McDonald: Fin expected to return

[Kori Ellis]

Downsizing...stopped getting paid by the Mavs.

The house is already cheap.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

If Fin returns, I can see this finishing lineup:

C Duncan
PF Finley
SF Jefferson
SG Ginobili
PG Parker

As good as the other four players are on the court, Finley would single-handedly ruin it. The only big who I think Pop would trust more than Finley at the end of games is Rasheed. I think Pop would even play Finley over McDyess. No question Pop would play Finley over players like Gortat or Pachulia at the end of games.

Exactly. There had to be a counter to the ridiculously good news that ended last week. This is it. Talk about crashing back to earth...

[SenorSpur]

Though I obviously don't want him to start or get big minutes, I don't get why many of you guys hate him staying. If he stays, consider him the 15th man who will get some spot minutes. He's not going to eat into Manu/RJ's playing time. He's a good guy and the Spurs/Pop/Duncan all seem to like him A LOT. So, I see no problem with him sitting at the end of the bench.

Because Pop has always demonstrated an incredible amount of misplaced trust in Finley, for whatever reason and no matter how he performed. Whereas, Pop kept most other non-star players on short leashes when they were inconsistent and playing poorly, Pop gave Finley way too much freedom and way too much playing time when he struggled - which was very often.

IMO, I just cannot envisioin Pop relegating him to the end of the bench. Finley will be the primary backup for RJ. Book it!

If I'm correct, that will indeed take minutes away from an up and coming player.

[exstatic]

trade his ass to the grizzlies.

F him.

+1

[Kori Ellis]

If Fin returns, I can see this finishing lineup:

C Duncan
PF Finley
SF Jefferson
SG Ginobili
PG Parker

As good as the other four players are on the court, Finley would single-handedly ruin it. The only big who I think Pop would trust more than Finley at the end of games is Rasheed. I think Pop would even play Finley over McDyess. No question Pop would play Finley over players like Gortat or Pachulia at the end of games.

That would only be the finishing line up if the Spurs struck out in FA/trades for bigs. Pop knows that he's not winning with lineups like that.

[Kori Ellis]

Because Pop has always demonstrated an incredible amount of misplaced trust in Finley, for whatever reason and no matter how he performed. Whereas, Pop kept most other non-star players on short leashes when they were inconsistent and playing poorly, Pop gave Finley way too much freedom and way too much playing time when he struggled - which was very often.

IMO, I just cannot envisioin Pop relegating him to the end of the bench. Finley will be the primary backup for RJ. Book it!

If I'm correct, that will indeed take minutes away from an up and coming player.

I'm booking Manu as the backup for RJ.

[El Jefe]

Though I obviously don't want him to start or get big minutes, I don't get why many of you guys hate him staying. If he stays, consider him the 15th man who will get some spot minutes. He's not going to eat into Manu/RJ's playing time. He's a good guy and the Spurs/Pop/Duncan all seem to like him A LOT. So, I see no problem with him sitting at the end of the bench.

That being said, I still think he might leave.

Agreed that he's been nothing but a stand up guy during his Spurs tenure (and even well before that) I have nothing against Finley the person.

But I almost don't want Pop to even be tempted by him. At some point Hill, or Hairston, or Williams, or any young kid they give a shot at significant time next year is going to screw up something on the court. And there at the end of the bench, waiting like a professional, is the guy with the nicest looking jumpshot on the team.

He just doesn't have the legs to keep up anymore. It's a damn shame, but it happens.

[jman3000]

If Fin returns, I can see this finishing lineup:

C Duncan
PF Finley
SF Jefferson
SG Ginobili
PG Parker

As good as the other four players are on the court, Finley would single-handedly ruin it. The only big who I think Pop would trust more than Finley at the end of games is Rasheed. I think Pop would even play Finley over McDyess. No question Pop would play Finley over players like Gortat or Pachulia at the end of games.

That's pretty much the most depressing post I've ever read.

*pops a zoloft*

[MarHill]

If Fin returns, I can see this finishing lineup:

C Duncan
PF Finley
SF Jefferson
SG Ginobili
PG Parker

As good as the other four players are on the court, Finley would single-handedly ruin it. The only big who I think Pop would trust more than Finley at the end of games is Rasheed. I think Pop would even play Finley over McDyess. No question Pop would play Finley over players like Gortat or Pachulia at the end of games.

Timvp,

I have always respected your opinion and this forum you and Kori have put together.

But I think you are going off the deep end about Finley. Just a little....

If he does come back....Finley will be deep on the bench.

I believe Pop (and maybe I'm giving him more credit than you are) has told him what his role is if he comes back.

Will he come off the bench is some spots to close out games...yes!!

But not as much as you think!!!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

The moment Mason gets inconsistent, Finley will turn into Manu's backup.

Or worse, we'll trade Mason and Finley will be Manu's backup and get 20-25 minutes a game.

[lefty]

[NewJerSpur]

I know this is a redundant question, but when can the verdict officially be passed?

[Kori Ellis]

The moment Mason gets inconsistent, Finley will turn into Manu's backup.

Or worse, we'll trade Mason and Finley will be Manu's backup and get 20-25 minutes a game.

I'm not sold that Mason will even be here.

[MarHill]

The moment Mason gets inconsistent, Finley will turn into Manu's backup.

Or worse, we'll trade Mason and Finley will be Manu's backup and get 20-25 minutes a game.

Mason is not going anywhere.....

Fin is coming back to the ire of Spurs fans!!

[ElNono]

I think this pretty much seals the deal with Bowen if true.
Farewell Bruce! You will be missed!

[SenorSpur]

The only reason I think he's leaving is he is in the middle of selling his house. I think he has other plans.

I will offer this. Finley is a very, proud man. If he gets the feeling that he's not wanted, he may very well leave.

[El Jefe]

I'm not sold that Mason will even be here.

You think it's likely another trade is brewing? I thought RC said something about being done with trades, and turning to free agency now.

Of course, that's just what he WANTS us to think....

[Kori Ellis]

You think it's likely another trade is brewing? I thought RC said something about being done with trades, and turning to free agency now.

Of course, that's just what he WANTS us to think....

RC didn't say that as far as I heard.

And yes, I think they'll be another trade this summer.

[MarHill]

I'm not sold that Mason will even be here.

Kori,

What gives you that impression Mason will be traded?

I thought Spurs were happy with him most of the season.

Yes, I know he didn't play well in the playoffs.

However, I believe Pop went too far in putting him as the backup PG. I believe with RJ and Tony on the wing...he will get better shots this season.

And he's not afraid to take a big shot in a big spot.

[exstatic]

lefty, FTW...

[loveforthegame]

If Finley stays would Pop be willing to trade his expiring contract at the trade deadline to fill a need or would he hold onto Finley out of a sense of loyalty. I'm afraid the latter

I think the Spurs would trade a combination of Finley, Mason, and Bonner if it was a no brainer.

But unless that player(s) is an impact player or has an expiring contract this season I don't think the Spurs make any more trades.

While those 3 contracts would be tempting for teams looking to shed salary this season it could be just as tempting for the Spurs to let them run off the books after this season.

[NewJerSpur]

Money Ma$e will be back, and if not I'll eat a boatload of crow. I just hope Bowen returns as well and Fin exits.

[lefty]

lefty, FTW...

[barbacoataco]

The Spurs have Ginobili, Jefferson, Mason and Finley for the 2/3 spot. If Gist gets minutes it will be because he can defend players that are too big, strong or effective for Finley. If Gist is really capable of doing that, I'm sure Pop will give him the chance.

I like Finley as a 10-15 mpg player as long as she shoots at or close to 40% 3ptrs. he also is an expiring contract and could be useful in a trade package.

[Budkin]

It's time to hang em up Fin.