yoff Buzz: Spurs aim to bring back Duncan, Leonard; pursue Aldridge Ken Berger / NBA

http://mweb.cbssports.com/nba/writer...TAG=YHF7e3228e

The Spurs will feel out Memphis center Marc Gasol, too, but the prevailing belief now is that Aldridge is more likely to change teams. The Trail Blazers’ hope is that the Texas native will be enticed by the five-year, $107 million deal they can offer as opposed to the four-year, $82 million that other suitors will have on the table. But that home-team advantage has been greatly diminished by the looming spike in the salary cap in 2016. Aldridge, 29, will strongly consider doing a two-year deal with a player option for ’16-’17 that would get him back to the market in a position to make tens of millions more at the new max.

Even in the Spurs’ dream scenario – Duncan and Leonard come back and successfully recruit Aldridge – they will have a hard time retaining free agent Danny Green, who is expected to command $10-$12 million:bobo on the open market – which, in 2016, will look like a bargain.

Is it really worth losing Green, Mills, and Diaw for Aldridge? Losing Splitter is a must for Aldridge. So I'm cool there. But losing all that versatility will hurt! Mills is a spark plug and instant Offense. He and Green stretch the court, and Green can be elite in his D on the perimeter. Diaw has a skill set few can replicate. This will be interesting...it feels as if they are saying 2015 whatever, look to 2016 when they have gobs of cap space after the impending retirements.

Green is not and should not be thought of as a casualty nearly as much as national writers are making him out to be. Spurs (depending on Manu/Duncan coming back and their contracts) can definitely make room for a max offer and bring back Green regardless of his price.

These writers are speculating more on whether the Spurs are willing to pay Danny his market value more than his impact to getting a free agent IMO.

Even with Danny's cap hold, as long as Tim and Manu don't command a lot of money (and even if they do) Spurs can bring back green if they want and still pursue a FA with either cap space or via S&T.

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Originally Posted by ThaBigFundamental21

Is it really worth losing Green, Mills, and Diaw for Aldridge? Losing Splitter is a must for Aldridge. So I'm cool there. But losing all that versatility will hurt! Mills is a spark plug and instant Offense. He and Green stretch the court, and Green can be elite in his D on the perimeter. Diaw has a skill set few can replicate. This will be interesting...it feels as if they are saying 2015 whatever, look to 2016 when they have gobs of cap space after the impending retirements.

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We'd only need to lose one of those guys to bring in Aldridge, which is more than worth it.

Edit: Depending on what Timmy and Manu want to get paid of course. If they want salarys at the same level as last year then we'd need to get rid of more guys

I can't see Portland letting Aldridge go for nothing. I could see a sign and trade that would allow Aldridge to get the $107 million (assuming he doesn't try to cash in on the rising salary cap in two years). If I were the Blazers, I'd take a player like Splitter and a 1st round draft pick and anything else I could get as filler for Aldridge. Heck, Splitter was able to guard Aldridge pretty good last year, and I believe the Blazers were the one team that showed interest in Splitter when he was a FA. Again, I don't know if trading away assets make us better, but I assume if we do a trade, that it would make it easier to retain Green. Having Splitter and Aldridge would be a luxury, but having both isn't necessary.

Spur fans seem to only worry about next seasons team not the future. Aldridge not only helps next year but he can help pitch to other FA in the next coming seasons along with Kawhi. If you can get that caliber player now you do it. Even if you have to sacrifice depth. As long as 21 comes back as well that's all that matters...

Well, I for one don't care too much about the future other than keeping Danny and Kawhi. If Tim comes back it's about winning now. Do what you can now and you will have flexibility in the future anyways with Duncan and TP gone in a few years. Focus on the next 2 years if Tim is back as long as you have Kawhi/Danny secured.

Neither Gasol or LA are young bucks, they don't help your long term future much either.

I haven't bothered to try to understand the tax implications of the impending spike in the salary cap, but I have wondered if teams will be willing to take on a short-term, low-end tax bill this summer with the knowledge that the cap will increase dramatically (as, I assume, will the tax thresholds) and move them out of the tax by the summer of 2016 (and save them from having to face the repeater penalties and such).

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Well, I for one don't care too much about the future other than keeping Danny and Kawhi. If Tim comes back it's about winning now. Do what you can now and you will have flexibility in the future anyways with Duncan and TP gone in a few years. Focus on the next 2 years if Tim is back as long as you have Kawhi/Danny secured.

Neither Gasol or LA are young bucks, they don't help your long term future much either.

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You may not care about the future but the Spurs do..so you're telling me a team with Duncan,Manu, Tony, Kawhi and Aldridge can't win? You don't know what kind of pieces they can get to fill in the spaces..

I'm curious what people think the possible end of the CBA (2017 opt out for either side) will play on that bonanza summer. Even more overpaying?

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Originally Posted by coachmac87

You may not care about the future but the Spurs do..so you're telling me a team with Duncan,Manu, Tony, Kawhi and Aldridge can't win? You don't know what kind of pieces they can get to fill in the spaces..

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I am not sure what you mean tbh..I do think they can win.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

I am not sure what you mean tbh..I do think they can win.

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I think the point is that the window likely stays open longer if Aldridge elects to come to SA than if the Spurs only resign Green and Leonard this summer. A team that has Green and Leonard, but no Duncan AND no Aldridge isn't likely to be much more than a marginal playoff team in the West unless it finds some unexpected help elsewhere.

Aldridge (or Gasol) seems like the obvious hedge to try to prevent a substantial backslide (from contender to finishing 7-10 in the conference) when Tim decides he's done.

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Originally Posted by FromWayDowntown

I think the point is that the window likely stays open longer if Aldridge elects to come to SA than if the Spurs only resign Green and Leonard this summer. A team that has Green and Leonard, but no Duncan AND no Aldridge isn't likely to be much more than a marginal playoff team in the West unless it finds some unexpected help elsewhere.

Aldridge (or Gasol) seems like the obvious hedge to try to prevent a substantial backslide (from contender to finishing 7-10 in the conference) when Tim decides he's done.

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I get that, but my post was saying go after LMA/Gasol to help win now. That's the most important thing. Your future will be about as secure as you can get as long as you have Kawhi/Danny because when everyone else walks, you will have to impactful young players plus plenty of flexibility too.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

I get that, but my post was saying go after LMA/Gasol to help win now. That's the most important thing. Your future will be about as secure as you can get as long as you have Kawhi/Danny because when everyone else walks, you will have to impactful young players plus plenty of flexibility too.

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:toast

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

I get that, but my post was saying go after LMA/Gasol to help win now. That's the most important thing. Your future will be about as secure as you can get as long as you have Kawhi/Danny because when everyone else walks, you will have to impactful young players plus plenty of flexibility too.

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I think you're overrating Danny. He works in the system because he's only asked to do 2 things, hit 3s and defend. When we move on from Manu and as Parker ages, I think we'll need a 2 guard who can do more, I don't think he's a piece to build around. Don't get me wrong I think he's a great fit on a contender, but he only fits because he is surrounded by elite playmakers like Duncan, Manu, Parker and Diaw. As Parker/Diaw age and Manu/Tim retire, his burden will increase and it will become ugly.

Let go Tiago while he still worth something and Danny if he asks too much this team needs some retooling refreshing recharge re-stack.
Get Aldridge and some other guy and thats it.

It seems that PATFO are looking for offensive fire power. LA is the way to go for that. The Spurs struggled to put pressure on defenses last year. LA could really open it up for the 3 point shooters. I like the move. Splitter seems like the obvious casualty, but, ya never know what Pop is thinking.

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Originally Posted by Richie

I think you're overrating Danny. He works in the system because he's only asked to do 2 things, hit 3s and defend. When we move on from Manu and as Parker ages, I think we'll need a 2 guard who can do more, I don't think he's a piece to build around. Don't get me wrong I think he's a great fit on a contender, but he only fits because he is surrounded by elite playmakers like Duncan, Manu, Parker and Diaw. As Parker/Diaw age and Manu/Tim retire, his burden will increase and it will become ugly.

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What elite playmakers were there this year for SA - the year Green broke the record for 3's in a season for the Spurs franchise. Parker had a terrible year as did Manu. Neither of those guys resembled anything close to elite playmakers, yet Danny still thrived.

Even if you want to argue Danny is a system player on offense (which I think is wrong - despite his limitations), you can't argue his defense is system based. Even for his defense alone, it will be great to have a Danny/Kawhi defensive wing combo locked up. You can build around that when you have flexiblity. It makes it so much easier to build with that in place.

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Originally Posted by Richie

I think you're overrating Danny. He works in the system because he's only asked to do 2 things, hit 3s and defend. When we move on from Manu and as Parker ages, I think we'll need a 2 guard who can do more, I don't think he's a piece to build around. Don't get me wrong I think he's a great fit on a contender, but he only fits because he is surrounded by elite playmakers like Duncan, Manu, Parker and Diaw. As Parker/Diaw age and Manu/Tim retire, his burden will increase and it will become ugly.

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Thats how I feel about Green, he is not a guy to build around he works when our main guys are hot but he´s no Horry or Ray Allen, dude lacks that fire can save some RS games but not Playoffs.

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Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

Thats how I feel about Green, he is not a guy to build around he works when our main guys are hot but he´s no Horry or Ray Allen, dude lacks that fire can save some RS games but not Playoffs.

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Danny has saved the Spurs in the playoffs before. Tried to in GM7 of LAC to with one of the best playoff performances from a role player for SA.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

What elite playmakers were there this year for SA - the year Green broke the record for 3's in a season for the Spurs franchise. Parker had a terrible year as did Manu. Neither of those guys resembled anything close to elite playmakers, yet Danny still thrived.

Even if you want to argue Danny is a system player on offense (which I think is wrong - despite his limitations), you can't argue his defense is system based. Even for his defense alone, it will be great to have a Danny/Kawhi defensive wing combo locked up. You can build around that when you have flexiblity. It makes it so much easier to build with that in place.

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But he had to defend a hobbled Cris Paul and failed, Danny was slow...I still remember that fast break where he was so slow that DeAndre got there just in time for the block.
And for the love of God he is not a playmaker even if Manu-Enrique sucks, Danny gets the ball if he can shoot well he does it, but if he cant always does that stupid 4 step and a horrible layup play or he passes.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Danny has saved the Spurs in the playoffs before. Tried to in GM7 of LAC to with one of the best playoff performances from a role player for SA.

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Yeah man but that doesnt make it for 6 missing in action games, I want my team winning championships not having good nice people who doesnt have it when it counts.

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Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

But he had to defend a hobbled Cris Paul and failed, Danny was slow...I still remember that fast break where he was so slow that DeAndre got there just in time for the block.
And for the love of God he is not a playmaker even if Manu-Enrique sucks, Danny gets the ball if he can shoot well he does it, but if he cant always does that stupid 4 step and a horrible layup play or he passes.

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Danny defended Paul better than any Spur. CP did the vast majority of his damage when anyone but Danny was guarding him. Danny is not a playmaker, but the argument he is a system player is very difficult to make considering the past two years he's had and the improvements in his game coupled with the decline of TP/Manu.

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Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

Thats how I feel about Green, he is not a guy to build around he works when our main guys are hot but he´s no Horry or Ray Allen, dude lacks that fire can save some RS games but not Playoffs.

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If we lose Danny, Beli, and Cojo, and Manu retires or continues to decline our wing depth really has taken a serious hit. Danny's defense is worth a big payday. And when he's on his game our team is borderline unstoppable. I'd like to find a way to keep him, even if the Spurs have to pay the tax. (Though Holt may not allow that).

It's alarming that Spurs fans are delusional enough to ignore the massive, cancerous tumor at the PG position that will make it extremely difficult to build a contender, going forward, even if they add Aldridge:lol..let alone adding a playmaking 2-guard that won't fit next to Parker..

It's nice to discuss, but thinking about the future when Parker is still on the books for 3 more years is just silly..

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Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

Yeah man but that doesnt make it for 6 missing in action games, I want my team winning championships not having good nice people who doesnt have it when it counts.

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Danny didn't miss in action in 6 games. He missed in action in 3. Danny also won a title with the Spurs and in the year they lost in the finals, Danny broke the NBA finals record for 3's made in a series.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

If we lose Danny, Beli, and Cojo, and Manu retires or continues to decline our wing depth really has taken a serious hit. Danny's defense is worth a big payday. And when he's on his game our team is borderline unstoppable. I'd like to find a way to keep him, even if the Spurs have to pay the tax. (Though Holt may not allow that).

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Luckily, even with a max deal for LMA & Kawhi and Danny making 12M a year, Spurs shouldn't be anywhere close to the LT.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

It's alarming that Spurs fans are delusional enough to ignore the massive, cancerous tumor at the PG position that will make it extremely difficult to build a contender, going forward, even if they add Aldridge:lol..let alone adding a playmaking 2-guard that won't fit next to Parker..

It's nice to discuss, but thinking about the future when Parker is still on the books for 3 more years is just silly..

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TP can't play any worse than this year. Even with that, Spurs were so close to beating LAC and would have beat HOU and been to their 4th straight WCF.

Even if TP stays exactly the same as he did in the playoffs, but Tiago gets healthy & the Spurs add LMA (while keeping Danny) how are they not legit? That's assuming TP gets no better at all.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Danny defended Paul better than any Spur. CP did the vast majority of his damage when anyone but Danny was guarding him. Danny is not a playmaker, but the argument he is a system player is very difficult to make considering the past two years he's had and the improvements in his game coupled with the decline of TP/Manu.

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All Im saying is he is not a key piece for our team, he is kinda worthy, but not 10/12 mil worthy.

Just to say it, I don't think the Spurs are getting Aldridge or Gasol.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

If we lose Danny, Beli, and Cojo, and Manu retires or continues to decline our wing depth really has taken a serious hit. Danny's defense is worth a big payday. And when he's on his game our team is borderline unstoppable. I'd like to find a way to keep him, even if the Spurs have to pay the tax. (Though Holt may not allow that).

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I was referring to Danny, losing Beli Cojo and Manu or more guys would be a complete disaster but since Danny had a bad series his stock should not be 10-12 mil (is not fair but thats how the game works).
Or at least he could go to the paycut route he is what? 27 years old? well for the next contract they will compensate it like they did with Finley, Manu, Parker etc. thats the Spur way.
Im 100% positive Tiago must go, also I dont see Holt paying the tax either.
In a way we need some fresh blood... some fresh offense.

It seems unlikely, I agree, but the potential is there and it's not outlandish at all. There are so many variables though (trades, cap space, competition, etc..).

He could stay in Portland too, but given his whole family business thing I as a player would take SA over Dallas any day of the week.

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Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

All Im saying is he is not a key piece for our team, he is kinda worthy, but not 10/12 mil worthy.

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He's absolutely crucial and forget about the money; it's all relative.

Along with Aldridge, he's really the key to the off season, since Leonard and Duncan aren't going anywhere and neither is Ginobili, unless he retires. All the rest (including one of Splitter or Diaw) are merely collateral damage.

Speaking of Splitter or Diaw, this reminds me of Parker or Hill in '11. I never for a second believed Parker was going to be the one dealt then and though I wouldn't quite go that far in this case (it depends on how would a gap there is in the offers), I don't see Splitter being the one dealt in this case. He'd be the better short and long term fit next to Aldridge, plus he'd be more difficult to replace, for all the obvious reasons.

A perfect off season would be Spurs getting LMA while having Tim return and keeping Kawhi/Green/Tiago.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

What elite playmakers were there this year for SA - the year Green broke the record for 3's in a season for the Spurs franchise. Parker had a terrible year as did Manu. Neither of those guys resembled anything close to elite playmakers, yet Danny still thrived.

Even if you want to argue Danny is a system player on offense (which I think is wrong - despite his limitations), you can't argue his defense is system based. Even for his defense alone, it will be great to have a Danny/Kawhi defensive wing combo locked up. You can build around that when you have flexiblity. It makes it so much easier to build with that in place.

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You've made my point for me. Manu and Parker weren't great this year and Danny isn't a player who is good enough to step up in that void. He will always be able to make threes because he's an elite catch and shoot player, hitting 45% on them last year, but when other guards were struggling he couldn't pick up the slack. Look at someone like Wesley Matthews who has an EFG% of 50% on pull up jump shots vs Green who only hits 40%, hits 50% on drives compared to 40% for Danny and has ability to post up while also being an elite "3&D" player.

Like I say I want to keep him and there's players I'd give up before letting him go, but he's not Wesley Matthews who is more than a system player. Green can only do two things and while he does them very well, we can't count on him to do more as we go forward.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

A perfect off season would be Spurs getting LMA while having Tim return and keeping Kawhi/Green/Tiago.

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I agree. Though if push came to shove I'd rather keep Boris over Tiago (if it comes to that).

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Originally Posted by TD 21

He's absolutely crucial and forget about the money; it's all relative.

Along with Aldridge, he's really the key to the off season, since Leonard and Duncan aren't going anywhere and neither is Ginobili, unless he retires. All the rest (including one of Splitter or Diaw) are merely collateral damage.

Speaking of Splitter or Diaw, this reminds me of Parker or Hill in '11. I never for a second believed Parker was going to be the one dealt then and though I wouldn't quite go that far in this case (it depends on how would a gap there is in the offers), I don't see Splitter being the one dealt in this case. He'd be the better short and long term fit next to Aldridge, plus he'd be more difficult to replace, for all the obvious reasons.

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I dont feel him as a crucial piece he is just a 3&D guy who cant create plays or his own shot, maybe he is great but not for me at least.
After all this time Tiago still cant even make a mid jumper he is slow and fragile, If he stays someone must go or... Holt should pay a lot of taxes and everybody is happy:lol

I'm down for more Timmy, but Manu should retire. He's done. he had just enough for us to get over in '14 but now he is done.

Tony should retire too. lol

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Originally Posted by BillMc

I agree. Though if push came to shove I'd rather keep Boris over Tiago (if it comes to that).

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To me, Tiago is a much better player than Boris in a bubble. But if it's LMA the Spurs get, I'd rather have Tiago for sure.

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Originally Posted by Richie

You've made my point for me. Manu and Parker weren't great this year and Danny isn't a player who is good enough to step up in that void. He will always be able to make threes because he's an elite catch and shoot player, hitting 45% on them last year, but when other guards were struggling he couldn't pick up the slack. Look at someone like Wesley Matthews who has an EFG% of 50% on pull up jump shots vs Green who only hits 40%, hits 50% on drives compared to 40% for Danny and has ability to post up while also being an elite "3&D" player.

Like I say I want to keep him and there's players I'd give up before letting him go, but he's not Wesley Matthews who is more than a system player. Green can only do two things and while he does them very well, we can't count on him to do more as we go forward.

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So breaking the record for Spurs 3's while playing elite defense isn't filling the void? Is Kawhi a system player because he couldn't fill the void and advance SA out of the first round?

keeping tp one more year is important
he has chemistry with Duncan and company
then if tp goes downhill further you then would consider to trade him

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Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

I dont feel him as a crucial piece he is just a 3&D guy who cant create plays or his own shot, maybe he is great but not for me at least.
After all this time Tiago still cant even make a mid jumper he is slow and fragile, If he stays someone must go or... Holt should pay a lot of taxes and everybody is happy:lol

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No offense, but these are extremely outdated takes. Green and Splitter are "role players", to be sure, but elite ones that would be impossible for this team to replace.

The front office knows this and I trust are intelligent enough to realize that, unless someone comes close to or flat out offers Green the max or blows them away with an offer for Splitter, both need to be retained.

I enjoy watching a focused Diaw play as much as anyone and am as frustrated as anyone with Splitter's lack of durability and occasional bouts of soft play, but this isn't about who you like better or like watching more. This is about what's best for the team, in the present and future.

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Originally Posted by Richie

We'd only need to lose one of those guys to bring in Aldridge, which is more than worth it.

Edit: Depending on what Timmy and Manu want to get paid of course. If they want salarys at the same level as last year then we'd need to get rid of more guys

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Losing Splitter should do the trick to bring back everybody else + Aldridge.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

So breaking the record for Spurs 3's while playing elite defense isn't filling the void? Is Kawhi a system player because he couldn't fill the void and advance SA out of the first round?

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The record needs to be looked at in context. He broke it by 1 and 7 other guys in the league made more 3s this year, that record will continue to tumble over and over in the next decade as teams shoot more.

I'd also say he didn't really step up compared to previous seasons, per 36 minutes his made 3's have been 2.9, 2.9 and 3.0 the past 3 seasons. He came and did what he has always done since he's been here, which is play very good defense and shoot 3s very well, but that's all he'll ever do. There's nothing wrong with that, he is who he is, and that's a player who thrives in a certain situation.

Leonard in contrast took on a much bigger role as a ball handler when Tony and Manu struggled. He showed in the playoffs he may not quite be ready to shoulder the offensive load, but the kid is only 23 and it was his first year really getting his number called. Maybe he'll never be a dominant player with the ball in his hands, but you can see his improvement from his rookie year where he basically played the Green role to now.

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Originally Posted by TD 21

No offense, but these are extremely outdated takes. Green and Splitter are "role players", to be sure, but elite ones that would be impossible for this team to replace.

The front office knows this and I trust are intelligent enough to realize that, unless someone comes close to or flat out offers Green the max or blows them away with an offer for Splitter, both need to be retained.

I enjoy watching a focused Diaw play as much as anyone and am as frustrated as anyone with Splitter's lack of durability and occasional bouts of soft play, but this isn't about who you like better or like watching more. This is about what's best for the team, in the present and future.

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It's practically sacrilege to say here, but I actually don't think it would be hard to replace 80% of what Green gives us and has potential to become a much more versatile player. Look at someone like Justin Anderson in the draft or a Wesley Matthews, Demarre Carroll, Kyle Korver etc... These are guys who are drafted in the late first/second round and can often be picked up for MLE money on the free agent market by someone willing to take a chance on them, Bowen was the same.

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Originally Posted by Richie

You've made my point for me. Manu and Parker weren't great this year and Danny isn't a player who is good enough to step up in that void. He will always be able to make threes because he's an elite catch and shoot player, hitting 45% on them last year, but when other guards were struggling he couldn't pick up the slack. Look at someone like Wesley Matthews who has an EFG% of 50% on pull up jump shots vs Green who only hits 40%, hits 50% on drives compared to 40% for Danny and has ability to post up while also being an elite "3&D" player.

Like I say I want to keep him and there's players I'd give up before letting him go, but he's not Wesley Matthews who is more than a system player. Green can only do two things and while he does them very well, we can't count on him to do more as we go forward.

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Wes Matthews was widely expected to receive a massive contract prior to his career-altering injury, it's not really a fair comparison, I don't think anybody thinks Green is as good as Matthews was prior to his injury..same with Khris Middleton, widely expected to receive a massive contract, too, substantially more than Green..

The reality is that those types of players are scarce..you aren't going to find many 2-way wing guys that can create for themselves, there are only a handful(Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Paul George if he's still right, Middleton, Kawhi) and most of them are going to receive max or near-max contracts, at this point..with the progression of advanced metrics and raw numbers becoming an antiquated method of assessing a player's worth, the least valuable players in the NBA have become volume scorers that only give you production on 1 side of the ball..

Even 1-dimensional defensive players like Tony Allen have become obsolete, as well, as we saw once the Warriors adjusted and began guarding him with Andrew Bogut, which is pathetic:lol..

I agree with your overall premise that Green is a better fit on a team with superior creators than the Spurs currently possess, I've mentioned it several times since the Spurs were eliminated..however, what can the Spurs do? They can't sign a viable 2-way SG/SF replacement, because there aren't any realistic options that will be cheaper..if you sign an offensive-minded SG, how do you start him next to the ball-dominant, no-defense playing Parker in the backcourt? The team already struggles to get Kawhi enough looks, it would only get worse by adding another high-volume player..adding another offensive-minded wing player, especially to replace Green, would also imply that Kawhi will be forced to exert more energy defensively, which will naturally impede his offensive responsibility, too..

Your point is valid, the Spurs do need playmaking, especially with Ginobili's impending retirement, but they're in an extremely difficult position with Parker's decline..

Those guys you named are all going to make great money. They are not easily replicated and there aren't many proven guys who can do what those 4 guys can do and Green is the most proven of them all. I get the idea of thinking someone who can't create for others like Lebron isn't that useful - but things are changing. Look at Kawhi - he's not a traditional franchise guy. His holes in his offensive game make it strange to peg him as an elite player, but his overall package outweighs that.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

Wes Matthews was widely expected to receive a massive contract prior to his career-altering injury, it's not really a fair comparison, I don't think anybody thinks Green is as good as Matthews was prior to his injury..same with Khris Middleton, widely expected to receive a massive contract, too, substantially more than Green..

The reality is that those types of players are scarce..you aren't going to find many 2-way guys that can create for themselves, there are only a handful(Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Paul George if he's still right, Middleton, Kawhi) and most of them are going to receive max or near-max contracts, at this point..with the progression of advanced metrics and raw numbers becoming an antiquated method of assessing a player's worth, the least valuable players in the NBA have become volume scorers that only give you production on 1 side of the ball..

Even 1-dimensional players like Tony Allen have become obsolete, as well..

I agree with your overall premise that Green is a better fit on a team with better creators than the Spurs currently possess, I've mentioned it several times..however, what can the Spurs do? They can't sign a 2-way SG/SF, because there aren't any realistic options..if you sign an offensive-minded SG, how do you start him next to the ball-dominant, no-defense playing Parker in the backcourt? The team already struggles to get Kawhi enough looks, it would only get worse by adding another high-volume player..

Your point is valid, the Spurs do need playmaking, especially with Ginobili out, but they're in an extremely difficult position with Parker's decline..

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My point is that you need to find those guys before they prove themselves. Butler was the #30 pick, Middleton #46, Green #46, Korver #51, Matthews went undrafted, these guys are out there to be had. Obviously it's not easy and I don't want to lose Green as he fulfills an important role for a contender, a team like Memphis would kill for him, but he's not a piece like Leonard who we absolutely have to keep for the future and I feel that's how he is often portrayed.

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Originally Posted by TD 21

No offense, but these are extremely outdated takes. Green and Splitter are "role players", to be sure, but elite ones that would be impossible for this team to replace.

The front office knows this and I trust are intelligent enough to realize that, unless someone comes close to or flat out offers Green the max or blows them away with an offer for Splitter, both need to be retained.

I enjoy watching a focused Diaw play as much as anyone and am as frustrated as anyone with Splitter's lack of durability and occasional bouts of soft play, but this isn't about who you like better or like watching more. This is about what's best for the team, in the present and future.

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May be outdated, but even Pop said there will be some retooling so my bet is Tiago will have to go and Pop is doing mind games with Danny to keep him while spending as little as possible.
Splitter is totally replaceable, you have guys like Koufos or Lopez, Tiago had 4 bad playoffs years and just 1 good, the best for the team is to let him go I dont see him getting better only more injury prone and unreliable as the time goes on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richie

My point is that you need to find those guys before they prove themselves. Butler was the #30 pick, Middleston #46, Green #46, Matthews went undrafted. Obviously it's not easy and I don't want to lose Green as he fulfills an important role for a contender, a team like Memphis would kill for him, but he's not a piece like Leonard who we absolutely have to keep for the future and I feel that's how he is often portrayed.

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I agree, but there's also the "fitting into the system" factor, which is always a process in San Antonio, it's rarely an immediate fit..this team is still trying to win ASAP with Duncan's upcoming retirement and Parker's progressive decline, I assume..

As one of Green's biggest fans here, I'd be pretty surprised if he gets paid enough for the Spurs to lose him..I think he'll receive a fair contract from the Spurs, similar to what Ariza got(similar impact and flaws) + a boost based on the projected increase in the salary cap..maybe a team like the Knicks will overpay him, but that's a disaster waiting to happen, and I think Green realizes that, despite the power that money possesses in controlling somebody:lol..

If green would sign a three year deal with a play opt out next year he could bet on himself and Spurs could pay more next year

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

TP can't play any worse than this year. Even with that, Spurs were so close to beating LAC and would have beat HOU and been to their 4th straight WCF.

Even if TP stays exactly the same as he did in the playoffs, but Tiago gets healthy & the Spurs add LMA (while keeping Danny) how are they not legit? That's assuming TP gets no better at all.

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His decline has been progressively severe, tbh..look at his numbers from 2013 to 2014 to 2015..severe, progressive decline in all 3 years..I don't think it should be assumed that he can't play as bad as he did this year, tbh..

Spurs are in an impossible position with Parker..they aren't going to trade him or bench him, because of his stature in the organization, and their backup PG isn't conventional, leaving Parker as the only reliable ball-handler on the team..unfortunately, he doesn't really understand how to be a role player, he's still attempting to play the same style as his prime, which clearly isn't working..

They won in 2014 with Ginobili having a resurgence, the best year he had in 4 or 5 seasons, but that was a unique case with Manu's ability to play the facilitator role..where do the Spurs find another playmaker to relieve Parker? The only viable option, at this point, is to trade Mills, unfortunately..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

His decline has been progressively severe, tbh..look at his numbers from 2013 to 2014 to 2015..severe, progressive decline in all 3 years..I don't think it should be assumed that he can't play as bad as he did this year, tbh..

Spurs are in an impossible position with Parker..they aren't going to trade him or bench him, because of his stature in the organization, and their backup PG isn't conventional, leaving Parker as the only reliable ball-handler on the team..unfortunately, he doesn't really understand how to be a role player, he's still attempting to play the same style as his prime, which clearly isn't working..

They won in 2014 with Ginobili having a resurgence, the best year he had in 4 or 5 seasons, but that was a unique case with Manu's ability to play the facilitator role..where do the Spurs find another playmaker to relieve Parker? The only viable option, at this point, is to trade Mills, unfortunately..

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All else being equal, if we can only keep one of Mills or Cory I'd rather keep Cory. He's a better point guard than Mills, a (marginally) better defender and is actually a very under appreciated shooter. The kid nailed 48% in 12-13 in the D League from 3, but he's never been given the green light by Pop in the NBA. He's also an elite mid range shooter, hitting 47% the past 2 years. Mills is obviously more instant offense, but in a post-Manu world I prefer Joseph.

The salaries make it more complicated but Mills also has more value on the trade block and I wonder how much Cory will get this off-season. Will anyone give him more than the minimum? Will he even get an offer in restricted free agency?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

His decline has been progressively severe, tbh..look at his numbers from 2013 to 2014 to 2015..severe, progressive decline in all 3 years..I don't think it should be assumed that he can't play as bad as he did this year, tbh..

Spurs are in an impossible position with Parker..they aren't going to trade him or bench him, because of his stature in the organization, and their backup PG isn't conventional, leaving Parker as the only reliable ball-handler on the team..unfortunately, he doesn't really understand how to be a role player, he's still attempting to play the same style as his prime, which clearly isn't working..

They won in 2014 with Ginobili having a resurgence, the best year he had in 4 or 5 seasons, but that was a unique case with Manu's ability to play the facilitator role..where do the Spurs find another playmaker to relieve Parker? The only viable option, at this point, is to trade Mills, unfortunately..

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I don't think TP can decline worse than the playoffs. Just impossible. There is no worse. Even with that, Spurs were still this close to making a run even with essentially no Manu either. Unless Kawhi regresses or Tiago is injured, there is no way IMO that adding LA to that mix doesn't keep the Spurs as contenders even with a crappy TP.

Agree a playmaker is an issue, but that's assuming TP plays horrific. If he responds at all, it's not as big of an issue. Still one that needs to be addressed, but Mills isn't a creator anyways so that wouldn't hurt the situation. CJ would have to step up and Spurs would have to find a creator.

Joseph also looks a lot better when he plays without Manu and Parker, as he's much more aggressive, as we saw in the 1st half of this season..he loses all aggression when he's playing with a primary ball-handler, for whatever reason..

I like Mills more than Joseph, but logically, it makes more sense to move Patty and retain Cojo..Spurs need another ball-handler/playmaker to relieve Parker and replace some of Ginobili's ability, and it would also allow them to keep Green(from a personnel standpoint) and look for a backup SG that can be a spark off the bench and create for himself(I don't have anybody in mind, but a Rodney Stuckey type, although the Spurs obviously wouldn't be able to afford Stuckey himself)..

As much as I love Mills, he doesn't really fit on this team with Parker's decline(Spurs obviously won't trade Tony, unfortunately) and Ginobili's potential retirement..

Regarding Joseph, I live in Toronto and there's been some hype about bringing him home..the Toronto media doesn't really have legit connections to the front office, thus it should be taken with a grain of salt when they discuss these types of things, but the fans are mostly in favor of it, and the front office needs to make moves to get the fanbase excited after 2 embarrassing playoff exits..Ujiri is going to be re-tooling the team, and they need to replace Vasquez after he disappointed, once again, when the games mattered..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richie

My point is that you need to find those guys before they prove themselves. Butler was the #30 pick, Middleton #46, Green #46, Korver #51, Matthews went undrafted, these guys are out there to be had. Obviously it's not easy and I don't want to lose Green as he fulfills an important role for a contender, a team like Memphis would kill for him, but he's not a piece like Leonard who we absolutely have to keep for the future and I feel that's how he is often portrayed.

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I don't think anyone says DG is an MVP type player. What people are saying is that he's pretty rare and when you have a DG no need to lose him when you can keep him and make everything (competiting now/future) easier.

Spurs really messed themselves over giving Parker that contract. Why in the world were they in a rush to give him it when everyone knows he's not going anywhere. Why not take care of players you're not sure of first - like Leonard and Green. Their only hope to keep the team intact (except for LMA/Splitter) is to pray that Duncan and Manu sign dirt cheap contracts.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richie

All else being equal, if we can only keep one of Mills or Cory I'd rather keep Cory. He's a better point guard than Mills, a (marginally) better defender and is actually a very under appreciated shooter. The kid nailed 48% in 12-13 in the D League from 3, but he's never been given the green light by Pop in the NBA. He's also an elite mid range shooter, hitting 47% the past 2 years. Mills is obviously more instant offense, but in a post-Manu world I prefer Joseph.

The salaries make it more complicated but Mills also has more value on the trade block and I wonder how much Cory will get this off-season. Will anyone give him more than the minimum? Will he even get an offer in restricted free agency?

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I disagree. Mills is clutch in the playoffs while Joseph looked reluctant to shoot (much less his inability to hit a 3 - can't have 2 PGs unable to hit 3s). Teams will sag off Joseph, but Mills requires attention. He cannot be left alone at the 3 point line.

I'd rather keep the team as is than get LMA and lose Green. The perimeter defense would be horrific with only Leonard - Parker, Belli, Mills and Manu - yikes. The upgrade in offense from the bigs is not enough to give up on perimeter defense in this perimeter-oriented league. Spurs have enough offense if everyone is healthy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

It's alarming that Spurs fans are delusional enough to ignore the massive, cancerous tumor at the PG position that will make it extremely difficult to build a contender, going forward, even if they add Aldridge:lol..let alone adding a playmaking 2-guard that won't fit next to Parker..

It's nice to discuss, but thinking about the future when Parker is still on the books for 3 more years is just silly..

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http://versedonline.com/wp-content/u...RONT-COVER.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

Joseph also looks a lot better when he plays without Manu and Parker, as he's much more aggressive, as we saw in the 1st half of this season..he loses all aggression when he's playing with a primary ball-handler, for whatever reason..

I like Mills more than Joseph, but logically, it makes more sense to move Patty and retain Cojo..Spurs need another ball-handler/playmaker to relieve Parker and replace some of Ginobili's ability, and it would also allow them to keep Green(from a personnel standpoint) and look for a backup SG that can be a spark off the bench and create for himself(I don't have anybody in mind, but a Rodney Stuckey type, although the Spurs obviously wouldn't be able to afford Stuckey himself)..

As much as I love Mills, he doesn't really fit on this team with Parker's decline(Spurs obviously won't trade Tony, unfortunately) and Ginobili's potential retirement..

Regarding Joseph, I live in Toronto and there's been some hype about bringing him home..the Toronto media doesn't really have legit connections to the front office, thus it should be taken with a grain of salt when they discuss these types of things, but the fans are mostly in favor of it, and the front office needs to make moves to get the fanbase excited after 2 embarrassing playoff exits..Ujiri is going to be re-tooling the team, and they need to replace Vasquez after he disappointed, once again, when the games mattered..

---

Random, but how long have you lived in Toronto for? Never knew you lived here, you like the city?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rmt

I disagree. Mills is clutch in the playoffs while Joseph looked reluctant to shoot (much less his inability to hit a 3 - can't have 2 PGs unable to hit 3s). Teams will sag off Joseph, but Mills requires attention. He cannot be left alone at the 3 point line.

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Joseph CAN hit 3's, he was around league average this year in the NBA and in 12-13 he hit 48% from 3 in the D-League over 26 games. He only shot 0.7% worse than Mills this season in the NBA, but on far fewer attempts. Joseph is also one of the best mid range shooters in the league over the past 2 years, he shot 47% outside of 12ft last season for 16th in the league (100+ attempts), the same percentage as Dirk. That's ahead of Kawhi (45.5%), Parker (42%) who each took triple the number of attempts.

I'm not saying Joseph is as good a shooter as Mills, but he is a good shooter. He actually shot 41% from 3 in spot ups compared to Patty only hitting 35%, it's the pull up 3's where Patty is much better hitting 32% to Corys 20%, although Patty hit an insane 48% in 13-14.

This is ridiculous I'd rather make a run at Monta Ellis than bring back Green for $10 million +

What I'd enjoy this off season:

Trade Mills for Chicago #22 - Take Justin Anderson
Draft Delon Wright with #26 (or another big man)
Give Splitter away
Sign Joseph for $3m
Bring back Timmy for $6m
Sign Aldridge for the max ($18m)
Sign Kawhi for the max
Sign Green for $10m
Sign Manu for the Room Exception ($2.5m)

Parker/Joseph/Wright
Green/J.Anderson/Manu
Kawhi/K.Anderson
Aldridge/Diaw
Duncan

Find a backup center for the minimum, Baynes back perhaps? Alternatively if Manu retires we can keep Mills, give Joseph the Room Exception and draft a big at #26. Bet none of that happens.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Knoxxx

This is ridiculous I'd rather make a run at Monta Ellis than bring back Green for $10 million +

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Wow. This is the difference between players being in love with "talent" vs winning ability/fit. Not only that, but paying DG 10M vs Monta is a way different due to the salary cap ramifications. You can get Monta for 10M or you can get LMA and Green for 10M.

There are so many if's and it's so hard right now to see the big picture, but if the Spurs could end up with Tim/LMA/Tiago what a perfect front court. Holy cow. Especially if Green/Kawhi are both still in SA.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

Wes Matthews was widely expected to receive a massive contract prior to his career-altering injury, it's not really a fair comparison, I don't think anybody thinks Green is as good as Matthews was prior to his injury..same with Khris Middleton, widely expected to receive a massive contract, too, substantially more than Green..The reality is that those types of players are scarce..you aren't going to find many 2-way wing guys that can create for themselves, there are only a handful(Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Paul George if he's still right, Middleton, Kawhi) and most of them are going to receive max or near-max contracts, at this point..with the progression of advanced metrics and raw numbers becoming an antiquated method of assessing a player's worth, the least valuable players in the NBA have become volume scorers that only give you production on 1 side of the ball..Even 1-dimensional defensive players like Tony Allen have become obsolete, as well, as we saw once the Warriors adjusted and began guarding him with Andrew Bogut, which is pathetic:lol..I agree with your overall premise that Green is a better fit on a team with superior creators than the Spurs currently possess, I've mentioned it several times since the Spurs were eliminated..however, what can the Spurs do? They can't sign a viable 2-way SG/SF replacement, because there aren't any realistic options that will be cheaper..if you sign an offensive-minded SG, how do you start him next to the ball-dominant, no-defense playing Parker in the backcourt? The team already struggles to get Kawhi enough looks, it would only get worse by adding another high-volume player..adding another offensive-minded wing player, especially to replace Green, would also imply that Kawhi will be forced to exert more energy defensively, which will naturally impede his offensive responsibility, too..Your point is valid, the Spurs do need playmaking, especially with Ginobili's impending retirement, but they're in an extremely difficult position with Parker's decline..

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simple solution: TRADE PARKER NOW

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

It's alarming that Spurs fans are delusional enough to ignore the massive, cancerous tumor at the PG position that will make it extremely difficult to build a contender, going forward, even if they add Aldridge:lol..let alone adding a playmaking 2-guard that won't fit next to Parker..

It's nice to discuss, but thinking about the future when Parker is still on the books for 3 more years is just silly..

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This is true.

It's like arguing over which drapes match the furniture when the flooring is dilapidated and unstable.

It's like a fat chick putting on lipstick and spending two hours on her hair but no time on the treadmill as if her hair is going to get her there.

It's like finding shit on your burrito at Taco Bell and bitching that they didn't put the black olive on it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

A perfect off season would be Spurs getting LMA while having Tim return and keeping Kawhi/Green/Tiago.

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Yep, so that means no way in hell it will happen.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

There are so many if's and it's so hard right now to see the big picture, but if the Spurs could end up with Tim/LMA/Tiago what a perfect front court. Holy cow. Especially if Green/Kawhi are both still in SA.

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That is probably not possible if Green and Kawhi re-sign. It is the perfect wish I know but I seriously doubt that happens.

The issues last year weren't offense. They were defensively. How does LA help that? This seems like RJ 2.0. We need another 20PPG scorer so we'll sacrifice our defense.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Wow. This is the difference between players being in love with "talent" vs winning ability/fit. Not only that, but paying DG 10M vs Monta is a way different due to the salary cap ramifications. You can get Monta for 10M or you can get LMA and Green for 10M.

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Thanks for calling him out. People on here are so clueless, they think it's a friggen video game without rules (both in terms of wanting guys who play well when you hold the turbo button + ignoring CBA restrictions).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richie

What I'd enjoy this off season:

Trade Mills for Chicago #22 - Take Justin Anderson
Draft Delon Wright with #26 (or another big man)
Give Splitter away
Sign Joseph for $3m
Bring back Timmy for $6m
Sign Aldridge for the max ($18m)
Sign Kawhi for the max
Sign Green for $10m
Sign Manu for the Room Exception ($2.5m)

Parker/Joseph/Wright
Green/J.Anderson/Manu
Kawhi/K.Anderson
Aldridge/Diaw
Duncan

Find a backup center for the minimum, Baynes back perhaps? Alternatively if Manu retires we can keep Mills, give Joseph the Room Exception and draft a big at #26. Bet none of that happens.

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Is this even possible, in theory? If we make the signings / trades you propose, I don't think we'll have enough cap space to offer LMA a max contract.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

A perfect off season would be Spurs getting LMA while having Tim return and keeping Kawhi/Green/Tiago.

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How is this possible?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Uriel

How is this possible?

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It's definitely possible if you make some assumptions. If you assume Tim comes back & Manu retires & Tim takes a smaller salary. Then Spurs trade Boris & Mills that would open up the cap space to sign LMA. Then you re-sign Green.

Obviously it all starts with Tim & Manus decisions & how realistic you think it is they take less money. Also how easy will it be to trade Boris/Mills? Just all speculation at the moment but you can see several scenarios where the possibilities are there.

"The Spurs will feel out Memphis center Marc Gasol, too, but the prevailing belief now is that Aldridge is more likely to change teams."

1. Whose prevailing belief?
2. No indication of interest fromSpursven from an unknown source.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richie

What I'd enjoy this off season:

Trade Mills for Chicago #22 - Take Justin Anderson
Draft Delon Wright with #26 (or another big man)
Give Splitter away
Sign Joseph for $3m
Bring back Timmy for $6m
Sign Aldridge for the max ($18m)
Sign Kawhi for the max
Sign Green for $10m
Sign Manu for the Room Exception ($2.5m)

Parker/Joseph/Wright
Green/J.Anderson/Manu
Kawhi/K.Anderson
Aldridge/Diaw
Duncan

Find a backup center for the minimum, Baynes back perhaps? Alternatively if Manu retires we can keep Mills, give Joseph the Room Exception and draft a big at #26. Bet none of that happens.

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I like this. Except I say let Anderson start. Don't resign green, instead bring Shved in at a lower cost to come off the bench. Let Manu retire. Bring in one of the overseas guys like hanga or the 6'8" kid to be the third SG and spend some time in Austin. I'd also like to see Dorrell wright signed to back up Kawhi.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richie

What I'd enjoy this off season:

Trade Mills for Chicago #22 - Take Justin Anderson
Draft Delon Wright with #26 (or another big man)
Give Splitter away
Sign Joseph for $3m
Bring back Timmy for $6m
Sign Aldridge for the max ($18m)
Sign Kawhi for the max
Sign Green for $10m
Sign Manu for the Room Exception ($2.5m)

Parker/Joseph/Wright
Green/J.Anderson/Manu
Kawhi/K.Anderson
Aldridge/Diaw
Duncan

Find a backup center for the minimum, Baynes back perhaps? Alternatively if Manu retires we can keep Mills, give Joseph the Room Exception and draft a big at #26. Bet none of that happens.

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My 2 cents real quick:

1. I'd prefer Mills over Cojo at 3 mil per year, assuming Manu doesn't retire. Obviously they bring different things to the table, and given the Bulls recent history with backup PGs I understand the trade proposal. I just think Mills intangibles off the court give him more value than some fans realize, and I think the Mills/Manu pairing works better than Manu/Cojo.

2. I really can't see Tim taking more of a discount than the 10 mil he is getting paid now. I also don't think the FO asks him to do so. He is arguably still a Top 5 player at his position, and is still consistently the 1-2 best player on the team. From Duncan's perspective, he is already taking a discount per his production relative to other players in the league, missing time with his kids, ect. That's not to say that Duncan wouldn't consider taking a discount if it allowed the Spurs to bring in or retain a player/person he really liked, but I have a hard to seeing him giving up money when half the team is being replaced and there is some uncertainty to how everything will come together.

Yup. It's insulting to ask Duncan to take a paycut when that French pig is making 14 million and playing like a bottom 5 PG in the NBA. Not to mention the audacity Tony has to be playing for France this summer when he's been bitching about his injuries all year. If he really was hurting in the post-season, shouldn't he be resting this summer?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny RIngo

Yup. It's insulting to ask Duncan to take a paycut when that French pig is making 14 million and playing like a bottom 5 PG in the NBA. Not to mention the audacity Tony has to be playing for France this summer when he's been bitching about his injuries all year. If he really was hurting in the post-season, shouldn't he be resting this summer?

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should you not be working

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny RIngo

Yup. It's insulting to ask Duncan to take a paycut when that French pig is making 14 million and playing like a bottom 5 PG in the NBA. Not to mention the audacity Tony has to be playing for France this summer when he's been bitching about his injuries all year. If he really was hurting in the post-season, shouldn't he be resting this summer?

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Is he actually playing for France this Summer?

Mills would be traded fairly easily IMHO. Boris, OTOH, won't be. He had a lot of motivation issues before we signed him mid 2012. He was still a few pounds overweight this season, not bad by any means, and maybe that's where the coaches do want him so I don't know. The real problem is Splitter constantly hurting his vagina and possibly losing Green for nothing if we don't sign LMA.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

Is he actually playing for France this Summer?

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http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursna...robasket-2015/

Tony Parker joins Boris Diaw and former Spur Nando De Colo among 24 players named to France’s preliminary roster for EuroBasket 2015. France is the defending champion, with Parker having earned MVP honors in leading Les Bleus to their first major title at the 2013 competition. He, Diaw and fellow NBA standouts Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert have all pledged their intent to participate with France among four host nations.

Despicable behavior from Tony. Spurs gift him an undeserved $45 mil contract and he repays them back by playing off-season basketball for France. Most selfish player in Spur history. Mentally weak Tony needs to raise his confidence playing against Euro scrubs after another piss poor playoffs. This is becoming a tiresome trend with Porker.

you should be happy he will be in shape and so will diaw
you complain he is getting fat
he can not win with you

While he didn’t directly address Parker’s participation with team France, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on Monday that he expects him to bounce back.

“Tony didn’t have the year he wanted to have,” Popovich said. “He’s had a lot of good ones. I can tell you he’s already thinking about what he wants to do with his body for next season. So I’m thrilled about his outlook already after a tough loss.”

Parker has said he intends to retire from international competition following the 2016 Olympics. France’s captain since 2003, he has earned 63 official caps with Les Bleus dating back to 2001.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ducks

Parker has said he intends to retire from international competition following the 2016 Olympics. France’s captain since 2003, he has earned 63 official caps with Les Bleus dating back to 2001.

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:lol The faggot plans to play next summer too? Holy shit. Dude has no shame. Stealing $14 mil a year while prioritizing international basketball with France. By far, the most selfish player in Spur history. Fuck this guy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny RIngo

:lol The faggot plans to play next summer too? Holy shit. Dude has no shame. Stealing $14 mil a year while prioritizing international basketball with France. By far, the most selfish player in Spur history. Fuck this guy.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by ducks

you should be happy he will be in shape and so will diaw
you complain he is getting fat
he can not win with you

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Apparently, the only way Tony can stay in shape is if he's FORCED to play basketball. Thank you for confirming that his work ethic is just as bad as Shaq. He'll probably choose to heal up on company time too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andthentherewas21

My 2 cents real quick:

1. I'd prefer Mills over Cojo at 3 mil per year, assuming Manu doesn't retire. Obviously they bring different things to the table, and given the Bulls recent history with backup PGs I understand the trade proposal. I just think Mills intangibles off the court give him more value than some fans realize, and I think the Mills/Manu pairing works better than Manu/Cojo.

---

I agree with what you're saying here, but I'm thinking a bit bigger picture. Even if Manu comes back, he'll only be back for one more year and then we'll need someone who can run the show off the bench. I prefer CoJo to Mills in that regard.

Also, it's not a straight choice. Would I prefer Mills or CoJo + a mid-late first rounder? Phrased that way, I think it's an easier choice. I love Mills for what he does both on and off the court but he has value on a cheap contract and could net us something in return on draft day, whereas if we lose Joseph is will certainly be for nothing. If we can't get a first rounder for Mills then it's a different story.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andthentherewas21

2. I really can't see Tim taking more of a discount than the 10 mil he is getting paid now. I also don't think the FO asks him to do so. He is arguably still a Top 5 player at his position, and is still consistently the 1-2 best player on the team. From Duncan's perspective, he is already taking a discount per his production relative to other players in the league, missing time with his kids, ect. That's not to say that Duncan wouldn't consider taking a discount if it allowed the Spurs to bring in or retain a player/person he really liked, but I have a hard to seeing him giving up money when half the team is being replaced and there is some uncertainty to how everything will come together.

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I honestly have to question how much he cares about money anymore if it means a shot at another ring. Dude has made over $230m in salary alone, plus more in endorsements, is he really going to care about a couple of million here or there if it's the difference between bringing in a premier free agent?

I think Pop and RC should sit down and tell him to write to numbers on a piece of paper. The first is what he wants if we can get an all star, and the second if we strike out. Lets say that means if we can get Aldridge he would settle for $5-6m, if not we'll bring back the whole group and give him $15m.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Danny has saved the Spurs in the playoffs before. Tried to in GM7 of LAC to with one of the best playoff performances from a role player for SA.

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He played like dog shit overall. Possibly the reason spurs were in a game 7. Mills and Duncan both outplayed green. He's a bitch, and has no toughness. Had he a bruce bowen mentality he would easily be a great player. Too limited offensively with no edge.

Yowsa

Ideal off-season:

1) Agree to trade Diaw, Williams and Mills to Atlanta for 15.

2) Draft Portis at 15 and Wright or Harrison at 26 (and use 55 on the best player who's willing to play in Europe for a year)

3) Complete the Atlanta trade after the moratorium, but offer the Blazers a first and perhaps a little more to make it a three-way trade for Aldridge (who takes a deal starting at $17 Million but with not-likely-to-be-earned incentives that take it to the max).

4) Re-sign Duncan, Green, Leonard and one of Manu/Beli to however much they want (provided Beli can retained with the MLE)

5) Use the MLE to bring if the best four you can (Bass)

6) Re-sign Joseph and maybe Baynes if you can't get anything for him in a sign-and-trade

7) Bring over LJC and perhaps DeShaun Thomas

Roster:

PG - Parker, Joseph, Wright/Harrison
SG - Green, Ginobili/Beli, Anderson
SF - Leonard, LJC, Thomas
PF - Aldridge, Bass, Portis
C - Duncan, Splitter, Baynes

Estimated Tax: 81.6

Problem is, that roster puts the Spurs over the apron, which they can't do if they want to S&T for Aldridge. I guess that Duncan, Green and or Leonard might be persuaded to take a bit less to make room for all those additions, or the Spurs could let go of Cory and not use their MLE to stay under the apron and tax. That's risky, though, unless some bandwagon min guys want to join up. Would be a hell of a lineup, though.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

3) Complete the Atlanta trade after the moratorium, but offer the Blazers a first and perhaps a little more to make it a three-way trade for Aldridge (who takes a deal starting at $17 Million but with not-likely-to-be-earned incentives that take it to the max).

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Two things about this step:
a) What's the purpose of cheaping out on Aldridge? I mean why not offer the full max without incentives? Some players would be insulted by being offered less than the max. In fact, if Aldridge goes the S&T route, he might insist on the 5-year $107M deal. Both start at $18.6M.
b) What would Portland get back in this deal? I doubt the Hawks will give up more than #15 for Diaw and Mills. Maybe that pick and perhaps the Spurs' #26 would get routed to Portland?

How are you using the MLE when it appears you are S&T Aldridge w cap space (Boris/Mills = 10M)

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Originally Posted by Johnny RIngo

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursna...robasket-2015/

Tony Parker joins Boris Diaw and former Spur Nando De Colo among 24 players named to France’s preliminary roster for EuroBasket 2015. France is the defending champion, with Parker having earned MVP honors in leading Les Bleus to their first major title at the 2013 competition. He, Diaw and fellow NBA standouts Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert have all pledged their intent to participate with France among four host nations.

Despicable behavior from Tony. Spurs gift him an undeserved $45 mil contract and he repays them back by playing off-season basketball for France. Most selfish player in Spur history. Mentally weak Tony needs to raise his confidence playing against Euro scrubs after another piss poor playoffs. This is becoming a tiresome trend with Porker.

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France will host FIBA EuroBasket 2015.

I can't think of anything more unselfish than sacrificing your body after a long year of arduous basketball to play for free in front of your hometown fans for nothing but the glory of your own country.

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Originally Posted by Uriel

France will host FIBA EuroBasket 2015.

I can't think of anything more unselfish than sacrificing your body after a long year of arduous basketball to play for free in front of your hometown fans for nothing but the glory of your own country.

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New York is looking to trade their draft pick. If I were the coach I would send Parker packing.

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Originally Posted by Richie

My point is that you need to find those guys before they prove themselves. Butler was the #30 pick, Middleton #46, Green #46, Korver #51, Matthews went undrafted, these guys are out there to be had. Obviously it's not easy and I don't want to lose Green as he fulfills an important role for a contender, a team like Memphis would kill for him, but he's not a piece like Leonard who we absolutely have to keep for the future and I feel that's how he is often portrayed.

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How did the Spurs miss out on Matthews? When he was in Utah, I thought that I read he was from San Antonio. I got mad when I read that as he was exactly the type of player we needed back then.

I'm pretty interested in Matthews. What do you guys think he's worth with his current injury, and do you think he can recover? I also recall hearing that he's good friends with Lamarcus Aldridge? Any chance the Spurs can somehow bring him in if they get Aldridge? Would teams be reluctant to sign him to a big contract? Do you think he's going to have to prove himself again after he's recovered from the injury before anyone offers him what he was worth before the injury?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Uriel

France will host FIBA EuroBasket 2015.

I can't think of anything more unselfish than sacrificing your body after a long year of arduous basketball to play for free in front of your hometown fans for nothing but the glory of your own country.

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Spurs aren't paying this faggot $14 mil/year to play for France. SA gave him that overly generous contract he didn't deserve. Now he has to reciprocate and fuck off with these peewee tournaments and actually work on improving himself and his game this summer after that garbage season he just gave the fans. If he ends up playing for France after bitching all year about being tired and injured, then he deserves no sympathy from anyone. Fuck this French cocksucker. It's obvious where his loyalties lie and it sure as hell isn't with Duncan and the Spurs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny RIngo

Spurs aren't paying this faggot $14 mil/year to play for France. SA gave him that overly generous contract he didn't deserve. Now he has to reciprocate and fuck off with these peewee tournaments and actually work on improving himself and his game this summer after that garbage season he just gave the fans. If he ends up playing for France after bitching all year about being tired and injured, then he deserves no sympathy from anyone. Fuck this French cocksucker. It's obvious where his loyalties lie and it sure as hell isn't with Duncan and the Spurs.

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Ginobili played for his NT while on a max extension. Does that make him equally the "most selfish player in franchise history"? Who is saying he deserves sympathy? The Spurs are clearly ok with their star players playing for their home country, so why can't you be? Unlije them, you literally have no skin in the game.