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Nice article. Although, I'm not sure Rasho "is a talented player that has never fit in alongside Tim Duncan."
Here's what HoopsWorld says we should do to prepare for next season:
1 - What should the team look for in the draft?
In a surprising move, look for San Antonio to go international! With only the 59th pick, San Antonio will still find someone who will be another stud in two or three years, a player that will have the other 29 teams wondering why they hadn’t heard of this guy. - David Smith
In terms of the draft, I bow to the wisdom of R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich. The duo usually picks somebody that raises eyebrows at the time and then goes on to become a solid contributor. Without a first round pick, though, they will have a tougher task than usual. If we're going by recent trends, look for San Antonio to select a foreign player and stash him overseas for a couple of seasons. - Archer Berryman
The Spurs only have a late second round pick and will probably use it to pick someone no one has ever heard of. They really need athleticism on the wing though. - Fraser MacKinlay
The Spurs don’t pick until 59 – and that player won’t make the team. Luis Flores is said to be ready to join the Spurs, and this young man should be an impact player for the Spurs next season. - Bill Ingram
What they don't need is another point guard. At 59 they should look for someone big who just might be worth throwing out on the practice court. - Jason Fleming
The Spurs only have one selection in this year's draft, and that selection is the second to last. Yes, the Spurs are the proud holder of the 59th selection. The Spurs have always focused their scouting efforts overseas, and this year should be no different. Expect an international player who will spend a season or two overseas, and join the Spurs once he is more polished and prepared. - Matt Lowy
2 - Which players should they look to trade?
Anyone not named Duncan, Bowen, Parker, and Ginobili. Rasho Nesterovic desperately needs a change of address. He is a talented player that has never fit in alongside Tim Duncan. His contract may make him difficult to move, but anything is possible. Brent Barry was almost on his way to New Orleans for J.R. Smith at the trading deadline. Look for them to revisit that trade. Beno Udrih is languishing on the bench. Despite his Finals faux pas two years ago, he is an excellent player. Perhaps it would be best to send him elsewhere (although Nick Van Exel’s retirement does open up some minutes again). Plenty of teams wouldn’t mind having Robert Horry sit around for eight months, only to wake up come late April. - David Smith
Is there anybody on the Spurs besides the big three that have any trade value whatsoever? The Spurs will try to unload Rasho Nesterovic, but they've been trying that for over a year now. Brent Barry could be on his way out as well. - Archer Berryman
Beno Udrih, Rasho Nesterovic and Nazr Mohammed (sign-and-trade) all could be heading for new homes. The Spurs are getting old quick and an infusion of younger, quicker players might help keep them compe ive. - Fraser MacKinlay
Rasho Nesterovic is the player they most want to trade, but can they find a taker for his sizeable contract? Last summer they couldn’t, and given that Gregg Popovich didn’t play him much this season it’s hard to believe they would find a taker now. Nonetheless, Rasho is a player who would definitely benefit from a trade. He could be factor on a team where he got playing time. - Bill Ingram
Nesterovic has to go - he's been a disaster as a free agent signing. Of course, that begs the question as to who would possibly offer the Spurs anything of value for him. Buford has Isiah Thomas in his Blackberry, right? If the Spurs can find a home for Brent Barry that would also be nice, but it isn't imperative. - Jason Fleming
Brent Barry. Barry was mentioned weeks before the trade deadline as being on the move. Barry still can be a contributor in this league. The 35 year old proved this by shooting 50 % from the three-point line in the playoffs. Part of Gregg Popovich's mission is to keep this team compe ive for a championship every year, but always maintain that balance of veterans and youth. Dallas and Phoenix will both have young legs next season, and can run you up and down. San Antonio needs to stay on par with their Western Conference compe ion. Barry would be a great fit with teams looking for pieces to the puzzle like the Nets, Lakers, and Pistons. - Matt Lowy
3 - Which players should they look to acquire in trade or free agency?
San Antonio always makes the right moves, without fail. They are simply to best-run team in the NBA. This year, they want to get younger while keeping their championship chances high. Because they are San Antonio, look for them to accomplish that with ease. San Antonio is another team that gets maximum talent at lower prices. As a result, don’t be surprised if they attract some players who’ll gladly accept less money to sign with a winner.
Nazr Mohammed has played his last game in San Antonio, so they must find a replacement. Players like Nene, Chris Wilcox, Drew Gooden, Lorenzen Wright, and Joel Pryzbilla will warrant big money, but could easily be swayed to join the Spurs.
J.R. Smith is a logical move. He is young, athletic, and can create his own shot. - David Smith
The Spurs know what they need--youth, athleticism, and shooting--the question is whether or not they will be able to get it. As discussed, suddenly San Antonio is old and short on assets and cap space. San Antonio would certainly go through with the aborted Barry for JR Smith trade if the Hornets were still game. San Antonio will probably split up their mid-level exception on a couple of below the radar players who fit the above qualifications and will take less to play for a le contender.
Here's a more daring approach. I don't see the Spurs doing this, but if I'm San Antonio, I do whatever I can to ship Nesterovic out of town, get something in return for free agent Nazr Mohammed in a sign and trade, and move Tim Duncan to center. With this approach, the focus would be to acquire an athletic four man (Drew Gooden? Chris Wilcox?) that would make the Duncan-at-center approach work.
Another possibility is for San Antonio to throw their full mid-level at Al Harrington and see if he will take less to play for a contender. Harrington would fit in the starting lineup perfectly around the big three, and with an athletic four man hopefully acquired from Nesterovic/Mohammed (or maybe Luis Scola from Argentina?), the Spurs would be more athletic yet still solid on the defensive end. - Archer Berryman
It is my belief that the Spurs intend on bringing over a few of their overseas products next season. Luis Scola has been dominating the Euroleague with his low post moves and would be a nice fit alongside Duncan, who should be playing more center in his older age. Robertas Javtokas is another Euro big man who might be brought over for more depth up front. Trading Rasho for an expiring contract might be a good option, how about Danny Fortson? - Fraser MacKinlay
First the Spurs should go ahead and re-up Michael Finley. He comes at a bargain price given that the Mavs are still paying most of his contract, and he showed he could be a big time performer for the Spurs. They also need to make a decision about Nazr Mohammed. He is the only one left to start at center if the Spurs don’t find some way to convince Ben Wallace to fly south. If the Pistons get a sense that Ben won’t stay, they might agree to a sign-and-trade for Nazr and a package. Not saying that will happen, but the rumor is out there. - Bill Ingram
They need to just keep their own free agents - Michael Finley and Nazr Mohammed. Getting rid of Nesterovic and keeping Mohammed would give them a solid big man in the middle who is reliable and can score when Duncan gets the double teams. Finley is very important to this team, not just on the floor but in the lockerroom as well. - Jason Fleming
The Spurs would love to resign Nazr Mohammed, although it's very unlikely. Mohammed has already won a ring with the Spurs, and now is looking to get paid. Mohammed should receive a good amount of inflated offers that will pay him more than the Spurs can afford to, but a sign and trade isn't out of the question. The Spurs missed that bruiser inside that Malik Rose had been for them before being traded for Mohammed. Reggie Evans would fit in this mold, but getting paid will probably outweigh being on a le contender for the young PF. If Barry is traded, expect a younger player of the same mold in return. Van Exel's retirement leaves a PG position available, as Popovich probably isn't quite ready to leave Beno Udrih as the only PG behind Tony Parker. A veteran will probably come in, and Chucky Atkins, Jacque Vaughn, and Gary Payton should all be considered for this spot. Former international draft picks Luis Scola (Argentina) and Robertas Javtokas (Lithuania) could either sign to be in the Alamo next year, or could be used as trade bait as the Spurs maintain the rights to both players. - Matt Lowy
Which players should they look to acquire in trade or free agency? The team known for producing international phenoms may have another one in the making in Robertas Javtokas, the team’s second round draft pick from the 2001 NBA draft. Like Ginobili, Javtokas was drafted but allowed to continue to play and develop in international play. The 6-11, 250 center may be the player to replace a disgruntled Nazr Mohammed, who has been linked to the Bulls as a possible offseason signing. The Spurs will also have to decide whether they want to try to resign Michael Finley to strengthen the team’s bench. The team could use a legit backup SF to relieve Bowen for stretches. Tim Thomas is one player who comes to mind and should be coveted by many teams based on his postseason performance for Phoenix. Matt Harpring may be the best fit for the Spurs, however. His style of play and work ethic seem to go well with both the team and its coaching staff. - Lawrence Buirse
4 - Anything you would like to add?
If their current Playoff trend continues, San Antonio should bring home another championship next season. They will make the right moves, moves that will keep them right at the front of the pack with Dallas. - David Smith
Let's face it: San Antonio was exposed against the Mavericks in the playoffs, and they will have to adjust this offseason to keep up with teams like Dallas and Phoenix. Popovich had the right idea by moving Duncan to center against Dallas; he just didn't have the players to make it work. If history is any guide (and if San Antonio takes my advice), the Spurs will do what's necessary to keep themselves near the top of the pack. They have more work to do than usual, though... - Archer Berryman
All of the talk about the Spurs needing major changes is really outrageous. This is a team that has kept their core group together and won three championships in the last seven years. How many changes do they really need? Nick Van Exel is retiring, Horry is declining, and Rasho needs a ticket out of town. If the team can add Flores and maybe one more solid reserve they’re set for another championship run. - Bill Ingram
The Spurs were the majority of all the experts picks to come out of the West, and win back to back championships. Bowing out in the second round to Dallas was a huge disappointment for the fans, players, and most of all Coach Gregg Popovich. The Spurs will not be the favorite out West next season, as that will belong to Phoenix and Dallas. This may actually play in San Antonio's favor, as they will be flying under the radar to some extent. The Spurs have a busy summer as six players will be competing in the World Championships in Japan, but the most important piece, Tim Duncan will be resting and focusing on the upcoming season. Look for Duncan to return to the MVP discussion next season with a big season. The health of Duncan and Ginobili are key to the season, but the off-season moves that Popovich and GM R.C. Buford make will decide whether the Spurs are playing in June, or starting an earlier summer vacation. - Matt Lowy
Nice article. Although, I'm not sure Rasho "is a talented player that has never fit in alongside Tim Duncan."
Who's Luis Flores?
Man, I'm looking forward to Luis Flores' joining the team!
WHO'S LUIS FLORES?
Luis Flores is the latest proof that Hoopsworld sucks ass.
"San Antonio always makes the right moves, without fail."
[QUOTE=ChumpDumper]Man, I'm looking forward to Luis Flores' joining the team
Last edited by themanurules; 06-16-2006 at 01:09 PM.
Not to mention not one of these s knows Finley signed a three-year deal.
Okay, so Luis Flores doesn't have any game or he can't come over to the Spurs?
It looks like you are saying he isn't that great a player.
Is he at least as good as Beno ?
Luis Scola and Luis Flores. How are the Spurs going to afford them both?
that's not good.
This guy has him mixed up with Scola. Flores played 15 games for the Warriors two seasons ago and isn't in the league anymore.
I heard the other day he thinks Orlando wants to sign him.
ahh. I get it...
I'll edit this post to spare you from some earlier stupidity.
Scola is coming over from what you all are saying, right?
And Jav comes in this year, it appears? Too bad they say he has no offensive game. Most centers now either can play some defense or some offense, but not both and often do neither well.
Then, if we could dump Rasho, trade Barry for JR Smith, things might be looking up.
OMG. I'm never going back to that website again. If there was a dumbass smilie I would put it right here.
Wow, well I feel stupid.
But didn't his name come up sometime last year in connection with the Spurs?
However, at least I'm not alone.
To really screw up requires a paid professional like HoopsWorld.
They don't appear to know any more than I do which leaves them in pretty bad shape.
And nobody is dumb enough to pay me for my opinions anyway.
Also, why does Michael Finley need to be "re-upped"? He's already under contract, right?
Didn't see this...sorry. So I was right...
No one here should feel stupid. These guys don't even bother to fact check or proof their articles. All they'd have to do is run it by an average poster here and they could avoid all this constant embarrassment
It's been covered better in other posts, but it's expected Javtokas to come over. It's basically done. He's a defensive center primarily, but we anticipate he could do quite well.
Scola is another story. I'm thinking he'll be in the NBA next year, but the question is where. Will the Spurs bring both he and Javtokas over, or try to trade away Scola's rights?
I've long been enamoured of Scola's game, but he's not quite what the Spurs need right now. We'll see.
I think about it this way: even if Horry is effective next season, it'll be his last. We need something resembling an offensive big man off the bench. Who better than Scola?
That's why I think we're still looking to sign Scola. We don't need huge additions of rebounding or athleticism to make small(er) ball work, just a bit more.
LUIS FLORES!!!! that's my gardener's name! No Really! I can't wait to congratulate him!!!!!
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