Spurs contact Pau Gasol reportedly

[Kawhitstorm]

If that's the case how about we just go off LMA first game in GSW??

Softrdige went off (10-25) when Bogut/Ezeli were out.

[MaNu4Tres]

Gasol ONLY makes sense if Duncan retires...Unless he just has his heart and soul set on SA.

Second I wouldn't just dismiss Gasol because some think he can't play against the Warriors..but I don't think that's true. You can play BIG against the Warriors you just have to make them pay by either scoring or rebounding. Duncan can't make people pay on the offensive end anymore..but Gasol can.

But bottom line Gasol has to come here being ONE of the pieces not THE piece.

You can only play big vs. Warriors if your bigs can defend well on the perimeter and PnRs -- while rebounding well (having personnel like this negates their efficiency just enough to have a chance; I.E Adams/Ibaka and OKC).

In Gasol's case, he can't defend well vs. a team like them -- not even close. Warriors will create the best shots possible with him on the floor (dunks, back door lay ups, open 3's) while Spurs won't be able to manufacture the same on their end w/ inefficient endless ISO's and Gasols' West-like Pick and Pops (which is most of his game these days). In the long run, that is a recipe for disaster.

It will be a mistake if Spurs allocate half or more of their space for a player that can't play or be a net positive against their toughest compe ion.

Outside of another perimeter play-maker, Spurs need to surround Kawhi/LA with athletic players that can defend and that don't need the ball on offense to be effective.

[coachmac87]

You can only play big vs. Warriors if your bigs can defend well on the perimeter and PnRs -- while rebounding well (having personnel like this negates their efficiency just enough to have a chance; I.E Adams/Ibaka and OKC).

In Gasol's case, he can't defend well vs. a team like them -- not even close. Warriors will create the best shots possible with him on the floor (dunks, back door lay ups, open 3's) while Spurs won't be able to manufacture the same on their end w/ inefficient endless ISO's and Gasols' West-like Pick and Pops (which is most of his game these days). In the long run, that is a recipe for disaster.

It will be a mistake if Spurs allocate half or more of their space for a player that can't play or be a net positive against their toughest compe ion.

Outside of another perimeter play-maker, Spurs need to surround Kawhi/LA with athletic players that can defend and that don't need the ball on offense to be effective.

I agree on all of that. But the Spurs still need a Center and if Gasol wants to be that for MLE I'll take it. Gasol is still a great post player and he can punish smaller post defenders better than Alrdidge.

Gasol coming here IMO is not realistic...but that's due to $ and possibly come off bench. Spurs may have different ideas

[gambit1990]

where else is pau interested in going?

[Kawhitstorm]

where else is pau interested in going?

Any team that will pamper him.

[Snaq O'Meal]

where else is pau interested in going?

The Warriors perhaps?

[TheGreatYacht]

Any team that will pamper him.

He's better than Miles Plumlee and Marvin Williams. Cheaper too.

[cutewizard]

It is Marc Gasol who has a real crush on our beloved Spurs!

How can we get Marc????????????????????????????????????????????

[TXstbobcat]

It is Marc Gasol who has a real crush on our beloved Spurs!

How can we get Marc????????????????????????????????????????????

he just signed a max deal with the griz last year.

[TheCerebral1]

I'd rather have Marc, ciao.

[cd98]

It is Marc Gasol who has a real crush on our beloved Spurs!

How can we get Marc????????????????????????????????????????????

He had his chance, but chose to re-sign w/ Grizz.

[Kawhitstorm]

He had his chance, but chose to re-sign w/ Grizz.

Marc Gasol is a loyal guy unlike his big brother.

[Emperor]

It is Marc Gasol who has a real crush on our beloved Spurs!

How can we get Marc????????????????????????????????????????????

Parker/Boban for M.Gasol. Then sign his brother to come off the bench for him.

[Spurtacular]

Because Pau on the Spurs will further widen the gap between the Spurs and the Grizzlies. So Marc is not doing his own team any favors.

Everyone knows the Grizz are pretenders. And his brother doesn't have many playing years left. He'd be wrong not to give his brother good advice. He's just doing it publicly and owning it.

[HarlemHeat37]

Would not out Conley in disgusting category.

He's 28 or 29 years old(IIRC), physically breaking down, and his game relies entirely on his lateral quickness(defense-first PG) and speed(not a notable shooter or passer)..very, very risky to build you franchise and future around that..

[HarlemHeat37]

Spurs need to stop looking at names, rather than actual current ability..

This team desperately lacks 2-way players and versatility..the 2014 team was extremely versatile, they barely had anybody that was a significant liability on either end of the floor..they need to focus on youth and athleticism..

[TD 21]

Spurs need to stop looking at names, rather than actual current ability..

This team desperately lacks 2-way players and versatility..the 2014 team was extremely versatile, they barely had anybody that was a significant liability on either end of the floor..they need to focus on youth and athleticism..

This is exactly what I was getting at. This is just a general idea, but no realistic names are mentioned.

It's easy to scoff at Conley or Gasol or damn near anyone for one reason(s) or another, but you've got to state the alternative.

[MaNu4Tres]

Spurs need to stop looking at names, rather than actual current ability..

This team desperately lacks 2-way players and versatility..the 2014 team was extremely versatile, they barely had anybody that was a significant liability on either end of the floor..they need to focus on youth and athleticism..

Thank you, Harlem.

[HarlemHeat37]

This is exactly what I was getting at. This is just a general idea, but no realistic names are mentioned.

It's easy to scoff at Conley or Gasol or damn near anyone for one reason(s) or another, but you've got to state the alternative.

I don't think any of these players move the needle IMO, which is why I wouldn't commit to any major deals..I wouldn't be too mad at a potential Gasol signing(although I'd rather keep Duncan and take a flier on youth), since I assume it would be a 1, maybe 2-year deal, but I don't want them to kill their future by building a franchise around declining Mike Conley..

The UFA list is terrible, but it's not like this team is that far off..they were a couple of blown calls away from the WCFs..re-tooling the role players should suffice to keep them challenging for the WCFs without having to over-commit to "names" on long deals that probably wouldn't get them past the Warriors anyways..

[Kawhitstorm]

This is exactly what I was getting at. This is just a general idea, but no realistic names are mentioned.

It's easy to scoff at Conley or Gasol or damn near anyone for one reason(s) or another, but you've got to state the alternative.

The only 2-way player that's in the Spurs budget & could be on PATFO's radar is Marvin Williams. As far as PGs, Delly is the next best 2-way player after Conley.

[TD 21]

I don't think any of these players move the needle IMO, which is why I wouldn't commit to any major deals..I wouldn't be too mad at a potential Gasol signing(although I'd rather keep Duncan and take a flier on youth), since I assume it would be a 1, maybe 2-year deal, but I don't want them to kill their future by building a franchise around declining Mike Conley..

The UFA list is terrible, but it's not like this team is that far off..they were a couple of blown calls away from the WCFs..re-tooling the role players should suffice to keep them challenging for the WCFs without having to over-commit to "names" on long deals that probably wouldn't get them past the Warriors anyways..

I don't necessarily want them to do that either, but at the same time, what future?

Aldridge has little playoff and no international mileage, a relatively clean injury history and a game that should age well, but he's still going on 31 and has played among the most regular season minutes in the league the past decade.

Green is the same age as Conley, they're not exactly teeming with young talent and they play in San Antonio. The mystique built up in recent years is already fading and will be all but gone with Duncan and Ginobili on the verge of retirement a few more seemingly inevitable 2nd round eliminations.

Though highly unlikely no matter what they do, they goal should still be attempting to compete for the championship, not having an outside chance at making it to the WCF's.

[TheGreatYacht]

^ You guys are right. Going young is the only way to go. Enough old guys. Just look at the young role players playing for the Warriors and Cavs who made it to the finals.

Shaun Livingston (30), Leandro Barbosa (33), Marreese Speights, Andrew Bogut (31), Anderson Varejao (33), Brandon Rush (30), Andre Iguodala (32)

Richard Jefferson (35), Channing Frye (32), JR Smith (30), Mo Williams (33), Dahntay Jones (35)

[Kawhitstorm]

I don't necessarily want them to do that either, but at the same time, what future?

Aldridge has little playoff and no international mileage, a relatively clean injury history and a game that should age well, but he's still going on 31 and has played among the most regular season minutes in the league the past decade.

Basically, LMA is going to be past his prime by the time they retool the roster. He's at his PEAK so unless the plan is for him to be a bridge b/w the old regime & the future, each season that passes by is a year of his prime.

Besides Jrue Holiday, there aren't any two-way point PGs in Conley's tier that will be available within the next two summers. As of right now, the Spurs have the WORST point guard depth among ANY of the 16 playoff teams not named Houston. (I don't mind PATFO maxing out Conley, if it means Porker gets traded)

The reality is that Porker isn't getting traded thus there won't be any PG upgrade until 2017 when PATFO could let Patty walk & bring back George Hill. We'll know what they plan to do w/ the frontcourt come June 30th, which is Diaw's judgement day. If Tim/Manu plan on coming back then Diaw would most likely not get waived & PATFO would only have the MLE to throw at a free-agent backup center.

[TD 21]

Basically, LMA is going to be past his prime by the time they retool the roster. He's at his PEAK so unless the plan is for him to be a bridge b/w the old regime & the future, each season that passes by his a year of his prime.

Besides Jrue Holiday, there aren't any two-way point PGs in Conley's tier that will be available within the next two summers. As of right now, the Spurs have the WORST point guard depth among ANY of the 16 playoff teams not named Houston. (I don't mind PATFO maxing out Conley, if it means Porker gets traded)

The reality is that Porker isn't getting traded thus there won't be any PG upgrade until 2017 when PATFO could let Patty walk & bring back George Hill. We'll know what they plan to do w/ the frontcourt come June 30th, which is Diaw's judgement day. If Tim/Manu plan on coming back then Diaw would most likely not get waived & PATFO would only have the MLE to throw at a free-agent backup center.

Exactly. Aldridge obviously gives them a longer (albeit smaller) window than Duncan and Ginobili, but the future is still basically the present.

Sure, they're more than likely still not winning another championship even with Conley and the back half of his contract could easily be crippling, but he would increase their short term upside. The same goes for Horford.

If what Lowe claims is true (Williams might get 2/$30M), then he's obviously out of the Spurs range and not the type of piece they'd move someone they otherwise wouldn't to sign.

Dellavedova, even with their bloated payroll, they'd probably match anything short of astronomical and obviously any team would be foolish to commit that to him.

Even if they could be signed, they're not moving the needle. I'd rather pay Conley or Horford roughly $25M than 20+M for mediocrity.

This is what I mean though: It's easy to scoff at them and damn near everyone else, but much harder to come up with a better path to an outside shot at another championship.

[Kawhitstorm]

The UFA list is terrible, but it's not like this team is that far off..they were a couple of blown calls away from the WCFs..re-tooling the role players should suffice to keep them challenging for the WCFs without having to over-commit to "names" on long deals that probably wouldn't get them past the Warriors anyways..

It's going to be hard to "re-tool the role players" when an average starter is going to get 15 mill. (Might as well get a quality max player & roll like the Heatles)

The team badly needs a point guard & the next best thing after Conley is Lin who is going to get paid. Porker peaked b/w 29-31 which would be the equivalent Conley's first 2 years under a new contract & he has way less mileage.