Kurt Thomas: Stop-gap solution or longer term fit?

[SenorSpur]

With the recent size additions of the Fakers and Suns, and with the Mavs looking to "size up" too, the Spurs getting Thomas was a quite a coup. There's no doubt that Thomas will add more toughness, physicality, post defense, rebounding and scoring to bolster their frontline.

Now that the Spurs have made their BIG trade of the season, I'm curious about this. Was this strictly a move for the remainder of the season? Or can the Spurs possibly "squeeze" another season or two out of Thomas. Especially when you consider the expected arrival of both Splitter and Mahinmi next season.

Considering the dude is 35 years old, you have to wonder how much he will have left after this season. What's your opinion?

[jacobdrj]

Helluvu stop gap. This is the type of vet that needs to be brought in every year. They are disposable, and need to be replaced. And that is ok. Change on a team is good. Different looks are very important.

[ChumpDumper]

I could see his staying on for a season or two while Splitter gets ready for prime time.

[timvp]

Thomas is pretty damn old with an extensive injury history. If he survives the rest of this season without getting injured, that's a plus. Anything more than that is too early to predict. If the Spurs want to keep him, they could do so without cutting into their MLE money this summer.

First we have to see if he fits. Even if he does, hopefully he has enough gas in the tank to finish the season and the playoffs strong.

Consider this a six month rental. Anything more than that is gravy.

[T Park]

Stays next year.

Splitter comes in gets tutored by THomas and Oberto.

Fantastic tutors IMO. Rebounding and defense from Thomas.
Offensive movement, "tricks" and passing from Oberto.

[Kori Ellis]

Good stop gap. I don't care if he stays or not after this year.

[Joe Schmoogins]

Ya I think it would make sense for him to stay around another year. As Chump mentioned, he would be a solid option while Splitter learns the system and gets ready to take over the reigns. Hopefully he will be healthy as timvp mentioned. If he is. I think we'll see him around for at least another year. He will still be needed... so if healthy... why not?!

[SouthernFried]

Reminds me of Parrish a little bit. Didn't Parrish play into his 40's?

Love to have him around for a coupla more years. Easy to limit his minutes, especially playing smaller lineups with Oberto. This could almost be a perfect situation for both the Spurs and KT.

Here's hoping....

[SenorSpur]

I seem to remember hearing a rumor about the Spurs nearly making a deal for Thomas, that included a Malik Rose swap, back when Thomas was in New York. Boy, would've been hella good to have gotten him 5 years ago. Oh well.

[timvp]

I seem to remember hearing a rumor about the Spurs nearly making a deal for Thomas, that included a Malik Rose swap, back when Thomas was in New York. Boy, would've been hella good to have gotten him 5 years ago. Oh well.It was Rasho for Thomas. Why the Spurs didn't do it ... I have no idea.

[SenorSpur]

It was Rasho for Thomas. Why the Spurs didn't do it ... I have no idea.

Now I'm really PISSED! :lol

[Brutalis]

He won't be back next year. Just a rental.

[texasqb2]

He may not get anything better than the vet min next season, so you never know or he may not play after he helps the Spurs to their 5th title. This was a great deal...we still have an 8 million dollar expiring contract, who cares about the 2009 1st round pick...we are horrible in the first round when we dont have the top pick outside of TP.

[Aud21946]

A stop - gap. 35 year old players are never a long -term solution. A rental if he is healthy.

[Holt's Cat]

He was a 35 year old who played very well in 25 minutes a night with a young team. If he has enough gas for a run this year and maybe one more that will be fine.

[Ghost Writer]

Stop gap


Entertain bringing him back on the cheap, but keep flexible other options this summer.

Some youth would be swell.

[Russ]

He's Big Dog Robinson minus the bad attitude. His knees are so arthritic he probably envies Shaq. That said, I bet he'll help the Spurs lot this year.

Trivia question -- Who was the last college player to lead the nation in both points and rebounds in the same season?

[misterx91578]

He's Big Dog Robinson minus the bad attitude. His knees are so arthritic he probably envies Shaq. That said, I bet he'll help the Spurs lot this year.

Trivia question -- Who was the last college player to lead the nation in both points and rebounds in the same season?

KT :elephant

[Slippy]

This bit of news made my day. He's a short term acquisition. Still, the spurs do like veteran guys so maybe for another season or 2 if on the cheap. A good fit none the less.

[Agloco]

I could see his staying on for a season or two while Splitter gets ready for prime time.


Hey Chump, you don't think Splitter is a "plug and play" guy yet? I've seen some posts that indicate Splitter could have been a lottery pick a few years ago. Dunno much about him tho.....


Personally I think Thomas could stay a bit if he remains healthy.

[K-State Spur]

He's Big Dog Robinson minus the bad attitude. His knees are so arthritic he probably envies Shaq. That said, I bet he'll help the Spurs lot this year.

Trivia question -- Who was the last college player to lead the nation in both points and rebounds in the same season?

how about before that? the X-Man @ Wichita State.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

35 is NOT OLD, bitches!!! :madrun

[ChumpDumper]

Hey Chump, you don't think Splitter is a "plug and play" guy yet? I've seen some posts that indicate Splitter could have been a lottery pick a few years ago. Dunno much about him tho.....


Personally I think Thomas could stay a bit if he remains healthy.Splitter could go either way. I expect some transition time regardless, but given his ability and upside I do have him penciled in as our eventual starting center.

I really don't see any reason not to keep Thomas for another season if he works out.

[Russ]

35 is NOT OLD, bitches!!! :madrun
If you're an accountant. :hat

[Russ]

Splitter could go either way. I expect some transition time regardless, but given his ability and upside I do have him penciled in as our eventual starting center.
Splitter will extend Duncan's career by years. You ain't seen nothin yet folks.

[hsxvvd]

Guys like Kurt Thomas can play well after 35, look at the list of the career leaders in games played.

6. Kevin Willis
11. Buck Williams
16. Charles Oakley
17. AC Green
20. Otis Thorpe

The list is full of blue collar power forwards. He'll probably be happy to resign for a vet min to win another championship next year!

[whottt]

I haven't decided if Splitter of Ian is the better prospect for the Spurs...

Keep in mind, Ian is new to the game. He didn't start playing till he was 16 or so....


Alot of times guys that do that just blow up after 4 or 5 years...


Some names of players that started playing late immediately come to mind...

Dennis Rodman(college)
Amare Stoudamire(age of 14)


And oh yeah...two guys that go by the names of Tim Duncan(late in highschool) and David Robinson(late in highschool and I'm being generous there).


Ian shows to be on that same path, the way he's all of a sudden turned into an offensive player, really in just this season. D-leauge is not as good as Europe...but it's still a pretty good league.

[genomefreak13]

He's a short term solution. The trade is a response to the LA and Phoenix trade. With their efforts to go big, the spurs is lacked one big man to defend the paint. The current line-up would prevent the defense from double-teaming all the time and maintain the team's flexibility on defense.