Redundancy in the Rotation

[e20dylan]

Anyone else think Malik Rose would be an upgrade over Elson at least?

we dont even need elson. ie last night

[tav1]

Increasingly, I think an Elson/Frye swap makes sense. It saves the Spurs .5 million, it gives them a 4th or 5th big man in next season's rotation, it saves Portland money at the position in lieu of Aldridge, Oden and Pryzbilla. Frye's a free agent in 09 so he wouldn't affect our long term cap situation. Frye's skill set is similar to Elson's, but he's more of a "natural" in every way. So this isn't exactly redundant, but it is an upgrade in talent and saves a little money this year.

[genomefreak13]

GW, I understand that there would be games that all might be ineffective. That would also mean a loss for the spurs. If the same roster however would be ineffective within a series of games , that would mean a shakeup in the roster or adjustment on the part of the players. Unless the latter happens, I think its better to leave things as they are. What I'm pointing out here is that, everyone must be in the same page come play time.

Versatility isn't a bad thing. It's great if youre always playing isolation against the opposing team. Considering however the spur-like way of playing - "team means everything". versatiliy is no longer a great necessity. It would be more of a luxury. Shots will come your way if youre playing within the system.

I don't agree that NBA remains to be about matchups. As I see it, the trends seems to be team play not one on one( either on offense or defense). This could be proven by the emergence of international players in the the NBA (who is well trained in fundamental team play). It's a bit boring , but it get's the job done.

[Ghost Writer]

I don't agree that NBA remains to be about matchups. As I see it, the trends seems to be team play not one on one( either on offense or defense). - genome

I believe you are confusing the NBA with the NCAA.

I can't believe I can't sell anyone here on bringing is someone other than another old 3-point-shooting stiff.

[genomefreak13]

I believe you are confusing the NBA with the NCAA.
I can't believe I can't sell anyone here on bringing is someone other than another old 3-point-shooting stiff.

Don't get me wrong GW, I'm with you on improving the team. I'm just saying that, having this kinds of players isn't that bad. If you could bring someone that add to the formula - then feel free to do so (As long as he does not disrupt the system). Basketball remains to be a form of entertainment. If you're not entertained - then it's probably spurs basketball that you are watching (that's what media used to call it).

About being confused...NBA - NCAA aren't they the same now a days? Aside from high paying players and huge egos here are some common traits:

1. Rules on zone defense - I think the NBA made this change after the US team composed of "vesatile -make their own shot players" got busted in the Olympics and international compe ions (no wonder nash and jason kidds are so valuable)

2. Rules on less physicality - NBA has adopted the rule that you cannot handcheck, bump or hold cutting players who doesn't have the ball. (players like Tony parker has benefited from this rule).

3. Review of buzzer beater shots. Another adoption of the FIBA rules (similar to those used by NCAA)

4. Emergence of international players in the NBA (not really NCAA- like but it's a good point of referrence to FIBA rules) - after the US team lost in international compe ions, the NBA has accepted that the other countries (which is used to playing FIBA rules ) are'nt patsies anymore. It showed that playing within said rules would do a ton of good to a team and its players (at least fundamentally). In recruiting this players,the NBA hope that such mentality would rub off to the league (and I think it did).

This adoptions are results of change in Basketball environment. The NBA realized the value of team play as compared to individual skills. NBA plays a big part on basketball but no longer the only part. Seeing the second coming of Jordan would be great for show. However, even jordan understood that the basketball is a team sport (and nobody could do everything by himself). Thanks to the triangle offense, he found a way to play with his team.

So in conclusion, match ups are no longer a big issue now a days. So many ways can be utilized by a team to lessen each one's burden offensively or defensively (because of to the fundamental concept of team play). Verastility , as I said , is a luxury but no longer a necessity.

[mountainballer]

James Jones looks almost as if designed to be the Spurs future SF.
unfortunatly the league has noticed what he can do, so he is no longer this typical under the radar player the Spurs would try to get.
we will never know for sure, but I think they have been sleeping when there was a chance to get him. Suns gave him away for nothing but a little cash (he was the prize to also get Fernandez rights) and the Blazers obviously didn't plan to use him in the first place, when he wasn't part of the rotation. back then in November, there should have been a good chance to get him for a low price.
remember, the Spurs were very interested in him in 2005, but then choosed to go for Finley. Spurs knew, that he would be the right player.
now the things are different, Jones has been one of the keys for the Blazers recent success and he even shows that he can play very good defense, something that was doubted before. Blazers won't trade him during the season.
maybe there is a chance to get him this summer, he will likely opt out, but his market price will be much higher than his current 3 million salary. (full MLE?)

btw. it was reported, that Riley want's to get the heat that far under the cap, that they can offer a big (or max.) contract this summer. this won't be impossible to do, even if the contract of Shaq is unmoveable.
they need to get expiring contracts for Haslem and Parker, then they will be about 12-13 million under the next years cap. I'm sure Riley once more plans to aquire Elton Brand. (remember, he signed an offer sheet with the Heat in 2003)
however, Haslem would of course add a quality the Spurs current big rotation can't provide. whatever combination of the expiring contracts would be necessary, I would do this trade and if needed also swallow Parker's contract (buy out 2008) and add a pick.
Haslem would be very helpul right now and he would also be a nice part of a future big rotation (Tim-Splitter-Oberto-Haslem-Bonner. Ian still a part time sub)