General 2013 Free Agency Discussion

[Baam]

With Splitter's weak POs it feels likely they will make a move this summer, be it let him walk, a sign and trade or sign him at a reasonable price and absorb salary to move up in the draft or something.

[Mr Bones]

The two free agents I really like for the Spurs are both probably affordable and not among the big names being thrown around: Brandan Wright and Mike Dunleavy. The Spurs could very conceivably resign Splitter & Manu, and still get both of these guys. Signing Dunleavy would be reminiscent of the Brent Barry pick up from a few years ago. He's a very good career 3 point shooter who won't be very expensive, won't expect to start, and is versatile. Wright is a diamond in the rough who, after a few years of injury issues, emerged this year with very good shot blocking numbers, an incredibly high Player Efficiency Rating, and impressive +/- numbers for a mediocre Mavericks team. He's still only 25 years old. I think both of these guys would provide perfect depth for the Spurs next year without disturbing the obviously successful starting line up of Parker/Green/Leonard/Splitter/Duncan.

[Atl Spur]

Danny's old college teammate?

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i've noticed brandon wright put up some nice fantasy nights for a couple seasons. i like him, he reminds me of gooden, frye, randolph type. cheap young journeyman bigs that coulda given timmy some help.

that said, i don't think the spurs need a true big this summer. i think a rotation of timmy, splitter, baynes and bonner/ stretch 4 big is good enough. especially if guys like aminu, adetokunbo, southerland, carmichael, leslie, davies, etc... are being looked at as blair replacements.

if they do go with a big, i'd like to see a rookie like gobert or mbakwe. kawhi leonard has made me a believer in dudes with monster wingspans and hands.

[Mal]

Spurs need wing scoring option, who can creat his own shots. I would give Tyrekee Evans long fat deal, but I would gladly take Danny Granger of Indiana`s payment list.

[ace3g]

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
C.J. Watson will opt out of the final year of his contract. His camp has informed the Brooklyn Nets. He'll be an unrestricted free agent.

[exstatic]

Spurs need wing scoring option, who can creat his own shots. I would give Tyrekee Evans long fat deal, but I would gladly take Danny Granger of Indiana`s payment list.

They're going to want more than salary relief.

[jyra]

Danny Green is the surprise of the finals averaging a Spurs’ best 18 points and being an NBA record holder with 25 three pointers. A former teammate of his would like to follow his footsteps. Deon Thompson won the NCAA championship in 2009 as the captain of North Carolina and after an excellent European career in Ikaros Kallitheas, in Olimpija Ljubljana and in Alba Berlin is ready to make the next step.

Thompson is in San Antonio and from Monday he will take part in Spurs’ mini camp, trying to showcase his talent. The experienced big man, has progressed every year in Europe and undoubtedly has the talent to play in the NBA…

I like this guy a lot. I have seen him play quite a bit considering that the plays for my hometown team Alba.

Standing at 6-8/6-9 with a 7-2 wingspan and a strong built, he should be able to hold his own physically against most bigs. He is certainly not the flashiest player on offense but works the pick and roll really well. He sets solid screens, finishes strong around the basket and is capable of stepping out and hitting that pick and pop jumper pretty consistently. His ability to create his own shot is rather limited though. He likes shooting turn around jumpers from the mid post but you don't really dump the ball into him down low and expect him go to work unless he has a mismatch.
A big part of his game is rebounding. He just works hard crashing the boards especially on offense, often resulting in some putback dunks.
His defense is solid too. He won't reject many shots but his mobility on the pick and roll is decent and his strength keeps him from getting backed down easiliy in the post.

I'm not really sure that he belongs in the NBA considering that he is somewhat undersized and not really an explosive athlete. He does have skills that fit with the Spurs' offense but then again right now I have a hard time seeing him take any minutes away from the bigs currently in the rotation (or even a guy like Baynes). The only way for Thompson to even realistically get a chance is if the Spurs don't bring back Bonner+Blair, don't pick any bigs (unless stashed) in the draft and he really impresses at that free agent camp/summer league.
I do think this guy could become a solid rotation player. I would compare him to someone like the older version of Elton Brand with a bit more hops but less shot blocking if that makes sense.

[Jimmy Cobaine]

First time poster long time spurs fan (Born in '94) I was wondering if you guys think that the spurs can compete next season.

[pad300]

The two free agents I really like for the Spurs are both probably affordable and not among the big names being thrown around: Brandan Wright and Mike Dunleavy. The Spurs could very conceivably resign Splitter & Manu, and still get both of these guys. Signing Dunleavy would be reminiscent of the Brent Barry pick up from a few years ago. He's a very good career 3 point shooter who won't be very expensive, won't expect to start, and is versatile. Wright is a diamond in the rough who, after a few years of injury issues, emerged this year with very good shot blocking numbers, an incredibly high Player Efficiency Rating, and impressive +/- numbers for a mediocre Mavericks team. He's still only 25 years old. I think both of these guys would provide perfect depth for the Spurs next year without disturbing the obviously successful starting line up of Parker/Green/Leonard/Splitter/Duncan.

Brandan Wright is really kind of interesting: he appears to be developing a jumpshot. Consider the following from 82games.com (and basketball-reference)

In 2012/13, 53% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.560 (0 for 3 on 3pters)
In 2011/12, 45% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.495 (0 for 1 on 3pters)
In 2010/11 (with GSW), 48% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.467 (0 for 0 on 3pters) and
In 2010/11 (with NJN) 46% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.280 (0 for 0 on 3pters)
In 2009/10 DID NOT PLAY IN THE NBA
In 2008/09 41% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.343 (0 for 4 on 3pters)
In 2007/08 42% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.404 (0 for 0 on 3pters)

His rebounding is kind of poor (TRB% with Dallas 12.6% and 12.4%). He does keep his TO% down (7.1% and 7.2% in his two years in Dallas). For comparison however, this year Boris, Bonner, and Blair posted TRB% of 8.6, 8.2 and 15.8, and TO% of 18.6, 6.3, 14.0 respectively...

[Mr Bones]

Brandan Wright is really kind of interesting: he appears to be developing a jumpshot. Consider the following from 82games.com (and basketball-reference)

In 2012/13, 53% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.560 (0 for 3 on 3pters)
In 2011/12, 45% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.495 (0 for 1 on 3pters)
In 2010/11 (with GSW), 48% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.467 (0 for 0 on 3pters) and
In 2010/11 (with NJN) 46% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.280 (0 for 0 on 3pters)
In 2009/10 DID NOT PLAY IN THE NBA
In 2008/09 41% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.343 (0 for 4 on 3pters)
In 2007/08 42% of his shots were jumpshots, with an EFG% of 0.404 (0 for 0 on 3pters)

His rebounding is kind of poor (TRB% with Dallas 12.6% and 12.4%). He does keep his TO% down (7.1% and 7.2% in his two years in Dallas). For comparison however, this year Boris, Bonner, and Blair posted TRB% of 8.6, 8.2 and 15.8, and TO% of 18.6, 6.3, 14.0 respectively...

Nice.

The other stat that stands out for me is block/foul ratio. Wright's was one of the best in the league: http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/pl...ualified/false

A tandem of Duncan and Wright would not represent the most athletic shot-blocking duo in the NBA, but it would be the most disciplined. And we all know what a fan of non-fouling defense Pop is.

[td4mvp2k]

The Rockets have told agents for Francisco Garcia, Carlos Delfino and Aaron Brooks that they will not pick up contract options this month.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterocket...n-free-agency/

[CGD]

Wonder what delfino or Garcia have in the tank

[Mr Bones]

For what it's worth, here's my list of favorite and plausible free agent targets. I'm only including players that I think the Spurs have a realistic chance of getting. Iguodala, David West, Tyreke Evans, and Kirilenko would be great additions but are just not likely.

1. Brandan Wright C/PF
Efficient scorer and shot blocker, long and lanky defender. I think he'd be a perfect complement to Splitter. Splitter would play against the bigger, more traditional centers and Wright would play against faster small ball line ups. Duncan And Wright side by side would be the most efficient and disciplined shot blocking tandem in the league. Would probably demand at least the MLE.

2. Mike Dunleavy SG/SF
Reminds me of Brent Barry. Very good 3 pt shooter, high BBIQ... not a great defender, but has good size and length for his position(s). Most importantly, would not be expensive. He accepted 3.7 mil/year in Milwaukee and would most likely accept the same or less from the Spurs.

3. Shaun Livingston PG/SG
Low turnover PG with good floor vision. Doesn't do anything spectacular, but doesn't make many mistakes either. Good passer, plays defense, not much of an outside shooter. With Manu clearly in decline, I think the Spurs need a reliable ball handler to back up Parker. Again, won't be very expensive.

4. Al Farouq Aminu SG/SF/PF
Incredible rebounder, and his FG% has increased in each of his first 3 years. Young and athletic. I don't understand why New Orleans let him become an unrestricted free agent. Aminu, Leonard, and Duncan on the floor together would be one of the best rebounding trios in the league. At the right price, he'd be a great addition to pair with Leonard and Green for the next few years.

[exstatic]

For what it's worth, here's my list of favorite and plausible free agent targets. I'm only including players that I think the Spurs have a realistic chance of getting. Iguodala, David West, Tyreke Evans, and Kirilenko would be great additions but are just not likely.

1. Brandan Wright C/PF
Efficient scorer and shot blocker, long and lanky defender. I think he'd be a perfect complement to Splitter. Splitter would play against the bigger, more traditional centers and Wright would play against faster small ball line ups. Duncan And Wright side by side would be the most efficient and disciplined shot blocking tandem in the league. Would probably demand at least the MLE.

2. Mike Dunleavy SG/SF
Reminds me of Brent Barry. Very good 3 pt shooter, high BBIQ... not a great defender, but has good size and length for his position(s). Most importantly, would not be expensive. He accepted 3.7 mil/year in Milwaukee and would most likely accept the same or less from the Spurs.

3. Shaun Livingston PG/SG
Low turnover PG with good floor vision. Doesn't do anything spectacular, but doesn't make many mistakes either. Good passer, plays defense, not much of an outside shooter. With Manu clearly in decline, I think the Spurs need a reliable ball handler to back up Parker. Again, won't be very expensive.

4. Al Farouq Aminu SG/SF/PF
Incredible rebounder, and his FG% has increased in each of his first 3 years. Young and athletic. I don't understand why New Orleans let him become an unrestricted free agent. Aminu, Leonard, and Duncan on the floor together would be one of the best rebounding trios in the league. At the right price, he'd be a great addition to pair with Leonard and Green for the next few years.

I like 1,3, & 4. Dunleavy would drag us back to defensive mediocrity. He literally wouldn't be able to play in the playoffs. Why pay for that?

[objective]

fwiw, if I remember right the hosts of the N.O. podcast for the espn truehoop network don't think highly of Aminu at all and were happy his option wasn't picked. And they are pretty sharp guys in all honesty. I could be wrong, but that's my hazy memory.

[exstatic]

fwiw, if I remember right the hosts of the N.O. podcast for the espn truehoop network don't think highly of Aminu at all and were happy his option wasn't picked. And they are pretty sharp guys in all honesty. I could be wrong, but that's my hazy memory.

Was that at the beginning or the end of the season, because he definitely made strides after his option wasn't picked up.

[objective]

They loved his rebounding, but I've been listening to their podcast all year and they always made it seem like he didn't have any other skills and didn't have the IQ to add them.

Just the impression I have from them.

They also hate Vasquez, and see him as a big time fake-stat fraud. Unrelated, but one of the other things I remember noting due to how sharp they seemed and the attention they paid to their team.

[Mr Bones]

I like 1,3, & 4. Dunleavy would drag us back to defensive mediocrity. He literally wouldn't be able to play in the playoffs. Why pay for that?

As a bench player, I think he could be inserted in situations where his defense wouldn't be as much of an issue. I definitely don't think 20 well placed minutes of a 6'9" shooter would make the Spurs a mediocre defensive team. Think of it this way: he's an upgrade over Gary Neal, who also has defensive issues. Dunleavy's a better passer, rebounder, and ball-handler than Neal. Dunleavy's +/- numbers have been very good for the past 4 seasons on two different teams.... I don't think that's based on chance or lucky situations... But most importantly, I think he's the best wing player available dollar-for-dollar. I just don't see another guy out there who could be a difference maker and play for ~$3 mil salary.

[Mal]

But most importantly, I think he's the best wing player available dollar-for-dollar. I just don't see another guy out there who could be a difference maker and play for ~$3 mil salary.

I wouldnt count away Delfino. Rockets declined his 3mln option. He should be available with same amount.

I think the most important piece is to find ballhandler with scoring ability. Jarret Jack, Mo Williams come to my mind.

Of course scoring big men is necessary. Dont know which way Pop would want to good. Mobile 4 like Millsap, Josh Smith, even Aminu or 2nd big like Splitter, Big Al. Good cheap backup for Duncan is Dalembert. Little more expensive - Okafor(ETO), Kaman or even freakin Greg Oden. Core of this team is very cheap and with a lot cap space, Spurs could easilly reload eyeing OKC and Heat as main threats.

[Richie]

I've been saying all year that I think we need a big man to help extend Timmys career. However, with the way Manu played, another ball handler might be whats needed.

I think we have to make a play for Paul Pierce if he gets waived.

There are so many avenues we can take at this point, we have a lot of flexibility.

[sjacquemotte]

Howard,
J. Smith
Jefferson
Bynum
Milsap
West
Pekovic
Kaman
Blatche

Since the Spurs cannot buy themselves a championship, did this Finals show FA that we can still compete for a ring, or do you they think that this was our last chance (what seems like has been the idea for a decade)? There seems like alot of role playing big men in FA and we should be able to get one. Or is small ball going to be the new norm?

[Seventyniner]

I think things could get very interesting. Could San Antonio be viewed as a coat-tailer's place to get a ring? Pierce would be amazing here in a smallball lineup with Leonard, Duncan, Parker, and shooting guard X.

[Atl Spur]

Aminu will be a spur next year I'm thinking.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Any discussion should start with eliminating players who have been hurt more than healthy the last three years. That means crossing Dunleavy off the list.

Jack would be a great target, that guy's a baller.