McDonald: Spurs Miss Out On Wallace, Get Haislip

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Spurs miss out on Wallace, get Haislip
By Jeff McDonald - Express-News



Rasheed Wallace was due to visit San Antonio this week, the next stop on his whirlwind free agency tour. Here's hoping the Spurs bought him a refundable ticket.

Wallace's travel plans changed abruptly Sunday night when he committed to sign with Boston, his agent confirmed in a text message to the Express-News. The impending deal is believed to be for two years, beginning at the mid-level exception worth approximately $5.6 million.

Asked via text message if Wallace's trip to San Antonio was still on, his agent, Bill Strickland, responded simply: “No. Playing with Boston.”

With their top free-agent target off the market, the Spurs will next turn their attention to other available big men, a list now headlined by Antonio McDyess, Wallace's former wingman in Detroit.

In the meantime, the holiday weekend did bring some good news for the Spurs in their ongoing search to fortify their frontcourt.

Marcus Haislip, a 6-foot-10 NBA expatriate who has become one of the most sought-after free agents in Europe, has agreed in principle on a deal that will bring him to San Antonio next season.

Haislip, 28, is expected to sign with the Spurs after the league-wide moratorium on offseason roster moves is lifted Wednesday.

Originally selected 13th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2002 draft, Haislip — a collegiate star at Tennessee — lasted just three seasons in his first stint in the NBA. He spent the last of them in Indiana before washing up on European shores in 2005.

Haislip played the past two seasons with Spanish powerhouse Unicaja Málaga, where he averaged 16.7 points as the team's top scoring option last season. A prolific dunker — but little else — during his first tour of duty in the NBA, Haislip has polished his repertoire substantially overseas, scouts say.

Haislip isn't exactly a consolation prize in the Wallace sweepstakes. The Spurs began wooing him well before Wallace handed down his decision.

The terms of the Spurs' offer to Haislip were not immediately available, though it could start at the veteran's minimum.

The move does not put the Spurs out of contention for McDyess or other NBA big men they have been courting — such as Dallas' Brandon Bass and Boston's Glen “Big Baby” Davis — since free agency opened last week.

The Spurs have their entire mid-level exception to spend and will probably need it in order to remain in the running for McDyess. They also own a biannual exception to be valued at about $1.9 million, all or part of which could be used to pay Haislip.

Marcus Haislip
POSITION: Power forward

SIZE: 6-foot-10, 230 pounds

AGE: 28

COLLEGE: Tennessee

Career Highlights:

- Drafted No. 13 overall by Milwaukee in 2002. Spent two years with the Bucks and one with Indiana.

- Spent the past two seasons with Spanish powerhouse Unicaja Málaga, where he developed into the team’s top scorer. Considered one of the top free agents in Europe this summer, alongside Josh Childress and Jannero Pargo.

- Expected to sign with the Spurs after league-wide moratorium ends Wednesday.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s...t_Haislip.html

I am convinced these writers just read this board and cut & paste.

Big Baby they were targeting then, which makes sense now why they must might get him. Might Dyess have said no and they went on to him? That would make sense then.

They went to their third option after Sheed signed and Dyess said he would resign in D Town, so they went to their third.

There's a couple interesting parts to this...

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

The move does not put the Spurs out of contention for McDyess or other NBA big men they have been courting — such as Dallas' Brandon Bass and Boston's Glen “Big Baby” Davis — since free agency opened last week.

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Does that mean they have been courting Bass and Big Baby since last week? :downspin:

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The Spurs have their entire mid-level exception to spend and will probably need it in order to remain in the running for McDyess. They also own a biannual exception to be valued at about $1.9 million, all or part of which could be used to pay Haislip.

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When McDonald wrote earlier today about Haislip, I thought he said they would have the MLE and LLE (biannual) exceptions left AFTER signing Haislip... indicating that the Spurs had signed him to the minimum.

Now, it looks like Haislip used up all/part of the LLE.

Hmm...

Even if Mcdyess said no, I still wouldn't have stupid idiot Davis next on the list. I would have Pachulia and Gooden ahead of him.

It would be one thing if writers said "this is the rumor I heard," but instead they discuss lists and priorities as if they'd just spoken privately with Buford and Pop. I have never heard a Spurs' front office person, coach, or owner say definitively that the Spurs will spend the entire MLE or pursue McDyess, or anything else other than "seeking to improve" or "looking for a rebounder." It's all speculation at this point, which is fine by me, but I just wish everybody, especially sportswriters, would stop projecting their own hopes and wishes as definitive FO plans.

At least pisses on the fire of all those numbskulls thinking Haislip was replacing Sheed for some reason. Completely separate roster spots for those guys.

Also, notice nothing about Big Baby being signed yet.

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

Now, it looks like Haislip used up all/part of the LLE.

Hmm...

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Doesn't sound like a Summer League make-good type deal.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

At least pisses on the fire of all those numbskulls thinking Haislip was replacing Sheed for some reason. Completely separate roster spots for those guys.

Also, notice nothing about Big Baby being signed yet.

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True, but the guy pissing is also the one who seemed absolutely certain about six hours ago that Rasheed was coming for a big, important meeting. It would be nice if his next article said:

I'll be honest-- I have no inside information at all, because Pop and RC are too smart to spill their strategy to local sportswriters. The end.

Baby cannot be signed yet, that is why. Not until the 8th.

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

There's a couple interesting parts to this...



Does that mean they have been courting Bass and Big Baby since last week? :downspin:



When McDonald wrote earlier today about Haislip, I thought he said they would have the MLE and LLE (biannual) exceptions left AFTER signing Haislip... indicating that the Spurs had signed him to the minimum.

Now, it looks like Haislip used up all/part of the LLE.

Hmm...

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McDonald says...

The terms of the Spurs' offer to Haislip were not immediately available, though it could start at the veteran's minimum.

The move does not put the Spurs out of contention for McDyess or other NBA big men they have been courting — such as Dallas' Brandon Bass and Boston's Glen “Big Baby” Davis — since free agency opened last week.

The Spurs have their entire mid-level exception to spend and will probably need it in order to remain in the running for McDyess. They also own a biannual exception to be valued at about $1.9 million, all or part of which could be used to pay Haislip.

So he mentions both the LLE and the vetrens min

why do they bring this guy over he kinda to me is a bust?

but could see this guy being another tolliver

wouldn't mind if they just invite him to camp

but unless the spurs are going to trade for a C and defensive SF i dont know why they used there LLE on him

bold move by the spurs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aXqw...eature=related

please get dyess.

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Originally Posted by Tully365

It would be one thing if writers said "this is the rumor I heard," but instead they discuss lists and priorities as if they'd just spoken privately with Buford and Pop. I have never heard a Spurs' front office person, coach, or owner say definitively that the Spurs will spend the entire MLE or pursue McDyess, or anything else other than "seeking to improve" or "looking for a rebounder." It's all speculation at this point, which is fine by me, but I just wish everybody, especially sportswriters, would stop projecting their own hopes and wishes as definitive FO plans.

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McDonald rarely, if ever, offers anything resembling in-depth insight, so yeah.. He'd probably be better of saying: rumor has it, or speculation leads to, rather than stating something as fact.

Pop and R.C. did both state that they were looking to spend the MLE (Middle-Class, in Pop's case) on a starting 4-man, however. Pop did so in his conference-call and R.C., I believe, did so on a 760 interview.

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Originally Posted by El Fuego

McDonald says...

The terms of the Spurs' offer to Haislip were not immediately available, though it could start at the veteran's minimum.

The move does not put the Spurs out of contention for McDyess or other NBA big men they have been courting — such as Dallas' Brandon Bass and Boston's Glen “Big Baby” Davis — since free agency opened last week.

The Spurs have their entire mid-level exception to spend and will probably need it in order to remain in the running for McDyess. They also own a biannual exception to be valued at about $1.9 million, all or part of which could be used to pay Haislip.

So he mentions both the LLE and the vetrens min

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Translation:

I should have that information from the Spurs or Bruno, shortly

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Originally Posted by El Fuego

McDonald says...

The terms of the Spurs' offer to Haislip were not immediately available, though it could start at the veteran's minimum.

The move does not put the Spurs out of contention for McDyess or other NBA big men they have been courting — such as Dallas' Brandon Bass and Boston's Glen “Big Baby” Davis — since free agency opened last week.

The Spurs have their entire mid-level exception to spend and will probably need it in order to remain in the running for McDyess. They also own a biannual exception to be valued at about $1.9 million, all or part of which could be used to pay Haislip.

So he mentions both the LLE and the vetrens min

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Yeah I am saying that I think he edited that.... I thought earlier today when I saw the article he mentioned that the Spurs would still have the LLE left (and not be using it on Haislip).

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

Yeah I am saying that I think he edited that.... I thought earlier today when I saw the article he mentioned that the Spurs would still have the LLE left (and not be using it on Haislip).

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which ever way is fine with me (LLE or min for haislip). All we really need from the 5 position is someone to block shots, rebound, putback dunks, and play defense and watching the youtube videos of him today he looks worth the gamble.

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

McDonald rarely, if ever, offers anything resembling in-depth insight, so yeah.. He'd probably be better of saying: rumor has it, or speculation leads to, rather than stating something as fact.

Pop and R.C. did both state that they were looking to spend the MLE (Middle-Class, in Pop's case) on a starting 4-man, however. Pop did so in his conference-call and R.C., I believe, did so on a 760 interview.

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I heard them say "use the MLE" but did they specify the entire thing? I think people just ran with it at that point.

:lol They might be thinking about the next bargain type like Nazr, Bonner, or Oberto while we're all dreaming of the pricier McDyess! I just can't see the Spurs carrying a 78-79 mil payroll.

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Originally Posted by El Fuego

which ever way is fine with me (LLE or min for haislip). All we really need from the 5 position is someone to block shots, rebound, putback dunks, and play defense and watching the youtube videos of him today he looks worth the gamble.

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Yeah, I don't care that much either. But they still have a few spots to fill out on the roster. I would have thought they'd use the LLE on an NBA vet (back up point or defensive wing).

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Originally Posted by Tully365

I heard them say "use the MLE" but did they specify the entire thing? I think people just ran with it at that point.

:lol They might be thinking about the next bargain type like Nazr, Bonner, or Oberto while we're all dreaming of the pricier McDyess! I just can't see the Spurs carrying a 78-79 mil payroll.

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I wouldn't put anything past them but yeah, they said they had the MLE to use on a 4-man.

Chris and Jason, now that I remember, even joked about doing some kind of chores for 'Sheed if it'd help R.C. in the negotiations. R.C. even played along a little, but 'Sheed definitely came off to me as their intended target.

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

Yeah, I don't care that much either. But they still have a few spots to fill out on the roster. I would have thought they'd use the LLE on an NBA vet (back up point or defensive wing).

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Kori, I have a question I'm sure has already been answered but what do we sign our second rounders with? (Blair, McClinton, Gist) Do we split the MLE? LLE? or just all minimum contracts?

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Originally Posted by El Fuego

Kori, I have a question I'm sure has already been answered but what do we sign our second rounders with? (Blair, McClinton, Gist) Do we split the MLE? LLE? or just all minimum contracts?

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If you want to sign them for more than minimum contracts, then yeah, you can use the exceptions (MLE/LLE). But the guys that the Spurs have probably won't get above minimum.

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

If you want to sign them for more than minimum contracts, then yeah, you can use the exceptions (MLE/LLE). But the guys that the Spurs have probably won't get above minimum.

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Thanks, I was just curious

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Originally Posted by ninjaskrzypek

I am convinced these writers just read this board and cut & paste.

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I don't think there is any doubt that McDonald follows this board to stay up on things. Last night, when the news of Rasheed Wallace signing with Boston was posted along with a link, I sent the link to a San Antonio sports anchor friend of mine who had earlier sent me a correspondence message from Bill Strickland stating Walllace had not made a decision yet, and was still scheduled to visit SA. The text was sent an hour earlier. After viewing the link that was posted on this site, he then texted Strickland back, who then confirmed the signing.

Anyone who was on here last night knows that about ten or fifteen minutes after the story broke here, McDonald had it on his MySA courtside blog. No way in hell did he just happen to just dig it up on his own, nor was the agent sending that information out...when only one hour earlier this decision was still conceivably up in the air, according to the agent.

Yeah, I would say there is about a 99.9 chance SpursTalk is McDonald's GPS for up to date relevant news concerning the Spurs. We learn things here first, not vice-versa.

For a new guy, I found this site via google and I'm better for it. You guys are on top of shit in here concerning the SPURS. Can't wait for the season to get going again. I like the signing of Haislip seems like a low risk/high reward type signing. Great job by the front office once again.

I don't care as long as we can get Bowen back with at least the vet minimum.

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Another interesting fact from the Win Chart: PF Marcus Haislip may have been one of the worst players in NBA history. Indeed, I've done Win Charts for about five complete NBA seasons from five different eras, and Haislip is the first player I've ever calculated with more than 200 minutes of playing time and a Marginal Win Score that was worse than -6.00 (Actually, I can't remember any as bad as -5.00, but I'm not sure). How'd he do it? Basically, by doing nothing well (except he was a bit of a shot blocker). In every important statistical category he was grossly outproduced. He was a terrible scorer, terrible rebounder, terrible passer, and terrible defender. Oh, and he was a foul machine. And he turned the ball over a lot. He was bad to the bone.

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http://mvn.com/bucksdiary/2009/06/wo...ning-ever.html

Am I the only one that finds this signing a little strange? Spurs going for a guy who is known for dunking, and not much else? Don't get me wrong, I'd appreciate a little athleticism as much as the next fan, but it just doesn't seem to fit the Spurs mold.

Hopefully the Spurs FO knows something the rest of the world doesn't and this guy has come a long way.

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Originally Posted by Dex

Am I the only one that finds this signing a little strange? Spurs going for a guy who is known for dunking, and not much else? Don't get me wrong, I'd appreciate a little athleticism as much as the next fan, but it just doesn't seem to fit the Spurs mold.

Hopefully the Spurs FO knows something the rest of the world doesn't and this guy has come a long way.

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i was just going to post the same thing. This signing really has me scratching my head.

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Originally Posted by Dex

Am I the only one that finds this signing a little strange? Spurs going for a guy who is known for dunking, and not much else? Don't get me wrong, I'd appreciate a little athleticism as much as the next fan, but it just doesn't seem to fit the Spurs mold.

Hopefully the Spurs FO knows something the rest of the world doesn't and this guy has come a long way.

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Worth the risk. Especially since he's taking the minimum. Keep in mind, we still have tradeable pieces if it doesn't work out.

Maybe he learned some fundamentals overseas. Like the athleticism (something fickle Spurs fans have been crying for forever).

I hope to God we dont get Big Baby.

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Originally Posted by Avitus1

I hope to God we dont get Big Baby.

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+1

I fucking hate Big Baby.

draftexpress

Scouting the NBA Free Agents at the 2008 Copa del Rey
February 20, 2008
Although his team made a quick exit after losing in the first day, the glimpses Marcus Haislip dropped were probably enough to show once again that we’re looking at an NBA player playing in Europe. Freakishly athletic, and getting more versatile offensively by the day, Haislip is incredibly talented, and still seemingly has room to continue to improve over the next few years. He has excellent physical tools—long arms, a nice frame, excellent quickness and amazing leaping ability—combined with a very intriguing package of offensive skills.

Haislip put a great deal of pressure on the defense with his overwhelming quickness in the post, which helps him draw plenty of fouls. He can put the ball on the floor from varying distances, being extremely difficult for power forwards to stay in front of due to his terrific first step. He can also shoot the ball relatively well, either stepping out from behind the arc, or pulling up off the dribble—elevating off the floor like a wing player, which when combined with his extremely high release point, makes him very difficult to contest. He can also get points in transition, cutting off the ball, or by making a simple catch in the post and exploding off the ground from a stand-still position and emphatic jam.

With that said, there is surely a reason why Haislip had to take the route he did-- from being a lottery pick out of college, to a complete bust in the NBA, to playing in Turkey over the past two years, to here. His decision making skills and overall feel for the game still haven’t caught up with his terrific physical tools, even if the gap has clearly narrowed over the past few years. He’s not the most fundamentally sound player in the world (again, often relying excessively on his athleticism)—his back to the basket skills are underdeveloped, his shot-selection is poor (particularly from the perimeter in the form of wild and untimely pull-up jumpers), he’s not much of a passer, and he is prone to mental lapses on the defensive end. He’ll follow up two spectacular plays with a bone-headed one, and obviously needs to play with a great point guard (preferably an up-tempo one) to fully maximize his skill-set.

With that said, there are plenty of players in the NBA who we can say the same exact things about…and most of them aren’t 6-10 and freakishly athletic like he is. Look for some smart team to step up to the plate this summer and offer him a deal starting somewhere around the lower level exception.

http://api.ning.com/files/vD-hYj2mu0...Wallpaper.jpeg

Haislip, a freak, a monster dunker has potential to be a poor man's Amare. DOn't know if Spurs really need that. But...

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Originally Posted by ninjaskrzypek

I am convinced these writers just read this board and cut & paste.

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Whats wrong with that. This is a great place to get info.

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Originally Posted by cheguevara

Haislip, a freak, a monster dunker has potential to be a poor man's Amare. DOn't know if Spurs really need that. But...

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Not even close to Amare.

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Originally Posted by Dex

Am I the only one that finds this signing a little strange? Spurs going for a guy who is known for dunking, and not much else? Don't get me wrong, I'd appreciate a little athleticism as much as the next fan, but it just doesn't seem to fit the Spurs mold.

Hopefully the Spurs FO knows something the rest of the world doesn't and this guy has come a long way.

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He shot almost 42% from distance last season.

if we signed him to LLE i think its a win win for us...add another big who can prob guard those athletic bigs and adds depth and at a low price

I don't see how anyone could complain about this signing. He is signed to a relatively low deal. He has legit size at 6'10. Has athleticism, is a shot-blocker, and apparently has range out to 3.

Sounds great for the money, 6'10 athletic. We need more athletic players.

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Originally Posted by Sausage

http://mvn.com/bucksdiary/2009/06/wo...ning-ever.html

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This is from his first 2 1/2 years in the NBA.

This is NOW.

European Roundup: Dasic Providing Intrigue
January 17, 2009

While Josh Childress has been the major attraction for scouts evaluating this year’s overseas free agent crop, Marcus Haislip has provided quite a bit of intrigue in his own right. A former lottery pick of the Bucks in 2002, Haislip played only 79 games in his three year NBA career. Discouraged with his lack of development, Milwaukee cut ties with the incredibly raw 6’10 power forward only two seasons into his rookie contract. After spending a season in Indiana as an insurance policy off the bench, he found himself out of the NBA.

Four years later, Haislip has established himself as not only one of Europe’s most exciting players, but his skill set is radically different than it was when he left Indianapolis for Istanbul. While Haislip definitely looks like an NBA player at this point, some of the things that kept him from being successful in the League initially are still present in his game.

With three years of European experience under his belt, Haislip is now is his second year with Spanish powerhouse, and Euroleague Final Four contender, Unicaja Malaga. With former Spanish Olympic Team Head Coach Aito Garcia Reneses at the helm, Haislip has led Unicaja’s to arguably the most impressive start in club history. Despite playing next to a handful of other former NBA players in Boniface N'Dong, Robert Archibald, Jiri Welsch, and Omar Cook (as well as Spanish national team PG Carlos Cabezas), Haislip is unquestionably the team’s top option and most dynamic presence.

Through twenty-five games this season (sixteen in the ACB where Unicaja is 12-4, and nine in the Euroleague where they are 7-2) Haislip has put together some very impressive statistical outings, especially in domestic play where he is averaging 16.1 points per game in only 27 minutes of action per-contest. While the athleticism that made Haislip a lottery pick is responsible for some of his success, it’s the development of his offensive repertoire that earns him mention here.

Coming off of a three year career at Tennessee that was characterized by little except a big junior season littered with highlight reel dunks, Haislip lacked the polish to make an impact offensively on the NBA level. Over the last few years, Haislip has become a much more complete player on the offensive end. He has slowly but surely developed the perimeter shooting stroke, ball-handling ability, and scoring instincts that he desperately needed to make a productive NBA career.

This season has been a mixed bag for Haislip as a shooter. His stroke is significantly sounder than it was during his NBA career –now featuring great lift, good mechanics, and a pretty quick release. He shoots a very respectable percentage from three (40.0% in ACB play but only 28.6% in Euroleague games), and shows some inconsistency from the outside. After starting the season on a tear, he’s cooled off significantly, due in part to a groin injury that has limited him since December. Haislip is the definition of a rhythm shooter –connecting at a great clip when he can step into his shot in transition or in drive and dish situations. However, his mechanics don’t allow much room for error, and Haislip has struggled mightily since hurting his groin, which has limited his ability to elevate like he usually does. After spending the first few months of the season amongst the most efficient three point shooters in the ACB, Haislip has fallen back to earth –missing all eight of his attempts over Unicaja’s last three games. Despite these struggles, Haislip has become a legitimate three point threat, and his current shooting percentage seems to reflect his true shooting ability better than it was early in the year. On the season as a whole, he is shooting 34/91 from beyond the arc, or 37%.

In addition to adding a perimeter shot to his repertoire, Haislip has also become more comfortable attacking the basket when he receives the ball on the outside. He’s not a flashy ball handler, but his explosive first step makes it tough for the majority of power forwards to stay in front of him, which helps him draw plenty of fouls. The improvements in his outside shot force defenders to respect his range, and this allows him to take advantage and attack the rim. Aito Garcia Reneses does a very good job creating space for Haislip to go one-on-one against his defender in his offensive sets. Despite showing solid mechanics on his pull up jumper, Haislip prefers to take the ball to the rim when he puts it on the floor. He’s a fantastic finisher at this level due to his athleticism, and does a nice job taking contact and getting to the line when he can’t blow past the defense and create an easy look. His ability to recognize when he should and shouldn’t drive has helped him significantly, and his perimeter shot selection appears much better for this reason.

While Haislip is significantly more polished in some aspects of the game, he still struggles in others. Despite being taller and vastly more athletic than the players attempting to defend him, Haislip struggles to score on the block. The mechanics on his jumper don’t allow him to make many shots off balance or attempting to maneuver away from defenders. His tendency to force some shots from the post only makes this feature of his shot more apparent. While he’ll knock down a periodic turnaround jumper or short-hook shot, he could stand to develop better shooting touch around the basket, face up more often, and look to pass out of the post more often.

While Haislip still struggles in some areas offensively, his lack of progress in other areas is more troubling. Averaging only 5.2 rebounds in ACB play (4.6 in Euroleague games), it is apparent that the athletically gifted forward isn’t making a concerted effort to make an impact on the glass. Though some of this lack of production can be attributed to the presence of good rebounders such as Boniface N’Dong, Robert Archibald, and Unicaja mainstay Carlos Jimenez, Haislip often doesn’t look to rebound outside of his area. In addition to not showing ideal effort on the glass, Haislip shows even less effort on the defensive end. His 7.8 rebounds per-40 minutes is an extremely poor figure, and is indicative of the type of rebounder he’s been throughout his entire career.

Despite being able to come up with an occasional highlight reel block, Haislip usually looks disinterested on the defensive end. He has the tools to alter some shots each game, but doesn’t show great awareness when defending the weak-side. His lack of bulk will get him into some trouble on the block, but he actually does a nice job going straight up and not fouling –though he doesn’t do a great job keeping up with pump fakes and up-and-under moves.

Even though he isn’t all that engaged on the defensive end, he is more than capable of defending perimeter oriented big men effectively. Given his lateral quickness, wingspan, and leaping ability, Haislip has all the tools to be at the very least a solid defender. However, it seems somewhat unlikely that he will begin to buy into that end of the floor at this point in his career. While this is something that he could definitely stand to work on, Aito has shown that Haislip’s inconsistent defensive intensity isn’t impossible to plan around with the right personnel in place.

Despite still having some nagging weaknesses, there is absolutely no question that Haislip has developed into an NBA player. With that said, he'll likely need to rebound from his shooting slump and carry his team deep into Euroleague play to draw serious enough offers to make the economics of a return trip across the pond worthwhile. If he shows a bit more defensive intensity and continues to produce as such a high rate, he should have no problem finding interest come this summer. Whether or not NBA teams can compete with the multi-million dollar offers that are likely coming his way in Europe remains to be seen, though.

Nice try.. But he improved overseas.
If the spurs signed him for the minimum, then he is well worth the risk.
Try being a little more positive next time.

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Originally Posted by benefactor

He shot almost 42% from distance last season.

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in the ACB yes, he shot 3s well.

In the Euroleague, not so much. 24.5%.

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Originally Posted by El Fuego

which ever way is fine with me (LLE or min for haislip). All we really need from the 5 position is someone to block shots, rebound, putback dunks, and play defense and watching the youtube videos of him today he looks worth the gamble.

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The LLE is bi-annual. If the Spurs can get by without using it this year, it's one more tool they have next year.

That being said, I never thought there was any way to sign Haislip without using the LLE. The full LLE is $1.99M this year. That translates to roughly a 700-750K Euro contract, since those deals are net of taxes and agent fees. There are several teams that were (still are?) interested in Haislip, and I think he could have gotten at least twice that much. Unicaja is reportedly paying his replacement 1.1M Eu, and they were willing to pay Haislip more than that. That means that he is going to be leaving at least $1M per season on the table, if he gets the full LLE. That means that he is either convinced that he can come back to the NBA and perform good enough to earn a much bigger contract in a couple of years, or he really hates playing in Europe. Or... something else?

That's why I really don't like the timing of this announcement. I don't see why the Spurs would have leaked the story. And it gives every Euro team an opportunity to make him an offer he can't refuse. I don't think he would make a deal with another NBA team at this point, but you never know until the ink is on the contract. If the Spurs tried to get him for a minimum contract, somebody would have stepped up to pay him more. If his contract is for much less than the full LLE, I'll be surprised.

I still like the signing but hate that the title suggests we signed him because we missed out on Wallace.

Skip Bayless on the Celtics acquiring Wallace:


"Damn I wish my Spurs wouldve gotten him!"


:depressed

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Originally Posted by GSH

That's why I really don't like the timing of this announcement. I don't see why the Spurs would have leaked the story.

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Did the Spurs really leak the info? I'm under the impression that the Spanish media got the info from spanish league sources, then that got posted here, then McDonald either read it here or someone from here emailed it to him so he did the story. His article didn't have any quotes from the Spurs, either direct or on background.

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Originally Posted by objective

Did the Spurs really leak the info? I'm under the impression that the Spanish media got the info from spanish league sources, then that got posted here, then McDonald either read it here or someone from here emailed it to him so he did the story. His article didn't have any quotes from the Spurs, either direct or on background.

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I said that I don't think the Spurs leaked it - that was my point. It looks suspiciously like his agent trying to see if he can get someone to offer a bigger deal. It's money in his pocket if that happens.

Remember, the Spurs don't have any deal - can't have any deal, until after the moratorium.

If an agent tells teams that his player has committed to someone else, I'm not sure how that's a good strategy for generating higher offers from teams with any kind of decent moral compass.

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

When McDonald wrote earlier today about Haislip, I thought he said they would have the MLE and LLE (biannual) exceptions left AFTER signing Haislip... indicating that the Spurs had signed him to the minimum.

Now, it looks like Haislip used up all/part of the LLE.

Hmm...

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Nice catch. Haislip apparently got the LLE.

2 years
1.9 guaranteed

I like that Haislip has developed enough a shot and handle that he's able to take advantage of his explosiveness to get to the line (big plus in my eyes) but I don't like hearing someone's got the tools to be a good defensive-player, only it's not likely he'll develop into one at this point in his career. (If only he had Gist's attitude and want-to; who I feel we can safely assume is a year or so away, in the Spurs' eyes, from joing the team with this signing.)

With the rumors of Davis and the addition of Blair, maybe Pop just wants to have bowling ball-type bigs that, when in position, are immovable objects who can essentially be the setup man for the weak-side block from players like Haislip or Mahinmi? (Damn, I hope not:()

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Originally Posted by objective

in the ACB yes, he shot 3s well.

In the Euroleague, not so much. 24.5%.

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Yeah...he didn't do all that great from distance in the Euroleague last year. However, he has shown some consistency with his 3pt shot over the past few seasons. In the past two Euroleague seasons, he has shot 36% and 37%. Though ACB is a lower level of competition, he has shown consistency in the past two years over 30 games. Euroleague is only 20 games or less.

All that said...he obviously has a decent shooting stroke. Even if he is not draining threes for us it seems he has range out to 20 plus feet. Couple that with open looks he will have and it seems like an ideal situation.

I am glad Wallace signed elsewhere. I didn't see him as a good personality fit here.

From the website Malagahoy.com on June 9. They believed that Unicaja was looking for a replacement for Haislip at that time, because they already knew that he would not return. They describe Haislip as "the flagship" of the team for the last two seasons. But then they go on to say that the club doesn't think he gave his best effort during the playoffs, and that he missed two playoff games with low back pain. The inference is that he wasn't interested in the Euro playoffs, because he was only thinking about getting back to the NBA. They also describe him as inconsistent, and as having mental lapses. Some of it, at least, is probably sour grapes because he didn't want to re-sign with them.

This is a part of the Google translation. The article talks about them looking to sign Velickovic, and says:

His choice involves the discarding of which was the flagship of Unicaja in the last two seasons: Marcus Haislip. The good of the American season has ido diluted leading to a bad end and a disappointing play-off in which he was not up to Gran Canaria before and did not participate in two of three games with Barcelona due to low back pain. The club is understood that the U.S. did not put everything possible to try to help the team and did not feel anything good that goes to the United States before a farewell lunch was held last Wednesday. Factors outside extra sporting, its performance has not ended by convincing its irregularity and provides mental gaps.

It's not the first time it's been mentioned that he has mental lapses or seems disinterested.

Having said that it does sound like a bit of sour grapes because he will not return to the team.

The title makes it sound as if Haislip is the consolation prize, but we knew about his signing with the Spurs before Wallace's agreeing with the Celtics, so maybe that inference is backwards.

I have a feeling Sheed is going to rot in Boston. But hey it was his decision. I just think theres too many ego's there. I hate how ESPN talks like Sheed is so grateful to play with such "great" players in Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. Fucking PLEASE. They only have ONE title. The Spurs are so fucking underrated it's not even funny. Tim, Tony, Manu have a combined 10 rings here. So go suck on that ESPN. :flipoff. The Spurs, TD, TP, Manu, Pop & Bruce will NEVER get the credit they truly deserve, and it's a damn shame.

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Originally Posted by angel_luv

I am glad Wallace signed elsewhere. I didn't see him as a good personality fit here.

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angel_luv,

I'm actually in agreement with you about Wallace.

I was lukewarm about him anyway coming to the Spurs.

Let's see if Haislip......will be a diamond in the rough!!

Welcome Haislip, you are very much needed in San Antonio.

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Originally Posted by MarHill

angel_luv,

I'm actually in agreement with you about Wallace.

I was lukewarm about him anyway coming to the Spurs.

Let's see if Haislip......will be a diamond in the rough!!

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Here's hoping! :toast

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Originally Posted by ploto

The title makes it sound as if Haislip is the consolation prize, but we knew about his signing with the Spurs before Wallace's agreeing with the Celtics, so maybe that inference is backwards.

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Misleading information from a McDonald article? Say it isn't so...

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Originally Posted by SpursSecurity

For a new guy, I found this site via google and I'm better for it. You guys are on top of shit in here concerning the SPURS. Can't wait for the season to get going again. I like the signing of Haislip seems like a low risk/high reward type signing. Great job by the front office once again.

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Welcome to the fold, my fellow Spurs nut.:toast