TuBasket.com: Erazem decides to play in NBA

I wouldn't open this thread if TuBasket.com was just a website with random rumors. They have insiders and, when they report something, it always comes true. If mods consider that the thread belongs to Think Tank, move it there :) .

Here's my translation of the report:

Last draft was a turning point in Lorbek's career (C, 28 years, 6'10'').

It wasn't a turning point because he was selected (he was selected 46th overall in 2005 draft), but because his rights were traded from Indiana Pacers to San Antonio Spurs, the team where European players translate their game better to NBA.

In his prime, and after winning every title in Europe, the last challenge of this center from the Balkans is playing NBA ball.

A couple of weeks ago, George Hill went back to Texas, in order to play against his last team for the first time.

Because of that fact, Gregg Popovich, Spurs' coach said "I think that Kawhi and our big man in Europe will help us". This words didn't get much attention in USA, but they agree with everything that TUBASKET.com has found out: Lorbek is expected to play in San Antonio next year.

Last season, Lorbek extended his contract for just one more year. Barça wanted him to stay longer, but at this point, both club and player know Erazam's decision.

[...]

There's other fact that might help Lorbek's adaptation: He played one season of NCAA ball in 2002/2003, therefore his English is perfect.

Link [in spanish]: http://www.tubasket.com/noticia/fc-b...o/1595471/6305 .

Would be great if true.

Don't build up the hype, too many spurs fans will be disappointed when he signs long term in Barcelona or some other European club. He hasn't decided shit so far, this article is all speculation.

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Originally Posted by Kobayagi

Don't build up the hype, too many spurs fans will be disappointed when he signs long term in Barcelona or some other European club. He hasn't decided shit so far, this article is all speculation.

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Yeah, it is speculation. Not like all the threads on Spurstalk about trading Bonner and Anderson for Dwight Howard. :rolleyes

When you have words like "Erazem decided" in the title of the thread it's a tiny bit different, don't you think?

I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to explore signing with the Spurs but it'll come down to money. If the Spurs decide to spend their money elsewhere (such as on Diaw), Lorkbek is unlikely to settle for scraps and would stay in Europe.

FWIW, I know the Spurs are pretty damn high on him. But still, they have a limited supply of money this offseason and there's no way to know how they are going to spend it right now.

Lorbek won't help the Spurs short term to win championships and won't help them long term to rebuild.

He will need 1-2 years just to adapt to the NBA and by then he will be 30.

And this is coming from a Slovenian Lorbek fan.

Just stay with Barcelona and beat the shit out of RMAO Baloncesto imo tbh.

He will want a big paycheck and the Spurs won't (and should not) give him that. If Barca doesn't either, there's plenty of European teams that will.

Diaw is almost the same age and he's been in the NBA forever, Spurs should spend their money on him. And I'm a Lorbek fan too and would be thrilled if proven wrong and he does indeed decide to earn less and play in the NBA.

How much money could we offer him considering that TD will eat all the cap space ?

2y/2.5m right (new exception for teams with cap space) ?

Does he get more than that in Europe?

The only way this ends well is if Erazem takes it as a personal challenge and decides to try and prove himself in the NBA too. In that case respect from Pop will be as important as money and the limited funds the Spurs have might do the trick. Without a very high level of motivation he will not be able to do much anyway (and I too like him a lot).

Now I have not seen any indication from Lorbek about being especially keen on the NBA, or anything that would point to my first paragraph. Also I have a distinct feeling that his father is not an NBA fan and his opinion carries a lot of weight in the Lorbek family. I'm sure other Slovenian posters that follow the Slovenian medias closer than me can offer more details.

So I'm not holding my breath just yet.

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Originally Posted by Slomo

Also I have a distinct feeling that his father is not an NBA fan and his opinion carries a lot of weight in the Lorbek family.

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This.

His father has a lot of power in european basketball. In NBA, he'd have zero.

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Originally Posted by donjuansdaddy

when he decided not to play for Slovenia in the Olympics because he had "Other Plans" for the Summer.

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Slovenia not qualifying for the Olympics might have had something to do with this too.

Thanks for the translation.

I don't see something else in this article than the quote Pop said two weeks ago when pacers were in San Antonio.

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Originally Posted by donjuansdaddy

Actually it was before Olympic qualifying matches as well. He said he didn't want to risk any unnecessary injuries and his coach from the reports that came was pretty livid about his decision.

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Are you just making shit up now? What Olympic qualifying matches? Teams qualified through European championships last year. The last qualifying tournament hasn't even been played yet and Slovenia didn't qualify for that one either. If he said any of this, trust us, Slovenians would know, we are a nation of 2 million people, we have ONE major media outlet and a couple of websites, we can read all the interviews he gives in a year in less than an hour. :lol

Oh man... does anyone else want to take this over? I'm kind of tired of explaining old shit.


Bottom line: Erazem DID play at Eurobasket 2011, how did you manage to miss that?

Not sure about this news in particular, but other similar news have been discussed in the relevant Think Tank thread. It appears it's impossible to say, right now, whether he's really motivated by joining the Spurs, or if the Spurs are just being used once again as a way to raise value and sign a better contract with the team the player wanted to play for all along.

This news would also explain why the Spurs were so willing to throw in their number one pick in the 2012 NBA draft, as part of the RJ-SJax trade.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

This news would also explain why the Spurs were so willing to throw in their number one pick in the 2012 NBA draft, as part of the RJ-SJax trade.

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I suppose, but that move could just as easily be seen as a recognition that this is the last year we can expect to contend.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

This news would also explain why the Spurs were so willing to throw in their number one pick in the 2012 NBA draft, as part of the RJ-SJax trade.

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Saving some $12 million along the way would make any team throw their late 1st rounder.

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Originally Posted by elemento

How much money could we offer him considering that TD will eat all the cap space ?

2y/2.5m right (new exception for teams with cap space) ?

Does he get more than that in Europe?

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Yes, in euro, without taxes

Lorbek in and Bonner out. Could see a move that sends Bonner back to a team like Toronto as they will have lots of cap space for maybe a protected 2nd round pick.

whether its speculation or not, barca i see what u try to do here, get him sign long ass contract so you can get a buyout...fck u

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Originally Posted by dbestpro

Lorbek in and Bonner out. Could see a move that sends Bonner back to a team like Toronto as they will have lots of cap space for maybe a protected 2nd round pick.

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No way Pop ships out his red-headed butt-boy.

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Originally Posted by donjuansdaddy

Lorbek is a better version of Bonner, I would actually put him close to the same level as a heathly Okur. He would really help the Spurs out. If the Spurs sign him, I think that Blair would be the one to go. The guy can shoot from anywhere on the court despite what people say, he is a physical player.

A frontcourt rotation of Duncan, Splitter, Bonner and Lorbek would be solid for the next 2-3 years.

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He's nothing like Bonner, sure he can shoot threes but that (and a similar concentration of melanin in the skin) is the only thing they have in common.

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Originally Posted by TDMVPDPOY

whether its speculation or not, barca i see what u try to do here, get him sign long ass contract so you can get a buyout...fck u

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Barça just wants to keep the player obviously since he'd be extrmely hard to replace. The club makes a gazillion of cash a year, they don't need the pennies SA would pay.

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Originally Posted by dbestpro

Lorbek in and Bonner out. Could see a move that sends Bonner back to a team like Toronto as they will have lots of cap space for maybe a protected 2nd round pick.

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Bonner is more likely to retire a Spur than Duncan, Parker and Manu.

I'd really like to see Erazem in NBA, but tbh I don't know how well he would fit in the NBA. But we don't know until we see him, so yes, he should try!

Question to the posters who really know his game and play style. Is his game similar to Mehmet Okur or am i way off track here?

Makes too much sense, we need a PF badly and we don't have the money to go after FAs like Ilyasova and we don't have any first rounder.

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Originally Posted by timvp

I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to explore signing with the Spurs but it'll come down to money. If the Spurs decide to spend their money elsewhere (such as on Diaw), Lorkbek is unlikely to settle for scraps and would stay in Europe.

FWIW, I know the Spurs are pretty damn high on him. But still, they have a limited supply of money this offseason and there's no way to know how they are going to spend it right now.

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This info probably comes from Barça's office, since TuBasket usually leaks from FOs, not players/agents.

It's obvious that Spurs are high on him (otherwise, they would've asked a 2nd round or cash in Hill's trade), but there are other factors.

If Spurs could get Lorbek and De Colo (who looks more willing to play for less money) splitting the MLE... That would be huge.

I don't see the point of him waiting in a Europe another year. He should have came to the team this year so he could sit at the end of the bench because it's not "fair to the team" and so he can get over himself. Now we probably won't see him in the rotation till 2 years from now.

the savior? looks like... for someone guys...

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Originally Posted by Manu_Forever

Not that similar. Okur in his prime was a better shooter with more range. Okur was a way better post defender.

Lorbek on the other hand, is a much more skilled all around offensive player than Okur ever was.

Okur is a center, Lorbek is a power forward.

I don't see much similarity in those two players.

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The question was for people who really know. RIF.

:lol Jeff Foster
:lol Souvlaki

This was discussed in Erazem's think tank thread, but I have absolutely no doubt that he'll be "interested" in the Spurs/NBA. All that does is drive up his market value for the European teams who really want him.

Unlike guys like Scola, Splitter, Gasol, this guy has never shown much interest in the NBA. I see his chances of willing to relocate and move to San Antonio as slim. I wouldn't be surprised if him and his agent are just driving up his value and expanding his options.

I would like to know what his estimated market value is and whether the Spurs can compete, financially, with some of the European teams. That should give us a clearer picture on the possibility of him coming over.

I can't understand why dumbs compare him with Splitter who was way more dominant in Spain than Lorbek will never be.

Of course their game is pretty different too.

I can't see Lorbek playing a lot minutes in the NBA. Yes he's more like Bonner but he's not half as good as Bonner from 3.He's a few soft. He's not in love with the fight in the paint although he has pretty good moves in the paint tbh.

If will be a lot better for him to stay in Europe.

Comparative: Jorge Garbajosa without his toughness but better post game

This will be like scola in summer 05 or splitter summer 08

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Originally Posted by Josepatches_

I can't understand why dumbs compare him with Splitter who was way more dominant in Spain than Lorbek will never be.

Of course their game is pretty different too.

I can't see Lorbek playing a lot minutes in the NBA. Yes he's more like Bonner but he's not half as good as Bonner from 3.He's a few soft. He's not in love with the fight in the paint although he has pretty good moves in the paint tbh.

If will be a lot better for him to stay in Europe.

Comparative: Jorge Garbajosa without his toughness but better post game

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Garbajosa without the toughness...How useful is a player like that exactly?

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Originally Posted by TheSkeptic

Garbajosa without the toughness...How useful is a player like that exactly?

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Good point. I guess he can hit an occasional three every once in a while. Oh, wait, you already have Bonner for that...


On a more serious note, He's got one of the best post games in europe, but I think, in the NBA he would get pushed around in the paint and would eventually have to resort to outside and mid range shooting. His game, in my opinion is much more suited for euroleague than NBA and I think he's aware of that.

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Originally Posted by Cant_Be_Faded

This will be like scola in summer 05 or splitter summer 08

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I disagree to the extent that I have yet to see him give false hopes by saying he "wants" to come to the NBA. At this point all the reports are second hands at best. He has not used the Spurs to hike up his price in Europe (yet?)

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Originally Posted by TheSkeptic

Garbajosa without the toughness...How useful is a player like that exactly?

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He's a much more fundamentaly sound player and very talented. He has the BB IQ to be a good NBA player if he wanted. I just don't think he wants to.

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Originally Posted by Kobayagi

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On a more serious note, He's got one of the best post games in europe, but I think, in the NBA he would get pushed around in the paint and would eventually have to resort to outside and mid range shooting. His game, in my opinion is much more suited for euroleague than NBA and I think he's aware of that.

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Exactly! To overcome that he would need to really want it and work hard at it. Otherwise forget it - it would be a bad choice for the Spurs and for him.

He's 6-10 or 11, can play with his back to the basket and has minimal athleticism/quickness, so I doubt they view him as a four. He might be fine with being the third string five/fifth big for one season, but what if Duncan plays two more seasons? And in the event they went with a Duncan/Splitter/Bonner/Lorbek big rotation, they'd have even less athleticism/quickness in their big rotation than they do now.

That's why I wonder, if they get a commitment or even a sense from Duncan, that he's going to play two more seasons, if they'll shop Splitter. He's already 27, injury prone, and similar to Hill, despite clearly being the fourth best player in the team, he's not the greatest fit with part of the big three (at least in Pop's eyes). So if they have Lorbek to take over as the backup five, they might shop Splitter, with Blair, for a starting four.

There is zero chance of Lorbek coming over to be 3rd string five.

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Originally Posted by dbestpro

Lorbek in and Bonner out. Could see a move that sends Bonner back to a team like Toronto as they will have lots of cap space for maybe a protected 2nd round pick.

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Or just amnesty him.

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Originally Posted by TD 21

He's 6-10 or 11, can play with his back to the basket and has minimal athleticism/quickness, so I doubt they view him as a four. He might be fine with being the third string five/fifth big for one season, but what if Duncan plays two more seasons? And in the event they went with a Duncan/Splitter/Bonner/Lorbek big rotation, they'd have even less athleticism/quickness in their big rotation than they do now.

That's why I wonder, if they get a commitment or even a sense from Duncan, that he's going to play two more seasons, if they'll shop Splitter. He's already 27, injury prone, and similar to Hill, despite clearly being the fourth best player in the team, he's not the greatest fit with part of the big three (at least in Pop's eyes). So if they have Lorbek to take over as the backup five, they might shop Splitter, with Blair, for a starting four.

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I can see them attempting something similar but I highly doubt that they get a starting 4 in exchange for Splitter and Blair's combined salaries. If they look to move Splitter (and they should imo) they'll have to look more at getting a back-up point guard or at players who are currently on rookie salary with perhaps picks added on or something.

That said, you might be able to work something out with a team like Houston -they seem to have enough assets and I don't think they'd turn down a player who could help them get into the playoffs.

I can't say I'd be happy with the move though since given the accolades and the like, I'm still not convinced that trading Splitter and Blair to accommodate Lorbek is such a sound decision. In fact, I suspect that it would make us weaker up front than we already are. Unless the Spurs can maybe grab a slightly undersized but scrappy type from Houston to round things out or something.

Makes more sense to keep Diaw in the short run. TD and Manu don't have a long run.

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

Makes more sense to keep Diaw in the short run. TD and Manu don't have a long run.

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Actually that might work.

Duncan/Lorbek/Bonner
Diaw/Bonner/Blair
Leonard/Jax
Green/Manu/Neal
Parker/Back-up PG in exchange for Splitter

Still don't really like that frontcourt but that's a roster that could probably do well in the regular season.

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Originally Posted by angelbelow

This was discussed in Erazem's think tank thread, but I have absolutely no doubt that he'll be "interested" in the Spurs/NBA. All that does is drive up his market value for the European teams who really want him.

Unlike guys like Scola, Splitter, Gasol, this guy has never shown much interest in the NBA. I see his chances of willing to relocate and move to San Antonio as slim. I wouldn't be surprised if him and his agent are just driving up his value and expanding his options.

I would like to know what his estimated market value is and whether the Spurs can compete, financially, with some of the European teams. That should give us a clearer picture on the possibility of him coming over.

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:tu

How many times have we heard that some Euro player is "interested" in coming to the Spurs, as a way to negotiate a better contract? As far as I'm concerned, that's what they're all doing until I read that thay have actually signed a contract.


Lorbek is obviously a good player, but he's not going to be a bruiser in the paint - which is what we really need. Not that we wouldn't want him, but he's not going to change the complexion of the team. We have enough spreading, and scoring, and all that shit. We need a guy who can get in and root for position, block shots, and won't get pushed around at will.

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Originally Posted by Cant_Be_Faded

This will be like scola in summer 05 or splitter summer 08

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Depends. Who's Erazem's agent?

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Originally Posted by TheSkeptic

Actually that might work.

Duncan/Lorbek/Bonner
Diaw/Bonner/Blair
Leonard/Jax
Green/Manu/Neal
Parker/Back-up PG in exchange for Splitter

Still don't really like that frontcourt but that's a roster that could probably do well in the regular season.

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Assuming that Diaw is worth keeping, they won't be able to sign him and Lorbek.

I KNOW! Let's take Diaw AND Lorbek and just drop Bonner!

/kills self

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

Assuming that Diaw is worth keeping, they won't be able to sign him and Lorbek.

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Really? Why?

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Originally Posted by TheSkeptic

Really? Why?

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Because I don't think you can fit both into the MLE, and I don't believe either would sign for the BAE.

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Originally Posted by TheSkeptic

I can see them attempting something similar but I highly doubt that they get a starting 4 in exchange for Splitter and Blair's combined salaries. If they look to move Splitter (and they should imo) they'll have to look more at getting a back-up point guard or at players who are currently on rookie salary with perhaps picks added on or something.

That said, you might be able to work something out with a team like Houston -they seem to have enough assets and I don't think they'd turn down a player who could help them get into the playoffs.

I can't say I'd be happy with the move though since given the accolades and the like, I'm still not convinced that trading Splitter and Blair to accommodate Lorbek is such a sound decision. In fact, I suspect that it would make us weaker up front than we already are. Unless the Spurs can maybe grab a slightly undersized but scrappy type from Houston to round things out or something.

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I would ask those who keep making this suggestion, why in the world are some of you so quick to want Splitter shipped out of S.A.? This suggestion makes absolutely no sense - epseically for a team that is already thin on the frontline - at least from a skills standpoint anyway. After all, it's not like the Spurs are the Utah Jazz and have a plethora of big man options.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

I would ask those who keep making this suggestion, why in the world are some of you so quick to want Splitter shipped out of S.A.? This suggestion makes absolutely no sense - epseically for a team that is already thin on the frontline - at least from a skills standpoint anyway. After all, it's not like the Spurs are the Utah Jazz and have a plethora of big man options.

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It's not that I want Splitter shipped out. I wish he could stay and start getting the minutes he deserves.

But unfortunately, Pop has made his decision and short of a lightbulb moment he's not going to change. While I would be furious if Tiago went on to be an all-star/get further in the playoffs than our team (:lol) or something, he doesn't deserve to be on the bench playing behind Bonner, Blair, Diaw, and soon-to-be Lorbek.

If we can trade him and get a decent back-up PG then it's in everyone's best interests to do so. Both for Tiago's career, my sanity, and the team as far as a offensively-oriented roster goes.

I'll admit that it's a shame though because I can't shake the feeling I have that Tiago has the potential to be a really good player in this league. From what I've seen I don't get the same feeling about Lorbek but it could still be a good move...

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Originally Posted by TheSkeptic

It's not that I want Splitter shipped out. I wish he could stay and start getting the minutes he deserves.

But unfortunately, Pop has made his decision and short of a lightbulb moment he's not going to change. While I would be furious if Tiago went on to be an all-star/get further in the playoffs than our team (:lol) or something, he doesn't deserve to be on the bench playing behind Bonner, Blair, Diaw, and soon-to-be Lorbek.

If we can trade him and get a decent back-up PG then it's in everyone's best interests to do so. Both for Tiago's career, my sanity, and the team as far as a offensively-oriented roster goes.

I'll admit that it's a shame though because I can't shake the feeling I have that Tiago has the potential to be a really good player in this league. From what I've seen I don't get the same feeling about Lorbek but it could still be a good move...

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There's an old NBA adage that "you never trade BIG for SMALL". And in this case, I would concur. I get your position. However if Pop and RC give up on Splitter this early - and I don't think they will - then they would and should ruin the pristine reputations that they have built for themselves. In fact, shipping out Splitter would be a perposterous move for a team that is ALREADY thin up front.

If that should happen, we would all be well within our rights to criticize this organization for its failure to develop big men. They've already given up on Mahinmi too soon, so I would hope there is a lesson learned there - and they don't make the same mistake twice.

There's absolutely no reason to believe that the Spurs have given up on Splitter or have any intention of trading him. And the Mahinmi situation is not the least bit analogous to Splitter's situation.

The best is to keep Splitter and sign Lobrek....The guy can be on the floor and get playing time with Splitter or Timmy. His offense is better then Blair and Bonner and his defense is probably a little better then those two.

Diaw will get a bigger contract from some team..NJ, Portland etc..

I would look at who his agent is and tell them look we are interested but we are not going to be played. So either sign a decent deal or we move on...no B.S!

Anderson will be gone, Cory will still need another year in the D-Leauge, and I hate to say it but Mills is sucking it up big time lately.

So going into the summer we should first look at signing Lobrek...if he signs on then we look at trading..Blair, and keeping Green. Maybe amnesty Bonner?

Another question is we will only have RJ for one more year do we make a move him and go for Batum or Omri?

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

There's absolutely no reason to believe that the Spurs have given up on Splitter or have any intention of trading him. And the Mahinmi situation is not the least bit analogous to Splitter's situation.

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I agree with you in that I don't see how the Spurs FO could ever consider giving up on Splitter. Besides, a team that is already size-challenged along the frontline is in no position to give up on a serviceable big man. Therefore, the Ian situation, in my opinion, may not be analagous to Splitter situation, but it is germaine to the discussion.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

There's an old NBA adage that "you never trade BIG for SMALL". And in this case, I would concur. I get your position. However if Pop and RC give up on Splitter this early - and I don't think they will - then they would and should ruin the pristine reputations that they have built for themselves. In fact, shipping out Splitter would be a perposterous move for a team that is ALREADY thin up front.

If that should happen, we would all be well within our rights to criticize this organization for its failure to develop big men. They've already given up on Mahinmi too soon, so I would hope there is a lesson learned there - and they don't make the same mistake twice.

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Scola actually makes it three times. I was angrier about that than Mahinmi although I'm annoyed about Ian as well.

On a personal level I completely agree with you on trading bigs for smalls. Especially since I don't think Lorbek will be as good to start as Tiago has been this season. Forget about if Splitter actually got time to develop.

But I do think Lorbek would be good enough to be our third big and that he could help if we weren't so insistent on playing Bonner/Blair at all costs. Shipping Tiago significantly weakens our team imo but if Pop is insistent on going offense-first, then a back-up point is exactly what they need to go for.

We'll just have to resign ourselves to the fact that short of our coach coming to his senses, Tim/Manu will likely retire without another ring at the rate things are going...

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Originally Posted by BackHome

Another question is we will only have RJ for one more year do we make a move him and go for Batum or Omri?

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:wtf

Spurs don't really have the luxury to give into a trade demand from Splitter either. Besides, I do think he'll get a bigger role next season..

As for Lorbek vs. Diaw:
-Diaw is proving to be a nice fit so far. That makes him the safer pick between the two.
-Lorbek isn't a home run fit with us either. Pop doesn't always play new bigs right away and Lorbek is probably a center rather than a power forward. Which means it'll be Duncan vs. Splitter vs. Lorbek for minutes.

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Originally Posted by Manu_Forever

STOP BEING A FREAKING TROLL.

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http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001...y6_xlarge.jpeg

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Originally Posted by Manu_Forever

You freaking dumb asses would be banned within 2-3 posts if you said this crazy bullshit in any European forum.

"Diaw better than Lorbek"

"Splitter way more dominant than Lorbek could ever be in Europe"

"Lorbek is clearly more of a center than a power forward"

Not one of you stupid inbred redneck racist jack asses would last more than 2-3 posts before being banned on any European basketball forum.

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So go back there. You won't be missed, you fake Greek troll.

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Originally Posted by Manu_Forever

You freaking dumb asses would be banned within 2-3 posts if you said this crazy bullshit in any European forum.

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European forums suck. You suck. === Go to a European forum.

This should be fun.

Here is today's article for a Slovenian website, that is, unlike certain spanish website, actually quoting Lorbek saying that all the rumours that have been circulating lately about his future are totally ungrounded.

Use Google translate or something if you need extra proof.

http://www.siol.net/sportal/kosarka/...po_sezoni.aspx

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Originally Posted by Manu_Forever

Not one of you stupid inbred redneck racist jack asses would last more than 2-3 posts before being banned on any European basketball forum.

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you definitely know what you are talking about.
is there one European forum that did not yet ban you?

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

Makes more sense to keep Diaw in the short run. TD and Manu don't have a long run.

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Exactly. And in the long run Lorbek doesn't help either because he would be a 29 year old rookie who would need additional 1-2 years to adapt.

By that time TD and Manu might both be retired.

Rumor here in Spain is that Lorbek is coming to the spurs next season. If we can get rid of Bonner or Blair and bring back Diaw plus signing Lorbek... Watch out.

A couple of years ago the financial incentives were all on the side of staying in Europe because the Euro was strong against the dollar and it looked like the US was going to have a worse economy than Europe..

But with the Euro imploding and Greece, Italy and Spain in serious financial trouble, the Euro leagues may be forced to cut back on salaries and perks.

Right now it probably looks better than before to European players to try the NBA.

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Originally Posted by timvp

I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to explore signing with the Spurs but it'll come down to money. If the Spurs decide to spend their money elsewhere (such as on Diaw), Lorkbek is unlikely to settle for scraps and would stay in Europe.

FWIW, I know the Spurs are pretty damn high on him. But still, they have a limited supply of money this offseason and there's no way to know how they are going to spend it right now.

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What has he done to warrant MLE? He's a fucking 2nd round pick!

What are Lorbek’s main skills? Another big shooter?

This season's offseason priorities IMO...

Whats best for the team (players you need to bring back)
1. Sign Duncan
2. Sign Diaw
3. Sign Green
4. Sign Lorbek

Where the money goes (who to pay first)
Diaw
Green
Duncan (pay him what he wants, hopefully it is enough to bring the two above back)
Lorbek (Get rid of Bonner or Blair and Anderson) {My pick is Bonner}

http://http://hoopshype.com/salaries/san_antonio.htm

Spurs are at 48.2 million for next year.They will like to stay under the luxary tax of 70 million.
Sign Duncan for 10-12 mill
Sign Green for 4-6 mill
Decline Blair option
Let go of Anderson
Patty player option-likely to look for more money
Mills/Neal-Spurs cant keep both
Diaw/Lorbek-Spurs won't keep both.One is coming or going.
Bonner is under contract for 2 years.

Trade him to the Rockets for cash.

does he have a reliable 3 point shot?

yes.

If we sign Green for less, Hometown discount" can we bring in Diaw and Lorbek?


Neal isnt a free agent this year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by will_spurs

Bonner is more likely to retire a Spur than Duncan, Parker and Manu.

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:rollin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ViceCity86

http://http://hoopshype.com/salaries/san_antonio.htm

Spurs are at 48.2 million for next year.They will like to stay under the luxary tax of 70 million.
Sign Duncan for 10-12 mill
Sign Green for 4-6 mill
Decline Blair option
Let go of Anderson
Patty player option-likely to look for more money
Mills/Neal-Spurs cant keep both
Diaw/Lorbek-Spurs won't keep both.One is coming or going.
Bonner is under contract for 2 years.

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Duncan for 10-12 sounds good
No way Spurs give Green more than his QO of 3 mil
Spurs should eaily be able to move Blair and his cheap contract if need be
Anderson is already gone
I think patty will get some contract offers this summer and will not be back
Neal is not going anywhere playing for peanuts
Diaw/Lorbek- I believe Lorbek come cheaper than most here think and I think its possible we could end up with both.
Bonner should be shopped and if no takers amnisteed.

Bonner contract isn't horrible, and I'm sure we can find a trade suitor for him paired with Blair or alone. A frontline next year of Timmy, Tiago, Diaw and Lorbek woulb be awesome...
But if I have to choose at this point I prefer to re-sign Diaw

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dr Cox

If we sign Green for less, Hometown discount" can we bring in Diaw and Lorbek?


Neal isnt a free agent this year.

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Even if we let Green walk, resigning Duncan puts us at or near the cap. In order to have enough cap to work with to matter, both Danny and Tim would need to sign for a combined $5-7 million, which is pretty obviously ludicrous scenario.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tesseractive

Even if we let Green walk, resigning Duncan puts us at or near the cap. In order to have enough cap to work with to matter, both Danny and Tim would need to sign for a combined $5-7 million, which is pretty obviously ludicrous scenario.

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I may be wayy wrong, but that math seems wrong but it really all depends on how much Duncan signs for.

You would think he is smart enough to try to keep the same team together and try to make another run at it.

Everyone is assuming Duncan will get a big deal but considering he's already committed to the Spurs then perhaps he's also committed to a very low deal. If the Spurs win the title this year then how likely is Duncan willing to be to sacrifice in attempt to get the only thing he doesn't have: a reapeat?

Everything is speculation at this point but I would not discount this being a plausible scenario.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tesseractive

Even if we let Green walk, resigning Duncan puts us at or near the cap. In order to have enough cap to work with to matter, both Danny and Tim would need to sign for a combined $5-7 million, which is pretty obviously ludicrous scenario.

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That's why it isn't worth trying to figure out scenarios where the Spurs have cap space. If Duncan returns, assume that they won't.

The trick is staying far enough under the tax to be able to use the BAE and the non-taxpayer MLE.

Assuming that the Max salary cap is around $58million, the Spurs have 8 million to work with before going over. Once they are over, they rely on the MLE, LLE (is it still called this?), and minimum contracts.

If Duncan and Green sign for 5 Million combined, there is a realistic possibility we resign Diaw and bring on Lorbek. But 5 million for both, as Tesseractive accurately stated, is a ludicrous scenario.

I think the consensus is that Lorbek would have to take the LLE of about $2 million per year, assuming Diaw gets the MLE. Not sure if we can give Lorbek part of the MLE in addition to the full LLE, should we not think Diaw is worth the whole thing.

Also amnesty Bonner seems plausible, then his $3.6 million next year does not count against the cap, and Shamsports is showing his $3.9 million in the following year as unguaranteed. Unless he picks up his play we may not see him back next year.

Another good option would be to amnesty Manu ($14 million) and use the money saved to sign Dwight Howard. We could then either discard Duncan or require him to play at the minimum salary.

Oops Howard has another year on his contract, my bad.

Are we allowed to tamper there and set up our Duncan succession plan? Some sort of under the table agreement perhaps?