Stein: Free agent guard Kevin Martin has agreed to join the San Antonio Spurs

[buttsR4rebounding]

I would say that, but the Spurs don't know if Manu is coming back next year. Simmons has shown potential, but he also has shown he needs to improve his game. I wouldn't give up on him in just a year. He is only 27 and has room for improvement.

As far as the big situation, Spurs have been using Butler and Anderson at the 4 a lot this past month. Those two basically negate the need for another big. Spurs have Duncan/West/LMA/Diaw/Boban up front as well.

The fact the Spurs now have LMA hitting 18-20 footers (and even West), the Spurs don't need Bonner as much against OKC to draw Ibaka from the lane. That is one thing that Bonner did have going for him when it comes to playoff matchups. And remember it was Diaw not Bonner that scorched OKC the last time the Spurs played them in the playoffs.

There is a big difference in spacing when the defense has to guard the 3 point line and guard an 18 foot jump shot. And I see that Manu coming back is a variable, but Simmons will never be a Manu replacement and the focus is winning this year. Worry about replacing Manu next year. Heck, KMart could end up taking Manu's place in the rotation next year. (Notice I did not say replace Manu because like Tim he is a singular talent.)

[FromWayDowntown]

The thing that weighs heavily in Bonner's favor is that he's shown on a number of occasions that he can just be plugged in and will at least be in the position he's supposed to be in and will give an effort to do what he's supposed to do. Bonner frustrates Spurs fans, largely (I think) because there was a time when the composition of the roster required him to do more than he was actually capable of doing; he's clearly not the most talented (or athletic) guy and he seems to wilt in the spotlight of big moments, which is also frustrating. But over the long haul, Matt has been able to step in, even if he hasn't played in a while, and at least be credible both because of his understanding of what the defense is supposed to do and because he's still got some legitimacy as a three point shooter.

I think Pop values that sort of security/certainty quite a bit in a 12-15 guy and I think it would take something pretty compelling for him to choose someone over Bonner to fill one of those spots.

[Ditty]

That's not the Real Skip Bayless

[look_at_g_shred]

After the OKC series in 2014, bonner gets a forever pass for me tbh

[coachmac87]

Who cares? If Butler or Bonner sees any time in the playoffs other than a blowout we're in trouble.

This. In reality it shouldn't matter who gets cut. Sure we'd fine ways to care but bottom line neither should be relied upon. Simmons being a possibility is what has me and most Spurs fans thinking. Yes he probably won't contribute this year but unlike Butler or Bonner he has at least some future going forward in the NBA with or without the Spurs. Now it's not determined yet how big of a future that is but he has some upside.

Just wouldn't make sense for Spurs to quit on Simmons

[J_Paco]

The thing that weighs heavily in Bonner's favor is that he's shown on a number of occasions that he can just be plugged in and will at least be in the position he's supposed to be in and will give an effort to do what he's supposed to do. Bonner frustrates Spurs fans, largely (I think) because there was a time when the composition of the roster required him to do more than he was actually capable of doing; he's clearly not the most talented (or athletic) guy and he seems to wilt in the spotlight of big moments, which is also frustrating. But over the long haul, Matt has been able to step in, even if he hasn't played in a while, and at least be credible both because of his understanding of what the defense is supposed to do and because he's still got some legitimacy as a three point shooter.

I think Pop values that sort of security/certainty quite a bit in a 12-15 guy and I think it would take something pretty compelling for him to choose someone over Bonner to fill one of those spots.

Basically, bye bye either Simmons or Butler. The only issue with that sound opinion is that Matt is barely a NBA player at the stage of his career. For everything that he brings from an intangibles aspect is nullified when he brings very, very little from actual production. All three players have their flaws, but Matt has the most glaring one's.

Unfortunately, your grounded but more sentimental based reasoning will probably win out. Sucks that we may lose a solid veteran or a hungry, athletic player just to keep Matt's token "team guy" around.

[Mnky]

If pop just knows he's going to use Bonner in then playoffs, I could see a chance. I don't think you cut the guys who can run though. And Butler and Simmons are better at that pace which is what teams like the thunder clippers and dubs do.Simmons can be developed. Usually players reach a peak, but he hasn't had much high level coaching TBH and the little he had in Austin, he grew with. He has also grown with the spurs. He also plays well with your young guys and isn't exactly old. I don't see him being cut unless he was doing something specific pop didn't want him to do. Him, much like Kyle and other players who don't see the court much(which is where you really learn) have consistently gotten better despite Spurfan always saying they wouldn't. I think daye and Ayers left insecurities in some posters tbh.

[BillMc]

The thing that weighs heavily in Bonner's favor is that he's shown on a number of occasions that he can just be plugged in and will at least be in the position he's supposed to be in and will give an effort to do what he's supposed to do. Bonner frustrates Spurs fans, largely (I think) because there was a time when the composition of the roster required him to do more than he was actually capable of doing; he's clearly not the most talented (or athletic) guy and he seems to wilt in the spotlight of big moments, which is also frustrating. But over the long haul, Matt has been able to step in, even if he hasn't played in a while, and at least be credible both because of his understanding of what the defense is supposed to do and because he's still got some legitimacy as a three point shooter.

I think Pop values that sort of security/certainty quite a bit in a 12-15 guy and I think it would take something pretty compelling for him to choose someone over Bonner to fill one of those spots.

Well said.

There also might be a team outlook perspective. It's one thing to cut a longterm verteran over the summer or in training camp when he clearly doesn't have it anymore. But Matty has been with the team a long time and is very well-liked. It's not like cutting one of the Big 3, but there would be a bit of a risk of it affecting the whole "Spurs family" thing. Normally, of course, business is business, but this isn't the beginning of the season or over the summer, and I wonder if Pop believes cutting a well-liked team regular might hurt morale. Especially, if you were to ask the question "Who of Bonner, Butler, and Simmons" is least likely to help ups win a championship this year. A case could be made that person is Simmons, a guy whose subtraction probably won't affect team morale much either (though he does seem to have become buddies with LMA).

Yeah, I'm over analyzing this I know. But hey, its Spurstalk.

[Chinook]

It's not even about hope with Simmons. It's about having a cheap guy if you want to use cap space next season, or having a guy at all if you don't have cap space.

[FromWayDowntown]

There also might be a team outlook perspective. It's one thing to cut a longterm verteran over the summer or in training camp when he clearly doesn't have it anymore. But Matty has been with the team a long time and is very well-liked. It's not like cutting one of the Big 3, but there would be a bit of a risk of it affecting the whole "Spurs family" thing. Normally, of course, business is business, but this isn't the beginning of the season or over the summer, and I wonder if Pop believes cutting a well-liked team regular might hurt morale.

At this point, there wouldn't really be anywhere for Matt to go in the short term. I doubt anyone will sign him for just the last 20 games of this season and I also doubt that he'd be likely to draw a multi-season offer from any club. If it's Matt who is waived, I also think the speculation that he'll simply transition to the front office or a coaching position is pretty well-founded, which would mean that even if he on the roster, he'd remain close to the team, which would offset any psychic loss waiving him might cause.

I'm also less concerned about that because this is a pretty tough-minded bunch for the most part. If they didn't break after Game 6 a few years ago, I don't know that anything mental will really be an issue for them.

[DPG21920]

If Bonner is healthy and gets minutes I agree w Chinook that he's no longer a no brainer. It's just that w his injuries and looking done when he did play he didn't appear to be a basketball asset

[BatManu20]

[Darius Bieber]

Looks like we won't know until Wednesday when the Spurs come back home.

[NASpurs]

Spurs are just saving money on Martin’s plane ticket to San Antonio. They'll give him a ride seeing as tomorrow's game is in Minny.

It would be ing crazy if he played in tomorrow's game against Minny.

[Chinook]

If Bonner is healthy and gets minutes I agree w Chinook that he's no longer a no brainer. It's just that w his injuries and looking done when he did play he didn't appear to be a basketball asset

Maybe Bonner needed some time away from the team to get back into a good physical form. Even though he was focusing on his hamstring, the whole body gets to heal when you're not traveling or practicing. And if you aren't bound by the NBA schedule it's easier to do therapy and build strength. I'm not willing to say Bonner is better now than he was before, but he could be. He was moving awfully well out there. And while Butler offers a lot defensively off the ball, Bonner is much better there than people realize, especially on the ball.

Add in the fact that he's the only big who can shoot the three (even if you include Kyle and Rasual in there, Matt's the best by a long shot), and you have a real conundrum. Simmons may not be safe after all.

[SpursforSix]

Maybe Bonner needed some time away from the team to get back into a good physical form. Even though he was focusing on his hamstring, the whole body gets to heal when you're not traveling or practicing. And if you aren't bound by the NBA schedule it's easier to do therapy and build strength. I'm not willing to say Bonner is better now than he was before, but he could be. He was moving awfully well out there. And while Butler offers a lot defensively off the ball, Bonner is much better there than people realize, especially on the ball.

Add in the fact that he's the only big who can shoot the three (even if you include Kyle and Rasual in there, Matt's the best by a long shot), and you have a real conundrum. Simmons may not be safe after all.

I hope that's not the case. While Simmons isn't a superstar by any means, of those three, I think he has the potential as a high energy guy to come in and change a game. Hopefully, the Spurs won't need that but during the playoffs, you never know. Him coming in and taking it to the hoop could be something they need.

[.G.]

Matt Bonner Basketball! may be here to stay afterall. I always liked that lil niggz, with his T-Rex trot/jog up and down the court, moves well without the ball, finds open spaces, good IQ, always puts his arms straight up in the air when defending against drives, always gives Matt Bonner Basketball! effort, makes Pop happy and he sweats nicely, too. It's all bout dem intangibles. Would also love to see him dunk again.

If this is the last hurrah at a le with this core, then maybe Pop sticks with what he knows and feels comfortable with.

[.G.]

Can't forget about dat corporate knowledge Matt Bonner Basketball! possesses.

[Chinook]

I hope that's not the case. While Simmons isn't a superstar by any means, of those three, I think he has the potential as a high energy guy to come in and change a game. Hopefully, the Spurs won't need that but during the playoffs, you never know. Him coming in and taking it to the hoop could be something they need.

While he has more energy than Martin, Kevin is probably a superior driver. And he's obviously an elite foul-drawer. I can definitely see Simmons' having a Joseph/Ibaka moment, but I can also totally see Martin having a Jack/OKC moment if the team needs him. It's not an easy decision. I didn't want anyone cut at the beginning of the year. And I don't want any cut now if Bonner is in good shape, though I'd still move him over Martin if push came to shove.

[coachmac87]

Maybe Bonner needed some time away from the team to get back into a good physical form. Even though he was focusing on his hamstring, the whole body gets to heal when you're not traveling or practicing. And if you aren't bound by the NBA schedule it's easier to do therapy and build strength. I'm not willing to say Bonner is better now than he was before, but he could be. He was moving awfully well out there. And while Butler offers a lot defensively off the ball, Bonner is much better there than people realize, especially on the ball.

Add in the fact that he's the only big who can shoot the three (even if you include Kyle and Rasual in there, Matt's the best by a long shot), and you have a real conundrum. Simmons may not be safe after all.

I think people are looking way too much into this. Why give up on Simmons?

[SpursforSix]

While he has more energy than Martin, Kevin is probably a superior driver. And he's obviously an elite foul-drawer. I can definitely see Simmons' having a Joseph/Ibaka moment, but I can also totally see Martin having a Jack/OKC moment if the team needs him. It's not an easy decision. I didn't want anyone cut at the beginning of the year. And I don't want any cut now if Bonner is in good shape, though I'd still move him over Martin if push came to shove.

You lost me. Move Bonner over Martin? Or did you mean Simmons there at the end.

[Chinook]

I think people are looking way too much into this. Why give up on Simmons?

Butler is better now (please tell me you're not going to argue this), and Simmons doesn't have a ton of upside. Plus Martin actually plays his position.

[Chinook]

You lost me. Move Bonner over Martin? Or did you mean Simmons there at the end.

Bonner.

[BatManu20]

[ceperez]

Anybody making the argument that Simmons needs to get cut is just trolling.