Tiago Splitter news

[Spurs Brazil]

Yesterday during the Spurs x Hornets broadcast here in ESPN Brazil it was reported that Tau will offer Tiago a big contract to try keep him 3 more years. They said it’s about 3x better than he would earn in his rookie contract in San Antonio.

They said Tiago wants to go to the NBA but he has doubts now because the money Tau is offering is much better.

[ClingingMars]

oshit. this doesn't sound good.

- Mars

[Bartleby]

Damn that fucking weak ass U.S. dollar!

Not the sort of Splitter news I was hoping to read when I clicked on this thread.

[timvp]

Hopefully Splitter realizes that he can make a lot of money down the line in the NBA. He might have to take a short term loss but the payout should be bigger down the road.

It'd suck if Tau was able to convince Splitter to stay.

[mystargtr34]

Ah you just ruined my fucking day

[JamStone]

Hopefully Splitter realizes that he can make a lot of money down the line in the NBA. He might have to take a short term loss but the payout should be bigger down the road.

It'd suck if Tau was able to convince Splitter to stay.

If he really wanted to play in the NBA, that's the way he should think.

Unfortunately, professional athletes always have to realize how fragile their careers can be with one serious injury. And, I'm sure there are people in his camp that will tell him the same thing. Plus, there is no guarantee he becomes a star in the NBA and that big money will come even if he does stay healthy.

I'm sure he's weighing all of those things.

[remingtonbo2001]

It's the NBA, it's a 3 year gamble. However, he's young enough, if he wanted to go back to international play, he could. I think he'll make the jump to the NBA.

Sponsorships are always a plus.

Someone needs to tell him they don't have HEB over in Brazil.

[picnroll]

That sucks. Euro players will be plummeting on the draft boards, rightly so.

[ChumpDumper]

That's the price you pay for pulling out of the draft for no reason all those years.

Your first NBA contract is going to be the same no matter when you start. If you ever want to play in the states, you might as well get it out of the way.

[easjer]

Well, fuck. That makes it a real toss up then, doesn't it?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

scola part II

[mystargtr34]

Ah this sux i dont even want to consider him being tied up there for 3 years...

[Anti.Hero]

You gotta be kidding me...

[Spurs Brazil]

Hopefully Splitter realizes that he can make a lot of money down the line in the NBA. He might have to take a short term loss but the payout should be bigger down the road.

It'd suck if Tau was able to convince Splitter to stay.

That's what the guys said during the broadcast.

I hope Pop and RC can talk to him explain some things and make his decision easier.

[mystargtr34]

A 7'0 guy with his mobility skills and smarts... he should trust in his own abilities... the money will always be there in Europe.

[T Park]

aw fuck me.

[homer]

We will soon see what kind of character he has.

[Kori Ellis]

We will soon see what kind of character he has.

I don't know if it's a question of character. The guy would be taking a financial risk to come to the NBA and he could get hurt anytime. The Spurs can only offer him so much on the inital contract (I think about $800K first year, and only two years guaranteed). If he wasn't a first round pick and the Spurs could offer him more to compete with his overseas offer, that would be a different story. He'll just have to figure out if it's worth the risk for him personally.

[gmanrulz]

why isnt there a rule where if you get drafted by an nba team you can only sign a contract with them.

[SPARKY]

Where's Karaulov? Kyrgyzstan?

[tp2021]

I hate Tau Ceramica.
I don't even know that much about them.
But I hate them.
Dammit!:madrun

I guess the Spurs are experiencing the negative scenario of their "draft-and-stash to avoid paying big bucks" strategy; the player choosing to stay "stashed."

[completely deck]

Splitter, come on, don't pull this on us.

[Solid D]

Where's Karaulov? Kyrgyzstan?

Wow, someone actually wants to know! :wow

[50 cent]

Somebody needs to let him know that money goes about 50% farther in the USA than over there.

Additionally, he can prove himself and if he meets expectations, he will get a K worth 10x more then what he got there.

[stxspurs]

horseshit!.....this isnt good...i was looking forward to him kicking some ass next year in a spurs jersey. maybe manu, fab and even scola can help bring him over.......rookie of the year????

[Bruno]

Coming in NBA is a financial risk for Splitter. If he has a career ending injury, he will left basketball with "few" money.
What happens to his sister should make him twice about that.

When I babel-read, latest Brazilian article ( http://www.clicrbs.com.br/clicesportes/jsp/default.jsp?newsID=a1860780.xml&tab=00003&uf=1 ), it looks like he really wants to go in NBA. Let's hope it's the truth.

[ChumpDumper]

Couldn't he get insurance against a career ending injury?

[PlayoffEx-static]

The thing is, Scola had leverage, Splitter doesn't. The first round scale will ALWAYS be there. If he comes now, that's what he gets. If he comes in 5 years, that's what he gets. If the Spurs trade him, that's what he gets. Better to come over now. The money will ALWAYS be there in Europe. He can make big dollars even in his 30s. Not the case for someone who waits to come to the NBA late.

Oh, and if a player can recover from an almost fatal motorcycle accident and still make millions in Europe, he really doesn't have much to worry about, career-wise.

[Kori Ellis]

Somebody needs to let him know that money goes about 50% farther in the USA than over there.


Euroleague contracts, the salaries are after tax, plus they pay their housing and vehicle costs. It's hard to convince someone that the money goes farther here.

[gospursgojas]

This is why the Spurs should draft players that they can use.

[Shaolin-Style]

Well lets just hope he rolls the dice.

And that we win the championship to coax him away.

[midgetonadonkey]

Euroleague contracts, the salaries are after tax, plus they pay their housing and vehicle costs. It's hard to convince someone that the money goes farther here.

If only he knew that Batman2342398757 would be in the VIP section of Antro with him and Beno, he would be here in a heartbeat.

[K-State Spur]

all of the quotes i've seen up until now point to him wanting to come over next year.

i'm not going to worry about it until he indicates than anything else is an option.

[JPB]

there are always risks in pro-athlets carreers but you only have one.

All rookies from Europe are proposed bigger contracts before leaving for the US.

But I don't see a young promising kid, who wants to play in NBA, staying in Europe for the money.
Specially if he was drafted by a team like the spurs.

[JPB]

Couldn't he get insurance against a career ending injury?

It would probably cost him his whole salary if not more.

[JPB]

Anyway, I would trust the Spurs to take care of the kid.

[ChumpDumper]

It would probably cost him his whole salary if not more.I knokw these kinds of policies have been taken out before. I'd be curious to see what the premiums are.

[JPB]

Two articles about that.
It seems to apply most of all to college sport and specifically to football players.


Insurance against the unthinkable

by Mary Motzko
Thursday, April 25, 2002

Late in the first quarter of Wisconsin’s spring football game, star receiver Lee Evans went to make a catch over the middle.

He made the reception, just like he has so many times before.

Yet something was unique about the way this catch ended—Evans never got up off the field.

The flanker that turned down the NFL in order to return to his Badger team for his senior season lay on the artificial turf of Camp Randall in pain, clenching his knee.

The trainers ran to him, carried him off the field—he was unable to place any weight on his knee—and put him down safely on the UW bench.

There Evans sat, head hanging down, waiting for the cart to come carry him away. As he sat there, his teammates wandered over to offer words of encouragement to their teammate, as well as condolences.

After all, this required words of sympathy. Depending on the severity of the knee injury, their teammate might have ruined his career, a career that showed so much promise.

Evans was one of the top receivers in the country last season with 1,545 yards and 75 receptions. He was a Biletnikoff finalist and a top NFL prospect.

And on this very day that he hurt his knee, April 20, the NFL draft that he made himself ineligible for was taking place. While his colleagues were chosen by teams and given the opportunity to play at the next level, Evans was getting treatment done on his knee.

Two days later, Evans underwent an MRI that revealed the junior did in fact suffer ligament damage to his left knee—an injury that would require surgery. The Wisconsin State Journal reported that a source close to the team revealed the damaged ligaments were the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament. However, UW’s sports information office would not confirm the report.

The prognosis for Evans’ career is still undecided, with his playing status to be determined after surgery and the corresponding rehabilitation on the knee. If required, the junior will have the opportunity to request a medical redshirt for next season if he so chooses and save his last year of eligibility for the following season. Evans, who was thought to be amongst the top draft picks in 2003, would have another year to mend his injured knee in order to wow the professional scouts.

But if the unthinkable did happen, if this injury kept the junior out of the NFL, Evans has a small bit of piece of mind—an insurance policy.

*

A growing trend in elite athletes, Evans took out an insurance policy to cover him in case he was to suffer a career-ending injury. The policy is to guarantee the elite athletes money that they would lose by missing their chance to play at the professional level.

Among those who purchased policies during their collegiate careers were Indiana’s Antwaan Randle El, Tennessee’s John Henderson and Peyton Manning, Oklahoma’s Roy Williams, Colorado’s Donnie Boyce, Wisconsin’s Chris McIntosh, Wendell Bryant, Mike Echols, Ben Johnson, Al Johnson, and Evans.

In order to obtain an insurance policy the elite athletes must meet requirements set by the policy providers—either the NCAA or a private company. Within each program the requirements are slightly different, yet the basics are the same—you must pay a premium on your policy, and you can only collect the money if you suffer a career-ending injury.

In the NCAA’s policy, called the Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Insurance, only athletes participating in football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and ice hockey are eligible. Within these sports the qualifications are more specific, needing to prove that you will in fact make it to the professional level in order to take out a policy.

For football and ice hockey, athletes must demonstrate they will be selected in the first three rounds of the upcoming NFL or NHL draft. In order to obtain a policy for basketball or baseball, athletes must be projected first round picks of the MLB, NBA or WNBA draft.

The reason for this is simple. According to a member of Wisconsin’s Assistant Athletic Director and head of the compliance staff, Tim Bald, the NCAA instates these guidelines in order to ensure that the athlete will have enough money to pay for the policy they are taking out.

The NCAA automatically makes student-athletes that qualified for the insurance policy eligible for a loan in order to pay the premiums of their policy.

According to the NCAA guidelines for the Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Insurance, athletes must re-pay their loans in full when one of three instances occurs.

“When the student-athlete signs a professional contract; the disability benefits become available due to a covered injury or sickness; or the coverage is no longer in effect and the loan matures,” as stated in the NCAA guide.

The NCAA’s policy covers athletes for a maximum of 24 months, and it covers the athlete for all practices and games during this time period.

If an athlete should suffer a career-ending injury during this two-year span, the NCAA states that it will provide up to five installment payments with one issued every six months. Each payment is worth 20 percent of the total policy purchased.

In order to actually receive these payments, the NCAA states that, “To be eligible for benefits, it must be medically determined that the insured student-athlete will not be able to participate in his or her sporting activity, at the professional level, for at least three consecutive years from the date the total disability was determined.”

In other words, if an athlete is injured but is able to recover from his or her injury, they receive no benefits.

Three athletes that took the financial gamble on the NCAA insurance policy were Boyce, Henderson and Williams.

Boyce, in fact, fell victim to the insurance policy.

During the 1995 Big Eight basketball tournament, Colorado’s senior guard suffered a broken tibia and fibula when he was hit while trying to get a rebound. Boyce eventually mended his leg and was able to play basketball again, but his professional career was ruined. The Buffalo guard was able to play only 30 games for the Atlanta Hawks before his leg injury ended his NBA career.

According to Bald, the NCAA policy can be redeemed only if an athlete’s injury keeps them from reaching the professional level.

Because of this, Boyce would not be able to cash in his NCAA insurance policy.

*

While the NCAA’s Exceptional Student Athlete Disability Insurance staff says there are currently 70 athletes covered by their policy (a number that fluctuates with each sport’s corresponding draft), many elite athletes opt to gain a policy through a private insurance company.

The difference between the NCAA’s policy and private companies are less strict guidelines—you don’t necessarily have to be a top three or first round draft pick, and the policies are available for higher amounts.

When Michael Vick contemplated whether or not to return to Virginia Tech, the Washington Post reported that his coach offered to help him obtain a $10 million policy if he chose to play for him another year.

But not all policies are that extravagant. Each company has its own set of rules and methods to determine whether or not it will cover an athlete, and how big of a policy it will give him or her.

Evans said his policy through a private company is worth $2 million; a value he said was determined by his draft status.

“[The insurance company determined] it by projected draft status, where you are at,” said Evans. “They look at a lot of different things, some of the things that the media does, and they talked to a lot of NFL people, their draft board, things like that.”

Evans’ teammates, Al and Ben Johnson, also have insurance policies through private companies. Al Johnson was a projected third-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, had he opted to declare for it, and his cousin Ben was a projected fourth-round pick. Under the guidelines of the NCAA policy, Ben wouldn’t have qualified for the NCAA’s insurance.

Instead, Al and Ben’s offensive line coach, Jim Hueber, set up the policies for the two cousins through a private company.

“[Hueber] goes through, gets the quotes and how much you’ve got to pay,” Al Johnson said. “Because then if you don’t get hurt you’ve got to pay back a premium, that’s usually like one percent, or somewhere around that range. So for like a million dollars you pay back somewhere around 10-15 thousand.”

Because of this premium that must be repaid, not all athletes are guaranteed coverage through private companies.

According to Bald, private insurance companies will still more than likely only insure the top, elite athletes that they know are going to proceed to the next level in order to ensure getting paid for the policy.

Similar to the NCAA’s policy, private insurance companies will also only offer redemption of policies to those athletes that suffer career-ending injuries. This means there is no coverage against treatable injuries.

“The only way we get the money though is if our careers are done through a career-ending injury. So if you break your leg or something and you’re still able to come back, it doesn’t cover you,” UW’s tackle Ben Johnson said.

It is this very catch in the insurance policies that could end up keeping Evans from obtaining any money through his policy after his knee injury. Even before he suffered the torn ligaments in his left knee, the Badger flanker was well aware of what injuries were not covered in his policy.

“It’s a policy where you only get paid really if you have a career-ending injury. So you know, say you tear your ACL or something, you don’t get the money. It’s not a career-ending injury. Many people have come back from that,” Evans said April 12, prior to suffering his knee injury.

Yet, despite the rarity of athletes receiving money from their insurance policies, the elite athletes are still getting them.

According to Ben Johnson, the ability to obtain an insurance policy was something that made it more favorable for him to return to UW rather than head to the NFL.

“Why come back if there’s the possibility of getting hurt?” Ben Johnson questioned.

For the Badger tackle, his insurance policy also provides peace of mind.

“Pretty much all of the older guys, Casey Rabach, Billy Ferrario, Chris McIntosh, they all took [an insurance policy] out, and they were glad they took it out,” Ben Johnson said of his former UW teammates. “They could go out their senior year and play 100 percent and not worry about getting hurt.”

But for Evans, his feelings about his insurance policy are different. He said the option of getting an insurance policy had no effect on his decision to return to UW for his senior season. For him, the policy is more of a precautionary measure against the unthinkable and nothing that protects him from injury on the field.

“As long as you don’t go out [on the field] playing not to get hurt, you’ll be fine. As soon as you get that mindset that you’re going out there, playing not to get hurt, that’s when you get hurt. If you just go out there and play the game, things will take care of themselves,” Evans said prior to his injury.

Evans did go out to play the game of football Saturday, April 20. A true competitor, the junior’s teammates said following the game that Evans wanted to play in the spring scrimmage. The flanker played, and he made catches that made it clear what is so special about him, and then he left the game on a stretcher.

If the worst case scenario should occur after Evans’ surgery and he is unable to make it to the NFL level, he’ll be able to redeem his $2 million insurance policy. But like the junior said, many people have come back from ACL and other ligament injuries. If that’s the case, then his insurance policy will be exactly what the Badger flanker considers it to be—a precautionary measure.



-------------------

Premium Players; Insurance Policies Are Becoming Standard For Elite College Athletes
Copyright 2005 Los Angeles TimesAll Rights Reserved
Los Angeles Times

Premium Players; Insurance policies are becoming standard for elite college athletes; just ask Leinart, Bush and six others on the USC football team

Gary Klein, Times Staff Writer

Two-time defending national champion USC will surely open next season No. 1 in at least one category. With its backfield alone expected to be covered for more than $10 million, the Trojans may be the most highly insured team in college football history.

Quarterback Matt Leinart, running backs Reggie Bush and LenDale White and at least five other players either have, or are in the process of securing, policies to insure them against serious injuries. Such policies are a protective staple for elite draft-eligible college football players and, in their own way, have become as standard as helmets, shoulder pads and mouth guards.

Though the investment rarely pays off because of advances in medical science, families across the country are hustling to secure coverage that promises a payout in the unlikely event a top prospect suffers a career-ending injury before striking NFL riches.

Leinart, last year's Heisman Trophy winner, is "definitely a candidate that would be eligible for a $10 million-plus policy," said Keith Lerner, a chartered life underwriter and financial consultant based in Gainesville, Fla., who has secured insurance policies for college athletes since 1988.

Leinart, who announced last month that he was returning for his senior season of eligibility, played last season covered by a $1-million policy that his father, Bob, purchased for $20,000 through Lloyd's of London. Bob Leinart said he recently secured another policy for his son but declined to reveal the amount of coverage, the term or the premium.

The families of Bush and White, both juniors, along with those of senior tight end Dominique Byrd, junior offensive tackle Winston Justice, junior receiver Steve Smith, junior safety Darnell Bing and junior defensive lineman Manuel Wright also are expected to secure policies before the Trojans open spring practice on March 22.

"It's not out of the question to think that this team could be in the $15- to $20-million range," said Lerner, who has not secured policies for any current or former Trojans.

Insurance against career-ending injuries has been available to college athletes for decades through private underwriters such as Lloyd's of London and since 1990 through the NCAA. The NCAA contracts a private insurance company to administer its program, which launched not to compete for business but to ward off the influence of sports agents, said Juanita Sheely, the NCAA's travel and insurance coordinator.

"Some of the more unscrupulous agents would promise to obtain this type of insurance and pay for it if the athlete would agree to become a client," Sheely said.

Premiums for policies secured through private insurers can cost anywhere from about $15,000 for $1 million of coverage to about $200,000 for $10 million, Lerner said. Policies are typically for 12- to 18-month periods, but they can be for as short as one game. If a career-ending injury occurs, a tax-free, lump-sum payout is made one year from the date of the injury.

The premiums for policies secured through the NCAA are slightly cheaper. The cost of a $1-million, 18-month policy, for example, is $10,000 to $12,000. But the NCAA caps coverage for football players at $3 million. Tax-free payouts are issued every six months over the course of 30 months.

"Our program will tend to be a little more restrictive," Sheely said. "It's not a profit center."

Insurance experts say interest in policies for star college athletes spiked after Jan. 3, 2003, the night Miami running back Willis McGahee suffered a major knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State.

Two weeks before that bowl championship series title game, Lerner began securing $2.5 million of coverage for McGahee through Lloyd's of London, which underwrites the vast majority of policies secured by college athletes.





McGahee's policy went into effect just before the Fiesta Bowl, and his family breathed a sigh of relief later that night at the hospital. But the 2002 Heisman finalist never collected. After undergoing reconstructive surgery, he was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 23rd pick in the 2003 draft and signed a four-year contract that reportedly could be worth more than $15 million if he reaches all incentives.

Nevertheless, McGahee's injury pushed interest in insurance "over the edge," Lerner said.

Nearly every player who will be selected in the first three rounds of the April 23 NFL draft probably played last season with insurance to protect against a career-ending injury, according to Lerner, who wrote policies for more than a dozen players taken in the first round over the last four years.

The increasing number of basketball players who bypass college for pro basketball also has fueled the insurance trend.

"This type of business has been growing and growing and growing due to the astronomical growth in salaries," Lerner said. "It continues to grow, especially with high school basketball players going straight to the NBA. It used to be, we couldn't look at writing high school guys. Now, we can look at 10th and 11th graders."

The NCAA pays for insurance to cover all athletes at member institutions for catastrophic injuries such as a severe head trauma or spinal cord damage, Sheely said.

The NCAA also offers Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Insurance (ESDI). That program, underwritten by Massachusetts-based ASU International, is available to football and men's hockey players who are projected to be selected in the first three rounds of the NFL or NHL drafts. Basketball and baseball players projected as first-round picks in the NBA, WNBA or major league drafts also qualify.

Some 80 to 100 athletes each year participate in the ESDI program. About 75% to 80% are football players.

Sheely said football players can purchase from $500,000 to the maximum of $3 million in coverage. Men's basketball players are eligible for up to $4.4 million in coverage.

The NCAA offers a loan program that allows athletes to secure financing through U.S. Bank in Cincinnati for the exact amount of the policy premium, including fees and interest. The loan can be secured without a parent's signature or collateral, and repayment is not due until the athlete signs a pro contract, exhausts his eligibility or collects a payout after suffering an injury.

But the 30-month payout provision, along with other restrictions such as those regarding previous injuries, causes many athletes to seek insurance elsewhere.

Athletes, however, still must follow NCAA compliance rules if they secure insurance -- and loans to pay for it -- through private companies and banks outside the NCAA program. Though the NCAA does not require it, compliance officials at member schools usually require athletes to submit documents for review, Sheely said.

Like the NCAA program, private underwriters must project where the player might be drafted. They often use pro scouting services to help make evaluations.

"It's not an exact science by any stretch of the imagination," Lerner said.

Players who are not projected as top-round picks can obtain insurance during the season if their performance elevates them to that status. McGahee, for example, was unable to secure insurance before his redshirt sophomore season because he was not even projected as a starter. By the Fiesta Bowl, he was regarded as a top-five pick.

Bill Palmer, the father of 2002 Heisman winner Carson Palmer, said he purchased policies for his son in 2001 and 2002 from Lloyd's of London.

But Bill Palmer said the decision was not easy because improved medical science has made it possible to recover from what in the past would have been considered career-ending injuries.

"I wrestled with whether or not it was worth it," Bill Palmer said. "We did do it because he wanted to. I told him it was a loan."

Ed Chester knew the chances of suffering a true career-ending injury were small, but he still took out a $1-million policy through Lerner for less than $12,000 before his senior season at Florida in 1998.

Chester, a defensive tackle, suffered a knee injury that ended his chances for a pro career. He collected his payout roughly a year later.

Chester still lives in Gainesville, Fla., and works at a Boys and Girls Club helping area youth. Not surprisingly, he advocates purchasing insurance.

"That policy allows me to do a job that I enjoy," he said. "I think guys are dumb if they don't do it."

To help athletes and parents make educated decisions about insurance and other issues such as agents, many universities have put together advisory bodies.

Alabama's Professional Sports Counseling Panel, for example, comprises several faculty members and athletic administrators who are specialists in sports law, financial planning and career counseling.

Last season, the panel sponsored seminars for parents and guardians of players at the stadium before each home game. Topics included the advantages of staying in school, insurance, how to select an agent and the transition to professional sports.

Robert McLeod, a professor of finance who serves as chairman of the panel, said parents often need help with insurance issues.

"Most of them are at least familiar that there is a disability policy available, but they are not very knowledgeable of the terms and provisions and limitations," McLeod said. "They think if you blow out your knee and you're out for a year, you get $2 million. It doesn't work that way. We try to tell them that all the policies aren't written the same."

Bob Leinart discovered as much after his son announced last month that he would forgo entering the NFL draft and return for a final season. Initially, Bob Leinart said he would probably seek a policy in the range of $5 million.

Asked how much coverage he ultimately purchased, Bob Leinart said, "He's protected, we're happy, and that's all we're saying."

LaMar Griffin, Bush's stepfather, said his son did not have insurance last season when he was a Heisman finalist. But Griffin recently said Bush would definitely be covered next season, perhaps in the $3-million range.

The McGahee episode still resonates.

"He could be a top-five pick if he comes out next year," Griffin said. "He might do a Leinart thing, but I have to get some type of coverage on him just to be safe and not sorry."

[polandprzem]

Either you want to achive something or make some personal goals or be a rich man.

Damn even if he gets 1 milion a year. Many people dreaming about such income.

[Slomo]

While I hope he comes to the Spurs (if asked) there's a few stupid posts in here. Only he can make that decision since none of us has had his life experience and know what other pressures/responsibilities he has.

And no the money will not always be there in Europe, while it is true that the EuroLeague teams will sign players that can't get an NBA contract, the money for those is a LOT less than for young, healthy promising players. So when all is said and done it's a gamble for him, I hope he takes it and that it works out for him (and us), but I will not criticize him if he doesn't.

[Ariel]

why isnt there a rule where if you get drafted by an nba team you can only sign a contract with them.
Huh? If you get drafted by an NBA team, they hold your NBA rights (under certain conditions) and you can only sign with them within the NBA. That has no bearing whatsoever when it comes to other leagues, as they are not run by the NBA nor do they subject to its rules. So even if you get drafted by an NBA team, you don't have to sign: it's the players prerogative. Lets just hope Tiago chooses the NBA over the money.

[Bruno]

I can understand Splitter choosing the financial safety and stayed in Europe.

However, I guess that Spurs have talked to him before the draft and asked him if he would go in NBA even if it means losing money comparable to Euro salaries and if Spurs have drafted him, his answered to that question was positive.

If Splitter decides to stay in Europe and if he had said to Spurs before the draft that he would sign with them in 2009, it would be quite lame.

Anyway, we will see what will happen. I will be really surprised to see Splitter staying in Europe next year.

[wildbill2u]

Why don't the Spurs sell Splitter's rights to the Toros? Let the Toros sign him for 3 million and then lease him to the Spurs.

I know it wouldn't work, but someone has to start thinking out of the box. Not many people are going to give up three times the annual salary just for 'character' building.

[Emeyin]

We need this guy at all costs.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Damn it. We're gonna need him next year. If he doesn't show up, then let's hope Mahinmi comes through.

[Spurs Brazil]

Coming in NBA is a financial risk for Splitter. If he has a career ending injury, he will left basketball with "few" money.
What happens to his sister should make him twice about that.

When I babel-read, latest Brazilian article ( http://www.clicrbs.com.br/clicesportes/jsp/default.jsp?newsID=a1860780.xml&tab=00003&uf=1 ), it looks like he really wants to go in NBA. Let's hope it's the truth.

The article says he's already looking for a house in San Antonio.

Tiago said that he plans to go to San Antonio after he plays with Brazil NT

And the most important thing:


Splitter garante: não há chance de mudar de idéia:

— Jogar na NBA é o que mais quero, é o sonho de toda uma vida.

He guarantee he won't change his mind. "Play in NBA is the biggest dream of my life"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This article is from may 13, and ESPN reported that contract offer on may 15.

I hope Tau didn't make that big offer after that article.

[SAGambler]

why isnt there a rule where if you get drafted by an nba team you can only sign a contract with them.

We're getting there. When your one world government finally gets control, then things like this can happen.

Until then, Americans don't rule the world and can't tell ball players from other countries what to do.

[wildchild]

Coming in NBA is a financial risk for Splitter. If he has a career ending injury, he will left basketball with "few" money.

Many Euroleague players took this risk Tiago won't be the only one. I really hope he'll take the right choice. We need him and Ian in the roster.

[hsxvvd]

Only one simple solution. Buy Tau.

[manufor3]

oh come on

[j-6]

Only one simple solution. Buy Tau.

Seriously, that's not a terrible concept. Not a successful, well known club like Tau Ceramica, though. I wonder if SS&E (or some shell corporation) could lease a crappy team in the Austrian league or something and try to use it as Toros Europa for a couple of years. The ULEB rules are closer to the NBA's than FIBA's, right?

[wildbill2u]

There has to be a way to structure a contract that would match TAU.

Could the Spurs sign him for the NBA mandated salary for one year with an option by Splitter to renew the following year for a two year contract for $3,000,000 per year plus a $2,000,000 signing bonus?.

That would make the Spurs contract equal to Tau less the interest he could have made on the net salary in the first year.

[Rick Von Braun]

Euroleague contracts, the salaries are after tax, plus they pay their housing and vehicle costs. It's hard to convince someone that the money goes farther here.

Precisely.

A 3 times bigger contract is actually at least 4-5 times the contract. Let's assume ~$800K per year for two years guaranteed the Spurs could offer, and assume Tau's offer is 3 times bigger, i.e. ~$2.4M per year.

In the US, he would be paying as a foreign working with a much higher tax bracket... this may be as high as 40-50% in taxes. He would effectively have only ~$800K-$900K in his pocket after tax for two years. If he plays well, he'll get the third year for another $500K after taxes making a total of $1.4M for 3 years after tax.

In Europe, he would be getting ~$7.2M for 3 years after tax guaranteed with house and vehicle costs.

Hmm... let's see, in the best case scenario, for the next 3 years he is making a decision between ~$7.2M vs ~$1.4M.

What would YOU do? If I were in his shoes, I would think twice before coming to the NBA. Yes, potential bigger contracts down the road are a possibility, but it is still a risk.

The Spurs better hope Tau's offer is not truth.

[nfg3]

scola part II


Hopefully:nope but we could get Scolad again.

That old saying comes to mind - Money talks and BS walks.

[TDMVPDPOY]

he makes more in europe per game than in the nba, if you work it out....

[小小轩]

obviously...splitter is better than scola...

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

If he is a true competitor, he'll come to the NBA. If he isn't, I don't want him here anyway.

[21_Blessings]

obviously...splitter is better than scola...

scola >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> oberto

scola >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> horry's corpse

scola >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> kurt thomas

[Ya Vez]

According to NBA Draft Central the spurs have a shot at Nikola Pekovic in the first round, he is kind of like a white Tim Duncan. Check out the video he looks pretty solid.

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/nikolapekovic.html

[clubalien]

why isnt there a rule where if you get drafted by an nba team you can only sign a contract with them.

Becuase in america we have laws againts slavery. I know slavery or atleats endentured seritude should be legal but it isn't.

An employer cannot own a employee or deny them the ability to provide for themself. That is one of the reason that in Texas non compete agreements on still on a unceratian legal standing.

[stxspurs]

According to NBA Draft Central the spurs have a shot at Nikola Pekovic in the first round, he is kind of like a white Tim Duncan. Check out the video he looks pretty solid.

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/nikolapekovic.html

it says....nba comparison...TYRONE HILL........NOT TIM DUNCAN.
DUNCAN>HILL IMO:lol

[stxspurs]

The article says he's already looking for a house in San Antonio.

Tiago said that he plans to go to San Antonio after he plays with Brazil NT

And the most important thing:



He guarantee he won't change his mind. "Play in NBA is the biggest dream of my life"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This article is from may 13, and ESPN reported that contract offer on may 15.

I hope Tau didn't make that big offer after that article.




MY POST OF HOPE!

[SpursFanFirst]

:depressed

[boutons_]

Isn't restricting rookie salary some kind of restraint of trade?

If Tiago takes 3x the salary, I'd not like it, but I'd sure understand.

$9M/3 vs $4/4. I'd REALLY understand that $5M decision.

This scam of "you'll make a lot more in NBA after your rookie salary" is one injury away of never getting to that first full NBA contract, quite apart from the fact that he had to make it and stick in the NBA.

Requiring one year of college has worked out great, hasn't it?

[capek]

As a high level athlete you don't make decisions based on the fear of getting injured. And to be a player playing on the highest level of your sport, you have to have the confidence that you'll be good enough to demand a big contract after your rookie one is up. So there's no way I could see him taking the short term bounty and forgoing the chance for a lot more money down the road, and also going after your dream.

To me, all this means is that Tau really wants to keep the kid. And to me that is a good thing. Would it be better if Tau acted like they didn't care about letting him go? If Tau wants him this bad, it just further reinforces the fact that he is a very good player with a lot of promise, and he'll be a big addition to this team when he comes over this summer.

[SenorSpur]

Not good news - at all. I was so hoping the Spurs would only need to focus on the SF and backup PG positions heading into this draft.

[temujin]

Most of the European players playing the 9-12 spots on rotations in NBA teams would make more money in Europe.
They are just there to tell their kids they have played in the NBA.

As for Splitter, he would just be insane to accept a 0.8 Millions USD contract guaranteed for 1 or 2 years to mostly sit for 100 games, rather than 1.5 Millions Euros to actually PLAY 40 games a season for 3 years.

Having said that, people are MOSTLY insane.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't think he would mostly sit.

[dbreiden83080]

All i know is Spurs told Duncan "Take 11 mil less and we will be in good shape for the future", they better look like not being cheap assholes the last few years of his prime.

[ChumpDumper]

Tiago's rookie contract is going to be cheap no matter what.

[Brutalis]

I just Hope Tiago has a dream from a little boy of playing in the NBA in America.

Me personally, I'd take the trip to SA. Look at Manu and Tony when they first got here. Look at where they are now. Tiago's time to shine in a spotlight is now, with a successful NBA team that is a proven winner for another few years with the big 4. We are the perfect team to make him a better player and respected around the world.

Let's goto work Splitter, show the big boys how it's done! I wonder if winning the title this season will affect his decision at all? Money is money, dreams are dreams, but does success talk?

[temujin]

I don't think he would mostly sit.

He sat a lot for Tau.

Splitter is young and has a lot to learn.

If the Spurs keep Thomas, he would't play much.

Prediction predictions..........

[Brutalis]

He sat a lot for Tau.

Splitter is young and has a lot to learn.

If the Spurs keep Thomas, he would't play much.

Prediction predictions..........

He would not sit a lot for the main fact the Spurs would use and exploit his talents that the NBA overall talent wise is lacking. There are I'd say half as many good big men than 10 years ago. Tiago's youth and athleticism would be a kick in the ass for our team I believe.

[TampaDude]

I know there will never be another DRob, but we need a young, athletic big to help Duncan...the Spurs would dominate with Splitter at center... :hat

[ManuMVP20]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=whittelleurofinalfoupreview080502

[jag]

scola part II

*awaits SpursDynasty 21's post*

[duncan228]

*awaits SpursDynasty 21's post*

SpursDynasty21 isn't part of ST anymore.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

SpursDynasty21 isn't part of ST anymore.

Praise the Lord.

[jag]

SpursDynasty21 isn't part of ST anymore.

I guess we'll have to wait for his troll to post.

[temujin]

I know there will never be another DRob, but we need a young, athletic big to help Duncan...the Spurs would dominate with Splitter at center... :hat

Tau has lost yet another final four competition.

Splitter played well but DID NOT dominate anybody.

[TampaDude]

Tau has lost yet another final four competition.

Splitter played well but DID NOT dominate anybody.

Well, if that's the case, maybe he should stay with Tau... :lol

[ChumpDumper]

Well, I'm not going to panic until something comes out of Splitter's camp.

[temujin]

Well, I'm not going to panic until something comes out of Splitter's camp.

He is brazilian. He'll follow his dreams and sign with the Spurs.

Guaranteed.

(One year, for minimum).

[2centsworth]

We don't need a role player, we need a player who know's he's good enough to make an impact in the NBA. If Rasho can make $8mil per year someone who thinks they are any good should be licking their chops to be in the NBA. A good 7 footer should make atleast $50 mil in their career. Pass that up for a guaranteed $6 mil, I don't think so if you think you have the ability. If he doesn't think so he wouldn't help the spurs anyways.

[wildbill2u]

Tau's willingness to try and outbid the Spurs/NBA definitely shows that Splitter is a good player whose market value is going up...up...up.

we're lucky to have a chance at him at the NBA rookie contract price.

[timvp]

I'm not too worried about Splitter at this point. If he doesn't want to come to the NBA now, his NBA dreams will pretty much be over. Up to him ... but I haven't seen any quote from him to indicate that he's thinking about staying with Tau.

Besides, there could be a number of factors at work. For all we know, the Spurs may think he's not ready yet and could tell him to season a couple more years in Spain. The Spurs may think Ian Mahinmi is a much better prospect and don't have room for Splitter next year.

Once the NBA season is over and the draft time approaches, that's when it's time to start really paying attention to what Splitter and the Spurs are going to do. Right now, neither side could do anything even if they wanted to.

[2centsworth]

Tau's willingness to try and outbid the Spurs/NBA definitely shows that Splitter is a good player whose market value is going up...up...up.

we're lucky to have a chance at him at the NBA rookie contract price.

Tony received a rookie contract and now is banking, so Splitter can too.

[2centsworth]

I'm not too worried about Splitter at this point. If he doesn't want to come to the NBA now, his NBA dreams will pretty much be over. Up to him ... but I haven't seen any quote from him to indicate that he's thinking about staying with Tau.

Besides, there could be a number of factors at work. For all we know, the Spurs may think he's not ready yet and could tell him to season a couple more years in Spain. The Spurs may think Ian Mahinmi is a much better prospect and don't have room for Splitter next year.

Once the NBA season is over and the draft time approaches, that's when it's time to start really paying attention to what Splitter and the Spurs are going to do. Right now, neither side could do anything even if they wanted to.

so if he becomes a spurs chances are he's a baller.

[bigfan]

Hey, thats the downside of drafting foreign players. Its up to mgt to convince him the prestige of playing in the NBA beats any other leagues regardless of pay. MIght be a tough sell though. If he comes to SA great, if not, we move on.

[SenorSpur]

Hey, thats the downside of drafting foreign players. Its up to mgt to convince him the prestige of playing in the NBA beats any other leagues regardless of pay. MIght be a tough sell though. If he comes to SA great, if not, we move on.

Just another reason why the Spurs philosophy of all their draft eggs into the international basket is an unabalanced one - to say the least. As brillant as they've been in finding international talent, they've SUCKED in honing and developing one single, young, domestic player. Sure they need NBA-ready type of players right now. I just hope they're able to break their streak by getting at least one in this June's NBA draft.

[temujin]

The power of dreams.

An NBA team can get away with paying peanuts and not getting a monkey.

[Dex]

Ain't gonna stress over somethin' I can't do much about either way, but I really don't want to see this turn in to a sequel of Scola.

Splitter needs to take notice of how the Spurs treated Luis because of his contract crap, and realize that his best chance of making it in the NBA, and perhaps really making the bigtime, is gonna be next year.

Money now, or success later. Figure it out, dude.

[Tiro]

it is a game, both sides have to gamble.

leave it until the postseason is over.

but i honestly hope Splitter will become a spur next season.

[Budkin]

Oh for fuck's sake not this Scola shit again. :pctoss

[ducks]

it is not scola again first round picks get so much money period
spurs can not be cheap on him

[GrandeDavid]

For the first time in my life, I may ponder crying if he does not come to San Antonio next season. Seriously, that would suck!

[GrandeDavid]

The article says he's already looking for a house in San Antonio.

Tiago said that he plans to go to San Antonio after he plays with Brazil NT

And the most important thing:



He guarantee he won't change his mind. "Play in NBA is the biggest dream of my life"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This article is from may 13, and ESPN reported that contract offer on may 15.

I hope Tau didn't make that big offer after that article.

Rapaz, eu vou chorar se ele nao vem. Nossa senhora, nem me fale isso!!! Mas que bosta se nos nao conseguimos ele aqui ja no ano que vem! :(

[zepn]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=whittelleurofinalfoupreview080502

Did you catch the caption under Tiago's photo in that article?

"There's a good chance that Tiago Splitter will pay in the NBA next season."

Damn, Holt IS cheap!

[Spurs Brazil]

Rapaz, eu vou chorar se ele nao vem. Nossa senhora, nem me fale isso!!! Mas que bosta se nos nao conseguimos ele aqui ja no ano que vem! :(

Mas acho que ele vai pra San Antonio. Ele tem o sonho de jogar na NBA e aposto que ele vai fazer isso

[Whisky Dog]

If his dream is to play in the NBA for a championship level team then there is no choice to be made. You must assume risk to get your dreams, most people are unhappy because they don't have the guts to take on the risk of chasing their dreams.

"Venture nothing, and life is less than it should be"... Malcolm Forbes

[ThomasGranger]

Did you catch the caption under Tiago's photo in that article?

"There's a good chance that Tiago Splitter will pay in the NBA next season."

Damn, Holt IS cheap!

It's largely out of Holt's hands since the Spurs can only offer him the max rookie contract.

[Supergirl]

why isnt there a rule where if you get drafted by an nba team you can only sign a contract with them.

Yeah, that's what I don't understand. The NBA is stupid for not building in protections for players having to sign with the teams that draft them.

Eve

[zepn]

It's largely out of Holt's hands since the Spurs can only offer him the max rookie contract.

I was joking because it was a typo.

They meant to say he will PLAY in the NBA next season.

[ClingingMars]

SpursDynasty21 isn't part of ST anymore.

when did that happen?

- Mars

[ClingingMars]

Becuase in america we have laws againts slavery. I know slavery or atleats endentured seritude should be legal but it isn't.

An employer cannot own a employee or deny them the ability to provide for themself. That is one of the reason that in Texas non compete agreements on still on a unceratian legal standing.

this is ridiculous. if you enter the NBA Draft and get drafted, you can't just say "no i don't wanna play anymore". YOU entered the draft, YOU pay the consequences.

- Mars

[K-State Spur]

Isn't restricting rookie salary some kind of restraint of trade?

If Tiago takes 3x the salary, I'd not like it, but I'd sure understand.

$9M/3 vs $4/4. I'd REALLY understand that $5M decision.

This scam of "you'll make a lot more in NBA after your rookie salary" is one injury away of never getting to that first full NBA contract, quite apart from the fact that he had to make it and stick in the NBA.

Requiring one year of college has worked out great, hasn't it?

while it's certainly not unprecedented, the number of guys who have cost themselves money because of injury during their rookie deals is really quite small compared to the number of guys that have played under rookie deals in the league.

it's certainly possible that he could come over and suffer a career altering injury, but it's significantly less likely than anybody on here seems to think.

[K-State Spur]

The power of dreams.

An NBA team can get away with paying peanuts and not getting a monkey.

most of these guys get much more when they first enter the NBA compared to when they first enter Europe.

how long has Splitter been a force for Tau and they are just now offering him bank?

[Ariel]

this is ridiculous. if you enter the NBA Draft and get drafted, you can't just say "no i don't wanna play anymore". YOU entered the draft, YOU pay the consequences.

- Mars
:lol

You do know under certain circumstances you're automatically eligible for the draft (i.e. you don't have a saying in whether you're eligible or not), don't you? You know, much like it happened with Luis Scola and a certain Tiago Splitter...

So how would you have it be, if the player doesn't wish to sign with a team he didn't wish to pick him in a draft he didn't mean to enter, the NBA should send a commando and capture him and force him to fulfill his "obligation"?

Seriously, let's cut the crap. Tiago thankfully is glad the Spurs drafted him, and apparently he wishes to play in the NBA, but should he choose different he's entirely entitled to do so and he's not breaching any obligation.

[timvp]

this is ridiculous. if you enter the NBA Draft and get drafted, you can't just say "no i don't wanna play anymore". YOU entered the draft, YOU pay the consequences.

- Mars


http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/ttokalli/kaatis/fail.jpg

[Coach J]

He's smart he will go to the NBA.

[Avitus1]

Ahhh crap... well that's just great.

[hsxvvd]

NBA will need to change the rules to allow NBA teams to match contract offers from International teams once a player is drafted.

[capek]

NBA will need to change the rules to allow NBA teams to match contract offers from International teams once a player is drafted.

Hell no, that's a horrible idea. That would give the leverage to the rookie to play the team the drafted him against his Euro team. A bidding war ensues and next thing you know no more drafting Euros. It's perfect how it is. If a player wants to play in the NBA, he has to come over for rookie scale, and then work for his big pay day.

[Slomo]

while it's certainly not unprecedented, the number of guys who have cost themselves money because of injury during their rookie deals is really quite small compared to the number of guys that have played under rookie deals in the league.

it's certainly possible that he could come over and suffer a career altering injury, but it's significantly less likely than anybody on here seems to think.

Do you have any data to back that up? Because I would be very much interested in this. NBA teams have conditioning programs and facilities that are rarely matched in Europe, so it could be the result of this and would be very interesting.


most of these guys get much more when they first enter the NBA compared to when they first enter Europe.

how long has Splitter been a force for Tau and they are just now offering him bank?

1.- Kinda a true - you can't get drafted if you don't prove yourself playing for cheap in a Euroleague team, which in turn makes the Euro team offer you more when you do. Egg/chicken problem.

2.- Irrelevant


...

Seriously, let's cut the crap. Tiago thankfully is glad the Spurs drafted him, and apparently he wishes to play in the NBA, but should he choose different he's entirely entitled to do so and he's not breaching any obligation.

:tu



Hell no, that's a horrible idea. That would give the leverage to the rookie to play the team the drafted him against his Euro team. A bidding war ensues and next thing you know no more drafting Euros. It's perfect how it is. If a player wants to play in the NBA, he has to come over for rookie scale, and then work for his big pay day.

Or get his big paycheck in Europe. As the Euroleague slowly catches up with the NBA in popularity and budget, competition is a normal fact of life. Otherwise I agree with you, that would be the wrong solution.

The only solution I see is for the NBA to remain the best league in the world so that people will want to go there, even if it poses a certain risk.



Edit: A well executed Euro expansion of the NBA would also help in that regard.

[temujin]

most of these guys get much more when they first enter the NBA compared to when they first enter Europe.

So what.
College players are making more in their first Euroleague contracts -even if they are peanuts- than back home with their "scholarships" or "Social Science" studies.
Splitter made more money in Spain than he could ever make in a lifetime in brazil.

how long has Splitter been a force for Tau and they are just now offering him bank?

One year. This year.
Before, he was a prospect, nothing more.

I think that the Splitter situation, in which he will turn down a very good offer to earn less money in the NBA, epitomizes why top notch Western European Clubs are NOT putting any money in their youth teams. And this spills into the whole networl of lesser team.

Why bother investing in home kids (from 12 up) that will be lost to the NBA anyway.

Money-wise it makes no sense whatsoever.

Eventually the spillover of European players going into the NBA will be limited by this lack of investments.

[SPARKY]

If Splitter wants a NBA career, it would be in his interest to start playing ASAP. That rookie contract cannot be avoided. I'm not sure what kind of salary he's pulling down with Tau right now or would be under a new contract. But if his skills translate to the NBA then he'll make it back and then some after the rookie deal is over.

Scola had plenty of hype and his 2nd round pick status enabled him to negotiate a whopping 3 year and $10 mil contract entering the league after his 15 seasons or whatever with Tau. Yes, that is better than the rookie scale deal Splitter will receive when he enters the NBA, but should Splitter sign this summer then by the time he is Scola's age when he entered the league he would be eligible for something much larger than $10 mil.

I don't believe the Spurs will want Splitter to wait. Not to rehash the Scola melodrama, but I think that after they were able to pick Splitter in last year's draft they decided he was the better fit instead of Scola. I don't believe they would pick Splitter, deal Scola's rights, and then not bring Splitter in at the first available opportunity.

[Harry Callahan]

If Splitter signs a three year contract overseas, his 1st round status does not change over here in 2011 (assuming no major change in the CBA).

As a result, he is still limited on an NBA rookie contract (3 yrs/$8-9MM guaranteed) if he stays overseas. Does it make sense any sense to sign a fairly short term contract with Tau and then in three years and still be locked in an NBA rookie contract if he comes over? No.

He stands to make a lot more money if he comes over here now and (assuming he plays well) gets to the second NBA contract. Tau likes to sign guys long term on the relative cheap like they did with Scola. Luis would have made A LOT more money over the course of his basketball career if he had come over here at 22 years of age instead of 27. It wouldn't surprise me if he conveys this to Splitter, who I believe is his best friend. Scola would have had the chance (had he come to the Spurs in 2003 or 2004) to sign two long term NBA contracts for significant money instead of the one he will sign in two years when he becomes a free agent at 30 years of age.

Finally, let's not fool ourselves, the Spurs NEED to get young bigs like Splitter in here now for the 2008 season. I think that message will be sent by the FO. If he is as good as advertised, there will be playing time very soon for him.

[Harry Callahan]

Sparky,
Are you a mind reader? Wow! I posted before I got to your message. Great minds think alike.

[homer]

I don't know if it's a question of character. The guy would be taking a financial risk to come to the NBA and he could get hurt anytime. The Spurs can only offer him so much on the inital contract (I think about $800K first year, and only two years guaranteed). If he wasn't a first round pick and the Spurs could offer him more to compete with his overseas offer, that would be a different story. He'll just have to figure out if it's worth the risk for him personally.

Kori,
Do you think what happened with the Spurs and Scola will have an effect on Tiago's decision? Although Scola made millions before coming to the NBA, he didn't get to play with the team he wanted to play with or his friends(Fab & Manu).
I don't know how much Splitter wants to play with S.A. but maybe just the thought of the Spurs selling his rights if he signs with Tau may persuade him.
especially if we sell them to a poor team. Manu should go talk to him.:hat
I read somewhere later in this forum that Splitter said he was shopping for a house in S.A. Is it true what the article said? It is in Spanish which I don't read.

[wildbill2u]

Sounds like Tau and the other foreign teams have found they have a edge in competing with the NBA.

They can offer enough extra money to make it hard to turn down. Once players are signed at a higher number--and play for pay at that figure for three years--it will be even harder to take a pay cut to come to the US on a rookie contract.

Good business move.

[Cansal]

I´M SORRY BUT IF SPURS WANT´S SPLITTER THEY HAVE TO PAY I´M SURE THAT SPURS HAS A LOT OF WAY´S TO PAY MORE MONEY FOR SPLITTER. TODAY TAU LOST WITH PAMESA AND TIAGO MAKES 23PTOS, 14 REBOUNDS, 3ASSISTANTS AND 31 VALUE!!!!!!!!!! GREATTTTTTTTTTTT BELIVE ME, IF THEY PAY.............THINGS COULD CHANGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:toast:toast

[phyzik]

I´M SORRY BUT IF SPURS WANT´S SPLITTER THEY HAVE TO PAY I´M SURE THAT SPURS HAS A LOT OF WAY´S TO PAY MORE MONEY FOR SPLITTER. TODAY TAU LOST WITH PAMESA AND TIAGO MAKES 23PTOS, 14 REBOUNDS, 3ASSISTANTS AND 31 VALUE!!!!!!!!!! GREATTTTTTTTTTTT BELIVE ME, IF THEY PAY.............THINGS COULD CHANGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:toast:toast

no, the spurs really CANT pay any more than they are offering, they are restricted by NBA league rules. No matter how long Tiago waits to come to the NBA, he will only ever be able to make as much as the Spurs are offering to begin with.

[hsxvvd]

This is definately a concern for NBA teams come draft time. If your not a lottery pick, you can earn more money in Europe. While European teams continue to beat the US in Internationals and whilst the CBA restricts NBA teams from luring young talented Internationals the Euroleague teams will continue to catch the NBA. Stern should definately be keeping an eye on the Splitter situation and the like of Kosta Koufos who is slipping and likely to sign in Europe rather than his NBA team.

[picnroll]

Hey Splitter, think what Scola would be making now and how much bank he'd already have if he and his agent hadn't screwed up and he'd come over when he was 23. Now is your chance. Don't blow it.

[TDMVPDPOY]

but euro and nba contracts are totally diff, when one wants out, the nba you get bought out by the club if your not in their future plans, while euro they force you to buy urself out...

[Cansal]

Spurs Just Need Speak´s With Splitter And Find A Solution That Benefits Both Sides. Becouse You Should Accept, That Splitter Situation In The Nba Is Worse Than Europe Becouse If He Goes There, He Couldn´t Play In His First Year, Then In The Second Year He Could Play Some Minutes And Besides, He Should Do Very Very Good Everythings........... If He Gont´s To Make A Good Contract That Allows His To Recup A Few Money That Lost During This 3 Years In Usa. So You Don´t Think It´s A High Price For Him Nowaday To Play In The Nba. Personally I Think He Could Make Money In Europe, Continue His Development And Then After 2 Or 3 Years Continue His Carrer In Nba, Why Not? He Is Very Joung And The Best Age For The Players Are 27/28!!!!!!!!!!

[Slomo]

but euro and nba contracts are totally diff, when one wants out, the nba you get bought out by the club if your not in their future plans, while euro they force you to buy urself out...

?????

If you want out of any contract (NBA, Euroleague or otherwise) you have to buy yourself out. If the team wants to get rid of you, then they buy you out. Where you get the money to buy yourself out and what the buyout amount is are different matters.

BTW that practice is not limited to basketball :p:

[Cansal]

WELL FOR ALL OF US......... WHAT IS THE SOLUTION FOR SPLITTER IF YOU WANT HE PLAYS FOR YOUR TEAM NEXT SEASON?:bang:bang

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

WELL FOR ALL OF US......... WHAT IS THE SOLUTION FOR SPLITTER IF YOU WANT HE PLAYS FOR YOUR TEAM NEXT SEASON?:bang:bang

That he realizes that although he won't be making as much money in Europe in the USA for the first couple years, that if he tries his hardest and becomes one of the better players in the NBA, he can make more in the USA later on than he's dreamed of in Europe.

[Cansal]

Ok? Imagine That You Are Spliiter And You Sould Choice: Risk Two Years, Know´s That You Are Not To Play A Lot Of Minutes And Besides, Know´s That You Could Have An Injury That Makes S.a. Break´s The Contract With You Or Take The Money, Continue Your Development And Mybe In The Future Go To Usa?????????? What Would You Do?

[ThomasGranger]

Ok? Imagine That You Are Spliiter And You Sould Choice: Risk Two Years, Know´s That You Are Not To Play A Lot Of Minutes And Besides, Know´s That You Could Have An Injury That Makes S.a. Break´s The Contract With You Or Take The Money, Continue Your Development And Mybe In The Future Go To Usa?????????? What Would You Do?

Does he really know that he wouldn't get a lot of minutes with the Spurs next year?

[GrandeDavid]

Mas acho que ele vai pra San Antonio. Ele tem o sonho de jogar na NBA e aposto que ele vai fazer isso

Tomara que sim! Splitter em San Antonio significara mais noticias Spursense no Brasil! E mais torcida! ;)

[GrandeDavid]

Ok? Imagine That You Are Spliiter And You Sould Choice: Risk Two Years, Know´s That You Are Not To Play A Lot Of Minutes And Besides, Know´s That You Could Have An Injury That Makes S.a. Break´s The Contract With You Or Take The Money, Continue Your Development And Mybe In The Future Go To Usa?????????? What Would You Do?

What Would I Do? I Would Waste Time Capitalizing Every Word In Every Sentence I write. That's What I Would Do. What Would You Do?

[Bruno]

The article says he's already looking for a house in San Antonio.

Tiago said that he plans to go to San Antonio after he plays with Brazil NT

And the most important thing:



He guarantee he won't change his mind. "Play in NBA is the biggest dream of my life"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This article is from may 13, and ESPN reported that contract offer on may 15.

I hope Tau didn't make that big offer after that article.

Thanks for th translation/summary.

Spurs Brazil > babelfish


I find that most of you are panicking without a serious reason to do it. I've just a hard time seeing someone who says that deciding to stay in Europe.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

What Would You Do?

Not capitalize the first letter of every word.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Ok? Imagine That You Are Spliiter And You Sould Choice: Risk Two Years, Know´s That You Are Not To Play A Lot Of Minutes And Besides, Know´s That You Could Have An Injury That Makes S.a. Break´s The Contract With You Or Take The Money, Continue Your Development And Mybe In The Future Go To Usa?????????? What Would You Do?

Why would he only have a chance to get injured in the U.S. playing for San Antonio? Would he not have more of a chance getting injured playing more minutes in Europe (where the conditioning program/facilities are most likely not as good as in San Antonio)?

[Biggems]

with or without Splitter, we will still have Mahimni next year. I wouldn't mind trying to get Javtokas (Jaktovas)...I always get his name mixed up....Is he available to come to the NBA.

We just need to draft wisely and add quality FAs.

[ForeignFan]

Ok? Imagine That You Are Spliiter And You Sould Choice: Risk Two Years, Know´s That You Are Not To Play A Lot Of Minutes And Besides, Know´s That You Could Have An Injury That Makes S.a. Break´s The Contract With You Or Take The Money, Continue Your Development And Mybe In The Future Go To Usa?????????? What Would You Do?

tell the Federal Reserve to do something to improve the USD vs Euro exchange rate !

[tempest186]

Javtokas had his chance. There is next to no chance that he ever plays for the Spurs.

[SpursFan0728]

If Splitter comes to NBA and plays similar to what Scola did this year within the time of his contract, he could easily earn himself 5/6 million a year afterwards.

Come to NBA Splitter!

[SenorSpur]

The problem here is that if he doesn't come next year - it's a wasted draft pick. The Spurs badly need to upgrade that roster NOW! Every team is getting better and closing the gap FAST. (see the Hornets and Fakers).

Building a solid core of talent around our Big Three is important step toward remaining in championship contention over the next 3-5 years. To be ablt to accomplish this, the Spurs CANNOT afford to waste draft picks.

[Bartleby]

I would imagine playing with the Spurs while the big 3 are still in their prime and in the thick of the hunt would have at least some appeal. You can't be on a bigger stage than that.

[Ariel]

If Splitter comes to NBA and plays similar to what Scola did this year within the time of his contract, he could easily earn himself 5/6 million a year afterwards.

Come to NBA Splitter!
5 / 6 million U$S a year in the NBA is about 2 / 2.4 million euros in Europe. Also lets take into consideration that if Splitter chooses to sign with the Spurs and does relatively well, he'll be locked up for 4 years @ ~~ 5.5 million total. If you factor in taxes and the exchange rate, that is a maximum of 550K Euros a year for the next 4 years. He'll certainly make a hell of a lot more than that in Europe. So if he's looking at the financial side of things, he'll have to aspire to much more than that to make up for what he's losing in the first 4 years by making the jump.

[picnroll]

5 / 6 million U$S a year in the NBA is about 2 / 2.4 million euros in Europe. Also lets into consideration that if Splitter chooses to sign with the Spurs and does relatively well, he'll be locked up for 4 years @ ~~ 5.5 million total. If you factor in taxes and the exchange rate, that is a maximum of 550K Euros a year for the next 4 years. He'll certainly make a hell of a lot more than that in Europe. So if he's looking at the financial side of things, he'll have to aspire to much more than that to make up for what he's losing in the first 4 years by making the jump.
This is all assuming that the Euro maintains against the dollar. These things have a way of fluctuating over time and it's likely that we are nearer a zenith for the Euro than otherwise.

[Ariel]

This is all assuming that the Euro maintains against the dollar. These things have a way of fluctuating over time and it's likely that we are nearer a zenith for the Euro than otherwise.
Yeah, and I'm even willing to stipulate that is likely to be the case but, unless we're talking about a turnaround of epic proportions, numbers are roughly the same. Take 1 euro ~~ 1.2 dollars for the next 4 years, and the rookie scale for Splitter translates to 690K euros a year after taxes. Same reasoning @ an average of 1 dollar per euro for the next 4 years, rounds up 825K euros a year after taxes. So basically he's guaranteed to lose more than a million / million and a half euros a year for 4 years, so he'll have to make 8 / 9 million dollars a year in the NBA for a minimum of 4 / 5 years for the reward to be worth the risk, and he'll have to wait 8 years to break even, by which time he'll be over 30. So while that may very well be the case, I think the financial benefit of making the transition to the NBA in cases like his is quite overrated.

[Kobayagi]

TIAGO MAKES 23PTOS, 14 REBOUNDS, 3ASSISTANTS AND 31 VALUE!!!!!!!!!!

female or male assistants?

[picnroll]

Yeah, and I'm even willing to stipulate that is likely to be the case but, unless we're talking about a turnaround of epic proportions, numbers are roughly the same. Take 1 euro ~~ 1.2 dollars for the next 4 years, and the rookie scale for Splitter translates to 690K euros a year after taxes. Same reasoning @ an average of 1 dollar per euro for the next 4 years, rounds up 825K euros a year after taxes. So basically he's guaranteed to lose more than a million / million and a half euros a year for 4 years, so he'll have to make 8 / 9 million dollars a year in the NBA for a minimum of 4 / 5 years for the reward to be worth the risk, and he'll have to wait 8 years to break even, by which time he'll be over 30. So while that may very well be the case, I think the financial benefit of making the transition to the NBA in cases like his is quite overrated.

Unless he's not very good a 4 year $36 million dollar payout should be pretty easy to get. If he's real solid there's much more to be made. If he's a bust he can always arrange to be bought out and head back to Europe. Depends on how good he thinks he is, if he has confidence in his ability.

[easjer]

It's a very simple bottom line.

The only guarantees here are that Tiago cannot play with anyone but the Spurs should he come to the NBA. The Spurs cannot offer more than the stipulated rookie max, and never will be able to do so. Tau can offer far more money, but if Tiago takes it then he loses out on potentially far bigger NBA payouts later by cutting down the time in which he can play in the NBA.

Injury is a risk whenever and wherever one plays. Players have big injured in pick up games at the Y.

What does Tiago want more - money now and delaying (possibly forever) the chance to play in the NBA (certainly forgoing playing with one of the best clubs and some of the best players in their primes) OR less money (possibly forever, should he suffer an unlikely career ending injury prior to a big contract payout) to fulfill a dream.

Only person who can weigh that out is Tiago.

[SpursFan0728]

edit

[AFBlue]

So in 6 pages has there been ANY update as to which way he's leaning?

[Harry Callahan]

The potential payoff of playing in the NBA is much greater than in Europe. There is a glass ceiling overseas and every year he waits will delay that opportunity because the rookie contract situation stays the same. One can live very well on a guaranteed 3/4 year deal in the NBA. He will get the best coaching and training in the league.

Hopefully Splitter realizes the opportunity he can have in San Antonio. Who knows, if he continues to improve, he can have a 10-12 year career in the Alamo city as the team moves on to the next generation of players. I can think of worse situations to be in.

[Spurs Brazil]

So in 6 pages has there been ANY update as to which way he's leaning?

I think we'll need to wait the end of Spanish league

[Cansal]

:toast:bang:bang what time is the spur's game? becouse I would like to see it, good luck for you. Tomorrow we play with Pamesa and I hope our time win easy.:downspin::downspin:

oh! I'M VERY IMPRESSING BECOUSE ALL OF YOU HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT TIAGO SITUATION HOW DO YOU KNOW??????? I MEAN, HERE IN SPAIN NOWBODY KNOWS NOTHING!!!!!!!!!! THE SPUR'S CLUB HAS SAID SOMETHING ABOUT IT??????????????????????

[Spurs Brazil]

:toast:bang:bang what time is the spur's game? becouse I would like to see it, good luck for you. Tomorrow we play with Pamesa and I hope our time win easy.:downspin::downspin:

oh! I'M VERY IMPRESSING BECOUSE ALL OF YOU HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT TIAGO SITUATION HOW DO YOU KNOW??????? I MEAN, HERE IN SPAIN NOWBODY KNOWS NOTHING!!!!!!!!!! THE SPUR'S CLUB HAS SAID SOMETHING ABOUT IT??????????????????????

Report from ESPN Brazil

[JPB]

Whatever he chooses, he'll make more money than a reasonable person needs to live a comfortable life.

And to play basketball.

[Bruno]

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/baloncesto/acb/es/desarrollo/1128541.html

If it's true, big fuck you to Splitter.

[bigdog]

Well, I hate Splitter's game. I know most of you like it, but I just don't see how he would fit into the team.

But with that being said, we need some younger guys in the frontcourt, and I do think that this is probably one of our only options to get younger this offseason, and if he knows what's good for him, he'll come to SA next season.

I'm pretty sure Horry will be gone, so that's one stiff we can take off the roster. Now I just think it would be great if we could get rid of Oberto.

[Penya]

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/baloncesto/acb/es/desarrollo/1128541.html

If it's true, big fuck you to Splitter.

If MARCA says it, it will not happen. They're jinx :lol.

[mystargtr34]

Can someone trabnslate.... whats the article say?

This will just be a kick in the teeth if hes not coming over.

[Bruno]

Can someone trabnslate.... whats the article say?

This will just be a kick in the teeth if hes not coming over.

Spurs send someone in Spain to convince Splitter to sign with SA this summer but Splitter said no and will sign an extension with Tau.

If it's true, I will be damn disappointed in Splitter. I thought he wasn't in the Carlos Boozer mold.

[degenerate_gambler]

just wow...very bad news

[Harry Callahan]

Is there a confirmation on this stuff or is it just premature speculation?

The Spurs are not good enough to withstand squandered picks.

And if Splitter accepted and SIGNED a contract extention with Tau Ceramica (a TILE company) then he is getting the same bad advise Scola got. Very short sighted if he is an elite player.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Spanoulis is in very bad situation. World's greatest sports rivalry of Panathinaikos and Olympiakos is make careers of him and Diamantidis in bad place.

Giannakis the national team coach and coach of Olympiakos is be threaten by PAO owners and also head of FIBA Europe Vassilokopulos who is also Greek. PAO owners is threaten that players of PAO can never again play in national team if Giannakis is coach which mean no Olympics for them. Also Giannakis is been threaten PAO players during Greek final and also have call Diamantidis a faggot and Spanoulis a moron.

And this is same coach develop Spanoulis at Maroussi. Fans of teams have been fire rockets and grenades at coaches and players try injure them during games. Also PAO owner is say his players will do what he say and be ban from national team indefinte time. He also say when Greek sport federation or FIBA punish PAO and also Greek player of PAO they must accept whatever happen which can be suspension for remainder of player contract and also banishment from international competition.

If ever time for Spurs to push for Spanoulis now is time.

[stxspurs]

if true,let him rot over there and let ian kick some ass.....ian might be more suited for nba play and the spurs.
we are really gonna need to et a good FA this offseason

[stxspurs]

maybe vspan can help this year.....i know everyone talks shit about him but the vids i see is not a bad player...

[T Park]

This could set off a domino affect that could hurt this franchise for contending for a long time.

[Harry Callahan]

I would hope if a contract has not yet been signed that R.C. Buford would get on the next plane to Spain or Brazil and convince this guy to come to the Spurs this year. That should be the general managers responsibility.

The articles I've read up until now indicated Splitter has a manageble buy out from his Euroleague team and that he wanted to come over in 2008. If the Spurs manage to botch this draft pick by not getting Splitter in here for another three years, then they are starting to make the mistakes that cannot be made if you want to get better. Not good at all.

[loveforthegame]

Terrible news. Why not some more after last night.

[PDXSpursFan]

Shit! If the rumor turns out to be true, that's even worst than last night lost :(

[Harry Callahan]

Could someone back in SA get confirmation of this signing from a Spurs rep? Sucks.

[ThomasGranger]

Far as I can tell the article indicates that he will sign, not that he has done so already. Doesn't look good but it's not a done deal, no?

[dbreiden83080]

If he wants to make a name for himself, this is not the answer. Come to SA play well for just 1 season and the money will be there for him. Staying put for a few extra bucks and avoiding the NBA is stupid.

[stxspurs]

this is so bad.

[Anti.Hero]

unbelievable!


fuck!

[dbreiden83080]

If he has this little competitive drive to come to the NBA and showoff his skills then the hell with this guy. If he plays well in the NBA he is going to make tons of money. He must doubt his ability to do that.

[boutons_]

When it rains, it pours.

Too bad, for drought-stricken San Antonio area, that is only a metaphor.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

If he has this little competitive drive to come to the NBA and showoff his skills then the hell with this guy. If he plays well in the NBA he is going to make tons of money. He must doubt his ability to do that.

Best players in Europe make more than they can make in NBA now. Fans in US must accept reality of this and stop living in past. Is just how it is now.

[dbreiden83080]

Best players in Europe make more than they can make in NBA now. Fans in US must accept reality of this and stop living in past. Is just how it is now.

Well why the hell was this guy drafted by the Spurs if there was little chance he would sign with the Spurs?? What you are saying can't be that cut and dry. Teams don't just piss away draft picks.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Well why the hell was this guy drafted by the Spurs if there was little chance he would sign with the Spurs?? What you are saying can't be that cut and dry. Teams don't just piss away draft picks.

Spurs also just give away Scola. What is point of them do this?

[TheProfessor]

Well why the hell was this guy drafted by the Spurs if there was little chance he would sign with the Spurs?? What you are saying can't be that cut and dry. Teams don't just piss away draft picks.
Spurs have done a pretty good job of that recently. Traded a productive back-up PF/second round pick for cap relief & a low second-round pick, paid a team to take a former first-rounder off their hands, last year's first rounder could stay in Europe earning way more than rookie base salary for some time, cut last year's early second rounder to sign a back-up PG that went to Europe, and traded next year's first rounder for a guy who's not even playing in this series.

[ThomasGranger]

I just wish he hadn't declared for the draft if he wasn't sure about making the jump to the NBA. I guess the writing was on the wall since he had been pussyfooting about declaring for the draft for several years already.

[TheProfessor]

Spurs also just give away Scola. What is point of them do this?
They wanted to get something for a player they weren't going to pay $3 million a year before he signed an extension.

[whottt]

I just wish he hadn't declared for the draft if he wasn't sure about making the jump to the NBA. I guess the writing was on the wall since he had been pussyfooting about declaring for the draft for several years already.


He had to declare for the draft...it's mandatory at 22.

[Harry Callahan]

It would have been nice if Splitter at least came to San Antonio and talked face to face with the Spurs before making a decision about where he was going to play next year. I'm sure Tau put a deadline on their offer so that Splitter would take the offer and not talk with the Spurs. Supposedly Buford is a friend of the Tau coach. The Spurs (if Splitter stays oversees) are really not getting the job done in the front office lately on several fronts. This is a very discouraging development.

You wonder (if splitter stays over now) if he will ever come over. It's not like the rookie scale goes away and by 2011 the Spurs core is mostly done or about done. By then, there will be roster spots aplenty available.

A reason stated for the Spurs drafting this guy was the low buyout on his contract where he could come over in 08. I guess that was just talk in the end about Splitter really wanting to play in the NBA.

[TheProfessor]

It would have been nice if Splitter at least came to San Antonio and talked face to face with the Spurs before making a decision about where he was going to play next year. I'm sure Tau put a deadline on their offer so that Splitter would take the offer and not talk with the Spurs. Supposedly Buford is a friend of the Tau coach. The Spurs (if Splitter stays oversees) are really not getting the job done in the front office lately on several fronts. This is a very discouraging development.

You wonder (if splitter stays over now) if he will ever come over. It's not like the rookie scale goes away and by 2011 the Spurs core is mostly done or about done. By then, there will be roster spots aplenty available.

A reason stated for the Spurs drafting this guy was the low buyout on his contract where he could come over in 08. I guess that was just talk in the end about Splitter really wanting to play in the NBA.
It's very easy for Splitter to talk about wanting to play in the NBA, until Tau makes an offer that few of us would turn down. He comes off looking like a flake, but it's hard to blame him, and ultimately, hard to blame the Spurs considering what he was saying at the time. This should be the end of first round draft and stashes until the NBA addresses discrepancies between the rookie base salary and what good young players can get in Europe.

[Bruno]

First, it's still a rumor for the moment. AFAIK, he hasn't signed for the moment his extension with TAU.

Second, if Splitter re-sign with Tau, it would be incredibly lame.
It makes no doubt that Spurs have talked to him/his agent before the draft. If Spurs have drafted him, it was because they thought that he will go in NBA in 2009. Changing his mind after a team has invested on you a first round pick isn't a fair move towards it. Late first round picks market value is $3M in cash. You act like a piece of shit if you basically say to a team "spend $3M on me" and one year later you say "I won't come in NBA , you're fucked".
Splitter said two weeks ago "NBA is my dream, I won't change my mind and I will go there for sure". If fifteen days late, you sign an extension with Tau. it means that you were lying and you have just used the NBA team to get a bigger extension from Tau.

I think this report form Marca is BS and Splitter will sign in SA. If he re-signs with Tau, he can go to hell.

[samikeyp]

I thinks this report form Marca is BS and Splitter will sign in SA. If he re-signs with Tau, he can go to hell.


:toast

[dbreiden83080]

All i know is this better not be a huge issue of money for the Spurs because Duncan took 11 mil less on his contract extension because he was supposedly made promises by the front office of what they could do with that extra cap space, to stay competitive. They better make good on that with what is left of this era, the best era of Basketball the Spurs will probably ever see.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

All i know is this better not be a huge issue of money for the Spurs because Duncan took 11 mil less on his contract extension because he was supposedly made promises by the front office of what they could do with that extra cap space, to stay competitive. They better make good on that with what is left of this era, the best era of Basketball the Spurs will probably ever see.This has nothing to do with money -- at least from the Spurs side. They are locked into paying Splitter whatever his slot is in the draft. They can't offer him any more than that.

[timvp]

Ah, WTF :pctoss

[Harry Callahan]

The Spurs are locked in initially, but if a guy can play, he will get paid a lot more in the NBA in the long run (assuming health and playing ability). SA needs help up front and he can provide it. Plus he gets the clock started on the second contract where the real money awaits. An insurance contract could alleviate some early monetary concerns I guess.

Hope Bruno is correct and this report is just speculation at this point.

[peewee's lovechild]

This has nothing to do with money -- at least from the Spurs side. They are locked into paying Splitter whatever his slot is in the draft. They can't offer him any more than that.

What about a signing bonus?

Is that included with his slot in the draft, or is that on the side?

[MannyIsGod]

Splitter is getting jack shit for money compared to Europe if he wants to play in the NBA. There is no way around that.

[picnroll]

Screw him. Mahinmi's better anyways.

[wildbill2u]

The problem is the locked in money feature in the rookie draft contracts. Who could have predicted that Tau would spend so much money on Splitter?

It just goes to show how the money situation in Europe is so changed from years ago. Now their best players are going to be compensated comparable to at least the mid-range players in the NBA in order to keep them.

If Splitter takes 3 million as opposed to 1 million, who can blame him. It's a business and he has to do what is better for his situation now. Who knows if he'll be able to cash in some time in the future in the NBA.

[degenerate_gambler]

what's the $ worth these days vs. the euro....something like $0.72?

[Spurs Brazil]

There's no news about it in Brazil press.

The guy who first reported it two weeks ago has nothing on his blog.

I have a friend who work in a radio here in Brazil and talked with Tiago after he was drafted last year.

I send the Marca link to him and he'll try to contact Tiago.

If I have some news I'll post it

[Russ]

Screw him. Mahinmi's better anyways.

Would only that were true . . .

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

The Spurs are locked in initially, but if a guy can play, he will get paid a lot more in the NBA in the long run (assuming health and playing ability). SA needs help up front and he can provide it. Plus he gets the clock started on the second contract where the real money awaits. An insurance contract could alleviate some early monetary concerns I guess.

Hope Bruno is correct and this report is just speculation at this point.

Why you keep repeat this lie over and over here? Have you not listen at all to Europe members here? You need stop live in past. This just not true what you say. If player is deem worth of NBA max contract by rich club in Europe like CSKA, PAO, or Olympiacos then player will get same as NBA max contract. You just refuse listen to thing be explain to you over and over.

[TheProfessor]

Why you keep repeat this lie over and over here? Have you not listen at all to Europe members here? You need stop live in past. This just not true what you say. If player is deem worth of NBA max contract by rich club in Europe like CSKA, PAO, or Olympiacos then player will get same as NBA max contract. You just refuse listen to thing be explain to you over and over.
Who's earning something comparable to max NBA money right now in Europe?

[urunobili]

i would hate to say this... but if Tiago signs an extension with TAU... i think he may have seen what they did to Scola as inspiration... :pctoss

[Bruno]

There's no news about it in Brazil press.


There is this story but I don't know if they just reported Marca news or if they get some kind of confirmation.
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/esporte/ult92u406342.shtml


They said that Tiago should/will sign a 1 year extension.
I guess Tau have said to him, stay one more year, we will give you a big salary and we will lower your buyout in 2009 from $1M to $500K (the max a NBA team can give to a Euro team for a buyout). By doing that, Splitter will have his full NBA rookie salary for him and won't have to give a part of his rookie salary to Tau.

[urunobili]

There is this story but I don't know if they just reported Marca news or if they get some kind of confirmation.
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/esporte/ult92u406342.shtml


They said that Tiago should/will sign a 1 year extension.
I guess Tau have said to him, stay one more year, we will give you a big salary and we will lower your buyout in 2009 from $1M to $500K (the max a NBA team can give to a Euro team for a buyout). By doing that, Splitter will have his full NBA rookie salary for him and won't have to give a part of his rookie salary to Tau.

so would this be helpful for us? i think the guy is needed ASAP isn't he? :depressed

[Spurs Brazil]

There is this story but I don't know if they just reported Marca news or if they get some kind of confirmation.
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/esporte/ult92u406342.shtml


They said that Tiago should/will sign a 1 year extension.
I guess Tau have said to him, stay one more year, we will give you a big salary and we will lower your buyout in 2009 from $1M to $500K (the max a NBA team can give to a Euro team for a buyout). By doing that, Splitter will have his full NBA rookie salary for him and won't have to give a part of his rookie salary to Tau.


I saw that, but they are just reporting Marca.

maybe we can get some news in the newspaper website of Tiago hometown

http://www.clicrbs.com.br/diariocatarinense/jsp/default.jsp?uf=2&local=18&section=Esportes&capaId=Esportes

I'm also waiting to see if my frind can talk to his agent or Tiago. I'm also waiting to see that the guy who reported it 1st here in his blog have some news

Here the 1st report on his blog 2 weeks ago

http://espnbrasil.terra.com.br/blog/comentarios.aspx?idBlog=14&idArtigo=71

[Bruno]

I'm also waiting to see if my frind can talk to his agent or Tiago. I'm also waiting to see that the guy who reported it 1st here in his blog have some news


Thanks :tu

[timvp]

If Splitter signs any sort of extension, trade his azz if he has any value. He'll just become less and less likely to ever cross the pond as the years go on. At least with Scola he wasn't locked into a set contract so the Spurs could get him if they really wanted him. With Splitter, you basically have to hope he takes less money in the short-term ... which isn't a common occurrence in sports.

What sucks is Splitter could have easily been a starter next year for the Spurs. He's pretty agile and quick so he could work against teams like the Lakers. His offense isn't great but it isn't too bad. Plus he's a world class flopper, which usually transfers over well to the NBA. Especially early on before the refs realize what's happening.

[Harry Callahan]

Why you keep repeat this lie over and over here? Have you not listen at all to Europe members here? You need stop live in past. This just not true what you say. If player is deem worth of NBA max contract by rich club in Europe like CSKA, PAO, or Olympiacos then player will get same as NBA max contract. You just refuse listen to thing be explain to you over and over.

So, there are players in Europe who earn Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili money over there (Approximately $10 Million Dollars per year)? Name the European Players Earning NBA MAX Money please so you can educate me.

I won't even talk about Tim Duncan money. These guys have the CHANCE to earn more in the NBA over a career in my opinion. Obviously not every player does.

[timvp]

Hopefully Mahinmi is ready but he just appears too raw. I can't imagine him going from raw NBDL player to playoff performer in one year. He's still a long term project ... where as Splitter is already as good as he's going to get.

[boutons_]

Tim, Iago, Ian as front-line with Robert and Fabs departed or seated way down the bench?

I'll drink to that.

[objective]

countdown to trading Splitter's rights to get rid of Bonner's contract in 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . .

lol

how awful.

One of the classic anti-Scola arguements has been "Splitter! We have Splitter now! Splitter is better!"

IF Splitter never comes that will only make the anti-Scola buffoonery cube into astronomical proportions, and it already was pretty bad.

No Splitter = title contending window probably closed.

[objective]

While I'd love to see Mahinmi thrown to the wolves for as many minutes as possible, his season next year even if he's not sent to Austin probably tracks Amir Johnson. Some solid bench minutes during the season on occasion, but come playoff time glued to the bench. Not enough to determine how far a team goes.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

So, there are players in Europe who earn Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili money over there (Approximately $10 Million Dollars per year)? Name them.

These guys have the CHANCE to earn more in the NBA. Obviously not everyone does.

You refuse do simple maths.

NBA contracts is GROSS. Europe top clubs is NET.

Let me gives you some ideas. Kirilenko last summer were offer 40 million EURO net money for 5 years. And Euro is like 1.64 worth of US dollar.

Webber is offer last summer 10 million EURO in the net salary for 2 years. Now remember these player will also get house pay for, car pay for, all expense. Team like Olympiacos offer contract to Webber is even offer pay all college and such for kids. They offers free yacht and Mediterranean villa plus they pay all taxes on these also.

Now try get simple thing, Manu do not make $10 million, he have to PAY TAXES on this. Get this?

And Kirilenko and Webber is not even best of NBA players. Teams such as PAO, CSKA, Olympiacos can pay NBA max salary if they feel player is worth such and player is willing to sign there.

You even realize how much salary PAO and CSKA have? 33 million euros NET for CSKA and 30 million euros NET for PAO for these years rosters. Now try do simple math your self. NET salary PLUS all expenses of players paid and all tax on these expense.

They have already figure Saras is be paid equal of $12 million per year if he is with NBA team. They pay equal to $12 million per year for playser such as Saras who is even not very good at level of top teams in Greek league you not think they will pay max level for good NBA player?

Splitter is not good enough to get this salary but if he is he will gets it.

You talks about Manu he can EASY get more money from team such as PAO or CSKA than Spurs pays him.

[picnroll]

Mahinmi progressed a lot this year rasing his play against the compettion. Hopefully next year, throughout the year he can do the same against NBA players. I like his intensity and aggressivenes compared to Splitter plus the fact he seems to posses a lot better mid-range shot. And he actually wants to play with the big boys.

[timvp]

If Splitter signs an extension, I'm not sure the Spurs are going to just play along and wait it out. Splitter was all about coming to the NBA before the draft and right after the draft. He said it was 100%.

And really, Scola had more to complain about than Splittler. Scola didn't have a set buyout. Scola wasn't locked into a set contract. Scola basically told teams not to draft him in the second round and the Spurs did it anyways.

Splitter knew exactly how much money his contract was going to be when he was drafted. He knew he'd be giving up money from Tau. If he wasn't interested, he shouldn't have fooled the Spurs by pretending he was all about the NBA. Listening talk after the draft, there was no doubt in his words that he was coming to the Spurs.

If he wants to go back on his word, F him. He knew how this situation would play out. Hopefully this latest report isn't accurate because if it is, I don't want him on the Spurs after this drama queen BS move.

[Stump]

Can anyone translate this?

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/baloncesto/acb/es/desarrollo/1128541.html

[urunobili]

Hopefully this latest report isn't accurate because if it is, I don't want him on the Spurs after this drama queen BS move. I think you are being over dramatic with this statement... maybe it's just 1 year he has to play to have his FULL rookie contract... and i bet you'd welcome him on 2010 with arms wide open... i dunno if there are many polished big men in the NBA as he is...

and as a plus... all this years... playing besides the father of his godson... i don't think he may have heard nice things about the Spurs FO in TAU's lockeroom...
:bang

[objective]

if memory serves, Splitter actually came to San Antonio and had a press conference with the Spurs.

Something Scola never did, so that made it so much more likely that Splitter would come.

Oh well.

At least we have Bonner.

[picnroll]

Spurs should tell him "now or never. Extend with Tau and we'll bury you and your rights in Europe forever."

[Bruno]

The latest on Mahinmi is that Spurs haven't made him any kind of promise on playing with Spurs next year.
He hasn't even talk with Pop about his role next year and he is just hope to play with Spurs next year after his good first year in Austin.

[CosmicCowboy]

You refuse do simple maths.

NBA contracts is GROSS. Europe top clubs is NET.

Let me gives you some ideas. Kirilenko last summer were offer 40 million EURO net money for 5 years. And Euro is like 1.64 worth of US dollar.

Webber is offer last summer 10 million EURO in the net salary for 2 years. Now remember these player will also get house pay for, car pay for, all expense. Team like Olympiacos offer contract to Webber is even offer pay all college and such for kids. They offers free yacht and Mediterranean villa plus they pay all taxes on these also.

Now try get simple thing, Manu do not make $10 million, he have to PAY TAXES on this. Get this?

And Kirilenko and Webber is not even best of NBA players. Teams such as PAO, CSKA, Olympiacos can pay NBA max salary if they feel player is worth such and player is willing to sign there.

You even realize how much salary PAO and CSKA have? 33 million euros NET for CSKA and 30 million euros NET for PAO for these years rosters. Now try do simple math your self. NET salary PLUS all expenses of players paid and all tax on these expense.

They have already figure Saras is be paid equal of $12 million per year if he is with NBA team. They pay equal to $12 million per year for playser such as Saras who is even not very good at level of top teams in Greek league you not think they will pay max level for good NBA player?

Splitter is not good enough to get this salary but if he is he will gets it.

You talks about Manu he can EASY get more money from team such as PAO or CSKA than Spurs pays him.

Dang...

If the dollar keeps sinking relative to the Euro I could see top draft prospects taking the easy money and skipping the NBA completely...

[Harry Callahan]

There is this story but I don't know if they just reported Marca news or if they get some kind of confirmation.
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/esporte/ult92u406342.shtml


They said that Tiago should/will sign a 1 year extension.
I guess Tau have said to him, stay one more year, we will give you a big salary and we will lower your buyout in 2009 from $1M to $500K (the max a NBA team can give to a Euro team for a buyout). By doing that, Splitter will have his full NBA rookie salary for him and won't have to give a part of his rookie salary to Tau.

A one year deal is not horrible for the Spurs (a little more seasoning for him) and coming over in 2009. A three year deal is not good.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Spurs should tell him "now or never. Extend with Tau and we'll bury you and your rights in Europe forever."

But all he have to do is same thing Scola do. If want come NBA just have agent tell other NBA teams he is now look for trade. If some team is willing to take Bonner and then dumps him trade will be done.

I would like see Tiago in Spurs but is obvious US fans just not realize economic situations now. Dollar is so weak and in Europe players and teams are getting much bigger contracts each year. Is no longer reason to join NBA to make more money but instead is to make LESS money.

Scola remembers is getting huge shoe contract from China this only reason he agree to salary Rockets gives him.

[objective]

I have the perfect solution guys.

Time for Dennis Lindsay to work his magic.

We all know how close Splitter and Scola are and how they wanted to play together.

So the Spurs trade Splitter's rights + Matt Bonner's contract to Houston for Steve Francis (1 year left) + cash considerations to buy out Francis's contract. Then after the deal is done Splitter will change his mind and sign with Houston.

He'll be a great fit there, backing up Yao when he's healthy and starting all the games Yao misses, and he'll have the great chemistry with Scola to smooth his transition.

And this way the Spurs get to save face by unloading Bonner's contract and putting a couple of million into Holt's pockets during these uncertain economic times!

[urunobili]

Can anyone translate this?

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/baloncesto/acb/es/desarrollo/1128541.html

Until last tuesday there was a Spurs agent in Vitoria trying to convince Tiago Splitter Tau ceramica's Center to be part of the "rejuvenation operation" of the Texan team. nevertheless it doesn't seem that he was successful on his trip. the renewal offer given by Tau to Tiago seems to be satisfactory enough for him to stay and almost for sure he is staying in Vitoria.

Splitter, chosen by the Spurs 28th first round pick will accept the renewal offer. It is not signed yet and there are last minute details to be worked out but surroundings to the club and the player reportedly announced to have it done already, and that would keep Tiago in TAU's main man just like Scola that didn't leave to the NBA until he was 26.

A whole life with TAU

With just 15 y/o in 2000 TAU signed Tiago from Blumenau a Brazilian club and then sent him to play to Araba Gorago from EBA league. He played with the National Brazilian team in ALL their categories (2002 World Cup appareance with just 17y/o), he also played for Bilbao Basket (from 2001 to 2003, on LEB2 and LEB) and has been last two "Supercopas" MVP

[picnroll]

Scola remembers is getting huge shoe contract from China this only reason he agree to salary Rockets gives him.
Where in the world do you come up with this crap?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I have the perfect solution guys.

Time for Dennis Lindsay to work his magic.

We all know how close Splitter and Scola are and how they wanted to play together.

So the Spurs trade Splitter's rights + Matt Bonner's contract to Houston for Steve Francis (1 year left) + cash considerations to buy out Francis's contract. Then after the deal is done Splitter will change his mind and sign with Houston.

He'll be a great fit there, backing up Yao when he's healthy and starting all the games Yao misses, and he'll have the great chemistry with Scola to smooth his transition.

And this way the Spurs get to save face by unloading Bonner's contract and putting a couple of million into Holt's pockets during these uncertain economic times!

What is sad this is very good chance type thing might happen.

[Bruno]

A one year deal is not horrible for the Spurs (a little more seasoning for him) and coming over in 2009. A three year deal is not good.

An one year delay isn't horrible but it isn't good. Duncan isn't getting younger.

Even if Splitter only sign an one year extension, he will do a crap thing and I don't know if I want that kind of player with a Spurs jersey.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Where in the world do you come up with this crap?

You keep talk crap not me. Scola was give huge shoe contract in China from company Rockets owner is part of. This ONLY reason he agree for salary Rockets gives him. I know this was report in Greece when trade is make with Spanoulis and he signs here. They mentions many time Scola get big shoe contract from China from Rockets owner or else he will have cost more than MLE to sign and Rockets not trade Spanouli unless they know for sure can sign Scola.

[nkdlunch]

terrible news

[nkdlunch]

Spurs should tell him "now or never. Extend with Tau and we'll bury you and your rights in Europe forever."

I like this idea

[picnroll]

You keep talk crap not me. Scola was give huge shoe contract in China from company Rockets owner is part of. This ONLY reason he agree for salary Rockets gives him.
Link or BS.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Link or BS.

How can I find link from so long ago and this be in Greek anyway. What I say is TRUE and Kori can ban me if is not.

[objective]

What is sad this is very good chance type thing might happen.

It's sad because it's true.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Ha look what great google finds for me

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/printthread.php?t=147508

it even have VIDEO of Scola Chinese shoe commercial from company calls Anta which Rocket owner Alexander is part of!

Go to link and watch Chinese shoe deal commercial of Scola. You is LIAR not me.

[objective]

The latest on Mahinmi is that Spurs haven't made him any kind of promise on playing with Spurs next year.
He hasn't even talk with Pop about his role next year and he is just hope to play with Spurs next year after his good first year in Austin.

If true that is worrisome.

That should be a red flag to everybody that the Spurs might be looking to re-sign Kurt Thomas or sign Dikembe Mutombo or some other over-the-hill big-man to be the Steve Smith to Mahinmi's Stephen Jackson.

[picnroll]

Ha look what great google finds for me

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/printthread.php?t=147508

it even have VIDEO of Scola Chinese shoe commercial from company calls Anta which Rocket owner Alexander is part of!

Go to link and watch Chinese shoe deal commercial of Scola. You is LIAR not me.

You're half way there. Now show me the "Scola was give huge shoe contract" proof..

[ThomasGranger]

If true that is worrisome.

That should be a red flag to everybody that the Spurs might be looking to re-sign Kurt Thomas or sign Dikembe Mutombo or some other over-the-hill big-man to be the Steve Smith to Mahinmi's Stephen Jackson.

Maybe if the Spurs were steamrolling through the playoffs, but I think even they have to recognize they've gone about as far as they can with the whole "experience over youth and athleticism" approach.

I guess we'll know for sure soon enough.

[Spurs Brazil]

I have a lot of doubts in this Marca article. There isn't any Tiago quote.

Last week he was talking about playing with the NT and then follow his dream and play in the NBA. I still think he'll do that

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

You're half way there. Now show me the "Scola was give huge shoe contract" proof..

They say in Greece something like $5 million.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

You're half way there. Now show me the "Scola was give huge shoe contract" proof..

http://www.anta.cn/eng/about/milestones.htm

This is official site say also Steve Francis signs with them. I checks Rockets board this also why Francis sign for so cheap and Bonzi also. They also get the shoe deal from Rockets owner Chinese company with shoe makers.

Also they says Chuck Hayes gets 6 figure shoe contract from them so this mean Scola must get very big contract.

Quote:
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9048098

NBA: Yao's Houston teammates score on Chinese shoe endorsements
Three Rockets enjoy lucrative endorsement deals
for Chinese-brand basketball shoes

By Ross Siler

The Salt Lake Tribune

Article Last Updated: 04/25/2008 10:19:32 AM MDT

Thanks to the stress fracture in his left foot, Yao Ming hasn't played a minute for the Houston Rockets in the last two months. That doesn't mean, though, that his footprints aren't all over this first-round playoff series with the Jazz.

Quite literally, in fact, with three of Yao's teammates wearing Chinese brand basketball shoes. Forget Nike, Reebok or Adidas. Shane Battier, Chuck Hayes and Luis Scola have six- and seven-figure endorsement deals with Peak, Li-Ning and Anta, respectively.

"While I would love to believe that it's because of my overwhelming charisma and personality," Battier said, "I think it has something to do with Yao."

It is perhaps the greatest tribute to the globalization of the NBA. While Yao wears an American brand of shoes (Reebok), his teammates have cashed in with Chinese companies simply by wearing the same uniform as Yao.

"Every game," Hayes said, "I get millions of people over there in Asia watching us and supporting me, and people, they see that I'm wearing Li-Ning, so I guess that brings up my fan base even more."

Joking with Scola at Thursday's pregame shootaround, Yao said he wanted a free dinner from his teammates, if not a piece of their contracts. "Are there any shoe company in Argentina interested about me?" Yao asked Scola.

"If Yao wore a Chinese shoe," Battier said, "I don't think there'd be any deals for us over here, so we're happy with Yao and Reebok."

For all the recent news reports about lead contamination in Chinese exports - children's toys, in particular - Battier said his Peaks are as good as any shoe he has worn.

"I toured the factory," Battier said, "and where my shoe was made, it was very well ventilated and well lit and labor practices seemed on the up and up."

The Rockets quietly claim the Chinese shoe contracts give them a potential edge in free agency. The deals are believed to be worth between $300,000 (for a player like Hayes) to $1 million or more for Battier and Steve Francis, who signed with Anta.

An undrafted and undersized forward, Hayes can forever boast that he has his own shoe deal. Li-Ning approached his agent last season and Hayes surprised Yao one day when he showed up to practice wearing the sneakers.

"Yao can vouch for me," Hayes said. "Out of the three shoe companies, mine is the best one. Yao said mine was by far the best one. Over there, I have the best shoe. So I would like to say I'm wearing the Nikes of China."

The three are featured on billboards in the country's biggest cities. Battier said every NBA game broadcast in China goes to break with a Peak commercial starring himself and returns from break with the same commercial a second time.

"I'm much more famous in China than I think I ever was in America, which is kind of cool," Battier said.

Rockets forward Mike Harris, who played in China earlier this season before signing with Houston last month, can attest to how tired he grew of seeing Battier on television.

"The commercial plays over and over," Harris said. "It got kind of repetitive. I got tired of watching it, so I just stopped watching TV. I started watching movies."

While Nikes retail for $100 or more, Chinese sneakers cost about half that, said Wang Meng, who covers the Rockets for Titan Sports, the country's largest sports newspaper. Li-Ning is the most established brand, but Anta is making inroads.

Approximately 70 Rockets games each season are broadcast in China, Wang added, making them China's adopted national team. He said the endorsement deals were far more cost effective than paying to advertise on government-run television.

Li-Ning has deals with NBA players Shaquille O'Neal and Damon Jones while Rockets owner Leslie Alexander reportedly has a $30 million stake in Anta. The biggest question, though, is whether Yao ever will wear a Chinese brand.

"There are a lot of Chinese shoe companies that really want to sign Yao when he becomes a free agent," Wang said. "There will be a fight, just like three, four years ago Nike and Reebok fight so hard to try to sign Yao."

[email protected]

Hayes have 6 figure and Battier must have 7 maybe? But like it say Scola have 7 I knows Greece sports paper say it were like $5 million.

[Bruno]

If true that is worrisome.


Mahinmi said that he hasn't talked about his future role 10 days ago. It comes directly from him.

I'm not sure that it's worrisome. It's quite logical that they haven't talked about that while Spurs are in the middle of a playoff run.

[Spurs Brazil]

Mahinmi said that he hasn't talked about his future role 10 days ago. It comes directly from him.

I'm not sure that it's worrisome. It's quite logical that they haven't talked about that while Spurs are in the middle of a playoff run.


Agree. Pop would not talk about it during the Playoffs.

I hope we can see Tiago and Ian as part of next year rotation

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Please don't let this be true, getting younger is now pretty much mandatory for the team, and we need Splitter.
If he goes on with the extension, then all I can say is go to hell Tiago.

[Joe Schmoogins]

Yeah, until I see a direct quote from Splitter... I'm gonna keep the hope that he's coming over.

[midgetonadonkey]

Yeah, until I see a direct quote from Splitter... I'm gonna keep the hope that he's coming over.

Same here.

[SenorSpur]

Latest word from RealGM:

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/52727/20080528/splitter_likely_to_stay_in_spain/

Members of the Spurs' organization have been in Spain attempting to convince Tiago Splitter to join their club for the 2008-09 season.

The Spurs selected Splitter in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft.

Splitter is nearly certain to accept a renewal from Tau Cerámica.

[Bruno]

I have a lot of doubts in this Marca article. There isn't any Tiago quote.

Last week he was talking about playing with the NT and then follow his dream and play in the NBA. I still think he'll do that

AFAIK, Marca isn't the closest source of info about Tau. It's a newspaper from Madrid and not from Vittoria's area.
The equivalent to what the E-N is to Spurs for Tau, is el correo digital http://www.elcorreodigital.com/alava/deportes/tau/ .

If this newspaper report that Splitter is set to re-sign with Tau, this rumor will have way more credibility.

[ChumpDumper]

Well I believe this more than I would if it came from the Greek media.

[picnroll]

I'd think Mahinmi wouldn't get any guarantee right through training camp just to keep him working his butt off.

[hsxvvd]

Maybe it's time to draft local talent for a change.