Special Thank You to San Antonio SPURS Owners

by SgtinManusArmy on Nov 30, 2009 9:14 PM CST Comment 39 comments

So, we had this idea. Regardless of what your feelings are on the season thus far, it’s something we need to do as loyal SPURS fans and it’s overdue.

It's time we thanked Peter Holt and his group for their commitment to winning and to producing an exceptional product. They really came through for us as fans this year, and we at least owe them that acknowledgment. Many other owners would either overspend blindly in an attempt to stack a team (ahem, Mr. SEC, ahem), or simply not do anything at all. We are so blessed to have an ownership group committed to winning and doing it wisely, and after the work they did this offseason we need to acknowledge it.

I've been a SPURS fan all my life. I remember the days of Gervin, the Hemisfair, the Bums, fuscia, the Memorial Day Miracle, the Rodman experiment, and now the Duncan era. I've grown accustomed throughout my fanhood in realizing that we are a small-market team, and not in the popular habit of spending to win. While other clubs throughout sports simply operate on a strategy of buying trophies or banners, I have grown used to the fact that we're likely not going to open up the purses and do everything it takes to get us closer. Win or lose, we have always been able to hang our hats on the pride that comes from having discipline, and I've come to anticipate and respect that fiscal choice.

But this past offseason, we all realized that more was needed. With the current volatile economic climate we're in coupled with the realization that we're typically not in the habit of big spending, we faced a pickle: it became clear that we absolutely HAD to spend money that we weren't accustomed to spending to give us a better shot at being competitive. If not even for any other reason than to honor the career of the game's best ever power forward. There wasn't a need to completely revamp, just a need to add pieces that would require financial sacrifices and choices not previously endorsed by the organization. Quite simply, we got to a point in which we needed to do whatever it took fiscally to remain viable.

In the past, we've typically relied on higher unknown draft picks or foreign prospects to fill in the gaps. But this year, more was required. And in times past, we likely would have stood strong and hoped for the best. Each one of us hoped that the ownership group would abandon past patterns and step up to provide the missing pieces needed, and surprisingly the ownership group came through in overwhelming ways. For the first time in many years, the San Antonio Spurs were over the cap in an attempt to remain one of the best teams in basketball… as a small market team, with a relatively small media footprint.

Can ANY of you name another time this has happened, or another team that is willing to wisely do the same for it's fans and in pursuit of winning? We all asked for this for years, and the owners stepped up this year in ways beyond what we could have hoped for. It's time we collectively reached out and thanked them for that. The SPURS have maintained a decade plus of being the winningest team in all pro sports, and have done that on a lesser budget and without the resources of other larger-market teams.

Now here's the ground rules:

1. This is not a place to get on a soapbox or express your brilliant NBA commentary. Nobody cares about that in this format, and Wayne will quickly and quietly delete your comments if that occurs. Don't waste yours or his time.

2. Don't be negative in any way. I know it's oppressive and sad, but this isn't a democracy; it's a personal post on a sports website. If you have negative, sarcastic or backhanded things to say, become a suns fan. This post is for acknowledging and thanking Mr. Holt and the other owners and if you don't feel you can, move along.

3. Be professional. This is going to likely be presented to the ownership group of the SPURS, and we don't need you dumbing down PtR or revealing that we're all secretly idiots.

4. Keep it concise. I'm guessing that Mr. Holt and associates have fairly busy schedules, and reading many 200+ word comments (though they're positive) will be difficult. Keep it brief and get to the point. If your comment is exactly like someone else's, it's okay.

5. Use your first name and location as a close to your comment. Nothing says computer nerd surfing the net in his parents' basement like a tagline of "Sincerely, bsktballwizardofTX82."

6. This is to be a THANK-YOU post only, if you don't agree or don't like it, don't comment. This is not a place to make your GM suggestions or analyze anything, it's only a place to quickly express thanks and acknowledgment to the best owners in the game, and sign your name. We're gonna be lucky to have Mr. Holt actually make time to read this anyway, and we certainly don't need to appear to be morons when he does.

7. This post is likely going to be cut and put into a Word doc for presentation, so it might even help if you remove your tagline (if you have one) before commenting. I know that's a lot to ask, but Wayne's already got enough to do.

Thanks all, and GO SPURS GO.

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Comments

Mr. Holt and ownership group: Thank you so much for your commitment to the team this year. As a lifelong fan, I have never been more excited about our team and the new pieces we acquired over the summer. It is so valuable and unique to have a team of owners so committed to success, and I appreciate you.
-Seth, COLORADO

"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA

by SgtinManusArmy on Nov 23, 2009 3:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To Mr. Holt and the entire ownership group and organization: Please accept my undying thanks for taking such a huge risk to keep the Spurs competitive. If I could use season tickets, I would have bought them, but rest assured I will support you from afar by going to the Spurs games where I live, and buying Spurs merchandise.

Tim – Phoenix, AZ

The Spurs - now playing defense again!

by Tim C. on Nov 23, 2009 4:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and the entire Spurs organization : I want to thank you for going the extra mile this year to keep the Spurs in the Championship run. What a class act, from the owners all the way to the players! Thank you !!

Timmy D .... enough said.

by Ms. Smith on Nov 23, 2009 6:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt, ownership group and the entire Spurs organization: Thank you very much for going the extra mile for this team, and for believing in its players. I live too far away to have any use for season tickets, but I’ll do my best supporting the Spurs from afar.
- David, Argentina

by LatinD on Nov 23, 2009 7:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To Mr. Holt and the entire organization: Thank you for showing that a professional sports team can be run in a such a manner that the fan base always feels as if the team is in the running for another championship. Your willingness to go the extra mile, even in these tough economic times, is greatly appreciated by this fan. Although I am not able to attend many games in person, I will always be a fan of both the team and the organization.

Nancy – Denver, CO

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Nov 23, 2009 7:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thank You for all you have done for the spurs. You show that money does not buy you Championships. It Skill that wins championships. I have always been a fan.

It is hard being a fan in a place where your Team is a rival of the hometown Team .

Nick- Dallas, Tx

IF you see a opportunity you take the opportunity

It's Hard to be a Spurs Fan in Dallas

by sportsfan900 on Nov 23, 2009 8:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and the entire Spurs organization: Thank you for always doing what it takes to help the team win, to the enjoyment of the fans. Your efforts do not go unappreciated. Thanks.

- Romeo, Philippines

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Nov 23, 2009 10:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dear Mr. Holt,

Thanks for all of the time and effort you and your partners have put into the team. As a Spurs fan I am not only proud of our success on the court but also of the unwavering adherence to doing things the right way. Your leadership over these years has been beyond exemplary. Thank you.

Richard – Saratoga, CA

by turnitin.com on Nov 23, 2009 11:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and the entire organization,
Thank you so much for once again making the moves to keep the Spurs competitive on the court, and giving me an organization to be proud of! You and your staff continue to be the model front office in sports.

Edward- Chicago, IL

by Ed (dfjmed) on Nov 24, 2009 6:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and the rest of the Spurs ownership group,

As a Spurs fan I would like to thank you for not sitting back and just enjoying what you’ve already got. I appreciate you all wanting to thank fans and your veteran players by getting the pieces to have another run. Thanks for making it fun!

Stephen – Midland, Texas

by Big50 on Nov 24, 2009 9:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and Spurs ownership group – Thanks for your sacrifice and willingness to keep the team we love relevant and competitive. Your and the team’s success is a testament to the remarkable way you run the organization, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I respect and appreciate all you do, as evidenced by the way you treat everyone around you with diginity and respect, even us fans. Thank you for all the years of hard work, and for looking out for the years ahead.

Jared – Dallas, TX

by znimrod on Nov 24, 2009 12:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and everyone else up there,

Thank you for spending the time and money to build a team that not only competes on the court in a professional manner, but also works hard to get those players that give back to their fans with their time and effort off the court. If you’re ever in Pullman, Washington or Moscow, Idaho, I would love to buy you a drink.

Jordan Leithart, Moscow, ID

by thedooj on Nov 24, 2009 2:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt

Thank you for your dedication to fielding a championship level team while never compromising on the integrity and character of what San Antonio Spurs basketball has come to be known for.

This is a team and organization that I have been unabashedly supportive of for many years; both for what has been accomplished on the court, but equally, for what is accomplished in the community.

Michael – San Antonio

"It's not that the Irish are cynical. It's rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody."
-- Brendan Behan --

by Zeno of Citium on Nov 24, 2009 2:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To Mr. Holt and the entire Spurs family,

Thank you for making the San Antonio Spurs a team worth rooting for. The effort and dedication that the organization has shown to put the best team out there year in and year out is just amazing and truly inspiring. Here’s to another successful run at a championship!

Mark, Philippines

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Nov 24, 2009 6:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and Spurs organization,
Thank you for continually commiting to excellence in a way that is head and shoulders above all other sports franchises. We are the luckiest fans in the world.

J., Wildomar, California

Just call me The Profit

by Manuwar on Nov 24, 2009 7:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt et al.

THANK YOU for your unswerving dedication to the SPURS and pumping professional sport etiquette for the world of the team & fans.
Sincerely,
SunnyInSoCal

by cojones2thewall on Nov 24, 2009 9:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To Mr. Holt, Mr. Buford, Coach Popovich, and the entire Spurs organization,

On this Thanksgiving eve, I am thankful that you continue, year after year, to be a franchise I am proud to support. Thank you for walking that fine line between growing and giving back, between standing firm on your principles and being flexible enough to listen and change, between responsibility and passion. May you reap great rewards from what you have so lovingly sown!

Lauri in Austin, TX

Try the new PtR--now entirely BAT-FREE!

by Lauri on Nov 25, 2009 11:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Among the other things in my life for which I am grateful, I truly appreciate rooting for a team that has never lost my respect nor its integrity while striving to deliver the best in the game!

- Mike in SA, TX

who are you who can summon fire without flint or tinder? there are some who call me ... tim.

by ptruser on Nov 25, 2009 1:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and the Spurs organization,

Your unwavering commitment in pursuit of excellence through professionalism, selfless teamwork and sense of community should not only be appreciated but emulated by those of us who strive to excel in our own fields of endeavor.

Bern, Philippines

by TD21 on Nov 26, 2009 8:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt, Spurs ownership, front office and the rest who make it all run so well,

Please know that your efforts are appreciated, your value for integrity is admired and your investment is duly noted. Thanks for standing behind our team as we cheer for them.

Dale, AUSTIN

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Nov 28, 2009 12:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

For all the above and for the Admiral’s HoF tribute…another classy act! Go Spurs Go!!!
Peggi in Schertz TX

Honestly. You kids today, with your hippity-hop music and your Twiddle. - Lauri

by p2cat on Nov 30, 2009 9:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

For years of great management and a top-flight organization and team for which to cheer! Spurs fans are the luckiest fans in all of sports.

Jason in Little Rock, Arkansas.

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Nov 30, 2009 10:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thank you. As a San Antonio native, the Spurs are an icon for the city to the world, as you can see from the locations on just this community. I am proud and thankful of what you have done for both our franchise and our city.

Eric in SA, TX

by BlaseE on Nov 30, 2009 11:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Peter Holt and the entire Spurs establishment,

Many thanks for running a world class organization year after year. Your dedication and commitment is truly appreciated by Spurs fans across the world. Truly you make us all proud to call this wonderful team our own.

Bella, San Antonio

P.S. From the bottom of my heart, please resign Manu Ginobili.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 30, 2009 11:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

spurs basketball

Thank you Mr. Holt. I am a huge spurs fan living in portland, oregon. I grew up in SA and went to my first game in 1987. Thank you for spending to help keep us at the top. It is much appreciated. Broc

by broc on Dec 1, 2009 1:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt, RC, Coach Pop, and the rest gang

Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for my beloved Spurs. When I lived in Austin I went to several games each year (my first game was at the Alamodome). I have many friends that are fans of other teams, and even rival fans respect our team from the players and coaches to the front office and owners. I am proud to be a Spurs fan.

Jason – St Thomas USVI

by JtownATX on Dec 1, 2009 4:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Spurs Organization

I love the Spurs! You are the absolute best!

Rob – Raleigh, NC

by Delhi Belly on Dec 1, 2009 12:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt, Mr. Buford, Coach Popovich and the entire Spurs Organization,

Thank you for keeping the Spurs in San Antonio.
Thank you for keeping it so exciting, for so long, with so little $$$
Thank you for keeping our team so full of Classy Guys.
Thank you for giving San Antonians something to be proud of besides the Alamo, the Riverwalk and Trinity (Go Tigers!)

Joe – Plano

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Artis Gilmore on Dec 1, 2009 4:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To the ownership, administration and staff of the greatest sports franchise in history,

We, the fans, know that we cannot thank you enough for keeping the Spurs spirit alive. You have chosen to take a great risk during this off season, and all of us know that you guys at the front office are still doing everything for us to win that elusive championship.

In return, please rests assure that we, as spurs enthusiast, will continue to support spurs basketball, in any way we can.

Thank you very much, from all of us here at PtR.

-Bani, Philippines

by cryoscourge on Dec 1, 2009 6:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To the Spurs organization

I’ve been a SPURS fan for about 15 years now and have marveled at the way the organization is able to produce a winner year in and year out. You may have lucked out on two incredible draft picks (Robinson, Duncan) but the way that you were able to get draft steals like Ginobili and Parker just goes to show that you know what you are doing.

A BIG BIG BIG thank you for the last offseason. It was thrilling to read about all the trades and free agent pickups. We all know that it’s going to be worth it by June.

Kudos to you Mr Holt, Mr Buford and Coach Pop and everyone involved in the Spurs Organization. Thank you for providing us a quality basketball team.

- Stephen, Philippines

by shmuck on Dec 1, 2009 8:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Holt and Spurs front office:

Thank you for your commitment to staying competitive during the last years of Duncan’s career despite the economic obstacles. Most importantly thank you for valuing character and professionalism above all else throughout the whole Spurs organization.

-Oscar, New York

When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.

by the little o on Dec 1, 2009 10:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

you are the best!

Thank you for great offseason this year, picks, trades and free agent pickups. And of course thank you for building the best organization in professional sports. I have never even been to San Antonio, but a huge fan of what you have done and continue to do with the Spurs. Hope to see the Spurs in the Finals again this season.

All the best and please keep winning!
- Los Alamos, New Mexico

by Kondor on Dec 2, 2009 5:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To the Spurs Organization

Thank you so very much for your commitment to this franchise. You don’t know how much us fans appreciate all your efforts. You people are otstanding!

-Devin, Puerto Rico

"Everything in life is pure luck" -Donald Trump

by ddog28 on Dec 2, 2009 6:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Class act!

Mr. Holt and the Spurs front office -

Thank you for everything that you’ve done to this team and the city. Thanks for a great off-season. You guys are a class act!

- Shankar, India.

by shankymanu on Dec 2, 2009 8:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

thank you for the upgrade

words just cant express how grateful i am to the owners of my one and only Spurs. Never mind if the team had a slow, or even poor start. I really am looking forward to the very near future ( mid december- all the way to the playoffs) when the team with its new weapons gel with its championship core. I am confident that my San Antonio would very soon find its old form in playing defense . As for the offense, well we all know what this team is capable of achieving so long as they play D like they used to.
Again , thanks to all those who orchestrated such an upgrade during the off season.
Go SPURS Go .

by pacmanu on Dec 2, 2009 11:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To the Spurs Organization:

As a Spurs fan I look around the league, and what I see makes me appreciate the professionalism, the respect and the class in which the Spurs team is run. Thank you for a team of selfless individuals which win championships the old fashioned way, with hard work, teamwork, and defense.
As if that were not enough, you went above and beyond in the keeping the team competitive in a time where most would not have found fault if you had decided to save money instead of spending more. You make it a pleasure to be a fan of this team.

Gonzalo- Los Angeles, California.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Dec 3, 2009 12:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mr Holt and the Spurs Ownership Group

I have been a Spurs fan since the old days of Gervin, Silas, Johnny Moore, the Whopper, and Gilmore and welcome this opportunity to tell you how much we appreciate the commitment you have made to this team and to the fans for the next few seasons. To spend into the luxury tax in a small market is a difficult choice and I as a fan deeply respect you and your fellow owners for this decision. Thank you for owning this team and thank your for your commitment to winning.

Bart – Abilene, Texas

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain

by spurchief on Dec 3, 2009 9:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dear Mr. Holt and the Spurs Organization

I have been a proud Spurs fan since the days in the Hemisfair with Ice and Gilmore. We’ve had some ups and downs, but your time in ownership has truly been a golden age for the Spurs. I feel lucky to be a fan of a team with such quality individuals, not to mention a team that wins championships with class and humility. It looked like our golden age was drawing to a close, and many owners might have traded away all the players the fans had grown to love in order to save a few dollars. Thank you for committing what is necessary to keep the team among the NBA elite, and thanks for all the great memories and for the great moments to come.

Sincerely,

Tomas Rodriguez — Austin, Texas

by tomasito on Dec 3, 2009 10:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Spurs Family

Thanks for a (young) lifetime of entertaining, classy and great basketball!
From the players, to coaches, management, ownership and those working in the lesser known corners of the organization, you are all a great inspiration. It means a lot that I can always count on my favorite team to continue to be competitive year in and out.
Lets go for # 5 in ‘09-’10!!!

- Jacob, New York

by JaJa99 on Dec 4, 2009 3:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs