McDonald: Spurs 5 burning questions

[loveforthegame]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA060108.spursMAIN.en.36e0710.html

Spurs: Five Burning Questions

Web Posted: 05/31/2008 10:48 PM CDT

Jeff McDonald
[email protected]

The offseason officially began for the Spurs on Saturday, when players met for exit interviews and locker cleanout. Express-News beat writer Jeff McDonald takes a look at five pressing questions the team must address between now and the start of training camp in October:

1. How much life is left in the Big Three?

The answer will determine the Spurs' odds of eventually claiming that fifth NBA title. So long as Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker can play at an All-Star level, the Spurs will always have a chance.

Duncan is 32, but remains one of the NBA's elite big men. Parker, 26, should continue to improve. Ginobili, who will be 31 at the start of training camp, is coming off the best season of his NBA career. Provided all three of their stars stay healthy — a caveat illustrated by Ginobili's injury-plagued postseason — the Spurs should remain a championship contender for the next few seasons at least.

2. Who is most likely to return?

The Spurs, who have five players set to become free agents, have definite interest in re-signing Kurt Thomas, and that interest has only risen since Tiago Splitter's apparent decision to spend the next two seasons in Spain. They will also discuss re-upping with Michael Finley, though this runs counter to their need to get younger on the wing.

Robert Horry, despite his protestations to the contrary, will probably wind up retired. Damon Stoudamire isn't expected back. The Spurs probably won't re-sign DerMarr Johnson, either, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them give him a shot in training camp.

3. How bad is this Splitter thing, really?

Well, it certainly isn't good. Splitter, the Spurs' first-round pick in 2007, has reportedly agreed to sign a deal with his Spanish league team, Tau Ceramica, that would keep him overseas for the next two seasons.

Splitter had been expected to sign with the Spurs this summer. As recently as two weeks ago, the team still considered him committed, and planned to groom the 6-foot-11 Brazilian next to Tim Duncan.

But, under the collective bargaining agreement, the largest rookie contract they could offer Splitter would be worth $970,000. He could make up to eight times that in Spain. That's a no-brainer for Splitter, and his accountant.

4. Who will be available in free agency?

Until recently, the name bandied about most — perhaps as a pipe dream — was Corey Maggette's. But after Maggette passed up more than $8 million from the Clippers to become a free agent, it's looking like he will be out of the Spurs' price range. They have about $5.8 million to spend on free agents as a mid-level exception.

Golden State forward Mickael Pietrus, a teammate of Tony Parker's on the French national team, should be available at a much lower tariff. The Spurs have also shown previous interest in Toronto guard Carlos Delfino, who will play alongside Ginobili for Argentina in this year's Olympics.

Sasha Vujacic has emerged as a possible target, but the Lakers will probably exercise their option to keep him.

Worth noting: The Spurs could opt to save their biggest chips for the summer of 2010, when the free-agent market will be richer and — thanks to Duncan's restructured contract — they will have greater salary-cap flexibility.

5. How big is this year's draft?

Pretty big. With several key components getting older, it is more important than ever for the Spurs to begin to stockpile youth for the future. They have three picks in this year's draft — one in the first round (26th overall) and two in the second (45th and 57th).

The Spurs haven't drafted a player still in their rotation since grabbing Parker in 2001. At some point, they will need to use the draft to fill in some of the blanks. Now would be a good time for R.C. Buford to work some of the magic that once made Parker and Ginobili draft-day steals.

[AFBlue]

Not sure how plugged in J-Mac is, but I find the two suggestions of Pietrus and Delfino interesting. I don't think I've ever heard Pietrus' name tied to the Spurs except in SpursTalk rumor.

Everything else seems to be pretty much in line....Thomas will re-up and I think neither Fin or Horry will be back.

Pietrus or other will sign and take Fin's spot in the rotation.

[T Park]

I think McDonald just mailed this one in and copied our thread stickied at the top.

[BlackSwordsMan]

#3 sucks the most imo

[timvp]

Looks like he mostly remixed Ludden's article. However this part is depressing.


Well, it certainly isn't good. Splitter, the Spurs' first-round pick in 2007, has reportedly agreed to sign a deal with his Spanish league team, Tau Ceramica, that would keep him overseas for the next two seasons.

Splitter had been expected to sign with the Spurs this summer. As recently as two weeks ago, the team still considered him committed, and planned to groom the 6-foot-11 Brazilian next to Tim Duncan.

Got damn Splitter and Tau. Everytime I saw David West and Lamar Odom blow by Oberto and Thomas, I was thankful that Splitter would be coming to town to finally give the Spurs a mobile big who doesn't get owned by perimeter power forwards.

Guess not :pctoss

[Mr. Body]

The Spurs haven't drafted a player still in their rotation since grabbing Parker in 2001.

:hang

[T Park]

I hope the owner of Tau Ceramica burns in hell.

[urunobili]

Looks like he mostly remixed Ludden's article. However this part is depressing.



Got damn Splitter and Tau. Everytime I saw David West and Lamar Odom blow by Oberto and Thomas, I was thankful that Splitter would be coming to town to finally give the Spurs a mobile big who doesn't get owned by perimeter power forwards.

Guess not :pctoss

Splitter wouldn't be able to catch up with either anyhow timvp he is not very run friendly that's what also makes him a great match with us with his low post abilities

[timvp]

Splitter wouldn't be able to catch up with either anyhow timvp he is not very run friendly that's what also makes him a great match with us with his low post abilitiesI've seen him defend against small forwards in Europe and in international competition. He's not like Tayshaun Prince or anything but he's mobile ... especially compared to the bigs the Spurs currently have.

Oh well, hopefully Mahinmi is ready. . .

[SpurOutofTownFan]

If Splitter stays in Spain you can forget about him even coming to the US. There's market, currency and age reasons why it wouldn't work in 2010.

[Mr. Body]

Why only a two year extension for Splitter? Why not longer?

[ChumpDumper]

Why only a two year extension for Splitter? Why not longer?Because he wants another chance to get your hopes up.

[Mr. Body]

It's a serious question. Is that a typical extension? Does he truly expect to ever come over to the US (under a good presidency, a better ER)? Or just a way to negotiate a higher contract after that?

[ChumpDumper]

It's a serious question. Is that a typical extension? Does he truly expect to ever come over to the US (under a good presidency, a better ER)? Or just a way to negotiate a higher contract after that?Mine was a serious answer.

[Mr. Body]

It wasn't even an answer. Go to bed. You've gone loopy.

[ChumpDumper]

It wasn't even an answer. Go to bed. You've gone loopy.It was as serious as your thinking your bitch posts help build the Spurs future. :lmao

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

They will also discuss re-upping with Michael Finley, though this runs counter to their need to get younger on the wing.

:vomit: What part of Finley not playing defense for the last two months appealed to Pop, exactly?

[whottt]

Me...I say we jettison Findog's fucking ass and KT...these guys are letdown players. Period. I don't care what their stats are...they are the letdown guys, and we don't need them to win championships. Boot their asses.


Finley fans annoy the shit out of me because they act like we couldn't get within 5 miles of the Finals until he signed with us...when the reality is that we were the defending champs when he signed here...just like we were the defending champs when we got KT.

Boot these dudes...


Pop needs to get off the blue collar veteran crack...it has a habit of turning us into the 01 Spurs.

Anytime Pop starts getting his ideal team full of his ideal guys...we're about to get our asses kicked.


Splitter:

I can't believe no one but me realizes this is about PT...it's not about money, at least not directly. It's about him looking at the Spurs roster, Duncan, Mahinmi...and maybe how Beno and Rasho werre handled and saying...you know, there's no guarantee my next contract is going to be bigger than my rookie.

IMO, that's his concern...


I guess he could be worried about injury and getting paid while he can...in that case we are better off without him...because he's got other priorities. Plus he's an obtuse dumbass. If Tiago wants to trip over pennies on his way to dollars...all we can do is wish this dumbass well.

[ChumpDumper]

Splitter is worried about his contract four years after he joins the Spurs?

[SenorSpur]

Discuss re-upping Michael Finley? For what? This is the damn problem with the FO. They keep saying yes to these old, out-of-date, diminished skilled players. While saying No to up and coming guys.

Finley's been a good pro, but his time has passed. I'd much rather take my chances on DeMarr Johnson. I don't undertand why Pop can't seem to let go. I swear he acts like some soon-to-be, jilted lover who is desparate to hold onto his girl.

[whottt]

Splitter is worried about his contract four years after he joins the Spurs?


Why wouldn't he be? That's the big money right there, as big as it is going to get for him.

Where was Beno at the end of his rookie contract?

[Sway]

Splitter:

I can't believe no one but me realizes this is about PT...it's not about money, at least not directly. It's about him looking at the Spurs roster, Duncan, Mahinmi...and maybe how Beno and Rasho werre handled and saying...you know, there's no guarantee my next contract is going to be bigger than my rookie.

IMO, that's his concern...



I’m with you man, this is more than just about money. No way he doesn’t understand there is more money to be made in the NBA in the long run. Only way he doesn’t cash in after his rookie contract is if he gets benched for a year or two, therefore keeping his stock down and preventing him from cashing in. It wouldn’t surprise me if the contract was a ploy to get a promise of guaranteed minutes.

[whottt]

I’m with you man, this is more than just about money. No way he doesn’t understand there is more money to be made in the NBA in the long run. Only way he doesn’t cash in after his rookie contract is if he gets benched for a year or two, therefore keeping his stock down and preventing him from cashing in. It wouldn’t surprise me if the contract was a ploy to get a promise of guaranteed minutes.



RIght...it doesn't take a genius to see the Spurs aren't big spenders and that falling out of favor with Pop can be damn near a career killer. You'd have to be a chump not to get that.

[sprrs]

Me...I say we jettison Findog's fucking ass and KT...these guys are letdown players. Period. I don't care what their stats are...they are the letdown guys, and we don't need them to win championships. Boot their asses.


Forget how brilliant KT was in the Suns series? He has his uses, and given another year with the team to help his horrible chemistry with the offense, he's still worthwhile. Especially if he can be had for cheap.

[Thompson]

Forget how brilliant KT was in the Suns series? He has his uses, and given another year with the team to help his horrible chemistry with the offense, he's still worthwhile. Especially if he can be had for cheap.

If KT's offense can pick up at all this next season I would sooner trade Oberto (assuming we can). He seems like a nice guy and he was good in the '07 postseason, but I haven't been impressed since then. Sign Diop instead.

[whottt]

Forget how brilliant KT was in the Suns series? He has his uses, and given another year with the team to help his horrible chemistry with the offense, he's still worthwhile. Especially if he can be had for cheap.


Hasn't done squat for this franchise and the Suns are done...shitcan him. Not a part of the championship formula.

[angelbelow]

if finley stays, fine but he better be ready to ride the end of the bench and serve as an assistant coach.

[mrspurs]

duncan aint as good as people say he is...he has lost so much game...if he aint under the basket then its the basketball gods that make his shots...he missed so many easy shots....shots allstars dont miss....same goes for parker....manu is manu...we live and die with him....our big 3 aint no where near as good as people think anymore....look around the league and compare big 3s...and you will see just how old we got in half a season.....not the big 3s fault, our staff hasnt gotten any help for them in sometime now...always sticking with old players who after one season are meaningless....pop cant coach younger players, so we are stuck with old ones........go spurs go

[foodie2]

duncan aint as good as people say he is...he has lost so much game...if he aint under the basket then its the basketball gods that make his shots...he missed so many easy shots....shots allstars dont miss....same goes for parker....manu is manu...we live and die with him....our big 3 aint no where near as good as people think anymore....look around the league and compare big 3s...and you will see just how old we got in half a season.....not the big 3s fault, our staff hasnt gotten any help for them in sometime now...always sticking with old players who after one season are meaningless....pop cant coach younger players, so we are stuck with old ones........go spurs go

Capital letters and single sentences are a good thing. Literacy matters.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

With Tiago not coming we need Kurt back, otherwise we're betting the farm on Ian going significant minutes at the 5. No thanks. I have faith in him but you need a competent backup, and Thomas fits that mold. I also think with a pre-season with this team and system, Thomas will be a rock next year if we have him back.

He's the one older guy I don't mind the Spurs keeping. Finley is title kryptonite at this point.

[T Park]

Hasn't done squat for this franchise and the Suns are done...shitcan him. Not a part of the championship formula.


Genius.

[T Park]

duncan aint as good as people say he is...he has lost so much game...if he aint under the basket then its the basketball gods that make his shots...he missed so many easy shots....shots allstars dont miss....same goes for parker....manu is manu...we live and die with him....our big 3 aint no where near as good as people think anymore....look around the league and compare big 3s...and you will see just how old we got in half a season.....not the big 3s fault, our staff hasnt gotten any help for them in sometime now...always sticking with old players who after one season are meaningless....pop cant coach younger players, so we are stuck with old ones........go spurs go


Kill yourself.

[The Truth #6]

Tiago didn't come because he was worried about getting minutes? If this argument is to be taken seriously, then that means he's afraid of not getting minutes over Horry, Bonner, Oberto, and Thomas? If that's somehow the case, then he must have very low confidence in his game. That could be the weakest frontline in the league.

Of course he would get minutes. The Spurs bench is like a George Romero movie. There's nothing but a huge void at this point.

It was about money and familiarity.

The most distressing part about that article is Pop bringing back Finley. The return of Finley, more than anything, would seriously make me question the kool-aid the FO is drinking.

[ElNono]

Tiago didn't come because he was worried about getting minutes? If this argument is to be taken seriously, then that means he's afraid of not getting minutes over Horry, Bonner, Oberto, and Thomas? If that's somehow the case, then he must have very low confidence in his game. That could be the weakest frontline in the league.

Mahimi didn't get the minutes against that front court. The same Mahimi you hear will be our savior next season. So, yeah, PT is definitely an issue.
I see Scola all over again. Scola signed with the Rockets for the rookie minimum, the same amount of money we were offering him, in like a week. That goes to show you money had nothing to do with it, even when we had the Luddens out there smearing him saying he wanted a bigger contract... I think the only thing Scola wanted is assurances he was not going to be sent straight to the NBDL when he missed a rotation.

[timvp]

Regarding Thomas, his biggest problem was his lack of chemistry offensively. He picked up the defense in record time but his offensive cohesion with his teammates never developed. His pick-and-rolls with Manu and TP were forced and rarely effective. He never became comfortable at passing the ball to TD.

Hopefully that is something a training camp can help fix. But yeah, you bring back Thomas. Not only because you have to have Mahinmi insurance, you have to have Oberto insurance. Oberto wasn't as good in 2008 as he was in 2007. If that decline continues, he could become worthless overnight. Being stuck with Duncan, Mahinmi and nobody isn't exactly a formula for a championship.

As long as Thomas accepts a two-year contract (no reason to think he won't given his age) it doesn't really matter how much it's for. It won't affect too much of anything because the Spurs are safe from the luxury threshold for now. I expect his contract to be two years and between $5M and $8M.

If another team comes in and offers him the MLE for two years (two-year, $12M contract), that's when it'd be tough to decide whether to match it or not.

[K-State Spur]

If another team comes in and offers him the MLE for two years (two-year, $12M contract), that's when it'd be tough to decide whether to match it or not.

No way that I'd match him for the full MLE - but I doubt anybody else offers that. His star is certainly less bright at this point than it was after watching him D up Duncan in last year's playoffs.

That said, I'm all for bringing him back. We can get younger and keep Thomas - those are not mutually exclusive options.

[ChumpDumper]

Shaq hasn't retired yet, has he?

[timmydidit]

finley is coming back good lord

[Bruno]

Splitter staying in Spain is a huge blow to Spurs for two reasons :
First, Spurs biggest need for the frontcourt was speed and Splitter could have sole that.
Second, With Splitter coming, Spurs could have focus on improving the perimeter with the draft and the MLE. Now, they can't do that anymore. They will have to choose between the perimeter and the frontcourt.

Spurs future doesn't look that bright right now. The only hope is a miracle with either Splitter changing his mind or Mahinmi being way ahead of schedule.