McDonald: Forecast Calls For Calm Trade Winds

[exstatic]

As a human interest story or something?

I'm not sure that there will be much interest in a guy whose entire game depended upon his athleticism, but whose injuries have cost him that athleticism. It wasn't that long ago that Miles' injuries were medically evaluated to be career ending. I'm not sure how many guys who have little game beyond their athleticism can regain it after suffering a "career ending" knee injury.

Miles is attractive to those who want to stick it to the Blazers, but I'm not sure he's got much to offer from a basketball standpoint.

Send us Batum for Vaughn, OR ELSE!!!

Seriously, Miles was never that great before his microfracture surgery. He shoots worse than Vaughn, and has an ego the size of Jordan's. Not a fit in SAtown.

[superbigtime]

I think KT is undervalued by alot of Spurs fans and a little overvalued by Pop/Buford. He is unquestionably an upgrade over elson in both BBIQ and physical ability even if he is much older. And big guys have value to a greater age than guards. I just wish we didn't lose a pick to get him. I wouldn't mind seeing Rasho back in black. He knows the system and personnel and he's been playing pretty well. And this team is just desparate to have a Slovenian on the squad again.

[ElNono]

My Pop translation: "We won't be making any major trades, but look for us to explore and consider many different options over the next month. The chance of us making a trade of any magnitude is about 65/35."

My predictions:

Completely safe from trade: Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Mason, Hill

Willing to trade if the price is right: Finley, Bowen, Oberto, Thomas, Mahinmi

At least one of these players will be involved in any trade that happens: Hairston, Bonner, Vaughn, Udoka

I would move Bowen to the Completely safe from trade area. Pop has always appreciated what Bowen brings to the team, and even more so doing things like leaving money on the table for the team to have flexibility. Pop has praised him again a few weeks ago, and basically stated that his diminished minutes have more to do with keeping Bruce fresh than anything else.
Other than that, I think you're basically spot on. That said, not really a lot of assets there to really make an impact move.
I think that the only scenario that could play out is the team being involved into a multi-team deal, where they can give up some guys to balance some salary sheet from a bigger trade, getting a relatively good player in the process...

[SenorSpur]

I'd argue that if the Spurs had Elson and not KT, they'd be in a real predicament at this point. At least KT offers the hope that he can be a rugged interior defender and rebounder.



You benefit from hindsight. But at the time that the deadline loomed last year, the Spurs need for a rebounding big man was evident and this board, among other things, was screaming for a move like the Thomas trade. Presti was smart to demand the 1st Rounder, but I think in the moment, it was a deal that was reasonable to the Spurs for a variety of reasons -- particularly in light of the understandable supposition that Splitter was coming and that Mahinmi would be ready to go for 2008-09.


I think the chronology would have made that difficult if not impossible. Elson signed with the Bucks on August 14. The Spurs knew by then that Splitter was staying put in Spain, but had no idea that Ian would be injured about a month later and then again when he took the assignment to Austin. Again, hindsight is a great thing, but in making their roster decisions, the Spurs couldn't have guessed that Mahinmi would be so badly hurt (or such a slow healer) and I'm not sure that Elson would have been considered a reasonable signing for the Spurs in mid-August.



I'd agree that Elson would be a better choice than almost any D-League big man (as I have argued in another thread) but I'm not sure that Elson was a reasonable choice in mid-August when that decision had to be made. With that said, if the Spurs are truly looking for a role-playing big guy with NBA chops, someone like Elson or even Rasho wouldn't make a bad option to pursue, IMO.

All excellent points.

[SenorSpur]

Send us Batum for Vaughn, OR ELSE!!!

I like it. It would serve their asses right for jumping ahead of to take Batum.

[wildbill2u]

What big man could we get for what we want to trade? Another oaf? You're not going to get a good one for our trade bait.

[MarHill]

I pray this team makes a trade. This roster is good enough to make some noise in the playoffs, but not to win the whole thing.

I think we're a solid/consistent big man away from competing.

I will agree that if the Spurs can get a quality big...which there isn't any then great. It is difficult to find a quality big in the league right now. That will help, but it isn't the biggest factor in my opinion.

The key will be Manu! He's the X-factor! Manu is the one who stirs the drink for the Spurs. While Tim and Tony are the consistent inside/outside game...Manu is the creator and playmaker. And the Spurs need his creativity to have a legit shot to win it all.

He is the one who can change a game when he's not shooting well with his intangibles(The block on Wade in Mon night's game as an example!!). Without him being 100 percent (or very close)....then they won't win it all!!

Moreover, I believe the defense can get better as the season progress. But with the additions of Mason (who will win a game or two in the playoffs) and Hill have given this team added depth and firepower. And don't forget Finley and I believe with Mason becoming the 4th option...that will help him as the season goes along.

I know I maybe in the minority on this.....but there is no good or serviceable big they can get (be realistic...please). So this is the group the Spurs are going with and I believe they can get it done!!

[xtremesteven33]

The Spurs need a garbage truck big man. Nothing more. Someone who can come in and be happy doing the dirty work for the team. Rebounds, Hustle plays, Contesting shots, putbacks. Those things win you playoff games. There are bigs like that. We just gotta find one quick

[MarHill]

The Spurs need a garbage truck big man. Nothing more. Someone who can come in and be happy doing the dirty work for the team. Rebounds, Hustle plays, Contesting shots, putbacks. Those things win you playoff games. There are bigs like that. We just gotta find one quick

Who is that guy?

[td4mvp21]

I still want Haslem but we don't have the pieces to lure him away from Miami. I'm not sure about his contract either.