Manu Is Struggling, obviously. But...

[Kidd K]

Can the Spurs use his salary to pick up Jarret Jack? He is a restricted FA. Jack likes to penetrate and he is clutch, similar to what Manu did in his prime. That means no Tiago Splitter unless he takes a pay cut or Aaron Baynes develops.

If the Spurs convince Manu to re-sign for a lower amount, then hold off on signing Splitter to his extra pay until after making free agent decisions, I think it may be possible to bring in someone like Jack if they do all their signings in the proper order.

Part of the salary cap restrictions is a stipulation where even after a player's contract expires (in this case Manu's), his salary still counts towards next year's cap until he and the Spurs negotiate a new deal to alter the amount of money he will be paid, or if the Spurs cut ties with him completely. I'm not sure if they have to make decisions on all existing players first though before going after someone else.

If that's the case, then in order to get Jack (as I assume he won't come here for lower pay) the Spurs would have to sign and trade with Golden State to get Jack.

^ This.

Manu is a Spur for life, but doesn't mean he's a sacred cow - nor should he be. Constructive criticism of him has to do with the fact that he's a declining player on a team that now desparately needs contribution from him. I know he wants to come back next year, but judging from what we're seeing, I don't see how that would be good for either or the team.

I wouldn't mind him coming back, but at a much lower salary and having a reduced role. Like. . .not the first guard off the bench but the 2nd or 3rd. We need to go get a free agent to replace him. Nobody we have can really fill the role. Manu might still be pretty useful in a lesser role though. I would be happy to have him back in that scenerio tbh.

[SpurPadre]

I'll always recognize what Manu's meant for this team but you have to call it like it is and the Heat are simply a bad match-up for him to thrive on at this stage in his career. He's no longer match-up proof but he can still play better and make a positive impact in the remaining games. To what extent, I don't know but I'm trusting his vow to play harder next game and Pop's game-plan to dig out at least a semblance of the Manu we all know and love.

[silverblk mystix]

lol jarret jack

[Chaos]

Show him some damn respect. He is a Spur for life, has won us countless games, went to war for us. Put his body on the line, made our jaws drop to the floor. He will be in the HOF someday, his jersey will be retired by our Spurs. I can't believe the way some of you are behaving, you are the casual fans of the Spurs. You are not fanatic, you do not understand the game. You don't cut the throat of one of your own. Manu will have a big game for us against the Heat. Manu will give us a W and his struggles will be forgotten. The praise will rain down.

If Manu doesn't want to retire, he is coming back, to the Spurs. He says when. If he wants to end his career on the bench playing for less money, that is his choice, and the Spurs will let him. You do not run the Spurs, and it is a damn good thing. This is a franchise built on continuity, and every other day from the casual Spurs fans it's "Get rid of Manu, fire Pop, Tim is done." STFU. Take a seat, and enjoy the ride. Btw, read this article on Manu, and appreciate all he has done for us. I for one will sure as miss him when he retires, but that is what makes memories so amazing. I'm going to enjoy this 5th ring that Manu is going to play a huge part in getting the Spurs. This could be the last for the big 3...

http://theshadowleague.com/articles/...d-be-your-hero

Sounds good and I hope your right. Else ...

[SenorSpur]

For an older athlete, there are numerous times when the mind says "yes", but the body says "I don't think so".