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Will players want to come to SA's small market when SA has all that money??? That's the big question. Duncan will be a bit older.
I think that is in 2010... when we'll have the most flexibility.
Will players want to come to SA's small market when SA has all that money??? That's the big question. Duncan will be a bit older.
I think we know the answer for the top tier. But it might not be so for second tier free agents plus there may be some trades that can be facilitated by the cap room.
Despite what happened in 2003, I don't buy the excuses of:
1. San Antonio is sleepy small market town
2. Players did not want to play in the shadow of Duncan
I really don't.
I recall the top free agents that summer all having lots of options and signed with teams that could offer a little more than the Spurs at the time, be it more money, exposure, opportunity, familiarity with current team, close to family, etc.
I really feel like in 2010 that a free agent might want to be "the man" on the Spurs provided he can't get more money elsewhere.
It's about the money and then all that other crap.
Duncan will be the David Robinson role by then.
Duncan has a low post game and a good back. He might be chipping in 20 and 10 until he's 36.
The top tier free agents make their money outside of their NBA contracts. The market size as well as its attractiveness matters for them.
That's why I say Duncan is a draw and not a detriment.
So LeBron is going to spurn the Knicks and sign with the Spurs?
It's a factor, but not the factor.
Marketable players extend well beyond their market.
I don't recall any Knicks or Clippers or Pistons with huge marketing deals.
Cleveland is a big-time market?
Don't use small market as a crutch.
Elton Brand had an endorsement deal that wouldn't pay if he went to San Antonio. So he ends up in the 2nd largest US media market. Go figure.
How'd James end up in Cleveland? It's not like he chose the Cavs when he entered the league.
Wouldn't pay?
I seem to recall the Clippers being able to offer him more than the Spurs in terms of salary.
Duncan has several endorsements for a dry-as-toast superstar.
And the point is about Lebron that if you are a superstar and can smile for the camera, you can sell in a small market.
Again, big market does not mean better marketability.
I think if the money is right, a free agent will come in 2010.
They didn't.
No, you have guys who end up being big names coming into the draft and capitalize on that. Maybe you are fortunate and draft one of those and he decides he likes it in your city and now with the post-'99 cap rules you have an advantage in being able to re-sign him. What exactly does SA have to offer over NYC or LA though, straight up?Duncan has several endorsements for a dry-as-toast superstar.
And the point is about Lebron that if you are a superstar and can smile for the camera, you can sell in a small market.
Who was the last top tier superstar who spurned a big market and left his team for a smaller market? Better yet, one of the smallest in all of pro sports?
Again, big market does not mean better marketability.
I think if the money is right, a free agent will come in 2010.
The Clippers were able to offer more by re-signing Brand, which you just alluded to.
What top-tier superstar from a big market will be a free agent in 2010?
Surely one of the free agents won't think that San Antonio is a dump, especially if he can be the man after Duncan retires.
I can't believe I am arguing for clearing cap space.
What is wrong with me?
Nevermind.
You're right.
Or I'm still right.
Trade for talent.
So we should expect the Spurs to land a LeBron James in free agency?
No.
Hence the urgency to trade for talent.
OK, well I'm sure if a trade is out there it will be explored. Now it's time to watch this team defend its 4th championship.
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