Is Jacque Vaugn Pop's way of punishing SpursFans?

[Holt's Cat]

Hmmm...keeping your draft picks and developing talent. Sounds like the Spurs once upon a time.

[Kori Ellis]

So that next year we can be talking about how the old guy we traded for is doing the same thing as the old guys before? I'd support a trade like that if its for someone young ala the trade that didn't happen last year. But not for an Atkins.

Atkins takes this team from possibly being swept by the Mavs to possibly losing in 6 to the Mavs if that.

If the Spurs are going to improve, its not going to be this year, its going to be in the offseason.

I'm not talking about trading for Atkins. I'm talking about trading in general.

[Mr. Body]

I support trading a 1st round pick, plus Scola and any other Euro they have stashed. The draft isn't awesome after the first 15 players or so and the Spurs will just pick someone and stash them away anyway -- and then they'll probably never come over. So package whatever you can.

With all respect, I think that's a foolish view, and misstaken. This can be a remarkable draft even into the second round, depending partly on how many underclassmen come out. Guys like Alando Tucker and Morris Almond will be found at the end of the first round, maybe even a Jeff Green or a Brandon Rush, with some decent talent spilling into the second, and at least one of those guys is going to be a solid pro. And if the Spurs pick and stash a player this year, it's curtains. They need, very badly need, to get a couple rookies this summer that can contribute.

[Holt's Cat]

The only thing the Spurs might have of value, since they won't take back a long term contract, are their picks and int'l players.

[Kori Ellis]

With all respect, I think that's a foolish view, and misstaken. This can be a remarkable draft even into the second round, depending partly on how many underclassmen come out. Guys like Alando Tucker and Morris Almond will be found at the end of the first round, maybe even a Jeff Green or a Brandon Rush, with some decent talent spilling into the second, and at least one of those guys is going to be a solid pro. And if the Spurs pick and stash a player this year, it's curtains. They need, very badly need, to get a couple rookies this summer that can contribute.

Do you think the Spurs are all of a sudden going to draft American?

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah, I just threw Atkins out there because he's the only PG name I keep hearing. I don't think the Spurs should trade that pick in an effort to win this year. The sad fact of the matter is that we're not one player away , we're a bench away. This team needs to undergo a major overhaul at this point.

And people keep complaining about the 08 plan, but the truth is that may be the best plan for the Spurs to take. There just aren't any trade possible that are suddenly going to put the Spurs over the top right now. LJ menionted Derek Fisher before, but the fact is that Fisher here would make this team better, but I don't think it would make it a championship team. They're just that far back.

[Holt's Cat]

'08 is too late for this crew.

[ChumpDumper]

I might throw in a second rounder for Atkins, but nothing more.

[Holt's Cat]

So basically the Spurs have their top 3 in their primes and their supporting cast is old and worthless. When their supporting cast is in its prime then their top 3 will be old and worthless.

[ShoogarBear]

More than a big, more than a 4, right now we need a backup 1. I don't care if you have to coax Steve Kerr out of retirement of some other washed up slow PG. Bring someone, anyone in.

Eh, we could discuss this all night, but I disagree.

With a decent frontcourt player, we could stop playing Finley at the 4,use Manu and Brent 5 minutes each at point guard and walk the ball up0 during those times.

The lack of a backup 1 can be faked for 10 minutes a night. The lack of a big can't since, we are currently using three guys (Elson, Oberto, Finley) who aren't getting the job done.

[MannyIsGod]

'08 is too late for this crew.

You're probably right, but theres nothing they can get in here now. It just isn't possible to put this team over the hump unless some star gets sold really low and the Spurs are going to try to win with 4 strong playrs and a really mediocre bench, but I really don't see a situatoin like that happening.

[MannyIsGod]

Eh, we could discuss this all night, but I disagree.

With a decent frontcourt player, we could stop playing Finley at the 4,use Manu and Brent 5 minutes each at point guard and walk the ball up0 during those times.

The lack of a backup 1 can be faked for 10 minutes a night. The lack of a big can't since, we are currently using three guys (Elson, Oberto, Finley) who aren't getting the job done.

I'll buy into that.

[Mr. Body]

Do you think the Spurs are all of a sudden going to draft American?

They absolutely have to.

[Holt's Cat]

Eh, we could discuss this all night, but I disagree.

With a decent frontcourt player, we could stop playing Finley at the 4,use Manu and Brent 5 minutes each at point guard and walk the ball up0 during those times.

The lack of a backup 1 can be faked for 10 minutes a night. The lack of a big can't since, we are currently using three guys (Elson, Oberto, Finley) who aren't getting the job done.

Maybe Malik will get waived.

[Kori Ellis]

Eh, we could discuss this all night, but I disagree.

With a decent frontcourt player, we could stop playing Finley at the 4,use Manu and Brent 5 minutes each at point guard and walk the ball up0 during those times.

The lack of a backup 1 can be faked for 10 minutes a night. The lack of a big can't since, we are currently using three guys (Elson, Oberto, Finley) who aren't getting the job done.

That's my point. I think having no big is killing us. I think even getting Melvin Ely (who is available for nothing) is better than having Oberto/Elson.

[Kori Ellis]

They absolutely have to.

I'll believe it when I see it. Who was their last American draft pick?

[Holt's Cat]

I'll believe it when I see it. Who was their last American draft pick?

Bryan Bracey? Sato was African.

[ShoogarBear]

Who was their last American draft pick?

Mark Olberding.

[Big Shot Rob]

--at this point--

Why not get Alvin Robertson out of jail and put his old uniform.

Or maybe Latrell Spreewell--he needs some extra grocery money.

[Kori Ellis]

Mark Olberding.

Maybe he or Paul Griffin is available. They both looked in decent shape last time I saw them.

[Mr. Body]

I'll believe it when I see it. Who was their last American draft pick?

By all accounts they have tried to get American players like Jarrett Jack, but failed to pull it off. I fervently believe they'll draft domestic this year, maybe all 3 picks but certainly the first 2. They cannot afford pick-n-stash, their backs are too far against the wall regarding talent. I cannot believe they're too stupid not to recognize this is what they need to do.

Besides the fact that this is a very bad draft for international players.

The question would be... Why do you think they wouldn't draft American players this time? Precedent isn't much in this case.

[timvp]

Seriously, what is Nick Van Exel up to. He was way better last year without the use of his elbow than what we are seeing these days. He at least would have a chance to hit an open three. Beno has shoot under 15% from beyond the arc in the last month+.

Van Exel downing shots in Cancun > Beno + Vaughn

[ShoogarBear]

I believe timvp would even be able to stomach Karl Malone walking through that door at this point.

[Holt's Cat]

By all accounts they have tried to get American players like Jarrett Jack, but failed to pull it off. I fervently believe they'll draft domestic this year, maybe all 3 picks but certainly the first 2. They cannot afford pick-n-stash, their backs are too far against the wall regarding talent. I cannot believe they're too stupid not to recognize this is what they need to do.

Besides the fact that this is a very bad draft for international players.

The question would be... Why do you think they wouldn't draft American players this time? Precedent isn't much in this case.

Spurs would draft 4 young guys and sit them next season while Finley and Horry drag their walkers up the court.

[timvp]

I believe timvp would even be able to stomach Karl Malone walking through that door at this point.

Oh no.











Yet.