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The San Antonio Spurs, Their Roster, and The Draft

The San Antonio Spurs pulled off the big trade on Tuesday opening up a bunch of roster positions that need to be filled.  The next step in this here offseason is the draft and it could be interesting for us Spurs fans.

Star-divide

Where is the roster right now?

Thin.  The roster is thin.  We really only have 8 guys under contract (Marcus Williams is on a non-guaranteed deal and I think the Summer League will be the determining factor on him).

That is one hell of a base to build from, but we are decidedly thin on the front line.  Matt and Ian are not a strong set of power forwards.  We have no backup center and no backup small forward.  The back court, on the other hand, is pretty solid.

I fully expect Bruce and one or both of Fab and Kurt to be back.  Those will help to shore up the depth.  But that still only gives us 10 players under contract and the league minimum is 13.  The Spurs usually run at 14 or 15.

The Manu Trade Phobia

Manu isn't getting traded.  He just isn't.  I can't think of one scenario, short of Dwight Howard for Manu, that the Spurs would pull the trigger on.  We aren't trading him for draft picks.  No draft pick will be able to help us win this year.  Not unless we got Blake Griffin.  Nobody else, especially not a big, would help this team get past the Lakers.  Not happening.  Nope, not happening.  Manu is a great player at a great value.  Plus, we love him and that counts for something.

I will absolutely guarantee you that the Spurs don't pull the reverse of the Jefferson trade.  What I mean by that is the Manu for a pupu platter of role playing bigs and a pick.  Say, oh, Etan Thomas, Nick Young, and a top 5 pick (I know Washington already traded it) for an all-star.  The front office isn't that dumb.

I expect the Spurs will either wait until next summer to decide on Manu OR sign him to a 3-year extension this summer at something like 6-7 million.

Roger Mason - Possible Trade Chip

I think Roger is the most likely to be traded.  It depends on two things.  1)  Does Pop still consider him a viable option as a backup point guard?  2)  Is Michael Finley coming back?

I know as a collective blog opinion, we aren't big fans of Romaju at the point.   But, our opinion doesn't mean shit.  What matters is whether or not Pop wants to consider him the third point guard?  George will enter the season as the back up, but Pop always likes having a third point guard.  Does he think Roger is that third point guard?

If he doesn't, and especially if FinDog comes back, then Roger becomes somewhat expendable.  He's also valuable as a trade asset since he's in the last year of a $3.8 million contract.

Help in the Draft

It is very unlikely, given we have three picks in the second round, that we get any help in this years draft.  I stated earlier that we wouldn't get anybody in the draft that would help us win this year.  I meant that for picks in the top 10.  Where we are, we almost certainly won't even come up with anybody who will make the roster.  Here are the Spurs second round picks for the last several years:

  • 2008 - Malik Hairson, James Gist
  • 2007 - Marcus Williams, Giorgos Printezis (a dude we traded to the Raptors)
  • 2006 - Damir Markota (a dude we traded to the Bucks)
  • 2005 - None
  • 2004 - Romain Sato (now a solid player in Italy), Sergei Karaulov
  • 2003 - None
  • 2002 - He Who Shall Not Be Named
  • 2001 - Robertas Javtokas, Bryan Bracey

Outside of picking talent and stashing it overseas for a few years, it's very difficult to get anybody to help you in the second round.  Rarely will they help you in the following year.

Getting Into The First Round

We can trade into the first round.  I will bet very, very heavy money that we will NOT trade a rotation player to do it.  Not even Bonner and definitely not Mason.  I don't think there is a player not named Griffin who would help the Spurs win next year more than Mason.  Think about that.

We may, however, package up some second rounders to move into the first.  Or, we could buy a pick.  Or, we could trade next year's pick.  I think all of these are unlikely unless the Spurs have targeted one player they really want.  My guess it is somebody who would be in selected in the 20 range.  I would find it very unlikely that whoever they get will be in the rotation next year.  I doubted George as well though.

This Should Be Fun

I think there is a decent chance the Spurs make some moves for the draft and it should be fun evening.  Just don't expect us to get any help in 2010 out of this year's draft.  Free agency, on the other hand, is another story and that is just a week away.

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The Spurs FO wants Casspi, but word on the street is Portland is intent on getting to him before we do – they inexplicably traded up from #24 to #22 today(with Dallas) with that intent, according to some of the things I’ve read. Maybe the Spurs can put something together and get into position for Jerebko, but I don’t think Young or Casspi are attainable for a reasonable price.

Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.

by Tim C. on Jun 24, 2009 9:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thats what I was thinking as well

It seemed odd they’d jump up 2 spots before the draft even got underway. Im really staring to dislike Portland, especially come draft time, they beat us to Batum last year

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jun 25, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They are trying to get Casspi before the Kings do. In all Casspi’s stock keeps rising, it seems like there are 4 or 5 teams with strong interest in him.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Jun 25, 2009 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah too bad we couldnt get him last year

but smart move on his part waiting for this draft

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jun 25, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wouldnt it be nice if Casspi is taken with the 22 pick so for once Pritchard looks like a fool?

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jun 25, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Shouldnt Finley be added to that list? I thought it was almost certain that he would be back

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Jun 24, 2009 10:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

haha beat me to it

...formerly known as speedostuffer

by Manuwar on Jun 24, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I recall reading somewhere that Finley has that weird loophole that allows him to nix any attempted trade, a la Devan George last year during the Kidd to Dallas trade. So he’d have to sign off on any trade, which I don’t think he’d be inclined to do.

by Neuwaldegg on Jun 25, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s called Bird Rights I believe.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jun 25, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ATS, is there a chance Finley won’t be back? I thought it was a given he would opt for the final year in his contract. I think it was his option at least.

...formerly known as speedostuffer

by Manuwar on Jun 24, 2009 10:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It is his option. He hasn’t said what he is going to do.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jun 24, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

is there a reason why he wouldn’t exercise it?

...formerly known as speedostuffer

by Manuwar on Jun 24, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he wants to retire.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jun 24, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he has been retired from defense the last 3 years

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jun 24, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

zing!

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 24, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is goign to be an intrseting offesesaon. I would rather have the spurs get a free agent to help us out. We should sign the most free agents we have in a while.

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2010 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Jun 24, 2009 11:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

goof trade

love the trade. i live a florida IM a Heat fan and a spurs fan, about this tim, parker, manu, RJ and get me DeSagana Diop or Samuel Dalembert to put along side ducan remind me of robinson wanna be, what do u guys think

by HeatNspurs on Jun 24, 2009 11:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Welcome to PTR, goof to have you here.

It is what it is.
We are who we are.

by SinCitySpur on Jun 24, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Goof one, Sin. Welcome to PtR HeatNspurs. I’d like to introduce you to my friend, the punctuation mark.

by silverandblack_davis on Jun 25, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We really are going to have to put together a Classic Misspellings of PtR post, since there have been a plethora of them lately.

We thank you, Bruce.

by CapHill on Jun 25, 2009 2:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that would be otstanding

by bones on Jun 25, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought about working on something like that, but I’m putting it off until after the draft, and possibly summer league.

Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.

by Tim C. on Jun 25, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dante Cunningham is someone I’d like to see them target in the second round. Very good mid range shot. His post game kind of reminds me of Drew Goodens because he regularly uses his right foot as his pivot foot despite being right handed; makes for some nifty up and unders.

...formerly known as speedostuffer

by Manuwar on Jun 24, 2009 11:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If we are goign to draft a player we plan on using it wont be from the 2 round. If the spurs like a player they see they try to go after him.

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2010 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Jun 24, 2009 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hypothetically....

C: Yawn, Oberto
PF: Duncan, Bonner
SF: RJ, Finley, Bowen
SG: Mason, Manu
PG: Parker, Hill

So that’s possibly 11. Then we can say Gist (PF) has a shot at a roster spot and Hairston/Williams (SG/SF) get the rotating Toro ambassador spot. That gets us to say 13. I’m seeing what you’re saying about a third PG. The only thing is that I remember reading Pop wanted Manu to be the backup point last season over Mason or Hill before he got injured. Maybe that is the depth we need or we get a young guy like Nando de Colo and let him develop with the team instead of in Europe. Getting a big like Heytvelt of Pendergraph late could also be interesting at the end of the bench.

How can KT come back unless we trade for him?

Varner usually makes a lot of sense and says our ideal pick after the trade is DeJuan Blair, the other guy from Pitt and the guy with the sickest picture on Draftexpress. Draftexpress has him going at 21 to NOOCH who need to shed contracts and get money bad.

Side note and I won’t spoil it so you have to go look: I didn’t notice until I was copying and pasting the links but check out Draftexpress’s “best cases” for Pendergraph and Heytvelt. I think we need both….

Did we really just add a player good enough to be guarded by Bruce Bowen?

by BlaseE on Jun 24, 2009 11:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

the spurs playing a secound round pick right away? when was the last time that happened? I dont want to ruin the fun, but dont expect much from the draft (at least not this year, maybe in a couple of seasons those guys can contribute after playing for the toros)

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jun 25, 2009 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If, hypothetically, we were to get Blair, he could probably help right away. Classic tweener who can rebound like a mofo with a freakishly long wingspan.

We thank you, Bruce.

by CapHill on Jun 25, 2009 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes but he is expected to be gone by the 20th pick (maybe earlier). I dont know if the spurs can make a good trade for a 15-20 pick.

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jun 25, 2009 6:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pop could threaten people into giving us a pick that high. I’m sure that would work.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 6:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sadly he is too drunk at this point of the season to do anything. I think last year he drafted Hill just for shits and giggles (“lookzzz at thizz RC…. I dare you to come with a more unkown plaieeeer” “that’s good pop, last time you did that we got the argentinean phenom”)

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jun 25, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Shouldn’t that be ARGENTINE PHENOM? And I think this is as good an explanation as any – just means ATS and I need to get our hands on that wine!

We thank you, Bruce.

by CapHill on Jun 25, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Buford doesnt speak good argentinean

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jun 25, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I get what you are saying but a lot of the good second rounders are considered developmental talent like de Colo. I’m just saying we develop him with our team and 5-10 minutes a game instead of shipping him off. 5-10 minutes isn’t really playing him.

Did we really just add a player good enough to be guarded by Bruce Bowen?

by BlaseE on Jun 25, 2009 7:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

5-10 minutes isn’t really playing him.

but vital to a first year player that we will most likely depend on real soon in the future.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I mean the only counter-argument is that the same guy can get 20-30 mpg in Europe. I don’t think that is quite as good as being with Timmy and the vets and learning the system. Plus a player could be injured or learn to like the Euro. You’re also telling him “we are developing you so its okay to mess up”, basically taking all the pressure off of him. The only thing he can do is overachieve at that point.

Did we really just add a player good enough to be guarded by Bruce Bowen?

by BlaseE on Jun 25, 2009 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i like pendergraph and heytfelt as guys that could fill a need. both can put the ball in the hole, but i would prefer someone like taj gibson. same size, better defender and redounder. none of these 3 would be the immediate answer though.

not sold on blair. he is a big side of beef with some offensive skill, but i think he will be too short to bang his way to a bunch of NBA success in the trenches. he is a big strong man, but there are a lot of those in the association. i wouldnt want to trade up for him. if we move up , its probably not to get a big in this crop of players.

by bones on Jun 25, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t think that is quite as good as being with Timmy and the vets and learning the system.

Exactly. That is why I’ve pressed for a big we can make Duncan’s understudy. Duncan played with Robinson for a few years. Its about time we started preparing for Duncan’s retirement (while grabbing another trophy or two).

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 7:51 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Duncan played with Robinson for a few years.

I couldn’t really believe it when I was looking it up, but Duncan just finished his 6th season without Robinson after playing 6 with him. 2 chips with and 2 chips without. Next season will mark Duncan having played the majority of his career without Robinson.

Did we really just add a player good enough to be guarded by Bruce Bowen?

by BlaseE on Jun 25, 2009 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Using that “cycle” it seems that what Duncan was for Robinson needs to be found this year.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Jun 25, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thus allowing our “evil” empire to live on while raining down misery and pain upon the national sports media.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We did find him, he's in Houston

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jun 25, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Stop that. Stop that right now.

I want my Bruuuuuuuuce

by jollyrogerwilco on Jun 25, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So did TD take some random tall hobo into Grant’s Pizza and the hobo just claimed to be our starting center next year!?!? I just want to know who that was.

Does Grant’s Pizza keep security tapes?

Did we really just add a player good enough to be guarded by Bruce Bowen?

by BlaseE on Jun 25, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe duncan went out with oberto and they were having a good laugh (of course fabri was dying inside)

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jun 25, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

of a broken heart

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hoax.

Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.

by Tim C. on Jun 25, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sadly, I have to agree with that

I want my Bruuuuuuuuce

by jollyrogerwilco on Jun 25, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oberto most likely not returning to the Spurs

Linked from Spurstalk.com

They were 4 incredible years. I spent time with Manu and it was a great relationship w/ everyone. That is what hurts me the most.
Over the next 48 hours Oberto will seek a job with a new franchise. ’I’m used to always having to fight for something. I would like to continue in the NBA, but not at any price. I want something good, with a team that has potential, or I will return to Europe.’

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 11:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I would have posted a translated version but my company blocks that… for some reason.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lakers sold their spot

The 29th pick has been sold to New York.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Jun 25, 2009 1:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh, FSM, please let Ariza leave for more money somewhere else……….

Did we really just add a player good enough to be guarded by Bruce Bowen?

by BlaseE on Jun 25, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m with you. If he’s not coming to the Spurs (of course not, not anymore), I hope he moves to some sucky team for A TON of money and we don’t have to worry about him. He’s a hell of a defender and a pretty good shooter in the playoffs, at least.

by xman130 on Jun 25, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Portland wants him, unfortunately.

Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.

by Tim C. on Jun 25, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OKC has more money, I think….I think they want Gortat too…Presti could make some smart moves if he opens the company wallet a little bit

Did we really just add a player good enough to be guarded by Bruce Bowen?

by BlaseE on Jun 25, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lots of teams are looking to move down this year – it could be the right place and time for the psurs to move up the board by simply swapping picks with someone. just a thought.

by bones on Jun 25, 2009 1:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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