Monroe: Splitter won't be in mix yet

[oligarchy]

The NBA is not in the business of paying people for what they did in the European leagues. Any system that allows a person with zero years NBA experience to make more than a rookie LeBron is insane.

I think it's pretty clear the only one who doesn't comprehend things is you.

Yeah. All #1 draft picks are hits.

[whottt]

Why is everyone blaming RC for this?


He didn't up...


And what was he supposed to say? Splitter ed us...I can't believe this POS did this and ed up our entire offseason plan?



What RC said has nothing to do with why Splitter isn't here...it's irrelevant...and any ing about it is Spurfans looking for a reason to about something the Spurs had no control over. And it's not going to make you feel any better either.


This is going to happen more and more often to all NBA teams barring a restructuring of the rookie payscale...the Spurs were just the first one it happened to.


And it's not RC's fault...and it's not the fault of his speech either.


Worst post ever by lamevp.

[picnroll]

Just increase the rookie pay scale, for all players...to make it more compe ive with Europe.


What's funny is everyone acting like this can only happen to a European draft pick...the Euroleague teams can start outbidding NBA teams for American Rookies as well, as long as they aren't bound by a rookie payscale and the NBA teams are.


Raise the Rookie payscale and stay compe ive...or stay cheap and get passed by the Euroleagues.


The NBA is the #1 league because it pays the most...if that is no longer the case, the NBA will no longer be the #1 league.

US players are not going to go over to Europe without a VERY significant difference in pay. Why should the NBA create a situation where they have to pay top dollar to "even" the playing field indiscrimately to attract both Euros and US players on an equal basis. Not very smart money-wise.

[CaptainLate]

No need to lie and claim to be "excited". That comes across as a pathetically blatant lie.

Exactly. These damn FO people are like politicians.

Now, you don't have to burn bridges. But tell the truth a/h:

[ "Naturally we are disappointed Tiago chose to remain over there. Hopefully he'll improve and someday join us here. In the meantime, this situation is reflective of the crash of the US$ and introduction of the Amero. Therefore, the damn NBA and Players Assn better renegotiate the "rookie" salary issue. If it doesn't accommodate the signing of overseas players, then two things are going to happen:
# 1. The league will continue losing opportunities to bring talented players from overseas; and
#2. If I was a rookie, or even a talented player coming out of highschooler, I'd be signing a 3-4 yr contract for much more than I can get in the NBA. Playing overseas will also give me a chance to see parts of the world that I may never have an opportunity to do.

[whottt]

US players are not going to go over to Europe without a VERY significant difference in pay.

This just in...the difference can be as signifigant as the Euroleague teams want it to be.

Why should the NBA create a situation where they have to pay top dollar to "even" the playing field indiscrimately to attract both Euros and US players on an equal basis. Not very smart money-wise.

Um...becoming the second best league in the world isn't very smart success-wise.

[The Truth #6]

A lot of things haven't gone RC's way but it's way too soon to throw him under the bus. What was he supposed to do in this case? They obviously had a promise from Tiago so they drafted him.

The dollar is dropping. Is that RC's fault? I don't think RC can pick up the phone and call the Fed to drop interest rates any lower.

Let's see how this Summer plays out. If we haven't improved our domestic scouting, and if Ian is only Elson V.2, and they don't make an effort to sign a wing who can score, then yeah I would say the evidence is piling up against him.

[picnroll]

This just in...the difference can be as signifigant as the Euroleague teams want it to be.

This just in ... as it stands now, and for some time to come probably, it will require Euroleague teams to pay a premium, a substantial premium most likely to attract almost all US born players. From a monetary standpoint the owners should set the rules to take advantage of that premium. That is assuming they are interested in making money.

Um...becoming the second best league in the world isn't very smart success-wise.

If the US economy continues to sink relative to Europe and Asia and basketball continues to increase in popularity in those countries, then NBA becoming the second or third best league in the world will likely be inevitable. Those are the determing factors.

[tmtcsc]

Why is everyone blaming RC for this?


He didn't up...


And what was he supposed to say? Splitter ed us...I can't believe this POS did this and ed up our entire offseason plan?



What RC said has nothing to do with why Splitter isn't here...it's irrelevant...and any ing about it is Spurfans looking for a reason to about something the Spurs had no control over. And it's not going to make you feel any better either.


This is going to happen more and more often to all NBA teams barring a restructuring of the rookie payscale...the Spurs were just the first one it happened to.


And it's not RC's fault...and it's not the fault of his speech either.


Worst post ever by lamevp.

Good post, I agree totally. Lot's of people ROFL'ing around here (albeit cynically) because they feel a bit burned by RC.

RC had nothing to do with the declining dollar or Tau being able to pay him more than what he would get here.

First the Scola fiasco and now this. Scola was obviously a bad decision but it didn't stop us from making it further than we ever had after a Championship.

Let's not make a huge deal out of this again. RC probably took the high road so that he could retain his options regarding Splitter's future. Why burn bridges ? Privately, I'm sure the FO was very disappointed but maybe it was worth the risk of drafting him.

Oh well, no use in crying over it anymore, just do something about it.

[whottt]

This just in ... as it stands now, and for some time to come probably, it will require Euroleague teams to pay a premium, a substantial premium most likely to attract almost all US born players. From a monetary standpoint the owners should set the rules to take advantage of that premium. That is assuming they are interested in making money.

This just in...what Tau just did with Splitter could have easily been done with an American rookie...in case you didn't notice, it was about the money.

If the US economy continues to sink relative to Europe and Asia and basketball continues to increase in popularity in those countries, then NBA becoming the second or third best league in the world will likely be inevitable. Those are the determing factors.

Yeah...true, it was amazing how we've dominated Soccer as the World's #1 economy. Other guys didn't have a chance.


We kick ass in Water Polo and Bobsledding as well...because we're the world's #1 economy.


The solution to the problem you just posed is simple...you take the cap off and let the Lakers, Mavs, Celtics and Knicks etc, put some money on the table. Yeah it will suck for the concept of leveling the field of compe ion, but it will also leave the Euroleague teams holding their s and priced out of the game...

[picnroll]

This just in...what Tau just did with Splitter could have easily been done with an American rookie...in case you didn't notice, it was about the money.

This just in ... Tau would have to make a considerably higher offer to get a brother to leave LA or NY and go to the capital of toilet bowls Spain, eat tapas and learn Spanish.

Yeah...true, it was amazing how we've dominated Soccer as the World's #1 economy. Other guys didn't have a chance.

Yeah since soccer has always been a major sport in the USA filling 100,000 seat stadiums and drawing billion dollar TV contracts.

The solution the problem you just posed is simple...you take the cap off and let the Lakers, Mavs, Celtics and Knicks etc, put some money on the table. Yeah it will suck for the concept of leveling the field of compe ion, but it will also leave the Euroleague teams holding their s and priced out of the game...

Someday that may be the needed solution to compete on the world stage. Not today though. That also is the day I stop watching NBA basketball.

[Russ]

Just increase the rookie pay scale, for all players...to make it more compe ive with Europe.

The short term solution would seem to be to only draft players that are available to sign now. Even if that means carrrying them on the roster before they can contribute, ala Mahinmi.

Too much can happen in even one year to rely upon anything in the future (just ask Hillary).

[CaptainLate]

US players are not going to go over to Europe without a VERY significant difference in pay.

WHICH IS COMING!!!

Have you been watching the manipulated crash of the US$? Even compared to the Canucks up north?

Do a search on "Amero Watch". I'd take a 4-5 year contract that was worth 30% or better than US$.

[whottt]

This just in ... Tau would have to make a considerably higher offer to get a brother to leave LA or NY and go to the capital of toilet bowls Spain, eat tapas and learn Spanish.

This just in....you have absolutely no proof of that.


This just in....they can spend the off season in LA or NY playing for Tau as easily as they can playing for SA.

This also just in, for those who haven't heard the latest, Tau just offered Splitter several times what the Spurs could offer him.

Any time you hear the words, "several times" you can be sure the difference is a substantial one.

And finally this is in as well, American players like money as much, if not more, as Brazillian players do.

I know this may be a revelation to you, that um, money is a factor...but it's a fact nontheless.

Yeah since soccer has always been a major sport in the USA filling 100,000 seat stadiums and drawing billion dollar TV contracts.

Actually Soccer drew well in the major markets when they first tried it in the 70's...it drew well when we hosted the World Cup.

The reason it's not popular here is because we haven't been as good at it as Europe...and it's not for a lack of effort.


When we stop sucking at it, it'll become more popular.


Sincerely,

The Tour de France.

Someday that may be the needed solution to compete on the world stage. Not today though. That also is the day I stop watching NBA basketball.

It wouldn't last long...the second the powerful Euroleague teams start upping the ante the rest of the Euroleague teams will be raising about the capitalist pigs destroying the even playing field...and then they'll have a salary cap.


Besides...spending money doesn't guarantee championships...it just guarantees spending money...and baseball has been that way forever.

[whottt]

Oh and BTW, I'd like to drop a big you on Tiago...I was looking forward to the Brazillian chicks joining the forum.

[whottt]

Good post, I agree totally. Lot's of people ROFL'ing around here (albeit cynically) because they feel a bit burned by RC.

RC had nothing to do with the declining dollar or Tau being able to pay him more than what he would get here.

First the Scola fiasco and now this. Scola was obviously a bad decision but it didn't stop us from making it further than we ever had after a Championship.

Let's not make a huge deal out of this again. RC probably took the high road so that he could retain his options regarding Splitter's future. Why burn bridges ? Privately, I'm sure the FO was very disappointed but maybe it was worth the risk of drafting him.

Oh well, no use in crying over it anymore, just do something about it.

Thank you


Spur fans don't seem to understand that a basketball team, from a de-facto minor-league just out bid the Spurs for the services of their #1 draft pick.


It was smart on the part of Tau, and Spilitter would have been stupid to do otherwise...





This has nothing to do with Splitter not being an American, or RC screwing up...it has everything to do with the rookie scale allowing Euroleague teams to outbid NBA teams, for rookie players, ANY ROOKIE PLAYERS FROM ANY COUNTRY, for their basketball services.





The funny thing is you can't even call Splitter disloyal over it...because he was loyal to his original team on top of it.



Splitter and Tau both made a smart move...and the rookie payscale is now an impedement in competing with other leagues. Not just for the rights to International players...but to American Players as well.


I don't care if the Knicks had drafted Tiago with the 28th pick...the result would have been the same.


And I didn't hear one ing monday morning QB now ripping and second guessing the FO, calling this before it happened...

IF one of you guys foresaw this...I'd like the link...experts.

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs knew that Splitter's contract situation was a problem. Without it, he wouldn't have been available for the Spurs to draft in the first place. They took a shot with a low first round pick. It didn't work out, so far. Maybe Splitter will feel differently about the rookie contract in a couple years. If not, so what? Their primary problem lies in their perimeter rotation more than anything. Plus they have Mahinmi coming in, which is just as if they had a lottery pick in this year's draft. Mahinmi is the prototypical 21st century NBA bigman. Mahinmi is a much more desirable bigman prospect than Splitter. Splitter is just more polished at this point in time. At least now the Spurs will be forced to let Mahinmi crack the rotation earlier.

[whottt]

At the very least...if they don't substantially up the rookie payscale...they at least need to incoporate some form of draft bird rights into the CBA to allow NBA teams to match or better compe ive offers from non NBA Teams so they can sign their own draft picks.

Because a #1 pick is a terrible thing to waste.


Any of you guys think the NBA is going to award us an additional pick because their rule just caused us to waste a #1 pick?

Will there be just compensation?

[E20]

Trade his rights right now. He is no use to the Spurs. Spurs are too cheap to buy out his contract or whatever and in 4 years he will be no use to us either. Trade him now. This is basically Scola part 2.

[Marcus Bryant]

At the very least...if they don't substantially up the rookie payscale...they at least need to incoporate some form of draft bird rights into the CBA to allow NBA teams to match or better compe ive offers from non NBA Teams so they can sign their own draft picks.

Because a #1 pick is a terrible thing to waste.


Any of you guys think the NBA is going to award us an additional pick because their rule just caused us to waste a #1 pick?

Will there be just compensation?

Only when the Lakers, Celtics, and Knicks have problems will Stern act.

[exstatic]

The Spurs knew that Splitter's contract situation was a problem. Without it, he wouldn't have been available for the Spurs to draft in the first place. They took a shot with a low first round pick. It didn't work out, so far. Maybe Splitter will feel differently about the rookie contract in a couple years. If not, so what? Their primary problem lies in their perimeter rotation more than anything. Plus they have Mahinmi coming in, which is just as if they had a lottery pick in this year's draft. Mahinmi is the prototypical 21st century NBA bigman. Mahinmi is a much more desirable bigman prospect than Splitter. Splitter is just more polished at this point in time. At least now the Spurs will be forced to let Mahinmi crack the rotation earlier.

Amen. iYAAAAHN, come on down.

[whottt]

The Spurs knew that Splitter's contract situation was a problem. Without it, he wouldn't have been available for the Spurs to draft in the first place. They took a shot with a low first round pick. It didn't work out, so far. Maybe Splitter will feel differently about the rookie contract in a couple years. If not, so what? Their primary problem lies in their perimeter rotation more than anything. Plus they have Mahinmi coming in, which is just as if they had a lottery pick in this year's draft. Mahinmi is the prototypical 21st century NBA bigman. Mahinmi is a much more desirable bigman prospect than Splitter. Splitter is just more polished at this point in time. At least now the Spurs will be forced to let Mahinmi crack the rotation earlier.

And I'd say the Spurs had no clue this was going to happen...and if they had they'd have dumped Tiago long ago while his value was high based on the season he was having.

Spurs tend to try to get something for their draft picks...even if it's only cap relief.


They didn't see this coming...and I gurantee you the NBA is taking notice of it.

[Marcus Bryant]

Trade his rights right now. He is no use to the Spurs. Spurs are too cheap to buy out his contract or whatever and in 4 years he will be no use to us either. Trade him now. This is basically Scola part 2.

Nah. His rights are at their lowest value right now. In a couple years, he'll have some money in his pocket and may be willing to take on that rookie contract. If he entered the league at age 24, then he'd at least have a shot at one long term big money contract ($50+ mil) in his NBA career. He should turn out to be a slightly above average starting NBA center. Ian will be much more.

[whottt]

Only when the Lakers, Celtics, and Knicks have problems will Stern act.

This threatens the Knicks, Lakers, and Celtics...it has nothing to do with the Spurs being a small market team or having a tightfisted owner.


Tau just gave the entire NBA a blackeye...not just the Spurs, and this was a historic moment in Euroleague NBA power distribution...

It's another in a long series of strides the Euroleagues have been making against the NBA...and this was probably the biggest one yet.

[Marcus Bryant]

And I'd say the Spurs had no clue this was going to happen...and if they had they'd have dumped Tiago long ago while his value was high based on the season he was having.

Spurs tend to try to get something for their draft picks...even if it's only cap relief.


They didn't see this coming...and I gurantee you the NBA is taking notice of it.

They were aware of the possibility. They thought they had a good shot, no doubt. But, again, in the grand scheme of things they took a shot on an international with a low pick. If, for whatever reason, they had a lottery pick and it turned out this way, then I'd be pissed.

Spurs fans want the front office to be aggressive and yet conservative. You can't have it both ways. If they aren't making "mistakes" in the casual fan's mind then they aren't being aggressive.

[Marcus Bryant]

This threatens the Knicks, Lakers, and Celtics...it has nothing to do with the Spurs being a small market team or having a tightfisted owner.


Tau just gave the entire NBA a blackeye...not just the Spurs, and this was a historic moment in Euroleague NBA power distribution...

It's another in a long series of strides the Euroleagues have been making against the NBA...and this was probably the biggest one yet.

This is the only head to head stride they've made. What would make sense is for the league to allow international draft picks who were drafted two or more years ago eligible to receive a MLE contract.