The Spurs had a great season, but they weren't good enough to win another championship. What are their biggest areas of concern this offseason? How do they address those concerns? How close are they to another championship?
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The Spurs had a great season, but they weren't good enough to win another championship. What are their biggest areas of concern this offseason? How do they address those concerns? How close are they to another championship?
now is not the time
Easy. This is the Spurs formula:
1. Tank a season.
2. Win the lottery.
3. Add another all franchise center next to your previous #1 pick.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
get other players that can create their own shots
Get rid of Finley, Stoudemire, Vaughn, and retire Horry.
Keep Tim, Tony, Manu, Oberto, KT, Ime, Brent, Bruce.
Drop Fin, Rob, JV, Damon.
Bonner... I dunno.
Bring in Mahinmi and Splitter... oops... and another young big.
Sign James Jones or Carlos Delfino to some part of the MLE, and grab another young swing with the rest, draft a backup PG.
Make another run.
The Big 3 have 3 years left together. Keep tilting at the trophy.
This guy needs to be our starting 2guard next year.
http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/1/1a/...a_azubuike.jpg
Ghost is one happy motherfucker right now.
I honestly don't think this cuts it. It's fairly much what they'll do, but I don't think it's enough for contention.Quote:
Originally Posted by RuffnReadyOzStyle
Keep Tim, Tony, Manu, Bruce, and Brent.
Encourage Fin and Rob to retire.
Drop JV and Damon.
Be willing to package any of Bonner, Udoka, Oberto and whoever else is left and see if you can get anything young and decent or maybe to try to move up in the draft.
Have Mahinmi work out all summer with Duncan beginning on Monday.
Get a young swingman who can score with the MLE.
Search for a Bruce Jr. and a backup point.
Draft an athletic 3/4.
I can see that stuff happening.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
A bruce Jr? I just don't know if that guy is out there.
Back up point is out there, doubt the Spurs can get it.
The team is NOT as far off as some think.
Tweaks, not overhauls are needed.
What a mouthful!Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
I doubt Bonner, Udoka, and/or Oberto can get you much on the market. Maybe Oberto to a team needing vet savvy.
What a weak FA class it is. Azbuike might be okay, Childress would be optimal but is not available.
You need a SF, a SG, a PG all with fairly bad draft picks.
This will be a monumental task for a GM crew that hasn't been next to stellar since lucking out with Parker and Ginobili. I doubt they can roll 7s something like 5-7 times in a row.
I'm fvcking p1ssed off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant
Why is it that every time the Spurs win a title, the front office doesn't look at the reasons why and just assumes that if they roll virtually the same team out there, the results will be the same.
Beyond frustrating.
Where is the Memphis GM when you need ot make a deal?
Oh, I know those players don't get you much. I don't expect much from them. But hell, the Spurs got Hedo and Mercer for Danny Ferry's retired contract once. :lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
+1 kori
we can't just keep on leaning on veterans. we need to have new talent coming in. preferably athletic swingmen who can score.
the journey for the fifth championship continues.
go spurs! :flag:
First things to do :
- Send Pop and/or RC in Spain to see if Splitter is really lost.
- Check who want to retire or go elsewhere.
- Look at draft prospects.
Kori, you don't mention Thomas. We have his Bird rights, no?
I'd be happy to see them trade Bonner/Oberto, maybe Ime if we were getting back a really athletic two who can score and defend like Kelenna.
Maybe better not to draft a PG and go for an athletic 3/4 since the point takes so long to learn. We can probably find a decent point for the LLE.
Bring in Darius Washington. I like his energy
What's the deal with the latest reports? I haven't read the Splitter thread at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruno
True, but the architect of that wizardry now works for another team.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
And Oberto.Quote:
Originally Posted by Avitus1
The man can't beat Farmar on a rebound.
Even Mugsy Bogues jumped higher than him
Spurs fans are some spoiled motherfuckers. Then there's Ghost.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost Writer
Yeah I am not a Kurt Thomas fan. So I don't care if he's here or not. He played well tonight though. Yes, they have his Bird rights.Quote:
Originally Posted by RuffnReadyOzStyle
We need hungry younger guys; just additions though, no major overhaul.
Look at the young Celtics scrubs.
Or look at what Joe Dumars did with Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell...
The Spurs need to be more ghetto. Fuck.
Bring in a 6 foot 7 SG who can be athletic enough to create his own shot... Maker sure he's got an arm sleeve too.
He hasn't signed his extension for the moment and will make his choice after the Spanish league final. The last game of the final will be on June 3rd, 5th or 8th.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
I think bring back Kurt Thomas if for nothing else, to have a solid 12th man on the bench.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruno
God should we all sign a big "Sign with us Tiago" card? :lmao
yeah, well this should be interesting. 10 million for Splitter wow!
Artest.
If they can get both Splitter and Mahinmi here and they are ready, then I wouldn't waste a roster space on him.Quote:
Originally Posted by T Park
Still though, your 4th big is Kurt Thomas, a guy that can tutor Mahinmi and Splitter along with Duncan.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
More than likely though another team brings him on, but if you can get him cheap, I think you bring him back.
The move that should've been made this year.Quote:
Originally Posted by gameFACE
Quite frankly, outside of the Big 3, who on the Spurs would any other team actually covet?
The roster is comprised of waiver wire guys and old veterans that no one else wants.
Go down the list of current Spurs and at least four (4) have been waived.
James White!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The changing landscape of the Western Confernece dictates that the Spurs will need more size. If Splitter is definitely staying in Spain, they should go after Desgana Diop @ about a 2-yr deal. Sure he's offensively challenged, but he's good rebounder and terrific shot-blocker.
I'm tired of seeing Duncan battling the opposition's frontline solo. He needs help at both ends.
I like this strategy. I'd love for them to come out of this draft with either Brandon Rush or Nicolas Bantum.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
Of course, Pop is such a stubborn ol' cuss, that he'll probably do another draft-n-stash of yet another Euro player.
:lmao:lmaoQuote:
Originally Posted by ATXSPUR
Quote:
Originally Posted by T Park
Agreed, halfway decent, consistent play from the SG spot would have won this series. Between Manu and Finley sucking, we had 2 games of shit from the SG spot (1 & 2) and a 2 game hole, including a 20 pt lead blown. The only decent SG we had this series was Brent (counting Bruce as SF) he only got to play in 2 games in practical terms (~50 minutes in 4 and 5 combined). I think we could have won game 4 if we had had some more Brent in the game. Hell, he should probably have had more minutes in Game 5, but Pop gambled on Manu pulling it out in the last game of the season. Not a bad gamble, but he probably should have gone away from it earlier...
I will say that a decent mobile big man would help a lot next to Duncan...Especially because Pop appears to be afraid to play Duncan and KT together because of mobility issues.
We just need a good Center, cause Oberto sucks. If KT stays thats fine with me, but still. Also, we need a backup PG. So draft a PG, and get some FA center, or at least get James Jones.
Not to mention they still have Bird Rights to Horry and Finley. Howabout finding a team wanting to clear cap space, and either of those two can be cap filler/retirement moves for teams in exchange for taking back a bad contract with a good player and/or good draft picks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
It's not a bad idea but a lot would depend on Finley and Horry. Won't they have to report to the new team like the league made KVH do?Quote:
Originally Posted by Aggie Hoopsfan
Horry will retire, Finley should retire, and if we can't find anybody else, keep KT.
Bring in Mahinmi, and Splitter will not be here. Even if he hasn't signed the contract with Tau yet, I'm pissed for him even thinking about staying there just for the money. I never liked his game anyways.
DerMarr Johnson should have a very solid shot at making the team next year. The Spurs didn't resign him for nothing. They should give him a chance.
Trade JV(unless he opts out), let Stoudamire go, draft a backup PG, and sign one via free agency (Duhon, Arroyo, West?) Arroyo would probably ask for too much money, and I think West will resign with the Cavs, but who knows. I like Duhon.
Draft a young wing player, and sign one via free agency. (Pietrus, Kareem Rush, Ryan Gomes, James Jones?)
anyways, just some ideas.
Diop sounds like a good idea. A guy who can run, jump, play defense, rebound, block shots.
I wouldn't rebuild. There are a lot of Sky Is Falling posts and Spurs fans worried that the run is over. However, I truly believe that the Spurs were one healthy Manu Ginobili away from championship number five. You need health to win championships. Going into this season, I thought the Spurs would have another great shot if the Big Three remained healthy throughout the playoffs. Didn't happen. Didn't win. Not a huge shock.
I know this isn't going to be a sexy opinion and I'm sure there will be those who will be hugely against my stance but this team has most of the pieces. Only thing this team needs, besides healthy, is one more scorer. And I'm not even talking a prolific scorer. I'm talking eight to ten points per game. Basically, replace the scoring Finley provided in 2007. Add in some youth at the end of the bench and I love the Spurs' chances.
Some Spurs fans want a complete overhaul ... and that just doesn't make sense to me. The window is only open for two to four years. That's not really enough time to rebuild a totally new supporting cast. What you do is you get a couple young pieces and you work those players into the rotation. The transition to the new supporting cast should be seamless ... not a house cleaning project that turns next season into a rebuilding one.
To do list:
1) Find a young, athletic bigman who can play in the rotation. Whether than be Ian Mahinmi, Tiago Splitter or someone else.
2) Find a young, scoring point guard. I want someone in the Rodney Stuckey combo guard mold who just wants to score. The NBA is becoming a slashers league and the easiest position to find bench scoring is at point guard.
3) Find a swingman who can score. Someone who can average ten points per game. Preferably a shooter.
That's it. Bring everyone else back, hope the Big Three is healthy next year and the Spurs will have a great chance.
Finding the three stars to build around is the hard part. That has been accomplished. Subtle changes to the role players to adjust to more athleticism oriented Western Conference is all that's needed.
Damon Stoudamire was a bad omen for us.
Diop/ Gomes/ Mahimni /James Jones or JR Smith coming in.....Horry Finley Stoudamire Bonner going out
Maybe, but I'd like a big who'd be a big enough offensive threat to help Timmy out for once. Timmy's been solo for so longgggg...Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
Uh... you have to rebuild this bench, dude. No one's calling for trading a big three player. Everyone's saying exactly what your list says. I know you run the board - and great job - but you haven't cast any new light on the situation.
you almost can only do this
because I think trading manu or tp is not what is needed
who would they get
melo? please (no d)
do you resign thomas?
do you resign horry for vet min
and have him be player coach
finley is DONE
There's been six threads to trade one of the big three since the game ended.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
Bench doesn't need rebuilding. I want almost everyone back. Just a few additions and moving a couple people up the depth charts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
if spurs can not get a backup point
let barry play it more not manu doing regular season so he can be even better at it during playoffs
Combo guard, wold be Azubuike.Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
Props to Aggie for being one of the first to bring that up.
Yeah I said this in other threads, this team is NOT as far off as people think.
You add in Mahinmi, Splitter, a wing or two, and this team is back at the top.
I think Barry can replace Finley's production easily, he showed hes got a DAMN load left in the tank. Problem is hoping he stays healthy.
Trade Ginobli
Nobody except Tim is untouchable. Maybe Tony, but that's about it.
We have seen the future -- L.A.'s roster -- and they beat us like a drum. We need several young, athletic, scoring, rebounding types to be able to compete with them.
You can't go into a gunfight with a bunch of steak knives, like we had.
No one takes those seriously, you think? The larger threads - six to seven of them already - about the off-season say exactly what timvp says above, although he claims it's this brand new take on things.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
Where do we get a combo guard? Where do we get our big man? How do we replace Finley's 2007 scoring?
Put it this way, I'm not against bringing back Michael Finley and Robert Horry ... depending on how the offseason shakes out.
Would the Lakers take him?Quote:
Originally Posted by Lake_show
I'd swap him even-up for Vujacic. Sasha didn't shoot particularly well in the series, but he's a good defender and not a turnover machine. And he's not hurt all the time. And he can generally make his shots. I'd take him or Ariza for Manu.
Ouch. To be honest, I think that'd be a disaster. Probably what will happen, probably also a disaster. At this point the bench is like running without cartilege in your knee. Bone on bone.Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
What are your thoughts on Manu playing for Argentina or will he? Is Finley retiring? I know Horry is not, but will he be on the Spurs? What's Barry's contract length?
Players we let go: (?)
Horry
Finley
Vaughn
Damon
Players we add:
Ian
?
?
?
Someone needs to find a FA list.
Five letters, begins with S, ends in a. We already had that guy.Quote:
Originally Posted by ManuTim_best of Fwiendz
I don't want them back. But unfortunately I think Pop will bring them back if they want to be here.Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/s...2008freeagentsQuote:
Originally Posted by E20
Horry I'd bring back.
Finley should be given the handshake and the adios.
You're crazy. They need to be retired. The bench in general needs some serious upgrades.Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
Manu will never be 100%, his body has taken too much of a pounding.
Thomas should return, as well as Barry. Finley and Horry should bow out. Although I feel both contributed very well their time with the Spurs. Youth and athleticism should be in the mix for next year, not an overhaul but an added touch.
a double-digit rebounder and shot blocker who at least has a hook shot.
The Spurs need someone/some way to keep other teams from packing in the lane. It keeps Duncan, Ginobili and Parker all from scoring, leading to long droughts. And they can't seem to hit jumpers...
I can't see keeping ALL the old farts, but half of them? Yeah.Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
You don't trade any of the big 3.
Here's who we keep:
Tim
Manu
Tony
Bowen
Barry
Thomas
Udoka
Oberto
Mahinmi
Lose: Finley, Horry, Bonner, Vaughn, Stoudamire, Bonner (?) - Trade ?
FA Possibilities - Jamison, Matt Barnes, Pietrus, Artest
We need hungry younger guys; just additions though, no major overhaul.
Look at the young Celtics scrubs.
Or look at what Joe Dumars did with Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell...
Horry, Finley, Bonner, and Vaughn need to see the door.
Some interesting names there.
I wouldn't be opposed to Jannero Pargo being on this team.
I generally agree. I think you draft for guys you think can be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. That means domestic talent or an international talent definitely on their way into the league. Spurs need to start mining for gems in the states now that everyone and their dog has copied their overseas draft and stash routine.
Also, the Spurs need to add some perimeter length to this team, if they can find it.
There are some interesting names in free agency and the Spurs may be able to add a significant piece with their MLE. The lux tax won't be an issue.
A healthy Manu and a slightly more favorable playoff schedule and the Spurs could definitely be back in the Finals.
I think that was obvious this series is that you can't have 2 offensive liabilities on the floor at the same time. It's either Bowen or Oberto, but it can't be both. If we can't resign Thomas, we should be looking for somebody a little more atlethic that can rebound and score at least 10-12 a game to keep defenses honest.
Other than that, I agree with your post. We're number 2 in a loaded Western Conference. That's not too shabby!
Yes !Quote:
Originally Posted by T Park
He'll have 1 great game out of 94
If I were the Spurs I'd take offers for him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Quixote
Appealing FAs would be Diop, Chris Duhon, Pargo, James Jones. Of the ones in any way available. Not a whole lot else.
If I were you, I'd give KT a new contract and try to sign another scorer with the MLE. Make a tender to JR Smith and whoever else is available before TD getting too old in two years.
Can we just end up with one official rebuilding discussion thread? Eh, here's my copy and paste from the other one...
* bring up Ian (given)
* bring over Sanikidze to see what he's got once and for all (and he's a long three)
* Kelenna Azuibuike. Get him somehow, someway.
On top of those, we still need a true Bowen apprentice, I'm not sure who that is without perusing the FA listings but there's got to be a young journeyman out there somewhere willing to come be Bowen Jr.
To add to this, other candidates would be
* Diop (would give us a defender/rebounder next to Tim).
* Pietrus/Barnes - one of these guys would be a good three behind Bruce
* Bonzi Wells (if you want a bench scorer)
* Hermann (I'm iffy on what his status is, but that could be an Argentinian NT bench :lol )
* Roger Mason, Jr. Bench chucker.
Spurs need to get rid of: Finley, Horry, Bonner, Stoudemire.
And put the full court press on Tiago. I'm talking Tim, Manu, Tony, and Pop at his door tomorrow.
To fill out the end of the bench and be practice dummies? Sure. Rotation players? Hell no.Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
I think Denver would match JR Smith's money.
So a bench that saw very limited playing time this series doesn't need a rebuilding? It's more than just the bench. Some of our starters, like Scola, need replacing.
Stoudemire didn't do anything (sat on the bench). Vaughn didn't do anything (sat on the bench). Scola (a starter) didn't do anything. If we don't clean this out, we're going to always be "almost there..." or a "healthy Duncan, Parker or Ginobili" away. The bench was absolutely pathetic this year. Finley showed up a few games, but he's too old. Horry, too old. Bonner, didn't do anything (sat on the bench). Kurt Thomas is ok at times, awful at others.
We can't have another year where we do nothing in the offseason, while other teams get better. We were 'almost there' against the Lakers when our whole team was basically healthy, and yet the Lakers were without Bynum. What do we do when they get Bynum back? We took NO to a game 7. What do we do when they upgrade with more youth and athleticism, and yet we have more dinosaurs roaming the floor?
Let Finley/Horry go.
See if you can move Bonner - if for nothing other than the capspace.
Add Mahinmi to rotation. Draft Courtney Lee. Add a slashing wing or a post via FA, draft a project for the other.
Anything else is gravy.
Yeah if you get Mahinmi and Splitter I don't see much need for Diop. If Tiago stiffs the Spurs, then you go out for a Diop. Barnes would be good, Pietrus? Eh pretty low BBall IQ.
Point guard wise, guys like Duhon, Pargo, guys like that would be damn good backups.
BRING IN MUTUMBO!:downspin:
What about Telfair? Or are there any other PGs going into FA this year that have caught anyones eye?Quote:
Originally Posted by T Park
Ya know I hate to rain on the parade for the Lakers next season but.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevm2
Bynum has had trouble with his knee alot for a guy his age.
Where is the gaurantee that HE stays healthy next year?
We really need a guy with the fire to score... Sort of like a Stephen Jackson. We have too many guys who refuse to shoot the wide open shot, and pass the ball instead. Barry hit a nice three. Instead of shooting the next open three he got, he passed the ball. We need a young guy who WANTS to score... no more of this passive garbage.
Heck yeah. Manu's not going to get better. He's peaked. He wouldn't even get off the bench as a Laker.
There's only one Spur who could start for the Lakers, and he wears #21. The other 4 Spur starters would come off the bench. And Oberto and Finley wouldn't even make the roster. As for our bench, none of them would see much time.
Then Spurs should give a look at Antonio Graves.Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
He perfectly fits your description. He played this year in France and had a great season.
I hope Spurs will get him for their summer league.
No. The Spurs can't afford to downgrade their bigman scoring.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
Drunk. Pass.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
Most likely too expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
Too much of a "low flame" player. If the Spurs go young, the young player should have energy. Not be an emotionless player.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Body
JAMES WHITE!!!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by ATXSPUR
Duhon's a scrub, he has worse work ethic than Beno.Quote:
Originally Posted by T Park
Pargo would be welcome, but again I think the Spurs need to part with anyone not named Tim, Manu, Tony, Ian, Bruce, or Tiago to get Kelenna here. He'd start day 1 at shooting guard and could give you 15-20 a night. Plus, he hustles and gets rebounds, plays defense, etc. He's tailor made to be a Spur.
Get more players who can create their own shots. Get players that don't turn the damn ball over. And Pop needs to stop being so damn stubborn...I feel like I was watching Vince Youngless UT football this entire series. do these things and we are back.
I think me and TIMVP have been campaigning for Pargo since 2004 to be the backup, what the hell, why not keep the tradition alive :lol