#1 Free Agent Target should be: Pau Gasol

I think the Spurs should target Pau Gasol before any other legitimate FA at this point. He has Championship experience, puts up fantastic numbers, is a great passer, plays the center spot and spreads the floor. The Spurs would own the paint with him and Aldridge down low. His defense isn't the greatest but he still has the size and mobility to be effective. I think he has at least 3 or 4 years left.

Assuming Gasol asks for the same money or less per year, signing him would allow the Spurs additional funds to address other areas. As far as I am concerned, anyone not named Leonard or Aldridge should be available for trade. Mills and Diaw were huge disappointments in effort and effectiveness. They looked like they lost their fire to compete along with their shots.

I don't expect much from the new euros and draft pick for at least a couple of years. Durant is a one in a million piece and pretty much a pipe dream a this point. I hope the organization doesn't wait too long for an answer and lose out on other guys.

Gasol only cost 7.5 Mill & put up: 16.5 and 11 Rebounds per game. Sheeeeeit...how this guy isn't every contender's bargain target is beyond me.

Hey R.C. and Pop:

https://media.giphy.com/media/wi8Ez1mwRcKGI/giphy.gif

didn't need a new thread for this tbh there's already a 100 page thread on pau

tho I mostly agree but not that he should be the #1 target which is obviously KD

If it's for the minimum, why not?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Leetonidas

tho I mostly agree but not that he should be the #1 target which is obviously KD

---

"Legitimate" target. I don't believe KD is coming here. It usually comes down to $$ and staying in OKC makes the most sense for him. He has a chance to win and make the most $$. If he wants Westbrook gone, he'll be gone.

I wouldn't mind Pau (assuming the contract is reasonable), but I'm not sure he'd be my first choice.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SpursFan86

I wouldn't mind Pau (assuming the contract is reasonable), but I'm not sure he'd be my first choice.

---

Assuming you need to replace Tim, who would be your first choice ?

You wouldn't have to gut the team to acquire him, tbh.

Let's be real he's probably better than Horford even at his age.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

Assuming you need to replace Tim, who would be your first choice ?

---

Would need to look at the whole FA class, but off the top of my head, Horford would be really good fit IMO. Maybe I'm underestimating how much money that'd require though, I'm sure he'll get some max offers from lesser teams.

There are cheaper options like Cole Aldrich that'd probably free up more money elsewhere to answer issues such as a volume 3-point shooter or bench playmaker.

Of course, and we have to see what Rondo and Wade want too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheGreatYacht

You wouldn't have to gut the team to acquire him, tbh.

Let's be real he's probably better than Horford even at his age.

---

Exactly, he only cost 7.5 Mil last year. I think they could sign him with the new cap space available and not have to cut anyone. I think the Spurs will be able to free up money by losing Diaw - through trade or releasing him.

I've been saying this for a while. Pau is really good Tim replacement or a great compliment. Let's be real...Duncan's value at this point is as an elite rim protector/anchor, still effective rebounder, and big passer and screener/pick setter. However, he is arguably a liability on the scoring front. This was by far his worst year to the point where opposing teams WANT Duncan to attempt to score. Pau can hit the jumper where Duncan can't. He can rebound the same. Both are historically great big passers. He slips, rolls, pops better than Tim at this point. And while he's not anywhere near the overall anchor Tim is, he's not a liability at the rim. I think Pau can definitely be had for between 7-7.75 million. Only negatives are that he's somewhat isolation based (which was our problem this year), and he's nearly as slow as Tim. But the minutes work well also...96 total among bigs and I can see LMA at 31, Pau at 28, 23-25 for Tim and the remainder for a 2nd PF. Bring Pau in to start, and let Duncan finish.

I would love to get Pau and Noah (except for the fact that Noah is coming off an injury and is apparently asking for an asinine amount of money). So give me Gasol, and hopefully Duncan will come back for 1 more year (preferably as a bench player).

We need guys who compete and bring some nasty too. We have too many soft motherfuckers on this team who bend when faced with adversity. Where's the extra effort when things get tough? Where is the next level? When the Spurs needed it most, they didn't have it.


Diaw - No.
Mills - No.
K. Anderson - Please.
Aldridge - Not really.
TP - Nope.
Manu, Tim - Bodies can't match heart anymore.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Biggems

I would love to get Pau and Noah (except for the fact that Noah is coming off an injury and is apparently asking for an asinine amount of money). So give me Gasol, and hopefully Duncan will come back for 1 more year (preferably as a bench player).

---

Noah is getting an insane offer from the Wiz he can't turn down IMO, Pau though I hope the Spurs can nab. I agree with you 100%.

It smells like 2014 up in this piece.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

We need guys who compete and bring some nasty too. We have too many soft motherfuckers on this team who bend when faced with adversity. Where's the extra effort when things get tough? Where is the next level? When the Spurs needed it most, they didn't have it.


Diaw - No.
Mills - No.
K. Anderson - Please.
Aldridge - Not really.
TP - Nope.
Manu, Tim - Bodies can't match heart anymore.

---

It is a damn shame because Diaw used to bring it and be very clutch for the Spurs just a few years back before he got the contract and lazy.. Mills just lost his shot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Cagney

It is a damn shame because Diaw used to bring it and be very clutch for the Spurs just a few years back before he got the contract and lazy.. Mills just lost his shot.

---

I agree. I've always thought Diaw was the most skilled guy on the team. Tim was clearly the best, but you don't want him bringing the ball up the floor. Diaw could do a lot of different things and do them all well. At his best, he is an absolute nightmare to match up against. At his worst, he isn't making the effort to close out on shooters or to get rebounding position.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

I agree. I've always thought Diaw was the most skilled guy on the team. Tim was clearly the best, but you don't want him bringing the ball up the floor. Diaw could do a lot of different things and do them all well. At his best, he is an absolute nightmare to match up against. At his worst, he isn't making the effort to close out on shooters or to get rebounding position.

---

Yep, all this happened after his contract too.

We don't need anymore unathletic slow fucks. We need youth and defense at the C spot.

Oh you mean Kevin Durant, okay. That's what I thought. No thanks, unless it were for a year or two (max) I wouldn't touch it.

If they can sign Pau, start Gasol, Duncan off the bench. Not a bad option to have a HOF great player coming off the bench. Pau should be option #2, Durant is still #1 for the Spurs, if you can sign Kevin Durant you do it. If Durant stays with OKC or goes to Warriors, Gasol and Conley would not be bad additions at all.

If we can get Pau then Diaw should be gone. Pau is a skilled big that may be more useful against okc, clips, and the cavs at this point given his length advantage. Both are a defensive liability against gsw but at least Pau has length.

If it's for cheap yes. Great pickup. But option 1 is Durant , option 2 is Conley. Option 3 is whiteside option 4 is noah option 5 is pau

Not a big fan of Conley...I mean, I think he's a solid player, but I really wouldn't be too excited about throwing a max deal at him (and I think there's a good chance that's what he'll be getting). Maybe I'd be more open to it if we got rid of Parker's contract, but that's not happening.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kikoluna

If it's for cheap yes. Great pickup. But option 1 is Durant , option 2 is Conley. Option 3 is whiteside option 4 is noah option 5 is pau

---

All three of those options will cost at least 3x the amount of Pau. The only player worth that $$ IMO is Durant. That is it. I like Whiteside and Conley but not for max $$.

Noah over Pau? Based on what? One guy is a Champion, put up great numbers, isn't a FT liability and has stayed healthy for most of his career. The other one can't stay healthy. I don't see the appeal. Hell, you could get them both but no way is Noah #4 over Pau.

Pau this season was allegedly a horrible defensive rebounder despite his stats. Add in the he's a diva who demanded to start in Chicago ... and his aging decline .... no thanks

I don't get the fascination with 35 year old Pau Gasol? Dude is going to be 36 this next season.

I would get if 5 years ago, but not now.

NO THANK YOU!

Meh. Don't know if old stiffs are so important anymore. More and more the NBA is heading to having just 1 big (and a very mobile one) with 6'8, 6'7 guys playing around him on the perimeter. Wings are, by far, the most important players on today's NBA and we have a glaring lack of them in the roster. That should be our biggest aim, imho.

I'd take him off the bench, but I'm not sure he's a starter any more.

At 35 years of age, Pau played nearly 32 minutes per game. If I was Pau - on that team, with that roster, I'd demand to start too. He wants to win and took less money to do so.

As for his stats, he averaged 16 pts, 11 boards (9 of them on the defensive end) and 4 assists. That's insane for a 35 year old. His production got lost on a very bad and dysfunctional Chicago team. I wouldn't put him in the "Old stiff" category just yet. If you can add Gasol at his price tag, it frees up $$ for another wing player. Hoepfully, one that can dribble.

Here's what he did to Cleveland this year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQIFM5gGtj8

I just worry at his age that he falls off quick. But much like Duncan he doesn't have a high flying game and can sustain success longer. If Duncan retires then yes I would be ok with getting him. I don't know if both him and timmy here though. I would like a young guy developing behind Tim and Boban. But Pau and Boban would look good.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr. Body

I'd take him off the bench, but I'm not sure he's a starter any more.

---

Yes - because most All-Stars come off the bench. :rolleyes You do realize he has been an All-Star the last 2 years right? I'm telling you, people are sleeping on him. I hope the Spurs don't.

Shit thread OP. :lol

Start Pau, bring TD off bench. Signing Pau is a big plus at this point for Duncan to return and be effective for 1 or 2 more seasons. All these haters of Pau here make me sick, he would really be able to help the Spurs. BTW, Parker is 34, so if you can have a 34 year old PG, why not a 35 year old big man with great skills and basketball IQ.

if gasol never whined on defense (mid-play, not even after the whistle) he'd be a much better player

but yeah i'd take him in a heartbeat

Doesn't matter who we get. Popovich won't change his coaching style and will continue to throw games during the regular season because it makes him "look smart"

We don't need a pussy center starting.

Not convinced?

Here's his 21 pts, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blks he put up on OKC Christmas Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9rI8gQFVHc

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabom

Shit thread OP. :lol

---

Fuck off Retard. Go blow your boy RD2191 faggot. You butt buddies are clueless as fuck. :lol

Oh Look!!! There's your dick squeeze now -

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/t...e3/208gzrl.gif

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chillen

Start Pau, bring TD off bench. Signing Pau is a big plus at this point for Duncan to return and be effective for 1 or 2 more seasons. All these haters of Pau here make me sick, he would really be able to help the Spurs. BTW, Parker is 34, so if you can have a 34 year old PG, why not a 35 year old big man with great skills and basketball IQ.

---

THIS!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by james evans

Doesn't matter who we get. Popovich won't change his coaching style and will continue to throw games during the regular season because it makes him "look smart"

---

? He threw less games last year than ever in the history of the franchise apparently.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

Fuck off Retard. Go blow your boy RD2191 faggot. You butt buddies are clueless as fuck. :lol

Oh Look!!! There's your dick squeeze now -

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/t...e3/208gzrl.gif

---

Did you google that? And what was the google "phrase"? Or did have that saved to your comp? :lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabom

Did you google that? And what was the google "phrase"? Or did have that saved to your comp? :lol

---

Who the fuck gave you permission to talk?

I found it here: Dabom is a cocksucking faggot and blows meatsticks whenever possible

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

Who the fuck gave you permission to talk?

---

:lol

It's on old trick OP. :toast

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabom

Did you google that? And what was the google "phrase"? Or did have that saved to your comp? :lol

---

Your shit gets real old

OP melting down hard. I have no beef with you but yeah, a 36 year old soft ass pussy at center is just what this team needs! He will surely put as past OKC and the Dubs!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RD2191

OP melting down hard. I have no beef with you but yeah, a 36 year old soft ass pussy at center is just what this team needs! He will surely put as past OKC and the Dubs!

---

Someone tell RC ASAP. :lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabom

:lol

It's on old trick OP. :toast

---

Way to be productive to the conversation troll!!
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...EOuoe3UnWm4QqQ

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by palangi

Way to be productive to the conversation troll!!
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...EOuoe3UnWm4QqQ

---

Alright you got my attention. Here's a star sticker.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabom

Someone tell RC ASAP. :lol

---

Yo RC, just hear me out. Some dude on ST swears Pau is the missing piece to a title run. *Click*. Hello? Hello?

RD2191 and Dabom giving their great insight together again!!!

http://t10.deviantart.net/tGaQO68lur...60-d5705n8.png

Meh, I made my case using logic, payroll and stats. A little too much to handle for some folks in this forum. I don't care if people disagree, that's what this message board is about - but put some thought behind your argument. Too old? Really? Since when? The Spurs value experience and production. Was OKC too young for the Spurs? I don't think that was the problem. They had an advantage on us inside because of Tim's injury and West's lack of height. Even still, I think with a few breaks here and there, we win the series.

The playoff collapse was because Tim was injured, Diaw and Mills played like shit and people were forced to exceed expectations because of it. Tony wasn't really the problem but his bloated contract hurts now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

Meh, I made my case using logic, payroll and stats. A little too much to handle for some folks in this forum. I don't care if people disagree, that's what this message board is about - but put some thought behind your argument. Too old? Really? Since when? The Spurs value experience and production. Was OKC too young for the Spurs? I don't think that was the problem. They had an advantage on us inside because of Tim's injury and West's lack of height. Even still, I think with a few breaks here and there, we win the series.

The playoff collapse was because Tim was injured, Diaw and Mills played like shit and people were forced to exceed expectations because of it. Tony wasn't really the problem but his bloated contract hurts now.

---

If I compare KD and Gasol it's a no brainer. Stop while you're way behind.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by palangi

RD2191 and Dabom giving their great insight together again!!!

http://t10.deviantart.net/tGaQO68lur...60-d5705n8.png

---

Pulling out the personal collection?

Age is one thing being a soft pussy is another. Stats don't always tell the whole story. Adams's hustle/energy were a huge reason why OKC beat the Spurs and almost beat the Dubs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RD2191

Pulling out the personal collection?

---

You aren't very creative are you? I'm going to leave your simple mind alone to be the jack off you are.

Dont really want him tbh, because we would have to overpay.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by palangi

You aren't very creative are you? I'm going to leave your simple mind alone to be the jack off you are.

---

Butt buddies is creative? Some high brow stuff there. Has HBO called you for a special yet?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SpursFan86

Would need to look at the whole FA class, but off the top of my head, Horford would be really good fit IMO. Maybe I'm underestimating how much money that'd require though, I'm sure he'll get some max offers from lesser teams.

There are cheaper options like Cole Aldrich that'd probably free up more money elsewhere to answer issues such as a volume 3-point shooter or bench playmaker.

---

Horford will require the max, he supposedly wants to remain a Hawk, they can offer the extra year and the Spurs would have to move out a rotation player(s) to make it work.


Whether Gasol should be or not is debatable, but should Duncan retire, he's the most likely replacement. As far as his production, citing raw averages without considering context and fit, is antiquated and foolish. What he averaged in a situation where he was playing a featured role (which he wouldn't with the Spurs), is irrelevant.

Though still capable offensively, he wouldn't really solve any of their issues: He's not really a floor spacer, nor a roller and he lacks defensive range.

All this debate about what they should do, yet no matter what, the most likely outcome will remain a 2nd round elimination by one of the Warriors, Thunder (if Durant re-signs) or Clippers.

He's better on offense than Duncan so that's a plus. His defense isn't great but he'll be able to collapse in the paint more against OKC without Ibaka. OKC isn't going to play small against us so moving Ibaka increased our chances of handling their offense. We have to be able to score though and Diaw and Duncan aren't going to be able to take either Kanter or Adams.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TD 21

As far as his production, citing raw averages without considering context and fit, is antiquated and foolish. What he averaged in a situation where he was playing a featured role (which he wouldn't with the Spurs), is irrelevant.

Though still capable offensively, he wouldn't really solve any of their issues: He's not really a floor spacer, nor a roller and he lacks defensive range.

---

All this is so spot on.

Gasol isn't the type of player Spurs need. Gasols' value is tied to touches and usage. Spurs don't need a guy next to Aldridge sucking away touches from Aldridge and KL ( they need either a roller or a legit PnPop 3 PF).

At the same time, Gasol is very limited on the defensive end. The only value he has on that end is in post defense. Unfortunately, most teams are going away from post offense more and more and centering their offense around the perimeter play-making -- where Gasol is a huge liabliity.

The options are scarce, and I can understand why SA wld reluctantly be content going w/ Gasol but he's not a good fit with what the Spurs need. Not at all.

The sheer 16 and 11 he put up as a focal point with the Bulls couldn't be more irrelevant w/ how he'd fit with the Spurs.

Good post TD.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TD 21

As far as his production, citing raw averages without considering context and fit, is antiquated and foolish. What he averaged in a situation where he was playing a featured role (which he wouldn't with the Spurs), is irrelevant.

---

Here's the context: Featured role? Pau Gasol was the 3rd option on offense behind Rose and Butler. The assumption is that he fills Tim's role and is the third option here as well. Even if Tim decides to go another year, I think either player would be open to coming off the bench.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TD 21

Though still capable offensively, he wouldn't really solve any of their issues: He's not really a floor spacer, nor a roller and he lacks defensive range.

---

Not a floor spacer? That's ridiculous. The guy has tremendous range. He made 24 3 pointers this past season from the C position. How many did Tim make? The guy can beat you inside or outside and is a threat on offense.

This is about the bigger picture. Pau Gasol will cost 7 to 8 Mill per season. He would fit on our payroll w/o any changes as is. Bring him in and address other needs through free agency like defense and backup pg. Move Diaw the fuck out of here and consider bringing in an experienced pg like Jeremy Lin. If you can move TP, then all the better.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

All this is so spot on.

Gasol isn't the type of player Spurs need. Gasols' value is tied to touches and usage. Spurs don't need a guy next to Aldridge sucking away touches from Aldridge and KL ( they need either a roller or a legit PnPop 3 PF).

---

So what you're saying is Aldridge and KL provided enough offense against OKC? What if Gasol was on the floor to take Adams or Kanter away from the hoop? They wouldn't have been free to hover around the basket for rebounds. I think you are discounting how tough the offense became when Tim was taking up space on the court without being a threat. It was downright sad.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

At the same time, Gasol is very limited on the defensive end. The only value he has on that end is in post defense. Unfortunately, most teams are going away from post offense more and more and centering their offense around the perimeter play-making -- where Gasol is a huge liabliity.

---

That's funny. You think Gasol would be a huge liability. Who's the option on the Spurs now? Who is out there that can come in and play solid D and rebound for the Spurs? Who is the answer? Does Kevin Durant solve those problems?

Seriously, how much of a liability was Enes Kanter and his awful defense?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

The options are scarce, and I can understand why SA wld reluctantly be content going w/ Gasol but he's not a good fit with what the Spurs need. Not at all.

---

Not at all. Good stuff.
https://media.giphy.com/media/PKiVPVBuQsTnO/giphy.gif

Here's a good compilation of how Gasol can kill teams inside OR outside. Besides 2 triple doubles this year, he scored 46 pts in his first year with the Bulls. He managed to exploit just about everyone who tried to guard him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f0VIRYR5tQ

God, get that greasy faced moron off this page.

Forget that old fart, couldnt even make it in the east.

Gasol is a huge plus on offense. The only concern is his defense. Nearly all the complaints about Gasol's offense are in areas he is much better at than Tim Duncan. He's able to dribble more than 1 time as well which is something LMA can't do. He skilled around the rim so if you want to do some picknpop then LMA can do it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nathan89

Gasol is a huge plus on offense. The only concern is his defense. Nearly all the complaints about Gasol's offense are in areas he is much better at than Tim Duncan. He's able to dribble more than 1 time as well which is something LMA can't do. He skilled around the rim so if you want to do some picknpop then LMA can do it.

---

I agree. Some fellows are only focusing on the negatives and not looking at the good things about Gasol, especially if he is willing to come @ a decent price tag. He is plug and play vet that knows how to play the game and knows what it takes to win.

Good post defender, elite passing skills, authentic 7 footer that can rebound , good post scorer and can hit the mid-range. Yeah, he is not the defensive anchor that every Spurs fan wishes after Duncan says good bye, but who is ? You look at the market and elite rim protectors/great weakside shot-blockers are going to cost a ton in the FA and they aren't even that great Washed up Howard for 120m ? 1-year wonder Whiteside for the max ? Biyombo for 20m/year?

I don't think Gasol is the ultimate answer, but I wouldn't rule him out as an option at all.

I actually like the idea of Gasol being the starting center and Duncan coming off the bench if he comes back. Mainly because I could see us running a pick & roll with the point guard and Aldridge and Gasol with the double screen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 8FOR!3

I actually like the idea of Gasol being the starting center and Duncan coming off the bench if he comes back. Mainly because I could see us running a pick & roll with the point guard and Aldridge and Gasol with the double screen.

---

Teams would just hug the screeners & dare Porker to beat them like they have been doing the past 2 seasons.:lol (OKC basically did that after Gm 2 which is why Porker's scoring went up in Gm 3-4)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DAF86

Meh. Don't know if old stiffs are so important anymore. More and more the NBA is heading to having just 1 big (and a very mobile one) with 6'8, 6'7 guys playing around him on the perimeter. Wings are, by far, the most important players on today's NBA and we have a glaring lack of them in the roster. That should be our biggest aim, imho.

---

Spurs have the best starting wing combo in the league in Danny/Kawhi who, if needed, can handle playing 40 minutes in a playoff series.:lol

What the team is lacking is a TWO-WAY point guard like Conley & a mobile 4/5 like Horford/Biyombo/Ian. Since it's possible to hide Porker or not miss much by benching him for whoever replaces Patty(:lol), the mobile 4 is imperative as they will essentially be involved in every play (ala Tristan).

If Tim retires then I wouldn't mind throwing 3yrs/50mill on Biyombo (less that Tristan's deal) as opposed to giving Horford 4yrs/100mill. Now that Ibaka is gone, Horford/LMA would get a full dose of Adams/Kanter/Sabonis who would maul them on the boards.:lol I also wouldn't mind Ian for something like 3yrs/42mill although he's also a mediocre rebounder.

As far as backup PGs, I hope Fatty gets moved & is replaced by someone who can actually be effective when their shot isn't falling.:lol Looking at two-way backup PGs on the market, Delly is overrated & is thus going to get overpaid but E'Twaun Moore would be nice if the Bulls don't plan on bringing him back. Vasquez is a shitty defender but he can at least run the offense & drive so he's also an option.

IMO, if Tim doesn't retire then there are going to be a lot of FAs that won't sign b/c they don't want to come off the bench. At this point, I hope he just hangs it up b/c knees don't get better with age. Best case scenario, he's willing to come off the bench for the minimum then PATFO can sell him as a mentor, which should especially be attractive to someone like Biyombo.

While Gasol would be a good addition, he shouldn't be priority 1 when you have a top 5 player shot. It is realistic as well, everyone knows it's a three team race at this point unless someone makes a big move, (Knicks signing Howard at a discount?) Or something like that. Spurs will have their shot, and should be focused on that, they ha e backup plans and I'm sure Gasol is one as we pursued him before. Gasol would make the spurs instantly better. Whether people want to admit or nor, he is a better center than Tim Duncan at this point. Duncan played his role great, but wasn't great at anything else. Not a knock on him, hes just 40 years old with knees held together by duct tape.

Gasol plays well against clippers, cavaliers, thunder as well. Against gs, he could work the boards better than what we had and be a consistent floor stretcher, which they needed last year. I'd take him for sure. His game won't change for a couple years.. he does everything standing up. So long , doesn't need to jump.

^ Let's see what RC has mind. You have a lot of creative ideas there and it depends how they want to play. As raw as Biyombo is offensively and he is raw, he's very young and I do like the elite rebeounding. Even if he's a situational player he has an elite skill. I am not sure if the Raptors will match offers to keep him.

I am not sold on Conley bc his injury history is scary for me. He's starting to look like Tiago 2.0. I am just wary of guys who are unhealthy like that specially when they are wanting to get overpaid. I do not want Gordon 2.0 either. But the market is thin. Truly at this point I have no idea what RC has in mind. I suspect it may be underwhelming, or maybe I am setting myself up for disappointment so that if we do pick up someone who fits and ends up being a nice player for us, I am pleasantly surprised.

I wasn't sold on Horford for the max either bc he's choked in playoff series too and he's been mauled by the athletic rebounders. I would pass if he wanted to max and ATL will max him.

I definitely want an improvement for the bench. Maybe they do aim to move Patty. I didn't think Pop would but it would set up Tony to go to the bench and Patty is entering the last year of a very cheap contract. They let CoJo go for no assets and should not make the same mistake again. If they do not envision resigning Patty he should be traded, but its the Spurs. Frankly we will only trade guys if they need to clear space for Durant.

We shall see.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kawhitstorm

If Tim retires then I wouldn't mind throwing 3yrs/50mill on Biyombo

---

https://media.giphy.com/media/S29erwxh2cbF6/giphy.gif

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kawhitstorm

Spurs have the best starting wing combo in the league in Danny/Kawhi who, if needed, can handle playing 40 minutes in a playoff series.:lol

What the team is lacking is a TWO-WAY point guard like Conley & a mobile 4/5 like Horford/Biyombo/Ian. Since it's possible to hide Porker or not miss much by benching him for whoever replaces Patty(:lol), the mobile 4 is imperative as they will essentially be involved in every play (ala Tristan).

If Tim retires then I wouldn't mind throwing 3yrs/50mill on Biyombo (less that Tristan's deal) as opposed to giving Horford 4yrs/100mill. Now that Ibaka is gone, Horford/LMA would get a full dose of Adams/Kanter/Sabonis who would maul them on the boards.:lol I also wouldn't mind Ian for something like 3yrs/42mill although he's also a mediocre rebounder.

As far as backup PGs, I hope Fatty gets moved & is replaced by someone who can actually be effective when their shot isn't falling.:lol Looking at two-way backup PGs on the market, Delly is overrated & is thus going to get overpaid but E'Twaun Moore would be nice if the Bulls don't plan on bringing him back. Vasquez is a shitty defender but he can at least run the offense & drive so he's also an option.

IMO, if Tim doesn't retire then there are going to be a lot of FAs that won't sign b/c they don't want to come off the bench. At this point, I hope he just hangs it up b/c knees don't get better with age. Best case scenario, he's willing to come off the bench for the minimum then PATFO can sell him as a mentor, which should especially be attractive to someone like Biyombo.

---

I love Kwahi and Green (even though Danny can't do shit besides hitting threes on offense), but after them what? If Danny is having one of those games where his shot isn't falling who do we play? Who would be the 3rd wing on the inevitable smallball line-up we will have to play at some point if we want to go all thr way? A versatile, young athletic wing is a must for this team.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DAF86

I love Kwahi and Green (even though Danny can't do shit besides hitting threes on offense), but after them what? If Danny is having one of those games where his shot isn't falling who do we play? Who would be the 3rd wing on the inevitable smallball line-up we will have to play at some point if we want to go all thr way? A versatile, young athletic wing is a must for this team.

---

True. Spurs need an additional player that can create his own offense.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DAF86

I love Kwahi and Green (even though Danny can't do shit besides hitting threes on offense), but after them what? If Danny is having one of those games where his shot isn't falling who do we play? Who would be the 3rd wing on the inevitable smallball line-up we will have to play at some point if we want to go all thr way? A versatile, young athletic wing is a must for this team.

---

Harrison Barnes is about to get the max just because he's a YOUNG athletic 3 & D guy who can play the 4 in a small-ball line-up, it wouldn't be smart to shell-out that kind of money on a backup wing when Kawhi/Danny are on the roster. The Cavs were playing Dick Jefferson MAJOR minutes in the Finals when he was Rasual Butler status & 10 mill man Shumpert isn't that much better than Simmons.:lol

Someone like Wes Johnson could probably be had for the room exception (he played for the vet min last season) & he would be fine as the 3rd wing. PATFO need to invest the cap space on a mobile 4/5 since the team doesn't have anyone who fits that description.:lol (If they could dump Patty & sign E'Twaun Moore then he can also play backup 2 ala George Hill)

Biyombo doesn't fit next to Danny and lma on offense unless we added a stud pg. The only option for the spurs is to bolster a small ball lineup. That means an upgrade at the pg and wing position. That's the only way to increase play making ability without acquiring a stud.

At this point in their careers, would you rather have Gasol or Diaw? They both made $7.5 million last year.

Per 36 Minutes

Glossary · SHARE · Embed · CSV · Export · PRE · LINK · ?

Rk	Player	From	To	G	GS	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	2P	2PA	2P%	FT	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
1	Boris Diaw	2004	2016	991	531	27485	4.8	9.7	.496	0.6	1.7	.342	4.2	7.9	.529	1.3	1.9	.716	1.6	4.3	5.9	4.6	0.8	0.7	2.4	2.9	11.5
2	Pau Gasol	2002	2016	1055	1042	37202	7.1	13.9	.510	0.1	0.2	.297	7.0	13.7	.514	4.3	5.7	.755	2.7	7.0	9.7	3.4	0.5	1.7	2.4	2.3	18.6

Gasol over Diaw. Both are shit on defense but Gasol has length. Also Diaw disappears too much.

There are some other options for a FA center. If i had my druthers, I think Hassan Whiteside would be it. Then we'd have the two best defenders in the league with Kwahi able to gamble more with Whiteside backing him up at the rim.

Two other possibilities are Ezeli (sp?) and believe it or not, Ian Mahinmi. Ian has worked himself into the NBA starting center we always hoped he could be.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wildbill2u

There are some other options for a FA center. If i had my druthers, I think Hassan Whiteside would be it. Then we'd have the two best defenders in the league with Kwahi able to gamble more with Whiteside backing him up at the rim.

Two other possibilities are Ezeli (sp?) and believe it or not, Ian Mahinmi. Ian has worked himself into the NBA starting center we always hoped he could be.

---

I wouldn't mind Mahinmi coming back. He was pretty solid for Indy this past season. Maybe even Jordan Hill also?

One thing about former Spurs. I don't think any of them harbor any resentments about their trades to other teams because they got some additions to thier value during their time here because they actually received some good training and enhanced their skills.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

Here's the context: Featured role? Pau Gasol was the 3rd option on offense behind Rose and Butler. The assumption is that he fills Tim's role and is the third option here as well. Even if Tim decides to go another year, I think either player would be open to coming off the bench.

---

Gasol actually had a slightly higher usage rate than Butler, but more importantly, he was the go-to low post option and primary pick and roll big.

I'm not saying him and Aldridge can't work as a pairing offensively, I'm just saying, he wouldn't really solve any issue; he'd just be the most talented option and closest thing to a Duncan archetype.

Neither Duncan or him are coming off the bench. If Duncan chooses to forego retirement, they're not signing him.

Quote:

---

Not a floor spacer? That's ridiculous. The guy has tremendous range. He made 24 3 pointers this past season from the C position. How many did Tim make? The guy can beat you inside or outside and is a threat on offense.

---

Floor spacing isn't the ability to make range shots, it's the ability to instill enough fear in the opposition that they guard you as such.

Quote:

---

This is about the bigger picture. Pau Gasol will cost 7 to 8 Mill per season. He would fit on our payroll w/o any changes as is. Bring him in and address other needs through free agency like defense and backup pg. Move Diaw the fuck out of here and consider bringing in an experienced pg like Jeremy Lin. If you can move TP, then all the better.

---

He cost $7-8M last time around because he was in a position where he had to reprove himself and the Bulls were the only team that offered everything he was looking for: a chance to contend (he thought), a featured role and more money than the other interested teams. He'll probably cost $10-12M this time around.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wildbill2u

There are some other options for a FA center. If i had my druthers, I think Hassan Whiteside would be it. Then we'd have the two best defenders in the league with Kwahi able to gamble more with Whiteside backing him up at the rim.

Two other possibilities are Ezeli (sp?) and believe it or not, Ian Mahinmi. Ian has worked himself into the NBA starting center we always hoped he could be.

---

I believe Whiteside is going to make Max money. Spurs need to fill lots of holes right now and should consider spreading the $$ around. I think Allen Crabbe in Portland is going to be a player. Wish we could get him but I think Portland would match offers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TD 21

Gasol actually had a slightly higher usage rate than Butler, but more importantly, he was the go-to low post option and primary pick and roll big.

I'm not saying him and Aldridge can't work as a pairing offensively, I'm just saying, he wouldn't really solve any issue; he'd just be the most talented option and closest thing to a Duncan archetype.

Neither Duncan or him are coming off the bench. If Duncan chooses to forego retirement, they're not signing him.



Floor spacing isn't the ability to make range shots, it's the ability to instill enough fear in opposing coaches/defenders that they guard you as such. They don't, in his case.



He cost $7-8M last time around because he was in a position where he had to reprove himself and the Bulls were the only team that offered everything he was looking for: a chance to contend (he thought), a featured role and more money than the other interested teams. He'll probably cost $10-12M this time around.

---

Not only does Gasol have 3 pt range, he also has a solid mid-range jumper. If defenders don't stay honest he can torch them. What makes you so sure Gasol or Duncan wouldn't come off the bench in the best interest of the team? I wouldn't want to see Duncan come off the bench mind you, but Gasol is the better player IF Duncan has lingering knee issues. Hell, I'd rather Tim retire to be honest. If his knee isn't right I hope he goes out now. I hated to see scrubs give him a hard time in the playoffs.

If his knee is better, then he starts and Gasol comes off the bench. I think Gasol could respect that.

Why did Gasol have to prove himself in Chicago? He was an UFA that averaged 17 pts in his last sting with Lakers. He was on a crap team.

No doubt Gasol was worth more than 7.5 Mill per season and could get more now, but he's proven that $$ is hisn't biggest motivator at this point. Winning a Championship is. I'm hoping the Spurs plug him in to TD's spot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

Not only does Gasol have 3 pt range, he also has a solid mid-range jumper. If defenders don't stay honest he can torch them. What makes you so sure Gasol or Duncan wouldn't come off the bench in the best interest of the team? I wouldn't want to see Duncan come off the bench mind you, but Gasol is the better player IF Duncan has lingering knee issues. Hell, I'd rather Tim retire to be honest. If his knee isn't right I hope he goes out now. I hated to see scrubs give him a hard time in the playoffs.

If his knee is better, then he starts and Gasol comes off the bench. I think Gasol could respect that.

Why did Gasol have to prove himself in Chicago? He was an UFA that averaged 17 pts in his last sting with Lakers. He was on a crap team.

No doubt Gasol was worth more than 7.5 Mill per season and could get more now, but he's proven that $$ is hisn't biggest motivator at this point. Winning a Championship is. I'm hoping the Spurs plug him in to TD's spot.

---

What does that have to do with what I said?

There's only a need for one. Marjanovic will more than likely be re-signed and become the primary backup center. Even if that weren't the case, I don't believe that they'd ever ask Duncan to come off the bench in perpetuity nor pursue Gasol to do the same. Gasol has a massive ego.

You and your ppg averages. Gasol was injured and his play declined towards the end of his Lakers tenure. It wasn't known what the primary reason was for his decline: Age or injury/unhappiness with the situation.

Again, the Bulls were the only team that could offer EVERYTHING he was seeking, like the Spurs were with Aldridge. He didn't take less because he's altruistic.

I'm not necessarily opposed to signing him, I'm just saying, he wouldn't really solve any particular issue.

:wakeup

Meaningless thread without tspence chiming in, tbh.

I'd take Diaw over Gasol. He already knows the system. The thing is Pop can't have Diaw with another PF. Of course the team will look like shit when that happens.

And Pop isn't afraid to bench Diaw when he needs to. I'm pretty sure he'd ride or die with Gasol if he came. Just like Dwest.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nathan89

Biyombo doesn't fit next to Danny and lma on offense unless we added a stud pg. The only option for the spurs is to bolster a small ball lineup. That means an upgrade at the pg and wing position. That's the only way to increase play making ability without acquiring a stud.

---

Definitely one of the big issues to consider in FA is how they want to play.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TD 21

What does that have to do with what I said?

---

You wrote: "Floor spacing isn't the ability to make range shots, it's the ability to instill enough fear in opposing coaches/defenders that they guard you as such. They don't, in his case."


I'm arguing that he does space the floor and opponents would have to guard him away from the basket. How does that not solve the problem of having guys like Kanter and Adams cheating because they don't fear Tim will shoot, much less make a shot? Also, no matter what caliber of rebounder you think Gasol is, he averaged a double-double.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TD 21

I'm just saying, he wouldn't really solve any particular issue.

---

Agree to disagree.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

I believe Whiteside is going to make Max money. Spurs need to fill lots of holes right now and should consider spreading the $$ around. I think Allen Crabbe in Portland is going to be a player. Wish we could get him but I think Portland would match offers.

---

I'm afraid you're right about Hassan getting max money. Lots of teams would love that defense from a young center with offensive upside. Maybe our counterpart is NDoye. I still like that guy as a development player. He did some impressive work in the D league at the end of the season. Big and MObile and Hostile.

Per 36 Minutes

Glossary · SHARE · Embed · CSV · Export · PRE · LINK · ?

Season	Tm	G	GS	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	2P	2PA	2P%	FT	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
2015-16	AUS	49	14	941	4.9	8.6	.571	0.0	0.0	.000	4.9	8.6	.573	4.9	6.8	.723	4.3	8.8	13.1	1.5	0.8	2.1	3.2	3.7	14.8
Career		49	14	941	4.9	8.6	.571	0.0	0.0	.000	4.9	8.6	.573	4.9	6.8	.723	4.3	8.8	13.1	1.5	0.8	2.1	3.2	3.7	14.8

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tmtcsc

You wrote: "Floor spacing isn't the ability to make range shots, it's the ability to instill enough fear in opposing coaches/defenders that they guard you as such. They don't, in his case."


I'm arguing that he does space the floor and opponents would have to guard him away from the basket. How does that not solve the problem of having guys like Kanter and Adams cheating because they don't fear Tim will shoot, much less make a shot? Also, no matter what caliber of rebounder you think Gasol is, he averaged a double-double.




Agree to disagree.

---

You might think they should, but they don't really. In general, teams don't really care about mid rangers or low volume three-point shooting.

As I said, I think him and Aldridge would find a way to function fine together offensively though.

His rebounding is definitely not an issue. In fact, his past few seasons have been his best on the defensive glass.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wildbill2u

I'm afraid you're right about Hassan getting max money. Lots of teams would love that defense from a young center with offensive upside. Maybe our counterpart is NDoye. I still like that guy as a development player. He did some impressive work in the D league at the end of the season. Big and MObile and Hostile.

Per 36 Minutes

Glossary · SHARE · Embed · CSV · Export · PRE · LINK · ?

Season	Tm	G	GS	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	2P	2PA	2P%	FT	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
2015-16	AUS	49	14	941	4.9	8.6	.571	0.0	0.0	.000	4.9	8.6	.573	4.9	6.8	.723	4.3	8.8	13.1	1.5	0.8	2.1	3.2	3.7	14.8
Career		49	14	941	4.9	8.6	.571	0.0	0.0	.000	4.9	8.6	.573	4.9	6.8	.723	4.3	8.8	13.1	1.5	0.8	2.1	3.2	3.7	14.8

---

I like Ndoye and I hope he gets a real chance with us. We are looking like we are running out of spots unless some guys retire TBH, that is why I am less optimistic he would have a chance to make the team, not because he can't play. I think if not with us, he will be picked up by someone though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kawhitstorm

Spurs have the best starting wing combo in the league in Danny/Kawhi who, if needed, can handle playing 40 minutes in a playoff series.:lol

What the team is lacking is a TWO-WAY point guard like Conley & a mobile 4/5 like Horford/Biyombo/Ian. Since it's possible to hide Porker or not miss much by benching him for whoever replaces Patty(:lol), the mobile 4 is imperative as they will essentially be involved in every play (ala Tristan).

If Tim retires then I wouldn't mind throwing 3yrs/50mill on Biyombo (less that Tristan's deal) as opposed to giving Horford 4yrs/100mill. Now that Ibaka is gone, Horford/LMA would get a full dose of Adams/Kanter/Sabonis who would maul them on the boards.:lol I also wouldn't mind Ian for something like 3yrs/42mill although he's also a mediocre rebounder.

As far as backup PGs, I hope Fatty gets moved & is replaced by someone who can actually be effective when their shot isn't falling.:lol Looking at two-way backup PGs on the market, Delly is overrated & is thus going to get overpaid but E'Twaun Moore would be nice if the Bulls don't plan on bringing him back. Vasquez is a shitty defender but he can at least run the offense & drive so he's also an option.

IMO, if Tim doesn't retire then there are going to be a lot of FAs that won't sign b/c they don't want to come off the bench. At this point, I hope he just hangs it up b/c knees don't get better with age. Best case scenario, he's willing to come off the bench for the minimum then PATFO can sell him as a mentor, which should especially be attractive to someone like Biyombo.

---

Edit your post again and make it better...

If KD is strongly leaning towards returning to OKC smartest thing he can do is stall Spurs and GS to miss out on other acceptable FA's.

https://pickandpopovichcom194.files....s-1.jpg?w=1278

Pau would probably be guarded more closely than Duncan was getting guarded at the top of the key. Defenders were sitting back making it impossible for LMA. In that scenario he's able to shoot and dribble more than Duncan if he wants to get closer. Also he maintains a the great passing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CosmicCowboy

If KD is strongly leaning towards returning to OKC smartest thing he can do is stall Spurs and GS to miss out on other acceptable FA's.

---

Exactly, which is why the Spurs would be wise to pursue truly realistic options from the get-go. The time to pursue another big fish is 2017.