if we cant get artest, i say go for it. at the very least hes instant offense.
Keep in mind that the kid is only 22 years old. He is still very impressionable and he hasn't really had the type of team mates or coaches to help in sink in. I said in a different thread that JR is just what the doctor ordered - but perhaps looking at it from his perspective, the Spurs are just what the doctor ordered.
get him
With the options the Spurs have available this offseason, I'd say JR Smith may just be worth the risk. He can't be any crazier than Stephen Jackson and he can't be any worse on defense than Michael Finley.
As for people claiming he'd be in Pop's doghouse too often, I disagree. Pop won't have that many options, especially if he wants to rest Ginobili more during the regular season.
JR was in GK's doghouse for a good part of last season, as soon as he got out he fast became probably the best player on the Nuggets. He put in effort on both ends of the floor and even played some good D when he tried. He stopped jacking as many 3's and started realising noone can stop his attacks to the rim, which in turn created easier 3pt looks coz the D had to sag off him incase he attacked.
JR is a flatout baller who has made some mistakes but has as much talent as anyone in the league. He just needs the work ethic and discipline, and he started getting that late last season.
Best part of the season is when he went head to head with Kobe in one of the playoff games, they kept hitting big shots and of course Kobe won in the end but it was fun seeing JR showing he isn't afraid of anyone. I also can never 4get when he has those games where he hits about 7 3's in a half..........fun to watch
I hope the Nuggets match whatever offer he gets coz it will be alot this season but with AI's 20mil expiring next year it means it will be worth the long term investment.
Chalmers (hopefully)/JR/Melo/?/Nene - thats a good and still relatively young core........
Thanks for the input. It is greatly apprecited.
I try to do a sign and trade
I would throw draft picks to denver for so they would not match offers
humm spurs take a gamble on a proven scorer
or a unproven euro
spurs fans will whatever they choose
Not arguing that Finley is better (even though Finley willingly gave up roles that were traditionally his for the sake of the team and winning), but what number of points that JR might score would be worth the number of points given up by poor defense (the opponent knowing full well to iso him every time down the court)?
And not to mention, how many points gained on offense offset the potential screwup of team chemistry, since character matters to the Spurs?
Again, JR is a better defender than Finley (which admittedly isn't saying a lot) AND brings exactly what the Spurs need in a young slasher that can hit a shot from anywhere on the floor.
As for the chemistry of the Spurs, that is the last thing that I'm worried about. Any other team, I could see a point - but NOTHING is disrupting the chemistry of this team.
In what world, would Pietrus be better than JR SMith.
Are you people nuts?
Pietrus is TERRIBLE compared to Smith.
Pietrus? No comparison at all. JR is already much better than Pietrus and will only get better.
What roles would that be that Finley gave up? I don't believe Finley was guaranteed anything when he came to the Spurs. Nor do I believe that he gave up anything willingly or sacrificially.
As far as JR goes, I don't think his defense is as poor as everyone believes. That's the point of this whole topic. Will he defend? I'm sure he is a capable defender, but is he willing? If Pop believes that he would be, then I'm sure he would pursue him. But to your question, does his scoring outweigh his lack of defense? Look at who he would be replacing then look at the numbers he put up versus the numbers put up by his assignee. That should give you your answer.
Chemistry issues are a complete aside. How many people want (and still want SJAX?) How real are chemistry issues?
JR is a very capable defender, he just needs the right coach. People call me crazy but i truly believe he has as much talent as Kobe.......all he has to do is reach his potential. Im not saying he will ever be as good as Kobe but he could certainly have some great years if he works hard.
On the other hand, JR is a restricted FA and Pietrus is unrestricted. That's another reason JR probably won't be a Spur -- restricted FAs suck up the Spurs' money until the original team decides to match.
Lost opportunities in the meantime . . . .
Do you think Karl's relationship with Pop might aleviate some of the trouble with that though?
I don't think they like each other.
The spurs were able to control buckets and me thinks he's more of a nutcase than smith. Just imagine if JR would totally commit to a system (hopefully the spurs'), defend and play..he's gonna be a Finley redux.
When Finley came in, he was used to being one of the go to guys, not to mention a starter. I remember him mentioning in 2007 how he was willing to start or come off the bench, whatever it took.
I agree if we're talking about somebody like Kobe (who is going to get his no matter who guards him). But other than that, if JR comes in and can play defense, but chooses not to work hard at it for whatever reason, I just don't see him playing much.
Not to go too far back to the dark ages on you
All in all, I just love my Spurs and I am going to trust Pop's instincts to do what's best for the team. Besides, I'm paid just a few million dollars less than the FO for my judgement.
You think Denver is wiling to pay him 11.6 million a year to JR Smith?
That made me laugh. LOL
I could see the Spurs offer him the full MLE for 2 years to get to the 2010 season where cap room opens up. Maybe get creative and offer 4 years, with the third year a team option and fourth year a player option, so they can still have some flexibility in the 2010 summer.
George Karl isn't the most stable coach - I don't put much stock in issues with Karl - especially on a team as flawed as Denver.
I've been watching this kid since high-school and I've never seen a player with a better combination of marksmanship and athleticism. This kid can drop treys like Allen, and throw down like Carter. So I don't think your crazy for thinking his talent is on par with Kobe's.
Like Kobe though, he's never been humbled. There's a since of en lement they share, to go along with an insecurity that makes them try to be someone/something they're not.
Unlike Kobe though (at least to this point), he lacks the drive, work-ethic, and willingness to pay the price mentally/physically to realize his potential. For all of Kobe's character-flaws... His dedication to the game and hunger to be the best, can't be questioned.
Maybe a change of scenery and a team like the Spurs is all he needs. He is only 22, and did come straight out of high-school. So Maybe Pop and the boys can help him with his at ude enough that he'll realize/fulfill his potential.
It's possible... Even if not probable.
If you read the damn post, no one said anything about Pietrus being better than Smith!
The statement I responded to was about giving Smith the MLE I retorted Smith didn't deserve the MLE. Rather if the Spurs were going to spend that amount on a swingman, Pietrus would be the choice. Moreso, because he would be a better fit both on and off the court.
As for who is the better talent, of course that's Smith. He has a lot of baggage, but if they could get him for less than MLE, ok.
Turning down JR Smith because of his defense doesn't make much sense considering his age. What perimeter players were considered good defenders from ages 18 to 22 in the NBA? I can't even think of one off the top of my head. Almost every young swingman suffers on the defensive end at that age.
, Ginobili was considered one of the worst defenders on the planet up until he was around 23. He didn't turn out bad.
Turning down Smith because he's a wannabe gangsta or because he doesn't do much other than score makes some sense. But expecting a young swingman to play any type of defense is asking too much.
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