San Antonio Spurs Guide To Free Agency and Free Agent Primer
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 1, 2009 1:17 AM CDT
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PrintFree agency kicked off Tuesday night at 11:01 SPURS time. At this point, all they can do is talk and make offers. No contracts can be signed. Here's my rundown of the situation. What we have? What we can spend? Who we want?
What do we have?
With Michael Finley exercising his player option, we have upped our current roster to 10.
- Tim Duncan
- Ian Mahinmi
- Matt Bonner
- Richard Jefferson
- Marcus Williams (unguaranteed)
- Manu Ginobili
- Michael Finley
- Roger Mason
- Tony Parker
- George Hill
We also have our draft picks and old draft picks. None of those guys, however, are signed to contracts and should be considered iffy.
What Can We Spend?
My trusty bean counter at Sham Sports tells me that the salaries for the above 10 players comes to $72,054,727. We are WAY over the salary cap area and almost assuredly over the luxury tax already. While the numbers won't be official until about a week from now, last year's luxury tax was in the $71 million range and it is expected to go down.
What does that mean? Well, it means we are limited to using the mid-level exception, the biannual exception, and the veteran minimum to sign guys. The mid-level exception is about $5.5 million (again, the number won't be official until the next week), the biannual dohickey was $1.9 million last year, and the veteran minimum was $1.2 million.
What can I take from this? We can sign one decent to good player for the $5.5 million. Then we can sign as many scrubs as we can find for the minimum. OR, we can spend the $5.5 million on two OK players. Then sign as many scrubs as we can find.
Who Do We Want?
Well, 'who' is really dictated by 'what'. What we need are big men. And more than one. If you look at the guys I listed on the roster, you'll see that we have 3 -- yes, 3 -- big men. We normally carry 5-6 big men. In 2008, we have Tim, Horry, Bonner, Fab, KT, and Ian. Last year, we had Tim, Bonner, Fab, KT, Drew, and Ian. Right now, we have Tim, Bonner, Ian. That won't fly. We need three bigs. One or two will come from the draft guys though, so we'll probably target just one big man in free agency. The free agent list is LONG. Peruse at your leisure.
What Bigs Will We Get?
That $5.5 million MLE is going to the best big the Spurs can attract. I think #1 on their list will be Rasheed Wallace. He fits EVERYTHING the Spurs like in a big man next to Tim. 1) He can shoot the three. 2) He's a solid defensive player. 3) He has a very high basketball IQ. 4) He's old as dirt. Do you guys realize that Tim is the second oldest player on our roster and Manu is the third? Pop isn't going to let that fly.
If we can't snag Rasheed, I'm not sure where we go. I give the thumbs down to McDyess. I think he has less in the tank than Rasheed. Gortat seems like a guy who will be overpaid. Rasho wasn't that good when we traded him 3 years ago. Birdman...please.
I'm firmly on the Sheed bandwagon, but I think McDyess might be the next best fit. Don't discount Drew Gooden. I could see the Spurs going with him if they could get him on the cheap. A combo of Pachulia and Gooden might be interesting.
What About the Non-Bigs?
I want Bruce back. I think Bruce, at the veteran minimum, as the back up small forward would be fantastic. We don't really need another guard. Tony, Roger, Manu, George, and FinDog (FinDog is more of a SG than a SF) should be more than adequate. I think with the emergence of George, and Roger's and Manu's ability to run the point in a pinch, we don't need the Jacque Vaughn veteran-savvy third point guard this year. With the addition of Jefferson, there is no way we are spending any money at the small forward position and whoever we bring in will have to be dirt cheap.
Unless the Spurs pull off another trade, I really don't see us doing much in free agency besided chasing a big man and signing a few guys for the minimum. I'll bet those minimum guys are familiar faces.
Odds and Ends
- The Pistons have a TON of cap space. Do you think they'll sign Artest? Please, pretty please.
- What's up with Allen Iverson? I haven't heard anything. Nothing. Zero. About anybody being interested in him.
- Jerome James is available. I think Tim would like it if we signed him.
- Several former Spurs big men are available: Rasho, Malik, Sean Marks, Francisco, Melvin Ely
- Anybody heard anything about Shawn Marion going somewhere? Me neither.
- Do you remember how the Suns fans were all stoked about the signing of Matt Barnes? They can't wait for him to get out of town now.
- Chris Wilcox is a free agent. If the Spurs are looking for a talented guy who needs a fresh start, he might be the man. He'd be cheap.
- Hmmmm, what about Joe Smith?
- Or Anderson Varejao? Hold it he's now #2 on my list ahead of McDyess. I forgot about him.
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The juicy rumors should start trickling in within the next few hours. I can’t wait.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
Awesome, bossman. So… no love for the D-Leaguers and Euros of the world, huh?
by silverandblack_davis on Jul 1, 2009 1:39 AM CDT reply actions
don’t tell anyone, but… I think we may not have heard the last of the rumors about giants from Europe.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
Rumors going that the Bobcats are interested in AI, thus reuniting him with Larry Brown. “Practice?!?!”
I am with you on Dice and Jacque Vaughn. I hope to God he doesn’t re-sign with us…granted he didn’t play much this year, but when he did, it was guaran-sheed that he would immediately drive to the hole in a crowd and commit a turnover.
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 1:49 AM CDT reply actions
First off I’m glad there is a new post up because PtRers have been extremely active; the other posts are starting to lag on the upload for me.
Now on with the free agency. I’m really shocked that you are in the ‘Sheed camp. I’m not going to try to change your mind about it but you do realize that ‘Sheed on the Spurs would be like putting Robinson on the old Jail Blazers teams right? Or like trying to mix oil and water. Or like trying to breed a Rhodesian Ridgeback with a Minature Schnauzer. I’m just saying it might be difficult.
Is saying that a combo signing of Pachulia and Gooden would be interesting an endorsment? I think that is the way we need to go.
Like you I think Mcdyess doesn’t have much left in the tank but this could be a reason we sign him. We always seem to get players that USED TO be studs.
Just call me The Profit
Rasheed has been known to smoke, but…he’s not a bad guy at all. He’ll get some techs, sure, but he has an excellent feel for the game, is a very smart player, and will stay within the offensive and defensive game plan. And he has skills both ways. It’s a good risk, considering the guys who will be around him and this is all or nothin’ time.
Pachulia + Gooden = nowhere near as good as Wallace, and neither one of those guys helps much against the Lakers.
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 2:02 AM CDT up reply actions
and there’s no way we could afford both of them.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
i wouldnt jump off a bridge if the spurs brought gooden back. maybe he’s not the right fit, but after seeing him for a few weeks, i like what he can bring us way more that many of the bigs that will be available.
gooden's health status
anyone know how healthy he is since he reportedly had “sports hernia” which caused him to miss numerous games last season, and the fact that he had no “ups” prior to the injury and now the injury limits his jumping ability, is not a good thing…
because of this, i’d rather not go the gooden route.
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 1, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm hoping he'll linger in free agency
and bring his asking price down so we can sign him real cheap.
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
‘Sheed on the Spurs would be like putting Robinson on the old Jail Blazers teams right? Or like trying to mix oil and water. Or like trying to breed a Rhodesian Ridgeback with a Minature Schnauzer.
Manuwar, two words for you:
Everybody always uses this as an example….
… only he wasn’t bat-shit crazy when he played for us. He was an unknown and then left when we wouldn’t pay him like a superstar, and went nuts. He was different when in SA, but not half the headcase he is now.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Jul 1, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
But you could also spin the argument that Pop and Co. knew how to contain the crazy and knew how to make the crazy play in our system…
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
Wait, hold on a second. Are we talking about the Spurs or SiMA’s personal life? Because when I hear “contain the crazy” and “make the crazy play in our system” I think about SiMA and a lady friend.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 1, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow, those age jokes are really hurting you, aren’t they?
Wait, let me speak loudly and in Argentine so that you can understand me-
WOW, THOSE AGE JOKES ARE REALLY HURTING YOU, AREN’T THEY?
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Jul 1, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, what about Varejao? He did opt out of his contract today, but he will command too much money. Someone will over pay him.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4298237
Luxury tax and salary cap be damned, let’s get him. We need another Argentine-ian to replace Oberto so Manu can have someone to talk to.
It is what it is.
We are who we are.
But Manu and Oberto are Brazilian. They speak a different language.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
I hope someone does overpay Varejao. Blecch. (I know, I know, he’s actually pretty good. I just can’t stand him or his game.)
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
WHy not? Varejao is number 2 on my list now. He is a talented big man.
Besides, every game against the lakers would be so much fun. Imagine Gasol trying to avoid contact while Varejao is chasing him just to flop. Or Varejao and Fisher clashing in a battle of flopping.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Yuck Varejao
It makes me sick to my stomach to hear this guy could be a Spur. I think he’s overrated and his next paycheck will show that.
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
I’m home sick from work today, so i have been exploring the interweb with great fervor, hoping to seize some juice rumor of impending Spurs domination. I’ll let you know when i find it.
In the meantime, however, I came across a post at 48MOH that proposed some creative thinking to our big man problem. In sum, for those of you who are too lazy to click and read the post, it proposes that we spend all or some of our MLE on a combo 3-4 such as Odom, Charlie V, Marvin Williams, or Channing Frye. Thus shifting Duncan to the 5 and giving us the ability to play small ball without giving up rebounding.
I admit, if we can’t get Wallace, the idea of Odom or Villenueva starting next to Duncan is very enticing. I think it’s worth considering, to be sure.
I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili
i voted for charlieV in that poll as well.
i’m hoping RJ can persuade him to sign. CV is probably looking for more than the MLE though.
i wouldn’t be upset if we signed ‘sheed since he is a better defender, but get CV in the Spurs system under Popp and i think he is more capable than an Oberto/Elson/Nazr and as capable as Horry, guys we’ve won with in the past next to Timmay. His young legs are also a plus over Sheed and throw in that he’s on a contender, or as RJ stated, he’s going to be relevant for the first time in his career.
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 1, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah right, another offensive player? ARE YOU NUTS PEOPLE? ARGGGHH, YOU MAKE THE ARGENTINEAN IN MY EXPLODE!!! …………WE DONT NEED CHARLIE VILLANUEVA. WE HAVE TONS OF OFFENSIVE OPTIONS. WE DONT NEED ANOTHER ONE. WHO ARE WE? THE FUCKING SUNS? WE JUST ADDED A 20ppg SCORER TO A TEAM THAT HAS PARKER, GINOBILI, DUNCAN AND MASON (also add Bonner, finley and Hill). WE DONT NEED ANOTHER OFFENSIVE PLAYER. WE DONT IM I CLEAR?
STOP THE VILLANUEVA NONSENSE PTR
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
This is a classic Argentine rant, but you forgot to capitalize PPG.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
yeah, Chilai, that was a little dissapointing. You had worked up the energy and momentum, you were moving right along and then … what? I don’t get it. “p” and “p” and “g” have prolly got their feelings hurt now.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
as do the words
“also”, “add”, “Bonner”, “Finley”, “and”, and “Hill”
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
that’s a paranthetical statement, it’s logical to go to lower-case for those
you need to study your argentinosaurus777 style-book
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
ahhh!!!!
too many big words! My brain hurts again. Activate Tom Cruise powers!
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
Wow, kaiser, I knew he was crazy, but who knew he was that far gone to the dark side?
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
It startled me as well
but when you have a part in a movie where you have to look like this:
You have to resort to the dark side to kill those who say you ruined your career with that movie. (if you read some blogs and reviews about the movie from people say that movie will kill his career)
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
Maybe if he’d been serious about it, or if the role had been anything but a cameo, but as it is, I’d be very surprised if it did kill his career.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
IMO, it was about the best thing he’s ever done.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 2, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I thought he was great in it. What’re you talking about, guys?
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
I don’t know. It wasn’t funny for me at all. But thankfully, Robert Downey Jr. was in that movie.
by silverandblack_davis on Jul 2, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions
That movie ruined his career? I’m pretty sure it’s the endless Mission Impossible series, plus his psychosis, that ruined his career.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
Mission Impossible was fine. MI: 3 was a pretty damn good popcorn movie.
His psychosis ruined his career. And “ruined” might be too strong a term, because I fully expect him to make a comeback.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
can i take my earmuffs off now? haha
how will duncans knees hold up during the regular season?
manu’s ankles?
rj’s inflated ppg with redd/bogut out?
mason/bonner/finley/hill- live and die by the three ball?
i see nothing wrong with adding a guy who is 6’10, young, long, athletic to go up against the likes of odom/ariza, and defend dirk, can finish around the rim, spread the floor, score from anywhere and can learn the SAS team defensive scheme.
still, probably won’t be able to afford him.
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 1, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
DTM, go here for the backstory on why we here at PtR think that ALL CAPS is hilarious when used correctly.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
thanks for bringing me into a SOCCER, or should i say futbol thread…haha
speaking of soccer, USA played one helluva first half last week… then the showtime brazilians stepped it up and started attacking in waves. that was nuts. i don’t follow soccer at all, but major cup games like that on HD are fun to watch.
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 1, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
We need a rebounding/defending big. Villanueva is not good at either
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
doesn’t matter, we couldn’t afford him with just the MLE. he signed with detroit, he’s going to average close to 20-10 next year.
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 1, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Chilai is Argentine — and a very sarcastic Argentine at that
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
punnage is lost on jrw.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
Awww, I LOVE puns. And I missed it.
I read Chilai’s comment yesterday and broke my rule of “always read the entire comment before reading the reply” because I thought I remembered Cailai’s post well enough.
Man! I hate that for me.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
Pay the rabid Argentine no mind, DTM. It’s his way.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Channing Frye? He actually suggested that? Frye is not a combo 3-4, he’s just a timid 4-5 who does not mix it up inside. Though he does have good shooting skills, he does not have ball-handling or passing skills, and he is not a good defender on anyone (small or big).
Odom would be great for the MLE. I just don’t see him going that cheaply though.
Marvin Williams? Atlanta is not going to give him away for some garbage. As far as I know, he is a big part of their future plans.
Charlie V? The Bucks just cleared the space to keep him. That’s why we have RJ.
Frye is the only one listed that we could get, and we’d be better off without him.
"The evolution has been good, and I am much more tranquil now in the face of what comes next,"--Manu Ginobili
actually, the Bucks are letting Charlie V walk. They’re concentrating on Sessions.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
You are right. My info was dated. It appears that the Pistons are closing in on Charlie though.
"The evolution has been good, and I am much more tranquil now in the face of what comes next,"--Manu Ginobili
"Frye is not a combo 3-4, he’s just a timid 4-5..."
I don’t care who you are, that’s funny….
The huge problem here thats not being mentioned is contract length
We need cash available next season to sign Tiago Splitter. Our big of the future. Bon Bon can be flicked and findogs coming off the books but if Sheed & Especially Varejao come on board do you really think its going to be for a one & done contract?
Multi year deal is I think the exact reason why Mr.Sideshow Bob opted out.
I doubt he gets more than 6.2 million (which on the face of it makes him look foolish), but he is far more likely to secure a longer term contract at reasonable dollars and secure his future in 2009.
Sure he gets 6.2 if he opts in this year, however with all the cap space saving thats purportedly going for 2010 is going on because theres a throng of talented free agents, it is going to be really competitive, where as this season the top of the pile is Hedo, Odom, Gordon & Charlie V. In terms of Centres it really is just Sheed, Gortat, and now Varejao around the MLE mark.
He can probably pick up a 5 year 26 or 27 Million dollar deal this free agencey, that contracts probably not there in 2010.
Then again he was a complete wanker hold out earlier this year so hey wtf do i know?
" Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes, that way when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes. "
Mark Cuban thinks that it would be in players’ interests to sign a one-year deal so they can be free agents again next year. There are a bunch of teams that will have cap space, and only a few marquee free agents, so it is likely that the teams that don’t sign Lebron/Bosh etc. will overpay the remaining guys.
Looking at it that way, maybe it makes sense for Varejao to sign a one-year deal.
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. --Andy Dufresne
The idea of signing Tiago should NOT even enter the Spurs head when pursuing a big man this year. Even giving Varejao a 5-year contract for the full MLE woud tie in a solid player at a reasonable price for 5 years. I can’t imagine Tiago would be able to command near the $5.5 mill/year salary. I’m thinking Bonner’s money alone would do the trick.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 1, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Not only that, but there’s no guarantee that Tiago comes over next year. He could jilt us again. We like to assume that he’d join the Spurs, but that doesn’t mean that he will.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
also, there’s no guarantee Tiago is going to be a better player than Varejao in the NBA. Lets be real, we should be very happy if he turns out to be as productive as Varejao.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Thank god I got my sarcasm meter fixed. It’s off the charts right now! HAHAHA….
Oh you’re serious!?
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
we need a ruling on this — not a ruling … a judgement, uh, we need a ______ here
um
position statement!! That’s it
Chilai, give us a position statement for real now. Tiago vs Varejao. What do you think?
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
First of all, I get that you hate how Varejao plays. Most of NBA fans do. But he is starter material, no question about it. He is productive, he defends, he makes you win. Its silly to underestimate him.
Then we got Tiago. What is his celing? A productive starter center in the NBA, very good at defending? That sounds like Varejao. Oh, and they are both argentinean.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
ok, so you like Varejao — he’s about as polarizing as Sheed is
thanks for clarifying
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
the difference is that you have REAL reasons to dislike SHeed and to think that maybe he wont work in san antonio. Varejao? Not much upside as sheed, but you can count on him to average 10/10 and give you superb defense and lots of flops.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Well he very well could jilt us again but…
I feel good because he’s publicly stated he’d like to play in the NBA now. Also Team Tau is in some financial woes and also, Tiago said that one of the main reasons resigned with Tau was to be near his dying sister. She has since passed away and I fully expect Splitter to make the jump across the pond.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
I missed where he’d said that he’d like to play in the NBA. This make me more sanguine about our hopes. But I’m still not ready to pencil him onto the roster yet.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
Tiago is a solid defender and much much more polished offensively compared to Varejao
However when looking at the long term view i suppose ATS has a very good point. Timmy D’s window is now. It wont make any difference in 2 years if its Anderson or Tiago. It is something that has to happen today.
Also on the whole cap space front from 2010. I think a lot of teams are playing possum. They are using 2010 as an excuse but are actually just so financially screwed they can’t afford any free agents.
I think the bucks are the best example. Charlie V is the best guy i can remember recently who just didnt even get a qualifying offer…. If the Bucks are so strapped now they can’t afford to renew one of their best players what are they odds they go throwing cash at anyone at all next year?
" Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes, that way when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes. "
oh man, i handnt initially read the note about jerome james in your post ATS……my comment on him is this:
i give him no respect……none
had to see that one coming a mile away, eh?
Is that a Lakers suck shirt? Very nice.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie
that is a lakers suck shirt. picked it up at el mercado. the photo itself was taken at about 7pm in one of the local hotels atfer a full day of drinking….if you can imagine such a thing…..
i swithced my avatar to bruce in our one day tribute after he got traded. did anyone else do that by the way?
however, i lost my former pimp slap picture – so this is what i found to replace it. hopefully, i will be able to get pimpy back on there – mostly because it stands out making my comments easier to track….and i am lazy like that.
I’ve got the same shirt in black. The Mercado has all kinds of “non-official” Spurs stuff… it’s a great place to shop.
You’re a drinker? Who knew? ;-)
I’m with you on the avatar… no one else has it and it’s easy to locate any convos in which I am involved.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie
Mine does the same for me.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 6, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
So did your last one — it’s just that after the illusion crushing thread, you decided to paste your mug next to every one of your comments for the whole world to see, while the rest of us satisfied ourselves with posting our likenesses just the once.
You used to identify yourself with a grizzled Pop, now you’re visually linked to what’s probably the scariest possible image of yourself that exists.
Can’t argue too much with it, I suppose, when you could have chosen that pic of your foot and ankle as your avatar. Guess I’m thankful that you decided to aim for scary, instead of going for the gross-out.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
Mike and Mike
were just suggesting that Allen Iverson could be the new Vinny The Microwave Johnson if he were willing to be someones sixth man….it would be weird to see Iverson just walk away
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.
Interesting thought. What Iverson decides to go ring-chasing for $3 mill/year? Who takes a shot at him? Could you afford not to?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 1, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Allen Iverson is the Iverson that might decide to go ring-chasing.
o;—-)
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. --Andy Dufresne
I’m still pretty convinced that A.I. wouldn’t settle for anything less than a starting job. He balks at coming off the bench. And as much as I love the guy’s heart and energy, he’s more of a cancer to a team now.
by silverandblack_davis on Jul 1, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah, someone else compared him to Sprewell
who turned his nose up at 7M/ yr b/c he’s got kids to feed
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.
I’l never stop thinking that’s hilarious.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
yep, comedy gold there...
…kind of makes you want to drop a buck in his cup when you see him on the off-ramp with his “Please…. nba vet” cardboard sign…
Varejao...
If the Spurs sign this guy, I’m not going to be happy. Not because he’s not a good player, but because he’s a tool. He is in my top 5 most hated non-all-stars. This guys flops like a girl, whines like a girl and is not good looking enough to get away with it. We’d be getting a Chris Paul like player…and that will be upsetting.
Not to mention, he needs a hair cut.
What about Brandon Bass?
I know he’s not the biggest name out there, but he’s young, he’s a banger and he doesn’t need the ball a ton. Charlie V. would be nice (although I think Detroit is going to drive his price up), but he’s a scorer and we could end up with too many cooks in the kitchen on the offensive side. I think Bass would look good next to Duncan and he might be a nice building block for the future, as opposed to Sheed or Dice.
we already have 1(Blair) and possibly 2(Gist) young, undersized PF’s. I don’t think we need another.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
I don’t really want him either, but he has more range on offense.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
Priorities
Gotta agree with ATS on this one: Sheed is choices 1,2 and 3 on the menu. The rest of the buffet looks like the pupu platter (or poo-poo, if you prefer).
If we don’t get Sheed, I think resigning Gooden might be the next best option. Before your head explodes, hear me out. Big men struggle in this system, particularly in year one. It’s different than just about anyone else’s system, because the bigs rotate “backwards” from a more traditional defense. It takes half a season (or more if your name is Francisco Elson) to begin to instinctively move like Pop wants you too.
Gooden knows the system, having played in 2 versions of it (Cavs, Spurs). He can shoot. He’s a better rebounder than a lot of the guys on that list (Charlie V, Odom, etc). If the window really is short, let’s to guys that could help us win it this year.
Plus, he’s a nutter. This team kinda needs a nutter, someone to be weird and keep everyone loose. Ok, I made up that last point. But you have to admit that Gooden is his own person.
Complement the Gooden resigning with a Zaza / Rasho / non-descript Euro center (although in this scenario, I’d almost prefer Rasho, for some of the same reasons as above: familiarity with the system, he can shoot).
Oh yeah, and we have to pray that Yawn is as big of a impact as we thought he would be.
"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley
again.. whats gooden’s “sports hernia” status from last year?!
did he have surgery? was it just rest? he re-aggravated it numerous times. is that why he got limited mins when he arrived? i don’t want to sign another walking injury.
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 1, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
And for self-aggrandizing reply-to-yourself, I forgot to mention that I would not mind seeing them resign Kurt Thomas if he gets waived by the Bucks. Kurt played well at the end of last season and as a 3rd big (15 minutes), he could be really helpful. Plus, he looks like he could kill someone. And I’ve always thought we needed a guy who looks capable of homicide on the bench.
Not sure about Gooden’s injury, but he saw at least 20 minutes on several occasions during the late regular season and playoffs (except for the last game DNP-CD). Can’t imagine he’d do that if he was still hurt.
"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley
I liked some of what Thomas brought, but I hope he and the Spurs part ways. He is just getting too old (he will be 37 and he has played with no ankles for his whole career) and he really sucked against the Mavs. If the Spurs sign him for the minimum, it wouldn’t be too bad, but I do not want him being a starter or even the primary backup at either post position next season.
"The evolution has been good, and I am much more tranquil now in the face of what comes next,"--Manu Ginobili
Haha Gooden is a nutter
But I could live with resigning him. When he did get minutes it wasn’t bad watching him play, and he does know the system, which, as spurchief said, is important in regards to winning ASAP. I think the health status is a huge factor though. Hopefully we know his situation soon.
Great post and analysis ATS. I am on the Sheed-wagon too. I would like Bruce to finish his career with the Spurs, and I think he will. I’ve heard rumors about Iverson going to Charlotte. I believe he’ll be picked up by a crap team that will shell out the cash, and not have him play second fiddle to anyone – or, God forbid, make him come off the bench. I think Rick Tamla (name correct?) on NBA-TV once speculated about him going to ‘his T-Wolves’, but they may now have their guard situations sorted out, and definately cannot afford A.I. I don’t think Marion’s name has been thrown around because he probly wants entirely too much money, and has never won a thing.
Hi, my name is Ed, and I despise the Lakers.
I’d link it up if I could (but it’s blocked at work, so I cannot), but CelticsBlog has rumors that Rasheed is closer to signing with Boston.
Hi, my name is Ed, and I despise the Lakers.
I am anti-Odom like SiMA is anti-Sheed. But more so.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 1, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Unless this has already been reported, ESPN radio is reporting that the Spurs have announced an interest in Odom.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
They’ve “announced an interest?” What does that mean? Did they hire a town crier to parade around the Riverwalk yelling “hear ye, hear ye, the Spurs are interested in Lamar Odom?”
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. --Andy Dufresne
So, that’s what that was… I couldn’t really make that out from my office window. Thanks for the info, T!
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie
Something tells me the Spurs are going straight for the guy they think is “underrated”… Pachulia?
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
’Sheed can play the 4 or 5, Odom plays the 3 or 4. I still prefer ’Sheed for his defense, and the ability to play Timmy at the 4.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
I am in the “trust the Spurs FO” camp. Those two are knuckleheads in varying degrees but hopefully Pop and TD can create magic!
by silverandblack_davis on Jul 1, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions
And it looks like the Magic are already after Gortat. I guess they’re really pessimistic about the Yao situation
Gortat and Scola play a similar style… are the Rockets sure they want to do that?
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
gortat 5, scola 4, nothing wrong with that.
scola has a better jumper and post game.
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 1, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess theyre desperate in the frontcourt without Mutombo and Yao possibly out for the season/longer
It’s a great time to be Gortat, isn’t it?
I mean the guy is basically Greg Ostertag, but he’s about to make some bucks thanks to good timing.
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
From 48mh.. the summer league roster:
Malik Hairston, G
James Gist, F
Nando De Colo, G
George Hill, G
Donnell Taylor, G
Squeaky Johnson, G
Eric Dawson, F/C
Antonio Anderson, G
Marcus Vinicius, F
Romel Beck, G/F
Ian Mahinmi, C
Jack McClinton, G
Alonzo Gee, G
DeJuan Blair, F
No Marcus Williams and the welcome appearance of de Colo.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Wow, Nando’s going to be there? RC didn’t seem like he was even interested in bringing him to the states this year. Interesting.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
I just put it up on the home page.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 1, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I was about to tell you about this, ATS.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Nandos was my favorite chicken place in Australia
so I hope he makes the squad
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.
Plus when he steps onto the court we can all sing for him.
“There was something in the air that night . . . the stars were bright . . . Spur Nando . . .”
::ducking::
Man, you guys must be sick of me today. I can’t believe no one’s even giving me any shit about this!
damn it… I was just going to write how weak the Abba reference was. Then I got all distracted by a the bull with the rose image in my head.
Missed opportunities, I’ve had a few.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie
wow, Abba? No wonder I had no idea what it was about. 1982 was a greatyear to be born. :-)
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
We chose to ignore it out of concern for your psychological welfare.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
How about a Nando Carlissian photochop? Coming soon to a post near you. (if he gets on the Spurs roster, that is)
by silverandblack_davis on Jul 1, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions
“They were shining there for you and me, for Timmy D, and Nando…”
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. --Andy Dufresne
If I had to shoot the trey again, I would, my friend Spur Nando.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
Some comments from the Pistons board about the Spurs
They were trading stunned comments about Joe D’s trying to sign Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva and the topic of the Spurs came up…thought you guys would enjoy their remarks, I know I did…
- Bill Higgins
Jul 1st, 2009 at 4:52 pm
As a real-world example I point to the Spurs, who, yes, they have Tim Duncan, and that was a huge stroke of luck, but they’ve consistently and patiently put winning players around him. You don’t win with Tim Duncan alone.
- 273 brgulker
Jul 1st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
As a real-world example I point to the Spurs, who, yes, they have Tim Duncan, and that was a huge stroke of luck, but they’ve consistently and patiently put winning players around him. You don’t win with Tim Duncan alone.
Ginobili’s also been one helluva stroke of luck. I think SA’s a model franchise (they took Blair, which only solidifies the point in my mind), but they have gotten lucky as hell, to boot.
Seriously, who thought Manu would be one of the best SG’s in the game?
- 274 Bill Higgins
Jul 1st, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I say Duncan was luck because that team had David Robinson and only got the pick because he had a freak injury. Ginobili was plucked out of nowhere. That’s just great scouting and managerial skill. The Spurs were onto the South Americans before any other team really knew about them.
Amazing how good he’s become, absolutely.
- 275 Yahtzee
Jul 1st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I think Stuckey/Rip/Gordon could work. Gordon doesn’t demand the ball like AI does, and we could put Rip at the 3 to rest Tay so he doesn’t disappear in the playoffs. Rip goes to the bench, Gordon then launches a bunch of treys. It all depends on Stuckey’s development as a PG. CV would help our scoring as well, obviously, so our C wouldn’t have to be a scorer. Kwame wouldn’t be terrible at simply rebounding/putbacks/garbage work. I would be worried about our defense and shot blocking though.
- 276 brgulker
Jul 1st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I don’t disagree, Bill. They are, in my view, the model franchise.
- 277 Joel
Jul 1st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
You don’t win with Tim Duncan alone.
Unless it’s 2003. Not even Bird, Magic, or MJ can ever claim to have done that. Duncan’s performance in those Finals was one of if not THE greatest Finals performance of all time. 21/20/10/8 in the deciding game. Ridiculous.
- 278 Joel
Jul 1st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
(washed up Robinson, rookie Parker and Ginobli, New Jack City being the second best player on the squad)
- 280 Joel
Jul 1st, 2009 at 5:07 pm
For the series (sorry, I’m bored), Duncan averaged:
24/17/5/5
Again, ridiculous.
- 281 MarkButter in SoCal
Jul 1st, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Well, the spurs have had D Robinson in 99, T. Duncan is probably the best PF evah, – Mailman or KG, and I think you also have to factor in luck. They picked up Parker with the 29th pick and he panned out very well along with Ginobili. Nobody on our squad is ever going to be confused with TD. Still, under your scenario I don’t think even if we bat .400 and say hit it big with 2 out of 5 trades/signings for expiring contracts do we have the "TD individual" to take those misses and still compete.
We got guys who are good at their position, were underpaid when we acquired them (or drafted) but they are all worth more in sum than individually. I guess my point is in the long run you can’t miss 60% of the time and still maintain your competitive advantage. . . unless you have a Tim Duncan. And I do think a TD takes a cut to sign someone whereas Kobe doesn’t.
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 5:47 PM CDT reply actions
Just to give you a heads up.
LatinD hates extremely long posts in threads. He’s gonna want you to put this in a fanpost or a fanshot. I know what you’re thinking…“Is he really that anal?” And my answer is, Yes. Yes he is. But it’s not his fault. He has a kickin case of OCD and it drives him crazy. How crazy? Well I’m glad you asked that too. Try not blinking your eyes for 5 minutes. That feeling you get at the 4:30 mark is how LatinD feels when he see stuff like this… or fanpost with pictures that aren’t centered… You get the idea.
BTW thanks for posting this.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
by CMoney on Jul 1, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
+1
And it’s all because Manu disrespected him.
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
…Worst thing is, I was about to tell Slowpoke that…
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Thanks for the heads up, will know for next time.
Cool beans.
Cool beans.
C-c-c-c-c-c-ool b-b-b-b-eans.
(sorry)
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 6:04 PM CDT reply actions
And he will absolutely EXPLODE if you don’t use the reply correctly. What kind of explode? Try giving yourself an enema and holding it for 5 minutes. That feeling you get at the 4:30 mark is how LatinD feels when he sees this stuff…
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 1, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
…You guys would be lost without my nagging…
(If you use the “reply” button beneath a person’s comment, Slowpoke, your reply will be nested with it. Just for future reference.)
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
And it only takes a second to make sure that the link you put into your comment launches a new window, instead of turning all of the comments to “already read” upon your return.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
Couldn’t all of this be solved by simply clicking the right button on a link, and selecting “Open in New Window” or “Open in New Tab?” It’s agonizing, I realize, but it might be the only internationally universal way.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Jul 2, 2009 1:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Seriously – if you’re savvy enough to use Firefox, you should be savvy enough to know how to properly use it. Of course, you still would be as savvy as the JV, but still…
Bring back Bruce, and free James Gist!
Pounding the Rock - where RJ happens.
Yeah, I didn’t want to say it but that’s pretty much it. But I promise personally to be more sensitive to all others when am linking a site in the future.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Jul 2, 2009 1:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for thinking of CMoney, SiMA, sitting in Dallas, at his Mac. He doesn’t have a middle button, but he does have feelings too.
Do if for the children CMoney.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
I think CTRL click has the same effect. In a mac it is probably some ridiculous thing like “apple click” or something…
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Never mind, LD, you’re off the hook . Feel free to be as selfish with your link creation as you please.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
Boo, LD needs to come around. I HATE when I forget to right-click and the damn thing takes me away from my post I’m reading. I stop clicking on links then.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 2, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I just always right click. I’ve programmed myself to do that after missing too many yellow highlighted comments.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie
And who do you blame because you missed them? LD, that’s who.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 2, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
If you’re looking to save time, you can do the entire process in a second or less if you use only your keyboard after you’ve clicked on the link icon.
It’s: control + v to paste link, tab, space bar to place check in box, tab, space bar which executes “submit” and closes the window.
It’s probably faster than the what you’re currently doing with your mouse, without checking the box.
Whatcha think?
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
Or, you should be able to just hit ‘enter’ after the first space bar.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Since it's all about efficiency..
you can use ‘enter’, but your finger will already be on the space bar from the “check the box” execution, so you don’t even have move it to hit the space bar again.
My name is DeJuan Blair. You blocked my shot. Prepare to die. - CH&LD
I want my Manu o;—-)
?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 4, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Too Long Did Not Read.
Just kidding, anyway. I read it – it’s cumbersome, but I’ll try to keep the less fortunate in mind when I link.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
And they point out the 21/20/10/8 game that might have led to my favorite Tim Duncan moment ever.
They’ve just won the championship. TD’s at the press table. He looks bored. A reporter mentions that he almost had a quadruple-double.
Tim looks down at the stat sheet. “Huh,” he says, not changing expression. “Cool.”
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 6:07 PM CDT reply actions
did not see that...
but it might be my new favorite TD moment anyway. Is that on You-Tube or somewhere? I’d love to see it…
I looked for it on youtube and google video, but didn’t see it. Might be on the big Spurs championship DVD package? I don’t know, I never bought it…
It was an awesome moment, though. It’s weird to me how outside press always consider him uncharismatic. I think he’s funny as hell – but in a very dry way.
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Kinda like David Letterman in a basketball jersey? I always found Letterman’s humor to be dry.
by silverandblack_davis on Jul 1, 2009 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
In a way, I guess. I haven’t seen Letterman since the early 80’s so not really sure. He’s just very deadpan in a way that strikes me as funny. Pop’s the same way, although he has that edge of course…
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 1, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Odom is looking for 10 million
It looks like getting him for the MLE is a pipe dream.
"The evolution has been good, and I am much more tranquil now in the face of what comes next,"--Manu Ginobili
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