Ford: Spurs may have wrapped up Batum

[bigdog]

Chad Ford seems to think the Spurs will be taking Batum. This is his latest mock draft from today.



http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080626

[MoSpur]

I hope he is right. I hope he slips to the Spurs. If what he wrote is true, its a good indication the Spurs have made their choice.

[SenorSpur]

If this is indeed true, and I'll only believe it when I see it, CIA TO DA MAX!

[K-State Spur]

Less than 48 hours after Ford had said the Spurs were committed to Ryan Anderson.

Seriously, I guess he figures if he throws enough different data out there, he can claim victory afterwards.

[AA2120]

chad ford is a jackass...

[timvp]

This Batum news is in a lot of other threads including the Batum thread. Here is the report from DraftExpress that has sparked the rumors:


Multiple teams reached out to us today wondering whether we have gotten a hold of Nicolas Batum’s physical yet. Batum underwent a series of heart tests in Cleveland on Monday and was cleared for workouts immediately afterwards, but still his physical is nowhere to be found. Batum traveled to San Antonio immediately after and was supposed to work out for Cleveland today. Some teams openly are wondering whether San Antonio gave Batum a promise and asked him to not distribute his physical around the league, which would make him very likely to slip to 26.

Batum is obviously a great fit in San Antonio, as the team already has two French players on their roster (Tony Parker and Ian Mahinmi) and sport a very aging perimeter with wing players such as Michael Finley (35 years old), Brent Barry (36 years old) and Bruce Bowen (37 years old) who will soon be clearing up plenty of playing time for an athletic, unselfish, defensive minded prospect such as Batum. He appears to be fully healthy, but it appears that only the Spurs and the Cavs currently have his physical. Multiple calls to Batum’s agent Bouna Ndiaye were not returned.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Word-on-the-Street-Denver-trades-20-pick-to-Charlotte-2946/

[AA2120]

fuckin A..

[timvp]

Batum at 26 would be very good value. With no heart issues, I thought he'd go to Portland at 13.

I still say there's only about a 35% chance Batum falls to the Spurs. First of all, this report could be bogus. Second of all, if enough teams sniff out the Spurs' plan, someone will roll the dice ... even without the physical.

[TDMVPDPOY]

what would happen if a team picks him up first b4 us even without physical report on him....probaly draft him base on spurs interest....

[bigdog]

I'm kind of iffy about the Chad Ford report, but after I saw the draftexpress report I feel a bit better about the news. If he actually does fall to 26, I think it's a no-brainer.

[Marcus Bryant]

Perhaps the Spurs can trade up into the late teens by offering some Lux Tax relief with the Beno trade exception...perhaps without moving #26. Batum and Hendrix would be a pretty good draft night haul.

[anakha]

Batum at 26 would be very good value. With no heart issues, I thought he'd go to Portland at 13.

I still say there's only about a 35% chance Batum falls to the Spurs. First of all, this report could be bogus. Second of all, if enough teams sniff out the Spurs' plan, someone will roll the dice ... even without the physical.

Considering this news slipped out before the draft - could Batum be a decoy?

Nothing the Spurs do in this draft would surprise me at this point. :lol

[AA2120]

then we get CDR or lee...hopefully..

[SenorSpur]

Batum at 26 would be very good value. With no heart issues, I thought he'd go to Portland at 13.

I still say there's only about a 35% chance Batum falls to the Spurs. First of all, this report could be bogus. Second of all, if enough teams sniff out the Spurs' plan, someone will roll the dice ... even without the physical.

From several accounts, Portland has seemingly developed an infatuation with Brandon Rush. Who knows?

[bigdog]

From several accounts, Portland has seemingly developed an infatuation with Brandon Rush. Who knows?


Word is that Portland is in talks with the Nets to swap the 13th pick for the 10th so they can grab DJ Augustin at 10.

[tlongII]

Interesting tactic. I haven't seen this one before.

[Spur-Addict]

what would happen if a team picks him up first b4 us even without physical report on him....probaly draft him base on spurs interest....

Which isn't smart at all. I don't care how good a teams FO is.

[Marcus Bryant]

Oops...wrong thread.

[tlongII]

Word is that Portland is in talks with the Nets to swap the 13th pick for the 10th so they can grab DJ Augustin at 10.

That's what I'm hearing too. Jarrett Jack and #13 for Hassell or Ager and the #10. With Pritchard you never know though.

[SenorSpur]

I've seen all previous versions of Ford's mock drafts, so colour me a skeptic. After all, this is the same expert that wanted us all to believe, 3 days ago, that the Spurs were set to select Ante Tonic. I'll treat this with skepticism until I see it for real.

[50 cent]

Batum is the one I wanted the entire time. I hope he slips this far.

[bigdog]

I've seen all previous versions of Ford's mock drafts, so colour me a skeptic. After all, this is the same expert that wanted us all to believe, 3 days ago, that the Spurs were set to select Ante Tonic. I'll treat this with skepticism until I see it for real.


True. Ford has changed his mock draft 7 times now, so that's why I would be iffy about it.

[Mr. Body]

Excellent. Let it be so.

[bigdog]

Also, since San Antonio and Cleveland are the only 2 teams that have Batum's physical, maybe they are working out some kind of trade. You never know.

[Marcus Bryant]

Also, since San Antonio and Cleveland are the only 2 teams that have Batum's physical, maybe they are working out some kind of trade. You never know.

Maybe a trade with Seattle and/or Cleveland. Who of course have dealt with each other this year. And the Spurs dealt with Seattle. The Popovich Posse.

[Marcus Bryant]

Cleveland's at #19 and the Sonics are at #24 outside of the lottery. Hmmm....

[bigdog]

Maybe a trade with Seattle and/or Cleveland. Who of course have dealt with each other this year. And the Spurs dealt with Seattle. The Popovich Posse.


It wouldn't surprise me at all. But since it is the Spurs we're talking about, we'll never know until something actually happens.

[Marcus Bryant]

And the Sonics have an early 2nd round pick at #32. I guess that will be used on Ibaka.

[bigdog]

hmmm, interesting........

[Russ]

Word may have got out a day too early (like with Kristic).

If the Spurs really wanted to play the "damaged goods" card, working Batum out 48 hours before the draft (in SA) might have been a mistake.

And why does TP want to attend the draft - to translate? :lol

[Mr. Body]

This begs the question, however, of whether Cleveland might take him instead. Right?

[Marcus Bryant]

Word may have got out a day too early (like with Kristic).

If the Spurs really wanted to play the "damaged goods" card, working Batum out 48 hours before the draft (in SA) might have been a mistake.

I guess he can always pull the "I won't sign if you draft me" card, assuming he wants to end up in SA. That would be nice for a change.



And why does TP want to attend the draft - to translate? :lol

Good question. I guess so that whenever they show a picture of the Spurs' war room, he'll be seen. It would be pretty classic if someone had ST.com visible on their laptop.

[Marcus Bryant]

This begs the question, however, of whether Cleveland might take him instead. Right?

Could be.

[bigdog]

Good question. I guess so that whenever they show a picture of the Spurs' war room, he'll be seen. It would be pretty classic if someone had ST.com visible on their laptop.


Maybe RC is following ST this year, and he's using us as his resources for this year's draft. :lol

[Marcus Bryant]

Maybe RC is following ST this year, and he's using us as his resources for this year's draft. :lol

That would be entertaining. And scary.

[Twisted_Dawg]

Multiple teams reached out to us today wondering whether we have gotten a hold of Nicolas Batum’s physical yet. Batum underwent a series of heart tests in Cleveland on Monday and was cleared for workouts immediately afterwards, but still his physical is nowhere to be found. Batum traveled to San Antonio immediately after and was supposed to work out for Cleveland today. Some teams openly are wondering whether San Antonio gave Batum a promise and asked him to not distribute his physical around the league, which would make him very likely to slip to 26.

Batum is obviously a great fit in San Antonio, as the team already has two French players on their roster (Tony Parker and Ian Mahinmi) and sport a very aging perimeter with wing players such as Michael Finley (35 years old), Brent Barry (36 years old) and Bruce Bowen (37 years old) who will soon be clearing up plenty of playing time for an athletic, unselfish, defensive minded prospect such as Batum. He appears to be fully healthy, but it appears that only the Spurs and the Cavs currently have his physical. Multiple calls to Batum’s agent Bouna Ndiaye were not returned.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/...harlotte-2946/

Hard to believe Batum's agent would agree to NOT distribute the physical so the Spurs can guarantee drafting him. What if a team drafting saying at #15 wanted to draft him if they knew he had a clean med record?

[stéphane]

Utlimate CIA would be the spurs trying to make others franchises think they will draft Batum so someone higher would draft him based on the spurs interest so the REAL spurs target would have better chance to slip to the 26 spot.

[Marcus Bryant]

Utlimate CIA would be the spurs trying to make others franchises think they will draft Batum so someone higher would draft him based on the spurs interest so the REAL spurs target would have better chance to slip to the 26 spot.

Greene? I think Houston takes him if he's available at #25.

[SPURSGOAT]

Man I hope he falls to us... if these reports are true then seems like the Spurs really want Batum... this would be awesome if he falls to us.

I can't wait for the draft to roll around later today... gonna be glued to my plasma... :downspin:

[Marcus Bryant]

If the Spurs are able to land another 1st round pick, they may be able to pull Batum and Hendrix in the first round. To do that I think they would have to at least get into the late teens. The Wiz at #18 might be willing to move their pick. Perhaps the Spurs have something worked out with the Cavs at #19. A real threat to take Batum would be the Raptors at #17, but they are apparently dealing that pick as part of the rumored JO'Neal trade.

[stéphane]

Hard to believe Batum's agent would agree to NOT distribute the physical so the Spurs can guarantee drafting him. What if a team drafting saying at #15 wanted to draft him if they knew he had a clean med record?[/QUOTE]

I do believe due to the Spurs image in France (wich is clearly justified) a lot of french players would choose being drafted at 26 by them over being chosen by say the warriors at 14.
Spurs benefits of a top class franchise image in france that make players better and successfull. Pop is viewed as Bozidar Malkovic, a great coach, hard with his players but that knows what it takes to progress.

[Bruno]

This report of Spurs having asked Batum to hide his medical reports could be BS.

In a french interview, his agent is saying that Batum has had complementary medical exams Wednesday and that they are waiting to communicate results of these test to guarantee a first round for Batum.
Batum's agent said also that he won't be drafted in the lottery and isn't even sure that he will be a first round pick.
When asked about good franchise for Batum, he answered Portland, Phoenix and teams with an European playing style.

Medical results not available could be because they have waited to do all the exams before sending them.

[Bruno]

Batum's agent is the same than Mahinmi's one.
CIA one time... CIA forever. :)

[Marcus Bryant]

Batum's agent is the same than Mahinmi's one.
CIA one time... CIA forever. :)

Nice.

[stéphane]

I really think Portland could roll the dice.
Nicolas isn't ready yet but he's really talented... Portland is in progress mode and can afford drafting a pure talent that needs time to blossom... The spurs are looking for a player that could contribute right away...

[Marcus Bryant]

I really think Portland could roll the dice.
Nicolas isn't ready yet but he's really talented... Portland is in progress mode and can afford drafting a pure talent that needs time to blossom... The spurs are looking for a player that could contribute right away...

Or Portland could deal that pick.

[bigdog]

I really think Portland could roll the dice.
Nicolas isn't ready yet but he's really talented... Portland is in progress mode and can afford drafting a pure talent that needs time to blossom... The spurs are looking for a player that could contribute right away...

According to Pop, they are looking for a guy that can play in the NBA "someday". If that's true, look for another draft-n-stash, although it could be a huge smokescreen.

[bigdog]

Or Portland could deal that pick.

Which pick would you be talking about, the 20th?

[stéphane]

Or Portland could deal that pick.

Too bad we have nothing to offer :depressed

[Marcus Bryant]

Which pick would you be talking about, the 20th?

Nah, the 13th. They have the 27th pick too. One too late...

[Marcus Bryant]

Too bad we have nothing to offer :depressed

Well, they could deal it as part of a larger deal to a team that doesn't like Batum there.

[Russ]

Hard to believe Batum's agent would agree to NOT distribute the physical so the Spurs can guarantee drafting him. What if a team drafting saying at #15 wanted to draft him if they knew he had a clean med record?

On the other hand, what if the medical results are bad and the Spurs and Batum are working together to try to get him taken early -- Batum for obvious reasons and the Spurs to cause their guy to slip (and to further curry favor with the French basketball world).

In other words, why assume that the results are good just because just they aren't being released -- might not the opposite be true? (And why wouldn't that be our first assumption).

(Although honestly I would guess that the tests are relatively good.)

[Marcus Bryant]

I thought we had an indication that he had a clean bill of health?

[stéphane]

Well, they could deal it as part of a larger deal to a team that doesn't like Batum there.

I understand...
But what do we have apart from our draft picks and our exceptions that could somewhat balance a great prospect like him? I would not deal Tiago's rights for Batum, I'm sure of that.

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2621900&postcount=337

[bigdog]

yeah, there were reports the past couple of days that the heart condition was just a false alarm, and that he would be fine.

[wildbill2u]

According to Pop, they are looking for a guy that can play in the NBA "someday". If that's true, look for another draft-n-stash, although it could be a huge smokescreen.

God, I hope that Pop has seen that the draft and stash doesn't work anymore. When and If the guy is good enough to play in the NBA, the Euros will simply offer him more money than the NBA rookie scale for an extended contract.

Once extended, at higher money, who really thinks a player is going to come to the Spurs for less money than he's been making for years. Do you personally know anyone who's taken a lot less money to go to work for a 'prestige' corporation?

[2centsworth]

I'm convinced with all the excitement about Batum and Hendrix the Spurs will select Ryan Anderson.

[AA2120]

I'm convinced with all the excitement about Batum and Hendrix the Spurs will select Ryan Anderson.

i would not be suprised at all if some stupid shit like that happens
:bang:pctoss

[loveforthegame]

I'm convinced with all the excitement about Batum and Hendrix the Spurs will select Ryan Anderson.

I'm expecting Marcus Williams type picks tonight. :depressed

[Don Quixote]

Sounds like much ado about nothing ...

What's a mock draft worth anyway?

If we play a mock NBA Finals, do we get to keep the trophy?

[bigdog]

with the Spurs, it could either go the way we all want it to happen, or it could be the exact opposite, and they will take Anderson.

I'm thinking they go with Anderson, due to their recent failure in the draft, but my hope is that they've learned their lesson and they make the right decision.

[Big P]

If the Spurs are able to land another 1st round pick, they may be able to pull Batum and Hendrix in the first round. To do that I think they would have to at least get into the late teens. The Wiz at #18 might be willing to move their pick. Perhaps the Spurs have something worked out with the Cavs at #19. A real threat to take Batum would be the Raptors at #17, but they are apparently dealing that pick as part of the rumored JO'Neal trade.

Take it for what its worth.
From hoopsworld.com

Draft day is going to be crazy, and if the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards have anything to say about it, it will be just a little bit crazier.

The rumor circulating this morning is that the Wizards are interested in an instant impact player who can help Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas win immediately. The Rockets have that type of player in Luther Head, who was labeled as "no longer untouchable" by the Rockets at the end of the season.

As for Houston, they had Courtney Lee in for a long session with everyone - and I mean everyone - in the front office so the team could get a good feel for who he is as a person. And Lee did not disappoint.

Assuming all goes as planned, and with so many picks in play to so many different places that's not a given, the Rockets will send their #25 and Head to the Wizards for the #18 pick. The thinking is that 18 will be high enough to get Lee, who is a lock to go to Orlando if he's still there at 22. The Wizards would then simply draft best available with the 25th.

It's a good move all around. We've been reporting for weeks that Lee is Houston's favorite in the draft.

Head gets a chance to prove himself with an organization that really needs a dead-eye three-point shooter to go with their Big Three. The Rockets get a player with tremendous upside who can score from anywhere on the court, and hope that he can be the player they envisioned Head would evolve into.

[tav1]

The Ryan Anderson thing was a smoke screen for the Batum thing.

[The Truth #6]

This Batum thing must be a smokescreen. He was probably going to be drafted before us anyway. I would think the conditions for him to fall to us if everyone thought he had a bad physical. Keeping it a secret and making people think he had a good physical and we're going to try and steal him should only improve his draft status.

I'm not sure what our angle is yet. We may never know. I guess if someone else who needs a wing grabs Batum before us this could keep CDR available, but he was probably going to be gone as well.

We'll see... no one has any idea what's going on.

What is interesting is how players are used as smokescreens to trick other teams.

[OleMissMike]

is this guy under contract, i cant find any details?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

is this guy under contract, i cant find any details?

He's under contract for another year but has a simple buyout.

[Spurtacus]

ah hell why not Batum. I guess I can settle with him on the Toros for a year.

[timvp]

-Nicolas Batum will almost certainly get drafted by San Antonio if he’s there, as we reported last night. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Spurs are still the only teams that have his physical, and the two are reportedly in cahoots with each other to help keep it away from the rest of the league. The top of Cleveland’s front office is made up of two former Spurs execs—Danny Ferry and Lance Blanks, so the connection here is pretty obvious.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Word-on-the-Street-Draft-Day-Rumblings--250-PM-EST--2950/


More from DX that this may actually be real.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lol That sounds funny.
The Spurs don't wanna share the physical results.

[Marcus Bryant]

What could the Spurs offer the Cavs for #19? A quick perusal of their payroll doesn't show much of a possibility in the way of cap/lux tax relief.

[Spurtacus]

What could the Spurs offer the Cavs for #19? A quick perusal of their payroll doesn't show much of a possibility in the way of cap/lux tax relief.

Bonner. :lol

[Bartleby]

funny thing is I think Bonner would actually be a good fit in Cleveland.

[Buddy Holly]

Bonner and a future pick plus cash for the 19. Then do like LJ said and swap the 26 with Minny and get their two seconds.

Picks

19
31
34
45
57

[Mr. Body]

How can a team keep a physical away from other teams? That's crazy.

[Marcus Bryant]

How can a team keep a physical away from other teams? That's crazy.

Who paid for it?

[Mr. Body]

Who paid for it?

I don't know.

[coopdogg3]

How can a team keep a physical away from other teams? That's crazy.

I don't think they can keep it away. Batum can give his physical report to whoever he wants to. The Spurs and Cavs have it. Batum isn't giving it to anybody else, and the Spurs and Cavs aren't sharing.

[Mr. Body]

Weird goings-on. Some collusion of our own I guess.

[beachwood]

Vintage CIA Pop.

[coopdogg3]

Yeah, I'm excited about Batum, afraid he'll be a bust, and all the while terrified that the Spurs draft some 15 year old Slovene phenom that will never be heard from again.

I love the NBA Draft.

[bobbyjoe]

How can a team keep a physical away from other teams? That's crazy.

The same way that people think they can murder someone and get away with it.

IF this is indeed true, the Spurs are risking some very serious punishment from David Stern for such blatantly unethical and filthy tactics.

The risk/reward of cheating when Stern is your commissioner is not very good...

[ChumpDumper]

Stern gave up punishing players and clubs and refs.

Anything goes now.

[Solid D]

Stern owes the Spurs a makeup call for the Gasol cheat.

[still.focused]

Oh well there goes Batum

[Sigz]

Fucking gay.

[lefty]

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r146/RaiseTheKnife/fail-motivational.jpg