Wizards interested in Blair, looking at a S&T.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Ariza is just really perfect for this team. The guy can shoot spot up 3s, cut to the basket and defend. Not to mention he has clutch ability and championship expirence. cmon R.C save the offseason.

[K-State Spur]

Ariza's not Kirilenko obviously, but they possess enough of the same attributes that, when combined with Ariza's expiring contract, you'd think they'd be interested in him, too. Sure, the shooting would diminish by going from Bonner to Ariza (though Ariza shot surprisingly well from the corners last season and he'd only get better looks on the Spurs), but the increased lineup flexibility would make it more than worth it. Besides, between Diaw, Leonard, Ariza and Pendergraph, there should be enough shooting at PF. If, for some reason, they weren't comfortable enough with that though, they could always sign a minimal type such as Radmanovic.

I actually think Ariza's a little better defensively than AK at this stage. Kirilenko's D, while still quality, is a bit overrated as the shot block (which was a pretty special skill for perimeter defender who wasn't constantly abandoning his own man for the weakside block - i.e. DWade) has dwindled from his game with age. Ariza's got some quick feet and his height & kawhi-esque wingspan almost sneak up on opponents.

Ariza's also a better shooter, even in average season (not necessarily a strong shooting year like last year). AK OTOH, is better around the rim, much better passer, and plays with a higher bball IQ in general.

With commitments to Webster/Porter & Ariza's salary, it would seem to make him pretty expendable. The question is, do they like Blair enough that they think a S&T for him is the best they can do if the want to move TA?

[Chinook]

The only way I'd be interested in bringing in another big is if Baynes gets moved. It makes little sense to me to pick up a sixth big so early, especially a center. Personally, I think Pendergraph was their cheap free-agent big for the year. They could have chosen an established vet to give that money to, but they liked Jeff's potential. And we can't say that was because they intended to keep Bonner, since he was almost certainly part of any Kirilekno talks.

[Chinook]

Anyone else watching the Wizards' summer-league game right now to scout?

[raybies]

Anyone else watching the Wizards' summer-league game right now to scout?

Yeah. Not impressed with Jan or Chris.

[TD 21]

If Spurs do a Bonner+Blair for Ariza with Washington, a way to add another big would be to do another S&T with Neal to Milwaukee, that is rumored to be after him. Bucks have a lot of bigmen and Udoh or Ayon should be available.

Yeah, but none of the stretch variety (other than Ilyasova obviously, who wouldn't be available in a Neal S&T). Udoh and Ayon are relatively similar to Pendergraph. Besides, they wouldn't play if Duncan, Splitter and Diaw, are healthy, because the fourth big spot would be a combination of Leonard/Ariza for small ball and Pendergraph, in conventional lineups. It would be challenging enough to get Ariza enough minutes so that he wouldn't become a malcontent. Adding in one of Udoh or especially Ayon (who's already griped about lack of playing time), would further exacerbate the issue.


K-State Spur, I don't disagree. When I said "Ariza's not Kirilenko obviously", I meant more so in terms of not being a combo forward than anything. Kirilenko's still a better overall player, but for this specific role, Ariza may well be the better fit.

[Raven]

Anyone else watching the Wizards' summer-league game right now to scout?

yeah, vesely still making low bbiq penetrations, leading to offensive fouls.

[Chinook]

yeah, vesely still making low bbiq penetrations, leading to offensive fouls.

Monkey-baller if I've ever seen one.

[rmt]

Ariza is just really perfect for this team. The guy can shoot spot up 3s, cut to the basket and defend. Not to mention he has clutch ability and championship expirence. cmon R.C save the offseason.

And he only just turned 28.

[Raven]

Monkey-baller if I've every seen one.

can't find a better description for the player than that tbh.

[Mal]

If Spurs do a Bonner+Blair for Ariza with Washington, a way to add another big would be to do another S&T with Neal to Milwaukee, that is rumored to be after him. Bucks have a lot of bigmen and Udoh or Ayon should be available.

I`d like that.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

And he only just turned 28.

prayingdog.jpg

[TheyCallMePro]

I'm being 100% serious when I say this:

The ONLY Wizards player I would take for Blair is Otto Porter. How long will it take you guys to realize John Wall is a complete bust? I called it on draft night. And who else do they have? Nene? Please. Yeah, he was good...in like 2009. What's he done in this decade? Ariza is a role player. Without Kobe he's worthless.

Frankly I don't even like Blair. I hate how he es about playing time on Twiiter and complains non-stop. him. But the Wizards are literally the worst team to do a sign and trade with him. Some of you are underestimating just how bad the Wizards are. Seriously.

[Chinook]

Singleton looks like he could become a legitimate combo-forward in a good system. He's a pretty hefty guy, but he has a jump shot and some handles. It think he could make it as a pick-and-pop player. He hustles, too. I'd be fine trading Blair for him if it wasn't so hard to get the salaries to match.

Vesely better learn to guard centers, because he doesn't seem to have a chance as a forward. The good news for him is that he's tall enough to make the switch, and he at least tries to be a big when he's on the floor. But I'd take Ryan Richards over him right now, and that's not a compliment for Richards at all.

[SpursFan86]

I'm being 100% serious when I say this:

The ONLY Wizards player I would take for Blair is Otto Porter. How long will it take you guys to realize John Wall is a complete bust? I called it on draft night. And who else do they have? Nene? Please. Yeah, he was good...in like 2009. What's he done in this decade? Ariza is a role player. Without Kobe he's worthless.

Frankly I don't even like Blair. I hate how he es about playing time on Twiiter and complains non-stop. him. But the Wizards are literally the worst team to do a sign and trade with him. Some of you are underestimating just how bad the Wizards are. Seriously.

No, you're just underestimating what a guy like Ariza could do for us. We need a true backup SF, and Ariza would be about as ideal as it realistically gets for that role. Good size, long Kawhi-esque wingspan, good spot-up shooter (especially from the corner), and a great defender. You say Ariza is a role player as if it's a negative...what the do you consider Blair/Bonner? Superstars? We don't need any huge pieces...we just made the Finals. A role player like Ariza could be a big plus for an already great team. No one is claiming that he's going to come in and take over Parker's role as the primary scorer or some like that. But I think the vast majority of people here would agree that Blair/Bonner for Ariza would be a damn good deal. Only downside of it is that it could possibly make us a bit thin on bigs...but as Bruno pointed out, a S&T with Neal could still happen. And Duncan/Splitter/Diaw/Pendergraph/Baynes isn't the end of the world as front courts go anyways.

[Bruno]

Yeah, but none of the stretch variety (other than Ilyasova obviously, who wouldn't be available in a Neal S&T). Udoh and Ayon are relatively similar to Pendergraph. Besides, they wouldn't play if Duncan, Splitter and Diaw, are healthy, because the fourth big spot would be a combination of Leonard/Ariza for small ball and Pendergraph, in conventional lineups. It would be challenging enough to get Ariza enough minutes so that he wouldn't become a malcontent. Adding in one of Udoh or especially Ayon (who's already griped about lack of playing time), would further exacerbate the issue.

There will have injuries and games were Duncan will be rested.

If you look at last year, Bonner+Blair played a combined 1760 minutes while Pendergraph played 369 minutes for Indiana. Even if some of the Bonner+Blair minutes will be eaten by some small ball if you add Ariza, that's still a lot of minutes for Pendergraph (and Baynes). I'm not sold he will be up to the task and if Bonner is gone, I want Spurs to bring another relatively good bigman like Udoh (that I like more than Ayon) and let him fight with Pendergraph for that 4th big spot.

[tuncaboylu]

Like some guys offered, Bonner+Blair for Ariza would be excellent.

Wizards would accept it immediately since Bonner and Ariza are expiring and that trade means basically signing a contract Blair. They wouldn't miss Ariza since they're in tanking mode.

[Chinook]

There will have injuries and games were Duncan will be rested.

If you look at last year, Bonner+Blair played a combined 1760 minutes while Pendergraph played 369 minutes for Indiana. Even if some of the Bonner+Blair minutes will be eaten by some small ball if you add Ariza, that's still a lot of minutes for Pendergraph (and Baynes). I'm not sold he will be up to the task and if Bonner is gone, I want Spurs to bring another relatively good bigman like Udoh (that I like more than Ayon) and let him fight with Pendergraph for that 4th big spot.

Udoh makes too much money to be a realistic trade target for a Neal S&T. I doubt Gary's going to earn the $6 Million next year needed to make the salaries match.

[Agloco]

I'm not sure why anyone would be opposed to a Blair + Bonner for Ariza move. At worst he's a one year rental and gives us some value in exchange for Blair who will walk away either way.

[Bruno]

Udoh makes too much money to be a realistic trade target for a Neal S&T. I doubt Gary's going to earn the $6 Million next year needed to make the salaries match.

Well, you can trade De Colo with him.

[Hoops Czar]

, Everyone knew that Bennet was not worth the #1 pick and how did that turn out..Its the NBA, nothing is impossible.

You're overshooting the mark. The Wizards aren't giving up a quality backup, who could probably start for a handful of teams for a third string big with no ACL's. This isn't a Kwame Brown/Pau Gasol situation. Ariza is the ultiate pipe dream at best. And if the Spurs want to continue to stockpile overseas junk and low ceiling, one dimensional players like Bonner, don't expect the rest of the NBA to be interested in trading for them. The Spurs have few, if any tradeable assets that will actually bring back value in return. You're probably looking at a future second round draft pick or an exendible player like Vesely or Booker.

[Vic Petro]

I'm being 100% serious when I say this:

The ONLY Wizards player I would take for Blair is Otto Porter. How long will it take you guys to realize John Wall is a complete bust? I called it on draft night. And who else do they have? Nene? Please. Yeah, he was good...in like 2009. What's he done in this decade? Ariza is a role player. Without Kobe he's worthless.

Frankly I don't even like Blair. I hate how he es about playing time on Twiiter and complains non-stop. him. But the Wizards are literally the worst team to do a sign and trade with him. Some of you are underestimating just how bad the Wizards are. Seriously.

Spurs need a role player.

[TD 21]

There will have injuries and games were Duncan will be rested.

If you look at last year, Bonner+Blair played a combined 1760 minutes while Pendergraph played 369 minutes for Indiana. Even if some of the Bonner+Blair minutes will be eaten by some small ball if you add Ariza, that's still a lot of minutes for Pendergraph (and Baynes). I'm not sold he will be up to the task and if Bonner is gone, I want Spurs to bring another relatively good bigman like Udoh (that I like more than Ayon) and let him fight with Pendergraph for that 4th big spot.

I understand. But aren't you the same guy who doesn't want Neal back because stacking players for these types of scenarios supposedly isn't a good way to do business?

I'd like to have someone such as Udoh for insurance purposes too. But realistically, if they made this trade, they'd probably just sign Radmanovic or some other minimal stretch four, who'd just be happy to be in the league and wouldn't gripe about not being in the rotation.

It's not ideal, but teams take risks like this every year and the Spurs are a prime example. They've had essentially one true SF (McGrady was a last resort) since near the end of the regular season and no proven, true backup PG since Ford abruptly retired.

[TE]

I'm not sure why anyone would be opposed to a Blair + Bonner for Ariza move. At worst he's a one year rental and gives us some value in exchange for Blair who will walk away either way.

People always find reasons to , imo.

[Chinook]

You're overshooting the mark. The Wizards aren't giving up a quality backup, who could probably start for a handful of teams for a third string big with no ACL's. This isn't a Kwame Brown/Pau Gasol situation. Ariza is the ultiate pipe dream at best. And if the Spurs want to continue to stockpile overseas junk and low ceiling, one dimensional players like Bonner, don't expect the rest of the NBA to be interested in trading for them. The Spurs have few, if any tradeable assets that will actually bring back value in return. You're probably looking at a future second round draft pick or an exendible player like Vesely or Booker.

I'm pretty sure the Wizards wanted Ariza to deny his option so they wouldn't have to pay him. They probably don't view him as an asset, and they almost certainly do not view him as untouchable. If the Wizards want Blair, they have to give up something for him. The Spurs do not have to take their trash just to facilitate a deal. They may well think that Ariza has a higher value than Blair, but they are not in a position to strong-arm the Spurs into taking a second (mainly because they can't afford to not send a salary back).