Offseason Blueprint: Spurs (Hoopsworld)

[bobby4germany]

Championship expectations were set for the San Antonio Spurs after a very productive offseason in 2009. There ended up being more frustration than success though as the Spurs finished 7th in the Western Conference before getting swept in the second round by the Phoenix Suns. Their roster is significantly improved, but they go into this summer just as far from contention as the last.

The Spurs are one of many teams who feel they can be back in the championship mix with the right set of moves in the next few months. They'll have a number of different avenues to explore and with that in mind we try to lay out the most promising blueprint for them to follow:

Draft the Best Wing Available

With the 20th overall pick in the draft the Spurs are in a prime position to add a quality wing player that could potentially replace Richard Jefferson. Ideally the Spurs would love for Luke Babbit or Paul George to fall into their laps as they could both contribute immediately. In the very likely scenario that they are gone though the Spurs will still be able to choose from Devin Ebanks, Stanley Robinson, Damion James and Quincy Pondexter – players capable of giving them some much needed defensive help on the perimeter.

Power forward is another viable option for the Spurs and Larry Sanders, Daniel Orton, and Craig Brackins should be on the board. However, if Jefferson doesn't opt out his days are still numbered. They're going to need a wing sometime in the near future and with so many great fits they might as well get their guy now.

Wait for Jefferson's Decision

As questionable as it may seem, Richard Jefferson is contemplating opting out of his contract that would pay him $15 million next season. When the Spurs first acquired Jefferson they thought they were getting the missing piece to their puzzle. Instead he put forth the most disappointing season of his career, becoming the scapegoat for the Spurs' early exit.

The Spurs aren't losing much sleep over whether or not Jefferson decides to stay. They would like to have him since traditionally most new Spurs play better in year two. If he leaves though they'll gladly save the $15 million and find some way to replace his 12 points and four rebounds a night.

Let the Free Agency Dust Settle

Once July 1st hits there are going to be a lot of teams working feverishly to get the top guys on their wish list. With so many max players on the market it's going to be a circus, which the Spurs would be wise to just sit back and watch as they typically do when there's a lot of activity.

Without any cap space the Spurs will have to rely on their Mid-Level Exception to attract free agents. They're rumored to be very interested in bringing over 2008 1st round pick Tiaggo Splitter, who has improved enough to be a starter in San Antonio.



The success of Luis Scola, whose right the Spurs originally owned, is fresh in the mind of the Spurs' front office. They don't want to make the same mistake again with Splitter, but his desire to come to the NBA is questionable at best. He'll have several financially lucrative offers in Europe that could exceed what the Spurs can offer. At 25-years-old Splitter's window to play in the NBA isn't closing anytime soon, so he doesn't feel any urgency to prove himself right now.

Udonis Haslem, Tyrus Thomas, Al Harrington, Drew Gooden, Kenyon Martin, Brandan Haywood, Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller and Channing Frye would all definitely be willing to consider what the Spurs have to offer. They also could split it on two players with a lower price tag, like Kurt Thomas and Etan Thomas. Bringing back underachieving but young big man Ian Mahinmi warrants strong consideration as well.

Shop Smartly

The Spurs have been mentioned as one of several teams interested in moving up in the draft and they spoke to a couple different lottery picks at the combine in Chicago. Any major movement would require letting go of Tony Parker though. Parker did not have the year everyone was expecting this season, but that was largely due to injuries. He remains one of the most dynamic point guards in the league that is unstoppable when 100%. Parker is the lone Spur ready to take on the lead role as Tim Duncan gets closer to retirement. Offseason

There's no telling what kind of trade opportunities are going to be out there for the Spurs once everything sorts itself out in free agency. If a great deal for Parker comes along they should strongly consider it, but not if it means embracing rebuilding like trading for a higher pick would. The Spurs would be better off rebuilding around Parker rather than trading him.

George Hill and DeJun Blair proved themselves this year and have value around the league. If Jefferson picks up his option and stays with the Spurs they could get packaged up with him for an impact player. Jefferson's contract becomes much more tradable if he picks up his option as he becomes an expiring deal.

It's important to note that San Antonio has always exhibited far more patience than any other organization in the league. It's out of their character to make a blockbuster trade in back-to-back seasons. They already have an immensely talented roster that never seemed to jell. Another year together could give them the chemistry needed to get what is becoming an elusive fifth championship.

Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?...#ixzz0qSQTTYSS

[cantthinkofanything]

The Spurs would be better off rebuilding around Parker rather than trading him.

I thought this was a pretty good article until that. I agree that Tony shouldn't be traded unless we get someone who can make a immediate impact. But rebuilding around Parker????? As dangerous as Parker is, he is not going to get any quicker. For him to have much of a career after the next couple of years, he is going to have to 1) be able to hit the three and 2) somehow magically develop the ability to be a good distributor.
If I'm wrong, someone please give me an example of a successful point guard that has made this kind of transition as he got older. And don't say Jason Kidd or Nash who were already great passers.

[Agloco]

[FONT=Tahoma]

Without any cap space the Spurs will have to rely on their Mid-Level Exception to attract free agents. They're rumored to be very interested in bringing over 2008 1st round pick Tiaggo Splitter, who has improved enough to be a starter in San Antonio.


The success of Luis Scola, whose right the Spurs originally owned, is fresh in the mind of the Spurs' front office. They don't want to make the same mistake again with Splitter, but his desire to come to the NBA is questionable at best. He'll have several financially lucrative offers in Europe that could exceed what the Spurs can offer. At 25-years-old Splitter's window to play in the NBA isn't closing anytime soon, so he doesn't feel any urgency to prove himself right now.

KBP's hard at work I see.

[L.I.T]

I actually disagree slightly with the contention that Splitter still has a long term window to come to the NBA.

The issue is not necessarily what he can earn with the upcoming 3-4 year contract. It is his earning potential when that contract expires. If he comes in an makes a reasonable impact, he will be a sought after big who can command a double digit per season contract. Especially considering that he will be 28-29 years old. Bigs with the skillset he has demonstrated in international play are always in demand. Just look at the recent contract of Varejao.

However, if he stays over seas for another few years, lets just say 2. He will be 27 when he finally comes over and considering again a 3 to 4 year contract, will be in his early 30s when he comes up as a free agent. While there will still be a demand, I doubt he will command as high, or as long term a deal, as he could if he was only in his late 20s.

If Splitter is truly interested in coming over and seeks to fully maximize his earnings potential in the NBA, this is the (off)season.

And buildlng around Parker? He's a great player, but I don't think he is necessarily a foundation piece a'la Duncan. I think you can built a playoff contender around his skillset. But not necessarily a championship contender.

[crc21209]

Grab Splitter, a wing like Damion James in the draft, Keep RJ (and if he sucks, trade him at the Trading Deadline), grab another big and a shooter or two through Free Agency, and call it an off-season.

[barbacoataco]

The Spurs should consider all avenues and options. If you are going to trade Parker it has to be a player of equal value. And how does that help? I'm not sold on Hill as PG because of lack of ball distribution.

As far as "building" a team around someone, I don't think the Spurs are in that position because they no longer have a truly dominant, elite player on their team. They need to look at the 2010 Celtics as a model. They didn't have one dominant player, but all the pieces fit together.

Spurs needs-
1. Replace Mason with someone who can hit 3's when open. The Spurs need some 3-pt shooting especially since Jefferson lost his shot.
2. Sign Splitter if possible, if not they need a C/PF to replace Bonner who will hopefully be gone.
3. The Spurs need a defensive stopper on the perimeter to replace Bowen. The 2010 Celtics had Kersey and every championship team has one. Last year the Spurs had no one that could come in a game and slow the Kobe/Nash/Lebron type players the way Bowen did in his prime. Can Hairston be this player? I doubt it. They need a veteran who has the reputation to allow him to play physical without fouling out.

[BackHome]

The Spurs need to GO BIG enough of the small ball crap that ain't going to win us any rings!

1. Sign Splitter
2. At 20 draft most draft the best player.
3. Get lucky again with our second round pick.
4. Get rid of Mason and Bogans
5. Trade Bonner

[Ditty]

The Spurs need to GO BIG enough of the small ball crap that ain't going to win us any rings!

1. Sign Splitter
2. At 20 draft most draft the best player.
3. Get lucky again with our second round pick.
4. Get rid of Mason and Bogans
5. Trade Bonner

bonners a free agent

[Manufan909]

The Spurs aren't losing much sleep over whether or not Jefferson decides to stay. They would like to have him since traditionally most new Spurs play better in year two. If he leaves though they'll gladly save the $15 million and find some way to replace his 12 points and four rebounds a night.

That statline is hilarious and depressing at the same time. I know RJ is not built for the Spurs system, but holy mother of he underperformed.

[Sotongball21]

Championship expectations were set for the San Antonio Spurs after a very productive offseason in 2009. There ended up being more frustration than success though as the Spurs finished 7th in the Western Conference before getting swept in the second round by the Phoenix Suns. Their roster is significantly improved, but they go into this summer just as far from contention as the last.

The Spurs are one of many teams who feel they can be back in the championship mix with the right set of moves in the next few months. They'll have a number of different avenues to explore and with that in mind we try to lay out the most promising blueprint for them to follow:

Draft the Best Wing Available

With the 20th overall pick in the draft the Spurs are in a prime position to add a quality wing player that could potentially replace Richard Jefferson. Ideally the Spurs would love for Luke Babbit or Paul George to fall into their laps as they could both contribute immediately. In the very likely scenario that they are gone though the Spurs will still be able to choose from Devin Ebanks, Stanley Robinson, Damion James and Quincy Pondexter – players capable of giving them some much needed defensive help on the perimeter.

Power forward is another viable option for the Spurs and Larry Sanders, Daniel Orton, and Craig Brackins should be on the board. However, if Jefferson doesn't opt out his days are still numbered. They're going to need a wing sometime in the near future and with so many great fits they might as well get their guy now.

Wait for Jefferson's Decision

As questionable as it may seem, Richard Jefferson is contemplating opting out of his contract that would pay him $15 million next season. When the Spurs first acquired Jefferson they thought they were getting the missing piece to their puzzle. Instead he put forth the most disappointing season of his career, becoming the scapegoat for the Spurs' early exit.

The Spurs aren't losing much sleep over whether or not Jefferson decides to stay. They would like to have him since traditionally most new Spurs play better in year two. If he leaves though they'll gladly save the $15 million and find some way to replace his 12 points and four rebounds a night.

Let the Free Agency Dust Settle

Once July 1st hits there are going to be a lot of teams working feverishly to get the top guys on their wish list. With so many max players on the market it's going to be a circus, which the Spurs would be wise to just sit back and watch as they typically do when there's a lot of activity.

Without any cap space the Spurs will have to rely on their Mid-Level Exception to attract free agents. They're rumored to be very interested in bringing over 2007 1st round pick Tiaggo Splitter, who has improved enough to be a starter in San Antonio.



The success of Luis Scola, whose right the Spurs originally owned, is fresh in the mind of the Spurs' front office. They don't want to make the same mistake again with Splitter, but his desire to come to the NBA is questionable at best. He'll have several financially lucrative offers in Europe that could exceed what the Spurs can offer. At 25-years-old Splitter's window to play in the NBA isn't closing anytime soon, so he doesn't feel any urgency to prove himself right now.

Udonis Haslem, Tyrus Thomas, Al Harrington, Drew Gooden, Kenyon Martin, Brandan Haywood, Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller and Channing Frye would all definitely be willing to consider what the Spurs have to offer. They also could split it on two players with a lower price tag, like Kurt Thomas and Etan Thomas. Bringing back underachieving but young big man Ian Mahinmi warrants strong consideration as well.

Shop Smartly

The Spurs have been mentioned as one of several teams interested in moving up in the draft and they spoke to a couple different lottery picks at the combine in Chicago. Any major movement would require letting go of Tony Parker though. Parker did not have the year everyone was expecting this season, but that was largely due to injuries. He remains one of the most dynamic point guards in the league that is unstoppable when 100%. Parker is the lone Spur ready to take on the lead role as Tim Duncan gets closer to retirement. Offseason

There's no telling what kind of trade opportunities are going to be out there for the Spurs once everything sorts itself out in free agency. If a great deal for Parker comes along they should strongly consider it, but not if it means embracing rebuilding like trading for a higher pick would. The Spurs would be better off rebuilding around Parker rather than trading him.

George Hill and DeJun Blair proved themselves this year and have value around the league. If Jefferson picks up his option and stays with the Spurs they could get packaged up with him for an impact player. Jefferson's contract becomes much more tradable if he picks up his option as he becomes an expiring deal.

It's important to note that San Antonio has always exhibited far more patience than any other organization in the league. It's out of their character to make a blockbuster trade in back-to-back seasons. They already have an immensely talented roster that never seemed to jell. Another year together could give them the chemistry needed to get what is becoming an elusive fifth championship.

Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?...#ixzz0qSQTTYSS

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