:

Damn you must really hate Kurt Thomas since you've basically crapped on Scola constantly for five years now.

[whottt]

I see Thomas maybe having some effectiveness against the Lakers....but I don't see him making shit difference against Phoenix...he's not going to stop Shaq if Shaq's not in the mood to be stopped....especially with Nash giving him the ball.


And anyone that thinks Shaq is washed up...well so is Kurt Thomas...


Washed up Shaq > Washed up Kurt Thomas

[timvp]

A Duncan/Thomas frontcourt will often be too slow.That has been my worry since this trade was first talked about a couple months ago. How many teams does a Duncan/Thomas frontline work against? 4? 5?

For that reason alone, I think the Spurs have to keep starting Oberto. Looking at Thomas as quality depth as opposed to a bigman savior makes this trade look better.

[T Park]

I hated Elson as a starter. As a backup, he wasn't horrible.

The Spurs are by far the best defensive rebounding team in the league. I haven't complained about rebounding all year. The Spurs are already the best defensive rebounding team in recent NBA history.

Maybe Kurt Thomas will even further than dominance ... but that'd be pretty hard to do.

If Barry comes back, it's not a bad trade. It's not a great trade either. Like I said, it's more of a strategic move. I'm fine with it but I'm not going to celebrate this transaction.


So your saying youd rather have Francisco Elson than Kurt Thomas?

If So I'm honestly speechless cause Elson was as dumb as a brick and worthless, while Kurt Thomas is a popesque player and gives them a rebounder while Duncan is off the floor, or keep other teams from rebounding on them IE, Detroit, Lakers, and others.

[himat]

I don't know who it was, but somebody made a thread that said this would be a great trade a few weeks ago. Well I guess it happened.

[arkeen3]

It amuses me that a lot of you are talking about Thomas' ability or inability to cover Shaq. I think you are all missing the point! Shaq is a shadow of himself. I don't think that was even a consideration for R.C. Thomas is an upgrade over Elson, period. Barry was out, although he will be missed on an emotional level at least but we were managing without him AND there is the possibility of his being able to return to us as many have implied. Finally, if all works out for us, the 08 Champs get the last pick in the first round anyway. Yes we have been pretty lucky in the past with our low first rounders but who is to say Seattle, by aquiring ours will be as shrewd as we have been in picking winners? Let's see what Kurt can do for us. I for one am excited with the prospect.

[timvp]

I see Thomas maybe having some effectiveness against the Lakers....but I don't see him making shit difference against Phoenix...he's not going to stop Shaq if Shaq's not in the mood to be stopped....especially with Nash giving him the ball.


And anyone that thinks Shaq is washed up...well so is Kurt Thomas...


Washed up Shaq > Washed up Kurt ThomasI think you put Duncan on Shaq and you put Thomas on Amare. Duncan has guarded Shaq well since about the 2006 season. Thomas guards Amare pretty well.

Duncan and Thomas works pretty nice against Gasol and Bynum. Put Thomas on Gasol and Duncan on Bynum.

[Hemotivo]

Kurt Thomas?

The Spurs need Barry more than Thomas

so Manu was mad at Pop because of this? :P

[AFBlue]

My thoughts on the trade....

I think the Spurs clearly had to do something to combat the large frontlines that were developing for title-contending teams and Elson/Horry/Bonner were definitely not the answer.

For that purpose, I think they did very well with this trade. Thomas may be slow, but he's smart and effective...both offensively and especially defensively. Given that description, I think the Spurs just landed another Oberto :lol ....but that's of course a good thing.

Not sure how I feel about losing Barry, because he's a much more accomplished three-point shooter than Udoka, who has taken his spot in the rotation. I cross my fingers and hope that a playoff loss doesn't come down to a missed three point shot....but I have faith that Udoka can more than make up for it with his tenacious defense and rebounding.

Also, I'm not sure about the 2009 pick. While it most likely won't be for a superstar or the "next great thing", I think the Spurs are at a point where they have to start thinking about injecting some youth in their roster of role players. Certainly Mahinmi and Splitter are a step in that direction, and of course the Spurs still have a few picks in the 2008 draft...but I think 2009 might matter as well.

We'll see....

Bottom Line: Not a trade that puts the Spurs clearly in the drivers seat, but it does help them compete with those other title-contending teams and was probably the most level-headed, smart deal on the table.

In the end, you can't fault the team for giving up a future likely late first rounder to get better today.

Here's hoping Kurt can come in, play solid defense, rebound some shots, play within his limits....and help the Spurs repeat! :toast

[timvp]

So your saying youd rather have Francisco Elson than Kurt Thomas?Obviously Thomas > Elson.


If So I'm honestly speechless cause Elson was as dumb as a brick and worthless,I thought you were Elson's #1 fan?


while Kurt Thomas is a popesque player and gives them a rebounder while Duncan is off the floor, or keep other teams from rebounding on them IE, Detroit, Lakers, and others.I do like the idea of Thomas on the court when Duncan is off the court. The problem is the other 38 minutes per game come playoff time.

[T Park]

Either way. I think Thomas can guard Bynum well in that hes a big bruiser and shove Bynum out and keep him from getting that easy shot inside.


I don't see the downside to giving up the 4th big on the Spurs for a guy that easily slides into the starting spot and is averaging 8.8 boards a game.

[remingtonbo2001]

That has been my worry since this trade was first talked about a couple months ago. How many teams does a Duncan/Thomas frontline work against? 4? 5?

For that reason alone, I think the Spurs have to keep starting Thomas. Looking at Thomas as quality depth as opposed to a bigman savior makes this trade look better.

Unless the matchup dictates otherwise, I wouldn't have Duncan and Thomas on the floor at the same time. If Brent comes back then this trade is a definite plus.

[Hemotivo]

Kurt Thomas has high basketball IQ?

Question

[T Park]

Obviously Thomas > Elson.

I thought you were Elson's #1 fan?

I do like the idea of Thomas on the court when Duncan is off the court. The problem is the other 38 minutes per game come playoff time.

I was only his number 1 fan on fantasy football.
I rooted for Elson and I liked what I heard from people in Denver. He didn't produce and this year when he didn't pick up the rotations and was constantly getting ripped up and constantly getting told where to stand on defense got old and I had enough.


Once again, I don't see how Thomas who played fantastic in the playoffs last year, is all of a sudden a bad thing in these playoffs.

I guess Im just too optimistic.

[1Parker1]

:lmao You know in hindsight, you had to figure the Spurs had something up their sleeves. Barry has been out for quite some time now, yet we have never read an article or update on his injury or gotten and time table on his return. Spurs FO was able to hide this behind Parker's absence as well.

[whottt]

I say let's see what Kurt can do.

He can cure insomnia...





I for one am excited with the prospect.

I see...and do you get excited about watching cars rust as well?


You are the first person to ever use the words Kurt Thomas and excitement in the same sentence...props.


He's averaging 7 points per game...and that's going to drop when he comes to SA.

[T Park]

nless the matchup dictates otherwise, I wouldn't have Duncan and Thomas on the floor at the same time

I respectfully disagree.

[O.J. Mayonnaise]

Thomas can't guard Gasol. He did a good job on Duncan because Duncan is more of a post player. Gasol likes to face up from 10-15 feet an take his man off the dribble. Thomas can't stay in front of him.

[whottt]

Kurt Thomas has high basketball IQ?

Question


Scola > Thomas



Answer

[picnroll]

Thomas is good against Laker's, Houston, Utah, the teams that were the toughest macthups for the Spurs in the West pre-Thomas. He gives the Spurs a third, fourth good big and probably the second best after Duncan.

[Holt's Cat]

Thomas' 42 games with Seattle:
25 min per game
7.5 points
51.3% FG%
8.8 rebounds
2.2 off rebounds
1.0 blocks

That's pretty damn good. Especially to shoot at that clip on a young team. Slightly better shotblocking than what went out (Spurs are 26th in the league in blocking shots, so any improvement is welcome). Of course it's the rebounding that stands out. Even with the Spurs' defensive rebounding prowess, I would argue that it's important to have another big up front who can work the glass with Duncan. I wish there was a stat for 'rebounding in the paint' because I think the Spurs wouldn't be first in that. Overall, the Spurs are 19th in the NBA in rebounding (Seattle is 1st - go figure). Spurs are also 24th in the league in offensive rebounding. Certainly part of the reason for those rebounding rankings is quality offensive and defensive execution and having better shooting, but it's not like the Spurs don't have room for improvement.

[Ghost Writer]

I won't pretend that I am not disappointed that the Spurs did not roll the dice with Artest, but K. Thomas is a dependable, sure-fire low-post performer.

He can defend and score.

He won't hurt us at the line and has a good basketball IQ.

I'm happy the front office addressed a need.

Well done.

[MagnusKrauss]

i'll miss brent.

cisco, not so much.

at least we got bigger again.

[T Park]

I won't pretend that I am not disappointed that the Spurs did not roll the dice with Artest, but K. Thomas is a dependable, sure-fire low-post performer.

He can defend and score.

He won't hurt us at the line and has a good basketball IQ.

I'm happy the front office addressed a need.

Well done.



Me and Ghost agree. (I disagree about Artest)

I agree 1000% low post defender and rebounding have been something this team has been missing since Nazr's over his head performances in the playoffs in 05.

Period, this fixes it.

[whottt]

I think you put Duncan on Shaq and you put Thomas on Amare. Duncan has guarded Shaq well since about the 2006 season.

Fair enough...



Thomas guards Amare pretty well.

:lol

This I want to see....if he's a bigman that can guard Amare...he's the first.



Duncan and Thomas works pretty nice against Gasol and Bynum. Put Thomas on Gasol and Duncan on Bynum.


I'll agree with that....but I still liked the idea of aquiring Artest One thousand times more.

[1Parker1]

The biggest problem I've seen with the Spurs this season is their offense; If the Big 3 are having an off night, Spurs have a hard time cracking 90. Bowen, Udoka, Vaughn/Damon, Horry, Finley have all been up and down this season. Barry was the Spurs best 3 point shooter and he's proven to knock down those 3 pointers for the Spurs in the postseason. I just hope the lack of offense doesn't come back to haunt them.

On the other hand, no one exactly knows the extent of Barry's re-injury. Spurs were really CIA on that :depressed

[TDMVPDPOY]

I still think ron artest wouldve made a good move,

at least he can gaurd dirk, amare and stuff

[Holt's Cat]

I think you put Duncan on Shaq and you put Thomas on Amare. Duncan has guarded Shaq well since about the 2006 season. Thomas guards Amare pretty well.

Duncan and Thomas works pretty nice against Gasol and Bynum. Put Thomas on Gasol and Duncan on Bynum.

Also a nice wrinkle is that Thomas can score some points, especialy with his J. The Spurs' offensive spacing should improve a little with him in the rotation instead of Elson.

[1Parker1]

Also, I agree with a lot of the posters....Barry+Elson+1st Round pick seems like a lot for Kurt Thomas :wow

[1Parker1]

Also GOOD RIDDANCE TO ELSON! :elephant :elephant


What a waste of space he was...

[whottt]

Thomas' 42 games with Seattle:
25 min per game
7.5 points
51.3% FG%
8.8 rebounds
2.2 off rebounds
1.0 blocks

That's pretty damn good. Especially to shoot at that clip on a young team. Slightly better shotblocking than what went out (Spurs are 26th in the league in blocking shots, so any improvement is welcome). Of course it's the rebounding that stands out. Even with the Spurs' defensive rebounding prowess, I would argue that it's important to have another big up front who can work the glass with Duncan. I wish there was a stat for 'rebounding in the paint' because I think the Spurs wouldn't be first in that. Overall, the Spurs are 19th in the NBA in rebounding (Seattle is 1st - go figure). Spurs are also 24th in the league in offensive rebounding. Certainly part of the reason for those rebounding rankings is quality offensive and defensive execution and having better shooting, but it's not like the Spurs don't have room for improvement.




You sure did use a lot of fucking words to say that you think "Thomas > Artest".

That's all you needed to say...

[Holt's Cat]

Thomas is good against Laker's, Houston, Utah, the teams that were the toughest macthups for the Spurs in the West pre-Thomas. He gives the Spurs a third, fourth good big and probably the second best after Duncan.

No kidding. Spurs needed some muscle up front with TD. They were loaded with finesse in the frontcourt. This trade evens that out.

[Bruno]

Looking at Thomas as quality depth as opposed to a bigman savior makes this trade look better.

That's how I look at this trade.
Spurs have saved money, added quality depth at the PF/C and removed quality depth at the SG/SF.

To me, it wasn't worth a first round pick.
If, Brent, the quality depth at SG/SF come back, the trade will look better but I still won't like it.

[Holt's Cat]

You sure did use a lot of fucking words to say that you think "Thomas > Artest".

That's all you needed to say...


Fuck you.

[T Park]

Thomas' 42 games with Seattle:
25 min per game
7.5 points
51.3% FG%
8.8 rebounds
2.2 off rebounds
1.0 blocks

That's pretty damn good. Especially to shoot at that clip on a young team. Slightly better shotblocking than what went out (Spurs are 26th in the league in blocking shots, so any improvement is welcome). Of course it's the rebounding that stands out. Even with the Spurs' defensive rebounding prowess, I would argue that it's important to have another big up front who can work the glass with Duncan. I wish there was a stat for 'rebounding in the paint' because I think the Spurs wouldn't be first in that. Overall, the Spurs are 19th in the NBA in rebounding (Seattle is 1st - go figure). Spurs are also 24th in the league in offensive rebounding. Certainly part of the reason for those rebounding rankings is quality offensive and defensive execution and having better shooting, but it's not like the Spurs don't have room for improvement.


Great numbers.

Thomas shows in those numbers hes still got lots of gas in the tank.

9 boards a game and almost 8 points.

Nice :smokin

[1Parker1]

Soooo anyone think the Spurs "close" relation to the Sonics front-office helped edge in the Spurs for this trade over the Magic who were supposedly the front runners in the Kurt THomas trade.

:smokin

[T Park]

That's how I look at this trade.
Spurs have saved money, added quality depth at the PF/C and removed quality depth at the SG/SF.

To me, it wasn't worth a first round pick.
If, Brent, the quality depth at SG/SF come back, the trade will look better but I still won't like it.


When the heck did the 27th through the 30th pick in the NBA become so GD valuable?

Win freaking now.

You can trade fodder for a late first round pick in the summer of 08 or hell in June of 09 if you want.

[Holt's Cat]

Great numbers.

Thomas shows in those numbers hes still got lots of gas in the tank.

9 boards a game and almost 8 points.

Nice :smokin


9 boards in 25 minutes.

[T Park]

Soooo anyone think the Spurs "close" relation to the Sonics front-office helped edge in the Spurs for this trade over the Magic who were supposedly the front runners in the Kurt THomas trade.

:smokin

Doesn't hurt I'm sure :smokin

[Ghost Writer]

1. I sure hope Artest does not get traded for the same or less, though.

2. I'm not worried about the first rounder next year either way. A rookie is not going to make an impact on this team next year.

3. I happy the Spurs made a move to help the team now.

4. Do they let K. Thomas walk and go after someone better this summer?

Question.

[T Park]

9 boards in 25 minutes.

Yeah i think he will get about 25 and Oberto will get 23.

Alot depending on the matchups.

I still like a great post defender in Kurt Thomas going against Shaq as opposed to Elson or Oberto.

[T Park]

4. Do they let K. Thomas walk and go after someone better this summer?



If the Spurs feel Diop is BETTER than Thomas, then they could.

I think though thomas resigns for about 4 or 5 mill for a year and him and Oberto tutor the young stud Splitter.

[Holt's Cat]

That's how I look at this trade.
Spurs have saved money, added quality depth at the PF/C and removed quality depth at the SG/SF.

To me, it wasn't worth a first round pick.
If, Brent, the quality depth at SG/SF come back, the trade will look better but I still won't like it.


They still have their 1st round pick in this year's draft along with two 2nd rounders and then in 2009 they will have two 2nd rounders. Given their propensity to use those picks on international talent they should be able to find some worthwhile candidates for draft and stash. Then they still have Splitter and Sanikidze's rights. And you have Mahinmi who is coming along.

They have their MLE this summer and their LLE. Should they retain Finley for one more season you don't have that many holes in the swingman rotation.

[1Parker1]

When the heck did the 27th through the 30th pick in the NBA become so GD valuable?.

:lmao Since the Spurs got Tim Duncan, maybe?

28th Pick; Tony Parker
2nd Round Pick: Manu Ginobili
27th Pick: Ian Mahimi

etc
etc
etc

[timvp]

1. I sure hope Artest does not get traded for the same or less, though.

2. I'm not worried about the first rounder next year either way. A rookie is not going to make an impact on this team next year.

3. I happy the Spurs made a move to help the team now.

4. Do they let K. Thomas walk and go after someone better this summer?

Question.1. He'll be traded for more than the Spurs have to offer ... if he's traded at all.

2. I don't really care about the first round pick itself but I'm not sure how well the Spurs used their trade asset. I guess the Sonics simply weren't going to budge and take a second round pick in the deal.

3. If Barry is Stackhoused, there isn't really anyway anyone can say this trade doesn't help to win right now.

4. They could let him walk, sign him to a short deal (one or two years) or sign-and-trade him.

[Hemotivo]

I think though thomas resigns for about 4 or 5 mill for a year and him and Oberto tutor the young stud Splitter.
Scola was the "tutor" of Tiago in Europe, so he's ready for the NBA

[T Park]

They still have their 1st round pick in this year's draft along with two 2nd rounders and then in 2009 they will have two 2nd rounders. Given their propensity to use those picks on international talent they should be able to find some worthwhile candidates for draft and stash. Then they still have Splitter and Sanikidze's rights. And you have Mahinmi who is coming along.



If Sanikidze develops like he looks like he is, and if he can play like he did this past summer, the swingman depth becomes less of a problem.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

4. Do they let K. Thomas walk and go after someone better this summer?

Question.
Trade away Bonner (he's lost pretty much everyone's trust) so the Spurs can now focus on Splitter and Ian for the future. Kurt can be re-signed and help them out with his teachings on post D.

[Bruno]

When the heck did the 27th through the 30th pick in the NBA become so GD valuable?


Spurs should have traded their late first round pick in 2001.
Late first round pick are useless.

[T Park]

:lmao Since the Spurs got Tim Duncan, maybe?

28th Pick; Tony Parker
2nd Round Pick: Manu Ginobili
27th Pick: Ian Mahimi

etc
etc
etc


Ian Mahinmi is still not proven if it was a "steal"

Now had you said Splitter I would've taken pause.

BUT. That late in the first round and having to pay gauranteed money, its a crap shoot.

Nothing is gauranteed. Thomas is a gauranteed solid player.

You trade the ungauranteed for the gauranteed everytime.

[T Park]

Spurs should have traded their late first round pick in 2001.
Late first round pick are useless.

Awesome.

So you go into the playoffs this year hoping you have a good post defender against those bigs, in return for MAYBE getting a DECENT player in the 2009 draft?

Great winning thinking.

[T Park]

Trade away Bonner (he's lost pretty much everyone's trust

Huh?

[Bruno]

If Sanikidze develops like he looks like he is, and if he can play like he did this past summer, the swingman depth becomes less of a problem.

Do you realize that Sanikidze is playing in one of the worst league in Europe.
For reference, the MVP of Sanikidze's league is a 18 years old kid.

[1Parker1]

Ian Mahinmi is still not proven if it was a "steal"

Now had you said Splitter I would've taken pause.

BUT. That late in the first round and having to pay gauranteed money, its a crap shoot.

Nothing is gauranteed. Thomas is a gauranteed solid player.

You trade the ungauranteed for the gauranteed everytime.

:lol You're right T-Park. It is a crap shoot. Not like the Spurs didn't get an immediate impact player in 2001 with the 28th pick or anything. Not like in 2003 during there weren't any great picks left well into the 2nd round. Oh and Splitter was part of the "etc etc etc"

[batboy]

This trade makes sense on so many levels, not the least of which being that other teams are deprived of picking Thomas up and putting him on Duncan.

[Mr. Body]

Trade away Bonner (he's lost pretty much everyone's trust) so the Spurs can now focus on Splitter and Ian for the future. Kurt can be re-signed and help them out with his teachings on post D.

Dude, no one fucking wants Bonner. They'd have to trade him coupled with a first round pick. Oh, wait...

[Hemotivo]

For reference, the MVP of Sanikidze's league is a 18 years old kid.
:lol

[Ghost Writer]

The way I see it, we have duplicity in what Barry does in Finley.

And I am a big Barry fan, but we have enough guys that can shoot the 3 and now have Stoudamire and Vaughn to bring the rock up when Parker is not.

Thomas upgrades Elson, big time and will supplant Oberto in the rotation. Watch.

Also, with Mahinmi and Splitter being up and coming, I won't lose sleep over a lost first rounder.

This trade unquestionably helps the Spurs win now.






And I take comfort in the fact that helping the Spurs win now is the undisputable intent of the deal by the front office.

[O.J. Mayonnaise]

I think Thomas helps the Spurs offensively more than defensively. He's a good shooter from 15-18 feet which makes it harder for teams to trap Ginobili and Parker on pick and rolls. Also, teams can't just leave him open because he'll make the shot.

He'll help with rebounding, but who can he really guard? There really aren't a lot of true post players in the west besides Duncan and Yao, and he's way too small to guard Yao. Boozer plays mostly pick and roll and likes to face up. Okur plays on the perimeter. Gasol, as I said is more of a face up player, as is Amare. David West is a mid-range jumpshooter. Dirk posts up sometimes, but if you put Thomas on him, the Mavs will just run the iso from the top of the key that they love to do, and Thomas can't guard him from there.

I think the best way to use him is to bring him off the bench with Ginobili to run pick and pop. That way, there will be someone besides Manu on the floor who is a threat to score.

[TampaDude]

Nice to get another big...hope KT can make a solid contribution in Pop's system. :toast

[Bruno]

Awesome.

So you go into the playoffs this year hoping you have a good post defender against those bigs, in return for MAYBE getting a DECENT player in the 2009 draft?

Great winning thinking.

Awesome.
Spurs should have trade Splitter, Mahinmi their 2008, 2009, 2010.. first and second round picks because they won't help them this year.
Great long and mid term thinking.

[T Park]

:lol You're right T-Park. It is a crap shoot. Not like the Spurs didn't get an immediate impact player in 2001 with the 28th pick or anything. Not like in 2003 during there weren't any great picks left well into the 2nd round. Oh and Splitter was part of the "etc etc etc"


Fuck it.

Season is over.

Sell the season tickets.

Why bother watching.

[1Parker1]

Awesome.

So you go into the playoffs this year hoping you have a good post defender against those bigs, in return for MAYBE getting a DECENT player in the 2009 draft?

Great winning thinking.

Well, you're going into the playoffs think the Spurs will play Lakers and Pheonix. What if Kobe's finger doesn't hold up and they get bounced in the 1st round? What if Pheonix Shaq gets reinjured and is not even 90% for the Suns when he plays in the postseason?

Those are basically the only two teams Thomas's post defense would be extremely valuable against.

Matchups are everything; What if the Spurs road to the finals is to play the Nuggets, Mavericks, and Jazz??? Barry would have come in a lot handier against those teams than Thomas.

[ss1986v2]

4. Do they let K. Thomas walk and go after someone better this summer?

Question.
i would think that it depends on a couple of things. first and foremost would be whether or not KT wants to stay a spurs. lets just assume a yes. next will be whether he still has gas in the tank. if he shows to be a solid player, capable of handling 20 or so minutes a night for the rest of the season, and producing at a respectable clip (better than, say 7&7), than its probably a go on that front.

next would be his cost. if he can be had at the vet min, its a no brainer. and depending on the level of his production, a salary somewhere between 2-4 mil wouldnt be unheard of. but thanks to this move, the spurs now own thomas' bird rights, meaning we can go over the cap to resign him, without having to touch any of our exception money. so we could conceivably overpay a bit, and stilll have the same money to spend (MLE, LLE), and not push us too close to the tax line. again, would depend on exactly how productive he is as a spur.

[SequSpur]

The trade unquestionably helps the spurs win now.

[1Parker1]

Fuck it.

Season is over.

Sell the season tickets.

Why bother watching.

:lmao Are you serious? Do you even read what people write, or do you just react dramatically to everything???

[T Park]

The way I see it, we have duplicity in what Barry does in Finley.

And I am a big Barry fan, but we have enough guys that can shoot the 3 and now have Stoudamire and Vaughn to bring the rock up when Parker is not.

Thomas upgrades Elson, big time and will supplant Oberto in the rotation. Watch.

Also, with Mahinmi and Splitter being up and coming, I won't lose sleep over a lost first rounder.

This trade unquestionably helps the Spurs win now.






And I take comfort in the fact that helping the Spurs win now is the undisputable intent of the deal by the front office.


Spot on.

Great post Ghost.

I like that were on the same page on this trade :tu

[SpurOutofTownFan]

Hmmmmm ....

And a first rounder?

I'm not sure how much I love this move at the moment.

The first rounder was lame indeed. But I'm sure they carefully thought about this before doing it. Thomas covered Duncan very well during the last playoffs and few players can do that. As far as getting Thomas I think that's ok. He's hungry for a title he couldn't get with the Suns and after moving to Seattle I'm sure he wanted out as soon as possible to a contending team.

[arkeen3]

You are the first person to ever use the words Kurt Thomas and excitement in the same sentence...props.


He's averaging 7 points per game...and that's going to drop when he comes to SA.

I don't think I did use them in the same sentence. That being said, what was Elson averaging? Why all the bitterness? I suppose you are right, Elson is better off the bench than Thomas and an injured Barry was really helping.

[T Park]

:lmao Are you serious? Do you even read what people write, or do you just react dramatically to everything???

I've read what you guys have written and your cherry picking drafts to make it think there are fantastic all stars at the end of the first round.

Im not arguing with you guys so fine. Horrible trade worst trade in the history of the NBA.

happy?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Huh?
You really think Bonner will start getting his minutes back up?
I mean really, not trying to start an argument.
Do you really think Bonner can get his minutes back?
Over the last 14 games he's averaging a little over 8 minutes per game.

[ShoogarBear]

I like the pickup, but man the Spurs really don't respect draft picks do they?

Give up Oberto for second-round picks when they easily could have gotten a first.

And give up a first for Thomas when it should have been a second.

[SequSpur]

Matchups are everything; What if the Spurs road to the finals is to play the Nuggets, Mavericks, and Jazz??? Barry would have come in a lot handier against those teams than Thomas.

Will you please find some other take on this matter? You have no clue.

[T Park]

You really think Bonner will start getting his minutes back up?
I mean really, not trying to start an argument.
Do you really think Bonner can get his minutes back?
Over the last 14 games he's averaging a little over 8 minutes per game.

Not this year.

Next year when Horry is gone, he will get the minutes back.

I don't think I, nor pop have lost faith in him.

If you have, thats your opinion, but I haven't.

[Holt's Cat]

Awesome.
Spurs should have trade Splitter, Mahinmi their 2008, 2009, 2010.. first and second round picks because they won't help them this year.
Great long and mid term thinking.

So they have their 1st rounder this year. They have their 1st round pick from last year coming in next season. Mahinmi is progressing. They have 4 2nd round picks to use on international talent over the next two drafts. The Spurs' frontcourt needed to be upgraded for this season. You have to balance long term internet GM draft wishes with current needs.

[Holt's Cat]

Oh God, Bill Walton and Stephen A Smith are praising this deal.

[Bruno]

:lol

I'm not kidding.
His name is Giorgi Shermadini. He is a 7'1" center born in 1989. He scored 47 points in a recent game. he could end up being drafted one day.

[Ghost Writer]

Yeah, when do the people who are bemoaning next year's first rounder think that he will actually crack the rotation?

Circa 2012?

[T Park]

I'm not kidding.
His name is Giorgi Shermadini. He is a 7'1" center born in 1989. He scored 47 points in a recent game. he could end up being drafted one day.


So that means automatically Sanikidze is horrible?

Pardon me if I'm not gonna give up on him so quickly.

[1Parker1]

I've read what you guys have written and your cherry picking drafts to make it think there are fantastic all stars at the end of the first round.

Im not arguing with you guys so fine. Horrible trade worst trade in the history of the NBA.

happy?


:rolleyes I'm choosing to purposely ignore your rude sarcasm and dumbass assumptions.

I never said this was a "horrible trade worst trade in the history of the NBA." I did point out that it was a lot to give up to get Kurt Thomas when you factor in a valuable first round pick and I think Barry was a lot more important to the Spurs than many people realize.

[1Parker1]

So that means automatically Sanikidze is horrible?

Pardon me if I'm not gonna give up on him so quickly.

But you're so readily to give up on the potential of the Spurs 2009 28th pick?

[Soul_Patch]

Stephen A. just said "spurs got a great deal giving up barry elson and a second rounder"

Was he just mispoken, or is there misinformation somewhere?

This deal would be soooo much better if it is a second rounder. I like it either way, but keeping that pick would be great.

[Bruno]

So they have their 1st rounder this year. They have their 1st round pick from last year coming in next season. Mahinmi is progressing. They have 4 2nd round picks to use on international talent over the next two drafts. The Spurs' frontcourt needed to be upgraded for this season. You have to balance long term internet GM draft wishes with current needs.

I agree that it's finding a balance between the future and now.
I just think that the gain of Thomas and the loss of Barry/Elson wasn't worth this first round pick.
I think we disagree on that not because I value more the pick than you but because I'm no as high on Thomas as you.
We just don't have the same evaluation on Thomas. It's then kinda logical that we disagree on whether the trade is good or not.

[TwoHandJam]

This is a good trade because:

- As much as I loved Barry's game, the risk that he would get re-injured or not come back 100% was too great.

- I think you start Thomas with Duncan and make use of his mid-range J to space the floor for Tim. Thomas is slow but if he plays closer to the basket, he won't have to move much laterally and Duncan can be the help defender who does more roaming swoops in to blocks shots. As already mentioned, Oberto has good synergy with Manu anyway so give him more time with the second unit.

- KT is an enforcer. We haven't had one this year and Pop always has at least one. KT isn't afraid to foul someone like CP3 or Deron or Kobe *hard* to send a message.

- His rebounding will help Tim save energy for 4th quarters. He'll set great picks for our guards. If he's ever on the floor when Tim sits, our rebounding won't suffer. With Tim off the floor, we can't seem to grab a board to save our lives.

- He's got tons of playoff experience. He's been to the big dance once before and was in the conference semis recently. He should be *really* hungry to get over that hump.

He'll definitely help us against key playoff teams like Utah, Lakers, Houston, Phoenix. I know I'll miss Barry but keeping him after two consecutive injuries at his age at the expense of improving up front doesn't make sense. Hopefully, he'll get waived anyhow and resigns with us so we can have our cake and eat it too.

That would be sweet.

[SequSpur]

:rolleyes I'm choosing to purposely ignore your rude sarcasm and dumbass assumptions.

I never said this was a "horrible trade worst trade in the history of the NBA." I did point out that it was a lot to give up to get Kurt Thomas when you factor in a valuable first round pick and I think Barry was a lot more important to the Spurs than many people realize.

Blah Blah Blah..... Barry was important, but the Spurs already have the same thing in others. The dude is frickin broke. They traded a broke player, a shitty player and a shitty player to be named later for a solid potential starting center.

Did you not watch the playoffs last year? Thomas was THE ONLY center that gave the Spurs difficulty and now we got him.

Damn....

[Holt's Cat]

But you're so readily to give up on the potential of the Spurs 2009 28th pick?

Francisco Elson as your 4th big demanded it.

[SequSpur]

:sequ

[T Park]

I'm choosing to purposely ignore your rude sarcasm

ouch. I guess I should feel hurt.



But you're so readily to give up on the potential of the Spurs 2009 28th pick?

Now your comparing apples to oranges.

If Sanikidze was the sticking point in a deal to acquire Mike Miller, I would say Adios Viktor.

You trade uncertainty, FOR certainty.

The team's weakness in the frontcourt outweighed having Brent barry.

Thats all i've said. Despite what you people want to twist around and try and insult me with.

[coopdogg3]

Oh God, Bill Walton and Stephen A Smith are praising this deal.

Well, I was kinda liking the deal. Now I'll have to rethink things. Blast.

:lol

[Bruno]

So that means automatically Sanikidze is horrible?

Pardon me if I'm not gonna give up on him so quickly.

He is a long long shot.
He is still young so there is still some hope but, right now, it doesn't look good.

[T Park]

Awesome post twohand, spot on with my feelings and I agree.

Thomas makes this team damn damn damn good now.

I feel much better about the playoffs than I did 24 hours ago.

[Holt's Cat]

This is a good trade because:

- As much as I loved Barry's game, the risk that he would get re-injured or not come back 100% was too great.

- I think you start Thomas with Duncan and make use of his mid-range J to space the floor for Tim. Thomas is slow but if he plays closer to the basket, he won't have to move much laterally and Duncan can be the help defender who does more roaming swoops in to blocks shots. As already mentioned, Oberto has good synergy with Manu anyway so give him more time with the second unit.

Exactly. Thomas fits up front with TD, which of course is the main criteria for a Spurs' bigman.



- KT is an enforcer. We haven't had one this year and Pop always has at least one. KT isn't afraid to foul someone like CP3 or Deron or Kobe *hard* to send a message.

True. Between him and Horry the Spurs have enough saltiness up front now.





- His rebounding will help Tim save energy for 4th quarters. He'll set great picks for our guards. If he's ever on the floor when Tim sits, our rebounding won't suffer. With Tim off the floor, we can't seem to grab a board to save our lives.

Good point. I'm not sold on rebounding not being a concern for the Spurs. And if it's a strength, hey, nothing wrong with improving that a little more.




- He's got tons of playoff experience. He's been to the big dance once before and was in the conference finals recently. He should be *really* hungry to get over that hump.


True. Elson just didn't have a clue sometimes.




He'll definitely help us against key playoff teams like Utah, Lakers, Houston, Phoenix. I know I'll miss Barry but keeping him after two consecutive injuries at his age at the expense of improving up front doesn't make sense. Hopefully, he'll get waived anyhow and resigns with us so we can have our cake and eat it too.

That would be sweet.

Plus you don't know what Horry can bring this season.

[Holt's Cat]

He is a long long shot.
He is still young so there is still some hope but, right now, it doesn't look good.


So you have your 1st rounder and two 2nd rounders to use on international prospects in this June's draft.

[T Park]

Yeah, I can see where TIMVP and others are coming from, but I just have to respectfully disagree when they bring up the rebounding.

outside of Duncan, Oberto, and Udoka, whos a good rebounder?

Even if hes just bench depth and plays for Duncan when he goes to the bench, this is still a fantastic trade.

[SA Gunslinger]

Ass Smith was on suns/lakers halftime and I heard him insinuate Sam Presti did the Spurs a favor. He said as much as Walton started talking.

[SequSpur]

the spurs suck at rebounding and this was a good move.

[Hemotivo]

I'm not kidding.
His name is Giorgi Shermadini. He is a 7'1" center born in 1989. He scored 47 points in a recent game. he could end up being drafted one day.
wow

[dbreiden83080]

Very good trade for the Spurs. Thomas must be thrilled he is coming to SA to play with Timmy and the boys for a shot at a ring. He'll fit in well. Plays good D, hits the jumpshot with great consistancy. I am not worried about that 1st RD pick as we know the Spurs will just draft another foreign player who won't play for them for a few years. Timmy is 32, the time to go for broke for a shot to win the 5th title in the glorious Tim Duncan Era is now. I like this deal.

[tlongII]

The Spurs had to make this deal. They need Thomas for his interior defense and rebounding. The 1st round pick is a steep price, but they are trying to win now.

[m33p0]

too bad we had to lose barry for him but the upside to this is we finally got someone better than elson in the middle.

is there an HEB outlet in oklahoma or seattle?

[m33p0]

The Spurs had to make this deal. They need Thomas for his interior defense and rebounding. The 1st round pick is a steep price, but they are trying to win now.
they try to win every year. i don't see the 1st round pick as a steep a price considering that splitter will be coming on board next season. besides, how high a pick would the spurs get anyway?

[T Park]

One other plus to this, and its been covered but I think it needs to be brought back up.

Kurt Thomas is a tough, mean, bad ass.

I mean he is a take no shit, kick your ass big man.

Something the Spurs have had in everyone one of their championship runs.

Sorry to be a repeater.

[T Park]

The Spurs had to make this deal. They need Thomas for his interior defense and rebounding. The 1st round pick is a steep price, but they are trying to win now.


Agreed.

[Ghost Writer]

Why do people quiver at the thought of losing a first rounder.

Please name the last first rounder to stick with this team.

Hint: Tony Parker


We got Mahimi and Splitter waiting in the wings and a championship rotation pretty much set even with some departures next year.

[T Park]

Yeah Splitter is really really gonna impress next year.

He might get good enough to the point where Oberto and his expiring could be packaged next year, depending on how is transistion.