TJ Ford Retiring

[lurker23]

Baron Davis ‏ @Baron_Davis

Great phone convo wit @tj_ford. sad that he is retiring and feeling worse that I was involved in that play! love and respect bro. #tears

https://twitter.com/#!/Baron_Davis

[Bruno]

I find interesting that Spurs release didn't talk about retirement. I guess they still want to be able to trade his contract at the trade deadline.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Reports say that Crawford will be heading to the Clippers for Foye and Bedsloe.

[lurker23]

Also on the Baron Davis front, FYI...

@tj_ford

just talk with big bro @Baron_Davis 45mins.. Always luv since college .. He's my guy just know that

https://twitter.com/#!/tj_ford/statu...94489494564865

[timtonymanu]

Reports say that Crawford will be heading to the Clippers for Foye and Bedsloe.

I'm hearing it's for Gomes instead of Foye.

[Spurtacus]

Best backup PG we've had in a while despite his limited playing time. I've been a fan of his since UT so its sad to see him go out like this. But he's doing what is best for him and his family. I hope he sticks with the Spurs organization or even the Toros.

[angelbelow]

Would not be surprised if he became a mainstay with the Spurs organization, going forward. The Spurs have been and continue to absolutely the best in the NBA at identifying, mentoring and creating opportunities to incorporate qualified ex-players into their organization, in some capacity.

Given that hes from texas and wanted to come here I wouldn't be surprised either. I hope he does stay around and offer some guidance, especially to Joseph.

We knew he was injury prone but got beat over the head with it. Best of luck to TJ Ford.. one of my favorites dating back to the Toronto days.

[crc21209]

Damn. We finally get a decent backup PG and this happens. But, it's best for him and his family. What's Chris Quinn up to these days?

[spursdotcom]

We pulled together some of the Twitter mentions about TJ's announcement if you'd like to read them - http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/12...saying_tj_ford

[024]

this is terrible news. pop would probably trust ford to back up parker in the playoffs and ford was doing a pretty good job before his injury.

[ace3g]

Another thing, he had really good chemistry with Splitter off the bench.

[TD 21]

As for the Spurs, Neal has done solid work as the backup point guard. His play isn't pretty but the production has been really good. Playing Ginobili next to Neal should negate any issues Neal has with ballhandling and playmaking.

Ginobili himself isn't an option as the team's main backup point guard. He couldn't handle those duties in his prime and he especially can't handle it now in a condensed season. He just doesn't have the ballhandling and stamina to pull it off on a full-time basis.

Joseph should remain in the D-League the rest of the season. He's not an NBA quality player at this point. In fact, he's not close to an NBA quality player.

The Spurs need to go out and get a solid third point guard. The player should fill two roles: 1. Be an emergency ballhandler if Neal faces a matchup he simply can't handle (like Beno versus Lindsey Hunter back in '05) 2. Can slide into a backup point guard role if Parker or Neal isn't playing.

Preferably, that player would have enough experience to be able to step in and produce without much of a learning curve.

Antonio Daniels makes sense since he knows the system, although he's so washed up at this point it's questionable if he's worth a roster spot. Same could probably be said for Anthony Carter, if he's waived. Mike James was productive in his minutes for the Bulls this season before getting waived. What is Mike Wilks up to these days?

If the Spurs want to go younger, Ben Uzoh makes a lot of sense. Local kid who plays defense and is athletic enough to have a relatively high ceiling.

As far as trade, I wouldn't recommend one unless the asking price is a second rounder or a straight salary dump.

You forgot Armon Johnson, who's probably at least as good a prospect as Joseph. Not that that's saying a whole lot, but the point is, he was considered a 1st round caliber talent and potential 2nd round steal just a season ago. I'm surprised the Trail Blazers released him and he hasn't been signed.

Trade wise, they may use Anderson to bring in a PG. Either of the Pargo's, Gaines, Bibby, Telfair, Price, Carter and Tinsley, are potential possibilities. Two veteran free agents you forgot are Arenas (I know, no chance in ) and Boykins. Suffice it to say, I'm less than enamored with these names. I'd prefer they sign Johnson and call it a day.

[Spursfan092120]

We pulled together some of the Twitter mentions about TJ's announcement if you'd like to read them - http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/12...saying_tj_ford

Thanks

[TD 21]

I forgot about Mills, who's actually the best immediate option available. True PG, excellent speed/quickness, decent shooter. The Trail Blazers have his rights. The Spurs could either offer sheet him or, if they think they'll match, trade Anderson for a protected 2nd, then send that to the Trail Blazers for his rights, so they can pretend they got something for him.

[ploto]

Ford: "After last Wednesday, I felt being on the floor and being in that position one too many times. I feel like that was enough for me ...

I can not even imagine how he feels. Just watching him lie there one too many times was really tough. Good luck to Terrance.

[timvp]

You forgot Armon Johnson, who's probably at least as good a prospect as Joseph. Not that that's saying a whole lot, but the point is, he was considered a 1st round caliber talent and potential 2nd round steal just a season ago. I'm surprised the Trail Blazers released him and he hasn't been signed.

Trade wise, they may use Anderson to bring in a PG. Either of the Pargo's, Gaines, Bibby, Telfair, Price, Carter and Tinsley, are potential possibilities. Two veteran free agents you forgot are Arenas (I know, no chance in ) and Boykins. Suffice it to say, I'm less than enamored with these names. I'd prefer they sign Johnson and call it a day.

Armon Johnson looked like a great defensive prospect the couple times I saw him play but he's so bad at running the show that the Blazers officially gave up on him being a point guard. For a team as point guard starved as the Blazers to give up on him being a point guard and move him to shooting guard says a lot. Add in Armon not having much experience and he's not really an option right now, IMO.

As far as the potential trade candidates, I'd nix them all other than Jannero Pargo and Sundiata Gaines. But for those two, I wouldn't give up anything of value. Jeremy Pargo looks horrible and his contract is too big. The others would only be possibilities if they are waived. Even then, none of them jump out more than the ones I mentioned earlier.

Arenas obviously won't happen but I've always been intrigued by Boykins. He has the ballhandling and playmaking the Spurs use. Unfortunately, he's a ballhog ... but even then, I wouldn't mind the Spurs signing him. Although the Spurs have passed over him so many times over the years that I don't really consider him a legit option,

[timvp]

I forgot about Mills, who's actually the best immediate option available. True PG, excellent speed/quickness, decent shooter. The Trail Blazers have his rights. The Spurs could either offer sheet him or, if they think they'll match, trade Anderson for a protected 2nd, then send that to the Trail Blazers for his rights, so they can pretend they got something for him.

Brett Brown should know him pretty well. That said, I doubt the Blazers will do the Spurs any favors.

[bigdog]

As much as most fans booed the decision to sign him this year, I was all for it. He's one of my favorite PG's, and I enjoyed the plays he made for the Spurs this year. I hope he stays with the organization and finds a good job. As selfish as I can be, wanting you to get back on the court, this was the best decision for you. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors, TJ. Hook em, and Go Spurs Go!

[ploto]

* Said his best years were with Toronto

Loved watching Rasho and TJ play together...

[ace3g]

One thing that impressed me the most about TJ, was his jump shot: the quan y (picked his spots, stayed a pass first PG in the Spurs system) and accuracy (never really cringed when he took a jumpshot).

[therealtruth]

Another thing, he had really good chemistry with Splitter off the bench.

I think Pop is going to want to maximize Splitter/Manu combination. I think they could be a pretty good pick and roll combination. You combine Manu's great passing ability and Splitter's good picking and rolling abilities.

[therealtruth]

The Spurs need a Jacque Vaugn type point guard. One that plays hard defense, doesn't need the ball, and gets guys shots. It would be good if he could hit a jumper if left wide open.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Sorry to hear that. All the best, TJ.

[SenorSpur]

Arenas obviously won't happen but I've always been intrigued by Boykins. He has the ballhandling and playmaking the Spurs use. Unfortunately, he's a ballhog ... but even then, I wouldn't mind the Spurs signing him. Although the Spurs have passed over him so many times over the years that I don't really consider him a legit option,

Boykins isn't a ballhog. He's a ball Hippopotamus.

[BackHome]

Just sign the best D.L player and call it a day.......or trade Anderson and CJ for somebody who can play PG.