And the MLE goes to...

[Jumi]

We have backup point guards already! Pop is usually a season behind Spurstalk in understanding what the team needs so this year he's actually gonna use the regular season to develop a true point guard and that should be CoJo. De Colo has the skills to be Manu's replacement on the second unit so this thing just rolls right along.

We should use the MLE on either AK 47 or Carl Landry. Anthing other than that is a waste of money and doesn't fill a need. We have just about everything you need to be successful already!! Duh!

[Beaverfuzz]

MLE goes to Jarrett Jack.

I don't understand why everyone wants to stay away from an backup PG. A backup PG would've relieved Ginobili of having to handle the ball and making all the turnovers. Patty Mills and Cory weren't up to task.

Securing a backup PG that is capable of playing quality minutes in pressure situations (ie. playoffs) makes Ginobili and everyone else better.

This. PG is the biggest weakness on this team. Manu can't do it even as a third option anymore.

[rascal]

This. PG is the biggest weakness on this team. Manu can't do it even as a third option anymore.

The front line is still weak and still has not been addressed with the Splitter signing. But agree that the backup pg is very important. Parker gets gassed at the end of games because the Spurs don't have a reliable backup and Manu should be finished being used as a pg after the tank job he had against Miami.

[rascal]

We have backup point guards already! Pop is usually a season behind Spurstalk in understanding what the team needs so this year he's actually gonna use the regular season to develop a true point guard and that should be CoJo. De Colo has the skills to be Manu's replacement on the second unit so this thing just rolls right along.

We should use the MLE on either AK 47 or Carl Landry. Anthing other than that is a waste of money and doesn't fill a need. We have just about everything you need to be successful already!! Duh!

Spurs don't need AK47. Leonard should log big minutes and blossom next year. Backup pg and a creator on offense is more important as Manu slows down.

[rascal]

Spurs don't need AK47. Leonard should log big minutes and blossom next year. Backup pg and a creator on offense is more important as Manu slows down.

Miami put James on parker and took him away and the Spurs were very limited in the players who could break down the defense and take it to the basket.

[spurs10]

That's already tried and proven not to work. And you think it will improve w/ yet another year for Manu to get older.

The problem w/ a lot of Spurs fans it that they don't realize this team is built for the regular season and not the post season. Since 2005, the Spurs have had one of the best if not THE best records during the regular season. And, that's playing in the much stronger West.

Yet, every time come the playoffs, there's been a team they don't match up well against and lose. This year, it just happened to be in the Finals vs. the Heat (we'll never know what would've happened vs. the Thunder w/ a healthy Westbrook).

The Spurs don't have a backup SF or PG worthy of quality playoff minutes vs. teams that have quality scorers on their 2nd unit.

The MLE needs to try and solve both those problems. Randy Foye, Rodrique Beaubois, etc. are all guys who should cost < $3 million. Using the ENTIRE MLE on one player is going to leave the team deficient in one or more area.

Interesting thought. Obviously a player like AK or Jack would be a great move. You are right about us needing two players though. I, too, am in the frame of mind of what's going to work when it really matters. It didn't work having Manu play pg against teams like the Heat. Unless we can get Jack, I've been thinking AK and a veteran like Billups would be a dream come true. It's the 'dream' part that concerns me. However, I'm confident we'll address at least one of our needs with the MLE shortly.

[Man In Black]

Curious...I point out that Livingston is 6'7" and give you a video link and yet, many of you don't see that player a viable option, why?

DeColo, needs to have the balls to shoot when he has an open shot, he hasn't shown that much, if at all, this past season. He seems to have the same tool box as Manu does, he just seems unsure of himself in using them.

Corey Joseph needs to prove that he will take that next step but with what he showed, against teams that go small and have talented wings play PG like Miami, CoJo is overmatched. I don't think Livingston will have that issue. He's still 6'7 is a very capable pick and roll player. He can go to the rim with his length and he has a pretty good jump shot plus, the guys plays solid defense.

So...why is this guy not viable again?

[Blake]

Lolsmh at anyone thinking AK is going to settle for the MLE after opting out.

[Johnny RIngo]

LLE is currently in use by Nando de Colo

God, what a waste of time DeColo was. The Spurs FO is usually pretty good but I don't know what they saw in this piece of . I've watched a lot of games for the French NT and in Europe and he's NEVER impressed me. He's not an NBA calibre player.

[Johnny RIngo]

DeColo, needs to have the balls to shoot when he has an open shot, he hasn't shown that much, if at all, this past season. He seems to have the same tool box as Manu does, he just seems unsure of himself in using them.

I've been a big critic of post-2011 Manu but this statement is downright insulting. DeColo has NO offensive game. The Ginobili comparisons have to stop already. DeColo was a scrub in Europe and has never stood out for the French NT(he's been terrible every time I've watched them). Ginobili was a star in Europe with a complete offensive game. DeColo sucks...he's another Beno Udrih...though to Udrih's credit he's actually been able to stay in the NBA. DeColo's going back to Europe after this stint with the Spurs. He's a soft, mentally-weak Euro...the kind of player SA needs to distance themselves from.

[lefty]

$5.15M assuming they didn't go over the tax threshold last year. Most Spurs writers (Dan McCarney, Paul Garcia, Jeff McDonald, Zach Lowe) indicate we have the full $5.15M to spend.

Ah ok

thanks

[spurs10]

Curious...I point out that Livingston is 6'7" and give you a video link and yet, many of you don't see that player a viable option, why?

DeColo, needs to have the balls to shoot when he has an open shot, he hasn't shown that much, if at all, this past season. He seems to have the same tool box as Manu does, he just seems unsure of himself in using them.

Corey Joseph needs to prove that he will take that next step but with what he showed, against teams that go small and have talented wings play PG like Miami, CoJo is overmatched. I don't think Livingston will have that issue. He's still 6'7 is a very capable pick and roll player. He can go to the rim with his length and he has a pretty good jump shot plus, the guys plays solid defense.

So...why is this guy not viable again?

Thanks for the link. I wonder if he is on the FO's radar? Looks like an experienced guy as well.

[still.focused]

Damn I didnt know Livingston was available
Hes a solid PG too in terms of ball handling
and decision making
Hes more aggressive than all our backup PGs combined
And he posts!!!
I love it
Evans was my first thought when it came to FA but im thinkin id rather have Livingston intead

[cd021]

So far, the Spurs have around $2M, barring the return of Gary Neal. If he does return, we'd be eligible to use the MLE. The best candidates are...

1. Andrei Kirilenko - best possible scenario. Might need four years to lock him.
2. Chauncey Billups - too much
3. Matt Barnes - too much
4. Andrew Bynum - unlikely to sign for MLE unless no one gives him a better offer than MLE
5. Greg Oden - too much; deserves vet. min.
6. Chris Kaman - not a bad pick-up for MLE
7. Dorell Wright/Al-Farouq Aminu - ...?
8. Timofey Mozgov - fills a need in the middle; no further knowledge of his post skills and defense
9. Lamar Odom - not a bad signing. Good for two years?
10. Corey Maggette - well-rested; not the same player though

Hope the Spurs don't pick up another PG.

Other players worth noting:
Spurs' euro stash
Vitor Faverani

Jarrett Jack or Al Aminu

[cjw]

I'm not sure we can afford Kirilenko now.

Which contending team out there has cap space? If he wants to win, we can offer him as much as anyone else and have a good shot. As the OP said, fourth year may be necessary. By the time the Timmy/Manu retire + Parker/Green contracts are up, the MLE signee and Splitter would have two years left and there's a lot of flexibility around them.

[cd021]

I'm not sure we can afford Kirilenko now.

He's 32 and is seeking a long term deal ,and I presume, play on a contender. The Mavs', Hawks and Rockets are tied up with D12. The Spurs seem to be the most realistic option.

[Baam]

^ why would he be in a rush to get lowballed when he can get a better role for better money later...

[Mel_13]

Which contending team out there has cap space? If he wants to win, we can offer him as much as anyone else and have a good shot. As the OP said, fourth year may be necessary. By the time the Timmy/Manu retire + Parker/Green contracts are up, the MLE signee and Splitter would have two years left and there's a lot of flexibility around them.

There's no evidence that he'll put a better chance to win over a better contract. Actually, the recent evidence is to the contrary.

[spurraider21]

I think Monta would bring more punch to the team, if he plays off the bench, but AK47 imho would bring balance on the other end. Monta is Gary Neal with better handles and no shooting, while AK47 is Kawhi in that he can put do everything - score, rebound, play D.. except maybe shoot consistently. Regardless, I won't have any problem if we got 1 of them.

Like Neal with no shooting and with better handles. So they're both short is what you're getting at

[Darkwaters]

God, what a waste of time DeColo was. The Spurs FO is usually pretty good but I don't know what they saw in this piece of . I've watched a lot of games for the French NT and in Europe and he's NEVER impressed me. He's not an NBA calibre player.

The LLE is not a big contract. It's not like we spent a lot of money on him. Plus hes was a late 2nd rounder (53?).

Sure he had problems, but all things considered they've done pretty well with him so far. No sure why you're hating.

[Johnny RIngo]

The LLE is not a big contract. It's not like we spent a lot of money on him. Plus hes was a late 2nd rounder (53?).

Sure he had problems, but all things considered they've done pretty well with him so far. No sure why you're hating.

Him being a 2nd round pick is not the issue. 2nd round picks are usually busts(like Nando's proven to be). It's that we're wasting a roster spot on him and Patty Mills so they can sit on the bench. SA desperately needed a backup PG last year and they both fell short. Our D-League PG looked more NBA ready than either of those two...Even worse for Nando seeing as he's 26 and players are usually in their prime at that age. Usually, NBA teams try to bring over the best players in Europe to the NBA. Nando was never the best at anything. He was a mediocre talent in Europe - Guys like that don't have a future in the NBA

[spursince#99]

Jarrett Jack is who I want. Another ball handler is needed most and that was clearly evident in the finals when LeBron began to hold Tony. Heck even some NBA players were tweeting it during the finals such as Jamal Crawford and others. I wouldn't mind Livingston, but is he capable of performing well when the time comes? I'd much rather have Jack though, and lets not forget about Aminu. He's a viable option but honestly, De Colo is terrible and Cojo will not be THAT improved come next year. However, De Colo should be traded.

[spurraider21]

As much as I think Monta would beast in silver and black, I don't think he's willing to spend his prime playing for around $6M a year. He thinks he's worth around $10-$13M. He just opted out of an $11M++ deal so that's that.

yeah. now milwaukee is about to replace him with OJ mayo and he hasn't exactly had a lot of suitors on the market. he may be forced to sign a short deal for 6M to prove himself. he screwed himself over by turning down the bucks deal

[barakz21]

Like Neal with no shooting and with better handles. So they're both short is what you're getting at

Sort of, yes? But my point is that they're similar in that they both produce points, although in different ways and in different amounts. Neal's a better shooter, Ellis is a better slasher/ball handler. But the one thing they got in common aside from bei

[pad300]

Curious...I point out that Livingston is 6'7" and give you a video link and yet, many of you don't see that player a viable option, why?

DeColo, needs to have the balls to shoot when he has an open shot, he hasn't shown that much, if at all, this past season. He seems to have the same tool box as Manu does, he just seems unsure of himself in using them.

Corey Joseph needs to prove that he will take that next step but with what he showed, against teams that go small and have talented wings play PG like Miami, CoJo is overmatched. I don't think Livingston will have that issue. He's still 6'7 is a very capable pick and roll player. He can go to the rim with his length and he has a pretty good jump shot plus, the guys plays solid defense.

So...why is this guy not viable again?

I'd be interested trying him in 2 "pg" set with either Nando, Manu or Cojo, but I think one thing that the FO really dislikes is that he is a guard who doesn't (can't?) shoot the 3 at all - 43 CAREER attempts (9 made). I think Livingston could blossom as a 1/2 vs a pure 1, but he needs to learn to shoot.

Sign him early to a non-guaranteed contract and give him to Chip for a summer - but he's pretty likely to get some guaranteed money elsewhere, and therefore wouldn't take it.