Splitter Must Go

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Regardless of the outcome in the next week, Splitter needs to go. He gets stripped or blocked down low way to often for a big man. We need to let him go and bring in AJefferson, PMilsap, or DWest. Add to this the fact that Splitter's rebounding is pretty pathetic. Signing Manu for no more than $6-$7M should allow us to do this, although re-signing Manu is also not 100%. Bringing in someone like JJ Red or OJ Mayo and Milsap/West could also be an option. Thoughts?

Um, no. I agree that Splitter needs to build up his forearms in the off-season to get stronger with the ball (squeezing a tennis ball ought to do the trick), but his defence has been excellent and when he is on his also a very useful PNR player, especially with Manu and the bench. He is also an excellent passer. Personally, I think he's a superb complement to Duncan for the next two years as he finishes his career.

As for the guys you want to bring in: West would be great, but he has already stated that he'd like to stay with the Pacers; Millsap, who I really like, is not a rim protector, and while an excellent all-around offensive player, he's nowhere near the defender Splitter is; and Al Jefferson is a one trick pony (flip-hook from left block) with slow feet who can't play defence and will cost $15mil - no thanks.

I am hoping that we can re-sign Splitter for about 4 years $35mil, which would be a very fair salary for a player of his calibre.

[dg7md]

I don't love Splitter, but I don't hate him either.

That being said, we could definitely improve at the position. He is definitely the most expendable person on our starting roster.

[therealtruth]

Defensively not too many other bigs are going to give us what Splitter gives us. Offensive efficiency and good defense.

[John B]

Splitter plays well in the Spurs system, just need to improve on finishing shots and maybe spending time with Chip to improve his outside shooting. We build and develop players so Al Jefferson is out. Besides Mr Baines is on the pipeline with brute force and outside shooting, just need to develop post moves. I expect to see more of him next season. And what ever happen to Richards? Spurs would probably draft a project big. But knowing Spurs FO, they would not bring in bigs for big money now especially since we've been successful lately.