Free Agent: Rasheed Wallace

Bring this to SA, Sheed..

I still haven't seen anything to move Rasheed off of number one on my wish list. He's coming off a pretty bad season but not as bad as Horry in 2003. Horry looked like he was done, Lakers fan wanted him gone, a segment of Spurs fans didn't want him and league "experts" said the Spurs overpaid.

Wallace just fits the Horry role too well to not make him the number one option. Pop will use him down the stretch of big games and Wallace at worst will help more than Horry ever did during the regular season. Wallace's main negative traits -- too perimeter oriented, too much three-point shooting, questionable character, etc. -- aren't that much of a worry with the Spurs.

He's not perfect but Sheed makes a lot of sense. It sounds like Manu and TP agree, which is a good sign.

Get Sheed.

Sheed will go a long way toward allowing Duncan to cut back on minutes, maybe even alternate on a lot of back to backs. Come playoff time he won't be hobbled like he was this year.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/page2/49944252.html
Hold the parade
Spurs fans excited about adding Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair had some wind knocked out of them Thursday when the Lakers and Rockets essentially traded free agents Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza.
If the selfless Artest who led the Rockets to a near-upset of the Lakers shows up in L.A., then I’m not even sure adding Rasheed Wallace makes the Spurs capable of dethroning a healthy defending champion.
But if the selfish Artest who pouted in Sacramento and charged the stands with Indiana rears his head in L.A., then the move may not be so bad for the Spurs or the rest of the West.

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

I'd take Nate in a fight with K.G. 8 days a week.

Nate's no joke.

Plus, K.G.'s nothing but a 7' chihuahua.

He's crafted a persona over the years that's served him quite well but in reality, he's an insecure, soft player, whose resorted to frontin' as a way to avoid being called on it.

Before Boston he was looked at as humorous, for the most part, because his talking was usually reserved for talking himself up. (telling himself how great he was) Hell, this guy got punked by Anthony freakin' Peeler after K.G. went a little overboard with his antics. The move to Boston has just turned him into the typical punk-ass bully that looks for the weakest guy in the room.(i.e. 6' point-guards)

I'd absolutely love to see K.G. talk the way he does to someone like Nate outside of the comfort-zone of an NBA court.:lol

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Well done Blackjack. KG like to run his mouth more so than him being off-the-wall crazy like the others can be, especially K-Mart. Though he can attempt to look crazy, he's more demonstrative in his actions than truly nutty.

Also agree with RuffnReadyOzStyle that Tinsley's running point. He's not scared to mix it up at any time.

As for the main topic, with the way things are developing, Sheed may be the only logical choice at this point with Gortat going off the market. I think you could have made an argument for either of them, so with one almost certainly gone I think you have to go the other. Just not sold on Dice's defense at the rim which may be that much more important if we don't strengthen the perimeter defense to keep slashers at bay.

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Originally Posted by timvp

I still haven't seen anything to move Rasheed off of number one on my wish list. He's coming off a pretty bad season but not as bad as Horry in 2003. Horry looked like he was done, Lakers fan wanted him gone, a segment of Spurs fans didn't want him and league "experts" said the Spurs overpaid.

Wallace just fits the Horry role too well to not make him the number one option. Pop will use him down the stretch of big games and Wallace at worst will help more than Horry ever did during the regular season. Wallace's main negative traits -- too perimeter oriented, too much three-point shooting, questionable character, etc. -- aren't that much of a worry with the Spurs.

He's not perfect but Sheed makes a lot of sense. It sounds like Manu and TP agree, which is a good sign.

Get Sheed.

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I wouldn't say questionable character, maybe emotionally unpredictable (or nut-job if I didn't like him.;)), but that's pretty much the same kind of rationale I've bee spewing.

He fills the Horry role offensively, he's capable of playing an interchangeable role with Tim on the block, occasionally, and he takes pressure off of Tim defensively in the post.

He may be a little volatile and unpredictable, but he's an unselfish player who knows how to play the game and is perfectly happy playing a complimentary-role.

Bring on Roscoe! :hungry:

Horry was signed to split minutes off the bench with 6th man of the year candidate Malik Rose and proven big man bruiser Kevin Willis.

Big difference compared to Wallace who the Spurs will be signing to be starting big with probably at least 30 minutes a game.

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Originally Posted by lefty

If the selfless Artest who led the Rockets to a near-upset of the Lakers shows up in L.A., then I’m not even sure adding Rasheed Wallace makes the Spurs capable of dethroning a healthy defending champion.
But if the selfish Artest who pouted in Sacramento and charged the stands with Indiana rears his head in L.A., then the move may not be so bad for the Spurs or the rest of the West.

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If the Artest from Sacramento and Indiana shows up in LA, if he does one crazy thing that would embarrass that organization and Mitch, expect a buyout of his contract. Artest doesn't need to go apeshit for him to mess with the Lakers chemistry, if he takes shots away from Kobe or trys to do things his way that alone could be problematic. For LA this is a move similar to what the Bulls did by trading for Rodman, Artest proved himself in Houston, but LA will not put up with his antics if he brings any of his old baggage back into the fray.

I'm also assuming Ron Ron won't take kindly to being yelled at by another grown man who is simultaneously grabbing the back of his skull and pushing his head towards your crotch....just a guess. The only other guy that can talk to him is Fish because of his veteran presence; not exactly Jordan and Pippen.

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The Celtics came in with an immediate and strong recruiting pitch to Wallace, sending Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Pierce to his suburban Detroit home for a three-hour meeting last Thursday. Wallace will meet with other teams this week, likely Orlando and San Antonio, which could offer him a starting position. Charlotte is also interested in Wallace, who owns a home in North Carolina, but the Bobcats are considered a long shot since they are unlikely to be championship contenders.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketb...riders/?page=2

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Orlando is a mess. Should come down to SA and Charlotte.

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

Orlando is a mess. Should come down to SA and Charlotte.

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I like our odds if it is down to those two teams.:lol

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Originally Posted by Kindergarten Cop

I like our odds if it is down to those two teams.:lol

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Off topic: How can you call yourself Kindergarten Cop and have NO pics from Kindergarten Cop [The Movie] in your avatar? Blasphemous!! :p:

Just a gut feeling even though it's no lock he comes to SA, though I think it's more probable than Boston. Just would like to still be able to keep Gortat as an option.

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

Off topic: How can you call yourself Kindergarten Cop and have NO pics from Kindergarten Cop [The Movie] in your avatar? Blasphemous!! :p:

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I'll work on getting a cool pic. :king

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

Just a gut feeling even though it's no lock he comes to SA, though I think it's more probable than Boston. Just would like to still be able to keep Gortat as an option.

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I think that it is a two horse race between San Antonio and Boston - with ZERO chance of him going to Charlotte. I stated that I'd like our chances if it was down to the Spurs and the Bobcats. :wow

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Originally Posted by Kindergarten Cop

I'll work on getting a cool pic. :king

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:tu

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Originally Posted by Kindergarten Cop

I think that it is a two horse race between San Antonio and Boston - with ZERO chance of him going to Charlotte. I stated that I'd like our chances if it was down to the Spurs and the Bobcats. :wow

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Bobcats aren't a contender but he instantly makes them a playoff team in the East. The only coach he's ever won with coaches them (not to mention all of the Tar Heels ties to the team) and he's got land down there.

He could've seen the visit the Celts paid to him as flattering or intrusive, depending on his mood at the time....Sheed's a funny guy. He may not be a fan of the strong personalities on the team and may prefer a organization with a quiter approach to leadership, primarily funnelled through the coach...the 3rd year on the contract might help as well even though it would be a hell of a risk.

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Originally Posted by Kindergarten Cop

I'll work on getting a cool pic. :king

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here you go:
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/499...ardencop16.jpg

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Originally Posted by Chillen

here you go:
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/499...ardencop16.jpg

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:lol

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Originally Posted by timvp

I still haven't seen anything to move Rasheed off of number one on my wish list. He's coming off a pretty bad season but not as bad as Horry in 2003. Horry looked like he was done, Lakers fan wanted him gone, a segment of Spurs fans didn't want him and league "experts" said the Spurs overpaid.

Wallace just fits the Horry role too well to not make him the number one option. Pop will use him down the stretch of big games and Wallace at worst will help more than Horry ever did during the regular season. Wallace's main negative traits -- too perimeter oriented, too much three-point shooting, questionable character, etc. -- aren't that much of a worry with the Spurs.

He's not perfect but Sheed makes a lot of sense. It sounds like Manu and TP agree, which is a good sign.

Get Sheed.

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I agree. I think that the Spurs if they want to win this year must get a player that can bring what Sheed does. If not Sheed they must trade. The other FA's available are good, but I do not feel they realistically put the Spurs over the top.

I am hoping the Spurs are still willing to use the full MLE and for 3 years. We will see, but my old scenario is playing out nicely if they do:

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

This is what I want to happen, but it depends on three things: Will the Spurs scrap the 2010 plan, open up their wallets and go into win now mode in order to maximize Tim's years here?

If they are willing to do all of those things here is what they need to do in my opinion:

1) Really Target Team Needs: What does this team need? A true center that can help Tim patrol the paint along with rebound at a high rate. More than ever it has become evident that Tim can no longer do it on his own. It will go along way to improving the Spurs defense along with giving Tim some rest on that end.

Go for athletic wings that can do this combonation: Defend with some size and speed, hit the 3 efficiently or score efficiently. I would say lean to the scoring. Not all the way, but do not think you can find the Bowen replacement today. If you can get someone who is a solid defender and a better scorer, than it will go a long way to improving the line up.

How do you do this?

1) Buy into the Buyers Market: If people are willing to part with elite talent in order to increase cap space and shed salary, then the Spurs need to buy now. Especially if it is a player that fits a situational and positional need.

This especially makes sense if the player is relatively young and would be just as good as who the Spurs could expect to get in 2010 with the anticipated cap space. The NBA has shown that this is a distinct possibility, and the Spurs need to be ready to pounce. Spurs have 3 guys in Oberto/Mason/Bowen whom they can trade (because they expire in 2010) that will allow for the Spurs to trade for someone who makes 15 million dollars. That can buy you a nice player.

This becomes double effective if you can do so without trading Ginobili. Obviously, out of the big 3, Manu is the most likely to be traded. If you can use some kind of combo of players like I mentioned to get talent, without giving up Gino it would be a major bonus.

3) Use all of the MLE if the Right Player Comes Along: The spurs need to look for forwards and centers. If the Spurs can fulfill one need by trading, they need to use the MLE to target the other needs.

Do not just waste money, but if you have an opportunity to sign someone for a bargain (meaning somewhat of a good player who cannot really command more than the full MLE a la Maggette) then they need to do it.

With the combination of trades and the MLE, the Spurs have some options if they are willing to open up the checkbook. Will they? Probably not to the degree that I outlined, but I hope they try and win now, and worry about the future down the road when we do not have Duncan to appreciate any more.

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Originally Posted by lefty

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/page2/49944252.html
Hold the parade
Spurs fans excited about adding Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair had some wind knocked out of them Thursday when the Lakers and Rockets essentially traded free agents Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza.
If the selfless Artest who led the Rockets to a near-upset of the Lakers shows up in L.A., then I’m not even sure adding Rasheed Wallace makes the Spurs capable of dethroning a healthy defending champion.
But if the selfish Artest who pouted in Sacramento and charged the stands with Indiana rears his head in L.A., then the move may not be so bad for the Spurs or the rest of the West.

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When did that heppen?

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Originally Posted by timvp

I still haven't seen anything to move Rasheed off of number one on my wish list. He's coming off a pretty bad season but not as bad as Horry in 2003. Horry looked like he was done, Lakers fan wanted him gone, a segment of Spurs fans didn't want him and league "experts" said the Spurs overpaid.

Wallace just fits the Horry role too well to not make him the number one option. Pop will use him down the stretch of big games and Wallace at worst will help more than Horry ever did during the regular season. Wallace's main negative traits -- too perimeter oriented, too much three-point shooting, questionable character, etc. -- aren't that much of a worry with the Spurs.

He's not perfect but Sheed makes a lot of sense. It sounds like Manu and TP agree, which is a good sign.

Get Sheed.

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You should be worried by his defence. He can still get it going inside, because he's smart and experienced, but he was killed by the pick'n'roll and when pulled outside or away of his man all season along. He simply doesn't have the legs to recover any more.

I think McDyess is now a better player than Sheed in terms of rebounding and defence by a solid margin; and a more efficient scorer.

I'm praying that the Spurs get Sheed and the Celtics get Dice.

SA would seem the perfect compromise destination for Wallace.

SA has the weather of Orlando with the championship mentality of Boston. Neither Orlando nor Boston can match that.

The only question is whether Sheed is the right thing for the Spurs?

Wallace gets far too much credit for his defensive abilities vis a vis McDyess. Wallace is a slightly better shotblocker, though certainly not all-world. While, yes, there are similarities to Horry in that both can step back and hit 3s, Wallace is not in Horry's class for clutch shooting and smart play (of course, very few are, if ever).

Spurs fans are letting those similarities in capability and style cloud their opinions. It wasn't too long ago that Spurs fans loved to mock Wallace. McDyess would fit the program well and with much less on-court drama. He'd lock up that starting bigman role and get the job done. You don't need a 3 point shooting bigman to play alongside TD. And the more you move your that big away from the glass the more the Spurs will continue to struggle on the offensive glass. If Nellie was the Spurs' head coach I could understand the fixation on Wallace's shooting range.

Plus it continues to amuse me that Spurs fans knock other free agents as knuckleheads and malcontents while praising Wallace. Sure, the interest is born of necessity as he would definitely be an upgrade over what they have, but between Wallace and McDyess it's McDyess.

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Originally Posted by DAF86

When did that heppen?

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Exactly..he was so selfless he got himself thrown out of the game when they were right there hanging with them...what a retarded article.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Wallace gets far too much credit for his defensive abilities vis a vis McDyess. Wallace is a slightly better shotblocker, though certainly not all-world. While, yes, there are similarities to Horry in that both can step back and hit 3s, Wallace is not in Horry's class for clutch shooting and smart play (of course, very few are, if ever).

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Wallace is a significantly better post-defender, who also better matches up with the bigger front lines in this league. Unlike 'Dyess, Wallace can effectively defend (and even somewhat neutralize) the likes of a Gasol or Bynum, while also pulling them out to the 3-point line offensively. A great asset to lessen the Load on Tim defensively while also removing a shot-blocker from the equation at the cup for the slashers.

The Horry comparisons are that of a physical skill set and how he's suited to fill a proven role, for a Spurs team. Nothing more.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Spurs fans are letting those similarities in capability and style cloud their opinions. It wasn't too long ago that Spurs fans loved to mock Wallace. McDyess would fit the program well and with much less on-court drama. He'd lock up that starting bigman role and get the job done. You don't need a 3 point shooting bigman to play alongside TD. And the more you move your that big away from the glass the more the Spurs will continue to struggle on the offensive glass. If Nellie was the Spurs' head coach I could understand the fixation on Wallace's shooting range.

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'Dyess brings less on-court drama, yes, but he's also a guy that's preferred to come off the bench the last couple of years. He's also a guy who could be a bomba tiempo, injury-wise.

And yes, the Spurs don't have-to-have/need their 4 to be able to shoot 3's, but it's a known/proven role that actually has a feasible suitor to fill.

The offensive-rebounding numbers will always be a little skewed because of Pop's philosophy, but 'Sheed is a much more consistent rebounder than Horry ever was, and yet, somehow they managed. Plus, 'Sheed at the 3-point line also means his defender is there as well.

'Sheed, on average, is going to shoot his .35% from the three and put more fear in the heart of his opponent during the course of a game, because of the worry that he could take over a game if he gets on track. No, he's not, nor will he ever be, in the class of Horry for clutch (few if any are) but he's a better (more talented) overall player equipped with a post-game, post-defense, and rebounding Horry didn't possess from 35 and on.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Plus it continues to amuse me that Spurs fans knock other free agents as knuckleheads and malcontents while praising Wallace. Sure, the interest is born of necessity as he would definitely be an upgrade over what they have, but between Wallace and McDyess it's McDyess.

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I've always been a fan of 'Sheed and have never minded eccentric and/or emotional players, as long as I felt they were well-intentioned and genuine.(Which I feel 'Sheed is, and I'm sure his teammates would confirm)

Roscoe's a nut, but as a fit, and especially considering the need and what's available, if it's Wallace or McDyess?

It's Wallace..

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Wallace gets far too much credit for his defensive abilities vis a vis McDyess. Wallace is a slightly better shotblocker, though certainly not all-world. While, yes, there are similarities to Horry in that both can step back and hit 3s, Wallace is not in Horry's class for clutch shooting and smart play (of course, very few are, if ever).

Spurs fans are letting those similarities in capability and style cloud their opinions. It wasn't too long ago that Spurs fans loved to mock Wallace. McDyess would fit the program well and with much less on-court drama. He'd lock up that starting bigman role and get the job done. You don't need a 3 point shooting bigman to play alongside TD. And the more you move your that big away from the glass the more the Spurs will continue to struggle on the offensive glass. If Nellie was the Spurs' head coach I could understand the fixation on Wallace's shooting range.

Plus it continues to amuse me that Spurs fans knock other free agents as knuckleheads and malcontents while praising Wallace. Sure, the interest is born of necessity as he would definitely be an upgrade over what they have, but between Wallace and McDyess it's McDyess.

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+1. There is a level of pro-Rasheed hysteria now that is just way out of proportion... I prefer McDyess too.

Rasheed's offensive rebounds per game numbers are worse than Bonner's, and that's with an extra 9 mpg. Half his shots are three pointers, his FG% is horrendously low for a big, and the last time anyone saw him play was when he quit in the playoffs against Lebron and the Cavs. So for those out there who say Bynum sucks, Gasol is soft, and Odom is a space-case, I think the selling of Wallace as a savior needs to be examined a little more closely.