The Spurs Aren't Done Making Moves This Summer - What Comes Next?

[mudyez]

Not losing much? A 22-year-old C with quickness and athletic ability isn't a lot? Not to mention the fact that, for his age, he's actually quite developed, especially when you see the other Cs his age that are highly thought of (Thabeet, for example) and have similar talents. I understand what you're saying that Sefolosha still has potential, along with far more polish than Mahinmi. However, Mahinmi, despite what you may think, has a TON of potential (more than Sefolosha). The only thing that really stopped him from competing for a spot last year was a badly mis-diagnosed injury. Why would you give up on Mahinmi when he hasn't had a real chance to prove himself?

Not to mention the thought that even if Sefolosha had the same amount of potential that Mahinmi has with his current level of polish that:

Young, very athletic C > Young, talented, defensive wing

Why? Simply put, there are a lot more talented defensive wings out there than highly athletic centers. , why not give Hairston the chance to be that defensive wing that we all covet so much? If he doesn't turn out to be that by the trade deadline, then you can make a trade for a defensive wing, and you might not have to give up as much to get him (depending if the trading partner is out of contention and desperately trying to free up cap room).

All that being said, there is absolutely ZERO reason to trade Mahinmi at the moment, and it would take Scola trade-esque stupidity for the FO to do so.

Add to that, he may turn out to be a better option at back-up C than Ratliff this season; it wouldn't shock me in the least if Mahinmi out performed the 36-year-old who only played in 46 games last year AND who has a rather long history of injury.

Oh, and also, game creators use past performances to decide the ratings of the players, so a video game is not a good indicator of future successes/failings at all, especially during the off-season.

don't get me wron! I like Ian! I like him very much! It's just, that I think we should win now and that said, its not that much about potential, as it is for production right now.

Lets not call Ian the next coming of Dwight Howard! Can he be good? Yeah! Can he fail badly? Absolutely! Ask the Sonics/Thunder about big players that failed (and yeah, I want to sell them one more of them).

Ian has a nice skillset but nothing thats needed at this point. I see him more on a run and gun team, with more of an offensive agenda.

In terms of C vs. Wings:
First of all: how many defensive wings do you trust to defende players like Kobe? I like Hairston too, but you need to build kind of a reputation. Bowen had it. Battier has it. Bell has it. Thabo is on the best way to earn it. Hairston has nothing like that und would need at least 2 seasons to earn it...by that time we are done anyway.
And for C>smaller players: Thats only true if you have less than 7 frontcourtplayers :-)

As for the idea to wait untill the trade deadline: I like that idea (actually said it a lot of times myself)! By that time there will be teams allready going to rebuilding mode and we might get something cheap.

I'm not the biggest fan of a Ian trade, but it would be a nice step into the "win now" mode...and even while players like Hill and Blair can contribute to that, I don't see Ian getting playoff minutes with vets like McDyess and Ratliff on board.

Could it turn out to be the next Scola f§$% up? Maybe, but in order for that Ian would have to become an allstar. We traded Scola for nothing (basically Butlers money), while we get a quallity player in the mentioned trade.

[raspsa]

If trading Ian or any other Spur for that matter can add value in return which increases the chance of winning a championship during Duncan's shrinking window of opportunity, then why not? All these moves since the Jefferson trade were made with this in mind.

[jag]

I can't stand how so many people think Raja Bell would improve this team.

He looked so slow in his final season with Phoenix, that Suns fans didn't even want him around. He couldn't stay in front of Manu and he didn't look any better against Kobe than Mason did.

He's not defensive stopper that he was 4 years ago and his 3pt shooting is a downgrade when compared to Mason Jr.

[SenorSpur]

Ian needs lots of minutes to develop. He won't get that in S.A. We are in win now mode. If we can get a Battier type of defender, Spurs will make that trade in a second.

Personally, I am certainly not in favor of the Spurs trading Ian for any reason. Even if the it means getting a chance to acquire a player of Battier's caliber, I would have to believe he could be had with some other combination of Finley+Bonner+???. I would really prefer Bonner be sacrificed moreso than Ian.

[Hornets1]

Bonner and Finley are two players that can be traded, but in all honesty they are also two players on this roster that are not wild cards. We don't know what we are getting from Ian, Haislip, Hairston, Theo, Blair, and Williams (that is half our possible active roster). Bonner and Finley on the other hand are players who we know will give us solid minutes on offense, defense not so much.

If Larry Brown will do us a solid I say we offer Bonner and Finley for Bell? The Camby trade is less likely with a lot of bigs already on the roster, and a shot blocker semi crossed off the list. We need that outside defender/shooter and Bell can take care of that.

Our depth chart would look something like this:

Parker/Hill/Williams(?)
Bell/Mason
RJ/Manu/Hairston
Duncan/Blair/Haislip
McDyess/Ian/Theo

The worst part about that is that only 5 players were key in last year's team. I had to REALLY think about who was where because I forgot about a lot od people.

Bell would be a monster for the spurs. He's a younger bruce bowen. Great shooter and defender. He is a battier-type player. A Kobe stopper. Would really help the spurs in the postseason. Don't know if you could get him for just bonner and finley though. Might have to add a draft pick or a overseas prospect as well. I've always wanted Bell to be a Hornet, but it's wishful thinking at best.

[superbigtime]

The only thing that really stopped him from competing for a spot last year was a badly mis-diagnosed injury.

Not debating your other points, I want to see how Ian pans out this season too. But in what way was he 'badly misdiagnosed' ? Why is it someone else's fault that he injured himself? Sometimes just happens, it's not necessarily someone's fault or negligence.

[FireDavidStern]

Raja Bell is the Kobe stopper

He's just as good at it as Ruben Patterson was.

[buujness]

don't get me wron! I like Ian! I like him very much! It's just, that I think we should win now and that said, its not that much about potential, as it is for production right now.

Lets not call Ian the next coming of Dwight Howard! Can he be good? Yeah! Can he fail badly? Absolutely! Ask the Sonics/Thunder about big players that failed (and yeah, I want to sell them one more of them).

Ian has a nice skillset but nothing thats needed at this point. I see him more on a run and gun team, with more of an offensive agenda.

In terms of C vs. Wings:
First of all: how many defensive wings do you trust to defende players like Kobe? I like Hairston too, but you need to build kind of a reputation. Bowen had it. Battier has it. Bell has it. Thabo is on the best way to earn it. Hairston has nothing like that und would need at least 2 seasons to earn it...by that time we are done anyway.
And for C>smaller players: Thats only true if you have less than 7 frontcourtplayers :-)

As for the idea to wait untill the trade deadline: I like that idea (actually said it a lot of times myself)! By that time there will be teams allready going to rebuilding mode and we might get something cheap.

I'm not the biggest fan of a Ian trade, but it would be a nice step into the "win now" mode...and even while players like Hill and Blair can contribute to that, I don't see Ian getting playoff minutes with vets like McDyess and Ratliff on board.

Could it turn out to be the next Scola f§$% up? Maybe, but in order for that Ian would have to become an allstar. We traded Scola for nothing (basically Butlers money), while we get a quallity player in the mentioned trade.

I'm not saying Ian is the second coming of Dwight Howard. To put those expectations on him would be rediculous. However, I think that, if he can provide something like 5 pts 4 rebs in 15 mins while providing energy and defense off the bench, then he would be a solid contributor this season to a championship caliber team. I'm guessing he'd outperform Ratliff at least, and would be our best option at back-up C.

However, if, by some miracle, Houston decided to offer Battier to us for a package of Ian + Bonner/Finley, then you'd be foolish to not at least consider it. I would really only look at Battier, though, because of all the wings that you listed, Battier is by far the best defender and really the only one that I think could really slow Kobe down (the thought, though, that Raja Bell would be worth the same package is ludicrous; he was too slow to guard Kobe two years ago). All that being said, it may not be a bad idea to at least give Hairston a look at some of the better perimeter scorers in the league (at least early in the season) just to see what he's capable of.

Though, your point on bigmen never performing is well taken. I just think that Ian can contribute this year, and improve in years to come, and I would hate to see that go for something less than an absolutely fantastic deal.

[timaios]

Not debating your other points, I want to see how Ian pans out this season too. But in what way was he 'badly misdiagnosed' ? Why is it someone else's fault that he injured himself? Sometimes just happens, it's not necessarily someone's fault or negligence.

You have an explanation in this article

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/n...t_Mahinmi.html

Mahinmi's injury nightmare began in August, when he stepped on another player's foot during a pickup game.

Initially diagnosed as a high right ankle sprain, the injury didn't improve with rest and treatment. In November, Mahinmi tested the ankle in a Development League game with the Austin Toros and re-aggravated the injury.

Mahinmi didn't know it yet, but his season was finished. He had wasted a year of his life. He had let the organization down.

“I knew they wanted me to play, to show what I can do,” Mahinmi said. “I wanted that so bad, too.”

In January, doctors finally pinpointed the cause of Mahinmi's recurring pain. A small piece of bone had broken off and was floating around inside his ankle. It hadn't appeared on any of his previous MRIs.

Mahinmi would need season-ending surgery to correct the problem. By that point, he was the cheeriest surgery patient imaginable.

“I wish I had surgery from the beginning,” Mahinmi said. “It's usually the last resort, but it made me feel better.”

[buujness]

Not debating your other points, I want to see how Ian pans out this season too. But in what way was he 'badly misdiagnosed' ? Why is it someone else's fault that he injured himself? Sometimes just happens, it's not necessarily someone's fault or negligence.

Nevermind. I was typing while the other poster was responding.

[ohmwrecker]

Raja Bell is the Kobe stopper

Anyone can stop Kobe if they clothesline him driving in the lane.

[lefty]

Raja Bell is the Kobe stopper

Raja Bell is the Kobe slapper

[jgome21]

raja bell's washed up, it would be stupid to trade finley or ian for him. Ian has plenty of potential, hopefully we still see that this year. The Fin dog will do his thing, wit this 3's.

[suitedkings]

raja bell is the kobe clothliner

fyp!

[mosdef17]

If we are looking for 3's and some "Kobe Stopping" it could be possible to acquire Shane Battier from the Rockets if they are looking to rebuild. They are waiting to see with Yao, they let Artest walk, they're looking to trade McGrady. What good is Battier for them? Besides, they basically signed a guy who is capable of filling that role, probably not to the standard of Battier though, in Travor Ariza. Not sure I would want to give up Ian in a trade though and the Rocket's probably wouldn't accept Bonner and Finley in return.

Maybe if we can get a 3rd team involved, something like this maybe?

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMa...tradeId=mvqqhb

[loveforthegame]

“The goal right now is to build as productive a team as we can this year, but also try to search out some athleticism for the future,” Buford said.

The main pieces are already in place. Makes me think they're looking at adding a young prospect wing. Might not be a fancy name and might be someone who has sorta fallen off the radar but can get the job done.

I have no clue who that might be but it's my bet they're looking at someone like that than Bell or Battier or Posey and the like.

[Vito Corleone]

I personally love Ian, I think we need to win now but also keep an eye on the future, remember once Tim and manu are gone we will be lead by a still in his prime Tony Parker who will need some motivation to want to resign with us. He needs to know he won't waste the last years of his career on a Lottery team.

the balance to this is if the FO feels that one more move can bring us a championship you do it and worry about the future later.

[ohmwrecker]

If we are looking for 3's and some "Kobe Stopping" it could be possible to acquire Shane Battier from the Rockets if they are looking to rebuild. They are waiting to see with Yao, they let Artest walk, they're looking to trade McGrady. What good is Battier for them? Besides, they basically signed a guy who is capable of filling that role, probably not to the standard of Battier though, in Travor Ariza. Not sure I would want to give up Ian in a trade though and the Rocket's probably wouldn't accept Bonner and Finley in return.

Maybe if we can get a 3rd team involved, something like this maybe?

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMa...tradeId=mvqqhb

There is absolutely no friggin' way Portland does that deal.

[mosdef17]

There is absolutely no friggin' way Portland does that deal.

Yeah, it was a silly example. I don't think it was THAT far fetched but most unlikely. It all depends on how highly they rate Bayless? They don't seem to rate him too highly as he barely even plays and is reportedly on the trade block. I couldn't really think of a better example in the 90 seconds I thought about it.

The whole point of that last post was basically to say that Battier would be a nice addition if we can somehow pull it off.

[mudyez]

If we are looking for 3's and some "Kobe Stopping" it could be possible to acquire Shane Battier from the Rockets if they are looking to rebuild. They are waiting to see with Yao, they let Artest walk, they're looking to trade McGrady. What good is Battier for them?

Battier is just the type of player, which is always good to have around. if not for his on court stuff, he is perfect to have on vet tems for holding them together and for rebuildin teams to mentor the youngsters. and in the end...even if ou have a freakin' weak team...you like to avoid the Kobes, Lebrons and Carters havin those 50 point nights ainst you.

I'd realy love to get him, as he is one of my favs. I'd even give them Mason+Ian... , hate me for it but I'd probably give them Mason+Blair. But thats not going to happen.
With Yao around, there is a place for Battier as well, and I don't see them trading Yao even while rebulding. There are a couple of players, which they might think about it (e.g. Durant, Roy), but I dont see one of these trades working. So why trade your best locker room presense and best defender for the backup of your francise player?

actually I like the chances Houston has. next season will be crappy, but aftr that they should have a nice lineup with Yao and Scola/Hayes inside, a defensive wing couplin Battier+Ariza and Books who should be the second option on offense (after a full year of work, he very well could be an all star PG). add trade possibilities involving T-Mac and a lottery pick and they could be in the running (by that time LA, DAL and SA should have lost a step, while POR should be there too).

So I dont think they will be desperate. Ian dosn't fit that well (not better than Shane does).

The main pieces are already in place. Makes me think they're looking at adding a young prospect wing.

why add a young wing prospect, while we have Hairston and to a smaller degree Williams?



after all we might be done for now. If Ian plays great, we might get someone pretty good at trade deadline or keep him. and if he plays poorly, he will go to Austin or whereever else! (and the odds for the later to happen are not that bad with few minutes available to proof himself!

[Thompson]

Ian can't go to Austin anymore, he's been with the Spurs for more than 2 years now.

I think he'll get plenty of time early in the season so Pop can see what he has. Depending on his performance, he might be our backup center. The Spurs would be crazy to trade him now when his value is low and they have yet to see what he can bring to the table.

[mudyez]

Ian can't go to Austin anymore, he's been with the Spurs for more than 2 years now.

I think he'll get plenty of time early in the season so Pop can see what he has. Depending on his performance, he might be our backup center. The Spurs would be crazy to trade him now when his value is low and they have yet to see what he can bring to the table.

thats the problem...His value might not be that low right now...There should be some teams, which see him as a nice prospect after his summer league play. He might show that he is worth even more but the chances are, that he will not see those minutes (Duncan, Dyess, Blair, Bonner, Haislip, Ratliff is a lot and Pop loves Bonner, shile Duncan and Dyess will be needed and Blair/Haislip are in the same position as Ian) or just bust. He might even get injured and thats it.

Is his chance better now, as a prospect or later after time in a loaded frontcourt?

We dont know and I'm fine waiting it out until feb. I just feel, that we should a least listen to other teams and not treat him like he was the #1 draft pick!

[JustinJDW]

Finley and Bonner can go but Roger and Ian need to stay. Trade Finley and Bonner for Shane Battier in Houston. That would be fantastic. Houston can use someone like Bonner to add depth to their Frontcourt now that Yao is gone.

If we do end up keeping Bonner though, that is fine, but he better not ing start and he better not up the development of Blair. Let him have his role on the Bench and that's it. We don't need a Starting Center that can only grab 4 Rebounds a Game. That's pathetic.

[mudyez]

Finley and Bonner can go but Roger and Ian need to stay. Trade Finley and Bonner for Shane Battier in Houston. That would be fantastic. Houston can use someone like Bonner to add depth to their Frontcourt now that Yao is gone.

If we do end up keeping Bonner though, that is fine, but he better not ing start and he better not up the development of Blair. Let him have his role on the Bench and that's it. We don't need a Starting Center that can only grab 4 Rebounds a Game. That's pathetic.

LOL...it will be kind of:

RC phoning Daryl Morey (Houstin GM)

RC: "Whats, up Daryl? Heard one of your players is having surgery"

Daryl: "Duh!?"

RC: "Wanted to call you for a trade proposal!"

Daryl: "Lets hear what you have got!"

RC: "Its about that defense wing."

Daryl: "He is gone to LA."

RC: "Was that the guy which met the president or the boy, that has to stay away 400 feet within the white house?

Daryl: "You mean "within every kindergarden"...?...We still have two, but I guess you mean Shane!"

RC: "Thats his name!"

Daryl: "You know! He is our best player right now!"

RC: "Duh!?"

Daryl: silence

RC: "Can we include your next first round drafrt pick?"

Daryl: silence

RC: "Had to ask...Sorry!"

Daryl: "So what do you have for him?"

RC: "Ma..."

Daryl: "WHAT???"

RC: "Mi..."

Daryl: "WHAT???"

RC: "Des..."

Daryl: "WHAT???"

RC: silence

Daryl: silence

RC: silence

Daryl: silence

RC: silence

Daryl: silence

RC: "if we throw in a seondrounder?"

Daryl: silence

RC: " o?"

Daryl: silence

RC: "Are you still there?"

Daryl: "Yes! Sorry. Just had ro read this Mail from Mike Kupchak. He wants to give my Adam Morrison for Yao. We can't match the salaries. Any other proposes for Shane?

RC: "Ton..."

Daryl: " yeah! We have a deal!!!"

RC: "silence"

Daryl: "You got me!"

RC: "Can you say: I got punked! ?"

Daryl: "You are waisting my time!"

RC: "Ok, I have to call Otis about the availability of Dwight! JustinJDW called me and said, it makes sense, coz when we trade them Matt, he can fill the hole they have up front!....a...af...aft...after they traded us Dwight"

"tooooot tooooot tooooot"

RC: "Darly?"

"tooooot tooooot tooooot"

RC: "So do we have a deal?"

[dc_spursfan]

The reason I thought Ian was getting big minutes cause he still is a question mark and also needed the reps. One of Blair's miss games was because he was playing w/o a contract.

Trading Ian does not seem like a smart idea for the moment. While I like Theo, he is nothing more then a 10-12 minute center. SA goes back to being a old, unathletic and undersized frontcourt.