McDonald: Ratliff Hopes Quest For Ring Ends With Spurs

[Fingaroll44]

Dammit we have too many new players.

Thats really the only thing that worries me a little...how is Pop going to manage the situation and how long is it going to take to find the best rotation chemistry wise. Which players play best together and things like that. You know that newcomers are notorious for "thinking too much" their first year here.

[bishopospurs]

Tabbed as a backup to Tim Duncan and McDyess in the Spurs' frontcourt, Ratliff — who spent last season on a second tour of duty in Philadelphia — is the final piece of that summer remodeling job. Now, he hopes to be more than just window dressing.

“I think I'll be able to make the team a little better,” said Ratliff, who is on his fifth team since leaving Portland after the 2005-06 season. “What I can produce, in terms of knowing the game, playing defense — that's something a lot of teams aspire to have.”

I am hoping Ian and Blair are the real backups minutes wise and the word "little" is true and telling.

[Dex]

Spurs all of a sudden with an intimidating defensive front court.

I know I sure as wouldn't be looking forward to driving into the likes of Duncan/Ratliff/McDyess/Blair.

[afireinside20]

He's still a very good defensive player if he's playing about 10 MPG..he doesn't have much offense though, and he's injury prone..we'll see if Ian can beat him out..

Yea he's a pretty good defender, and should be able to do a pretty good job on the Lakers bigs. Sucks that he is injury prone, but thankfully he won't play a whole lotta minutes and have him out there like every game so it should be ok hopefully. I also wouldn't quite underestimate his offense, sure hes not a back to the basket guy or hes not gonna dazlle us with low post moves, but he'll be good around the rim with some decent put backs and dunks.

[Nathan Explosion]

You know, the Bill Simmons made one interesting claim when talking about this deal, he mentioned that the Spurs wisely signed Ratliff to a 1 year deal, instantly making him, "Theo Ratliff's expiring contract".

And we all know how valuable those are this year with the economy of the NBA.

[cherylsteele]

Could Theo be this Spurs' team Kevin Willis type player?

[will_spurs]

Hmm. Does McDonald know something that we don't?

I think he says "final" but means "latest".

[Spurm]

No Ring for you ES!!

[loveforthegame]

Dammit we have too many new players.

And yet many want some sort of 3 or 4 for 1 trade that will bring in even more new players.

[EricB]

You know, the Bill Simmons made one interesting claim when talking about this deal, he mentioned that the Spurs wisely signed Ratliff to a 1 year deal, instantly making him, "Theo Ratliff's expiring contract".

And we all know how valuable those are this year with the economy of the NBA.

Eh, at a minimum contract I'd think it wouldn't be worth much.

That being said, who knows, but I'd doubt Theo is dealt.

[Mr Bones]

When Ratliff's name was mentioned before the draft and FA signing period, I wasn't very enthused about him, but now that the Spurs have added McDyess, Blair, and Haislip I think Theo is a very good addition. As a situational defender who can provide a shot-blocking presence at the end of quarters or just a savvy vet who will be able to provide a few minutes here and there he's a good choice, and hopefully he'll help to tutor Mahinmi a little too.

[John_C]

I think Theo and Dyess are also there for the teaching process of our future front court players. Remember that Theo and Dyess still remain efficient in the way they play their game.

[lefty]

Timmy, Dice, Theo and Blair are so going to destroy Pussy Gasol

[draft87]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs

so how did we change the real ginobili/ratliff photo for an andre miller vs pistons(mcdyess?) ..........

[Solid D]

I'll just add to what others here have posted about rim protection. Theo represents an extra Big the spurs have on their roster, both in number as well as in shot-blocking they didn't have last year.

The Spurs started the 2008-09 season with 6 Bigs - 5 pivots and 1 combo forward (Tolliver). Unless there are further moves, the Spurs will start 2009-10 with 7 Bigs - 6 pivots and 1 combo forward (Haislip). They went with the extra scoring guard last year with Desmond Farmer to start the season. I like the defense and lane presence that Ratliff provides. Tutoring of Ian and Blair is also a plus.

Nice signing.

[Dr Cox]

do yall really think that he will play that much? and if he does will impact the game?

i see him as more of a insurance policy for Ian

[Solid D]

do yall really think that he will play that much? and if he does will impact the game?

i see him as more of a insurance policy for Ian

Matchups and insurance as a minimum, Dr. Cox.

I think Theo's playing time depends on 1) how he performs in the defensive scheme and how his body holds up, 2) what Ian and DeJuan show the Spurs.

It has been frustrating the past 2 or 3 years watching teams beat the Spurs because they are late in their D rotations.

[Dr Cox]

that is true, i liked fabrico, but when it came down to it, we needed to be more phisical, hopefully blair mcdyess ratliff and harslip can do taht for us,