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That's like saying do you want a doctor nearby you when you get shot, or Jesus Christ himself.
here's a question to your question:
If we're gonna say for the sake of argument that PHX and DAL aren't as good as last year (which is debatable, especially since it's only january) should Spurs fans still be worried seeing as how many holes this team appears to have and their inability to execute in the fourth?
I mean despite all our losing, we're still within a game of PHX/DAL, but even for January, this team seems off to me more so than in years past.
Should the fans be concerned? Do we need to explore any trades?
That's like saying do you want a doctor nearby you when you get shot, or Jesus Christ himself.
First, I want Horry to catch his breath. He needs to get into game shape and get motivated to do those little intangible things that make him a great Spurs player...not just his ability to hit clutch 3s.
I think if he gets back to doing those little things (running the length of the court, being active on defense, blocking shots, setting up teammates from the high-post or top of the key), he'll already be more useful than what Elson or Bonner could give.
Bottom Line: Horry needs to get in shape and get motivated to play his heart out first and foremost. Anything beyond that, like finding his shot for instance, would just be icing on the cake.
One step at a time....
I think trade should always be in the back mind because if a good prospect comes along ....why not.....
I believe that this team needs something new and fresh so that can break the stagnate and static atmosphere that the spurs are in...
That is exactly what is scary about this. Horry does so much for this team - the intangibles, the intelligence, the savvy plays - that literally no one else on this team can do. If he's not on or somehow doesn't find his game, it will be a big blow to the Spurs championship aspirations.
Duncan is a better shooter than both Manu and Barry. Its a higher % shot for Duncan. Only thing Duncan needs to work on his ft%.
Oberto seems to have regressed completely. He used to gets tons of easy baskets cutting into the lane, but now he's settling for outside jumpers and isn't rebounding nearly as well as he used to.
The problem I have with TD taking close shots with less than 3 seconds left is that he almost always gets hammered and never gets the call in those situations.
case in point: game 7 against the mavs in regulation.
he had a great shot against seattle in game 5 of the 2005 playoffs, but most of the time I'd rather drive and kick it out instead of forcing it in with very little chance of a foul call
Duncan is proven clutch.
Manu is clutch but is also proven TO clutch.
turnover.
yeah...but he is not a better shooter than manu or barry....
From the 3, no.
I know these statements I'm about to make are SO LAST YEAR, but I believe the Spurs FO should explore an opportunity to add one player to its roster. The scary thing is this team is STRUGGLING to score even when the Big Three are on the court.
Manu and Tony are the only players who can break down a defense and slash to the basket. Duncan is the only player who can score in the post. Outside of those guys, the offensive production has been very poor. This team is also deficient in rebounding and low on hustle and energy.
The Spurs DO need another player who either has a good midrange game and preferably can shoot the 3 very well. Of course, he should be at least an average or a "willing-to-be-average" defender.
I'm finally ready and willing for them to package Barry/Elson and get someone else here that can fill that void.
Possible trade targets:
Corey Maggette - Clippers
Mikael Pietrus - Warriors
Hakim Warrick - Grizzlies
History says that the Spurs should be fine. By the playoffs, whether the Spurs struggled or played well during the middle of the season is forgotten. I don't see anything happening right now that can't be corrected.
The Spurs were playing a lot worse this time last year. They looked dead in the water. This year it's not pretty but at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
One year the Spurs will dig their customary midseason hole ... and then find that they aren't able to flip the switch. So yeah, it's always a bit of a concern. I don't think that's the case this year but you never know.
As far as trades, I'm not really in favor of a trade at this point. Barry's contract is the best trade bait the Spurs have but I'd rather just keep Barry.
The only trade I make is for insurance. For example, if Parker's ankle becomes chronic, you might look to trade Elson's expiring contract for a quality emergency point guard. Or if Manu's finger doesn't heal, you might look to trade for a scorer. If everyone is healthy, I like how the team is currently constructed.
You don't know what I know. First off I am not a homer nor a genious nor am I stupid. And you must be some type of to bring up anyones in this discussion.
I know Manu is a better perimeter shooter but Duncan hits at a higher % hence he is (a better shot option) when you need one basket.
We don't need another 3 pt shooter. We have plenty.
I'd hate to get rid of Barry after he has FINALLY turned into the Barry we originally wanted.
Why would you consider free throw percentage when you are running a play with 2.4 seconds to go? The Rockets wouldn't foul on purpose and the refs likely aren't calling any fouls with such little time left.
Unfortunately, I think you understate it....
If Horry doesn't get in some kind of groove and the others continue to play as horribly as they have, I think there's almost no chance of a repeat.
The Spurs at that point would be forced to go strictly small-ball with their bench and would be at a great disadvantage regarding interior defense and rebounding.
Still, I wouldn't completely close the door on them...after all, they do have an all-timer, an NBA Finals MVP, and a World Champion. That's why I'll never stop believing.
They were willing to part with Barry two seasons ago for J.R. Smith. I would rather they don't trade him either, but if I could nab one of these guys for the same price, I do it.
As everyone knows, the Spurs have had their share of trouble repeating as champs. Obviously there are no guarantees with this current roster. And it appears as though cracks are starting to appear in the foundation of this roster.
Personally I'd rather they didn't wait until another failed playoff run to realize that they need to tweak the roster.
The problem is that the Spurs desperately need another big, but there just doesn't seem to be one available via trade. Not one that fits with the Spurs long-term plan that is.
The one guy that I want to see the Spurs go after is a guy currently not playing on an NBA roster....PJ Brown.
If the Spurs could shed some salary, say by sending Elson to another team for a trade exception, then I think adding a veteran FA becomes a distinct possiblity.
Obviously it's just a wild guess, but I think it sounds as plausible as the next scenario.
PJ Brown>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Elson
Do it.
According to reports I've read, Brown has continued to rebuff offers from PHX and seems committed to staying out. Though he's not officially submitted his retirement papers.
The reason I'd hesitate to lose Barry at this point is that he's actually playing well when he's on the court. And I don't JUST mean that he's hitting his shots, which he is, but also that he is doing a good job of keeping the offense flowing and finding teammates for scoring opportunities. That's something you're not gonna find with...say Finley.
I think he's also the de facto third PG right now.
Having said that, I'd get rid of him and Elson in a heartbeat if it meant getting Maggette.
Yeah I know...but PJ is a professional and deserves to be in a professional organization. One that knows how to win and takes care of its players (a.k.a. gets them rings!).
Still, I agree that it's a longshot.
Despite all the fans freaking out....I actually think ANY trade being made would be a longshot.
We all know the Spurs rarely make in-season trades, so I don't expect much either. Problem is Pop may be running out of the "we're soft, but we're going to do this ourselves" type of speeches.
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