Next Moves

[DrHouse]

There is no such thing as Kobe stopper. It takes a solid team defense to truly contain him.

[poeticism707]

If we could keep Splitter and take Bell, I'd do that over trading Splitter to Houston for Battier.

Now, if we could get Battier without Splitter being in the deal, then you do it.

But I still like Diaw on this team. I think the leadership both on and off the court can help Diaw thrive. Can you imagine Diaw and Gino coming off the bench to take over the scoring for Parker and Duncan when they for a rest?

Agreed! That would be a very nice lineup.

Very unorthodox, and therein would lie it's strength.

[Nathan Explosion]

Everyone assumes that Parker bolts for LA once Duncan retires, citing that Eva lives there. However, Eva is a Spurs fan with a home here as well, and Parker is a big star in France and going to LA won't make him a bigger star there.

I don't see Parker becoming a bigger star here in the US. In 2012 Parker will be 30, and unless you're Steve Nash, you usually are as big a star as you're going to get once you hit 30.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Very nice writeup, MB.

We're definitely on the same page after that OP, and I had the same thought of a trade following the signing of 'Dyess.

My two points of concern would definitely be a defensive-wing (preferably 6' 6'' or over) and another capable defensive 5. (preferably 6' 10'' or over)

I've mentioned McGuire and Sefolosha incessantly on this board and have suggested trying to snag Battier after Houston's signing of Ariza and their misfortune with Yao, but Bogans seems like the type of player the Spurs would acquire. I think Sefolosha and Battier would be the best gets for a win now team, though. Sefolosha is basically a more physical Christie-type player, someone who could potentially run the point next to Hill, and Battier, like McDyess, is just one of those guys that scream "Spur" in character/professionalism. (Not to mention he's one of the best perimeter defenders in the league)

Splitter deciding to come over would be absolutely perfect to fill that 5 role, but this offseason really can't go that well, can it? I've always liked Foster and it would be nice to see the local guy have a chance to win a ring in his hometown (ala Devin) but I'm not sure where his game is at, at this point. I just haven't seen enough of him lately to make a good, honest assessment. If he's anywhere where he was 2 to 3 years ago he'd definitely be an asset and one I'd like to see the Spurs try an acquire.

I'm absolutely in disbelief at what the Spurs have done but with the way the contenders are loading up, filling that 5 and/or wing defender role might be an absolute must..

This upcoming season's playoffs are going to be absolutely bananas.

Nice post.

Bogans for cheap would be okay, but we really need to offload Finley if he's coming here. I think the Wiz like McGuire, and same with OKC and Thabo - unlikely we have a shot at them.

Foster looked fine last year, although he is greatly overpaid at 6mil per. We could swap Bonner/Finley for him, but he's really 6 fouls/Mahinmi insurance isn't he? That's a lot to pay for insurance, and would leave us a bit thin on outside shooting. I'd rather go with someone like Rasho for the min or I was going to suggest trading for someone cheap like Tony Battie... I thought he was on 2.5mil or somesuch, but he's making 6.2mil next year!

[phxspurfan]

I'm going to sound like a broken record to some, but how bout some Tayshaun Prince? He's like a Battier clone at a much lower premium.

[bishopospurs]

AHF you really think Splitter would be good enough to warrant TP staying here after Duncan retires?


I think, realistically, Parker bolts for LA as soon as Duncan leaves. He will be fondly remembered in SATown.

Way to rain on the parade... wy the F would TP go to LA? Kobe is going to be ancient when Tim hangs them up.

[superbigtime]

On the free agent market, Anthony Carter makes some sense. He's like a bigger Vaughn with more left in the tank. He's a pretty damn good passer and his range is improving.

Boring name but as a third point guard for minimum, I don't see a better option.

No. ing. Way.

They are both GARBAGE.

[Nathan Explosion]

I'm going to sound like a broken record to some, but how bout some Tayshaun Prince? He's like a Battier clone at a much lower premium.

I've been looking at Prince for a long time too. His height and those long arms make for a great small ball line up. Not to mention he's an amazing defender.

Detroit just signed Villanueva, so I'd imagine Prince may be had for the right price.

[FvckMavs]

If we want a defensive specialist, why not just bring back Bruce(if he is released)?

[bishopospurs]

I'm going to sound like a broken record to some, but how bout some Tayshaun Prince? He's like a Battier clone at a much lower premium.

Trade wise it is prince or posey. I totally forgot about prince, good point.

[Thompson]

I'm going to sound like a broken record to some, but how bout some Tayshaun Prince? He's like a Battier clone at a much lower premium.

Actually, according to hoopshype, Prince is making 10 million this year and 11 million next year. Battier is less than 7 million.

[mudyez]

Way to rain on the parade... wy the F would TP go to LA? Kobe is going to be ancient when Tim hangs them up.

you know? TD is pushing for trades coz he wants to show, that he can win a ring without Parker, Robinson, Manu!

[phxspurfan]

Way to rain on the parade... wy the F would TP go to LA? Kobe is going to be ancient when Tim hangs them up.

Two words and they rhyme with Pleasedon'tva Leavemegori-a.

[timvp]

Um, no. Battier didn't do other than put his hand in Kobe's face while he was shooting.

Battier's defense of Kobe is such a myth.

Agreed. Kobe has always destroyed Battier. There was that one regular season game where Kobe had a bad game against him but Battier has repeatedly gotten lit up by Kobe worse than most defenders.

Bell >>>>>>>>>>> Battier at defending Kobe.

, Anthony Carter = Shane Battier at defending Kobe.

[mudyez]

There is no such thing as Kobe stopper. It takes a solid team defense to truly contain him.

agree, but its not like the Spurs aren't a team, that knows how to play teamdefense.

[Thompson]

Another trade mentioned previously would be Finley/Bonner/1st for John Salmons, who has 2 years remaining between 5 and 6 million per year. This would also give the Bulls more capspace in 2010.

[Ditty]

lol at me mentioning battier like a week or so ago

damn stuff spreads

but wouldnt mind raja on the team

talk to bobcats RC

we need some defesnive wings

[bishopospurs]

Two words and they rhyme with Pleasedon'tva Leavemegori-a.

Does anyone here honestly believe an athlete would follow his wife to play for a bitter rival, money and legacy be damned?

[bdictjames]

If we could get Boris Diaw

That would be great.

The guy is like a smarter Lamar Odom.

[Mr. Body]

I'll take Raja Bell.

The guy is kind of a and you need defenders like that.

[mudyez]

Another trade mentioned previously would be Finley/Bonner/1st for John Salmons, who has 2 years remaining between 5 and 6 million per year. This would also give the Bulls more capspace in 2010.

I dont think Salmons is what we are seeking...I like him and basically he would fit in, but now that we have RJ I dont see, why we should trade for him, rather than other mentioned players

[J.T.]

This is a very interesting time to be a Spurs fan. So kick back, enjoy a sip of Patrón as I am doing, and savor it.

-MB

I had a sip of wine myself as a tip of the hat to Pop.

[bishopospurs]

agree, but its not like the Spurs aren't a team, that knows how to play teamdefense.

agreed, on top of that I don't think Kobe looked like Kobe for 75% of these last playoffs, and that is playing against weak compe ion

[Marcus Bryant]

Why on Earth would the Spurs give Houston Splitter's rights, next year's 1st rounder, and $6 million in expiring contracts to use before next February's trade deadline?

We are discussing improving the NBA franchise in San Antonio, are we not?

Spurs need to deal with Charlotte and LB or with Indiana for one of their Caucasians.

[timvp]

Kobe has scored 45 or more points on Battier six times. Kobe has scored 53 or more points on Battier three times. To compare, Kobe has never scored more than 45 on Bowen and only once against Bell.

Scratch that idea of sending Splitter and a pick for Battier. Bell is cheaper and has a much better history of not getting curbstomped by Kobe.