Tiago Splitter Close to Signing Two-Year Extension with Tau

[themvp]

He's doing squat with 30kg on that picture :lol

[mystargtr34]

He's doing squat with 30kg on that picture :lol

:lol thats the first thing i noticed...

Trade him.

[mystargtr34]

And damn he looks every bit of 7 feet :lol... he needs to get some size through his thighs.

[Mr. Body]

"Tiago, could you pretend to wipe your face turning the Men's Health logo toward the camera?"

"You want I should turn the towel around? That is another 200 Euro."

"But this is Men's Health. We're Men's Health magazine."

"200 Euro."

"Oh... alright..."

[Bruno]

A Splitter's interview :
http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/baloncesto/acb/playoffs08/es/desarrollo/1131357.html

If I've well babelfish-read :
He don't want to talk about his future. Both Tau and the NBA are great.

Let's see how our "read between the lines" experts will translate this...

[Mr. Body]

Well, Tiago, this is precisely the right time to talk about your future.

[spursfan98]

Tiago, dont come knocking on our door when you are filthy rich and want to come to the nba. YOUR NOT WELCOME. STAY IN EUROPE. Thats for skrewing us over

[picnroll]

Someone needs to show Splitter the 5 years and $52,000,000's left on Nene's current contract.

[2centsworth]

It reads he's real happy to be part of a championship team and it was with Tau where he got started. It reads like he has an obligation of loyalty to Tau. The NBA would be nice, but why not two years from now? He doesn't really see himself as an above average player who could make a fortune in the NBA is how I read between the lines.
He sees himself as more of a role player who would be making less money in the NBA.

He's signing with Tau unless someone convinces him he's a better player than he probably is.

Spurs need to search for a trade now or later. He's not a player you can rebuild with and by the time he comes to the NBA the Spurs will be too close to rebuilding.

[2centsworth]

Someone needs to show Splitter the 5 years and $52,000,000's left on Nene's current contract.


the kid doesn't even see himslef as being as good as Nene. There are a ton of big man contracts that look like Nene's. The money is in the NBA if you have some skill. Problem is Spurs don't overpay for role players.

[picnroll]

If he doesn't think he's as good or better than Nene then he better keep playing for the Tau Porcelain toilet bowls.

[Bartleby]

Crazy as it may sound, I see his silence right now as a potentially good sign. When you're holding up the trophy and celebrating with your team, why sully the feel good moment with news that you're going to bolt?

[2centsworth]

If he doesn't think he's as good or better than Nene then he better keep playing for the Tau Porcelain toilet bowls.

He doesn't see himself as being that good which makes me question the Spurs most recent drafts even more. Even if Splitter did come over his interviews tell me he would be a bust anyways.

[picnroll]

I never been high Splitter. Even in Euroleague he seems very inconsistent. I have much more faith in Mahinmi's ability and potential.

[Mr. Body]

I never been high Splitter. Even in Euroleague he seems very inconsistent. I have much more faith in Mahinmi's ability and potential.

Y not both if you can?

[TypicalSpursHater]

Thats why the Spurs suck at drafting!! SPLITTER!! hahahaha

[diego]

Interview translation:

¿Is this title the high point of your career?
Yes, its an incredible moment. Its what i always dreamed of and it finally happened.

Besides, theres few people with more history in the team than you...
This is where i grew as a player. Since i was a kid i identified with the team philosophy, in the day to day... I feel it and am proud of it.

I assume leaving brasil for the basque country at age 15 is now worth it...
When I arrived i was a quiet, hard working boy... The only thing i wanted was to practice and play. It worked out well.

The first game of the final was your coming-out game as a great big man.It was against barca, in a stage like the Palau... ¿did you feel it that way?
Yes. It was a game where they hadnt prepared their D for me, and i felt comfortable and good. It was very important.

In the second game you didnt do as much, but when you did it was in key moments...
They are moments of high tension, very difficult games. I like those games because you learn a lot.

Neven Spahija has been and is very questioned, but i understand you have a special bond.
yes i'm fond of him. i dont know if hes the best coach ive had, but definitely the one who has given me a spotlight. he has helped me alot.He's a players coach, and that gives way to criticism or praise. I dont think its time to speak about him leaving or staying.

From the outside this looked like the TAU team with the most internal problems. ¿Has it been so?
You cant say we havent had problems, but theyve made us stronger. I dont mean to say this is the formula for success, but when weve reached a final in good mental and physical condition it is difficult for us to lose.

in your personal case it must have been especially difficult [his sister fights leukemia]...
Its been rough, to be honest. Ive tried to be strong and concentrate on doing my job the best, but it hasnt been easy.

Though you dont want to talk about your future, its clear you have magnificent options. ¿do you feel priveleged?
When you can choose between going to the nba or staying with the champ, you feel very happy

***

what a crap interview! i cant decide what worse, the questions or the answers...

[Mr. Body]

Thats why the Spurs suck at drafting!! SPLITTER!! hahahaha

Eh, could be better with your trolling. It was a pretty brilliant pick at the time.

[TypicalSpursHater]

Eh, could be better with your trolling. It was a pretty brilliant pick at the time.

Brilliant? When is the last time you guys have made a brilliant pick??? 2001?

[ChumpDumper]

Brilliant? When is the last time you guys have made a brilliant pick??? 2001?We haven't had the luxury of being a lottery team for awhile like the Lakers did in 05....

[Mr. Body]

Brilliant? When is the last time you guys have made a brilliant pick??? 2001?

Uh... 2007. I think you may have trouble reading.

[TypicalSpursHater]

Uh... 2007. I think you may have trouble reading.

And just how is picking Tiago Splitter and marcus williams brilliant?

[ChumpDumper]

And just how is picking Tiago Splitter and marcus williams brilliant?:lol

I guess we should start guessing whose troll this is now.

[TypicalSpursHater]

:lol

I guess we should start guessing whose troll this is now.

Exactly why Spurs fans are so fucking stupid. Cant handle truth and you didnt answer my question.

[spursfan98]

Exactly why Spurs fans are so fucking stupid. Cant handle truth and you didnt answer my question.

The pik want exactly brilliant but it was supposed to be pretty brilliant.

[ChumpDumper]

Splitter was a good pick. Williams? They took a gamble waiving him, but the tax is the tax.

[Mr. Body]

Not every team can be the Enron of the NBA and have a formerly speckless great smear his reputation making insider deals, but I'm proud my franchise is just sometimes boneheaded and not stright up collusionary.

[spursfan98]

Splitter was a good pick. Williams? They took a gamble waiving him, but the tax is the tax.

I liked marcus. What is he doing now?

[Bartleby]

didn't the Clippers pick him up? Not sure if he has a contract for next year though.

[ChumpDumper]

I liked marcus. What is he doing now?Clippers picked him up. We'll see if they keep him. I imagine he'll be on their summer league team.

[spursfan98]

Clippers picked him up. We'll see if they keep him. I imagine he'll be on their summer league team.

Good for him. R the spurs in the rock mountain revue again? which one(s) will they play summer ball in?

[remingtonbo2001]

It seems like Splitter is sitting on the fence.


He's waiting for the Spurs to tell him what a great player he is. Problem is, this FO doesn't bullshit.

If he's going to be a prima dona, I'll pass. I'm starting to question his work ethic.

The more and more I think about, Ian might be the better fit of the two.

[ChumpDumper]

The Spurs are definitely scheduled to be in the Vegas Summer League and I think they are going to the RMR as well.

[spursfan98]

They are definitely scheduled to be in the Vegas Summer league and I think they are going to the RMR as well.

I figured. summer league is pretty fun to watch

[ChumpDumper]

It seems like Splitter is sitting on the fence.


He's waiting for the Spurs to tell him what a great player he is. Problem is, this FO doesn't bullshit.

If he's going to be a prima dona, I'll pass. I'm starting to question his work ethic.

The more and more I think about, Ian might be the better fit of the two.I'd rather have both, but it is nice to know exactly where Ian stands with the team and his commitment to improving his game.

Splitter will be slightly less of a dick if he at least decides on his next contract as soon as possible so the Spurs can adjust their draft strategy as needed.

[Spur-Addict]

I'd rather have both, but it is nice to know exactly where Ian stands with the team and his commitment to improving his game.

Splitter will be slightly less of a dick if he at least decides on his next contract as soon as possible so the Spurs can adjust their draft strategy as needed.

I'm sure they are prepared for both scenarios on paper. Or, at least they are piecing together the two scenarios.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm sure they are prepared for both scenarios on paper. Or, at least they are piecing together the two scenarios.True, but it could affect workout schedules or attempts to trade up, etc. The more time the Spurs have to do that, the better.

[MoSpur]

I wish the wait on Tiago's status comes very quick. Its annoying already. If I'm comfortable where I am playing and living, I take the bigger money. Simple as that. I have to think of me and my family.

[temujin]

In as much as Splitter has german origins,
and should act logically and stay in Europa,
he will play the brazilian and follow his "dreams".
Whatever that means.

[timvp]

If Pop flew across the country and back to talk to Damon Stoudamire, I'm guessing there's a pretty decent shot he's in Spain right now. If Splitter asks for a guarantee that he'll get time, I can't imagine Pop deviating from his "minutes are earned" line. The Spurs don't really have the used car salesmen in the organization to reel in the emos.

I hope Splitter comes because he'd solve the need for a mobile big. If he ends up scared of the NBA, then I guess the Spurs were better off without him.

[urunobili]

Interview translation:

¿Is this title the high point of your career?
Yes, its an incredible moment. Its what i always dreamed of and it finally happened.

Besides, theres few people with more history in the team than you...
This is where i grew as a player. Since i was a kid i identified with the team philosophy, in the day to day... I feel it and am proud of it.

I assume leaving brasil for the basque country at age 15 is now worth it...
When I arrived i was a quiet, hard working boy... The only thing i wanted was to practice and play. It worked out well.

The first game of the final was your coming-out game as a great big man.It was against barca, in a stage like the Palau... ¿did you feel it that way?
Yes. It was a game where they hadnt prepared their D for me, and i felt comfortable and good. It was very important.

In the second game you didnt do as much, but when you did it was in key moments...
They are moments of high tension, very difficult games. I like those games because you learn a lot.

Neven Spahija has been and is very questioned, but i understand you have a special bond.
yes i'm fond of him. i dont know if hes the best coach ive had, but definitely the one who has given me a spotlight. he has helped me alot.He's a players coach, and that gives way to criticism or praise. I dont think its time to speak about him leaving or staying.

From the outside this looked like the TAU team with the most internal problems. ¿Has it been so?
You cant say we havent had problems, but theyve made us stronger. I dont mean to say this is the formula for success, but when weve reached a final in good mental and physical condition it is difficult for us to lose.

in your personal case it must have been especially difficult [his sister fights leukemia]...
Its been rough, to be honest. Ive tried to be strong and concentrate on doing my job the best, but it hasnt been easy.

Though you dont want to talk about your future, its clear you have magnificent options. ¿do you feel priveleged?
When you can choose between going to the nba or staying with the champ, you feel very happy

***

what a crap interview! i cant decide what worse, the questions or the answers...
u finally worked on something :wakeup

[boutons_]

"If he ends up scared of the NBA,"

pre-emptive manhood insult.

Would timvp take 1/8 the money just to test your manhood in the NBA? He knows what he can get in Spain AND that he will start and get plenty of minutes.

NBA is a low-dollar pig-in-a-poke for him. If he doesn't get suckered like a Las Vegas mark by "you'll make the big money later", I'll understand.

That said, I'd love to have him on the Spurs in November.

[objective]

If Pop flew across the country and back to talk to Damon Stoudamire, I'm guessing there's a pretty decent shot he's in Spain right now. If Splitter asks for a guarantee that he'll get time, I can't imagine Pop deviating from his "minutes are earned" line. The Spurs don't really have the used car salesmen in the organization to reel in the emos.

that's what a Spurs fan would hope.

But I somehow get the feeling that Pop isn't going to try. Spurs don't like being disagreed with or doubted and they don't respond well to that. I think their auto-reply is a "you're in the doghouse" response. Splitter I feel will get the treatment where the Spurs will give him the cold shoulder response instead of any lavish attention and visit from Pop et al to play to Splitter's ego.

also, it might be better that Pop doesn't visit personally. A Pop visit is the kiss of death to that player's performance: exhibits A & B: Rasho and Damon.

[nfg3]

"If he ends up scared of the NBA,"

pre-emptive manhood insult.

Would timvp take 1/8 the money just to test your manhood in the NBA? He knows what he can get in Spain AND that he will start and get plenty of minutes.

NBA is a low-dollar pig-in-a-poke for him. If he doesn't get suckered like a Las Vegas mark by "you'll make the big money later", I'll understand.

That said, I'd love to have him on the Spurs in November.

I don't neccessarily look at what he said as a insult. The point that bothered me and timvp mentioned it in one of his posts was that he told the Spurs that if drafted by them then he would come over and play. I really don't think that he didn't know about the rookie contracts and that level of pay vs what he could have gotten in Spain. If its all about the money then he has no incentive to come to the NBA due to the pay scale. Was he naive about this or was this a ploy to leverage Tau? I don't know but as you said I'd love to have him over here in November, too.

[Slomo]

I don't neccessarily look at what he said as a insult. The point that bothered me and timvp mentioned it in one of his posts was that he told the Spurs that if drafted by them then he would come over and play. I really don't think that he didn't know about the rookie contracts and that level of pay vs what he could have gotten in Spain. If its all about the money then he has no incentive to come to the NBA due to the pay scale. Was he naive about this or was this a ploy to leverage Tau? I don't know but as you said I'd love to have him over here in November, too.

IIRC the TAU offer is recent and surprisingly large, so it became a factor after that promise to the Spurs. I hope he keeps his word, but I'm not going to start insulting him if he changes his mind. It's a lot of money and he didn't know about it. In an ideal world he would stand by his promise, but let's be real here, how many would?

[ChumpDumper]

I'm totally going to insult him.

This isn't TauTalk.

[angelbelow]

damn that was a crap interview, tells us nothing.

[exstatic]

The Spurs don't really have the used car salesmen in the organization to reel in the emos.
Another hit the nail on the head summation by timvp.

[jag]

But I somehow get the feeling that Pop isn't going to try. Spurs don't like being disagreed with or doubted and they don't respond well to that. I think their auto-reply is a "you're in the doghouse" response.

This isn't true when they're going after free agents. It definitely wasn't the case with Grant Hill....either time.

[Kori Ellis]

I split (ha!) out all the trash in this thread. Keep the topic on Splitter.

Lame Suns fans need not participate.

[DespЏrado]

I split (ha!) out all the trash in this thread. Keep the topic on Splitter.

Lame Suns fans need not participate.

You know from where I'm from we shoot people for bad puns like that.:lol

[Bartleby]

Anybody know the deadline for Splitter to sign a contract, either for the Spurs or Tau?

I doubt he waits that long (I sure hope not anyway) but as Chumpdumper pointed out, the least he could do for whichever team he is going to screw would be to let them know soon so they can plan accordingly.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lol :tu Kori.

[DannyB]

I split (ha!) out all the trash in this thread. Keep the topic on Splitter.

Lame Suns fans need not participate.

You're a baby.

[angelbelow]

You're a baby.

i dont understand why you are here? to troll? to piss people off? to spy?

[T Park]

You're a baby.


Please keep going at the forum owner.

Please.

[Kori Ellis]

Put him on your ignore list and stop responding to him, thanks.

[T Park]

Put him on your ignore list and stop responding to him, thanks.

You can't make me, so I won't.

Sorry couldn't resist :lol

[Bruno]

Another interview where Splitter talk about his future :
http://www.elcorreodigital.com/alava/20080605/deportes/tau/sido-increible-pesar-decision-20080605.html

He says that he will make a choice soon but needs some time to think at his future and talks with his agents and Tau's owner.
If I have well understood, he also said that Spurs can't give him a guaranteed playing time , that Pop usually don't play rookies and that it will be a factor in his choice. :dramaquee

[loveforthegame]

I can understand where he's coming from. He can make more money overseas and get playing time. Here he'd have to take less money and the possiblity the Spurs send him to the Toros.

I just wish he'd make up his mind already.

[timvp]

Another interview where Splitter talk about his future :
http://www.elcorreodigital.com/alava/20080605/deportes/tau/sido-increible-pesar-decision-20080605.html

He says that he will make a choice soon but needs some time to think at his future and talks with his agents and Tau's owner.
If I have well understood, he also said that Spurs can't give him a guaranteed playing time , that Pop usually don't play rookies and that it will be a factor in his choice. :dramaqueeInteresting article. He sounds pretty torn, although he sounds like he's leaning toward Tau. If my babelfish reading was right, I think he said he enjoys being the leader of Tau and doesn't know what to expect in San Antonio.

The way he's talking, it's truly all or nothing. I don't see a scenario where he comes next year or the year after. If his issues are not knowing if he'll get playing time and not wanting to give up his "leadership" tag, that's an obstacle even bigger than the money difference.

We'll see, though. Might have to start a new thread because his decision obviously hasn't been made yet. There is hope, at least.

[ChumpDumper]

There's pretty much zero chance he would be sent to the Toros. I would declare him a bust if that happened.

[timvp]

There's pretty much zero chance he would be sent to the Toros. I would declare him a bust if that happened.I thought the Spurs would think about it. But I'm guessing he'll at least get assurances that he'll stay with the Spurs if he comes over.

[Joe Schmoogins]

CIA Splitter...

[Marcus Bryant]

Another interview where Splitter talk about his future :
http://www.elcorreodigital.com/alava/20080605/deportes/tau/sido-increible-pesar-decision-20080605.html

He says that he will make a choice soon but needs some time to think at his future and talks with his agents and Tau's owner.
If I have well understood, he also said that Spurs can't give him a guaranteed playing time , that Pop usually don't play rookies and that it will be a factor in his choice. :dramaquee


http://images.askmen.com/specials/2007_top_49/men/tony_parker.jpg

...unless you're good.

[Budkin]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out. We need this guy now.

[koopa]

beno played a pretty good amount of minutes his rookie year too didn't he??

if splitter comes there's no way he'll be sent to austin, and there is plenty of minutes if he decides to come, fab is a bum, and it's not a guarantee that old cross eyed is coming back, so he'll get his playing time if he shows any talent early on

[timvp]

Since this thread has turned into a beast and the main story turned out to not be factually correct, an updated thread can be found here:

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98213