Ludden: Nuggets big man Elson may head to Spurs

[Solid D]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...n.14d5b7d.html

Web Posted: 07/12/2006 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

Nearly two months ago, Sports Illustrated asked 248 NBA players for which team, other than their own, they most would like to play. The Spurs finished first with 13 percent of the vote.

What the magazine neglected to reveal, however, was whether any of those 32 votes came from someone taller than 6-foot-9.

While NBA teams can begin signing free agents today, the Spurs' search for a starting center — and possibly even his backup — could extend another week.

The agent for Denver's Francisco Elson said Tuesday he expects to receive an offer sheet from the Spurs. Because Elson is a restricted free agent, the Nuggets would have seven days to match the offer.

Spurs officials acknowledged they are strongly considering signing a restricted free agent to an offer sheet but wouldn't disclose the player's name. New York's Jackie Butler and Charlotte's Melvin Ely also are restricted free agents, but their respective teams seem more likely to match an offer than Denver.

The Nuggets have committed to signing Nene, another of their big men, to a $60million contract and would like to re-sign forward Reggie Evans. They also have center Marcus Camby under contract for four years and $42 million and Kenyon Martin for five years and $72 million.

The Spurs, meanwhile, recently lost their two centers from last season. Rasho Nesterovic was traded to Toronto, and Nazr Mohammed agreed to sign with Detroit. They also have yet to reach agreement on a contract for their projected backup center, Robertas Javtokas.

"With the Spurs, there's a good opportunity for Francisco to contribute to a pretty good team at the center spot," said Calvin Andrews, Elson's agent. "Denver seems to be pretty much set with its big men."

Elson made about $700,000 last season, and the Spurs' offer probably wouldn't exceed much more than half of their $5.2 million exception. Andrews said the offer likely would be for a maximum of three years. A two-year deal would better fit the Spurs' plans because they have only Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker under contract after the 2007-08 season.

Though the wait period for teams to match offer sheets has decreased from 15 days to a week, the Spurs still would be taking a gamble with Elson. While Denver mulls whether to keep Elson, the Spurs run the risk of losing free agents like Utah's Jarron Collins and Memphis' Lorenzen Wright.

Elson, 30, has spent the past three seasons in Denver after playing in Spain. He stands 7 feet, runs the floor well, is an adequate shot blocker and can hit an occasional mid-range jumper — all traits that would fit in the Spurs' system.

What Elson has lacked is consistency. He's sometimes slow to the ball, and Denver officials thought he put too much pressure on himself last season. He also performed poorly in the playoffs.

Elson averaged 4.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and .63 blocks in 21.9 minutes in 72 games last season. The Nuggets went 32-22 in the 54 games he started.

In a Jan. 22 victory over the Spurs, Elson totaled 13 points, six rebounds and two steals while repeatedly beating Duncan and the rest of the Spurs' big men down the floor. Of course, Nesterovic once scored 24 points against David Robinson, a performance that helped persuade the Spurs to hand him a $42 million contract. It was a performance the Spurs never saw again.

Andrews said Phoenix also has showed some interest in Elson but preferred a sign-and-trade deal.

Even if the Spurs get Elson, their work wouldn't be complete. Javtokas' agent, Herb Rudoy, said he has yet to strike a deal with the Spurs.

"We're still talking," Rudoy said. "Hopefully we'll know this week whether it's going to happen or not."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[email protected]

[furry_spurry]

Even if the Spurs get Elson, their work wouldn't be complete. Javtokas' agent, Herb Rudoy, said he has yet to strike a deal with the Spurs.

"We're still talking," Rudoy said. "Hopefully we'll know this week whether it's going to happen or not."

What's taking so long...

In a Jan. 22 victory over the Spurs, Elson totaled 13 points, six rebounds and two steals while repeatedly beating Duncan and the rest of the Spurs' big men down the floor.

Yes, and Nazr had 17 points and 12 rebounds that night-- so what!!

[Solid D]

They obviously don't want to commit too soon since their exception money spending is an important decision.

[Russ]

Even if the Spurs get Elson, their work wouldn't be complete. Javtokas' agent, Herb Rudoy, said he has yet to strike a deal with the Spurs.

"We're still talking," Rudoy said. "Hopefully we'll know this week whether it's going to happen or not."

Javtokas has much more leverage now than he did two weeks ago and his agent knows it.

[Kori Ellis]

So 1/2 the MLE or so to Elson and the rest to Javtokas and call it a summer?

[timvp]

This sucks. Francisco Freakin' Elson.

Someone please wake me up from this bad dream.

[strangeweather]

So 1/2 the MLE or so to Elson and the rest to Javtokas and call it a summer?

[furry_spurry]

They obviously don't want to commit too soon since their exception money spending is an important decision.

Yes, this means he is expecting part of the MLE- and not the LLE- you think?

Seems the Spurs should be ready to give him what he deserves, which is at least what Fabricio got.

[violentkitten]

sometimes you work so hard to avoid bad contracts that you end up with no talent

[Kori Ellis]

Elson, to me, isn't horrible for the minimum. But 1/2 the MLE would suck.

[timvp]

Half of the freakin' MLE for Francisco Elson. Are you kidding me? I wouldn't want this guy for the LLE.

Good thing the Spurs didn't offer Przybilla that fifth year.

[Budkin]

We gave up Rasho and Nazr to get Elson? WTF...

[RogerIsEatingASandwich]

Elson isn't gonna cut it....

[violentkitten]

they have $5.3 mil to spend and they can't draw this summer?

[strangeweather]

Spurs officials acknowledged they are strongly considering signing a restricted free agent to an offer sheet but wouldn't disclose the player's name. New York's Jackie Butler and Charlotte's Melvin Ely also are restricted free agents, but their respective teams seem more likely to match an offer than Denver.

Either Butler or Ely would be a vast improvement over Elson.

[Kori Ellis]

I don't get why they would go for restricted Elson over unrestricted Wright or Collins.

Scrubs are scrubs.

[Winnipeg_Spur]

CIA Pop at work?

Our main target isn't really Francisco Freaking Elson, is it? This must be part of some plot to cover up our real choices...





...please.

[violentkitten]

lo wright looks like drob at this point

[violentkitten]

tomorrow the spurs announce that they have traded for troy murphy.

claws crossed.

[Kori Ellis]

claws crossed.

[strangeweather]

sometimes you work so hard to avoid bad contracts that you end up with no talent

Rasho for 6 or 7 million is a much better contract than Elson for half the MLE.

[timvp]

I would take a whole lot of other centers over Elson. Give me Jake Voskuhl. Give me Aaron Williams.

Just don't give me Franny Elson.

Got damn.

[violentkitten]

dont doubt the mojo

[timvp]

Rasho for 6 or 7 million is a much better contract than Elson for half the MLE.

I'd rather the Spurs sign Will Perdue at this point.

[Leetonidas]

tomorrow the spurs announce that they have traded for troy murphy.

claws crossed.

That's what I have a feeling for...

I hope this ain't true. Francisco Elson is like 30...he's not young by any means.