Spurs To Sign Theo Ratliff, Add Another Veteran Big Man

Reported by: Don Harris
Email: [email protected]
Last Update: 7/22 11:17 pm

San Antonio--The roster moves continue for the San Antonio Spurs. NBA sources confirming to News 4 WOAI's Don Harris that the Spurs have come to an agreement with veteran shot blocker Theo Ratliff. The 36 Year old center only played in 46 games with Philadelphia last year averaging about 13 minutes per game. He will be a nice addition as a 3rd center for the Spurs and can still defend in the low post and is still a very effective shot blocker who can defend the longer, bigger centers in the west. Ratliff likely won't play big minutes for the Spurs but can be an effective back-up if his health holds up. Ratliff is a 14 year NBA veteran who has played with 6 teams including the Pistons, Hawks, Sixers and Blazers.

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

Opposing players driving to the basket will have someone aside from Timmy to worry about. he's all about shotblocking and changing shots, an area of the game where the Spurs were deficient. No longer. It would seem Pop and the FO have methodically plugged the gaping holes in the Spurs' game.. all w need now is for everybody to report healthy to training camp and getting familiarized with one another.

i just pray ol'theo has something,nething left to give this comin season and when needed can be healthy and ready to contribute even in rare spot duty

Good Move!

TD, Blair, Mahinmi, Ratliff, McDyess clogging the lanes? I'll take it.

So who will be the odd man out? Will the Spurs start the season with 7 bigs??

no more roster space remaining?

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Originally Posted by BronxCowboy

So who will be the odd man out? Will the Spurs start the season with 7 bigs??

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Probably yes, but whis this bigs the Spurs can play with Bonner as 3 Point Shooter, like a SF. Whit TD inside and other Big.

In the 08-09 Spurs Duncan played only an average of 5 minutes as PF, thes other minutes was C, because the team needs a Big under the Board, and the only one who can was TD.

Now, with Dice he can play more minutes as PF, specially if we have a 3rd Center in Theo.

Every year i sayed if we don´t have a Great Center, not Bonner, Horry or Fabri, Duncan necessary must to play as Center. Because is needed a Big for the rebounds and a lot of times Duncan take the Half of the Spurs rebounds, and no one can take more than 5 in a week.

We have ridht now:

Parker, Hill, Manu, Mason, Finley and Jefferson as perimeter´s players, we don´t need more Help. Why? We have 48 minutes x 3 spots= 144 Minutes.
Parker is a 35 MPG, Jefferson too, Manu is a 30 Minutes players, Mason is 20, Finley and Hill can too. We have here 160 Minutes, 16 more.

We have in the paint: Duncan 35 Minutes, Dice 25, Bonner 15, and more than 20 minutes for Ian, Blair, Hairston and Theo if he is signed.

And every year the problems were The others Big, and we have now a lot of them, that´s really good, because we can play with Parker and a Second PG in Hill, with Manu as the 3rd if necessary, and Mason and Finley helping the SG and SF and Jefferson playing 35 MPG, don´t need any more.

what has been his injuries particularly the latest one? has he resolved it?

Decent move. He's got nothing really left in the tanks, but he can rebound and block shots.

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Originally Posted by td4mvp3

what has been his injuries particularly the latest one? has he resolved it?

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as far an I know he didn't have an injury last season. the small number of 46 games was mostly a result of many DNP-CDs and also not being on the active roster.
(as long as Brand was healthy, the Sixers front court was pretty deep with Brand, Dalembert, Evans, Speights, Marshall)
the season before (07-08) it was a sore right knee that kept him out for half the season and the season before (06-07) that it was also the same problem.
and the season before (05-06) it was a bulging disc.
definitely a lot of troubled areas in Theo's body. (he also has had hip problems and shoulder problems for years)

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Originally Posted by mountainballer

as far an I know he didn't have an injury last season. the small number of 46 games was mostly a result of many DNP-CDs and also not being on the active roster.
(as long as Brand was healthy, the Sixers front court was pretty deep with Brand, Dalembert, Evans, Speights, Marshall)
the season before (07-08) it was a sore right knee that kept him out for half the season and the season before (06-07) that it was also the same problem.
and the season before (05-06) it was a bulging disc.
definitely a lot of troubled areas in Theo's body. (he also has had hip problems and shoulder problems for years)

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At half health he brings depth to this team. He will block shots at 80 yrs old and he still can grab boards and defend the gasols of the world

I guess this means bye bye Bonner. :toast

Theo is a good man and funny as hell. But don't see him contributing to anything on the floor

Ratliff gives the Spurs a physical, shotblocking presence as an option for when the Spurs face teams with a more traditional bigman. For a minimum or LLE contract, this isn't a bad acquisition.

Moving forward, the bigman rotation for next season may look like...

Starters
4 Duncan
5 McDyess

Bench
3/4 Haislip
4 Blair
4/5 Mahinmi
5 Ratliff

The Spurs appear to be ready to start the season with 20 year old Blair as the first bigman off the bench. Further, Ian Mahinmi figures to be the 4th bigman, while Pop will have Ratliff to go against bigger frontcourts or if he wants a greater defensive presence inside. Haislip appears to be RC's stab at finding the elusive big 3 who can play both forward spots. I think Gist will be slated for another year in Italy or will spend the season as a Toro. Bonner is on the way out.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Ratliff gives the Spurs a physical, shotblocking presence as an option for when the Spurs face teams with a more traditional bigman. For a minimum or LLE contract, this isn't a bad acquisition.

Moving forward, the bigman rotation for next season may look like...

Starters
4 Duncan
5 McDyess

Bench
3/4 Haislip
4 Blair
4/5 Mahinmi
5 Ratliff

The Spurs appear to be ready to start the season with 20 year old Blair as the first bigman off the bench. Further, Ian Mahinmi figures to be the 4th bigman, while Pop will have Ratliff to go against bigger frontcourts or if he wants a greater defensive presence inside. Haislip appears to be RC's stab at finding the elusive big 3 who can play both forward spots. I think Gist will be slated for another year in Italy or will spend the season as a Toro. Bonner is on the way out.

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Pretty much spot on. :tu

With this many bigs it's hard to imagine a trade not being in the works, especially with rumblings from the FO during the offseason about bringing in another defensive wing.

has Ratliff ever gotten a ring in his 14 years in the NBA? Not sure what all the 6 teams are that he has been on.

I'd still like to see a defensive 2/3 who can get us spot minutes and special assignments, similar to what ratliff will bring in the paint. However, no more roster spots, and it now appears like Pop won't go for his usual, veteran 3rd string PG. That's a BIG vote of confidence for Hill.

As it is with Bonner, the Spurs could do A LOT worse than him. He's still money on the 3 ball and can help space the floor because of his range. But if anyone goes, he appears the most expendable, largely because if Haislip, Mahinmi, or even Hairston pans out the Spurs are going to have more talent than they can put on the floor (this is NOT a bad thing). If Blair turns into something special, that's an even bigger logjam.

I still like finley when used as a super-role player. He's a good vet presence, he still knocks down his shots (mostly), and he's still clutch as ever. Someone on here said it best before me: I think Spurs fans are afraid Pop was going to continue his man-love with fin, and they wanted him traded so that doesn't happen. Spurs have RJ though now, another year with hill, and Manu should now be healthy. Plus Money Mason is gonna have another year in the Spurs system as well. From that perspective, I still hope they do keep Fin.

Though as I said above, I'd like to see that defensive backup SF. So if Bonner is the odd man out, then I'd hate to see him go but it could be worse. If Fin has to sweeten the deal, then the Spurs better get something good in return.

FANTASTIC move with Ratliff though, that is precisely what the Spurs doctor ordered I believe.

GO SPURS GO!!!

he will get some spot up minutes from time to time

def a downgrade from Kurt Thomas as our backup big, but I'm guessing KT wasn't getting dumped by Milwaukee and therefore wasn't available for re-signing. If Ratliff has anything left in the tank it could be a good signing. But that's a big if.

Who are Don Harris' sources at such a early hour in the morning?

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Originally Posted by MoSpur

Who are Don Harris' sources at such a early hour in the morning?

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Exactly what I want to know.

Can pretty much guarantee that he signed for the vet minimum, not the LLE. He signed/played for the vet minimum last year and there's nothing that warrants being signed for anything more than that this year.

And no, Ratliff has never won a champsionship.

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Originally Posted by Supergirl

def a downgrade from Kurt Thomas as our backup big

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Blair will fill that role. Even if he isn't a rebounding monster, a combination of his posterior, his long arms, his youth and his athleticism will at least make up for the veteran defense of KT. Bonner had to start last year and KT was arguably weaker -- or at least could play fewer effective minutes -- that him. Now Bonner will be a very specialized roll player, if he's even on the roster at the start of the season.

Ratliff is not the Spurs backup big. He's their 7th big, filling the veteran don't-you-dare-mess-with-me roll. His age and more importantly his health will prevent him from being anything close to a consistent backup. But you can't compare him to KT. Apples to apples.

... And on a related note, I'm salivating at the number of fouls the Spurs now have to give. That cleveland game is going to be hilarious **cue the wackety sax music and Shaq at the free throw line**

McDyess replaced Thomas, essentially. Ratliff replaces Oberto.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

McDyess replaced Thomas, essentially. Ratliff replaces Oberto.

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And Mahinmi back to D-league.

In a perfect world the Spurs would get a little more athletic on the front line, but with the LLE I can't really fault this pick up. If nothing else he'll have six fouls to give and probably swat a few shots in the process.

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And Mahinmi back to D-league.

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not eligible to go to d-league anymore

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Originally Posted by SpursZone

Reported by: Don Harris
Email: [email protected]
Last Update: 7/22 11:17 pm

San Antonio--The roster moves continue for the San Antonio Spurs. NBA sources confirming to News 4 WOAI's Don Harris that the Spurs have come to an agreement with veteran shot blocker Theo Ratliff. The 36 Year old center only played in 46 games with Philadelphia last year averaging about 13 minutes per game. He will be a nice addition as a 3rd center for the Spurs and can still defend in the low post and is still a very effective shot blocker who can defend the longer, bigger centers in the west. Ratliff likely won't play big minutes for the Spurs but can be an effective back-up if his health holds up. Ratliff is a 14 year NBA veteran who has played with 6 teams including the Pistons, Hawks, Sixers and Blazers.

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

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Kevin Willis is T-Rex

Theo Ratliff who is? Brontosaurus

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Originally Posted by waly.mg

Kevin Willis is T-Rex

Theo Ratliff who is? Brontosaurus

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That was the greek stiff who used us as a leverage.

Nice move, instead of having Bonner and Duncan on defense we will have ratlif and Duncan. Hopefully he wont get alot of minutes though, maybe around 8-10

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Ratliff gives the Spurs a physical, shotblocking presence as an option for when the Spurs face teams with a more traditional bigman. For a minimum or LLE contract, this isn't a bad acquisition.

Moving forward, the bigman rotation for next season may look like...

Starters
4 Duncan
5 McDyess

Bench
3/4 Haislip
4 Blair
4/5 Mahinmi
5 Ratliff

The Spurs appear to be ready to start the season with 20 year old Blair as the first bigman off the bench. Further, Ian Mahinmi figures to be the 4th bigman, while Pop will have Ratliff to go against bigger frontcourts or if he wants a greater defensive presence inside. Haislip appears to be RC's stab at finding the elusive big 3 who can play both forward spots. I think Gist will be slated for another year in Italy or will spend the season as a Toro. Bonner is on the way out.

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I still Laugh at the Duncan "4" stuff seriously ...he does not gaurd the quicker 4's and are you seriously going to put Antonio on any decent low post guys when you have a great defender with size like Tim? He is a center Yao is gone ....no need to market him at PF like last year he will be the West starting center in ALL-star game ..

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Originally Posted by PDXSpursFan

And Mahinmi back to D-league.

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Nope.

Decent acquisition, I would say.

It definitely can't hurt to have some more veteran presence around youngsters like Mahinmi/Blair, let alone having a shotblocking big. Also, we have six more fouls to give against Gasol/Shaq.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

McDyess replaced Thomas, essentially. Ratliff replaces Oberto.

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Sounds about right.
Looks like Ian wont see any significant time this year. I didnt like the idea of 2 rookie bigs being backups as it was. In a playoff game, who do you want to see coming off the bench? Ian or Ratliff?

the rotations are going to be interesting .Pop in general only uses 2 bigs off the bench. Im guessing those 2 wll be bonner and Blair to start the season unless Pop wants to move dice in slowly into the position. Iam and Hailap will be lucky to see any time at all. I kinda hope we can work Ian in, but going to be hard to find time for him.

I really think Ratliff would just be just be used in situational games.

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Originally Posted by YODA

. Iam and Hailap will be lucky to see any time at all. I kinda hope we can work Ian in, but going to be hard to find time for him..

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Haislip will play the long 3 and some 4... book it :wakeup

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Originally Posted by urunobili

Haislip will play the long 3 and some 4... book it :wakeup

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agreed.

haislip will go guard guys like odom and dirk.

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Originally Posted by SsKSpurs21

agreed.

haislip will go guard guys like odom and dirk.

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Im all for being proven wrong. Now tell me WHY you think this.

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Originally Posted by Supergirl

def a downgrade from Kurt Thomas as our backup big, but I'm guessing KT wasn't getting dumped by Milwaukee and therefore wasn't available for re-signing. If Ratliff has anything left in the tank it could be a good signing. But that's a big if.

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Theo isn't the Thomas replacement. He's our 2010 version of either Tony Massenberg. The veteran 3rd center.

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Originally Posted by YODA

Im all for being proven wrong. Now tell me WHY you think this.

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Because he's an athletically tall and mobile 3. Something we haven't had in a long time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Buddy Holly

Because he's an athletically tall and mobile 3. Something we haven't had in a long time.

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U really think he going to get time over Fin? Hailsap has proven nothing yet.
I need more than he is athletic and tall.

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Originally Posted by YODA

U really think he going to get time over Fin? Hailsap has proven nothing yet.

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Yes because Fin won't be a Spur for much longer (I hope) but beside that, Yes, I'd want Haislip guarding the likes of Odom and _irk over Finley. Call me crazy. :lol

Quote:

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I need more than he is athletic and tall.

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He can create his own shot, can shoot the J, can shoot the three, can get up like crazy. Anything more he needs your majesty?

I don't see Haislip guarding 3s anymore than Gist would have.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by YODA

U really think he going to get time over Fin? Hailsap has proven nothing yet.
I need more than he is athletic and tall.

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The season hasn't started yet. You could argue say, in May, if someone asked you if the Spurs would land Jefferson for Bowen, Oberto, Thomas, would you believe it? The Spurs FO is doing something special this year; something that it hasn't done in a very long time. One thing you can rely on, though, is that it is being very unpredictable (as always).

so the consensus is..good signing for the Spurs?

I don't think you can go wrong here. Theo is a good guy and if everyone is healthy or even most of them, he won't even get on the court. I see him sitting in a suit off of the active roster. In the locker room he will serve a purpose though. He will be a great person for Ian and to a lesser degree Blair to learn from. If we do have some injuries Hopefully he can come in and provide some D and get a few boards.

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Originally Posted by loveforthegame

I don't see Haislip guarding 3s anymore than Gist would have.

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Well, the GM of the Spurs thinks he can so the only conclusion I can come to is that you're not the GM of the Spurs. WTF! You lied man. You lied. :lol

Dick Cheney must be dancing in his grave!

Go Theo!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Ratliff gives the Spurs a physical, shotblocking presence as an option for when the Spurs face teams with a more traditional bigman. For a minimum or LLE contract, this isn't a bad acquisition.

Moving forward, the bigman rotation for next season may look like...

Starters
4 Duncan
5 McDyess

Bench
3/4 Haislip
4 Blair
4/5 Mahinmi
5 Ratliff

The Spurs appear to be ready to start the season with 20 year old Blair as the first bigman off the bench. Further, Ian Mahinmi figures to be the 4th bigman, while Pop will have Ratliff to go against bigger frontcourts or if he wants a greater defensive presence inside. Haislip appears to be RC's stab at finding the elusive big 3 who can play both forward spots. I think Gist will be slated for another year in Italy or will spend the season as a Toro. Bonner is on the way out.

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So where did you send Bonner to? :rolleyes

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Originally Posted by DMX7

So where did you send Bonner to? :rolleyes

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Outside of San Antonio.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DMX7

So where did you send Bonner to? :rolleyes

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Sorry about your son, Mr. Bonner.

Ian will get plenty of playing time.

I don't really have an opinion on this..I usually support pretty much any move that is for the minimum..I don't see Ratliff having a big role, so I guess he's good for insurance and spot minutes..

Ian has to beat him out though, so we'll see..

Spurs strengthen bench with Ratliff
By Adrian Wojnarowski

Hoping to add a shot-blocker to their bench, the San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a one-year deal for the veterans’ minimum with center Theo Ratliff, a league executive told Yahoo! Sports Thursday.

After adding Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess and DeJuan Blair this summer, Ratliff appears to be the final piece of a revamped Spurs roster.

Ratliff, 36, played 46 games for Philadelphia a season ago. He’s averaged 7.5 points and 2.5 blocks a game for his career.

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one-year deal for the veterans’ minimum with center Theo Ratliff

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Damn good deal :tu

It's a great deal.

Do you think the Spurs are done like he suggests?

Great. LLE still available.

Thinking back, Theo would have been an awesome compliment to Tim in his best years.

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Originally Posted by Brutalis

Thinking back, Theo would have been an awesome compliment to Tim in his best years.

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Agreed.

I like that it's a one year deal, nonetheless at the minimum. Whether he does good or not, it's a low risk signing for the Spurs. I like this move.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Great. LLE still available.

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Man whats next ? 2009 is a surprise box for the spurs

Wouldn't be shocked to see them pocket the lle the FA pickins are preeeety slim now.

I still sense another trade, though.

There have been a lot of surprises this year for the LLE; a couple people who have signed for that amount could have gone for much more seemingly.

Marquis Daniels
Jamario Moon (I think)
Ross ?

So who knows who the Spurs could pick up or if they will even use it. I do not see any roster spots left.

Moon I thought signed a two year 6 million dollar deal. I could be wrong.

Unless there is some 2 for 1 trade, I don't see much else happening until training camp. Hairston and Williams appear to be penciled in for the last roster spots barring some ridiculous LLE signing.

If anyone's listened to RC talk all Summer, it sounds like Hairston and Williams will be on the team, or they have a very very very very good chance of making the team. Before the Spurs use the LLE on anyone, they would have to make some type of 2 for 1 trade.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bender

has Ratliff ever gotten a ring in his 14 years in the NBA? Not sure what all the 6 teams are that he has been on.

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No, he doesn't have a ring. Detroit, Philly, Atlanta, Portland, Boston, Minnesota. Detroit and Boston were on non-winning years.

Daniels is no longer available.

Eric is right about Moon as well.

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Originally Posted by EricB

Moon I thought signed a two year 6 million dollar deal. I could be wrong.

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You're right. He got more than the LLE.

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Originally Posted by duncan228

Spurs strengthen bench with Ratliff
By Adrian Wojnarowski

Hoping to add a shot-blocker to their bench, the San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a one-year deal for the veterans’ minimum with center Theo Ratliff, a league executive told Yahoo! Sports Thursday.

After adding Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess and DeJuan Blair this summer, Ratliff appears to be the final piece of a revamped Spurs roster.

Ratliff, 36, played 46 games for Philadelphia a season ago. He’s averaged 7.5 points and 2.5 blocks a game for his career.

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That's what they said about Mcdyess. Everyone thinks that adding Ratliff to the squad means that someone is
getting dumped/traded.
And we all hope it's Bonner, with the exception of his 4 fans out there. :lol

rock&load

I don't think Bonner is gone, having McDyess, Ratliff, and Blair to play more traditional C role allows Bonner to be more of a spot up shooter and to be brought in to spread the defense against certain teams, rather than be our traditional C night in and night out as we asked him to be last year, and which he is not very effective as.
Honestly, I think Mahinmi is more likely to go than Bonner, because of how injury prone and mixed he's been.

But Mason or Finley could also be looking at a trade, if we can get anyone to take him. Or we will go into the season with 15 people, expecting some of them to start off on the IR or in Austin.

I guess this belongs here too.

Spurs sign veteran Theo Ratliff
Mike Monroe

The Spurs have gotten younger and more athletic this summer, but their newest addition proves they still value veteran big men who can defend.

The club confirmed today that Theo Ratliff, a 36-year-old center who averaged 3.6 blocks per game in 2003-04, has agreed to terms of a contract for the 2009-10 season.

WOAI-TV reported Ratliff's acquisition in a telecast Wednesday night.

Ratliff last season played 46 games with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 1.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 12.6 reserve minutes per game.

Terms of the deal haven't been disclosed, but it is believed to be a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, $1.3065 million for a player with Ratliff's years of service.

If the Spurs let Mahinmi go in favor of Bonner that will be more stupid than dealing Scola and retaining Bonner. At least in the latter scenario the Spurs saved $13 million.

An one year min salary is a damn good deal because the league will pay a big part of his salary.

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Originally Posted by bigdog

If anyone's listened to RC talk all Summer, it sounds like Hairston and Williams will be on the team, or they have a very very very very good chance of making the team. Before the Spurs use the LLE on anyone, they would have to make some type of 2 for 1 trade.

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Gut feel Mason might be traded.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

An one year min salary is a damn good deal because the league will pay a big part of his salary.

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Considering our need for an interior defender to contest around the rim, this is the best insurance the league can buy us as a back up big if Mahimni doesn't pan out.

Very good move by the Spurs. Theo can still handle most centers for a couple of minutes per game. I don't see Bonner gone unless Haslip can prove to be a reliable 3pt shooter.

Excellent. A decrepit big man on the Spurs always works as the final piece to a title.

Ratliff Lands With The Spurs
Theo Ratliff has gone from backing up Samuel Dalembert to backing up Tim Duncan.

Ratliff, a 76ers' unrestricted free agent, has agreed to a one-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs for a little more more than $1.3 million, the minimum salary for players with at least 10 years of service in the NBA. He spent last season with the Sixers on a similar contract.

Ratliff, 36, who entered the league as a first-round draft choice with the Detroit Pistons in 1995-96, will be playing his 15th season.

''He had numerous offers, but decided San Antonio was the best place for him to be this season,'' said agent Joel Bell.

The 6-10 Ratliff averaged 3.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 46 games with the Sixers last season. He was critical of the coaching staff after the team was eliminated 114-89 by the Orlando Magic in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs, then skipped his exit meeting.

The Sixers had no interest in re-signing him.

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/s...The_Spurs.html

if ratliff can give us 46 games this year ill be thrilled

interesting to c if the spurs now try one more deal with all theses pieces...

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Originally Posted by slick'81

if ratliff can give us 46 games this year ill be thrilled

interesting to c if the spurs now try one more deal with all theses pieces...

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Damn, he's more fragile then Ginobili?? :wow

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Originally Posted by rayray2k8

Damn, he's more fragile then Ginobili?? :wow

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I don't think he was ever injured. Most of the games he didn't play were DNP-CD.

Spurs get a veteran at the rim
By Mike Monroe

The Spurs on Thursday added another defensive-minded player to their front line, signing veteran center Theo Ratliff.

A 36-year-old veteran of 15 NBA seasons, Ratliff last season played 46 games for the Philadelphia 76ers. Used entirely in a reserve role, he averaged 1.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 12.6 minutes.

"Theo has always been a very good defender and shot blocker," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "Looking to next season, we thought that shot blocking and rim protection was an important piece we needed to fill."

The Spurs now have seven big men under contract: Returning veterans Tim Duncan, Matt Bonner and Ian Mahinmi; recently signed free agents Antonio McDyess, Marcus Haislip and Ratliff; and second-round draft pick DeJuan Blair.

Six perimeter players are under contract: Point guards Tony Parker and George Hill; shooting guards Manu Ginobili and Roger Mason Jr.; and small forwards Michael Finley and Richard Jefferson.

The club regards both Bonner and Haislip as perimeter power forwards, and Haislip likely will play some small forward, as well as power forward.

Ratliff is seen as veteran insurance behind Duncan and McDyess in the low post, a solid rebounder and defender whose presence will allow Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to better manage the minutes of both Duncan, who is 33, and McDyess, who is 34.

:wow

The Spurs have been very active. This offseason has been full of surprises!

The spurs needed this, they were starting to get too young.

Damn

Our paint looks mean now

I love it

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Originally Posted by Spursfan 87

The spurs needed this, they were starting to get too young.

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:lol

I don't think this indicates Bonner is gone. I have always thought that (using next years MLE) that Bonner's cap room would go to Splitter so the Spurs don't end up further in the tax. I just don't see the Spurs trading their two decent sized expiring contracts for a longer contract when they are going to try and bring Splitter over next year. Also (assuming Manu is healthy and returns to form) they will need more money for Manu. I just don't see trading the two bits of cap relief the Spurs have for next season, especially if the trade only brings back Bell (as alot of people have wished for). Besides why would they take a Finely/Bonner for Bell? Brown loves Bell and they are all expirings. If we do this then we would have to include Mason, but he's expiring too. Do you really want to give up Splitter or a future draft pick to change Finely and Bonner into a washed up Bell?

George Hill is very good against 1's and 2's and Jefferson will be guarding any three's with size and hopefully Hairston will be there to take some spot minutes when a better defender than Finely is needed. There is nothing left that the Spurs need. Ginobili is a good perimeter defender, so is Jefferson. Tony is decent. Tim is still great. Hill is very good. For Christ sake the weakest defender who will be in rotation is Blair or Finley. Two back ups, who come playoff time will not be the decisive factor, (and hopefully Blair gets better over the year)

Last year, with all the injuries and the early season screw up by the coaching staff, the Spurs were still the 5th best defensive team in the league. Now they are more talented have a better defender on the perimeter (Bowen almost never played), and better post defense. The Spurs will be a top 2 team defensively next year (Boston might beat'em) and the offense will be much improved. So everybody calm down, realize that as a 4th or 5th big, Bonner is good, and that as a backup 3 Finely won't kill the Spurs. The team is now ready to begin the season. The only thing that holds us back from being equal with the Lakers (I am assuming that Odom will be back) is we have bigger health issues. If we are fully healthy we are a better team.

I would feel better if our new bigmen weren't all really really old or really really young.

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Originally Posted by waly.mg

Probably yes, but whis this bigs the Spurs can play with Bonner as 3 Point Shooter, like a SF. Whit TD inside and other Big.

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Hell no! Bonner hasn't got the foot speed to guard the slower 5 men in the league, can you imagine him trying to chase around players even like Maggette? Josh Howard? Durant? Not to mention LeBron, Pierce and other elite 3 men. A lineup of Parker, Ginobili, Bonner, Duncan, Mcdyess at any one point of the game??? You must be joking. Surely.

With the LLE still available, don't you guys think it would be a good idea to get another backup-PG, preferably an experienced one?

And no, Vaughn doesn't count as an option ... :tongue

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

McDyess replaced Thomas, essentially. Ratliff replaces Oberto.

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Good point, Marcus!!

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Originally Posted by Spursfan 87

The spurs needed this, they were starting to get too young.

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Spurs fans are never satisified!!!

Yikes!!:wow

Some solid and well thought out takes by Stern. Bell is an upgrade to Bonner/Finley, but not seeing why Bobcats would bite or Bell as a critical need. Sure we want to get "all-in" for the '09 title, but not at the expense of crippling our cap situation (e.g taking on a big contract) in the few remaining TD-window years.

good Signing....... We got him at A Vet Minimum! Cant beat it......

The Sixers didn't make an effort to re-sign him and I read where he was critical of the coaching staff.. an acrimonious parting of ways it would seem.. can anyone shed more info?

http://www.examiner.com/x-14479-San-...-bigger-better

Michael Chartier - San Antonio Spurs Examiner

When San Antonio passed on center DeAndre Jordan to select a point guard with their first round pick last year, I had my doubts. Not that Jordan would have contributed last season, if ever, but the Spurs frontcourt was thin on talent, size and athletes.

Jordan certainly had at least two of those areas covered, and fellow Aggie, Chinemelu Elonu, seemed nearly as innocuous, especially as a late second round pick. While I believe at least one of those guys will turn into an NBA contributor, the Spurs recent roster overhaul has more than sufficed.

As it stands now, San Antonio has at least five new faces in the frontcourt, including Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair, Theo Ratliff and Marcus Haislip. That doesn’t factor possible contributors in power forward Ian Mahinmi and small forward Malik Hairston.

Assuming both make the roster, that is seven potential new contributors manning the three, four and five spots.

It’s also a mix of veterans, youth and players still in their primes.

Jefferson and Haislip are in their prime years. They’ve gotten about as good as they’re going to get. Jefferson has All-Star-like talent and Haislip is an athletic reclamation project.

McDyess and Ratliff are proven veteran commodities. Both have found success in their combined 27 years of NBA service.

Blair, Mahinmi and Hairston are all youngsters with their best years of production, hopefully, in front of them. Blair brings a wide-body, strength, rebounding and low post skills. Mahinmi continues to develop as a 22-year-old with length and athleticism. Meanwhile, Hairston brings youth, size, strength and athleticism to the small forward position.

Remember, this was a frontcourt that featured Matt Bonner, Kurt Thomas, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley and Fabricio Oberto – not exactly the picture of versatility. From a pure basketball perspective, only two have shown to be better than an “average” NBA player.

Now the Spurs have shooters, scorers, rebounders, shot blockers, size, length, athletes, young legs, experience and numbers. The Spurs have never had a frontcourt this deep.

And the best part?

I haven’t mentioned Tim Duncan’s name one time.