Salim Stoudamire Now A Spur?

[SenorSpur]

You guys got Salim? Good luck, this guy used to piss me the off, he's a gunner, he can't play D, and he loves fadeway 3 pointers. Idk though maybe Pop can make him a better player but I hated that guy's shot selection. We'll see what happens.

PS I don't think he's a legit 6'1 either.

Wow! This is a ringing indictment to the state of the backup PG situation. Could Pop really be that desparate? I truly don't know where he's going with this position.

[tav1]

If the Spurs are so desperate for a scoring point, I resubmit the notion of contacting Memphis. Memphis has an absolute log jam at point guard. There is no dream trade scenario here, it's rather mediocre, but no worse than Salim Stoudemire, because it probably must include taking back Darko Milicic.

Milicic contract expires in 2010, and might be a valuable trade piece in February of 2010. Anyway, the Spurs would have to do something like Matt Bonner, J. Vaughn and a sign and trade player (D. Johnson?) to Memphis for Milicic. And then in another deal get back either Crittenton or Lowry for the trade exception. That would save Memphis several million dollars.

I've given up on Milicic, but he is a decent shot blocker. Having his bloated contract next February could be good.

This of course assumes that Memphis would be willing to lose a point guard in a cash dump. I think they would.

[tonylongoriafan]

is anyone else wondering why we draft a point guard to beat out an older back up point guard and then sign another guy to fight for the position. i guess compe ion breads quality. but aren't we talking a player to play 15 minutes tops...i'd rather give our draft pick a shot at the spot, i guess he's not looking so good?

[SenorSpur]

If the Spurs are so desperate for a scoring point, I resubmit the notion of contacting Memphis. Memphis has an absolute log jam at point guard. There is no dream trade scenario here, it's rather mediocre, but no worse than Salim Stoudemire, because it probably must include taking back Darko Milicic.

Milicic contract expires in 2010, and might be a valuable trade piece in February of 2010. Anyway, the Spurs would have to do something like Matt Bonner, J. Vaughn and a sign and trade player (D. Johnson?) to Memphis for Milicic. And then in another deal get back either Crittenton or Lowry for the trade exception. That would save Memphis several million dollars.

I've given up on Milicic, but he is a decent shot blocker. Having his bloated contract next February could be good.

This of course assumes that Memphis would be willing to lose a point guard in a cash dump. I think they would.

I've brought up the Crittenton possibility before. From what I've read recently, he's still learning how to play the point and is very raw. Probably doesn't give Pop the scoring punch he's looking for.

[xtremesteven33]

i wanna be optomisitc about this signing but again i have my doubts.

lets just hope he doesnt end up like the other "shooting stoudemire"

[duncan228]

The opinions are starting to flow.

Salim Stoudamire, a New Spur, Helps More Than You Think
Tom Ziller

The Arizona Daily Star reports Hawk bench buddy Salim Stoudamire has signed a deal to join the Spurs (via SLAM). I know, I know ... even Roger Mason is bored by this news. But hear me out: Salim can help the Spurs a ton.

The Spurs have been a team which relies on three things on offense: the post play of Tim Duncan, the slashing ability of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and potent three-point shooting from a cast of role players. Historically, two of the three most important of those three-bombing role players have been Robert Horry and Brent Barry. Horry retired (or "was forced to retire because no one wants to pay him," if you want to get semantic). Barry plays for the Rockets. Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley remain, but turn 57 and 55 respectively* this year. Ime Udoka and Matt Bonner sit in the sidecar, but Gregg Popovich showed only mild levels of faith in them last year.

The one constant with Stoudamire: dude can shoot. Let's ignore last season, when he only totaled 400 minutes. Look at all seasons, college and pro, when he actually got a shot. Here are his three-point shooting percentages: 45% as a college freshman, 44% as a sop re, 42% as a junior, 50% as a senior, 38% as a rookie, 36% as a second-year player. The league average is 36%, and the Spurs are accustomed to shooting slightly higher. Salim helps that, yes?

While Mason shot beautifully last season in D.C., his record indicates middling success from long range. Stoudamire shot poorly last season, but his record indicates strong ap ude for the longball. S.A. has made a brilliant hedge here: if Mason can't shoot appropriately well, and Pop needs some bench firepower for the guard position -- Bonner and Udoka aren't guards -- there is an option. He may not quite become Barry for a New Age, but there's an opportunity to hit some big, big shots here. Great move for everyone involved.

* On further review, Bowen actually only turns 37. Finley turns 35.

[Manufan909]

Assholes saying Bowen and Finley are in their fifties.

[tav1]

I've brought up the Crittenton possibility before. From what I've read recently, he's still learning how to play the point and is very raw. Probably doesn't give Pop the scoring punch he's looking for.

I think Crittenton can score just fine. Lowry is the better of the two players, and is extremely active defensively. He's just short and doesn't have consistent range. It's doubtful that either player is worth taking back Darko's deal, but it seems like the Spurs are intent on addressing their point guard situation. A combination of Lowry-Milicic would help the overall defense. In fact, Crittenton is not a terrible defender.

Another option is Sergio Rodriguez for the trade exception. The TE and 2nd round pick should be enough. Portland has no use for him any longer. They barely had use for him last season. Unlike the two Memphis players, I'm not sure Rodriguez would play under Pop because of his defensive short comings. But he's no worse than Salim.

I'll stop because everything I'm saying is retread discussion from last season. This is just to say that all these players are better than Salim Stoudemire, who, for a training camp invitee, is not bad, but he's not a solution either.

[loveforthegame]

Not a bad signing. A change of scenery might be what he needs.

I can't imagine he signed here as a camp invite with the possibility of beating out Vaughn or Hill.

[T Park]

his game reminds me of a lefty eddie house I'm sure I'm off base on that

[G-Nob]

This is a great pickup. Spurs fans are going to love this guy's touch. I actually wished the spurs would've drafted this guy over Ian. Now we have both and I think this is just the right piece we need.

[bigdog]

I like the signing alot, although I don't see him beating out Vaughn at all. It will be a battle between him and Hill. If Salim shoots good enough in training camp, it looks like Hill will be saying o to Quin Snyder in Austin, or possibly go overseas, although I hope the Spurs don't make another mistake and let another player go overseas.

[VaSpursFan]

interesting signing. maybe pop envisions a backcourt of stoudamire and mason when TP and Finley sit. mason would be the PG and salim would be the SG on the offensive end and switch on D.

[Manufan909]

Yes, please. I'd like for Hill to be guarenteed, and Salim and Vaughn to battle over warming the bench. If he can't beat out JV, he doesn't deserve to have a job in SA this year.

[SenorSpur]

I think Crittenton can score just fine. Lowry is the better of the two players, and is extremely active defensively. He's just short and doesn't have consistent range. It's doubtful that either player is worth taking back Darko's deal, but it seems like the Spurs are intent on addressing their point guard situation. A combination of Lowry-Milicic would help the overall defense. In fact, Crittenton is not a terrible defender.

I think you're onto something. Wasn't Crittenton a scorer in high school? Either way, I've always liked his potential and upside. He's got quickness, good size and length. I think he would be a suitable answer.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Shrewd pickup. Hill is on the clock.

[HarlemHeat37]

I love the signing..he might as well get a shot..

we need offense..he's a solid spot-up shooter..if you haven't seen him play, he's the same type of player as Eddie House IMO, and Eddie was a big part for the Celtics in the finals..

[SenorSpur]

I love the signing..he might as well get a shot..

we need offense..he's a solid spot-up shooter..if you haven't seen him play, he's the same type of player as Eddie House IMO, and Eddie was a big part for the Celtics in the finals..

Hey, if he can fill it up, OK.

[The Truth #6]

I don't see how it's a bad pickup by itself. However, with the drafting of Hill, who's role is unclear if Vaughn is still on the team, there seems to be some major confusion going on in where we are headed. This already seems to indicate we wasted our 1st round draft pick once again. It may pay off down the road but we don't have a down the road.

[tp2021]

Hey, if he can fill it up, OK.

Is a part in Pavlov's Dog available?

[bigdog]

Yes, please. I'd like for Hill to be guarenteed, and Salim and Vaughn to battle over warming the bench. If he can't beat out JV, he doesn't deserve to have a job in SA this year.

If you're just hating on Vaughn because of his offense, then I understand, but JV is one of the smartest players in the league, and a very solid defender. I'd take him as the main backup point on any team over an unproven rookie.

[Tully365]

If Parker, Vaughn, Mason, and Hill were all injured yesterday falling down stairs, I'd still have reservations about Stoudamire.

People got pissed when Michael Finley resigned for peanuts, and called Mason's signing a disappointment but are optimistic about Salim?

Every scouting report on Salim says the same thing: he doesn't defend, he doesn't have a true position, doesn't pass, can't play the point, doesn't rebound... has one skill: shooting. Except, that skill was displayed in college, and has not shown itself in 3 NBA seasons. Google "Salim Stoudamire moody" or "Salim Stoudamire at ude problems" and you'll have a nice long reading session ahead of you. Salim's FG% is worse than those of Finley, Udoka, Mason, Manu, and Tony. His 3pt% is worse than Udoka, Finley, Mason, and Manu.

Matt Bonner is a better basketball player than Salim Stoudamire. By far.

[tp2021]

Matt Bonner is a better basketball player than Salim Stoudamire. By far.

Gingers and oranges, dude.

[SpurSupremacist]

I like the signing of Stoudamire. My question is, if they're bringing in a guy whose MO is being an asshole, why on EARTH would they not go HARD after Artest? Artest is everything this team needs. I don't give a about his at ude or psychotic tendencies. How'd that work out when Steve Jackson was on the squad? He's arguably crazier than Artest, he just doesn't get the press Artest does. Steve Jackson was also an asshole on frequent occasion, and <sarcasm>surprisingly</sarcasm>, they were still able to win an NBA championship.

Face it, Spurs front office are -ups. All of their good eyes for talent and reason have gone to other teams. Popovich is an atrocity. I can't stand him or RC Failford. It's a damn good thing they have Tim Duncan, or else they'd be royally ed.

[Mister Sinister]

I like the signing of Stoudamire. My question is, if they're bringing in a guy whose MO is being an asshole, why on EARTH would they not go HARD after Artest? Artest is everything this team needs. I don't give a about his at ude or psychotic tendencies. How'd that work out when Steve Jackson was on the squad? He's arguably crazier than Artest, he just doesn't get the press Artest does. Steve Jackson was also an asshole on frequent occasion, and <sarcasm>surprisingly</sarcasm>, they were still able to win an NBA championship.

Face it, Spurs front office are -ups. All of their good eyes for talent and reason have gone to other teams. Popovich is an atrocity. I can't stand him or RC Failford. It's a damn good thing they have Tim Duncan, or else they'd be royally ed.

BAWWW, Waaambulance, etc.