Michael Finley: “U left me off the free agency list #notdoneyet”
Hoopshype: "BEST free agents available"
http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/...al-sources-say
Supposedly, the Spurs were interested. Given that they could have offered more money and a bigger role, I'm not sure how they managed to lose out. Yi becomes the latest dwindling prospect to be lured to the Mavs, even though there's no minutes available. Unlike Brewer, this wasn't because of the money, either.
Anyway, the Mavs are still interested in Fesenko, too. Hopefully they sign him, because it'll mean they'll have to release a player. Based on value, that would be Cardinal. But they seem to like to have him around, probably because he's a good chemistry guy and on a team where the vast majority of players are either use to a bigger role or probably expecting one, he's one guy who will accept his role without complaint. So if it's not him, that leaves Williams or Wright. Given that they immediately played Williams ahead of Wright upon signing him and have deactivated Wright in recent games, it'll probably be Wright. He's injury prone, rail thin, can't shoot and doesn't appear to care much about the game. But he's also 6-10, athletic, a former 8th pick and still only 24. In other words, if he's waived, he'll instantly become the most intriguing option available and if the Spurs front office has an ounce of common sense left, they'll sign him.
The Mavs are stocking up on big men who probably won't be able to get minutes and the Spurs can't even get one. Pop is so in love with his system and corporate knowledge that he doesn't work a new player in.
Not sure if the dollar figures were ever mentioned anywhere but Josh Howard got a one-year, $3 million deal with the Jazz.
He had to leave salary room for Nene.
Well that confirms the Spurs wanted nothing to do with Howard.
When it comes to players like Yi Jianlian, then it makes sense. These guys suck and will be spending a good part of the season in the d-league. Spurs really could use another big or two, but I think they'll wait until the trade deadline for a real opportunity rather than signing an injured Yi. Just not much out there thats worth a damn.
Mavs can easily waive Yi at the trade deadline and do exactly the same though can't they?
Spurs might be waiting for the D-League showcase to choose whom to audition. Jan 9-12.
Even if they didn't get him, Spurs having tried to get Yi Jianlian is a good news. Spurs are trying to add a bigman.
Except Yi isn't a big man anymore than Bonner is and we don't actually know if the Spurs tried to get him. Spurs names are in a lot of reports and we don't know what the word "interested" actually means.
This assessment of Yi, according to ESPN's John Hollinger:
A look at Yi's skills:
"Yi's mobility makes him a useful defensive player; while his rates of blocks, steals and rebounds are nothing to write home about, he's very good in pick-and-roll defense because he moves well laterally and has the length to challenge shots. Yi is also a good pick-and-pop player who can hit midrange jump shots; he made a very solid 40.7 percent of his long 2s. One wishes he'd extend that range to the 3-point line, where he could be much more of a weapon. And there ends the good news. Although he's the tallest player on his team at 7-0, Yi plays like he's completely unaware that this might be an advantage. He drew two and-1s the entire season. Two. The only player in the league with a lower rate of field goal attempts that became and-1s was Brian Cardinal. Less than a quarter of Yi's shot attempts were at the rim, which also caused him to struggle at getting to the line. This is why his TS% is so poor every season. Well, that and his generally brutal offensive instincts. Yi's in-between game is in between bad and awful -- he shot 8-for-42 between 3 and 9 feet (lest you accuse me of cherry-picking off a small sample, he's at 29.9 percent for his career). He also averaged less than one assist per 40 minutes; only four power forwards were worse. His skill set tantalizes, but until he stops with the 'Yi, Robot' routine and finds ways to contribute offensively beyond taking 17-foot jumpers, he's destined to remain a back-of-rotation big man."
Yi would have been ok, though he doesn't do much. Given the choice, I'd get someone with his mobility or more.
FA isn't the way to go. Spurs need to trade. Now, if that is to happen, they will likely have to give up Blair/Anderson/Leonard and do people think that is worth it?
For whom?
"Bonner is the LAST big that we'll ever need...he spreads the floor!"
if Spurs were interested in Yi, they are interested in any big man.
if they wanted Yi, they are satisfied with a #5 in the big rotation. best case this player can compete for the #4 spot. (the bar isn't that high considering the compe ion is this years version of Bonner)
that said, they must be as well interested in Fesenko. doesn't make sense if they were not. Mavs still want him. he might think about it, considering the number of bigs on the Mavs roster. and Spurs could outbid the Mavs.
They will have to look at a few teams that have a few of these qualities:
1) Maybe are in a bad situation with being a bad team
2) Might be interested in some young talent
3) Maybe willing to swap bad contract for bad contract a la Arenas for Rashard Lewis trade
4) A team that has plenty of bigs that might be willing to let one go
Some teams/trades that come to mind:
Cleveland: Anderson Varejao or Antawn Jamison. Their team will be bad again. Both of those guys don't fit long-term and it could open up more time for Tristan Thompson. They might be interested in adding a young piece in Blair/Anderson/Kawhi to help with building for the future. Varejao makes more money than RJ with an additional year as well (even though it's only partially guaranteed).
Warriors: Andris Beidrins. Similar contract to RJ. They have been trying to ship him out. Another team where RJ might be a better fit in the system and they could be enticed with a young asset or draft pick perhaps?
Minny: Anthony Randolph. They are very crowded up front, could use some veteran presence and a guy like Bonner might appeal to them. A guy who can give them another dimension with regards to spreading the floor and would they be willing to sign Randolph next year? Could be sweetened with one of our young guys or a draft pick since they lost theirs to the Clippers which now NO owns.
There are several options that while they may not be easy, seem to be somewhat realistic and would likely serve the Spurs much better than going to FA. This is just linear thinking as well (meaning just a 2 team trade. if you open that up to multiple teams, other opps present themselves).
Spurs won't be able to land a superstar with their assets (assuming they won't trade the big 3), but if you look at my criteria, they should be able to find some trade partners.
Why would Varejao not fit the Cavs long term? That doesn't make any sense.
So out of all of that, that is what you cling too?
They are a bad team that is rebuilding through the draft. They won't be a playoff team likely for a while. He is pushing 30, just had surgery and is their highest paid player. For being such a limited guy, it's not good for a rebuilding team to have their highest paid player be someone like that. It definitely makes sense IMO.
You asked a question (in your typical fashion), I gave you an answer, sorry if you don't like it.
After what happens a couple of years ago with Finley and Mason ing about not getting enough playing time, Spurs are likely now careful with how to fill the end of their roster. I can see them not going after Fesenko because they think he won't handle well getting little to no minutes.
I'm not clinging to anything. I was asking who you had in mind since it would be worth trading the young players for the right player in return.
Don't be such a little about having your logic questioned.
You act like 10 and 10 centers fall out of trees.
lol pushing 30
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