Knicks decline to match Spurs' offer to Butler

[MoSpur]

I would like Butler to start the season off 15lbs lighter.

[Das Texan]

Thanks Isiah!

[mardigan]

Nevermind, I just read on the Rocky Mountain Review that the Smith deal could be finalized by today or tommorrow and that the Elson decision could come down to the last hour.

ELSON WAITS: The agent for restricted free agent center Francisco Elson said he plans to talk with Warkentien today about the future of his client.

Calvin Andrews, who also represents Anthony, is hoping to learn more about whether the Nuggets intend to match a two-year, $6 million offer sheet Elson received from San Antonio.

It is doubtful Andrews or Elson will learn much.

Warkentien reiterated Tuesday a decision about Elson likely will come at the "11th hour." The Nuggets have until Thursday to decide whether to retain Elson or let him sign with the Spurs.

[Das Texan]

I'm already counting down the days until Elson loses his starting job. If Elson is still starting in the playoffs it's going to be ugly.

Oh ...


Just start Oberto at center.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Hopefully another addition to the Killer B's.

[SenorSpur]

u guys can go by stats but ive seen Elson play and he is a great backup and even a worthy starter if need be. He does what you need him to, be a presence inside and be physical. The Nuggets already have a defending and rebounding machine but Camby was soft and Elson added a physical presence inside that was great.

Pop would be doing the right thing if he started Elson over Butler.

Although noone really has much idea yet about Elson getting matched.

I, for one, appreciate input from an avid Nuggets fan. The fact is the Spurs have not had a physical presence patroling the paint for some time. In fact, they've greatly missed the shotblocking and rebounding prowess of the Admiral. While Rasho was a good shotblocker, it wouldn't take much for a player to be considered more physical than either he or Nazr.

If we can get some of these things from Elson and on a consistent basis, perhaps it won't be as bad as originally thought.

However, I still believe Wright would be a better option.

[Winnipeg_Spur]

ing awesome! I wasn't obsesively checking the board cause I wasn't expecting a decision till tommorrow, but this was a nice surprise!

[mardigan]

Is Elson really worth 3 mill a year though?

[Spurologist]

Isiah Thomas' new motto:

"Molding championship centers to the spurs"



Thanks Isiah.

[Phenomanul]

Does Butler keep #45??

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Isiah Thomas' new motto:

"Molding championship centers to the spurs"



Thanks Isiah.

I'm afraid that if we win another championship with a Knicks castaway that the FO is going to believe we can win with anything the Knicks are willing to deal. Mark my words, in 2012 you will hear Stan Kelly announce, "And the starting center....Nate Robinson!"

[mardigan]

Does Butler keep #45??

Whos gonna take it?

[Budkin]

Mike Budenholzer (Spurs assistant coach) is coming on the Ticket 760 in a few. He's going to talk about summer league and I think Butler.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Is Elson really worth 3 mill a year though?

To me he is. Look at what big men who can play center get paid, its ridiculous. Jerome James, Chandler, Dalembert, Nene. Im not saying he is as good as them (well maybe Jerome James ) but $3mil isnt much for a serviceable big man.

Other serviceable big men are getting the MLE and even more.

Id like to see the Nuggets pay him that coz he has played for them for cheap and now he deserves to get paid

[mardigan]

I suppose you are right, I guess 3 mill just sounds like a bunch of money to me

[mardigan]

Budenholdzer is on now

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

I suppose you are right, I guess 3 mill just sounds like a bunch of money to me

the minimum sounds like a bunch of money to me

especially considering im moving to Africa next year

[Spurologist]

I'm afraid that if we win another championship with a Knicks castaway that the FO is going to believe we can win with anything the Knicks are willing to deal. Mark my words, in 2012 you will hear Stan Kelly announce, "And the starting center....Nate Robinson!"

Well at least the spurs dunk % at the center position would reach extremely high levels. Say Rasho for example

[mardigan]

the minimum sounds like a bunch of money to me

especially considering im moving to Africa next year

, make sure you bring some off

[TMSKILZ]

Elson & Butler are the scrapheep of the FA Bigmen, but oh well, the Spurs made their decisions & moves, we can only hope these pan out.

[furry_spurry]

Hopefully it works out- but I don't know if the Spurs have the luxury of the time he might need to develop. Depending on what else happens, he may have trouble getting onto the court. But as the fourth or fifth big man, he's fine. I think, though, that people will soon learn, that a lot of what they saw from the other centers was actually the product of the way the Spurs used them and not necessarily their own lack of abilities.

Lowered expectations. Now fans are thrilled with Butler!

[ChumpDumper]

Well Nazr and Rasho couldn't have set those expectations much lower.

5 and 5 from these guys will be considered a success.

[jman3000]

Well Nazr and Rasho couldn't have set those expectations much lower.

5 and 5 from these guys will be considered a success.

That's half a double double...

I'll take it

[furry_spurry]

Well Nazr and Rasho couldn't have set those expectations much lower.

5 and 5 from these guys will be considered a success.

I'm talking the front office lowering expectations as to who they could get. Now people are excited because they got anyone!

[SenorSpur]

Personally, I'd be much more excited if they bolster the Butler signing with a veteran center and a young, wing player.