#1 Free Agent Target should be: Pau Gasol

[RD2191]

Someone tell RC ASAP.

Yo RC, just hear me out. Some dude on ST swears Pau is the missing piece to a le run. *Click*. o? o?

[palangi]

RD2191 and Dabom giving their great insight together again!!!

[tmtcsc]

Meh, I made my case using logic, payroll and stats. A little too much to handle for some folks in this forum. I don't care if people disagree, that's what this message board is about - but put some thought behind your argument. Too old? Really? Since when? The Spurs value experience and production. Was OKC too young for the Spurs? I don't think that was the problem. They had an advantage on us inside because of Tim's injury and West's lack of height. Even still, I think with a few breaks here and there, we win the series.

The playoff collapse was because Tim was injured, Diaw and Mills played like and people were forced to exceed expectations because of it. Tony wasn't really the problem but his bloated contract hurts now.

[dabom]

Meh, I made my case using logic, payroll and stats. A little too much to handle for some folks in this forum. I don't care if people disagree, that's what this message board is about - but put some thought behind your argument. Too old? Really? Since when? The Spurs value experience and production. Was OKC too young for the Spurs? I don't think that was the problem. They had an advantage on us inside because of Tim's injury and West's lack of height. Even still, I think with a few breaks here and there, we win the series.

The playoff collapse was because Tim was injured, Diaw and Mills played like and people were forced to exceed expectations because of it. Tony wasn't really the problem but his bloated contract hurts now.

If I compare KD and Gasol it's a no brainer. Stop while you're way behind.

[RD2191]

RD2191 and Dabom giving their great insight together again!!!

Pulling out the personal collection?

[RD2191]

Age is one thing being a soft pussy is another. Stats don't always tell the whole story. Adams's hustle/energy were a huge reason why OKC beat the Spurs and almost beat the Dubs.

[palangi]

Pulling out the personal collection?

You aren't very creative are you? I'm going to leave your simple mind alone to be the jack off you are.

[Spurs9]

Dont really want him tbh, because we would have to overpay.

[RD2191]

You aren't very creative are you? I'm going to leave your simple mind alone to be the jack off you are.

Butt buddies is creative? Some high brow stuff there. Has HBO called you for a special yet?

[TD 21]

Would need to look at the whole FA class, but off the top of my head, Horford would be really good fit IMO. Maybe I'm underestimating how much money that'd require though, I'm sure he'll get some max offers from lesser teams.

There are cheaper options like Cole Aldrich that'd probably free up more money elsewhere to answer issues such as a volume 3-point shooter or bench playmaker.

Horford will require the max, he supposedly wants to remain a Hawk, they can offer the extra year and the Spurs would have to move out a rotation player(s) to make it work.


Whether Gasol should be or not is debatable, but should Duncan retire, he's the most likely replacement. As far as his production, citing raw averages without considering context and fit, is antiquated and foolish. What he averaged in a situation where he was playing a featured role (which he wouldn't with the Spurs), is irrelevant.

Though still capable offensively, he wouldn't really solve any of their issues: He's not really a floor spacer, nor a roller and he lacks defensive range.

All this debate about what they should do, yet no matter what, the most likely outcome will remain a 2nd round elimination by one of the Warriors, Thunder (if Durant re-signs) or Clippers.

[Nathan89]

He's better on offense than Duncan so that's a plus. His defense isn't great but he'll be able to collapse in the paint more against OKC without Ibaka. OKC isn't going to play small against us so moving Ibaka increased our chances of handling their offense. We have to be able to score though and Diaw and Duncan aren't going to be able to take either Kanter or Adams.

[MaNu4Tres]

As far as his production, citing raw averages without considering context and fit, is antiquated and foolish. What he averaged in a situation where he was playing a featured role (which he wouldn't with the Spurs), is irrelevant.

Though still capable offensively, he wouldn't really solve any of their issues: He's not really a floor spacer, nor a roller and he lacks defensive range.

All this is so spot on.

Gasol isn't the type of player Spurs need. Gasols' value is tied to touches and usage. Spurs don't need a guy next to Aldridge sucking away touches from Aldridge and KL ( they need either a roller or a legit PnPop 3 PF).

At the same time, Gasol is very limited on the defensive end. The only value he has on that end is in post defense. Unfortunately, most teams are going away from post offense more and more and centering their offense around the perimeter play-making -- where Gasol is a huge liabliity.

The options are scarce, and I can understand why SA wld reluctantly be content going w/ Gasol but he's not a good fit with what the Spurs need. Not at all.

The sheer 16 and 11 he put up as a focal point with the Bulls couldn't be more irrelevant w/ how he'd fit with the Spurs.

Good post TD.

[tmtcsc]

As far as his production, citing raw averages without considering context and fit, is antiquated and foolish. What he averaged in a situation where he was playing a featured role (which he wouldn't with the Spurs), is irrelevant.

Here's the context: Featured role? Pau Gasol was the 3rd option on offense behind Rose and Butler. The assumption is that he fills Tim's role and is the third option here as well. Even if Tim decides to go another year, I think either player would be open to coming off the bench.

Though still capable offensively, he wouldn't really solve any of their issues: He's not really a floor spacer, nor a roller and he lacks defensive range.

Not a floor spacer? That's ridiculous. The guy has tremendous range. He made 24 3 pointers this past season from the C position. How many did Tim make? The guy can beat you inside or outside and is a threat on offense.

This is about the bigger picture. Pau Gasol will cost 7 to 8 Mill per season. He would fit on our payroll w/o any changes as is. Bring him in and address other needs through free agency like defense and backup pg. Move Diaw the out of here and consider bringing in an experienced pg like Jeremy Lin. If you can move TP, then all the better.

[tmtcsc]

All this is so spot on.

Gasol isn't the type of player Spurs need. Gasols' value is tied to touches and usage. Spurs don't need a guy next to Aldridge sucking away touches from Aldridge and KL ( they need either a roller or a legit PnPop 3 PF).

So what you're saying is Aldridge and KL provided enough offense against OKC? What if Gasol was on the floor to take Adams or Kanter away from the hoop? They wouldn't have been free to hover around the basket for rebounds. I think you are discounting how tough the offense became when Tim was taking up space on the court without being a threat. It was downright sad.

At the same time, Gasol is very limited on the defensive end. The only value he has on that end is in post defense. Unfortunately, most teams are going away from post offense more and more and centering their offense around the perimeter play-making -- where Gasol is a huge liabliity.

That's funny. You think Gasol would be a huge liability. Who's the option on the Spurs now? Who is out there that can come in and play solid D and rebound for the Spurs? Who is the answer? Does Kevin Durant solve those problems?

Seriously, how much of a liability was Enes Kanter and his awful defense?

The options are scarce, and I can understand why SA wld reluctantly be content going w/ Gasol but he's not a good fit with what the Spurs need. Not at all.

Not at all. Good stuff.


Here's a good compilation of how Gasol can kill teams inside OR outside. Besides 2 triple doubles this year, he scored 46 pts in his first year with the Bulls. He managed to exploit just about everyone who tried to guard him.

[Mr. Body]

God, get that greasy faced moron off this page.

[Mikeanaro]

Forget that old fart, couldnt even make it in the east.

[Nathan89]

Gasol is a huge plus on offense. The only concern is his defense. Nearly all the complaints about Gasol's offense are in areas he is much better at than Tim Duncan. He's able to dribble more than 1 time as well which is something LMA can't do. He skilled around the rim so if you want to do some picknpop then LMA can do it.

[elemento]

Gasol is a huge plus on offense. The only concern is his defense. Nearly all the complaints about Gasol's offense are in areas he is much better at than Tim Duncan. He's able to dribble more than 1 time as well which is something LMA can't do. He skilled around the rim so if you want to do some picknpop then LMA can do it.

I agree. Some fellows are only focusing on the negatives and not looking at the good things about Gasol, especially if he is willing to come @ a decent price tag. He is plug and play vet that knows how to play the game and knows what it takes to win.

Good post defender, elite passing skills, authentic 7 footer that can rebound , good post scorer and can hit the mid-range. Yeah, he is not the defensive anchor that every Spurs fan wishes after Duncan says good bye, but who is ? You look at the market and elite rim protectors/great weakside shot-blockers are going to cost a ton in the FA and they aren't even that great Washed up Howard for 120m ? 1-year wonder Whiteside for the max ? Biyombo for 20m/year?

I don't think Gasol is the ultimate answer, but I wouldn't rule him out as an option at all.

[8FOR!3]

I actually like the idea of Gasol being the starting center and Duncan coming off the bench if he comes back. Mainly because I could see us running a pick & roll with the point guard and Aldridge and Gasol with the double screen.

[Kawhitstorm]

I actually like the idea of Gasol being the starting center and Duncan coming off the bench if he comes back. Mainly because I could see us running a pick & roll with the point guard and Aldridge and Gasol with the double screen.

Teams would just hug the screeners & dare Porker to beat them like they have been doing the past 2 seasons. (OKC basically did that after Gm 2 which is why Porker's scoring went up in Gm 3-4)

[Kawhitstorm]

Meh. Don't know if old stiffs are so important anymore. More and more the NBA is heading to having just 1 big (and a very mobile one) with 6'8, 6'7 guys playing around him on the perimeter. Wings are, by far, the most important players on today's NBA and we have a glaring lack of them in the roster. That should be our biggest aim, imho.

Spurs have the best starting wing combo in the league in Danny/Kawhi who, if needed, can handle playing 40 minutes in a playoff series.

What the team is lacking is a TWO-WAY point guard like Conley & a mobile 4/5 like Horford/Biyombo/Ian. Since it's possible to hide Porker or not miss much by benching him for whoever replaces Patty(), the mobile 4 is imperative as they will essentially be involved in every play (ala Tristan).

If Tim retires then I wouldn't mind throwing 3yrs/50mill on Biyombo (less that Tristan's deal) as opposed to giving Horford 4yrs/100mill. Now that Ibaka is gone, Horford/LMA would get a full dose of Adams/Kanter/Sabonis who would maul them on the boards. I also wouldn't mind Ian for something like 3yrs/42mill although he's also a mediocre rebounder.

As far as backup PGs, I hope Fatty gets moved & is replaced by someone who can actually be effective when their shot isn't falling. Looking at two-way backup PGs on the market, Delly is overrated & is thus going to get overpaid but E'Twaun Moore would be nice if the Bulls don't plan on bringing him back. Vasquez is a ty defender but he can at least run the offense & drive so he's also an option.

IMO, if Tim doesn't retire then there are going to be a lot of FAs that won't sign b/c they don't want to come off the bench. At this point, I hope he just hangs it up b/c knees don't get better with age. Best case scenario, he's willing to come off the bench for the minimum then PATFO can sell him as a mentor, which should especially be attractive to someone like Biyombo.

[Mnky]

While Gasol would be a good addition, he shouldn't be priority 1 when you have a top 5 player shot. It is realistic as well, everyone knows it's a three team race at this point unless someone makes a big move, (Knicks signing Howard at a discount?) Or something like that. Spurs will have their shot, and should be focused on that, they ha e backup plans and I'm sure Gasol is one as we pursued him before. Gasol would make the spurs instantly better. Whether people want to admit or nor, he is a better center than Tim Duncan at this point. Duncan played his role great, but wasn't great at anything else. Not a knock on him, hes just 40 years old with knees held together by duct tape.

Gasol plays well against clippers, cavaliers, thunder as well. Against gs, he could work the boards better than what we had and be a consistent floor stretcher, which they needed last year. I'd take him for sure. His game won't change for a couple years.. he does everything standing up. So long , doesn't need to jump.

[SAGirl]

^ Let's see what RC has mind. You have a lot of creative ideas there and it depends how they want to play. As raw as Biyombo is offensively and he is raw, he's very young and I do like the elite rebeounding. Even if he's a situational player he has an elite skill. I am not sure if the Raptors will match offers to keep him.

I am not sold on Conley bc his injury history is scary for me. He's starting to look like Tiago 2.0. I am just wary of guys who are unhealthy like that specially when they are wanting to get overpaid. I do not want Gordon 2.0 either. But the market is thin. Truly at this point I have no idea what RC has in mind. I suspect it may be underwhelming, or maybe I am setting myself up for disappointment so that if we do pick up someone who fits and ends up being a nice player for us, I am pleasantly surprised.

I wasn't sold on Horford for the max either bc he's choked in playoff series too and he's been mauled by the athletic rebounders. I would pass if he wanted to max and ATL will max him.

I definitely want an improvement for the bench. Maybe they do aim to move Patty. I didn't think Pop would but it would set up Tony to go to the bench and Patty is entering the last year of a very cheap contract. They let CoJo go for no assets and should not make the same mistake again. If they do not envision resigning Patty he should be traded, but its the Spurs. Frankly we will only trade guys if they need to clear space for Durant.

We shall see.

[tmtcsc]

If Tim retires then I wouldn't mind throwing 3yrs/50mill on Biyombo

[DAF86]

Spurs have the best starting wing combo in the league in Danny/Kawhi who, if needed, can handle playing 40 minutes in a playoff series.

What the team is lacking is a TWO-WAY point guard like Conley & a mobile 4/5 like Horford/Biyombo/Ian. Since it's possible to hide Porker or not miss much by benching him for whoever replaces Patty(), the mobile 4 is imperative as they will essentially be involved in every play (ala Tristan).

If Tim retires then I wouldn't mind throwing 3yrs/50mill on Biyombo (less that Tristan's deal) as opposed to giving Horford 4yrs/100mill. Now that Ibaka is gone, Horford/LMA would get a full dose of Adams/Kanter/Sabonis who would maul them on the boards. I also wouldn't mind Ian for something like 3yrs/42mill although he's also a mediocre rebounder.

As far as backup PGs, I hope Fatty gets moved & is replaced by someone who can actually be effective when their shot isn't falling. Looking at two-way backup PGs on the market, Delly is overrated & is thus going to get overpaid but E'Twaun Moore would be nice if the Bulls don't plan on bringing him back. Vasquez is a ty defender but he can at least run the offense & drive so he's also an option.

IMO, if Tim doesn't retire then there are going to be a lot of FAs that won't sign b/c they don't want to come off the bench. At this point, I hope he just hangs it up b/c knees don't get better with age. Best case scenario, he's willing to come off the bench for the minimum then PATFO can sell him as a mentor, which should especially be attractive to someone like Biyombo.

I love Kwahi and Green (even though Danny can't do besides hitting threes on offense), but after them what? If Danny is having one of those games where his shot isn't falling who do we play? Who would be the 3rd wing on the inevitable smallball line-up we will have to play at some point if we want to go all thr way? A versatile, young athletic wing is a must for this team.