FinDog millionaire
By Buck Harvey
Michael Finley has until July 1 to decide whether to opt-out of his Spurs contract, though most everyone has assumed he would be back.
Maybe that's still the case. He's been happy in San Antonio, and he's scheduled to earn $2.5 million. There's a chance another team would offer a 2-year contract, but, in this economy, the bid might be only the veteran's minimum.
Those who know Finley say he wants to keep playing. His body held up well last season, when he appeared in 81 games, and the one game he missed deserves an asterisk. That was in Denver, when Gregg Popovich famously sat most of his starters.
But the personnel changes last week also change the equation. Now, with Richard Jefferson sure to take most of his minutes, does Finley want to come back and play in a limited role?
Bruce Bowen, as accustomed to starting and playing as Finley, struggled last season making the same adjustment.
Popovich likely wants Finley back. He's had as much respect for Finley as for any of his players, and Popovich would reason that Finley's professionalism would contribute in some form.
Still, after the Jefferson trade, this is a franchise that will be paying the luxury tax. If Jefferson gets 32-34 minutes a night, and if Popovich spreads wing minutes between Roger Mason Jr., Manu Ginobili and George Hill, would the Spurs prefer to develop Malik Hairston, Marcus Williams or someone else?
For those who mark the time: If Finley leaves, Tim Duncan becomes the elder Spur.
first time in at least 8 years
I favor keeping Finley, unless a great deal comes around. We need some continuity between this year and last, with the role-players. I want one of Bowen or Finley back.
lol i wonder how timmy would react to being the oldest spur.
NO! Why don't you want Fab or Kurt back?
Finley, get the out.
Agree. (In terms of keeping some of the continuity.)
With the Spurs' lack of defensive-size at the wing though, I'd hope it'd be Bowen.
Last edited by Blackjack; 06-27-2009 at 08:58 PM. Reason: Clarification
I want Finley out and Bowen back in.
If you had to choose between either
1) Bowen & Finley back
- or -
2) neither back
Which would you choose?
I'm with ya, timvp
but don't you think Fin exercising his option is a good thing in terms of him being a valuable trade asset this offseason and possibly at the deadline next year?
Bowen is surely my first option.
If Bowen doesn't come back, I'm OK with Finely.
Got damn, that's a tough choice
That's more difficult than it was picking a team to root for in the '08 Finals.
I'd go with option 1. I don't want this team to get too young and lose that chemistry they've built up (never thought I'd say that). And I'd like to think that RJ will keep Finley off the court.
I love you Mike but you will be buried in the bench now. You know how when you come in off the bench how bad you shoot. You have to be a starter to get your shot down but that will be a thing of the past. Ask Bruce. Mike call it a career. You had a good one and Cuban in a few years will hang your shirt from the AAC. Thanks Mike for being a Spurs--You got your ring with us!!
Time to move on... Findog, thanks for the memories... GTFO!
To me this one is easy. Sign Bowen for the vet minimum and trade Finley as part of something more useful.
I'd take either Bowen or Finley, believing Bowen will not be back (for whatever reason). I'd prefer Bowen, though.
I think I'd take 2), because Bowen won't get a second of meaningful playing time anyways if Finley is here. My best case scenario is Bruce returns and the Spurs package Finley's expiring deal with Bonner's to get a passable big.Got damn, that's a tough choice
That's more difficult than it was picking a team to root for in the '08 Finals.
I'd go with option 1. I don't want this team to get too young and lose that chemistry they've built up (never thought I'd say that). And I'd like to think that RJ will keep Finley off the court.
To be more precise, my fear is Pop having the thought of starting him and giving him heavy minutes over guys like Mason. If Fin is there, I'm affraid Pop will be tempted.
Finley will leave. He sucks in a reduced role and he knows it.
I hope.
Finley in a very limited role? Absolutely. But Fin playing heavy minutes? No way.
I would hope to see Bowen back, he can mentor the youngins ie G. Hill, Gist, Hairston, Blair. and off the court make jokes with Sean and do HEB commercials!!!!!!!!
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