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This is starting to get like an NBA video game where you trade around the league and build your ultimate team.
Richard Jefferson
Antonio McDyess
DeJuan Blair
...and potentially a guy like Raja Bell....
Just 12 months ago this was an absolute dream.
Again, I never said it was easy or likely. But giving up expiring contracts along with picks, cash considerations, Euro/NBA prospects or some combination of the like would have to do.
The Spurs are over the cap and Holt said it doesn't matter, so claiming that the Spurs don't have the cap space really isn't a valid argument in a trade. Just matching the contracts would be the key.
This is starting to get like an NBA video game where you trade around the league and build your ultimate team.
Richard Jefferson
Antonio McDyess
DeJuan Blair
...and potentially a guy like Raja Bell....
Just 12 months ago this was an absolute dream.
I'll do Mason and Bonner for Bell.
Yeah, you guys are right, Bell does sound like a better move. I had written him off because I remember a lot of talk about him being done when he recovered slowly from that injury last year, but he came on after that and did a good job.
So, for the perfect off-season, an absolute 10/10, Finley and Bonner (and a 2nd rounder if necessary) for Bell to fill our final need (a wing defender), and to remove from Pop's grasp the temptation of playing Fin/Bonner too much!Sounds good to me.
If not, well, we've already been spoiled.
PS Guys - at this point, honestly, rather have Raja or Bruce? I want ot say Bruce, but at 38 I'm just not sure he can do the job we need him to any more.
Again, we don't have the contracts is exactly my point.
Take a look for yourself. We just don't have the dollars to give them.
Those made me
I'd say Battier is the better more versatile defender but when it comes to guarding someone like Kobe, I'd lean more to Bell.
The problem with Battier's defense against Kobe isn't his ability to get to the right spots or technique, Kobe usually has to make a shot over a good contest and usually doesn't get bailed out by bad fouls, the problem with Shane is that he doesn't get into Kobe's head at all. Kobe isn't worried about getting undercut or being preoccupied with grabbing or holding, so he's free to get to his spots and feel comfortable. Kobe feels he can play his game and not have to worry about anything questionable because he knows Shane isn't going to do much that wouldn't be considered "above board."
Some call it dirty, others call it having an edge, but whatever you call it? It's what all the greats are noted for.
Bruce had it in spades and Raja, although never as great of a defender as Bowen, has it as well.
In the end, Kobe's going to get his. But, if you can get a guy that can get him a little too riled up or focusing on the wrong things at the right time, you tend to have a little more success against him.
You're insane then! We can do FINLEY and Bonner for Bell!
I would poop my pants if we could trade Bonner, Mason and Finley for Camby.
I agree with the notion that Battier is a little to "nice" when he goes against Kobe. As we've seen, Bell isn't afraid to clothesline Kobe if that's what it takes.
As for Bowen, I'd obviously be ecstatic if the Spurs bring him back. But I don't think he'd end up being more than the bit player he was last year. Besides, RC said the Spurs needed to add a perimeter defender -- even if Bowen is brought back.
Great points. We absolutely need a guy who is going to get into Kobe's cranium, and there's no-one around who can do that better than Bell. Last year I got the feeling that Kobe isn't bothered by Bruce any more... just a feeling, but a strong one I felt when we played the Lakers.
I don't know, Mason really disappointed me on the defense side. Sure he hit some clutch shots, but he was way to erratic on the offense side. Bell gives you very good defense with a reliable 3. I don't think Fin and Bonner can do it, that's why I'm saying i would do Mason.You're insane then! We can do FINLEY and Bonner for Bell!
Very nice writeup, MB.
We're definitely on the same page after that OP, and I had the same thought of a trade following the signing of 'Dyess.
My two points of concern would definitely be a defensive-wing (preferably 6' 6'' or over) and another capable defensive 5. (preferably 6' 10'' or over)
I've mentioned McGuire and Sefolosha incessantly on this board and have suggested trying to snag Battier after Houston's signing of Ariza and their misfortune with Yao, but Bogans seems like the type of player the Spurs would acquire. I think Sefolosha and Battier would be the best gets for a win now team, though. Sefolosha is basically a more physical Christie-type player, someone who could potentially run the point next to Hill, and Battier, like McDyess, is just one of those guys that scream "Spur" in character/professionalism. (Not to mention he's one of the best perimeter defenders in the league)
Splitter deciding to come over would be absolutely perfect to fill that 5 role, but this offseason really can't go that well, can it? I've always liked Foster and it would be nice to see the local guy have a chance to win a ring in his hometown (ala Devin) but I'm not sure where his game is at, at this point. I just haven't seen enough of him lately to make a good, honest assessment. If he's anywhere where he was 2 to 3 years ago he'd definitely be an asset and one I'd like to see the Spurs try an acquire.
I'm absolutely in disbelief at what the Spurs have done but with the way the contenders are loading up, filling that 5 and/or wing defender role might be an absolute must..
This upcoming season's playoffs are going to be absolutely bananas.Nice post. I'm a fan of McGuire too. He'd be cheap, and he's buried in the depth chart in Washington.
He falls an inch short of your criteria, but what do you think of Shelden Williams as a defensive PF/C if Mahinmi doesn't look like he's ready yet? Again, he'd probably be an inexpensive pick up.
Last edited by Tully365; 07-09-2009 at 01:59 AM.
So you'd trade our 3 best outside threats for a guy whose potential position was just filled by signing Dice and drafting your namesake? Hmmmm... no. I think not.
It all depends on our young big situation. As of now we have Tim/ McDyess/ Bonner as the only big's who are proven. If our young big's live up to expectations by spurnation and earn a spot in the rotation then Bell would make a lot of sense.
If our young bigs ( Blair/ Mahimni/ Haislip/ Gist) don't end up living up to expections ( ie Mahimni/ Butler) then we would trade for a player like Camby to solidify the frontline. That's when I'd rather have Bowen than Bell.
Problem is Spurs have to make a decision on Bowen before that scenario plays out. Therefore lets hope Bowen has a change of heart about a possible player/ coach/ Lindsey Hunter role. That would be in a perfect world.
Fair enough, I disagree about Mason though. I think Pop screwed with his confidence by playing him out of position, and I think his defence will improve after a year in the system (as seems to happen with most new Spurs).
I think, with the added scoring punch of RJ and thus a big 4, that Mo Money is going to bury 3s galore this year. All the pressure will be off him, and he'll be able to just spot up and shoot, which is what he does beautifully. In fact I'll go as far as to say that I think he'll be in the top 3 3pt shooters by % this year, and will knock down more than 2.5 a game.
Also, we really need to move Fin so Pop isn't tempted to overplay him!
Good points.
Like everything, it's about balancing risk - take Raja now and your young bigs have to come through or you're in trouble with no-one to trade for a guy like Camby at the deadline, or stand pat and keep your trading flexibility but lose out on teaching a guy like Bell the system. It's a tough one.
That's why Spurs more than likely will stand pat til later on, perhaps til late December- February and see how that young big situation plays out.
This is a trade that could actually get done. Think about it for a few seconds, before flaming:
Mason and Bonner to Detroit for Allen Iverson. It would be a sign and trade for Detroit, for about $5.6M. Iverson is talking about playing for Milwaukee for around $5M, so the money isn't a problem. It would save the Spurs almost $3M in cash this season, counting the Lux Tax. I think Iverson would jump at the chance to get a ring - the Spurs could probably get a team option on a second year at a reduced rate, in case he works out.
I know all the arguments against him. But he can still put up a load of points. And we were seriously considering Rasheed Wallace. Tell me he doesn't have at least as much baggage.
Yeah, I liked the natural fit of a Battier on the Spurs but I'm starting to talk myself out of it.
Bell is definitely looking better to me, but I've been touting Sefolosha and McGuire since they were both drafted. (Williams over McGuire still baffles me) I'd just love to see the Spurs find a way to acquire one of them. They've both got that "dog" (in the good way) in 'em. They're both versatile long defenders with some point-forward instincts, and they've still got some upside.
I haven't taken a hard look at each of their teams situation but the Wiz seemed to have added a good amount of swing-players this offseason. And the Thunder taking Harden, combined with who they've got at their swing already, might not leave too many minutes for Thabo.. Again, I haven't looked all that hard but a man can hope.
Pistons renounced AI and don't have the cap room to S&T him.
And anyway, just no. He showed how cancerous he can be, and we have enough scoring. Why take the risk?
Word is Memphis is seriously considering adding Iverson.
Imagine Iverson and Randolph both fighting to see who can out dribble/ shoot the other.
My condolences to Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo if that situation plays out.
Not that it matters, but I didn't think they had inked Charlie V yet. Maybe they have.
Yeah. Stay away from those guys in fantasy too. Weird team now:
Conley-Mayo-Gay-Randolph-M Gasol-AI
Sheesh! How the is that going to work!?!?
Nice summary, MB.
Bell is a good option, but I believe his defensive prowess has slipped a bit as he's become a much better offensive player, over the past couple of years. He's still a good defender - when he wants to be. I just think he's a bit overrated at this point in his career. I believe the time spent in PHX had something to do with that. I remember reading a piece on him about a year ago where he claimed he "wanted to be known for more than just being a defender." He also went onto say that he was concerned that as his kids got older, he didn't want them hearing about how their "daddy having a reputation as an on-court thug". That said, if I needed someone to go up against Kobe and not back down, he'd be the guy.
Battier is a good option and perfect potential Spurs player, in every way. Capable defender, a slight bit taller and longer than Bell. Can shoot the 3-ball with consistency. Smart, intelligent. If there was any one player molded to be a Spur - it'd be Battier. He'd fit right in. However as others have stated, Houston would be big fools to trade him within the division. I just can't see Daryl Morey (Houston GM) doing that.
Sefolosha is a young, improving player. Very athletic. Superb defender. Although I wouldn't say he's got the edge or the at ude to check a guy like Kobe. He be a wonderful defensive stopper, but desparately needs work on his shooting.
Diaw would also be a perfect fit on the team, but somehow I don't see LB turning him loose. Also now that he's a starter, does anyone expect him to want to be relegated to being a bench player?
AC Carter would also be a good option as a 3rd PG. He's solid on both sides of the ball, but has a tendency to be a bit shot-happy. The only issue I see with him is that last year with Denver, he was the 2nd banana to Chauncey. I just can't see him coming back to S.A. for a demotion - unless, of course, we get to Novemeber and he's run out of options.
Hypothetical question:
As we were all awaiting the start of free agency and were tossing around possible Spurs FA targets, most of us never dreamed Trevor Ariza would leave the Fakers. Obviously, his departure came after the RJ trade. In hindsight and looking at the events that took place, does anybody wish the Spurs could've somehow managed to wrestle him away from the Fakers? If so, would the RJ trade still have been necessary?
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