Tiago Splitter

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

I work at a real estate agency and Splitter came in and discussed some of the prime pieces in the San Antonio area.. he seemed really keen on purchasing a great house in the Stone Oak area.

[rayray2k8]

Alright, I've been one to dismiss the talks of Splitter coming this year pretty much since the start of the off-season, but I'm starting to actually wonder..

Why would Splitter's agent tell Miketinac early in the off-season that they'd assess their options after Tiago's season was over, yet when asked for a comment today, he says he can't really comment about it at this time? And why would he tell Miketinac that he should pose that question to R.C. and the Spurs, instead?

I mean, what would prevent him from commenting at this time? He didn't have a problem commenting on Oberto and the fact that he cleared waivers today. Tiago's under contract with Tau and the buyout really only makes sense for Splitter in '10 when the Spurs can actually afford to pay his way.

So what's the hold-up?

Could the Spurs be in some kind of delicate behind-the-scenes effort that would bring Splitter over this year?

Did Pop and R.C.'s specificity in making known their goal of getting a 4-man, not a big or 4/5, suggest that they were thinking Splitter was in the cards?

Looking at the roster, the Spurs have one player who's a passable center.

Duncan.

So, is it possible that they've had their sights set on Splitter because of their ability to find a quality 4 in this market? (Tiago could then provide depth and play significant minutes at the 5/4, without the pressure of being counted on to start from day 1..)

If I'm Splitter, I'm not sure how much sense it makes to come over this year. (At least financially) But, if I had a genuine desire to play in the NBA and saw a great opportunity for myself to play now with the lack of proven bigs on the roster? I think I might bite.

I guess the sooner he gets over here, the sooner he's likely to get paid in that second contract.. So could/would the Spurs offer him a 2-year deal that they'd allow to expire (not pick up the team option) and re-up him with a more suitable contract. Maybe allow him to recoup some of that money he'd lose by leaving?

I'm not sure if it's above board to do something like that, and it'd definitely take a leap of faith from both parties, but it'd make sense if a dialogue like that was happening behind the scenes with all the smoke and no comment, comments, taking place.

RC already said that Splitter wasn't coming this year...
They can offer more than the rookie salary next summer.
Where have you been?

[Obstructed_View]

I didn't hear RC say he wasn't coming over this year, I heard RC say that De Colo wasn't coming over this year.

[Mel_13]

I guess the sooner he gets over here, the sooner he's likely to get paid in that second contract.. So could/would the Spurs offer him a 2-year deal that they'd allow to expire (not pick up the team option) and re-up him with a more suitable contract. Maybe allow him to recoup some of that money he'd lose by leaving?

I'm not sure if it's above board to do something like that, and it'd definitely take a leap of faith from both parties, but it'd make sense if a dialogue like that was happening behind the scenes with all the smoke and no comment, comments, taking place.

The CBA makes that sort of maneuver impossible. If the Spurs did that, Splitter would become a FA and the Spurs would be prohibited from paying him more than the third year rookie scale.

If the player was a first round draft pick and just completed the second year of his rookie scale contract, but his team did not exercise their option to extend the contract for the third season (see question number 38), then this exception cannot be used to give him a salary greater than he would have received had the team exercised their third year option. In other words, teams can't decline the option in order to get around the salary scale and give the player more money.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q19

In a summer where the Spurs are apparently willing to spend $20M more in payroll expenses this year, all things are possible. Splitter would be, however, forfeiting something on the order of 9-10M over the next four years in order to come over this year.

[Russ]

I just saw his cousin Brunuci at Costco off 1604, he confirmed that Thiago is staying at the Dury Inn off Wurzbach and will meet with spurs tommorow.

Why no truth?

Why LIES!!!!!!!

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[Agloco]

I think he is greek?

KBP just unloaded in his pants.......

[Agloco]

Twitter is pure misinformation.

Fixed

[Blackjack]

The CBA makes that sort of maneuver impossible. If the Spurs did that, Splitter would become a FA and the Spurs would be prohibited from paying him more than the third year rookie scale.

If the player was a first round draft pick and just completed the second year of his rookie scale contract, but his team did not exercise their option to extend the contract for the third season (see question number 38), then this exception cannot be used to give him a salary greater than he would have received had the team exercised their third year option. In other words, teams can't decline the option in order to get around the salary scale and give the player more money.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q19

In a summer where the Spurs are apparently willing to spend $20M more in payroll expenses this year, all things are possible. Splitter would be, however, forfeiting something on the order of 9-10M over the next four years in order to come over this year.

Like I said, I've never believed he was coming this year, but there just seems to be something going on behind the scenes.

I wasn't real confident that they could make an agreement like that (And somehow I knew Mel13 would be the one to know) but it was just a scenario I was throwing out there as a possibility for why an agent would feel it best not to comment, at this time.

I'm just wondering why there seems to be smoke, when all the logic points to Splitter no sooner than '10?

[Marcus Bryant]

What makes sense is that Splitter will come over if the starting spot is his for the taking. It makes sense for the Spurs to see if they could land a Wallace or a McDyess first. If not, then signing Splitter to start and using the MLE for a good reserve big candidate like a Bass or Davis makes some sense.

Of course, part of what doesn't fit would be the offer to Haislip, unless the Spurs feel that it's a separate, speculative move. It seems like the Spurs are proceeding as if they hadn't drafted Blair. One wonders if Mahinmi could be on his way out of town...

[Mel_13]

Like I said, I've never believed he was coming this year, but there just seems to be something going on behind the scenes.

I wasn't real confident that they could make an agreement like that (And somehow I knew Mel13 would be the one to know) but it was just a scenario I was throwing out there as a possibility for why an agent would feel it best not to comment, at this time.

I'm just wondering why there seems to be smoke, when all the logic points to Splitter no sooner than '10?

This has been the strangest offseason in many years. I would have bet a house payment against the proposition that Holt would sign off on spending an extra $20M.

With regard to Splitter, none of us have any idea what motivates him. He made a good salary this past season. He also lost his sister. Perhaps he is ready for a change even if it is financially harmful. After the events of the last few weeks, I've given up making predictions.

[loveforthegame]

What makes sense is that Splitter will come over if the starting spot is his for the taking. It makes sense for the Spurs to see if they could land a Wallace or a McDyess first. If not, then signing Splitter to start and using the MLE for a good reserve big candidate like a Bass or Davis makes some sense.

Of course, part of what doesn't fit would be the offer to Haislip, unless the Spurs feel that it's a separate, speculative move. It seems like the Spurs are proceeding as if they hadn't drafted Blair. One wonders if Mahinmi could be on his way out of town...

It might take someone like Mahinmi to unload Bonner and Finley. I know they're expiring contracts but if it's a big in return it can still be costly. A young prospect like Mahinmi or Hill (very unlikely) or a first round pick would likely have to be included as well.

[Marcus Bryant]

Well, it could also be that they were considering a young free agent PF to start and then next summer bringing over Splitter.

[angelbelow]

definitely interested in some sort of closure on this matter.

[Russ]

What makes sense is that Splitter will come over if the starting spot is his for the taking.

Regardless of McDyess, the starting spot is there for the taking. McDyess was a reserve on those good Piston teams (and that was four years ago).

What makes sense is that Splitter will come over if the starting spot is his for the taking.

Unfortunately, what doesn't make sense is Splitter coming over until the three year rookie salary structure expires for him next summer. It makes absolutely no sense that he can't spend one year (this year) under that rookie system without buying into the full three years -- especially when he can just wait till next summer and be completely free of it.

One wonders if Mahinmi could be on his way out of town...

He's been in town?

[Marcus Bryant]

Regardless of McDyess, the starting spot is there for the taking. McDyess was a reserve on those good Piston teams (and that was four years ago).

Not so sure. I think the Spurs are offering McDyess that.

Unfortunately, what doesn't make sense is Splitter coming over until the three year rookie salary structure expires for him next summer. It makes absolutely no sense that he can't spend one year (this year) under that rookie system without buying into the full three years -- especially when he can just wait till next summer and be completely free of it.

Better to start the clock on his NBA career and increase the likelihood of getting one, if not two, long term guaranteed large money deals during his career. Plus who's to say the Spurs don't find a way between now and next year to add a legit starting 5...and not have an interest in bringing him over next season. If they didn't bring him over, I'm not sure they'd deal him. Yes, they dealt Scola. But that saved them at least $13 mil.

[Blackjack]

What makes sense is that Splitter will come over if the starting spot is his for the taking. It makes sense for the Spurs to see if they could land a Wallace or a McDyess first. If not, then signing Splitter to start and using the MLE for a good reserve big candidate like a Bass or Davis makes some sense.

Of course, part of what doesn't fit would be the offer to Haislip, unless the Spurs feel that it's a separate, speculative move. It seems like the Spurs are proceeding as if they hadn't drafted Blair. One wonders if Mahinmi could be on his way out of town...

Yeah, maybe the starting spot would be enough to entice him.. But, still, that's a lot of cash he'd be passing on. (Unless, for some reason, the checks weren't coming in full, or on time)

I just can't see them not making a trade. The pieces just don't quite fit right in the front court, and Tim is their only passable center.

They've got Bonner, Mahinmi and Haislip who are light in the ass defensively in the post, (although Mahinmi has potential) possibly 'Dyess who's not more than an average post-defender, (despite an honest effort) you've got an undersized tank in Blair who while immovable, is a rookie and foul-prone, and you've got your one true anchor in Tim; someone you've really been trying to lessen the load on because of age and injuries.

The addition of Haislip, if it was for the LLE, makes it hard to envision much of a role when you take into consideration Blair and hopefully Dyess' prescence.. And you could probably say the same for Mahinmi. (Who, while does have potential, doesn't seem to be held in too high of regard.)

[Blackjack]

This has been the strangest offseason in many years. I would have bet a house payment against the proposition that Holt would sign off on spending an extra $20M.

You wouldn't have been the only one.

With regard to Splitter, none of us have any idea what motivates him. He made a good salary this past season. He also lost his sister. Perhaps he is ready for a change even if it is financially harmful. After the events of the last few weeks, I've given up making predictions.

Yeah, I haven't been one of the bashers of his decision, even if it pained me for him to do it, but the story of his sister seemed a perfectly plausible explanation.

Had the economy not taken the turn it had and the unfortunate cir stance with his sister hadn't taken place, I have little doubt after seeing him here on his first visit, that he'd be here right now.

It's sucks as a Spurs fan but I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing. If I had something like that happen in my family and was going to get paid multiple times more money to stay where I was, closer to my loved ones, how could I not?

Regardless of McDyess, the starting spot is there for the taking. McDyess was a reserve on those good Piston teams (and that was four years ago).

McDyess didn't only accept coming off the bench, he preferred it.

Maybe it was just due to the rhythm he was in but 'Dyess is a different cat.

He's gotten over himself; just one more reason he'd be a great fit with the Spurs.

[Russ]

Better to start the clock on his NBA career and increase the likelihood of getting one, if not two, long term guaranteed large money deals during his career.

If I understand this correctly, though, Splitter would be better off not "starting the clock" if he wants long term big money deals in the near future.

If he waits till next year he can sign for whatever he wants.

If he comes this year, he's not only stuck with the 1st year rookie rate this year, he's stuck with the 2d year rookie contract rate next year as well (and the 3rd year rate after that).

Basically, if comes over one year earlier he's stuck with in a low-paying three year salary structure.

He could arguably sign a one-year deal next year that might equal the total salary he'd make in that three-year structured deal and he'd be a free agent at the end of the one year deal (rather than being stuck for two more low-paying years).

This seems so ridiculous, it is hard to believe. But that's the way it appears to work. Please tell me I'm missing something here. (I claim no expertise in these things.)

[Blackjack]

If I understand this correctly, though, Splitter would be better off not "starting the clock" if he wants long term big money deals in the near future.

If he waits till next year he can sign for whatever he wants.

If he comes this year, he's not only stuck with the 1st year rookie rate this year, he's stuck with the 2d year rookie contract rate next year as well (and the 3rd year rate after that).

Basically, if comes over one year earlier he's stuck with in a low-paying three year salary structure.

He could arguably sign a one-year deal next year that might equal the total salary he'd make in that three-year structured deal and he'd be a free agent at the end of the one year deal (rather than being stuck for two more low-paying years).

This seems so ridiculous, it is hard to believe. But that's the way it appears to work. Please tell me I'm missing something here. (I claim no expertise in these things.)

Basically..

Like I said, the logic all seems to point to '10.

The only reason this is being debated is because of the perceived smoke and the way this off-season has gone thus far.

As Spurs fans, we're really in completely uncharted-territory..

[Solid D]

Chuck Miketinac said Tuesday evening on his 9:45 PM Sportscast that Splitter's agent Herb Rudoy was questioned regarding Splitter being available this year and Rudoy would not comment, suggesting the question be posed to RC Buford. Hmmm. This made me think that the Spurs were probably going after McDyess first and if he didn't take the Spurs' MLE offer, then Splitter could be an option after all.

[Russ]

This made me think that the Spurs were probably going after McDyess first and if he didn't take the Spurs' MLE offer, then Splitter could be an option after all.

I would reverse those priorities if I was R.C.

[Blackjack]

Chuck Miketinac said Tuesday evening on his 9:45 PM Sportscast that Splitter's agent Herb Rudoy was questioned regarding Splitter being available this year and Rudoy would not comment, suggesting the question be posed to RC Buford. Hmmm. This made me think that the Spurs were probably going after McDyess first and if he didn't take the Spurs' MLE offer, then Splitter could be an option after all.

That's what my original post was referring to.

But, if what you were lead to believe is true, Splitter being the fall-back, does a guaranteed starting-role really make up for the cash he'd forfeit by committing to the rookie pay-scale this year?

[Solid D]

That's what my original post was referring to.

But, if what you were lead to believe is true, Splitter being the fall-back, does a guaranteed starting-role really make up for the cash he'd forfeit by committing to the rookie pay-scale this year?

I must be tired. Somehow, I missed a page. Sorry about that Blackjack21.

To answer your question, it would have to make up for it somewhat, and I'm not sure why Rudoy would defer to RC if it were not enough to make up for lost salary.

[poeticism707]

Stoo. Pid.

[Bruno]

The situation around Splitter surely more complicated than "it will stay in Spain for sure until at least 2010".

Now, Spurs aren't in the driver seat. The max they can offer is 120% of the rookie scale and $500K for a buyout. I'm sure that Spurs have offered that. The rest will depend on how bad Splitter wants to play in NBA and if Tau is ready to let him go.