Another deal will break...the long three

[ace3g]

I am hoping if Donta Smith does well in the summer league for the Spurs, they will sign him to a contract maybe they can use the LLE, or go after Qyntel Woods, or Jumaine Jones for the LLE

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Well, since this thread was started by the SPAM Pope, it's acronym time!

FAST FOOD- Free Agents Sign Today Front Office Owns Diddly

SNACKS-Spurs Need A Center, Knicks Suck

DIET SODA- Doubting Is Extremely Tiresome. Spurs Office Does Awesome

[Spurminator]

F.O.P.A.J?

... but it would be nice to use an actual word, preferably food related.

[Solid D]

I, too get the feeling the Spurs will make another deal for a Wing with size. It would be nice to see the vaunted "Spurs Farm System" be tapped a little bit, but.... Where is Viktor Sani-Kidzero when you need him?

This thread gets the Good Houskeeping seal of approval on the honor system.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Hey, I noticed we just signed Rick Melcher, or Belcher, or Lich Smeltzer or something like that from NZ. Anyway, he's a "long three" so I'm convinced that Pop & Co. have found another Manu-like gem.

"BELCHER FOR MVP!!!"

[ro_50]

We Got Our Long Three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mabber]

Hey, I noticed we just signed Rick Melcher, or Belcher, or Lich Smeltzer or something like that from NZ. Anyway, he's a "long three" so I'm convinced that Pop & Co. have found another Manu-like gem.

"BELCHER FOR MVP!!!"

Rich Melzer, one of the key players for the New Zealand Breakers, has secured a two-year NBA contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

The 26-year-old Melzer got his break after impressing in the Orlando Magic summer league and 10 days in camp with the Spurs last month.

Despite his good fortune, Melzer admitted to having mixed emotions because his heart was set on returning to New Zealand.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about being signed," he said.


"But at the same time I'm also a little saddened because I've been waiting to go back to the Breakers ever since I left after the last season.

"I attribute a lot of this success to Andrej, John and the team because I really believe I wasn't a professional ball player until my experiences in New Zealand.

"I'm really going to miss the team, but I'll try and do everyone proud and represent New Zealand and Australian basketball 100 percent," he said.

Melzer's good fortune has upset the planning for the Breakers.

Coach Andrej Lemanis said: "It's a great opportunity for Rich and we wish him every success.

"It's a positive reflection on our recruitment policy to see him make the NBA and it shows players can develop here as part of our programme and that we are a viable pathway to the big time.

"John Dorge worked extensively with the big men last season and Rich himself acknowledges that he's a better player because of that input."

Now that recruitment policy will be put to the test again as the Breakers look for a replacement.

"Rich not only knew our systems and culture, he is a talented player with unique skills and we need to determine the balance of our roster and sign a quality import that fits in with the make-up of the team," Lemanis said.

Melzer made his mark in the latter half of the season last year when the Breakers finished strongly.

He led the team is scoring, steals and blocked shots. He spent time with the Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls as well as the Magic and Spurs before securing his contract.

Earlier in his career he led the Sioux Skyforce to the CBA Championship in 2005 and was the MVP in the finals when helping San Carlos to win the Dominican Republic League.

At school he finished as second on the all-time scoring list for Wisconsin-River Falls with 2363 points. He was the school's third-best rebounder with 821 boards and the all-time shot blocker with 186 rejections

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

The only disappointing thing so far is that we haven't extended a multi year contract to Charles Spider Smith. He's got a 7' wingspan just like Mitch Relzer, and at least he has a 35 point game against the Kings on his resume.