SI article:"Spurs could use a little help to boost chances in West"

[Mr. Body]

The Clippers have said they'd take a FUTURE first round pick. So, 2008 or 2009. I doubt they'd let any of their small contracts go, since they're big on Quentin Ross and Singleton, and from what I hear, they might try to resign Korolev for a smaller contract than he had before. But Korolev doesn't matter one way or another - he's not NBA capable at this point.

[BeerIsGood!]

Ship them a 2008 1st rounder. Probably not a high pick in a weaker draft.

[SenorSpur]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...urs/index.html


Popovich surely agrees, which might be why he is playing it cool right now in regard to personnel moves. While word around the NBA is that the Spurs are looking for help, the coach continues to preach patience. He notes that he is still trying to find the right combinations, especially with injuries to Francisco Elson (shoulder) and Matt Bonner (knee), and that the goal is to be playing at peak level in March and April.

He also notes that if San Antonio hadn't suffered that Game 7 overtime loss to the Mavs in the conference finals a year ago, nobody would be doubting the Spurs right now.

"We gave that game away," Popovich said. "If [Ginobili's foul at the end of regulation] hadn't been committed, and we win the game, everybody would have talked about how beautifully those experienced Spurs players executed. But we lost, so it must be [that] we're getting old."

While Popovich makes a good point about media and fan overreaction, the fact is the Spurs are relying on aging veterans like Horry, Michael Finley and Brent Barry. Meanwhile, the NBA continues to become a faster game with more teams using small lineups. Rules changes have made it increasingly difficult for clubs like the Spurs to slow the tempo into a half-court game and take advantage of a dominant low-post scorer. San Antonio has tried to adjust this season, bringing in Elson and Bonner, but it might not be enough.

These comments are EXACTLY what pisses me off most about Pop. So I suppose if the Spurs had went on to win that crucial Game 7, then he would have retained Nazr, Rasho and others? It's bull . It angers me that he seems to think had they won that series that all would have been right with the world.

He reverted to "small ball" versus the Mavs because he felt it was the only way they had a chance to be compe ive. He knew the league rules governing perimeter play had changed. He knew this would impact the way they've traditionally played. Yet he ignored it all.

How long have most fans been clamoring and pleading for a Bowen understudy? Yet we're the ones overracting -according to him. This roster needed an infusion of at least 1 or 2 athletic players even before the start of last season. Yet what did Pop do? He brought in old asses like Finley and NVE. ing genius!

No matter how close that series was with the Mavs, the Spurs weaknesses were exposed. Yet Pop continued to surround the "Big 3" with age and experience over youth and athleticism. He's losing the gamble for the second year in a row. Again, it's organizational arrogance on his part.