Wish List

[FromWayDowntown]

Again, here's a fundamental question:

If you bring in another of these legendary wings, whose time gets cut? You're ing about a lack of length to defend guys like Lewis and Radmanovic, but given those kinds of players tend to play 30+ minutes per night, are you advocating for putting our new acquisition in a 30+ minute matchup? If not, what real good does it do to bring in one guy who might play 5-7 minutes per night (at best)?

Are you going to play 11 guys every night, and just reduce the time for the wings just a little bit?

I posed this question earlier and I'll pose it again: when Manu and Parker are struggling with their outside shots, are you going to sit them for long stretches in favor of a journeyman wing? I still think that Barry is a superior choice to any of the guys who've been mentioned in this and other threads, since he's at least capable of scoring the basketball and helping others to score the ball.

Maybe we should just replace all of our wings with 6'10"+ guys to ensure that we have appropriate length to contest shots on the perimeter.

[Brodels]

I understand what you're saying but fundamentally disagree with your position. This team HAS to have a third point guard -- a third true point -- because of the fact that both Parker and Udrih are relatively fragile players. Last year demonstrated that need as clearly as could be possible. Wilks isn't a great answer, but he's at least a body who has an understanding of the system and some ability to play the game. Better than scouring the Aussie waiver wires, if you ask me.

We'll have to disagree about Wilks. I think the Spurs could get a Wilks-caliber player on short notice if they needed to. And don't forget, Barry is certainly capable of filling in at point guard and Manu can play there as well. Lint and Devin Brown could get some more minutes at the swing position if it becomes necessary. I'd rather have a pure shooter than keep Wilks around.

As for Eddie Robinson -- I'll never understand the fascination with him. Sure he's 6'8" and athletic, but he's had plenty of opportunities, with different teams and coaches to prove that he can play at the NBA level. Somehow, he's never done anything and was so ineffective that the Chicago Bulls bought him out. They paid money for him to go away. I wouldn't touch Eddie Robinson with a 10 foot pole, and I'm befuddled by those who see anything in this guy as a basketball player.

I think people are fascinated with him because he's got the size and athleticism to become a good player if he ever gets his together. I agree that it's not likely. I'm not advocating that the Spurs bring him it, just that athletic swingmen are always available if the Spurs want to take a chance. Hopefully Lint will get a chance.

Better off than what? Better off with those guys than with Brent Barry?

Better off with those guys than Wilks.

Well, I don't think Person is likely to be available, since it appears he's going to play a role with Miami. Piatkowski might be available, but if his shooting was such a certainty, why was he unable to get consistent minutes on a good Houston team last season? You'd think, with the offensive troubles the Rockets had last year, that a shooter would have been integral to Van Gundy, but somehow, Piatkowski never really could crack the rotation.

If the Spurs really want a shooter, they'll be able to pick somebody up.

I agree that shooters are helpful, but here's a question: when Manu and Parker are struggling with their outside shots, are you going to sit them for long stretches in favor of a journeyman shooter? If not -- if you're going to join such a journeyman shooter with Parker and Ginobili during those droughts -- what's the difference between using Barry in that role and using Piatkowski or Person or anyone else in that role? I'd argue that Barry is a substantially better choice than any of those other guys because if he's not hitting shots, he can at least do a number of other things to help your team score. Piatkowski and Person are one-dimensional players who are helpful only when they are making shots.

I understand your concern here, but I'm not asking Pop to play another shooter for 30 mpg or anything. I just would like someone on the bench who can hit some shots when Parker, Manu, and Bowen are shooting poorly. Not one of the starters is a pure shooter. Barry will provide help some of the time, but if he gets injured or is held to limited minutes, the Spurs will miss his shooting. As bad as Hedo was last season, he really opened things up during the regular season. The Spurs might have advanced had he not disappeared in the playoffs.

We're not talking about a big-minutes kind of guy. I'm hoping for someone capable of coming in for ten minutes here and there and opening things up in the middle for Tim. When the team is struggling from the outside, this player could open things up and force the opponent to adjust. Sort of like Steve Kerr used to do.

Piatkowski or Person would just be Steve Smith 2005.

Person is more mobile than Smith. Smith lost his mobility. Person and Pike are still capable NBA players.

about the lack of a 2nd shooter,

dev has been shooting 3 pointers all offseason for a reason. Pop knows what you know.

Brown could be that player, but I'm not convinced that he's the answer. He'll need more minutes to prove to me that he's a good perimeter option. I'm all for Pop giving him the minutes, but I'm still not comfortable with him being relied upon to hit most of his jumpers.

A pass first PG. One that actually has more assists than KG.

There is some evidence that Beno could be that player. We'll have to wait and see.

The reason I said it's not the off season is, because who are you going to find NOW sitting out there that fits YOUR needs. You're going to have to trade someone to get someone. Who are you going to trade, besides the untradable Malik.

There are several ways to obtain players during the regular season. Sometimes teams release veterans like Charlie Ward. Matt Carroll-esque young shooters are always available. A first or second round pick could bring a vet minimum player in return. I'm not saying that the Spurs need to find answers now, I'm claiming that perimeter shooting will continue to be a problem just like it was in the playoffs last season and that the team will have to address it eventually.

Could Parker become consistent enough to do the job? It's possible. I'm willing to wait and see, but I hope that the Spurs have a plan if the perimeter shooting is still a weakness come playoff time.

The two people you mention, Wesley and Piat make more than the min. So who are you going to trade, that the other team would take?????????

Wes makes about $1.6 million. Something could probably be worked out there. Kareem Rush isn't getting much PT in Los Angeles. He makes $1.17 million. It's possible he could be had for a pick or two. I'm not sure about Peeler's contract, but he can make shots. Even Tracy Murray can make shots. There are veteran players available and young player too. If the Spurs really want a shooter, they'll come up with something.

And for the right player (and it would have to really be the right player), I could see the Spurs trading Devin Brown and include the rights to Scola.

Yes I agree Johnson doesn't have an outside shot, but neither does E. Robinson, so what's the difference??????

Linton plays defense. Nobody has said that the Spurs should get Eddie.

If your not basing it on three games, then what are you comparing it too?

Last year's playoffs. One of the reasons they lost is because nobody could make a perimeter shot. The Spurs replaced Hedo with Barry. Will that be enough?

You're not being calm by saying we need at least two new players after three games, I call that uncalm.

I'm being perfectly calm. I think the Spurs need a shooter. I'm willing to wait and see about the toughness issue. If Massenburg actually plays some minutes, I'll be happy. If he doesn't, it's still going to be a problem up front. I'm willing to take a chance on a swingman if one becomes available.

Would you rather pick up a young swingman with some length and potential or keep Wilks? I'm not asking for Rashard Lewis.

Every team has weakness, I can admit anything. I'm just not going to say the need changes after three games. They have all they need on they're current roster.

Answer me this: If I can't make judgements about the team based on three games, how can you possibly know that the Spurs have all that they need after three games? If you're going to claim that I can't judge anything by three games, at least do the same yourself.

A tall athletic swingman to hold Lint's place is all we need.

Want one that can score? John Wallace.

Want one that can defend? Donnell Harvey.

Want one that can do a little of both? Terence Morris.

Waive Wilks and get one of these guys.

As soft as we played, we would've caught and passed the Sonics had we been able to get a hand in Lewis/Radman's faces.

Sounds good to me.

[jcrod]

There are several ways to obtain players during the regular season. Sometimes teams release veterans like Charlie Ward. Matt Carroll-esque young shooters are always available. A first or second round pick could bring a vet minimum player in return. I'm not saying that the Spurs need to find answers now, I'm claiming that perimeter shooting will continue to be a problem just like it was in the playoffs last season and that the team will have to address it eventually.

I don't see any one out there, if there was I'm sure the Spurs would pick him up if he's worth it. I just think it's to early to say we need another shooter. I would'nt get rid of a first or second round pick for a spot vet. Unless he's really worth it. Especially the way the Spurs have been plucking gems out of the draft.

Wes makes about $1.6 million. Something could probably be worked out there. Kareem Rush isn't getting much PT in Los Angeles. He makes $1.17 million. It's possible he could be had for a pick or two. I'm not sure about Peeler's contract, but he can make shots. Even Tracy Murray can make shots. There are veteran players available and young player too. If the Spurs really want a shooter, they'll come up with something.

Both those guys make more than the min, so you would have to give something in return. Who do you give, that they would except?? Tracy, uhh....no.

Linton plays defense. Nobody has said that the Spurs should get Eddie.

I know he plays defense, and he's 6'8. You're the one who mentioned Eddie.

Last year's playoffs. One of the reasons they lost is because nobody could make a perimeter shot. The Spurs replaced Hedo with Barry. Will that be enough?

I think that's what we're all counting on, isn't it. Plus he's a proven vet, maybe not playoff proven, but as good as you get. He's a better passer and slasher, so I think it's a big difference. Hedo was soft and hesitant to shot, Barry is not.

I'm being perfectly calm. I think the Spurs need a shooter. I'm willing to wait and see about the toughness issue. If Massenburg actually plays some minutes, I'll be happy. If he doesn't, it's still going to be a problem up front. I'm willing to take a chance on a swingman if one becomes available. Would you rather pick up a young swingman with some length and potential or keep Wilks? I'm not asking for Rashard Lewis.

I don't think they need a shooter. It would be nice to have an additional proven shooter, but realisticly, there's none.

I also would like to have and additional tall three instead of Wilks, but there's really none that make you want to jump up.

Answer me this: If I can't make judgements about the team based on three games, how can you possibly know that the Spurs have all that they need after three games? If you're going to claim that I can't judge anything by three games, at least do the same yourself.

Because it's three games. Nobody can, that's why you wait and see. Besides Barry, Parker supposedly worked on his shooting, lets see how does. I think this first week he's still high from his contract. Beno also supposedly has a good jump shoot.

[Ghost Writer]

Ginobili and Parker are not very good 3-point shooters. Bowen and Horry lost some touch from long range. That's why Barry is so critical.

I'd like to see Rose play more if he does not leave the paint. Massenburg is just as capable as Kevin Willis was.

I am not sold on Devin Brown. His defense is spotty and his offensive skill set is still very green. We need him to play like NBA Jams... dunk and hit threes.

We need help.

P.S.

Our team personality still can be best described as Niles Crane-esque.

[timvp]

[Ghost Writer]

I never noticed that resemblance.

I just tried to think of a mainstream nerd.

The Spurs would be so much stronger with a few fearless players... I almost think we are too foreign.

[FromWayDowntown]

Well, I'll say this: there is no doubt that the Spurs are at their absolute best when Ginobili is on the floor. I'd think it would be pretty difficult to find many domestic players who are as fearless and who play with as much effort as Manu.

I don't think it's a matter of foreign or domestic -- those Argentinians played this summer without fear and shocked the world. It's a matter of mentality. This team has some guys with that kind of toughness and tenacity. I'm not sure if they have enough of them, but they certainly have a few.

[Ghost Writer]

Fair enough, FWD.

I think Parker and Ginobili play with passion.

I'm glad we got rid of that phony Hedo.

Rasho is a wimp.

Duncan could stand to be more aggressive.

I just hate to see a talented team cower.

Last playoffs were painful.

[jcrod]

Fair enough, FWD.

I think Parker and Ginobili play with passion.

I'm glad we got rid of that phony Hedo.

Rasho is a wimp.

Duncan could stand to be more aggressive.

I just hate to see a talented team cower.

Last playoffs were painful.

I agree with Down, you can't anyone as fearless as Manu. Tony is somewhat, needs to be a little more.

We'll be more inter, once Scola and that SF they got in the second round come over.

I kind of also think that's a little too much, but the position they've been, you get best available and you can't argue the results.

Rasho is soft, but for the money there's no one out there as good as him. So it kind of gets tiring seeing people still whinning about him. He's good and solid, hopefully the agression on defense we saw in the first two games stays.

[FromWayDowntown]

Like I say, I think this team has some guys who just compete. To this point, Manu and Barry seem to be the most on that edge, and I think Parker gets it. Compared to what was here in 2001 or even 2002, they're better -- it remains to be seen if they have the compe ive fire and fearlessness that were hallmarks of the 1999 and 2003 teams. Strange that those two teams would have that as a common denominator.

I agree with you in questioning Rasho's intensity. I have seen improvement in his game, and he seemed practically emboldened to walk into Staples knowing that Shaq wasn't there. But, on a night-to-night basis, he's definitely on the Charmin side both physically and mentally.

I think the thing with Tim is a bit more complicated. I think Tim is an intense player and can be pushed to the point of being a ferocious compe or. I think, though, that he tends to drift sometimes, particularly when things aren't going well and he's frustrated. That's not unusual -- Shaq has some of the same qualities. But I get amped when Tim's having "one of those nights" and makes an effort to take a technical. That seems to get him going and break the funk. It shouldn't take that, but for whatever reason, it's been a catalyst for years.

[Brodels]

I don't see any one out there, if there was I'm sure the Spurs would pick him up if he's worth it. I just think it's to early to say we need another shooter. I would'nt get rid of a first or second round pick for a spot vet. Unless he's really worth it. Especially the way the Spurs have been plucking gems out of the draft.

What about Matt Carroll? He knows the system. Shouldn't they call about Kareem Rush? There are shooters available for the right price.

Both those guys make more than the min, so you would have to give something in return. Who do you give, that they would except?? Tracy, uhh....no.

Nobody knows what they would accept.

And Tracy Murray can hit shots even if he can't do anything else.

I know he plays defense, and he's 6'8. You're the one who mentioned Eddie.

I mentioned him as an example of an available swingman. It was to show that players with talent sometimes become available.

I think that's what we're all counting on, isn't it. Plus he's a proven vet, maybe not playoff proven, but as good as you get. He's a better passer and slasher, so I think it's a big difference. Hedo was soft and hesitant to shot, Barry is not.

Barry will be fine, but he's sucked in the playoffs and he isn't going to play more than 30 minutes on a regular basis. He'll do a good job, but when he's on the bench or if he gets the hurt, the Spurs have exactly zero (0) pure shooters on the team. Do you really want that?

I don't think they need a shooter. It would be nice to have an additional proven shooter, but realisticly, there's none.

So you believe that Barry can singlehandedly cure what was wrong with the team in last season's playoffs? You're asking a lot of an almost 33 year-old bench player.

I also would like to have and additional tall three instead of Wilks, but there's really none that make you want to jump up.

We'll see what The Third can do.

Because it's three games. Nobody can, that's why you wait and see. Besides Barry, Parker supposedly worked on his shooting, lets see how does. I think this first week he's still high from his contract. Beno also supposedly has a good jump shoot.

But after just three games you claim that the Spurs have what they need. What did you base that on, three games? That's my point. You don't know that the Spurs have what they need anymore than I know that they Spurs don't. And last year's playoff performance is solid evidence that I have a legit point.

I am not sold on Devin Brown. His defense is spotty and his offensive skill set is still very green. We need him to play like NBA Jams... dunk and hit threes.

It's not his time yet, but if you watch him, I'm sure you'll conclude that he could become a good player. He needs more time and experience. He's not there yet, but he'll get there.

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs would be so much stronger with a few fearless players.

Well the Spurs took your boy Barry over Jack so perhaps you should tell yourself to go yourself.

[JUUOT]

Carmelo who is a more physical 3 than what we have in SA did even a worst job than us on lewis tonight so it confirms he is just in a good period. he averages more than 20 points per game. it is not a problem from us but he was great

[manustarting2gd]

6'10 Athletic Swingmen will continue to wreak havoc on S.A. The first example .. Rashard Lewis, just like he did, the athletic bigs in the league will kill the Spurs all year long.. Teams that will expose our lack of athletic bigs.. UTAH, PHX, LA CLIPS, DETROIT.. just to name a few.