ESPN Stein: Spurs have AK47 in their sights

[ChumpDumper]

One of the espn 'insiders' had this to say in his update:

If the Spurs are able to land Kirilenko, one has to believe that it could -- let us emphasize the word "could" -- mean the end for Manu Ginobili in San Antonio. San Antonio would be able to start Kirlenko and use Danny Green in Ginobili's role as instant offense off the bench.

I'm guessing this guy's an idiot and doesn't know what he's talking about. Wanted to get thoughts here. Wouldn't it be more likely that it would mean the end of Tiago? Under this dude's scenario it sounds like he's trying to imply a starting 5 of TP, KL, AK, TS, and TD? Can anybody here envision that scenario?

lol instant offense

[timvp]

I give a big thumbs up to AK47.

1. He's a very good defender -- especially with regard to help defense. With Ginobili slowing down, the Spurs could use a help defense specialist and AK47 fits the bill. While the Spurs were improved on D last year, AK47 theoretically could take the Spurs to an even higher level.

2. He'd give the Spurs wicked small ball options: TP, Manu, Leonard, AK7, Duncan =

3. He can almost backup small forward.

4. While he's not a great shooter, he is a very good passer. Besides, he might experience a Diaw-like improvement in three-point percentage in S.A. due to getting open shots.

5. He gets steals and blocks without fouling, which fits perfectly in Pop's system.

6. He's very good on the fast break ... again, a good fit in the system.

7. He's a better rebounder than Bonner or Diaw so going "small" wouldn't be much of a difference than big lineups that don't feature both Tiago and TD.

8. He's friends with TP (outside of Diaw, he's TP's best friend in the NBA, AFIAK) so there isn't much risk chemistry-wise.


As long as AK47 is okay with playing more PF than previously and if he's okay with the possibility of coming off the bench, I'm 100% behind this pursuit. If the Spurs can bring back Splitter and Manu while adding AK47, that'd be awesome, tbh.

[RD2191]

James White

[CGD]

NOW we're talking. Forget this Monte Ellis stuff.

[SpursSerb]

[dbestpro]

Leonard can play SG, as well. There may be times where AK47 (SF) and Leonard on the floor at the same time. I could see that happening when Green is off or is being crowded away from his jump shot. I think for sure he would be on the floor when Leonard is not. Manu then might see the Neal minutes.

[TheGoldStandard]

Come on guys, lets not get this twisted.. The guy hasn't been healthy enough to play a full season in forever since his rookie year. He's always hurt and it keeps him out of the rotation which he'll need to be in so that he can have chemistry with the guys come playoff time. If he comes in he's a starter not a bench guy for that kind of cash. He's 32.

[spurraider21]

Come on guys, lets not get this twisted.. The guy hasn't been healthy enough to play a full season in forever since his rookie year. He's always hurt and it keeps him out of the rotation which he'll need to be in so that he can have chemistry with the guys come playoff time. If he comes in he's a starter not a bench guy for that kind of cash. He's 32.

The spurs aren't looking to ride him for 35 mpg and typically mmanage minutes better than any team in the league

a potential frontcourt of Duncan, Splitter, Kirilenko, Diaw, Baynes, Leonard could be like the giants defensive line. Always have talent out there, and fresh guys at all times

[RD2191]

Which is why we need Livio instead of AK

[TheGreatYacht]

Makes sense about the length, but at what amount? Can't see him taking a 3 year 15M deal. That would not make it worth opting out of 10M. I would imagine it's at least 3 years/21M and that is a lot of money for a 32 year old who has some injury problem IMO. I would like him and it's not my money, but are you really going to pay AK 7M while paying Manu 5M?

Then let's not pay Manu 5M. Manu can sacrifice some $$$ if he wants to redeem himself for costing Tim Duncan his 5th championship, it's the least he can do.

he could play the 4 and move timmy to the 5. maybe you can even consider letting splitter go under that scenario and going after another C/pf with splitter 8-9m salary, like a millsap/aljeff or some combo of two cheaper players

I love this idea. Let Splitter walk for another big like Al Jefferson or David West. Now if Splitter accepts the $5 million qualifying offer that the Spurs have on the table then I'm fine with keeping Splitter.

It'd be nice to have him on the team for the right price....I'd give him 4yr 20mil if that's even possible. I think you can get him for that extra yr @ a lower annually rate.

This would be a really good price for AK47. The way Pop manages player's minutes, I believe that AK can play at a good level for 4 more years.

Spurs could gave him $8M per year if Manu is fine with $5M per year. $24M/3 years sounds like a fair offer for Kirilenko.

Fuc* Manu. He can take the veteran's minimum or retire.

That is the question(s) though:

Will Manu be ok with making 5M?

Will Manu be ok with AK making more than him?

Is paying 8M per year for 3 years for a 32 year old with injury issues be smart?

From a fit perspective I like AK47, but from a money perspective (even though that seems market value fair) it raises more questions. But either way, if Manu will take 5M or less, that would be huge for the pursuit of whomever the Spurs want.

LMAO stop acting like Manu is worth any $$$. He's done. He's washed up. He suc*s now. He is worth the veteran's minimum. Tiago, AK, and Danny Green are all better than him. Get off Manu's ballsac*.

We are not investing long term in a 32 year old who is past his prime, who in fact, just opted out of 10.2M. outta here.

Yeah the Spurs will do as you say, yes sir! You GTFO here.

Meh.
Players of his type who can't hit 3's with regularity tend not to do well in this system.

Maybe Chip Engelland can work with him?

They are saying if AK47 is signed..It could be the end of Manu?..And Green could take over Manu's role..But he cannot handle the ball like Ginobili, so I would have to say that

I'll say " that" to your comment because your hero MANU GINOBILI IS DONE. He is past his expiration date.

[slick'81]

Good backup off the bench but can he stay healthy

[spursince#99]

You said nothing about age.

Also there are several scores of undrafted free agents that are very athletic. Do they all have upside?

It's not about just athleticism. Aminu can guard 5 positions and has an incredible wingspan. He has potential due to his age. Especially if he can play for a team that can possibly guide him with veterans, unlike the Pelicans.

[spurraider21]

TheGreatYacht

[InRareForm]

Ak and leonard swarming is awesome tbh...

[monkeypunk]

TheGreatYacht

Ignore him. Sometimes it's just better that way...

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[Longley]

Look, guys, its not all about money for AK47. He donated all his 5 mln what he made playing in CSKA. I think now, its compete for the championship and not being a 10 min per game guy.

[SA210]

Plus Tony will love AK's wife.

[temujin]

TheGreatYacht

Against that.

funniest guy to read since KBP.

[TheGoldStandard]

The spurs aren't looking to ride him for 35 mpg and typically mmanage minutes better than any team in the league

He's not looking to take a drastic paycut.. He's looking for 7 or 8 Mil a year for 4 years. If he's okay with the MLE than I'm okay with it, Which is fine if we had a true center and a packup PG.. I'd have more faith in this move if they cut Bonner or amnestied him to shore up some more cap space to bring over Ellis for cheap and actually pay a big. The thing is they're gonna keep splitter, resign manu, neal is probably coming back and then Kirelinko so is he going to be okay playing 20 minutes a game as a backup? or do you send Danny to the bench and hope he doesn't ruin his confidence?

If he's okay with the MLE than I think that's a better deal.

[TheGreatYacht]

Against that.

funniest guy to read since KBP.

Why am I always being compared to KBP. Who is that guy?

[dbestpro]

Maybe in order to make some of the dollars fit the Spurs should let Tiago walk and go after a cheaper option like Speights. He might develop into a very good player in the right situation.

[Raven]

One of the espn 'insiders' had this to say in his update:

If the Spurs are able to land Kirilenko, one has to believe that it could -- let us emphasize the word "could" -- mean the end for Manu Ginobili in San Antonio. San Antonio would be able to start Kirlenko and use Danny Green in Ginobili's role as instant offense off the bench.

I'm guessing this guy's an idiot and doesn't know what he's talking about. Wanted to get thoughts here. Wouldn't it be more likely that it would mean the end of Tiago? Under this dude's scenario it sounds like he's trying to imply a starting 5 of TP, KL, AK, TS, and TD? Can anybody here envision that scenario?

word.

[Mr Bones]

This move would be all about match ups with OKC and Miami. Kirilenko would be a perfect small ball PF in those situations, because Bosh and Ibaka are guys he could defend. With the goal being to win next year, the move makes sense even if it's not a move the Spurs would ordinarily make because of his age.

[Darkwaters]

AK47 has been on Spurs fans lists for many a year. Even at 32, I'm down with it. Hopefully we get the BFF/contender discount.

[Darkwaters]

Why am I always being compared to KBP. Who is that guy?

Perhaps the greatest poster ever on Spurstalk. The enviable Kill_Bill_Pana