What about the long 3?

[Bruno]

Some names of long 3 that are good fit and can be available :
Joey Graham
Qyntel Woods
Viktor Khryapa
Jumaine Jones
Trevor Ariza
Jared Jeffries
Hakim Warrick
Justin Reed
Devean George
Jumaine Jones
Sergey monya

[Beer is Good]

THere isn't much out there this year. A weak draft and a relatively shallow pool of free agents made this off season not very lucrative. The Spurs are more than likely going to have to be patient and wait to see what the season brings. More than likely they can fill a void through trade once teams fall into place about midway through the season and some teams look to trade to move up (i.e. Sacramento last year). If somebody needs a shooter, or something else the Spurs can expend with we may get a nice player to fill a need. Not a Superstar, but a good, serviceable player.

[Beer is Good]

As it stands, this team is clearly NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME.

Prime Time doesn't start until April. We have time. Be patient.

[El_Mago]

Looks like it will be Melzer.

Williams is not the long 3 we are looking for, his ass would get burned trying to guard hybrid PF's like Dirk.

Sanikidze is the future. He is long enough, quick enough on his feet, he only needs to add the weight, but the Spurs already know what they have in him. He was here for such a long time....

[Mr. Body]

Sanikidze isn't the future until another 3-4 years pass. The guy is even less ready than Mahinmi.

Melzer can't expected to be the answer. I'm sure a trade will happen, if it happens mid-season or now.

[El_Mago]

Actually, don't be surprised if Sanikidze comes along with Ian.

I believe he is also on a 1 year deal with his pro club in Europe....something I would take as in indication that the Spurs have told him they don't want anything signed long term....in hopes he can come soon, if need be.

Of course Melzer is not the answer. What he is, is an insurance policy.

Bruce Bowen is the answer on the defensive side. He did a great job on Dirk, and should still have enough left in the tank for at least two more seasons. The man is dedicated to taking care of his body, and has not suffered any injuries....he's this teams iron man.

On the offensive side, the long 3 could possibly be Bonner. He's long enough to create matchup problems with his size and shooting....especially if he get's hot. It enables the floor to be spread, which is a nightmare for defenders down low against Tim and of course the slashers in Manu and Tony would have a field day.

[Extra Stout]

The Spurs don't need a stud at the 3, but they need somehow who can do a decent job defensively on Josh Howard, Dirk, and Boris Diaw.

Obviously, Eric Williams is not that guy. Bonner isn't either. I don't know if they can solve the problem this offseason. They may just have to take their lumps in those matchups against Dallas/Phoenix in the playoffs and try to outscore them.

[Mr. Body]

I agree that we'll see Sanikidze sooner rather than later, probably with Ian, when the old vets vacate the bench. I just don't think he'll be productive until he's 22 or so, for size and strength reasons.

We're just in a tight spot right now. We need to start grooming a Bowen replacement now, but there's no help apparent on the near horizon. I don't think Bonner will be of much help here. He can't guard opposing 3s (much less 2s, like Bowen). He's more of a specialty player, a high-energy guy who happens to shoot very well.

[El_Mago]

I agree on the Bonner issue. I know he has no D. He can cause matchup problems on the offensive side though. I feel he will be a player similar to Ferry when he was here. Although, a tad bit better because we got Ferry on his last legs. Better defensively and probably a better shooter because we have those penetrating guards and of course an even better Tim Duncan.

I know the Spurs know their situation with the long 3. I don't believe they are not doing anything about it. Maybe they have their eye's set on someone they already have....Sanikidze.....he must already be on a weight program, he must have an idea of the way they practice/playbook, and of course the schemes.

But, you never know....

[T Park]

Id like for people to explain more why they think Erik Williams is not considered.

Use more than, "the spurs haven't talked about him".


Long 3, who guards VERY well, and can keep up with guards, and guards guys like Lamar Odom VERY well.

[El_Mago]

You're right....all Williams can do is defend.

However, I disagree with you that he is a VERY good defender. He is above average at best.

He defends players like Lamar Odom good because Odom does not have a deadly perimeter game, is not extremely quick for a player his size, and he can bang down low with his post game.

However, with players like Dirk, Diaw, etc....these hybrid PF's.....Williams will just get burned. He is not quick with his feet.....it could be because he once tore his ACL....or just lack of quickness with the feet.

The most important thing on being a perimeter defender (which we need....after Bruce) is being able to be quick enough to come off those screens or make sure to handle those players who are quick enough to create their own shots....Eric Williams is not that.

[T Park]

However, with players like Dirk, Diaw, etc....these hybrid PF's

You think those guys are quicker than Lamar Odom?



Length.

Ability to keep up.


Those are things he can do.




Quit writing this guy off people.

[strangeweather]

Id like for people to explain more why they think Erik Williams is not considered.

Use more than, "the spurs haven't talked about him".


Long 3, who guards VERY well, and can keep up with guards, and guards guys like Lamar Odom VERY well.

He's old and he looked done in Toronto. It could be that it was just a bad fit in Toronto, or it could be that he's really done.

Since I don't think any of us really knows for sure, it seems dicey to count on him for much. I'd rather be pleasantly surprised if he shows something.

[El_Mago]

You think those guys are quicker than Lamar Odom?



Length.

Ability to keep up.


Those are things he can do.

It's obvious that Diaw and Dirk are quicker than Lamar.

Length and ability to keep up? Yes, he can do that against players like Lamar Odom who can shoot a jump shot or bang down low with post moves. He can attempt to defend those players....

Like I said, he would get burned trying to guard perimeter players....he is not quick enough to come off screens, defend guys who can create their own shot, or just quick on thier feet........he does not have that athleticism.

It's not riding him off, it's just stating the truth.

[waly.mg]

Long 3, Long Wingspan, Big Hands

What about Herrmann, who don´t sign yet with the Bobcats

6´8", 225 Pounds, 80% FT, 43% 3FG and 59% 2FG

Or 3 argentineans are too much?

[ChumpDumper]

Did someone just say Dirk is quicker than Odom?

[T Park]

Shhh, Bluto is rolling.

[T Park]

Also,


look up Erik Williams stats with the Nets before the trade to Toronto.


Then tell me how horrible he is.


Hes not done, he got ZERO burn up in Toronto, and didn't get along AT ALL with Sam Mitc .

That losing thing doesn't agree with him either I bet.


The atmosphere around the Spurs will be alot better and will help out.

[picnroll]

Id like for people to explain more why they think Erik Williams is not considered.

Use more than, "the spurs haven't talked about him".


Long 3, who guards VERY well, and can keep up with guards, and guards guys like Lamar Odom VERY well.

Old. Beat up. Way past his prime. Any further question just watch tapes of Van Exel from last year and you'll get the picture.

[T Park]

I gaurantee you.

Van Exel ran over picnroll's dog.


Thats the only reason a person who doesn't know personally another guy, witht hat much hatred.


Grow up.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Can't Bonner play 3?

[ChumpDumper]

I have a question -- how many minutes do you think a long SF is going to get this season with four existing swingmen and twenty power forwards?

We have to thin the herd before any of the really desirable long SF free agents even consider us. More than likely we'll have to get one in trade.

Otherwise we're looking at spot minutes for Eric Williams and/or Detective Munch.

[El_Mago]

Did someone just say Dirk is quicker than Odom?

Yeah, Dirk in my opinion is quicker than Odom on the perimeter. He can run the floor and shoot the three precisely with ease. He can dribble out with ease and release it quickly with ease. He can pump fake it, and dribble it into the lane with ease.

If you happen to disagree thats fine. Williams is still not quick enough to guard him, or even contest a shot, unless he's down on the low block...then maybe he would have a chance...other than that, he would get torched.

[El_Mago]

I have a question -- how many minutes do you think a long SF is going to get this season with four existing swingmen and twenty power forwards?

Not many. Thats why I said were still fine with Bowen for another two years. The man is well conditioned, is a top perimeter defender, and he knows his role probably better than any other Spur with the exception of Duncan.

I agree though...if we swing a trade....for Barry, then Finley can switch to the SG behind Manu, and then that long SF....if it were to happen could play a decent amount of minutes behind Bruce, but that scenario is a long shot.

[Beer is Good]

Yeah, Dirk in my opinion is quicker than Odom on the perimeter. He can run the floor and shoot the three precisely with ease. He can dribble out with ease and release it quickly with ease. He can pump fake it, and dribble it into the lane with ease.

If you happen to disagree thats fine. Williams is still not quick enough to guard him, or even contest a shot, unless he's down on the low block...then maybe he would have a chance...other than that, he would get torched.

Dirk is quicker than Rasho/Nazr, but not even CLOSE to Odom in that regard. Dirk is quick for a 7' guy, but not quick next to guys around 6'7" with athletic ability like Odom. I have no idea what Williams will bring, but if he can stay in front on Odom he can definitely stay in front of Dirk. But can he do either? I don't know.