Johnny Ludden: Majority of the Spurs' core players should be back

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs will be able to bring Horry back. Even Holt Cat will find it hard to come up with a reason why they can't afford him at the rate of 2 years and $8 to 10 mil total.

Rasho will be probably be on the trade block. As much as I think the Spurs should have some serious frontcourt depth, the decision will be Nazr or Rasho long term, not both.

I didn't realize that the Spurs will have the $1 million (actually $1.6 million) exception this summer. That could come in handy.

[T Park]

Rasho will be probably be on the trade block. As much as I think the Spurs should have some serious frontcourt depth, the decision will be Nazr or Rasho long term, not both

True, and if its the case, Nazr is the no brainer.

Same age, twice the player.

[Marcus Bryant]

I just wish the Spurs would pay to have some real frontcourt depth. We've seen that come in handy this season. As much as Rasho is lacking in certain areas he's one of the best backup centers in the NBA. And it's not like his contract is terrible for a serviceable big.

Spurs need to pay to ensure that they maximize the rest of Duncan's career...

[T Park]

Agreed.

Front court depth is nothing to sneeze at.

Detroit for one prob has the best front court depth in the league.

[BadlyDrawnBoy]

I'd love to get Shark boy over her e this summer. But he decided to play overseas again, didn't he.

!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Whether through Tuesday's draft (the team has the No. 28 pick), free agency or via a trade, the Spurs also may try to improve their depth at point guard. Beno Udrih, last year's first-round pick, did little to win the faith of his coaches with his play during the Finals. Mike Wilks, who lacks Udrih's shooting touch and size, but is tougher, will be a free agent. If the Spurs choose not to re-sign him, he likely won't have to look long for a job.

I think we've got all the depth at the point we need with Barry under contract for the next three years.

Chump beat me to it - we've got Early Bird Rights on Horry, that's a non-issue from where I sit.

Floating Rasho out there is interesting - looks like the Spurs are already assessing his trade value

But I think that's dangerous unless you know you've got Nazr extended and Scola signed, sealed, and delivered.

And as long as Detroit and Miami are out there, I don't like the idea of throwing away front court depth, unless you can get a really good deal out of sending out Rasho.

[timvp]

Untrue. The Spurs have Early-Bird rights for Horry

Are you sure? Didn't the Spurs renounce him last year? Wouldn't that effect his EB rights?

Questions.

[ChumpDumper]

By renouncing a player, a team gives up its right until the following June 30 to use the Larry Bird, Early Bird, or Non-Bird exceptions (see question number 17 ) to re-sign that player.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#31

I can look it up in the current CBA, but it's not terribly well-indexed.

[timvp]

Ah yes, the "following June 30" rule.

Ludden is usually a good writer but he's pretty clueless concerning the salary cap.

[ChumpDumper]

Just scanning the news links on hoopshype I can tell you he's not alone.