McDonald: Spurs Notebook: Deadline deal unlikely

[z0sa]

Manu says he's going to explore free agency.. any other team could outbid the Spurs for his services at that time.

No one is going to outbid the Spurs. They might even offer to extend him this season after the deadline.

[SenorSpur]

It's pretty clear to me that Mason has played his way out. Seeing as how he didn't garner a single minute against the Blazers, I'd say Pop is obviously still pissed stemming from Mason's late 4th qtr meltdown versus the Kings. Now, it appears that Finley has surpassed Mason in the rotation again.

I've been trying to put my finger on what's wrong with this team. I've come to a couple of realizations:

1. RJ simply doesn't fit on this team. I've tried to make excuses for him. I like him as a player - but not here. He's not aggressive enough on either end, is a horrible, and even lazy defender - especially in transition. Dude will not even bother to stop the ball. Trading for him was a mistake. He needs to go. Identify another player (Andre Iguodala, John Salmons or someone else)

2. Manu is still a catalyst for this team and should be retained - at a reasonable contract.

3. TP and Hill are fine as backcourt teammates, but the swingman trimumverate of RJ, Finley, Mason are all simply disastrous. These three players simply do not have the footspeed, ability or desire to affect the game on both ends. As mentioned, RJ has athleticism, but is lazy, Finley is old and has exceeded his shelf-life, and Mason is weak and very one-dimensional. These guys all need to go.

4. The Spurs transition defense and defense of the 3-pt line is about as bad as I've seen under this coach. Pop's mistake is asking veterans to do things they've never done before. Improved team defense starts with having quicker, better, more committed players on the perimeter - which again leads back to #3

The Spurs MUST upgrade this area of the roster if they ever want to better match up against the quicker teams of the Western Conference. It may be too late for this year.

If the Spurs decide to stand pat with this roster, there is a good chance they could potentially miss the playoffs entirely.

[spurtech09]

pop I think its time for you to retire.......

[timtonymanu]

SenorSpur, I agree. Manu needs to have a contract renewal but that lazy POS has a ty contract in which he only plays about 5 million of it. Which may affect the team in resigning Manu. He already has doubts about resigining here.

While I like Dice, he's not enough to be Duncan's sidekick. It's like asking a bench player to be a big part of the team.

Other than Manu and maybe Blair, I dont see anyone from the bench being X-factors like Jaren Jackson or Brent Barry types. I cant trust any of them to be big in the playoffs other than Manu and Blair. Which is what the Spurs lack.

I do like the Parker/Hill backcourt and it should stay that way.

The defense like you said needs work.

Mason is probably gone unless he's in the doghouse.

I want to see a trade too but can a trade actually help this team at this point?

[toki9]

1. RJ simply doesn't fit on this team. I've tried to make excuses for him. I like him as a player - but not here. He's not aggressive enough on either end, is a horrible, and even lazy defender - especially in transition. Dude will not even bother to stop the ball.

I was actually shocked to see just how lazy RJ's defense was tonight...McDyess still looked lost at times, but he at least didn't look lazy...but RJ looked lazy and lost (at times)...even Fin's defensive effort was much better than RJ's...

[timtonymanu]

I was actually shocked to see just how lazy RJ's defense was tonight...McDyess still looked lost at times, but he at least didn't look lazy...but RJ looked lazy and lost (at times)...even Fin's defensive effort was much better than RJ's...

RJ is mentally weak. J Kidd made him look like a guy with balls.

[z0sa]

Dyess only looked lost on a couple of very key rotations. His man defense was superb most of the game and his help was pretty top notch as well, until fatigue or something got the better of him late.

[mountainballer]

if I remember right, the last years Pop ALWAYS declared before deadline, that a deal is unlikely. and it turned out, that the Spurs ALWAYS had a deal worked out.

2009: Camby - Sterling backed out last minute
2008: Kurt Thomas
2007: Melvin Ely
2006: JR Smith - failed because someone ed up the paper work
2005: Nazr

considering that in each of the last 5 years the team looked better than this years Spurs, I would be very surprised, if they were not at least as active as in those years. of course no guarantee, that it finally materializes.

(I also think that currently Mason seems to be the most likely to be traded)

[galvatron3000]

I believe Spurs are making a move may not be ground breaking but I think they know they have to TRY to do something before the deadline, we have too many wing players anyway and Jefferson needs to move to the guard spot sso we can get a real SF

[SpurNation]

I just hope RJ can be dealt if a trade were to happen. I don't see why Mason is in the doghouse before Jefferson? To me RMJ has done better than RJ for the comparable money they're making.

[Ice009]

I believe Spurs are making a move may not be ground breaking but I think they know they have to TRY to do something before the deadline, we have too many wing players anyway and Jefferson needs to move to the guard spot sso we can get a real SF

Spurs can do what you said - make a small deal and then after making that deal there is no reason why they can't really push hard to move RJ after in a separate deal.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I think the most likely acquisition should be Ryan Gomes... who can be got for Finley + Mahinmi or Mason in one go.

[ploto]

I keep thinking that Pop's public change of opinion about the Gasol trade indicates that the Spurs are trying to do something similar-- but whether they play the role of Memphis or LA, I am not so sure.

[Capt Bringdown]

So, a trade is about as unlikely as our playoff success this year, eh Pop?

[jermaine]

So, a trade is about as unlikely as our playoff success this year, eh Pop?

Jefferson was at the rim an shot a airball an they show Pops face, it was classic discuss! Lmao I did. I'm sure Pop wants to get rid of him but no one wants his sorry ass. They put their necks on the line for this trade an they seemed so sure but Jeffersons not giving anything in return. So now they can't get rid of him but they have to get rid of somebody. So sad.

[SpurNation]

Spurs window of opportunity for another championship with Duncan lies in the next two seasons. Including this one. And it's apparent this current team brings out the worst in some of it's players than the best.

For the sake of opportunity it is of my opinion that it would be best to (if possible) make a block buster trade now. That way it can be seen for the rest of this season if the "new" additions will be able to gel together and give this team at least a chance to compete next year for a le if not miraculously make something happen this year.

[EmmanuelTimothyDavid]

Well hopefully the F.O. should really explore to make some trade before the trade deadline. Holt is losing a lot of money and if this continue it may affect the Spurs plan in 2010.

If we can make a deal with any Eastern conference team it would be better. A great defender could really help us now.

Who do you think is the best S.F. and PF defender this season in the Eastern conference?

The F.O should prioritize on getting a stopper. I notice the problem the team have right now is that all can score but no one is defending the scorer in the other team.

Bogans, Dice and Jefferson are a disappointment in there respective defensive assignment.

For things to change in this team...We need "DEFENSE BACK"

[Allanon]

Spurs are in at the start of an extended road trip with the "big" games next week.

As Barkley said last night, the only team the Spurs fear are the Lakers. That game will pretty much tell which direction the team is going. Spurs are confident they can beat every other team in a series.

Trade talks aren't going to heat up until the All Star Break.

[Russ]

My guess is that Mason + Mahinmi are traded within a couple days.