They talk a lot about these guys over at spursreport.com and so even though I’ve never watched either of them (save some Euro League highlights of Splitter) I feel like I can give a rough idea.

Mahinmi is tearing up the D-Leauge this season, relying on his athleticism to grab rebounds, block shots, and score. His game is still very rough, and he doesn’t have any go-to post moves. But his athleticism makes up for a lot of poor positioning and lack of experience. He has improved over the course of this season in avoiding foul trouble (a HUGE problem at the beginning of the season) and should be by far the most athletic center we’ve put next to TD since the Admiral. Many are predicting his ceiling to be a Samuel Dalembert type of player.

Splitter has played a lot this season with Tau Ceramica, and I don’t think that people are quite as excited about him as they once were. Regardless, he should be an upgrade over Thomas or Oberto, and he will likely be able to hold down the starting spot come 2008-2009. His ceiling is lower than Mahinmi, simply because he is a bit older and not quite as athletic, but he will likely still be a very productive contributor for many years to come.

That’s my take anyway, feel free to correct, those of you who know better than I.

Splitter is only 23 and he is supposed to be an outstanding defender already. He’s an athletic and quick 7 footer who will be very helpful in guarding guys like Dirk and Gasol, as well as everyone else a center might be asked to guard.

One other guy not mentioned is Robertas Javtokas. He’s another athletic FC who also excels on the defensive end. There is a chance the Spurs could bring him in as well.

Manu always said that rebuilding would start in 2008/2009 but that it would really take off in 2009/2010. So there you go.

If you can believe it, I actually watched some of the D-League Finals on their FutureCast. Ian Mahinmi puts up great numbers purely on athleticism as pollackj says. He gets pushed around a good bit underneath the basket still.

The most impressive thing I saw him do, and he did it twice, was get passed the ball in transition offense - think fourth man down on the fast break - and pull up from 17’ and bury the jumper. His ballhandling is fairly weak I think which hurts his ability to develop a move in the post. What he is best at is getting it on the left block - left when you are facing the basket - and taking his right hand into the paint for a jump hook. He’s so long and athletic guys can’t get to his shot.

Splitter I haven’t seen, but he has also battled foul trouble. His not putting up great numbers in Europe doesn’t bother me. The big men who really put up numbers are going to be soft perimeter guys. Guys who bang and hustle and play good D won’t be represented well in the box score.

I think Javtokas is getting quite a bit older now, like 27-28. I’m not sure they’ll ever bring him over, but I guess there is a chance.

I really think Ian should play another year of D-League with occasional stints with the Spurs. After all, the Toros do run the same offensive/defensive system. It’s the perfect opportunity for him to get comfortable and work on his fundamentals without Pop breathing down his neck.

I think Splitter will be a nice 3rd Big to have, especially since I think BLOB will retire. Oberto, Thomas, and Splitter is a nice triumvirate.

Javtokas is a NO. I’ve heard his name kicked around for years but a younger (and less injured – Javtokas was in a terrible motorcycle accident a few years back) Splitter seems to be taking his roster spot as a defensive banger.

I do think we need to find another reliable scorer to shuffle in the mix here. BLOB is out of here, Barry will be in his last year next year, and Finley ain’t getting any younger. A young athletic wingman (and NOT Ubroka) who can score, penetrate, and be comfortable with the ball is what I’m looking for.

Javtokas supposedly recovered fully from his motorcycle accident but I agree that he is a longshot at this point.

Thomas is only under contract to the end of this season, but he would be nice to keep on for the veteran’s minimum.

We do need an athletic swingman. Josh Childress is a restricted free agent this summer. The Spurs will definitely try to pry him away from Atlanta. Also, Pietrus will be a free agent and he would be a very nice addition. Bowen from the Toros, Bobby Jones, and DeMarr Johnson are all possibilities to be had on the cheap, if we want to wait until next year and make a run at Maggette.

One other area of need is backup point guard. JV has one more year left but he really is third string. We need someone who truly has the skills and talent to backup Parker. Maybe an unrestriced free agent like Carlos Arroyo?

Potential roster for next season:

PG: Parker, Arroyo, JV
SG: Manu, Childress, Barry
SF: Bowen, Udoka
PF: Duncan, Mahinmi, Bonner
C: Splitter, Thomas, Oberto

That would allow us to start Manu and still have plenty of firepower on the bench. I sort of like the idea of allowing Ian to develop another year under Quinn Snyder in the D-League, and the above roster (with 3 other bench FCs) should allow us that flexibility.

Of course there is also the possibility that Pop will find some diamond in this NBA draft (J.R. Giddens perhaps) who will actually play in his rookie season. However, that looks very slim given Pop’s history of drafting and stashing foreigners and our late draft position.

Javtokas doesn’t seem to be a NBA caliber player. He barely gets any playing time with his National team or current ball club.