Time to Trade

Last year, the Spurs deciding not to trade brought the team together and led to a championship.

This year, I think they need a shot in the arm by going ahead and making a trade.

The Spurs are not going to get a star like Jason Kidd, because they don't have enough expendable talent or contracts to make that happen under the cap.

Quite frankly, they don't need a star.

I think they simply need a marginal player that can reinvigorate them towards a title and do some positive things on the court.

Sometimes, it's tough to get motivated when you have many of the same faces -- especially when they are mostly older veterans.

Two players that might give our team a shot in the arm:

Sam Cassell - here's a crafty old veteran who is dying to play some meaningful games. He knows how to win and would be reunited with his old buddy from the championship Rockets - Robert Horry. I think Cassell could be a quality backup to Tony Parker, providing some fire and veteran poise.

Wally Szerbiack - is he overrated because he's white? Of course. But if the Jazz don't save Wally World from the lowly Sonics, then maybe the Spurs should. Szerbiack is currently providing a lot of punch off the bench for Seattle, averaging double digits in the past couple weeks. He could help our second unit and allow Ginobili to start or help to fortify the starting lineup and allow Finley and Barry to be more like 3-point gunners off the bench.



These are two unglamorous trades that the Spurs might be able to make for spare parts off the bench.



:cooldevil

how come you rarely post on here anymore?

or do you also have another screen name?

I'd rather give Udoka more time rather than trade for another wing.
And I'm willing to stand pat with Vaughn.

I think Barry deserves more minutes

a lot more minutes

There has been a ghost sighting.

Sup? :hat

The Spurs supposedly went after Kyle Korver, so going after Wally Szczerbiak wouldn't be too surprising.

I have a wife and baby boy. Need I say more?

I just don't see this team digging down deep again like last year.

I think a marginal trade will shake things up.

And I'm glad they did not get Korver... we have enough stiffs to shoot the 3.

We need someone that can put the ball on the floor and make a basket.



I'm not a Cassell or Wally fan, but I like what they bring to the table more than a Damon Stoudamire. I question his attitude.


Should we look at JR Smith again?







:cooldevil

I like both those suggestions. Cassell over Vaughn is a no brainer and Wally would be a nice spark off the bench, and as you say, allow Manu to start over Finley's corpse.

I agree Korver is a stiff. They don't need another guy standing on the perimeter looking for a 3 watching Duncan get doubled and tripled teamed in the 4'th quarter of a tight playoff game.

I really think it would be irresponsible for this team to stand pat like they did last year. Lightning isn't going to strike twice and you can only ride out your vets for so long. There needs to be a youth movement (youth = 26-30 young) not something gigantic or drastic just a little bit younger and hungrier.

Wally has a pretty big contract but I do believe he would provide some range and scoring off the bench plus he's the kind of guy that would mesh well and not disrupt the team chemistry.

I would also look deep into Portlands bench, they have wings and a need for vet leadership looking into next year. Webster, Frye, Outlaw come to mind.

Take a chance with JR Smith. He is an explosive offensive player and can take it to the basket. Put in the right situation with the right team he could turn into a valuable player at little cost now.

a reinvigorated Tony Parker should be enough. Right now Tony has a lot on his mind.

If the spurs were to trade, I would like to see a big man in return.

I really think it would be irresponsible for this team to stand pat like they did last year. Lightning isn't going to strike twice and you can only ride out your vets for so long. There needs to be a youth movement (youth = 26-30 young) not something gigantic or drastic just a little bit younger and hungrier. -- Back2Basics

Here, here!

And rascal is on to something, too. The Spurs looked at barry for JR Smith last year and Denver is even more stacked at guard this year.

I like Barry and would rather see Finley go (we got him his ring).

The bottom line is that the Spurs can repeat, because the other contenders aren't as intimidating as last year.

The thing is... the Spurs are not as good as last year.



Cassell... get him.

:cooldevil

Cassell would be nice. Kurt Thomas would be fantastic.

I'm with GhostWriter about the need for a booster shot trade.

I think our wings are fine for this season. Udoka will be a full-fledge rotation guy by April.

My big concern is the interior D. They need bonafide shot blocker/gritty rebounder. Elson doesn't get it done, Oberto doesn't fit the profile and Bonner's purpose lies eslewhere--and, Horry, well, last game I saw a worm come out of one of his eye sockets. I also think they could use a point that can spread the floor in limited minutes or someone who could score in the front court.

In other words, I'd like to see a marginal trade for an expiring contract that fits one of the above concerns. I'd also like to win the lottery.

Kurt Thomas or Chris Wilcox. I would say Spurs need a big man next to Tim more so than another wing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ghost Writer

I really think it would be irresponsible for this team to stand pat like they did last year. Lightning isn't going to strike twice and you can only ride out your vets for so long. There needs to be a youth movement (youth = 26-30 young) not something gigantic or drastic just a little bit younger and hungrier. -- Back2Basics

Here, here!

And rascal is on to something, too. The Spurs looked at barry for JR Smith last year and Denver is even more stacked at guard this year.

I like Barry and would rather see Finley go (we got him his ring).

The bottom line is that the Spurs can repeat, because the other contenders aren't as intimidating as last year.

The thing is... the Spurs are not as good as last year.



Cassell... get him.

:cooldevil

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:tu great post but a couple of quick questions:

A) I agree completely that the Spurs need to get a bit younger and nothing too drastic like you said. However, you ask for the team to get older yet you want to go after Cassell, who may or may not be available every other week due to some sort of injury.

B) I also agree that the other contenders aren't nearly as intimidating as last year. However, I give the Mavs a lot of credit on bringing and grooming a guy like Brandon Bass for the playoffs, as he's a great rebounder/banger that a the Spurs would probably love to have.

What I'd like to know is why aren't the contenders (Mavs, Suns) not as good as last year? Is it due to too much experimenting (especially in the Mavs case) or are those teams actually getting older too and just not exposed for it as often as the Spurs? (who are clearly more old)



Sorry if it always seem like all I do is come on here to interview other posters :lol

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Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

Kurt Thomas or Chris Wilcox. I would say Spurs need a big man next to Tim more so than another wing.

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Wilcox would look really good besides Timee

If we're going to trade, we need to trade for a big man. Knowing the Spurs front office, we won't.

Its easy. Trade old guys for young guys.

Are there any teams that would actually take on Elson?

Is there anyone on the Knicks we want?

I always saw that team as a bit of a GM Safe Haven for other teams.

Anytime you sign someone to a shitty contract or have a player that you aren't entirely happy with, you can always go to Isiah who will gladly help you out

A) I agree completely that the Spurs need to get a bit younger and nothing too drastic like you said. However, you ask for the team to get older yet you want to go after Cassell, who may or may not be available every other week due to some sort of injury.

I apologize for combining thoughts... first and foremost, I think we need a spark via trade. If we can get a younger guy like JR Smith... even better. But I'll take a veteran like Cassell at a cheap price.

B) I also agree that the other contenders aren't nearly as intimidating as last year. However, I give the Mavs a lot of credit on bringing and grooming a guy like Brandon Bass for the playoffs, as he's a great rebounder/banger that a the Spurs would probably love to have.

What I'd like to know is why aren't the contenders (Mavs, Suns) not as good as last year? Is it due to too much experimenting (especially in the Mavs case) or are those teams actually getting older too and just not exposed for it as often as the Spurs? (who are clearly more old)

I can't put my finger on it, but the Mavs and Suns are not blowing teams out or running away with their divisions like last year. The Lakers are in first, right? I don't know if these teams, like the Spurs, are experimenting and/or going through the motions, but it does not seem like they are as sharp as years' past.

I'm just worried the Spurs will not be able to turn it on once again without some outside help.

sam cassell sucks. he is older than van exel's grandma.

the spurs need to get rid of all their second string bigs for a player that could at least beat out the coyote.

Sczerbiak makes like $12M, so the Spurs would have to get creative in a trade for him.

I'm all for going after JR Smith, Mickael Pietrus, and/or Rasual Butler. All three of them are in lame-duck status with their current teams and could be had for a package of assbag Elson and maybe a future first.

So replace Elson with a wing player, waive Richardson, and call up Manhinmi or add a D-league bigman.

Udoka + Barry > Scerbiak + Cassell

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Originally Posted by nkdlunch

Udoka + Barry > Scerbiak + Cassell

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:tu

Oh yea and to just get it out there, it's Szczerbiak.

Its no secret the Warriors are willing to trade Pietrus.

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Originally Posted by MoSpur

Its no secret the Warriors are willing to trade Pietrus.

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:tu

Elson for Pietrus....DO IT!

SequSpur, you suck.

Cassell has scored 32, 16 and 22 in his last three games.

He could help.



:cooldevil

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Originally Posted by PHAT TONY

:tu

Elson for Pietrus....DO IT!

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Yep! I know he's supposedly got a low basketball IQ, but dude can shoot it and is a better perimeter defender than anyone else on the team, expect for Bowen and maybe Udoka.

They can give him a look for the rest of the season and decide if they wish to resign him.

Kori, please close and lock this thread. Someone obviously hacked the long dormant account of GW.

i do NOT want to get rid of barry. elson and udoka maybe

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Originally Posted by e20dylan

i do NOT want to get rid of barry. elson and udoka maybe

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Udoka isn't going anywhere.

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Originally Posted by Mr.Bottomtooth

Udoka isn't going anywhere.

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I hope not. I'm really beginning to like the kid.

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Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

Kurt Thomas or Chris Wilcox. I would say Spurs need a big man next to Tim more so than another wing.

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Absolutely. We've got Manu, Finley, Barry, Bowen and Ime. No need for another 2-3. What we need is a post-player with muscle and aggressiveness. He doesn't have to be a scorer, just someone who will bang the boards with Duncan.

But what team would want to give up someone like that? That's the problem. Good big men are a precious resource.

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Originally Posted by duncan228

I hope not. I'm really beginning to like the kid.

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:tu
I've always liked him since he played for Portland.

JR Smith could never handle playing for Pop. Besides, almost everybody we put out there would get lost trying to learn the system at this late moment.

Wally probably could get his points here but that's all he cares about. He's a chucker, and a ballhog.

A healthy Tony Parker is the youth movement we need to explore. We're getting two new bigs next year. Wally's ridiculous contract by itself would disrupt team chemistry.

The new just needs to get healthy and motivated. The team was great in the beginning of the season but got sidetracked with injuries and boredom.

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Originally Posted by peskypesky

Absolutely. We've got Manu, Finley, Barry, Bowen and Ime. No need for another 2-3. What we need is a post-player with muscle and aggressiveness. He doesn't have to be a scorer, just someone who will bang the boards with Duncan.

But what team would want to give up someone like that? That's the problem. Good big men are a precious resource.

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We'd have to give up two or 3 players. I'm willing to get rid of Elson and Bonner, although I do like Bonner. At first I was willing to give up Barry, but the guy can provide instant offense. It would have to be a great deal for me to be satisfied with it.

jr smith is the last player i want on this team. dude has too many problems.

exstatic, it's me, the real Ghost Writer. I met you at Hooters on the Riverwalk circa 2001. You shared your family's love for the Spurs, which was an endearing tale.




I am not panicking by any means.

Nor am I looking for a savior in a deal.


But I do believe that a low-impact trade for a crafty veteran like Cassell could send a message to the other Spurs beyond what a quality backup PG could do for our rotation.



:cooldevil

G-Dub:

1) If the Knicks blow up their team and are looking to give away some talent, any of the Knicks' youngsters catch your eye.

2) What do you think about Anthony Harper ballin' as the starter on Denver?

3) When are you making your return visit to the dirty souf?




Thaa-a-aa-a-aa-a-aa-anks.

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Originally Posted by timvp

G-Dub:

1) If the Knicks blow up their team and are looking to give away some talent, any of the Knicks' youngsters catch your eye.

2) What do you think about Anthony Harper ballin' as the starter on Denver?

3) When are you making your return visit to the dirty souf?




Thaa-a-aa-a-aa-a-aa-anks.

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Wilson Chandler.

I'm not really sold on JR Smith due his meltdown against us in the playoffs and he seems to have a low BB IQ. A very explosive offensive player but will he fit into our system? Does he play the type of D that we expect? I don't know. I'm hesistant to bring him in. Prietrus is very similar, too. Cassell would be a very good addition though.

Get T-Mac

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Originally Posted by nfg3

I'm not really sold on JR Smith due his meltdown against us in the playoffs and he seems to have a low BB IQ.

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He barely even played in the playoffs last year. His minutes in each game: 4, 11, 14, 15, and a DNP.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nfg3

I'm not really sold on JR Smith due his meltdown against us in the playoffs and he seems to have a low BB IQ. A very explosive offensive player but will he fit into our system? Does he play the type of D that we expect? I don't know. I'm hesistant to bring him in. Prietrus is very similar, too. Cassell would be a very good addition though.

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JR Smith has a low IQ in general. And I don't want to bring in Cassell. I know that the guy has game but I really don't think that the Spurs need another aging (or in Sam's case, aged) guard.

timvp:

1) If the Knicks blow up their team and are looking to give away some talent, any of the Knicks' youngsters catch your eye.

Yes. I love the heart and enthusiasm of little Nate Robinson. He reminds me of Avery Johnson. Where he lacks in playmaking ability, he makes up in scoring and energy.

Jamal Crawford is nasty, but would be too expensive.

I am not a Zack Randolph fan, but he's available. He makes too much and is like a black hole on the block.

David Lee is a tremendous workman, but the Knicks need him to set an example defensively, so I don't see him going anywhere.

Lots of people out here are high on Reynaldo Blackman. I don't see it. Yet.

What a nice story if the Spurs got Malik Rose back as a throw-in.

2) What do you think about Anthony Harper ballin' as the starter on Denver?

I don't like it when players suck for us and then catch on with a competitor, but it is not surprising here. All "Harper" has to do on his team is play within himself, i.e. set up teammates, play smart and defend the ball. Denver has enough scorers. I thought AC tried to do too much with the Spurs.

3) When are you making your return visit to the dirty souf?

I am still there mentally.



P.S.

Lil' Weezy is the best rapper alive.





:cooldevil

The only Spur I would want to see the Spurs part with is Elson. And I'm not sure who we could get for the little money we're paying him.

I honestly think this is the season where Pop makes a pretty big trade before the deadline. This team is not very good the way it is right now and I don't see it changing for the better. IMO

A good trade for us would be Elson and Bonner for a 2nd round pick. Then we would have people taking shots that they can actually make.

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Originally Posted by djohn14

A good trade for us would be Elson and Bonner for a 2nd round pick.

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Bonner is here to stay.

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Originally Posted by Supergirl

The only Spur I would want to see the Spurs part with is Elson. And I'm not sure who we could get for the little money we're paying him.

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Spurs usually don't make big splashes when they acquire players in-season, so Elson's salary ($3M...and expiring) actually fits pretty well.

With that $3M the Spurs could get a number of younger players still on their rookie salaries that have fallen out of favor with their respective teams. Guys like Mickael Pietrus and JR Smith come to mind.

And there are actually a fair number of "role players" making in the area of $2-4M that the Spurs could trade for as well. Guys like Rasual Butler or Tyrron Lue.

Bottom Line: For what the Spurs are likely to do, trade one peripheral player for another, Elson's salary actually works quite well.

Spurs will make a trade, they understand beating the Bobcats means nothing

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Originally Posted by PHAT TONY

Spurs usually don't make big splashes when they acquire players in-season, so Elson's salary ($3M...and expiring) actually fits pretty well.

With that $3M the Spurs could get a number of younger players still on their rookie salaries that have fallen out of favor with their respective teams. Guys like Mickael Pietrus and JR Smith come to mind.

And there are actually a fair number of "role players" making in the area of $2-4M that the Spurs could trade for as well. Guys like Rasual Butler or Tyrron Lue.

Bottom Line: For what the Spurs are likely to do, trade one peripheral player for another, Elson's salary actually works quite well.

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Completely agree. I think the tell of whether or not this happens is if we see Duncan start many more games at center with a small ball line-up. In that scenario, the Spurs will move Elson for either a another point or big. They'll roll with the swings they currently have, possibly including Richardson.

In addition the players listed above, I'd include Flip Murray, Juan Dixon, and Channing Frye to the list of candidates, amongst others.

And they still have a trade exception to play with...

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Originally Posted by tav1

Completely agree. I think the tell of whether or not this happens is if we see Duncan start many more games at center with a small ball line-up. In that scenario, the Spurs will move Elson for either a another point or big. They'll roll with the swings they currently have, possibly including Richardson.

In addition the players listed above, I'd include Flip Murray, Juan Dixon, and Channing Frye to the list of candidates, amongst others.

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Channing Frye is the most intriguing name on that list, but I also think that you sell short the possibility of the Spurs adding a swingman in the trade for Elson and bouncing Richardson.

From today I think Pop was trying to gauge a couple things. One, can the small-ball lineup be viable for LONG stretches and two, is Richardson the wing player that they want to carry in the playoffs for those potential situations.

I think your scenario is entirely possible, but I don't think you should discount the idea that the Spurs would move for another option at the wing. Guys like Pietrus, Smith, and Butler seem ripe for the picking...

The Spurs could still get Chris Whitney without having to make a trade.

he's probably off limits, but just out of curiosity, what do you guys think of philly's louis williams??

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Originally Posted by PHAT TONY

Channing Frye is the most intriguing name on that list, but I also think that you sell short the possibility of the Spurs adding a swingman in the trade for Elson and bouncing Richardson.

From today I think Pop was trying to gauge a couple things. One, can the small-ball lineup be viable for LONG stretches and two, is Richardson the wing player that they want to carry in the playoffs for those potential situations.

I think your scenario is entirely possible, but I don't think you should discount the idea that the Spurs would move for another option at the wing. Guys like Pietrus, Smith, and Butler seem ripe for the picking...

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Fair enough. But Udoka is playing well enough that the Spurs have enough wings even without Richardson.

Perhaps Elson and a #1 could land someone decent.

If they do trade Elson's expiring contract, they'll probably have take back someone's salaray, which, depending on the player, could be an issue. Frye has a modest rookie deal with only a year left. Or they'll trade big for small(er) expiring deals.

Chris Sheridan is talking up Maurice Baker. Can anyone speak to him? He's an unknown to me.

We should try to trade for CP3. Why and how?
Simply, give them Tony and whoever except TD and Manu, of course...
Why? Because Tony isn't franchise player. We will need someone who will be able to take care when TD retire. Someone to lead the team, someone strong enough to make us not fall like bulls after 98'... CP3

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Originally Posted by tav1

Chris Sheridan is talking up Maurice Baker. Can anyone speak to him? He's an unknown to me.

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Point guard for the D-League's Dakota Wizards.
Averaging 18.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in about 41 minutes.
http://www.nba.com/media/act_maurice_baker.jpg

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Originally Posted by MONTENEGRINO

We should try to trade for CP3. Why and how?
Simply, give them Tony and whoever except TD and Manu, of course...
Why? Because Tony isn't franchise player. We will need someone who will be able to take care when TD retire. Someone to lead the team, someone strong enough to make us not fall like bulls after 98'... CP3

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If Tony isn't a franchise player, but Paul is, why on Earth would the Hornets be willing to trade Paul for Parker?

Let me ask the Maurice Baker question in a different way: The Spurs know of Baker, and no doubt have for sometime. What keeps them from calling his agent--no need for a pg; character issues; is his recent play something of a fluke?

Montengrino is a silly misguided Parker hater.

Plain and simple.

You know.

The guy that is Chris Whitney > Tony Parker

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Originally Posted by Ghost Writer

SequSpur, you suck.

Cassell has scored 32, 16 and 22 in his last three games.

He could help.

:cooldevil

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Wow! Definitely better than Vaughn. But Cassell's act was good umm in 1994-1995.

Next.

If you unload Elson and Bonner for some practice players or D leaguers, I don't think you lose anything. You may actually improve something.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MONTENEGRINO

We should try to trade for CP3. Why and how?
Simply, give them Tony and whoever except TD and Manu, of course...
Why? Because Tony isn't franchise player. We will need someone who will be able to take care when TD retire. Someone to lead the team, someone strong enough to make us not fall like bulls after 98'... CP3

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i love tony but i think i would be ok with that

how bout elson for biedrins

Wally sczcerbiak? Are you Sh*tting me??? Dude we might as well sign Percy Miller...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MONTENEGRINO

We should try to trade for CP3. Why and how?
Simply, give them Tony and whoever except TD and Manu, of course...
Why? Because Tony isn't franchise player. We will need someone who will be able to take care when TD retire. Someone to lead the team, someone strong enough to make us not fall like bulls after 98'... CP3

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If Paul is such a "Franchise player", why didn't the Hornets even make the playoffs last year?

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Originally Posted by debo

how bout elson for biedrins

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I'd do it but I doubt Golden State would. Maybe if we gave them Bonner too....

Tony Parker and Bonner for Boobie Gibson.

2008 free agents Manu for Josh Smith at the end of the year. sign and trade and sign ?

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Originally Posted by jay014

Manu for Josh Smith at the end of the year. sign and trade and sign ?

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Yes! Steal away from Atlanta the number one reason for all their postseason success!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MONTENEGRINO

We should try to trade for CP3. Why and how?
Simply, give them Tony and whoever except TD and Manu, of course...
Why? Because Tony isn't franchise player. We will need someone who will be able to take care when TD retire. Someone to lead the team, someone strong enough to make us not fall like bulls after 98'... CP3

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That would be a dream trade. Can't see the Hornets being that dumb. Now, if Isaiah Thomas were their GM, then maybe he'd fall for it.....

I still think what we need is a big man (C or PF) who can bang for rebounds. Doesn't need to be a scorer. Jeff Foster? Chris Wilcox?

or maybe we just need elson to stop SHOOTING.. dude is worthless

Quote:

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Originally Posted by exstatic

If Paul is such a "Franchise player", why didn't the Hornets even make the playoffs last year?

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Are you kidding me? The West hase been extremelly deep the past several years and Paul is still young. If the playoffs started today San Antonio would have the fifth seed. New Orleans is currently leading the Southwest division, meaning that Paul's team has a better record than San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. Paul is unqestionably the best player on the team with the second best record in the Western Conference. The guy is a franchise player.

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Originally Posted by txstr1986

Paul is unqestionably the best player on the team with the second best record in the Western Conference. The guy is a franchise player.

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No doubt. He's ridonculous.

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Originally Posted by jay014

2008 free agents Manu for Josh Smith at the end of the year. sign and trade and sign ?

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looking at that list, i say...

elton brand. and if not...

dikembe mutombo! and if not...

RASHO NESTEROVIC! WE'D BE UNSTOPPABLE AGAIN!

Wally? Hells no.

Sam Cassell...hah, I have a funny story about him. But I don't know if I should share it on here. But uh, let's just say I ran into him. That said, I'd take him in a heart beat. Dude's a beast. (Old beast maybe, now. But still a solid backup PG)

Pay up and buy out Splitter's contract and get him over here already!

Another guy who has apparently fallen out of the rotation and might be worth a look.....Damien Wilkins in Seattle.

He's a tough-nosed G/F making a decently low salary (easy to trade with Elson), he plays for a team where the GM has good relations with the Spurs, and they might be looking to shed long-term salary (making about $3M for two years beyond this one).

Elson for Wilkins...DO IT!

I'd rather look at Butler or Pietrus than Wilkins.

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Originally Posted by Mr.Bottomtooth

I'd rather look at Butler or Pietrus than Wilkins.

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Beggars can't be choosers....

PLEASE GOD, TAKE ELSON!

But your point is well taken, I would prefer the others as well.

I can certainly see the point in thinking seriously about Cassell for a number of reasons, not the least of which is his ability to score. Of course, his desire to score might be one reason to not give that thought much regard. It does seem that the Spurs could use another scorer -- or at least another guy who can score -- and of the places to plug in such a player on this roster, PG would seem to be the most logical place to plug-and-play. Add to that the fact that Sam's deal is expiring and that he's making somewhere around $6.15 M in 2007-08 and the parts are there to make a deal, perhaps.

But I'd be surprised if the Clippers really want to take back salary for Sam at this point and, if that's true, the Spurs options for dealing for Cassell are pretty limited. As much as I hate to say it, I think this team might need Brent Barry more than most of us might have thought and beyond Barry, I'm not sure that the Spurs have a lot of attractive contracts to offer the Clippers. The better bet might be waiting to see if Cassell is waived and then taking a chance that there's enough of a friendship with Robert Horry to make Cassell think hard about coming to SA. He's a much more logical fit, though, in other places (Denver immediately comes to mind).

I wouldn't mind thinking about the Szczerbiak thing, either, but there seem to be two practical impediments to making such a deal: (1) Wally's deal is huge and it would take some big pieces of the Spurs puzzle to get him; and (2) Sam Presti knows the Spurs' personnel about as well as anyone in the association and can't be sold a bill of goods on a player who might appear to be better than he actually is. #2 comes with the caveat that Presti might be more willing to take on a particularly-favored player, but I don't know that the Spurs have enough of those (still) to put together a deal for Wally.

Why would Cassell get waived?

Any case, I'd take Sam-I-Am in a heartbeat for Elson + Bonner or one of those plus Barry, even. He'd be a difference maker and give us a real shot in the arm.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Why would Cassell get waived?

Any case, I'd take Sam-I-Am in a heartbeat for Elson + Bonner or one of those plus Barry, even. He'd be a difference maker and give us a real shot in the arm.

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Waived is the wrong word -- bought out is what I meant. I could see a scenario in which the Clippers might buy him out and in that situation, I would think the Spurs would be fairly low on his priority list.

You might take those deals, but what's in those deals for the Clippers?

For those Spurs fans who are willing to trade Barry; I'd go as far to say as he's possibly the 5th most important player on the team (after Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and Bowen). He's the Spurs best 3 point shooter which helps open up the floor for the Big 3 and as evidenced by our recent slump in December...3 point shooting is very important to the Spurs offense. Add to it, he's the best ball handler/passer outside of Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili on the team. I'd rather get rid of Elson, Bonner, Finley, etc before Barry.

Whatever happened to the possibility of getting Maggette?

What could we get for Duncan?

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Originally Posted by freemeat

Whatever happened to the possibility of getting Maggette?

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He has played very well this year and hasn't really been in the coach's doghouse.

Whereas last year the idea of a Barry/Udrih swap may have sounded intriguing, I'm not sure a Barry/Elson one seems similarly attractive.

The other looming issue is that of third-string PG. Right now the Spurs' de facto third-stringer is Barry....so it would be tough to lose that.

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Originally Posted by FromWayDowntown

Waived is the wrong word -- bought out is what I meant. I could see a scenario in which the Clippers might buy him out and in that situation, I would think the Spurs would be fairly low on his priority list.

You might take those deals, but what's in those deals for the Clippers?

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Clippers probably would keep him until the end of the year. Old as he is, he's the best point they've got with Livingston still injured. With Maggette and Brand probably back next year, they can convince Cassell to stick around and play/mentor/coach next year, too. At least it's a shot.

we need barry.

We need someone who can rebound not named Tim duncan.

On Chad Ford's latest podcast, John Hollinger says that he sees the Spurs as a team that will probably make a trade come deadline because they need a few different pieces. Most insider types also suspect that the Mavs are stealing a page from the Spurs book and waiting to peek--for example, Henry Abbott points out that they are purposefully not using their most potent back court combination so that, more or less, they don't blow their wad too early.

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Originally Posted by freemeat

Whatever happened to the possibility of getting Maggette?

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Don't know. I wonder how the Spurs brass views him. He's obviously got a good mid-range game - something very few guys on the current roster have. Good FT shooter and rebounder, too.

I don't understand why some of you want to get rid of Finley. Yes, Barry might be one of our hottest shooters, but that's all he is, a spot-up shooter. He is very good at it, but he can't create anything. Mike Fin, in my opinion, still has alot left in the tank, and I think we can still get 2 or 3 more solid years from him. I think most of you underestimate Finley, and don't appreciate what he can do for this team. If Barry was to be traded, I would hope it's for a 3rd PG, maybe a scorer-type guy. We have a very,very solid guy in Vaughn that I love, and he is a true PG, a leader on and off the court, and he understands the system and directs it very well. That's fine and dandy, but when Tony needs some extra rest and Vaughn comes out of the game, we couldd always use a scorer at the PG position.

With that being said, Sczerbiak might look good right now, but he is injury prone, and I wouldn't risk getting him and having him inactive because of injuries down the road. Besides, his contract is huge and we can't take on a contract like that.

Cassell is too old, no matter how good he might be playing. So I think you know my answer to this.....NO!

Remember, it seems like Pop and crew are taking a good look at Jeremy Richardson, and I think he can develop into a well-rounded player for us. He has shown in his limited playing time that he isn't afraid to take shots when he's open, and thats a very good sign. Just the fact that they even re-signed him to another 10-day contract tells you something about him. At the end of this contract, they could very well sign him for the rest of the season. So if you think we need to trade for another wing player, watch out because I think we might already have him.

I think most of you seem to have not noticed that Horry's playing time has pretty much evaporated recently, and he was inactive in the Charlotte game. There have been rumors that he doesn't trust Pop to take this team to a back-to-back championship, and even when he does play, he hasn't played very well. Now, I know this is where you're gonna come in and say "Just wait till the playoffs, he'll be fine", but I think right now the roster spot he is taking up is being wasted. I'm not saying to trade him, but if it happened, I wouldn't mind it. I think Rob is a good player when he is playing well, but he hasn't shown much production this season.

And for the Elson haters, I know he hasn't done much this year, but I still believe that if he was used the right way in this system, he can be very productive. He just needs the opporitunity to go out there and play the way that I think he is capable of playing. He's not a post-up guy, he might not have a vast array of offensive moves or skills, but in the right situations he can produce. He is a shooter, slasher, and very athletic. If Pop has him coming off some type of baseline cut, or if they looked for him more on pick and rolls and pick and pops, I think he can score about 8 ppg, which wouldn't hurt us. I think Oberto is a good player, but he is overrated. I love the guy, and he's done well for us, but Pop has to give Elson a chance to prove that he is at least the 2nd center on the depth chart. Horry has fallen out of favor as far as playing time is concerned, and Bonner is an outside guy. Sure, he has all the hustle and energy in the world, and we all love that about him, but you can't expect much else out of him besides the rebounds and 3 point shooting.

All in all, I think our backcourt is fine. It's the FRONTCOURT that we need to solidify. Just give Elson more playing time, let him do what he does best on the court, which is run, cut, and shoot, and we'll see what you guys think about that. Maybe a Barry trade for a 3rd PG, and we should be fine.