Oberto nears agreement to remain with Spurs
Johnny Ludden
Express-News
Fabricio Oberto's agent said Sunday he is nearing an agreement for the free-agent center to return to the Spurs.
"He's made it clear he doesn't want to play anywhere else, and everybody knows that," Herb Rudoy said. "We're going to get it done probably early this week."
Free agents can reach verbal agreements with teams, but can't sign contracts until July 11.
Oberto, 32, opted out of the final season of his three-year contract, which would have paid him $2.5 million. When Oberto made the decision last week, Rudoy said it was his intention to re-sign with the Spurs.
The center from Argentina averaged 4.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 17.3 minutes in 79 games last season, 33 of which he started. After coach Gregg Popovich returned Oberto to the starting lineup midway through the Spurs' second-round series against Phoenix, he went on to average 10.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in the Western Conference finals against Utah.
Oberto is a good friend of fellow Argentine Manu Ginobili, but he also has become popular with the rest of his teammates. Tim Duncan has developed a comfort level playing alongside him.
Oberto's hustle and headiness was especially valuable during the playoffs when he hurt opposing defenses that paid too much attention to Duncan. He helped put away the Cleveland Cavaliers by scoring five consecutive points in the closing minutes of the Spurs' championship-clinching victory.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...s.35e8239.html
Oh boy COOORRRSOOO!! Corso!
Anyone wanna guess what the deal is worth? i'd say 3 years/10 million
OK so SPURS can focus on FA now. Sign Posey or Piertus quick! (min contract to JV and let mkt decide how much Bone worths).
Good news.
3-years and between $8M and $12M would be a nice deal.
Agree with Slinkyman. 3years/10M
Good deal. Now earn your paychecks, R.C. and Pop, and go get Nocioni.
Whatever they decide, I wouldn't mind if they frontloaded the contract so that he makes more this season than next season when the infamous 08 plan is unveiled. But 3M or so per year for a big (of starting quality no less) is dirt cheap.
I didn't realize that Oberto was 32 though. I thought he was 29 (but I was probably thinking of Jorge Garbajosa). I think Oberto could easily have several years of quality play left in him, but I wouldn't mind seeing him start 2 more seasons before we move him back to the bench and reduce his minutes so as to increase his longevity. Splitter, Butler and Mahinmi will likely all have an opportunity to replace Oberto in the starting 5 if we don't bring anyone else in (my money is on Splitter).
You can tell Duncan likes Oberto playing alongside him, and they play well together...better than anyone other than DRob I think.
The thing Oberto has going for him is that he's a cerebral player that doesn't rely on superior athletic ability to get the job done. He's like TD in that way, and to big men like that 32 isn't very old. It's those players that have an impact into their late 30's due to their basketball IQ and fundamental strengths.
The only reason Oberto wanted to become a free agent is simply because he wants a longer contract with the Spurs. He wants to stay here for as long as he can. So it's really not about money, it's more about longetivity.
I personally think he is a big asset to the Spurs. I love the way he plays with Duncan and Manu. And he fits in perfectly with all the guys, personality wise as well. Not to mention he has a high basketball IQ...and as everyone always says that he has an uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time. That's something that can't be taught, exactly.
It says here that all he is asking for is 8 million for 3 years...only that:
http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/06/27/01446076.html
So he is not asking for more money or anything...just longer contract.
Yay.
good news
Good news.
God knows with four les in nine years they haven't done ANYTHING to earn their paychecks already.
Yes! Best re-signing for the Spurs this offseason. As much as Finley has contributed, I actually believe Oberto's signing is bigger for the Spurs. Finally, Coach Pop has a reliable defense player, beside Horry. And he plays very smart! But don't get me wrong, Fin was a very, very close second.
Good news, I hope it keeps coming
Not a bad signing at all for the right money.
I want to see if the third year is partially guaranteed or an option of some sorts before I cheer the deal....
3 yrs. 10 M no team option,but player option.Thatīs my guess.
Itīs still cheap anyways,without the team option.
Good. But we still need a center right? For certain matchups.
Elson and Butler both gonna improve enough?
My Argie fellowmen called this one a long time ago, knowing what type of guy Oberto is.
Me too, smeagol. I was in the same thread:
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72552
And people were worried about this...
Last edited by RuffnReadyOzStyle; 07-02-2007 at 08:33 AM.
And I was wrong....Me too, smeagol. I was in the same thread:
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72552
And people we worried about this...
Actually I'm not unhappy about the signing. Oberto is a team guy that knows his function and plays within his means. He's limited offensively, but I think the Spurs can afford to keep him at that bargain rate for a couple/few more years.
Now the Spurs just need an offensive-oriented low post player to fill out the rotation....
<<cough>> Butler <<cough>>
Wasn't stirring you up, Tony. Like your takes.
Like you, I want to see a lot more of Butler next year, and I think we will. The kid dropped a heap of weight, and as long as his brain doesn't let him down, he'll see the court next year. I quite like our 3-headed centre if he pans out because Oberto/Elson/Butler are 3 very different matchups.
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