OPPORTUNITIES
Here’s where Spurs General Manager RC Buford earns his paycheck, because he’s already $10 million over the cap for next season and only has seven players guaranteed for next season. His team is horrendously old and got out-worked by the Phoenix Suns (kudos to the Suns for pulling off one of the biggest surprises of the season, but it’s still the Suns!). With that said, I have a couple of ideas that could change the outlook of the franchise. Some insane, but could potentially happen:
1. Do a Sign-and-Trade deal with Tony Parker to Atlanta for Joe Johnson – Parker’s six-year/$66 million contract is up after the ‘10-11 season and with a league lacking in available free agent point guards, Parker would be a quality catch. This becomes more realistic with the emergence of George Hill this season. Joe Johnson could be a great long term fit in San Antonio, and with his career careening into the abyss in Atlanta his value could be lessened just a bit. Playing in San Antonio would have him playing for a contender, something Atlanta’s proven they’re not ready to be at all. Giving up Parker would seem insane, but for as good as Parker is, he has flaws as well. Move him and see if you can upgrade. Atlanta’s been in serious need for a PG for years now, as the basketball gods are making them pay for passing on CP3 and Deron years ago. Parker would be a SIGNIFICANT upgrade.
2. Do a Sign-and-Trade deal with Tony Parker to Toronto for Chris Bosh – Similar premise as Joe Johnson, the difference would be more relatable to when David Robinson’s career was tapering off and Duncan was able to be a lead dog, 10 years ago. Bosh is a born and raised Texan (Lincoln HS, stand up) and San Antonio might not be a bad look for him. I think San Antonio’s biggest flaw was that Timmy can’t do it by himself anymore and that there is no real frontline depth behind him. Toronto would love to upgrade at PG after the failed experiment, known as Jose Calderon. Plus, it’s the most international team in the League; TP might enjoy himself in the T-Dot.
3. Sign A Deal with the Devil to get the No. 1 Pick – Even the devil might not sign that deal. Doesn’t hurt to at least call New Jersey and inquire about the inevitable No. 1 pick for John Wall right?
CONCLUSION
You’re going to see one of two things happen with the Spurs this off-season. Either San Antonio will be steadfast with their team and make minor tweaks to their engine, (finding better glue guys, drafting wisely, importing some of their foreign talent) or they’re going to make a drastic change in their personnel. Bringing in Bosh in a sign-and-trade to Toronto would change the entire game in the Alamo and would scare the living daylights out of any team preparing to face them in ‘10-11.
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba...antonio-spurs/