Spurs contact Pau Gasol reportedly

[Darkwaters]

Miami is done. They may still be leaders in the East but even if they bring back James, Bosh and Wade, they will need more than 1 piece to get back to winning rings.

To make it work they'd probably need to replace Wade in the "Big" 3 with a player like Kevin Love. But even then they wouldn't have much of a bench.

When your plan is to dangle Norris Cole as a trade asset you're pretty much ed. Thats like us hoping Cory Joseph could be flipped for major role players and championship pieces.

[spurraider21]

I see it as akin to the Beli signing. People are gushing about talent and value, but it didn't really help the team on the court that much. Difference is, Gasol is an over the hill HoFer who still thinks he's a premiere player and who is known to become a cancer if he doesn't get his way.

gasol is not a cancer tbh

[Chinook]

The minutes can work if you take Splitter/Duncan/Gasol/Diaw and divide by 4 to get 24. Diaw can also back up Leonard some while Leonard can also slide to the SG spot some. Teams would probably try to go really small on us but Splitter and Diaw can chase perimeter guys and create mismatches. Gasol/Duncan would be a nice lineup to pound teams playing a traditional PF-C lineup.

Really I think it's in the versatility and Gasol gives us the ability to rest Duncan on those back to back nights as well with no dropoff.

That said, I'd guess Gasol goes somewhere stupid like Chicago, Houston, Miami, or Dallas but in the meantime we can still dream. :-)

Diaw can't play the three. That's an awful myth.

Gasol/Duncan would have the same offensive problems that Memphis does. And their defense against PnR teams like Dallas and Portland would be awful.

I agree that Gasol to spell Duncan would be nice. But Baynes can already do that. It makes much more sense to me to have a legit four-man to be the fourth big. Failing that, I'd rather the team stand pat.

[ajh18]

"Kupchak acknowledged that elite free agents might have to take pay cuts to fit into the Lakers' cramped salary structure. They have already committed more than $37 million of next season's projected $63-million salary cap to Bryant, Steve Nash, Robert Sacre and rookie Julius Randle, whom they took with the seventh overall pick in Thursday's draft."

By my math that leaves $26 million for them to sign free agents + Gasol. So you have a big fish like Melo/LeBron taking most of that money, say $20 million then Gasol gets the $6 million in crumbs. Or split the $26 million among Gasol and a couple of lesser free agents.

Either way the Lakers end up with 6-7 players and filling out their roster with minimum salary guys. Aside from the minimum salary guys, Lakers roster looks like this:

PG: Nash
SG: Bryant
SF: Melo/LeBron (or two mystery free agents position unknown)
PF: Randle
C: Gasol/Sacre

So a couple of washed up guards, one of the top two SF in the league, a rookie PF and Gasol at center with a project C backing him up.

Given that roster composition and lack of money available for Gasol, seems like slim to none chance he's back with the Lakers next season. I don't see any combination of free agent signings that provide him with a decent mix of money and a chance to win. Even adding Lebron won't get it because that leaves them with ZERO supporting cast outside of the rookie Randle, and extremely thin at every position.

Moreover, besides being a butthole there is no indication Bryant will be back anywhere near his past self if he can even make it through another season.

I think the Lakers' best shot at remaining relevant might be to go something like this:

PG: Nash/Isiah Thomas
SG: Lance Stevenson
SF: Kobe
PF: Randle
C: Gasol/Sacre

That's doable financially and - while not a top-flight contender - is an interesting team capable of upsetting some of the big dogs in a playoff series.

[Chinook]

gasol is not a cancer tbh

I'm sorry, but going into a s at adversity is cancerous. I imagine you watch enough of the Lakers to know some of the drama with Pau was his fault as well.

[CGD]

however, Pau isn't looking for minutes on a rebuilding team, just a ring. I don't think that's a bargaining chip

With Gasol on board, I wouldn't call the post-Duncan Spurs rebuilding. Are they winning the championship the year after Duncan retires? Maybe not, but are they a top 5 team with a legit chance? I think so.

Starters: TP, Green, Leonard, Gasol, Splitter
Key Reserves: Boris, Mills, at least one of Anderson/LJC/Bertans

[elemento]

He's a poor fit next to everyone, except perhaps Diaw. He and Splitter could work, but people underestimate the time it took for Tiago and Tim to develop the necessary chemistry to share the floor. Do you honestly see Gasol and Splitter playing a lot together? I don't.

Ayres sucks as of now, so he doesn't really fit with anybody. Baynes is a center with decent range and mobility, but he's still a center. I don't think he and Gasol would be more than passable.

More importantly, the Spurs would have five centers on their roster and one power-forward (two if you count Anderson, but I don't). That leads to a complete lack or versatility.

I do. Pau is a high BBIQ player. I wouldn't even worry about Pau getting the system. It didn't take long for him to take LA's system. Straight up to the Finals in his first year playing the triangle under Phill. And that's not an easy system to get, especially if you're the main BIG of that system.

Splitter had to adapt to the NBA in the first place. That's why It took so long to adapt as Timmy duo. Gasol has been in the NBA for 13 years and Splitter is totally adapted right now.

Smart/great players figure things out quickly. That happened to Pau and that happened to Wade/Lebron and people questioned their fit too.

I really don't count end of the bench players like Ayres or Baynes. I couldn't care less about Ayres and Baynes is a 3rd string Center.

Tim/Diaw/Splitter/Gasol is what matters. That would be the rotation in the playoffs. Since I believe that Pau could play with either Diaw or Splitter, we will just have to agree to disagree.

I would take Pau for the MLE 10x quicker than Carlos Boozer as you suggested even if he is a better fit on paper and that says something.

[mingus]

I don't think getting Gasol means he necessarily plays less minutes. I could see Pop experimenting with Duncan/Gasol/Diaw lineup. Would still have floor spacing, and it'd be an absolute nightmare to defend that.

[vander]

With Gasol on board, I wouldn't call the post-Duncan Spurs rebuilding. Are they winning the championship the year after Duncan retires? Maybe not, but are they a top 5 team with a legit chance? I think so.

Starters: TP, Green, Leonard, Gasol, Splitter
Key Reserves: Boris, Mills, at least one of Anderson/LJC/Bertans

I'll believe it when I see it. The intangibles of Manu (and I'm a Manu hater) and TD just can't be replaced without lightening striking again IMO. and TP will be almost useless by 2016

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Our worst case scenario is Gasol going to OKC, if Brooks is smart enough to use him the right way. Used correctly, he could unlock their awfully stagnant "offense" (calling it an offense is an overstatement) and make it the best in the league.

I'd love to see Pau as a Spur for the next 3-4 years, firstly to help us win another ring, then to help with the post-TD/Manu transition. He'd be a perfect fit IMHO. Will he take the MLE though? Unlikely.

[CGD]

So the post-TD future is predicated on what will then be a 35 year old Pau Gasol?

Gasol would be a nice piece on offense, but his D has fallen off a cliff since the championship years making him a huge liability on that end. While I wouldn't be opposed to landing him so teams like OKC and MIA don't develop a more balanced offense, he wouldn't be a difference maker on the Spurs unless he starts playing 5-6 years younger, and there is no indication that's going to happen.

It's about Parker in the end isn't it? He's stated that he will want to see if the team heads into rebuild or reload mode after Tim leaves when making a decision to re-sign with the Spurs. With Tim and Manu gone, TP is looking at Leonard as his co-star plus a lot of good parts, but none primary offensive options. Adding Gasol, in my opinion, can still generate his own offense albeit not at the same clip as 5 years ago. If Tony leaves next summer, it's definitely rebuild mode.

[montgod]

Our worst case scenario is Gasol going to OKC, if Brooks is smart enough to use him the right way. Used correctly, he could unlock their awfully stagnant "offense" (calling it an offense is an overstatement) and make it the best in the league.

I'd love to see Pau as a Spur for the next 3-4 years, firstly to help us win another ring, then to help with the post-TD/Manu transition. He'd be a perfect fit IMHO. Will he take the MLE though? Unlikely.

But isn't that all OKC has to offer?

[Mel_13]

[/B]
But isn't that all OKC has to offer?

Yes, but they're better positioned to do a S&T.

[SpursRock20]

[/B]
But isn't that all OKC has to offer?

That and more minutes.

[Kindergarten Cop]

I didn't say, 'at all'. But people are misguided in believing that another center is going to help a lot , especially one who's never been a role-player.

I'd rather give Carlos Boozer the MLE than Gasol, and that's saying something.

Your takes are virtually always extremely solid and well-grounded, but you did say "Pau doesn't really make the Spurs better" - and I strongly disagree. He has one of the highest BBIQs in the entire league and would still be a HUGE bargain for the MLE. He would spell Duncan, as the starter, on B2Bs and when we have those dreaded 3 games in 5 nights - and the Spurs wouldn't miss a beat. Not only that, I don't know of a player that would fit more seamlessly if Duncan (God forbid) were to suffer an injury that would cause him to miss a prolonged portion of the season.

And as others have stated, it may be worth the MLE (if he were to take it) just to keep him from going to OKC or any other team that may try to get in our way to #6.

[Chinook]

Your takes are virtually always extremely solid and well-grounded, but you did say "Pau doesn't really make the Spurs better" - and I strongly disagree. He has one of the highest BBIQs in the entire league and would still be a HUGE bargain for the MLE. He would spell Duncan, as the starter, on B2Bs and when we have those dreaded 3 games in 5 nights - and the Spurs wouldn't miss a beat. Not only that, I don't know of a player that would fit more seamlessly if Duncan (God forbid) were to suffer an injury that would cause him to miss a prolonged portion of the season.

And as others have stated, it may be worth the MLE (if he were to take it) just to keep him from going to OKC or any other team that may try to get in our way to #6.

But the Spurs have already dealt well with Duncan having a reduced role for the regular season. What would Gasol do? Have them win 65 games instead of the 62 (or whatever) wins they had without him? The only tangible difference he could make is with the regular rotation. But I see that overall impact as minimal.

As far as the OKC angle goes, the Spurs should never be so hubristic as to shirk attempts to improve themselves over attempts to screw over their rivals. That's the kind of thing Cuban does.

[Mel_13]

As far as the OKC angle goes, the Spurs should never be so hubristic as to shirk attempts to improve themselves over attempts to screw over their rivals. That's the kind of thing Cuban does.

Proof that you learn something new every day. Today I learned that hubris has an adjectival form. My expanded vocabulary thanks you.

[Kindergarten Cop]

But the Spurs have already dealt well with Duncan having a reduced role for the regular season. What would Gasol do? Have them win 65 games instead of the 62 (or whatever) wins they had without him? The only tangible difference he could make is with the regular rotation. But I see that overall impact as minimal.

As far as the OKC angle goes, the Spurs should never be so hubristic as to shirk attempts to improve themselves over attempts to screw over their rivals. That's the kind of thing Cuban does.

You responded to my post (though neglecting the injury aspect) agreeing that it would help our regular season record (even if by only three games or so - perhaps the difference between a 1 seed and playing on the road in the Playoffs) as well as possibly weakening (or screwing over) our biggest hurdle in the West, right? That's not worth the MLE?

I always loved the thought of McBob as a Diaw-replacement (not necessarily that he could do it as well), but now that we've got Diaw back - I'd like them to sign the better overall player considering that we have no true "holes" on our team. We seem to be in disagreement on who the better overall player is though, which is fine. I completely respect your takes and opinions, but we're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one.

[Knoxxx]

It's about Parker in the end isn't it? He's stated that he will want to see if the team heads into rebuild or reload mode after Tim leaves when making a decision to re-sign with the Spurs. With Tim and Manu gone, TP is looking at Leonard as his co-star plus a lot of good parts, but none primary offensive options. Adding Gasol, in my opinion, can still generate his own offense albeit not at the same clip as 5 years ago. If Tony leaves next summer, it's definitely rebuild mode.

TP is not going anywhere that's laughable.

[Kindergarten Cop]

TP is not going anywhere that's laughable.

While I hope you are right, I don't think it's laughable at all.

[Taking it to the Hole]

I don't see the Spurs trying to woo Gasol. They are going to be downright honest about what they are and let their success stand for itself. If he is serious about winning then he will sign. If he isn't, he will go sign for more money. Spurs aren't going to be hurting if he decides to sign with someone else because Gasol is not going to be a difference maker even if he goes to OKC. OKC needs to develop an actual system before they can start incorporating guys like Gasol in it. I just rather the Spurs keep the last roster spot open to give flexibility later at the trade deadline or even mid-season if we see someone we can pick up in a pinch.

[MI21]

As far as the OKC angle goes, the Spurs should never be so hubristic as to shirk attempts to improve themselves over attempts to screw over their rivals. That's the kind of thing Cuban does.

I would normally agree with you but if OKC trot out a lineup of Westbrook/Jackson/Durant/Ibaka/Gasol then I can't imagine the Spurs winning.

Now I will never underestimate Sctt Brks ability to be a coach and not get the best out of his players strengths, but if he can with Gasol, OKC would be damn near unbeatable.

[Knoxxx]

While I hope you are right, I don't think it's laughable at all.

He will retire a Spur. You worry too much, did you see the house he just built in S.A.? Plus he got married and had a kid. No more bar fights for Tony he's a Spurs lifer!

[Knoxxx]

I would normally agree with you but if OKC trot out a lineup of Westbrook/Jackson/Durant/Ibaka/Gasol then I can't imagine the Spurs winning.

Now I will never underestimate Sctt Brks ability to be a coach and not get the best out of his players strengths, but if he can with Gasol, OKC would be damn near unbeatable.

They would still have no bench. You saw what playing 45 minutes per game did to Westbrook and Durant.

I do see the point that the upgrade of Gasol over Perkins does give them more depth with their bigs. I still see a team with no depth at the guard and SF positions.

[exstatic]

however, Pau isn't looking for minutes on a rebuilding team, just a ring. I don't think that's a bargaining chip

You're not getting it. We're to the point where there doesn't need to BE a rebuild when Tim and Manu leave. Tony, Kawhi, Tiago, plus the role players, and maybe a developing Kyle + Pau = pretty damn good team. That would keep the window open another 3-4 years.