The 2010-2011 San Antonio Spurs

[Spurs Brazil]

Of course the 1st priority is sign Tiago and after him we need to go after a SF. With the money we'll have I can only think about 3 players: J.Jones, R.Gomes and R.Butler. I like Outlaw, M.Miller and Korver but I don't think we can get them with the LLE.

On the wings we'll have RJ, Manu and Anderson with Hill also playing in there as a SG. If we can get one of those 3 guys I mentioned I'd be happy and my 1st choice would be Jones. Then I think Gee and Malik will fight for the 5th spot.

The bigs situation would be: Tiago, Dice, TD and Blair. I think Richards can be the 6th big but we need more experience with the 5th big, since Pop will probably try to rest TD and Dice. Who do you think is the better fit for that spot? Ian, Bonner or a minimum free agent?

At PG we have Tony and Hill but as the 3rd PG who would you like: Temple or a vet? I don't see many options in FA, maybe E.Watson or Pargo.

Bigs
Tiago/Dice/Duncan/Blair/Bonner or Ian or FA/Richards
Wings
RJ/Jones or other FA/Manu/Anderson/Malik or Gee
PG
Tony/Hill/FA or Temple

My questions are:
Do you like those options at backup SF?
Who's the best option as 5th big: Ian Bonner or FA?
Who's the best option as a 3rd PG: Temple or FA?

[timtonymanu]

Isn't Ryan Gomes under contract still? But yea I do think Butler and Jones are in our price range and I would prefer Butler but I'd be happy with Jones too.

I hope we can resign Ian but I dont know if it's gonna benifit him if all he does is just sit on the bench again. Hopefully Richards is impressive because he could be our 5th big.

As far as PG's, Temple makes sense. He was pretty impressive when he played and he should be better next season. What about Curtis Jerrells?

What do you guys think the starting lineup/rotation will be? Assuming all these things work out.

Splitter/Blair/Ian or Richards
Duncan/Dice
Jefferson/Butler or Jones/Malik or Gee
Anderson/Manu
Tony/Hill/Temple or Jerrells

[Spurs Brazil]

Isn't Ryan Gomes under contract still?

Yes, but he may be waived

It is unclear if Gomes will actually play for the Blazers next season. His contract, which runs through the 2012-2013 season, features a team option that must be exercised by June 30 and would guarantee the final two years at more than $4 million per season. If the Blazers elect not to exercise the option and waive Gomes, they would be on the hook for only $1 million this season and $2 million over the final two years.

Potentially, the Blazers could shave salary from their payroll and add salary cap flexibility. http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/show...89&postcount=6

[ohmwrecker]

I know James Jones is the consensus pick, and he can shoot for sure, but he is not a defender or athlete like Travis Outlaw. I'm afraid the Spurs are going to come up short when it comes to filling up that back up SF position. Hairston and/or Gee aren't going to cut it.

I'm not really concerned about a 5th big. If we have Splitter, it becomes less of an issue. I just want Bonner off this team. I understand the concern is having a "stretch 4", but if McDyess is on with his 15ft jumper, that solves the issue. You don't necessarily have to be a 3pt shooter to stretch the floor.

I would be willing to give Temple another go in limited minutes, but the majority of the ball handling needs to go to Tony and Manu. Hopefully, Hill makes another big leap, but he still has some major flaws as a backup PG.

[timtonymanu]

Travis Outlaw is actually my preferred backup SF but unfortunately I dont think he's gonna come here for cheap. Please come here Outlaw.

[Darkwaters]

1) Assuming no trades or significant changes (ie, Splitter takes most of the MLE and comes over) to the assumed plan, I think you're looking at an LLE or slightly higher signee for the backup SF slot. The names that I like are James Jones and Rasual Butler. Both would be great for us - especially Butler as he is also a competent 3 point shooter. Outlaw would be ok, but I place him below those other two.

2) I'm not really sure who is available as far as vet bigs go - but I think that you have to consider Ian first. Hes still young, oozing with potential and knows the system. But is he worth a damn? Thats up to the coaches and scouts who know and see him everyday. I can't answer that. If they think he is worthy of the spot they should sign him to be big #5 as hes already vetted into the complicated Spurs system. Anyone else will struggle for at least a while to pick it up. Beyond him I'm not sure. I'd say either a vet defensive big that blocks shots (ie, last year's Ratliff) or a savvy stretch four not named Bonner. I'm thinking the defensive route is far more likely.

3) 3rd PG should definitely go to Temple for a couple of reasons. First - Mason will no longer be on the squad along with his point guard "skills" meaning that 3rd PG slot needs to be filled. The Manu/Barry experiment worked in part a few years ago, but with that spare combo guard gone and Manu a few years older I won't hold my breath. Secondly - this year's veteran PG crop is shallow: Duhon, Felton, Pargo, E Watson, Ridnour...not a whole lot. Temple has experience in the system and has proven that he can produce. Lastly - Temple's size affords us a few unique and intriguing bonuses. Firstly, he can play some two guard if necessary and likely guard the 1-2-3. The fact that he had success as a defender last year on this level is helpful too. Secondly, with Hill struggling to develop PG skills, and yet lacking the size to play SG full time, Temple is like a match made in heaven. Playing them together negates the size disadvantage of Hill at the 2 as they can simply switch off on either end of the court: Temple playing the 1 on offense and the 2 on defense and vice versa. Temple needs to stay at least one more season.

[Cane]

My questions are:
Do you like those options at backup SF?
Who's the best option as 5th big: Ian Bonner or FA?
Who's the best option as a 3rd PG: Temple or FA?

Backup SF - Yea looks like it'll be between RJ, Malik, Anderson, and possibly Manu at times. Spurs will likely sign a defensive-minded vet-min SF at this position to give it some needed size since RJ is really the only one here with height, bulk, and length. Not sure if I like these options since we haven't seen them take on the likes of Durant, Carmelo, Odom, etc.

One thing's for sure though: we need some quality help since even guys like Jared Dudley and Ron Artest are able to bully the Spurs with their size and length and cash in on easy points in the paint and easy rebounds. Spurs can't win if they aren't able to prevent such easy opportunities.

5th Big - I like whoever will sign the cheapest. Between Bonner and Ian, I think the Spurs will choose the Red Rocket since he offers 3 point shooting. He was having a great season last year until breaking his hand so maybe he'll be better too. Ian seems redundant with Blair and Tiago, and it'd probably be in his best interest if he could log regular minutes elsewhere. I don't think Richards will see real time on the Spurs unless there's injuries. He should be sent to the Toros though.

3rd PG - Was impressed with Temple although his own offense really consists of the corner 3 and driving to the paint. Everywhere else he seemed to be below average at in his short time with the Spurs. I'm impressed because he was a nobody that quickly came into the role and was able to initiate the pick and roll offense the Spurs love. His efforts helped the Spurs land a playoffs spot, we should see him back.

[BadOne]

I guess we won't know anything for sure until after the summer league. Even then, Pop and & R.C. do things at random sometimes, yet it works.

Personally, I haven't seen enough of Alonzo Gee in the D-League to see what I think. Likewise about Malik Hariston due his own lack of playing time, [though he did see more this year]. I guess with what Malik has been given, so far, I'm not impressed. Similar to James Gist in the summer league, this could be a make or break summer leauge for Malik. They could package him or trade him for cash to another team if he doesn't convince them in the off season [IMO].

As for the bigs, Splitter is obviously the most important piece. After that, It's TD, Dyess and Blair. I can't beleive some people are still calling for Mahinmi or even Bonner. Out of the two, [I hate to say] Bonner is likely who they'd re-sign, but I hope not. Ian may have potential, but that ship has sailed. With the Spurs, he's a bust man. As I've said before, this may be at the fault of the coaching staff and not Ian himself, but overall, time to move on. I don't think the majority of Spurs fans want Bonner back either. Unlike Mason, Bonner rediscovered his shooting touch during the season, however just like Mason, Bonner dissapeared in the playoffs. I know that Tim isn't an arrogant guy or anything like that, but I can't imagine how he'll feel if he's surrounded by the likes of Bonner, Bogans, Mahinmi, or Mason again next year. He know's he can't keep carrying this team.

Its going to be exciting to see what if anything happens with RJ. If he can either be moved or do the noble thing and opt out, the Spurs can try to find a new starting SF instead of a backup. James Jones would be good as would Travis Outlaw. Then they're always the Gee and Hariston projects, but they seem too short to play the 3 spot. In any case, here's to July 1st, when even more movement may begin. I know the FO will do their best.

[Spurs Brazil]

If RJ opt out he'll hurt the Spurs more than help. We'll have no SFs and no money

[Thompson]

Can you trade more than one player in a sign-and-trade?

What about a three way trade between Memphis, S.A. and Philadelphia involving Jefferson to the 76ers, Iguadala (+ filler) to the Grizzlies, and Gay (+ filler) sign-and-trade to S.A.?

Philadelphia gets rid of Andre's long contract (which they've said they need to do since drafting Turner) and gets an expiring in return. Memphis gets something instead of losing Gay for nothing (it's apparently hard to attract talent in Memphis, as draft players refusing to work out for them shows), and we get Gay and maybe Sam Young as a backup SF or some other filler.

This next part is probably over the top, but maybe Thabeet if they're trying to get rid of him (he has a team option after this next year, so it would be an expiring at worst); I read they were trying to trade O.J. Mayo, but that may not be a likely addition with giving them Hill or more.

Any chance (of the first part anyway) of something like this happening?

[spursfan1000]

Of course the 1st priority is sign Tiago and after him we need to go after a SF. With the money we'll have I can only think about 3 players: J.Jones, R.Gomes and R.Butler. I like Outlaw, M.Miller and Korver but I don't think we can get them with the LLE.

On the wings we'll have RJ, Manu and Anderson with Hill also playing in there as a SG. If we can get one of those 3 guys I mentioned I'd be happy and my 1st choice would be Jones. Then I think Gee and Malik will fight for the 5th spot.

The bigs situation would be: Tiago, Dice, TD and Blair. I think Richards can be the 6th big but we need more experience with the 5th big, since Pop will probably try to rest TD and Dice. Who do you think is the better fit for that spot? Ian, Bonner or a minimum free agent?

At PG we have Tony and Hill but as the 3rd PG who would you like: Temple or a vet? I don't see many options in FA, maybe E.Watson or Pargo.

Bigs
Tiago/Dice/Duncan/Blair/Bonner or Ian or FA/Richards
Wings
RJ/Jones or other FA/Manu/Anderson/Malik or Gee
PG
Tony/Hill/FA or Temple

My questions are:
Do you like those options at backup SF?
Who's the best option as 5th big: Ian Bonner or FA?
Who's the best option as a 3rd PG: Temple or FA?

I'm not as much as a Bonner hater as most of the Spurstalk members on here but he is just a bust, it's not like he ever had potential of anything but last year he couldent make the 3 at a constant rate, so whats the point of keeping him? if he isnt making the 3, hes useless, he can't rebound, can't defend. So I would like Ian just because he is more athletic, can defend better most likely, and can rebound better which a center is supposed to do.

I would love for Spurs to get Gomes or Butler as the backup SF, they both have that 3 that is a must need for the Spurs and they arent the worst defenders out there, but the question is if they want to come over here and if we can afford them or not.

I like Temple a lot, I think it would be a wise decision for the Spurs to keep Temple, he did really well when he got the playing time, lets give him a full year as a Spur and lets see what he can do.

[spursfan1000]

Can you trade more than one player in a sign-and-trade?

What about a three way trade between Memphis, S.A. and Philadelphia involving Jefferson to the 76ers, Iguadala (+ filler) to the Grizzlies, and Gay (+ filler) sign-and-trade to S.A.?

Philadelphia gets rid of Andre's long contract (which they've said they need to do since drafting Turner) and gets an expiring in return. Memphis gets something instead of losing Gay for nothing (it's apparently hard to attract talent in Memphis, as draft players refusing to work out for them shows), and we get Gay and maybe Sam Young as a backup SF or some other filler.

This next part is probably over the top, but maybe Thabeet if they're trying to get rid of him (he has a team option after this next year, so it would be an expiring at worst); I read they were trying to trade O.J. Mayo, but that may not be a likely addition with giving them Hill or more.

Any chance (of the first part anyway) of something like this happening?

I don't think the Grizzlies will give Gay for cheap even if they know he is leaving.

[Spurs Brazil]

I'm not as much as a Bonner hater as most of the Spurstalk members on here but he is just a bust, it's not like he ever had potential of anything but last year he couldent make the 3 at a constant rate, so whats the point of keeping him? if he isnt making the 3, hes useless, he can't rebound, can't defend. So I would like Ian just because he is more athletic, can defend better most likely, and can rebound better which a center is supposed to do.

I think the big problem with Bonner is money. How much the Spurs will offer to a guy who will probably be the 5th big?

I don't have any problem with Bonner as a 5th big but last season he earned more than $ 3 million and I don't see Spurs offering something near that.

[Mel_13]

Can you trade more than one player in a sign-and-trade?

What about a three way trade between Memphis, S.A. and Philadelphia involving Jefferson to the 76ers, Iguadala (+ filler) to the Grizzlies, and Gay (+ filler) sign-and-trade to S.A.?

Philadelphia gets rid of Andre's long contract (which they've said they need to do since drafting Turner) and gets an expiring in return. Memphis gets something instead of losing Gay for nothing (it's apparently hard to attract talent in Memphis, as draft players refusing to work out for them shows), and we get Gay and maybe Sam Young as a backup SF or some other filler.

This next part is probably over the top, but maybe Thabeet if they're trying to get rid of him (he has a team option after this next year, so it would be an expiring at worst); I read they were trying to trade O.J. Mayo, but that may not be a likely addition with giving them Hill or more.

Any chance (of the first part anyway) of something like this happening?

Aside from any other issues with that proposed trade, and there are several, just consider this:

Iggy is under contract for 4 more years at 56.5M. Rudy will be a restricted FA this summer, so Memphis can match any offer he gets. If Memphis was willing to pay a contract as big as Iggy's, why not just keep Rudy?

A max contract for Rudy would start at 14M, while Iggy will make 12.3M next year. I really don't think there's much chance that any team will offer Rudy a max contract, so Rudy probably gets the same or less than Iggy.

Can't see it from the Memphis perspective. Also, doubt that the Spurs would take on a long-term contract or that Philly would do a straight salary dump for Iggy.

[Thompson]

Yeah, I'd rather keep Ian over Bonner. I'm not sure Ian will stay without an assurance of more playing time, though, and I don't think Pop will give it. Are there any Spurs insiders who know why Ian didn't get more time last year (especially early in the year) when he showed as much as he did in the glimpses he was allowed? There might be a good reason, but I'd sure like to hear what it is.

[spursfan1000]

I think the big problem with Bonner is money. How much the Spurs will offer to a guy who will probably be the 5th big?

I don't have any problem with Bonner as a 5th big but last season he earned more than $ 3 million and I don't see Spurs offering something near that.

I don't even want Spurs to go after Bonner, if you look at championsip teams, they don't have a outside shooting big man in the rotation. (maybe rasheed on Celtics but he also posts up and defends). Mahammi would also probably be cheaper.

[Thompson]

I didn't know Rudy was restricted. That pretty much kills that idea, unless he insists on a trade (I think I remember reading he wasn't very happy there). Probably no shot, though.

[clubalien]

this is our likely roster
tony>temple
manu>anderson
rj>paul george
tim>blair
splitter>dice

still not good enough to beat the lebron bulls or the gasol lakers if manu is injured

[Mel_13]

this is our likely roster
tony>temple
manu>anderson
rj>paul george
tim>blair
splitter>dice

still not good enough to beat the lebron bulls or the gasol lakers if manu is injured

So the Pacers are giving us Paul George for George Hill?

Ok

[clubalien]

Yeah, I'd rather keep Ian over Bonner. I'm not sure Ian will stay without an assurance of more playing time, though, and I don't think Pop will give it. Are there any Spurs insiders who know why Ian didn't get more time last year (especially early in the year) when he showed as much as he did in the glimpses he was allowed? There might be a good reason, but I'd sure like to hear what it is.

ian is a great bigman if he had more minutes he could scare splitter away from signing a contract.

splitter wants to start in the nba and not fight ian for mins

once we sign splitter

we can then sign ian and let them both dominate

[spursfan1000]

this is our likely roster
tony>temple
manu>anderson
rj>paul george
tim>blair
splitter>dice

still not good enough to beat the lebron bulls or the gasol lakers if manu is injured

Where do you get George from?

[Thompson]

ian is a great bigman if he had more minutes he could scare splitter away from signing a contract.

splitter wants to start in the nba and not fight ian for mins

once we sign splitter

we can then sign ian and let them both dominate

I'm not sure if that is the reason, but I sure hope it is.

[Mel_13]

I didn't know Rudy was restricted. That pretty much kills that idea, unless he insists on a trade (I think I remember reading he wasn't very happy there). Probably no shot, though.

Yeah, restricted FAs don't have much leverage. Rudy needs to find a team willing to tie up its cap space in an offer sheet for 7 days. As David Lee found out last summer, that can be hard to do.

[spursfan1000]

ian is a great bigman if he had more minutes he could scare splitter away from signing a contract.

splitter wants to start in the nba and not fight ian for mins

once we sign splitter

we can then sign ian and let them both dominate

If Splitter signs with the Spurs there is like no doubt he will start for us. Ian hasnt really gotten enough minutes to show what he can really do! This year he either got big garbage minutes or he didn't play.

[clubalien]

pacers send him to us