Tiago Splitter Close to Signing Two-Year Extension with Tau

[Indazone]

Dude, you have to get up to date with facts. Spain is part of the Euro-zone, and the European Union. That is a fully integrated internal market that operates as a single entity. In terms of GDP it is the biggest economy of the planet. Whether they had to combine together or not, it's totally irrelevant.

TAU plays not only in the Spanish League, but the Euroleague, which draws revenues from the whole continent.

The Euroleague is not up to par with the NBA in terms of play, and probably never will be, but the NBA has to realize that it's not the only player of a sport that is global in its development. The NBA is not on the same operating scale as the NFL, NHL, MLB.

And while it might seem ridicoulous to you, fans, players, coaches, organizations, around the world prepare, and completely enjoy winning the Onlympics, the Euroleague, or the Eurobasket tournaments.

I am not someone that comes to the aide of KBP, but Americans have to understand it's a big big world out there and they have to open their eyes.

I feel bad for how the Splitter situation developed, but I too believe that the Spurs have only themselves to blame for this. This 'draft and stash' maybe worked with Manu, but it can't work forever. If they truly believed in the guy, than maybe they should have brought him in last year, or promised to draft him, and bring him in at 20 years old. Therefore now that he is 23, he would have been eligible for a big NBA contract. This is how the rest of the NBA works, you don't draft good players, and stash them along, and perpetually rebuild. The Spurs were the only ones to be able to do that, but now it seems like they too will go the way of other teams. When your team gets old, you have to start rebuilding your team from scratch like everyone else does.

Never say never. Wasn't it the USA Olympic team that was cocky and said that the Russians had no chance of ever beating them in 1972?

[diego]

And despite being the having the largest GDP on the planet, the EU/Eurozone/runners up don't have a basketball league which offers long-term guaranteed contracts on par with the NBA. Thanks for playing.

dont get me wrong, i'm no euro-lover, but you are being too simple in your analysis. in europe there is no players union, the owners would be stupid to give large guaranteed contracts for the sake of it. its much better for them to offer short contracts loaded with perks than risk a guaranteed long term one.

as for la liga vs MLS, big european clubs, like real madrid, barca, valencia, spend upwards of 250M yearly on players. thats more than the knicks, and i wouldnt be surprised if a team like barca spent more on players than the entire MLS- at least up until last year, when the MLS started bringing in "designated players" so they can try and snatch actual stars (who they've chosen so far is another story!)

but even then the story is more than economics, it has a lot to do with interest- soccer is way more popular in spain than it is in the US, and up until recently you could say basketball is way more popular in the US than spain. but the same way the US national team's success in recent tournaments has helped make soccer more popular in the US, spain's basketball NT's success has made basketball more popular there too. right now id say there are more basketball fans in spain than there are soccer fans in the US, %-wise (maybe even total, if you dont count women and children which are the bulk of US soccer fans!)

it sucks for us but tiago is making the safe move- load up on money now that its on the table and wait to see what happens after.

[endrity]

Never say never. Wasn't it the USA Olympic team that was cocky and said that the Russians had no chance of ever beating them in 1972?

I am going the safe way. Even if it will always be second to the NBA though, the Euroleague is "rival" and a reality that the NBA and its teams have to learn how to deal with.

[Indazone]

I am going the safe way. Even if it will always be second to the NBA though, the Euroleague is "rival" and a reality that the NBA and its teams have to learn how to deal with.


The NBA will deal with the Euroleague like they did with the ABA. If you can't beat them, suck them up and make them part of the NBA.

[endrity]

dont get me wrong, i'm no euro-lover, but you are being too simple in your analysis. in europe there is no players union, the owners would be stupid to give large guaranteed contracts for the sake of it. its much better for them to offer short contracts loaded with perks than risk a guaranteed long term one.

as for la liga vs MLS, big european clubs, like real madrid, barca, valencia, spend upwards of 250M yearly on players. thats more than the knicks, and i wouldnt be surprised if a team like barca spent more on players than the entire MLS- at least up until last year, when the MLS started bringing in "designated players" so they can try and snatch actual stars (who they've chosen so far is another story!)

but even then the story is more than economics, it has a lot to do with interest- soccer is way more popular in spain than it is in the US, and up until recently you could say basketball is way more popular in the US than spain. but the same way the US national team's success in recent tournaments has helped make soccer more popular in the US, spain's basketball NT's success has made basketball more popular there too. right now id say there are more basketball fans in spain than there are soccer fans in the US, %-wise (maybe even total, if you dont count women and children which are the bulk of US soccer fans!)

it sucks for us but tiago is making the safe move- load up on money now that its on the table and wait to see what happens after.

:toast

As for the MLS "designated player", if Becks continues to do well for his national team while playing in the US, it will make players realize that they can still be playing top level soccer even in the US. If Henry, Figo, Ronaldo, make the jump to the MLS the next few years, things could improve. It takes time to make stars like that come over though.

[endrity]

The NBA will deal with the Euroleague like they did with the NBA. If you can't beat them, suck them up and make them part of the NBA.

It's not happening! The NBA bussines model simply will not succeed in Europe. No way the NBA threatens Moscow, Barcelona, Athens fans that they can take their franchises away from them if they don't build a new arena/fill up stands/ whatever BS the NBA comes up with.

The Euroleague needs to get better management but I see it very hard for the NBA to expand in Europe.

[Indazone]

Either that or Basketball evolves into something more like FIFA Football.

[Holt's Cat]

Then you really have not read KBP carefully. Teams are more and more able to do so. They probably can't offer the type of contracts that Duncan, KG, Dirk, Kobe, Shaq, LeBron, get in the NBA but they are more and more able to offer the medium sized contracts.

And Splitter was not the next Duncan.

You also probably don't know of other big name veterans in the Euroleague that have passed on the NBA because they make much better money in Europe.

That is pretty darn good for a sport, that is MAYBE (probably not though) a very distant second to soccer is Europe.

Now I am not gonna be cocky douche and say thanks for playing, but there are some knowledgable people on this board. Try to read what they say or you are the one that looks like complete fool.

2 years and $10 mil is not a 'medium sized contract' in the NBA. It is amusing that none of you have been able to offer any example of an European player contract exceeding 2 years in length.

[endrity]

Either that or Basketball evolves into something more like FIFA Football.

Which is precisely what I think people are thinking of. You simply can't keep having NBA specific rules, when you are dealing with another powerful league.

[Holt's Cat]

:toast

As for the MLS "designated player", if Becks continues to do well for his national team while playing in the US, it will make players realize that they can still be playing top level soccer even in the US. If Henry, Figo, Ronaldo, make the jump to the MLS the next few years, things could improve. It takes time to make stars like that come over though.

That's the story of the MLS: "If."

[endrity]

2 years and $10 mil is not a 'medium sized contract' in the NBA. It is amusing that none of you have been able to offer any example of an European player contract exceeding 2 years in length.

Again, it was not $ but euros, which is a huge change. And it was after tax. And Euroleague deals have a lot of bonuses to them, if a team wins a trophy or similiar things. You are looking at making 8-9 millions $ a year after tax. That is pretty darn good I think for role players.

But the thing you have to realize here was that this deal was offered to a veteran players. I don't know the details of the Papaloukas, Diamantidis, Smodis deals, or Bodiroga before them, but there is a reason those guys never made the jump but were perfectly content with their contracts.

Plus, it also makes sense that those kind of deals will be offered to better players if they start coming to the Euroleague. If Marbury is intent on playing in Italy, we'll see what kind of contract he gets. The fact that AK was offered a pretty good one, means that the financial possibilities exist and they are getting better with better TV deals, and new arenas being built all over Europe.

[Holt's Cat]

Again, it was not $ but euros, which is a huge change. And it was after tax. And Euroleague deals have a lot of bonuses to them, if a team wins a trophy or similiar things. You are looking at making 8-9 millions $ a year after tax. That is pretty darn good I think for role players.

But the thing you have to realize here was that this deal was offered to a veteran players. I don't know the details of the Papaloukas, Diamantidis, Smodis deals, or Bodiroga before them, but there is a reason those guys never made the jump but were perfectly content with their contracts.

Plus, it also makes sense that those kind of deals will be offered to better players if they start coming to the Euroleague. If Marbury is intent on playing in Italy, we'll see what kind of contract he gets. The fact that AK was offered a pretty good one, means that the financial possibilities exist and they are getting better with better TV deals, and new arenas being built all over Europe.

Again, where is a link which substantiates that which you claim? This shouldn't be hard. NBA contract detail is readily accessible.

What was Kirilenko offered? All I've seen so far is that CSKA couldn't meet his NBA salary and hoped that he would take less.

[Holt's Cat]

dont get me wrong, i'm no euro-lover, but you are being too simple in your analysis. in europe there is no players union, the owners would be stupid to give large guaranteed contracts for the sake of it. its much better for them to offer short contracts loaded with perks than risk a guaranteed long term one.

as for la liga vs MLS, big european clubs, like real madrid, barca, valencia, spend upwards of 250M yearly on players. thats more than the knicks, and i wouldnt be surprised if a team like barca spent more on players than the entire MLS- at least up until last year, when the MLS started bringing in "designated players" so they can try and snatch actual stars (who they've chosen so far is another story!)

but even then the story is more than economics, it has a lot to do with interest- soccer is way more popular in spain than it is in the US, and up until recently you could say basketball is way more popular in the US than spain. but the same way the US national team's success in recent tournaments has helped make soccer more popular in the US, spain's basketball NT's success has made basketball more popular there too. right now id say there are more basketball fans in spain than there are soccer fans in the US, %-wise (maybe even total, if you dont count women and children which are the bulk of US soccer fans!)

it sucks for us but tiago is making the safe move- load up on money now that its on the table and wait to see what happens after.

So European clubs cannot match or surpass NBA contracts unless they are rookie scale contracts.

[endrity]

Again, where is a link which substantiates that which you claim? This shouldn't be hard. NBA contract detail is readily accessible.

What was Kirilenko offered? All I've seen so far is that CSKA couldn't meet his NBA salary and hoped that he would take less.

Euroleague contracts are not accesible to the public! I don't know of a site that publishes them. But in many cases I have heard Euroleague stars claim they were much much better off financially by staying in Europe.

And it seems to me like the CKSA offer came pretty close to matching up a top tier NBA contract. The fact that CSKA could offer that is impressive.

[Holt's Cat]

Oh, so they are some great myth of which no one is privy to the details? Surely there is an intrepid reporter who has broken the code.

It seems that the CSKA offer came close? Oh really? On what is that based? Myth, surely.

[endrity]

Oh, so they are some great myth of which no one is privy to the details? Surely there is an intrepid reporter who has broken the code.

It seems that the CSKA offer came close? Oh really? On what is that based? Myth, surely.

Why would CSKA lie man, or why would AK lie. What is there to gain. The reports are that they offered a pretty big contract. That in itself is a huge development for the Euroleague.

Other contracts and bonuses for top players going from memory seem to be in 5-8 million euros range. That too is pretty big.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Oh, so they are some great myth of which no one is privy to the details? Surely there is an intrepid reporter who has broken the code.

It seems that the CSKA offer came close? Oh really? On what is that based? Myth, surely.

Ugly American you need learn what this mean. Is why all great Americans gets bad name in Europe because Ugly ones like you ruin for all of them.

[endrity]

i am off, watching the game now.

[Holt's Cat]

Why would CSKA lie man, or why would AK lie. What is there to gain. The reports are that they offered a pretty big contract. That in itself is a huge development for the Euroleague.

Other contracts and bonuses for top players going from memory seem to be in 5-8 million euros range. That too is pretty big.

ROFL. They hoped Kirilenko would take less. Even assuming your bogus #s are real, how many Euros is US$13.7 mil per year? How many guaranteed years were they offering?

Hmmm.

[Holt's Cat]

Ugly American you need learn what this mean. Is why all great Americans gets bad name in Europe because Ugly ones like you ruin for all of them.

Grouchy Greek, you need to learn that your myths don't mean jack.

[stxspurs]

well maybe FO visits vspan and we can have him as back up to parker....i dont want to see vaughn next year.....it this happens i would be alright with it.....oh ps...fuck splitter

[Bruno]

http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/esportes/basquete/2008/05/29/tau_propoe_renovacao_mas_splitter_adia_decisao_133 2052.html

Splitter's agent is saying that Splitter hasn't signed. He hasn't even made a choice.

I guess the likely scenario is still Splitter re-signing with Tau but it looks like it isn't done for the moment. If their is still a chance that Splitter sign with Spurs this summer, Spurs must grab it heavily.

[Supreme_Being]

Spurs must grab it heavily.

Apparently, yes.

[TheProfessor]

http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/esportes/basquete/2008/05/29/tau_propoe_renovacao_mas_splitter_adia_decisao_133 2052.html

Splitter's agent is saying that Splitter hasn't signed. He hasn't even made a choice.

I guess the likely scenario is still Splitter re-signing with Tau but it looks like it isn't done for the moment. If their is still a chance that Splitter sign with Spurs this summer, Spurs must grab it heavily.
If I'm Pop or RC, I'm on the first plane to Spain.

[Bartleby]

.

[Gino2882]

Seriously, this absolutely has to be done. Pop needs to break out the wine bottle and zoom off to visit him.

[Indazone]

How's this been for a banner day for the Spurs? All indications are that Splitter goes to Tau and the Spurs are eliminated by the Lakers.

[ChumpDumper]

How's this been for a banner day for the Spurs? All indications are that Splitter goes to Tau and the Spurs are eliminated by the Lakers.We have a new banner.

It's just another day.

[Mr. Body]

Splitter coming makes a vastly different offseason.

[T Park]

Series is over pop, hop on the redeye to madrid.

[Ocotillo]

http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/esportes/basquete/2008/05/29/tau_propoe_renovacao_mas_splitter_adia_decisao_133 2052.html

Splitter's agent is saying that Splitter hasn't signed. He hasn't even made a choice.

I guess the likely scenario is still Splitter re-signing with Tau but it looks like it isn't done for the moment. If their is still a chance that Splitter sign with Spurs this summer, Spurs must grab it heavily.

Yeah, tell him he gets the VSpan deal; You don't like your playing time or don't want to stay here, we'll release you just like Billy.

[itzsoweezee]

:lmao

will this be the tipping point for the idiots on this board to finalize realize that the scola trade was a colossal disaster? probably not.

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Cmon Buford, learn from the debacle of last of-season with what's his face knee reconstruction dude with the shark tatoo. Geez what the fuck was his name?!

[kobyz]

the spurs need to pay as much as necessary to get spliter, because we dont have a lot of options to improve because we gave up scola we gave up first one pick for the sonics
pay even 10 milion to get spliter

[Bartleby]

Spliter?

[Whisky Dog]

Splitter can only get the rookie max. Spurs can't do anything about that.

I'm thinking the domination ended tonight. Don't see how the Spurs win a title with a bunch of unproven guys outside of the big 3 next year.

What a great 10 year run. I'm just going to reflect on the great times.

[T Park]

Splitter can only get the rookie max. Spurs can't do anything about that.

I'm thinking the domination ended tonight. Don't see how the Spurs win a title with a bunch of unproven guys outside of the big 3 next year.

What a great 10 year run. I'm just going to reflect on the great times.


You mean like 2003?

[T Park]

Cmon Buford, learn from the debacle of last of-season with what's his face knee reconstruction dude with the shark tatoo. Geez what the fuck was his name?!

Javtokas?

That was 2 years ago, and uh, Javtokas didn't come over because he didn't want to compete with Francisco Elson for playing time.

Let that sink in.

[Mr. Body]

Series is over pop, hop on the redeye to madrid.

Don't send Popavich. He'd probably take the initiative to resign Damon Stoudamire.

[Sigz]

http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/esportes/basquete/2008/05/29/tau_propoe_renovacao_mas_splitter_adia_decisao_133 2052.html

Splitter's agent is saying that Splitter hasn't signed. He hasn't even made a choice.

I guess the likely scenario is still Splitter re-signing with Tau but it looks like it isn't done for the moment. If their is still a chance that Splitter sign with Spurs this summer, Spurs must grab it heavily.

Charter fucking RC and POP over there now. I want TIAGO!!!!!!!!

[kobyz]

i mean pay to TAO as much that they want for splitter

[Whisky Dog]

You mean like 2003?

If you see a young TP and Manu coming up with an SJax to boot point them out to me.

Fact is they are going to have to pick up some free agents and HOPE they perform in the playoff crunch. Gonna have to get a bit of luck with a lot of effort this offseason.

[midgetonadonkey]

Fuck Splitter. It's all about Mahinmi now.

[T Park]

If you see a young TP and Manu coming up with an SJax to boot point them out to me.

Fact is they are going to have to pick up some free agents and HOPE they perform in the playoff crunch. Gonna have to get a bit of luck with a lot of effort this offseason.


Just like 03.

They had to hope Stephen Jackson and those guys would perform.

If you want to be depressed and mope go ahead.

I won't.

[Whisky Dog]

Just like 03.

They had to hope Stephen Jackson and those guys would perform.

If you want to be depressed and mope go ahead.

I won't.

Im not depressed at all. I don't get down about things I have no control over. I hope they do retool for a title again, but I also realize its going to take some luck getting the right mix of clutch free agents that will produce in championship time to replace Finley, Horry, Thomas, etc...

[Cansal]

SPLITTER NOWADAYS IS THE KING :king:king:king THE WORK THAT HE MAKES IN UNVILIVIVOL AND IS THIS WAY TAU WIN BARÇA WITH AND INCREDIBLE SPLITTER, HE PLAYS 30 MINUTES, 10/12 T2, 171 T1, 2 REBOUNDS, 4 ASSISTANTS..........FOR 30VALUE!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOWBODY CAN´T STOP TO HIM!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE GAME GO TO WWW.ACB.COM YES YES YES THIS YEAR WE ARE GOING TO WINNNNNNNNNNNN:toast:toast:toast

[Marcus Bryant]

30 value? Shit.

[whottt]

Splitter might be worried about playing time and this might be away of leveraging some guaranteed minutes...

He knows he has to get past the rookie scale...he's not stupid about that, but if he winds up buried on the bench like Matt Bonner he won't get past the rookie scale, or maybe he doesn't want to wind up like Beno, so he's maybe trying to get some type of commitment from the Spurs to protect himself from being buried on the bench for 3 years or so.



He's really being silly though, all he has to do is look at the roster and he should realize he'll get plenty of minutes...

[Harry Callahan]

Splitter might be worried about playing time and this might be away of leveraging some guaranteed minutes...


He's really being silly though, all he has to do is look at the roster and he should realize he'll get plenty of minutes...

Yup. If he watched this game tonight he would realize he could play a ton here very soon. I wouldn't mind three seven footers across the back line next year. We need help.

[T Park]

If Splitter comes over, he starts.

Take that for what its worth, but IMO, hes that good.

[midgetonadonkey]

Splitter might be worried about playing time and this might be away of leveraging some guaranteed minutes...

He knows he has to get past the rookie scale...he's not stupid about that, but if he winds up buried on the bench like Matt Bonner he won't get past the rookie scale, or maybe he doesn't want to wind up like Beno, so he's maybe trying to get some type of commitment from the Spurs to protect himself from being buried on the bench for 3 years or so.



He's really being silly though, all he has to do is look at the roster and he should realize he'll get plenty of minutes...

I'm sure he doesn't know about shit. It's his agent. He is probably dumb as a fucking rock when it comes to things that aren't x's and o's on the court.

[Bruno]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA053008.4D.BKNspurs.lakers.notebook.40511f6.htm l



Splitter staying? According to a report in a Brazilian publication, Tiago Splitter, the power forward-center the Spurs drafted in the 2007 draft, has agreed to a two-year contract extension with Tau Ceramica, the Spanish League team for which he has played the past four seasons.

The report indicated Splitter will make about eight times more than the NBA rookie scale maximum the Spurs are allowed to pay him next season, $809,300.

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said he would not comment about Splitter based on an unofficial report.

I miss Johnny Ludden...

[boutons_]

"hes that good."

plus, every big not Tim is that bad (or will be absent).

[mystargtr34]

Man im nervous.

Were talkin about our starting Center next year.... hes oir Andrew Bynum.

Hes atheltic, he can catch and finish and he has a high IQ

Oh... and hes 7 feet.
Come on Tiago

[kobyz]

please please please pay TAU as much that they want to give up on splitter!!

we must have him!!

[hsxvvd]

Maybe we can strike a deal with Tau to back off Splitter and we'll send them Bonner and pay his wages.

[Harry Callahan]

I hope the FO can put on a recruiting hat and get over to Spain or Brazil quickly. The sooner Splitter gets over here, the sooner he can get experience against the best players in the world and get a better contract. You know, Kevin Durrant could have gone to Spain and gotten paid big money too, but now he is one year closer to his 2nd deal.

Working for a tile company (Tau Ceramica is a huge tile company in Spain, FYI) and playing in a 2nd tier pro league seems a little bit empty to me even if the money might be better in the short term. I know about the tax stuff and the car stuff blah, blah, blah kill bill. It would be kind of demeaning if the Spurs had to wear CAT Logos all over their uniforms similar to the Euroleague product placement stuff (Holt has probably thought about that, though). The NBA has not gone the NASCAR route yet.

Beckham is doing the same thing right now (going for the cash) over here with MLS. Just going for the money. Does anyone REALLY care about that league. Does winning a Eurocup or whatever it is they play for mean that much to anyone - does anyone remember or care who won last years Grey Cup (CFL)?

Being paid $5-6 Million dollars guaranteed over 3-4 years in the U.S. is a LOT of money too. I know my silver and black glasses are on here.

[endrity]

I hope the FO can put on a recruiting hat and get over to Spain or Brazil quickly. The sooner Splitter gets over here, the sooner he can get experience against the best players in the world and get a better contract. You know, Kevin Durrant could have gone to Spain and gotten paid big money too, but now he is one year closer to his 2nd deal.

Working for a tile company (Tau Ceramica is a huge tile company in Spain, FYI) and playing in a 2nd tier pro league seems a little bit empty to me even if the money might be better in the short term. I know about the tax stuff and the car stuff blah, blah, blah kill bill. It would be kind of demeaning if the Spurs had to wear CAT Logos all over their uniforms similar to the Euroleague product placement stuff (Holt has probably thought about that, though). The NBA has not gone the NASCAR route yet.

Beckham is doing the same thing right now (going for the cash) over here with MLS. Just going for the money. Does anyone REALLY care about that league. Does winning a Eurocup or whatever it is they play for mean that much to anyone - does anyone remember or care who won last years Grey Cup (CFL)?

Being paid $5-6 Million dollars guaranteed over 3-4 years in the U.S. is a LOT of money too. I know my silver and black glasses are on here.

That is pretty much the essence of it all. You are only seeing this from your perspective, not Tiago's.

People care about winning the Euroleague, the fans are much more passionate over in Europe. The Spanish league, and the Euroleague, are 2nd tier only compared to the NBA. You are using that term very loosely. He is getting paid very well, maybe better than he would even in the future in the US.

And this is not the same as Beckham's situation. Becks had already achived everything in Europe, he had won every trophy with his clubs. Seeing he had 2-3 years left at best, he wanted a new challenge, one that paid well, and where he could spread his image in a new market. Tiago meanwhile, doesnt' quite know what to expect in the NBA, and he is already being treated very well in Europe.

Regarding advertising, well everyone does it in Europe, even soccer. The only exeption is Barcelona, they have the logo of Unicef on their shirts. I don't see it as very demeaning, the colors of the shirt are what matters.

[stxspurs]

we can olny hope he doesnt burn san antonio and his chances in the nba

[BacktoBasics]

I'm as excited about Splitter as the next guy but you guys have put way too much value on him. If we are lucky and I mean moons asligned lucky he'll be 2/3rds of what Scola is. I figure him at best his first 2 or so seasons to be a 6 or 7 and 3 or 4 guy off the bench. I would be elated if that were the case. Some of you are the same guys that kept saying Ian would be the starting center this year. That guy like I've always said is still miles away from being any kind of factor. Is Splitter a much more polished talented player YES but this guy is not going to come in and put up Bynum numbers hell Bynum has barely put up Bynum numbers. We'd be lucky to see Yi type numbers.

[stxspurs]

walter craparita just said on the radio he signed back with tau for 2 years......i dont know how creditable he is or his source...but i thought id pass on what i heard

[DaDakota]

Just imagine if these players is now consider veteran how this will drive such coach like this crazy.

Rick Adelman treated Luis Scola like a veteran, he didn't even have to do any of the usual rookie stuff like carrying luggage.

Again, the problem is the rookie salary wage for the first round, European players can make more money over there, why come over for less, and then MAYBE not get a shot to play?

The NBA needs to do something about it or the better Euro players will stop coming over if they are subjected to the Rookie salary cap.

Maybe you are only subjected to the Rookie cap for 1 or 2 years, then your rights are owned but you can sign for whatever the team has available etc...

I mean Scola was a rookie and he got $3 million or so this year.....

Portland is having the Euro rookie issue with Rudy Fernandez, and it will become more and more prevelant going forward......

Something needs to be done.

Oh, and Kill Bill...send V-Span back to Houston, we need him to replace Alston...BADLY !

DD

[endrity]

I'm as excited about Splitter as the next guy but you guys have put way too much value on him. If we are lucky and I mean moons asligned lucky he'll be 2/3rds of what Scola is. I figure him at best his first 2 or so seasons to be a 6 or 7 and 3 or 4 guy off the bench. I would be elated if that were the case. Some of you are the same guys that kept saying Ian would be the starting center this year. That guy like I've always said is still miles away from being any kind of factor. Is Splitter a much more polished talented player YES but this guy is not going to come in and put up Bynum numbers hell Bynum has barely put up Bynum numbers. We'd be lucky to see Yi type numbers.

Splitter is better than Yi, he has been playing top level competition for years. He was most likely going to put Scola numbers and be a decent starter next to Duncan.

[Oh, Gee!!]

It's his agent.

ding, ding, ding.....we have a winner. The agent is gonna hold the Spurs hostage just like Scola's agent did.

[endrity]

Dakota,

the solution should be that if a player has played professionally before than he should be exempt from the rookie scale, and some other scale should be created.

Another scale is needed, because if the current economic situation keeps up, and the NBA gets their age limit to 20, what would prevent future LeBrons from going to Europe for a year or two, and then return to the NBA at age 20 and ask for a max deal immediately? It would actually be their most reasonable solution.

[Bruno]

Spurs' fans shouldn't have too much hope about Splitter. Chances that he signs with SA are very, very low.
I don't think that he has signed right now but he should do it very soon.
Baring a miracle, Splitter has fucked Spurs. :depressed

[Indazone]

The Euroleague Rookie status is ridiculous. It should be scrapped immediately.

[BacktoBasics]

Splitter is better than Yi, he has been playing top level competition for years. He was most likely going to put Scola numbers and be a decent starter next to Duncan.
He hasn't got nearly the size and low post skills of Scola. I think he's a great project with good upside but he's not going to come in and be a 12 and 8 player. You're insane to think that Pop will give this kid 35 minutes a night.

[K-State Spur]

The Spanish league, and the Euroleague, are 2nd tier only compared to the NBA. You are using that term very loosely.

Hrmm, since the Spurs are an NBA team, it would seem that second tier is quite applicable.

[DaDakota]

Dakota,

the solution should be that if a player has played professionally before than he should be exempt from the rookie scale, and some other scale should be created.

Another scale is needed, because if the current economic situation keeps up, and the NBA gets their age limit to 20, what would prevent future LeBrons from going to Europe for a year or two, and then return to the NBA at age 20 and ask for a max deal immediately? It would actually be their most reasonable solution.

No doubt, and one that I am sure the NCAA would hate, but the Euro leagues and young players would love.

And honestly, why shouldn't US players get the same benefit of playing professional ball like the Europeans do? If I was an 18 year old stud bball player, why not go play for millions in Europe for 2 years instead of college? Talk about FUN !!!

Endrity, I do like your exemption for Professional players, but I think the NCAA would scream bloody murder.....still it works though.

DD

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I hope the FO can put on a recruiting hat and get over to Spain or Brazil quickly. The sooner Splitter gets over here, the sooner he can get experience against the best players in the world and get a better contract. You know, Kevin Durrant could have gone to Spain and gotten paid big money too, but now he is one year closer to his 2nd deal.

Working for a tile company (Tau Ceramica is a huge tile company in Spain, FYI) and playing in a 2nd tier pro league seems a little bit empty to me even if the money might be better in the short term. I know about the tax stuff and the car stuff blah, blah, blah kill bill. It would be kind of demeaning if the Spurs had to wear CAT Logos all over their uniforms similar to the Euroleague product placement stuff (Holt has probably thought about that, though). The NBA has not gone the NASCAR route yet.

Beckham is doing the same thing right now (going for the cash) over here with MLS. Just going for the money. Does anyone REALLY care about that league. Does winning a Eurocup or whatever it is they play for mean that much to anyone - does anyone remember or care who won last years Grey Cup (CFL)?

Being paid $5-6 Million dollars guaranteed over 3-4 years in the U.S. is a LOT of money too. I know my silver and black glasses are on here.

Why do American always bring up Beckham and MLS in these example?

WORST soccer league maybe in world is MLS. Euroleague is #2 basketball league in world. Beckham is CRAP player. Do you not understand this? He is not good enough player to play in best leagues. Why you keep make comparisons that is such nonsense?

[Holt's Cat]

Spurs' fans shouldn't have too much hope about Splitter. Chances that he signs with SA are very, very low.
I don't think that he has signed right now but he should do it very soon.
Baring a miracle, Splitter has fucked Spurs. :depressed

Then Ian gets an extra year to take that starting spot away from him.

[juncan]

Marc Stein from ESPN.com:

Brazil's Tiago Splitter said this week that he's committed to staying in Spain next season with perennial Euroleague power Tau Ceramica, but the Spurs are quietly optimistic that they'll be able to lure Splitter to the States for the 2009-10 season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080530

Johnny Ludden：

The Spurs had hoped to bring over last year’s first-round pick, Tiago Splitter, to improve their frontline next season, but the Brazilian forward reportedly has decided to sign a larger contract to remain in Spain. With the U.S. dollar weakening against the Euro and Russia’s big-money teams inflating the Euroleague market, Splitter figures to receive millions more than he would get from the Spurs. Spurs officials, who haven’t received official word from Splitter’s representative about the contract, could have to wait another two years to sign him.

One coach said Splitter’s decision could be a “blessing in disguise” for the Spurs because it would force them to take a longer look at their 2005 first-round pick, 21-year-old French forward Ian Mahinmi. But even that’s wishful thinking. A number of NBA scouts predicted Splitter to become a productive rotation member, if not a starter, while Mahinmi, despite his tremendous athleticism, is still learning the game.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=jy-spursseasonend053008&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Holt's Cat]

Why do American always bring up Beckham and MLS in these example?

WORST soccer league maybe in world is MLS. Euroleague is #2 basketball league in world. Beckham is CRAP player. Do you not understand this? He is not good enough player to play in best leagues. Why you keep make comparisons that is such nonsense?

At least the MLS/Beckham deal is a real example of an inferior league handing out a large contract to a player from a superior league, instead of some great Greek myth.

[Holt's Cat]

One coach said Splitter’s decision could be a “blessing in disguise” for the Spurs because it would force them to take a longer look at their 2005 first-round pick, 21-year-old French forward Ian Mahinmi.

Indeed. Ian needs some on the job training now. He's not going to become what the Spurs need him to become by playing against scrubs in Austin or by sitting behind the bench.

As for Splitter, he's chasing the money right now, but he's just delaying the NBA long-term guaranteed money. And he's giving his eventual chief rival for a starting spot more time to prepare.

[DaDakota]

Why do American always bring up Beckham and MLS in these example?

WORST soccer league maybe in world is MLS. Euroleague is #2 basketball league in world. Beckham is CRAP player. Do you not understand this? He is not good enough player to play in best leagues. Why you keep make comparisons that is such nonsense?

Ok that is just wrong again, Beckham may not be what he once was but he is certainly good enough to play in the premiership and play well.

He looked great the other night playing for England, a wonderful set piece to Jon Terry's head for England's first goal.

Kill - you make a lot of great points, but your takes on certain things are just so...well....out there.

Yes, the Euroleague is 2nd to the NBA, and getting better, the NBA should be careful or they will have a competing league on their hands fairly soon.

That might not be bad, maybe we can have a club championship like soccer too.....

DD

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Rick Adelman treated Luis Scola like a veteran, he didn't even have to do any of the usual rookie stuff like carrying luggage.

Again, the problem is the rookie salary wage for the first round, European players can make more money over there, why come over for less, and then MAYBE not get a shot to play?

The NBA needs to do something about it or the better Euro players will stop coming over if they are subjected to the Rookie salary cap.

Maybe you are only subjected to the Rookie cap for 1 or 2 years, then your rights are owned but you can sign for whatever the team has available etc...

I mean Scola was a rookie and he got $3 million or so this year.....

Portland is having the Euro rookie issue with Rudy Fernandez, and it will become more and more prevelant going forward......

Something needs to be done.

Oh, and Kill Bill...send V-Span back to Houston, we need him to replace Alston...BADLY !

DD

But in Greece it was report Spanoulsi will not be trade for Scola unless Scola also get Chinese sho deal from Alexander. Scola will not agree sign for $3 million he wants more like $7 or $8 million so he gets shoe contract. Even MLE is pay cut for players like Scola or Papaloukas. How many teams otgher than Rockets where owner can also give shoe contract?

Adelman is different coach. he have by far best reputation in Europe with European players. Spanoulis would never leave once Adelman was coach if Morey did not continue do same lies to him. Once Adelman is there and he and Spanoulis talk he would have stay with Rockets. Then Morey start same lies again.

He tell him Mike James trade is only to be backup. Then he say he will be starter under Adelman. Then he draft Aaron Broooks. He say Lucas will leave and Brooks will be 3rd string. Then he say they will trade Alston. But then they keeps Alston.

Every time what he say is just craps and lies like before. Adelman, Yao, T-Mac keep ask Spanoulis stay but he can see Rockets managers will never change their ways even if coach Adelman is honest person the managers seem not to be. Also Morey still make such big issue over him have be in Greece with his mother and over him want train with national team instead play summer league.

Morey ask him play summer league because "I need see you play as point guard because all year Van Gundy never let you play as point guard so you must play summer league". Spanoulis and agent make very clear when he sign contract is just like Yao. National team will come first over Rockets every summer. But Rockets keep make big issue of this say "he refuse work with us let us see him as point guard we must keep add point guards".

Spanoulis right say if this case should have just have balls tell Van Gundy play him but all Dawson and Morey can do is keep ask all year Van Gundy plays him and when he tells them off they just shut up because they is weak persons unlike Van Gundy.

There is certain chance Spanoulis can come back to Rockets with Adelman there but this I think is base on Rockets gets managers that actually tell truth and also hold to promises they make.

If was just issue of Adelman he would be very happy to come to Rockets.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

The Euroleague Rookie status is ridiculous. It should be scrapped immediately.

This is true but what to do about coaches like Van Gundy? What about Rockets board? You see 90 percent of fans there believe ANY Euroleague player is rookie and they also believe no Euroleague game ever play in life even count as game played only NCAA games count. What to do about this? Scale is ignorant yes but is because same ignorant beliefs of people in Rockets board is what cause such scale.

Same type of ignorant people is probably ones make scale.

[BacktoBasics]

Can we not talk about fucking soccer in here. Jesus.

[DaDakota]

This is true but what to do about coaches like Van Gundy? What about Rockets board? You see 90 percent of fans there believe ANY Euroleague player is rookie and they also believe no Euroleague game ever play in life even count as game played only NCAA games count. What to do about this? Scale is ignorant yes but is because same ignorant beliefs of people in Rockets board is what cause such scale.

Same type of ignorant people is probably ones make scale.

Why worry about what other people think? Be confident that what you know about the Euros is the truth....some people just like to rile you up.

Let it go, big deal.

As for Morey, he was NOT the guy in charge it was Dawson, Morey did draft Brooks, but that was because V-Span said he wasn't coming back, they had to protect themselves.

They TRIED to trade Alston but shockingly (or rather not shockingly) they had no real offers.

They are still DESPERATE to replace Rafer but the sad truth is, that right now, he is the best PG on the team......which means it is WIDE open for someone like V-Span to come over and take his job.

As for summer league, they asked him to play, but they also understood his NT committment, no anger from them about that at all.

On another note, when does Greece play to get into the Olympics? Is that coming up? I hope you guys make it.

DD

[Mr. Body]

Is there any way to tear up the first round rights and release Splitter? If so, can they then try to sign him for larger dough?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

At least the MLS/Beckham deal is a real example of an inferior league handing out a large contract to a player from a superior league, instead of some great Greek myth.

How about this myth? Spanoulis pay $2 millions by Rockets and $6 millions by Panathinaikos. How is this "myth"? 3 times more Greek club than Texas club.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Ok that is just wrong again, Beckham may not be what he once was but he is certainly good enough to play in the premiership and play well.

He looked great the other night playing for England, a wonderful set piece to Jon Terry's head for England's first goal.

Kill - you make a lot of great points, but your takes on certain things are just so...well....out there.

Yes, the Euroleague is 2nd to the NBA, and getting better, the NBA should be careful or they will have a competing league on their hands fairly soon.

That might not be bad, maybe we can have a club championship like soccer too.....

DD

Beckham is not good enough to play in Champions Cup type team that want to win. He is too old and injury prone. This be like argue Robert Horry is should get another NBA contract. This is my point. Maybe once in awhile Beckham can perform but once or twice in a year is not good enought o play for real Champions Cup team.

Again hypes of US media about Beckham just inflates how he is see in US.

[BacktoBasics]

Beckham is not good enough to play in Champions Cup type team that want to win. He is too old and injury prone. This be like argue Robert Horry is should get another NBA contract. This is my point. Maybe once in awhile Beckham can perform but once or twice in a year is not good enought o play for real Champions Cup team.

Again hypes of US media about Beckham just inflates how he is see in US.Enough already. Go fucking talk about this shit somewhere else.

[BacktoBasics]

NO more fucking soccer

[BacktoBasics]

Are you fucking done?

[BacktoBasics]

Do I have to piss all over this thread to get the both of you to shut the fuck up about a sport no one here cares about.

[K-State Spur]

How about this myth? Spanoulis pay $2 millions by Rockets and $6 millions by Panathinaikos. How is this "myth"? 3 times more Greek club than Texas club.

A big difference there is that Span's contract has little to do with the rookie salary cap.

No NBA team is going to pay him $6 million per year.

[Bruno]

Spurs officials, who haven’t received official word from Splitter’s representative about the contract

Unreal.
Splitter = Huge piece of shit.

[DaDakota]

A big difference there is that Span's contract has little to do with the rookie salary cap.

No NBA team is going to pay him $6 million per year.

I think if V-Span came out and said he would like to come back that he might get a full MLE type of deal from some NBA team.

He is a complete free agent, no matter what you think about the guy or his agent, they played this thing WONDERFULLY....he got his NBA rights back, and he got to sign and play for more money.

I mean that is about as good as the John Elway not playing for the Colts type of deal....simply outstanding from a players perspective.

V-Span is a complete free agent, is 25 years old, and tough as nails, has good size and quickness for the PG position, and oustanding Bball IQ.

If he wants to come back to the NBA, I am SURE that there will be a lot of teams interested.

DD

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Why worry about what other people think? Be confident that what you know about the Euros is the truth....some people just like to rile you up.

Let it go, big deal.

As for Morey, he was NOT the guy in charge it was Dawson, Morey did draft Brooks, but that was because V-Span said he wasn't coming back, they had to protect themselves.

They TRIED to trade Alston but shockingly (or rather not shockingly) they had no real offers.

They are still DESPERATE to replace Rafer but the sad truth is, that right now, he is the best PG on the team......which means it is WIDE open for someone like V-Span to come over and take his job.

As for summer league, they asked him to play, but they also understood his NT committment, no anger from them about that at all.

On another note, when does Greece play to get into the Olympics? Is that coming up? I hope you guys make it.

DD

Hellas national team is in disaster these days. Giannakis who is coach of team is also now coach of Olympiacos which rival of Panathinaikos. Panathinaikos owner and also president of Greek sports federation have threaten him and he have threaten PAO players.

In US sports rivalry like Yankees and Red Sox is consider "big rivalry" this is like joke in Athens. In Athens PAO-Olmpiacos rivalry is like war. Fans will attack players and coach and players and coach will attack fans. There is riots and such. Also many times fans kill each other not just from fights but also from plan gang attacks. Even we see in Thessaloniki Aris players make mistake of drive into rival PAOK fans neighborhood and they have car overt turned. They was pull from car and beat up badly. This is typical way in Greece. American players just not know this. They would have know never to drive into rival area if they were Greek.

PAO fans we have already been punish 3 times this year for such actions. Even in Cup final half stadium was empty because of tickets be ban after some of our fans killed some Olympiacos fans over banner argument.

This is maybe give some idea of PAO-Olympiacos rivalry. So now Greek federation make mistake allow national team coach Giannakis to coach Olympiacos. Also Giannakis was PAO player and he won teams first Euroleague championship with PAO. He is most famous Greece born athlete in whole country. He is like God status.

Now he is in war of rivalry and also national team coach. Very bad decision by all involve. Fans of each team have fire rockets and grenades at players and coaches. PAO owner come on court during game and with mic connect to stadium speaker he ask fans to take out the clown Giannakis. Giannakis act like monkey and jump and down and make monkey actions to crowd and refs.

PAO players many is on national team like Spanoulis, Diamantidis, Tsartsaris, Diloudis and also Perperoglou should be in team now for Olympics as he has become best SF in Greece. But now these players is to be ban from national team by PAO owners.

Also FIBA has say they might make punishment on PAO owners because President of FIBA Europe is PAO fan and is connect to them and PAO owners. Maybe PAO current PAO players that refuse play this summer is will be ban for life from international competition and maybe have years of their contracts left they be suspended. PAO owner say he not care and players will do what he say and accept even if this case.

Giannakis call Diamantidis during game on court a "floros" something like weak ass faggot bitch in English is best way one of my friends who very good in English slangs and rap explain me for best American translation.

He call Dikoudis something like President when he refer to fag club. Giannakis is like father to Spanoulis and he is one who develop him and teach him as coach of Maroussi when Spanoulis play there. He tell every Olympiacos player he is stupid idiot and is dumb they can easy trick him and make him be idiot he is.

Ref in last game is rumor take bribes call game for PAO and Olympiacos fans says where he is get cash in hand during game was payoff and PAO owner do this just make people angry. Also is then report Olympiacos owner will hire same ref to run Olympiacos team as way to out do PAO owner in buy refs off.

Basic what has happen Giannakis is greedy. He have make 1.2 million euros net with national team coach and this not enough he also go after Olympiacos job I think like 1.1 million euros net for this and he have succeed in his greed to ruin his status. He have go from hero and god to enemy now and also he have ruin our national team. This was to be our best team ever look at 12 players was ready to play MUCH better team than 2005 European champions team or 2006 World Championship team that finish 2nd and beat US.

This was team that would be #2 best team after US and now is all ruin. National team has been destroy. As for players like Diamantidis and Spanoulis they might never even play again with team thing has got so bad.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

A big difference there is that Span's contract has little to do with the rookie salary cap.

No NBA team is going to pay him $6 million per year.

He have been offer full MLE so almost this much by 6 NBA teams. So you have wrong infos on this.

[Indazone]

Well it's possible we could sign Spanoulis and make it to where he gets 7-8 million dollars. The Rockets could agree to pay Spanoulis's salary. What you can do is get Pana to buyout Spanoulis's contract. Now obviously you must compensate Panathenaikos for this act of great service otherwise they would not do it. So you have to give Pana something of equal or greater value. Hmmm what would that be?? Sending NBA players to Pana would be one option but since they are in different league with different rules and contracts I don't see how that would work.

So now you have to find another way of compensating Pana. Remember the Dikembe Mutumbo Trade. Maybe you just agree to help Pana in many other ways with an agreement between the Rockets and Pana for player development, marketing, etc. buidling fund maybe? lol

09/08/04: The Houston Rockets acquired center Dikembe Mutombo from the Chicago Bulls for guards Adrian Griffin, Eric Piatkowski and Mike Wilks. Nets had bought out his contract previously so he came cheap to Houston. At the time Dikembe Mutombo, between the Nets (buyout) and Rockets, made around $18.8 million.

[MannyIsGod]

Is there any way to tear up the first round rights and release Splitter? If so, can they then try to sign him for larger dough?

lol....

Splitter is not worth what he's getting paid. He's sure as hell not worth that to the Spurs. They can't, but even if they could I'd be so pissed if they even tried to do this.

[DaDakota]

If they released him, he would be free to negotiate with ANY NBA team, remember what happened to Clevland and Carloss Boozer?

The Spurs FO is much smarter than that.

DD

[K-State Spur]

He have been offer full MLE so almost this much by 6 NBA teams. So you have wrong infos on this.

who? when?

not buying what you're selling.

[stxspurs]

ok just to clarify...do we own rights to v-span since we got him in the trade? i saw someone said houston could bring him back....just got confused

[Mr. Body]

lol....

Splitter is not worth what he's getting paid. He's sure as hell not worth that to the Spurs. They can't, but even if they could I'd be so pissed if they even tried to do this.

lol...

He's worth as much as they're paying Bonner, surely. Even with the crap US exchange rate it's not as much as this offer now, but close enough to think about.

See Manny, even if it is overpaying him slightly, you have to do that to get talent from time to time. Rather you adhere to the Holt School of Vanishing Championship Eras.

Manny's next response: they can't tear up the contract. My response: I understand that.

[Indazone]

NBA teams can get these guys. They don't really fall under any rules if they get bought out and are complete free agents. All they got right now are the archaic rules in place now with NBA rookies is convince the Euroleague team to buyout their guy, compensate the Euroleague team and sign the guy you want under NBA rules.

It's the Wild Frontier with the Euroleague when it comes to the NBA. Anything can go because there are basically very few rules and the ones in place can be skirted.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

who? when?

not buying what you're selling.

From 2005 to 2006 time before he sign with Rockets 6 teams offer him MLE. But Rockets owns his rights at the time so unless there can be trade of his rights to these teams he cannot sign. This because Rockets for long time did not want to sign him but also they did not want to trade his rights.

Pistons
Trail Blazers
Mavericks
Warriors
Spurs
Kings

All were teams try to get his rights and would pay him full MLE contract. It not matter if you believe or not it is true.

[Indazone]

In that case, if he was offered the full MLE then he can easily sign with the Rockets and receive 7-8 million. All he has to do is come to the Rockets. Sign for MLE and get a shoe contract lol.

[CubanMustGo]

Wow, this thread reads a lot better with Suck_Pana_Dick on ignore.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

ok just to clarify...do we own rights to v-span since we got him in the trade? i saw someone said houston could bring him back....just got confused

No NBA team have rights to him. He is under contract 2 more years with Panathinaikos but he have zero buyout which is special contract in Europe.

But yes there is like hand shake type agreement with Spurs because they allow him out of contract to help his sick mother that if he decide come back NBA his agent should first ask Spurs if they is interest or if any NBA team offer him deal and he want take it his agent should ask Spurs first if they would also like give same deal.

[planaria]

F Splitter. He knew that he'd have to take less money to come to the Spurs. If he wasn't prepared to make that sacrifice, he shouldn't have promised the Spurs last summer that he'd make the jump to the NBA for the 2008-09 season. The Spurs wouldn't have wasted a first round pick on his azz.

It sucks because if he would have signed with the Spurs this summer, there was a good chance he could win the starting center job for the Spurs next season.

Splitter's chances of ever coming to the NBA have now plummeted.


Promisse? Lol.

Lets remember that Spurs actually "fu**ked" Splitter´s plan of being picked at the second round where he could negotiate his contract ala Varejão.

He even made publicity before the draft that he doesnt wished to be selected if not at lottery range. He basicly asked for teams doesnt pick him at the late first round, but SAS of course wouldnt let him go for free with that cheap pick.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

In that case, if he was offered the full MLE then he can easily sign with the Rockets and receive 7-8 million. All he has to do is come to the Rockets. Sign for MLE and get a shoe contract lol.

I am not sure about shoe contract. I forget if he have one. I need try remember that. I believe Diamantidis have a Nike contract but I forget if Spanoulis also have Nike one.

[stxspurs]

But yes there is like hand shake type agreement with Spurs because they allow him out of contract to help his sick mother that if he decide come back NBA his agent should first ask Spurs if they is interest or if any NBA team offer him deal and he want take it his agent should ask Spurs first if they would also like give same deal.

im worried about a "handshake agreement". if we were to go after billy as in go visit him and offer him a contract what are the odds he goes to another team? im not to trusting of these euro agents right now

[K-State Spur]

From 2005 to 2006 time before he sign with Rockets 6 teams offer him MLE. But Rockets owns his rights at the time so unless there can be trade of his rights to these teams he cannot sign. This because Rockets for long time did not want to sign him but also they did not want to trade his rights.

Pistons
Trail Blazers
Mavericks
Warriors
Spurs
Kings

All were teams try to get his rights and would pay him full MLE contract. It not matter if you believe or not it is true.

Good, because I don't believe you.

[Indazone]

No NBA team have rights to him. He is under contract 2 more years with Panathinaikos but he have zero buyout which is special contract in Europe.

But yes there is like hand shake type agreement with Spurs because they allow him out of contract to help his sick mother that if he decide come back NBA his agent should first ask Spurs if they is interest or if any NBA team offer him deal and he want take it his agent should ask Spurs first if they would also like give same deal.

Well an aging Ginobili and a young Vspan coming over makes sense for the Spurs. They are both the same type of slashing high turnover players.

[Indazone]

I am not sure about shoe contract. I forget if he have one. I need try remember that. I believe Diamantidis have a Nike contract but I forget if Spanoulis also have Nike one.

He would probably get a shoe contract with Chinese shoe company Anta. Hell even Adleman has a contract with Anta. lol

[CaptainLate]

Kori,
Do you think the 2 yr extension is still short enough that the Spurs won't burn bridges and still try to sign him as soon as possible?

The guy obviously is interested in $$, and in two years Tau can again offer way more money than cheap Holt will pay. This was a wasted pick.

[objective]

Marc Stein from ESPN.com:

Brazil's Tiago Splitter said this week that he's committed to staying in Spain next season with perennial Euroleague power Tau Ceramica, but the Spurs are quietly optimistic that they'll be able to lure Splitter to the States for the 2009-10 season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080530



09-10?

lol

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Promisse? Lol.

Lets remember that Spurs actually "fu**ked" Splitter´s plan of being picked at the second round where he could negotiate his contract ala Varejão.

He even made publicity before the draft that he doesnt wished to be selected if not at lottery range. He basicly asked for teams doesnt pick him at the late first round, but SAS of course wouldnt let him go for free with that cheap pick.

Yes this is same thing Nikola Pekovic is do in this draft. he is ask all NBA teams drafts him 2nd round even though he should be first round pick. For same reason. Maybe after Splitter issue NBA teams will listen. Pekovic is year younger than Spiltter and this year he was best big man in Europe not Splitter.

Maybe Spurs can draft Pekovic in 2nd round and then when his contract with Panathinaikos run out Spurs can give him full MLE and maybe because he already have big contract from before with PAO maybe MLE can get him.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

im worried about a "handshake agreement". if we were to go after billy as in go visit him and offer him a contract what are the odds he goes to another team? im not to trusting of these euro agents right now

His agent hate NBA teams after all lies from Rockets and how they handle everything. But Spanoulis is honest person. If Popovich or any other NBA manager make him believe what they say is true he would play for them. Is just he must believe what he hear is true. Van Gundy is tell him endless promises also and they were all lies.

So main thing is how Popovich have to be different than Van Gundy. But also must remember Parker already explain Spanoulis how Popovich is and explain him he is opposite of Van Gundy who even have bad reputation with Spurs players. And Oberto also explain him Van Gundy is horrible and treat him same way but then Popovich treat him exact opposite way.

So he believe Popovich is one to trust. Remember after him and Parker talk last summer in Athens he agree to play with Spurs but he cannot this year because of his mother's health and because he have already sign with Panathinaikos. But Parker change his mind.

[CaptainLate]

"make that sacrifice"

Burning draft picks on these guys isn't so front-office brilliant if they never suit up.

And we could have had Kyle Korver...a known quantity!!
Duncan and Manu (screw you guys, I'm going to the Olympics) Ginobili are getting worn down by the time April rolls around.

The FO that has been praised for years is going to be our downfall. We just saw our last opportunity to repeat go down the drain. Better get used to a lower seeded Spurs team that is out of the playoffs by Round 2.

[DaDakota]

I think V-Span will go wherever is best for his career, and the money is right. He would fit into so many teams, but only those that run a motion type of offense with a high concentration of Pick and Rolls.

But, I believe it will come down to pure old fashioned money, the question is.....DOES he want to come back......maybe not..

As for Splitter, again, he is doing what is best for his career...good for him.

DD

[Indazone]

Adleman is a nice guy. A players coach. Tell him that everything is different now. He can come and play. Adleman played all his players down to worthless scrub Mike James. He has a reputation of playing the guys and letting them stay on the court even if they make mistakes. He will not pull the player off the court and he lets players play through and get into a rhythm. He gave Aaron Brooks plenty of minutes even though Aaron is very inconsistant. He let Landry who is a pure rookie earn about 20 minutes of rotation time just based on his practice play. Would this have happend under Van Gundy? Hell no! So tell him to come back.

[Spur-Addict]

I'm as excited about Splitter as the next guy but you guys have put way too much value on him. If we are lucky and I mean moons asligned lucky he'll be 2/3rds of what Scola is. I figure him at best his first 2 or so seasons to be a 6 or 7 and 3 or 4 guy off the bench. I would be elated if that were the case. Some of you are the same guys that kept saying Ian would be the starting center this year. That guy like I've always said is still miles away from being any kind of factor. Is Splitter a much more polished talented player YES but this guy is not going to come in and put up Bynum numbers hell Bynum has barely put up Bynum numbers. We'd be lucky to see Yi type numbers.

Next to Tim he would put up decent numbers just because he's next to Tim. He's alot longer than Oberto and Thomas, plus he's more fresh and able to leap better than Horry. So, off hustle and being next to the best PF ever, i'd say Splitter would be a 10 ppg 5 Rpg guy. <<<(Roughly) I am not investing huge stock in anyone right now, but Splitter is far more experienced than any other big in a potential discussion right now. Yi isn't playing next to Tim, nor is Bynum (Although he has Pau now, but he still hasn't played with him). I personally cannot wait for the draft, I always love the draft.

:flag:

[T Park]

He hasn't got nearly the size and low post skills of Scola. I think he's a great project with good upside but he's not going to come in and be a 12 and 8 player. You're insane to think that Pop will give this kid 35 minutes a night.

Uh hes taller than Scola....... And has just as good of low post moves...

[stxspurs]

dont u think he would get playing time ....who else will back up parker? i doubt we get a top point in free agency. i like what ive seen from billy...i think we should strongly consider him as a backup to parker

[Indazone]

Splitter would or would've made an immediate impact on the Spurs. I don't think he's coming over though.

[stxspurs]

Adleman is a nice guy. A players coach. Tell him that everything is different now. He can come and play. Adleman played all his players down to worthless scrub Mike James. He has a reputation of playing the guys and letting them stay on the court even if they make mistakes. He will not pull the player off the court and he lets players play through and get into a rhythm. He gave Aaron Brooks plenty of minutes even though Aaron is very inconsistant. He let Landry who is a pure rookie earn about 20 minutes of rotation time just based on his practice play. Would this have happend under Van Gundy? Hell no! So tell him to come back.

why would he go back with alston, brooks in front of him

[TDMVPDPOY]

WHAT i do now is trade for childress see if he has any upside left to be a starting SG.....

[stxspurs]

WHAT i do now is trade for childress see if he has any upside left to be a starting SG.....

trade who

[T Park]

Splitter would or would've made an immediate impact on the Spurs. I don't think he's coming over though.

Nobody cares what you think.

[DaDakota]

why would he go back with alston, brooks in front of him

Because he is better than both of them, and would more than likely become the starter, whereas with the Spurs he is not as good as Parker and would only get backup minutes.

So, which would you choose, start, or backup?

DD

[stxspurs]

backup cuz i was going to a contender.......:)

[DaDakota]

backup cuz i was going to a contender.......:)


The Spurs finished a grand total of ONE game better than the Rockets, and that was without Yao Ming for the last 27 games.

One is a very old team that needs to reload, one is an up and coming team.

Honestly, it would not be an easy choice....but the Spurs need more than V-Span, they need to get quicker on the perimeter at the wing position and could use an upgrade at center too.

Both teams are in similar situations, and both chasing the FRICKEN lakers now that they got Gasol for a half eaten bag of cheetos.

DD

[T Park]

The Spurs finished a grand total of ONE game better than the Rockets, and that was without Yao Ming for the last 27 games.

One is a very old team that needs to reload, one is an up and coming team.

Honestly, it would not be an easy choice....but the Spurs need more than V-Span, they need to get quicker on the perimeter at the wing position and could use an upgrade at center too.

Both teams are in similar situations, and both chasing the FRICKEN lakers now that they got Gasol for a half eaten bag of cheetos.

DD

The Spurs also played a month and a half without Tony Parker and 3 months without Brent Barry.

[Bruno]

I like how people hijack a splitter thread to speak about Vaginis Spatula. :rolleyes
If you want to speak about him, start a thread in the Basketball News Central forum.

[stxspurs]

its about the playoffs....wcf > 1st rd

[DaDakota]

I think the V-Span and Splitter deals are symptomatic of a budding problem, thus the argument is germaine to the overall topic.

Splitter has chosen to sign for more money, and honestly should that surprise anyone here?

I mean given the circumstances wouldn't pretty much everyone do the exact same thing.

He may never come over, because of the rookie pay scale, and that is simply a fact.

DD

[T Park]

I think the V-Span and Splitter deals are symptomatic of a budding problem, thus the argument is germaine to the overall topic.

Splitter has chosen to sign for more money, and honestly should that surprise anyone here?

I mean given the circumstances wouldn't pretty much everyone do the exact same thing.

He may never come over, because of the rookie pay scale, and that is simply a fact.

DD

Would I do the same thing?

Maybe.

Not if I told the team a year ago that "I Will sign next summer and come over. Gauranteed"

[Holt's Cat]

I like how people hijack a splitter thread to speak about Vaginis Spatula. :rolleyes
If you want to speak about him, start a thread in the Basketball News Central forum.

:tu

That's all that motherfucker posts about. 24/7/365. Who gives a shit about a player who couldn't cut it in the NBA?

Bruno, you're alright.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Because he is better than both of them, and would more than likely become the starter, whereas with the Spurs he is not as good as Parker and would only get backup minutes.

So, which would you choose, start, or backup?

DD

This is true now because Spanoulis did not prove anything in NBA. But if you must know truth when France and Greece play over years Spanoulis has most of times outplay Parker. And since they are same generation (mean same year be born) they have been play each other for years.

In one time before Parker come to NBA draft by Spurs Parker was best point guard in Europe of his generation and Spanoulis was next and then Zisis and then Beno.

But in all times after this Spanoulis was best and then Parker. But in 2007 European Championship Parker was better for tournament but then hard to say because his team was very poor. Spanoulis was much better than Parker in 2007 Acropolis tournament. And if Spanoulis was play on same France team he can have same numbers Parker did.

Spanoulis have 24 points 12 NBA assists in game against Spain. Very few players in world can do this.

[DaDakota]

Would I do the same thing?

Maybe.

Not if I told the team a year ago that "I Will sign next summer and come over. Gauranteed"

But players do that all the time, say whatever a team wants to hear and then follow the money.

All players do that, NBA, Euro, every league......

Right now, the Euro is a lot stronger than the dollar which is amazing because the European Union has more debt than the USA, but that is another discussion for another thread.

Unless the NBA changes the rules on Euro players, and this is tricky because some 18 year old USA kids are watching, this will continue to fester.

The good thing is that Splitter is still very young, but think about it for a minute....he comes over to the USA to play ball and has to take a MAJOR pay cut.....

I mean come on...that is NOT an easy thing to do, when you consider your entire career is about 10 years on average, you need to maximinze your earning potential.

DD

[T Park]

This is true now because Spanoulis did not prove anything in NBA. But if you must know truth when France and Greece play over years Spanoulis has most of times outplay Parker. And since they are same generation (mean same year be born) they have been play each other for years.

In one time before Parker come to NBA draft by Spurs Parker was best point guard in Europe of his generation and Spanoulis was next and then Zisis and then Beno.

But in all times after this Spanoulis was best and then Parker.

God, jump of a building.

[T Park]

But players do that all the time, say whatever a team wants to hear and then follow the money.

All players do that, NBA, Euro, every league......

Right now, the Euro is a lot stronger than the dollar which is amazing because the European Union has more debt than the USA, but that is another discussion for another thread.

Unless the NBA changes the rules on Euro players, and this is tricky because some 18 year old USA kids are watching, this will continue to fester.

The good thing is that Splitter is still very young, but think about it for a minute....he comes over to the USA to play ball and has to take a MAJOR pay cut.....

I mean come on...that is NOT an easy thing to do, when you consider your entire career is about 10 years on average, you need to maximinze your earning potential.

DD


Not all players do that.

Pull the head out.

[CaptainLate]

The biggest downfall is this is yet another wasted 1st round draft pick for a team really needs to add talent and bench depth.

I'd prefer the Spurs now turn their attention to Desgana Diop. They need another rebounder and shot-blocker to go along with Duncan.

Agreed. But he's interested in going back to Mavs and with cheap Holt we can't can outbid Cuban. Our only chance with Diop is to convince him that Kidd is washed up and the best opp for a :lobt: is with the Spurs.

[DaDakota]

Not all players do that..

TPark,

Let's keep it civil, please.

You are correct not all players do that, but would you agree that the majority do?

I mean money talks.....

Honestly, what would you do if you were Splitter? Would you take 8 times more money to stay and star for playing half the games?

Or would you go to the NBA for far less money and be a good solid role player and be locked up for basically the next 5 years?

DD

[T Park]

If he signed the rookie contract it would be 2 years.

I would sign the contract, then get an even bigger one in year 3, and play in the best league in the world.


The majority? I have no clue, because alot of the times the player comes over.

[Indazone]

You know, if the Euroleague started waving money and contracts in front of good college players say for 3-400,000 dollars more than the NBA minimum rookie contract can you say mass exodus of many second rounders???

[DaDakota]

If he signed the rookie contract it would be 2 years.

I would sign the contract, then get an even bigger one in year 3, and play in the best league in the world.


The majority? I have no clue, because alot of the times the player comes over.

The lack of them coming over is a fairly new development, the Euro leagues have upped their pay considerably as the leagues over there have gained significant ground in popularity, it is something that is just starting to be an issue in these last 2 years.

I may be mistaken but once you sign the Rookie deal, I think you are team bound for 5 years.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/san_antonio.htm

Look at Mahini's contract above, 2 guaranteed years then team options in year 3 and 4 and a qualifying offer in year 5.

So basically he could be underpaid for 5 years.

That is half of his career.....

Again, can you blame the guy for taking the money? The NBA needs to do something about it, or they will be losing the better Euros....a lot of the time in the future.

DD

[Indazone]

You want to know what would give the Euroleague immediate legitimacy? If they started raiding the USA college ranks and paid the number one draft pick 6 million dollars right off the bat. If it was a franchise player coming like Lebron, offering that guy like 50-70 million dollars for a 5 year contract. If the Euroleague started doing that, then all bets are off. What could the NBA do then? That's an example of a competitor completely breaking a cartel.

[T Park]

The lack of them coming over is a fairly new development, the Euro leagues have upped their pay considerably as the leagues over there have gained significant ground in popularity, it is something that is just starting to be an issue in these last 2 years.

I may be mistaken but once you sign the Rookie deal, I think you are team bound for 5 years.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/san_antonio.htm

Look at Mahini's contract above, 2 guaranteed years then team options in year 3 and 4 and a qualifying offer in year 5.

So basically he could be underpaid for 5 years.

That is half of his career.....

DD

If he played to his potential, the Spurs would scrap the deal and give him a new one.

Guaranteed.

[Spur-Addict]

Well an aging Ginobili and a young Vspan coming over makes sense for the Spurs. They are both the same type of slashing high turnover players.

I certainly disagree, Span is not of Manu's calibur. Span is undersized, faster and not proven as clutch in the American game. He couldn't beat out Rafer Alston for a job, plus he knew Tony is better. (lol) He can't be compared to Manu. Hell, overseas Manu was better than Span. Please, no more stupid comments. (Emphasis on the Alston Statement)

:bang

[DaDakota]

If he played to his potential, the Spurs would scrap the deal and give him a new one.

Guaranteed.

I think that is probably true but for me, as a business man, I want it ALL on paper.

And that is against the rules, making it far more difficult.

I understand Splitter's decision, and think that unless the NBA does something about the Rookie scale for the Euros, then he may never come over.

It probably also causes many NBA teams to pause before drafting a Euro in the first round...ever again.

DD

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I certainly disagree, Span is not of Manu's calibur. Span is undersized, faster and not proven as clutch in the American game. He couldn't beat out Rafer Alston for a job, plus he knew Tony is better. (lol) He can't be compared to Manu. Hell, overseas Manu was better than Span. Please, no more stupid comments. (Emphasis on the Alston Statement)

:bang

Spanoulis is Steve Nash level in offense in all ways except shooting. He is faster than Nash and much better in defense.

[Indazone]

I certainly disagree, Span is not of Manu's calibur. Span is undersized, faster and not proven as clutch in the American game. He couldn't beat out Rafer Alston for a job, plus he knew Tony is better. (lol) He can't be compared to Manu. Hell, overseas Manu was better than Span. Please, no more stupid comments. (Emphasis on the Alston Statement)

:bang

The situation is different. This was a personality conflict with the head coach that did not get him playing time.

[Bruno]

Milt Palacio > Vaginis Spatula.
And Vaginis don't want to come in NBA.

And Kill_Bill_Pana knows nothing about NBA and the European basketball. People laughs as hard as him here than on Europeans message boards.

[Indazone]

I still think the Euroleague should turn the tables on the NBA. Go after a number one draft pick. These clubs certainly have the money to be able to do that. They got huge soccor followings and they can easily divert some money from soccor to basketball. It'll be like the old American Basketball Association with Dr. J, George Mcginnis, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin. etc.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Milt Palacio > Vaginis Spatula.
And Vaginis don't want to come in NBA.

And Kill_Bill_Pana knows nothing about NBA and the European basketball. People laughs as hard as him here than on Europeans message boards.

You are fool on many basketball issue. I know basketball game very much and very many years.

Spanoulis is better than Tony Parker.

[CaptainLate]

At this point the Spurs have got to push for Artest in the offseason....

Agreed. Artest and Diop. Our offense sucks so much that we cannot afford to have a non-scorer (Bowen) out there solely for his defensive skills. And if they aren't going to play Bonner, then trade him.

2008-09 Roster:
Duncan Thomas Oberto Diop
Bowen Mahinmi Bonner Artest
Ginobili Udoka Barry Parker

Jettison: Vaughn, Horry (ret), Finley, MMouse

[S_A_Longhorn]

Never thought Bush-economics (or lack thereof) would affect my Spurs. Splitter's deal is worth 8x more than he would have earned in dollars with the rookie cap. Sad...

[T Park]

Agreed. Artest and Diop. Our offense sucks so much that we cannot afford to have a non-scorer (Bowen) out there solely for his defensive skills. And if they aren't going to play Bonner, then trade him.

2008-09 Roster:
Duncan Thomas Oberto Diop
Bowen Mahinmi Bonner Artest
Ginobili Udoka Barry Parker

Jettison: Vaughn, Horry (ret), Finley, MMouse

You contradicted yourself with your mindless Bowen comment.

If you can't see it, drink draino.

[J_Paco]

You contradicted yourself with your mindless Bowen comment.

If you can't see it, drink draino.

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

So, obviously true it's hilarious.

[mystargtr34]

Just to rub salt into the wound

http://acbtv.acb.com/video/690

Someones been watching Tim Duncan.

[Spur-Addict]

Spanoulis is Steve Nash level in offense in all ways except shooting. He is faster than Nash and much better in defense.

Please think before you comment, if he was anything like nash he'd be in Houston right now with a large deal. Since Houston loves Defense i'm pretty sure he'd fit right in especially with his "Nash Like" passing ability he'd find Tracy and Yao all day. But, where is he? NOT THERE GENIUS- Believe me, they'd pay him if he was anything like nash.

[Indazone]

Please think before you comment, if he was anything like nash he'd be in Houston right now with a large deal. Since Houston loves Defense i'm pretty sure he'd fit right in especially with his "Nash Like" passing ability he'd find Tracy and Yao all day. But, where is he? NOT THERE GENIUS- Believe me, they'd pay him if he was anything like nash.


Not if you have a coach who doesn't like Europeans and will not play or develop rookies. Landry would have grown roots by now his butt being planted so long on the bench he would have sprouted roots and been glued to the end.

Suns notebook: Van Gundy backs D’Antoni’s bench use

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/114949

ABC commentator and former Houston and New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy scoffed at the notion that Suns coach Mike D’Antoni should play his bench more in the interest of player development.

“Who do you want him to play?” Van Gundy said, incredulously. “(Eric) Piatkowski? (Sean) Marks? D.J. Strawberry? Are you kidding me?

“Now if you had said Marcus Banks (before he was traded to Miami) I might have said ‘OK, you paid money and you had a part in the evaluation of getting him as the coach.’ Maybe he should have played. But when (Steve) Nash bloodied his nose last year (in Game 1 against the Spurs), was anybody saying ‘Marcus Banks hasn’t been playing. That’s what got in our way?’ No.

“So who should he develop? Alando Tucker? You’re going to tell me that a late-first rounder’s development is critical to the Suns winning a championship this year?

“I think the Suns do develop their players. Nash went from being a really good point guard to being an MVP. Shawn Marion went from being a pretty good forward to an All-Star. Amaré Stoudemire went from being a pretty good player to being a great player … Who haven’t they developed? A bunch of (expletive) on the end of the bench? Those guys can’t play in the NBA in a playoff series. They do what they’re supposed to do. Be enthusiastic and be great on the bench.” :rolleyes

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Please think before you comment, if he was anything like nash he'd be in Houston right now with a large deal. Since Houston loves Defense i'm pretty sure he'd fit right in especially with his "Nash Like" passing ability he'd find Tracy and Yao all day. But, where is he? NOT THERE GENIUS- Believe me, they'd pay him if he was anything like nash.

You actual believe what you say?

Here is clip have half NBA and half Euroleages and national team games and you actual believe from what you see here he have no ability and it make sense why Van Gundy decide not let him play? Rafer Alston is joke to him in compares ability and talent.

OFJfbQDNwM8

I will ask friend who make this make one just for NBA because it seem no US fan believe he can be anything in NBA just because he get one stupid coach. I ask him before and he say he busy work on new Papaloukas video. He can make just all NBA clip for Spanoulis because he have never do this before. Maybe then some foolish people will understand what he can do.

But this craps he cannot play NBA is stupid thing. Something is wrong with Van Gundy just way thing is.

[T Park]

Not really developed, just the offense exaggerated their good points.

[samikeyp]

You are fool on many basketball issue. I know basketball game very much and very many years.

Spanoulis is better than Tony Parker.

If you knew the game very much then you would know that Spanoulis is nowhere near Tony Parker.

[Indazone]

FYI Alando Tucker was drafted ahead of Landry and he was the MVP of the Big Ten. What Van Gundy says about Alando Tucker is pure BS.

[DaDakota]

Watching that video and V-Span making all those mid range shots and pin point passes......CRAP, I miss that guy.

Rafer Alston would be buried on the bench if he came to Houston.

It would be V-Span and Brooks and Rafer would be 3rd.

DD

[nkdlunch]

Spanoulis is better than Tony Parker.


:lmao


thanks for the laughs in this sad day

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

If you knew the game very much then you would know that Spanoulis is nowhere near Tony Parker.

If Spurs or Rockets had Spanoulis they will win NBA championship. Just because there is many arrogant people in US refuse believe there is such player in Europe and many fans in Europe who is haters and also not know game say otherwise do not change what is true thing.

Spanoulis is one of few players in world can dominate US team and Spain team in game at final four level of highest world competitions. You name how many other players can gets 22 points 6 NBA assist again Team US in semifinal game and lead his team to win and also can get 24 points 12 NBA assist against Spain on their home floor in semi final game and almost beat them even if other two best players of team plays there worst game of tournament and other two starters of team not even play because they injure.

You start name how many point guards in NBA can do this.

[samikeyp]

If Spurs or Rockets had Spanoulis they will win NBA championship. Just because there is many arrogant people in US refuse believe there is such player in Europe and many fans in Europe who is haters and also not know game say otherwise do not change what is true thing.

Spanoulis is one of few players in world can dominate US team and Spain team in game at final four level of highest world competitions. You name how many other players can gets 22 points 6 NBA assist again Team US in semifinal game and lead his team to win and also can get 24 points 12 NBA assist against Spain on their home floor in semi final game and almost beat them even if other two best players of team plays there worst game of tournament and other two starters of team not even play because they injure.

You start name how many point guards in NBA can do this.

What PG's can get 20 and 6 against NBA competition?

Tony Parker
Deron Williams
Allen Iverson
Steve Nash
Chris Paul
Chauncey Billups

Shall I continue?

Calling someone who doesn't agree with you "arrogant" isn't arrogant?

[A.H 21-50]

I don't think the Spurs need spannoulis definitly :lol

i wait for Splitter's official decision , bad news if he stays in spain

[Josepatches]

Uh hes taller than Scola....... And has just as good of low post moves...

As goog of low post moves??:lol:lol

Please Scola is a lot better than Splitter.You can see some videos and you can say wooo!He's great! But you can made great videos with Oberto too.I saw this guy last years every week (here we only have one game by week in the spanish league and one more in the euroleague) and he is better than Oberto but offensively he's very limited.His better moves are dunks or layups.He only can hit near than 12 foot.He's a bad FT shooter (50% ).He's quickly but he doesn't have good control of the ball.
Here In Spain nobody would say Tiago is better than scola was.Nobody

[picnroll]

You are fool on many basketball issue. I know basketball game very much and very many years.

Spanoulis is better than Tony Parker.

:lmao

[Indazone]

I don't think the Spurs need spannoulis definitly :lol

i wait for Splitter's official decision , bad news if he stays in spain

You're right the Spurs are overloaded at guard. You don't need him. Focus on getting Splitter. We need Vspan. :D

[jag]

You are fool on many basketball issue. I know basketball game very much and very many years.

Spanoulis is better than Tony Parker.

Wow....just wow.

Why do you have to turn every prospect/tiago/scola thread into a VSpan thread? You already have a Vspan thread...just bump that garbage. People hate you more than they hate Vspan, i think he might actually be good, but you're just annoying.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

What PG's can get 20 and 6 against NBA competition?

Tony Parker
Deron Williams
Allen Iverson
Steve Nash
Chris Paul
Chauncey Billups

Shall I continue?

Calling someone who doesn't agree with you "arrogant" isn't arrogant?

Play against Team US the current one when they are try win in semifinal game of top competition not something like joke FIBA Americas is much harder than what you claim. I guess you forget that Kirk Hinrich, Chris Paul, Dywane Wade were dominate on both end of court by him in this game and that even they have Battier, Lebron any of them try guard him and even at end of game try double team him he make every key basket at end of game to beat them.

Yes just any NBA point guard will do this.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

As goog of low post moves??:lol:lol

Please Scola is a lot better than Splitter.You can see some videos and you can say wooo!He's great! But you can made great videos with Oberto too.I saw this guy last years every week (here we only have one game by week in the spanish league and one more in the euroleague) and he is better than Oberto but offensively he's very limited.His better moves are dunks or layups.He only can hit near than 12 foot.He's a bad FT shooter (50% ).He's quickly but he doesn't have good control of the ball.
Here In Spain nobody would say Tiago is better than scola was.Nobody

Scola is better than Splitter and Oberto no one but idiot would think different. But here we have some idiot think Palacio better than Spanoulis. Even people laugh at I say Spanoulis better than Parker even though last time they play each other Parker was look like high school player against him.

I guess Spurs fans deserve these losses. They is not much more better than Rockets fans a little bit more understand of game but not that much.

[stxspurs]

u know billy he is coming over cuz whatever fans dont want.......pop always does. welcome vspan!

[K-State Spur]

What PG's can get 20 and 6 against NBA competition?

Tony Parker
Deron Williams
Allen Iverson
Steve Nash
Chris Paul
Chauncey Billups

Shall I continue?

Calling someone who doesn't agree with you "arrogant" isn't arrogant?

spanoulis would get 40 & 12.

[completely deck]

I am so confused by reading this entire thread.

I know the difference between announcements and official announcements, so has Splitter made his mind, or do we have to wait until the end of their finals still?

[mVp]

Spanoulis > Michael Jordan

[SpursChampsIII]

Scola is better than Splitter and Oberto no one but idiot would think different. But here we have some idiot think Palacio better than Spanoulis. Even people laugh at I say Spanoulis better than Parker even though last time they play each other Parker was look like high school player against him.

I guess Spurs fans deserve these losses. They is not much more better than Rockets fans a little bit more understand of game but not that much.

If Spanoulis made the Spurs roster, I would go try out too.

[SpursChampsIII]

Spanoulis = Kill Bill Pana = Scrubs

[CaptainLate]

You contradicted yourself with your mindless Bowen comment. If you can't see it, drink draino.

Your mindless ASSumed I meant get rid of Bowen totally. That's not was I said.

[Bruno]

I am so confused by reading this entire thread.

I know the difference between announcements and official announcements, so has Splitter made his mind, or do we have to wait until the end of their finals still?

This is how I've understood the story :

Tau has made some offers to Splitter in the past weeks. Splitter has turned them down and said that he will play in NBA next year.
Tau has recently made another offer with more money to Splitter and Splitter has shown interest to it.
Most reports are saying that Splitter is set to sign this offer with Tau. His agent is working on the last details of his contract and baring something unexpected, Splitter will sign a new contract with Tau in about one week when he will end his season.
There are another report with quotes from his agent saying that Tau has made a great financial offer to Splitter but that Splitter is still wondering what to do and will make his choice at the end of the season.

[completely deck]

This is how I've understood the story :

Tau has made some offers to Splitter in the past weeks. Splitter has turned them down and said that he will play in NBA next year.
Tau has recently made another offer with more money to Splitter and Splitter has shown interest to it.
Most reports are saying that Splitter is set to sign this offer with Tau. His agent is working on the last details of his contract and baring something unexpected, Splitter will sign a new contract with Tau in about one week when he will end his season.
There are another report with quotes from his agent saying that Tau has made a great financial offer to Splitter but that Splitter is still wondering what to do and will make his choice at the end of the season.

THANK YOU!

This majority of this thread was some Greek guy arguing about something or other in broken English.

Carry on!

[wildbill2u]

I still think the Euroleague should turn the tables on the NBA. Go after a number one draft pick. These clubs certainly have the money to be able to do that. They got huge soccor followings and they can easily divert some money from soccor to basketball. It'll be like the old American Basketball Association with Dr. J, George Mcginnis, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin. etc.

Exactly. Or like the old AFL football league. They paid out some outrageous contracts to veterans and premier rookie draft choices like Joe Namath and Steve Young in competition with the old NFL to gain some instant fan acceptance.

Eventually the price war in both basketball and foofball caused a merger of the ABA/NBA and the AFL/NFL. It can happen here if the Euro teams/owners have deep enough pockets and want to compete for players.

The arguments that the NBA and the NFL were better leagues didn't hold water then when it came to players wanting the best money deal for themselves--and they don't hold water now.

It's sheer chauvinism.

[Balance]

It isn't just about how much money he would make the next couple years. Even if Splitter doesn't accept the contract extension, he'd still be under contract. He'd have to pay approximately one million euros to get rid of it (actually, some sources say that it's "only" 1 million dollars, so I don't know...). Apparently the Spurs can only pay US$500K.

SO, let's do the math:

500 000 U.S. dollars = 322 913.976 Euros

1 000 000 - 322 913 = 677 087

677 087 Euros = 1.04840151 million U.S. dollars

1 048 401 - 809 300 = 239 101

(I used Google for the conversions)

It's like he'll have to PAY US$200K if he wants to play in the NBA next season FOR FREE.

Sad, but the Spurs knew that when they drafted him. Risky business, I guess...

[completely deck]

I don't think that's how it works.

[EJK5032]

Ian Mahinmi will not contribute next year.

I dont get others around here who compare the two as of now.

Splitter is perhaps the best player in the second best league in the world... Hes polished and hes ready to go.

Mahinmi plays in a pretty pathetic league....hes basically a poor mans Amir Johnson... hes 2 years away minimum.

Theres no comparison... Splitter was our guy.

Were stuck with Oberto next year and probably another Elson type scrub... while the Blazers got Oden and Aldridge

Lakers got Bynum and Gasol

Hornets got Chandler and West

Suns have Shaq and Stoudemire

Heck the Jazz got Boozer and Okur

We have Duncan and....

http://z.about.com/d/sanantonio/1/7/W/D/-/-/celebration10.jpg


hahahaha........funny, yet sad all at the same time.
actually a good point made by this post.

actually, Oberto from last year's 07 team was good.....he sucked this year big time.....got fat and happy from the new contract

[EJK5032]

Don't the Spurs have a man on the ground over there in Spain/Brazil to talk some sense into Splitter ? at least get him to wait until after the Playoffs so Pop can talk to him ?

[ElNono]

This is how I've understood the story :

Tau has made some offers to Splitter in the past weeks. Splitter has turned them down and said that he will play in NBA next year.
Tau has recently made another offer with more money to Splitter and Splitter has shown interest to it.
Most reports are saying that Splitter is set to sign this offer with Tau. His agent is working on the last details of his contract and baring something unexpected, Splitter will sign a new contract with Tau in about one week when he will end his season.
There are another report with quotes from his agent saying that Tau has made a great financial offer to Splitter but that Splitter is still wondering what to do and will make his choice at the end of the season.


Because you don't understand europeans make more money for interest in NBA. You know nothing international basketball better when vspan go to spurs. vspan second coming of larry bird without crutches.
Greek players better than ginobili with attitude. You don't know basketball I do much better.

[angelbelow]

wow the second coming of larrry bird? man im so sick of people nowadays dissing larry legend like that.

[MoSpur]

So nothing is set in stone then?

[SenorSpur]

The following proposal has been made in another thread and I'm starting to warm up to it.

Package his rights in a trade to another team that can afford to wait in exchange for either a number 1 pick this year or next.

[T Park]

I still think a fullcourt press with Duncan, Ginobili, Parker along with Pop would change his mind.

[Mr. Body]

I still think a fullcourt press with Duncan, Ginobili, Parker along with Pop would change his mind.

How? Seriously. They each buy him a couple cars?

[T Park]

How? Seriously. They each buy him a couple cars?


Its worked before, what would it hurt?

Honestly. If he signs with Tau STILL after meeting with them, then you are where you were a couple days ago when he said hes signing with Tau. Theres nothing to lose.

I think the promises of a nice sized role, good amount of playing time on a title team, along with a very nice sized contract after two years could be enough.

[Spurs Brazil]

I have no news to report about Tiago but just want to say one thing

FUCK Spanoulis

I never seen this guy play but I hope he never wear a Spurs uni.

And I hate him because of Kill Bill Pana.

Stupid Spanoulis have nothing to do in this thread

[T Park]

I have no news to report about Tiago but just want to say one thing

FUCK Spanoulis

I never seen this guy play but I hope he never wear a Spurs uni.

And I hate him because of Kill Bill Pana.

Stupid Spanoulis have nothing to do in this thread


:lol

[Mr. Body]

Well, I hope so. Extra financial incentives technically are illegal, right? They can hit him with a sense of 'loyalty' to the Spurs and that Tau isn't really a championship contending team, albeit very good (they get diced every year in Euroleague). The silver bullet, if any, the Spurs have is the threat not to bring him over in two years: it's now or never.

[Spurs Brazil]

This is how I've understood the story :

Tau has made some offers to Splitter in the past weeks. Splitter has turned them down and said that he will play in NBA next year.
Tau has recently made another offer with more money to Splitter and Splitter has shown interest to it.
Most reports are saying that Splitter is set to sign this offer with Tau. His agent is working on the last details of his contract and baring something unexpected, Splitter will sign a new contract with Tau in about one week when he will end his season.
There are another report with quotes from his agent saying that Tau has made a great financial offer to Splitter but that Splitter is still wondering what to do and will make his choice at the end of the season.

I agree with you Bruno. It's the second offer who made Tiago change his mind.

[T Park]

I think you've gotta be honest with him.

No we can't match that. But lets get through these two years, get the rookie contract started, and then after that THEN we can give you your money.


I mean its not like after two years the Spurs can give him MORE.

Its a SET pay scale.

[diego]

So European clubs cannot match or surpass NBA contracts unless they are rookie scale contracts.

yes, but unfortunately those are precisely the players that NBA and euro teams are vying with one another for; the people here discussing whether AK would get the same obscene NBA deal in europe are kidding themselves, and its really quite irrelevant to this discussion.

in the foreign player market, talented young prospects good enough to be 1st rounders are good enough to be euroleague stars, so the euro teams are more than willing to pay up so that they arent "stolen" from them. its quite rare for an older player to make the jump, and rarer still for that jump to be successfull. what matters here is those young, talented, often experienced 20-24 yr old professional players that teams need to build around. right now an NBA team is better off using a 2nd rounder to get them than a 1st, because of the scaled contracts. it will be interesting to see how these scenarios affect future drafts

[kobyz]

it is much important to bring splitter, he can be a good answer for gasol/bynum

[timvp]

I'm hearing Splitter and Manu have the same agent. That makes this whole thing suck even more. The Spurs must have gotten assurances from the agent that Splitter was coming over when they drafted him. Now that same agent is working on getting Splitter the big contract with Tau.

If anyone should know about taking small up front money and then cashing in, it should be Manu's agent.

[T Park]

Makes you wonder if the Spurs should call up Manu and get him to see if he can work some magic.

[ElNono]

You know what... After the Rockets got Scola's rights, they went after him and they got it done. No excuses, no drama, no what ifs... Why can't our FO do the same?

[T Park]

I don't know what you want the FO to do other than sign him to his SET pay scale, which you guys are failing to understand...

[Mr. Body]

You know what... After the Rockets got Scola's rights, they went after him and they got it done. No excuses, no drama, no what ifs... Why can't our FO do the same?

The Spurs were either fibbing about or didn't understand/believe Scola's contract demands (much less than they publicly claimed). There's mounting evidence they've had their head up their asses for a while, starting with screwing up Nocioni's birth date.

[ElNono]

I don't know what you want the FO to do other than sign him to his SET pay scale, which you guys are failing to understand...

It's not the money... it's giving assurances he's going to be an integral part of the team... that he won't be sitting at the end of the bench all year... that he won't be playing for the Toros...
But this FO... specifically Pop, won't do that. You know that, I know that.

[Bruno]

I'm hearing Splitter and Manu have the same agent. That makes this whole thing suck even more. The Spurs must have gotten assurances from the agent that Splitter was coming over when they drafted him. Now that same agent is working on getting Splitter the big contract with Tau.

If anyone should know about taking small up front money and then cashing in, it should be Manu's agent.

In fact, Splitter has two agents : one for the NBA and one for the Europe.
His NBA agent is the same than Manu's one but I guess that the contract negotiation with Tau are done with his European agent.

It was the same thing for Scola. In 2006, Scola's European agent was saying that Scola was Spurs' slave and Spurs were saying that they were negotiating only with his American agent.

[T Park]

Theres the first problem.

Too many damn agents.

[T Park]

It's not the money... it's giving assurances he's going to be an integral part of the team... that he won't be sitting at the end of the bench all year... that he won't be playing for the Toros...
But this FO... specifically Pop, won't do that. You know that, I know that.


You can tell him hes going to be integral.

If he earns it. Pop never has and never will just HAND minutes to a player.

[Mr. Body]

It's not the money... it's giving assurances he's going to be an integral part of the team... that he won't be sitting at the end of the bench all year... that he won't be playing for the Toros...
But this FO... specifically Pop, won't do that. You know that, I know that.

Yeah, I think you have to prove/assure him he will be starting or play significant minutes. The Spurs can't do that.

[T Park]

Honestly, should you?

I mean if you promise him starting or huge minutes, and he plays horrible and you have Mahinmi playing better, wouldn't you have a clusterfuck on your hands?

[ElNono]

Then it's not an issue of agents or money. The question the Spurs have to ask themselves is, how much do we want this guy? If you're not willing to give him some degree of assurances, then he will just stay in Europe.
If that's what you're going to do, might as well trade his rights and be done with him.

[ElNono]

Honestly, should you?

I mean if you promise him starting or huge minutes, and he plays horrible and you have Mahinmi playing better, wouldn't you have a clusterfuck on your hands?

You would have a clusterfuck. Plus you know he's going to suck at the very least for the first half of the season. He'll get rookie calls, he needs to learn the system, he has to get rid of Euro habits like the 3 steps. I see him as another Scola. Actually, a little less skilled but more athletic than Scola.
The thing is, you either get him on the program now, or you just forget about him. Our big 3 can't wait two years to see what happens. It's Scola all over again.

[Bruno]

Theres the first problem.

Too many damn agents.

Not everybody can be a nba agent. You had to get a certification to be one. Most Euro agents haven't this certification and that's why the player has two agents.

[Mr. Body]

The Spurs' failure to play younger players this year - especially Mahinmi - bites them in the ass again. Splitter doesn't want to play in the NBDL, I'm sure.

[Extra Stout]

You know what... After the Rockets got Scola's rights, they went after him and they got it done. No excuses, no drama, no what ifs... Why can't our FO do the same?

R.C. Buford built his reputation on Sam Presti's accomplishments, that's why.

[Mr. Body]

R.C. Buford built his reputation on Sam Presti's accomplishments, that's why.

Yes. I'm not sure Buford is very good.

[T Park]

R.C. Buford built his reputation on Sam Presti's accomplishments, that's why.

Yeah Sergie Karaulov has really propped RC Buford up.

That Tony Parker guy was found by RC...

[T Park]

The Spurs' failure to play younger players this year - especially Mahinmi - bites them in the ass again. Splitter doesn't want to play in the NBDL, I'm sure.


Yeah mahinmi getting 15 minutes a night and against the Lakers is the sole reason the Spurs lost.

Genius :tu

[Indazone]

from Splitter's perspective having two teams to play off of each other is golden.

[T Park]

Not everybody can be a nba agent. You had to get a certification to be one. Most Euro agents haven't this certification and that's why the player has two agents.

It was more of a joke.

The euro agent though screwed up the Scola situation a bit, and the euro agent seems to be doing the same here.

[SPARKY]

R.C. Buford built his reputation on Sam Presti's accomplishments, that's why.

Well, Ginobili was RC's pick. Presti did the diligence on Parker, but I think it was RC who went to bat for picking Tony with Pop.

[ElNono]

It was more of a joke.

The euro agent though screwed up the Scola situation a bit, and the euro agent seems to be doing the same here.

This is where I see the fallacy... The euro agent screwed up the Scola situation when we had his rights, but didn't when we traded his rights to the Rockets? Didn't the Rockets had the same limitations that we did to sign him?
How in the hell they got it flat out done and we didn't?
Now I'm looking at Splitter and see the same exact shit happening again.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah mahinmi getting 15 minutes a night and against the Lakers is the sole reason the Spurs lost.

Genius :tu

I hate how I have to translate normal english into 'T Park Gerber food'. The point is, Splitter sees how Mahinmi was relegated all year to the NBDL. As a rookie he should expect the same: as a baseline he will also be in the NBDL all year, as the team rather does that than find time for their young players, making his decision to stick with greater playing time (as well as greater money) all that much easier. Not saying Mahinmi should have played in the NBA but that history is a guide.

Capice?

[Mr. Body]

Well, Ginobili was RC's pick. Presti did the diligence on Parker, but I think it was RC who went to bat for picking Tony with Pop.

It's pretty much on record that Ginobili was a fluke.

[K-State Spur]

I hate how I have to translate normal english into 'T Park Gerber food'. The point is, Splitter sees how Mahinmi was relegated all year to the NBDL. As a rookie he should expect the same: as a baseline he will also be in the NBDL all year, as the team rather does that than find time for their young players, making his decision to stick with greater playing time (as well as greater money) all that much easier. Not saying Mahinmi should have played in the NBA but that history is a guide.

Capice?

Mahinmi is a ridiculous comparison to use as a baseline. Splitter's older, played major minutes at a higher level, and isn't considered completely raw coming in. Oberto is probably a much more realistic baseline. Not that Oberto's minutes in 2005-2006 should be enticing to him, but there is no reason - unless we hear otherwise - to expect the Spurs to relegate him to the D-League.

[Radiosparks]

Its easy to make him out to be a devil but its a business and the European side of it looks a lot better financially for guys like Splitter at the moment. Its a business and the Spurs aren't doing anything but looking out for themselves so I can't blame this guy for doing the same.

Agree, he's got to look out for himself financially. I'm sure you all would do the same.

[Mr. Body]

Mahinmi is a ridiculous comparison to use as a baseline. Splitter's older, played major minutes at a higher level, and isn't considered completely raw coming in. Oberto is probably a much more realistic baseline. Not that Oberto's minutes in 2005-2006 should be enticing to him, but there is no reason - unless we hear otherwise - to expect the Spurs to relegate him to the D-League.

Agreed, but there is absolutely no precedence for the Spurs playing young players big minutes. The only one was Parker and that is ancient history at this point. Between playing expected minutes in a comfortable situation for a very good team where you currently live (and for more money) and an uncertain situation where you may very well, and for reasons out of your control, not play very much (and for much less money), the answer seems pretty obvious. The only thing the Spurs seem to have going for them is the ability to hold Splitter out of the NBA forever if he doesn't come now.

[SPARKY]

It's pretty much on record that Ginobili was a fluke.

On what record?

[Mr. Body]

On what record?

Dylan's "Positively 4th Street"?

I mean they just took a swing. And could barely decide btw him and Giricek years later when they both were ready to come over. Maybe fluke's too strong a word, but at least a happy accident. It's not like R.C. was a genius there more than lucky.


Speaking of Giricek. Just realized this is the year we might have to resign him.

[SPARKY]

Dylan's "Positively 4th Street"?

I mean they just took a swing. And could barely decide btw him and Giricek years later when they both were ready to come over. Maybe fluke's too strong a word, but at least a happy accident. It's not like R.C. was a genius there more than lucky.


Speaking of Giricek. Just realized this is the year we might have to resign him.

Barely decide? They shipped Giricek off and went with Ginobili. Just because they held Giricek's rights for a couple years doesn't mean that they thought he was better than Ginobili.

[neboat]

How does Tiago compare with Andris Biedrins? Is Tiago anything like Andris Biedrins in terms of having quick feet for a 7 footer, good shot blocker, able to finish at the rim? If Tiago is anything close to Biedrins, then the Spurs MUST convince him to come here.

[ElNono]

Barely decide? They shipped Giricek off and went with Ginobili. Just because they held Giricek's rights for a couple years doesn't mean that they thought he was better than Ginobili.

RC Bufford is actually on the record saying they didn't know what they were getting with Manu. They were even looking at Lucas Victoriano instead of Manu, but RC felt Pop wouldn't play a foreign PG in the team.

[SPARKY]

Sure, you don't ever know exactly what you are getting with a player. More news @11.

[temujin]

If the Spurs want Splitter, Pop needs to go talk to him.
he has done that during the season with Stoudamire (big deal).
Show him they bet on him.

On the other hand, it would make a lot of sense for Splitter to sign a fatter contract now, and join the Spurs in two years time when his minutes will certainly be up.
The way he improved this year, he could be really good in 2 years time.

The Spurs need him sooner?
Too bad.

[Mr. Body]

Thanks Nono. Sparky, this is correct. They were close to going with Giricek because he was a better jumpshooter.

[SPARKY]

What is correct? That they went with Ginobili over Giricek? Um, yeah. They didn't exactly hesitate on deciding who was better.

[SPARKY]

So RC picked two guys who both are still in the league, made the right call on who was better, and this is a bad thing?

[Mr. Body]

Sparky...

*facepalm*

[SPARKY]

Sparky...

*facepalm*

The Spurs weren't close at all to going with Giricek over Ginobili, especially considering that Ginobili was coming off tearing up the Euroleagues in the summer of '02. You can find an old Buck Harvey article written in the summer of '01 after the WCF debacle in the previous playoffs about how Manu was the Kobe of Europe or whatever and the Spurs were bringing him over the next summer.

The only question was whether or not the Spurs would bring in Giricek as well.

*palmface* :jack

[ElNono]

RC made his good share of mistakes too. Going all out for JKidd and Scola come to mind.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

How does Tiago compare with Andris Biedrins? Is Tiago anything like Andris Biedrins in terms of having quick feet for a 7 footer, good shot blocker, able to finish at the rim? If Tiago is anything close to Biedrins, then the Spurs MUST convince him to come here.

Actual thinking about this what you bring up here Javtokas is similar to Biedrins.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Actual thinking about this what you bring up here Javtokas is similar to Biedrins.

What?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

What?

I mean that Javtokas is similar to Biedrins.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I mean that Javtokas is similar to Biedrins.

Yes but Javtokas considers Francisco Elson tough competition, meanwhile Biedrins would easily beat him out of a rotation spot.

[Mr. Body]

Yes but Javtokas considers Francisco Elson tough competition, meanwhile Biedrins would easily beat him out of a rotation spot.

Yet one of them is available. *shrugs* That bird's flown, however.

[TheProfessor]

Yet one of them is available. *shrugs* That bird's flown, however.
I wouldn't be so certain. Since it's possible the Spurs won't be able to get Splitter for a couple of years, maybe they make a short-term offer to Javtokas and see what happens. I'm interested to see if that bridge is completely burned, especially considering how much people are talking Javtokas up after his year with Dynamo.

[mystargtr34]

How does Tiago compare with Andris Biedrins? Is Tiago anything like Andris Biedrins in terms of having quick feet for a 7 footer, good shot blocker, able to finish at the rim? If Tiago is anything close to Biedrins, then the Spurs MUST convince him to come here.

Tiago's best advantage is probably his lateral quickness for a legit 7 footer.... he would be awesome guarding the Pick and Rolls... we could switch witout getting killed with him.

Biedrins is probably more athletic and a better rebounder... but Tiago is no slouch.

Splitter on the other hand... has a much better post games... if you watch the clip i posted on Page 27 or so.... he shows more post moves in a 2 minute clip than Biedrins has shown in his entire career.

[completely deck]

Let Christmas come early... We need Splitter