Notebook: Popovich says Spurs won't be pressured into a trade

[timvp]

Notebook: Popovich says Spurs won't be pressured into a trade
Jeff McDonald
Express-News

WASHINGTON — The NBA's second blockbuster trade in less than a week shook the Western Conference on Wednesday. Don't expect it to be the catalyst that shakes the Spurs' locker room.

Phoenix acquired Shaquille O'Neal from Miami, returning the future Hall of Famer to the Western Conference and at last giving the Suns a wide body to throw at Tim Duncan in a playoff series. Last week, the Lakers acquired All-Star forward Pau Gasol from Memphis, solidifying their front line for a playoff run.

Though both trades obviously alter the complexion of the West, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says he doesn't expect them to alter his team's willingness to make a counter trade one way or another.

"I never feel pressure to make a deal," coach Gregg Popovich said. "We talk to everybody just like all other 29 teams. If something comes along and it makes sense for us, we'll do it. Making deals because you feel pressure would be a recipe for failure."

Shape up: Spurs forward Robert Horry has a message for the newest member of the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal, get ready to run.

Horry, who spent seven seasons alongside O'Neal in Los Angeles, made light of the hulking center's trade from Miami to fun-and-gun Phoenix.

"He's not the mobile center he used to be," Horry joked. "A lot of times, he might not make it across halfcourt with them."

Butler sits: Don't expect Jordan to feel sorry for the Spurs' injury woes.

Already playing without star guard Gilbert Arenas for most of the season, the Wizards had to play Wednesday without forward Caron Butler, who had been Washington's best player in Arenas' absence.

Butler, who leads Wizards regulars in scoring at 21.4 points per game, aggravated a hip flexor strain in a loss at Philadelphia on Tuesday.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...k.38241ba.html

[DespЏrado]

CIA pop translation: ____________________ will be traded immediately for _____________________.

Something's in the works. To fill in the blank just look for Pop to say something like he sees Elson and Barry as great contributors for the foreseeable future. At least that's what history tells us.

[Mr. Body]

CIA pop sub-translation: Steve Kerr was a dumbass for being pressured into that trade.

[WalterBenitez]

We could send TD, TP and Manu to Wolves!?