General 2013 Free Agency Discussion

[eDizzle20]

Regardless of the financials, it would be extremely tough to have both on the same team. For almost all of his career Big Al has been a starter. Tiago has most certainly turned into a permanent starter as well. I doubt either would want to sign with a team where they would not start. However, I would guess that between the 4 and 5 position (96 min./game combined) that Tim gets 25/game, Tiago: 25/game, Big Al: 33/game, Diaw: 13/min. This also means that either Baynes or Bonner would be riding the pine and the is probably cut.

[Bruno]

I think you've said you like the idea of the Spurs signing Al Jefferson before. If the Spurs resign Splitter and sign Jefferson, what would you envision the bigs' rotation looking like?

I Like Al Jefferson but there are two big question mark around him:
1) Can he play alongside Tim?
2) Can Spurs sign him while re-signing Manu and Tiago?

You have talked 1). For 2), the answer is likely, only if Manu is fine with the room exception which would be way below his market value.

Paul Millsap doesn't have these issues as he can easily be paired with Tim or Tiago and because he would be cheaper. When you look at how players would fit with Spurs and the financial numbers, he is pretty much the best option available. Saying that, I'm not a huge of Millsap but that's another story.

And Spurs can have the reasoning that the free agent class isn't good. Al Jeff would be a bad fit and players like Millsap, Martin or Re aren't worth throwing a lot of money to. In that case, they could just have a passive approach this summer. They can wait to see if there is a team desperate for cap space to get a great trade or wait to see if there is a quality player being amnestied. Worst case would be nothing happening and Spurs would still have a very good team with cap space for the 2014 summer.

[TD 21]

I Like Al Jefferson but there are two big question mark around him:
1) Can he play alongside Tim?
2) Can Spurs sign him while re-signing Manu and Tiago?

You have talked 1). For 2), the answer is likely, only if Manu is fine with the room exception which would be way below his market value.

Paul Millsap doesn't have these issues as he can easily be paired with Tim or Tiago and because he would be cheaper. When you look at how players would fit with Spurs and the financial numbers, he is pretty much the best option available. Saying that, I'm not a huge of Millsap but that's another story.

And Spurs can have the reasoning that the free agent class isn't good. Al Jeff would be a bad fit and players like Millsap, Martin or Re aren't worth throwing a lot of money to. In that case, they could just have a passive approach this summer. They can wait to see if there is a team desperate for cap space to get a great trade or wait to see if there is a quality player being amnestied. Worst case would be nothing happening and Spurs would still have a very good team with cap space for the 2014 summer.

I don't even see them bothering to pursue Jefferson, for all the obvious reasons. Millsap, I've long said will likely be their number one target (and I heard a while back it may only take 3/$24M to sign him; who knows whether that's actually true or not). But with their run to the Finals and Bonner finally nutting up in the process, they might just forgo any major moves and instead see what comes their way up to the deadline or, as you said, wait until next summer. Of course, a poor showing by him specifically and the team in general, in the Finals, could easily change that.

But right now, they probably just re-sign Ginobili and Splitter, sign Casspi, let Blair, McGrady and Neal walk and then fill one or both of final two roster spots (could be three, if Mills opts out) either with one or both of their draft picks, or should they draft and stash, then some minimal free agent or someone who performs well in Summer League/training camp. An athletic PF or combo forward would make the most sense, as well as a depth scoring guard, should Mills opt out.

[Stump]

I don't find the big free agents that we have a realistic shot at signing to be very appetizing. I wonder if it would be better to pursue a strategy of absorbing other teams' contracts, allowing them to build more cap space while we ac ulate assets. The Thomas Robinson situation is an obvious example, as is Dallas' bizarre interest in shedding the 13th pick. Surely there are a few more opportunities out there that could be worthwhile.

[ABC]

Regardless of the financials, it would be extremely tough to have both on the same team. For almost all of his career Big Al has been a starter. Tiago has most certainly turned into a permanent starter as well. I doubt either would want to sign with a team where they would not start. However, I would guess that between the 4 and 5 position (96 min./game combined) that Tim gets 25/game, Tiago: 25/game, Big Al: 33/game, Diaw: 13/min. This also means that either Baynes or Bonner would be riding the pine and the is probably cut.

Yeah, it might be a challenge to get them all minutes, mostly because of matchups, small ball, etc. Still, Jefferson is a very talented, relatively young big who has been very complimentary of the Spurs in the past so it's interesting to think about whether they could make it work.

For 2), the answer is likely, only if Manu is fine with the room exception which would be way below his market value.

I don't have an entirely firm grasp on the Spurs financial situation, but I think earlier in this thread people were estimating, including Splitter's cap hold, the Spurs would have around $16 million in cap space before resigning Ginobili. I was thinking Ginobili could sign for 5-6 million and the Spurs would still possibly have room for Jefferson.

But yeah, as you and others have said, maybe free agency this year isn't the best way to improve the Spurs' roster. Using our cap space in other ways or saving it for next might end up being better.

[Bruno]

I don't have an entirely firm grasp on the Spurs financial situation, but I think earlier in this thread people were estimating, including Splitter's cap hold, the Spurs would have around $16 million in cap space before resigning Ginobili. I was thinking Ginobili could sign for 5-6 million and the Spurs would still possibly have room for Jefferson.

It's possible but my guess is that Jefferson new contract will start at least at $12M.

[BackHome]

I just don't see it working out for the Spurs because he is probably going to get 12 mill so that is more then we can afford. I would be happy if the Spurs kept everyone except Neal and Blair and looked at trading De Colo if we can move up and get a player we like in the draft.

[CGD]

I don't find the big free agents that we have a realistic shot at signing to be very appetizing. I wonder if it would be better to pursue a strategy of absorbing other teams' contracts, allowing them to build more cap space while we ac ulate assets. The Thomas Robinson situation is an obvious example, as is Dallas' bizarre interest in shedding the 13th pick. Surely there are a few more opportunities out there that could be worthwhile.

This is an interesting thought. Who are teams with decent draft position AND ty (shortish term) contracts the Spurs could absorb? Dallas makes sense, but out of principle doubt theyd deal with the Spurs.

[cdcast]

How aggressive they are this summer making moves depends on how they view summer 2014.
Do they have a shot at signing a couple of the big free agents? Probably not.

Their best chance at getting a quality big might be through a trade. Teams will be trying to clear cap space to
sign max free agents or trying to re-sign their own free agents. The Bonner contract will be important.

[BackHome]

Yeah the Howard frenzy is going to make some teams do some really dumb things which I hope the Spurs can take advantage in a trade.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i don't see free agency being a great place to shop this offseason. maybe one player like aminu. or, probably not, but millsap. i think with all the jefferson loves timmy talk, maybe they could throw a ridiculously low offer at him. and see just how much he'd love to play and learn from timmy. but the robinson and #13 dump type deals are juiciest, imo.

[CGD]

Yeah the Howard frenzy is going to make some teams do some really dumb things which I hope the Spurs can take advantage in a trade.

The big players will be Houston and Atlanta, and Dallas to a lesser extent. Atlanta really doesn't need to clear any space, and could even sign Howard and CP3 straight up. Houston and Dallas are the ones to watch for moves.

[Chinook]

The big players will be Houston and Atlanta, and Dallas to a lesser extent. Atlanta really doesn't need to clear any space, and could even sign Howard and CP3 straight up. Houston and Dallas are the ones to watch for moves.

Atlanta actually does need to make a trade to afford Paul and Howard. They're about $2.5 Million short even after waiving their non-guarantees. They'll need to sign-and-trade for one of them.

[100%duncan]

Bruno if and it's a BIG IF, the spurs win the 'ship this year? Do you acquire new players ala blow up a championship squad and try to improve for more or you stick with the group?

[Richie]

I don't find the big free agents that we have a realistic shot at signing to be very appetizing. I wonder if it would be better to pursue a strategy of absorbing other teams' contracts, allowing them to build more cap space while we ac ulate assets. The Thomas Robinson situation is an obvious example, as is Dallas' bizarre interest in shedding the 13th pick. Surely there are a few more opportunities out there that could be worthwhile.

I think the Spurs should jump at the chance of eating TRobs contract. He is only guaranteed through next year and he was a #5 pick in a really strong draft.

I think if we want to go the free agency route, it has to be next year. The cap will go up by $4m so we can give Manu a big contract now ($10m) and a smaller one next year. With the cap at only $58.5m, we will barely be able to offer more than the MLE.

I'd rather kick the can down the road than overpay an average player this year through desperation.

[Bruno]

Bruno if and it's a BIG IF, the spurs win the 'ship this year? Do you acquire new players ala blow up a championship squad and try to improve for more or you stick with the group?

Spurs having a quiet offseason is the most likely scenario even if they don't win the le.

If Manu and/or Tim retires, it would of course change that. If another team throw crazy money at Splitter, it could change that too. Now, early indications are neither Tim or Manu will retire and Splitter hasn't been great in the postseason which should reduce his market value. The projected low cap number also means that teams will have less money to offer at Splitter.

I fully expect Spurs next year team to be about the same than this year with minor changes (new backup SF, Neal maybe gone, a PF project...)

[Baam]

I would take Neal back in a heartbeat because his value is low right now and we know he's better than that when he's healthy but then again there's too many guards on the roster so some of them gotta go.

Personally I think we can (have to) become a better small ball team, Splitter is good to match tall frontlines but he's not the kind of player who can bully smaller players consistently so if we bring him back I'd like them to draft a good wing who could make us better than Bonner/Neal when going small. The alternative would be to go after West who has been impressive vs small ball and let Tiago walk.

[Bruno]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketb...r-tilt-at-NBA/

New Zealand Breakers and Tall Blacks basketball star Tom Abercrombie is off to the United States for a "now-or-never" crack at an NBA contract.

Abercombie flies out of Auckland tomorrow for mini-camp opportunities with NBA franchises the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.

I remember some talks about Abercrombie three years ago after his very good 2010 world championship.

[jesterbobman]

Beaten to the punch. I hope Abercrombie sticks somewhere(So there will be 2 New Zealanders in the NBA), and he can't be on a more successful team(Breakers 3-peated in the ANBL). Has sufficient size and skill to have value to someone. Definitely worth a tryout.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

maybe this is just the lebron block talking.

but, if the spurs don't re-sign splitter. is there enough money and championship contender clout, to court josh smith? he'd be a clear defensive upgrade over splitter. i think he can learn a more reliable shot, from chip. with no splitter, smith could be the pick and roll man. i think smith would excel in splitters role. especially with a whole training camp to acclimate.

also the draft need would be a big. that's nice, with such good pickins'... dieng, gobert, nogueria, muscala, or withey? and hope baynes benefited from a season of early development.

[Chinook]

maybe this is just the lebron block talking.

but, if the spurs don't re-sign splitter. is there enough money and championship contender clout, to court josh smith? he'd be a clear defensive upgrade over splitter. i think he can learn a more reliable shot, from chip. with no splitter, smith could be the pick and roll man. i think smith would excel in splitters role. especially with a whole training camp to acclimate.

also the draft need would be a big. that's nice, with such good pickins'... dieng, gobert, nogueria, muscala, or withey? and hope baynes benefited from a season of early development.

Smith is actually pretty awful. He's not an upgrade to Splitter defensively, as Tiago is a much better man defender and underrated help defender. Smith gets blocks, but they come from being out of position. Right now, he's a combo-forward who really can't consistent guard either the three or four. Add in the fact that he wrecks spacing, and it becomes pretty difficult to see how the Spurs would improve with Smith.

That being said, yes, there should be enough money to sign Smith if Splitter is let go. The Spurs have about $18 Million to split among Ginobili, Splitter and free agents. So with no Splitter and a cheap Ginobili, the Spurs could probably make a compe ive offer.

[Duncan2177]

I would take Millsap or Jefferson instead of Smith.

[Baam]

Smith is actually pretty awful. He's not an upgrade to Splitter defensively, as Tiago is a much better man defender and underrated help defender. Smith gets blocks, but they come from being out of position. Right now, he's a combo-forward who really can't consistent guard either the three or four. Add in the fact that he wrecks spacing, and it becomes pretty difficult to see how the Spurs would improve with Smith.

That being said, yes, there should be enough money to sign Smith if Splitter is let go. The Spurs have about $18 Million to split among Ginobili, Splitter and free agents. So with no Splitter and a cheap Ginobili, the Spurs could probably make a compe ive offer.

How would he wreck the spacing when Splitter has zero range and Smith can kind of shoot the 3? At worst it'd be a tie.

That said I don't know how much better it'd really make us, feels like in the POs it would help quite a bit, having someone aggressive who can create his own offense. He'd be probably great vs OKC and Miami (smallball) and probably not that good vs the big frontlines but then again Pop played "small" a lot vs these team with a heavy dose of Bonner so who knows...

[Chinook]

Smith was a bad Durant/James defender, so it wouldn't help against those teams. He's really just a player that gets blocks and dunks -- definitely not worth the contract he's going to get.

Smith hurts spacing because a player who can't shoot the three but tries anyway is much worse than a player who doesn't try. Splitter instead is constantly moving to set screens and roll to the rim. If Smith came in and did the same thing, then he'd not hurt the spacing as much. But if that's all he's going to do on offense, then he's not an upgrade to Splitter at all.

I supported the idea of trading for Smith using Jack's contract. That way, Splitter could move back to the bench. There's no way I'd consider Smith over Splitter, though, unless the Spurs are confident that Baynes could do the same things Splitter can now.

[Baam]

Smith was a bad Durant/James defender, so it wouldn't help against those teams. He's really just a player that gets blocks and dunks -- definitely not worth the contract he's going to get.

Smith hurts spacing because a player who can't shoot the three but tries anyway is much worse than a player who doesn't try. Splitter instead is constantly moving to set screens and roll to the rim. If Smith came in and did the same thing, then he'd not hurt the spacing as much. But if that's all he's going to do on offense, then he's not an upgrade to Splitter at all.

I supported the idea of trading for Smith using Jack's contract. That way, Splitter could move back to the bench. There's no way I'd consider Smith over Splitter, though, unless the Spurs are confident that Baynes could do the same things Splitter can now.

I hear you, deep down I don't think he's worth the money but our small ball lineups suck with Neal and Bonner, if he can't defend Bronbron he can probably guard whoever is playing SF pretty well and switch with Kawhi and on the other end he could take Bronbron in the post to wear him out a little bit (or Durant who is weak in the post) and Lebron wouldn't be able to switch on Parker with someone like that...