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At least we have a starting SF.
Hopefully no more than three guaranteed years.
At least we have a starting SF.
Like him or not, Jefferson is probably the best the Spurs can hope for right now. He's the only mid-level talent player the Spurs can fiscally hope to obtain.
It's either we bring back RJ and find him a suitable backup, or we have that suitable backup starting next season.
And no, Hairston is not the answer either. Maybe for backup, but I'm not convinced he's ready for major minutes.
1 year, 10M. Has any team offered better?
With Bonners contract one can only assume 6 years with RJ at 10+ mil.
Not very realistic. I think it's time to just let this one go, Dude. Accept fate and move on. Maybe you will be pleasantly surprised.
Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, well, he eats you.
I don't think 8/9 mil a year for 3 years (or 7.5 million for 4 yrs) is exactly the death of our financial flexibility for the future. An eight million dollar salary figure will be a very tradeable piece in just two years when it's expiring. (If R.J doesn't produce). Two years for a player with a high proven ceiling for 7-9 million is worth the risk compared to the alternative (Simmons starting at SF). IMO
I know R.J didn't have the prototypical Bowen-like contribution on the defensive end or from the corner 3 that many of us solely judge him on. But fact is the guy still produced in other aspects (IMO) and helped out the team in ways we tend to forget (58 outings in the reg. season he scored double digits; his off the ball defense contesting shots at the rim and the 32 outings he scored over 15 points.) He wasn't Bowen-like with superior foot speed and lateral quickness on the perimeter, but he is a good versatile defender that is able to defend the bigger and more methodical wings ( Pierce, Melo, Artest, ect.) and he can contest shots off the ball and become an active player in that regard. *Not to mention his ability to convert at a very high percentage in transition, which should be an asset because of the Spurs finally adding Splitter to help the interior defense*
The fact that R.J's contribution can't really get any worse than it was for a portion of last year (February)and for the fact that the guy has a very high and proven ceiling, capable of being a reliable 3 point threat;(which will open up many lanes for him to get to the rim and the line and open up the flood gates on the Spurs overall potential) makes me believe he is the Spurs best option if they want to get to the championship. The higher the potential, the better the chance Spurs have at number 5. IMO
Glad to see Spurs aren't overlooking their best and most realistic viable option at small forward.
The Jefferson Experiment Season 2
Is that the offer? I think what upset most people last season was knowing so much money was going into him while we still needed to work out stuff with Manu, wonder about Splitter's price, and simply just not getting great performances from RJ.
I think 8m for 3 years, considering that RJ will better know his role and not be under so much pressure will be a good thing for the team. I call that a Free Agent success, we all saw he had moments where his potential was seen.
I expect a three year 7-8 mil per deal. Long enough to give Jefferson the security he wanted and low enough to not tie the Spurs down in future contract negotiations. I don't think RJ's signing will have any effect on a TP extension and, considering what ridiculous players with less talent are getting, it's a bargain. It's also not a that bad of a trade chip if it comes down to that.
I think we'll be surprised at whatever the figure is, high or low.
I'm very happy to have him back. He struggled last year and clearly did not deserve the level of salary he was receiving. Maybe that gave him undue pressure, I don't know. But he is clearly the best option we have at SF by far and without the overwhelming expectations he can be a very nice piece on this team. As, well, he was last year.
According to earlier reports, he was working exclusively with Pop this summer. I can only hope that the extra time will help him to better understand his role and play within it comfortably.
BTW, did anyone notice how effective he was on the block? Probably not because we barely ever called that play for him. Yet he seemed to be able to overpower his defenders or shoot over the top. Hopefully Pop lets him go down there, particularly when Duncan, our best player in the post, is on the bench.
RJ will definitely be much improved next season... just like every new spur is in there 2nd year.
Touche.
In fairness, RJ is way, way more talented that RMJ.
Like Roger mason?
Beat me to it.
Okay.... RJ will definitely be much improved next season.... just like most new spurs are in there 2nd year.
comparing RJ's skillset to those of RMJ and Bowen is a joke btw but point taken.
Who would you say did better in their first year as a Spur; Mason or RJ?
How do you figure McDyess improving. The opposite is more likely, he is a year older.
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